Thanks to Drollgirl for this book recommendation. I really enjoyed it. Check it out!
Monday, May 31, 2010
BCBG Max Azria - Colección de Vestidos para Mujer Moda Primavera Verano 2010 y Otoño Invierno 2010 2011
BCBG Max Azria Spring Summer 2010
BCBG Max Azria - Fall Winter 2010/2011
Gareth Pugh - Genius of Duality
As a lover of fashion-as-performance-art of the likes of the late Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh's collections found an immediate place in my heart. The textured balance of light and dark, the strange visualisation of the duality of dark vibrancy and androgyny make Gareth Pugh's pieces really something to get your heart race pulsing. His recurring theme of black and white make him even more popular in Lira Leirner's fashion realm.
If you've read my previous posts, you'll know that black and white are a recurring theme in my discussion as well as my artwork. For instance, I've previously discussed in "Black and White is the new [insert visual file of black and white]" whether the word-marriage of the antonyms Black and White still stand for the visual color they are meant to represent, or whether it been smeared with a layer of greasy misuse of by self-projecting colonizers, getting soaked up by the bred of language which we feed on, hence making us choose to eat it fully, grease and grain, or not at all.
The artwork I have hanging in my hallway and that most draw me in galleries and exhibitions (such as at the Byam Shaw Central St Martin exhibition) are always black and white. Are they really colors? Or are they in fact simply the quickest visual representation of antonyms, duality, contrast, antithesis, opposition, and disparity?
Take a guess at how badly I want a pair of these... sigh.
What further fascinates me is not only the exploration of darkness and light but also the connection it makes to the written word and its implication of fact. "Here you have it, very clearly, black on white."
I therefore always liked to imagine that once it is white on black, the authority and meaning of the written word and truth itself becomes distorted. I did so in the application of my writing on paintings and canvas and you may have noticed that I use the hexadecimal color 999999 for the text on my blog - that is because I very consciously do not want to be conveying a sense of truth, which I have come find subjective. I therefore chose my own personal favorite shade of gray, making it clear that it is MY truth. The usage of both non-colors with their vast array of implications and cultural baggage provides a great field for Gareth Hugh (and me) for creative expression and exploration of light and darkness, which in his case ties into his autobiographical connection with the extreme London club scene, where night is daytime in the sense of the implication that it is during daytime that we are awake.
I feel that bloggers and writers can very much associate with the notion of this. Full fleshed bloggers don't sleep. We write and night, black on white, reversing the order of a learned 'natural' cycle.
Having started working as a ccostume designer for the English National Youth Theatre at the tender age of 14, the theatrical foundation was set to create a fashion genius in the oldest sense of the word - barely commercially viable, he has been quoted in Icon Magazine (December 2006) to have said that he has yet to sell a dress. This has widely been attributed to the "unwearableness" of his theatrical pieces apart from in music videos and live stage tours. His pieces have been worn by Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Kylie Minogue and Rhyana. I'm not sure what this guy is complaining about. Luckily, it seems he has been creating more wearable pieces (according to British Vogue) alongside his wild and amazing catwalk experimentation.
However, this is another point that makes Gareth Pugh undeniably attractive to me as a subject to write about. My own pieces are very wearable, so I wonder how that impacts the exclusivity and outlandishness of a piece.
After all these personal connections, interests and meanings that are to a great extent projected, what is indeed intended by Gareth Pugh's collection leaves us with beautifully weird creations of the best kind and I truly hope more people outside the fashion industry (Anne Wintour is apparently a great supporter - again - what is he complaining about?) start realizing he exists and that his wearable and commercial collections don't force him to lose the edge he brought with him from his circumstantial anger and theatrical routs.
If you've read my previous posts, you'll know that black and white are a recurring theme in my discussion as well as my artwork. For instance, I've previously discussed in "Black and White is the new [insert visual file of black and white]" whether the word-marriage of the antonyms Black and White still stand for the visual color they are meant to represent, or whether it been smeared with a layer of greasy misuse of by self-projecting colonizers, getting soaked up by the bred of language which we feed on, hence making us choose to eat it fully, grease and grain, or not at all.
The artwork I have hanging in my hallway and that most draw me in galleries and exhibitions (such as at the Byam Shaw Central St Martin exhibition) are always black and white. Are they really colors? Or are they in fact simply the quickest visual representation of antonyms, duality, contrast, antithesis, opposition, and disparity?
Take a guess at how badly I want a pair of these... sigh.
What further fascinates me is not only the exploration of darkness and light but also the connection it makes to the written word and its implication of fact. "Here you have it, very clearly, black on white."
I therefore always liked to imagine that once it is white on black, the authority and meaning of the written word and truth itself becomes distorted. I did so in the application of my writing on paintings and canvas and you may have noticed that I use the hexadecimal color 999999 for the text on my blog - that is because I very consciously do not want to be conveying a sense of truth, which I have come find subjective. I therefore chose my own personal favorite shade of gray, making it clear that it is MY truth. The usage of both non-colors with their vast array of implications and cultural baggage provides a great field for Gareth Hugh (and me) for creative expression and exploration of light and darkness, which in his case ties into his autobiographical connection with the extreme London club scene, where night is daytime in the sense of the implication that it is during daytime that we are awake.
I feel that bloggers and writers can very much associate with the notion of this. Full fleshed bloggers don't sleep. We write and night, black on white, reversing the order of a learned 'natural' cycle.
Having started working as a ccostume designer for the English National Youth Theatre at the tender age of 14, the theatrical foundation was set to create a fashion genius in the oldest sense of the word - barely commercially viable, he has been quoted in Icon Magazine (December 2006) to have said that he has yet to sell a dress. This has widely been attributed to the "unwearableness" of his theatrical pieces apart from in music videos and live stage tours. His pieces have been worn by Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Kylie Minogue and Rhyana. I'm not sure what this guy is complaining about. Luckily, it seems he has been creating more wearable pieces (according to British Vogue) alongside his wild and amazing catwalk experimentation.
However, this is another point that makes Gareth Pugh undeniably attractive to me as a subject to write about. My own pieces are very wearable, so I wonder how that impacts the exclusivity and outlandishness of a piece.
After all these personal connections, interests and meanings that are to a great extent projected, what is indeed intended by Gareth Pugh's collection leaves us with beautifully weird creations of the best kind and I truly hope more people outside the fashion industry (Anne Wintour is apparently a great supporter - again - what is he complaining about?) start realizing he exists and that his wearable and commercial collections don't force him to lose the edge he brought with him from his circumstantial anger and theatrical routs.
Style crush of the moment - Kaya Scodelario
Kaya Scodelario is an 18 – year – old British actress mostly known for her role in “Skins”. As Effy Stonem in the E4 series, she was first casted back in 2007 to play a small, non-speaking role of main character’s sister. By 2008 her character developed and in 2009 she’s become a central character of the series. Even though the fourth and final series for Kaya has already finished, there is some gossip that there actually might be “Skins” the movie in the works, where chacters from 3&4 series would play the main characters, including Ms. Scodelario.
Kaya has started her career by being a model. She’s model fo many magazines like Teen Vogue, Nylon, Instyle UK, Elle UK, Dazed & Confused, Vogue and i-D. Back in 2009 she’s debuted on the big screen in “Moon”, where she played along Sam Rockwell. This year she’s appeared in the Hollywood blockbuster “Clash of the Titans” and most importantly last month it was confirmed that she’s to play Cathy in a new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights directed by Andrea Arnold.
In my opinion Kaya is very mature and has an explicit style. She doesn’t need much to look amazing. With a black eye – liner to show those amazing blue eyes basically all the clothes look great. Her style is a bit edgy but she wears a lot of dresses and tries more girly style as well. She was voted 13th in FHM's 100 World's Sexiest Women this year and with the Wuthering Heights in making she’s the girl to watch in the near future.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Cannes we? Yes we Cannes!
This year’s Cannes Festival took place from 12 to 23 May. Many of the movie stars have arrived to show their newest productions to the audience for the first time. The opening movie was a long waited “Robin Hood” with Russel Crow and Cate Blanchett. I’ m not sure about the movie but I know that Cate was a vision in an Alexander McQueen gown at the premiere of her film.
The Jury this year was as always a beautiful mixture of all the creativity. The President of the Jury this jury was Tom Burton, a director of “Alice in Wonderland” and many others. I though it was interesting to choose him for this job since Tom is mostly known for his gothic and imaginary pictures but then probably that’s why he was chosen. Burton is a true artist. He’s a painter, illustrator and photographer. In his own words “Films have always been like dreams to me, this is a dream come true”. The rest of the jury included Alberto BARBERA - Director of Museum of Cinema, Kate BECKINSALE – Actress, Emmanuel CARRERE – Writer, Benicio DEL TORO – Actor, Alexandre DESPLAT – Composer, Victor ERICE- Director, Shekhar KAPUR – Director, Giovanna MEZZOGIORNO – actress.
When thinking about Cannes before the movies I think the red carpet. And when I see the red carpet I see fashion. There were some amazing clothes at Cannes this year. Kate Beckinsale, who was in jury this year, looked fabulous in all of her looks which included Dior, Gucci Premiere (more about the line later), Marchesa and Armani Privé. There was magnificent as always Diane Kruger, Camille Belle and Michelle Williams.
I’ve said before I was going to write about Gucci Premiere. It was announced earlier this year that Gucci was adding a new couture line to their brand. As Gucci’s creative director Frida Giannini explained – it was the answer to the celebrities that urged for a special Gucci gown. Giannini decided to launch a couture line that would be only available on a made-to-order basis and for celebrities to wear on red carpet outings. Gucci Premiere got its premiere during this year’s Cannes Festival. First actress to wear it was Salma Hayek, who wore a “floor length bordeaux silk georgette one shoulder gown with hip, back and shoulder drape detail [which] also features deep red crystal embroidery at the shoulder and waist”. Later on other celebrities followed. It seems that Gucci Couture is a couture to have these days.
Wow it was a really great week in fashion! Below I’m presenting the best looks of the Cannes Festival 2010 :
Salma Hayek in Gucci Premiere gowns:
Kate Beckinsale from left in Armani Prive, Gucci Premiere and Marchesa:
Kate in Temperley, Gucci Premiere and Nina Ricci
Michelle Williams in Chanel, Sonia Rykiel and Suno
Charlotte Gainsbourg in LBD , Misha Burton in Marchesa and Julia Roitfeld in Emilio de la Morena
Evangeline Lilly in Emilio Pucci and Valentino
Diane Kruger in Jason Wu and Chanel
Emily Blunt in Giorgio Armani and Georges Chakra
Kristen Dunst in Chanel and Chanel Couture
Naomi Watts in Diane von Furstenberg and Gucci Premiere
Rachel Bilson in Chanel Couture and Isabel Marant
Camille Belle in both Gucci Premiere gowns
Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen and Armani Prive
Carey Mulligan in Azarro and RM by Roland Mouret
And here is the list of the winners of the 63rd Cannes Festival:
Palme d'OrLUNG BOONMEE RALUEK CHAT (Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives) directed by Apichatpong WEERASETHAKUL
Grand Prix
DES HOMMES ET DES DIEUX (OF GODS AND MEN) directed by Xavier BEAUVOIS
Award for Best Director
Mathieu AMALRIC for TOURNÉE (ON TOUR)
Award for Best Screenplay
LEE Chang-dong for POETRY
Award for Best Actress
Juliette BINOCHE in COPIE CONFORME (CERTIFIED COPY) directed by Abbas KIAROSTAMI
Award for Best Actor Ex-aequo
Javier BARDEM in BIUTIFUL directed by Alejandro GONZÁLEZ IÑÁRRITU
Elio GERMANO in LA NOSTRA VITA (OUR LIFE) directed by Daniele LUCHETTI
Jury Prize
UN HOMME QUI CRIE (A screaming man) directed by Mahamat-Saleh HAROUN
Palme d'Or - Short Film
CHIENNE D'HISTOIRE (BARKING ISLAND) directed by Serge AVÉDIKIAN
Jury Prize - Short Film
MICKY BADER (BATHING MICKY) directed by Frida KEMPFF
NEW ITEMS
New wishlist items added to the left sidebar...
Just scroll down and take a peek.
I added the Gorjana Chole necklace that I have been seeing and re-seeing EVERYWHERE.
Katherine Heigl -- 27 Dresses
Tina Fey -- Date Night
I am dying for this necklace. It is so subtle and a definite classic piece. It's $50, which isn't bad, but for a necklace, because I'm such a cheep ass when it comes to jewelry, I'm going to wait until this new job thing I've been looking at pans out.
Also added: Korres Lip Butter.
I just picked up a Korres Vanilla Cinnamon showergel--it is by far the most delicious smelling and leave-my-skin-soft body wash that I have ever used. It also gives a warm tingly sensation as you rub it in... LOVE IT!! It's like a mini spa session in my shower.
I added a few more links...
Check it out.
I update it monthly--or weekly if I get a little crazy on the shopping/day dreaming sprees!
Just scroll down and take a peek.
I added the Gorjana Chole necklace that I have been seeing and re-seeing EVERYWHERE.
Katherine Heigl -- 27 DressesTina Fey -- Date Night
I am dying for this necklace. It is so subtle and a definite classic piece. It's $50, which isn't bad, but for a necklace, because I'm such a cheep ass when it comes to jewelry, I'm going to wait until this new job thing I've been looking at pans out.
Also added: Korres Lip Butter.
I just picked up a Korres Vanilla Cinnamon showergel--it is by far the most delicious smelling and leave-my-skin-soft body wash that I have ever used. It also gives a warm tingly sensation as you rub it in... LOVE IT!! It's like a mini spa session in my shower.
I added a few more links...
Check it out.
I update it monthly--or weekly if I get a little crazy on the shopping/day dreaming sprees!
STRAWBERRY COBBLER
This is me not studying.
This is me doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for the Memorial Day weekend.
This is me baking STRAWBERRY COBBLER!
Can you say Yum?
I found a recipe for Blackberry Cobbler on Ree's site--look at me referring to her like she is my best friend. I've never even met the woman, I just stalk her blog and study her cookbook like it's the LSAT I'm actively NOT studying for... Oh Ree, the Pioneer Woman, I heart you, and your cooking skills... A LOT.
Will you be my friend?
Maybe teach me how to make sushi at home?
I mean we do share a love for wedge heels and boots! And for cooking! And for pretty, quirky, unique jewerly... We have so much in common! :) :)
Okay I'm done begging for your friend-love Ree.
Back to talking aboutmy strawberry cobbler:
I saw the recipe for Blackberry Cobbler on the PW site, and then decided that I needed something to do with myself today.
I went hunting through the kitchen for all of the ingredients and lo and behold, my sister in law has ALL the ingredients stocked throughout her cupboards! Well all that is EXCEPT for blackberries. How am I supposed to make Blackberry Cobbler WITHOUT the blackberries! <--- That's what I said to myself.
I dug around the fridge...
Grapes!? We had plenty of grapes...
I decided against that.
Kiwi!?
Uh, no.
Frozen strawberries... often used for frozen alcoholic beverages during the spring and summer months.
Uhmmm... OKAY!
So instead of a blackberry cobbler, like Ree did for Memorial Day, I make a Strawberry one! :)
pre-oven
post-oven
Mmmm... Can you say Delicious!
Art Project
This morning our family did a fun art project.
Inspired by the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani.
We followed Modigliani's proportions and used oil pastels on black paper. To print the directions click here.
Thanks to my son's art teachers for this lead.
You're the best!
Next batch of ten dresses with Amelie Lerma- My favourite pictures
After a rushed and hectic arrangement where I invited the gorgeous actress Amelie Lerma over from France to take pictures of ten new dresses (much more than my usual batch amount), and after almost two months of waiting, I finally received the pictures by the quirky, yet very busy Steve Bliss.
Here are my favorites pictures for each dress:
Here are my favorites pictures for each dress:
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