On Thursday afternoon my daughter Jordana got the call: she was to meet British designer John Galliano at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. As you might imagine, much excitement and nervous energy on top of preparing for a departmental critique; as well as finishing touches for the Savannah College of Art & Design fashion shows in which her collection would be shown; shopping for a chic dress to wear and preparing questions for Galliano.
Alas, Galliano, the much-admired House of Dior designer, didn't turn up Saturday to receive a lifetime achievement award or to meet any talented design students. Apparently he was taken ill in his hotel in New York. Although disappointed by his absence, the students produced two excellent shows at the SCAD Theatre on Broughton Street. Their designs were cutting-edge fashion; the music energising and the models well-trained for the fashion runway by "Miss J" or Jay Alexander, perhaps best known for his role in the Tyra Banks-produced television series America's Next Top Model.
Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley - dramatically dressed in a floor-length red satin robe and silver crown accented with red "rubies" addressed the students and lauded Galliano's talents. In Galliano's absence, his assistant accepted the André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award.
Talley later pronounced Jordana's black cashmere coat for New York designers Ruffian "just gorgeous." The coat was recently featured in South magazine. Teen Vogue and another major fashion publication photographed some students' designs, including Jordana's. Her collection closed out the fashion shows Saturday afternoon and the main one later that night in Savannah. As one would expect of a proud mom, I took many photos, which I will post soon.
André Leon Talley will address SCAD's 2008 graduating class at commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 31. In addition to his work at Vogue, Talley is a member of SCAD’s Board of Trustees. In May 2000, SCAD honored Talley with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was renamed the André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award and has been presented to other fashion icons including Oscar de la Renta, Karl Lagerfeld, Miuccia Prada, Tom Ford, Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs and now John Galliano.
Be still my heart
On Sunday I arrived in San Francisco and immediately felt as though I'd come home - the fog, the cool weather, the breathtaking views of the Bay Bridge and sailboats on the Bay, as well as the TransAmerica Pyramid Building from the apartment I'm staying on Telegraph Hill, near Coit Tower. There's just one tiny hitch: with sweeping views like this, naturally the apartment is located at the top of a very steep hill. I had forgotten just how tough these uphill climbs are on the knees! Beauty always comes at a price, doesn't it?
Hello Tara, I just discovered your blog and am looking forward to seeing your daughter's collection. I too, have a daughter who that I'm quite proud of. She's graduating high school in a week, and she loves to design & sew vintage era clothing. Her dress was just featured on Craftster today and it's on my blog. I can't wait to see your photos from the show!
Posted by: Nancy | 29 May 2008 at 04:41
Tara.........I have been so wrapped up in my own stuff I havent visited here and YOU in such a while. I've missed my visits. :)
How wonderful you were there to take in Jordana's achievements with her career and her studies. It must've been such a high to witness all of that and to hear such fabulous feedback regarding her creative work.
My daughter Martha has the same aspirations, which seem to be formulating as she evolves and finds herself in high school. She is also quite creative, and I hope she can find her way like Jordana........
Posted by: awareness | 26 May 2008 at 03:09
Congratulations, how exciting for both of you! Can't wait for the photos!
Hugs Sherrie
Posted by: giggles | 22 May 2008 at 18:17
I'm so pleased for Jordana...the world is her oyster and her work will speak for itself!!
As for SF...you were arriving when I was leaving!! And steep hilly streets?!? Oh yes!! Gave my calves quite the work out!
Posted by: sherry | 21 May 2008 at 22:28
Well, I'm way less disappointed that Jordana didn't get to meet Galliano than I am excited about all this fashion news in her world.. Tara - you both must just be BURSTING!!!! I can't wait to see pictures. How wonderful!!!!
Posted by: holli | 21 May 2008 at 20:15
How disappointing that Galliano was a no-show, but still - what an exciting time for Jordana - how proud you must be of her, Tara! Can't wait to see those designs.
It's been years since I've been there - but I love San Francisco too - though when I was last there, it was with knees that were 25 years younger, lol. Not sure how well they would fare on those hills now. Take it easy and enjoy!
xox
Posted by: tinker | 21 May 2008 at 20:02
Waiting for the photos with bated breath!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations to Jordana.
Posted by: Colette | 21 May 2008 at 17:56
Exciting day, even though JG didn't appear.
Blessings,
Linda
PS:
Gemma tagged me too. ;-)
SUPER-SEVEN MEME, at Nickers and Ink
Posted by: Linda - Nickers and Ink | 21 May 2008 at 16:19
I am sad JG was not there... BUT, your beauitful girl is up to some very amazing things isn't she??? How wonderful!! I wish I could have seen it with my own eyes!! And the coat!! Oh, I can't wait for photos!! xoxo
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 21 May 2008 at 05:08
Congratulations to all! Savannah has one of the best reputations of US art and design schools -- you must be terribly proud!
Enjoy San Francisco -- think of that hike up the hill as paybacks for enjoying decadence, yummy treats, and all during your stay!
Posted by: Jeanie | 20 May 2008 at 23:54
Oh, you BETTER post pictures of her show! That is wonderful!!
I can't believe you are so near. Email me with a good day to meet? I hope you will still have time...
:)
Posted by: amber | 20 May 2008 at 23:47
Wow!! That is fabulous!@ How extremely exciting ! Conratulations to Jordana. I know you are having a blast in SF..my birthplace! Did you get my phone number?? I know you will be busy, but if ya'll happen to come to Charleston...call me!
Posted by: pam aries | 20 May 2008 at 18:18
Tara, I have been watching here for word and photos of Jordana's collection. What a truly exciting time for her, Galliano or not. Andre Leon Tally is THE (after Anna Wintour of course) word so him pronouncing her coat gorgeous, well that will make others take notice. I wish her so much success, it's a tough business but so worth following her passion on to greater things. I can imagine how proud you are! Cannot wait to see photos!
Ah, you're here, here in the Bay Area. You came in time to miss the HEAT - even SF was 92! How long will you be here? I am so happy you have this chance to be "home".
XOXO
Posted by: Lisa Oceandreamer | 20 May 2008 at 18:15
I should say PROUD MAMA!!! How exciting to see your talented daughter being showcased! We are going to be seeing her name and work I'm sure AND I can't wait for you to share pictures of her and her collection!
I am soaking up the SF feeling vicariously...I'll be in Santa Barbara next week...safe travels and Congratulations to Jordana!
Posted by: stephanie | 20 May 2008 at 16:33
Tara,
Sorry I missed your call this a.m., try me back, hope you had a fantastic day ; )
~ Robyn
Posted by: robyn | 20 May 2008 at 05:02
I wonder how sick Mr. Galliano was? That would have been a shame. The students were likely so excited and inspired to meet him. There is always a next time I suppose, after all, mentoring the likes of Jordana could prove a worthwhile thing...she could BE the next John Galliano. Jordana-style of course ;D
I am sure your daughter will do just fine on her own however, if ALT himself declared her coat "gorgeous!", how amazing is that?
I am so eager to see your photos you proud momma!
Enjoy San Fran! It's good to be home, isn't it???
Posted by: Gillian | 20 May 2008 at 02:46
Hey Tara,
Welcome. I know Joan and she is a lovely lady. Sorry I won't get a chance to meet you in person but perhaps next time. I love this city and am so glad you enjoy it as much as I do. Have a wonderful time!
Lisa & Alfie
Posted by: Lisa & Alfie at The Pickled Hutch | 20 May 2008 at 02:30
Such an exciting time for all of you! I can't wait to see the photos of Jordana's collection. And how proud you must be!
We climbed the hills around Coit tower when we visited SF in 2001. I'm not sure I could do it today :) Be still my heart, indeed! It would be racing away!
Posted by: Becca | 20 May 2008 at 02:01
Welcome home Tara!
Sounds like it was a great trip for you and Jordana. I can't wait to see her collection. I never miss "America's Next Top Model."
Have a ball! XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 20 May 2008 at 00:18
Dear Tara:
Welcome back to our City by the Bay! I am quite sure you will be on the go go go, but if you want a huge thrill and fantastic vintage experience, you must try to make a visit to a darling shop called Timeless Treasures. The owner, Joan O'Connor, is wonderfully charming, as is her shop. It's filled with vintage interiors and one-of-a-kind treasures, vintage salvaged sign letters from all of the world, and creative and personal gift options. You will not be sorry to have taken the time to make the visit. Joan shared your blog site with me, which I always enjoy! And, I am quite sure you'd enjoy a visit to her shop. Have a wonderful visit!
Tara responds:
Before you'd written this lovely comment, I'd already spoken to Joan and we're having lunch together this week. We've been corresponding for some time. Small world, eh?
Posted by: JP | 19 May 2008 at 22:21
I'm sure it was disappointing for your daughter not to have met with Galliano but I'm sure she will one day . How exciting to be involved on the world of fashion. Andre Leon is quite a character isn't he :) Best wishes to your daughter in her future endeavors.
As for San Francisco..the cliche holds true~I left my heart there. Enjoy MOMA, City Lights, FLAX,the view, the people,etc.
I use to attend the T-mobile Classic bike races there and after seeing cyclists ride up the Fillmore on their bikes (Lance smiled his way up that hill), I no longer complain about walking S.F. hills:) They are a pain though, aren't they..hehe;)
Posted by: Christine | 19 May 2008 at 21:51
I can't wait to hear all about it...but I'm so lucky! I get to hear about it TONIGHT at dinner!
YAY! Welcome to SF!!! We rolled out the fog just for you!
;-)
Posted by: tangobaby | 19 May 2008 at 20:46
How thrilling! I'm so happy for Jordana and for you!
Looking forward to seeing pictures!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | 19 May 2008 at 15:05
I can't wait to see all the lovely photos! Sounds like you are having a blast. I lived in Walnut Creek and traveled into the city often. And yes, those hills. I remember all the cars parking with their tires turned into the curb...just in case. Beautiful city.
Posted by: My Melange | 19 May 2008 at 13:36
Can't wait to see those photos. Big congratulations from us Jordana!
Posted by: Di Overton | 19 May 2008 at 09:42
Tara, how wonderful for Jordana... I can't wait to see the photos... Vida x
Posted by: Vida | 19 May 2008 at 07:42
you'll get used to the hills quick enough when you see how shapely your legs are getting!
congrats to your daughter on her smashing success!!!
Posted by: Lynne Rutter | 19 May 2008 at 06:38
SOUNDS AMAZING, CONGRATS TO BOTH OF YOU
Posted by: Judy Wilkenfeld | 19 May 2008 at 06:03