Oh this thing?

I can't help but semi-drool over this look on Jak & Jil from Givenchy's 2009 couture show. To be honest, the rest didn't really interest me, but this was incredibly eye catching. Obviously shiny things cause most people to turn their heads, but I think the pairing with the flowing black fabric gives it a sort of nonchalance that makes you expect the wearer to say "I felt it needed something extra so I decided to throw on a ridiculous amount of jewelry". I don't know if this was in Ricardo Tisci's mind but the head piece reminded me of the elaborate decorations that elephants in India sometimes wear, which also made this look more intriguing for me than others in the show.

The dripping jewelry immediately brought to mind the detail shot from Givenchy A/W 2008 that everyone was lusting over as well:

{Jak & Jil, google images, style.com}

It costs $2,500

When I saw this photo from Jak and Jil for POP, I immediately thought of some of Marc Johns sticky notes featuring everyday objects with designer labels. It always makes me think of the whole status thing. A Marc Jacobs tote costs $250 more than one from Forever 21 even if they look exactly the same. Differences in quality aside, it's having that status symbol that drives the price. I'm not going to say I don't look at labels or designer items because I do, I just think it's one of those results of a turn to a more consumer based culture that happened right around the turn of the 20th century. It's all about conspicuous consumption.

{Jak and Jil, Marc Johns}

*P.S.: That bag didn't really cost $2,500. I think the guy made it his self.

colorcolorcolor printprintprint

Basically why I love this collection so much. Perfect clashing and beautiful architecture and details. I would die for those plaid sandals too. All the different patterns go together effortlessly and I like the contrast of the lines stright lines and plaids with the soft fabrics, and whimsical polka dots.

{Professionally Trendy}

Backstage at Gareth Pugh

{Dazed Digital}

Finally becoming inspired by fashion again, so expect to see more of it. Right now I'm really into the whole opposition of simple, clean lines with outlandish clothes and complexity.

No Message Could Have Been Clearer

Man in the Mirror- Michael Jackson

*Obligatory 4th of July post*

"I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams."
- Dr. Jonas Salk

Isn't it funny how many countries' independence days involve the British Empire?

One of my favorite things about the Declaration of Independence (besides the actual declaration itself), is John Hancock's signature. Everyone knew that by signing this document they could be signing their own death sentences. So what does Hancock do? He says "fuck you" to the empire and makes his three times larger than everyone elses. Not gonna lie, it's that go big or go home defiant spirit that makes me love where I live.

Another is thefact that it was an inspiration for many people seeking freedom. Other countries looked at America's succesful freedom from rule as inspiration. Slaves used the Declaration as proof that they should be free. Among other things it also inspired the Seneca Falls Convention Declaration of Sentiments, which was basically a women's Declaration of Independence from the tyrannical rule of men.

I think that despite the War in Iraq, Bushisms, "freedom fries", racisim, celebrity culture, mass consumerism, and other things wrong with our society, most people in the end do like being American.

So, did Jim Morrison give you Del Preston's exact address?...Yeah, he said EXACTLY London, England.

Currently watching Wayne's World 2 while looking at pictures of Picasso being cool and whatnot. I've been wanting to take photography at school so I could learn the whole slow shutter speed plus light stick drawing thing but always ended up taking some social studies related elective. I took photography in middle school, but I guess they didn't trust us with things like that.

{Pepper and Chips, Google images}

On an unrelated note, I've got some new purchases that I'm totally going to be selfish/superficial and take some pictures of to post on the blog sometime soon. Until then, happy 4th of July to all the Americans. Hopefully you see some good fireworks.

Our freedom of speech is freedom or death

Fight the Power- Public Enemy

With all the Micahel Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, and Billy Mays stuff, it's still important to maintain visibility. They're still trying, the government is working harder to suppress, and the world needs to watch. Here is a good place for updates.

{Google images}