A Magnificent Sight Indeed

Ugghhhhh I am literally jealous, how I wish I was back in Italy. The Sistine Chapel is a breathtaking sight, and quite frankly, a surreal experience. I had the opportunity to visit this magnificent chapel and I was taken aback by the intricate detailing of the figures, the vibrant colors (thanks to modern conservation techniques) and the sheer magnitude of the fresco. The journey to this chapel was filled with anxiousness and saturated with art. Everywhere I turned there was a statue, painting or tapestry that was straight out of an Art History text. As I traveled through the Vatican, which seemed like a endless maze, my excitement grew. Upon arriving in the chapel I was overwhelmed by the high ceilings and looming fresco overhead. What amazed me was not only the detailed nature of the figures, but also the narrative quality of the fresco. If you ever have an opportunity to visit Rome, the Sistine Chapel is a must see.

Disclaimer: I was fortunate enough to be taken on a private tour of the Vatican, which allowed me to bypass the lines, but if you are traveling on your own prepare to wait in LONG lines. I visited last April and I would say the wait was AT LEAST 3 hours long. Of course it is well worth the wait, but a wait nevertheless.

Now This Is A Family That Travels In Style

While the president was dealing with foreign affairs and international diplomacy the girls were out and about around Rome. The First Family seem to be enjoying their time abroad, all while looking comfy, casual and cool. They had a chance to soak up the sights and explore the city in style. This photo shows the Obamas visiting the Pantheon, which is a magnificent structure. Last year I spent quite sometime in Italy and I can confidently say the country is divine.

And They Say LA Doesn't Have Culture...

I just wrapped up another great night at the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk. If you live in the LA area the art walk is quite the affair. The walk takes place on the second Thursday every month and is sure to be filled with tons of people, fascinating art and plenty of wine. In addition to the galleries, a number of the local restaurants have happy hour specials that are sure to get your evening off to the right start. Check it out.

What Single Women Can Learn From Michelle

In my opinion, EVERYTHING.

The Root recently featured a humorous article about relationships and how women can go about finding their unsuspected prince charming. It is definitely a must read and a great article to pass around to your girlfriends.

This video brightens my day every time I watch it.
Enjoy!

Obama: Champion for the Arts?

My fingers are crossed...
Politico has a great feature on the president's involvement in the arts. Most cultural leaders seem to have confidence in Obama's ability to fight for the arts, but realize that a great deal needs to be done to ensure that the needs of cultural organizations and artists are being taken care of.

The images below are from the White House jazz studio event.

And of course the always chic Desiree Rogers...Yellow seems to be the color of the season

A Burst of Sunshine

(Reuters Photo)

The First Lady travels in style. She successfully beats the heat, all while looking chic, in this white summer frock.

(Associated Press Photo)

(Associated Press Photo)

Mrs. Obama's vibrant yellow dress paired with a green floral broach adds an unexpected burst of color to this ensemble.

Sheer Genius

Today the world bid farewell to an icon.

This lifesize Jeff Koons statue is apart of LACMA's permanent collection.

A Little Relief

As promised, Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the infamous stimulus plan, has reached the arts. The National Endowment for the Arts will be distributing 50 million dollars to arts organizations across the nation. California is one of the many states to reap the benefits of stimulus monies and quite frankly, it couldn't come at a better time. The state has been given approximately 4.45 million dollars to ensure the sustainability of local arts organizations. These funds will not only be used to preserve and generate employment, but the money will also be applied to future programming ventures. 50 million may not seem like a lot considering the needs of these organizations, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. Bravo Mr. Obama, bravo.

The LAT blog Culture Monster has the scoop.

Simply Radiant

This is a bit overdue, but Joy Bryant has one of the most understated yet beautiful weddings I have seen in a while.

The September Issue

Is anyone as excited as I am?

DC, Moscow and Beyond...

Narciso Rodriguez...Simple and Chic

I'm LOVING the Narciso Rodriguez dress, Michael Kors coat and Sonia Rykiel belt

Can A City Garden Revitalize St. Louis?

In the wake of this economic turmoil, many cities are looking for inventive ways to accumulate revenue. St. Louis is the most recent city to install a public art project that is garnering national attention. Citygarden is both a park and a sculpture garden. Comprised of works by Modern and Contemporary artists, this space is sure to draw national acclaim. City officials hope this project will not only revitalize this space, but also draw both local and national visitors. The city's plans do not end here, city officials hope to further develop the area surrounding the Citygarden in an effort to revive St. Louis.

Check out the New York Times for more on this story

Say Hello to the New Boss

This Jamaican born, model turned gallery director is one of SoHo's key players in the art world. She went from cat walking on the Calvin Klein runways to studying art history and business at NYU. In a matter of two years, Nicola Vassell blossomed from an intern at Deitch Projects gallery in SoHo, to a director. It was meant to be...

Though the art world is historically known for being dominated by white males, the ever changing globalization of the art market has ushered in a wave of multiculturalism. It is very rare to find a successful black director in a mainstream gallery, but Ms. Vassell is symbolic of the heartbeat of change.

Attending hundreds of parties held each and and traveling to major art exhibitions in Switzerland, London, Venice and Miami are just a few of the fabulous perks that Ms. Vassell enjoys on the job. One of her most important projects as of late: coordinating a meeting between contemporary art sensation Kehinde Wiley, a Los Angeles native, and athletic goods company Puma. Puma sent Mr. Wiley a contract to create a clothing/accessories collection for the 2010 World Cup to he held in Africa for the first time. This type of deal is one that Ms. Vassell sees as essential to the economic future of the contemporary art world. Ms. Vassell has sold Wiley's paintings to at least a dozen museums.

She's savvy, she's flyy and clearly she is in charge.

(Nicola Vassell, a director at Deitch Projects in SoHo, with Jeffrey Deitch at a Miami exhibition space.)

“It’s not a surprise that the director of a prominent, important gallery is black or is young or is a woman, but when you run the three together, it sends a very important signal.” - Arnold Lehman, director of the Brooklyn Museum

“I think I represent the future of contemporary art and the synthesis of so many worlds that include contemporary art, like fashion." - Nicola Vassell

Kehinde Wiley shares a laugh with Nicola Vassell at the July 2008 opening of his show at the Studio Museum of Harlem.

“In the last few years, it’s like somebody who abides with you. She’s got a nose for really great art. She comes by the studio and we talk and I can paint. It’s a conversation that turns into an ability to communicate to the public what I’m trying to do.” - Kehinde Wiley

CoCo Quote of the Week!

Fashion fades, only style remains the same. -Coco Chanel

Dream In Color

Target features The Studio Museum in Harlem director Thelma Golden in their "Dream in Color" campaign. Although I am generally not a fan of Black History Month advertisements, I do find this one to be quite good. I am impressed that the company choose Golden as one of the featured women. As an African American female, she has forged a path in the arts and deserves recognition for her accomplishments.

At Last

Michelle Obama graces the March issue of Vogue


Shot by the famed Annie Leibovitz, Michelle Obama is the second First Lady to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine. Hillary Clinton appeared on the cover in 1998.

Ms. Rogers Gets Down to Business

Say It Ain't So

As the economy continues to spiral out of control, Domino Magazine has announced the production of this publication will be discontinued after the March issue.

Conde Nast, the publishing powerhouse, is one of the many companies that has fallen victim to these turbulent times. Goodness, what next...

My favorite issue featured Girlfriends creator Mara Brock Akil as the August 2008 cover girl. Here are a few shots of the television producer's lovely Los Angeles abode .

A Programming Note

When we started this blog we did not anticipate having a political focus. This was not intended to be a place for us to exercise an agenda, but rather a forum to share the people and things that inspire us. As of late, it’s looking like we fancy all things Obama. The Obama’s have become some of the driving forces of Cocoture. They are public figures that not only motivate us, but also inspire the masses. This does not mean that we have forfeited our commitment to fashion and the arts, but rather have incorporated these interests into our coverage of the First Family and company. It’s a new day, and I could not be more pleased. We know its been said time and time again, but Barack, we salute you. As dismal as the economy may be, in our minds, 2009 is our best year yet. Why? Because OUR President is not only Black, but accomplished, brilliant and compassionate. Folks, things can only go up from here.



These photos are taken from the Boston Globe. For more check out:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/the_inauguration_of_president.html?s_campaign=8315

Priceless