Inspiration

Everytime summer rolls around I really start getting inspired by the traditional costume of other cultures. So I thought I'd start sharing some scans I did from two of my favorite books on the subject: Ethnic Style: History and Fashion by Verenice Geoffroy-Schnieter and (Un)Fashion by Tibor and Maira Kalman. I actually have way too many to post in one post, so I thought I'd share according to culture.

First up, India. I highly suggest clicking on the pictures to make them bigger.


From Ethnic Style: Women in Saris. Worn in the style of Northern India (influenced by Muslim culture). Hand Ornament in Silver and Colored Glass How great is that hand ornament!?

I find Indian jewelry to be extremely amazing. While bangles are nice, I'm particularly interested in naths (aka nose rings). More specifically naths with chains. Lucky for me that most naths do not require a nose piercings. I'd love to wear one around. Debating if I would want a nice small one with a chain, or a large "in your face" one like the kind gentleman wearing it two pictures down.


From Ethnic Style: Ceremonial jewelry and makeup


From (Un)Fashion: Man from the Jodhpur region of India

Speaking of Jodhpur, I'm dying to visit this place, particularly during a time when there are a lot of Hindu festivities. It just looks divine. I'd love to roam the blue city, tour the fort (see 3rd picture down), stay in the palace and shop the local market... you know and score a bitchin' nath with chain and silk fabrics.








Remaining images via Higher Being Blog, Photos By Martin, Holiday IQ , and other sources via google images

The pictures below illustrate how I dress to outdoor concerts that go from day to night. While not amazingly stylish by any means, it's all very strategic.

a) Comfortable shoes for walking from car to box office, box office to end of huge fucking line, back of the line to front entrance, entrance to seat. If you've been to Verizon Wireless Ampitheater in Irvine, you know why comfy shoes are essential.
b) Bright color in case friend and I get split up (it was a NIN show, it's safe to assume that most are in head to toe, or mostly black)
c) Layers. Brought a Sex Pistols Fuck Forever thermal and men's black distressed leather motorcycle jacket.
d) Omission of spikes. At most large shows, I've been asked to remove them (which means throw them away or go back to the car).




Now this is what I really wanted to post. Thanks to NIN, I almost went blind. I posted two pictures to illustrate how fucking bright the lighting was.




Lastly... I'm usually not attracted to lead singers of bands but gawd.. TRENT REZNOR just does it for me.

The Perfect Drug

Found out today, thanks to a most generous and wonderful friend, that there's a good chance I might be going to see NIN and Jane's Addiction tomorrow.

In light of such news, I wanted to share some information I gathered, from another wonderful blog, Wicked Halo.

Regardless, if you're into Nine Inch Nails or not, it is my opinion that the music video for Closer is relevant in fashion now. This video was definatley been an inspiration for me when I was in my teen years. Besides, Trent Reznor is HOT. That being said....

This video gives some great insight into the art that inspired the Closer music video. It's about a half hour long but worth the time (nothing like Making of the Video a la MTV).

NIN: The Making of the "Closer" Video from Nine Inch Nails on Vimeo.

Wicked Halo goes into more depth about the video, and includes a lot of visuals such as these. Please check out the blog. It's extremely good!

Fabulon

If you haven't taken a trip to Planet Fabulon, I highly recommend that you do.
Planet Fabulon is an image laden blog focusing on all things.. well.. fabulous! This means ornate interiors, high fashion editorials, gender benders, vintage cinema, and starlettes of the past. I've seen everything from Judy Garland to Liza Minelli to Naughty Nuns to Mugler.

In the past several months I've collected quite a few images this blog. Here are some of many.

















My favorite is the Elvira/Dianne Brill photograph. It makes me giddy. So again, check out Fabulon's blog!

Vintage Dior

I was flipping through an issue of L'Officiel and felt compelled to immediately scan these two images from Dior's Fall 1947 collection.


I'm particularly smitten with the first look. The contrast chiffon sash is stunning when paired with what looks to be leather opera gloves. It's stealthy and dramatic at the same time.


This outfit on the other hand is full drama. I'm loving every bit of it. Full length fur cape. Need I say more?


*scans from L' Officiel No. 42 (1000 Models: Dior 60Years of Creation)

Developments at Nina Ricci & Maison Martin Margiela

Last Wednesday, WWD announced the new Artistic Director at Nina Ricci. I thought this might be of interest to some, so I've scanned the article.

Click on the image to blow it up



In case you'd rather have a quick synopsis. The new artistic director is Peter Copping who has worked under Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton, and Sonia Rykiel. His first real collection for the line will debut Fall 2010. In the meantime, he will be designing a small capsule collection for the upcoming Resort season.

On a personal note, I was only a fan of Nina Ricci because of Theyskens. The same goes for Rochas when he designed for them. And still, my main interest in this whole debaucle is what Theyskens is going to do next. I hope he relaunches his name-sake line.

ALSO..... Martin Margiela is now planning to produce a home goods line. A peek was given at the Salone Del Mobile. Here are pictures courtesy of yatzer.com

I purchased the current May issue of W Magazine purely for this editorial (minus a couple pictures). Read the first scan for a synopsis on the editorial and subject matter =)