Life Outside NY Part 6: California, My Goddamned Graceland

In early October, after spending a bitter sweet summer in Seattle I said goodbye and headed South with great relief. Although I neglected my typical costume creations during this festive, and favored time of year for me, I endured some great adventures. I set on my way on a road trip into Northern Cali with an old friend, as mountaintops, fields of wheat and graffitied trains painted the Indian summer shades of gold and green around me. Soon we fell off the grid as Autumn disappeared into the smell of the night and coniferous plants took the place of the amber colored turning and dying tree's which had surrounded me in the week before in the Pacific Northwest.

I will not say so much about the bizarre adventure that I endured for the month of October and the early weeks of November. I will say that I found my heart there in California this past fall, as painful and uncomfortable as moments of that time may have been. It was not a bad time, and quite frankly the whole period was visually stunning; between the exquisite golden roadside fields off of the freeway, the vivid mountains of Mendo-smelling sweet with pine, distant from the world-and the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge, spilling me out into San Francisco when I journeyed in and eventually came to live for a bit. I will also say that for the first time in my entire life I did not dress up for Halloween this year, a realization that still stings me to think of... my favorite holiday got away from me this year.

Here is a bit of the story in pictures of the place that owns my heart; California, My Goddamned Graceland.

Papusza Couture in Meuse Magazine: Solace

Have a look at spread "Solace," which appears in the December issue of Meuse Magazine, photographed by Kylie Faye. The garments are from my Papusza Stain line, available on etsy. Kylie and I collaborated on the art direction of this shoot. Issue can still be purchased online.

Credits are as follows:

Photographer: Kylie Faye
Hair and makeup: Shontelle Vincent
Wardobe and Styling: Kaytee P.
Model: Ryonen
Bird Nest Chocker: Nature's Twist
Hat: Katie Burley
Giant Dreamcatcher: Amra

Life Outside NY Part 5: Seattle, Grunge is Not Dead

Those of you who have been following Papusza since the early days know that I first launched my couture in Seattle. I embarked upon the journey into the heart of my creative vision in this rainy city... the aesthetic of the grunge era, Seattle at it's forefront, still plays a huge role in my aesthetic, especially when it comes to streetwear. Seattle is a city alive with artistic spirit, and some of the finest craftsmen I have come to know. There also lies a tremendous creative community in Seattle, which I will forever be grateful for.

Before moving to New York, the community I had in Seattle provided me with the support, encouragement and inspiration I needed to have the faith and desire to move my work forward on a much broader scale. Without Seattle, I never would have found the courage to move to New York, and without New York I never would have had all the opportunities to travel and get press and exposure on an international level.

I have hardly had a chance to return to the Emerald City, since moving away over 5 years ago. I was excited to head back this past summer, having the opportunity to work with a couple designer friends of mine, and reconnect with artist friends I have there. After my adventures last spring in SF I headed north, and found a mish mash of my old friends. I won't go into specifics, but the Summer was full of experiences, both positive and negative. Returning helped me remember just how much I have done and how much my work has grown... it also reminded me what a wonderful artist community I still have in that rainy city... although I can only handle the summers there. At this point in my life the grey rainy season is to much for me to bear.

See some photos below capturing some of the adventures I had in Seattle while I was visiting this past Summer...

Papusza Stain/Limbs Pop-up Shop in San Francisco Tomorrow at What It Is... SFC Studios

Hey everyone! Come support local and do some holiday shopping tomorrow at Papusza friend What It Is... SFC Studios in the Outer Sunset on the SE corner of Judah and La Playa. I'll be selling my Papusza Limbs at their special $20 holiday sale price, as well as pieces from my Papusza Stain Lingerie collection. You can take the N MUNI right there!

And after you enjoy your shopping you can op over the dunes and spend some time chilling on the beach and looking at the beautiful ocean. The forecast tomorrow is warm, clear and sunny-don't miss out! Get some great last minute gifts for the holidays (or a little sexy splurge for yourself!) and some beautiful sunshine while you are at it ♥

Hand Painted Papusza Limbs Now Available and Holiday Sale

I am now selling hand painted Papusza Limbs on my etsy. Normally they are $40 a pair, but if you order them before December 24th they are on sale for only $35! They make great Christmas gifts, especially for the stylish ladies in your life. These beautiful hand painted stockings are available in 2 sizes and over 50 colors combinations. Please see more details via the etsy link above, and feel free to inquire for more details to kaytee@papuszacouture.com.

Also, don't miss out on my special holiday sale for all my other Limbs. Normally $28 they are on sale through the holidays for only $20 a pair.

If you are looking to keep your hands warm in a stylish way I just added a variety of beautiful gloves to my etsy, and I will be adding many more in the upcoming days. These stylish, hand painted, hand dyed upcycled gloves will keep your fingers warm and your outfit smoking hot.

Papusza Couture Tarot Card Dress Photos by Ali Scarpulla in Black and White

I love these photos SOOOOO much. From a beautiful shoot I did with Ali Scarpulla of my Tarot Card Dresses in NY. See more photos from the same shoot here. Models are lovely Emily Theobald and Mika Mae Jones.

Papusza Couture for Panic! At The Disco "Get Me Out Of My Mind" Trailer

Last year I had the privilege of costuming the ladies in film "Get Me Out Of My Mind" about band Panic! At The Disco by brilliant artist/film maker Brian Gonzalez/Taxiplasm. Have a sneak peak at the trailer below, and stay tuned for details on the release of the full production...

P! trailer from brian gonzalez / TAXIPLASM on Vimeo.