Kaiser Karl
In Karl Lagerfeld's maison full of books. He owns an estimate of 30,00 books. I wonder if he has really read them all.
All hail Kaiser Karl!
He's a Karl with a "K". In fashion age is just a number. But in case you're wondering how old Lagerfeld is, well he's 77 years old! Good to know that in fashion there is no age limit. Even if you're nearing 80, no one will stop you from making wonderful creations and continuing what you love to do.
Karl Lagerfeld, of German descent, is legendary in the fashion industry. Most especially from reviving the empire Coco Chanel built. He continued Chanel's legacy by reinventing her signature pieces year after year. The Chanel staples (LBD, quilted chained bag, tweed jackets, Chanel N05) are kept alive up to this day and it will remain a must-have in the decades to come. If it weren't for him, Chanel wouldn't remain as glorious as it is now. They keep on throwing extravagant shows year after year. One glamorous show is when there was a beautiful white carousel with Chanel bags and bows replacing the horses. Another one is where they had a gigantic spiral staircase in the middle of the runway. An unforgettable one is the time that they recreated a life size facade of the House of Chanel in Rue Cambon for the show. He really knows how to make a show! It's the whole show which is mind-blowing and not just the clothes. This man is truly dedicated in his craft.
Here's a piece of advice from Karl Lagerfeld (taken from Teen Vogue Handbook, 2009)
"Be informed, not only about fashion but also about art, history and music. Show that you are interested in things, that you want to learn. And never looked bored. It can be boring sometimes in the fashion world."
posted by: mars @ 5:45 PM
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3-Month Plan
Presenting my board which I recently tried to revamp. It's nothing out of this world. I plan to build on it later on make it look prettier. Be more creative and stuff. But what's important now is that I have my plan laid out. What I need to accomplish in three months. Where I'll be "building" myself.
Left (top)
1. I have a New Words list so that when I come across a word, I'll write it down. So that I won't forget it and what it means.
2. This is where I write super duper important stuff I need to accomplish.
Left (down)
1. In here there's a question "Where do you want to go?" One of my answers is PARIS. I know, I know. Quite a normal girl fancy thingy. But I really do. Where's the best place to practice my French but in Paris, France. And I also have something about future career.
Middle
1. I have this quote "Life is an artwork, autograph your work with excellence." I love how "artwork" brings out creativity and freedom but there's something very serious and firm with the word "excellence". I don't know what else to put so I just randomly wrote "C'est La Vie!"
2. There's "make it work". A plan will only remain a plan if I don't take action for it. I'm afraid that all this will just be a plan. So there that is there to remind me that I shall "Make it work!" coming from lord Tim Gunn!
3. A list of the routine I should be doing is written as well. Such as blog everyday and write an article a week.
4. This ones are supposed to be in photos(I share this in this
post) but I'm running out of cash so I decided to just write it.
Right
1. I have "painting". I might as well wrote art in that one. Since I just realized I can put drawings in there as well. Every month I should be able to put up an artwork I truly truly love!
2. On this one will be the photo of the month. Most probably a favorite analog photo coz' it's a hassle to print out digital photos.
So there. I do hope my plan works and the activities I'd being doing will really shape me.
posted by: mars @ 2:49 AM
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300th post: LOMO
Let's celebrate my 300th post!! \:D/ I was deliberating on what to post for today. Either about this book I just finished. Or that French movie I watched last week. Another option is the classic book I'm currently reading. But when I opened my dashboard I saw that I already have 299 post and this will be my 300th. I panicked! I wanted it to be special or something grand. So I looked up for inspiration. (Teehee) Then there it was, my hanged lomo pics.
In 2007, for some reason Lomo cams are all over Teen Vogue! I wanted one so bad because I thought they were cute and cheap plastic digicams. But they turned out to be film cameras. That didn't stop me from wanting it although it took me some time (ok years) before I finally acquired one. Since last year, influenced by my art class, I improved in photography and got hooked.
Finally, I bought last November 2010. Now I am an owner of an ActionSampler Flash. It has four lenses that takes photos 1 second apart. It's such a simple camera. Just the shutter and no more other features. Sadly, it's not like the digicams where in you can takes photos anywhere. That's why I'm struggling a lot. It only works well under the sun. Sometimes with flash but then it has a maximum of 3 meters when used indoor or at night.
In my first film which was an ISO 100 Fuji Superia; I got 11 out of 36. Also 5 shots of it were overexposed because I opened the back out of curiosity. Didn't know it's was a no-no. Then 15 out of 36 on my second one (a film given by my friend a Fujicolor). My third is not yet developed (another fujicolor) and my fourth is a Kodak Color with my friend
Jenelley for a doubles experiment. All of them are ISO 100 which works best with sun lighting. I can't wait for the films that I ordered online that has higher ISOs.
So some of my experiments have worked. Like the one from above. I placed 4 different cellophanes on the flashers and that's what I got! Then below is a double exposed photo! I'm proud to say I've done them manually meaning I rewinded the film and reloaded it. Because some lomos have multi-exposure features. Well I guess it takes practice and patience. Maybe next time I'll have 20 out 0f 36 until I get 36 out of 36.
Lastly, I really enjoy it when I force my friends to move (quickly) so that our photo would become more interesting. Also, funny how everyone is like "What's that?" to my cam and how it makes this noisy "whiiiiiirr" noise. :D
Note: The photos look better in flesh. I just took photos of the photos coz' our scanner won't work.
So this is my 300th post!
Bisous!
posted by: mars @ 6:27 AM
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PILIPINAS
Ang bayan ko'y tanging ikaw. Pilipinas kong mahal.
I know I'm too early for Independence Day more so for the Linggo ng Wika. But after two days of staring at soft beautiful European landscapes photographs (that was a mouthful of adjectives!), I realized I don't see that much photos of the Phillipines. I just think we need more amazing photos of the country circulating the internet (either there's really not that much or i'm just not the best citizen). And it doesn't have to be beaches or the Chocolate Hills. I don't know maybe something we see everyday which we adore. Ordinary places and what not as long as we really appreciate the surroundings. So now, I'll add "take pretty photos of the Philippines" in my routine. However, I'm still thinking if I would like to show our "weak" side. You know, showing some ugly truth coz' in my lit class we discussed that in postcards what you see is just the goody-good image. That it strives to be perfect and covers up all the flaws. But to contradict myself, it just doesn't feel that uplifting. Too much sadness or cruelty already surrounds us. So yeah, I now have a new mission. Funny how I came up with it a while ago during dinner.
posted by: mars @ 3:14 AM
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C'est Moi!
I don't usually post photos of myself. Even if I do so, typically I'd sensor my eyes. I'm just hoping someone won't steal my photo and steal my identity entirely (as if i'm worth the effort! =p). Moving on, because I'm trying my best to have a blog post EVERYDAY. It has to be meaningful also or at least sensible.
So here's a short sensible part. Ever since I've turned 19, things have changed. I mean, there were really a lot of changes. From taste, clothes, perspective and etc. This actually scared me. The fact that "I have matured". I remember when I was in Gr. 2, I was afraid that I will not become mature. You know how it's sooo true that when you're young you want to be old already and when you're already old, you'd just rather be young. Funny how at 19, I already feel that. I haven't even hit two decades and I'm six years away from 25 to feel quarter-life crisis. Entering college wasn't hard for me. The change there didn't affect me that much but it did; in the middle to the end of my sophomore year.
Suddenly you'll find out life is a bitch. But there's so many wonderful things in life too. That the best way to live it is with balance. Have good times with friends, family and by yourself. Sometimes why don't you stop and just cherish the beauty around you. I've learned aesthetics through photography. There are times everything just looks so wonderful and I have to capture it before it's gone. Although life isn't just about all the good stuff. I have to work hard to achieve my goals and dreams. Read, learn, build myself up everyday. I have to find my passion and make sure I'm living up to my potential. And sometimes we just have to take a leap of faith to get there. Don't wait for opportunities; just make it happen. With problems and troubles face them and never back down. But if you do fall, prop yourself up right away. Don't give up and hang in there! Be strong all the time. Life is too short and we only get one chance at life.
If only it's possible to just go and follow the Spanish "Que sera, sera", the French "C'est La Vie!" and the Latin "Carpe Diem" sayings.
posted by: mars @ 9:02 PM
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Holy Week
Holy Week. It's the time of the year where Christians remember how Jesus saved us all by sacrificing His life. He is the beginning and the end. The lenten season starts with Ash Wednesday. Then (if i'm correct) after forty days Maundy Thursday comes next. Usually, the Visita Iglesia is done. People go to various churches. For my family we always go to 7 churches and pray at the 14 Stations of the Cross. This year we went to San Fabian (near my house), San Antonio (Forbes), St. Andrew (Reposo, Makati), St. Alphonsus (Magallanes), St. Therese (near Resorts World), Holy Family (near Dian St. Makati) and St. Joseph the worker (somewhere in Palanan, Makati). Let us remember the Last Supper, Jesus' suffering with carrying the cross and cruxified to death. Especially tomorrow which is Good Friday; Jesus died at 3pm in the afternoon. On the following day, we should still mourn for His death during Black Saturday. Finally on Easter Sunday, we can have a feast with our family as Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Advance Joyeuse Pacques!
posted by: mars @ 5:38 AM
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Sketch
Since I'm trying my best to maximize my summer here is today's activity! The drawing above was drawn late last year. And down below is like a mini 6 piece collection. This was inspired by the moodboard which I posted a week or two ago. The theme is soft, minimalist and HIPPIE. I believe you can clearly see the soft and minimalist. The hippie part is just a hint, pretty much with the hair. And if you've noticed the palette is.. WHITE. :) I drew the initial sketches at Starbucks yesterday. I now have my own sweet spot in Starbucks Rockwell. It's this table at the very corner with just one chair.
posted by: mars @ 2:01 AM
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Factory Girl
When I go DVD shopping, I used to ignore this movie. Early this year, I found out the story is about Edie Sedgwick "SUPERSTAR" of Andy Warhol. I got interested instantly, I searched for a dvd but couldn't find one so I went with torrent. Last week, I finally got to watch it. You may find it as typical tragedy since today washed up druggie actresses are common. See Lindsay Lohan as the best example of this generation. I found the story interesting because I wasn't born yet when the Andy and Edie tag team sprinkled some fun. You will see that troubled women goes way back and not just in our times. Funny how wild they were too.
So Edie Sedgwick was a young, carefree and beautiful girl of the 60s. Which was portrayed by Sienna Miller in Factory Girl. She did an awesome job here and weirdly they do resemble each other. It's either they really do or the make-up artists have magic powers. What I enjoyed too were the clothes. I believe her style is 60s mod. Very vintage although most of it can still work today. It was also nice to see her signature pixie cut that was already copied in ANTM several times.
The movie is about Edie Sedgwick's short life. Coming from a prominent wealthy family but with an awful childhood. From the start, she was already troubled. Though later on she became this lively art student until she met Andy Warhol played by Guy Pearce. The Andy Warhol(didn't know he was homo until I watched this movie), who shook the art world with his pop arts and porn esque films. Edie became Andy's number #1 muse and together they shared the limelight. The duo became scene stealers and made underground films in "The Factory". This became Edie's peak in her life.
One day Edie stumbled upon a fast rising "musician". It was Bob Dylan portrayed by Hayden Christensen. Note: Do not conflict Bob Dylan from Bob Marley. For me they seemed like the perfect couple and I think there's a chance Edie would still be alive if she followed Bob's advice. They had an affair which ended when Edie found out Bob suddenly had a secret wedding. To add up the frustration Andy didn't help her since he didn't like Edie's connection with Bob Dylan. He started to block her off and ruined her "career". It was the start of her downfall. She got cut by her father. So she has no money but she's always under the influence of drugs. There was a rehab stint where she met her husband. But we all know how that ended with Edie at age 28. I guess that's how you live fast and die young.
Sometimes we think famous people's lives are so glamorous. We crave for their fame and fortune. However in the end, we find out how empty they could feel. That people who they think they are friends with turns out to be a highly unrecyclable plastic. Their lives are so complicated and when they fall down- they crash. Sad but true.
*Note: This movie contains sexual scenes. And Sienna and Hayden's love making scene is the most naked one I've seen.
posted by: mars @ 8:23 PM
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Impulse Buy or Investment
I had nothing better to do so I wandered around Fully Booked. Scanned through some books and when I finally went to the fashion shelves, surprise! surprise! The Teen Vogue Handbook copies are open. I didn't just scan. I read. It gave me so much high. At first, I told myself I'll just read it there and come back for it several times to finish it. But there was this urge to buy it. It took me a lot of re-thinking before I finally dragged myself to the cashier and bring out my debit card. I was happy. I am happy. I just couldn't believe that I did in sort of a snap. I will do my best to utilize this book because when I look at my shelf, I have 4 books about sketching/drawing. Though it doesn't seem like I've used them that much. So now is really the time to make use of it. Enhance my skill. Put the books into good use. I know they are good investments. I just really need to indulge it. May this be the key to my dreams.
posted by: mars @ 7:17 AM
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Captured Tee
This started out as a drawing which was inspired by a pink holga. It was back in September where I just got my Tumblr addiction and dedication to some "photography". But to be honest I'm more of the "I-like-taking-pictures" kind of person. I'm not calling myself photographer or something. So yeah, from there an idea popped in! I should make this a shirt design! At first I was thinking of silkscreening it but that will take a lot of time. I would also be needing paint for it. While for this one, I already have pink cloth lying around my room. So I took it. Cut it. Sew drastically. I didn't care if it wasn't nice. I wanted that rugged feel. Well I got that idea from my other 2 shirts that have edgy cloth design that was also creatively, purposely, badly sewed on.
But from September up to last Wednesday, it was just pinned on the shirt. As I was looking through one Tumblr account with those girls with cut-out tank tops. The light bulb went on again. Finally, I sewed it on after six months just hanging there in my cabinet. Then I cut off the sleeves and collar. Voila! A nice tank top! What a way to start off my summer with my friends!!
posted by: mars @ 6:12 PM
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The Bear Project
This is a personal favorite.
I took this recently and made some curve processing. I don't usually process photos (coz' i don't really know how to but i try!).
This one is another favorite. No processing here just good old sunlight. Gotta love natural lighting!
I started this last August I think. My plan actually was to focus on bears doing actions or going to places whatsoever. So far it's fine. There are certain highlights. Although sometimes I get off-track. But I still dream of showing this to the whole world. Hopefully one day it will!
posted by: mars @ 8:30 PM
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Fleur
Yesterday, I went to Divisoria with my friends. Well I thought I could get much from the money I brought but this is all I got. Worth Php 240, 2 1 yard floral cloths. As of now, my estimate is four tops. I just really have to make it possible. I'll keep you posted when I've started patterning, cutting and sewing.
posted by: mars @ 6:33 AM
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Take me to a "Roman Holiday"
Last night, I finally got to watch Roman Holiday. It's the 1953 movie of the famous fashion icon, Audrey Hepburn. Starring with another Oscar winner, Gregory Peck. The movie was entirely shot in Rome and it's fascinating to see movies in black and white. Since I am not a fan of spoiling movies to people, I can safely say it's a fun movie. Something you would love to do yourself even if you're not a princess like Princess Ann/Anya Smith played by Hepburn. One would also appreciate what Rome looked like at the time. Also, it interesting to see how people acted, how they dressed and to feel the era during those days. The cinematography is something to appreciate too since we come from a high tech digital age.
Audrey Hepburn truly has this sunshine-y personality that gave fun and carefree feel to her characters. At the same time, she possesses elegance and grace in her moves. On the other hand, Gregory Peck portrays ideal gentlemen which we lack today. Sadly, I realized how much have changed and I couldn't picture what the future could look like.
posted by: mars @ 4:46 AM
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Inspire me.
Since it's summer vacation, I must maximize my time. One of my goals is to delve into fashion as usual. Hahaha.. This is a mood board. Well my point here is to achieve the feeling I want which is white. I want it to be clean and soft. The color scheme is white, cream and other pastel colors near it. Something flowy and light. Very girly and has a touch of hippie. Although I still need to get more inspiration and edit. Get just 3 or 4 pictures that mainly inspires the collection. What I love about this is that this was inspired by my other moodboard which is for my business plan. That was has more white feel to it although it's leaning more to bed linens. Yet I can surely mix the two. So there.
And here's the new cover of my sketchbook. Nothing to serious. Just pure fun!
posted by: mars @ 11:14 PM
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Summer Commitment and hopefully for the rest of my life. Lol!
I told myself I will maintain a blog for the summer which is like a little over a month for my school. Or if possible up to three months. Or! Or! Forever!
As a result of my psych class, I came up with three strength statements that can guide me through life. Or at least through discovering who I am and developing myself. In two previous post away, those are the words I said while what I'm going to post now is the visuals.
posted by: mars @ 8:41 AM
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Be better!
It has been quite a journey. Another term ends and I have all these new knowledge in my head. I’m proud to say that I’m growing more and more each term. Pushing and making myself to be better. I actually feel that I learned more than I should in this class. It was not like the ordinary literature class I’ve had. It wasn't just about who the characters were or where the setting was. Neither figuring out what part the climax was nor finding the plot twist. Or discussing the message and depth of the moral story. It took some time for me to realize that the skills I earned in this class are very applicable to life.
I recognized there’s more to literature, I have yet to notice. Just like in life. Sometimes I enjoy too much of the same thing, I didn’t know I was actually missing a lot. It was only until I got to taste the different kinds of stories and poems from all over the world. It pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and try something else. I will try not to stick to just one genre. But I will surely tap into these different kinds of literature waiting to be explored. Ironically, it’s like saying “get out of your house because there’s a whole world out there for you to discover.” Amazing too, how literature inspired me to be aware of my surroundings and take notice of it. If in stories I look out for details, so should in real life.
Anyway, reading isn’t simply going through the words. Not even just for pleasure during leisure time. It’s about making my imagination work; bringing me to places I’ve never been to. It can take me out of reality. I read somewhere, “Reality is for people who lack imagination”. True; however, in reading it made me see cruel reality. It’s for widening my vocabulary and enriching comprehension. Like how much I acquired in reading the Kite Runner, with all the Afghan words and Muslim ethics. To the morals of the stories which gave messages of how to live your life better. Many things can be learned through reading. Moreover, I gained the drive to learn more by researching. “Because not knowing shouldn’t stop you, all the more it should urge you to want to learn more.” (Herrera, 2011) Also knowing a little is not good enough. Yes, it may be better than nothing yet it still won’t make me the best. The habit I picked up in this class wasn’t just for literature. It was for reading in general which I will carry throughout my life.
As a learner, the lessons I got didn’t just come in the form of writing. I’ve mentioned before that I attained aesthetics for other forms of literature, culture and etc. But it was something I was already interested in. I noticed that I learned how to be a better student. Starting from day one, the sense of responsibility was injected. It taught me to come prepared in class. From discipline myself with the comprehension techniques to having an open mind and being mature enough. That cheating won’t do me any good because I will only be fooling myself. Most of all, this time I won’t forget, that who I am today will define who I will be tomorrow. Lastly, I was not simply grouped with random people. I also managed to create friends along the way. This is how my knowledge increased, my skills got honed, and my attitude improved as person not just a HUMALIT student.
posted by: mars @ 4:08 AM
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All hail Kaiser Karl!
