Last week’s design style trends got some great feedback. In my experience, a traditional look is still the number one event request. The second most requested is a traditional look with modern elements.

This week: Black Tie or Not?

In the past few years I have seen a big switch with dress codes for events. I think it might have to do a lot with the way people are entertaining. There are more buffets than sit down dinners, and a bit less structure to the overall event. (Though I’ve always objected to the idea of wearing black tie on any hot summer day, beach or outdoor event.) I have also seen some hosts suggesting a kind of thematic dress code, for example, the always very elegant all white or all red dress codes.

Which of these is the most requested dress code in your area?

Black tie

President Obama and Mrs. Obama at the Midwest Inaugural ball (Photo via)

Dressy

Think cocktail dress (Photo via)

Thematic

For example, at my book launch party the dress code was: HOT

I get this question often, and it’s understandable since most people cite inspiration as the one thing they need as artists. Well, guess what folks? Inspiration can come from anywhere. As I said in the intro to my book Inspirations:

“It can come at any time. It can come quickly, like a flash of lightning; it can come slowly, like a gathering storm. It can, quite possibly, not come at all. Or it can come when you’re not looking for it. The key, therefore, is to keep your eyes open, your antennae up and your senses attuned…”

I was inspired by this beautiful image from the book Valentino: Themes and Variations

The Celebrations book cover

There are a few things I generally cite as my inspiration for most of my work:

• The beauty of nature. I constantly strive to bring the organic creation of what I see around me into the work I produce. Nothing can match the color combinations of nature, and nothing can surpass the generosity of nature. You can witness this just by observing the beauty of a fall forest.
• Fashion. The runway is an endless source of inspiration to me. I love visiting fashion shows and checking out the new colors, texture and fabric.

This detail shot from Valentino: Themes and Inspirations inspired my Celebrations book cover.

The back cover of Celebrations

• Travel. You have to see beyond the small plot of land you live in. I love exploring other cultures. I try to immerse myself in the colors, scents and flavors other cultures use. Trust me, you’ll find yourself wanting to incorporate these new found joys into your next project.
• Relationships. The relationships I cultivate with my colleagues, my friends, my partner, all add up to a sense of excitement and inspiration. Just like in travel, exposing yourself to others’ point of view is a great way to find inspiration, especially when you’re not necessarily looking for it.
  
  This, of course, also applies to your relationship with your clients. They are one of my greatest sources of inspiration. Sometimes they will just give me one cue or word that will open up a whole new way of thinking about the project.

And, let’s be real here folks. Sometimes, there are days where you just don’t feel inspired. What do you do in this case? Suck it up and keep on working.

In the act of doing, you stumble across ideas or emotions that may be hiding. And THAT my loves, is what it’s really all about. Working through that blank feeling is what creates true success. Otherwise, if you just cite a lack of inspiration for your inability to produce work, you’re just making excuses.

Well, that’s my story. So now tell me, what do you find inspiring?

Being a former model (maybe I’ll dig up a picture and show you some time), fashion has always been a big deal for me–that’s why I was so excited to make the theme for my party “hot.” I couldn’t wait to see what the guests would show up wearing and they didn’t disappoint.

And here’s a picture of what I decided to wear. After all that consideration (thank you all so much for your suggestions by the way) I decided to wear a suit, but put my own twist on it by pairing it with a Prada fishnet shirt.

Also, this past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Grammys for the first time and walk down the red carpet with my partner Theo Bleckmann. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. As we entered, I looked all around, checking out what everyone was wearing and being inspired by the colors, styles, etc…


What were Theo and I wearing? Well, Biyan designed Theo’s red jacket, incorporating unique texture and subtle but intricate detail, while I decided to dress in basic black.


I wonder…what would you have worn to my Celebrations party? Tell me about your hottest outfit.