27 February 2007
nine wonders of the oscar world
Dear Maggie Gyllenhaal, I love that you're wearing Proenza Schouler. It would've worked but it's very ill-fitting around the hip. Anne Hathaway is in beautiful Valentino but somehow, it seems like something's missing.
Olivier Theysken's magic works again on Reese Witherspoon, but I wish she would've done something different with her hair. Helen Mirren, as always looks magnificent and wears age-appropriate Christian Lacroix.
Japanese actress Rinko Kikuchi look is just perfect. I love the hair, I love the Chanel Haute Couture dress. Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé, once again, can pull off anything.
Gwyneth Paltrow in Zac Posen with stick-straight blonde hair looks refined and radiant. Nicole Kidman in red Balenciaga. Wow.
Emily Blunt! The raven 'do is a perfect contrast against her glowing skin and the sparkly Calvin Klein gown.
24 February 2007
my continuing affair
With metallics.
If I were to loosely interpet this look by Siouxsie Sioux:
I think the street-friendly guy version would look something like this:
I don't know the dude's name but he's standing with Ali Michael (DNA) and he's wearing what looks like a silver lamé jacket from McQ Alexander McQueen and Y-3 shoes.
Envy.
By the way, Teen Vogue has the majority of their content available on their website, which defeats the purpose of actually buying a hard copy of the magazine. Pffft.
Photo credits (Top-Bottom) Fifibear, Teen Vogue
22 February 2007
goodbye newport
Well, it's really Goodbye Malibu, Redondo Beach, Agoura Hills, Palos Verdes, Hermosa Beach, Long Beach, LA, Manhattan Beach, USC, UCLA, Valencia, San Pedro, Marina Del Rey, and the backlot of Universal Studios Hollywood.
The OC has filmed all over Southern California and I will miss all the great outfits and the wonderful sets and locations. It slid downhill after a while but Marissa and Summer dressed better and better every week.
Wearing Chanel couture to your Senior prom? Why, accessorize with
the soon-to-be perpetrator of vehicular manslaughter.
Ah, Malibu sunsets. Those are always nice.
Marissa Cooper says goodbye.
R.I.P. The OC
Photo credits Mischa-B.com
18 February 2007
'tis the weekend before erudition
I could curse over and over again. I could even throw in a little "Sale p*t*!" and some "¡P*t* asquerosa!" here and there, but nothing can change the fact that I'm going to have to scale down on the posts and start going back to hitting the books. "Ew" is probably the only appropriate interjection I could use.
Horrendous things aside, Kristopher Dukes featured ilovesecondhandsmoke's picks on ThisNext's blog under the posts London Fashion Week: Marc-y Marc by Marc Jacobs, Fall 2007 and Seeing Red. Thanks, Kristopher! I wanted to say a little something about FW07 Marc by Marc but Sarah Mower and Kristopher Dukes pretty much said it all.
Also, I won a Marc by Marc Jacobs credit card holder from Fashion.Verbatim's contest at ThisNext. Thanks, Adrian!
Happy Presidents' Day Weekend to my countrymen and Kung Hei Fat Choi to all those who celebrate Chinese New Year! Since it's the Year of the Golden Pig, what does it mean for fashion folk? Golden Henrik Vibskov laptop cases, cardigans, and scarves perhaps?
Envision these items in that lustrous color:
That's all for now. And with all the Freddie Mercury fortitude that I could muster, "I think I'm going back!"
Photo credits Aloha Rag, Agentur V
15 February 2007
face off
versus
Looks like Models.com has found some formidable competition by the name of Faceforward. While Models.com has been around since the start of the new millenium, Faceforward is relatively new. Both websites have fashion week coverage, rankings, feeds, interviews, and agency partnerships. What sets them apart? Let's break down both websites.
Models.com
Clearly the veteran of the two, Models.com prides itself in providing membership for aspiring models all over the world. It's well-known for its Top 50 Female and Male Model lists and Of the Minute updates. It has had very good fashion week coverage in the past, giving site visitors access to backstage photos and videos (which Faceforward lacks) at shows like Marc by Marc, Anna Sui, Proenza Schouler, and Doo.ri. Recently, it has been in somewhat of a slump. Its FW07 coverage was not as thorough and not as exciting as past seasons. Evidently, its ranking system gives more room for more girls and its co-ed Model of the Week is twice the freshness, so a huge pair of thumbs up to all of those features.
Faceforward
It's fresher, sleeker, and definitely a lot newer. Don't expect to see established faces in Faceforward's ranking system because it's a lot friendlier to newer blood, which might be good or bad for some. It has excellent coverage of the couture shows, the men's shows in Milan, the NY shows, and the ongoing London shows, and with a fashion calendar to boot. Though its Face of the Week is just that, one face and one face only, it follows up with an interview. It does have a few cons, like the lack of visitor interaction and participation. It doesn't have membership or forums. Ultimately, what makes it stand out are its model profiles and one-of-a-kind ranking system.
So which one is better? You tell me!
MDC Top 10 Girls / FF Top 10 Girls:
1. Gemma Ward / Johanna Stickland
2. Malgosia Bela & Raquel Zimmermann / Ekat Kiseleva
3. Doutzen Kroes & Julia Stegner / Elsa Sylvan
4. Freja Erichsen & Iselin Steiro / Diana Moldovan
5. Sasha Pivovarova & Jessica Stam / Kristina Vaiciunaite
6. Hilary Rhoda & Maria Carla Boscono / Truus Hooiveld
7. Lily Donaldson & Caroline Trentini / Luize Salmgrieze
8. Coco Rocha & Irina Lazareanu / Elianne Smit
9. Anja Rubik / Eva Arlauskaite
10. Natasha Poly / Lara Stone
MDC Top 10 Guys / FF Top 10 Guys:
1. Mathias Lauridsen / Joschka Netz
2. Bev Moore / Marcus Hedbrandh
3. Eddie Klint / Stas Svetlichny
4. Lars Burmeister / Dimitri Vankerkoven
5. Eugen Bauder / Caio Vaz
6. Evandro Soldati / Mads Larson
7. Danny Beaucham / Sean Opry
8. Nicolas Bemberg / Ryan Taylor
9. Jamie Dornan / Jesper Lund
10. Andrew Richardson / Sebastien Lund
Photo credits Models.com, Faceforward
13 February 2007
NYFW wrap up part three
Prepare for Takeoff
Technically they're not newcomers, but they started out in the industry as quiet as a whisper. When Paris and Milan commence, expect these girls to finish off with full blown banshee screams.
It is the season of returning models:
A young Irish lass by the name of Laragh McCann (Women) started off in Paris last season but has recently made her New York debut walking in shows like DKNY, Jill Stuart, Marc Jacobs, and Y-3. Look for out her in Europe. This just might be her breakout season.
Ukrainian Alyona Osmanova (Supreme) had an impressive SS07 show season, clinching Marc by Marc, Miu Miu, and Prada included. For FW07, she walked for the likes of Calvin Klein, Costello Tagliapietra, Jill Stuart, Marc Jacobs, Peter Som, Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, and Tuleh. Paris and Milan, here she comes!
Finnish Model School winner Suvi Koponen (Supreme) rode on the momentum of her SS07 Miu Miu and Prada (which she opened) exclusives, leading her to runway turns for Donna Karan, Luella, Malo, Matthew Williamson, TSE, and Zac Posen.
Kim, Sophie, Doutzen, Iek. This season's Dutch dutchess is Lara Stone (IMG). Returning for another amazing season, she's already done shows like Derek Lam, J. Mendel, Malo, Proenza Schouler, Richard Chai, Rag & Bone, and Zac Posen.
Belarusian Olga Sherer (One) has been doing shows for a while, starting out as a brunette. She then dyed her hair red and conquered Milan, Paris, and London last season. It certainly looks like she's poised for a more prominent FW07 season, opening Marc Jacobs and appearing in shows like Alice Roi, Badgley Mischka, Chado Ralph Rucci, Chaiken, DVF, Malandrino, Stærk, and Temperley.
Diana Moldovan (IMG), the Romanian 10 covergirl I blogged about before is at it again with a NY show list that includes 3.1 Phillip Lim, Anne Klein, Costello Tagliapietra, DVF, Heatherette, Karen Walker, Matthew Williamson, Marc Jacobs, Jill Stuart, Narciso Rodriguez, Peter Som, and Phi.
Brazilian Carol Sippel's (Supreme) life during NY Models involved doing scattered New York and Paris shows, but with representation by Supreme, she's finally establishing herself in New York with turns at Alexander Wang, Alice Roi, Bruce, Costello Tagliapietra, Jill Stuart, Monique L'huillier, Richard Chai, Tuleh, Vera Wang, and Yigal Azrouël.
Kinée Diouf (NY Models) did a few New York and Paris shows last season, reappearing in New York this season for Bruce, Carmen Marc Valvo, DVF, Heatherette, Tuleh, and Michon Schur. Prepare for Europe!
English peroxide blondes seem to be doing well recently, Georgia Frost (Marilyn) included. She walked for Diesel, Jill Stuart, Lacoste, Morphine Generation, Peter Som, Rag & Bone, Reem Acra, Rodarte, Ruffian, Sue Stemp, Tibi, TSE, and United Bamboo. Catch her at London FW right. She just needs more presence on the runway and she'll be unmatched in Paris and Milan.
Russia's Ekat Kiseleva (Trump) seems like she has been on hold for a stellar New York show season. Her sharp aerodynamic features are a contrast to fellow Siberian Vlada Roslyakova's soft doll-like face. You glimpsed her at shows like Behnaz Sarafpour, DVF, Lela Rose, Marc Jacobs, Monique L'huillier, Narciso Rodriguez, Proenza Schouler, Ruffian, Thakoon, and Tuleh.
Like Olga Sherer, American Alexandra Tomlinson (IMG) has been walking for seasons but she hasn't really had the highlight she needs. After a successful SS07 RTW & couture season, she's set for greater heights. In New York, she appeared at Chado Ralph Rucci, Behnaz Sarafpour, Derek Lam, Doo.Ri, Max Azria, Phi, Ruffian, Rag & Bone, Vera Wang, and Yigal Azrouël.
As I've blogged in previous posts, Next is harboring Poland's gems. Marcelina Sowa (Next) had a FW07 show season worthy of applause. 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alice Roi, Behnaz Sarafpour, Jill Stuart, Monique L'huillier, Proenza Schouler, Réyes, Rodarte, TSE, Tracy Reese, and Vera Wang. Credit those exquisite elfin features!
Do you have any returning favorites?
And now let's pause for a moment to say goodbye to a friend. Season after season, you housed weary a traveler from afar and countryman alike. You played music and provided warmth and shade. Under your wing, both createur and spectator reveled in creativity.
You will certainly be missed.
Goodbye Bryant!
Photo credits Style.com
12 February 2007
NYFW wrap up part two
Power Players
IMG, Women, and DNA reign over the agencies in New York, but Supreme and suprisingly (and recently) Next are keeping a steady stream of gorgeous girls. Headed by Paul Rowland, Supreme is best known for its atypical models and quirky polaroids. Get ready for Next's resurgence, because they obviously didn't stop with Anja Rubik. They seem to have scouts crawling all over Poland these days because they're currently representing an impeccable slew of Polskimi dziewczynami (Polish girls) including Kasia Kniola, Magdalena Frackowiak, Marcelina Sowa, and Zosia Prominska.
It is the season of agencies:
Agyness Deyn, Ali Michael, Bette Franke, Doutzen Kroes, Euguenia Volodina, Hana Soukupova, Kim Noorda, Lindsay Ellingson, Maryna Linchuk, Milana Bogolepova, Morgane Dubled, Raquel Zimmermann, and Romina Lanaro.
Bobbi Wiens, Coco Rocha, Darla Baker, Daul Kim, Emina Cunmulaj, and Sosheba Griffiths.
Camilla Finn, Chanel Iman, Fabiana Semprebom, and Flavia de Oliveira.
Alexandra Tomlinson, Anna Mariya Urazhevskaya, Anouck Lepère, Caroline Winberg, Diana Dondoe, Diana Moldovan, Du Juan, Eva Helene Skarvig, Freja Erichsen, Jessica Stam, Kerstin Mannik, Kinga Rajzak, Lara Stone, Lily Cole, Lily Donaldson, Marina Perez, Sasha Pivovarova, and Tanya Dziahileva.
Caroline Trentini, Erin Heatherton, Georgia Frost, Han, Iekeliene Stange, Irina Lazareanu.
Alexandra Agoston, Anja Rubik, Anna Mikhaylik, Grieta Bastika, Kasia Kniola, Magdalena Frackowiak, Marcelina Sowa, Solange Wilvert, and Zosia Prominska.
Giedre Dukauskaite, Kinée Diouf, and Omahyra Mota.
Ines Crnokrak, Jenny Sweeney, Leah de Wavrin, Marta Berzkalna, Milagros Schmoll, Morwenna Cobbold, and Olga Sherer.
Alana Zimmer, Alyona Osmanova, Behati Prinsloo, Carol Sippel, Caroline Demarqui, Carolina Pantoliano, Cecilia Mendez, Daiane Conterato, Heidi Verster, Johanna Stickland, Sofi Berelidze, and Suvi Koponen.
Ekat Kiseleva, Eugenia Mandzhieva, Hye Park, and Lisa Cant.
Ana Mihajlovic, Bruna Tenorio, Ekaterina Kashyntseva, Heather Marks, Inguna Butane, Iselin Steiro, Julia Dunstall, Kasia Struss, Laragh McCann, Mariya Markina, Natasha Poly, Olya Ivanisevic, Suzanne Diaz, Svieta Nemkova, and Vlada Roslyakova.
Fresh New York Crop
Brazil and Eastern Europe are very much still veritable scouting grounds, introducing promising newcomers to the New York runways.
It is the season of new models:
Texan Ali Michael (DNA) opened Cynthia Steffe and went on to walk for the likes of Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Behnaz Sarafpour, Lacoste, Proenza Schouler, and Rodarte, to name a few.
Daiane Conterato look-alike #1 Brazilian Carolina Pantoliano (Supreme) was confirmed for an impressive list of clients including Alexander Terekhov, DKNY, Generra, Heatherette, Jill Stuart, Proenza Schouler, and Richard Chai.
Daiane look-alike #2 (to a lesser extent) , another Brazilian Caroline Demarqui (Supreme) deserves a round of applause after doing shows like Alice Roi, Chris Han, Marc Jacobs, Pegah Anvarian (who moved on from her jersey dresses, thank goodness!), United Bamboo, Y & Kei, and Zero Maria Cornejo.
Latvian Grieta Bastika (Next) walked for a number of shows including Vera Wang, Rodarte, and Betsey Johnson.
Canadian-Georgian Sofi Berelidze (Supreme) wowed many at her turns in shows like Alice Roi, Heatherette, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, Richard Chai, and Tuleh.
Polish stunner Zosia Prominska (Next) trotted down the runways of Abaeté, Atil Kutoglu, Cynthia Rowley, Marc Jacobs (blue hair!), Myself by Kai Kuhne, and Twinkle.
Photo credits DNA, Elite, Ford, IMG, Marilyn, Next, NY Models, One, Supreme, Trump, Women, Style.com
11 February 2007
NYFW wrap up part one
Hair Stories
Lovely Heather Marks tried the platinum look and then goth black but she looks fresh and stunning again in a more appropriate shade of honey blonde with a hint of ginger.
Luca Gadjus has an edgy new haircut! Nouveau bowlcut, anyone?
Were Thing One and Thing Two the inspirations for this look at Duckie Brown? Anyway, underneath that wig Bobby Warden has short hair now!
Going a couple of shades lighter, Sasha Pivovarova now looks even a lot more like Gemma Ward.
New Girls Alert
First there was Hye, then came Han, and now here's Daul Kim! Whoaaa, Korea!
Doesn't Jenny Sweeney remind you a lot of a young Isabeli Fontana?
Switcheroo
Oh dear daughter of Ken, may you find stellar representation at DNA, now that you've left Vision. Good luck, Anne!
All Smiles
Smiles were encouraged at Lacoste, as evidenced by Behati Prinsloo, Maryna Linchuk, and the two James, Neate and Rousseau.
Models also flashed their pearly whites at Michael Kors, including Hilary Rhoda, Julia Dunstall, Doutzen Kroes, and Anouck Lepère.
Coco Rocha was extra giddy at Lacoste, Michael Kors, and twice at Anna Sui!
Guessing Game!
1. She, along with a couple of other girls placed in a particular NY agency, have been the subject of criticism regarding their weight. She completely skipped the NY shows but will most likely make an appearance in Paris and Milan, that is if she passes the Camera Nazionale della Moda's BMI requirements.
2. She started out at the farther end of a size 4, quickly becoming thinner and thinner as each season progressed. By SS07, she only walked one runway but has recently walked for more FW07 shows presumably because of her healthier state of mind and appearance. Is she going to log more miles in Europe?
3. She is in the same agency as #1. Her weight loss was not as apparent or as rapid as #2, but she's terribly frail-looking now. Just watch the recent Marc Jacobs show!
Photo Credits Style.com
10 February 2007
maribel verdú in maxmara
The young Rachel Bilsons and the Mischa Bartons of Hollywood have been spotted wearing FW06 MaxMara, but I've never seen this on an older woman. Maribel Verdú (of Y Tu Mama También fame) wore sequined MaxMara to the LA Screening of Pan's Labyrinth.
Yes, it's so two seasons ago. Yes, so many other girls have worn it, but it's just interesting seeing a woman looking so elegantly covered-up when in contrast, a lot of her films feature her wearing the skimpiest of outfits or nothing at all.
Besides, I'm just excited for Milan! I'll be sad though, because I'll be in school again while all y'all who got the dough to fly to Italy will be there!
Late, late, late again:
Thursday, Feb 8: At Badgley Mischka, you just have to stay till the end for all the gorgeous dresses! Adored the icy nude lips, precise cuts, and astounding, exquisite simplicity Calvin Klein. You know it'll be stunning when it's Francisco Costa. Purple is everywhere! I thought Zac Posen's Spring 2007 collection was a letdown but he really took it all the way this time! Finishing his shows of course are those dramatic gowns, a Zac trademark.
Friday, Feb 9: The jersey boys are starting to embrace accessories and separates. Yesterday's Costello Tagliapietra woman wore those beautifully-draped creations with heels. Today's Costello Tagliapietra woman wears gloves and considers incorporating a skirt, well-cut pants, or a coat into her outfit. It was an unusually dark palette for the designers who usually work with brights and pastels even in the fall, but I liked it anyway. I was a bit puzzled at Chado Ralph Rucci. The show was a bit long. That said, there were some standout outfits like the ruffled dress Nataliya Gotsii was wearing and the ensemble on Alexandra Tomlinson. There were also some puzzling ones like the jumbled heap of fur that was close to smothering Katia Kokoreva and the Yeti overload on Élise Crombez.
February 17 is when all the surprises begin. Are you excited?
Photo credits (Left-Right) WireImage, Style.com
09 February 2007
kelly klein does interview
As an homage to the concluded European menswear shows, here's the December/January 2007 issue of Interview which features male models (clockwise from top left) Chase Ferguson (Next), Joshua Ku (Re:quest), Zach Ferry (IMG), Ryan Taylor (IMG), and Mael Dalla Zuanna (Ford) in "Freedom Wave".
And a bonus! Über-cool Mey Bun (NY Models) in Chanel.
I love the apparel and accessories overload, but not really liking the Conair temporary hair color streaks and the neon backgrounds. It's kind of a head-scratcher as to how an all-black-wearing man could conjure up color like this. Wait, Bill Mullen is Donatella Versace's stylist after all.
Runway chit-chat again! I'm so behind. I need to post promptly from now on:
Tuesday, Feb 6: Season after season of success, Derek Lam didn't disappoint at all. Behnaz. Oy vey. I was expecting more. Rodarte built upon its paneled dresses and made more interesting shapes. Insane Wizard of Oz at Heatherette!
Wednesday, Feb 7: I felt that Peter Som started off not so new. After the eighth or so look, I loved the bursts of color and neon. Towards the end, it had that feeling of being redone again. It felt so fragmented to me. Anyone else who loved Richard Chai say "aye"! Flood of fresh blood at Proenza Schouler. Lots of newer girls walked. Each season, they leave us with something incredibly beautiful. In the past, there were bra tops, cape collars and seersucker, palm prints, geometrics, houndstooth and empire waists, Victorian elegance, Trombley references, Hervé Léger references and now it's those ribbed coats and criss-crossing pleats! Purple, purple everywhere at Anna Sui.
Photo credits Kelly Klein and Interview
08 February 2007
ten sticks 
for the cast of dogeaters
Set in the politically unstable Marcos-ruled Philippines, Dogeaters follows the lives of several characters living in the 1980s. The novel was penned by Jessica Hagedorn and now brought to the stage once again by Director Jon Lawrence Rivera and a brilliant cast and crew. Read on as five actors share their views about the play and about themselves. Many thanks to Antoine Reynaldo Diel, Elizabeth Pan, Fran de Leon, Giovanni Ortega, and Kennedy Kabasares.
Catch Dogeaters at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Last day is on February 11 so get your tickets. Call that friend who decided not to go and cop that free (if you beg for it) ticket!
Antoine Reynaldo Diel
Of all the roles that you play in Dogeaters, which one do you love playing the most?
I really enjoy playing Romeo Rosales because eventhough he only has 3 scenes in the show it's a complete arch of a character.
What's next for you when the play ends?
Currently working on a singing project with the 3 Filipino Tenors and possibly an album.
Elizabeth Pan
Who's your favorite character in the play?
My favorite character in the play? I guess it would have to be Perlita. He's funny, mean, cheap, flamboyant but with a heart of gold. He is smart enough to put on this persona of a drag queen but is secretly a Communist rebel operative. Fascinating!
Besides being an actress, what other talents do you have?
Other talents? Whew, that's a hard question! I actually was on my way to becoming a corporate yuppie MBA and worked in that world for a while before chucking it all to become a starving actor. So I guess I would have been good at that. I don't cook all that much but when I do, it's pretty good and I have friends that swear by my cooking. I can speak fluent Mandarin and am very adept at putting together IKEA furniture.
Fran de Leon
What's your favorite scene in the play?
As far as favorite scene, I have favorite snippets! I love pretty much every scene Kennedy Kabasares is in. He plays Pedro, the houseboy in Studio 54, along with some other characters throughout the play. He does such an amazing job with hardly any words spoken, but his presence speaks volumes and portrays a class in Filipino society that is so often overlooked.
I also love the transitions we do when we change the sets. Jon Rivera did such a fabulous job choreographing those set changes, making them fluid, almost like a dance. After Daisy’s rape scene, we change the benches from an interrogation room to a bloody bed. One actor lifts her limp body up, the rest of us move the benches, another actor comes out with the sheet drenched in blood, then Daisy is placed back on the bed. It’s a true theatrical moment. For me, it also represents the ensemble that we have created. We all have to work together to make it work, everyone’s step is as important as the next.
Where can you get the best Filipino food in Southern California?
Best Filipino food (other than my Mom, of course!)
Salo Salo in Glendale
Nanay Gloria in the Valley
Giovanni Ortega
If you were living in 1980s Manila, who do you think you'd be or who would you like to be?
I was still in the Philippines in the 80's, I left in 89' at 12 years old, but if I was older, I would like to be in the position of a GMA newscaster who witnessed and reported all the changes in Manila during this pertinent time; from the assassination of Senator Aquino to the rise of the people Power to the presidency of Corazon Aquino. As I recall from young age, this was a very dangerous and different time for our people. My father was involved in the People Power and I would see his distress during this time.
Why should everyone, Filipino and non-Filipino, watch Dogeaters?
For one, any Filipinos should see this because it is a look into the experiences of our people. As it is FICTION, the stories are loosely based on real characters and events, with the exception of Mrs. Imelda Marcos. Therefore ANY Filipino, whether they be Immigrants or Fil-Am will relate to this story.
For non-Filipinos, it is an introspective look to a nation in turmoil and how its citizens deal with their situation. "Dogeaters, " can be easily transposed to any country who's had political turmoil in their land. Without naming specific places, many situations in the story are relative to what's going in other countries who have dealt with dictatorship in the past and the present. It's also about re-connection to being displaced, of finding home and coming back home. To coin the phrase,"Home is where the heart is."
Kennedy Kabasares
You play a handful of roles in the play. How do you prepare for each show?
To prepare for each show, first of all, I make sure I am well rested.
Once I enter the theater, I leave all my day's issues/problems/excitements at the door. My head has to be in the game, so for the few hours I am in the theater, everything going on in my life outside (both good and bad) has to be minimized. The only thing I am thinking about is the show at hand.
Theater is very physical, so I make sure my voice and body are warmed up. In addition to physical warm-ups, I go through a sort of "ritual" of checking my props or costumes (checking costumes is really important in Dogeaters, since I play five characters, one of which comes back later on in the play), walking the stage, pacing in the aisles, and maybe some silly things I do just for myself.
Can you relate to any of the characters in the play and how?
I would say that I relate to Rio, because when I go back to the Philippines, even though I am visiting family, I still feel like an outsider.
See interviews of Dogeatersauthor Jessica Hagedorn, cast members Esperanza Catubig, Liza Del Mundo, Giovanni Ortega, and TDRZ Productions' Ted Benito on Kababayan LA with Janelle So. Click here to view the streaming videos.
Photo credits Center Theatre Group
07 February 2007
marc stays fly
But looks more and more dapper and a lot fresher and younger after every show! Above is the finale at Marc Jacobs last Monday. Bad quality, I know.
Alright, let's take a trip down memory lane with the help of Style.com.
September 11, 2006 - After the Marc Jacobs show. TradeMarc hair. TradeMarc style. Showing a little bicep.
September 12, 2006 - After the Marc by Marc show. TradeMarc hair. TradeMarc style. Still showing a little bicep. Fleetwood Mac tee.
October 8, 2006 - After the Louis Vuitton show. New hair! Marc belts it up. Still showing a little bicep. Same Fleetwood Mac tee.
February 5, 2007 - After the Marc show. Caesar cut! New clothes! What's happening?! I think it's in great alignment with a new change in his designs. They have somehow lost that touch of youth. It's as if the Marc Jacobs girl has grown up. But hey, I'm not complaining! Did y'all hear all that cheering and clapping before the show started? Only Marc can generate such excitement.
I know it's old news but he even took it all off to raise money for the Melanoma Cooperative.
Marc's flaunting it.
*Turns up Clipse's "Mr. Me Too"*
More runway reviews. Alright, I'll make this quick:
Monday, Feb 5: Thakoon, part of the new Asian wave, creating more beauty with his talent. I loved! I think it was more of the same at Marchesa. It didn't feel like they were moving forward. Hats, hats, hats at Marc Jacobs. Hats are going to be big next fall!
Photo credits Marc Jacobs, Style.com
06 February 2007
really? again?!
I guess Iceberg must really love Naomi Campbell (One), because this is her second campaign for the Italian apparel company. I don't know if any of you remember their earlier campaigns with Pam Anderson and Paris Hilton, which are a huge contrast against the Emina Cunmulaj (Elite) campaign.
The pictures are beautiful. I like the acid trip colors. The ones above look like the huge tanks at Sea World. Her limbs are so lithe and lengthened. And we all know what she can do with those limbs!
These last two are my favorites. Enjoy Iceberg's SS07 campaign. If only sunsets in LA were that intense.
More fashion week tidbits:
Saturday, Feb 3: Alexander Wang had his first show! Not as fresh as his previous collection but I liked it! Sorry, I didn't really get Rock & Republic. Shoot me. Nice shades, though. Liked the purple, too. Toppers abound at Sass & Bide. A lot of bowlers, fedora styles, and hats period seem to be big this season, too. And headscarves and beanies and virtually anything and everything you can put on or around your head.
Sunday, Feb 4: Always been a fan of Réyes and his latest is to die for! Loved the upright cowl necks (wait no, I think they're called funnel necks) on the coats and dresses! Luella makes me want to go horseback riding. Yes, I am a frustrated equestrian. Anyway, that inevitable London quirkiness is still there and now I want to go find Black Beauty. 3.1 Phillip Lim was phenomenal as always. No gimmicks, cool factor, absolute wearability! At Tuleh, Bravo Brian Bradley! Though I did not like the Tuleh tanks, I approved very highly around the middle of the collection and onwards. I love Matthew Williamson's work but you know, is it just me or did that collection feel a little Pucci-esque? Is some of his work for the Italian house spilling over into his original namesake? Also, it felt like it was aimed for a much older clientele. Nevertheless, loved the gray, white, and black pieces.
Alright, à bientôt mes amis!
05 February 2007
prince, proenza, and purple everywhere
Prince ended the Superbowl XLI Halftime Show with "Purple Rain", as rain poured all over Miami. I promise not to drop my tired and overtold rain joke. So Prince had on a turban, probably a Prada inspiration. Actually, it was more like a cross between a do-rag and a Lucille Ball headscarf. Mhm, that's it.
Earlier, I was seething with anger because of the Chicago Bears' loss. Right when the Bears started off amazingly and the Colts' Adam Vinatiera was sucking, suddenly everything turned around. Why, why, why?! At least Prince delivered.
By now, you're probably sick of hearing Proenza Schouler. Well, I'm not! From its high-profile exclusive opening ceremony at Opening Ceremony to its nationwide opening at Target stores yesterday, you'd probably expect almost everyone (if not everyone) directly involved, most especially Target employees to know about this. WRONG! I have a funny story to tell you. Before Opening Ceremony or Target opened its doors to the public, I started calling Target stores in the LA Area to know exactly when they'll have the goods in stock. I'm persistent and annoying like that. This is what I was told:
a. "Huh? What's that? Yeah, what exactly is it?"
b. "Excuse me, can you spell it for me please?"
c. "The what? Sorry? Can you hold on a moment, please? Let me get the RTW team leader."
d. "Where have you heard about it? Where have you seen it?
e. "I'm actually part of that department, under DVDs and Electronics but the manager isn't here right now. Can you try calling back in ten minutes?"
That's FIVE different locations. So puzzling. I'm not being a snob at all but I mean, when you work at the store, aren't you supposed to have even just the slightest idea of what you're selling?
My answers:
a. I repeated the name and I pronounced it right, [pro-en'-za skoo'-ler] and not [pro-en'-za shoo'-ler].
b. I spelled it correctly. P-r-o-e-n-z-a S-c-h-o-u-l-e-r.
c. None of the team leaders knew what I was talking about.
d. I gave specifics, like "It's part of the GO International Collection."
e. Probably the weirdest answer I ever got. I didn't even bother calling back.
I've been to one of the stores on the 30th of January and they already had the PS boards and posters up, so I really don't know what's going on. Okay, I'm done. That was a little frustrating. Maybe I was just frustrating myself.
Anyway, so the boys actually used a real model, the first GO International designers to actually employ a bona fide high fashion babe who is none other than Élise Crombez, Miss Healthy BMI of 20.1 and with lots of good work at 24, also known as Miss Nasty Trip at the SS07 Proenza runway, but who cares when your image is being ogled by men and admired by women all over the country? I almost forgot about Katja Shchekina. Count her in, too!
The abundance of purple (they call it "showgirl purple", actually) is good. The FW07 Proenza Schouler show is this coming Wednesday!
Photo credits (Top-Bottom) AFP/Getty Images, Target
help! i'm craving metallics!
I already told luxuryduck. I want to eat metallic jewelry right now.
I don't think I'd want to wear metallic pants or a metallic shirt. I don't wear ties on a regular basis so I don't think a tie is a wise buy. I don't wear jewelry. Belts come in metals so those are already blah. That leaves me with shoes.
Does anyone, and I mean ANYONE know where I can get a size 10 of these beautiful Marc Jacobs Vans slip-ons (above)? They're from a couple of seasons ago. My favorite online store does not have it in my size. I don't fit in an 8 or a 13. Of course, Marc Jacobs on Melrose doesn't have it anymore. I called Marc Jacobs on Mercer and they don't have it, either.
Help! God knows I can't afford gold Pierre Hardy (below) so I'll settle for silver Marc Jacobs.
Photo credits Marc Jacobs, Pierre Hardy
04 February 2007
kelly klein does generra
(click to enlarge)
Fashion week is underway and all the right girls are walking all the right runways. Included of course, are the six above. Hmm, I wonder if Heather will be there.
Look at Generra back in its Tony Melillo days. I Heart It reports it's now headed by Pina Ferlisi. Awww. I'm so behind!
But anyway, take another look at those young'ns! They all looked so young back then. These polas are included in Kelly Klein's book (yes, CK's photographer ex-wife) Generra Polaroids.
(Clockwise from top left) Alexandra Tomlinson (IMG), Coco Rocha (Elite), Heather Marks (Women), Solange Wilvert (Next), Milagros Schmoll (One), and Marta Berzkalna (One) all pose in Spring 2005 Generra. FW07 Generra is going to be on Monday at the Salon!
A few thoughts about some of the shows so far:
Thursday, Feb 1: Not a big fan of Miss Sixty but liked the presence of turbans, shimmer, a slight resurgence of prairie prints and paisley, and of course those darned corset jeans.
Friday, Feb 2: Yigal was so pretty! Cute fedoras, ski beanies, and earth tones at Max Azria. At Yeohlee, there was understated chic which reminded me of last season's Jil Sander. Marc Bouwer, no comment. Héhé. Um, I guess Kimora had Ksenia Sobchak in mind when she designed FW07 Baby Phat.
Saturday, Feb 3: Geek chic is beautiful chic at Lacoste. Christophe Lemaire, I love you! I also loved Alice Roi! Alexandre Herchcovitch was not so gimmicky this time around.
A few hours more! Réyes, Luella Bartley, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tuleh, and Matthew Williamson are all on today! How the eff does one keep up with a line-up like that?!
Photo credits Kelly Klein and Generra
03 February 2007
redesigning liz
(click to enlarge)
The cinematic legend with the purple eyes is reoutfitted by designers like (clockwise, from top left) Alber Elbaz (The Last Time I Saw Paris), Donatella Versace (Cleopatra), Francisco Costa (Butterfield 8), Ralph Lauren (Giant), Karl Lagerfeld (Boom!), and Giorgio Armani (A Place in the Sun).
I gotta say I love the Lanvin and Versace reimaginations. So fitting for a woman as iconic as her and for roles as memorable as she's had.
To see more of Elizabeth Taylor reimagined by Donna Karan, Frida Giannini, John Galliano, and Stefano Pilati, check out the website or pick up the latest issue of Interview. Yes, that's the Interview that was founded by Pop Art master Andy Warhol. Ingrid Sischy (also of Vanity Fair) is the current Editor-in-Chief.
Photo credits Interview
02 February 2007
la dolcezza italiana
In English, Italian sweetness!
Lodi-born Bianca Balti (IMG) is blessed with looks that oscillate between the high fashion and commercial markets. She's still a runway staple, walking for Valentino, Missoni, and Balenciaga in recent times. She's done campaigns for Missoni, Donna Karan, and Roberto Cavalli. Those full lips and piercing eyes that are essential of commercial Guess girls helped her clinch a campaign back in 2005. To see the photos, click here.
She's been lying low lately but a cosmetics contract with Revlon is just what she needs to keep her career going. And what an appropriately-named lip color line.
La dolcezza italiana indeed!
01 February 2007
comely kenzo
Starring in the SS07 Kenzo campaign is one of my new favorites Bruna Tenorio (Women). I dig the juxta-collage thing and how Bruna (who's Brazilian) looks at least part Japanese, which is all the more fitting because I feel that Antonio Marras' recent efforts are in the vein of the original himself, Kenzo Takada.
The SS07 runway imitated the tranquil beauty of the seaside, with Jessica Stam (IMG) opening the show while the "sun" rose and she descended from the rock wall. I loved the colors at Kenzo! The retro swimsuits were pretty, the turbans were even more dramatic than Prada's, and the presentation as a whole was beautiful and edgy.
For the finale, night fell upon the beach and out traipsed Coco Rocha (Elite), vamping it up in diaphanous florals as the sea breeze enveloped her. No open-mouthed fixation there!
Check out the video in their website!
Photo credits Kenzo
better late than never
1 Rinko Kikuchi in Chanel.
Thank goodness she dyed her hair dark brown. I did not like the bleached look and the white Chanel in the Golden Globes but here in a beautiful Chanel frock, a pose that's rarely seen outside of high fashion, dewy glowing skin, and black flats, she gets my vote! Some people might say, "Flats? In awards season?" I say, "Sure, why not?" She owns that look!
2 Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé.
This woman can wear anything because she carries all her outfits with poise and elegance. Gorgeous.
3 Ellen Pompeo in Lanvin.
She looks just like one of Alber Elbaz's SS07 girls! From the earrings to the hair, she looks like she's hot off the runway. Very sexy and pulled-together, if she could only lose the bangles! Oh and I think she looks healthier than ever.
4 Helen Mirren in Donna Karan.
Age-appropriate without being dated or tacky. That pop of lemon yellow satin is just perfect!
5 Sandra Oh in Giorgio Armani.
Soft and flouncy, the total opposite of Cristina Yang. She's so outstanding and so funny and this dress is really her!
Again, better late than never but does anyone get Mr Blackwell? I just don't get the point of his annual worst-dressed lists. Why even bother making one? The last women you dressed were who? Peggy Lee, Jayne Mansfield, and Jane Russell?
Granted, there are some on his list who dress quite disastrously but for the rest, all he does is spew hatred on those women of the moment.
Photo credits Fashion Wire Daily