Categories
Art Fashion Glamour Podcast TTT Resa McConaghy Season 2

Season 2 Episode 55: Resa McConaghy on Glamour, Fantasy and Art

“Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young girl named Virginia who lived in the Empire D’Amore. Unfortunately, she was very poor, a seamstress for the wealthy merchants of the kingdom. One day, the Emperor D’Amore demanded that his son, Prince Will, marry. He decreed a holiday with a royal procession throughout the empire.” Resa McConaghy, Empress D’Amore – A Cheeky Fairytale

Photo Credit: Resa McConaghy

Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia.

Thank you for listening in.

I am heading over the Rocky Mountains across the Prairie Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to the vibrant city of Toronto, Ontario to meet up with Resa McConaghy, a dear blogger friend, artist, photographer, and established costume designer in film, television, and digital media.  Resa has worked her costume designer magic on productions for Showtime, ABC, Disney, CBS, CBC, Hallmark, and more.   She brings out personalities with her costume designs and adds dramatic moods to each scene by balancing texture and colours.

Photo Credit: Resa McConaghy

Resa’s mission is to enable the articulation of character through wardrobe.  And she does this brilliantly through storytelling.  An illustration of this talent is captured in Empress D’Amore – A Cheeky Fairytale, recently published on Flapper Press, an on-line magazine created by Elizabeth Gracen and an international team of talented artists and writers.

Photo Credit: Resa McConaghy

Today, Resa invited us to Art Gowns, the world of art and glamourous fantasy. So, put the kettle on and add your thoughts on Tea Toast & Trivia.  I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.

And a very special thank you and shout out to Resa –  you live life with compassion, hope and bold enthusiasm.

Listeners,  I invite you to meet up with Resa on Art Gowns and Flapper Press. You are only an internet click away from the world of glamour and fantasy.

Photo Credit: Resa McConaghy

Resa McConaghy on Glamour, Fantasy & Art – Tea. Toast. & Trivia.

By Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

103 replies on “Season 2 Episode 55: Resa McConaghy on Glamour, Fantasy and Art”

I am so glad that you listened in, Marina. Resa has been a wonderful inspiration to me over the years. She introduced me to street art and the amazing world of glamour and fantasy. I am thrilled that she joined me on TTT.

Liked by 2 people

By Post Author

She’s an inspiration to me too and she’s actually responsible for turning my views on street art 100%!!!!!!!! It was a real joy listening to you both having this beautiful conversation and Rebecca, you are the most wonderful host! Proud to know you both!

Liked by 1 person

Aww, Marina!
I’m so HAPPY you came to the podcast!
It’s an honour and a joy to be here, to know you and so many fab people out here in Bloggerville! Thank you for all you do, the wonderful art, the fab Artist Profiles and the amazing music!
Now to check out the pingback!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Liked by 2 people

Dear Resa and Rebecca, this is so wonderful. I had a very hard time finding it…not sure why. But, so glad I did. Rebecca and Resa, your voices are music, so lovely. I enjoyed the interview so much, you both delightful and of course Resa is my shining start! Thank you, Thank you. I will visit Flapper Press, I haven’t been there before and very excited to find you two there. Many hugs and loads of love.

Liked by 4 people

Thank you for listening in, Holly. Resa and I felt your presence when we discussed Velvet Tango and we both agree that your poetry is remarkable. It is very difficult to hear our voices for the first time. I remember thinking OMG – I can’t do this. My voice sounded so strange to me. Then I took a deep breath pressed the publish button. As my father said to before he passed nine years ago, you must look for the stories. I had no idea what he meant until a few years later when I heard the beautiful voices through the blogging community. We are learning to live musically as Vincent van Gogh once said: “In the end we shall have had enough of cynicism, skepticism and humbug, and we shall want to live more musically.” Sending many hugs and love back your way!!!

Liked by 3 people

By Post Author

Your voice is beautiful, Resa had mentioned how very lovely it is and I agree! Resa also has a wonderful voice. I’m not much of a reciter and would be thrilled to hear my poetry recited by you someday. Take care dear Rebecca.

Liked by 2 people

Dear Holly, PBH, RR, Art Gowns Model Holly and Boogapony!
I’m so glad you found this, and got to listen to it.
Shining Star!!! WOW!!!
Let me add a little glitter to my greying hair! Hope I don’t blind everyone.
Oh no, I’m sounding like RR!
Ahh, we are having a lot of fun out her in Bloggerville!
That could be a TV series.
Sending love!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Liked by 3 people

Add a bit glitter , we can be Divas together. My dear talented and just beautiful and awesome friend , thank you for all you do. It’s so wonderful to listen to you and Rebecca. It’s just very heartwarming. Rebecca is a gem and you are a precious jewel. That’s quite a pair!
xoxoxo

Liked by 2 people

Resa’s gowns are extraordinarily beautiful.
A lovely conversation. It was great ot hear her talk about her passion. I love learning about someone’s creative process, especially in an art form I could never attempt, never mind master- never in a million years. I loved her term -gowns of art for the proletariart.
It was nice to hear Holly from House of Heart was an inspiration for a gown. She is a major poet- her use of language and imagery is extraordinary.
Also nice to hear how the Art gowns are working for good causes.

Liked by 2 people

Paul – I am thrilled you joined us on this conversation. You have the very best comments. I agree – Resa has an extraordinary talent in creating fantasy and glamour. She is an artist who recognizes our search for connecting, for belonging, for love. When she said that she had her best ideas doing dishes, I had goosebumps. Some of my best memories are conversations with my mother when we did the dishes, before the advent of dishwashers. What seems like a trivial act, such as dishes, is what gives our lives meaning. Above all, Resa’s kindness shines through every one of her posts. And now she has courageously taken on “climate change aka Etamilc Egnahc”. YIKES!!

Liked by 2 people

By Post Author

Thank you Paul!
What a lovely comment. Holly is a major source of fun and inspiration. It’s kind of crazy, but it all started with a character we made up… Boogapony Holly. Here’s one of the posts. https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/2020/02/06/boogapony-holly-magic-carpet-tour/
The avenues of creativity are endless.
YAY!! Someone likes “gowns of art for the proletariart”.
It’s quite the deep…ahem…. thought/slogan.
Rebecca has honoured me with this interview. I adore her. She is now the Art Director for RR (Rene Rosso) and the Art Gowns Models in our “Gowntoons”.
Hope to see you, again!
-Resa

Liked by 1 person

So much fun! I enjoyed hearing about the design details and everything associated with Resa’s art. I especially appreciated learning about going gray and enjoying poetry. Finding every day meditation and creativity are so important to our well being, as well as beauty, joy and fun!

Liked by 2 people

I am delighted that you listened in, Mary Jo. I share your thoughts on finding every day meditation and creativity essential to give meaning to our lives. This morning, my meditation ended with this quote from the movie, Good Will Hunting: “You’ll have bad times, but it’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to.” Resa uses humour to convey complex and difficult messages. At present she is fighting climate change aka “Etamilc Egnahc” in her posts. We are all waiting for the next installment in the series. Sending many hugs and love your way.

Liked by 1 person

By Post Author

Dear Rebecca,
Thank you so much for having me over. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you… FUN! Although I have a hard time listening to my voice, I had your lovely voice to listen to in between. I adore listening to you recite poetry or read passages.
Well, this has just made my day, in a beautiful way!
Once I finish my drawing of Rene Rosso, ‘her hair a tangle of stars”, I will do a link up post. She will be hosting!
Lol, I’m still dealing with comments and visiting those who popped by and liked “Princess Blue Holly vs Etamilc Egnahc.
I’ll be checking in a bit later. First I’ve got to finish washing the linens, and dishes. I’ll be wearing “Velvet Tango”.

{{{HUGS}}} – Resa

Liked by 2 people

Oh Resa! I LOVED LOVED LOVED your voice that holds both humour and wisdom. (Remember that we had a high-pitched squeal coming across our connection – YIKES!) I was so happy that we were able to connect over the internet, which is getting more and more difficult now that we are all on-line from grade school to universities, from business to government agencies. The bandwidth is being stretched and I know our service providers are working around the clock to keep us connected. Thank you for joining me on TTT and sharing your creativity and profound love for our world. We may be on opposite sides of Canada, but you are with me on my pathway, a light that shines brightly. Sending hugs and more hugs. Can hardly wait for the next installment of “Princess Blue Holly vs Etamilc Egnahc.

Liked by 2 people

By Post Author

Thank you both for this inspiring conversation, truly delightful and challenging. It would be an honor to take lessons from this very talented and caring artist. The photos of her creations are beautiful and full of character! ! I am impressed with her concern for others, too. I liked the little space at the first about flowers. I think the two of you will be connecting and offering another conversation and am looking forward to hearing from you again. Thank you again! !

Liked by 2 people

I knew that you would love this conversation, Frances. I especially liked the meditation of “needle in and needle out.” This has been something that you have been doing over many decades. Isn’t it wonderful when we can have conversations that span the globe. Resa uses humour and kindness to share her stories. It is a dynamic combination.

Like

By Post Author

Ms. Frances,
Thank you so very much for listening in! One of the things I’m currently up to is experimenting with different flower making techniques. The new Art Gown is a garden, so will need a variety of flowers.
However, today is pie day! I’m making 1 cherry, 1 blueberry and 1 strawberry!
Thank you for your lovely comment!

Liked by 1 person

What a fantastic choice, Rebecca, for your guest, Resa, this super talented couturière, and designer of these magnificent creations, magnificently all, one more so than the other. I’ve seen her impressive costumes on her site, and having had a mother who earned hers and her three young children’s living, as a young couturièrre, in the field of haute couture, after father died, makes this field close to my heart and taste for beautiful clothes. Resa’s occupation is by extension high on my list of interests. Bravo for your choice Rebecca, and Bravo for your creations, Resa !

Liked by 2 people

I am so glad you listened in and for your heartwarming comments. I would love to know more about your mother’s occupation as a young couturièrre, in the field of haute couture. There are so many stories held in that past that are relevant for us now. Looking forward to our discussion.

Liked by 1 person

By Post Author

Thank you for this lovely comment, Jean – Jacques.
Couturier has vanished little by little, over time.
There are still some who can afford true couturier, but they are in that 1% I hear about so often. Even then, as long as there is a “Designer” brand to spin heads, few care about… needle in, needle out. They care about the purses.
True, in the beginning, sewing machines were a blessing.
Now, hard core manufacturing has conquered the landscape.
Your mother sounds like a very interesting person, and a great topic for Rebecca.
I’m so glad you can appreciate my art, and not just because it is pretty. It is because I am one of the last to keep alive the techniques of the past, and have added a few details, from yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Again, thank you!

Liked by 1 person

Dear Resa,
when I looked at your designs a central sentence of Hegel’s aesthetics came to my mind “appearance is essential to the being”.
I see your creations as a fine work of art but if I would meet somebody wearing it I would stay away from her. It would be too much for my taste. I have to admit I have my problems with glamour – not in art but in everydaylife.
Do you design fashion for men as well?
I enjoyed your podcast very much. Thanks for sharing
Klausbernd

Liked by 2 people

I am delighted that you listened, Klausbernd. I knew that you would enjoy this discussion and appreciate Resa’s creative spirit. I agree – Resa’s dresses are artwork, every gown brought together with hand-stitches and inspired by people who make a difference. Resa’s thought on how most of us will never wear a gown, other than for a wedding or prom, resonated with me, especially how she connected this idea with glamour with fantasy. In truth, there are very few places or events that call for this form of glamour. And yet, we enjoy viewing the gowns coming down a fashion runway or televised at a gala event and discussed at length in magazines and social media. As you said, we recognize the art in the creation – the colours, the details, and flow of material. I look back at the photos of my mother in her 1940’s and 1950’s suits and marvel at the formality that the suits brought to an occasion. There was a time she would never leave the house without a hat and gloves. I was reading about Diana Vreeland recently – she had me thinking with this thought (and I am still thinking) : “Fashion is part of the daily air and it changes all the time, with all the events. You can even see the approaching of a revolution in clothes. You can see and feel everything in clothes.” I enjoy our conversations, Klausbernd. Many thanks.

Liked by 2 people

By Post Author

Klausbernd,
Thank you for your comment!
I have designed for both men and women. The garment industry is a rat race. I was disgusted. So, I moved to film, where I could practice a different aspect of my knowledge and abilities.
Therein, characters wore my clothes, and it helped to tell a story.
Now, I am in a fantasy of beauty & glamour, of my own making. It is meant purely as a joy, and not to intimidate any person.
My Art Gowns are worn in spirit, not in the street, office or a party.

Liked by 2 people

Dear Rebecca,
thank you very much for answering and especially for this Diana Vreeland quote. Fashion always had to do with power and politics. You can see it especially clearly during the French Revolution. But nowadays as well. When I was a student it was a fashion not wearing something fashionable. Later the hippie movement gave men the chance to find an individual style.
There is a problem with fashion that it can easily hide the person wearing it.
Looking forward talk to you about beauty tomorrow, a topic that’s basic for fashion as well. Fashion should make you look more beautiful, doesn’t it? Or is it like l’art pour l’art, fashion for the sake of fashion?
With lots of love and warm greetings from the cold sea
Klausbernd 🙂

Liked by 2 people

Before listening to the conversation, I spent some time on the Art Gowns site. It was hard to tear myself away! I had to stop and imagine myself playing dress-up in each one.

I enjoyed the conversation as well, particularly Resa’s description of how she designs and makes the gowns. Needle in, needle out! I was also very taken by her comments about poets in the blogging world. I’ve noticed the same thing and been inspired and encouraged in ways I never would have thought of doing on my own.

Thank you both for adding a bright spot to my evening!

Liked by 2 people

Thank you so much for listening and for your heartwarming comments. Resa is an artist – her gowns have taken on wonderful personalities because they were made with love. Happy World Kindness Day!

Liked by 1 person

By Post Author

Can you imagine that ever stitch that went into these amazing gowns was by hand. The detail work is beyond belief and a labour of love. Thank you for listening in Timothy – I am delighted that we connected.

Liked by 2 people

By Post Author

WP is so weird sometimes. Charlotte informed me she could click on my avatar and get to my blog. I logged into the avatar website and it shows they are linked, but when I tried to update the link just to make sure, avatar sad in couldn’t find my blog. Wierd.

Liked by 2 people

I’ve always had to use your Avatar to get to your blog. Unless I go to it from a comment in the annotator, which works. Doesn’t matter. I adore visiting you, and have found my way on the WP highway!

Liked by 2 people

Oh, thank you for listening to the podcast, Teagan.
Do you ever make any clothes anymore… even just once in awhile?
I agree putting a voice to someone you’ve known on line for a couple of years does seem to open up something.{{hugs}}

Liked by 1 person

I really enjoyed this podcast with Resa. To know someone through their artistic endeavors is a blessing and to have a glimpse at the artist and hear their voice is a divine revelation of the person, the dear blogoteer friend one has come to know.

Liked by 2 people

I am so very glad that you joined in the conversation. I was honoured to have Resa on TTT. Her voice holds warmth and humour,does it not? Like you, I have followed her blog for many years. She is an radiant force in our community.

Liked by 1 person

By Post Author

My dragon has arrived!
I’m speaking of Hyperion, and my voice.
Rebecca is really branching out to all our blogisphere community, by interviewing lots of the amazing talent out here.
It’s been an honour!
Hype… you take care! xo

Liked by 2 people

LOL! 😆 I enjoyed listening to you and Rebecca. It was like being over for tea and great discussion. I’m so honored that you allow eccentric people in your community, I have found my forever home. Don’t worry. I am eccentric but also house trained. All my Fun with my Dragons takes place outdoors.

Liked by 2 people

I do too! I’m partial to the Eastern dragons but my ancestry had a few western dragons sprinkled about on their ships and and shields. I guess that’s a win-win for me and the dragons.

Liked by 1 person

I am delighted hat you joined the conversation!! Isn’t Resa amazing. I was just speaking with my mother, Frances, tonight who has loved sewing ever since she was a child. She was amazed that all of Resa’s gowns are hand-stitched. Her words – “Resa is remarkable. Each gown would have taken her hours – weeks, even months, to complete!”

Liked by 1 person

By Post Author

My dear Mr Wapojif,
Flattery will get you everywhere.
When I finally figure out an Art Gown for you, it will be dedicated to Alex. Yes, it will be based on a dressing gown. However, the fabrics haven’t come into my life, yet. In the meantime, I’ve got a super drawing of you, in a smashing new outfit, coming up in episode 4 of the current PBH story. Adore you!

Liked by 2 people

I am delighted that you listened in, Merril and for your heartwarming comments. Resa continues to inspire me to pursue a creative journey. Her warmth, optimism and kindness are gifts to our community. Many thanks coming your way.

Liked by 2 people

By Post Author

OHHHHH, this is amazing. I heard Resa’s voice YES. And I so smiled so many times, i especially loved how she talked about gowns being creative, about glamour and then the let’s face it most people don’t ever wear one. Well i am wearing a gown at Christmas I have decided!!!! Ladies, this was an absolute treat to listen to.

Liked by 2 people

I know that you will look amazing in your gown. And Christmas is a perfect time to bring out the glamour. I’ll be joining you virtually, my dear clansister. Resa’s gowns speak to the need to find beauty and joy, everyday. I’m so glad that you joined the conversation!! Hugs and more hugs!

Liked by 2 people

By Post Author

Shey!
Thank you for listening in!
I wish I could make the Art Gowns faster. I want to dedicate one to you, as. you know. A piece of fabric has come into my life that can be a basis for one. I see it as romantic, period, daring and fiery.
I’m working on an AG garden, right now. Then I’ve managed to gather enough of the right fabrics to make one dedicated to Timothy, based on the Cottonwood trees. (You have one of these magic trees for Art Gowns Model Shey)
In the meantime, there are many Art Gowns Model Shey gowns on their way.
You are a gem… wearing one at Christmas! You have the extended mind of a creative writer, which is what you are!
Adore you!

Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.