Covered in scales, in space
This is our first post on fashion. I didn’t originally think of this space as a place to comment on what is happening on the runways of Paris and beyond, so I think I’ll save it for special occaisions.
I’ve been watching this show over and over again for a couple months now, I really am a fan of what is happening here. I’ve always loved Alexander McQueen and think his concept-driven shows are thoughtful, full of raw talent, and dripping with craft.
This show is called Plato’s Atlantis and expanded it to something like the Queen Mother, covered in snakes, in space. I can’t even begin to tell you how well this was executed.
The show started off with a strange dream sequence on a jumbotron with two large cameras on the actual runway. Once the first model came out it became clear that the cameras were filming live and their image was shown on the jumbotron, even when filming the audience.
So, so gorgeous. Images from the show:
One commentator said it showcased superwomen and stated that “I wanted to go home and find a sexy lizard woman with aqua-lungs to spend the rest of my life with.” Michael Stipe said it “felt very 21st century for the first time.”
I will also say that McQueen successfully used Orca songs in the show, a definite first. I’d love to collaborate with this man at some point in my career. What a madman!
A Collection a Day, 2010
Lisa Congdon, an artist and illustrator who’s work I have followed and admired for some time has started a new project that is…well…a collection of collections. Lisa is painting, drawing or photographing a collection each day all year and so far they have been really fun! The items that she has chosen and her sense of composition are fantastic.
56 Leonard Tribeca
What happens when you mix legendary sculptor Anish Kapoor with stunning 21st century architecture?
Wouldn’t you like to know.
No really you’d like to know, check it if you want it, the newest skyscraper in Manhattan:
From Tronic Studio:
Combining a live action helicopter shoot with extensive CG modeling, the film shows the poetic beauty of how the building was conceived, beginning with the elements of each floor descending from the Manhattan sky and landing into place on top of the Anish Kapoor sculpture.
The 56 Leonard Tribeca website is pretty brilliant also. Way to go New York.
Dancing cast members
Originally I was going to talk about two of my favorite martial arts films because, well, they’re just too good not to talk about. Then I realized both films involve serious cast-wide dance sequences in them. What are the chances!?
Clearly I am the culprit here, there can not be many of these out there. I’ve loved both of these for years, and for your moment of appropriate Zen, check it if you want it:
Kung Fu Hustle
A self-aware flick with a solid soundtrack by Stephen Chow. This is the opening scene, establishing the villains, the Axe Gang. Warning, axes used. PG-13.
Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman
OK this is such a good film. It screams Coppola, but under the direction of Keiichi Suzuki’s masterminded musical interludes. This scene is the closing, where the entire cast, villains and all, dance together before the credits. Gorgeous.
Tap dancing Ronin, anyone?
OSU Archives
Of course Flickr is filled with piles of photo resources, Oregon State University has a nice collection that is worthy of respect. A great resource for designers as all images are free of copyright and high resolution.
I am so curious about the little birds, they are clearly alive. How on earth were they lined up like that?
Alright anyway I just can’t imagine how this was done without gorilla glue.
I like to think these were the photographers getting in their skivvies to hunt for birds on branches.
I grew up logging with my father.
I bet these men smell like good pipe smoke. Probably not currently.