A EUPHORIC MIND, IVANNA GAUTIER

There are people that carry with them an innate magic; people that only by being in their presence, through their genuine and honest essence; can touch and pass on a beautiful extra ‘something’ that is hard to explain. Ivanna is certainly one of those beings. A Euphoric Mind of infinite talent, full of dreams, and with a heart of gold. I call her ‘la artista’.  

She was born in Caracas. Today, she lives in Madrid; and with only 26 years old she has won a place to show one of her paintings in the Museu Europeu d’Art Modern, MAEM, in Barcelona, Spain this upcoming month of May.

Here our lovely interview…

When and how did you meet your inner artist?

I never thought I would paint. It did not even interest me at first. In fact, my mom did all my schoolwork related to art. She has this spectacular ability to create art.

It all started in High School. I got so bored in class that I started to draw my teachers. Then I noticed that it was quite easy and natural for me to draw and paint. So, I ask my mother to take me to the art store. And here I am. Art became a part of me.

Drawing became a sort of scape. Each time I did not feel so well, I took my little sketchbook, and I wrote, drew, painted. I still have that notebook. Eventually, I took classes and realized that I had found ‘my thing’.

Today, I am more connected to my painting than ever. I cannot imagine doing something else.

Who have been your greatest influences?

Mi artistic carreer would have not started without the influence of someone so important to me, Oscar Villalón. The bases of my work are thanks to what I learned from him and his art academy,  Decinti Villalón, when I came to live in Madrid. 

Then, Eloy Morales, one of my greatest motivators and teacher. Madrid, and the opportunity this city gives me of being surrounded by art exhibitions all the time. Antonio López, who I consider the best Spanish painter today. Also, other modern artists such as Sebas Velasco. He makes superb wall paintings that really move me. From the classical painters; Velázquez (my favorite) and Mariano Fortuny. It is amazing what they accomplished with a few brushstrokes.

What inspires you to create?

My huge curiosity and my mistakes. They enrich me so much. They inspire me to keep moving, pushing, and improving myself. Exploring new techniques motivates me a lot too. But mostly, learning from my mistakes is what pushes me beyond who I am and inspires me.

What are your favorite artistic mediums of expression and materials?

All of them! But if I must choose, I really love oil painting and coloring pencils.

And what do you like to paint the most?

Everything. Especially the human body; and not necessarily realistically speaking. It is so wonderful the fact that a person can recreate another one through painting.

How do you manage to live with your artistic side? Is it present in everything you do, or do you have your moments?

I live with it all the time. Without a doubt, I carry that extra sensibility everywhere I go. Sometimes it is not easy. One might suffer more. But at the end, art is usually born through seeing and feeling the everyday life in a sensible and very personal way. I guess I have to learn to live with that.   

You have won a place in a particularly important exhibition in Barcelona, Spain. How did it all happen?

I did not have any expectations. I never thought they would choose my painting. There were around a thousand artists competing for thirty spaces. But I felt I had the basics to put myself to the test. I took my chances. Why did they pick my painting? That, I will find out when I get there in May. I hope this is the beginning of beautiful things to come.

The exhibition will be on May 17^th in the MEAM. This is a huge honor for me.

How do you see yourself in few years?

I see myself working on what I love; each time with more freedom to do only what I really like. I want my clients to say: “Do what you want. I trust you 100%.” I see myself making art, which is an inseparable part of who I am.

Thank you, Ivanna. You are a star in every sense! I wish you the best of luck because you deserve it.

@ivannagautier

Life is a runway!

XO

Gaby

UNA EUPHORIC MIND, IVANNA GAUTIER

Existen seres humanos que solo con estar en su presencia, gracias a su esencia genuina y sincera; nos tocan, nos transmiten algo tan bonito. Ivanna es una de esas personas… Una Euphoric Mind, de talento artístico infinito, llena de sueños y con un corazón de oro gigante. Yo la llamo ‘la artista’.

Nacida en Caracas, residida en Madrid; quien con apenas 26 años ha logrado una plaza entre solo treinta para exponer una de sus obras en el Museo Europeo de Arte Moderno, MAEM, en Barcelona, España, este próximo mes de mayo.

Aquí se las presento…

¿Cómo comenzó tu camino en el mundo de la pintura?

Nunca me imaginé que iba a pintar. Ni siquiera era algo que me interesaba. De hecho, todos mis trabajos de arte cuando era niña me los hacía mi mamá; que tiene una habilidad espectacular para crear arte.

Todo empezó en el colegio en mis años de Bachillerato. Me aburría tanto en clase que lo único que se me ocurría era pintar a la monjita que teníamos de profesora. Allí fue cuando empecé a darme cuenta de que dibujar se me daba natural. Así que le pedí a mi mamá que me llevara a una tienda de arte; y entonces este mundo se volvió parte de mí.

Dibujar se convirtió en mi escape. Cada vez que tenía un problema, agarraba mi cuadernito; escribía y dibujaba. Todavía tengo ese sketch book. Luego, tomé clases y me dije “esto es lo mío”.

Hoy en día estoy más que nunca conectada con mi pintura. No me imagino haciendo otra cosa.

¿Quiénes han sido y/o son tus más grandes influencias?

Mi carrera artística nunca habría comenzado sin la influencia de alguien importantísimo para mi, Oscar Villalón. Mis bases se las debo a él y a lo aprendido en su academia, Decinti Villalón, cuando llegué a Madrid. 

Luego, Eloy Morales, quien ha sido un enorme motivador y maestro. Madrid también. Esta ciudad me regala la oportunidad de vivir perennemente rodeada de exposiciones de arte. Me encanta Antonio López, que lo considero el mejor pintor español de hoy. Igualmente, otros más modernos; como Sebas Velasco, que hace unos murales que me mueven un montón. De los clásicos, Velázquez es mi favorito. Mariano Fortuny, igual; me encanta. Es increíble lo que lograban con tres pinceladas.

¿Qué te inspira, qué te mueve a ‘crear’?

Creo que el hecho de que soy muy, muy curiosa. Siento que me enriquezco de mis errores. Estos me inspiran a seguir. Explorar técnicas nuevas también me motiva muchísimo. Y mi deseo de llegar muy lejos. Pero sobre todo eso, trabajar en torno al error. Siempre me exijo más; siempre quiero dar más de mí, y cometer errores me ayuda a eso.

¿Cuál es tu medio de expresión y tus materiales favoritos?

Podría decir que absolutamente todos; al igual que todos los motivos de pintura. El óleo y los lápices de color me fascinan.

¿Y lo que más te encanta pintar?

¡Todo! Pero si me tuviese que quedar con algo, sería representar la figura humana. Sea como sea. No tiene que ser realista. Me parece alucinante como una persona puede recrear a otra por medio de la pintura.

¿Cómo convives con tu lado artista en el día a día? ¿Se refleja en todo lo que haces, o tienes tus momentos?

Vivo con mi lado artista siempre. Llevo esa sensibilidad extra conmigo para todos lados. A veces es difícil lidiar con eso. Tal vez se sufre más. Pero al final, el arte casi siempre surge de ver las cosas de la vida cotidiana de manera más profunda, sentida e individual. Me toca aprender a lidiar con eso.   

Has ganado un lugar en una exposición importante en Barcelona, España. ¿Cómo ocurrió? ¿Por qué dirías que han escogido tu obra?

No tenía expectativas. No tenía idea de que me iban a elegir. Eran alrededor de mil personas compitiendo por treinta plazas. Pero me sentí que había llegado a un nivel base para arriesgarme y lanzarme a probar. No sé porque escogieron mi obra. Ya me enteraré cuando vaya en mayo a la exposición. Espero que sea el principio de muchas cosas bonitas.

Cuéntanos los detalles de la exposición.

La exposición es el 17 de mayo en el MEAM. Esto es un gran honor para mí.

¿Cómo te ves de aquí a unos años?

Me veo y aspiro seguir trabajando con y por lo que me gusta; cada vez con más libertad de crear solo lo que me gusta; sin seguir pautas en los encargos que me hagan. Quiero que me digan: “Haz lo que tú quieras”, y que confíen en mí 100%. Me veo viviendo de lo que me llena, que es poder crear arte; que hoy día ya no se siente un trabajo, porque es parte de lo que soy.

Gracias, Ivanna. Eres una estrella en su amplio sentido. Todo el éxito del mundo. Porque te lo mereces y lo tendrás siempre.

@ivannagautier

Life is a runway!

XO

Gaby

PARIS PRÊT-À-PORTER FALL/WINTER 2024 TRENDS

Minimalism accompanied by the class and/or edginess of XL fits, skin-bearing (sometimes nudity), transparencies, asymmetry, masculinity, abstraction, and theatricality… Or, a total devotion to an unapologetic maximalism mixed with traditional French irreverence. Mmmmm… All of them, ingredients that are essential parts of the je ne sais quoi the Parisian runways are known for. The French savoir faire et savoir être cannot be denied in the Fall/Winter 2024 prêt-à-porter collections (or ever). So glorious!

Here some trends not to leave aside…

BLACK QUIET LUX

Tantalizing, very minimal and elegant timeless looks in regal black. (Valentino)

FLUID TAILORING 

Marvelous masculinity characterized by superb tailoring and fabrics; relaxed-fits, huge shoulder-pads, fluid pantsuits; and mostly double-breasted jackets. (Saint Laurent)

DENIM WITH TWISTS 

Easy-to-wear denim pieces with delightful panels or additions in varied fabrics and materials; patchwork, playful trims, asymmetric lines and detailing… So inviting. (Undercover)

HOODED DRESSES

Tubular, knitted hooded dresses exuding plenty of modern vibes; ideal to stay stylishly warm. (Acne Studios)

VIBRANT SIMPLICITY

Minimal silhouettes, lines and classic shapes in vibrant monochromic colors; because less is, in fact, a lot of times more. (Gaucher)

CARGO PIECES

Cool and functional cargo pants; some with beautiful matching jackets; in inviting colors and stylish standout detailing. (Off-White)

BOHEMIAN ELEGANCE 

Gorgeous and elegant tunics with a delightful soft flow; with or without multiple ruffles; in fine fabrics, such as silk and lace. Many looks completed with wonderful bohemian accessories and oversize capes and coats. (Chloé)

ASYMMETRIC EASE

Oversized or body-hugging separates, dresses and toppers; charged with an attractive nonchalance articulated through asymmetric silhouettes, cuts, paneling and draping. (Rochas)

3-DIMENSIONALITY

Artsy, masterful 3D motifs, forms and lines stood out introduced as strategic elements or as total-looks. (Balmain) 

CORSETING

Feminine corsets presented as part of one’s daily casual repertoire; elevating informality to a higher and very coveted level. (Schiaparelli) 

OVERSIZE NECKS 

Wonderful tops and sweaters (specially those knitted ones), dresses, jackets, bombers, puffers, and coats with playful, stylish huge necks. (Givenchy)

60s SHIFTS

Straight, mini shift dresses and dress-coats; bringing in lovely 60s vibes. In sweet or sexy monochromatic colors, or delightful prints and patterns. (Giambattista Valli) 

COOL KNITS

Edgy knitted pieces, showing off their delightful tendency for the fun and creative. XL silhouettes played a big part in all of it. (Stella McCartney)

FRINGED 

Rich fringes, in a wide variety of beautiful materials, tones, sizes, and lengths added character and spice to so many accessories, separates and ensembles. (Isabel Marant) 

THE ETERNAL ROMANTIC

Sublime, romantic sumptuous gowns, full of details in the most delicate materials. Some with simple lines; others with masterful draping. Capes, transparencies, and ultra high slits were among the most popular elements. (Zuhair Murad) 

THE STORYTELLER

Extraordinary bucolic dresses full of motifs, figures, prints and patterns inviting us, without a doubt, to travel through stories we might want to create for ourselves. (Zimmermann) 

Life is a runway! 

Much love,

Gaby 

*Pictures are not mine. They belong to Vogue’s Runway App and its brilliant collaborators. 

MILAN READY-TO-WEAR FASHION TRENDS FALL/WINTER 2024

An exquisite mix of feminine and masculine panache, total mastery of every couture and fashion technique, sublime tradition mixed with  the perfect dose of modernity… La moda italiana always becomes an infinite source of inspiration, impregnated with beyond-excellent taste, quiet and not-so-quiet luxury. Again and again, Milano runways are simply spectacular! 

Here some of the most inviting trends from the Fall / Winter 2024 ready-to-wear collections…

COLOR-BLOCKING

Beautiful contrasting color-blocking asymmetrically played on great dresses, sets, separates and coats; resulting in attractive modernity. (Bottega Veneta)

EQUESTRIAN

Elegant equestrian airs achieved through perfect tailoring, beautiful fabrics, clean lines, sharp detailing, dark tones, and fabulous knee high boots. (Fendi)

LEATHER DRESSES

Tubular, A-lined, asymmetric, saturated with interesting cuts and detailing, including sexy hardware accents; leather dresses fascinated the public in hues ranging from light and muted, to loud and vibrant. (Antonio Marras)

SUPERB TEXTURES

Flamboyant, ultra-rich, colorful, varied and mixed textures; elevating everyday pieces to another (high) fashion level. (Diesel)

WRAPPED AROUND

Impecable regal XL capes and toppers, covering sophisticated ensembles that spoke super attractive stealth wealth fashion. (Del Core)

ELEGANT SHORTS

Elegant, sensual shorts; perfectly tailored to accompany superb tops,  jackets, and (short or long) coats. (Tom Ford) 

WARM TUBULAR DRESSES

Many, many runways included as a key piece the very practical, body hugging or straight warm jersey or knitted dress; in monochromatic, colorful or artsy looks. (Marco Rimaldi)

TRANSPARENCIES 

Sheer dresses, including plenty of slips, tops and bottoms with all-over transparencies or strategic ones; resulting in an exclusive sensuality worth experimenting. (Alberta Ferretti) 

OVERSIZE PUFFER

Amusing, delightful oversized puffers in loud hues, prints and patterns; many matching or mix-matching the rest of the ensemble. (Roberto Cavalli) 

PANTSUITS

Wonderful, ultra-elegant pantsuits with perfectly fitted or relaxed tailoring; in classic masculine fabrics, or bright-and-shine fancy materials. (Brunello Cucinelli)

LEATHER SETS

Gorgeous matching sets (skirts and pants in all their lengths) in exquisite leather; from classic total-blackness, passing through the most elegant tones; up to edgy color combinations and painterly airs. (Roberto Cavalli)

HUGE SHOULDER PADS

Huge, irreverent and deliciously masculine shoulder pads; not only in gorgeous XL long coats but in shorter tailored jackets and toppers. (Etro)

ARTSY 

Great artsy prints, patterns and colorful treatments on wonderful fabrics; conceived to accompany cool, relax but still very sophisticated silhouettes. (MM6 Maison Margiela) 

THE BLACK SUIT 

Eternal, so tasteful and full of character, the black suit (pants or skirts); with or without shirt, tee or sweater under; looked fantastic in all possible fits; from the ultra-tailored, to the XL and very relaxed one. (Moschino)

PUNK

Dark, gothic looks full of punk elements and vibes. All-black, white, strong reds and burgundy; checkered fabrics, fishnets, pantyhose, a lot of leather, hardware details and edgy hairstyles and makeup. (Versace)

LINGERIE INSPIRATION

From delicates silk and lace slip dresses for a night-out; to sheer tops, blouses and separates… Everything very well conceived, exuding tasteful sexiness. (Gucci)

PATENT PERFECT 

Extraordinary, very shiny head-to-toe ensembles in fabulous patent leather or coated fabrics; in classy or loud hues. The best looks were accompanied by magnificent XL furry coats. (MSGM)

GEOMETRIC DELIGHT

Rich, geometric abstraction, played with contrasts;  was another favorite of the print & pattern choices of the magnificent Italian fashion houses. (Missoni)

 

TUXEDO ENCHANTMENT

Tantalizing, very sexy masculinity was not only articulated through beyond-masterful tailoring; since the tuxedo was and always will be (hopefully) a protagonist in the runways. (Dolce & Gabbana) 

Next stop, Paris…

Life is a runway! 

Much love,

Gaby

*Pictures are not mine. They belong to Vogue Runway app and its brilliant collaborators. 

LONDON FASHION WEEK FALL / WINTER 2024 TRENDS

London fashion weeks always carry with them fabulous Victorian, gothic, punk, and artsy vibes that,  mixed or pure; they always feel inviting and exciting. Minimalism, romanticism, sensuality and plenty of sweetness also play their key role; and this time was not an exception.

Here some trends to fall for…

MATCHING SETS

Fabulous matching sets in monochromatic, plain, metallic tones; or in highly graphic or floral prints and patterns; for every single taste. (Marques’ Almeida) 

DECONSTRUCTED DENIM 

A superb melange of tones, washes, dyes; played even further through edgy patchwork, deconstruction and asymmetry looked so cool! (Masha Popova)

GRAFFITIS

Colorful graffitis as a stand-out theme, or as a fresh remark on ultra-easy to wear tees and separates. (Mark Fast)

EARTHY MIX

Brown, green, beige, camel, mustard… So many beautiful earthy colors and tonalities perfectly mixed in layers of marvelous pieces; resulting in a timeless wonderful style. (JW Anderson) 

EXTRA LONG SKIRTS

Sophisticated but charged with a nonchalant touch; wrapped-around, tubular, with high slits A-lines, structure or light weight… Extra long skirts were everywhere. (Burberry)

CORSETED 

Well defined waists through corseting; as part of the dress, top or coat; or as a key addition to articulate modern moods. (Simone Rocha)

URBAN WHITE

Great eclectic ensembles in head-to-toe white and off-white; brilliantly mixing romantic, punk, Victorian and urban elements. (Marques’ Almeida) 

SENSUAL ELEGANCE 

Very clean lines, timeless pieces: Soft blouses, measured lengths, tailored coats… Silk, leather and sequins; and a dose of irresistible sensual elegance. Simple perfection! (Emilia Wickstead) 

REGAL PRESENCE 

Regal volumes; theatrical drapes, ruffles, bows, and beyond-rich detailing and colors; resulted in unforgettable night gowns. (Richard Quinn) 

Next stop, Milan…

Life is a runway! 

Much love,

Gaby

*Pictures are not mine. They belong to Vogue’s Runway App and its superb collaborators. 

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FALL 2024

Fashion weeks are on! Such an exciting time, perfect to refresh our minds and hearts through fascinating, inspiring fashion. 

New York was all about modern, tasteful style; so easy to absorb. Everything felt very inviting and ultra-wearable; charged with magnificent stylish functionality.

Here some trends to be enchanted by… 

ELEGANT LAYERING 

Timeless, tasteful pieces layered to perfection in sophisticated, tamed tones or fun, loud ones. (3.1 Phillip Lim)

THE EVERY-DAY FUR JACKET

Gorgeous, exciting fur jackets to wear day-to-night; in monochromatic vibrant hues or superb color combinations. (Cinq à Sept)

WRITTEN PRINTS 

Letters, words, messages; including poems (by Lord Byron in Libertine’s looks); stood out in head-to-toe stylish outfits, or as key artsy detailing. (Libertine) 

FLASHY MINI DRESSES

Ultra-short, shiny mini-dresses in beautiful sequins, rich beading or metallic fabrics could never be left aside. (Laquan Smith)

SOPHISTICATED LOOSENESS

Unrestrained, soft, loose-fitting gowns and separates with an inherent divine elegance marked by touches of asymmetry. (Prabal Gurung) 

ARTSY VIBES

Inviting figurative and abstract art was strategically articulated in prints, patterns, silhouettes and detailing. (Alice + Olivia)

MODERN RUFFLES

Lovely and refreshed small, medium or large multiple ruffles on skirts, tops, coats and dresses; in muted or loud colors felt modern and delightful. (Ulla Johnson) 

VINTAGE COORDINATED SETS

Colorful 60s & 70s vintage vibes fascinated through vibrant matching sets with loose or very tight fits. (Naeem Khan)

FULL ON GRAY

Elegant, forever-in-vogue, monochromatic ensembles in gray; brilliantly achieved through layering gorgeous, well-thought classic pieces with a touch of edge. (Michael Kors)

 

 

DENIM SKIRTS 

Denim skirts are so back, apparently to stay; in all washes, fits and lengths; full of reinvented modern detailing. (3.1 Phillip Lim)

ROMANTIC TULLE

Very rich total looks in tulle; many showing off masterful, lovely  multi-tiered ruffles in a wonderful and romantic way. (Carolina Herrera) 

BOLEROS

Divine, sexy bolero jackets accompanying beautiful straight or voluminous skirts looked espectacular. (Christian Siriano)

Next stop, London…

Life is a runway! 

Much love,

Gaby 

*Pictures are not mine. They belong to Vogue’s Runway App and its brilliant collaborators.