slumming it

(src various flickrs)

Slumdog Millionare is a fantastic movie, straight up. It deserves everything it was awarded. I won't natter on about the story because I'm sure you all know the basics. My obsession has more to do with the colors used throughout the film. In perhaps the height of pretension, I had interior design on the mind because of my upcoming move. How's that for you; paint jobs based on the slums of Mumbai? Either way, I was extremely inspired by the faded brights, browns, yellows, and royal purples. Traditional Bollywood color schemes are overwhelming for the most part, but seen though a mask of dust and grime I think they become more beautiful. Also, as my roommate has an obsession with Indian culture and bright colors, this source of inspiration may be the perfect compromise of our aesthetics. I can't wait to start on this project! Only two months to go.

che

The Motorcycle Diaries is a seriously brilliant movie. I always watch these travel movies, like The Art of Travel, and get all inspired. I've been feeling extra antsy recently anyways, maybe because I'm very ready to move. It's been weird, though, like a few days ago I was on a language kick and was reading all these blogs out loud in the original language to brush up on Spanish and Italian. If I concentrate a bit harder I'm sure I can actually learn Italian, rather than just scrape by. 

Anyways, total off subject, because what I really want to rave on about is the Latin American vistas, indigenous people, motorcycles, and Gael Garcia Bernal.  They're all amazing. The film definitely captures the boys' sense of adventure and freedom as they journey up through Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and finally Venezuela. Their love of the bike, the difficulties they endure because of it, the mishaps that occur: all so charming, hilarious and heartwarming. Plus, Gael is seriously so handsome. 

in her element

(src: milla j)

just saw fifth element for the first time last week, can you believe it? milla is so killer in it, and the crazy sci-fi body con costumes are right on. it's no surprise that countless designers quote this film as inspiration. the hair makes me think of the following shot of charlott by arvida:

these swedish bloggers get me every time. 

listening to: little j! taylor momsen fronts pretty reckless and i'm actually pretty into it! 

we modernize till our hell is a good life

Who is Cassie and why is she sporting the Dellal?



Just kidding, I wikapedia'd her and found she's Diddy's newest music adoptee. Whatever. I love her hair. So Mouth to Mouth, actually.

I adore Ellen Page.

P.S. Alice Dellal does not have a wikipedia entry. I'm shocked. Everyone with a bit part on Law and Order has an entry. Get on that?!

This Is England

Director Shane Meadows excels at creating intense, often brutal portrayals of underground life in England. This realism stems from the fact that many characters and situations he creates are based on his own troubled childhood growing up in England's West Midlands. This Is England (2006) follows a young boy as he falls in with a group of punks and skinheads that accept him as a fellow outcast; he adopts their lifestyle and eventually becomes involved with the racist subset of the skinhead crowd. The film is visceral and emotionally engaging; I highly recommend it.



Also, because I can't help myself, I look at it for fashion inspiration. The looks from 1983 are so on point for right now. I need a pair of those ultra bleached out pants.




Or that skirt! The whole look with suspenders and docs might be a bit much but with a feminine twist I would totally bring it back. I'm thinking I need to drag my jean jacket out of retirement as well...

The Art of Travel

I just watched a beautiful film, The Art of Travel. It reminds me of that adrenaline, that itch, that rush of catching a plane to another country without a second thought, seeing the new and extraordinary. This video blog is the first of seven that give a look behind the scenes of shooting the movie and shows some of the lush South American jungle that is captured in their shoot on location.



Here's the trailer as well for an idea of the plot.



Makes me want to drop out of life!!