Personal Favs

This expresses what I love related to fashion with exciting fashion commentary as a young blogger and that which makes me Crazy Zany Fake.

Empowerment Through Clothes (March 17, 2019)

This post is quite personal with it being based off of my own life. With my work now being at Lansky Brothers, which is by Beale Street in Memphis, I came across a leather jacket that is an imitation of what Elvis wore. To give a concise description of the piece, the jacket is the quintessential motorcycle jacket. There was only one left which fit perfectly, and I tried it on several times wanting to buy it but thinking I need to save. Then, a breaking point emerged in my pathway where strength did not seem viable or reachable. That recent section of my life could be noted as difficult in the never ending rejection from others. I needed support, and wearing this jacket would give some needed confidence. A prime reason in why I finally purchased it (and not just because of a 40% employee discount) is it reminded me of a strong woman I recently saw portrayed.

VERSACE!!

What is about to be typed will appear extremely alien with me getting back Netflix in a while. With this new purchase, I finally watched American Crime Story about the assassination of Gianni Versace. In the tale, I saw the portrayal of Donatella Versace by Penelope Cruz. What I noticed right away was the character's stamina through the tragedy of her brother's murder. She being obviously hurt still managed to conclude on important business decisions and face the media. Even before Gianni's death, she contributed greatly to the business of Versace. Admiration goes toward a woman who knows good business sense and can stay tough when need be. The show gave a glimpse of Donatella's insecurities, but those parts of her were never spilled in front of the crowds. Her composure was always intact, and this composure has remained throughout her tenure at the esteemed fashion label we know of today. The jacket earlier mentioned led me to think of her and what I watched in how to go about my life with not staying on the ground. In one of the episodes of American Crime Story, Donatella is pushed heavily by Gianni to wear a noticeable dress for a red carpet event; even though she felt discomfort from not believing she could wear the look well. The event happened with Donatella in the dress, and the press raved about her. The jacket isn't exactly a bondage gown with leather detailing, but it acts as an enabler for bravery.

Garments such as a killer, black strappy gown and a badass, leather jacket are an important segment as to why I love fashion. They fuel the wearer to be who they should be. In phrase it simply, they make people feel good. There is reason in describing how fashion is intensely focused on clothes and clothes alone, yet fashion also consists of someone's personality in style and a certain attitude. Someone could place on the body the trendiest piece out on the market, but if the person is uncomfortable, then it is useless. The clothes which are beneficial in not only appearing well but giving good means through mind and spirit are the best ones of them all. This jacket still was expensive for my limited budget in saving for school, but I do not regret it. It gave me the power and attitude to conquer, and it is something I could not see myself without having. In this type of situation, just buy it, or you'll wish you did.

VOILA!

what Lana made you do

Who actually created aesthetics? (January 09, 2019)

The term for which we oftentimes box in such a narrow category was defined in 1798 given by the Online Etymology Dictionary is "of or for perception by the senses, perceptive" with a following addition in 1821 as "of or pertaining to appreciation of the beautiful." To give my own meaning is when a noun can carry definitive and individualistic characteristics which attract others in appreciating the certain noun. Queen Elizabeth has enacted this policy by creating her own type of aesthetic with classy Americana, free spirit, and stargazing glamour capturing the foregone moments of California. She sparked aesthetic because she personified it with every notion of her musical career.

If you know Lana, you know she loves posing by cars

The word aesthetics itself has been extensively used for sites like Tumblr and Pinterest with images that can be considered classic and subdued with an element of undone which match Lana Del Rey's whole aesthetic. The categories can be quite hysterical with mermaid aesthetic, alien aesthetic, and the broken heart aesthetic. All done with plenty of moody lighting. The attractive quality can be seen from the visually appeal of what Rey has produced with it carrying a sense of relatability and imperfectness luring in the lost souls. She helped make many people believe a made-up definition to a word. That shows tremendous power. She's real! People respond well to authenticity and to a story. With her unique offering, trends come with her galore with a legend creating a lasting legacy.

In light of this selected individual's release of a new song today, this is devoted to her with what she has created for the generation of today. The songstress being Lana Del Rey. Hail to the Queen! The song title being longer than the song itself has been a great start to my 2019 playlist. Miss Rey has started an entire revolution which music artists follow currently with developing her own type of sadcore with a fondness for the ways of old. Her main invention which everyone including all the teeny-boppers on Instagram is the form of aesthetics.

this is from Ride (music video which transcended to being considered as a cinema masterpiece), you should watch it

With Liz being depressed became a trend not that it should be considered a trend but at least it can be mentioned without it being another pink elephant. In her beginning days in the Born To Die era, she published videos for Video Games, Carmen, and Blue Jeans that look like home videos collaged together wonderfully in an imperfect way which admirers replicate along with other musical artists. Are you familiar with the home movie filter on Instagram? How about all the flower crown ones that are in every person's Facebook profile? That's because of Lana. Her desire for old-fashioned ways have been seen through current merchandise sold now including record players at Urban Outfitters and Polaroid cameras. This reflected in the lyric for "Love" with "look at you kids with your vintage music."

beauty queen aesthetic

With right now, I want to focus on the five main characters, although the janitor might be my favorite one. This movie was built on everyone being distinctive and representing each one’s stereotype to its fullest. Costumes being established from this principle are undoubtedly going to be exaggerated. The nerd looked dorky chic. The jock looked like a cool tool. The nutjob looked like a fashionable granny. The princess looked elegant. The criminal looked dangerously ravishing IMO. His outfit was beyond the best. The major note that I learned from observing all these characters is the style is super characteristic which is what makes someone stylish. Yes, someone could wear the latest Supreme whatever, but how they present themselves has to be special in order to be noticed and admired. I love witnessing the style in realistic fictional movies because of it translating to how people can wear clothes with the movie acting as inspiration.

Now onto Judd Nelson a.k.a. Bender, his outfit was the best. I don’t want to limit it to IMO because it honestly was. For starters, I know you have seen several bloggers walking around in wool dusters for fashion week. Am I right?! Bender does this with sunglasses and fingerless leather gloves. How Chanel of him! Then, with the look has on plaid and denim. Not in the catalogue, J.C. Penney way, but an 80’s Rebel Without a Cause way. The attitude to match is probably the greatest asset. You can’t wear an outfit like that, and act as a wallflower.

Midi Skirt Mania

As Bloggers (November 20, 2018)

I literally just figured this topic in my mind two nights ago in trying to think of something to watch with my mother. Yes, I still do that because of me having no life. However, the Breakfast Club is one of my favorites in cinema. Until recently, I have never thought of it for fashion styling. Yet, it occurred how the characters specifically the FAB 5 are dressing like the fashion bloggers of today. This makes sense in regards to how my generation likes to take ideas of the past and make them their own. Let me give you direct evidence and how I lived for Judd Nelson!

The movie is set up like most in it alluding to how an outfit makes a character fulfill its role. For example, the jock is a wrestler hince the varsity jacket, tank top, and rugged, all American jeans help him to fulfill his stereotypical manly duties. In dwelling upon this movie for an important principle, the goal is to dress in the way you want to act within the world, so you are further encouraged to do. What you wear dictates heavily in what decision you will make. I do not want to go further in discussing philosophy. However, clothes are motivators for what one can achieve in life. For Claire, it’s probably getting a yacht from daddy and for Bender its getting some dope.

Style lessons include wearing midi skirts saves lives. This can be one item in your wardrobe that can establish some elegance, even if you’re a guy I don’t care. It adds depth and sophistication to any ensemble. Wearing a cheap crop top, who cares?! Put on a midi skirt, and you have distinction. The minimalistic Brian I adore because minimalism has become a growing favorite plus I just love nerds. The simple olive sweater and khakis mimics for me Katharine Hepburn. From his example remember that when in doubt less is more. Then, Ole Sport over there being cool in a varsity jacket can be interesting to use as in wearing a jacket with some novelty or some story that is descriptive of your life. Treat it as a tattoo but not permanent. Find one on Etsy or make your own. Then, with Bender be confident even if you dragged out of the apartment partying the whole night before and have to give a critical, work presentation. From him, it is about being the boss that you can be.

you don't have to be sporty to rock this!

these queens!

Most Expensive City To Live (October 18, 2018)

For this post I want to highlight an piece of clothing. I will try to post more of these kinds of articles in the future, and for starters, I am going to talk about a special coat which is not actually mine. It was my mother's, but she gave it to me. You may ask why should you have it since you are a guy, and guys aren't supposed to wear women's clothes, right?! Well, I'm shutting that theory down!

This coat is special since it is absolutely stunning and looks as if it was made for someone like Diana Ross. The external layer is made completely out of black fur with me not knowing what the fur actually is. I could press my luck and determine that it is mink, but that could just be wishful thinking.

The story behind this was that my mom was in San Francisco when she was 16. If I remember correctly, the coat was bought for her by someone, but I don't know exactly who. For some reason, she kept it for all of these years. This is probably because of the monetary value. In my minds, though, I do not want to sell it because of the sentimental value. Maybe, it could be an heirloom piece to my kid?

In pulling out my detective SVU gear, I looked up the company featured on the tag called Somerset Furs Los Angeles. I found that there are multiple of these kind of jackets, but no website is found about the company. I'm guessing that it is not existent, and only vintage is sold. When I looked at the prices of the same jacket, I became sad because maybe I would have sold it if I was desperate due to loans. I don't know! Then, I noticed while researching about the jackets having rabbit fur. If only it was mink, and not cute little bunny rabbits.

The only problem I have thought of in regards to wearing it in real life is ruining it since it is an actual archive piece. The other reason is the feminine impression it gives, yet I will say wearing it would give support in standing up for myself with the shoulders to match 'cause those honies are Working Girl padded.

(actually LA, that's legit!)

(shining as the beacon of light it is)

Christian Dior?

6'1" Wonder

why alber elbaz should be at dior (August 4, 2018)

This is an article that has been forming in the depths of my mind for a prolonged period of time, and I am happy this is finally playing in the field even though this will not receive much exposure. To me this is two problems being solved in the most congruous fashion. Right now Dior is in serious trouble with mundane fashion as the norm. Then, Alber Elbaz is without a house to run which he needs because of his immense talent in making women feel and look their best. Having Alber Elbaz running the storied feminine fashion house correlates with his own personal aesthetic as well as adding a fresh flamboyance to Dior. In using my powers of persuasion from watching way too many episodes of SVU, I will prove why he deserves the job.

Many may think that the issue is irrelevant because of the issue last mentioned around three years ago, but when the situation calls for a designer who has been in the industry for 10+ years along with the fact he completely changed the mood of the fashion house of Lanvin his credibility is still intact unless a major detriment to his character is found which there has been none. With his history of being the creative director of Lanvin, he gave the brand identity as producing feminine, thoughtful masterpieces that ultimately highlighted women for their best attributes which is what a great designer is responsible in accomplishing. From the very start of his career with Lanvin’s Fall 2002 collection, he introduced an approachable approach by offering glamour fit for a realistic women’s life. This was executed with elegant outerwear with cloches and fur stoles to accompany them along with Elbaz’s signature draping skills. He proved himself a master of both restraint and dramatics with the collection of Spring 2006 showcasing elevated, tailored dresses unique to other designers and Spring 2008 with deciding models in plenty of rouge to bulge brightly in an array of spectrum colors with yards and yards of silk trailing behind along with feminine tuxedos. The latter collection is how to tackle feminism and not by just words like in today’s world. Elbaz caught on the sportswear trend in Spring 2011 with boasting bodysuits, slick anoraks, and fabric mimicking neoprene. One look in particular is still envisioned in viewer’s eyes with supermodel Karlie Kloss sashaying in a showstopping red dress with a simple asymmetrical top and a matching long flowing skirt highlighting her famous long limbs. Then, in his final collection being Spring 2016 he gave evidence of incorporating current trends of the times into his clothes to make them relevant such as using the brands’ logo for cocktail dresses and having all the models to wear short hair to establish a modern image. He most importantly made the clothes particularly for the young which definitely refreshened the brand with incorporating satin bows on tailored dresses and quirky patterning.

You have probably asked yourself if Elbaz perfomed so well for the Lanvin company then why is he gone. Well the reason behind that is by one shareholder named Shaw-Lan Wang. She acquired Lanvin from L’Oreal in 2001 and assigned Elbaz full creativity for the label. The company seemed to be performing well, but there was concern in 2015 when sales had dropped. It was from this decision that Shaw-Lin Wang decided to drop Alber Elbaz from the label after sudden disagreements that were so sudden other staff members did not have knowledge about the friction. From what I have read and researched about the matter, the issue of sales could have been discussed rationally and not dealt with an immediate firing of a creative director who has worked at the company for 14 years. This may be an exaggeration to some people, but I find this act of hers to be a betrayal especially considering her taking Elbaz under her wing for an amazing opportunity with helping a brand which had been dead news to giving him the sharp axe for his career so far as we know. Yet, there is undoubtedly certain more material to this story that none of us will ever know, but from what has surfaced shadiness was definitely as part of this fashion tragedy.

In this part comes the preferred possible regeneration of life for Dior with Alber Elbaz not possessing a house to attend. The house of Dior has not come to the glory and uprightness since John Galliano with designers coming and going with one in particular not performing well with the brand currently. Alber Elbaz could definitely give a transformative twirl to the historic fashion house with his own expertise, skill, and sense of innovation that brings necessary attention. The famed couturier of 10 years, Christian Dior, pioneered a new look for women celebrating their form and strived for absolute femininity in every aspect. Elbaz can also attend to the same values by creating looks which set goals for the same breed of femininity as well as something to the women empowerment movement being broadcasted everywhere at the moment. Ready-to-wear is Elbaz’s specialty; even though, it can be deemed as non-superior. However, it is 2018, and accessibility and relatability with clothing has become the norm even for highly established designers. I believe Elbaz can move along with the trends like his H&M collection as well as advocating for Kim Kardashian by dressing her before other established designers. Not every designer is gifted in this category with one of them who reluctantly delayed the notion of selling items online for promoting a higher-than-thou fashion image which cost the company drastic sales and eventually the designer caught on with everyone else. Elbaz is extremely gifted and should use his gift to better this fashion house in an almost perfect relationships which seems to be made by the stars. Second chances seldom happen in fashion, but the future of fashion would be great if Elbaz was given the opportunity.

Best Collection

Franca Sozzani, Pre-Raphaelite force of nature with flaxen hair who had more than enough tenacity to conquer, created visions of debate through the world of high fashion. In watching the documentary called Franca: Chaos and Creation directed by her son, Francesco Carrozzini, viewers are introduced to the casual yet chic editor discussing her domesticated early life in the picturesque country of Italy. With this segment, I remember a story of when her father pushed her in the water to force her to swim, and how much she recognized the importance of meeting fear in its face. The same headstrong nature prevailed throughout her life yet had to be subsided in the union that is marriage. For this relationship between the man and her, it seemed regular and a part of an everyday Italian’s life. Another distinguishing snippet from the film was she did not want to get married, but she did because she already was wearing the dress. Although, Sozzani said she quitted within three months, so she could find her way of life and go where she truly wanted with society not telling her.

in-depth fashion (July 24, 2018)

For my first piece of describing an important figure of fashion, I thought I needed to choose someone who has heavily influenced the fashion industry and who also has inspired me personally. The legend I have chosen died after a year-long battle with her health two years ago. I learned about this tragedy four months too late and was saddened by this person’s vivacious and creative spirit being gone forever in this lifetime. Yet, I do not want or need to focus on this person’s end but on what she established in transforming the entire scope of fashion forever.