marcjoseph

LinkedIn - join us for networking

2008-07-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

Check out the marcjoseph profile on LinkedIn. Send us an invitation to join you. We love keeping all our connections active. You can also see other people we know and admire.

Coming Soon - the funniest video ever

2008-07-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend I spent two very long days with some of the most professional people I've had the pleasure of working with. We did a video shoot that is coming soon to YouTube. This is a hilarious spoof featuring Secretia Collins of SecretiaTV.com

You'll see it soon.
Thanks to Secretia, John, Roger, Vince, Scott, Eric and Rob.

Marriage Fair for gay and lesbian couples

2008-07-16T19:31:00.000-07:00

marcjoseph is producing Marriage Fair on August 23 in West Hollywood. Join us along with dozens of vendors providing everything you need for a most fabulous wedding.

Yes, there will be chocolate fountains. There will be fabulous feathers. There will be lace, tulle, chiffon, and probably even leather. There will be a dance floor, a movie, and even celebrities speaking on behalf of marriage equality.

We still have room for a few more vendors and speakers. Contact us.

www. marcjoseph. com/marriage. html

marcjoseph runway fashion show

2008-07-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

We have posted our fabulous runway fashion show from the vintage designer collection of marcjoseph, featuring the world's finest designers.

You can see it here, see it on our myspace page
www.myspace.com/shopmarcjoseph
and on our website
www. marcjoseph. com

It was so exciting to see our clothing on the runway with these wonderful models showing it at its best!

little pink floral 1950's shoes

2008-06-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

little pink and red floral fabric shoes from the 1950's, spiked 2 1/2" heel, bows at the toes, the ultimate feminine accessory, excellent hardly-worn condition, size 6, just $65

email us now before they walk away

Modernist Garage Sale this weekend

2008-06-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

MODERNIST GARAGE SALE

Join the Pack!
Saturday and Sunday
June 21 & 22, 9 am to 5 pm

Hey Ho, Cool Cats and Hip Chicks
No ordinary sale, Modernist Garage Sale is a celebration of mid-century culture. Held at one of the only mid-century modern estates in Hancock Park, this multi-collector extravaganza has everything to make your

home a swanky swingin' pad.

Furniture, art, clothing, lighting, vintage magazines, pottery, and accessories

all being sold for a tiny fraction of what they're worth. We'll crank up the hi-fi,
bring your own martini mixings.

If you're not inclined to haul your swanky purchases home,
the fabulous celebrity-owned house is also for sale.

Don’t be Pokey. Dew Drop in, Daddy-O. We’ll be sad if you’re not here

.

southeast corner Third & Rossmore
in the heart of Hancock Park, Los Angeles 90020

A Most Amazing Day

2008-06-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Today I had an opportunity to participate in a history-making event, and it was pure magic. Tuesday, June 17, same-sex marriage became legal in California. At 8 am this morning, I arrived in a park in West Hollywood to volunteer for Marriage Equality USA, who set up a booth to offer free wedding photos to couples being married. When I arrived, dozens of members from all the major press outlets were there, and dozens of excited couples were lined up at the West Hollywood courthouse to receive their marriage licenses.

It was a beautiful cross-section of men and women of all different ethnicities, different religions, some with children, some with parents and family members, all here to celebrate an event most of us never expected to occur in our lifetimes. Almost all those who married were well-established couples who had been together twelve years, twenty-three years, even one pair of men who had shared a lifetime of forty-eight years. These were people who clearly understood the levity of marriage and had intertwined their lives with solid commitments for many years. These were absolutely not people who were attempting to make a shocking social or political statement.

While there was a handful (perhaps half a dozen) of protestors, all of them carrying religious signs, they were hardly noticed by the hundreds of loving, supportive friends, family, and even strangers who turned out to solidify the commitments these wonderful men and women were making. My friend Peter, whom I have known for twenty-five years, was one of the first to marry, his fantastic partner Geoff, with whom he has shared his life for twelve years.

I managed to talk with many major press outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, CBS News, and the New York Times, sharing information about the work Marriage Equality is doing to assure that marriage becomes legal and available to all citizens throughout the country. We also will be producing a Marriage Fair in August, with dozens of vendors offering every service neeeded for weddings, receptions, and honeymoons, and raising funds for the continuing work of Marriage Equality.

In a sillier moment, I also had a brief conversation with Satan, a protestor in a devil mask carrying a sign proclaiming "Pervert Weddings Performed Here". I stopped to say to him "Do you realize how ridiculous you are, protesting love and commitment?" He replied "Perverts can't get married.". My response to him was "You're single, aren't you?", as I walked away.

It was truly a magical day, witnessing the depth of commitment these men and women shared on an historic occasion, realizing how much hard-fought work has been done by brave people who have dedicated years to securing these rights of fairness through our judicial system, and by turning the tide of public opinion. If not for them, this day would not have happened.

Modernist Garage Sale

2008-06-09T10:55:00.001-07:00

June 21 & 22, we're participating in the legendary Modernist Garage Sale. This is a fantastic collection of mid-century living in the heart of Hancock Park. Furniture, clothing, art, and home accessories are ready to make your swingin' swanky pad even swankier. And it is all dirt cheap.

If you're not inclined to buy things and haul them home, the fabulous celebrity-owned house is also for sale. Join us Saturday and Sunday, June 21 & 22, 9 am to 5 pm, at the southeast corner of Third and Rossmore, in the heart of Hancock Park.

Don't Sleep in the Subway

2008-06-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

It's been something I've meant to do for a long time, but never got around to it. Los Angeles has had a subway for quite a few years. What took me so long? It's clean, efficient, easy, and cheap. I've ridden between North Hollywood and Downtown and Pasadena and Hollywood, and soon I'll take a ride to Long Beach.

No more searching and paying for a parking spot, no more sitting in traffic, and no more shoving my wallet into the gas tank.

Short and sweet, get on the subway!

Town Square - the perfect opportunity to network your own business

2008-05-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

In May, the first Town Square business networking event took place at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. There were vendors representing many different types of businesses, all there for the purpose of networking with each other. It's working! We have reports from quite a few of the guests about new alliances and collaborations. In fact, we met exciting new people at Town Square and are working together on some creative projects.

Town Square learned which aspects of the group worked well, and which ones could use some improvement. But the magic of smart business people connecting and building and supporting each other is the crucial component which will never be changed.

Wednesday, June 18, from 5-8 pm, Town Square goes to Biddy Mason Park, in the historic core of downtown Los Angeles, just south of Third Street, between Broadway and Spring. Vendors will have plenty of space to set up tables, and there will be live entertainment, wine, beer, and food available.

Admission to Town Square is now free to the public, and we encourage you to spread the word to bring as many people as possible to this important networking event. More information is found on the website www.marcjoseph.com

1950's two-tone lizard handbag

2008-05-20T23:48:00.000-07:00

stunning and very rare 1950's two-tone lizard handbag, black lizard body trimmed with lighter colored lizard around the frame and handle, distinctive shape, leather lined, made by Sterling, brass hardware, relatively small interior big enough to fit two fists, 8 1/2" wide, 7 3/4" high excluding handle, 3 3/8" deep, excellent condition, only $225

1950's brown alligator box handbag

2008-05-20T23:36:00.000-07:00

classic box bag from the 1950's, brown alligator trimmed with brass hardware, two big compartments lined in tan suede, skins in good shape, brass has been polished but still shows some signs of age

the big detractor is the replacement chain, which is silver links and not a good match for the bag, we recommend finding a more suitable chain - once the chain is replaced, this will be an exceptional example of a mid-century glamour alligator bag

only $60

1960's Margaret Smith floral fabric handbag

2008-05-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

vintage 1960's floral fabric bag from Margaret Smith, classic Hamptons/Martha Vineyard old money East Coast look, vibrant color, textured cotton lined with pink satin, appears to not have been used, excellent condition, larger than average size, just $60

Vintage Reptile Handbags! - the first of dozens

2008-05-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

We love vintage reptile, and we have the handbags, shoes, belts, and wallets to prove it. This one from our collection is an unusual box bag, caramel color, wide with two interior leather-lined compartments, distinctive brass hardware, built-in vanity mirror, and double carrying strap. It measures 8" long, 6 1/2" high, and a whopping 4 1/4" deep. Dating to the 1950's, it is in excellent condition, and appears to have spent most of its life resting comfortably in the closet. The brass has the proper age burnishing, which could be polished, but we prefer the classic age patina. This bag is in exceptional condition, and would cost a bloody fortune if new. We'll let it go for $300.

marcjoseph from the beginning

2008-05-16T00:21:00.000-07:00

About Us...

marcjoseph began in 2000 as a retail store in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Antique and vintage collectors Marc Modrow and Joe Dusick created a showroom unique to Wisconsin, with sophisticated furnishings from the 1880’s to the 1970’s, and an exclusive line of wood bedroom and dining room furniture designed by Marc. In addition, there was vintage clothing from throughout the twentieth century, including the legendary fashion designers from around the world. Yes, it was a little unusual in suburban Milwaukee. Some people loved it and some didn’t. Nonetheless, marcjoseph grew.

In 2004, Marc returned to his native California, moving the retail showroom, first to Burbank, then to Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles. California was an excellent place and marcjoseph continued to grow. The 5000 square foot showroom was a great place for entertaining. We hosted art shows, charity events, fashion shows, and even live music every Thursday night.

Most of the retail business came by appointment, and the overhead for the large showroom was extreme. marcjoseph closed the retail showroom in September 2007, continuing to meet clients by appointment through our warehouse. This gave us the freedom to create and produce many new series of events.

Now, marcjoseph is an event production company, hosting art shows, music concerts, charity, fashion, and business networking. Southern California is filled with amazing talent, and we are thrilled to be able to produce and be involved with so many creative and wonderful people. We continue to sell our collection of clothing and furnishings through our own events, through in-home shopping parties, here on our blog, and through our website www.marcjoseph.com

Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey.

Marc and Joe

Room 222 vintage designer clothing

2008-05-14T02:04:00.000-07:00

We're preparing for our vintage designer clothing sale this weekend, Room 222, and there is some great stuff surfacing. Let us share just a few photos of items that will be available.

1950's alligator shoes - never worn

Mr Blackwell early 1960's silk dress and cape

1950's large Kelly-style alligator handbag

1950's Levi's western shirt

two-tone 1950's lizard handbag

Thierry Mugler black velvet and satin dress

1950's beaded knit dress

Chanel silk sailor suit

Mainbocher couture gown c1960

Jean Muir 1960's silk dress

Giorgio Armani jacket

Nina Ricci 1960's black brocade coat

1930's taffeta dress with lucite buttons

Givenchy dress pants

Fred Hayman beaded evening top

Don Loper 1950's silk suit

Valentino red wool skirt suit

vintage Fendi signature bag with Louis Vuitton Damier fur shoes

Thierry Mugler white wool suit

Richard Tyler shoes

Gucci shoes, never worn

1950's pink floral shoes

Mark Venaglia hand-painted handbag

This is just a small sample of clothing from Room 222. Join the rest of the stylists, costumers, celebrities, and collectors who shop at Room 222. This clothing is sold for far less than it is worth, far less than the better resale stores.

Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18, 11 am to 5 pm
509 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles
upstairs in room #222
818.980.1055
www.marcjoseph.com

Hoagies and Wings and Jazz, oh my!

2008-05-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

This Friday, May 16, join us for Jazz in the Park, a free concert in one of the most interesting hidden parks in all of downtown Los Angeles. Just outside the doors of famed Hoagies and Wings restaurant, The Fresh Band will perform twice, at 12:00 noon and at 6:30 pm.

Biddy Mason Park, 332 S Broadway, was named for the amazing Biddy Mason, a black woman who walked behind a stagecoach across the country to come to California in the mid 19th century. She was one of the most influential people in the development of Los Angeles. We'll talk more about Biddy Mason later. This park is a shaded courtyard with a fountain, tables and chairs, a beautiful respite from the street noise.

Join us as this park grooves to The Fresh Band, the first in a series of exciting events that will be coming to Biddy Mason Park. For more information, visit www.hoagiesandwings.com or call 213.613.1212

vintage designer clothing sale

2008-05-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

ROOM 222

exceptional clothing for exceptional people

Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18, 11 am to 5 pm

Clothing and accessories from the legendary fashion designers of the 20th century

all sold at shockingly low prices

introducing fine antique and estate jewelry

509 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, upstairs in room #222

produced by marcjoseph and Lisa Mionie

www.marcjoseph.com 818.980.1055

Room 222 will be open to the public for a great two-day shopping event Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18. This month we are adding jewelry, which we have not had in the past. There are stunning pieces of antique and estate jewelry, along with a lot more handbags and accessories.

Valentino, Halston, Dior, and dozens more of your favorite designers. The clothing at Room 222 dates from the 1930's to the present, with everything between. Since our overhead is so low and our prices so good, most of the other vintage dealers shop us for clothing to resell in their own stores. Join the stylists, costumers, collectors and celebrities who have shopped our past events. Room 222 is normally open just by appointment, or by exclusive, in-home shopping parties. This is the first public event since January.

Gimme a belt!

2008-05-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

black suede belt trimmed with shining gold, made in France by Karl Lagerfeld, black suede buckle in back, 2 1/4" wide, marked size 70, fits small, very good condition, first $50 takes it away

Feather your nest

2008-05-07T18:55:00.001-07:00

We have this amazing little handmade handbag covered with feathers, but it's time to pass it on to someone who will take it out in public, cherish it and all the compliments it will bring. A fabulously weird bag, it is covered with cascading two-tone brown and blue feathers. The bag and the handle are brown naugahyde, and the interior is lined in atomic print barkcloth. The materials are 1950's/60's, but we don't know when the bag was made. But it is wild and wonderful. Without the handle it is 8" high and 8" across, with just one open compartment. It's in very nice condition with just a little ruffling of the feathers. The first $65 takes this bird away.

SOLD!

Mark Venaglia - the art deco works

2008-05-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

Mark Venaglia is a brilliant artist with a successful 25 year career. His work has been shown in galleries around the world, collected by many celebrities, and shows a rich, passionate degree of knowledge for the craft of art. Here is a photographic journey of one of his most stunning series, the Art Deco works.

"For Revelation"

"For Revelation" (detail)

"Luxurious Light"

"Contender"

"Oxidized"

"Hollywood Bowl"

"No One Can Hold Back the Dawn"

"Josephine"

"The Sirius Sky" a detail portion of a mural from Eddie Murphy's ceiling

"Love Is"

"Evolution"

"The Kiss"

"The Boy King"

"Spirit of LA"

Many of the original paintings are available, but each one of these images is available as a signed, limited-edition, artist-enhanced giclee.

See Mark and some of his work this Thursday, May 8, at Town Square.
http://www.marcjoseph.com/townsquare

And see more of Mark's work at http://www.markvv.com and http://www.markvvart.com

You're in for a Lotte Trouble

2008-05-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

Seethingly seductive while being LOL funny. Can it be done? Enthusiastically yes. Lotte Trouble, exiled from Bogoslavia, has come to Los Angeles with her distinctive brand of smoldering hilarity. The ultimate femme fatale bad girl, her songs leer with suggestiveness, while her comedic delivery lets everyone enjoy the inside joke.

Big hair! Big feathers! Big cleavage!

See Lotte in the most unexpected of places this Thursday at Town Square, http://www.marcjoseph.com/townsquare
Those business people networking the Biltmore Hotel will be knocked out of their garters.

You're in for a Lotte Trouble!

The former marcjoseph showroom

2008-05-02T00:19:00.000-07:00

Here are photos of the former marcjoseph showroom, 7210 Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles. We closed the retail showroom in September 2007. Much of the merchandise has been sold, but much is also in storage, waiting for the right opportunities to be shown. Let us know if there is something that "speaks" to you.

I thought I would miss having that big, luxurious space. But so many amazing things have been happening since then, moving forward is so much more exciting than looking back.

Prada for pennies

2008-05-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

From our collection of way too many shoes, Prada caramel suede D'orsay, pointed toe, 2" heel, big decorative silver buckle, worn about three times with the most minor scuffing of the soles, otherwise excellent condition.

Is your magic size 38 1/2? If so, these need to be yours. Let everyone think you spend $500 for shoes.

The first $50 takes them. Email us.

SOLD!

Downtown Art Walk next Thursday

2008-05-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Downtown Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour of the many art exhibition venues in Downtown Los Angeles — commercial art galleries, museums, and non-profit arts venues. Public information and a printable map of the Downtown Art Walk are available at http://www.downtownartwalk.com/. It takes place all day from 12-9 pm, with the biggest crowds in the evening. Visit the Art Walk then get something wonderful to eat at the dozens of new restaurants that keep sprouting.

Participants in the Downtown Art Walk are The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Gallery at REDCAT, L.A. Artcore Center, de Soto, 2nd Street Cigars and Gallery, Art Slave, Morono Kiang Gallery, Taller 410, Museum of Neon Art, Crewest, Dale Youngman Gallery, LAMP Community Art Project, Pharmaka, Los Angeles Center for Digital Art, El Nopal Press, Bert Green Fine Art, Red Dot Gallery, Niche.LA Video Art, The Spring Arts Collective Gallery, M. J. Higgins, Bailey Gallery, Art Murmur Gallery, 626 Gallery, Infusion Gallery, Gallery 727, The Hive Gallery, groundfloor, 01 Gallery, City Center Gallery, Dalessio, Gary Leonard, Grey Goose, and Gallery at 7th & Fig.

This is a great opprotunity to get out and explore the radical changes taking place in downtown LA. New retail stores, new art galleries, new restaurants, and nightlife are all popping up weekly. There are pedestrians all over and it is safe and comfortable. Get out of your car and get out of the traffic. From anywhere in southern California, you can get easy public transportation into downtown.

Also happening the same day is Town Square. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a business to network with other business people and make exciting things happen. Visit the website at www.marcjoseph.com/townsquare Also see what has been written at http://www.angelenic.com/

A FREE Art Walk shuttle loops throughout Gallery Row on Art Walk nights from 7-10 pm, with the last bus leaving at 9:45 pm. The shuttle makes stops at most intersections on Spring and Main Streets from 2nd to 8th Streets as indicated on the Art Walk map. Shuttles will be hosted by local historians Mike the Poet (author of “I Am Alive in Los Angeles”), and Richard Schave of Esotouric, who will provide information to visitors on the history of downtown Los Angeles. Thanks to the Los Angeles Downtown Neighborhood Council for making this DASH service possible.

Summer Cocktail Party

2008-04-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is getting warmer, our thoughts drift to cocktails outdoors. We have the perfect thing to kick up the glamour quotient of your party.

Dating to the 1930's, this cocktail shaker set with five glasses is in beautiful condition. Both the shaker and the glasses are stepped and ribbed, highlighted with painted stripes of red and white. The paint is strong after all these years, and the glasses don't have a single nick or chip. The top of the shaker, aluminum, which was the fabulous new miracle metal of the time, has a few little dents. Otherwise, perfection. This gorgeous set is just $150.

Now sit back on your chaise and sip your martini.

1950's custom-made dogbone chairs for sale

2008-04-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

We have furniture, lots of it, and clothing, 7000 pieces. So we're going to post it here once in a while and offer it for sale.

These chairs had been custom-made in the 1950's, and we purchased them from the original owner in Chicago. She had them reupholstered sometime in the 90's. We've never seen anything quite like them before, and only wish there was a cherished spot in our home. They swivel a full 360, and have high backs with dogbone cutouts. They are incredibly comfortable and swanky glamorous. The upholstery is slightly nubby-textured tan color, likely cotton/rayon, with black piping. The chairs have been in storage for a while, and have a few surface smudges that should be cleaned, otherwise these are exquisite.

The pair of chairs can be sold for just $1500. Yes, yes, if you saw them in one of the high-end design showrooms, or on 1stdibs, they would be many thousands. We'd love to see them go to a cherished home.

Call us 818.980.1055

Fleurings - flowered jewelry

2008-04-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

OK, I've discovered something brilliant. There is a brand-new line of jewelry called Fleurings, which allows you to wear live flowers as pendants or earrings. Conceived and made by Samantha Lockwood, it's one of those why-didn't-I-think-of-that items. Fleurings are made of gold or sterling silver, with small containers which hold water, like mini vases. You add a dramatic flower and gather rave compliments.

Here is Samantha wearing Fleurings earrings:

The website claims that Fleurings are made by mermaids, but we have to inject a cautious note of scepticism. I do know that Samantha, an actress whose parents are both actors, has a brilliant idea, and expect to see them all over Hollywood very soon. They are shown in most of the photos with orchids, but I can imagine lots of other flowers being just as easily worn - daisies, roses, hibiscus, or even some of the ornamental grasses.

We've shown you some photos from the website, http://www.fleurings.com/

2008-04-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Botaniscapes by Mark Venaglia
in celebration of Earth Month

New paintings from nine feet tall to four inches by four inches

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 6-9 PM at CISCO HOME

Noted Manhattan art critic Maria Pavlovich McCarthy: "The truth is- a viewer doesn't only observe and behold Mark's flowers, one actually encounters them. To meet a flower in this show is to be seized by its anthropomorphic power and to accept its near-humanity. In as much as the finest portraits of humans possess a visual endowment of spirit and life to be considered a cultural experience, so do Mark's floral images. They possess an inner substance which belies the mere beauty of their painted forms.

To insure an abundance of sulfite free wine and organic munchies, it is very important for you to

RSVP (626) 584-1273.

Every Earth lover is welcomed to the artists' reception 6-9PM.

CISCO HOME
474 South Arroyo Parkway
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 584-1273

www.ciscohome.net

Mark Venaglia Handbags

2008-04-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

With our guidance, the brilliant artist Mark Venaglia has painted a most amazing line of vintage handbags. Each one is a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece of art you can carry. Recycled vintage handbags from the 1950's and 60's are so much better made than the bags of today, the ultimate in eco-consciousness recycling. Each bag is completely unique, signed by Mark. Here is the "Koi" handbag, of black patent leather:

The bags are just released, available only through marcjoseph. Here they are featured in Los Angeles Magazine, April 2008.

Following are a few more photos of Mark's handbags.

"The Spirit of Transportation"

"Pop Sensation"

"Deco Face"

"Sunflower"

"Pomegranate"

Prices for the bags range from $1450 to $1750, available only from marcjoseph.

Town Square - The Power of Social Networking

2008-04-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

Town Square is coming. The most important thing I've learned in my 40-something years of life is that almost every business interaction comes as a result of social networking. Yes, who you know is more important than anything else. I've spent the past couple years daily introducing people to each other. And magical things happen. A clothing designer needs a photographer. A photographer needs a stylist. A stylist needs a magazine editor. A magazine editor needs a printer. It's amazing what can happen when people meet and discover how important their businesses are to each other.

I've decided to use that skill in connecting people to make an actual event. It just came to me one day recently, and now Town Square is born. Yes, there are meetings for networking, like local Chamber of Commerce groups. But, please, how fun is that? It's like torture to stand around grudgingly trying to talk to someone and exchanging business cards. Town Square is a fun cocktail party people are going to enjoy. We're also bringing in some very creative live entertainment. And every month is going to be creative and fresh.

The first Town Square is taking place in downtown LA, the hub of new creativity. Businesses are opening every single day, and these people all need to meet each other. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is generously providing a beautiful venue, and we're going to make great things happen. Join us and see.

From the website:
Harness the power of a grand room full of people, all there to meet you and learn of your business. Town Square is the perfect forum to promote your business to others, and make important lasting contacts. We recognize the most effective way to promote your business is through people who know you, like you, and trust you.

At the elegant Biltmore Hotel, Town Square is a fun cocktail party, with drinks, appetizers, art, and live entertainment. Each month we gather to network and make social contacts to grow our businesses.

As development in downtown Los Angeles explodes, new businesses and new opportunities are popping up daily. Make the most of your marketing strategy by meeting the people who make your business succeed.

Guests pay $20 to attend, which includes free appetizers. A limited number of four foot tables are available, so your business will have a visible presence with literature and information, at an investment of $50. One representative from your company is included with each table purchase. Your business name and contact information is also included in the directory which is given to each guest.

Sign up at www.marcjoseph.com/townsquare

California turns Lilac

2008-02-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

Last night, at Minx, a glamorous restaurant/lounge in Glendale, dozens of well-dressed gay men and women gathered for a shining evening of brilliant conversation. It was a beautiful event, bringing a new kind of salon-driven socializing to gay nightlife. Every person found kindred spirits and interests they never realized they shared until they began communicating. I was beaming, as I was the host who started it.

Lilac was conceived a few months ago as the type of nightlife I'd want for myself - interesting, intelligent people gathering in elegant places, having cocktails, hors'd-ouevres, and lots of conversation. It's working. The event was scheduled to last until 10 pm, but we were guiding our guests out at 11, while they were deep in conversation, exchanging contact information. Couples met new friends, important business contacts were made, and we witnessed what was clearly a couple of happy romantic matches.

Some of the host locations for Lilac have been Cicada, in downtown Los Angeles, Tangier, in Los Feliz, and Viceroy, in Palm Springs - all of them elegant places setting the standard for excellent service and beautiful atmosphere. Next Tuesday, February 12, Lilac is hosted by Citizen Smith, a classic old-Hollywood glamour restaurant in the heart of Hollywood. On March 16, Lilac goes to Hip Kitty,a wild fondue jazz club in Claremont, that has the look and style of a "Shag" painting.

Press has been very favorable, and it's clear that Lilac offers a nightlife alternative that's been missing.

Lilac
818.980.1055
www.myspace.com/lilacmarcjoseph

Thierry Mugler makes women hot

2008-02-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

Thierry Mugler is one of our favorite designers, and we just have to show off a few pieces from our collection. All of them are for sale, though we hate to part with such exquisite clothing. Please promise you'll be an excellent caretaker and you'll wear it proudly.

Born in Germany in 1948, Mugler moved to Paris to become a ballet dancer. I'm sure this influenced the way he gracefully shapes the body with his highly-formed clothing. His clothes are like architecture for the body, and accentuate your curves in the most amazing way. Though his first collection dates to 1973 (and we actually have a dress from one of the first collections), he rose to prominence in the 1980's with wild, dramatic shapes reminiscent of Jane Jetson, Blade Runner, space-age futurism, along with padded and peplumed forms from suits of the 1940's. Pure genius!

This is a trio of Mugler from our collection - left, black and white wool suit, size 38, $525

center, white wool suit with spectaculary exaggerated peplum and chrome hardware, size 36, $650

right, black and white tuxedo style dress, never worn with original tags, size 36, $650

OK, as I'm adding photos, they are being scattered all over the page in places where I'd never intended. Until I learn to blog correctly, and use HTML to get proper photo placement, I hope you will be patient. The photos and text are a mess, but I'm loving the content.

So, there are three photos of a black velvet dress, trimmed with black satin, that slings over one shoulder, with a sexy asymmetrical cutout and a scandalous slit up the side - a work of art, size 40, $650

The white suit has the most incredible draping I've seen - fitted waist, long flowing drape at the sides and back, and a drape over one shoulder down the center of the back, belted, with a simple straight skirt, never worn with its original tags, 100% poly, with the feel of very fine gabardine, size 36, $750

Yes, I have a lot more Mugler in the marcjoseph collection, but I'm going to work on this photo placement problem before I post anything else. Email me and I'll be glad to show more.

My, what a big bag you have!

2008-02-02T10:31:00.001-08:00

Are we so over the giant handbags yet? Many of my friends have been talking about the trouble of carrying a bag the size of a suitcase - the weight dragging on their shoulders, the difficulty of storing it when they sit in a restaurant, the fact that it cost more than their monthly mortgage payment. It's also easy to see the impending spectre of widespread osteoporosis.

Well, we know there are benefits to these ginormous bags. After you've spent so much for a big that you fall behind on those mortgage payments and your house is foreclosed, you can live in the bag. The bags can easily conceal a small child, giving childcare options for working professionals. You have room in your bag for both the child and the nanny.

But if you are truly worn out from the weight of your bag, it's time to return to sanity. We foresee a swing to much smaller, reasonably manageable bags. And later this week, we're going to offer you some stunning options.

marcjoseph introduction

2008-02-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

marcjoseph has 7000 pieces of mens and womens clothing from the 1930's to the present, which is more than he will ever wear. We also got a bit carried away with vintage and antique furniture and accessories. You'll see.

This site will show some of that clothing and furniture, and offer it for sale. Along the way, we'll talk about fashion, furnishings, art, architecture, music, nightlife, politics, and stream-of-consciousness ramblings, laced with both fact and opinion.

http://www.myspace.com/shopmarcjoseph