Catherine Mintz

Furoshiki Into Two Handled Purse

A furoshiki is a square of cloth, in the case of this video silk, but most often cotton or hemp, that can be turned into various wrappings. It is the usual wrapping for a bento, in which case it often becomes a tablecloth.

The End of Gender?

Just one unusual example? But consider this article.

Putting On Geisha Makeup, Part Two

Having done the swallowtail at the back, she works on her neck at the front and then her face.

Putting On Geisha Makeup, Part One

The makeup geisha and maiko wear is intended to be like a mask: first, the base coat for the face and neck.

Kimono Dressing

Putting on a kimono is complicated and usually requires assistance.

LaCroix, Catwalk at the End of Time

Slated to close down everything but its licensing unless a buyer is found soon, LaCroix staged a show using fabric it already had on had and with shows and accessories donated by other concerns. The collection looked so wearable that people wondered why he had not done something like it before. Everywhere, black is the new black this year.

Chanel, Ready to Wear, Fall 2009

Chanel is sort of a chic uniform, and this attempt to appeal to its core customers and look new seems a bit strained. Good colors, though, and things real people can wear.

Balmain, Ready to Wear, Fall 2009

Nicely presented, but neither the designs, nor the recycled soundtrack, offer much that is fresh. Black, silver, and a bit of electric blue. Check the back of the closet.

Bojagi

There are more things to wrap packages and presents with than paper. Here's a Korean technique, using cloth. Recyclable, fast, and the end result speaks for itself.

Lacroix Files for Bankruptcy

A video from, at least outwardly, happier days. The designer represents the last of those in the couturier tradition, and is likely to see his name on rather different products from now on. He already designs under other names, like Pucci, and does interiors. But from now on, it may be ready-to-wear, perfume, handbags and the like.