This weekend, I decided to buckle down and watch two Marlene Dietrich movies, “Morocco” and “Blonde Venus”.

To date, I don’t think there has ever been someone who has taken such chances with sexuality and sophistication in film.

I’ve always been a fan, watching Marlene come on stage in a tuxedo, kiss a woman and still manage to woo the whole audience is incredible.

You have to realize it was the 1930’s and Marlene was the first person ever to “cross dress” in a major movie.

Her confidence is unbelievable and her love for pushing the envelope still makes my heart beat.

Zoom forward to Blonde Venus. One of my favorite scenes of all time is when Marlene comes out in shackles dressed as an ape and then morphs into a blonde voodoo goddess……. major!!!

Not only does she illuminate the screen with her presence, but the plot is so forward thinking.

If you like old movies… or just want to see where so many performers have taken their cues from, watch Marlene in these two movies- “Morocco” and “Blonde Venus”.

While riding in the back seat of a cab today, I saw a truck pass by with “NY Yankees Cologne” written on the side of it.

At first, I thought it was a MAD TV comedy skit, but nope…. it’s for real!!!!!!

Wow… marketing gone mad.

I just want to give a BIG shout out to all of the Mothers out there, young and old.

Without you, we would not be on this earth…. Happy Mothers’ Day!

I came across these sculptures by Ron Nagle.

A nod to Florida’s muted palette from the 1930′s mixed with some Italian Deco.

They are a perfect blend of texture and color.

South West meets Deco was the inspiration for Cordova. There is a strong American Indian feel with a hint of the archetecure of the 1930′s.

I custom designed a cut of stone where it looks like crystalized lava flows into the stone. Using turquoise, pyrite, and chrysocolla; the colors are earthy but bright.

Pavéd Leopards fight over stones, and dangle smoky quartz tears from their two tone golden teeth.

Two toned gold chains are used to symbolize strength and danger while still remaining delicate in nature.

Well… I have finally moved to Connecticut !!!

Welcome to Greenwich…..

In some ways it’s the most intimate of our locations and definitely one of the chic-est.

The street is exclusive, with only a few blocks of the best shopping in the world.

We are having our grand opening party tonight. I will be there, signing jewelry. So please join us!!!

Alexis Bittar Greenwich, CT

371 Greenwich Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830

Monday-Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sunday 12pm – 6pm
(203) 340-2599

greenwich@alexisbittar.com

In the second story of Miss H I worked on the concept of fluidity of metal, liquidity and contrasts of stark Matte white enamel with molten gold.

I aimed to bridge the line between futurism and the sculptural aspects of 1970′s simplicity.

Hints of nature are exposed in the woven gold which occasionally have a wood bark texture.

Mixing art nouveau inspired branches with acidic colors and fantatastical tropical gardens, the Ophelia collection sets the stage for a soft magical garden.

Clear Sculpted lucite symbolizes water. The delicate organic crystal branches gently hold the liquid lucite.

Wanting to look to nature for inspiration I set on a path to carve a perfect pansy using fluorescent colors to accentuate the detail.

Tropical birds dangle Mother of Pearl doublets from their beaks.

Four weeks ago I received an email that  prompted me to do a double take… I was invited to the White House to meet the Obamas.

They were having their Memphis Soul Night which showcased… Mavis Staples, Queen Latifah, Justin Timberlake, Alabama Shakes, Cyndi Lauper, Sam Moore, Booker T. Jones, Charlie Musselwhite and Ben Harper.

The event was powerful to me on so many levels so, I will list them:

First of all, How AMAZING is it to be recognized by the President and First lady??!!!!

My Mom was over the moon……which made me happy and my Dad was not too far behind her.

It also meant a ton, since we still produce in the US and are one of the last 5% of fashion houses to still produce in the U.S.

It was incredible to see these Memphis stars from the 60′s and 70′s perform, mostly African Americans in front of an African American President. I have gotten comfortable to seeing him on TV etc. but it’s so powerful to witness it in a small confined space. Mavis Staple was so moved by singing to the First Family.

I got to sit directly behind the President, First Lady and family- I could see their heads bob to the music. AMAZING!

Not to mention watching what a strong union the family shares. That was inspiring beyond belief.

I was with an amazing crew, Jenna Lyons, Prabal Ghurung, Rachel Roy, Mary Alice Stephenson, Bibhu Mohapatra and Courtney Crangi.

After the event we all went out with Michelle Obama’s peeps for dinner.

Overall I was incredibly grateful to have been included in such an incredible evening.

Here are some pictures from the night- it’s also going to air on T.V. on PBS Tuesday, April 16, 2013.

Prabal supporting me as president…

Cindy Lauper, Justin Timberlake, Queen Latifah, Sam Moore on stage

Sam Moore singing.

Queen Latifah and the back of the President’s head!

The Alabama Shakes!

As Elements transforms she becomes more playful while staying rooted in antiquity and detail. This season I started with subtle hues of sunsets and water; looking for color combinations that are soothing while still juxtaposed and have texture.

 The stones are surrounded by chaotic woven gold “thread”, small crystals are embedded in swirls of gold.

Crystal encrusted Monkeys are playfully swinging with stones, holding ropes of chain and surrounded by pastel custom cut blue quartz.

Butterflies on Chinese cherry blossoms are encased in Lucite, like they have been captured in delicate transparent nets. Beetles are resting on ponds.

Crystal vines are accented with with gentle thorns and ombred purple flowers.

As much as I’m horrified to admit, I have it in me to become a pet hoarder.

I’m a total sucker for a stray animal and always have been.

The North Shore Animal League   has a van, that they park in my neighborhood. It’s become my adult ice cream truck. I go and look at the animals and try to justify adding to my menagerie of pets, which so far includes Winnie and Habibi. I haven’t broken down yet, but, I do donate money to them.

I’m impressed by the care the volunteers give to the pets, who have been saved from one horrible tragedy to another.

If you ever want to get rid of some loose change or some larger bills….look them up! They do an amazing job.  And just to make it a little easier for you… click here: North Shore Animal League

I’ve grown up with Therry Mugler. Mugler stood for 80′s clean modernism, angles and beautiful fabrics.

Nicola Formechetti and I have collaborated a lot over the years. We have mostly worked designing custom pieces for Lady Gaga. This time we came together to work on the Mugler Collection which Nicola is currently designing for.

We worked at creating sculptural pieces that define modernism and physics. The mood was late 1960′s, Airplanes, and retro 80′s. There was an earring that looks like it was suspended in air, a metallic ear lobe and metallic ball necklaces in high shine rhodium with extra high polish finish to create a mirror effect.

  Here is our sketch, Nicola’s sketch and the actual piece

Some looks from the Mugler FW 13 runway show

Read more:

Elle.com

wwd.com

wwd.com slideshow

See the full Mugler collection: Style.com

Here is an article that just came out in Beirut, Lebanon.

Its pretty all encompassing.

Last week, I hosted the New Now Next Awards for some of the best up and coming fashion designers at The Box.

I got a chance to test out my horrible oratory skills and at the same time give back to young designers.

Congratulations to the award winners; Ann Yee, Jonny Cota of Skingraft, Chris Habana, Kolt Blaze, Jelena Abbou.

Below are some pics of the night.