I HAVE FOUND...

...that there may be a direct correlative relationship between my relationship status and the amount of time I spend looking up fashion shows on YouTube...

... And this means you'll probably be seeing about 17 hours worth of fashion-related posts in the coming weeks... 

Listening To: Courtney's alarm go off over and over again.

Things Going On Today:  First Sunday single.  Return and Report.  

Blessings:  Seven Peaks, trips to California at opportune times.

Learned:  What "yolo" means.  

Happy Happy Easter!!

First of all:  Happy Easter, everyone!  

One of my favorite Easter traditions of all time involves watching Easter Parade (starring the dashing Fred Astaire and Judy Garland) with my mother and sister after dinner on Easter Sunday. (Dad hates movies, so he'd never join in.)  Being the fashionista that I am, I always loved looking at all of the hats and dresses that were worn throughout the movie.  And of course, the music is so much fun.  

This was arguably my favorite scene from the movie growing up.  What a great dancer, that Fred!

Anyway, I thought I'd do a little bit of research about the Easter Parade that happens every year on 5th Avenue in New York.  Apparently it began sometime in the 1800s when all the aristocrats of Manhattan would parade the latest fashions after they went to church.  Apparently flamboyant bonnets were in style back then, and the fad never really died each Easter season.  

Nowadays it's a lot like Halloween, where people have yet another excuse to make all-out spectacles out of themselves and get away with it.  It would be a dream come true to celebrate Easter in one of those amazing hats someday.  To the drawing board!  I'm off to design the best Easter Bonnet ever!!

Listening to:  "Shaking the Blues Away" performed by Ann Miller on Easter Parade.

Things Going On Today:  A light Easter Dinner with my aunt and grandparents.  Also, I sang a solo today in sacrament meeting. 

Blessings:  Not as much homework as you think you have. 

Learned:  Easter Parades have religious significance; they were used a long time ago to represent the processional triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem the week before his crucifixion.  Apparently it is also a tradition to wear new clothing on Easter.  

Designer Spotlight: Viktor and Rolf

Birthplace:  Amsterdam, 1993
Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren



I love this season's look.  The oversized, yarn-like embroidery reminds me of my younger days when I would pull shoelaces through giant holes on these cardboard pictures to pass the time during sacrament meeting.  I'd totes wear a lot of the dresses in here, particularly the sunny summer dresses.

V&L work a lot with layers.  They've had multiple shows where they've stacked coat after coat and dress after dress onto one single model.  You can also see the voluptuous layers in their Spring/Summer 2010 "Cutting-Edge Couture," as well as others.  Viktor and Rolf are also amazing because they quote amazing composers like Philip Glass and Stravinsky; they also incorporate modern faces like Rufus Wainwright and actress Tilda Swinson.

Viktor and Rolf has been worn by:

Rihanna

Natalie Portman (pregnant at the Golden Globes, in a dress designed for her!)

Katy Perry

And, of course, our one and only Lady Gaga

From their Fall/Winter 2008 "No" collection.  I fell in love with these pants. 

From Fall Winter 2006 -- One of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE THINGS

This one was also worn by Gaga

This dress is upside-down!

And here's the ad for their fragrance, Flowerbomb

Oh, and PS, interesting tidbit:  Katy Perry wore V&R for her ET music video.  Look how creepy they've made it!!

Most of Their Collections:  I watched every single one of these runway shows.  Yes, I did.

Battle for the Sun -- FW 2011 -- Red, gray, and black.  Red paint faces.  Industrial feel.
Shirt Symphony -- SSu 2011 -- Lots of tops, inspired by men's shirts -- varying colors, White Wedding.
Glamour Factory -- FW 2010 --  Special guest model Kristen McMenamy sheds and acquires coats with the help of V and R as models parade about her.
Cutting-Edge Couture -- SSu 2010 -- Pastels, experiments with cutaway shapes and tulle. Dress with holes. Roisin Murphy sings.
Statues -- Fall/Winter 2009 -- Neutral colors, classical architecture.  Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence." Simpler womanswear.
Shalom -- SSu 2009 -- Black and white geometric designs interspersed with bold multicolor and spiral designs.  Shalom Harlow models.
No -- FW 2008 -- Use of  the words NO and DREAM ON on face and clothes.  Amazing pants and dresses.  Gray, black, and magenta.
The Pierrot collection -- SSu 2008 -- Feminine look using black/white, musical, Pierrot imagery.  Models emerge out of a mouth.
The Fashion Show -- FW 2007 -- Dutch look (wooden shoe high heels), with light fixtures sticking out and shining on them.  Commentary on today's fashion.
The Ballroom Collection -- SpS 2007 -- Ballroom motifs, high-class formality.  Men's attire.  Rufus Wainwright.
Silver -- Fall/Winter 2006 -- Little black dresses, Gold lamee gowns, and netted masks.  Not to mention Phillip Glass.  Hot.
Upside Down -- Sp/Su 2006 -- Clothes worn the wrong way!!!  Upside down set, dresses, off kilter shirts, etc.
Bedtime Story -- F/W 2005 -- Tori Amos.  Pajama and bedsheet motifs.  This is pretty cool.
Flowerbomb -- Sp/Su 2005 -- Helmets and lots of black with bows.  All pose -- blast -- PINK!  Ribbons, flowers, pink pink pink.  What a surprise!  Also the year they came out with their Flowerbomb fragrance.
The Hunt -- FW 2004 -- Lots of Antlers.  (Peter and the Wolf Music)
Red Shoes -- S/Su 2004 -- Otherwise pretty BORING clothing except for the fact that they all have the same RED SHOES in common.
 One Woman Show -- FW 2003 -- Tilda Swinton is our star, and the models are her clones.  Masculine clothing.
Flowers -- SSu 2003 -- Dancing models, colored hair, and pastel/floral prints.  Lots of spirit and lively dancing.
Bluescreen  -- FW 2002 -- Use of a bluescreen to create images on otherwise blue accessories among black attire.
Russion Doll -- FW 1999 -- They play STRAVINSKY'S RITE OF SPRING!

Listening to:  "I feel Immortal" by Tarja
Things Going On Today:  Went and observed 3-year-olds, sat and watched Viktor and Rolf all day.  Some homework.
Blessings:  Weekends.  Getting ahead.  Roommates with grapes.
Learned:  A LOT about Viktor and Rolf.  Also found Peter and the Wolf on Youtube.  Sacha is a boy's name in Russian.

Designer Spotlight: Alexandre Vauthier

Line created 2009
France
Designed under Jean-Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler

Fall/Winter 2011-2012



Amazing, what you can do with just one color.  My favorite can be seen around 8:33.  I just wish it didn't have that giant slit down the middle of it.  I also like the little dresses you can see from 3:00 to 5:00.  I love the fur, too.  All the red kind of accents the "crown jewel" that appears at the end.  This beautiful gown that shines in a sea of crimson and scarlet.  It's quite appealing.

Worn by:

Beyonce Knowles

Rihanna

Lady Gaga

Ciara

More shots of this fabulous line:

Listening to:  "I want it that Way" by the Backstreet Boys

Things Going On Today:  Jacob comes over.  I go to the store.  No school.

Blessings:  No school. 

Learned:  A lot about Alexandre Vauthier.  Also, there is going to be a sequel-series for the show Avatar.  It's called The Legends of Korra.  

Lady Gaga in Japan

Lady Gaga recently visited the country of Japan and wore the following outfits:

Arrival at Narita Airport -- June 21
Gaga wore a green leather jacket from Valentino's Fall 2011 Collection.  The Dafodille platform pumps are by Christian Louboutin.  She also donned her "Pray for Japan" bracelet by Haus of Gaga and the iconic blue wig she wore all throughout Europe and for Canada's MuchMusic show.
Gaga stated in an interview that the green look was to promote an awareness of the environment in the wake of the earthquake disasters in Japan back in March.














Shopping at Harajuku -- June 23
Wearing an outfit titled "Eva – Leather Rings Tee and Ines – Pleather Hook Trousers" by Fanny and Jessy for Spring/Summer "Watch this Face" Collection.

At the MTV Video Music Aid Japan Press Conference -- June 24

The Gags wore a feather necklace designed by Japanese artist Hitoshi Korogi and Keiko Miyakoshi, part of their Roggykei collection of 2010.  The pants are from another Japanese artist, Yasuko Furuta in his Toga collection for Fall 2011.  The new straight-banged wig is by Frederic Aspiras. Accesories by Chanel, and of course the Earthquake relief wristband by Haus of Gaga. 

In this interview, Gaga encouraged tourists to come back and visit the beautiful country of Japan, which is now safe and welcoming to visitors after the travesty of earthquakes and nuclear explosions last spring.









MTV Music Video Aid Japan Performance -- June 26
Outfit custom-created by Masanori Morikawa.  Gaga also shed her blue wig to reveal little blonde topknots as she performed her songs "Born this Way" and "The Edge of Glory"  in a giant spider's lair.  Apparently it was a symbol for overcoming adversity. Liking the big anime eyes.















MTV Music Video Aid Japan Press Room -- June 26
After her performance, Gaga tread lightly across the carpet in Norikita Tatehana boots (she wears this designer EVERYWHERE).  The purse was bought in Japan and is from Gianni Versace's Spring 1992 animal print collection... Or is it from Versace 2011/2012?  She said the vest was made by "AFG Leather," a Japanese brand. Accessories by Chanel and Versace.  Again, big anime eyes.  Very Japanese.

UPDATE:  The vest is by Koshiro Ebata for Garter.

"Sukkiri" TV Show in Japan -- June 28
Gaga went Panda on us on this Japanese Television show, wearing a dress from the Roggykei collection by Hitoshi Korogi and Keiko Miyakoshi.  She wore this designer earlier as well (see above).
Here's a video of the interview.  She was so cute on this show.  I would totally wear this outfit.  The designer of Hello Kitty also appeared on the show and presented Gaga with a custom-made surprise.

On NHK News Watch 9 -- June 28
Gaga gets out her teal wig again and wears a dress by Sachio Kawasaki that was custom made for her.
Watch the interview here.

Appearance on ZIP TV -- June 29
I know nothing about this outfit yet.  I'll keep ya posted, though.









Listening to:  "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" by John Mayer
Things Going on today:  Independence day, breakfast with Julie and Barry, eating chocolate covered Bananas with Rachel Konishi.
Blessings:  My country, my leaders, my freedoms.
Things Learned:  Caitlyn's boyfriend isn't that attractive. There was a 7/11 Rave last night at 3 AM.

I learned love is like a brick. You can build a house or sink a dead body.

I knew that quote long before the words were used as lyrics...

Anyway, I thought you all oughta know that Lady Gaga's directorial premiere, the Judas Music Video, is probably my favorite that she's come out with so far.

On E! News, Lady Gaga discussed the video and called it "a fresco."  And I can totally see it.  I didn't notice how well this music could fit with some middle-eastern dancing and colorful Jewish art.  It's gorgeous.  All of the outfits, the scenes, the biblical portrayals, the Biker culture.  All are done tastefully and with deep meaning and love.  Love.  It's obvious Lady Gaga loves this song and its story.  The story is quite simple.  All the Biblical metaphors aside, it's about a girl who just can't let go of a bad boy.  She knows it's unhealthy, she knows it's not going to end well, and yet she pursues and pursues.  You can see that in the video.  Gaga, aka Mary Magdeline, while loyal to Jesus and his work, still feels the lurking love for Judas, even as she watches him betray her master, and even as she is stoned for her apostleship at the end of the video.  The fashion and choreography in this video is stellar.  And it's so clean!  Yeah, the immodesty is there, but wow...  I've been so used to the crazy near-nudity and sexuality of videos like Alejandro and Telephone... Now she's calming down, it seems, working in a different kind of unique territory that isn't as much about shock value as it is about artistry and beauty.  I'm liking that turn.  I have a feeling the Edge of Glory video will leave me with similar feelings.

My favorite outfit... the first one.  The purple veil with the gorgeous crown by Marianna Harutunian... who is amazing.

So Incredible

Listening to:  Judas... again and again.
Blessings:  YouTube, a Swell Roommate, tomatoes that don't fall apart when you cut them.
Things Going On Today:  Start a paper, end an entry.

Thinking About Weddings...

So I've been thinking about weddings lately, and I've decided that I want a lilac wedding when the big day arrives.   I found myself surfing the internet for cute, modest bridesmaids' dresses for mah girls, and this was one that caught my eye....

"Tea Party" modest prom dress in Lilac

http://www.jenclothing.com/jd9191-69-l.html

$79.00... not bad!  

And I'd have them wear a simple string of pearls instead of that big gaudy thing she's wearing.  

The shoes would be cute, too. 

If I could get a similar dress in plum, for my sister, that would be great!  And something in that same plum color for my mom.

Listening to:  Train, "Meet Virginia"

Things Going On Today:  No Dinner Group

Blessings: Leftover meat from taco salad last week.    

AMAZING

Christian Louboutin RTW Fall 2011

Rihanna at the Grammys

I'm sorry, but isn't this dress a little disturbing when seen too close?

Rihanna's looking happy in this Jean Paul Gaultier dress, but her stunning smile is sort of dulled by the lack of dignity that is that dress.  What is she, naked under there?  Come on!  Simply too much is left to the imagination with this dress.

From far away, however, I think this dress has some serious quality to it.  Look at how it looked on the runway!  I particularly like the black gloves and veil.  Adds a cool bit of contrast.
I still don't see why you can't just at least wear a flesh-colored leotard under there, though.  YUCK.


Listening to:  Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
Things going on Today: I finally get to be lazy
Blessings:  No homework for the weekend.

Some Wacky Prom Dresses...

I just thought this was really interesting.  Check out these prom dress designs...

Can you guess what they're made of?  Maybe these ones will give it away...

Or maybe this one...

Have you guessed yet?

CONDOMS.

Yes, condoms.  Isn't that interesting?  I guess there's one way to make sure you're safe this prom season... 

Listening to:  "Wynkin, Blynkin, and Nod."

Things Going on Today:  Bowling Date with Mark, cancelled ASL TA session, I find out today that I'm getting a new boss.  

Blessings:  Three day weekends.