VIONNET – Haute Couture Autumn 2013

VIONNET – Paris

Lusting over Lichtenstein

Looking to the past for future inspirations is key for a creative mind. The eyes, mind and soul are constantly wandering and lusting for new creative direction and recently I have found myself in search for a boost of creative energy. My recent rediscovering of Roy Lichtenstein has me falling in love all over again with his use of color.  I happened to stumble upon Liechtenstein’s art over the weekend and haven’t been able to get his retro take on pop art out of my head. With this hot summer heat radiating down upon the city I have been gravitating more and more towards bold colors, especially summer yellow. My recent Lichtenstein obsession has me spinning with ideas for future collections as well as how I can incorporate this new creative boost into my current wardrobe.

Many of the interns are art majors or minors so we’ve been having an ongoing discussion all day debating our favorite Lichtenstein pieces as well as how this pop art genre has inspired so many amazing looks throughout history. From 60’s flower child, to color blocking, and today’s ever popular youthful festival wear, it seems that pop art inspired style is constantly being recycled throughout the generations. I love looking back at how trends from the past have influenced popular looks today! It’s always so fun to take a trip down memory lane isn’t it?

To make this look work for you throw on your favorite summer colors in the forms of geometric shapes or free spirited patterns. Layer your look with Susanna Galanis chains featuring charms and gems finally, finish your look off with a gorgeous gold cuff from my collection. There are so many ways to make this look work for you so have fun with it my fashionistas/os!

Stay inspired my darlings!

 

xoxo,

Susanna

To learn more about Roy Lichtenstein and his amazing work follow the follow the links below.

http://www.lichtensteinfoundation.org/

http://www.biography.com/people/roy-lichtenstein-9381678

To inquire about the jewelry featured in today’s blog post please look at my website http://www.susannagalanis.com/main_collection.asp or to set up a private viewing of the showroom please call 212.759.9142.

Resort women’s collections 2014 – highlights

The Resort-2014 women’s designer collections are being presented currently in all the major fashion capitals of the world.

Like every season, I follow obsessively.

What are the fashions trends for Resort-2014? Classic,  feminine, timeless yet contemporary, easy, effortless, very elegant and  lady-like. I can really picture my current jewelry designs from the Daphne collection being a perfect styling match!

Here are my favorites:

Postcard – Yellow gems and healing

Yellow/Gold gems and how they heal us.

On my previous post, I wrote about the magical properties of turquoise and how it enables us to balance our energy chakras and heal specific areas of our body. Today, I will specifically write about our solar plexus chakra and how we can heal ourselves using the appropriate stones – in this case yellow. [ Please do some additional research on this topic on your own so you can get a greater understanding about this very complex topic, about the importance of chakra balancing and clearing and about the metaphysical properties of stones since there is so much information on both of these areas and is is so difficult to mention everything on this blog.]

Solar Plexus Chakra: The Hand of God

Third Dimensional Chakra: (Solar Plexus)
It is associated with the color YELLOW

The Solar Plexus is located above the navel and below the chest. It is developed between the ages of 18 months to 4 years old. This chakra is where we hold ouself-esteem, power and individuality. It is here where our sympathetic nervous system is vitalized and our metabolism and digestive processes occur. When our solar plexus is balanced we allow our balanced emotions (sacral) to create a positive life experience fully empowered (solar plexus) to create the life of our dreams (root). We are powerful, full of life, supportive and hold all life with a loving embrace.

When this chakra is distorted, the ego is in control. We literally Edge God Out by creating blocks within our system keeping our God self energies and highest source of wisdom and knowledge from guiding us. Our egoic, human personality takes over and thinks it’s the boss leading to all sorts of distortions greatly affecting everything in our path. Because all of our chakras work together if one is out of balance it will affect the others. If our root and sacral are out of balance then our solar plexus will also be affected creating aggressive behaviors. The need to dominate and control others (solar plexus), greed and war become the norm when we are not grounded and connected to the Earth (root) and we have denied our powerful sexual energies and emotions (sacral). Energy never dies; it is in a constant state of movement. This distorted excess energy moves through our system putting the solar plexus in overdrive. Peace becomes impossible and an insatiable desire to control others surfaces. Tremendous imbalance occurs between the aggressors and those who have depleted solar plexus energies. People become enslaved in a system dominated by masculine aggressive energies unable to tap into their own innate power creating a viscous cycle of disempowerment and control. That’s why our planet reflects chaos, turmoil, illness and separation because our lower chakras are either blocked or overactive keeping us from moving divine energy up into our heart chakra activating the truth of our being.

Balanced Solar Plexus: Divine Will Manifested in Physical Reality, Self-control, Able to Meet Challenges, Responsible, Transformative, Personal Power, Healthy Self Esteem, Warm Personality, Playful and Spontaneous, Humorous, A Leader not a Follower, Able to Speak our Truth and Set Boundaries.

Unbalanced Solar Plexus: Attention on Power and Recognition, Domineering, Angry, Arrogant, Need to be Right, Inability to Slow Down, Competitive, Attracted to Sedatives OR Attracted to Stimulants, Weak Will, Low Energy, Easily Manipulated, Passive.

Traumas to the Solar Plexus: Authoritarianism, Domineering Relationships, Excessive and Unrealistic Responsibilities, Shaming, Physical and Emotional abuse.

Bodily Symptoms Expressing Blockage: Digestive Disorders, Ulcers, Blood Sugar Problems, Chronic Fatigue, Hypertension, Liver Problems, Gall Bladder Problems
Many of us use our power incorrectly. We are either powerless and don’t believe in ourselves or we use our power to dominate and control others. Oftentimes, we give our power away to families, friends, churches, governments, and doctors because we don’t want to accept responsibility for ourselves and make the changes necessary to transcend everything holding us back from reaching our highest soul’s potential. We falsely believe it is easier to allow others to figure everything out for us, telling us what to do, rather than relying on our own abilities and intuitive wisdom from our inner being. Giving our power away or desiring to control others is detrimental to our solar plexus chakra.

Many people blocked in this chakra have bought into the belief that they are separate from God and are helpless victims of their circumstances. They block energy from flowing freely keeping them from aligning with their divine self, the true source of their power. They don’t realize they are the creators of their reality and have the power to choose at anytime to make different choices to create a better life for themselves. This creates anger and frustration blocking divine energy from moving up into the fourth chakra, the Heart Chakra.

The color associated with the solar plexus chakra is Yellow. Yellow is the symbol of the mind, intellect, high intelligence and wisdom. It is a positive magnetic vibration that acts as an equalizer for irritable conditions of the nervous system. The solar plexus is the organizing brain of the nervous system and as such, is an important power center that should be kept in a perfect equilibrium.

P.S. Susanna Galanis AGE OF GODS necklace above http://www.susannagalanis.com

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Healing and the solar plexus chakra

Here below are some very precious and semi-precious stones that you can wear [ or just carry] to help you raise your energy vibrations, and to clear all the negativity from your energy field and your body. Please also see as I mentioned at the beginning of this post the other methods of clearing your solar plexus chackra energy center – you will “lighten up” and will allow the divine positive energy in.

• Sapphire
• Citrine
• Fire Opal
• Tourmaline
• Sphene
• Zircon
• Orthoclase
• Chrysoberyl
• Beryl
• Spodumene
• Quartz
• Agate
• Diamond

 

 

POSTCARD – MagicTurquoise

What is the appeal of turquoise?

For years, as a jewelry designer I was drawn to this precious stone [well, technically, it is considered a semi-precious stone] but you know what I mean. My clients as well feel the same. We are all obsessed with this color! So beautiful and magical. We feel and look great wearing turquoise. Here is why:

Turquoise Healing Properties

Turquoise is aiding in:

♥ Purification ♥ Serenity ♥ Protection ♥ Wisdom ♥ Balance ♥ Strength ♥ Friendship ♥ Love ♥ Positive thinking ♥ Sensitivity

Turquoise is a mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium.  Turquoise is an 11th Anniversary gemstone and vibrates to the number 1 [ my number].

Do you know about Chakras? You must understand their functions in order to understand how turquoise [and other gem stones] helps.  So, let’s get ‘off’ the subject there for a moment [or two, this is a bit lengthy yet extremely important] and learn about chakras.

Chakras (pronounced “Shock-Ruhs”) are whirling concentrated energy centers within and around our physical bodies. They are measurable patterns of electromagnetic activity for receiving, assimilating, and transmitting life-force energy to and within the body. Without this life-force energy we would cease to live. Every living being, including the Earth has chakras. Chakras receive and transmit energy all the time. Chakras are located deep within the center of the physical body next to a hormonal gland along the spinal column.

Chakras are attached along the spine from the base to the top of the head. Chakras draw in Divine life-force energy (also called “ki”, “chi” or “prana”) from the Universe and distribute this vital energy to the physical glands and organs in the body and through the bloodstream and nervous system for optimum health and well being. Each chakra has an influence over the hormonal glands and internal organs in that part of the body where the chakra is located. The chakras also connect the spinal cord, the nervous system, and the hormonal system with our subtle body of vibrational energy called the bio-electromagnetic field or aura.

There are hundreds of chakras within and around you, but most psychics and healers are concerned with only the 7 major ones. Some people are sensitive enough to see or feel the chakras.

Where are the 7 main chakras and what are their related life issues?

Besides their role in maintaining our physical health, chakras also oversee various life issues. Each of the 7 main chakras reflects essential aspects of consciousness and governs our lives, relationships, learning, and spiritual awakening.

1. Root Chakra, located at the base of the spine is red in colour and governs stability, grounding, security, will power, safety, prosperity, physical energy. If unbalanced one may exhibit sluggishness, tiredness, weight problems,  skin,  bone,  teeth and back problems. And on the behavioral side, show signs of greed, fear, fear of change,  anxiousness,  addiction to security,  restlessness and  lack of discipline.

2. Sacral/Naval Chakra, located 3 finger widths below the belly button governs, emotions, emotional identity, sexuality, creativity, pleasure and ethics. If unbalanced my show physically in the form of sexual problems, back problems, problems with reproductive organs, spleen and urinary system. problems. Behavior problems such as, dramatic mood swings, addiction to or fear of sex, emotional dependence, obsession, poor social skills, lack of desire or passion, loss of appetite for food, sex or life.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra, located 3 fingers above the belly button governs,   intellect, power, ambition, self-esteem, will, responsibility. When out of balance, you may see physical signs of arthritis, diabetes, digestive disorders, ulcers, problems with stomach, liver, colon and intestine, anorexia or bulimia, pancreatitis, gallstones and allergies. And behavioral problems such as poor self esteem, overly aggressive, arrogant, stubborn, hyper active, competitive, passive, sluggish, blaming and being unreliable.

4. Heart Chakra, located in the centre of the breasts governs, Love, self-love, intimacy, forgiveness and loneliness. When out of balance, physical signs can be seen as problems of the heart, lungs, breast, thymus and arms, asthma, allergy and immune system problems. In the way of behavior, jealous, critical, lonely, depressed, demanding, narcissism, fear of intimacy and intolerant.

5. Throat Chakra located in the throat area governs, communication, self-expression and divine guidance. It also governs the throat, mouth, ears, thyroid gland, arms, and hands. Physical problems such as stammering, weak voice, laryngitis, swollen glands, thyroid and ear problems such as earaches and infections. In the way of behavioral problems, talking too much or too little and poor listening skills.

6. The Third Eye Chakra also knows as the Brow Chakra, is located in central to the eyes but up into the centre of the forehead, it governs intuition, intellect, imagination,  creativity and psychic abilities. When unbalanced can show in the physical forms of poor vision, sinus and nose problems, headaches, seizures, learning disability and neurological problems. Behavioral problems can show in the forms of lack of imagination, visualization and foresight, poor memory, obsession, nightmares and hallucinations.

7. Crown Chakra located on top of the head governs, spiritual awakening, enlightenment,  and cosmic consciousness. Physical symptoms of being out of balance, migraine, brain tumor, amnesia, coma, and sensitivity to Light and Sound. Behavioral symptoms include, confusion, cynicism, rigidity, greed, and domination.

What are energy blockages or energy imbalances in the Chakras?

Imbalances in the chakras are known as energy blocks. When there is unreleased emotion such as fear, anger or guilt accumulated from past experiences or when there’s been a lack of nurturing, love, and encouragement during the developmental period, the energy flows less freely to/from the chakras. Whenever a person blocks an experience, he or she blocks the flow of energy to and from their chakras. The chakras become blocked, clogged with stagnated energy, spin irregularly or backwards or can even become distorted or torn.

When the chakras are functioning normally, each one will be open and spinning properly to metabolize the particular energies needed from the universal energy field. If you were to completely think thoughts of love and faith, your body’s energy would flow smoothly between and around the chakras. You would probably feel happy and healthy . Fearful thoughts negatively affect your chakras’ ability to function. That is why you may feel out of sorts or lethargic and not know why. Obsessive thoughts cause the chakras to enlarge and become out of proportion.

Many people close down the top three chakras (Crown, Brow, and Throat) by the time they are three years old as a reaction to the disbelief of their parents and society in nature spirits, spirit friends, and past lives. During the teenage years, the Heart or 4th Chakra often closes down or becomes blocked because of pain and rejection from parents, peers, and lovers. The Solar Plexus or 3rd Chakra may close down or become blocked when parents and society force teens into molds they don’t fit. By the time many of us reach adulthood, we have closed down all but the first 2 chakras (Root and Sacral) and even those often have imbalances due to energy blocks.

The closure or imbalance of the energy blockage doesn’t usually occur in response to a single event. It’s the repetition of similar events without relief that eventually closes off the chakra or causes the imbalanced energy blockage.

Why we want to identify and remove energy blocks/imbalances and balance our Chakras?

Yogis knew that a person’s illness often first manifests in the chakras before the physical body. They knew that no one could be completely healed if the chakra system continued to be out of balance. When there is a blockage or imbalance in one part of the chakra system, it has an impact on all the other chakras. Imbalances occur when there is too much or too little energy flowing through the chakras. By understanding how each chakra affects a particular body function and life issue, it is possible to identify where a chakra is malfunctioning. Various techniques can then be used to balance the chakra system and restore health in the individual physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.Holding negative thoughts causes chakras to become dirty with dense, dark energy. This prevents chakras from providing sufficient vital energy for the body. Unbalanced or “blocked” chakras create a whole range of mental, emotional, and physiological conditions.

Keeping Your Chakras in Proper Alignment

Using gemstones is one way to prevent chakra dysfunctions.

Turquoise helps with the Heart, Throat and Eye Chakra.

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Chakras – Heart Chakra, Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra
Birthstone – December
Zodiac – Scorpio, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Pisces
Planet – Venus & Neptune
Element – Air & Fire
Typical colours – turquoise, blue, green, yellow-green

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Turquoise is a purification stone.  It dispels negative energy and can be worn to protect against outside influences or pollutants in the atmosphere.  Turquoise balances and aligns all the chakras, stabilising mood swings and instilling inner calm.  It is excellent for depression and exhaustion, it also has the power to prevent panic attacks.  Turquoise promotes self-realisation and assists creative problem solving.  It is a symbol of friendship, and stimulates romantic love.

Turquoise aids in the absorption of nutrients, enhances the immune system, stimulates the regeneration of tissue, and heals the whole body.  It contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, and alleviates cramps and pain.  Turquoise purifies lungs, soothes and clears sore throats, and heals the eyes, including cataracts.  It neutralises overacidity, benefits rheumatism, gout, stomach problems, and viral infections.

Classical Ideal – Spring ’13 NYC style

 

 

 

Fashion week was here…and gone…leaving its imprint permanently on the pages of fashion history…HISTORY WAS MADE ONCE AGAIN.

Spring 2013 was shown recently in New York City’s runway. 

The beauty, glamour, style and fairy-tale inspired styles were presented to the fashion world again. Glamour must go on…regardless. All the designers did such a fantastic job. Here are my favorite looks. In an “ideal” world, I would wear every one of them. The looks of course, were inspired by Ancient Greece. Lovely! 

 

Apollo, Greek God of light

A POSTCARD – APOLLO the Greek God of Light, the favorite son of Zeus, the Archer, the Lawgiver, the God of Prophecy, and the original overachiever.

More about the beautiful Greek God coming soon…

 

 

New York Fashion Week – FALL ’12 highlights

 

 

 

NEW YORK FALL’12 COLLECTIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some of my favorite looks:

A POSTCARD Chanel Couture – Paris Spring 2012

“Adornment, what a science. Beauty, what a weapon. Modesty, what elegance.”               Coco Chanel  (Please see my earlier post dated November 4, 2011 for more Coco Chanel quotes.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

A POSTCARD Ganbattista Valli – Modern Romance

Gianbattista Valli – SPRING 2012 Couture Collection