24 September 2007
clive owen hypnose
I don't know if I like clean-scrubbed Clive or rugged, natural Clive more. I think I'm going for the latter. Anyway, here he is in a commercial for Lancôme Hypnôse Homme with a ravishing, chocolate-tressed Daria. She looks like she could be his niece. I still say Shalom Harlow would've really looked the part. Nevertheless, Clive looks great.
23 September 2007
vogue's venture into india
So here's the cover and foldout of the inaugural issue of Vogue India. On the cover are Bipasha Basu, Gemma Ward, Priyanka Chopra. On the foldout are Monikangana Dutta, Preity Zinta, and Laxmi Menon. Looks familiar, doesn't it? Take a look at Vogue China's premier issue below.
I don't complain a lot, but will this become a trend? Do they need Gemma Ward on the cover to validate a newbie Vogue's status? Does having a foreign girl in between two locals legitimize Vogue India's (or Vogue China's) internationality?
Does this say something about Asian culture? I think it does. Monikanga and Laxmi are dark and beautiful and the cover should've reflected that. Why the flat ironed hair and Italian and French dresses? At least Vogue China had Shanghai as the backdrop and Carine Roitfeld incorporated Chinese clothing in the styling. Where's Ashish & Soni, Ashima Leena, and Anuradha Vakil? Lucinda Chambers should've taken into account India's own fashion vocabulary. Additionally, a serene Rajasthan set or a bright Bollywood studio would've been more appealing. Predictable, yes, but distinctly Indian.
Hopefully, the day will come when a nation's own beauty can stand on its own and a beautiful lady like Du Juan or Ujjwala Raut (why isn't she on the debut cover?!) doesn't need to be flanked by two blonde girls on either side in order to shine.
Photo credits (top to bottom) Vogue India by Patrick Demarchelier/FabSugar, Vogue China by Patrick Demarchelier/Danwei
22 September 2007
the coronation of cate
I've always admired Cate Blanchett's work. Whether playing Sheba Hart, a woman with pedophilic tendencies, or Galadriel, Lothlórien's elven queen (another royal character), she radiates and captures every single onlooker. Besides her onscreen achievements, she's a perennial home run hitter on the red carpet. Reprising her role as Elizabeth I in Elizabeth: The Golden Age, with rich gowns and intricate updos, I'll surely be lining up at the theatres on October 12.
17 September 2007
mom and me
Hey secondhand smoke lovers! I haven't posted in a whiiile due to a variety of reasons. It feels like it's been forever! I will be posting again from time to time. I can't promise anything, though. Life has been throwing curveballs at me recently. No. Erm, how about, life has been like walking Viktor & Rolf's Fall 2007 show.
Anyway, here's the first post in like, an era.
Loved the Proenza Schouler show. I actually love every single season except (please don't shoot me) the Spring 2006 show. Of the course, the attendees included mother and daughter fashionables Anna Wintour (in Resort 2008 Prada) and Bee Shaffer (in SS07 Proenza Schouler), and Carine Roitfeld and Julia Restoin Roitfeld.
Comfortably cool, no?
Photo credit Style.com