Kathleen Marie Couture .com is Live! New Blog Coming Soon!

Dear Friends,

Finally, My new and improved site is live!
Please check out KathleenMarieCouture.com
I anticipate moving my blog over to that site soon...
I will keep you posted...

Meanwhile...
Check out a new article about me and my art here at
EGL magazine..Kathleen Marie Couture

Enjoy the coming spring!

Pop Portraits.. Haute Art of Pete Burns, 80's music and Fashion Icon! Original available NOW!

Dear Friends, I just recently finished a few paintings... teaching myself acrylics and colour mixing! Hoping to graduate to oils again, but they are soooooo expensive to play with...! I will be releasing new paintings this year to help pay for supplies and a class or two. Please help support the arts and buy some prints or an original painting! Your patronage is much appreciated!! Available for auction on EBAY HERE! Inspired by one of my inspirations, Pete Burns of Dead or Alive... I decided to paint a portrait of him... "rebel rebel" is 30" x 42" framed with a gorgeous black and burgundy distressed baroque frame. mixed media ( mostly acrylics) on linen portrait canvas mounted on board.

I will be releasing a few more pop portraits to practice my skills.. Contact me if you are interested in a particular pop or movie star... Here's to a Lovely New Year!! xxx KM

Tea and Strumpets.. New art from Kathleen Marie!

Dear Friends, Blissfully (and rather furiously), I am getting all the paintings and prints ready for my gallery exhibit! I am one of those people that gets an incredible amount of work done under pressure. Inspired by Victorian Morals, French Poetry, and Pop Culture Fashion.. These lovely ladies are waiting for their frames..:

I am so thrilled to announce a solo exhibit of my work in upstate NY..!! Please join me if you will be in the area.. Opening Reception, Saturday November 19, 2011 6-10 pm Artist will be in attendance, refreshments will be served. Darkside Records and Gallery 782 Main St. Poughkeepsie NY 12601 (845) 452-8010 Here is the announcement!

www.DarksideRecordsandGallery.com I will be doing some limited edition fine art prints from these original paintings, so stay posted. ( or better yet, join my mailing list.. hint hint! ( here)!) Thank you for your continued support xoxoox Kathleen Marie

NYC Comic Con 2011

Dear Friends, In the eve of a nearing mini art show of my illustrations and paintings, I had the sublime pleasure of meeting one of my artistic Heroines; Olivia de Berardinis. Me( left) and Olivia (right)

I never had any formal drawing classes, ( until college!) but taught myself from 2 figure drawing books my Mom bought me at Michaels arts and crafts. Those books were excepts from Andrew Loomis' famous Figure Drawing book(s).In high school I spent most of my time drawing elaborately costumed people, and situations. I will always consider it my first love....

Growing up in the 90's, Olivia's Bettie Page illustrations were gorgeous, and elusive! I remember seeing them at alternative record stores and boutiques around the west coast. My complaint.. they were so SMALL. Only greeting card size...I wanted a full poster!
I received one of her first books, "Let them eat Cheesecake" as a gift. It has served as my biblical reference for fantastical figurative drawing, along with books by Andrew Loomis. Both are masters of the female form, and represent an unparelled reality that is more beautiful than anything you can imagine. I adore how both these artists have an intuitive sense of beauty, grace, and harmony that is absolutely flawless. They exaggerate reality, and make it even more beautiful and sublime/

NYC has Comic Con every year.. this is first year I have gone. I had a lovely time! I even bought the re-issued "Drawing the head and Hands" by Loomis, and ( of course) Olivia's new book "Malibu Cheesecake" as souvenirs! I've enclosed some highlights...Keep in mind, I don't watch TV, so some of this is totally alien to me. #1- The best couple is: This sweet girl and her Prince Charming. They were so cute.

#2- The Haz Mat team. Pretty awesome to see this. They look serious. Seriously.

#3-Just Dance. There were a few of these sound stages. And all sorts of folks dancing on them whilst watching a screen that tells you what to do. ( like simon says, sort of.) It made me laugh hysterically! I saw the Joker bust a MC Hammer move, which blew my mind. Thank you Thank you Thank you Mr. Inventor of this. I couldn't stop smiling. Everyone was having a great time making an ass out of themselves. ( ps Alice-in-Wonderland-blue-long-dress girl did a fab job too!)

#4 WTF. Not sure. Creepy. Gargantuan yellow inflatable with no pupils. Wierd 2 year old toddler in a bunny suit with fangs bursting out of it's head ala Alien style. Strange unicorn shape morphing out of its side. Really really wierd. And a large line waiting for it, by it, near it....

Interview with Kathleen Marie Couture

Dear Friends, I thought you might enjoy this... A few weeks ago I had the lovely opportunity to be a featured artist
at Art Alive Astoria. ( in Astoria Queens, NYC).

I had a lovely lovely time..

Here's a link to one of the interviews I granted that evening..
k a t h l e e n m a r i e !

Sublime Fanciness Prevails!
xoxx
Kathleen Marie

Couture Fashion Portraits.. Second Set Available!

Dear Friends... The Second and final set of the "Beautiful and Damned Collection is available now.. For a limited time, purchase 4 prints and get the 5th print free!! CLICK HERE FOR PRINTS!

18th Century Wig : La Du Barry!

Dear Friends,
Announcing a new wig style, just in time for Halloween!! 'La Du Barry', named for the King's Favourite Mistress.... Featuring a sky high pompadour, 3 side rolled curls, and a long feminine barrel curled back. Available in black, white/ivory, and auburn. Powdered or unpowdered!

Available HERE! Thee black modelle shown is in stock now! Hurry before someone else snaches it up! ( I can add powder to it if you wish for an additional fee). Vive Le Reine!

Kathleen Marie

Kathleen Marie Couture Featured in Gothic Beauty Magazine #34!

Dear Friends,

I was recently interviewed by Gothic Beauty magazine...It is now available for
pre-order here... GOTHIC BEAUTY.
In the interview I discuss my personal creative process, who my 'muses' are,
what it's like to work with international model and actress Aprella, alternative fashion and style 'before' Tim Burton, and who I am dying to work with in the future..

Plus there should be a beautiful pictorial editorial!!

Fleurishes,

Kathleen

Rococo Couture! New! One of A Kind Designer Corset Gowns from Kathleen Marie Couture!

Dear Friends,

I have released 3 new gowns as of late.. All appearing in the Antoinette's Atelier Etsy store..


The Fleur De Lys:


A stunning antique gold damask corset gown with festoons of tulle and velvet ribbons!



The Red Velvet Pouff:


A beautiful corset style gown with bustle back,
made from'taffeta changeant' with hints of plum and dusty pink,
antique red velvet ribbons, and red velvet bow.


The Rococo Pierrot:


Another corset style gown with a tulle bustle back,
made from 'taffeta changeant' with hints of taupe and dusty pink,
antique style black and pink Chantilly lace with a Rococo pattern,
dusty pink ribbons abound the lace up back.

Remember, these corset gowns are all handmade, One Of A Kind, and completely original and unique!
Vive Le Rococo Couture!

Diary of a Dress..PT 2 Kathleen Marie Couture's John Galliano~Christian Dior Couture Tribute Gown

Dear Friends,

I have tried to document the process of making a masterpiece!
This gown is dedicated to John Galliano and the House of Dior... He was such a huge inspiration to me as an artist and designer.

Inspiration: Dior, my ballet pink portieres from my new studio, Haute Couture
and the grandeur there of...

As seen in the previous post, I sketched a facsimile,
of the silhouette I was hoping to create.
As you can see by the sketch, the gown has a corset style bodice with ornamentation,
full tulle skirt, and sleeves.
I then added miscellanous styling details...
( please refer back if you need to).

Now, On With The Show!!!

Figure 1- Assistants and Support Crew!



You MUST have the right assistants. This is imperative! The have to be loyal, supportive,
sweet, yet independent. Please meet my two assistants. ( who are anxious to get started!)
left- Mr. P right- Princess Lulu



Figure 2- The right materials!




I like to stockpile materials. Like ammo. Its your best weapon against mediocrity.
I find it helps negate that 'contrived' feeling, that you can always pick out in
mass market gowns, and even at NYC fashion week shows!
This is HAUTE COUTURE Hudson Valley Style, so let's Bring It!

1- Vintage French velvet ribbon in red and redder
2- Vintage 'antique satin' in dusty peach pink. These were old 'portieres' ( draperies)
and I washed and distressed the fabric
3-Black medium weight 'siri' woven interfacing. Great for backing and supporting fabrics for more body and strength.
4-White medium/heavy weight 'haroform' woven interfacing. Very stable, sized interfacing. Again, great for structure and support, esp of corset style bodices.
5-Netting. Stiff 'diamond' net. I ended up using an entire ROLL of this for the petticoat, which I pleated.
6- French Alencon Re-Embroidered Lace, re-embroidered and beaded. With a touch of
gorgeous ballet pink to it. For ornamentation

Not pictured- My 3 bolts of tulle for the over skirt, and the dusty pink Bengaline
I used as the petticoat.




Figure 3- Pleats Please.




Pleating the Petticoat. Since I wanted an 18th century pannier style fullness,
I did not place ruffles all around the petticoat. I focused the volume on the sides.




Figure 4- I Stand Alone Amongst My Contemporaries.


Yes, The petticoat has around 50 yards of ruffles. And Yes, It stands up by itself !!!


Coming soon... Part 3 Diary of a Dress with Kathleen Marie Couture!!

Diary of a Dress.. Kathleen Marie Couture's John Galliano~Christian Dior Couture Tribute Gown

Dear Friends,

In accordance with John Galliano's departure from French Couture House, Christian Dior,
I have dedicated the gown I was working on at the time to him.

Galliano was SUCH a huge inspiration to me as an artist and designer.His reoccurring French revoutionary themes in his shows, his lavish masterpiece theatre couture theatrics, just marvelousness upon marvelousness!

With the departure of three of the greatest designers in fashion in last few years,
( Christian Lacroix, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano)
it really makes one wonder about the next realm? Or if there is even one worth mentioning?

That said, here are the illustrations of my "Le Dior est Morte!Vive Dior!" gown.
I will post pictures of part of the process as well, as it is always so interesting
to see the process of creation.





ps: I recently came across "Christian Dior" roses! Apparently these fragrant red roses (named for the original Christian Dior), debuted in the 1950's. Of course I promptly bought all in stock and will be planting these beauties in my ever growing rose garden!

Fleurishes!
Kathleen

The Palest Pink Pierrot-ette..Rococo Photo Shoot du Jour!

Dear Friends,
Here are two new images from the Rococo photo shoot I just finished.







credits are as follows:

model: Miss Anna Boman
mua, couture, styling, photography, hair: Kathleen Marie


These images will be available as prints in the coming months,
as well as the wig style and the one of a kind corset and French lace gown.
( all available at www.AntoinettesAtelier.com)

More photos still to come!

Enchanted Evenings,
K. Marie

Fine Art Fashion Prints Are Available! First set Special Edition!

Dear Friends,

FINALLY! I have prints available of one of my photo shoots!

The first edition is "Miss Aprella 'Lacroix et la Pompadour', a
loving tribute to one of my favourite french couture designers,
Christian Lacroix, and also to 18th century luminary, Madame de Pompadour.

The first five prints are being sold as a 'Special Edition' complete
with a Rococo hand painted frame in your choice of two colours.
( frame available is not the one pictured here).
The image is roughly 8x10, the frame, 9 x12.

These prints are printed using the finest printing process for fine art replication;
the giclee process. The inks are outstanding and archival, the paper
is equally as outstanding, being Somerset Velvet stock.

LIMITED availability..

Miss Aprella is Available Here.

Fleurishes!,

Kathleen

Haute Rococo du jour photo shoot, Limited Edition Fine Art Prints available!.. coming soon!

Dear Friends,

My absence from my blog, and also my email list is really quite sincere!
I promise!

I have been working on a gown that rivals all at the ball,
as well as a new Rococo Marie Antoinette photo shoot..

Just a few more days and soon things will start being revealed!
But as a bit of a chineur...
My concept sketches for the shoot..






Until Soon,

Kathleen

Kathleen Marie Couture Article at Fangirtastic..

Dear Friends,

I have just been alerted to an article on my work..Although it is a bit old,
it is still relevant to my art!

Please enjoy it here: Kathleen Marie Couture.

Enjoy your evening!


Kathleen Marie

Venice Carnival! 18th Century Wigs and Couture Costumes off to Italy!!

Dear Friends,

It is that gorgeously ornate time of the year... Almost time for Carnivale ( carneval, carnevale however you wish to spell it..) in Venice, Italy.

I am so fortunate to have several customers from the United states and Europe
waltzing around the grand balls in Venice in my work.




The beautiful photograph above is courtesy of a lovely customer. She is wearing a custom 18th century Rococo powdered wig by Antoinette's Atelier NY.
Photo by David Rose, model: Ariel


It reminds me of one of my major goals for this year.. To get some ballgowns
out there for sale. After working in the NYC garment center for almost a decade,
I have some of the MOST beautiful fabrics and trims.. and now that I have
a bigger and better studio space, I can build more costumes and gowns.

I hope to be able to go to Venice in 2012.. Here's to 18th century inspired gowns and gorgeousness!

Fleurishes,
Kathleen Marie

On Copyright Infringment, and the Rights of Artists!

Dear Friends,

It has recently come to my attention my images have been/ are being stolen
and used for personal gain. ( Including changing my watermark).....

If imitation is said to be flattering, what is blatant stealing? Punishable by DEATH
perhaps?

Please know that all of the images posted here on my blog, on my websites,
and on etsy.com are almost all my exclusive copyright. ( If there is another photographer involved, they are credited.)

I will take legal action against the guilty parties, and please, if you see ANYONE
using my images ( in any form), PLEASE let me know.

My heartfelt thanks go out to the few who have kindly alerted me to the issue, and
are helping me resolve the problem...

I am still settling my new studio, and starting to work on some new work...
I will be posting again soon!

Have a lovely evening!

Kathleen

La Aprella! Couture Photo shoot with Aprella!

Dear Friends,

On the eve of my switching studios, I have to keep creative! Packing up all my painting and sewing supplies have really made me a bit anxious and distressed.

So.. time for a new photo shoot!

Fashion Modelle: the sublimely beautiful Aprella!
La Maquillage:the talented Sequinette Jaynesfield




Vintage "La Croix" style hat( pictures above), and costume jewelry courtesy
of Laché et Occupé, NYC, Vintage clothing, and accoutrements, NYC.
For purchase details, please contact Jessica@LacheEtOccupe.com

All couture, wigs, styling and photography by Kathleen Marie Couture

And a New wig style! The "La Aprella" wig is a Gorgeous pink Marie Antoinette
style powdered wig, complete with ornate black wrought iron birdcage and bird!
I have named it after one of my favourite models, Aprella!

This wig is a limited edition of 10, birds are limited to styles on hand and may be different than the one pictured. Please see my etsy store for more details.

As Ever,

Thank You all for your patronage and support!

Fleurishes!

Kathleen

New Rococo Photo Shoot: The Look of Love Part 1 and 2!

Dear Friends,

I admit I am a bit behind..
The Dances Of Vice "Swan Lake Masquerade Ball"
was this past weekend at Galapagos Art Space here in NYC.

I didn't get much sleep beforehand, as I was working on the small vignette
I presented "Le Cygne de Morte Noir", or "The Dying Black Swan".

I just received some photographs , and they are lovely indeed!!
But I must catch up and
present the lovely images from a shoot I took in the middle of April.

Without further ado; here is the Look of Love parts One and Two!




Model is: Anna
All clothing-makeup-styling-photos by Kathleen Marie

Fleurishes!

KM

Kathleen Marie Couture for Antoinette's Atelier at the Dances of Vice "Swan Lake Masquerade Ball" April 30, 2010 NYC

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to officially announce my participation in the Dances of Vice event
"The Swan Lake Masquerade Ball"
on Friday, April 30, 2010 at Galapagos Art Space, Brooklyn NYC.

I will be presenting a small, yet lovely,
ballet vignette representing the "Dying Black Swan"
or more appropriately in french "le cygne de morte noir".
There will be some lovely ballet costumes and some beautiful wigs and
pretty, prettier, prettiest models involved!

Including the amazingly talented
JeniViva of Mystical Hips Bellydance,a gothic belly dance troupe,
Fashion Model and Muse to Most if not All Artists of Note:Aprella,
The Beautiful Burlesque Beauty Pandora,
And last but not least, in-house model and muse, androgyne extraordinaire Falon.

Please come and dress exceptionally!

The other performers are also quite noteworthy, including live harpsichord music
from Mistress of Harpsichord,
a ballet from Company XIV, a baroque dance troupe,
and Opera from some lovely ladies "The Charities Baroque Trio".

I have much work to do! Forgive me if I don't update as I should!

Here's to making Christian Lacroix proud!


K. Marie