VIVIAN MAIER

Vivian Maier (February 1, 1926 - April 21, 2009) was a 1950s street photographer who's massive archives of pictures only came to light in 2007. John Maloof (a Chicago-based historian and collector) discovered and championed her work, bringing her photographs to the world stage. Millions of people have come to marvel at her portraits of everyday life in the 1950s and '60s Chicago and New York. Her photographs capture scenes and, particularly, people, through a very sensitive human eye, gentle and observant.

BILL CUNNINGHAM

Bill Cunningham is a New York street photographer and fashion-world living legend. In the documentary Bill Cunningham New York, we follow him as runs around the streets of New York, pursuing what he calls "the best fashion show... always has been, always will be." The documentary is worth watching, if only to marvel right along with him at the vibrant beauty and fashion trends this sensitive man has spent his life capturing.

SOFIA COPPOLA

Marie Antoinette, Sofia Coppola's third film (2006), is ravishingly beautiful feast for the eyes. I had mistakenly put off watching it after reading some mixed reviews. Now, I regret not having seen Kirsten Dunst's masterful performance in theatres. Based on Antonia Fraser's book, Marie Antoinette: The Journey, the film is not just about the decadence of Versailles or a showcase of Marie Antoinette's opulent tastes. The extravagance forms a backdrop to Coppola's humanizing portrayal of Marie Antoinette, a woman who's character still suffers from the propaganda that surrounded her. The underlying message of the film is summed up beautifully by critic Roger Ebert, who gave the film ★★★★: 
"Every criticism I have read of this film would alter its fragile magic and reduce its romantic and tragic poignancy (...) This is Sofia Coppola's third film centering on the loneliness of being female and surrounded by a world that knows how to use you but not how to value and understand you."
A modernized period piece, the luxurious setting (filmed in Versailles) as well as the vivid colour palette and costumes make Marie Antoinette worth watching again, and again.

For the colour palette and costumes in the film, Coppola drew her
inspiration from French patisseries, like these delicious macarons

TODD COLE

Photographer and director Todd Cole shot this series of photographs for British Vogue. The textures and colours of the California desert lend themselves to RODARTE's incredible designs:

Cole has also directed several films featuring RODARTE's beautiful, flowing fabrics:

RODARTE

I have admired the Mulleavy sisters ever since they emerged in the world of fashion. Their clothing line, RODARTE, (which is also their mother's maiden name) is a beautiful marriage of art and design. Ethereal, earthy and edgy, their work is rooted in the themes that have inspired them. From Japanese animation to the deserts of western California, Kate and Laura Mulleavy translate their sources of inspiration into living, wearable art.

Hello and welcome! This blog will showcase the many artists, photographers, designers and authors that inspire me and my work.

Enjoy!

Rachel Hélène Amram
www.heleneamram.com