THOUGHTS: 5 Lessons from MELANCHOLIA

Apart from some buzzes about the film, how intriguing and deeply mesmerizing the film is, MELANCHOLIA for me is...simply painful to watch. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate the idea of depressed people when the apocalypse draws closer, but for me the execution falls rather bland. I don't ignore the fact that the visuals are brilliant, the setting--that small castle with golf field and small wood surrounds, is perfect for such drama but the plot and charaterization falls rather predictable. And that hand-camera work during the party scene, simply.makes me.dizzy.

The story line of two sisters who look nothing like each other, who both face somewhat-different-somewhat-similar depression in a series of events just before the apocalypse happens. The apocalypse itself, is due to a planet named Melancholia who approaches the Earth and finally hits it. Kirsten Dunst plays the role of one sisters who celebrates her wedding in her sister's castle. Charlotte Gainsbourg, plays another sister's role, takes care of the whole celebration who has slowly become depressed towards the planet hit. The trailer, for your viewing pleasure...



So further, 5 lessons to learn from this movie:

1. Stay with your groom during YOUR wedding day, otherwise you may end up depressed because he's leaving you.

2. Do not leave your wedding party and take a bath, just when you and your groom are about to cut your wedding cake. The guests may not really notice since what they are waiting for is most probably the toast and dance, but you might still upset someone.

3. Embrace your last days with your loved one, if the planet is about to hit, stop looking at your expensive telescope and don't be panicked. Suicide is NOT suggested.

4. Don't take your golf cart to go through the woods, it may not work as well as it is in the golf field. (This is one important advice especially if you take kids with you).

5. It is probably awkward to watch your sister nakedly moon-bathing, so if she is sane, just let her be. If she is depressed, kindly help her dress.

One more positive note on Melancholia, beside its immaculate visual, is the beautiful wedding dress and the laid back, simple dressing that suits the characters. And lastly, the intriguing, 7 or so minute-opening, the best part of film I think...

PRE-FALL MASHUP: Something Straightforward

So some designers have released their small collections to have customers wanting more clothes even before the sun in summer sets. They name it pre-fall, but, hey, we all always love something new right? At some point, I wonder how they cope with all the hectic design and production schedule, while somehow balancing the creative and commercial creation. I have previously reviewed some brands whose pre-fall collections are absolutely wearable yet stark in either details, cutting, or silhouette. This time, the second batch offers us something equally straightforwardly lovable.

Phillip Lim brings out superheroes, in literal manifestation, within the collection. I would have never thought that such prints--that usually appear in kids' school supplies and play-date shirts, can make it to the runway. The leather skirt and blazer are a win (beside that playful clutch, you know how much I love clutch :p)

Alexander Wang, as lately, has been into sporty look--especially the jackets and anoraks, therefore I am quite surprised that within that awkward silhouette, which I am not really into, I found sheer-embroidered pieces and a body-hugging dress. The dress drapery has been going on my mind lately, so this is my ultimate favourite of the whole collections :) That embroidered fabric is a total eye candy and spice the whole rather boring collection perfectly.

Band of Outsiders, the newcomer, on the other hand, pretty much translates 1979 Manhattan into the brand overall laid back chic aura. Talking about 70s, it will definitely involve some velvet going on, which is for me, interesting to see, but unflattering to wear. However, the cutting is impeccable, the minimalism with a twist is my absolute style and this brand so far has excelled in bringing simple pieces alive.

images are from vogue.com

P.S. That BOY shirt (or boys?) look so vintage-fun! Want want want (consumerism alert).

Pre-Fall Mashup: Sweet vs. Badass

Although Fall 2012 seems like around less than a year away (we still have Spring and Summer to enjoy in between), I find that the Pre-Fall collections this time offers something more than just a pre. The fact that many designers explore their inspiration further and articulate it really well throughout the collection excites me. My favourite collections are Thakoon and Helmut Lang, neither have I expected such a neat elaboration of the concept nor standout pieces, but these two have definitely won my heart.

Thakoon//Sweet
The designer comes up this time with sweet, warm tone that is well executed in each piece. I particularly love the wool (ball of wool?) accent on the pockets, skirt layers, and even jackets that makes them look so warm yet chic at the same time. The trench coats and blazers have simple, minimal structure with sweet little details, while Thakoon also sprays some lined prints on the dresses and coats, just the right amount. My favourite pieces will be the white shirt dress with cable knitted sleeves and pockets, and the cozy-looking mini skirt with wool layers. I can't wait to see the upcoming Fall collection following these sweet galore of coziness!

Helmut Lang//Badass
On another pole, duo Nicole and Michael Colovos come out with dark palettes that is the signature colour of the house. They acquire the inspiration from spider webs, how each species spins differently in such various intricate patterns. The translation comes out as prints on the tops, pants, and skirts, being accentuated with the cutting play. I can feel the contemporary yet classic aura for every look, and another reason why I love this collection is a pop of neon that twists the gloomy shades in an interesting way. My favourite pieces are the spider tops, neon pants, and that flowing skirt with high slit (!), as well as their signature pieces--structured blazers and jackets.

images are from Style.com

Love-Worthy: Stay Sober

Not that I am an alcoholic but this brand Studio Sober has blown my mind. Personally, I am a keen consumer-slash-reviewer of up-and-coming brands, simply because new designers' collections are refreshing and offer unique preposition of fabrics, textures, and shapes that some major brands miss to do so. Aside from that, I assume that emerging brands explore further into their aesthetic, sometimes, psychedelic mind that allows them to present one solid creation.

Studio Sober is a brand I encountered virtually in Lookk with the referral link I found in Shini Park's facebook (my other favourite blogger!). The brand was apparently established in 2009, with the aim to combine "workmanship, attention to details, and a sincere devotion to high quality." 

In their Spring/Summer 2012 Collection, they offer obvious sharp tailoring in pastel colours, ranges from blazer, shorts, skirts, to blouses. The pastel colours mixed with hints of metallic on the shoes and accessories (that metal necklace!) bring the collection altogether, very neat, playful, and classic at the same time. The whole collection is totally versatile, they can be either dressed up or down, feminine or masculine. My wish is just that the whole pieces can go straight into my wardrobe :p

Fashion Scene: Black is for Yosafat

Pouring monochromatic colour palette in his showcase in Jakarta Fashion Week 2012, Yosafat Dwi Kurniawan feasts the fashionista with black dominating the stage. He partners with Nokia this year, mentioned that he was inspired by the simple yet innovative design of Nokia N9 (this is NOT a sponsored post, really—although I checked out the phone by myself and found some interesting sleek design in it J ).

The Dichotomy theme which means separation of two distinguished featured elements is translated in richness of texture he uses. The dominancy of black does neither bore the eyes nor look stiff on the models. From pencil skirts to pants, see-through tops to see-through peplum, the designer attempts to bring out edged sophistication. 

Please excuse my lousy blurry picts, here are the best I could shoot with my bloody compact cam. Crossing fingers to grab better cam though.

From tulle, velvet, jersey, and leather, each fabric shares equal spotlight. The surprise for me are this knitted top that looks sexy and comfy, and the see through pocket that reminds me of Alexander Wang SS2012. The whole collection is neatly prepared, I have to say although there are some pieces I am not really into...

The jacket on the first and third picture feel a little bit too costume-y for me, don't they remind you of flight attendant-slash-marching band girls? And the jacket in the middle reminds me of vampire, which means it will be worn only on Halloween (sorry!). Nevertheless, the whole collection signals me that Yosafat is one young designer to be anticipated for--I'm really looking forward for his next move and I wish him all the best!

Fashion Scene-Versace x H&M : how bold will you go

One of the highly anticipated collection of Fall 2011, the collaboration between Versace and H&M is now out! H&M really has a good marketing strategy, I have to say, by collaborating with high-end designers to create more affordable clothing, from Sonia Rykiel to Lanvin, and now Versace (omigosh). I have to say, it’s between love, like, and not entirely sure.. Not because the clothes aren’t great, but between the pops of colour, prints, and studs, I would rather one piece to stand out and let others being simplistic. But Versace proves it differently..

These two are from the campaign by Mert and Marcus, check out the complete campaign pictures here. Both are my absolute favourite of the whole campaign, I mean, just check out how fabulous the print is! The colours are just right, each piece really stands out and complements each other, and both ladies really wear the clothes, not vice versa. Superb!

Here is some photos from the collection, photographed by Kacper Kasprzyk. I'm really into the prints--the scarf, the tube top, the legging although I find it a little bit "weather inappropriate" because usually fall is all about dark and pale colours. The black studded dresses (esp the leather one) are rather costume-y and not really wearable except I am a regular performer or something (sorry). The black cut-out dress is my other favourite and since yellow is the new black, I will support this studded one (heheheh). The accessories are very versace-y (excuse me for using such adjective) albeit that little black pouch comes rather unpractical.

And apparently they have the collection for man too (I really have just known it >.<) but then again, I am not sure how those men will react to this. The leather jacket with Versace's logo all over it looks just fine but the zebra suit? The pink suit? And prints on the jacket's sleeves? What I know is my man will not wear them. Period. The clothes are crafted well but implicitly show some old, vintage, flamboyant style which isn't men's universal language. What do you think?


Images courtesy of H&M

Fashion Scene: niki-skater-chic-o

I know, I know some of you might hate the title but aren't I a good word-builder? :p I was lucky enough to be one of Twitter winners who were able to watch Nikicio Spring/Summer 2012 collection and it was rad! The moment the clothes fall out the door (not literally! :p) there was this chic-vibe thing going on, which seems like those black-though-personality is refreshed by the summer sunshine (too poetic, I know). One thing that really caught me in the first place is of course, THE SKATEBOARD(S). I mean, HOW IN THE WORLD NINA could you manage to get yourself acrylic, transparent skateboard? Love love love. And I tried to take gazillion picts of the runway with no hope, so I hope some lousy photos of mine and pictures from the lookbook can do this collection justice.

So the story is this skater girl with the movement, culture, vibe who is a nomad and light traveller, then again Nina Nikicio the designer, is "heavily inspired by trompe l'oile," kindly go here for further explanation, where she creates her own Norwegian knit, scanned it, and digital printed it on silk (refer: picts above). I must say, brilliant, and I was honestly speechless. With those pants, slit skirt, and blazers, what more to ask?

Head-to-toe white and black, combination of neon and grey (warning: pantless trend is going on), and of course the sheerness from tops to bottoms make my heart skip a beat. Coveted. *updated: My FAVE is this beaded tops, with those unfinished lining and ceramic details, loooove. 

And here are some lousy picts, as promised, from my camera with some hopeless editing (clue: for more runway picts, this website provides you better views :p).

yeah, I'm capturing the audience *grin.

and a sneak peek of tomorrow's today's outfit post (get it? :p)

Have a nice weekend everybody! :)