Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring – Music that Caused a Riot

Here’s how shocking becomes NOT shocking: Ninety-seven years ago today, a ballet created by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky was unleashed to an unsuspecting Parisian audience. The French audience was used to ballets like Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker Suite—music described as elegant and beautiful. Rite of Spring sounded nothing like those other … Read more

Schiaparelli Perfume Named “Shocking” is Shocking to the Nose!

Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973), along with Coco Chanel (1883-1971), was the most influential fashion designer from the 1920-40s. Italian born, she moved to Paris and dominated the fashion world. Where as Chanel was a minimalist, Schiap (as she called herself) was flamboyant. Chanel was conservative; Schiaparelli was outrageous. Chanel was famous for a short boxy jacket. … Read more

Christian Dior – Emperor of Fashion Design

And boy does this Emperor have the clothes! With the exception of Coco Chanel, no one defines “high style” better than Christian Dior (1905-1957). He’s been called the “epitome of elegance” and the “impresario of haute couture.” After WWII he revolutionized the way women dressed with a fashion collection, dubbed the “New Look” (by an … Read more