A Swimming Horse

As the autumn leaves fall

2011-04-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

Where I come from, autumn and winter are practically one and the same; the only discernible differences being it rains a hell of a lot more in the winter and it's much less colourful. In lesser words, I'm already freezing my balls off.

Bring on the boots, bring on the fur, bring on the wind-ravaged hair!

Coachella Stars

2011-04-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

Isn't Vanessa Hudgens just the
cutest walking cliche you've ever laid eyes on?

Shadowtime

2010-08-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

Gabriella Marina Gonzalez, LOOKBOOK

Tip on the Tightrope

2010-07-30T07:06:00.000-07:00

At first glance, you'd be forgiven for having Janelle Monae pegged as a modern-day Grace Jones. And while like Jones, Monae does occasionally dabble in disco, she does not stay submerged in any one genre for more than an eyeblink.

"I’m another flavour, something like a Terminator," she remarks on latest single, Tightrope. Suited up in her favourite tux and oxfords (which she calls her "uniform") and rocking a dramatic pompodour hairstyle, Monae also gives the nod to her more feminine side with oversized button clip-on earrings, orange-red blush and bold lashes. But whether she fancies herself as an android or an androgyn, Monae stamps her own 'flavour' on any perceivable label she might attract. When she's crooning on slow RnB jams, her sweeping melodies carry her above and beyond. When she wants to get funky, her extroverted vocals bring live beats into the 21st century. If it's trip-hop she's trying on, the experience is remarkably unprocessed.

Janelle Monae wears her many influences proudly, but her own persona outshines them all, certainly creating an influence of her own should she find the commercial success she deserves.

Janelle's debut LP, The ArchAndroid was released May 18 to universal acclaim.

Atrocity Exhibition

2010-07-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

Asylums with doors open wide,

Where people had paid to see inside

For entertainment they watch his body twist

Behind his eyes he says, I still exist

Clothes via Blame NYC and Fuck Yeah Goths

Old Magazines

2010-05-25T22:20:00.000-07:00

Old magazines; time travel machines

More Rockspring

2010-05-25T04:01:00.000-07:00

The son of Aussie rock legend, Nick Cave, and former model, Beau, Jethro Cave seriously lucked out in the gene-pool. He was gifted his father's intense eyes and ghastly complexion, yet quite fortunately, his mother's hair, height and svelte figure. Given his unique looks, where else for Jethro Cave to focus his talents on but the world of modelling?

Well, Jethro has rockstar aspirations of his own, as he brusquely revealed to i-D magazine:

"I just want to play music. That's all I enjoy doing. I play piano and sing. I'm just trying not to end up washing dishes. Modelling is definitely working for me."

Julian Casablancas On Viva Radio

2010-05-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

New Daddy, Julian Casablancas, dropped by Viva Radio studios last week for a quick interview and a curious performance of Old Hollywood, a track which did not make the final listing of his debut solo LP, Phrazes For The Young.

Accompanied by two guitarists, Casablancas recalled the affected pop-radio vocal quality of his early Strokes work with the help of a tiny bass amp and opted to sing the verses a full octave lower than the studio recording. One YouTube user beseeched, "Can someone tell me how he gets into those pants everyday?" I'm personally more interested in how he gets them off.

Stick around for the interview:

Morphous/Amorphous

2010-05-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

In Garth Cook's Spring Summer 2010-11 collection, Amorphous Geometrics, flat geometrics are complimented by sophisticated layering, soft draping and ruffles for a suprising and striking balance between structure and non-structure.

Black Water

2010-05-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

When Animus Sleeps

Faris-tastic

2010-05-08T02:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, I do realise that my music related entries are mounting. This is in part due to music being my first love, but equally owing to the fact music and fashion - more often than not - go hand in hand. We immediately associate a given genre of music with a specific style of dress, or a song with an outfit from its video clip. Let's face it, image is one of the biggest facets of the industry.

Now, Faris Badwan of The Horrors is one immaculately presented man. He also has one of the best noses in music.

The following photos/excerpts come from a 2009 book called The Selby is in Your Place, which you might have already seen around.

Band Rehearsal

2010-05-08T02:03:00.000-07:00

Something you may or may not know about me is that I'm an aspiring rock star in an as yet unamed band. The best thing about my career of choice is that I don't need a degree or any qualifications, I just need a bundle of talent and a bit of luck. Oh yeah, and I also need a real job to support myself. Rats.

Anyway we, the band, were fortunate enough to acquire the free use of a church hall, including a drum kit, PA system, mixer and mics. To celebrate this development, I stopped procrastinating after a month and pulled out my substandard camera phone to take some snapshots of what the place looks like. I'm not in any of the photos. This pleases me.

The hall + guitars and keys

Lead guitarist unsuccesfully teaching keyboardist to play bass

Soap&Skin

2010-05-02T06:21:00.000-07:00

Anja Plaschg is Soap&Skin

Anja is slightly derivative, yet totally refreshing in light of the current indie fads. At just 20 years old, the sky is the limit for Soap & Skin artistically. Enjoy the video for Thanatos below, which features some of Anja's own photography.

Pudel and Lina Osterman

2010-04-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

Former Creative Director of Pudel, Lina Osterman, launched her solo line in late 2009. These recent collections of the respective labels really highlight Lina's forward-thinking and creative edge against the more refined look of Pudel's fall collection.

Let's compare their latest work:
Pudel, Fall 2010

Lina Osterman, Assorted 2009-2010

30 Seconds to Mars frontman, Jared Leto, was recently snapped wearing Lina Osterman (pants) and Acne (jacket) at a NYC concert.

Autumn/Winter Ashish

2010-04-18T03:20:00.000-07:00

By now you may have noticed that I'm all for bold prints, vibrant colours and virtually anything that makes a statement. These very traits are staples to most of Ashish's collections, earning him much favour with me. While the quirks are still very present in his Autumn/Winter 2010 collection, Ashish this time opted to inject slightly more conventional lines and colours with bright and/or patterned singular pieces. In sparse makeup and with colour streaked ponytail plaits, the models looked cute (but still quite conspicuous) beneath cozy beanies and dark shades.

I love the glossy plaid!

Aramon

2010-04-16T01:48:00.000-07:00

Spanish artist, Pepa Prieto, couples her quirky sketches with 21st century sensibility to create a signature style that is as equally eye-catching as it is versatile. Prieto has contributed work to MTV Networks, Glamour Mag and Pony, but I wanted to share her stunning exterior paint work and design for El Portillo restaurant in Teruel, Spain.

Highway

2010-04-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

When I noticed two of my favourite actors credited on the cover of a widely ignored film from 2002, I had to get onto it quickly.

Jack (Jared Leto) and Pilot (Jake Gyllenhaal) play two buddies who, as the title not-so-subtly implies, embark on a road trip to save Jack's feet from the Las Vegan mafia. Inevitably, their paths converge with that of Cassandra (Selma Blair), a fugitive hooker. Based around the time of Kurt Cobain's death (April 5, 1994), Highway exemplifies grunge music, culture and fashion.

The Wanted List

2010-04-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

Due to the uncharacteristic gap between my two previous posts, I thought I owed another quick update to my loyal reader(s?), if not to myself. It also struck me that being a guy, my content is slightly lacking in the men's fashion department. With those thoughts in mind, it seemed like a good idea to compile a quick list of the garments I've been trying to chase down recently. Some of them must be faster than others, because the results have been mixed to say the least.

Snakeskin Jacket

Woodstock Fur Coat (because I want to be Jim Morrison)

Paisley Shirt (but Rob Smith-like at the same time)

Gold Cuban Heel Boots (because I saw them on Phix Clothing )

Purple Leather Bomber Jacket (because they're hard to find, hence the lame photo)

Doc Martens - I cheated a little on this one. I found an 8 hole cherry red pair this week. I'd still like both a black and white pair though.

Lambskin Leather Bomber Jacket (because every one I've ever tried has been too big!)

Lake; Veronica

2010-04-08T03:05:00.000-07:00

While no one could agree on pint-sized Hollywood starlet, Veronica Lake's height, few would argue the unmatched beauty of her hair, or the visible significance of the peek-a-boo hairstyle she single-handedly pioneered.

Super Kawaii

2010-04-03T03:26:00.000-07:00

Japanese photographer, Maki Kawakita, shoots in a trademark cartoonish, culturally clashing and sometimes downright ostentatious style. Pushing contrast to the limit, Kawakita loves juxtaposing her pop-out subjects against serene backdrops - or vice versa - for an even greater impact. Other tactics include tossing the entire rainbow at unsuspecting voyeurs.

Style Management

2010-03-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

The psychedelic boys from MGMT look almost as good as their music sounds fresh. Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser are more often than not clad in hippie revival attire fit perfectly for Bonnaroo Musical Festival, or Woodstock circa '69.

At this point I'd like to recommend you their latest LP, Congratulations, which is fucking fantastic. ~~Below is the video for Flash Delirium,~~ the first track to be lifted from the album, which premiered yesterday - video removed at request, sorry!

Ménage à Trois

2010-03-29T04:58:00.000-07:00

French drama/comedy serial, Clara Sheller, has aired on Australian television network, SBS, weekly for the past couple of months now. I soon thought to create a post highlighting Clara's eclectic and colorful wardrobe, but was instead moved by a powerful scene in which the protagonist finds herself in the midst of a passionate love triangle - alongside the men of her dreams.

The gift of a lifetime...

Abbey Lee does i-D

2010-03-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

Australia's own, Abbey Lee Kershaw, is set to appear in i-D Spring 2010 as The Space Cadet. Styled by Charlotte Stockdale and photographed by Emma Summerton, Abbey previews statement pieces by Alexander McQueen, Prada and Chanel, among others.

Chanelling Carrie Bradshaw and Jimi Hendrix

2010-03-25T04:12:00.000-07:00

Zoe Kravitz cites two, polar opposite pop-culture icons as the inspiration behind her unique and often exciting style.

I deliberately avoided introducing Zoe as the daughter of rock God, Lenny Kravitz (well, tried to), because she's so much more than just that. Celebrity children are infinitely tied to the image of their parent(s) unless and until they surpass their successes. Even then, total liberation is not assured. As an actress and singer for indie-rock outfit, Elevator Fight, Zoe Kravitz is a celebrity in her own right.

Now to confuse the matter further, I've included a photo of Zoe shot by her equally adorable Father (top left), and another of her alongside him in the upcoming set.

Celebrate You

2010-03-22T03:47:00.000-07:00

February-March '10

Even the creases in my shoes smile up at me

Misshapes

Hot pants, anyone?

2010-03-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

As you'll soon find out from the video below, STACHE was an ongoing GLBTQ party in New York. From what little information there is available to me, I gather that STACHE itself is now defunct, but socialite, musician and occasional DJ, Tommy Hottpants (below) is still a prominent figure on the NYC gay scene.

Green

2010-03-17T20:00:00.001-07:00

They say that green is one of the rarest eye colours...

Taylor Kitsch, Martin Ricca, Gael Garcia Bernal, Phil Fisher,

Pedro Perestrello, Adrian Grenier, Vincent Lacrocq, Julien Quevenne

Orally Fixated?

2010-03-15T03:02:00.000-07:00

I think Róisín Murphy is fabulous. She executes so many seamless genre changes in both her music and style, and yet somehow does so with unparalleled class and poise. Her music videos and stage performances - which incorporate Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh, Giles and Jonathan Saunders runway pieces - have been cited as the possible inspiration behind Lady Gaga's eccentric artistic vision (put frankly, some are calling Lady Gaga a ripoff).

I personally consider Róisín as more of a contemporary to Björk (one woman in music who is extremely difficult to visually out-weird) and the more refined, Alison Goldfrapp, both sonically and stylistically.

Happiness is a warm gun

2010-03-13T23:47:00.000-08:00

After setting out this post, I couldn't help but notice that the photos do not really share a common thread. I won't attempt some crazy written semblance to justify my thoughtlessness, I'll just marvel in the eclecticism... I strongly suggest you do the same.

Oh Xavier...

Loving Lo-Fi

2010-03-12T04:33:00.000-08:00

Low fidelity music will probably never make a mainstream resurgence, but the quaint underground scene is certainly thriving. I fortunately stumbled across a band from San Francisco called The Art Museums, who happen to be strong exponents of lo-fi recording technologies. If I were to trust my Google image search skills, I'd boldly proclaim that their setup looks something like this:

The Art Museums mix jaunty new-wave guitars with analogue drum loops and understated, harmonized vocals.

Here's one of my favourite cuts from their debut, hope you enjoy it!

Reflections on the Chelsea Girl

2010-03-11T02:28:00.000-08:00

You are beautiful, and you are alone.
- Nico (Christa Päffgen)

The self-professed Chelsea Girl, Nico, started out as a fashion model in Germany before stepping onto the factory scene, forming a close and collaborative friendship with Andy Warhol and soon becoming a respected musician in her own right. A victim of rape in her early teens, Nico was romantically linked to the likes of Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan and Lou Reed.

As her folk-rock beginnings naturally evolved into minimalistic proto-goth meanderings, Nico fittingly traded her long-time golden locks for natural browns and a heroin addiction which ultimately spelled her premature death in 1988.

Gareth Pugh; successor to Alexander McQueen?

2010-03-10T05:47:00.001-08:00

Ah, the possibilities! Pugh's avant-garde tendencies coupled with the late McQueen's infamous shock tactics would be nothing short of divoon. Alas, a spokesperson for Pugh has denied speculation that the designer is in discussions to replace McQueen as the label's creative director.

I hope these selections from Gareth Pugh's rigid Fall 2010 collection will help assuage your disappointment.

Oh, and how could I not include a photo of Pugh's amazing chain-nails? (I think I just penned that term by the way!)

Not an insomniac

2010-03-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

I'm not an insomniac, I'm simply nocturnal. For this reason, I bring you a diverse serving of man-candy well into the early morning hours.

Rishi Idnari, Vintage Numero Homme, Feliciano Lopez,
David Beckham, Travis Fimmel, Tyson Ritter

The hanging garden

2010-03-09T03:10:00.000-08:00

Below is a mass of clothing:

Believe it or not, there are some really cute pieces in there.

My good friend and I have been in talks of opening an Ebay store for some time now. Both of us are out of work and strapped for cash, so naturally it seems like the perfect way to earn some extra money.

As you can see, our plans are finally coming to fruition!

For me, thrift store shopping is one of life's great pleasures. You search through a haystack of granny blouses and floor-length knit dresses for that one coveted needle - er, workable item of clothing.

It's important to get rid of them before my dog becomes too attached!

They don't make 'em like this anymore!

2010-03-08T00:45:00.000-08:00

No it's not Siouxsie Sioux I'm referring to, but her trademark Vox Teardrop (or Vox Mark III) guitar. Though merely an adequate guitarist during her band's early years, Sioux honed her playing skills while nursing a broken leg - which she sustained on tour in 1985 - in hospital.

Anyhow, I thought I'd give you guys something a little different to take a peek at. Pretty darn cool if you ask me!

Is late really better than never?

2010-03-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

I had a myriad of photos from Pam Hogg's collection during London Fashion Week stashed on my desktop, because I'm a bit of a closet fan to be honest. Pam stuck to her favoured one-pieces, but added a barely-there underpinning that was reminiscent of Cher, ala Turn Back Time.

Edit: So barely-there that Photobucket took down some of my photos!

Jared Leto on a rainy day

2010-03-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

In true, bi-polar Victorian weather fashion, it's gone from sweltering, 35 degree heat yesterday to unrelenting rain fall today. The perfect excuse to throw on some depressing, atmospheric (or otherwise rainy) music and basque in the gloom! Better yet, tomorrow is a public holiday, meaning I won't have to worry about a callback from that hardware store I so desperately don't want to work at.

Now for some fashion inspiration from the very underrated Jared Leto, one man who definitely influences many of my wardrobe choices. I didn't want to turn this into a retrospective like my Gwen Stefani post from yesterday, so all are (aptly) wintery photos from Jared's 2010.

I'm already trying to hunt down a pair of affordable Doc Martens that agree with my modest unemployment wage!

Diverting a little; here are six must-have albums for a rainy day:

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Peepshow, The Cure - Disintegration, Nico - The End,
Slowdive - Just For a Day, Polly Scattergood - Self Titled, Radiohead - Kid A

Gwen Stefani throughout the years

2010-03-06T03:46:00.000-08:00

The iconic Gwen Stefani of No Doubt seems to hold the secret to eternal youth. Perhaps it's all in her ability to reinvent herself like a chameleon? Let's take a look at some of her styles throughout a successful 20 year career as a lead singer, songwriter, solo-artist, fashion designer, actress and model.

Too much time to sit and think

2010-03-06T02:02:00.000-08:00

Rather than bore you with the musings of an uneventful two months passed, I'll kick start my hopefully lengthy blogging career with an assortment of boys. Everyone likes boys:

Koray Colgecen, Gael Garcia-Bernal, Wilmer Valderrama, John Abraham, Tony Kanal, Fernando Verdasco

Who's your pick?