Lady Gaga is preparing for the biggest show in sports, the Super Bowl Halftime Show. The practices and song list not released to the press at this time. This classically trained musician will present a top performance. The stakes for any performance are high. There is nothing comparing to Lady Gaga and Diane Warren’s 2016 Oscars performance ‘Til It Happens to You.
This song was the theme song, The Hunting Ground, a film about multiple students who allegedly sexually assaulted at college campuses, and there claims ignored or required to navigate a complex academic bureaucracy addressing their claims. This collaboration nominated for an 88th Oscars MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG) and Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. We meet Diane Warren, at the Creative Arts Emmys®.
Emmys® Creative Arts
Diane Warren’s award-winning music writing started early in life. One of her first songs was Solitaire and Hot Night, for Ghostbusters. She has worked for decades creating award-winning music.
She states, “this song became something more than ever expected. Listening to the stories of these victims compelled me to write the song. I want this song to be the inspiration to all going through a difficult time.” We talked about the moment at the Oscars® when the victims filled the stage. The emotion that filled the room as they stood to share their message of being a victim written on their arms. She said, “It was a moment to listen and feel.”
Backstage Emmys® Creative Arts Awards Diane Warren
Diane Warren is the recipient of Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, at The Emmys®. She said, “I am a bit overwhelmed at this moment.” This song has carried this message to many sexual assault victims and many more.
“‘Til it happens to you, you won’t know
It won’t be real (how could you know?)
No it won’t be real (how could you know?)
Won’t know how it feels.” (‘Til It Happens To You)
The statistics, “Every 98 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. And every 8 minutes, that victim is a child. Meanwhile, only 6 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison.” (RANN).
“If nothing changes, more than 100,000 college students will be sexually assaulted in the upcoming school year.” (Kilpatrick, Resnick, Ruggiero, Conoscenti, McCauley (2007) The Hunting Ground)
Our Journey in Europe included a stop in the capital city of Italy, Rome. With its unique blend of culture, architecture, and history, it’s no wonder why this city is often referred to as the Eternal City or the ‘Navel’ of the World. Rome, Italy is home to the Coliseum, the Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps overlooking Via Veneto, the infamous Quattro Fontane (four magnificent Baroque fountains at four corners), and the Vatican.
We would recommend that if you visit, you book a hotel near Via Veneto or the Coliseum, which will put you in the center and within walking distance to all the sights this beautiful city has to offer.
Our time in Rome began with a rooftop breakfast on top of our hotel, the Mecente Palace, which gave us spectacular views of the ancient city and views of Basilica Square. After our authentic Italian breakfast, we took a short walk to the Coliseum. Of course, no visit to Rome, Italy could be complete without a tour of the Coliseum and Forum.
The Roman Coliseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, commissioned in 72 AD, as a place where spectators, who seated according to rank, gathered to watch deadly combats of gladiators and wild animals fight to the death. The gladiators were usually slaves, prisoners of war or condemned criminals.
Walking through the Royal Entrance, and once we were inside the Coliseum, it was as if we went back in time to the day of the gladiator games; you could hear the roar of the spectators and the rumble of their hungry appetite as the gates opened for the lions to enter and the prisoners to defend their lives.
Standing inside the mighty Coliseum leaves you in awe of who designed this and how they built it in ancient times. After we spent the morning exploring the Coliseum, we continued our adventure on to the great Forum, directly across the street.
Basilicas, Rome Italy
The forum was once the center of political, commercial and judicial life in ancient Rome.
The largest buildings were the basilicas, where legal cases were heard. We spent the rest of the afternoon touring this incredible sight.
Inside the Forum, was a Mecca of ancient ruins, cobblestone-lined stairs lined with massive marble statues, meticulous gardens, fruit trees and the remains of what was once a thriving city. At the very end of the Forum, you will find the grand mansion, once called home by Mussolini, filled with ornate paintings and excavated artifacts, has now been turned into a museum for all to enjoy.
While on the walk to the museum, at the top of the hill, overlooking years of excavation below, we came across a group of orange trees filled with fruit. Our guide explained to us that it was often told that if you can reach the fruit, it would be yours for the taking. Of course, Pol’ always up for a challenge, had to have a bite of the ‘forbidden fruit’, and used every means possible to get it. His reward was a delicious afternoon snack of a very juicy orange, from a tree that had been there for over 300 years!
Our time in Rome finished with a quick visit to the Quattro Fontane. These four fountains are a group of four Late Renaissance fountains at the intersection of Via delle Quattro Fontane and Via del Quirinale in Rome. The figures of the four fountains represent the River Tiber (the symbol of Rome); the River Arno the symbol of Florence; the Goddess Diana; the symbol of Chastity; and the Goddess Juno, the symbol of Strength.
Rome Italy
Trevi Fountains
Our last two stops were the Trevi Fountain, arguably one of the most beautiful fountains we have ever seen. It is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.
It stands 85.3 feet high and 65.6 feet wide, and people from all over the world come here to throw a coin into the fountain to make a wish. Legend has it that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome. Another is that it is lucky to throw three coins with one’s right hand over one’s left shoulder into the fountain, and of course, we did as well.
We ended the evening passing through Via Veneto, commonly called the ‘Rodeo Drive’ of Italy, with a walk up the Spanish Steps. Pol’ recalled when he invited to the famous fashion designer, Valentino’s fashion show many years ago. Rich in history, the Spanish Steps designed in 1723 and are 138 steps joining the Piazza di Spanga and the Trinita dei Monti church. Once we got to the top of the steps we took in the final breathtaking views of the city. It was from here that we were able to walk back to our hotel all the while taking in the sights, sounds and smells of this marvelous and unique city that has withstood the sands of time.
Our days in Rome, Italy took us back to the moment of history where we lived through the eyes of the Romans and we reminisced about what it would have been like to live in such a modern city in such ancient times. Since we both tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain, we hope our wish comes true and we return to the romantic city of Rome, Italy and bring you an insight into the Vatican in the future.
Gary Kordan and his wife, Justine Ungaro, join us on the red carpet at the Emmy® Creative Arts Awards. Kordan provides production design on Key & Peele on Comedy Central.
Kordan and his wife wear matching colors (black) and leather for their red carpet looks. They are a successful busy creative couple. They manage their busy lives very well. Ungaro is a professional photographer just returning from Lake Tahoe to attend The Emmy Creative Arts. She states, “It is easy for us to match our entire closet is black including the closet itself.” She is excited about the evening events and thrilled for her husband’s nomination.
Kordan started his career working at CBS. He got the positions while attending college for visual arts in New York City. He saw a flyer on a bulletin board at school. It stated that CBS was looking for an intern. He took the flyer because he wanted to be the only one applying. He interviewed and is hired for the Joan Rivers’ Show.
The show needed visuals about two weeks into the internship, Joan Rivers said, “Make the art student intern do that.” That was his first credit in production on television. Kordan states, “Joan Rivers was so supportive. She was someone to look up to and admire. She was there for you. If an up and coming artist needed food, cab fare, or scarf she was right there.” Kordan learned a lot from the experience.
This was 25 years ago. He uses those lessons to help many shows with his creativity. He enjoys the intensity on Key & Peele. Kordan breaks down the set requests, design, get approvals, find locations, and research for each set. There are two sets designed each day totaling 10 designs a week. The team travels all over the LA area to set up the designs and film the series.
Emmys® Creative Arts 2016 Red Carpet Gary Kordan and his wife.
His success for every day is wearing black, #wewearblack. He must dress the part for ruffling feathers, being demanding, and self-confident. Kordan states, “I wear black like my role model, Johnny Cash. This is Kordan’s first Emmy nomination.
Key & Peele nominated for 7 Emmys this year. They include: Outstanding Art Direction For Variety or Music Program, Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, Outstanding hairstylist For Multi-Camera Series or Special, Outstanding Makeup For A Multi-Camera Series or Special (Non-Prosthetic), Outstanding Editing For Variety Programming, Outstanding Production Design For A Variety, Nonfiction, Reality or Reality-Competition Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in A Comedy Series, and Outstanding Variety Sketch Series.
Red carpet ready takes months of planning when you grace the Oscars® red carpet. “Look here, hey over here, look to your left, look to your right, it’s me” hundreds of photographers shout to each celebrity on the Oscars‘ red carpet. Getting to this moment in the day takes a team putting together the best-dressed celebrity. There are many red carpets in Hollywood on the day of The Academy Awards. The personal brand image plays no higher importance than on this day when thousands of cameras are capturing every detail.
Lady Gaga Oscars Red Carpet
2016 Oscars red carpet presented exceptional design, style, and fashion. The classic designs to a jumpsuit take the styling to a personal level. The couple of the evening was Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
Kate Winslet & Leo DiCaprio Oscars Red Carpet
The real miss of the evening was Heidi Klum. The design and styling is the worst dressed. The layers of mixed materials and large flowers were only part of the problem. The diagonal cut with the peek-a-boo cleavage was just awkward. We agree there were some real misses on the red carpet this year, including Kate Winslet.
Heidi Klum Oscars Red Carpet
The team’s best dressed was Olivia Wilde. This stunning Valentino Haute Couture gown provided a bareback and beautiful cleavage. The chocker provided an additional sex appeal. Gabriel, @GabrielStylesU, stated, “One thing I feel all females lacked last night was accessories.”
Olivia Wilde Oscars Red Carpet
The red carpets are endless on this night in Hollywood. There are all the after parties, viewing parties, and more. Vanity Fair held an exceptional event and had a fun red carpet. Elton John always has a viewing party for his Aids Foundation. The other parties include:
Governor’s Ball
Fox After Party
InStyle Oscar Viewing Party
Oscar Salute
Mercedes-Benz USA & African American Film Critics Association Oscar Viewing Party
This day of ceremonies and parties requires detail to every aspect of styling and design. Photographers capturing every aspect of celebrities looks. A team of:
This team spends months preparing all the details for each look the celebrity will need for the evening full of events. Sean James, make-up and hair stylist to the stars, says,
“You know there are so many images that day on the red carpet. When
you are getting ready for a red carpet event go through some images
that you might want to look like. What are you going for as a look?
Remember head texture and what is important when choosing your
preferred look. This is even a good idea for men. What do they want
to do? Do they want spiky and short? He doesn’t want to be slick or
more gel. There is so many choices these days with Instagram
and Pinterest, make sure you choose the one that’s right for you.”
The stylist’s job is to bring all looks together that the team has envisioned for the celebrity. Gabriel Styles U, says, “Bringing one’s image to life is simple. BE YOURSELF. Don’t conform to what people want or think you should look like. Wear your clothing with confidence smile and seize the day.” Gabriel has styled:
Shahida Parides fall winter 2017 collection, shown at Style Fashion Week LA, embraces nature, culture, and color for each woman. The runway collection embraced women throughout history, roles, and lifestyle.
Shahida Parides Style Fashion Week
Taking the colors from nature brings a vibrant collection. The hue values add a level of intensity closely related to nature. The color combinations in the collection bring the look from a nature walk in many areas of the world.
The collection embraces versatility. The dresses, pants, shorts, jumpsuits, and kaftans provide the opportunity for daily, evening, and special occasion. The kaftans are designed for wearing in various styles. This allows for the clothing to provide an off the shoulder, halter, and crisscross look.
Shahida Parides Style Fashion Week
The styling in many pieces in the collection include Swarovski crystals, embroidery, and patchwork. Each piece is handcrafted with organic fabrics and natural dyes. The collection is soft light fabrics that fit the hot summer or Sonoran desert, Shahida Parides headquarters.
This design firm started by Shahida Clayton in 2003. The firm started with services for private labels. She finally developed her own personal collections and the Heart2Heart charity.
Shahida Parides Style Fashion Week
This label graces celebrities and socialites like Beyonce, Katy Perry, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Kalpana Pandit, Priyanka Chopra, and Lisa Vanderpump on Housewives of Beverly Hills embrace this line. They have enjoyed Shahida Parides’ pieces on the beach, at resorts, Coachella, and evenings out.
Clayton’s personal travel experiences, history, and understanding the beauty of women with the personal lives they live bring these creations to light. Each handcrafted piece is with the vision that, “literally translates to World of Fairies. This is a world full of imagination. In this world, we celebrate women as the modern day fairies. Women as the embodiment of beauty, power, fearlessness, and strength.”
Celebrating and embracing women brings success to this fashion label and the women who embrace the collection. See the full collection here.
