Resolutions and reflections

After a year of economic drought, the art/entertainment world popped out a few decent new musicians-- most notably: Lady GaGa, Kid Cudi, Drake(?), Asher Roth, La Roux, Adele, Ryan Leslie. Favorite fashion icons: Lady GaGa, Michelle Obama. These ladies proved that fashion does make a difference. Even in this recession, they managed to make heads turn and people maybe realized that, as irrelevant as they may think fashion is to them, it matters.

 

We watch one in awe and one in admiration. New Yorker Lady GaGa, with her catchy, cooky hooks-- we expect the unexpected and she still continues to shock us. She has changed the rules of fashion and goes as far to create characters or costumes for herself, whether it be a fetish-wear gown or a blonde bow of hair. Make no mistake, she has inspired the likes of Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen. Lady GaGa "lives" for fashion and her and her group of stylists, Haus of GaGa, remind us to have fun. On the other side of the country, Michelle Obama sports designers like Rodarte, Jason Wu, Sophie Theallet, Narciso Rodriguez, Thakoon, Isabel Toledo and Rick Owens-- some of the most creative and expensive fashion that is not haute couture. Her style is simple, but not one that many women can wear (or afford). She carries herself with poise and a grace that we watch from a distance. Michelle Obama has seperated herself from her powerhouse husband and has even seperated herself from Jackie Kennedy, to whom she is constantly compared to, by fearlessly wearing foreign labels.

Edit: less mainstream style icons of 2009 who I love, but failed to mention: model Alexa Chung and of course the new face of Burberry actress Emma Watson!! Unfortunately, the MTV talk show "It's On With Alexa Chung" was cancelled earlier this month. Emma Watson is taking a break from acting for now, studying liberal arts at Brown University in Rhode Island.

 

Trendy or tragic?

Watching perpetual tribute programs, TV specials, and music videos of Michael Jackson has got me thinking about what an amazing person he was. He single-handedly made his mark on, not only the music and dance world, but the fashion scence as well. Jackson was constantly pushing limits and when military jackets became his signature, there was no question that he was indeed "bad", or rather a bonafide individual with unique point of view and  strong influence.

(A younger Michael Jackson with model/actress Brooke Shields)

Its no wonder that military jackets are back this season. In tough times like these, we want to hold our heads up, look strong and make a statement. Who wouldn't want to be "bad" like Michael Jackson?

(Rihanna emulates MJ in this denim Phillip Lim fall/winter 2009 military jacket)

Its ironic, however, the timing of this trend. Soon after we brought it back, we lost the legend that popularized the military jacket. Its funny how things happen like that.

Speaking of bringing back 80s fashion...

RIP Michael Jackson

1958-2009

-

King of Pop

Music, dance, and style legend

YSL knockoffs

OMG... I'm really excited about Thursday's opening of Topshop in New York City and the new Kate Moss collection. I was searching the site and I just found the most amazing cage sandal knockoffs of the shoes shown in Yves Saint Laurent's fall 2009 shows!

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginInd...

 **I also found similar shoes at Forever 21, which are even more affordable!!

"McQueen Leaves Fashion in Ruins"

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/fashion/12MCQUEEN.html?_r=1&ref=fashion

Check out this article by Eric Wilson for the New York Times. He comments on Alexander McQueen's bold statement with his very ambitious Fall 2009 collection, recently shown in Paris, and the reaction he provoked.  It is pretty interesting.

ILY YSL

 

A creation by Italian designer Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent.

I LOVE the geometric/architectural look of these shoes.

They are funky and edgy, yet ever so chic-- I want these shoes!

They seem to be the new Vogue "it" shoes.

Another iconic piece by my favorite Yves Saint Laurent.

Happy birthday, to you!

Theodor "Ted" Seuss Geisel, or Dr. Seuss, would have been 105 today. He is most commonly known for his children's books, but was so much more-- a writer, animator and political cartoonist. He spent most of his career in advertisement as well as contributing his works to newspapers and films. He was a brilliant poet and artist, but kept his art private. He has had a great impact on pop culture, and has been a major influence in my writing, art, politics, and philosophy.

In loving memory...

 1904-1991

       

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.”

Old band, new fan

Alternative New York based multi-lingual band, Blonde Redhead, recently caught my ear's attention and their 2004 single "Equus" has already made it my top play count list on my iTunes.

Fall focus

 

In addition to furs, many designers showed masculine leather-belted dresses and jackets, as well as extreme shoulders, one-shoulder styles, and cap sleeves, which bring an 80's or Edwardian feel. The focus this fall seems to be on the wasit and the shoulders.

 

All but the priceless Picasso

Pablo Picasso, oil on canvas, Instruments de musique sur un gueridan 1914-1915

Despite the lowest economic dip since 1997, the auction of Yves Saint Laurent's collection of impressionist and modern artworks yielded $264 million on Monday. Although the apparently overpriced Picasso did not sell, artists Piet Mondrian, Marcel Duchamp, Constantin Brancusi, Matisse, Marcel Duchamp, Constantin Brancusi, James Ensor, Piet Mondrain, and Giorgio de Chiricomade all made record-breaking sales. YSL's partner Pierre Berge said he would keep the Picasso for the foundation he established with YSL that generates several cultural projects and contributes to the research of AIDS. Thousands lined up at the Grand Palais in Paris to sneak a peek at the nostalgic art collection-- turning it into a sort of temporary museum. YSL was honored with affection and awe as one of France's greatest (and my personal favorite) artistic influences, especially on the world of fashion. His art collection reflects an era of French prominance in the art world.

Trend Report Fall 2009

Made up world

The wonderful madness of New York fashion week is over and it is apparent that in times of financial hardship, fashion is changing. While some designers emphasized blacks and classics, others embraced escapism with bright colors and dramatic furs. The global economic crisis obviously had a huge influence on this season's fashion week. Even the shows were scaled down and much more practical. Designers are trying to bring reality to their clothes so that everyday people can relate to them. Shoppers are much more careful now more than ever about what they buy, but there is still a market. The result of this depression on designers will most likely be that only the strong survive-- which will quickly weed out young designers, but will allow for the best of these new artists to succeed. The question of whether to spend or not and what to spend on will determine who outlives who... But the question of whether to go back to black and basics or whether to play dress up is not a question. While black is forever the favorite color and basics are always essential, the element of fantasy is necesary at a time like this, moreso than practicality. That is what fashion is for isn't it: to escape?

I may not have spare money to throw at trends and overpriced luxuries (especially as a starving college student!), but I do have the sense to draw inspiration from designers' new lines and combine bargain buys with my mother's old wardrobe with my personal classics. Its not about whats in or out. Its about being comfortable, resourceful, and expressive, and creating a made up world where you are a princess, a ballerina, a rockstar, a sexy&powerful superhero or whatever you want to be. With a little imagintation, anyone can go from drab to glam, without spending excessively. You can still be sensible and embrace fantasy.

"I like nonsense. It wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living." -Dr. Suess