Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy

I love the idea of Etsy, but I often find it hard to navigate, and even harder to find something actually worth purchasing. So when I came across Italian artist Vincenzo Rizzo's page, I was thrilled at how many pieces I was actually DYING to have! His mixed media collection is a series of breathtaking portraits where color, texture, and emotion combine.

He sells both original paintings ($90), and print copies of his paintings ($15). There is a limited edition of 100 of each print, and each one is numbered and signed by the artist.

"UV" print

"NaturAL" print

"drinking my tears" print

"Resistance" original painting (pastel)

Avedon Fashion

For Christmas this year, I asked for this book of Richard Avedon fashion photography. I have long been infatuated with his work, and wanted a physical collection that I can keep and admire for years to come. I highly recommend this book, but I'm sure any of his other books are equally as fabulous.

Avedon was a visionary and innovator of the portrait. Steering away from the traditional technique of showing models standing still and emotionless, he found his talent in capturing the soul and personality of the subject through emotion and movement.

What amazes me about these fashion photographs from as early as the 1940s is that most, if not all, of the clothing could be seamlessly worn today! I would KILL to get my hands on some of these vintage pieces!

Each and every shot just oozes the kind of effortless glamour I fear has been lost in decades past, but also gives the fleeting feeling that you could have (in my dreams!) very well been present during the shoots. I'm enamored.

Some of my favorites:

Homage to Munkacsi. Carmen, coat by Cardin, Place Francois-Premier, Paris, August 1957

Dovima in Egypt, 1950s

Naty Abascal and Ana-Maria Abascal with Helio Guerreiro. Bathing suit by Brigance. Ibiza, Spain, 1964

Dovima with elephants, evening dress by Dior. Cirque d'Hiver, August 1955