new york, new york

It's coming...

that girl

"Thunder Perfect Mind"
dir., Jordan and Ridley Scott
2005

This may seem kind of late, but this 2005 short film that doubles as a sly perfume ad for Prada is as smart, charming, and attractive as its star, Canadian supermodel Daria Werbowy. A good way to start out a Tuesday morning, right?

les deux

Irina Kulikova, Kasia Struss, Clement Chabernaud & Douglas Jewell for Jil Sander photographed by Willy Vandeperre

Raf Simons continues to propel his sharply bare approach at Jil Sander with these advertisements for the fall collection. There's something very different about the new look for the label. The leather, the pairs, the subtle hint of some form of aberrant sexuality. What does it all mean? Much like the discreet tailoring and unwavering minimalist palette, perhaps the secret to the meaning of these ads are in the strengths of the clothes. If only we could all afford it.

P.S., Irina K. has somewhat of an interesting discovery story. She's a little bird looking, wouldn't you say? But I think that's a big trend for women this fall.

photos courtesy of the fashion spot

red punch

Two-button well tailored blazer? Check.
White collar shirt that has been all over menswear for fall? Check.
Dash of subtle color in the sock? Check.

The choice of red sock is killer. I want a pair of fire engine red, kelly green, and cobalt blue socks more than words can express. I've seen some here and there, but none quite as right as the one pictured above. The search will continue and although I am not Swedish, perhaps the effect will be just as striking and stylish.

photo courtesy of the sartorialist

first look: beowulf

"Beowulf"
dir., Robert Zemeckis
2007

This R-rated trailer still does not get me excited about this potential mess. Why does Zemeckis feel it necessary to make his actors look like video game versions of themselves? Why does Angelina Jolie think she can pull off vaguely European accents? Why is this his follow up to "The Polar Express"? So many questions for a movie that looks positively empty and bloated on studio dollars.

young folks

I try to keep this blog as focused as possible but from time to time it does stray a little bit and tiny morsels about me are revealed along the way. I try not to be so intentionally elusive and mysterious, but I think pontificating about Bunuel or Hilary Rhoda's eyebrows is far more interesting than updates about my little life. However, I have been relatively absent for a while due to intense planning for what was an event beyond belief. I have officially lived in my new apartment for a little over a month and what better way to celebrate than by throwing a late night soiree? Friends, co-workers, and the assorted beautiful people made their way through my new place and noshed on everything from stuffed portabella mushrooms, sushi, fresh pico de gallo, brie, bruschetta, and of course, cupcakes. Naturally dancing ensued and I think a good time was had by all, but the party was a true success when two silly ideas were well executed. One: "La Dolce Vita", "Marie Antoinette", and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" screening on mute as music (Daft Punk, Isaac Hayes, Serge Gainsbourg, and Prince just to name a few) played in the background, inspiring us to party a little harder along the way. Two: A lovely wall of lights framing the partygoers, bathing them in a sexy glow. Highlights:



Even though they're all a little blurry and off, that in a way perfectly describes the evening. I can't say it enough but I thank everyone who came and contributed to an evening of good food, good drinks, and good times. What more can you ask for?

dark city

Gisele Bundchen for Yves Saint Laurent
photographed by Inez Van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin
CORRECTION: This is the sexiest ad of the season.

For more click here.

first look: i'm not there pt. 2

"I'm Not There"
dir., Todd Haynes
2007

Can we assume this is clearly the most iconoclastic movie of the year?

coming home

I'm still mulling over how I felt about "The Bourne Ultimatum", but I will say it's exactly the brand of "pop pleasure" (so says Manohla Dargis) you want from a big studio summer blockbuster. A full rumination on the film will come soon, but I am still numb from the sight of one of the best fight scenes I've ever seen in a film. I won't reveal too much but it takes places in Tangier and a book is involved. I thought the fight scene from the previous film was exquisite enough, but the one in the new film between Jason Bourne and an operative sent to kill him makes you forget about the other one or any other fight scene for that matter. It's tense, no holds barred, and rapturous to watch. Go see it but until then remind yourself of that great fight scene from the last film:

first look: american gangster

"American Gangster"
dir., Ridley Scott
2007

I know I'm not supposed to like a Ridley Scott film ("Blade Runner" being the exception), but some things about this trailer make me want to see this:
1. This looks somewhat inspired by "Black Caesar", one of my favorite blaxploitation films.
2. A Jay-Z song used in a period film. Genius.
3. Chiwetel Ejiofor.