Diva Icon (pic heavy) - YouLookFab Forum

So, sometimes good things can happen through misunderstandings!

I was briskly perusing the Forum yesterday, and was so excited to read about Traci's Fashion Icon Challenge. Unfortunately, I missed some details. Her idea, which is fab, is to create outfits inspired by a list of modern fashion icons. I love the list, and I hope to create some outfits.
However, I immediately began musing about my own style icons, and the truth is, I find it hard to name them. I like the essence of Kate Hepburn, for example, and 30's starlets like Carole Lombard, but I don't look like them at all. I started thinking about some of the singers I know well. These are the ones who sing mostly opera and classical music. They're lifestyle requires gowns and travel, but also lots of travel and 8 hour rehearsal days.

I have a few to explore, but today, I want to share the style of one of my favorites, mezzo-soprano and Kansas girl Joyce diDonato.

1. She has a love for bold lips and hair, and is often photographed with her mouth open (even when not singing). This is woman not afraid to be heard!

2-6 A Grammy winner, Ms. diDonato has an impressive array of evening wear. Because she's a mezzo, often singing male roles, she can rock a tuxedo.

7-8 Two costumes -- from very different productions of Cenerentola (Cinderella), I believe.

9-11 She knows her Instagram filters!

12. Bold casual style (this is how opera singers dress for rehearsals)

13-16 she's a Kansas City sports fan, and loves to sing the Anthem. Love her fan style! And when her glam boots (Fidjis?) betray her on the field, she recovers like the heroine she is!

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8 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I can see why she's your icon. She's fab.

Aida

Dynamic! She's got a killer smile and isn't afraid to use it

Roxanna

I love this. Thank you for introducing us to one of your style icons! Her personality shines through. I always love to see who others are inspired by!

Traci

I love your take and I love her bold, feminine style! I can see how she inspires you.

Beth Ann

I don't really look like her at all, although we're reasonably close in age, and, while she's smaller than I, she's not of model proportions. I think it's the energy, with a dose of down-home and a does of glamour, that appeals to me. And looking at these pics alone, I expect her to be intelligent and fun.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I can see why you're inspired, Beth Ann. FABULOUS in many ways, and you already emulate her well.

Suz

Oh, wow!!! She's sensational. Do you have a link to her singing, too? I would love to hear the voice of this beautiful, dynamic, vivacious woman.

I can absolutely see why she's a style icon for you! It's a perfect partnership. Wonderful inspiration in so many ways.

However, I do want to quarrel with your comment that you do not look like your 40s film idols.

Au contraire.

You may not have Hepburn's rangy body type or Lombard's slinky curves -- but you have curves of your own and the absolutely gorgeous thick, wavy, glam hair, along with their lush eyes, a similar strength in your stride and bearing, and a warm humour that matches theirs on any day.

abc

Loved reading about this fellow Midwesterner. I adore her hair! (And style, too)

Thanks, Angie!

ABC --- Yep, she's from the plains, and started out, not at Julliard, but Wichita State!

Suz: Don't know why I didn't think of links! I'll follow up right away. And your right that icons don't have to match your features or figure to be right. I'm in the mood to explore a more personal sort of style, which would bring more of Hepburn/Lombard into my everyday outfits. Right now I'm just having trouble finding the time and mental energy!

Singing a magnificent aria from Cenerentola (Cinderella) -- a signature role for her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6rcV1ltrNo

Translation:
was born deeply troubled and crying,

Silently suffering at the core;

But by a sweet enchantment

in the flower of my youth,

Like a flash

My fate will change.

No, no, no, no, wipe away your tears:

Why do you tremble, why?

Fly to my bosom

Daughter, sister, friend

All found in me.

No more sadness by the fire

To be warbling alone, no!

Ah it was a flash of lightning, a dream, a game

My long life of fear.

And singing Morgen, by Strauss. One of my all time faves.
She has a long time to wait to sing, with the stunning violin intro.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvsz1wNuZe0

Here's the translation of Morgen:
And tomorrow the sun will shine again,
and on the path I will take,
it will unite us again, we happy ones,
upon this sun-breathing earth...

And to the shore, the wide shore with blue waves,
we will descend quietly and slowly;
we will look mutely into each other's eyes
and the silence of happiness will settle upon us.

Jaime

Oh she really is a worthy icon for you! Fabulous in every way.

Karie

She is fabulous, both her voice and her style!

Sally

Great style. I lover her in the brown suit and black and white suit...also the black Jacket and pink leggings. Fab!

Firecracker (Sharan)

What an inspiration! It's so great that you have a style icon who is also a n inspiration for her singing and personality. Many of the women whose style I admire are those I've only seen in pictures; they are two-dimensional style icons. Inspiring, yes, but with some constraints.

skylurker

Oh, I have one of her CDs (Diva Divo, the one with the #5 pic as cover) !
She looks brim full of positive energy.

So glad you're enjoying Ms. diDonato's style, too! And yes, her voice is stunning. She is famous for her vibrant presence, but even more for her shimmering tone and incredible, and I do mean incredible, melismas (fast moving passages).

Jenn

She looks fabulous. I like that, no matter what she's wearing, her personality seems to shine above and beyond the outfits. I really like the orchestra pit look in #6 and the amazing red dress and red lipstick combo in #1.

She reminds me a bit of Kate McKinnon, who also has that giant smile, and did a similar updated-80s hair thing in Ghostbusters.

Barbara Diane

I love her fab looks, and her presence shines through. I wouldn't necessarily realized it was the same person without the info. from you.

The second clip brought me to tears. What an incredible voice and presence. Thank you so much for this introduction. And. Can I take singing lessons from you????

Jenn: I think JDD would be very similar in personality to Kate McKinnon, also. For me, the "personal" element of style is key -- I'm planning on focusing on that area in the next year or so. (This is one your strengths, btw)

Barbara: Yes, opera singers are chameleons -- I love that the two costume pics are from the same opera, but wildly different productions.

Suz: I'd love to have you in my studio anyway -- people with curious, engaging minds are the best students! And yes, Morgen has very special meaning for me. I've not performed it yet -- it takes great repose and patience, and I think it requires an intimate connection with pianist or conductor (there is a piano/vocal arrangement) and with the audience. Maybe someday!

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