Treasure Island: Bay Bridge to Nowhere

...That time Low Tek Studios and I got down and dirty for a spontaneous photo shoot on Treasure Island in San Francisco.  The location had kind of a Breaking Bad vibe, so we kicked it by the chain link fences and old turn knob TV sets for a lazy afternoon by the bay bridge.

I wore some edgy variations of the little black dress, with hi-low skirts, studs, metallic accents, and cut outs.  We found wildflowers, water towers, and graffiti  treasures around every corner. Then we stumbled upon a vacant pool filled with epic memorials a midst the abandon buildings. San Francisco has so many unique environments to get inspired by life and fashion.

Human Rights and #LoveWins for LGBT Pride Month

I am so ecstatic about the marriage equality ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States. This is a wonderful advancement for equal rights, especially during LGBT Pride Month.  In celebration, I wanted to share some thoughts on liberty and equality in America.

Freedom of expression and equal rights are two of the most important protections I enjoy as an American. I believe only you can determine who to love and what makes you happy.  I hope we can create a standard of equality that will allow people to express themselves without a climate of prejudice. Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender should not disqualify you from equal human rights. By speaking out for these human rights we can create a community and government that truly supports freedom and not discrimination. - Celeste Thorson

I was reminded of my #LGBT #activism 10 years ago with my #grassroots #family at Human Rights Campaign. We were the boots on the ground that met hate face to face, as we strove to build support for equal #humanrights #legislation. Some people politely declined to support #justice, others were kicking and screaming. Some people greeted us with open arms, some with gentle whispers. Today we can #celebrate this #equality, because #LoveWins when #activists #FightTheGoodFight for #justice. No matter how ugly the #hate, #standup #speakout and remember we are all born #free and #equal!

Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.

-Thomas Jefferson

Here are the values that I stand for: honesty, equality, kindness, compassion, treating people the way you want to be treated and helping those in need. To me, those are traditional values.

-Ellen DeGeneres

While in San Francisco, Cory Goldberg Images captured this series with my dear friend and fashion librarian, Shaye McKenney.  We admired some intricate Japanese Kimono's from a private collection, rich with artistic details. More images from this series coming this summer. 

The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web.

-Pablo Picasso

Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.

-Oscar Wilde

Some people may be offended by this artwork and respond with hatred. Which is more offensive, a photograph that represents love or the hatred it may trigger?

Do you believe love is boundless?

Do you believe love should be confined?

Tribal Earth Warrior Series

It feels like the wind, that warm spark between our souls, we found each other. 

- Celeste Thorson  

Wild Haiku Warrior

A spontaneous creative session with Taren Maroun's artsy soul led to this whimsical earth warrior series.  

I looked up and I saw hope. 

 

All roads lead home. Never forget where you came from.

 

 

 I felt the dawn dance on my skin.

 I felt the peace of night descend. 

Tell me your story. Teach me your song.


Meet me by the ivy and I will show you what I've seen.

 Wild child.

 

There is a fire in the sky and she is a flame.

We played amidst the cacti, canyons, and ivy vines. The rich tones and textures from the natural surroundings complimented the warpaint style makeup. I love the rawness of this collection, it reminds me of my native ancestry. The handmade necklaces were collected during my travels through Bali and Mexico, mostly from street vendors. 

Afternoon in Paris: Chanel, Louboutin, Macarons

On our voyage to Venice, Italy we stopped by Paris for lunch, a stretch and a breath of fresh air. We enjoyed the intimate Parisian atmosphere and tasting menu at L'Restaurant.  The staff and chef were very generous and deserving of their Michelin star. One of my favorite dishes was actually the a la carte Brittany Crab. The creamy avocado topped with a delicate yuzu mousse, sweet mustard crab and transparent layer of candied sugar? was absolutely delightful.

The leopard carpet at L'Hotel was the most fabulous compliment for my comfy studded Christian Louboutin flats.

Shanghai 1930's Birthday Celebration at the W Hollywood with Celeste Thorson

For our birthdays, David Christopher Lee and I planned a double trouble Shanghai 1930's celebration. Everyone looked beautiful in 1930's era art deco attire and cheongsams under the starry skies at the W Hotel in Hollywood. It was a mosaic of feathers, sequins, lace, pearls, red satin,  luxurious embroidery and elaborate headdresses. We were honored to share our travel show Destination Luxury with over 700 of guests. I wore a dusty rose feathered evening gown and headpiece by Sue Wong.  We honored the UNICEF Chinese Children’s Initiative, a great cause that supports some of the most vulnerable children in China. I'm so grateful for our media sponsor Phoenix International Magazine and the other generous sponsors who helped create an unforgettable evening...

My one big birthday wish was to have a performance by Chinese dragon dancers and the San Gabriel Valley Chinese Cultural Association went above and beyond with a roaring performance.  The giant red dragon was smokin', literally blowing smoke through it's nose, that was my favorite part of the night! Then the adorable furry lion dancers pounced around festively and circled through the crowd.

From the beautiful red rose floral arrangements by Butterfly Floral Design to the gorgeous three tiered cake crowned with a golden phoenix by Baby Bea's Bakeshop, I was very grateful for everyone's generosity.   The white, red and violet sparkling wine from Vina sympatica was lovely and the Tequila 88 ultra premium and Sacacuento Mezcal had a smokey kick. Mannfolk PR , Jin and Quinn and  Charis Events and Design helped organize.   The beats by DJ Christian B  kept us dancing all night.  Special thanks to the photographers Greg Autry, Joyce Chow and Nelson Shen Images, who all made great captures that night.

 

     

Some photos of a few of our feathered friends

THE MADAME: Official Selection of the La Jolla Fashion Film Festival with Celeste Thorson

I love fashion films and like a mini-skirt I wrote a mini-movie, short and sweet.  This glam crime drama was directed by my friend David Christopher Lee and centered around a madame's exclusive clique of criminal fashion models.  I play Naomi, a mysterious character definitely up to no good.

We were honored to screen our fashion heist film THE MADAME at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) for the La Jolla Fashion Film Festival (LJFFF). Check out the video complete with sinister models, synchronized swimmers, fine jewelry, an elegant party and a splash of Lloyd Klein Couture.   

"THE MADAME"  

Crime Drama Short Fashion Film

SCREEN STILLS:

 FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT IN:

I wore a flaming red and gold Aidan Mattox, W Magazine
 MOCA'S, La Jolla Fashion Film Festival, W Magazine
 and Red Epic's Red Carpet event for LJFFF's The Madame screening.

WATCH MY INTERVIEW with LJFFF: 

READ MY  INTERVIEW with AMY from STYLE SUBSTANCE SOUL: