The Bullet Screams To Me From Somewhere...

Is anyone else completely bored and feeling uninspired by fashion as of late? For the past couple of months fashion has left me feeling, well...a bit stale. I'd elaborate on the many reasons behind my boredom, but I don't have the time nor the energy to open this can of worms.

Anyway, while wading in the clusterfuck that is my brain, I thought I'd pop on the blog and really start to share things that consistently inspire or move me. Hence this Alice in Chains post (actually it's more like a Layne Staley tribute). After all, good music and gorgeous men never cease to inspire =)

Alice in Chains is by far my favorite group to come out of the 90s grunge scene. Yes, I like them more than Nirvana. Blasphemy? Who knows. Nirvana may have Alice beat in quantity of good songs, but no Nirvana song beats The Rooster..or Man in the Box.. or Would for that matter. Just my humble 2 cents.

Regardless of the preference, Alice In Chains has some really seductive and dark grunge tunes. There's nothing I've been enjoying more than drowning out the world and listening to "the Rooster' full blast. I've gone ahead and embedded my favorite Alice in Chains songs in this post for your auditory pleasure...

Oh and of course, I had to put up some eye candy aka the late Layne Staley.

















*images via google images

Scarification

Scarification, like tattoos, are utilized by tribal communities for any number of reasons. Just like in present Western societies, their purpose can range from pure decoration to a permanent declaration of membership to a specific group.

Some tribes start to inscribe their children at birth. This process continues even after death.

I find the amount of commitment and trust one must possess to endure such a process, as well as the beauty that comes from what I can only assume as an excruciating process extremely inspiring. While I could never get this done, I'd love to emulate the look through embossed leather in similar motifs.

"At a time when the Western world is desperately seeking to escape a dreadful uniformity of dress, it is important to understand the wealth and symbolism of practices from other corners of the world, a veritable language employed by people who are sometimes still dubbed 'primitive.' Yet aren't we all 'barbaric' in someone else's eyes?" - Bernenice Geoffroy-Schneiter, Ethnic Style History and Fashion (2001)

The pictures below were scanned, again, from Ethnic Style. A great majority of these images were taken in the early to mid 20th century.







More images I pulled from google images:






*images from uihealthcare, flickr, and beautyisnotonlyskindeep blog

Coiffure

More scans from Ethnic Style . This time, I have selected various images of African tribal coiffure.


Ladder Coiffure showing high standing for major social occasions


Mangbetu woman


Woman from Angola


Woman from Ethiopia


Woman from Angola

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 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!

So, I'm leaning towards keeping the Junya sweater now, even though I was trying to be good with my finances. Thanks for all the enabling!

Anyways, here are a few photos I scanned from the April issue of japanese street style magazine TUNE.


I'm a fan of pairing leopard print and red plaid, so this picture obviously appeals to me.


I've never wanted yeti boots ever, but I'm starting to reconsider....I like how it balances the outfit.


First thought: Great outfit! Second Thought: How the hell does he see with his hair like that? I can't even deal with bangs.

Also, this weekend, a good friend from NYC visited. We went vintage shopping around Long Beach, and I lost control. If I decide not to be lazy, I'll post pictures of my purchases.