Ilona Royce Smithkin: Portraits and Parsons!

Captured by Xenia Veryano

What a treat it was to have the spirited, fabulous, and inspiring 93 year old Ilona Royce Smithkin visit my portrait drawing class critique at Parsons! 

My relationship with Ilona began with these blind contour portraits, so when Kate Teale gave the portrait assignment in our Perception Drawing class this semester, I felt that choosing Ilona was only a proper progression.  

Captured by Xenia Veryano

However, I did not think that just one traditional portrait would adequately describe my colorful, lively, and wonderful friend. So, I sketched many different compositions, trying to get across her expressive nature.

Soon after I began my first painting of her...   

Her first finished portrait! 

The day of the crit finally came!  I walked with Ilona to Parsons.  Here she told me that she calls Pansies 'Mother-in-laws' because they each have different faces/expressions! 

I have to agree :) 

We arrived at the crit!

Some of the class' work...

Captured by Xenia Veryano

Below is Ilona in acrylic paint on the top and left, colored pencil on the right and in black thread and glue on the bottom.

Crit discussion...

My lovely teacher Kate Teale and Ilona!

See their linked names to view their stunning art.

Captured by Xenia Veryano

Preforming :) 

Captured by Xenia Veryano

Thank you for coming Ilona Royce Smithkin!
Captured by Xenia Veryano

Ilona enjoyed her visit immensely, and the class loved meeting her :) what a fun crit it was!

Enjoy the inspiring individuals in your life, 

Margo Isadora

See past posts with Ilona here, here, & here!

Ilona Royce Smithkin: Cabaret Queen

Ilona and I after the show!

What a treat it was to be transported to the Roaring 20’s with Zoe Lewis and the Bootleggers performance at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in Times Square.  I went to see my good friend, Ilona Royce Smithkin, sing in this hit Cabaret show from Provincetown. Boy, was I in for a treat!  Talented performers of all ages graced the stage, from 93 year old Ilona to a middle school girl.  The host of the evening, Zoe Lewis, gave an excellent performance and introduction to each one of these flappers and handsome gents. 

Join this golden night of the flapper with the images and videos below!

Enjoy,

Margo Isadora

There were flapper women...

20's pairs...

dapper gents...

cute young flappers...

and even shirtless devils with bear pants!

See video of the devilish bear above! 

ILONA ROYCE SMITHKIN takes the stage!

See video of this 93 year old star here!

Love that telltale 3" long eyelash you can see!

The closing number to a memorable show.

Joyce Carpati and Ilona both ladies of Advanced Style
talking after the show!
These wonderful women were in the NY post earlier that day!

Ilona singing the night away...

The talented Ilona!

Easter Parade

Enjoying the colorful festivities! Helen, Valerie, Me and Ari

The Easter Parade is a time where New Yorkers and visitors alike celebrate the joy of Easter, the renewal of spring and the color that results.  One cannot help but feel spirited amongst the rainbow of wonderful homemade bonnets that roam 5th Avenue each year.  It is a parade of people, some of the most wonderful in New York! 

This is one you don't want to MIS.  I'll be dreaming about the floral explosions, peep sombreros and egg bonnets until next Easter Sunday!

Enjoy, 

Margo Isadora 

My Golden Egg Bonnet!
Captured by Tom Cathey
See Tom's wonderful Easter parade coverage here.

This year I created a "Golden Egg" by plastering a balloon and covering it in hot glue, after creating a wire cage for support I sprayed it with gold paint! After filling it with 3 cute chicks I was ready for the parade :)

A handsome gentleman... loved his bunny cane! 

Chick Perfection

Flower Boys

Fellow Eggs!

A Chic Bonnet

Me and Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style

A Spirited Man

PEEPS!

Flower Mama and Child

Spring has Sprung!

My Wonderful Crew!
Don, Me, Jane, and Tom

Scootering away! 

Mama's Blooming Bonnet Matched!

I met an Aussie bunny at the Parade!
Visiting from Melbourne to 'show off her carrots'!

Spring has SPRUNG!

Tom and Don's fantastic Eggery!

Sweet Farm Figures

Mom and I in our Bonnets
Captured by Tom Cathey

Till Next Year...
See previous Easter Parade Festivities here, here, and here!

Karen Walker Fall 2013 Runway and Sunglass Cover Girl!

Ilona Royce Smithkin in Karen Walker Forever Campaign
Shot by Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of accompanying 92 year old cover girl, Ilona Royce Smithkin, to Karen Walker's Fall 2013 New York Fashion Week show at Pier 59! Karen Walker's collection 'New Rose' was accessorized by her stunning collection of eye wear. The Karen Walker eye wear campaign, Karen Walker Forever, was shot by Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style.  He photographed four of his favorite subjects for the campaign, Ilona Royce Smithkin and Linda Rodin sat front and center at Monday's runway show!  

Ilona completely surprised!

Once you arrived at the runway you quickly realized that Ilona was the star of the show, as she was on the cover of every large look book that was placed on each seat.  

Karen Walker Showing Ilona the look book for the first time!

 It was a treat to meet the talented and stunning designer, Karen Walker, from New Zealand!

Ilona and Karen Walker

See more of the fabulous Karen Walker Forever Campaign here!
Her eye wear is absolutely fantastic.

The bell of the ball, Ilona, being interviewed!

Runway about to begin!

See more of the gorgeous collection here. 

Ilona's Interview with Isacc Hindin-Miller from New Zealand

* Notice the Fabulous Karen Walker Sunglasses, Hat, and Feathered Glove! They were all part of costume changes that I helped her with.  Love you Ilona!

It was a wonderful whirlwind, that never would have happened if I didn't go to that first Strand book signing.  Continue to go places and meet people, as you never know what incredible people you will find!

Enjoy, 

Margo Isadora