On Saturday night I spent a wonderful evening at Summer Gala at Ravina. This year they raised over 1.3 Million Dollars. To see all the photos please click the link Ravinia 2013

Wynton Marsalis and Jazz At Linclon Center Orchestra in Perugia

On Wednesday night I arrived in Perugia to join Wynton Marsalis and  Jazz At Linclon Center Orchestra who were to play for the Umbria Jazz Festival.
It had been raining heavily all day and I was not sure if the concert would be cancelled for the night's event in Arena Santa Giuliana.
I sat back stage with the band as they ate dinner then finally the crowd began to clap.
It was the cue for the night to begin.
The rain had stopped and the show went on.
It was so exciting to be outside surrounded by the enthusiastic crowd.

Oltre Il Giardino, A secret in Cortona

Last night Barbara invited me to dinner at Oltre il Giardino, a well kept secret here in Cortona.
Actually it is not such a secret but it is hard to find. Located on the other side of the park as I was told and as the name describes, I ventured out not quite sure where I was going. The receptionist at my hotel did not know where it was so I took a leap of faith and followed my intuition. Luckily I asked a woman walking her dog if she new where I was going and she waved me on saying that no she did not know where it was either but I could try turning left after the park and should try walking up the road.
So I did as I was told and headed up a deserted unpaved road for 5 minutes when I saw a light ahead. I was there.
Turns out that Barbara's son Marcus designed the beautiful logo that you can see on the menu below.
It was like walking into a private house. First you pass through the garden then into the restaurant that feels like coming home. There are only 4 tables inside and a few outside.
We sat by the fire place and talked and sipped prosecco then headed to the table where we sat and talked and ate till well after 1am. I was so busy eating that I forgot to photograph the desert. It was the best chocolate cake I think I have ever eaten.

It is all in the details with Kim Hicks Couture

Every stitch is had done in Kim Hicks Couture dresses and gowns. I love looking at all the details. Here she has combined the  custom beaded lace from Solstiss in Paris with feathers and below she has mixed silk and lace to create a dress with an alluring side to it. Nell Rebowe from Karin Models in Paris stepped out onto the balcony of the Westin Hotel to glance at the Rue de Rivoli below.

For more info please check out her website

www.kimhicks.com  

Kim Hicks Couture in Paris with custom beaded lace from Solstiss

It takes so many things to put together a gown.
First there are the visions and sketches, then there are the swatches, little samples of fabric, lace, beads, feathers, zippers and trims. Next are the the toile and muslins bringing the shape and form to life. Finally it is time to stitch it all together and slowly the final creation takes form.
Kim sources her custom beaded lace from Solstiss in Paris.
Last week at the Couture showings she unveiled this dress. Worn by the beautiful Helen George from Karins Models it demonstrates the elegance and beauty of hand stiched beading that Solstiss created just for Kim.
For more info please check out her website

www.kimhicks.com  

Kim Hicks In Paris

Had a great day with Kim Hicks photographing her amazing Couture dresses in Paris. Here is Nell Rebowe running down the stairs of the Westin Hotel where Kim was showing her collection to all the magazines.