rev. dr. martin luther king jr. day

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, today. Photos by Carl Posey.

Let's celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day! As we do every year here on the IdilVice blog. But now we have an African American president. When Barack Obama was elected in November 2008 and then sworn in in January 2009, many have seen it as MLK's dream finally coming true and in a way it was.

MLK Statue in front of Browns Chapel in Selma, Alabama, today. Photos by Carl Posey.



Dr.King's Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, today. Photo Carl Posey.

I remember the feeling of joy, sheer disbelieve and tears of happiness of so many that election day. I was up in Harlem that day and I won't forget it. There is much work left to be done however. Still a long road ahead.

The Jefferson Davis Highway, US Highway 80, where civil rights marchers trudged along on their way to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965, today... Photo Carl Posey.

...and in 1965.


Rosa L. Parks Ave today... (photo by Carl Posey)


... and Rosa L. Parks being fingerprinted in 1965 after her refusal to move to the back of the bus, which touched off the bus boycott of Montgomery.


How things were then...


...how things are today, photo by Carl Posey.


"They say that freedom is a constant struggle..." A quote of Bob Mants, Lowndes County, Alabama, resembles the truth. Photos by Carl Posey.

I am trying to do my part. I designed some civil rights fashion so that we can keep the dream alive every day, today and in the future! MLK Life Cover Skirt, Malcolm X Skirt, MLK "I Still Have A Dream" Skirt.

carl posey shop

It was only going to be a matter of time until I persuaded photographer Carl Posey to open up an online shop, and guess what people? It has happened! The shop is open and you can now own a piece of history. Be it in the fields of music, celebrities, portraits, documentary, art, pop art or fine art, it's accessible to you in a click.

...slick rick portrait photo by carl posey...

Check it out and make sure to check back on a regular basis, because we are adding cool Carl Posey branded products daily. In the works are more framed art, posters, greeting cards, fashion for woman and men, T-shirts and more!

...tha alkaholiks at keith haring's pop shop photographed by carl posey...

While Carl is shooting assignments and working on his blog, I am designing some really cool clothing which will be the platform for some of my favorites Carl Posey images (it's an exclusive cooperation between two artists), my favorite so far is the Biggie Notorious BIG dress, it's cool beyond comprehension! The iconic picture, which was exhibited at the Whitney Museum of Art in a show curated by Thelma Goldin, shows Biggie surrounded by his posse, holding a gun to his comrades head while donning a hyper-mad expression - knowing the rappers tragic fate - is mind boggling and in my book an absolute Must-Have!

the future of fashion

I am currently partaking in a great discussion on Linkedin about the future of the fashion market:

Is today's fashion consumer driven more by discounts or does unique, quality product still have a chance to sell at regular retail prices?

With fashion retailers and wholesalers dealing with a difficult global economy, increasing the challenge to move inventories, have they educated the consumer to seek out or wait for "the deal" and only buy off price, or is it just that there isn't much exciting being offered to entice consumers to spend at regular prices?
In today's fashion market there are more brands than ever before, but you could probably count on two hands the number of truly unique styles being created and offered by most brands.
It probably doesn't help that most brands are available at places like Century 21, TJ Maxx, Gilt.com, etc. for up to 75% off...all year long.
Have fashion brands and retailers created this dilemma?

Read all these interesting comments and comment yourself - I did!

elvis herselvis

...elvis herselvis (leigh crow) performing in san francisco, photos by carl posey...

At first I though it was a joke when Carl told me about "Elvis Herselvis", a supposed female Elvis impersonator from San Francisco. "Yeah O.K., how good can she be?", she sure ain't gonna be toppling over El Vez (one of my favorite Elvis impersonators, a Mexican American, who's show I watch here in NY every year around X-mas time) or - mind you - Elvis himslevis (a.k.a. Elvis Aaron Presley), well that would be an impossible task, knowing that he is THE undisputed King of Rock 'N' Roll.



Once I took a good look, I realized that I had yet more Elvis content for my blog. It's Elvis b'day week and I don't mind to "elvisoverdose".

...elvis herselvis portrait by carl posey...

The inimitable Crow still performs as Elvis Herselvis on occasion as well sings, acts and performs regularly; including performing with the all female rockabilly band called The Mighty Slim Pickins. She says: "Straight men are very intimidated by a woman impersonating Elvis. It is one of the last bastions of masculinity - the right to "do" Elvis. I personally think he was very queeny, in the 1950’s he wore make-up and pink, on stage when that was unheard of behaviour for a straight man."



Elvis Herselvis identifies as a "Female Elvis Impersonator" and "Drag King" and has been evoking the King of Rock and Roll for several years. "Elvis Herselvis & the Straight White Males" were one of the most original and innovative Elvis impersonation acts, recalling Elvis Presley with her sensuous vibrato, while wiping the sweat from her brow with the panties of devoted fans. The performer even "satirizes Elvis impersonators and includes in her act a discussion of Elvis's drug problem and sexual proclivities." Crow's uncanny portrayal has made her a popular entertainer in the alternative cabaret circuit in America. In 1993, she also toured Australia.

...photography by carl posey...

And so we keep loving, celebrating and impersonating Elvis... even if we are female.

best of elvis

...elvis photo heart pillow...

Happy Birthday Elvis! To celebrate The King of Rock 'N' Roll's special day, I'll dish out the best IdilViceFashionRocks Elvis Clothing designs that I've done in the past few years. A retrospective of Elvis tribute fashions and accessories of sorts - Elvis galore - in one exclusive post - with photography by Carl Posey - heya! - That's gonna be a lot of fun!

...elvis/levis logo stretch satin bustier top worn with elvis dance graphic slacks, photos by carl posey...

You're in Memphis? Step by Graceland and pose in front of the famous gates! Or anywhere else in the world? Enjoy the Elvis Fashion Show right here: "Ta taaa!" As an additional tribute and to get you in a swingy mood, I added my favorite Elvis song to the IdilVice play list this week, enjoy!

...elvis portrait satin dandy baseball jacket (worn backwards), elvis dance graphic slacks...

Now that's how you celebrate the king! I have a feeling you can't get enough of Elvis - who can?! - just stop by the Elvis Clothing Category or gaze over some Elvis sketches and drawings for more inspiration. But now, a little less talk and more fashion please!

...elvis dance graphic slacks worn with elvis/levis logo stretch satin bustier top...

...elvis rockabilly petticoat skirt, photos by carl posey...

...idilvice wearing the elvis portrait sweater and moschino wool slacks, photo by carl posey...

...elvis photo portrait silk satin fringed opera scarf/wrap...

...elvis hawaii gown, photos by carl posey...

...one of a kind elvis us army photo gold lame dress (private collection), photo carl posey...

...elvis skinny stretch satin rouched pants, photo carl posey...


...elvis day glow gipsy dress (left), elvis green portrait skirt (right)...

Elvis lives in my pop art photo fashion line. Read more Elvis posts.

happy new millennium

A Happy New Year 2010 everybody! I like how 2010 looks. And feels so far. The numbers looks so futuristic.

I think we are indeed finally transitioning into the New Millennium. Foods are getting healthier (ever seen a Pepperidge Farm loaf without artificial color, flavors and preservatives and no high fructose corn syrup, lots of fiber and lower sodium, spiced with natural sea salt?) This is 2010 ladies and gentlemen and we don't take s***t anymore. Companies are quickly turning things around and cater to the new found consciousness.

It also seems like we are at least trying to cut emissions and save the globes trouble with warming. Affordable health care may be soon available for everybody in America... but we are all still trying to understand exactly what else is happening and changing and where it's all heading. For what it's worth, even I am struggling to find my way. But there, I do see a light at the end of the tunnel!

I see how we are going to find our way through all the commotion, uncertainty, hardship and of course the billions of tweets and comments and email messages and we'll even soon be a able to navigate prominently and confidently that ever changing world, the internet. It's here to stay and we better figure out how it all works and what it offers and how we can make a use of it. Now.

So I am happy to say: Welcome to the New Millennium and Happy New Millennium to you!

relax and bake

That's right, relax....... You don't have to run around like crazy during the last days of the year. Bake some cookies, enjoy your tree, listen to easy listening, go for walks in the snow or just chill!



My grandmother who was from Basel always made a variety of cookies and stored them in the dark cellar for freshness. They where there protected from the heat and the light but certainly not from our hungry children mouths! Then again, that is what cookies are here for. To be eaten.

So whenever she sent one of us down there to make a cookie plate, it was an adventure! Nicely stacked and packed into different tins covered with silk paper. Tons and tons of cookies! There were Mailänderli, Brunzli, Zimtsterne, Anisbrötli, Spitzbuebe and many more Swiss traditional cookies. Did we know that we were privileged to taste them all? No.

Nowadays with my grandmother gone, I can always call on my mother who continues the traditions of baking and knows most of those recipes by heart. I guess my favorite would be the Zimtsterne cookie - a cinnamon star cookie - it's something out of this world - You've got to try it!

Here are the ingredients you need to make 40-50 biscuits:

3 Egg whites
A pinch of salt
300g Powder sugar (0.7lb)
1 1/2 - 1 3/4 Tbs Cinnamon powder
1 - 1 1/2 Tbs Kirsch
350g Finely ground almonds (0.8lb)
3/4 Tbs Lemon zest
A bit of plain flour

1. In a bowl, whisk the egg whites with the salt until stiff and standing up in well-defined peaks.
2. Sieve the sugar and progressively incorporate it in the egg whites while continuously beating.
3. Set aside 1/2 cup of this mixture for the icing (at the end).
4. Add the cinnamon and kirsch to the leftover egg mixture.
5. Delicately incorporate the almonds and lemon zest to the mixture and "knead" very lightly.
6. Roll the pastry (1/3inch thickness) on a floured surface.
7. Cut out stars using a cookie cutter.
8. Place the cut out shapes on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
9. Brush with the leftover 1/2 cup icing mixture (see point 3) and refrigerate.
10. Cook in a preheated oven 250°C (500°F) for 3-5 minutes.
11. Detach delicately with a spatula.

I enjoy them at any time of the day (pretty healthy snack besides all the sugar) alone or with a hot chocolate, coffee or tea!

my 2009 tribute to that taco bell dog

At the end of each year, tributes are usually paid to the ones that passed away or the few who did something ground breaking. As always, there are many things to be remembered about 2009, but - understandably - I didn't want to go through all of it here... Now, I previously stated that I am not in particular a dog lover or anything, but there are a rare couple of times when I talk about dogs, cute ones that is. So at the very end of this year 2009, my tribute goes to Gidget, that tiny dog famous for appearing in all the Taco Bell commercials - yes, he's dead.

Gidget - think gadget - appeared a few times on IdilViceFashionRocks clothing (the pictured Taco Bell Sweater below unfortunately has long sold out and is indefinitely out of print) because I felt he rocked, in some ways... He was cute as heck wasn't he? Or she, excuse me.

...idilvice wearing the taco bell sweater with gidget as a mexican revolutionary in a beret...

...all these incredible photos are by carl posey...

Althought Gidget had a few stand-ins during his modeling years, we loved him because he was a Mexican revolutionary wearing a beret or a bandido wearing a sombrero. His advertising catch-phrase was "¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!" ("I want Taco Bell!" or "I love Taco Bell!")

Gidget grew popular, so much so that toy figures of the dog were produced, and "Yo quiero (X)" became a recognized piece of pop culture. The dog also started another catch phrase: "Drop the chalupa!" Wewh - I almost started eating that stuff after that, honestly.




This dog even had a noted crossover with my favorite monster in the 1998 Godzilla film! Anyway, not sure if Gidget ate that Taco Bell stuff herself but on or around July 21, 2009 he was euthanized after suffering a massive stroke. Oh... he was only 15 years old. But hey, we had him!





R.I.P. Gidget!

holidays à la swiss miss

...martina struck pictured with her alphorn and idilvice in the meat packing district on a recent photo shoot for schweizer illustrierte (switzerland's people magazine)...

Correct. Martina and I, we're both Swiss misses. We found each other here, far away from our homeland, by chance and due to the fine ear and thanks to the good old American forwardness of my hubby Carl, who instantly recognized Martina's Swiss accent - unmistakably standing out - and said "Grüezi!"

So we learned that Martina is not only Swiss, she even owns an Alphorn and knows how to play it. Well, that's an understatement! Being the president of the International Alphorn Society, which mission it is to enrich lives by providing opportunities to develop and encourage a greater appreciation of the Alphorn though instructions and performance, Martina Struck, together with her production staff, arranged a booklet containing sheet music of the most beautiful melodies of the season for the quartet with some duet opportunities. This collection of European/American Christmas/Chanukah songs is believed to be the first of its kind.

So there you go - Swiss miss or not - check out how holidays blend with Alphorns in this repertoire, or download some Alphorn tunes.

...alphorns rock! martina with alphorn dressed in a traditional zürich uniform (zürcher tracht) and idilvice in a rolling stones dress from the fashion rocks collection...

in work mode flirting with holidays

It's so close to the holidays now and many of my colleagues and friends have already departed and if they aren't getting ready to board a plane they'll hit the road to go to where they're spending those last days of the year - kinda glad this one's over, aren't you? Not me though, I mean, I am not hitting the road just yet, I am still in work mode, editing photos from our late night shoots in the studio and the Meat Packing District (I told you about the discovery of all the murals there).

monique wears an idilvicefashionrocks madonna skirt $75, ralph lauren tuxedo blazer $650, helmut lang v-neck tee $80, repetto sandals $335 and rick owens leggings $495, hat & jewelry stylist's own. photo by carl posey.

I am in love with this photo, without exaggeration. It really makes me feel like I did my part to close this season in a fine way! I feel fulfilled, ready to stretch out and indulge in some time off, soon anyway. Like I usually do. What might be on my plate this time around?



A holiday in far and away Thailand?

...idilvice in bankok, thailand, dressed in vintage...

Maybe even a trip to the beautiful, historic Catalonian city Barcelona? No wait - How about ancient Egypt? Cairo!

...idilvice in cairo, egypt, dressed in vintage...

Well, I won't give it away...

...idilvice in barcelona, spain, dressed in vintage...

...but I am flirting with holidays!

rock 'n' royalty

Readers of a recent article with the title "Rock Royalty Meets Authentic Royalty" were appalled by the fact that the New York Times readily included Lady Gaga in the exclusive league of rock royalty. In a comment the question was asked 'Which one of them is Lady Gaga?", which I thought was hilarious. Indeed, hard to tell. Both, the authentic royalty Queen Elisabeth II of England and the - O.K. - "not-just-yet-rock-royalty" Miss Germanotta from New York, widely know as Lady Gaga, seem to have applied the exact same shade of foundation and they both sport their hair white, straight and puffed up on the top and curly at the ends... also both favor a little glitter in their lives... even the red shade of their lipstick is a match!

So, can Lady Gaga be called rock royalty or not? Maybe today's rock stars have but 15 minutes of fame, so they have to become rock royalty faster?!

Lady Gaga was among the artists who were invited to entertain the queen at the Royal Variety Performance and she attended the event at Blackpool’s Opera House wearing a red PVC outfit and played her song “Speechless” on a piano supported by stilts.

If Lady Gaga is not rock royalty yet, then she sure is familiar with rock royalty's history, because she began her performance by telling the crowd: “Good evening Blackpool. Let me hear you rattle your jewelry.” A line originally invented by John Lennon.

Build your own opinion: Read my post Lady Gaga Raw.

ready to wear

It's always a nice feeling of accomplishment when the last touch is put on a garment. Finished! Ready to wear.


Now of course as long as this jacket is not sold and in my possession you can't keep me from adding something else. I was thinking to add this patch to the front... the order is placed, it just has to get here...



Don't you think it would give it the seal of approval of the hippies ? Of course it already has a hippie vibe without it (the colors, the texture of the woven fabric, the patch working, top stitching, the classic jacket pattern, etc.), but considering that the print depicts Madonna, some may be confused and hesitant to label it hippie.

I was very fortunate to find those sequin lined brass buttons! They really make the coat. Sometimes a garment does not come together until that last crucial detail is added. Read the beginning of how I got inspired to go ahead and make this jacket.

The creative process to get to something great in fashion is a constant tip toeing around in the unknown and uncertain. You've got to become open minded, self conscious and bold, make decisions, know when it's time to stop and when and where to make the cut. You bet, this can all go wrong, but when it's right, then there's that deserved feeling of accomplishment, which is so neat!

holiday feeling

It's no secret, we are reminded every day that it's that time of year again where the x-mas holiday celebrations are upon us and I must say I am feeling cozy and festive these days, especially since they are forecasting a few days of snow storms... Ahhh! There we go - I love Winter! So during times like these I like to come up with some garments and accessories that are making me feel... well, exactly that: cozy and festive!

Have a look at this evening pouch I just made...



It's a One-Of-A-Kind. The screen print depicts a woman in 1920's attire posing with a leopard. I found a very small batch of prints of different 1920's images, so there will be a couple of similar bags, but each and every one will be a different picture and they'll vary in sizes too. The color theme here is black, white, gray, rusty orange (dress), copper (glass beads), pearl gray (glass beads) and antique silver (chain).



It's kind of thought to accent an evening dress with some eclectic sparkle... it really works with any black dress. I even see an elegant pair of pants - wide leg, satin and a blouse or an evening top with some more beading accents perhaps? Crushed velvet in a jacket or coat, might be a good choice... anyhow, I just wanted to get in the mood a bit...



Of course, it's handmade. And it features an array of tiny little details which make this handbag so fabulous!

It's fully lined with a black on black patterned silk charmeuse and I added padding to give it a nice soft thickness. An inner small pocket comes in handy and the cotton crushed velvet backside brings that certain cozy vintage vibe and richness with it's texture. The silver gray and copper glass beaded fringe and a slippery snake chain strap add sparkle and last but certainly not least a smooth riri zipper for quick and easy access!




Yes, just simply a great piece to compliment and finish an evening look for years to come! Own this One Of A Kind...