France

Best Dressed in Paris

Fashion and Paris go together.  Fashionistas and celebrities travel from all of the world to see the latest creations from the design houses.  Clothing designers are some of the most popular artists of our time.

The great French fashion names are well known – Chanel, Dior, Vuitton, Hermes and Yves Saint Laurent.  Every season there are new, up and coming designers that travel to Paris for their time in the spotlight.

This video clip is from a newer designer, Gareth Pugh and I liked how it gave a behind the scenes view.  It’s amazing how these shows set the trends and colors for the next fashion season.

Christian Dior once said – “It is not money that makes you well dressed, it’s understanding.”

Understanding the fashion designers can be quite difficult.  Are they trying to shock us with an outfit?  What is the designer saying with that guarded, almost walled-up jacket?  Is that black and white striped skinny pant a “must-buy” this fall?

While most of the clothes on the runways are not going to be worn by the average person, it does give everyone the feeling of sophistication.  We follow the celebrities in their glamorous  lifestyle and try to bring it into our own lives.  If you think about it, understanding how clothing reflects our personality is easy.

Taking the time to put on an outfit and makeup, just makes a person feel better.   Dior was right, I don’t have to spend a lot of money, it just takes effort. Why do I always wear the same jeans and t-shirt?  It’s no wonder that nothing exciting ever happens in life, is it?

So today, go look in your closet and find something colorful, or flirty, or powerful.  Pick out shoes that make you stand tall and proud.  Add a great necklace or scarf and don’t forget the lip gloss.

Imagine you’re in Paris on that runway and go strut your stuff!

Something great is going to happen – Joy

Our Inner Artist and the Louvre

I.M. Pei's Pyramid at the Louvre

In 1198, King Philippe Auguste began construction of the Louvre as a fortress to protect the city of Paris.  Over the next 800 years, the fortress evolved into a Royal Palace of Napoleon, and in 1793 became the Louvre Museum.

The half-mile long building has seen it all.  It protected the city through the 100-year War of the Middle Ages.  It protected and hid priceless artworks from Hitler’s invading army during World War II.

It is the world’s most visited museum with a 400,000 piece collection which includes Egyptian, Greek and Roman Antiquities, Sculptures, Paintings and Drawings.   Over 35,000 works are on display everyday such as the well known masterpieces, Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

In 1988, famed artist I.M. Pei was commissioned to add a piece to the collection, the controversial “La Pyramide Inversee” resulted.  The Louvre is a landmark and significant part of the culture in Paris.

The unique combination of historical masterworks and modern collections is unlike any other.  The vast scope of the museum is inspiring.  From Classical to Impressionism to Modern Sculpture, the artistic spirit is felt when you walk in the front door.

I believe that every person has an artistic spirit.  We each see colors in our own way.  This is evident at a paint store which has 30 different colors of  “white”.  I have to wonder then, why is it that we ignore our inner voice instead of pursuing our artistic dreams?

The great artist, Vincent Van Gogh once said “If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”

Critics did not consider Van Gogh a “worthy artist” and he sold only 1 painting during his lifetime.  While that rejection probably contributed to his depression and suicide, it did not stop him from painting. He painted over 800 paintings during the last 5 years of his life.

It seems odd that the number 800 applies to both the Louvre and Van Gogh.   Great artworks stand the test of time, as is proven in the building.  As an artist, there is an intense need to express what you are feeling and paint daily.

Can you imagine having that strong inner voice that needs to be creative?

Today’s Living Global idea is to be artistic.  Go to the paint store and buy something colorful.  Visit a craft store and decide to start a new hobby.  Join a pottery class at a local studio.

Let’s go and enjoy our artistic spirit – Joy

Welcome to Living Global…

Cruising from Miami

I began traveling at a very early age.  Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris when I was 7 is something I will never forget.  I remember standing under it looking up at the iron.  And then we climbed up into it and  went to the observation deck to take pictures.  Later that day we walked up to Montmartre and drew pictures in a notebook, just like Van Gogh did.  The people in France sounded different, the food was different and I was changed forever.

I know that first trip to Europe made me into the Cultural Lover I am today.  As the years pass, I seek out great adventures and I love to learn about new countries to visit.  Exploring new places and making friends with different backgrounds has given me a broader view of my world here in Florida.

One of my favorite quotes is from Ulysses, by Alfred Tennyson – “I am a part of all that I have met”

Written in 1833, Tennyson was speaking about a great ancient voyager, but it also speaks of me, today.  I still have a piece of Paris with me.  When I get frustrated about the economic situation here, I can think about that Eiffel Tower and wonder how the Parisians are dealing with declining markets.  I buy a bottle of Beaujolais and eat brie cheese, somehow I know we’re all in this together and I feel a little better.