Precocious Ingenue

Michael Jackson's This Is It Video by Spike Lee

2010-01-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

It's Been A While

2009-12-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in while...busy with work & life. But I realized I'm 23, starting a new life in NY on my own - what's better than that? Might as well chronicle this period

The Simpsons Go Angolan

2009-08-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

So The Simpsons have finally made it to Angola. An ad agency decided to animation's First Family an Angolan makeover in honor of their arrival. I get the ethnic attire, Marge's afro and Lisa's braids (although it's waaay too picaninny - ish for me) but what's up with Bart? It's a flat top, but that's not hair - that's his skull

Alice in Wonderland Trailer

2009-07-26T11:51:00.001-07:00

Tim Burton + Johnny Depp always equals a freaky cool movie experience, but add to that the acid trip known as Alice in Wonderland? A must see, 'nuff said

Muppets Anti-Drug Movie

2009-06-11T08:00:00.001-07:00

From Slate.com shich calls it The Worst Anti-Drug Movie Ever.

WireTap Magazine - Sneakerheads Come Clean

2009-06-08T13:48:00.001-07:00

WireTap Magazine - Sneakerheads Come Clean

Shared via AddThis

Anna Wintour + 60 Minutes Outtakes

2009-05-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

Vogue editor Anna Wintour was on 60 Minutes last night. It was pretty boring - journalistic dinos ... er ... veteran Morley Safer didn't ask any hard hitting questions to the "fashion genius" (i.e. the mag's lack of Black models, the industry's love affair with emaciation, fashion's effect on the environment etc). I know Safer has a proven body of work, but this was just a waste of time. There are so many important things going on in this country right now. Why have Wintour on if you aren't going to delve into the issues that make fashion so culturally relevant?

Anyways, NY Mag came up with these clips that didn't make the show. Here's Wintour's take on telling Oprah to lose wight, obesity, photoshop. Oh and there's a tour of her closet too:

Natalie Portman & Zach Galifianakis

2009-05-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

Superb actress / Style icon / activist Natalie Portman on fav comedian Zach Galifianakis' Funny or Die show "Between Two Ferns" Classic:

Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis from Between Two Ferns

Andy Milonakis' Twitter Rap

2009-04-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

I hate Twitter. I may sound like a luddite, but I just don't get it. There is no one on Earth fascinating enough to justify me caring about what they ate for breakfast (sorry - that goes for you too Oprah)

The always hilarious tweaker Andy Milonakis has a new crunk inspired rap about celeb twitters called "Let Me Twitter Dat"

Gregory Brothers Autotune The News

2009-04-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

Nothing to say other than this is awesome:

Burger King + SpongeBob + Sir Mix-A-Lot

2009-04-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

SQUARE BUTTS: Ok, I'm pretty sure we are ALL living in the Surreal World now. BK's "The King" character has always creeped me out (the massive head, the maniacal grin). They've reached new WTF levels with their new ad promoting SpongeBob kid's meals. Watch everyone's favorite pineapple dweller get sexed up with the help of Sir Mix-A-Lot in this "Baby Got Back" parody. It was created by talented/trippy ad agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky

First clip is the 30 second ad, the second is the full music video:

South Park Explains the Bailout

2009-03-27T12:46:00.001-07:00

Not Matt & Trey's best, but it hey. I can take only so much of talking heads and politicians on both sides of the aisle blabbering on about THE BAILOUT. I know it's terribly un- PC, but the kazoo bit is sorta funny

SMILE The Cleveland Show

2009-03-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

I'm a little skeptical about being able to watch a full show with The Family Guy's incredibly slooooow talker, but this teaser gives me hope:

2009-03-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

Here's clip from CNN's upcoming profile of Carine Roitfeld, French Vogue's Editor-in-Chief (and Anna Wintour's much rumored replacement). This part of the show is more about the state of the fashion industry.

Unedited, Uncensored Jon Stewart V. Jim Cramer

2009-03-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

Unedited footage of Jim Cramer appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Where would we be without comedians? When I really think about it, though, how sad is it that the best critical review of the media's coverage of Wall Street comes from the network that brought us Mr. Hanky and Chocolate Salty Balls? I love South Park, but ...really?

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 1

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 2

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 3

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Clip from upcoming Coco Chanel Biopic

2009-03-09T18:52:00.001-07:00

I can't wait for this to come out. Madame Chanel (timeless style icon, trend originator, entrepreneur, tomboy, et cetera) is definitely a hero. Add in the talented Audrey Tautou and I'm already hooked. Below, a preview of Coco Avant Chanel and the trailer from Tautou's breakout film, Amelie (one of my favorites)

Runway Roundup: Milan

2009-03-06T07:53:00.001-08:00

Runway Roundup: NYC

2009-03-06T07:50:00.001-08:00

The Uncler

2009-02-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

From Funny or Die via Cinematical:

Spoof of "The Wrestler." Uncle Sam is desperately trying to work his way back into our good graces, all while charming the top off a local stripper/lady liberty.

The Uncler w/ Uncle Sam and Alyssa Milano from Alyssa Milano

Bitch Fest! Couture Spawns a Joan Collins Revival -Refinery29 Pipeline-

2009-02-09T10:44:00.001-08:00

Bitch Fest! Couture Spawns a Joan Collins Revival -Refinery29 Pipeline-

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Poster Boy NY Street Artist

2009-02-03T20:36:00.001-08:00

"You R What U Listen 2"

Poster Boy is a New York street artist in the mold of the late great Basquiat. He is known for taking subway advertisements and turning them into social commentary on politics, consumerism, and cultural in general:

Kate Moss' Top Shop ad B4

And after Poster Boy has "pixelated" her image (can you say "photoshopped?")

This is of course illegal. So, Poster Boy keeps his identity under wraps. The NY Times recently did an article on him. Here's a video of "Spending Time with Poster Boy"

Jean Paul Gaultier w/ Suzy Menkes

2009-01-31T10:12:00.000-08:00

I have a love/hate relationship haute couture. I love the creativity, the skill, the ridiculous effort that goes into making such beautiful garments. BUT I hate that they're basically not meant to be worn. The number of people on earth that could actually afford a TRUE couture outfit is probably 0.001% of the population (This goes waaay beyond the income levels of, say, Jay-Z ... I'm talking Warren Buffet/Bill Gates $$$)

Anyway, the Spring 2009 Couture shows are underway & one of my favorite designers, Jean Paul Gaultier, definitely delivered. Extra kudos for picking 51 year old legend Ines de la Fressange to walk the runway:

Here's interview JPG recently did with journalist Suzy Menkes:

Jason Wu Spring 2009

2009-01-20T17:48:00.000-08:00

Jason Wu designed the most anticipated outfit of the year, Michelle Obama's Neighborhood Inauguration Ball gown.

He's 26, originally from Taipei, working out of New York. Here's a look at his Spring 2009 collection:

I love that our new First Lady isn't only fashionable, she's giving shine to young unknowns or little knowns.

Jay-Z "My President" Live Remix

2009-01-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

MTV Shows

In honor of our new first couple

2009-01-17T18:19:00.000-08:00

The Legend Q-Tip f/ Amanda Diva

"ManWomanBoogie"

RIP Eartha Kitt

2008-12-26T11:05:00.000-08:00

R.I.P. Bettie Page

2008-12-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

From Shine

The origins of rockabilly.

Pinup queen Bettie Page died last Thursday at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of sexual freedom, feminine power, and cult-figure style. As a model in the late '40s into the '50s—through more than 20,000 photographs—Page softened the image of sexual bondage, added a sense of humor and light-heartedness to traditional cheesecake photos, and inspired generations of fans to create comic books, biographies, knickknacks, and a 2005 film in her honor.

For fashion and beauty fanatics, Page will be remembered best for her iconic and enduring style, which never changed and which included thick black bangs, super-arched eyebrows, bright red lipstick, dark nails, and platform pumps. More than a half a century later, one can still see Page's influence—in Katy Perry's bangs, Lindsay Lohan's dark nail polish, Dita Von Teese's entire look,

Street Fashion, Mission District

2008-11-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

Mission District

San Francisco, CA

Despite the recent influx of Yuppies and hipster hangouts, has maintained the vibrancy of its rich Latin heritage. Dotted with vivid murals, taquerias, and indy bookstores its has a flavor all its own.

Mission District

San Francisco, CA

Street Trends, Union Square

2008-11-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

Union Square

San Francisco, CA

Union Square, named after the pro-Union rallies held there during the Civil War, is the third largest shopping area in the U.S. With its mix of plays, art galleries, cheap & chic fashion, and high end labels, it draws an eclectic mix of tourists and locals.

Maybe it was the chilly weather, but the best outfits seemed to belong to the guys. Whether on purpose or by chance, they had a better sense of style.

Street Fashion, Berkeley

2008-11-26T10:07:00.000-08:00

Telegraph Avenue

Berkeley, CA

It’s more mainstream than it was during its heyday, but Telegraph remains a hub of outcasts, intellectuals, and activists.

It's A New Day by will.i.am

2008-11-07T21:42:00.000-08:00

Well Heeled: Great Moments in Western Footwear

2008-10-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Think uncomfortable height enhancers are a new phenomena? Think again...

Chopines, 1518

Introduced by Turkish traders, chopines became popular among European women from the 1400s through the mid-1600s. An early sign of the West’s borderline masochistic relationship with footwear, chopines towered seven to thirty inches off the ground depending on the wearer’s nobility. The platform shoes were so awkward, a cane or servant was needed to help women get around.

Sun King Sees Red, 1710

Throughout 17th and 18th century Europe, heels were symbols of wealth and social status for both men and women. Legendary fashion plate King Louis XIV of France added even more prestige to by enacting a law stating that only those within his court could wear red colored heels.

On the Down Low, 1799-1850

The decades following the French Revolution were a literal low-point in heel history. Long a symbol of the flippant extravagance of the aristocracy, it would be another fifty years before it shed those negative connotations.

Chic Again, 1890

Heels began their comeback in the mid-1800s. Daring high heeled boots were especially were especially popular in Parisian nightclubs where the Can-Can gave dancers plenty of opportunity to show off their legs.

America Catches On, 1923

Heels became a permanent part of mainstream American culture at the turn of 20th century thanks in part to the influence of two widely different groups of women. Suffragettes wore them to undermine the theory that equality could only be gained at the sacrifice of femininity. Fun-loving flappers on the other hand, saw them as the perfect additions to their increasingly risqué wardrobes.

Hollywood Heels, 1938

In the midst of the Great Depression and World War II, Americans spent what little free time they had at the movies. The glamorous stories coming from Hollywood served as a much-needed escape and audiences lived vicariously through the characters they saw on the screen. As a result, stars were outfitted with lavish costumes from head-to-toe. Designers like Salvatore Ferragamo and Andre Perugia were allowed to let their imaginations run wild; some of the most creative heels were made during this era.

The Dagger, 1953

During the war, women were left to take over jobs previously held by their brothers, husbands, etc. Their expanded roles expanded their wardrobes to include more practical items like pants and other menswear inspired garments. Once the war ended and men returned, emphasis was placed on returning to traditional gender roles. Fashion followed suit with designs like the New Look that played up the female form.

In 1951 a new shoe style entered the market that actually enhanced this hourglass shape. Standing atop the high, thin heel of a stiletto (Italian for “dagger”) causes one’s chest and hips to slightly poke out. Over half a century later, the stiletto’s sex symbol status has only deepened.

Boys Do It Too, 1970s

The 1970s saw the reunion of men and high heels, a trend that had not been seen in almost two hundred years. Thanks to icons like Cher, Elton John and David, both genders could be found plodding around in extravagant 7-inch platforms.

Top Model Takedown, 1993

The mid-Nineties were marked by a resurges of a number of 1970s styles, including platforms (among girls only this time). Dame Vivienne Westwood was one of the first to foresee this trend, as is evidenced by her infamous 1993 Anglomania fashion show. It was there that she sent Naomi Campbell out onto the catwalk in a pair of ridiculously high “Super-elevated Ghillies” platform shoes. Though she tried valiantly, not even an uber-model like Campbell could handle a shoe as outrageous as the Ghillie.

Dangerous Road Ahead, 2008

Fashionable feet never have it easy, but Spring 2009 looks to be especially torturous. From the ankle breaking height of the Prada platforms to Aminaka Wilmont’s bondage inspired “sole-less” shoe (below), just looking at upcoming styles hurts.

Roberto Capucci: "Givenchy of Rome"

2008-10-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

A fashion prodigy praised by no less than Christian Dior, Roberto Capucci was/is one of the most inventive designers in history. He may not be as well known as his contemporaries, but as the recent Spring 2009 collections have shown, Capucci remains a source of inspiration.

Born in Rome, Italy on December 2 1930, Roberto Capucci burst on the fashion scene as a twenty year old boy wonder. Upon graduating from Rome’s prestigious Accademia delle Belle Arti in 1950, he went to work for pioneering designer Emilio Shuberth. There his styles caught the eye of a Florentine businessman who decided to include a group of Capucci’s garments at an upcoming fashion show. The other couturiers, jealous and intimidated by the unknown upstart, banned him from the runway to prevent being outshined. News of this catty maneuver and the brilliance of its victim quickly spread; the next day the press demanded to see Capucci’s creations. The beautiful gowns immediately sold out and a star was born. Riding the success of his unofficial debut, he opened his own house that very year and would continue to make his presence felt at Italy’s most distinguished fashion shows until his retirement in 1980.

Calling his designs a “study in form,” Capucci’s work has always had an architectural quality that rejects the traditional silhouette. Using his mastery of textiles, color, and cut, he manipulates fabric to create gravity defying sculptural forms. His designs reject the constraint of what is momentarily fashionable, choosing instead to make items he feels are eternally beautiful - regardless of the era or setting.

Capucci’s years in art school and his interaction with Rome’s young avant-garde clearly had an early and obvious effect on his iconoclastic style. One can see his admiration for the Italian Futurists in the geometric lines and planes at play in his designs and in his use of color to add dimension and visual effects. Perhaps the most prominent characteristic passed on from the Futurists, is the strong sense of movement and dynamism in Capucci gowns. For some garments, it is as if a gust of wind has suddenly swept through, engulfing the wearer in whirls of silk and taffeta. Others give the sense that you are look at them from a moving car, the colors a blur.

In a rare interview, Capucci proclaimed “Nature is my mentor” and this sentiment is clearly evident. From undulating hemlines that echo the ocean’s waves to the meticulous recreation of swirling rose petals, Capucci pays tribute to his muse in almost every collection.

Uncomfortable with the financial pressure and the self-promotion that is inherent in the fashion industry, Capucci resigned from full-time duties in 1980. He continues to design, but approaches his work from an artistic standpoint free of the business constraints of the industry. Capucci’s transition has been very successful and his art has been exhibited in respected museums across the world. He has made sporadic returns, the most recent in 2007 to design the official uniforms of India’s Jet Airways.

Sources:

http://www.fragrancex.com/products/_bid_Roberto--Capucci-am-cid_perfume-am-lid_R__brand_history.html

http://www.answers.com/topic/roberto-capucci-1?cat=biz-fin

Precocious Ingenue

Michael Jackson's This Is It Video by Spike Lee

It's Been A While

The Simpsons Go Angolan

Alice in Wonderland Trailer

Muppets Anti-Drug Movie

WireTap Magazine - Sneakerheads Come Clean

Anna Wintour + 60 Minutes Outtakes

Natalie Portman & Zach Galifianakis

Andy Milonakis' Twitter Rap

Gregory Brothers Autotune The News

Burger King + SpongeBob + Sir Mix-A-Lot

South Park Explains the Bailout

*SMILE* The Cleveland Show

Unedited, Uncensored Jon Stewart V. Jim Cramer

Clip from upcoming Coco Chanel Biopic

Runway Roundup: Milan

Runway Roundup: NYC

The Uncler

Bitch Fest! Couture Spawns a Joan Collins Revival -Refinery29 Pipeline-

Poster Boy NY Street Artist

Jean Paul Gaultier w/ Suzy Menkes

Jason Wu Spring 2009

Jay-Z "My President" Live Remix

In honor of our new first couple

RIP Eartha Kitt

R.I.P. Bettie Page

Street Fashion, Mission District

Street Trends, Union Square

Street Fashion, Berkeley

It's A New Day by will.i.am

Well Heeled: Great Moments in Western Footwear

Roberto Capucci: "Givenchy of Rome"

SMILE The Cleveland Show