Style Inspiration: Vintage Givenchy

The epitome of elegant glamour. 

Lord Byron

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"When we think we lead, we are most led". 

The Dark Side of Warhol

I was having a conversation with my flatmate today about her dissertation on pop art, which inspired me to write this blogpost. And I suppose it's also keeping to the theme I started with the post about Edie Sedgwick. 

Let's establish 2 generally accepted notions about pop art: (1) it's fun and (2) Andy Warhol is amazing. While I agree with both of these points, there are some things about this brillant man that I don't think people who don't have a particular interest in him would know - I hope you find it interesting! 

Warhol always made it a point to state to the media that there was no emotion behind his silk screening, or that they were supposed to be interpreted just as they are: prints of iconic images. Although I, as do most others, believe that this is not possible in creating art, it's hardly surprising that an - at times - controversial figure like Warhol would want to deter against speculations about his intentions. 

When we think of his pop art - Campbell's Soup and Marilyn Monroe come to mind. They embody pop culture, consumerism, and all the other disillusioned goodness of the 1960s. But here are some pieces that reflect some of the darker feelings inside Warhol. 

Marilyn Diptych

This print of Monroe was done right after her death. It differs from the one we're all accustomed to because of the monotone contrast on the right. She seems to be fading as the image goes one - many art historians think that Warhol was trying to make a statement about the fleeting nature of fame. But people still haven't forgotten about her. 

Blue Liz

This print was done around the time that Elizabeth Taylor almost died. Although she obviously didn't in the end, it's interesting that he would, once again, centre the content of his prints around such a morbid theme. Also, was it intentional that the lowest row is overlapped? It almost makes her face look skull-like in my opinion. 

16 Jackies

This one breaks my heart a little, mainly because I love JFK. The image on the top row is of Jackie right before the assassination, then during Johnson's inauguration on Air Force One, at JFK's funeral, and once again her on the tour in Texas. The image on the second row is probably the most well known just because Jackie's Chanel suit in the image was still covered in blood. It's such a dark and sensitive event in American history; the colours of the print make it quite haunting as well. I find it interesting that he placed the two poignant images in the centre rather than have them be in a chronological order. What do you think that's saying? 

And these aren't even his most 'disturbing' works. There's a series of prints of car crashes and other violent death scenes. What were the meaning behind these? How can he possibly maintain that his pop art is supposed to taken at face value when they clearly evoke a strong emotion within us? 

Distance and Time

"Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes".

Henry David Thoreau

Factory Girl

I've always really admired Edie Sedgwick's style and embodiment of the glamourous, underground art scene of the 60s. She always looked effortlessly edgy, which is what I love most about her look. You can easily incorporate elements of her style (or go all out); whether it's her signature eye makeup or oversized earrings. 

Heart to Heart: Listening/Learning

I've been feeling inspired to write a blogpost like this for a while and something happened today that made me feel like I really shouldn't put it off any more. So I'm just going to sit with my tea while the rain is coming down outside, write, and see what happens. Although it is already 1:30 am so some of this might resonate a bit of exhaustion.

I had a conversation with an acquaintance today over a cup of crappy vending-machine coffee. I myself was feeling somewhat crappy; aptly enough sitting outside the library on a bench staring at people going in and out. So I had known this person for about three years. She's one of those people you say 'hi' to at parties, share a short conversation with about a new film, and go on to stand in awkward silence until one of you has to top up your drink.

I didn't know her well and our acquaintanceship was comfortable enough. But since she was a 4th year as well, our conversation took on a slightly more meaningful subject today. She shared with me some of his experiences in his past that led her to make the decisions that she was facing this year. I have been quite stressed about upcoming prospects with furthering education, finding a job, prioritising people in my life, etc.

What she said was unexpected. She has experienced so many things. Which brings me to my point: people are interesting. I know this may sound a bit silly - it's a simple idea but I really don't think we appreciate that enough in other people most of the time. We're often, unjustly, too busy and consumed in our own lives to sit and simply listen to someone talk about what they're thinking. Some people even feel too entitled or prideful to do so. Everyone has something to say. Everyone has a story and all you have to do is listen. If you're lucky, then you easily find yourself applying that to your own situation. Otherwise, you learn more about that person and who they are - which is not a bad outcome to what would have been another meaningless fag break outside the library.

In my case, I feel like I gained a new perspective on some things. At the end of the day, no one sees the world the same way. Everyone has their opinion and when properly communicated, it can really make a difference to someone else's life. This may all sound cheesy melodramatic but I find it to be quite true. Really listen to what people have to say, understand where they're coming from, then you'll make a friend. It doesn't take as much as people think to feel close to someone and learn more about yourself along the way, which is what friendship is about, isn't it? All you have to do is listen and let them speak their mind.

Chucking Everyday

I read yesterday that the last episode of Gossip Girl was just filmed. I'm ashamed to say that I used to be an avid fan-girl in the earlier seasons. Then things got a bit too ridiculous and I gave up. I stopped after Season 4 but I think it's time to bring the guilty pleasure back. Mainly because of guy:

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Yep, Chuck Bass, or Ed Westwick - it really doesn't matter. His style is basically everything I look for in a guy. Keeping in mind that for me, men in suits is like porn. There is just nothing wrong with his style - I just love his traditional windsor look, immaculate tailoring, mix of fabrics, colour, etc...Anyways, enough obsessing - in honour of the looming end of Chuck Bass on television, I'm going to give a brief low down on the ways that he has suited up. 

Single Breasted 

Double Breasted

Three Piece 

I couldn't find a photo with the jacket on but you get the point - sexy.

Print/Colour

And please throw suspenders in the mix

You can order more than one desert

I remember I was a senior in high school when I first came across Nora Ephron, which is strange considering You've Got Mail (which she wrote and directed) has always been one of my favourite films. I read her book I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts About Being a Woman in one day. Her writing is always so funny yet enlightening. I've re-read the book a few times since, getting something new from it each time as I get older and change the way I feel about myself and the world. I was really heartbroken when she died earlier this year since she was a huge inspiration to me. So I just wanted to pay a little tribute to her, share some of her wisdom, and hope that you guys take something from her advice as well. xoxo 

The Perfect Wedding?

Vanessa Traina's wedding photos really took my breath away! The dress (custom Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy), the veil, the venue, the flowers, the guests...it looks like a dream.

Photos via Vogue.com

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

I've been listening to a lot of Gil Scott Heron lately. He's an American jazz, blues and soul singer and poet who is known for the political content of his lyrics and his spoken word performances. He was an influential figure in the development of contemporary rap, hip hop and R&B. Some of his more politically and socially charged material is quite intense and probably not good for everyday relaxed listening but it's still quite inspirational on days when you need a little lift. The link below is one of his most famous compositions; "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" came out in 1970 and echoes the emotions and sentiments of many 1960s counterculture movements. I've never been a very big jazz and blues fan but it's difficult to narrowly define his music. Some songs like "The Bottle" has quite a mainstream feel (kind of reminds me of the style of John Legend). So definitely check out the musician who paved the way for a whole generation of artists!

Tracey Emin: Those Who Suffer Love

"Using experiences from her own live, Travey Emin often reveals painful situations with brutal honestly and poetic humour. The person expands to the universal in the way Emin takes a feeling about her life and forms it into a genuine expression of human emotion." - The Saatchi Gallery

I just wanted to take a few minutes to share one of my favourite modern artists - Tracey Emin. She's a part of a group called the Young British Artists (YBAs) and already renowned in the London art scene; her work is quite eclectic, ranging from photography to installations. I first found out about her in an article about how Charles Saatchi bought her 'My Bed' for his gallery (it was originally exhibited in the Tate). Not everything she does is to my taste, maybe it's the shock value behind them, but I am a big fan of her neon installations. Hope some of this inspires you! 

"My Bed"

"Sleep"

"Sad Shower"

"I've Got it All"

"Untitled"

"Untitled"

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Film Review: Rent

Rent is by far my favourite musical of all time. I always listen to the soundtrack when I'm feeling down. The film, directed by Christopher Columbus, was quite good as well. I've always been so intrigued by the topic (it tackled the issue of AIDS sufferers in the 1990/80s) and the culture of Alphabet City during that time. It's based on Puccini's La vie Boheme, so there are themes of social marginalisation and counterculture. But what's emphasised above all of that is friendship, love, and living your life in the moment. I know musicals aren't for everyone but I feel like this one is quite watchable even for those who don't like people spontaneously bursting into song. There are not huge dance numbers and a lot of the songs sound very pop rock as opposed to prancing-over zealous musical numbers. 

Unfortunately, it's no longer running on Broadway but I hope you get the chance to watch the film if you haven't already - here are some stills! 

Alphabet City Chic

From my favourite song

Musings: Thom Browne

In terms of menswear, no one inspires me more than Thom Browne. I'm just infatuated with everything he does. Apparently, his muse was Pee-wee Herman - how can you get more endearing than that?