Over 1,000 Words Only 1 Picture

As I left Palais de Tokyo, I stopped in their bookstore and perused through some magazines and photography books.  As I went through a Richard Avedon book, I came across this photo with the caption "William Casby, Born in Slavery, Algiers, Louisiana, March 24, 1963".  I instantly stopped turning the pages, the room was no longer full of motion and I focused my entire existence on this picture, his eyes grabbed my attention, so full of sorrow, pain, hope, struggle, strength, faith and the list could continue.  He reminded me of my grandfather, a look of quiet strength, only seen through a persons eyes.  Avedon captured the essence and the story of this man through this simple picture.  This man did what he had to do, so we could do what we want to do, please Vote.

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline   

More Palais de Tokyo: From One Revolution to Another

                      The picture above was drawn by a prisoner, the title is "Closed Visits".
                                   More of William Scott's "Good Person" I love the color usage.
bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Seen 1: I'm So Dirrty

This week  I was officially a Dirrty Girl.  I accompanied my friend Ali (editor-in-chief of DirrtyGlam) to a photo-shoot for their December issue.  I don't wanna give away info on the upcoming issue, but I did snap a few backstage pics.  

Be dirrty with me at www.dirrtyglam.com, Kanye is being interviewed in the current issue. If you don't know french, just google the words ;).

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Words to Live by Pt. 3

"Never allow anyone to rain on your parade and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day. Remember that no talent, no self-denial, no brains, no character, are required to set up in the fault-finding business. Nothing external can have any power over you unless you permit it. Your time is too precious to be sacrificed in wasted days combating the menial forces of hate, jealously, and envy. Guard your fragile life carefully. Only God can shape a flower, but any foolish child can pull it to pieces."
-Og Mandino

Preview: Palais de Tokyo

Palais de Tokyo (one of my must sees in Paris).  Currently the exhibitions at PdT are collectively entitled "From One Revolution to Another" or "D'une Révolution à l'Otre".  It was here that I learned about an artist by the name of William Scott and his exhibit "A Good Person".  An artist from Oakland,California (who has also been diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Autism) I enjoyed venturing into his world.  I'm late for class but more when I get back!

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

1.5 days in Paris

I'm slacking on my blogging, I know (so sad).  I've been consumed by this thing called "life" but I'm updating as quickly as I can.  This past weekend was quite busy, a friend visited from the states (her first time in Paris) and I took her so many places in 1.5 days.  So, I thought hmm, I should do a post on the must sees in Paris.  Here is my opinion of what must be seen (which include all the places I took my friend)

Champs-Elysees (Louis Vuitton Espace, inside the Louis Vuitton flagship store)

Palais de Tokyo (if you're feeling eccentric and artsy)

la tour eiffel

Sacre Coeur

Montparnasse

Bastille

les jardins de Tuileries (anytime of the year)

Pigalle (beware, lolol)

le Louvre

Opéra

le Marais

le centre pompidou

grand Palais

petit Palais

Musée d'Orsay

I'll be adding more to this list, this should keep you busy in Paris for a while though. ;)

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Obama is Back: In Paris

Spotted walking near Montparnasse.  I love this.

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

A View From the Top (Sacre Coeur)

I finally went to the Sacre Coeur during the day and the view of Paris was amazing.  enjoy.

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Dirrtyglam

                                                                 www.dirrtyglam.com  

                                                                    (c'est en Français)

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Quote of the Day:

“God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.”-Voltaire

Jazz in Paris: The Kandinsky Effect

Last Friday was pretty random, the night before I left for the countryside with my school, a friend invited myself and my roommate to listen to her friends jazz band.  After thai food in Bastille, we hopped on the train and headed over the St. Germain, down into the basement of a bar to hear The Kandinsky Effect.  The event was a collision of music and photography, some photos were from my friend Jesse, along with students from the Ecole Nationale Superiure Des Beaux-Arts (great art school here in Pars, click the link).  I was able to capture some of their performance on video, peep Obama "hope" in the background.

Paris, Je T'aime

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Randomness: P.T Roundtable Discussion

andre: Ugh!
Omg pointed toe boots.
Plz.Jesus.
me: ohhhhhh take the wheel
take the wheel
andre: LOLOL.
I can't deal.
There's nothing like a reeeeeally tall blk boot, pointy!!!!
me: lolol!!!
I know right, sickening...literally
andre: Like - regurgitation.
me: pointed toe shoes are like shoe vomit
andre: LOLOL! They're rude too!

me: right
foot takin up the whole aisle cuz the point is so damn long
andre: I wanna look a bitch in the eye & say - HOW DaRE U?!?!
Foolisha!!!
me: lolol!!!
I should post this convo
but then I guess people would talk about me some more....
but someone once said...the only thing worse than people talking about you, is people not talking about you
andre: LOL. right.
so post away - hell!
:)

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Disclaimer:

No offense to the owners of pointed toe shoes or boots, especially if they happen to be Balenciaga.  These are just our feelings about obnoxiously long pointy's today, mostly because they were in the way.

If Its Fashion You Want, Its Fashion You Get

Who? Daphne Guinness 

What? Nicky Haslam's birthday celebration

Where? London

Why did I post this?  Only because this is the sickest necklace, headpiece, earrings and pose that make me want to live in her shadow forever.

Source? style.com (of course)

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Quote of the Day:

"We either make ourselves happy or miserable-The amount of work is the same"- anon. (courtesy of MP facebook)

The Beginning of the Unknown Journey: Paris in Black and White (with a hint of color)

These are just a few of the photos I've been taking.  I'll be posting a lot more, just wanted to give a sample.

The first image is behind the Centre Pompidou,second is an upcoming exhibit, third is the steps to the Lamarck metro, and the fourth was taken at royal square.

                                                         
                      
                                                          
                                                            

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

This Week: The Loire Valley/Biking Through Paris/ It's Fall in Paris!

So these past four days have been so amazing, I took a bike ride through the city of Paris, which was wonderful (ignore my regret post, it was my sleep talking) Fall has officially begun and I also took a trip to the Loire Valley of France.  More to come this week!

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Randomness

I love this picture.  The Louvre pyramid in my hands, lol.

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

My Thoughts Exactly: Motivation

I was walking thorough the Centre Pompidou and although it was closed that day (a Monday of course) I decided to explore.  As I walked through the doors and down the steps, I encountered this phrase (which I felt was screaming my name) on the wall in the middle of the Centre Pompidou.  "Pourquoi pas toi?" translation, Why not you?.  I loved this.  I'm aware that I'm a very analytical person, but this struck me as very thought provoking and I knew that I wanted to post it on my blog.  A lot of people always questions themselves as to whether they should or should not do something, if they can or cannot do something and to those belittling questions I say "Pourquoi pas toi?", it's time for a change and it starts with yourself.  I'm living in Paris, I'm a living testimony that anything is possible.

Staying inspired,

Jennifer Pauline

Obama in Paris

As I was walking through the Bastille area of Paris (think East Village of NYC) on Friday night, I walked past a bar called Que Pasa (random).  Low and behold an Obama shirt on figure in the window, I instantly screamed "yess we can"!  Anyhow, I thought i'd share this image with you, the Parisians are getting it.  

This week I plan on going to see Being W (by french director Karl Zero, comme Michale Moore) and W, by Oliver Stone.  I'm feeling a little political, can you tell?

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Leftovers: Akris

I thoroughly enjoyed the intricate simplicity of this collection.  Inspired by Monets "Water Lillies" Akris was neither too much , nor too little, it was exactly where the collection needed to be.  This is the final walk, bravo.

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

My Thoughts Exactly: Disgust

So I debated with myself on whether or not to put this picture up.  I didn't want to publicize such stupidity and insecurity, but I thought it best that people know that this is ACTUALLY happening.  Some may try to deny that racism still exists, but it's quite evident that it's still around, especially with the upcoming election.  I saw this disturbing image on gawker (a friend on facebook, who was just as shocked and appalled as I, had the link on her page).  This image and others are being passed around in racist anti-Obama GOP newsletters (this particular image came from the Chaffey Community Republican Women of California.

Fidel Castro spoke recently to the website Cubadebate:

"Profound racism exists in the United State, millions of whites cannot reconcile in their minds with the idea that a black man with his wife and children would move into the White House, which is called just like that – White" (Please note he said millions,not all)

I also received this picture in an email:

Castro also went on to say Palin knows "nothing at all about anything".  Castro may be on to something. 

Please vote, it's time for a change.  Obama/Biden '08.  If you vote otherwise, you need a reality check.

source

Voting (for change),

Jennifer Pauline

My Thoughts Exactly: Regret.

It is 8:27 a.m in Paris and I am awake. sigh. For reasons beyond understanding I decided to go on a 3 hour "mysterious" bike tour through Paris.  I don't know what I was thinking, maybe some good pictures? Who knows, but either way some pictures will be taken, Paris in Black & White: Journey into the Unknown,  I was thinking that could be the title (a little more in depth than my Eiffel tower pictures).  O.k I'm rambling (only to keep myself from falling back into a deep slumber) 

sigh.  But as my momma always says "Thank God for waking you up this morning".

I just wish it was a liiiiittle bit later, thats all!

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Words to Live by Pt. 2: If

"If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!"

-Rudyard Kipling

Leftovers: outside Givenchy

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Quote of the Day:

"A dress will never make a woman sexy, fatale, magnificent, mysterious.  Its a way of walking, of standing, of existing, the way you give your hand or your regard.  That's what makes the dress." Sonia Rykiel

Je t'adore Montmartre

I heart my arrondissement, if you haven't been able to tell by now.  It is (in my opinion) one of the most fascinating arrondissements in Paris, rich with french culture, free from beaucoup de modernité and still has its little bizarre places (Pigalle; post on that coming soon!).  In light of their refusal to completely transition to modernity Montmartre is known for their ancient trademark of wine vineyards, which was celebrated this past weekend.  

For the past 75 years they have had their "Fêtes des Vendanges de Montmartre" (grape harvest party) and this past weekend, I was able to enjoy some of the festivities.   The finale was the best part, held at the Sacre-Coeur (the northernmost point of Paris) there was a 10 minute feux d'artifice (fireworks) show.  Viewing this show first hand was an amazing experience, especially overlooking the entire city of Paris below, but trust me, the second hand video experience does just fine.

Appréciez!

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Leftovers: Hussein "Silicone" Chalayan

Yes, t'is true that Paris fashion week is slightly old by now, but I found some videos and pictures that I had not posted (I had to get back to school and we know time is on nobodies side).  What does this mean? I'll be posting some of these leftovers throughout the coming weeks.

First up, Hussein Chalayan.  Although Valli was one of my favorite Parisian collections, Chalayan was the most intriguing.  The finale, with the silicone dresses was a sight to behold. The "runway" (which is the most improper term for the platform used) was rotating as the models displayed Chalayans art.  This video is the finale, please enjoy it as much as I did.

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Technical Difficulties

Having some issues with my pictures and videos posting, hopefully this issue will be resolved by this evening!

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Lesson 2: If he Likes it Then he Should Put a Ring on It

Beyoncé just upgraded me.  Get into the ending.  It is definitely Bey season.

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Remind you of Someone?

One of the most interesting artists of the "realism" 19th century French art period is Daumier. I love the honesty shown through his paintings, drawings, caricatures etc.  The image above is entitled "Gargantua", a caricature of then King Louis-Phillipe.  The king is represented as a "giant gourmand, a character taken from Francois Rabelais' series of stories" (source).  The overly fed king is sitting in front of the National Assembly on a giant commode (which is properly disguised as a chair).  The huge plank coming out of his mouth is positioned in such a way that the poor and working class send up food, money and other fruits of their labor which are inevitably excreted to the officials beneath the commode, while on the other side of him are the working class and starved people of his society who are receiving nothing.  

**The negative portrayal of the king in this caricature put Daumier in jail, who was 24 at the time.

This image reminded me of the what is currently going on in America.  Where is the Daumier of the states?  Take off some of the hair and add some big ears, I can see it.

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Reality Check: Here, There and Everywhere

Just for all to know, the crisis is spreading.  Took this picture at a random newspaper stand.  It says (not directly translated, because we all know direct translation just doesn't work so well) "Financial Crises - Europe helping its banks".  In other words, it's time for change, Obama/Biden please.

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Words to Live by:

"People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway.  If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.  If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.  Succeed anyway.  If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway.  What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.  if you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.  The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.  Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.  In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway."- Mother Teresa

I'll never forget the first day I heard this, it means so much.  I love it.

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

The Cool Kids

Inside Carrousel du Louvre. I.love. this. picture. 

For all things Parisian and fashion

check out: www.dirrtyglam.com

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Quote of the Day:

"Misunderstood ain't gotta be explained, but you don't understand me, so let me explain...stood in the heat, the flame...my God is my judge, no gown no gavel..I'm bright, but I don't give a F@(& if you see me...excuse my french, emotion and my passion, but I wear my heart on my sleeve like its the latest fashion"- excerpts from Misunderstood-Lil Wayne

*the beauty of having my own blog; I can say whatever I like

Bisou Bisou,

Jennifer Pauline

Thank You

The saying goes, it's not always what you know, but who you know, and I've never believed that saying more, over the past year.  I'm very much a person who acknowledges those who have been instrumental in my positive life experiences and this time I must say a big thank you to Mr. Wade of www.modamouth.com, for allowing me to accompany him to the shows I attended this week. Thank you again Mr. Wade, I had the time of my life, attending my first season of shows in Paris is an unforgettable memory.

For more Paris fashion week, be sure to check out his website: www.modamouth.com.

Bisou Bisou,

Jennifer Pauline

Nuit Blanche-White Night

In 2002, the tradition of "Nuit Blanche" or  white night (in english) began in Paris.  This event is once a year and takes place throughout the city of Paris in different rail stations (Gare de Nord, Gare de l'Est, Gare de Bercy etc) as well as other places throughout the city.  The purpose of this event is to display different art forms (photography, abstract art, music etc.) for people in the city of Paris to enjoy from 7pm to 7 am (hence the term "Nuit Blanche").

The only difficulty with Nuit Blanche is, you have to start early and if you plan on staying out late, you must have a cab number in your phone, be able to speak rapid french and be ready to shell out a hefty amount of euros (getting a cab in Paris is more difficult than finding a parking spot in Manhattan). We thought we started out early, but next thing we knew it was 1:15 am and the metro stations here close at 2 a.m, meaning you have to be at the train station by 1:30 a.m if you expect to get home (there is nothing worse than being in the train station at 1:45 a.m, with 3 minutes flashing on the metro board, only to see them turn to dots and an empty metro riding past you, only to then see the driver waving his hands in a very taunting manner to let you know it's just not happening tonight)

Although we called it an early night, we were able to see some of the nights festivities in Bercy, right by the Orangerie museum and behind Bercy Omnisport.  One thing that I saw, which was quite perplexing, is the duck pond above.  There were rubber duckies floating in a pond with French flags, European flags and some unidentifiable flags, sticking out of them with the sound of ducks quacking (which came out of nowhere).  The jury is still out on what that means.  

Bisou Bisou,

Jennifer Pauline

spotted @ Jeremy Scott

Accompanying Mr. Wade to Jeremy Scott was one of the many highlights of my fashion week experience.  Meeting Kelly Cutrone was a great moment, she was so gracious to the both of us.

To see Mr. Wade's interview with Kelly, check out www.modamouth.com.

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Quote of the Day:

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the times of comfort and convenience, but in the times of challenge and controversy" -MLK jr.

@ Lagerfeld- Ms. Lopez

I heart Sessilee.

check Sessilee out at:  http://sessileelopez.blogspot.com

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Spotted: @ Lagerfeld

Franca Sozzani (Vogue Italia Editor-in-Cheif), she was walking out behind me and of course I had to take a picture :)

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

It's Lacroix Darling

The moment we purchase our first luxury item is just as memorable as the moment a child experiences their first Christmas.  I remember this exact moment oh so clearly, when I was 15, my mother and I stepped into the Dolce & Gabbana store on rue de Rivoli and she got me an over the shoulder D&G sac and purple D&G shirt (with rhinestones; hey, it was very "in" at that time). Fast forward 2 years and I purchased my first Lacroix item, a white fitted t-shirt with "It's Lacroix darling" written on the back.  As I recollect that moment, I found that those words very befitting as the title of this post.  This collection was very vibrant, full of shape (lots of bows) and a candy color palette.  I love how Lacroix does his own thing, no conformity for this Christian. It's Lacroix darling, I wouldn't expect any less. ;)

                                  

                        (I had to snag a video of Ms. Iman walking for Lacroix)

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Quote of the Day

"Focus on your potential, not on your limitations"- Alan Loy McGinnis

The finale

3 words: love, love, love

PS. excuse my videography skills, they were a little off because I was so excited.

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Tip Ms. Iman

More of my videos from Giambattista Valli.  I'm obsessed with this collection.  Ms. Iman was amazing in this show, she walked in those pumps as if they were flip flops.

This is for you my dear Icon (Casey).

enjoy.

bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

My favorite collection thus far, Giambattista Valli.  The dresses presented at this show cannot be described by words, its as if no words are privileged enough to describe the nature of these dresses.  It was a fairy-tale come to life, yet so wearable, so full yet so delicate.  Lets also pay close attention to the shoes, strength in inches (heel inches that is).  There were so many juxtapositions in this collection it is obvious that Valli is a man with a great wealth of knowledge. I would love to hang one of his dresses on my wall, just to admire for inspiration. When the show began I said to myself "Helloooo I'm home".

Enjoy the clip!  More to come tomorrow.

PS.

Front row: Natalie Portman, Leigh Lazark, Lauren Santo Domingo, Emma Watson, Margherita Missoni.  

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Spotted: at Lagerfeld

After storming the Lagerfeld runway, I spotted Sessilee Lopez outside, such a sweetheart.

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Spotted: Outside Giambattista Valli

(dodging cameras, but I got you Hamish!)

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Spotted: Outside of Sophia Kokolasaki

The Sartorialist. & The Sartorialist taking a picture of a woman, taking a picture of him. Thanks Mr. Schuman for letting me take your pic!

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Jeremy Scott: Before, During and After

I was excited, surprised, nervous and anxious when Mr. Wade told me that I would be accompanying him backstage at Jeremy Scott and when he told me Kelly Cutrone would be there, there was a big rush of emotion.  *note: my interest in Peoples Revolution is pre-The Hills.  It was so exciting and the best part:  It was held at Elysee Montmartre (see "spotted: Kanye" post, if you're confused) you could have knocked me over with a knit-needle. The hair was high, the collection was fun and the after-party was amazing.  

Consistent with many of the designers who presented their collections this week, Jeremy stood in the "flowers for spring" line as well.  While at times subtle (the fuschia hoodie with the arms in the shape of a flower) and other times overt, overall I enjoyed the quirkiness of this collection.  

Get a load of that hair, high, high, high.  The inspiration behind the collection: The French Revolution (yes, Marie Antoinette).My favorite part of the show: the ending, Jeremy standing on top of the cake did it for me!

 

As they say, after the show is the after party.  I got out of my seat, went to the bar, turned around and the stage and seating had vanished, there was a dance floor; the after-party had officially begun.  Kesh (seen below being interviewed by Mr. Wade) was spinning records and I danced the night away (well not all night, Lagerfeld was at 10 the next morning).  

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Spotted: @ Manish Arora

Pictures on my blog from Paris fashion week S/S 2009 are taken by me, if you take them, please source A Black Girl in Paris.

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline

Seen 1: Manish Arora

Fashion week in Paris has been quite amazing.  Between yesterday and today I've been to 8 shows and witnessed some amazing garments on major fashion aficionados.  Sans camera for the first show I attended (Marthé et François Girbaud; which was nothing to miss) I made it high priority to get a camera because I knew this week would be full of kodak moments, for lack of a better phrase. 

Camera in hand, the second stop on my fashion week tour (so to speak) was Manish Arora an indian designer from New Delhi, who has a very busy mind (from the looks of his garments). Held in the 11th (onzieme) arrondissement of Paris at Cirque d'Hiver, the setting was perfect for the cast of garments that were displayed.  The presentation was quite interesting,  in addition to the costumesque garments, giant heels and face paint, Arora added even more flare to the presentatuion by adding jesters dressed in all black who taunted some of the models as they walked (yes, I know).  

                                             

The color palette, use of various textiles and textures, the volume and depth of the garments, was very ostentatious.  It was quite evident that Arora checked simplicity at the door.

                       

      

(Backstage at Manish A. L-R Anna Piaggi, Backstage,Myself and Mickey Boardman, Jean-Paul)

Next up, Jeremy Scott!

Bisous,

Jennifer Pauline