I’m in the process of writing a research paper on Issey Miyake and so excited that my first stop for information is my very own library and a book by Mark Holborn on this innovative designer.   The bright colors and the blurred focus of this photo make it my favorite of the of the “Flying Saucer” dress from the Spring/Summer 1994 collection.   In its unworn state, it looked somewhat like a flattened lantern and artfully fit over the body like a slinky.

It seems the film itself didn’t actually capture the colors at the time of shooting, but was a complex process to achieve the lovely color palette we see here.  To read more fascinating and detailed information about this video, check out Kodak’s blog post.

If you’ve ever been late to a party because you were trying to get that edgy graphic eyeliner perfect, give Mily Makeup‘s Simply Liners a try.  They’re made from a flexible tape that easily bends to the eye shape and they’re also reusable so you can play with placement to get the exact look you want.  Not shown here is the all black set, but- no surprise- I’m partial to this brightly colored collection.

I’ve taken a bit of a hiatus from “marisaland” as, in addition to my makeup and color work, I also have design and research projects so it’s been a bit hectic. However, I recently picked up an out-of-print copy of “Fashion Illustration in New York” by Pater Sato from 1985 and I immediately had to share.  I’ve always had a passion for this art form and this collection, from a time when illustrations were used in advertising just as much as models, is a true gem.  The image above by Mats Gustavson is one of my favorites, not only because I’m fond of red and purple as a color combination, but the black background has me totally captivated.  Of course, being the makeup junkie I am, I’m also completely smitten with these colorful beauty illustrations.

artist credits from top:  1, 2 &3 by David Croland, 4 & 5 by  Mats Gustavson

Some of my favorites from my kit

I have dreams about being in this place all the time.  Biba’s Rainbow Room restaurant and nightclub was a hangout for rock stars and other cool types back in the 70′s.  This multicolor ceiling set the mood for hundreds of nights of fabulosity and I long to step into a time machine for just one of them.  If you don’t already own a book about the legendary Biba store, you must get one immediately because the images will knock your fishnet stockings off!  Designer Barbara Hulanicki created not just a store, but a glamorous world that also offered “an experience” and basically invented what we know today as lifestyle marketing.