I’m not much of a sports fan, but I have always loved watching the Super Bowl Halftime show and consider the game an important part of American culture. When thinking about my favorite halftime shows throughout the years, I began to wonder how these short but spectacular performances evolved to be such an iconic event. […]
Sculpted metal dresses by Bernard and François Baschet from the 1966 film “Qui êtes-vous Poly-Maggoo?”
These avant-garde, sculpted metal and aluminum dresses were created by Bernard and François Baschet, and worn in the 1966 William Klein film “Qui êtes-vous Poly-Maggoo?” (Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?). The Baschet brothers had a background in creating sound sculptures and musical instruments. Their famous design aesthetic came from folding metal sheets into geometric shapes, […]
Lady Mendl’s Elsa Schiaparelli “Apollo of Versailles” cape
The detailing in Elsa Schiaparelli’s “Apollo of Versailles” cape is simply exquisite. This piece comes from Schiaparelli’s iconic Autumn/Winter 1938-39 Cosmique collection, which was dedicated to “the worldly women.” Cosmique featured pieces with imagery inspired by the solar system, constellations and astronomy as well as historical events and figures. Schiaparelli took interest in astronomy because […]
The devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, women have been disproportionately affected by its impact. Not only do a high number of women work in essential sectors such as healthcare, retail, and childcare, they are also bearing the brunt of having to make the life-changing choice of leaving the workforce to care for their own […]
The history of 17th century plague doctor costumes
Read more fashion history at www.fashionwithrenee.com and follow on social @fashionwithrenee Bird beak masks were a part of the earliest iteration of a hazmat suit. They were designed in 1619 and worn by doctors in the 17th century to protect themselves while treating patients with the plague.These striking, eerie masks had round glass eye openings and fastened […]
A Hamilton first time viewers guide
I am ecstatic that so many people who have not yet had the chance to experience the magic of seeing Hamilton live in the theatre are about to be able to enjoy the entire musical from the comfort of their quarantine. The Hamilton movie was originally set to hit theatres on Oct 15, 2021, but […]
My disappearing birthday: What it is really like to have been born on a Leap Day.
I am 35, but have only had 8 birthdays in my entire life. I came into the world on February 29th, and wouldn’t have it any other way. When you are born a leap day baby it automatically becomes a huge part of your identity whether you like it or not. The odds of being […]
The History Of The Ballet Tutu
The tutu has become an iconic and integral part of the ballet aesthetic over the years. Though they are now created in thousands of dazzling colors and styles, their origin was originally for function over fashion. The skirt that we know today as the “Romantic tutu” traces all the way back to 1832 to a […]
How Will Women Ever Be Equal To Men If We Keep Taking Their Last Names?
In a world where we fight against men for jobs, equal wages, raises and promotions, it does not seem logical to me that we are complacent about taking on their last names in place of our own. Upon getting engaged, my fiancé and I didn’t even need to discuss whether or not I would change […]
My Day On Brooklyn Jury Duty. Tips & Survival Guide
I recently got the dreaded notice that I had been summoned to Brooklyn jury duty. Sadly, I missed the El Chapo jury selection by a few weeks, because I could totally have been bribed for good Mexican drugs. Doing your civic duty isn’t easy, so here are some survival tips that I wish I had […]
Could Disney Parks Make Death As Magical As Their Weddings?
In 2016, Disney World announced that aspiring bridezillas all over the work can now plan to have their dream wedding in front of Cinderella’s castle. For just $75,000, you to can pretend to be a Disney Princess, kiss your prince and live happily ever after. So what else do you actually get for this $75,000? Up […]