Welcome to Jake's Architecture World

To contact us Click HERE

Welcome to Jake's Architecture World
"First we shape our buildings, then they shape us." –Winston Churchill
I have been extremely passionate about architecture my whole life and I thought it would make sense to create Jake's Architecture World so I could share all my ideas and notes on architecture with the world. I intend to showcase many, many different types of architecture, with an emphasis on innovative design. In particular, I am fascinated with intimate spaces that incorporate the best technology, but typically keep it invisible.
I figured I would begin with a photo of one of my favorite pieces of architecture that was designed by Lloyd Wright, who was Frank Lloyd Wrights son. This beauty is located in Los Angeles, and I intend to go into much more depth on this masterpiece.

...The Greatest Piece Of Residential Architecture... Virginia Tech's LUMENHAUS

To contact us Click HERE

...The Greatest Piece Of Residential Architecture...
Virginia Tech's LUMENHAUS
My single favorite piece of residential architecture is named LUMENHAUS and it was conceived and built by Virginia Tech's School of Architecture. It's inspiration was the "glass pavillion-style Fransworth House designed by Bauhaus architect, Mies Van Der Rohe."
I could create and maintain a blog, just on the amazing design of the LUMENHAUS, so on Jake's Architecture World, I plan to write a series of detailed stories on this magnificent piece of residential architecture.
LUMENHAUS is the 3rd solar-house designed and built by Virginia Tech, as part of a research and development program which began in 2002. The LUMENHAUS is being a perfect blend of innovative architecture design and technology.

The Ultimate Marin Infinity Pool- Belvedere's Shimmering Bay View...

To contact us Click HERE

The Ultimate Marin Infinity PoolBelvedere's Shimmering Bay View
I grew up in San Francisco, and Marin County so over the years, I have become quite familiar with some of the most beautiful homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Belvedere is Italian, and translated into English it means "beautiful view."
This Belvedere beauty has one of the coolest Infinity pool I have ever seen in my life!!! It is called "At The Waters Edge" and it is located on the western-slope of Belvedere Island which has a view of "Sausalito's Sparkling Bay."

I have been in this house and it is one of the coolest modern homes I have ever seen. it was designed by the New York based architect, Charles Gwathmey. In the future I plan to write much more extensively about it and show many more photos of its architecture.


I have never been much of a fan of the Plasma TV over the fireplace, but I must admit this one is really, really nice!!!

Joseph Simmons Run's House Indoor Basketball Court

To contact us Click HERE

Joseph SimmonsRun's House Indoor Basketball Court ManCave
I love shooting hoops. I am not that crazy about playing basketball, but I find just hanging-out with a friend or by myself, while shooting hoops to be extremely therapeutic and it is a good way to maintain your flexibility and balance.
Joseph Simmons, best know as "Run" was one of the founding members of Run DMC. He has his own reality TV show named "Run's House" and in the following set of photos, we see him chillin' on his indoor basket ball court, which I believe is right of the kitchen.

I think it is fascinating how well thought-out the space-saving design of Run's indoor basketball court is. If you look closely, the hoop and backboard are attached to the wall so help save room. I would love to have a setup like this, but I would want the ability to lower the hoop so I could slam dunk the ball.

Joseph Simmons is now a practicing minister known as Reverend Run, and he is the younger brother of Russell Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Records.

The Most Ingenious DIY Bike I've Ever Seen

To contact us Click HERE
Microbent CLWB Recumbent, by Fred Fincher, USA

The Most Ingenious DIY Bike I've Ever Seen
by Bevin Chu
Taipei, China
February 10, 2011

Lately I've been surfing the web for DIY bike designs.

I have a 26" diamond frame urban commuter that I would like to convert into a LWB mid racer recumbent, along the lines of the Easy Racers Javelin or Rans X-stream 26.

But as I surfed the web, I stumbled across the above compact long wheelbase (CLWB) recumbent, converted from a diamond frame child's bike.

It has relatively little to do with my own DIY conversion requirements. But it is perhaps the most ingenious DIY conversion I've ever seen, and therefore useful as a source of inspiration.

What makes this particular DIY conversion so ingenious?

1. This DIY conversion makes full use of the existing bike design. Rather than laboriously fabricate new parts in a machine shop, it makes full use of every part already on the bike.

2. The crank assembly, for example, is merely a section of EMT, welded to the head tube. It extends forward along the axis of the top tube, just far enough to accommodate the rider's legs.

3. The seat bottom rests directly on the top tube, and is the exact same length as the top tube. The seat back begins exactly where the top tube and seat tube meet. The seat back supporting struts attach to the existing rear luggage rack attachment points. The seat back, seat stays, and seat back supporting struts form a perfect triangle. 

4. The USS (under seat steering) solution is perhaps the most ingenious feature of all. The builder simply welded two pieces of EMT onto the front fork, creating handlebars for direct steering. Because the DIY conversion uses a child's bike that is short in overall length, the handlebars fall directly below the rider's hands. This eliminates the need for any complex steering mechanism. No muss, no fuss. 

5. The DIY conversion requires only a single donor bike. No need to accumulate two or even more donor bikes before beginning the conversion process. Everything on the single donor bike is used. Nothing is wasted.

6. Because the DIY conversion uses a child's bike, the completed bike is low to the ground. This makes it safe in the event of a spill. The rider sits a mere foot or so above the ground.

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" Ballet Is Magic Brought to Life

To contact us Click HERE

The National Ballet of Canada (NBC) production of Christopher Wheeldon's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a reflection of the famous Alice stories themselves - fun, completely imaginative and filled with unexpected moments of awe.  Like many, Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite stories.  With the countless interpretations of the books through film and other mediums, it's hard not to think that perhaps the tale has been stretched in every which way possible.  If that is your mindset, watching this production of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland will change it completely.


This ballet is unlike any ballet production I've ever been to.  Combining elements of dance, multimedia, and beautiful music by Joby Talbot, the cast of NBC take the audience into a truly fantastical world.  In describing the U.S. premiere of this production and the Music Center debut of the National Ballet of Canada, Music Center Director of Programming Renae Williams Niles writes

Alice is truly the most complex ballet we have presented to date, equaling more than three times the scale of many other full-length ballet productions. With its captivating choreography and inventive design and use of technology it is quite an iconic production. The music by Joby Talbot with 24 different movements, guides us on a thrilling journey...

With a run time of two hours and thirty-five minutes, this ballet holds nothing back.  It provides its own framework for the Alice story - we meet Alice as part of the Liddell family, with Lewis Carroll entertaining the children with magic tricks, as a garden party is being set up.  Alice also has a young romance with Jack, the gardener boy, that will carry into her adventures in Wonderland.  But from there the tale is very much true to the book.  The combination of multimedia and beautiful stage sets is part of what makes this ballet so memorable.  The audience truly feels as if they are falling down a rabbit hole with Alice and are with her as she shrinks and grows while drinking and eating cake. 

The characters themselves come to life in both expected and unexpected ways.  Dancers portray a familiar cast of characters, including the Duchess, the Cook, the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar and, of course, the Queen of Hearts.  The Cheshire Cat is literally larger than life with its many pieces and dancers that bring him into the scenes.  Each scene falls effortlessly into the next and with every rise of the curtain for a new set design, there was a hush in the crowd at its beauty.  The ballet dancers carry you on this journey through Wonderland, with their technical skill and grace their dancing is part of the storytelling, their movements on stage more magical feats to add to the loveable madness.   

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland draws the audience into the emotional, the fun, and the funny.  Whether we're falling into a rabbit hole or watching the fearful entry of the Queen of Hearts or laughing at the outlandish antics of favorite, silly characters, this ballet does what the best shows do: it makes the audience forget the world outside and believe that anything is possible.


- Charity Tran 

Welcome to Jake's Architecture World

To contact us Click HERE

Welcome to Jake's Architecture World
"First we shape our buildings, then they shape us." –Winston Churchill
I have been extremely passionate about architecture my whole life and I thought it would make sense to create Jake's Architecture World so I could share all my ideas and notes on architecture with the world. I intend to showcase many, many different types of architecture, with an emphasis on innovative design. In particular, I am fascinated with intimate spaces that incorporate the best technology, but typically keep it invisible.
I figured I would begin with a photo of one of my favorite pieces of architecture that was designed by Lloyd Wright, who was Frank Lloyd Wrights son. This beauty is located in Los Angeles, and I intend to go into much more depth on this masterpiece.

...The Greatest Piece Of Residential Architecture... Virginia Tech's LUMENHAUS

To contact us Click HERE

...The Greatest Piece Of Residential Architecture...
Virginia Tech's LUMENHAUS
My single favorite piece of residential architecture is named LUMENHAUS and it was conceived and built by Virginia Tech's School of Architecture. It's inspiration was the "glass pavillion-style Fransworth House designed by Bauhaus architect, Mies Van Der Rohe."
I could create and maintain a blog, just on the amazing design of the LUMENHAUS, so on Jake's Architecture World, I plan to write a series of detailed stories on this magnificent piece of residential architecture.
LUMENHAUS is the 3rd solar-house designed and built by Virginia Tech, as part of a research and development program which began in 2002. The LUMENHAUS is being a perfect blend of innovative architecture design and technology.

The Ultimate Marin Infinity Pool- Belvedere's Shimmering Bay View...

To contact us Click HERE

The Ultimate Marin Infinity PoolBelvedere's Shimmering Bay View
I grew up in San Francisco, and Marin County so over the years, I have become quite familiar with some of the most beautiful homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Belvedere is Italian, and translated into English it means "beautiful view."
This Belvedere beauty has one of the coolest Infinity pool I have ever seen in my life!!! It is called "At The Waters Edge" and it is located on the western-slope of Belvedere Island which has a view of "Sausalito's Sparkling Bay."

I have been in this house and it is one of the coolest modern homes I have ever seen. it was designed by the New York based architect, Charles Gwathmey. In the future I plan to write much more extensively about it and show many more photos of its architecture.


I have never been much of a fan of the Plasma TV over the fireplace, but I must admit this one is really, really nice!!!

Joseph Simmons Run's House Indoor Basketball Court

To contact us Click HERE

Joseph SimmonsRun's House Indoor Basketball Court ManCave
I love shooting hoops. I am not that crazy about playing basketball, but I find just hanging-out with a friend or by myself, while shooting hoops to be extremely therapeutic and it is a good way to maintain your flexibility and balance.
Joseph Simmons, best know as "Run" was one of the founding members of Run DMC. He has his own reality TV show named "Run's House" and in the following set of photos, we see him chillin' on his indoor basket ball court, which I believe is right of the kitchen.

I think it is fascinating how well thought-out the space-saving design of Run's indoor basketball court is. If you look closely, the hoop and backboard are attached to the wall so help save room. I would love to have a setup like this, but I would want the ability to lower the hoop so I could slam dunk the ball.

Joseph Simmons is now a practicing minister known as Reverend Run, and he is the younger brother of Russell Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Records.

Joseph Simmons Run's House Indoor Basketball Court

To contact us Click HERE

Joseph SimmonsRun's House Indoor Basketball Court ManCave
I love shooting hoops. I am not that crazy about playing basketball, but I find just hanging-out with a friend or by myself, while shooting hoops to be extremely therapeutic and it is a good way to maintain your flexibility and balance.
Joseph Simmons, best know as "Run" was one of the founding members of Run DMC. He has his own reality TV show named "Run's House" and in the following set of photos, we see him chillin' on his indoor basket ball court, which I believe is right of the kitchen.

I think it is fascinating how well thought-out the space-saving design of Run's indoor basketball court is. If you look closely, the hoop and backboard are attached to the wall so help save room. I would love to have a setup like this, but I would want the ability to lower the hoop so I could slam dunk the ball.

Joseph Simmons is now a practicing minister known as Reverend Run, and he is the younger brother of Russell Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Records.

The Art of Fashion in Television: FIDM's Annual Gala

To contact us Click HERE

Downton Abbey

Saturday, July 28th Emmy-nominated designers from such primetime hits as American Horror Story, Downton Abbey and Boardwalk Empire came together to celebrate and talk costumes at the 6th Annual Outstanding Art in Television Costume Design gala.
The night kicked off with a preview of the costumes at the FIDM Museum & Galleries in DTLA.  Having never been to the FIDM Museum, I was more than excited to find a substantial array of amazing designs with no plexiglass in between. Love this night already.  


Here are a few of my favorite displays...

Magic City

American Horror Story

Pretty Little Liars

Venturing outside, we were met with the beautiful landscape of Grand Hope Park, not to mention a plethora of treats, drinks and mingle-worthy guests from the television and fashion industries.

(top left) The awards stage, (top right) Super fashionable FIDM Gala staff member,
(bottom) Madison-To-Melrose blogger, Olivia & I enjoying the scenery.

Ruth Myers (Hemingway & Gellhorn), Eduardo Castro (Once Upon A Time) and Chrisi Karvonides (American Horror Story) were honored by Television Academy Chairman/CEO, Bruce Rosenblum for their outstanding craftsmanship.  They and FIDM Museum guest curator/costume designer, Mary Rose are pictured below.

The Outstanding Art in Television Costume Design exhibit at the FIDM Museum is FREE & now open to the public until October 28, 2012.  Visit Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm and be sure to see who wins it all at this year's Emmy Awards Sept. 23, 2012.  GO! It is more than worth the trip.

Xo,Melissa 

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" Ballet Is Magic Brought to Life

To contact us Click HERE

The National Ballet of Canada (NBC) production of Christopher Wheeldon's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a reflection of the famous Alice stories themselves - fun, completely imaginative and filled with unexpected moments of awe.  Like many, Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite stories.  With the countless interpretations of the books through film and other mediums, it's hard not to think that perhaps the tale has been stretched in every which way possible.  If that is your mindset, watching this production of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland will change it completely.


This ballet is unlike any ballet production I've ever been to.  Combining elements of dance, multimedia, and beautiful music by Joby Talbot, the cast of NBC take the audience into a truly fantastical world.  In describing the U.S. premiere of this production and the Music Center debut of the National Ballet of Canada, Music Center Director of Programming Renae Williams Niles writes

Alice is truly the most complex ballet we have presented to date, equaling more than three times the scale of many other full-length ballet productions. With its captivating choreography and inventive design and use of technology it is quite an iconic production. The music by Joby Talbot with 24 different movements, guides us on a thrilling journey...

With a run time of two hours and thirty-five minutes, this ballet holds nothing back.  It provides its own framework for the Alice story - we meet Alice as part of the Liddell family, with Lewis Carroll entertaining the children with magic tricks, as a garden party is being set up.  Alice also has a young romance with Jack, the gardener boy, that will carry into her adventures in Wonderland.  But from there the tale is very much true to the book.  The combination of multimedia and beautiful stage sets is part of what makes this ballet so memorable.  The audience truly feels as if they are falling down a rabbit hole with Alice and are with her as she shrinks and grows while drinking and eating cake. 

The characters themselves come to life in both expected and unexpected ways.  Dancers portray a familiar cast of characters, including the Duchess, the Cook, the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar and, of course, the Queen of Hearts.  The Cheshire Cat is literally larger than life with its many pieces and dancers that bring him into the scenes.  Each scene falls effortlessly into the next and with every rise of the curtain for a new set design, there was a hush in the crowd at its beauty.  The ballet dancers carry you on this journey through Wonderland, with their technical skill and grace their dancing is part of the storytelling, their movements on stage more magical feats to add to the loveable madness.   

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland draws the audience into the emotional, the fun, and the funny.  Whether we're falling into a rabbit hole or watching the fearful entry of the Queen of Hearts or laughing at the outlandish antics of favorite, silly characters, this ballet does what the best shows do: it makes the audience forget the world outside and believe that anything is possible.


- Charity Tran 

The Taste of Mexico at Vibiana on Friday Night November 30, 2012

To contact us Click HERE
I have been reading Gustavo Arellano's Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America, and thus this second annual Taste of Mexico is very timely to have a chance to better understand the wide range of upscale Mexican cuisine available in Los Angeles.  Thus for $50 on Friday night November 30 from 6  pm to 11 pm, you can graze on some of the best regional Mexican cuisine all  in one place at Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles at Second and Main Streets.  I had a chance to preview some of the food several weeks ago at the Mexican Consulate, as you can see from the slide show below (not seen from an Ipad)

or my Taste Of Mexico Press Preview picture set on Flickr here.  The preview featured around half of the food vendors, but did not include superstars Jon Sedlar from Rivera who will be showcasing his food from Playa, nor Rick Bayless or his executive chef from Red O.  Both of whom are discussed in Gustavo's book.

The Taste of Mexico is a great event for those who want to explore the exciting things happening in Mexican cuisine here in Los Angeles, and not have to drive all over county.  And if one has not been to a foodie event at Vibiana, then you are in for a real surprise, as to how well this venue works for food and wine/spirit events.  Tickets can be bought online, and if not sold out, will be available at the door.  In addition to food from almost twenty restaurants, there will be a wide range of Mexican beers, wines and spirits along with unique cocktails.  Plus, there will be live Mariachi music.  VIP tickets at $70 are also available that provide for early admission.

As someone who grew up on Tito's tacos in West Los Angeles, took elementary school field trips to Olvera Street, hunted for the only Mexican restaurant in Baltimore in the early 1970s, introduced to El Tepayac in the mid-1970s, loved Jon Sedlar gourmet tamales from Bristol Farms, taken to La Serenta De Garibaldi in Boyle Heights in the late 1980s, I was ready to be introduced to the following Los Angeles restaurants participating at the 2012 Taste of Mexico.  A star indicates that they participated at the Press Event.

Playa
Frida Restaurant*
Cacao Mexicatessen*
La Monarca Bakery*
Yucca's Tacos*
Frida Tacos*
Loteria Grill
Guelaguetza*
Red O
Casa Azul*
Mexikosher*
La Casita Mexicana*
Coni Seafood*
La Sandia
Candela Taco Bar
Tortas Bravas
Guisadoa
La Tiendita Mexicana
Nevera Juice Bar
Candela Taco Bar and Lounge*

So what really stood out from the press preview were the almost raw extremely fresh shrimp from Coni Seafood, the habanero mexcal sorbet from Mexikosher, the tequila lime punch cocktail, the exquisite small bites Monarca Bakery deserts, and the sea urchin and corn mini appetizers from Cacao Mexicatessen.  The purpose of the Taste of Mexico is to show off the authentic flavors, ingredients and traditions of Mexican cuisine.  This is a great value for $50.  Buy a ticket online before it gets sold out.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Downtown LA Art Walk. Pictured below are the founders of The Taste of Mexico along with the David Figueroa Ortega, Consul General  of the Mexican Consultate in Los Angeles.
Chefs from left to right: Vicente Del Rio, Ramiro Arvizu, Jaime Martin Del Campo, Ricardo Cervantes, and Bricia Lopez along with Consul General David Figueroa Ortega looking on.

The Most Ingenious DIY Bike I've Ever Seen

To contact us Click HERE
Microbent CLWB Recumbent, by Fred Fincher, USA

The Most Ingenious DIY Bike I've Ever Seen
by Bevin Chu
Taipei, China
February 10, 2011

Lately I've been surfing the web for DIY bike designs.

I have a 26" diamond frame urban commuter that I would like to convert into a LWB mid racer recumbent, along the lines of the Easy Racers Javelin or Rans X-stream 26.

But as I surfed the web, I stumbled across the above compact long wheelbase (CLWB) recumbent, converted from a diamond frame child's bike.

It has relatively little to do with my own DIY conversion requirements. But it is perhaps the most ingenious DIY conversion I've ever seen, and therefore useful as a source of inspiration.

What makes this particular DIY conversion so ingenious?

1. This DIY conversion makes full use of the existing bike design. Rather than laboriously fabricate new parts in a machine shop, it makes full use of every part already on the bike.

2. The crank assembly, for example, is merely a section of EMT, welded to the head tube. It extends forward along the axis of the top tube, just far enough to accommodate the rider's legs.

3. The seat bottom rests directly on the top tube, and is the exact same length as the top tube. The seat back begins exactly where the top tube and seat tube meet. The seat back supporting struts attach to the existing rear luggage rack attachment points. The seat back, seat stays, and seat back supporting struts form a perfect triangle. 

4. The USS (under seat steering) solution is perhaps the most ingenious feature of all. The builder simply welded two pieces of EMT onto the front fork, creating handlebars for direct steering. Because the DIY conversion uses a child's bike that is short in overall length, the handlebars fall directly below the rider's hands. This eliminates the need for any complex steering mechanism. No muss, no fuss. 

5. The DIY conversion requires only a single donor bike. No need to accumulate two or even more donor bikes before beginning the conversion process. Everything on the single donor bike is used. Nothing is wasted.

6. Because the DIY conversion uses a child's bike, the completed bike is low to the ground. This makes it safe in the event of a spill. The rider sits a mere foot or so above the ground.

Adventures at Comic-Con 2012: Part I

To contact us Click HERE

Keep Calm and Comic-Con!
BBC America Booth.

For the next few days I'll be writing about my time at San Diego Comic-Con.  Usually my adventures here are condensed to Saturday and Sunday, but this year I decided to change things up a bit and take in all the days at the convention.  Let the adventures begin!

I arrived on Day Zero after a journey of great conversation, random tunes, and traffic on the way down from Los Angeles to San Diego with my friend Nerdlush Hostess Elizabeth Ann.  Naturally, we substituted the classic game of Slug Bug for "Spot the Nerd Car".

Chain Chomp.
Chatterbox Puppets.

Upon arrival, my friend Lori and I previewed the exhibition floor.  Lori (of Chatterbox Puppets) was carrying on her shoulder a Chain Chomp puppet she made (pictured on the left).  If your first reaction is either how cool it is or how adorable it is, you are not alone.  Our entire time roaming the exhibition hall was filled with people wanting to pet, gawk, and comment about it.  Obviously, a lovely introduction to the convention.  
One of the things I learned while skimming through the many, many booths on this first day was that it was the 50th anniversary of one of my favorite books, Madeleine L'Engle's  A Wrinkle in Time.  This 1963 Newbery Medal award-winning book is also getting a graphic novel adaptation by Hope Larson, available in October 2012.

Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote.  BBC America Booth.

I explored more of the exhibition floor the next day.  A recent convert to Doctor Who, I naturally had to spend time browsing the BBC America Booth, checking out their release of the Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote (pictured on the right)!  While I was there, I managed to get myself a Doctor Who lunch box - or rather "tin tote" - because obviously, lunch would not be complete without a Tardis reference.  I was also able to get a cool lanyard with the phrase "Keep Calm and Comic-Con" (pictured above).  What's there not to love about that?!
After my time there, I braved the line for the first panel I wanted to see - the Psych panel!  Despite arriving around noon for a panel that would start at 2:15, I was worried I wouldn't get in.  I was in one of those lines that wound around outside and at some point I wasn't sure where the line began and where it was going to end.  But the best thing about waiting in line at conventions is meeting cool people to talk to - which I was gladly able to do.  And yes - I actually made it in to a very hilarious panel that including the actors, writers, and producers bantering with each other and sneak peeks into the next season.  My favorite scoop?  There's going to be a two-hour musical episode.  

Street Fighter + Hello Kitty.
Toynami. 

While I've been here, I keep on returning to the exhibition floor.  There is so much there that you constantly discover things you haven't seen before.  Today, even though I had walked by the Indiana Jones booth a number of times, I realized there were REAL snakes behind the glass!  You also never know who you're going to see.  Today David Hasselhoff was on hand to sign autographs next to the Knight Rider car that is actually in the exhibition hall.  But I suppose in a year when there is Street Fighter Hello Kitty (pictured to the right), I should be prepared for more of the unexpected!
You can keep up with my Comic-Con adventures in real time on ExperienceLA Facebook and Twitter.
-Charity Tran

The Art of Fashion in Television: FIDM's Annual Gala

To contact us Click HERE

Downton Abbey

Saturday, July 28th Emmy-nominated designers from such primetime hits as American Horror Story, Downton Abbey and Boardwalk Empire came together to celebrate and talk costumes at the 6th Annual Outstanding Art in Television Costume Design gala.
The night kicked off with a preview of the costumes at the FIDM Museum & Galleries in DTLA.  Having never been to the FIDM Museum, I was more than excited to find a substantial array of amazing designs with no plexiglass in between. Love this night already.  


Here are a few of my favorite displays...

Magic City

American Horror Story

Pretty Little Liars

Venturing outside, we were met with the beautiful landscape of Grand Hope Park, not to mention a plethora of treats, drinks and mingle-worthy guests from the television and fashion industries.

(top left) The awards stage, (top right) Super fashionable FIDM Gala staff member,
(bottom) Madison-To-Melrose blogger, Olivia & I enjoying the scenery.

Ruth Myers (Hemingway & Gellhorn), Eduardo Castro (Once Upon A Time) and Chrisi Karvonides (American Horror Story) were honored by Television Academy Chairman/CEO, Bruce Rosenblum for their outstanding craftsmanship.  They and FIDM Museum guest curator/costume designer, Mary Rose are pictured below.

The Outstanding Art in Television Costume Design exhibit at the FIDM Museum is FREE & now open to the public until October 28, 2012.  Visit Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm and be sure to see who wins it all at this year's Emmy Awards Sept. 23, 2012.  GO! It is more than worth the trip.

Xo,Melissa