Behind the Scenes

The first fashion film shoot for the year happened yesterday on a mostly sunny day (thankfully) at Ballast Point Park where we had model Sarah Elizabeth of Priscillas running about in Callista Potts swimwear and abseiling off a big rusty water tank! check out the lovely Maja Baska's behind the scenes shots of some of the action that went down here. Amazing!

New Blog

Check out my all new blog I've begun in conjunction with my major project for university, a website dedicated to the creation of new fashion media called ABSORB. It will be a visual feast of amazing, elaborate shoots and videos with yours truly at the helm as creative director. But for now all the behind the scenes stuff is going up on the blog so click on the link below:

http://absorbblog.wordpress.com

feel free to leave comments etc!

And the website will be launched at the end of november!!!!!!

More slow motion moderat

Moderat "Les Grandes Marches" from Pfadfinderei on Vimeo.

Another Moderat video clip, this time with an amazing sequence of exploding concrete pylons. The detail is incredible, and the clip has a slow build up that really draws out the suspense until the action unfolds. The anticipation it creates does pay off, and the visual effect is rather mesmerising to watch. The collaboration with the BAM institute for material research in Germany (who among other things test the impact of aeroplanes on buildings) is behind this film, creating the concrete to be detonated under high pressure. Its a very stark and simple video, and for that it is also striking, and seems to be the signature aesthetic for Moderat's music.

Fabric and Film

Moderat "Rusty Nails" from Pfadfinderei on Vimeo.

This videoclip for Moderat capitalises on the sensuous and sculptural form that fabric can take. Beautifully shot, it has that indulgent element with the flowing fabric while also looking thoroughly modern with the camera technique and black background. Really lovely.

Soundsuits

Amazing and inspirational. The work of Nick Cave is like an explosion of energy and imagination, combining the visually extraordinary, wearable art pieces with the idea of movement. Coming from a dance background, and teaching fashion in Chicago, he plays with modifying the body and extending it through clothing and how one then moves when wearing one of his Soundsuits. The name came about after realising what sounds were being produced when he put the first one on - it was an unintentional outcome. What has resulted is a whole-body experience that incorporates all the senses and is truly arresting to watch.

The capabilities of cameras

Great new music video by Paul Blake for Parisien DJ Knuckles (now called Sovnger), shot using an Olympus i-SPEED 3. The slow motion editing is excellent, you get the delayed flickering lights of the Paris metro, the still-sharp detail in each shot while filmed in motion, and the well executed interplay between slow and sped up footage. This particularly interested me, having just shot a video using slow motion editing on another dig camera, so it was good to see how it comes out with the different camera. The fact that digital still cameras can now shoot video that looks this good makes the possibilities endless and really mobilises the digital camera even further. It is becoming so that you really only need one mechanism for a whole array of imaging functions. Which is interesting, as i was talking today with someone about the fact that people need to be multi-taskers today; it is not really enough to specialise in one area any more, and it seems the more skill bases you can add to your cap the better. That said, this video is definitely one to watch.

KNUCKLES | BLAKE - WHAT I LIKE from Paul Bryan on Vimeo.

For an extremely comprehensive record of the whole shooting process from storyboarding to finish, have a look at Paul Bryan's site: http://www.pmbryan.com/knuckles.html

Ali Larrey

You can find some amazing things in the Behance network. While doing some research for a photo shoot, i came upon the work of Ali Larrey, an art director, set designer, and floral designer based in Madrid. Her work is opulent, evoking historical excess through her compositions and love of decoration. I put up a few images here of a spread called The Atelier, these ones in particular caught my eye for the styling and the poses of the model. I particularly like the bathtub image for its colours and semi-quirky positioning.

THE ATELIER
LUCÍA SE CASA Magazine
Photographer: Antonio Cordero
Stylist: Abraham Gutiérrez
Set Design: Ali Larrey & Enrique Ferrero

http://www.alilarrey.com/

Fashion Journalism redux

New tracks in the world of SHOWstudio's take on fashion communication: the idea of a magazine feature comes to life on screen, with collaborator Alex Fury delivering a journalistic style commentary on the meanings and significance of the new season Prada shoes and stockings. This is yet another application of the idea of film coming into fashion, and i think this could definitely be expanded upon as a different approach to fashion reporting - even for fashion blogging. It shows that the esoteric side of fashion can still be presented in an engaging way, and that the wealth of fashion theory and knowledge - that is established and continues to grow - may have an outlet other than in an academic text or journal. While the video could not be embedded away from the site, click on the image below to go to their viewing page, as part of their Object fetish series.

Montage Mayhem

Recently been inspired by the photomontage-style artwork of Lisa Eisner for an upcoming project. The kaleidoscopic images layer photographs of nature and landscape, resulting in a new way of looking at our surroundings. They are colourful and detailed, harking back to the psychadelic aesthetics of the 60s, and rooted in the native Americans' connection to nature. She refrains from using photoshop, constructing hand-assembled images that have a sense of randomness yet a deliberate assemblage.
The works are currently on show as part of her Psychonaut exhibition at M + B Gallery, in Los Angeles, until June 5, which also features an installation work and 'scent sculptures'.

Images from Nowness and M+B Gallery

Rockabilly Love

I came across this editorial from Blend Magazine on the Design Scene website here.
They struck me most particularly for the hair - a little bit Chanel of recent catwalk shows, but with this rockabilly vibe that comes through with some of the styling - like the catseye sunglasses and small check shirt, the bouffant fringes. Some of the crotch-grabbing positions are a little unexpected, it seems that the shoot switches between a more innocent look with the hair and some quite romantic outfits, to these sexed-up photos which makes me a little confused about that they are really intending in this shoot. There is an obvious lack of narrative, or otherwise the theme that was intended has become lost. All the same, some very nice elements within each photo.

Credits:
Magazine: Blend Magazine
Fashion Editor: Sonny Groo
Styling: Venus Waterman
Hair: Hester Wernert For Mogeen
Make-up: Adrien Pinault |Calliste|
Models: Cicely Telman & Michelle Westgeest |Paparazzi Model Management| and Jorg van der Ham |Republic|
Photography by Petrovsky & Ramone

Smoky Delight

Just wonderful. A video art installation by Christoph Schemel, a newly graduated photographer from Berlin. A commentary on the beauty ideal, our continual yet doomed search for the everlasting perfect image. It's quite mesmerising to watch. 

Vanishing from Christoph Schemel on Vimeo.

Discussions of a fashion future

This video is an important and timely talk between Imran Amed of The Business of Fashion and Dazed and Confused founder Jefferson Hack as part of their Fashion Pioneers series. It looks at this period in time in which fashion media has been going through drastic change as it transitions from print, to digital, and a range of other platforms such as the Ipad - which has the potential to change the whole user experience of magazine consumption. They talk about the future of fashion and how it is seen, as these new interfaces are literally shaping a new way of viewing and interacting with the images, the designers and the clothing. It's thought provoking conversation, and part of the ongoing, evolving debate between print and digital media.

BoF Fashion Pioneers: Jefferson Hack from The Business of Fashion on Vimeo.

Here, There and Nowhere

Nowhere Boy gives an insight into the teenage life of John Lennon as he goes through his tumultuous family developments to discover what really happened to his parents and the reasons for his upbringing with his aunt, discovers a love for music and performing - bit of a showman - and begins a close friendship with fellow band member Paul McCartney, whose own family history bonds them together.

Realised by artist Sam Taylor-Wood (who incidentally is now in a relationship with the star Aaron Johnson) as her first feature film, the compelling story and great characterisation really carries the movie. Aside from being a story about a famous Beatle, it is a beautiful portrayal of male youth, finding your identity and fulfilling dreams. The struggle of coming to terms with a difficult family situation is touching, with the strength and passion of the female characters being central - they obviously shape the man that Lennon becomes. It is also entertaining for the boyhood antics he gets up to, being cheeky at school and pulling groupies, adopting Elvis hairstyles and Buddy Holly glasses and stealing records from the music store. At once a coming-of-age story as well as being a biopic of the young Lennon, the film is definitely worth a look. Aaron Johnson is also one to watch, his latest role is in Kick Ass, currently in cinemas, but his smartmouth rebel with a sensitive side in Nowhere Boy plucks at the heartstrings and paints an image of the man he is to become.

images - thecia.com.au

Tom Fordalicious

Tom Ford’s first foray into cinema has delivered a sensitive, evocative portrayal of lost love and human relationships. Based on the book by Christopher Isherwood, Colin Firth plays college professor George Falconer, a gay man crippled by the loss of his partner in a sudden accident. He maintains a polished, yet solitary existence while systematically organising his own suicide.
Ford’s fashion aesthetic comes through in the sensuous imagery: a highly stylised depiction of 1960’s America, at times bordering on a commercial look. Coming from a high fashion background, the consciously constructed world through which George moves can feel detached, yet it also adds to the sense of his loss and gradual disassociation from life. Memorable scenes are effectively the incongruent ones; a surreal conversation with the neighbouring family’s daughter and a fleeting moment with a Spanish model-type in the hazy light of an LA sunset. Bold and achingly beautiful, it is an accomplished debut for Ford from designer to director.

http://drnorth.wordpress.com/2010/02/23/suicide-is-spotless-a-single-man/

Moody Men

Continuing with my love and research of men in fashion and masculinity, NOWNESS has just released a new film for the Dior Homme AW2010 collection. Taking inspiration from a found polaroid of a white hallway, photographer Sharif Hamza recreated this scene in which to frame the new men's line, producing a film resplendent in mood as well as showing a reverence for the clothing itself. The billowing trench is particularly arresting, as well as the close up shots of the models, seeming to communicate without the need for words, as Sharif intends.

The White Room, Dior Homme Fall 2010

Directed by Sharif Hamza

Styled by Robbie Spencer

Electric People

Just came across this film clip "We Are Electric" by Fischerspooner  on Vimeo.
What a mad video, an overload of everything obsessing my eye lately - different forms of light, in so many combinations, mixed with out there headgear, mirrors, cool styling and even video screen mouthpieces! Lots of inspiration for a current project as i am looking at lighting options. Credit to Andrew Schneider for that touch of digital dental greatness.

FISCHERSPOONER "We Are Electric" official music video from SUBVOYANT on Vimeo.

FISCHERSPOONER: "We Are Electric"

Directors: Jason Cacioppo & Adam Dugas

Stylist: K8 Hardy

Makeup: Tracy Alfajora

Lighting: Ben Kopald

Video Helmet: Andrew Schneider

In transition: the new fashion media

A new post from my friend DesignBrainBucket is a comprehensive little summary of my main area of research, the changes in fashion communication. Having just completed a dissertation in this topic, it's nice to see that the interest for new kinds of fashion media is growing - it is an area that is increasingly getting more attention and i think will continue to do so for a while to come. The internet is being embraced more and more, having gained a dominant presence as a disseminator of fashion news and trends - it is instantaneous, something that is unique to this format of communication. Maybe once the intensity of having written a whole dissertation on the topic dies down, i will write something with more elaboration so in the meantime have a read of her post, and have a peek at the rest of her blog too!

Men in Tights

Still looking at all manner of men things, I bought a plastic-wrapped Japanese men's magazine the other day with no idea what it would contain. I ended up being very pleased with my purchase for it unleashed a stream of beautiful men's fashion and fantastic japanese styling. This shoot featured here shows off a bit of trend going on in Japan right now for wearing leggings under shorts - sporty, playful, post industrial....

Huge Magazine

April 2010

photographed by Katsuhide Morimoto

styled by Toshio Takeda

Amazing Tilda

While doing some research for a men's fashion film, i came across this video shot by Glen Luchford and styled by Katy England. Starring the inimitable Tilda Swinton - she is fast becoming a fashion favourite and muse to labels like Pringle of Scotland, whose video will be posted up soon. This film encapsulates a lot of the elements i am looking for in my own project - but featuring a man instead of a woman. It was actually quite surprising and timely to view this and see the same things that have been swimming in my thoughts this past week, the essence evoked, the narration, and the lingering shots. Beautiful. Tilda Swinton for Dazed Digital:

Pilati's perspective

This is a series of short films showcasing the Yves Saint Laurent Men's Collection for SS09. Filmed by Sarah Chatfield, in collaboration with YSL designer Stefano Pilati, it is an exploration of various notions of masculinity. Put together, the films follow a sort of non-sequiter narrative, depicting a different aspect of man in each. Combined with the collection, the films round out the season's story and allow the designs to be engaged with on a whole other level. There is a whole range of film techniques and styling to complement each part of the story, and tie in with the overarching theme of what it is to be a man today.

Textural Man

While currently researching manly things for an upcoming project, i was reminded of an editorial I had seen and loved in the wonderful magazine Bon. Photographed by Anushka Blommers and Niels Schumm, and styled by Haidee Findlay-Levin, they have such seemingly simple compositions, yet the black and white photography is so effective in capturing the hedges. Add to this the ethereal young man, model Robin van der Krogt, who gives off a bit of a vampire vibe. The shoot is modern with an edge of retro styling - the hair especially teamed up with chunky knits and large-buttoned coats, it makes me think of iconic male characters like Holden from J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. There is a sense of vulnerability underlying a shrewd independence that is typical of those literary characters, finding themselves while out on a wandering journey.

Bon International, No. 16, Autumn Winter 2009-10

Fashion Film Frenzy

A Shaded View On Fashion Film is a touring festival showcasing new fashion films and promoting the increasing profile of this emerging genre. Hosted by Diane Pernet, fashion editor and blogger of A Shaded View On Fashion, it is now in its third year and gaining more and more popularity. This year, the film festival is on the move, with new film submissions required with each stop. Next up will be Paris, after first launching at the Mexico and Russia fashion weeks, the Hyères Fashion Festival April 30, then landing in Milan on May 25-30, with more destinations to be announced. In conjunction with the Milan event, Vogue Italia is looking for submissions for a short film based around the subject 'light' - if the due date wasn't so soon I would have had plenty of inspiration! Past films include work by Jeremy Scott, Ksubi, SHOWStudio, Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh and director Ridley Scott. Can't wait to see the new crop of exciting films, they are sure to be fantastic.

lenhenry.com

Boys Boys Boys

In celebration of explorations of masculinity, the male body and dress, man style, men everything, this week begins with a film for Dolce and Gabbana's SS10 mens collection. Filmed by Pierre Debusschere, styled by David St John-James, and starring british actor Robert Sheehan, who is due to appear in upcoming films Killing Bono and Season of the Witch, the film is inspired by the sequinned tailoring of the spring collection. Following on from my previous posts about light, this video plays with a range of sparking light sources from firecrackers to strobe lights and laser projections. Set to the music of Australian experimental rock band Pivot, it is an edgy piece, working well with the flashy light effects juxtaposed against the more dreamy twilight landscapes to communicate a dramatic opulence for Dolce and Gabbana. The film debuted on website Nowness, and also features in stills in Another Man magazine.

Dolce & Gabbana's Men's Spring 2010 Collection Trailer from Selectism on Vimeo.

Info courtesy of Nowness.com

Whiteness of Being

Here are some lovely photos from french/swedish artist Mathieu Bernard-Reymond's 2009 series entitled Disparitions, exulting in the ghostly quality of white for which they are remote and beautiful. There is the knowledge and suggestion of human presence while at the same time the landscapes are rendered alien and abandoned. I get a feeling of dislocation, of being there and not there, or maybe on another dimension. The human influence of their built environment seems to merge with the foggy land rather than encroaches - the contrast seems to work together as a whole, creating this interesting and conflicting atmosphere.

A description of the series from his website:
"The series Disparitions the artist examines architecture, people, landscape and their mutual interactions. Man appears as a flâneur in the layers of the image, randomly present or absent. The architectural complexes thus generated become compelling stage designs for human decoration in which the individual beings are imprisoned."
Helen Hirsch

Mathieu Bernard-Reymond - Disparitions (2009)
images from his website here

From white to bright (to fright?)

This is a truly fantastic photographic series shot by Rankin - who co-founded Dazed and Confused - in collaboration with makeup artist Alex Box. Beginning with a white 'canvas' the images progress in an experimental exploration of beauty and darkness. I love these because they are not your typical beauty shoot, it is a lot more raw and textural. Inspired by gothic culture in her younger years and the idea of being unattainable, she studied fine art at the Chelsea College of Art before progressing into painting the body and face. This series was shown as part of a 2009 exhibition of their joint work at Rankin's gallery space Annroy, among their other equally as inspiring images. (Dazed and Confused, Nov 09)

 

Photos courtesy of Rankin's website.