The first film based on the life of famed music artist David Bowie. Stardust tells the story of the 24 year old musician before his debut in the United States. Directed by Gabriel Range starring Johnny Flynn.
Author: Editor
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Only 30 Days
The classic Aesop Fable of “The Ant and The Grasshopper” is about being prepared while the other played. Looking over the recent headlines, many have lived with the mentality of the Grasshopper. A complete lack of long term preparation for the winter. After only 30 days in lockdown many companies and brands have run out cash.
Conde Nast
Publisher Conde Nast announced cut backs, salary cuts, and furloughs for employees. The company will request aid from governments of several countries. CEO Roger Lynch’s letter to employees states “financial pressures” with an “altered trajectory”. Advertisement buys have tried up. Titles Vogue, Vanity Fair, Details struggle in free fall as riders desert print magazines. Before the Coronavirus publishing houses were in trouble, a failing business model in the Digital Age. Will any magazines recover from the shutdown? Certainly many will disappear, fewer editions. I buy Vogue, however, I get the feeling the world will not be so aspirational desiring to wear latest Balmain look.
Vicky
Today Victoria Beckham announced her fashion house will furlough all employees while applying for government aid! The UK taxpayer picks up 80% of her furloughed employees salaries. A smart and legal business move, but a bit galling. A few days ago the former Posh Spice and husband purchased a $20 million apartment in Miami.
I was thought to save for bad times. Keep 6 months saved up for a raining day. A Good Business practice, set aside money for a downturn. “Living The Best Years of My Life” translates “Live Now” because the Good Times last for ever. Live lavishly, display it all on social media.
Vicky carrying one of her many Birkin Bags. In February Vogue Editors stayed in Presidential Suites while attending Fashion Weeks. Reconciling this past lifestyle, suddenly asking for money.
When this pandemic comes to an end. The world will be a different place. One where “REALITY” is real.
I checked on family members the other day. Like everyone living in a lockdown, I reached out for a long conversation. Thankfully, everyone is OK.
Not The Place!
The talked shifted to malls and shopping. What happens for the re-openings? Macy’s, the mall staple, when I was young the department store was a first stop. According to my sister, not anymore. It’s no secret the chain has suffered over the years. But I had no clue how bad things had gotten. A backstory, management in the early part of the century went on a buying merging spree. Buying Federated Department Stores, then May Company creating a massive coast to coast power retail brand. The problem, shoppers shifted to online buying, brick and mortar stores felt old fashioned. Secondly, the company became highly leveraged. Unable to react quickly as customers left to other shopping experiences. The company made some concept store changes. Then announced more closures. Macy’s became a wondering company without a soul.
2+2
Back to the conversation with my sister, Shopping! I asked her about going to Macy’s. The “GOD NO” response said it all. Their shoe department is awful. Shoe are left out, stacked in boxes for you to get them yourself. Not even organized! There is no sales person. When in a service industry, cutting customer service seems the same as 2+2=3.
“They need new buyers because the clothes are bad. Who would want to wear anything? I stopped going to Macy’s a long time ago”. I got the perfect example of a lost retail customer because of the short sighted nature of those in charge.
I am writing this story based one of the retailers local store, not a flagship location. However this tale could be a gage for a wider picture. Macy’s has been in retreat mode for years posting erratic sales, falling numbers, and site closures.
If a store cannot entice my sister to buy a new pair of shoes. That says a lot!
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Ivanman Masks
Ivan of Ivanman 
The Pieces 
Mask Collection 
Mask on the Face 
Ivan at the sewing machine
The fashion world continues to respond to the world’s needs during this time of crisis.
Fashion Designer Ivan from fashion brand Ivanman decided to convert his Atelier to face mask production. Refashioned from industry materials, the pieces are colourful and expressive.
As the Coronavirus Lockdown exit strategies come in focus. Face masks maybe required accessories for leaving the home. This collection is designed and handmade in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district.
The Sewing Machine 
Materials 
Black Face Mask
I bought two face masks, one orange, the other pink.
For more information on Ivanman check his website.
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Music For Hope
Andrea Bocelli gave an Easter Concert for “Hope” in Milan Italy. In front of the famed Duomo. The tenor streamed the uplifting event of “Hope” via YouTube. Bonelli’s foundation is engaged in raising funds for hospitals. The accompaniment included AVA MARIE and AMAZING GRACE.
With Milan still in lockdown, this is an expression of “We Will Triumph Over This”. Yes, we will. Seeing Milan again is on my wish list.
Stay Positive! Stay Safe!
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Berlin’s New Normal
My second feature on the “NEW NORMAL” in Berlin. Normally bustling plazas and streets, now eerie silence. At Easter the city is usually teeming with tourists. This season all resembles a set from the television series “Black Mirror”. While riding around on my bike taking pictures, I could only shake my head.
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2 Moms in Los Angeles
Fashion Designer and Black and Paper contributor Elena Nazaroff along with her business partner, fashion model Yulia Dudenko produce Face Masks in their homes. As the Coronavirus continues to ravage the world, the need for these accessories is great. The two have stepped up production to meet increased demand.
I admire the ladies for a being a part of the solution.
Each 100% cotton mask is handmade with love. All materials used are sustainable.
STAY SAFE! STAY HEALTHY! Please obey your local authorities concerning lockdowns and issues related to the Coronavirus.
Black and Paper salutes all those working to keep society going in these times.
We will get through this. See you soon! Better times lie ahead.
To learn more about the Face Masks contact Black and Paper or @Elena or Nazaroff.
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Queens Speech
We wonder what is the purpose of the British Monarch? A gilded bubble, of an elite class. A relic from the Imperial Age of a fallen Empire. Queen Elizabeth’s speech last night put that to rest. When an American wants to hug a Union Jack, the emotional level was high. Inspiring. From Windsor Castle, the Royal head gave a speech drawn off her personal experience from the Blitz. Taking the phrase by Vera Lynn “We will overcome this” showed her mettle. A type of maternal assurance one gets the night before a test.
During her 5thnational address her majesty praised front line NHS workers battling Coronavirus. “Selfless” individuals appreciated and needed by the country. With 48.000 infected cases, 4.935 dead, the UK continues to reel from the pandemic. There will be hard times ahead. Daily life upended. Disruptions as the UK faces it biggest challenge since World War 2. Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted to the hospital with complications to Covid-19. But seeing the head of state in her 67thyear on the throne giving a composed address will be material for for leadership classes. Perhaps a certain US President should enroll now.
None are alone in this fight. A phrase from the address; “better days will return”. Indeed they will.
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Doing Her Part
Our contributing West Coast Editor Editor, Elena produces masks from her home in Los Angeles. It is an inspiring sight. If you need to order contact her directly via Instagram or reach out to us.
We are all in this together.
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Hard Reality of the New Reality!
The Coronavirus exposed the raw underbelly of modern society, an existence teetering on a cliff. This event has forced everyone to look in the mirror.
The online click culture is based on a labor exploitation, not the public relations releases preaching to us about new business models developed by brilliant guys.
Leading institutions have gone into a default “Batten down the hatches” position. Leaders will not take responsibility for this Global Disaster. Although they knew about the deadly outbreak in December.
The drive for market access clouded judgement. Thus, resulting in decisions risking entire populations, bringing whole economies to a crashing halt.
The big question, duration of the lockdowns. Where they effective? What type of society will emerge from these health hazard semi police states? One thing is certain, Spain and Italy will be scarred. The jury is out on the US and UK.
What will society give up in exchange for safety? Does Democracy have resilience?
How should the world view China’s Leaders? By process of elimination, the word ‘trust” is out.
Why do celebrities carry high value? Many appear desperate for attention while the world is on fire.
The Coronavirus continues to up end the world in ways we could not imagine a few months ago. Everyday the news reads like a bestselling thriller. Take a deep breath before turning on the screen.