tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91172274604977897362024-03-13T09:08:53.060-07:00Colleen NikaThis is who I am. You can like it or not.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-8716887718160163082009-11-20T18:30:00.000-08:002009-11-20T18:41:11.883-08:00This place feels so unfamiliar. And yet I know it well.<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.lala.com/external/flash/SingleSongWidget.swf" id="lalaSongEmbed" width="220" height="70"><param name="movie" value="http://www.lala.com/external/flash/SingleSongWidget.swf"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="flashvars" value="songLalaId=1657606198226347154&host=www.lala.com&partnerId=membersong"/><embed id="lalaSongEmbed" name="lalaSongEmbed" src="http://www.lala.com/external/flash/SingleSongWidget.swf" width="220" height="70" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" wmode="transparent" allowNetworking="all" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="songLalaId=1657606198226347154&host=www.lala.com&partnerId=membersong"></embed></object><div style="font-size: 9px; margin-top: 2px;"><a href="http://www.lala.com/song/1657606198226347154" title="Spanish Doll - Poe" target="_blank">Spanish Doll - Poe</a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />I think I used to belong here<br />But the only way I can tell<br />Is that I miss you still<br />And I cannot find you here<br />You left me tattered and torn<br />Just like that Sweet Spanish doll</span>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-53117946350821736232009-04-06T12:19:00.000-07:002009-04-06T12:26:01.806-07:00Interregnum.I am in NYC once again. Moved into a new apartment in the West Village.<br />Working at my publications. In search of new prospects in all arenas of life.<br />Suffered a few personal disappointments in the past few months, but have flourished professionally. Now if I can only keep these two distinct realms from overlapping, I'll be on to something.<br /><br />Current projects:<br /><br />Ladyhawke for Interview<br />Primal Scream for Interview<br />Shepherd Fairey for Interview<br />HAIR Costume Designer Michael McDonald for Interview<br />Estelle for Paper Magazine<br />Hannah Marshall for Paper Magazine<br />Back to Noise for Paper Magazine<br /><br />Others:<br />A Cramps Tribute (in negotiations with various publications)<br />Lise Sarfati (same)<br /><br />In the coming weeks, I branch out to even more publications and begin PR writing work. I'm quite busy, but never satiated! I need to stop going out til 5 every night, but Manhattan nightlife is my favorite fix. Don't want it to turn into my "favorite mistake".<br /><br />X<br />ColleenColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-26791412515709229322009-02-10T00:26:00.001-08:002009-02-10T00:26:55.778-08:00Trying to redirectcolleennika.com to this blog & um, well it isn't working. ;_;<br /><br />HELP?Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-9778089005800421732008-11-06T19:50:00.001-08:002008-11-06T20:03:14.433-08:00The Kills let us in on another inside joke.<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qdeWQIM1FgY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qdeWQIM1FgY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Another gloriously grubby video from The Kills comes in the form of "Tape Song".<br /><br />In a time where videos risk obsolescence, here is a band with the freedom to make as many as they want, solely because each clip is a scrappy lo-fi pisstake. This here is their most scattershot yet. I doubt Domino will spend more than $15,000 on all 5 Midnight Boom videos combined. Here's for wishing, praying, BEGGING that "Black Balloon" earns a noble treatment, because it's the album's (and possibly a career's) crowning pinnacle. Dark, mindful economy would suit it well.<br /><br />Alison Mosshart's influence continues to serve me, and most of fashion kind, very well this year.<br />I thank fuck for her, for Shirley, for Kim Gordon, and for Patti Smith, all of whom I've recently learnt to appreciate in newly significant ways. If my <span style="font-style:italic;">raison d'etre</span> is to forge the realms of alternative fashion and music -- and it is -- then these women are an integral part of why I do it, and why the world should take notice.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-4256912061154478712008-11-05T20:47:00.001-08:002008-11-05T20:47:28.566-08:00Obama!There is hope.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-6013845272707802462008-11-03T20:19:00.001-08:002008-11-03T20:42:54.553-08:00Two of my core inspirations, united.Please take the time to check out Blackbook Magazine's terrific article, which chronicles the intersecting universes of <span style="font-style:italic;">dishabille iconique</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kim Gordon</span> and my punk rock Chanel savants of choice <span style="font-weight:bold;">Rodarte</span>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.blackbookmag.com/article/icons-rodarte-catches-up-with-kim-gordon/4730#">ICONS: RODARTE CATCHES UP WITH KIM GORDON.</a><br /><br />It is a smashing read, and one that I can't help but wish I'd helped bring into fruition myself.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-23956749975074121132008-10-11T09:38:00.000-07:002008-10-11T10:09:25.448-07:00On Tonight's Agenda: Chaos<span style="font-weight:bold;">Anyone who is anyone in music, fashion, or "new media" (and apparently, those who aspire to be!) will be attending the Party of the Millenium tonight: Diesel XXX. </span><br /><br /><br />For me, it's an amusing turn of events. I've actually been booked for this party in Brooklyn since August. I happen to be on very good terms with Diesel's PR, and so along with my Fashion Week arrangements, was offered an early invite to this event. I said "sure, why not?" This discourse, of course, all commenced long before any inkling of its eventual Magnitude was made evident. Then, I heard M.I.A. was playing. And Hot Chip. Cool. And N.E.R.D. Errm, okay. Then, Franz Ferdinand! OHMIGOD!<br /><br />Naturally, there was a downside to all this. This dishy avalanche of news was concurrently made privy to the general public, along with the announcement that Diesel "fans" could take part if they scuttled on down to select locations to score tickets. Wonderful.<br /><br />Long story short, the reality is that what once seemed to be an industry-only event is open to any Joe or Jane willing to jump through the hoops (read: SPEND) to get tickets. That's fine, I suppose. I'm not one to guard the Velvet Rope - provided you look, sound, and smell good. :p<br /><br />As long as my experience isn't ruined by the typical concert yobs, it should still make for a fun night. I personally am eager for FF, M.I.A., and, if the rumors deliver, Britney!<br /><br />Ostensibly, this is what the event schedule looks like:<br /><br />09:00 pm - Roll up roll up for xXx New York is joining the party Grand Opening<br />Jugglers, Contortionists, Fire Eaters and Strong Men perform to Dj Pelle of The Hives.<br />10:45 pm - Hot Chip vs Chaka Khan live mash up<br />One of the greatest figures in disco all time meets pure cool eccentric.<br />11:45 pm - Franz Ferdinand vs T.I. live mash up<br />Ultimate rappers of the moment meets scottish crazed indie cool.<br />01:00 am - M.I.A. vs N.E.R.D live mash up<br />The ultimate mash up.<br /><br />I'm thinking at 1:50am, Brit Brit will make a cameo and then the evening will drunkenly conclude. As such, I am nearly guaranteed to spend tomorrow occupying a piercing hangover and Dario Argento trilogies from the comfort of my own bed. Enticing prospects.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-14462859489134776522008-10-09T14:22:00.000-07:002008-10-09T14:28:32.260-07:00Return from the void...I feel almost guilty about not once using this vehicle to share my side of the New York Fashion Week Spring 2009 story. What it comes down to is that I was overbooked, and thusly, overworked; it took me - I shit you not - the full of September to heal from that first hellish 10 days. When you write for various outlets, you have several bosses, yet no one but yourself to keep you on track. It was a notable challenge. I'm confident, though, that I prevailed and did myself some networking favors in the process. I'll share my insights on that week and, arguably more importantly, the subsequent weeks in a few days.<br /><br />Until then, I present this folly:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9bXN0TxjlAM/SO53NTupLEI/AAAAAAAAABg/WjdVTpA2PzU/s1600-h/stammypoo.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9bXN0TxjlAM/SO53NTupLEI/AAAAAAAAABg/WjdVTpA2PzU/s400/stammypoo.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255268885705862210" /></a><br /><br />It is indeed the Stammer. She's pursuing a pilot's license and I just couldn't resist giving her a camp Photoshop portrayal, a la early exploitation cinema.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-76156167341307788582008-08-30T17:39:00.000-07:002008-08-30T17:40:03.630-07:00Testing a widget. Bear with...<iframe width="562" height="254" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="display:block;" src="http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid32335&look=557328&width=4&height=1&layouttype=0"></iframe>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-41413001895671609892008-08-10T17:17:00.001-07:002008-08-10T17:18:06.785-07:00Key to understanding my perspective on life:I only understand human beings through the art they create.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-68417117694938003532008-08-08T16:58:00.001-07:002008-08-08T17:21:40.350-07:00SPRING 2009 NYC SCHEDULE UNVEILED, KIND OF.<center><br /><a href="http://www.imagebam.com/image/fd512210362876" target="_blank"><img src="http://thumbnails9.imagebam.com/1037/fd512210362876.gif" alt="imagebam"></a></center><br /><br /><br />Well, it's tentative, but that means most of this will prove to be accurate. And that's enough reason for me to fidget with frustrated excitement when I see my favorite names appear. With any luck, I'll be seeing most of them in person, and perhaps interviewing a handful. How surreal is that? A year ago I would have died just to get in the gate. Now I worry about how I'm going to create 8 flawless outfits that serve as both "ahead" of the curve and right on point for pre-fall...not to mention, they have to somehow stand out amongst veteran sophisticates. Well, at this point, merely looking the part will suffice.<br /><br />I'm aiming to wear indie designers to Fashion Week and $2,000 can go a long way on lagarconne.com. Just saying. *looks at family for a pittance*Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-58143499027479095372008-08-02T20:48:00.000-07:002008-08-08T17:40:30.873-07:00If I had a dime for every time "poisoned femininity" has been channeled in 2008...I'd be fucking rich.<br /><br />Feast your eyes on the following, scans courtesy of thefashionspot.<br /><br />From FASHION ROCKS:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />"Hearts of Darkness"<br />Ph. Steven Klein<br />Fashion Editor: Edward Enninful</span><br /><a href=http://img240.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fashionrocks2008heartsohl6.jpg><img src=http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/2821/fashionrocks2008heartsohl6.th.jpg></a> <a href=http://img60.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fashionrocks2008heartsowu4.jpg><img src=http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/5748/fashionrocks2008heartsowu4.th.jpg></a><a href=http://img516.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fashionrocks2008heartsoka1.jpg><img src=http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6868/fashionrocks2008heartsoka1.th.jpg></img></a><br /><br />You can call that "emo" if you want, but you'd (and they did) miss the point.<br />That specific palette and those cobwebs and spikes all reek of the pure black, evil cosmic energy of Fall 2008 - as I mused upon only 6 months ago. Some called me crazy! But it's here. It is witching hour (Luella was floridly witchy this year, and they used one of her new dresses here, I see). AS IF THAT WEREN'T THE MOST OBVIOUS CALL IN THE WORLD. Burberry Prorsum, Rodarte, Givenchy, Luella, Balenciaga. All present, all spinning fatal fantasy. I do like that Tommy blazer thrown in for good measure (that's a nod to a. advertisers, b. the seemingly perennial late 2000s obsession with prep school/military chic, although history will now credit <span style="font-style:italic;">Gossip Girl</span> with popularizing these types of fussy ensembles). Whatever the case, clean lines and structured tailoring look great on everyone, so I am an advocate of this sensibility. Even when its rectitude is (humorously ) empurpled here by pallbearer attire. And for the record, if we connect this particular image to any musical progenitor, it's the Horrors, not My Chemical Romance. And the nose rings are incongruous.<br /><br />And now follows, surprise, surprise: RODARTE'S BIG SHINING MOMENT.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Coco Rocha<br />"Pretty in Punk"<br />Ph. Craig McDean</span><br />Fashion Editor: Tabitha Simmons<br /><a href=http://img55.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fashionrocks2008coco01xf1.jpg><img src=http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/184/fashionrocks2008coco01xf1.th.jpg></a><br /><br />As you may recall, Rodarte served as my central thesis in the dissertation that I called "poisoned femininity". So I am met with bittersweet emotional conflict as I view these images now. I am happy, for I was on to something then; it was a rather prescient observation. I am scandalized, too, because I feel conceptually bereft; no one would believe that I was among the first to recognize this micro trend and its awe-striking visual and thematic power. It was kind of my baby, this gnomic aesthetic that has also been called "pretty punk" and "violent elegance" and sometimes just referenced as neo-goth or black magic - and it is now whoring itself, right out in public. Back in February, in one of my lunar moments of fecundity, I wrote these words:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I'm going to bite the bullet and proclaim this an emergent trend. It's a combination of romance and cynicism. It's ironic, irreverent, and progressive. It's a postmodern stab at gender roles in fashion & it's quite exciting, I think.<br /><br />Examples: <br />- the extreme femininity belies a deadly edge at Rodarte<br />- the Edwardian vibe at Ruffian: decadent and sinister<br />- Rag & Bone's hardened, sharp take on unisexual daywear.<br /><br />It isn't about one prevalent style or a specific dichotomy (it's not only about menswear for women etc). Wherever there is a juxtaposition of two diametrically opposing trends (soft & hard, most broadly), a certain social context is created and mood cast, and that's what this thread tries to address. Most of the garments here are impeccably crafted but harbor a ruined, poisoned, "punk" elegance that eschew traditional female ideals in fashion.</span><br /><br />I employed a dialogue with other savvy, sharp-witted fashion folk, who also felt I had hit something relevant here. I finally defined my views with a compendium that confidently claimed "beauty disgraced" as the new big thing. When you think about it, that really is quite a novel and sadistic concept to entertain, especially within a business paradigm preponderantly built upon a standard of upward mobility, not ruin. <br /><br />ANYWAYS...over the next few months, my perceptions were referenced in multiple contexts:<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=opera&rls=en&hs=i4U&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=poisoned+femininity&spell=1">SEE?</a><br /><br />Which is great. Even better, the very clothes that sent my stylegazing faculties off the barometer then are now enjoying major coverage within Condé Nast pages, and styled in a context conducive to "poisoned femininity". Very cool and yet very ironic for me.<br /><br />Am I suggesting I augured this trend singlehandedly? Of course not. My connection to it is tenuous at best. What I am learning, though, is that this is proof positive that I need to trust both my stylistic and journalistic instincts and try to save my best ideas for when I really need them: I need to present them primarily to whom and for the medium which will best convey them to the proper audience. Yes, that means print. Because, truthfully, had I been in my current position in life and the industry only 6 months ago, my profile in the campaign for this deathbed femininity craze would have been significantly more visible. That is all.<br /><br />Good night.<br /><br />P.S. The Kills are also in this FR issue & they look terrific, as per usual.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-18485303899010564612008-08-01T11:45:00.000-07:002008-08-01T17:33:59.884-07:00Behati Prinsloo Strips for The Virgins<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/13CIzmy6bM4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/13CIzmy6bM4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />The Virgins don't deserve Miss Prinsloo, only Coco Rocha does.<br />But here it is: the latest coital romp of the sacred & the profane, of fashion & music. Or most relevantly in this case, another untoward collision of the banal and the beautiful. All I can hope is that Behati was paid well for her portrayal of a socialite courtesan; otherwise the benefits here are entirely one-sided. <br />Why is that the top models always portray strippers in music videos? Even now, when sex matters less than ever to fashion? No matter how rarefied the beauty, her fashion cachet registers flatly with the public. She is a beautiful superwhore, and not much more (but more than enough for cads like The Virgins).<br /><a href="http://www.sassybella.com/index.php/2008/07/31/agyness-deyn-steals-the-scene/">This roleplaying applies to all models who moonlight in music, EXCEPT for Agyness Deyn of course</a>. The Five O'Clock Heroes let her keep her trilby hat and unisexual appeal fully intact in the video for "Who" (because she wears both indie signifiers better than they do.)<br />I HAVE A FABULOUS IDEA: OLGA SHERER IN A HIP-HOP VIDEO. I would die from paroxyms of agitated bliss. Hey, in a post-Tom Ford universe, the gesture would be apropos to almost everything that makes current runway fantasy so disproportionate to heterosexual, mainstream ideals. And three of us would get the joke. And Hedi Slimane.<br /><br />In addition:<br />I have to give an update on me! I plan to start using this blog again as an outlet to expunge the extraneous fashion, music, and cultural musings that collect in la cabeza. Whatever isn't suitable to publish to a targeted readership will go here instead. Or in the trash (is there a difference?). Anyway, I'm going to use this a few days a week to generate specific, yet informal dialogues about whatever I am contemplating at any given second, even if that dialogue falls on deaf ears & nonexistent eyes. It's fine. I just want to be able to say, <a href="http://www.singer22.com/mitchell.html">"Wow, this coat is fucking great"</a> without having to justify that thought with eloquence or a thesis. (btw - Isn't it fabulous?)<br /><br />If you want to read the work which I am paid to do, I will give you that chance soon enough. I'm in the midst of producing plenty of freelance material and if you are clever, you know where to find it. Otherwise, I will elaborate further in the near future, and before very long you will be able to read my name on the masthead of a physical publication. It's all a very clandestine process and must not speak of it or I shall be shot. But until the day of wreckoning comes, I remain a free agent, the depraved version of Carrie Bradshaw (did I mention that I have retroactively become a SATC fan?)<br /><br />Stay cool until I stay in touch<br />(soon enough)<br />xColleenColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-41516713414027521902008-06-12T19:11:00.000-07:002008-08-05T14:53:56.850-07:00NOT DEAD, JUST FLOATING.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9bXN0TxjlAM/SFHY8nJx0HI/AAAAAAAAABI/aREHIGyYFlA/s1600-h/sourcherry2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9bXN0TxjlAM/SFHY8nJx0HI/AAAAAAAAABI/aREHIGyYFlA/s400/sourcherry2.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211184779658121330" /></a><br />I aim to give this "haute" blogette the time, attention to detail, and the purpose it deserves, but working IN high fashion has killed my desire to write ABOUT IT. And I feel incapacitated when my words - no, my weapons! - fade as my dominate faculty.<br /> But if I can't write, I can at least style, editorialize, and present fashion to you via this medium.<br /><br />Coming soon: genderless politics rule Spring and Fall 2008. Why? <br />Let us discuss.<br /><br />Please post topics, as well, that you'd like me to broach on here.<br />I'm trying to secure actual editorial work this summer for small fashion quarterlies.<br />Make that perennial dream a temporary reality!<br /><br />P.S. That's me in the photo above. And it will appear in one of those small fashion photo mags this summer! My brother was the photographer.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-2535111934979626752008-03-21T21:36:00.000-07:002008-03-21T21:53:12.750-07:00PATIENCE, DEARS.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://imgs.marni-store.com/49/490049951Y_ma2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://imgs.marni-store.com/49/490049951Y_ma2.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Your Colleen has experienced her first full month working in fashion & is running out of turbo, at least physically. Mentally? Conceptually? She's still an ebullient anarchist & ready to rhapsodize over this Marni oil-bled impressionist MASTERWORK.<br />Because it symbolizes all that is SO RIGHT with fashion at the moment.<br /><br />Also, <br /><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/viewLook?id=362674">behold my SS08 lookbook</a>, finally amassed, reified, alive!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-49668825296690970452008-02-16T17:25:00.000-08:002008-02-16T17:47:46.210-08:00Fashion Week coverage interrupted to bring you a necessary dose of...Sasha.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/707.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/707.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />FIERCE.<br /><br />London is boring, so far. Awaiting the Burberry Prorsum and Christopher Kane collections. The one shining beacon of hope this week has been Giles, which I will cover within the context of my "poisoned femininity" post - it is a burgeoning aesthetic I foretold & am pleased to see developing over the course of F/W 08.09. This Vogue Paris March 2008 editorial of Sasha Pivovarova not only touches upon the iconic mix of sweetness & evil relevant to my style thesis quite nicely, it absolutely justifies my belief that Sasha Pivovarova is the greatest editorial model of our generation. There are no words that can aptly describe the various juxtapositions of her unique appeal. She completely immortalizes this type of controversial alien child beauty that I find so very desirable and modern.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://g.photos.cx/710te3-a2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://g.photos.cx/710te3-a2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/705.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/705.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/708.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/708.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/715.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/715.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/711.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/711.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/712.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/712.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/714.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://portfoliopad.com/images/9050/26815/large/714.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-42512974193594061072008-02-10T22:16:00.001-08:002008-02-10T23:09:58.801-08:00Top 3 Most Essential Moments of Fashion Week Fall 2008: NYCComing next: an in depth commentary on the entire run of the "sportswear" leg of the Fashion Week trajectory. It's no secret that New York fashion week is the least interesting of the Big Four, yet, while gaining the opportunity to experience the week in person, it's hardly worth pretending that there are are not some truly inspirational, and yes, even aesthetically profound moments to be appreciated every season. Fall 2008 may be underwhelming so far, but amongst the mediocrity, I was completely convinced by a select few presentations.<br /><br />Here are the three that blew me away:<br /><br />#1 Rodarte. Head & shoulders above the rest, and the core inspiration for my proclamation of the "Poisoned Femininity" trend. I plan to discuss this at greater length next time. But just feast your eyes on these macabre, yet dainty delights:<br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/B5i3ZNaengA&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/B5i3ZNaengA&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />#2. Marc Jacobs. A lot of people think he jumped the shark with this one, but I disagree for now. In this notably sexless and antiseptic collection, I found elements of 90's Prada, an Antwerpian sartorial vibe, and a jibe at Neo-Puritanism. Should it have remained strictly conceptual, the internal discourse of a particularly postmodernist Gotham designer? Or did it translate successfully to a high fashion collection, one for which the adoring clientele will pay through the nose? That remains to be seen. For now, watch the video (yes, that is the mighty Sonic Youth playing live!):<br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Kfwy8AUPEfY&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Kfwy8AUPEfY&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />#3. Rag & Bone. Realistically, the show that best reflects both my current and aspirational worldview & style. Postapocalyptic but expensive. Unisexually attractive and sharp.<br />*still attempting to find streamable video of this event* <br />Some key looks:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/02/02/fashion/ragbone.1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/02/02/fashion/ragbone.1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><center><br /><img src=http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2008/fall/main/newyork/womenrunway/ragandbone/images/7.jpg><br /><img src=http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2008/fall/main/newyork/womenrunway/ragandbone/images/27.jpg><br /><img src=http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2008/fall/main/newyork/womenrunway/ragandbone/images/32.jpg><br /><img src=http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2008/fall/main/newyork/womenrunway/ragandbone/images/33.jpg><br /></center><br /><br />In MY ideal universe of appearances, ALL metropolite men & women would be this impeccably groomed & outfitted on a day to day basis. There's no reason why more men in this country cannot strive for this ideal immediately.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-48716486411642469432008-01-30T01:24:00.000-08:002008-01-30T01:53:01.889-08:00And so it is, and shall be...<div align="center"><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2008/spring/main/europe/womenrunway/ninaricci/images/9.jpg"><img src="http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2008/spring/main/europe/womenrunway/ninaricci/images/9.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /></a><blockquote><font size=1>Vlada Roslyakova in one of the memorable ensembles of the Nina Ricci Spring 2008 Collection. This looks serves as a paragon of contemporary romance and fantasy, two visual trends we'll be well acquainted with this year.<br />This is the sylvan urbanite, The Female Ideal of 2008.</blockquote></font><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Some noncommittal remarks in regards to what 2008 brings us on the aesthetics front:<br /><br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Showing a lot of skin is now passe, as it has been for some time in certain style circles. But now, thanks to shows like <i>Gossip Girl</i>, it's becoming clearer than ever to young people that high-end class trumps boobs & ass. Every time. I expect brands like Rugby by Ralph Lauren to profit immensely from the English prep school fashion movement. What's exciting about this look is that it's a bit androgynous & menswear-inspired for the girls, who can wear awesome pleated skirts and a kick-ass deconstructed blouse with peeptoe oxfords and look absolutely sophisticated yet playful. It's a look that carries an urbane irreverance, a recent and very relevant ethos led the past few seasons by designers such as Nicolas Ghesquière, Christopher Bailey, Miuccia Prada, and Marc Jacobs. In 2008, it will finally take off in the better & bridge apparel price point ranges. From there, it will trickle down to the Mall of America by late fall or so.<br /></li></ul><br /><ul><li>In addition, the reinstatement of provocative couture presentations (see <a href="http://www.elle.com/collections/12716/maison-martin-margiela-fashion-show-spring-2008-haute-couture.html">here</a>) will again make people revisit the avant garde vs haute couture conundrum. Anonymity and erasure of identity will continue to tantalize in editorial and runway contexts. The <a href="http://www.bryanboy.com/bryanboy_le_superstar_fab/2007/11/margiela-sungla.html">L'Incognito shades</a> (impractical and entirely taboo and therefore sure to sell well to art students & Gwen Stefani) will be huge, as will all the architecturally awe-inspring footwear available this season.</li></ul><br /><ul><li>Ideally, all girls should be wearing skyscrapers on their feet, Art Nouveau inflected frocks, sheer fabrics as often as possible, and explore escapist makeup, hair, and accessories. It's about being a decadent sylvan nymph this time around; it's bohemia 2.0 through the eyes of the Biba and globalist generations. It's unique and ambiguous, allowing for a lot creative license for progressive dressers worldwide. In addition, De Stijl prints will continue to feature heavily into the graphic & linear trend in womenswear. The <a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446178637&Goto=product&site_refer=SD001">Mondrian dress from DVF</a> will become iconic (personally hope to wear it for my birthday).<br /></ul><br /><ul><li>Belgian designers will continue to enjoy fringe success in the States, while quietly dictating 2009 trends.<br /></li></ul><br /><ul><li>The 90's silouhettes, textures, fabrics, and color palettes will grow more apparent every runway season until Oprah/Eva Longoria/someone famous on ABC wears a look relevant to this trend, AND THEN IT WILL BE f**kING EVERYWHERE. Not just the flannel at Urban Outfitters.<br /></li></ul><br /><ul><li>In music, diametrically opposed trends will perturb and inspire on both the niche and mainstream levels (now, of course, that's a greyer region by day). Because there is no centrality at the moment, lots of marginalized scenes and musical agendas will come into hyperfocus for weeks, months at a time, before drifting to the backburner with everyone else. I possess a dim hope that electronic music will make a little more inroads Stateside this year, but maybe that's because I just watched <i>Daft Punk Alive</i> yet again, and got all childlike in my optimism.<br /></li></ul><br /><ul><li>In movies, slasher porn is over. Youthful, intelligent dramedies like <i>Juno</i> will become more prominent, and so will their soundtracks.<br /></li></ul><br />Enough for now. I'll have a lot to post in a few days when I can report back from Fashion Week.</div></div></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117227460497789736.post-36421601231104473852008-01-28T00:07:00.000-08:002008-01-28T01:17:48.235-08:00coming soon.<br />a transgressive blogger points fingers at fashion, music, consumer culture, and socioeconomic mores, all while handily ensconcing herself in the perpetual fetish cycle of scarcity and want. should be a laugh.<br /><br />stay tuned.<br /><br /><br />x<br />CColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520770871833622265noreply@blogger.com0