THAT TEENAGE FEELING

Youth is an obsession. As the ultimate in unattainable prize, youth is often idealized to the point where it loses any connection to the truth. Lets face it – growing up is scary and adolescence amounts to little more than a period of profound awkwardness, insecurity and pain. Behind every unwrinkled pubescent face staring out at us from glossy magazine pages is a fumbling hormonal teen brimming with uncontrollable emotion. Everyone can remember the nagging sense of apprehension that comes with that age but few artist have addressed as successfully as Charles Burns. It is the under-explored yet constant feeling of fear that is the primary focus of Burns’ seminal comic, Black Hole.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

While many houses are opting out of resort this year due to monetary concerns there is something about the post-seasonal practicality of the resort collections that is completely in line with the current penny pincher ethos. What could be more recession-proof than simple, easy clothes you can wear almost the whole year that come at a (slightly) cheaper price tag? In an age where pragmatism is on everyone’s mind Stefano Pilati turns out a YSL collection ( YSL Resort 2010 Slideshow ) of ensembles that all but scream longevity, reliability and chicness. The safe investments have arrived but there are still a few flourishes to be found.

TO INFINITY & BEYOND

With the phrase ’space, the final frontier’ suddenly back on the cultural radar its interesting to look at the ways in which space remains inscrutable and inspiring. Some of the most memorable visuals in JJ Abrams’ savvy retooling of the Star Trek franchise have almost nothing todo with plot development. The majestic way in which the director presents space is truly spellbinding. Drawing from the best sci-fi source material – hints of 2001: A Space Odyssey’s symphonic vision of the galaxy abound – Abrams & co. craft a space that crackles with energy while remaining a void. Whether it is the way the sound fades out each time the enterprise crew descends into space’s bleakness or the stunning lens flares and flashing lights that echo the brilliance of flickering stars and swirling nebulas – space has never seemed quite so comely as it does in Abrams’ frontier.

MISS FRIZZLE

Prada always takes the esoteric path when it comes to the overall look of their shows. Regardless of what is on trend Miuccia’s team puts together a look that is visually exciting and uniquely suited to the collection at hand. This season’s expertly Guido Palau hair ( Prada Hair F/W 09 Slideshow ) crafted had all the texture and whimsy of the F/W collection itself. The 1940s meets Neolithic hair was big on volume and big on frizz, the unruly texture whole product lines are meant to tame. Embracing the rawness of frizz creates a beautifully unkempt almost, cotton candy-esque look that you can’t help but want to touch. Flawlessness doesn’t invite that kind of tactile desire nor does it make for such an appealing side view.

TARRED & FEATHERED

TAR is not a fashion magazine – its editor, Evan Schindler will tell you as much. Sure a few fashion personalities make special guest appearances and there is a smattering of editorial content but ultimately these are amusing post scripts on an altogether charming love letter to the art world. The second issue’s cover of Kate Moss ala Damien Hirst is only there to grab your attention – the real nitty gritty of the magazine’s second issue lies in exploring the ways in which art is becoming honest. The issue’s theme of transparency is almost a misnomer – the content presented isn’t transparent as much as it is seditious – a pointed middle finger in the air to the status quo and its lies.

CONTROL ALT

When talking about the films of Jim Jarmusch the word style inevitably comes into play. Whether one is referring to the director’s ongoing fascination with documenting the lives of enigmatic lone wolves or to his uniquely nonlinear method of storytelling there remains a focus on the execution as well as the final product. With his latest film The Limits of Control, Jarmusch extends his oeuvre into the fashionable not via any concerted effort but simply through creating visuals that resonate. The film may be recieving mixed reviews but few can argue with the visual potency of a platinum Tilda Swinton clad in head to toe white topped off with crimson lips and a cowboy hat? Or the raw beauty of Isaach de Bankole’s features? Its hard to argue with things like that and though The Limits of Control might not join Down by Law in the pantheon of classics but it is sure to inspire an editorial or two.

BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS

The reemergence of color as a source of vitality within fashion is a unique journey. As flattering to the complexion as a jolt of color can be fashion has often shown preference to a rather stark palate. Black / white / beige/ grey – these are the wardrobe mainstays. Color is usually an appealing accent rather than whole story – especially the kinds of heavily saturated almost blinding colors favored by designer Chris Benz ( Chris Benz F/W 09 Slideshow ) and used throughout his fall presentation. With the sharply American sportswear perspective of a young Geoffrey Beane and the color sensibilities of a Crayola-happy youth, Benz offers up a jolt of good old fashioned fun.

HOLE IN THE WALL

There is a degree of escapism behind Rachel Beach‘s series of sinuous woodcuttings. Whether it’s the aptly titled “Towers and Portals” series or the multi-faceted “History Repeating” each glossy colored woodwork presents a break from reality. ( Rachel Beach Slideshow ) The cryptic names and knowing nods to conceptual masters (Frank Stella-esque color combos abound) conjure thoughts of parallel universes and abstract dimensions – the kinds of fantastical elements that pepper science fiction novels and enliven the imagination. With their tricks of perspective and oscilation between 2 & 3D you can almost feel the sensation of movement just by looking. Marquetry often feels like the point where art and tchotchke converge so Beach’s engagingly fresh abstractions make for a compelling change of pace. One can’t help but envision what lies on the other side of each portal, whether its a whole other world or simply another parallax view.

THE MET SET

With the surrounding hype and blog-o-sphere attention reaching critical mass its only fair to give a brief nod to the Costume Institute Gala and it’s cavalcade of celebrity attendees. Fashion was the main order of business but few managed to convey any legitimately fashionable statements via their ensembles. With a few noted exceptions everyone played their usual parts – actresses dressed for another red carpet, models looked like tearsheets come to life and everyone else blended into the background. Most of the interesting outfits (and attention) went to the ladies tied to evening’s ‘Model As Muse’ theme but the non-catwalkers were presented with a unique opportunity. A chance to truly play with clothes without the usual boundaries of taste.

THE GLASS SLIPPER

While the currently shoe is enjoying a place atop the “it” accessories heap there remain very few shoes that truly have the excitement or inventiveness required to generate interest beyond the span of a moment. It is almost impossible to reinvent the wheel with regards to what constitutes a well formed heel but every so often something comes along to excite the eye. The designs of Camilla Skovgaard are equal parts eccentric and erotic. You have the bondage feel of strappy booties that hug the heel and the almost sculptural minimalism of alabaster pumps with flaps and laces.