I don’t know many people who’ve seen Wong Kar Wai’s In The Mood For Love and not walked away completely inspired. Amazing cinematography aside, I’ve always felt that a good part appeal stemmed from its inherently art-house soul: where the story is told by the audience’s ability to read between the lines via colour, music, and silent heart-rending looks from the actors.
Its true genius however lies in its inclusive nature – it never tries to be too smart for its viewers, and so unlike similarly moody films that alienate through affected depth, this film is easy to understand and appreciate.
I could go on forever, but I’ll stop myself here and get to the good part: Numéro China’s homage in this month’s issue. I know you’ve probably seen many magazines’ clumsy attempts to reproduce the movie in photo shoots, but I think you’ll agree this is one of the better tributes paid to Wong’s masterpiece. Enjoy:
Photos via Fashion Gone Rogue.
Isn’t this jewel-toned, Japanese-inspired shoot for Flair great? I love the combination of simple lines and bright solids – and that all the clothes were worn with a pair geta, traditional Japanese sandals.
Stumbling upon this shoot reminded me of my early birthday gift from my stepmother: a pair of black lacquered geta (with bright red and shocking green hanao, or straps) from her springtime trip to Kyoto this year.
I haven’t had the chance to wear them yet, but I’m certainly inspired to now.
More photos here.
I’m in no position to covet anything right now (having just received an anniversary/valentine’s gift in a certain blue box) but what kind of design blogger would I be if I didn’t share these fantastic Christian Louboutin SS 2011 campaign photos with you?
Maybe you can covet these ones on my behalf.
Photos from here.
Yesterday, I had not one, but two conversations – with two different people – about fake eyelashes. How random!
For the record, I’m pro-lash. Yes, they’re a little much, but that’s part of their appeal…for me at least. In fact, I’m still kicking myself for not investing in a pair of these Viktor + Rolf ones from a couple years ago.
The practical side of me refused to pay close to $200 for something that would mangle after a couple of wears, but the more frivolous voices in my head are still whining about it.
Maybe I can make it up to myself by designing a rose/harlequin invitation suite in pink and white. Any takers?
Photos from here.
Since I’m terrible at remembering dates, and one of my resolutions this year is to be more on the ball with birthdays, these adorable pocket candles from Poketo look like just the thing for me.
Imagine whipping one out unannounced at the end of the meal and sticking it into someone’s dessert? Be warned, friends who insisted on downplaying their birthdays last year!
5 Minute Candles available from here
To say I’m excited about the Valentino Retrospective is a smidge of an understatement. I’m just about dying to go…despite it being held at Resorts World, the parking at which makes my cashcard whimper.
Random thought: wouldn’t it be fab if the gift store there actually sold Valentino? Yes – I realize that a) nothing they’d sell (i.e. the current collection) would have been designed by the honoree of the exhibition and b) my bank account would probably not be up to the challenge anyway, but it would be so much more interesting than the regular offerings of postcards and keyrings!
I’ve been nursing a serious sweet tooth lately – which would be fine if I had time to bake myself a remedy, but I don’t. Staring at these photos aren’t making it any better, though.
In fact, now I want to shop too, which is really dangerous!
Speaking of shopping, anyone started on their X’mas gift hunting yet? I got super organized this year and planned my gifts ages ago…only to leave the shopping undone till now, mid-December and right at the peak of mall madness. Brilliant, aren’t I? I’m gearing myself up to do it all in one day so I can avoid going downtown for the rest of the season. Wish me luck!
Photos from here
The second December rolls around, I have Christmas on the brain 24/7…and this Tiffany & Co. ad isn’t helping one bit.
Despite having gone to school for advertising and then worked in both the magazine and fashion industries, shots like this get me all the time. I forget that it’s all carefully manufactured, and my heart lifts for a moment in anticipation of the next scene – I hold my breath, as I imagine she’s holding hers, and will the static photo into motion.
I guess this just goes to show you that little blue boxes really do make girls crazy. Even girls like me who a) know better and b) have occupied ring fingers, so to speak.
But still. Sigh.
Who knew the 10 minutes I spent in line at Ikea yesterday would be the last of my zen time? Everything after that point was literally a blur of printing, printing and more printing.
Photos of said printing will be coming up next…if I can stay ink-free long enough to get some snaps of our work in progress. Fingers crossed!
Rock crystals are so pretty to look at, but I can never figure out what I’d do with one besides swoon over it. Let’s discuss my options here.
They do make excellent lamps.
And even more excellent $800k bathtubs!
But there’s something to be said about subtle accent pieces (and, you know, not being in debt).
Nothing wrong with just using them as colour inspiration for creative undertakings, either. For example, this is going to be the exact shade of hot pink my next cards will be edged in, so help me god.
Or maybe I’ll just rock a rock.
No shame in starting small, right? Plus I like that it looks as though the whole galaxy is perched on your finger – how very Men In Black!
