Obsolete Antics

Long Live McQueen.

2010-02-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

About 40 minutes ago, I found out that one of the most amazing designers I've observed during my short lived life has passed away. Lee Alexander McQueen has been the source of many the inspiration and my general appreciation of fashion. Not just his designs, but his art have served a huge inspiration to many. All my love and admiration goes out to him. Thank you for the light you have shone through with your contribution to the beauty and wonderfulness to moments of life and art.

Iconic irony - Jacobs strikes again for Louis Vuitton.

2010-02-05T23:51:00.000-08:00

In their Spring/Summer 2010 range, Louis Vuitton introduces their new Raindrop Besace purses, essentially made up of coated canvas with leather handles. For 1960.00 USD you can pull the drawstrings on your own reusable Louis Vuitton trash bag.

iPhone-tography

2010-02-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

This is a lie. iPhone photography is something I’m a little bit addicted to. The main appeal of using the iPhone as a camera is owed to the ease of the device. When I was over in New York a couple of months ago my iPhone provided me with a easy-and inconspicuous way of snapping my memories. The quality of the iPhone camera also surprised me in this time and so by the end of the trip I had quite a few amazing snaps to remember my time in the beautiful city. I only wish that I was aware of some of the brilliant apps that are available.

My new favourite thing is to browse the iPhone App store for all the exciting camera apps. There are many out there, including ones that mimic the effects of analog photography. Amongst the fiery arena of the digital/analog debate I believe that digital photography and new ways of capturing images should be embraced. It excites me that some of the appealing features of both digital and analog photography are available in a compact telecommunication device that travels with you in your pocket, ready for any photo opportunity as they may appear. Affordability is yet another great feature. Although iPhones are not the cheapest gadget, the price in a photographers perspective is surely a small one!

The iShakeitphoto app is one of my favourites. It simulates a Polaroid photo being taken (complete with the development time!) and adjusts the colours and tone of the shot. Here are a couple taken in only the first week of having the app:

iPhonePhoto is A site exhibiting some great iPhone captured shots. You can also browse more iPhone shots on Flickr.

The Age of Technology - sippin' on virtual gin and juice.

2010-02-01T21:32:00.000-08:00

I have a 'friend' on Twitter; we tweet to each other quite often. We have never met - I don't think.... we just have mutual friends. She has just commented under one of our mutual friends statuses which I had also commented on (her and I are not Facebook friends). I then commented back and all of a sudden, we had embarked on Facebook conversation. This is not someone that I met in a chatroom or some weird stamp-exchange forum. She obviously decided to follow me one day when she read my collection of witty, intelligent posts (perhaps she was a fan of my modesty?). Anyway, all I can say from this experience is that in this day and age, no one can complain of being lonely and no one should die without friends. There's no excuse! When we are old people we will meet our friends over the internet on some virtual world, and drink virtual teas with them, rather than meeting at the bowls club. Hell, I'm doing it now. And to my Twitter friend, if you're following me on Tumblr, or read my Blogspot, hiiii! I hope we embark on future virtual teas (or virtual gin and juice, either/or).

Drowning in art

2010-01-27T04:17:00.007-08:00

I found some interesting photos of acrylic prints on board/canvas as well as gallery exhibitions while lolling around on Tumblr. The images linked me back to this great blog ihavethepowerart.blogspot.com, which provided me with some brilliant afternoon art inspiration and generally made my day that little bit more interesting.

The following photos are from 'Under the Influence - Masters of the Universe Tribute Show' an in-gallery installation of Castle Greyskull. This installation in particular made me happy -

Brett Manning "Sorceress" with ink and colored pencil on paper.

Roland Tamayo's"Grey Skys" acrylic on wood panel.

*Images from ihavethepowerart.blogspot.com

For the Haters

2010-01-25T06:17:00.000-08:00

Ash Stymest is one of those models that people can't get enough of, or that they see and grunt in disgust. The tattooed, London-grunge look is not appreciated by everyone as being acceptable in the high fashion world. However the latest Marni Fall 2010 lookbook shows off Ash's good looks in a slightly less 'heroin chic' and a little more of an...angelic manner. Below are a few of my favourites -

Watch out for THE HAZARDS OF SWIMMING NAKED

2010-01-23T22:50:00.000-08:00

THE HAZARDS OF SWIMMING NAKED are a 7 piece band based in Far-North Queensland. I first discovered this band one night at Brisbane venue the Lofly Hangar sometime in late 2008. I remember walking into the wonderful yet dilapidating warehouse style venue with their set as the sound track. These guys were playing in front of stack of broken old school televisions to a crowd of twenty-somethings sitting around on the concrete ground, drinking out of goon sacks and tallies. It was a great night and their tunes had really struck a chord in me somewhere because I think I sent about 5 emails to different friends ranting about how I had discovered this "awesome band from the middle of nowhere" and how I was "blown away by their instrumentals". Their sound is diverse with heavy instrumentals and doesn't feature any vocals apart from some electronic vocal samples (remind me a bit of Air). some tracks start out very smooth and chilled before breaking into some dramatic guitar riffs and drums. Some of their stuff is sad (in a lay on your bed and stare at the white ceiling kind of way), and some of it makes you want to turn to the person next to you and make out with them.

To my surprise I randomly read that they were set to play at the Hi Fi in West End on Friday night. I dragged my best friend along after I convinced her that we should do something else on a Friday night (other then knocking back G&T's on my deck). I think she was more interested in discovering what the "ambient shoegaze" genre sounded like (rather than breaking our usual habits) but she agreed which was great as they played a good set and I finally have a copy of their debut album Our Lines Are Down produced and mixed by band-members Kirk Harmer & Adrian Diery. The 10 track album is surprisingly very well packaged and the sound quality is pretty good considering the type of budget they would be on.

Here's a clip I stole from their MYSPACE page. And be sure to have a listen to my favourite track And A Whole Assortment Of Uppers.

Anyway to finish this reviewSLASHrant, THE HAZARDS OF SWIMMING NAKED are brilliant and more people should know about them.

Mish Mash Musac

2010-01-23T22:17:00.000-08:00

There's a heap of amazing remixes that are out there at the moment. One of my favourite ways to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon is to hit up The Hype Machine (www.hypem.com) for the latest remixes posted across music blogs. Today, I'm loving THIS Florence and the Machine remix by The xx. Both Florence and the Machine and The xx will be playing at St Jeromes Laneway Festival across Australia alongside DANIEL JOHNSTON, ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN, my favourite Sydney band DAPPLED CITIES and BLACK LIPS among others. I'm either going to max out my credit card and buy a ticket in the next couple of days or hope to god my pay packet is big enough because this is a line-up not to be missed. Check out this clip of the Black Lips playing at Heaven Club in London and you'll know exactly what I mean:

Yehaw

2010-01-08T00:25:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow:

Git excited bitchez!

Balenciaga SS10

2010-01-05T01:35:00.000-08:00

A sneak peak of the new Balenciaga Spring-Summer 2010 Womens Ad Campaign. The contrast in size between the models, teamed with the misdirection of their placement in the ad creates an interesting concept. I look forward to seeing what other shots are released.

Image from: http://frillr.com/?q=node/17300

White Rabbits

2009-12-17T22:15:00.000-08:00

I've been listening to quite a bit of the White Rabbits over the last couple of days. I met these guys out one night at a venue in their hometown of Brooklyn, NYC just after they had returned from their European tour. I had heard their name thrown around a bit on NME but hadn't actually checked out their music. Their debut studio album Fort Nightly was released back in mid-2007 and their second album It's Frightening was released in May this year and produced by Britt Daniels from Spoon. It's Frightening opens with a track well worth its name; Percussion Gun. The track delivers a clever almost tribal-like piano and drum arrangement. Under the guidance of Daniels, White Rabbits have delivered a great record- easy to listen to and cohesive.
I actually also dulled down the vocals and just listened to the instrumental arrangement and the sound was great, it would be interesting to see the direction their music would take if it had a more instrumental focus with minimal vocals, perhaps similar to the style of Wolf and Cub.
The clip for Percussion Guns is very simple yet effective too.

Strung up on Fashion

2009-12-16T18:33:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a bit of shameless promotion by Adam Green I came across this amazing editorial shot by Steven Meisel featured in American Vogue which combines some brilliant musicians, the wonderful Sasha Pivovarova and high fashion labels such as Balmain, Balenciaga, Givenchy and YSL among others. I love these types of fresh and fun editorials that exhibit the relationship between music and fashion. I think the choice of musicians was perfect for this shoot. Below are a couple of my favourites.

MGMT had a undeniable major presence during 2008/09, not just across our radio waves but also in our department stores, chain stores and all over ebay with clothes item descriptions referring to tassles and tye-dye denim using 'MGMT as' a keyword. These guys were a perfect example of the powerful influence that music and fashion can share. Though, I think that like a lot of us, they got bored of it pretty quickly (considering they apparently wore head to toe black during their recent Australian tour).

Adam Green has always impressed me with his I’ve-just-thrown-this-together-2 minutes-ago-and-I-look-hotter-than-you-will-ever-be ensembles. He entered the stage during his Australian tour wearing skinny leg jeans teamed with a bare chest, fluro pink leather jacket and matching pink necklace with a charm of the Star of David. His vengeance for style can sometimes be as shocking as his song lyrics and an ever present reflection of his easygoing personality. I might even go as far as describing him as the male Mary-Kate of the fashion world. I’m sure he’d love that analogy…

The Horrors are like the fashion catalogue kids of music. When I saw them play for the Byron Bay music festival Splendour in the Grass in 2008, I expected to see a group of young boys with dirty clothes, unwashed hair and a ruggered appearance. I had seen their well polished outfit ensembles through press photos previously but surely no one can look that good after a 20 hour flight and on the stage at a music festival mid tour, right? Wrong. These boys took to the stage with perfectly styled outfits to go with their ridiculously perfect haircuts (not a hair out of place – I’m looking at you Rhys Webb!). Anyway, they have great style. They also made a couple of boys around my city dress really well and get cute haircuts for a while which was a win (before they got bored and reverted back to their Craig Nichols/ I-don’t-give-a-shit style…or moved to London).

More photos from the editorial can be viewed via ohnotheydidnt.

Oh, Prada - Part 1

2009-12-15T22:14:00.000-08:00

After recently visiting the Prada store in SoHo, New York City - I was blown away by the layout of the store; the architecture, the lighting and of course the curation of the visual merchandising which appeared more like a series of art installations exploring the ideas of contemporary high fashion.

As I eagerly skipped up the stairs off Broadway, pushed open the heavy glass doors to enter the design of architect Rem Koolhaas, I was instantly amazed by the sheer size of the store. It was like a dream coming to life, I had entered the Prada castle. What followed was a steep decline down a massive staircase which led to a lower level maze containing, well more mazes. Like a child (yes, a candy store) I explored every corner of the store and was overwhelmed by the amount of current season Prada threads that I was able to (carefully) caress. Through further reading I have since learnt that the store has also been home to various cultural events; musical performance and art exhibitions. I have also read that appropriately enough, the store is located in the space of the former Broadway Guggenheim, Ground Floor and Basient.

Floor plan of the upper level, with the staircases declining into the lower level and the platform which is used for visual merchandising.

I can't wait until the next time I visit the store. I don't doubt that the layout will be completely different, affording a complete new visual experience.

Photos of the Prada Store courtesy of http://www.oma.eu

The ReLaunch

2009-12-14T18:26:00.000-08:00

About six weeks ago I was swept under the tumultuous panic and craziness that occurs around the ‘end of semester exams’ period. In this instance it led me to hastily announce that I would be moving all my web/fashion/photography inspirations into the digital domain of Tumblr. I have however made the decision to remerge onto Blogspot under my former identity of ‘Obsolete Antics’. I followed through with my promise of ‘more photos and more posts’ on Tumblr but truth be told it’s actually the commentary and attention to detail in curating specific posts that I miss, and with 3 uni free months ahead of me I now have the time to pay attention to that spectrum once more. My recent trip to New York City awoke me again to the incredible assortment and variance of all things amazing and has reignited my urge to be a part of it, even if through a small contribution that might only be shared among a very small scale.

I will still be keeping my Tumblr because I love having the ability to share thoughts with 3 clicks. But I will also be paying more attention to this blog with specific consideration to art, fashion and music.

2009-11-05T16:05:00.000-08:00

Obsolete Antics? Has moved to Tumblr!

Less commentary; more photos; more posts.

Stevie

2009-09-17T00:22:00.000-07:00

Just pausing to reflect on Stevie Nicks for a moment.

Absolutely stunning.

Smart move by SABA

2009-08-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

Australian label SABA commissioned Scott Schuman (AKA The Satorialist) to shoot their new SABA DENIM campaign during his recent visit to Australia. The photos were shot on the streets of Melbourne using Shuman's signature street style photography.

I have never really been too interested in SABA (I find their pieces to be well tailored but a bit too plain for my liking) however I appreciate this new campaign and I really like that the styling has included the integration of vintage pieces which has ironically updated their look. Afterall, dressing from head to toe in one label is the best way to be a uniformed catalogue kid. My favourite is 'Adrian' with the addition of his bright red socks and cheeky hat.

The photos can be viewed exclusively on the SABA website http://denimblog.saba.com.au

Lara, Fiction Noire

2009-05-27T05:24:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post this one for a while but was going to save it so that this didn't become some sort of Lara fansite. To hell with it - it will sooner be a nothing site if I don't post things as they inspire me.

Remember this breathtaking (horridly amazingly breathtaking) editorial photographed by Steven Klein, which featured in the February 2009 Vogue Paris?

Here is the short film by Steven Klein that shows the story behind the captured movements:

There was something about this shoot that had initially struck a chord in me. It was one of the first photo-shoots of its kind that I had seen successfully portray an evil storyboard with an undeniable breath of sex and passion. Watching these stills come to life through film was an equally challenging and incredible experience. Enjoy.

Movement and Art in Paris.

2009-04-29T05:48:00.000-07:00

Lara Stone features in 'Chanel Fitting Room Folies' a short film by Karl Largerfield.

I think every girl dreams of a moment like this...

Girl can wear her Rodarte

2009-04-15T02:50:00.000-07:00

I always thought Joanna Newsom dressed well, but these pictures of her wearing the soft blue Rodarte Dress from the Fall 2008 collection just blew everything out of the water.

She has the petite, mystical look that Rodarte was made for. Dare I say she wears the dress better than the model herself? She certainly looks like she's having more fun...

Soundtrack to Fashion

2009-04-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

Some people like fashion because of the pretty clothes.
Some people like fashion because of the pretty clothes.

Some people like fashion and also are interested in the the entire technical production of a runway show.

If I could produce the soundtrack to any fashion show it would be Alexander Mcqueen (because it could be outrageous), or Dior Homme (mainly because it's basically my music taste expressed through fabric).

AW09 soundtrack/10

A little bit of R & R

2009-03-24T03:04:00.000-07:00

Right now I am slightly in love with Ranya and Rose, two exquisite models who have recently graced the runway and captivated me with their stark beauty, seemingly effortless style and pose. I think these images demonstrate why perfectly, without any further use of words. I eagerly await an editorial featuring the two. Watch this space...

Mcqueen encapsulates modernism....once again

2009-03-11T04:51:00.000-07:00

"One day, years ago... I was went through a magazine and saw pieces from Alexander Mcqueen's Fall 2009 Ready To Wear collection. I guess that was the point where I realised I wanted to be a part of the creation of fashion".

Alexander Mcqueen F2009RTW.

It's one of those moments where the designer has managed to explore so many different aesthetics, silhouettes and textures while remaining cohesive, without a rushed or exploitive feel. Black and white patterned houndstooth isn't new. Mixing black and white houndstooth patterns to create an illusion to the eye and further experimenting with the textures of fabrics to create a confusing, yet pleasing contrast is in this case, what serves to challenge and excite the mind. Black is enhanced by sharp cuts partnered with soft ruffles. Mcqueen's models adorn make-up that swallows the eyes and spits out the lips; bold, reminiscent of dolls, badly executed plastic surgery or a clowns smile.

A delicious combination of red is injected throughout the collection, aiding the visual illusion presented by the stark contrast between the symmetrical pattern and the rounded cut of the fabric. Finally from the bird patterned fabric pieces, emerges stiff silhouettes decorated entirely by feathers. Whether it's East or South, the only direction Mcqueen is flying is.....

up, up....away?

It's a Circus Under Those Lights! See Them Phhhwwwoooaar!

2009-03-04T03:40:00.000-08:00

Dan and Dean Caten, the duo behind Canadian label Dsquared2, have released sketches of the costume designs for Britney's The Circus Tour. The Caten twins described the idea behind the designs as coming from the desire to “create something much more provoking and indecent…something animalistic and primal" (Vogue UK).

They certainly succeeded in transcending this vision, personally I can't wait to see the live footage! Unfortunately not many of us get the chance to wear thigh high leather boots with laced up bows in our lifetime. Perhaps I should become a costume collector? I'm sure I would only need a couple of hundred thousand for the boots.

Afternoon Delight

2009-02-28T23:09:00.000-08:00

I know it's a good 12 months old or something, but this designer/celebrity moment is amazing....

Backstage Rag & Bone FW09

2009-02-14T21:06:00.000-08:00

'Fun and backstage' was on par with 'chalk and cheese' until 3:51 minutes ago.

Oh, Tilda.

2009-02-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

Tilda Swinton for Spring/Summers An0ther Magazine
Photography: Craig McDean

Complex yet classic and with cheekbones that could cut diamonds...

This shoot took my breath away. She's not a 'supermodel' but in my books she beats them all. The way she positions her 5 foot 11 body is amazing. She simply knows (with the genius assistance of the photographer) exactly how to play up her angles. No matter whether the role demands a classy, sophisticated lady or an edgy muse to the avant garde, Tilda is the picture of diversity.

Bang On Sister

2009-01-27T20:48:00.000-08:00

It's a yes from me to Keira's new hair. I love her cute little basic elbow length shirt teamed with the detailed pencil skirt. Perfect outfit for her hairs new debut.

Balenciaga Fall 09

2009-01-26T04:17:00.000-08:00

Imagine owning an outfit that you could wear and just know you would get laid. Boys, buy Balenciaga. Certainly not cheap but I guess that all depends, think - what are you really buying*?

*obsoleteantics.blogspot.com does not endorse nor promote illegal prostitution.

Chew the gum, walk the runway.

2009-01-21T02:23:00.000-08:00

I've fallen in love with yet another model. I say fallen, because that is exactly what happens, you fall. You fall into a massive pool of images, brought to you courtesy of images.google.com. You fall into the glossy eight page editorial they feature in. You fall into your bed at night, as thoughts of them creep into your mind. Okay, perhaps a little far?

Anyway, I have 'fallen' for a particular boy called George Craig. I am unsure about his age, though I suspect about 17 (I am too scared to research this, for fear the number of years will decline). He is the front-boy of a band called One Night Only - a rather horrendous Britpop band. He has broken into the fashion world by featuring in the new Burberry The Beat For Men campaign and also starred in the Burberry Prorsum Fall 09 show. One comment under the youtube clip of the Burberry show regarding George was "okay, what's with the weird-walking and shewing-gum (sic) dude?". Indeed, his walk is rather obnoxious, which is another reason why I like him.

Oh George, let's skip our homework and make out in the treehouse instead?

From Milan - Fall 2009

2009-01-18T02:50:00.000-08:00

Costume National

I love that Costume National went with a more relaxed fitting collection for 09, quite a brave move following the generally tight fitting trend we have seen domineering the runway over the last couple of seasons. It's also nice to see some Australian representation on the runway with Jethro Lazenby (Nick Cave's son) appearing.

Jil Sander

Does Raf Simons ever get it wrong? From the lighter and brighter tones we saw in Spring 08, to a gradual move towards a darker experimentation of colours, the Jil Sander Fall 09 collection captures coolness and sophistication.

Burberry Prorsum

A slight reintroduction of the trademark Burberry check by Mr Bailey has encouraged skepticism from some. Overall a very well put together collection. I am loving the square silhouetted jacket.

It's going to be a good year....

Now, if only men dressed like this in Brisbane.

What do Giselle and Paris have in common?

2009-01-04T03:25:00.000-08:00

Answer: They both like to bend over in gardens.

David LaChapelle shoot on foto_decadent.

loves

2008-12-07T05:21:00.000-08:00

I'm momentarily loving on little asian scenesters who strut in their monochrome and have coffin joe as their top myspace friend. They have their personal style absolutely down, it's a compliment to the fashion world. Especially coming from the perspective of someone who gets extremely excited about wardrobes transcending from outfit to outfit. I sometimes get made at myself when I have a ruffled blouse hanging on the clothes rack next to a tee shirt.

Imitating art in life

2008-11-14T18:25:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you stumble across photographs of people that are not simply snapshots of a moment of time but more a series of elements that give rise to a piece of art.

I came across some photos of French Arts History student, Louise Ebel, yet another gorgeous French girl taking Parisian street fashion to another level.

Leather + Silk = flawless

Love the contrast of her hair colour and the dark shade of her clothing and the surroundings.

Those shoes...amazing!

I absolutely loved the Givency fall 2008 collection and I love how Louise has created her own twist to the look.

California Days

2008-11-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

So, she's by no means 'effortlessly' chic....but chic nonetheless. Rumi manages to calculate a mixture of inexpensive brands with high end accessories to create the perfect equation. America model / it girl' Rumi Neely:

Secondhand shirt, Topshop shorts and boots.

Secondhand shirt, Topshop shorts and boots.

Secondhand sweater, American Apparel leggings, Jessica Simpson boots with vintage boot strap.

All images from Remi's blog
Forever 21 dress, DIY studded boots, H&M jacket, Balenciaga bag.

Realisation ch.I/II/III/IV/V

2008-10-14T05:39:00.003-07:00

I often think if I sleep through the night without waking up every 5 minutes past the hour I will be grateful. If I If I manage to get through the next six weeks it will be a miracle. And if I get through the following two years with my soul intact....

Raging redhead, on the kitchen floor, New Jersey 2 October 2007.

Realisation I
The worst thing in the world is the knowledge that you are your own punisher, the infiltrator of your own torture. '

Realisation II
There is no good in blaming the intricacies of your personal devastation on society and the universe.

Realisation III
You must seek solace in the fact that you are the core of your own self destruction or gratification. Once you recognise this you can either a) continue what you are doing by knowing that it will continue to bring you despair ( ground ZERO) b) continue what you are doing by knowing it will eventully bring a sense of self fulfillment (ground ONE) c) stop what you are doing in seek of something that will provide self fulfillment (Ground TWO).

Realisation IV
A continuing interlocking combination of any of these grounds is a sure sign of insanity. For example if you continue to stand with one foot on ground ZERO and the other on ground ONE you are insane.

Realisation V
The way humans have been programmed is so that we may never be truly happy. We will continue to dance between ground ZERO, ONE and TWO. There is always more wealth to be obtained, someone more suitable to love and more interesting sources of education.

The lesson to be learnt is that more people are insane than society would like us to know and we have rapidly become the very product of our unhappiness...