Falling Down the Rabbit Hole

Alice in Wonderland in the Rabbit Hole

It feels like I've fallen down the rabbit hole.... I feel disoriented, alone, and often confused. What I thought I knew is not what I know now....

Since I already have a graduate degree in another discipline, I'm surprised at how disoriented I feel in the Master of Arts, Fashion program. I thought I knew a lot about fashion history but what I've discovered is that I know a lot less than I thought I did. Fashion theory seems to be deeply rooted in sociology theory but also encompasses a range of other disciplines from philosophy, history, visual culture and economics - which translates into a lot of reading! Besides that, as a mature student, the logistics of going to university are a lot different that it was the first time, especially since this time I have a family and an elderly mother to care for. Add to that a perfectionist streak and there are moments when I'm a little bit overwhelmed. More than once, I've asked myself "What have I done?"

I'm sure that in due course I'll get used to this different rhythm and figure out how to make time for friends, for my art practice, for blogging, for my life.... In the meantime, I've got reading to do!

Picture credit: http://www.victorianweb.org/art/illustration/tenniel/alice/2.2.html

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

During its run in London at the Royal Opera House, Christopher Wheeldon's version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland performed by the Royal Ballet was a hit. The National Ballet of Canada recently brought this co-production to Canada and it has been playing to packed audiences since its opening. The reviews have been glowing on all accounts including this one in the Globe and Mail. 

A few months ago, I toured the National Ballet's costume facility and got a sneak peak at the costumes. Of course, I  bought my tickets without delay.

Wonderland Tutus in the Hallway at the National Ballet

Inside the hat department of the National Ballet

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a captivating and lively balletic version of the famous story of Alice. The action is non-stop and although Wheeldon has taken liberties with the story, the entire show is enchanting. Not only are the dancers superb, but the production is filled with magical costumes and brilliant sets. It is my new favourite ballet. In fact, it is a ballet that I would say is worth sitting in the rafters to see. Get your tickets, if you can, at the National Ballet website. 

More Mad Hats from the Paris Runway

I find it amusing that as soon as I took notice of hats, they are everywhere, including the Paris runway shows. Peek back at my post from Friday for a look at the curious hunting-style caps at Dior by John Galliano.

Karl Lagerfeld included these amusing hats in last week's runway shows in Paris for Chanel (did you know that Coco Chanel began her career as a milliner?)




Photo credit: NYMag.com

Don't they remind you of the Mad Hatter?

Another Mad Hatter's Tea Party!!!

Welcome back for the second Mad Hatter's Tea Party!!

'Have some wine,' the March Hare said in an encouraging tone. Alice looked all round the table, but there was nothing on it but tea.'I don't see any wine,' she remarked. 'There isn't any,' said the March Hare. Then it wasn't very civil of you to offer it,' said Alice angrily.
(Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll)

I'm sorry to say that there won't be wine. But pour yourself a cup of tea and enjoy today's selection of lovely hats.

Mad Mad Hatter's Hat by Tristan Robin Blakeman at Enchanted Revelry:



Origami doll hat by Peggy Gatto at Peggy's Mixed Up Art



Three fabulous hat collages from Judith Thibaut at Studio Judith.


Judith also tried the origami hat and produced this fabulous gold paper hat creation.


And finally, a lovely spring hat by Kelly from The Chic Geek.




Aren't they just divine! If you like them, please leave a comment for our party guests.

Mad Hatter's Tea Party!

Welcome to my first Mad (Hatter's) Tea Party!!!

"The table was a large one, but the three were all crowded together at one corner of it. 'No room! No room!' they cried out when they saw Alice coming. 'There's plenty of room!' said Alice indignantly, and she sat down in a large armchair at one end of the table."
(Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll)

Don't worry, there is room for you all. Please pour yourself a cup of tea and admire all these lovely hats.

Paper Hats in a Teacup by Ingrid Mida (aka Alice).


Origami hat by Tristan Robin Blakeman of Enchanted Revelry (who provided me with the inspiration for this party!)


Origami hat by Peggy Gatto of Peggy's Mixed Up Art


Queen of Hearts Crown by Lynn Wheeler of The Vintage Nest


Glamourous, an oil painting by Neda Maki at www.neda.ca


Ship Hat 4 by Judith Thibaut from Studio Judith.

Aren't they simply marvelous! Please share your thoughts by posting a comment!

If you'd like to join us next week for another Mad (Hatter's) Tea Party, please email your hat creations (of any kind) or a photo of yourself wearing a hat (if you're shy, pull down the brim) to artismylife@mac.com. If you want inspiration, please see the origami instructions and other postings in March (it's hat month on Fashion is my Muse).

An Invitation to a Mad Tea Party

I'd like to invite you to send me photos of hats. Any photo of your favourite hat will do, including a hat that you make using the origami instructions shown in yesterday's post, another hat that you make/knit/sew/craft, or your favourite hat (and hopefully are wearing).

My week seemed to be all about hats, including the Mad Hatter's Tea Party in Alice in Wonderland (which I read for Blog of a Bookworm), the exhibition on Hats at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and my washi hat creations. Tristan Robin Blakeman of Enchanted Revelry said he was going to try the origami hat instructions in his studio today. I'd love to see everyone's fanciful hat creations.

Let's have a tea party! Now the question is will I be the only one there? Please email your photos to artismylife@mac.com as soon as possible, preferably in the next week or so.