Hola calabacita, do you believe in the power of Fall? I do. I think Autumn always brings big shifts into my life.
There is a Fall song my toddler loves: we shake an apple tree as hard as we can until, one by one, all the apples fall. I feel like that tree. A lot of shaking, a lot of old "truths" falling down. And while I'm feeling a little shaken up, I'm also hopeful that letting go will make space for new growth. I can't wait to see how that reflects on my work.
Speaking of new things... My book Dressing Up the Stars, written by Jeanne Walker-Harvey, came out a few weeks ago! Very timely, I might add, since today October 28th is the birthday of costume designer Edith Head.
Happy birthday, Edith!
Edith Head was a one-of-a-kind creative force and I'm proud to have shared her story. She was talented, brave, persistent and she dared to dream big. If you don’t know much about her, you are missing out!
Here are my suggestions for a proper Edith Head celebration:
Watch old Hollywood movies that she worked on.
To Catch a Thief, directed by Alfred Hitchcock is a good place to start. – The blue dress that Grace Kelly dress wore is so spectacular that I had to include it in the book!
Other films with spectacular designs are: Roman Holiday, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Sunset Boulevard, White Christmas and Rear Window.
Do an internet search for “horned toads”.
These funny looking creatures live in the desert and are beyond cute. Edith loved them and used to create costumes for them when she was a kid.
Listen to some old interviews.
These two are great: Edith Head (1978) From the Videofashion Vault, and Edith Head shows some of her most famous gowns worn by legends.
One of the things Edith says in her interviews is that her job is not fashion, but telling a story. She could create all kinds of clothes for all kinds of characters. Below is Dorothy Lamour with the sarong Edith designed for her, and a cowboy inspired in John Wayne.
Read the picture book DRESSING UP THE STARS!
I have a lot to say about the process of making this book... But I'll save it for next time. For now, I hope you'll enjoy the book trailer.
P.S: Thanks to Mr Schu Reads for doing our cover reveal. Thanks to KidLit TV for hosting the Book Trailer Premiere. And many thanks to all the readers buying this book and sharing photos & reviews! I'm beyond grateful.