ECO-CONSCIOUSNESS AND FASHION AT CCA-SF

Yesterday, I served as interview subject for a fabulous group of fashion design students at CCA-SF. Their course deals with how eco-consciousness and fashion design intersect. The goal is that they, as designers, take responsibility for how the material is sourced, the conditions under which it is constructed, how well it will last, as they create beautiful and useful fashions for the modern woman.

These young women were so incredibly impressive, i cannot tell you. Strong, smart, bold individuals with a well-developed sense of self and of course, personal style. They asked such perceptive, insightful questions, I was blown away!

We talked at length about how clothing, image, and one's shifting sense of self interact over time. The whole thing was filmed for the sake of their class. And eventually, they'll be compiling all such interviews and creating a collection based in part on what they've gleaned. The final product will be on view at a huge show at the end of the year. So inspiring!

ALEC BALDWIN - OPERA FAN!

I'm watching Live From Lincoln Center's broadcast of the New York Phil's opening night concert, and who should pop up, interviewing, of all people, Renee Fleming? Alec Baldwin. Alec Baldwin?? Just goes to show you can't judge anybody 'til you know the whole story. Apparently, he is both an opera and a symphony fan. He was clearly thrilled to be interviewing the new conductor as well. 'Mazing! You just never know.

Women Warriors

It's no wonder the two police folk whose actions led to the discovery of the kidnapped girl were women. Or that the only neighbor to alert the police to the outlandish activities on the property was a woman.

HELP AT THE HERBST

How often does anyone visit the Herbst Theatre these days? I usually stick to the Opera House, Symphony Hall, or even Zellerbach.

But I wanted to see Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and New Century Chamber Orchestra's opening concert. Of all the brochures I received -- LA Opera, SF Opera, SF Symphony, CalPerformances, SFPerformances, etc. --- it was the only concert I knew I had to see.

I got there early (yea!) only to find a line at the single-stall Ladies room. "Isn't there another one downstairs?" I asked. "There's supposed to be one, but how do you get downstairs?" replied a distressed queuer.

"I thought it was over there," I replied, pointing distractedly to the other side of the building.

Then along came an angel. Dressed in black, of course.

"There are restrooms upstairs, if I remember this place," she said.

"Isn't it funny how no one can remember?" I said, following eagerly in her wake.

Two sets of stairs later (these older buildings -- beautiful but wearying (Who's up for renovating the space, by the way? I actually saw holes in the stairwell walls. My goodness!)), I followed along as the angel led me straight down the hall to the facilities.

Owing to her excellent memory, I was neither late for, nor uncomfortable during, the NCCO appearance.

And what a concert! Better and better with each piece. it ended with Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky. I am waiting with baited breath for the next scheduled concert.

Note to the Herbst Theatre: Some signage or even discreet arrows directing folks to the ladies room might be in order. I will happily spring for the expense myself.