Friday, January 23, 2015

think differently.

The Lost Boys

Vampires. More vampires!  With the recent fixation on vampires: Vampire Diaries, the Twilight series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, True Blood, and many more, it begs the question, why? I cannot answer that question, because I, too, have fallen into the hands of the immortal, undead.  Yes, the story of Dracula is far older than these new fixations, and pop culture has been fixated on the story since the arrival of Dracula and the release of Nosferatu in 1922. In my opinion the world of the vampires has only recently been actualized. It is as if vampires actually do exist in the world, of the Hollywood sets.
This film though has stands above the rest.  Generating terror in it's audience (only enough to keep you at the edge of your seat).  No the vampires of the film, Lost Boys release in 1987, do not sparkle or wear animal skins, like the Lost Boys of Neverland, but Motorcycle jackets and ripped up jeans.

  I would not call this a fashion focused film.  The characters are filmed in one or two outfits.
The film created a world that was convincing and enthralling.  It created a lasting effect on me. 





The bohemian vibe and killer soundtrack was one that I would be obsessed about for weeks.
My mother introduced me into the Lost Boys world, by showing me the movie, and the soundtrack on record, which she owned.  I am talking old school record.  I played that record over and over again.

 
This movie will haunt you until you have seen it a million times. 

Monday, January 19, 2015

Gwen Steffani- Cool

Although this is a divergence from the normal movie post, aren't music videos like short movies.
The music video for Gwen Steffani's Cool music video transitions between old memories and conversations with an ex and his girlfriend, as the song goes.
 
Clearly inspired by 50's Italy, the video transports viewers to the sunny paradise of Lake Como.  The looks are classic and chic.  Nothing says more than a pair of leopard pumps. Now, I have a strong itch to pull out my bubble gum pink pumps and my polka dot dress in the middle of this freezing winter.













After my travels to Italy 7 years ago, I have loved the Italian culture and fashion.  There is something unique and chic about Italy.  Living in Chicago has kept me connected to the Italian sensibility, but there is nothing like the real thing. From "Roman Holiday" to "A Little Romance" to "Under the Tuscan Sun".  Looking at street fashion from Milan and Rome definitely show that the Italians know something about fashion.
To end that digression, Gwen Steffani's Cool music video in my opinion definitely has a "cool" look to it. It has me lost in this retro Italian day-dream.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Urbance

While searching for french language videos last year, I stumbled upon this futuristic cartoon trailer.  I was enthralled by its visuals. I could not take my eyes away. Recently, I was reminded of the amazing illustrations. I knew I had to share this.

The video and TV show are created by Joel Dos Reis Viegas and Sébastien Larroudé of the Montreal based Steambot Studios.
I am having loss of words to describe my feelings.  Let me start by saying, if that is what the future will look like than I can't wait to see it, more like be apart of it.  Although the story line is not all sunshine and rainbows (nothing really ever is), it is an interesting and compelling idea.
Check out more about Urbance here: http://steambotstudios.com/urbance/
The visual is a major part of this colorful and vibrant cartoon.  Cartoon does not do it justice.  This "world" has a story of its own. The clothes and the fashion are a part of this amazing world.  It plays off the urban culture of today with a blend of the look of a possible future.  The zip up jackets, snap-back hats, sneakers, urban harlem pants, and low-riding shorts. This would all sound like a stereotypical urban environment, but it is the infusion with futuristic technology that makes it so cool. Technology is changing at a rate that is faster than ever before.  This could be our society in the next 40 years.  














The vivid colors adds a lasting effect.  This reminds me of the designers placing lights in clothing.  The neon trim on many of the characters clothing could be strings of lights.  I cannot wait until that becomes available on the mass market. 
How can I forget, one of the most memorable scenes, of the person that snaps their fingers to change the color of the room and their hat. Although, I hope, traditional fabrics will always exist, I hope I will see the day (or maybe I will be the creator) of fabrics that change color like in the video.
The video is well done.  The animation is wonderfully executed, the concept is glorious, and the style is sleek.  I am waiting in anticipation to see where Urbance is taken.