The clothing part went pretty well. I wore an old stretched pink sweater over a bright yellow graphic tee. I put on some lace edged black leggings and scrunch socks. I finished the look with green fingerless gloves. My Adidas are in my trunk because I forgot to get them out, oh well. For the makeup I smeared on some blue eyeshadow and pink lipgloss. Simple. The hair is sectioned with a couple of star shaped ponytail holders. Fun. Fun. Fun.

I spent hours, nay, years practicing dance as a child. I did the requisite tap, ballet, and modern jazz. But my passion was breaking. I was never going to be a jaw-dropping bgirl, but I had enough skills to help the neighborhood kids learn a few moves. All that Breakin’ viewing and MTV watching had really paid off (I was going to Michael Jackson). Last night after I taped and laid my cardboard down I discover something terrible: I could no longer do it. Any of it. I could barely pop, let alone rock. I tried to go down to do a 6 step and almost broke my head open. Since I was down, I through my legs around for a backspin and once again almost died. I stood up to try a some uprock and was just as bad. Apparently if you don’t use a physical skill for almost 20 years, you loose it. Go figure.

Sadly no videos of me breaking or breaking my neck. I do have a little clip of some basic dancing—nothing fancy. And much of it bad. Maybe my flailing about can bring a laugh or two to your day.

Have a totally rad day!

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Here’s a clip from Breakin’ that feature the dancers Shabba-Doo, Boogaloo Shrimp and Special K, Poppin’ Pete, Pop N’ Taco, and Lollipop.

The rap hip-hop era was about fashion and self expression as much as it was about DJs and music. Blondie spoke to this phenomena in her “Rapture” video. It and Chaka’s “I feel For You” look more like fashion shows than music videos. Take a cue from these examples and bring back the cut off shirts, leggins, and flat shoelaces. Look for mesh shirts at costume shops or sports stores. Leggings are a dime a dozen these days so just keep looking for you fave color. Wear track suits with beanies, sunglasses, and driving gloves. Take the scissors to your cheap winter gloves to create some one-of-kind fingerless gloves. Use Jennifer Beals as inspiration when you alter your old sweatshirts. And don’t forget that bandannas are not just for the head.

Watch this and this to get ideas.

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Best Costume Design:

Bright Star, Janet Patterson
Jane Campion brings the love story of John Keats and Fanny Brawne to the screen. Their simmering passion tucked behind the veneer of the 19th century society heats up the screen. The rich fabrics and buttoned styles reflect the poetic romance. Janet Patterson, frequently nominated and recognized, has a decent shot at taking home the statue.
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Coco before Chanel, Catherine Leterrier
Any film that concentrated on the life of one of the most influential clothing designers of the the last century should be in this list. How could it not? This story strives to show Chanel clawing her way out of poverty and into luxury. Her outspoken views helped loosen female fashion standards and created flattering timeless silhouettes. Leterrier had a difficult job of recreating Chanel’s looks without making it seem like retread.
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The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Monique Prudhomme
Two words: Terry Gilliam. That says it all really. You’re in for a surreal and yet wholly natural experience when you watch one of his stories. Believable and fantastic at once. A troupe of actors, a centuries-old man, and a magical youth in one of the most talked about films of the year. Monique Prudhomme designed vibrant and slightly off balance looks for the players. Some of her best work, but I don’t think she’ll win.
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Nine, Colleen Atwood
This musical turned movie weaves through the women in one man’s life. The cast is gorgeous; ergo, the clothing must be gorgeous. Nine isn’t all lingerie and fringe. Colleen Atwood gets to use work, stage, and boudoir environments to dress the characters. There are times when her Chicago works seeps into Nine, but it was pretty too, so all’s well. She may be Oscar royalty, but she’s a long shot this year.
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The Young Victoria, Sandy Powell
The Young Victoria attempts to pull back the curtains on Victoria’s early reign and her beloved Prince Albert. This costume juggernaut gets everything right (costume-wise). The gowns and fabrics are meticulously recreated. The use of color also stands out. Colors symbolize feelings, status, and events. Take note, Sandy Powell will once again take home the golden statue.
*****

Best Makeup

Il Divo, Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano
Most American viewers have no knowledge of this Italian political drama, including myself. The film follows a politician through his career. His ups, downs, controversies, and reelection after reelection. The makeup work here is subtle. Subtle is hard to do. Particularly tricky is age makeup. It’s well done here.
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Star Trek, Barney Burman, Mindy Hall and Joel Harlow
Star Trek deserves a nod here. The makeup artists made aliens, battle injuries, and puffy disfiguring illnesses. Their tattoo painting was inspired by tribal designs. In some scenes, I wasn’t sure how much was makeup artist and how much was creature artist…impressive blending. This team has a good chance of winning.
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The Young Victoria, Jon Henry and Jenny Schicore
This artful creation is sure to come out with a few statues on Sunday. The makeup on period dramas is delicate work. The youthful and dewy-eyed Victoria shines on the screen. Jon Henry and Jenny Schicore master the range of looks and styles. The Victorian hair and makeup never seem out of place or off putting. This one may just sweep the art categories.

Well, that’s it. What are your picks for Sunday?

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All you need is some lace, tulle, jewels, flowers, ribbon, whatever you have on hand. Cover some shaped poster board or fun foam with material to create a smooth surface. Loop and tie and arrange to your heart’s content. Once you’re satisfied with the configuration, glue or sew the pieces in place. Add a comb, clip, or headband to keep the fascinator on your head. I glued a few rhinestones onto my ribbons to catch the light.

Search TopsyTurvyDesign for some wonderful hats, clips, and fascinators.

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I remember everyone watching this. And of course everyone was taping it too. The cast list alone was worth a million dollars. Did you check it out? Carol Channing, Telly Savalas, Red Buttons, Pat Morita, Roddy McDowall and Ann Jillian. Wowsers!

Carol Channing is one of my heroes. I saw her in Hello Dolly!. I was maybe ten yards from the stage. I cried. I cried like a Beatles fanatic from 1964. Shameful, huh? But I digress…

Here’s Sherman Hemsley as a mouse singing about his distaste for dogs and cats.

There was another TV event in 1999 featuring Whoopi Goldberg but I missed it and can’t offer an opinion. Instead, here are some of my favorite scenes from the 1985 version. First I give you the requisite Carol Channing number:

Rabbit’s house and the loss of poor Bill is quite fun. There’s jazzy fun with Sammy Davis Jr’s Caterpillar. The there’s mopey Ringo Starr as the Mock Turtle. I could never forget the always remarkable Roddy McDowall at the tea party.

When you watch the clips, pay close attention to the costumes. You’ll notice the makeup and clothing not only fits the character bu the actor as well. Who ever heard of a bald Cheshire Cat? When he’s played by Telly Savalas it makes perfect sense. I’ve collected a small gallery of the costumes as well.

The 1985 two part movie, yes it included Through the Looking Glass, is available on DVD. Buy it! Watch it! I should warn you, this movie gave some children nightmares. It builds up the Jabberwocky into a fearsome creature. It’s a G production, but be warned that some little ones may not respond well to those sections. You know your kids, you know their limits.

If you’d like a little memory jog while you await your purchase, you can try youtube for parts one and two.

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Here are a few photographs from around the world. There are intricate sequin and feather headdresses and silly go-go costumes. Elegant masks and batmen galore.

How did you celebrate Mardi Gras this year?

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