Date Archives 2016

“I Don’t Dress to be Visible,” Artist, Debra Rapoport, Responds to Negative Comments on Facebook

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The other day I posted the picture above of artist, milliner, reflexologist, and community chef Debra Rapoport on Facebook to mixed reviews. Most people commented on how they were constantly inspired by Debra’s creative expression and bold and artistic approach to adorning herself, while others left comments calling her a “freak show”, while describing her look as ridiculous and stupid. 
My whole project is about creating a dialogue about aging, personal expression and vitality and I always encourage people to share their opinions, comment and become part of the conversation. I’ll never understand why some people are moved to leave such nasty comments with such little regard or awareness to the fact that the subject’s of the photos may be seeing these remarks. Does it come out of fear, self consciousness, wanting to teach someone a lesson, or rather a passionate display of what they are feeling in the moment? Each person will definitely not relate to or understand every outfit or person that I post, but I believe that there is a kind and constructive way to share our opinions. After the the negative comments were shared, people rallied in defense of Debra and advocated for a more positive manner of sharing critical feedback. Now it’s Debra’s turn to respond:

I dress for myself as a meditation first and then a creative statement. I can’t say it is fashion or trendy but that is not what I am about. I have always been an artist/sculptor and my body is part of the form.  Growing up I was never told don’t do this, don’t wear that, put on a navy blue suit to be accepted and normal.  I couldn’t do it. I felt abnormal and uncomfortable.


I don’t dress to turn heads or get attention. I do want to make a statement about the body and clothing. It is one of my means of expression. It is from an inner source even though it is an outer expression. It is my CREATIVITY.  I do get looked at, sometimes stared at. 
People often have a smile on their faces and wish to start a conversation. As Ari says the “3C’s” Creativity/Communication/Community…that is what will keep us vital and human. So people look up from their IPhones and actually make eye contact and we have an exchange. COMMUNICATION… we exchange cards and stay “friends”, COMMUNITY. So what could be better.

I don’t dress to be visible but if I get noticed it is a positive experience. Some people want to blend in and not be noticed. It might make them feel vulnerable to dress creatively. It is very personal. Some people think it is purposeless; it is showing off and egotistical. Many people would rather be anonymous for whatever reason – insecurity, shyness, not wanting to call attention to themselves. Some people are threatened feeling “why do we need to showoff”.  I am not bothered by these thoughts or comments. I realize that some people are more reserved, conservative and stuck in an old paradigm of what “OLD” should look like. I have always lived in NYC, been an artist and been free in my thinking so this is who I am. I live at a time where one can self-express.

I don’t mind if I get laughed at.   I don’t mind if I get ridiculed.  If someone responds to me negatively or positively, I still feel empowered and complete.  There are no rules to creativity. 

Dressing “normally” doesn’t feel comfortable to me. I feel like I am inhibiting my creativity; stifling my energy.
I can dress simpler but not in jeans, T-shirt and hoody!! I need color, texture and layers. Maybe it is just habit since I have been doing it so long!

I have used recycled/re purposed materials since the 60’s.  I believe there is so much “stuff” in our immediate environment that we can appropriate and use once we begin to look and see. It is for the fun, enjoyment and protection of the planet.  This also keeps me stimulated, creative and joy filled.
Where there is creativity there are no rules. Where there are no rules there is no fear!                            -Debra Rapoport


Advanced Beauty: Irene Coyazo

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Here is our second installment of  Advanced Beauty with the wonderful Irene Coyazo:

Before I start, I have to acknowledge that everything I’ve learned about beauty is from my beloved mother, Mary Cervantes.

These are my beauty tips (both mental and physical) and regimens:
Mental Beauty:
– Have a spirit of gratitude everyday – start and end each day with thanks and reflect on the best things that happened to you before your head hits the pillow at night. This practice always puts things in perspective for me and puts a smile on my face. I consider this a beauty tip, as how you feel inside reflects on the outside.
-Read something positive and enlightening to kickstart your day.  It can be an inspirational excerpt from a favorite book, a YouTube video, etc. It does not take long to do this and makes a big difference.
– When the weather makes you blue, reach out and touch someone via phone, social media, or a handwritten note. Let someone know you care.  You will feel much better afterward.
– Hang out with people who bring out the best in you.  Conversely, bring out the best in people you are with and be sincerely interested in them; you may learn something.
– Be genuinely happy for other people’s success and support them.
– Be the best self you can be everyday, embrace the gifts you were born with, and don’t let anyone dull your sparkle.
– Learn something new everyday.
– For me, it’s about Attitude, Gratitude, and finding/living your Joy!

Physical Beauty:
– Do a daily form of exercise that you enjoy and gets your heart pumping. I use a cardio trainer machine and do daily push-ups.
– Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and everything else in moderation. I enjoy salads mixed with citrus fruits, avocado, olives, and nuts (almonds or walnuts).
– Drink plenty of water. Your skin will thank you for it. I drink a glass or two of warm water with lemon in the morning and continue to drink water throughout the day.
– Take vitamin supplements which suit you.  I take a daily dose of Centrum Specialist, liquid CoQ10 and Caltrate calcium tablets.
– Removal of makeup. At night, I clean my face thoroughly and always use a moisturizer. I use L’Oreal Revitalift Wet Cleansing Towelettes to remove all makeup. I then use an exfoliating tonic to remove any lingering makeup, and layer my face with a wrinkle lifting/firming serum (right now, it’s Estee Lauder Perfectionist) and a moisturizer (right now, it’s  L’Oreal Daily Re-Volumizing Moisturizer). I try different brands periodically. Occasionally, I use Vaseline and my face feels really soft in the morning.
– Prep for makeup. In the morning, I splash cold water on my face before I start my makeup regimen.  I again exfoliate, then layer with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen, wrinkle lifting/firming serum, and moisturizer (same products as above). I prefer products that are labeled for both day/night use. It simplifies the process. For both removal and prepping, I use upward, and light patting movements.
– Coverage. I prefer a more natural, dewy look, and am currently using L’Oreal Visible Lift Line Minimizing Makeup with sunscreen (has been discontinued, but order from Amazon). My lines may still show, but I own them and I’m proud to call them mine.
– Details. Now that the “canvas” has been prepared, I experiment and use various brands of lip liner, eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, and blush, though I favor L’Oreal, Bobbi Brown and MAC products. The finale to this is the perfect lipstick, preferably the best shade of red for your skin tone. I prefer matte formulas. For me, there is nothing like a red lipstick to perk up my face.
– Fin. The biggest and most important tip I have after you have completed your “work of art” is to SMILE!