Jean Paul Gaultier: Creative Director of Diet Coke

L'Enfant Terrible continues to explore his creative genius, however, this time in ways that will have already surprised million. As the newly appointed creative director at Diet Coke, the fashion legend pairs up with the one company that revolutionized the Western world, Coke. Incredible. To the majority of us, this pairing may seem a little strange, a little unbalanced and probably completely insane. Both Coke as a company and Jean Paul Gauliter as the mastermind behind a fashion empire are exceptionally powerful, yet their powers lie at opposite ends of the spectrum, or do they? The idea of translating Jean Paul Gaultier's unconventional and gifted imagination to the world of mass production is brilliant. Although it may be hard to predict what can possibly come out of this new partnership, they've released the first of a series of three promotional videos entitled "The Night and Day Serial Designer" :

Make sure to check out the other two through YouTube on Friday, March 9th, and Saturday, March 10th.

BOOGIE LIGHTS - Feb 2012

Planet Blue look books have this incredible ability to just put me in a good mood. Boogie Lights, with its psychedelic colours and iconic 1970s patterns, brings back the flare of the original disco movement, fun and uninhibited with a hint of Dirk Diggler's sex appeal circa 1997's "Boogie Nights."Almost tempted to skip class in search for a place like this.

Fringe Benefits

Here's the first post I made for my new Fashion Friday column on "The Main", a local Montreal blog dedicated to following the culture and trendiness of the city. Check out the site here

The Look: Modern Flapper

Why: In the 1920s, flapper girls embodied the rebellion of a conservative generation ashamed by the prospects of drinking, sex and of course, jazz.

Gucci’s Spring collection brings back the sultry and incredibly sexy feel of a group of women who challenged conventional norms. Considering not all of us have a red carpet event to attend, here’s a wearable look with a Marion Cotillard Midnight-In-Paris kind of feel: 

Inspiration: Gucci Spring 2012

(Image source: Fashion Fame)

Where to get it:

Top: topshop.com 

Pants: topshop.com 

Shoes: Gallista Platforms, nastygal.com

Ring: Aida Bergson Claw Ring, roseark.com

Clutch: Phillip Lim Lynus Envelop Clutch, SSENSE (90 Rue Saint Paul Ouest, Montreal)  

Nail Polish: Nars in Night Flight, Holt Renfrew (1300 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal)

Lipstick: Nars in Russian Doll, Holt Renfrew (1300 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal)

Vans Vault Spring 2012

Super cool concept that I've never seen before: an illustrated look book. Vans has created some anticipation for their spring collection by showcasing the shoes only in form of water colour illustrations. The classic shape of the Vans is of course still there, making them easily identifiable. An artistic take that any one can appreciate.

image source: Highsnobiety

Back in the Fifties

High wasted skirts, cat-eye sunglasses, and retro cars can only mean one thing: greased lightning. Add into the mix the vibrancy of neon heels and the fierce confidence of a 21st century lady, and you get this sequence of awesomeness. 

Here is another tribute to yet another classic: a Grease-inspired photo shoot featuring Lisa Cant by Paolo Zambaldi for Flair Magazine (Feb. 2012). Any girl who one day dreams of finding her very own Danny Zuko will immediately recognize the scenery of "Thunder Road," the victory that rendered Danny's attractiveness even more fatal. The take is a little more devious and a little more daring, in which the stunning Lisa Cant almost embodies the rebellious alter-ego of the sweet and innocent Sandy. It takes a truly talented photographer to properly frame this alluring twist, without being cheesy or redundant. And Zambaldi kills it. 

image source here 

Come As You Are

 The skatepark is rarely a place for the refined world of fashion. Or rather, such places, considering their history and characteristics, are usually not always associated with the art of trendsetting. They're dirty, kind of grimy, but seriously, what's there not to love? Stylestalker's "come as you are" has got it all right. 

This photo sequence reignited my infatuation with the counter culture of the 1970s, and primarily the deviant youth that came from its uninhibited nature. Looking at this, I think of Dogtown and the Z-Boys, the group of kids that revolutionized the world of skateboarding and gave subsequent generations a platform on which to live freely. Although the Z-Boys marked an era that remains locked in the past, the soul in their plight is still alive. 

Skating empty pools was a characteristic of the Z-Boys. But rarely were there times when the events weren't documented by a swarm of girls. Dressed to impress in their incredible 1970s outfits, they were charmed by the aggressiveness and obvious sexiness of these skaters. I mean WHO WOULDN'T BE? 

The same scene is being shown here, only in the terms of a 21st century scenery. Style has since been revolutionized, for both the girls and the boys, but the pioneers behind the genius of it all are still represented with and admirable interpretation. I am absolutely in love.

NEW YEAR

I haven evidently been neglecting my blogging duties for quite some time now, but I have a valid excuse, I swear! Exams came accompanied by a dark, depressing period during which I was confined to McGill's library for an unhealthy couple of weeks. Death. Then came the holidays, a time of parties, and eating. Mostly eating, really. Nonetheless, I cam across PlanetBlue's "The Hangover" look book. Although I am exceptionally late, I feel as though these images are a perfect way to welcome the new year, alongside its hopeful promises and surprises. 

Although PlanetBlue is one of my favourite online stores, little attention is placed on the clothing here. What is really being depicted is the entire experience of new year's. Girls go through an exhausting process, preparing for this event weeks in advance. An incredible amount of effort goes in to finding the perfect venue, perfect dress, and perfect group of people to share it with. The morning after, however, all that's left are the remains of a once flawless outfit, a bad headache, and the memory of a reckless, yet unforgettable night. Have to say though, wish I looked that good waking up on January first. This model makes a hangover look good. Is that even legal? 

Watching the Throne

image source: here

Last night, I became the envy of millions as I had the privilege to "Watch the Throne," Jay-Z and Kanye West's collaborative effort to revolutionize the world of rap. Although these two have solidified their respective positions at the top of the rap hierarchy, spectators were so diverse. There was obviously an overwhelming following of avid rap fans, marked by the millions of diamonds held proudly in the air. But the Bell Center filled its seats with all kinds of different people. Proof that people still have a profound appreciation for raw talent.

I myself was one of those spectators with no expectations, considering my unfamiliarity with rap as a genre. Yet, as a stood among my friends who had finally unleashed their contained excitement, I was overwhelmed with awe. I can't remember the last time I left the Bell Center feeling so profoundly impacted by such an incredible performance. What was most rewarding, however, was seeing them smile in response to the roaring praise Montrealers communicated from beginning to end.

When the big screens behind the stage weren't projecting images of wild animals or both current and past global issues,  they closely zoomed in on the artists. This was the most interesting for me, as I felt as though I got exclusive insight into their world,  their side of the story. The camera often captured shots behind them, so that spectators could see the show from their eyes. There are no words to describe these images. A true sea of flashing lights and emotional chants. I can't imagine what it must feel like to see your success in the form of millions screaming your name and singing along to every word of your life's work.

The way the two Kings chose to dress was also incredibly reflective of their personal styles and performances. When they performed together, the contrast in dress was so representative of their current positions in the rap music industry. Jay-Z ignited the frenzy in his dedicated fans as he performed the old school songs that made him famous. He stayed true to his "all black everything" mentality throughout the entire show, complimented by his iconic New York Yankees cap. A true indication of an incredibly honest performance. Kanye, on the other hand, was dressed in the absolute height of fashion. Through his appreciation for unconventionality, he sported an over-sized Givenchy t-shirt over leather pants and a leather "man skirt." Even when total darkness took over, we could still follow the trace of Kanye's glow in the dark Nike Air Yeezy 2s. His appreciation for creativity and current fads was well reflected, solidifying his position as one of the most important relatively "new" (compared to Jay-Z) artists of today.

Towards the end of the 2 and a half hours of constant entertainment, Jay-Z yelled to the crowd "We're living our dream in front of y'all tonight." I am almost certain that every single spectator from the show would agree that they lived their dreams last night too.

Black Widow VS White Hot

Just some of my favourite shots from Planet Blue's new lookbooks.  The visuals are absolutely stunning.  The golden metallics, and the glitter work to compliment the model's simplistic beauty. Amidst the glamour and sex-appeal, there is something playfully innocent about the images that work to the model's advantage. Artistically appealing and imaginative. Perfect for immersing yourself into a whimsical world when Managerial Economics looses it's excitement on a Monday afternoon.

"Realistically speaking, if I had three dollars in my bank account, I'd take out a loan just so I can buy this stuff" - Brian Leiberman