CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AND FLOWER SHOP DEBUT FRAGRANCE IN LA.

 CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AND FLOWER SHOP DEBUT  FRAGRANCE IN LOS ANGELES.
By Karen Ostlund
                                                                       

Los Angeles, Dec.7 2024 – (WestHollywoodToday.blogspot)  Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has partnered with Flower Shop Perfumes Co. to launch l’eau de parfum by Cirque du Soleil ®, the artistic entertainment brand’s first fragrance. (www.parfumcirquedusoleil.com) The perfume campaign was shot in Paris by photographer Elizaveta Porodina, with model Alyda Grace, who is dressed in blue on the poster. The campaign captures the essence of Cirque du Soleil's ethos with unparalleled elegance and sophistication.

The debut fragrance from Cirque du Soleil arrived of the brand’s 40th anniversary, celebrating the entertainment of over 405 million people worldwide, and the expansion of the brand beyond the live stage.
L’eau de parfum was launched here in Los Angeles, December 6 2024 during the KOOZA show in Santa Monica.
                                                                          

“Twenty years ago, my father, Ilia Lekach, wanted to create a Cirque du Soleil fragrance, so for us to be able to bring it to life, is an extraordinary honor,” said Isaac Lekach, co-founder and CEO of Flower Shop Perfumes (photo). “We approached the task to find a perfum scent that reflects on the artistry of Cirque du Soleil, launched during the KOOZA show here in LA". www.flower-shop.co

“In our 40th year in business, we are continuing to evolve beyond our live show offerings and tap into additional creative avenues, which is why we are thrilled to announce this fragrance with Flower Shop. Consumers around the globe can now experience the awe found in our iconic shows and share the joy of Cirque du Soleil every day,” said Eleni Planet, Director of Licensing and Collaborations at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

The glass bottle is crowned with an Art Deco tiered top and a ridged gold stopper featuring a large sun rising above the moon, paying homage to the “circus of the sun.” that com-binds a delicate scent of bergamot, red apple, cotton candy, iris and freesia, buttery popcorn, sandalwood, vanilla bean and caramelized amber.
L’eau de parfum was crafted in partnership with the Swiss fragrance house DSM-Firmenich and its award-winning perfumer Alexis Grugeon, whose creations include those for top brands such as Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and Amouage as well as celebrities, such as R.E.M. by Ariana Grande, 2021 winner of FiFi Fragrance of the Year-Popular.
                                                                      

KOOZA is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil: It combines two circus traditions - acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendor and fragility, presented in bold slapstick humor.
It tells the story of The Innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the world. The Innocent's journey brings him into contact with comic characters such as the King, the Trickster and the Obnoxious Tourist and his Bad Dog.

                                                                             

Karen Ostlund at KOOZA to report on L’eau de parfum launch.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 405 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company  employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, visit cirquedusoleil.com

L.A. County Holiday Celebration’ Celebrates 65 years at The Music Center on Dec. 24 2024.

 L.A. County Holiday Celebration’ Celebrates
65 years at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Dec. 24 2024.
By Karen Ostlund

LOS ANGELES (Dec.2, 2024) — A Los Angeles holiday tradition since 1959, the two-time Emmy® award-winning L.A. County Holiday Celebration returns on Tuesday, December 24 to celebrate 65 years with a fresh look and feel to welcome a new generation of audiences.
                                                                       

The Music Center Dorothy Chandler Dec.24.

The event is sponsored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and presented by The Music Center, the one-of-a-kind, free, three-hour spectacular provides Angelenos an opportunity to come together every year on Christmas Eve.  

Audiences can choose to watch in person at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, or from their own homes on TV at PBS SoCal, online at pbssocal.org and on the free PBS App.
                                                                                

The Afro Peruvian Experience Group.

A new producing team from Milktmade and Executive Producer Lindha Narvaez will embrace the evolution of the 65th annual show with a fresh approach including new artistic genres, such as a circus act and a marionette performance. Audiences will also enjoy watching performances by dance companies, music ensembles and choral groups.
 Rachel S. Moore, president and CEO of The Music Center said “The show will be exciting, building on its 65-year history, while offering new experiences that will resonate with both long-term fans and those who will enjoy it for the first time.”
                                                                        

Bob-Baker-Marionette-Theater.

New to the show this year are Afro Peruvian Experience, promoting the cultural diversity of Peru; soul singer-songwriter Andre Cruz; award-winning jazz vocalist Anji Tan & Friends; the college-bound dancers from Esperanza College Prep that make up Ballet Folklórico de Esperanza; dynamic, all-Queens Afro Brazilian drum ensemble Bloco Obini; the legendary Bob Baker Marionette Theater; Indian classical and Bollywood dancers Joya Kazi Entertainment; Bavarian band Ladyhosen; young aerialists from Le Petit Cirque LA; all-female independent band Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas; dance from Martha L.Z. Pamintuan & Long Beach City College; Masanga Marimba playing popular music from Africa and Latin America; the Straight Up Abilities dance team, made up of talented individuals with disabilities; powerful guitar band The String Revolution; vibrant community-based dance ministryVictory Praise Dancers; and Yaya Dance Academy, bridging Eastern and Western dance.
                                                                            

Mariachi-Lindas-Mexicanas.

Returning favorites include the vibrant, non-denominational Christian Fellowship Chorale; Grammy® award-winner Daniel Ho with Hawaiian hula dancers Hālau Hula Keali’i o Nālani; acclaimed Latin music ensemble Gabrielito y La Verdad; L.A.’s beloved Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles; traditional Korean dance and music ensemble Kim Eung Hwa & Korean Dance Academy; all-female mariachis Las Colibrí; the delightful MUSYCA Children’s Choir; award-winning Palmdale High School Choral Union and Sunday Night Singers; the electric Reverb Tap Company; Ricardo Lemvo and his band Makina Loca, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with pan-African styles; a cappella and handbell ensemble The Citrus Singers; and Urban Voices Project, a choir comprised of men and women surviving homelessness on Skid Row.

                                                                            

Reverb-Tap-Company.

The 65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration will take place on Tuesday, December 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance to the in-person event is free, but advance free tickets are required for entrance. Free tickets are available online at holidaycelebration.org. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.; there will also be a standby line for anyone interested in attending, but who may not have a ticket.  Ticket holders arriving after 3:30 p.m. will be directed to the standby line.

The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is located at 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Parking is free in The Music Center parking garage.
                                                                        

The-String-Revolution.

For more information, visit holidaycelebration.org

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, “The King of the Cowboys” and “Queen of the West” - The Hollywood Museum's new exhibit.

 WestHollywoodToday.blogspot CA November 25 2024
Photos by Karen Ostlund.
                                                                               

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, “The King of the Cowboys” and “Queen of the West” ride into Hollywood with an exciting new exhibition at The Hollywood Museum, since November 21 2024.

                                                                        

Donelle Dadigan (center), President of The Hollywood Museum at the historic Max Factor Building said “ This collection from their film, television and personal appearances includes memorable costumes-many from Nudie, the custom western clothing maker to the stars-Roy Rogers custom saddle, some never before seen personal items from the Rogers collection, an impressive array of vivid color movie posters, personal furniture made by actor and versatile Hollywood performer-George Montgomery, photos, collectibles, and merchandise from once upon a time”.

Granddaughter Julie Rogers Pomilia of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans autographed her book “Your heroes, My Grandparents: A Granddaughter’s Love”.
 
Roy Rogers was the top box office western star by 1943, and was known for his popularity in films, television, radio, and personal appearances.
He appeared in almost 90 motion pictures, and numerous episodes of his self-titled radio program that lasted for nine years.
From 1951 to 1957, he hosted The Roy Rogers Show television series, and in many of them, he appeared with his wife, Dale Evans; his Golden Palomino, Trigger; and his German Shepherd, Bullet.
Rogers was best remembered for his signature song "Happy Trails”.
Rogers was the only country singer to be inducted twice into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Alongside Bob Hope, Mickey Rooney and Tony Martin.
In his later years, he lent his name to the franchise chain of Roy Rogers Restaurants.
Dale Evans was Roy’s wife and a well-known actress, singer, songwriter, and author-and was known for her roles in movies, television shows, personal appearances, evangelical Christian programs, and also as an author of many books.
                                                                             

Dadigan also stated, “Many remember those great Western Cowboy movies starring Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, along with the great western stars Gene Autry, Andy Devine, George “Gabby” Hayes, or Smiley Burnett-  and who could forget The Sons of the Pioneers singing those wonderful  western songs on Saturdays at the movie theaters and in later years on TV with their weekly television show, “The Roy Rogers Show”.   This exhibit takes us back in time to our childhood and all those wonderful memories with the “King of the Cowboys” and “Queen of the West”- Roy Rogers and Dale Evans”.
                                                                            

Among guests attending were:  Julie Rogers (granddaughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans),Taylor Ashley (great grandson of Roy Rogers & Dale Evans), Trevor Ashley (great grandson of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans), Brendan Ashley (great grandson of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans), Laurie Woolery (granddaughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans), David Swift (grandson of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans), Kira Lorsch (2 times Emmy Winner), Kate Linder (Young & The Restless), Alice Amter (Big Bang Theory), Kathy Kolla (Arrested Development/ Veghead), Rico E.Anderson (Star Trek), Tyrone Dubose (Unsung), Eve Richards (Kill Shot / The Discovery Pod with Eve), Melissa Niece Smith (Bosch/ The Dream), Jessica Lee (Deal or No Deal), Meredith Thomas (Feud/ A Nanny to Die For), Lee Newman (Jimmy McHugh Grandson & Great Grandson of Eddie Cantor), Cassandra Creech (Bold &The Beautiful), Teddy Mountinho ( 9-1-1/ Curb Your Enthusiasm), Stan Livingston (My Three Sons), Kathy Garver (Family Affair), Lee Purcell (2 times Emmy nominee), Geoffrey Mark (Best-selling author/Emmy winner), Ann Walker (Sordid Lives), Rachel Greenbush (Little House on the Prairie), Geri Jewel( Deadwood/Facts of Life), Jerry Mathers (Leave it to Beaver), Sandro Monetti (Royal Correspondent for BBC/ Director Die Hard X-Mas The Musical), The cast of Die Hard X-Mas-The Musical and Tess Brousard (Kroll Show).
 
TheHollywoodMuseum.com at the Max Factor Building, 1660 N. Highland Ave, Hollywood, CA 90028

LA Auto Show, Nov. 22 - Dec. 1 2024, will stay open over Thanksgiving Day.

  LA Auto Show, Nov. 22 through Dec. 1 2024,  will stay open over Thanksgiving Day.

Photos by Karen Ostlund   #LAAutoshow

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 22, 2024 —  The LA Auto Show, taking place from Friday, November 22 through Sunday, December 1, 2024, is the destination for the hottest automotive and lifestyle-themed attractions that are driving the nation’s passions and shaping how communities come together.The show runs for 10 full days, including Thanksgiving Day.
                                                                                  

Hyundai INITIUM 2025.

It is a must-attend event for prospective car buyers, industry executives, influencers, car enthusiasts, and for families wanting to enjoy a day out during the holiday season, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
                                                                             

EXODUS campers 2025.

“For decades, the Los Angeles Auto Show has been the epicenter of car culture and a tireless advocate for the innovation that defines our industry,” said Terri Toennies, president and chief operating officer of the Los Angeles Auto Show. “Our city helps shape the trends and styles of automotive culture both here in America and throughout the world, and this range of new and returning exhibits is a must-see for anyone with a passion for all things automotive.”
                                                                                   

Jetta GLI Volkswagen 2025.

LA Auto Show’s 2024 showcases include:

All Roads Stage.
New for 2024, All Roads Stage is a dynamic activation that brings together diverse voices from across the automotive world. Featuring influencers, builders, and trailblazers from various automotive segments, the stage highlights the creativity and love that defines car culture. A companion to the All Roads Stories original video series, the All Roads Stage continues that celebration of car culture and will feature a rotating selection of vehicles and organizations including Sasha Selipanov’s new NILU hypercar, Unplugged Performance’s heavily customized Tesla Cybertruck, social phenom MrCarSounds and his custom BMW E92 M3, and TWR Performance’s Supercat, a project led by Head Designer Khyzyl Saleem in collaboration with famed customizer Magnus Walker.
                                                                              

KIA EV9 GT, 2025.

The new exhibit, along with the video series, is a continuing narrative and showcases how all roads, no matter where they begin, have a home and story that are celebrated at the LA Auto Show. Car culture fans can watch all episodes of the multi-part All Roads video series, which tells the personal stories of local entrepreneurs, brands, and auto enthusiasts who have made their mark on the Los Angeles scene. Each episode tells a unique story of passion, innovation, and most of all, community.
                                                                            

Murano Nissan 2025.

The Garage Aftermarket.
The Garage Aftermarket is back for 2024. Located in the Los Angeles Convention Center’s 160,000-square-foot Kentia Hall, visitors are invited to enjoy an incredible array of custom and vintage cars, modified trucks and stylized motorcycles. This year’s star attractions include, South Bay Pop Ups Lowrider & Motorcycle Collective, Black Classics Car Club, Al & Ed’s Exclusive, World Famous 4 x 4, Yamaha, plus many others. With more than 60 mind-blowing lowriders on display, as well as a host of ultra-luxury exotics and classic cars, hard-to-find automotive collectibles, premium retail brands and more, The Garage Aftermarket is an essential part of the LA Auto Show experience that the whole family can enjoy.

Digital Overdrive SIM Racing and Esports.
Tryhard Consulting and LANFest are excited to activate the first official Sim Racing and Esports activation at the LA Auto Show. Together with Zotac, Thrustmaster, and Next Level Racing, the Digital Overdrive experience will feature professional sim racing rigs, a competitive gaming arena, interactive demos, and exciting giveaways throughout the show including Next Level Racing sim racing rigs, Thrustmaster Gamepads and Controllers, and custom-built PCs.

Auto enthusiasts and gamers will also have a chance to intersect in this family-friendly interactive experience including meet-and-greets with NASCAR Driver Jesse Iwuji, hands-on live demos that feature gaming setups and custom-built PCs, sim racing, plus live competitive matches like the Rocket League collegiate showdown between USC vs. UCLA.

OVRland Outpost, Overlanding & Off-Road Special Exhibits.
Accelerated by the rapid growth in consumer interest, overlanding is surging in popularity and exposure. This is particularly true in Southern California where the culture, weather, and terrain are especially conducive to outdoor adventuring. The LA Auto Show is bringing together the world’s leading names in overlanding and offroad vehicles to showcase their capabilities. This year’s lineup includes the return of OVRland Outpost featuring over 30 custom overlanding rigs in collaboration with OVR Magazine as well as the latest models to get off the grid from Chevy, GMC Hummer, Toyota, Subaru, INEOS, Ford, Jeep, Ram, Nissan, Exodus Rigs, and more.

Micromobility – Big Adventure, Compact Fun.
Electric Bikes (eBikes), motorcycles, scooters, ATV, side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, waverunner, sportboats, golf cars and much more are also on display throughout the LA Auto Show at The Garage Aftermarket. Yamaha, a leader in the outdoor recreation industry, will be showcasing a wide variety of their ever-expanding product line at this year’s show. Additionally, eBike manufacturers like Oh Wow Cycles and retro electric scooter maker Aventura-X will be showcasing their current and upcoming models for all visitors to see, including Aventura-X’s first retro Electric Scooter with removable batteries that will be on display for the first time.
                                                                               

Porsche Macan EV 2025.

Located in the LA Convention Center’s South and West Halls, attendees can experience Ford Bronco and various Jeep off-road capabilities as they ride along with a professional driver tackling challenging obstacles. The 30,000-square-foot Camp Jeep exhibit will give attendees a chance to experience the awesome off-road capabilities in an engaging environment. Ford’s Bronco Built Wild ride invites attendees to travel a specially designed indoor-to-outdoor off-road inspired course, a first for the LA Auto Show, to test their nerves with a ride over Bronco Mountain plus two all-new obstacles.
                                                                               

2026 GV70 Genesis.

On the show’s “Electric Avenue,” presented by Ampure, attendees can get behind the wheel and drive an approximately 1-mile test track around the Los Angeles Convention Center. Participants can also experience the power and excitement of a range of EVs from:

Cadillac Lyriq
Rivian R1T, R1S
Chevrolet Silverado, Blazer, Equinox
VinFast VF8
Kia EV9 GT-Line, EV6 GT, EV6 GT-Line
Lucid Air

For additional information and tickets, please visit laautoshow.com

L.A. Times Celebrates 101 Best Restaurants of 2024 on Dec. 3 at the Hollywood Palladium.

 L.A. Times Celebrates 101 Best Restaurants of 2024 on Dec. 3 at the Hollywood Palladium

                                                                             

The Los Angeles Times will unveil its annual 101 Best Restaurants guide, presented by City National Bank, at the Hollywood Palladium on the evening of Dec. 3, coinciding with the guide’s publication on latimes.com
(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot Hollywood, CA October 31 2024)

By Karen Ostlund
                                                                           
The 101 Best Restaurants list was created in 2013 by the late, Pulitzer Prize-winning restaurant critic Jonathan Gold as a guide to the places that is specific for Southern California food culture.
Now in its 12th year, the 101 has become a hallmark of The Times Food section and one of the newspaper’s most widely read annual guides.

                                                                               

The 2024 guide is curated by The Times’ James Beard Award-winning Restaurant Critic Bill Addison and Times Food Columnist Jenn Harris. Together, Addison and Harris are researching, writing and ranking the 101st best restaurants in the region based on sustained excellence in cooking and the dining experience.
                                                                              

Chefs and award-winning restaurateurs will gather to serve up exquisite dishes and celebrate another year of exceptional dining, with Gilberto Cetina, Michael Cimarusti, Genevieve Gergis, Charbel Hayek, Ludo Lefebvre, Ori Menashe and Nancy Silverton, among others, scheduled to attend.

Guests can enjoy unlimited sips and bites from dozens of the city’s top restaurants and bars, while The Times Food team presents a countdown of this year’s 101 list, live from the Palladium’s newly renovated ballroom.
This year’s guide will also spotlight the best places to drink in Los Angeles, plus new inductees into the Hall of Fame, a standing list of restaurants that have become part of the fabric of Los Angeles and define what it means to eat and live in Southern California.
                                                                                    

Participating restaurants and bars for the 101 reveal party include: 1010 Wine and Events, Azizam, Bavel, Bistro Na's, Bridgetown Roti, Dulan's on Crenshaw, Dunsmoor, Found Oyster, Here's Looking At You, Holbox, Jitlada, La Casita Mexicana, Ladyhawk, Majordōmo, Morihiro Onodera, Osteria Mozza, Petit Trois, Pizzeria Sei, Poncho's Tlayudas, Providence, Rustic Canyon and the Benjamin Hollywood with more to be announced. VIP entry for the 101 reveal party on Dec. 3 will begin at 7:15 p.m., with general admission open at 8 p.m.
The digital edition of the guide will be available to Times subscribers beginning Dec. 3. The premium print edition of the guide will be delivered to Times Sunday subscribers on Dec. 8 and The Times online store. For more information and tickets, visit latimes.com/food and latimes.com/101

Skirball presents the U.S. Debut of "Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion” until Aug.31 2025.

 Skirball Cultural Center presents the U.S. Debut of
"Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion” until Aug.31 2025


The exhibition chronicles the fashion icon’s career from the 1970s to today, interweaving her personal history as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor while showcasing special artifacts now until Aug.31 2025.
                                                                         

Photos by Karen Ostlund

WestHollywoodToday.blogspot  LOS ANGELES, CA (October 18, 2024)

The Skirball Cultural Center presents the U.S. debut of "Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion", an exhibition exploring the remarkable life and work of fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. This multidisciplinary exhibition invites visitors to discover the extraordinary milestones of von Furstenberg's career, from the 1970s to the present day. Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion, which opened to the public on October 17, 2024, and will be on view through August 31, 2025.
                                                                             

"We are thrilled to bring this powerful exhibition to Los Angeles, showcasing not only von Furstenberg's iconic designs but also her enduring message of female empowerment,” says Skirball Cultural Center President and CEO Jessie Kornberg. “Jewish connection to garment industries and needlepoint trades spans continents and generations. Past exhibitions like the retrospective on Rudi Gernreich or the textile art of Aram Han Sifuentes celebrated these connections. Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion builds on that work with new vigor and a new dimension - the creative energy and conquering spirit of one extraordinary woman."
                                                                             

Curator Nicolas Lor at Diane Von Furstenberg exhibit at Skirball.

“When my hometown, the City of Brussels, came to me and said they wanted to present an exhibition of my work at the Brussels Fashion and Lace Museum curated by Nicolas Lor, I was honored,” said von Furstenberg. “It was very emotional to have this just down the street from where I went to school as a young girl. Now, I am touched that the Skirball Cultural Center is bringing the show to another city very close to my heart in Los Angeles.”

                                                                                 

"Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion" includes a selection of items drawn from the DVF archives along with ephemera, fabric swatches, media pieces, and information on her philanthropic work.
                                                                                

Michelle Obama's DVF silk-jersey wrap-dress in 2014.

The U.S. debut of Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion exclusively includes:

New artifacts that shed light on von Furstenberg’s biography as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and a war refugee, offering additional perspective on the factors that shaped her life and work.
75 items, 29 of which are exclusive to the Skirball’s presentation.
A spotlight on Diane's mother Lily Nahmias featuring audio, images and text that explore her experience as a member of the resistance and a Holocaust survivor, including a reproduction of the letter she sent her parents after the Nazis imprisoned her.
Garments from Greco-Roman drapery to kimonos, dance uniforms, and fellow designers that explore the connections between these historical pieces and the designs of Diane von Furstenberg.
                                                                              

The exhibition "Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion" is organized into four sections, the first section of which explores the origins of her iconic wrap dress through a selection of items and sculptures that showcase the inventiveness of the dress and its historical context.


Section two examines von Furstenberg’s bold designs and sources of inspiration through three lenses: nature, art, and freedom. Nature is an important motif in her work and playful animal prints and floral patterns have been featured in her designs throughout her career. Art holds a similar prominence for her, with many prints inspired by or made in collaboration with artists such as Jackson Pollock, Konstantin Kakanias, and Andy Warhol.


Also explored in this section is von Furstenberg’s deep personal connection to the theme of freedom. Having given birth to von Furstenberg just 18 months after she was liberated from a Nazi concentration camp, her mother referred to her as her “torch of freedom.”
The theme of freedom is a unique part of von Furstenberg’s design ethos, epitomized in her wrap dress which became a symbol of liberation.

Section three entitled “The American Dream”, follows a twenty-six-year-old Diane von Furstenberg in 1972 with the launch of her brand and shows the remarkable success she achieved.

A pivotal factor in her commercial success lies in her vision for women: resilient, confident, and fiercely feminine. Often serving as her own muse, she featured herself prominently in ad campaigns and marketing. In the early stages of her career, she traversed the United States to meet and help women try on her designs. This approach enabled her to develop a lasting connection with the public, listening to their aspirations and concerns and translating them into clothing that continues to resonate with women more than half a century later.

The final section four, “WeAr(e)Able Stories,” is a play on words merging two expressions, Wearable Stories and We Are Able. It encapsulates the power von Furstenberg gives to women through her brand and her advocacy.
                                                                                   

Beginning with a dress, von Furstenberg sought to liberate and empower women. Since then, she has used her voice to advocate for gender equity and human rights on a global scale.
For more information about Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion, please visit:. Skirball.org
https://www.skirball.org/museum/diane-von-furstenberg-woman-fashion

The Academy Museum Presents 2 new exhibits: "Color in Motion" and “Cyberpunk” through April 12, 2026.

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot CA October 7 2024) Photos by Karen Ostlund.


The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Presents Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema & Cyberpunk: Envisioning Possible Futures Through Cinema.
                                                                                   

Shirley Temple costume from The Little Colonel, 1935.

Both exhibits opened on Sunday, October 6 2024. - Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema runs through July 13, 2025 and Cyberpunk: Envisioning Possible Futures Through Cinema runs through April 12, 2026.

The Academy Museum's galleries and store are open six days a week from 10am to 6pm and are closed on Tuesdays. AcademyMuseum.org
                                                                            

Speakers: (Left) Sophia Serrano, Jessica Niebel, Amy Homma, Bill Kramer, Doris Berger, Shraddha Aryal and Nicholas Barlow.

"Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema" investigates the role of color in film, from the scientific and technological advancements that made it possible, to its emotional and psychological impact on viewers, to the ways filmmakers use color as a storytelling tool.

The exhibition takes an immersive and innovative approach to understanding cinematic color through six unique galleries, each focusing on a different aspect of film color.
"Color in Motion" engages visitors through dynamic, colorful film installations and features objects from the silent era through the digital age, including cameras, projectors, costumes, props, animation cels, and film posters. It is curated by Senior Exhibitions Curator Jessica Niebel with Assistant Curator Sophia Serrano, Curatorial Assistant Manouchka Kelly Labouba, and Research Assistant Alexandra James Salichs.
"Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema" is accompanied by a catalogue co-published with DelMonico Books.

Jessica Niebel, Senior Exhibit Curator said, "Color in Motion" will offer visitors a learning experience and an emotional connection through the senses. They will explore colors through the lenses of technology, artistry and experimentation".

Vice President of Curatorial Affairs Doris Berger said, "I'm excited that our exhibit presents classic Cyberpunk movies, along with recent futurist films around the world."

Both "Cyberpunk" and "Color in Motion" are part of PST ART: Art & Science Collide, presented by Getty featuring more than 70 cultural institutions across Southern California.
                                                           

Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz (USA, 1939).

Highlights include:

• Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz (USA, 1939).

• A green costume worn by Kim Novak in Vertigo (USA, 1958).

• A blue costume worn by Jamie Foxx in Django Unchained (USA, 2012).

• The red jacket worn by Jack Nicholson in The Shining (USA, 1980).

• A red sari worn by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Jodhaa Akbar (India, 2008).

• Two-color and three-color Technicolor cameras highlighting the Technicolor II and IV processes.

• A yellow color study model of the house from Pixar’s Up (USA, 2009)

• Original materials from Disney’s Ink & Paint Department.

• An early stencil cutting machine and stencil application machine used at Pathé studios.

A Color Arcade concludes the exhibition with an opportunity for visitors to physically interact with color through physical movement, inviting them to see, create, and experience "color in motion."
                                                                          

Tinted filmstrips from late 1800 Century.

Cyberpunk: Envisioning Possible Futures Through Cinema examines the global impact and lasting influence of the science fiction subgenre cyberpunk on cinema culture. Featuring near-future scenarios set in worlds that resemble our own, cyberpunk films juxtapose technological advances with social upheaval, ecological crisis, and urban decay. Central to these stories are outcasts and rebellious characters who fight against corrupt political systems, technology gone haywire, global mega-corporations, and colonialism.
                                                                                 

Vid phone-booth from Bladerunner, 1982.

The Academy Museum’s Cyberpunk exhibit features production materials, costumes, props, and concept art from iconic cyberpunk films including Blade Runner (USA, 1982), Tron (USA, 1982), and eXistenZ (Canada, 1999).

It also spotlights international films like Sleep Dealer (Mexico/USA, 2008) and foundational animated features such as Ghost in the Shell (Japan, 1995).
The installation explores themes and visual motifs of cyberpunk and futurist films, with a voice-over scripted by writer-director Alex Rivera. The installation illustrates cyberpunk’s 20th-century origins and the new, global directions it has taken in the 21st century - as it  expanded into genres like Afrofuturism (Neptune Frost, Rwanda/USA, 2021), Latinxfuturism (Alita: Battle Angel, USA, 2019), and Indigenous Futurism (Night Raiders, Canada/New Zealand, 2021).
                                                                                   

Three-color  Technicolor IV camera, 1937.

The catalogue offers new perspectives on cyberpunk cinema and its legacies, and a mixed-reality experience, created in partnership with Magnopus, explores the creation of a dystopian cyberpunk landscape

Cyberpunk: Envisioning Possible Futures Through Cinema is curated by Doris Berger, Vice President of Curatorial Affairs, with Nicholas Barlow and Emily Rodriguez, assistant curators. AcademyMuseum.org 6067 Wilshire blvd, Los Angeles CA 90036.

HOLLYWOOD FOREVER’S "DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS 2024" RETURNS TO AN ALL-DAY EVENT, OCT.26 2024

HOLLYWOOD FOREVER’S
DÍA DE LOS  MUERTOS 2024
RETURNS TO AN ALL-DAY EVENT, OCT.26 2024

Photos by Karen Ostlund

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot CA October 4 2024)
                                                                               

Grupo Folklorico.

                                                                                  

Altar 64.

Step into the mystical world of Tonas and Nahuales—spiritual guides and guardians central to indigenous Mesoamerican cultures—as Hollywood Forever’s Día de los Muertos returns for its 25th edition, October 26th. The gates opens at 10 AM for an all-day activities into the heart of Mesoamerican tradition.This year’s artwork by the visionary artist, Antonio Fuentes, captures the magic and mystery of Tonas and Nahuales. His  hand-carved and painted Xoloitzcuintli sculpture is the centerpiece of this year's event art.

The history of TONAS AND NAHUALES:
In the Zapotec tradition of Oaxaca, each person is born with a Tona, an animal counterpart that shapes their destiny, sharing its traits with them. Alongside the Tona, the Nahuales serve as spiritual guardians, often taking animal form. According to legend, some powerful beings can even shapeshift into their Nahual under the veil of night, embodying their animal spirit. This celebration honors these sacred bonds, illuminating the deep connection between our physical and spiritual realms.
Xolotl - the hairless dogs of the Aztecs - ruled over the sunset, lightning and death.  According to creation stories, humans and xoloitzcuintlis were formed from the same Bone of Life. Xolos are a gift to humans to guard them in life and guide them through the stages of the afterlife.
                                                                          

Costume contestants.

The 2024 exhibition of Haitian Vodou Flags - with beaded and sequined wall hangings - will feature gods and goddesses from the Vodou pantheon, and cross cultural exploration of the Haitian Vodou Spirit of Death and Guide to the Afterlife – Baron Samedi—often depicted as a skeleton figure in top hat and black tail coat smoking a cigar and guzzling rum.

                                                                               

Altar musicians.

                                                                                    

Johnny Ramone's Altar.

Performances:
This year, the stage will be set by an extraordinary lineup:
Pedro Fernández – Bringing the soulful essence of Mexican ranchera to life, his voice will guide you through the celebration like a true spiritual guardian.
Los Lobos – The legendary rockers who blend Chicano rock with traditional Mexican sounds, they’ll transport you to the very soul of the festivities.
Reyna Tropical – Formed as a duo in 2016, and now the solo project of guitarist and songwriter Fabi Reyna will immerse you in their tropical rhythms, echoing the vibrant energy of Tonas.
Ambar Lucid – With her ethereal voice and dreamy tunes, she’ll serenade your spirit, bridging the physical and the mystical.
El Santo Golpe – Their explosive beats will make you dance to the rhythm of your Nahual, awakening the ancient spirit within.
Tania Libertad – Her powerful voice will channel the essence of transformation, resonating with the wisdom of the ages.

For more information visit ladayofthedead.com
                                                                                

                                                                     Pane dei Morti.