There is more Barack-fashion related talk on the blogosphere today as Obama's jeans come under scrutiny. Earlier spotted wearing what are known as "mom jeans" in the good ol' US of A, Barack has apparently upgraded to a trendier set of darker jeans after reporting "I got a hard time from all sorts of blogs who said I looked like Urkel." Urkel indeed.
This blog prefers him in the not-so-trendy helmet/old bike/old jeans/old sneaks look... I guess it makes him look more personable and corny-dad-like.
Meanwhile there has been a ridiculous amount of merchandise released with the focus being the candidates, their VPs and pretty much
anyone related to the campaign.
Anyone.
This website is keeping track of their sales and released products as a sort of pseudo-consumerist poll gauging consumer interest in the candidates. Needless to say Obama is streets ahead as consumers are gripped by Obamamania. Obama products account for almost 50% of weekly sales, McCain is sitting at just under 20% by comparison.
Labels: fashion, US Elections 2008
OK I have a lot of crap to get off my chest today.
Firstly, the disgraceful slandering of Dubai for the prosecution and possible imprisonment of Michelle Palmer and Vince Acors on Jumeirah Beach. For those that have heard already, these two were sort of having sex on the beach... ahh what fun. Then they sort of realised that the UAE had strict
laws about that sort of thing and sort of found themselves arrested and charged. The whole world has kicked up a fuss, including several major newspapers and the blogosphere, about how: "oh its so unfair... oh oh *hand wringing* this is a clash of cultures... Dubai shouldn't tempt people to its shores with fun and then put them in jail for having it... oh oh" which is just bloody stupid as
this Editorial from The National points out:
"They broke the law: it’s as simple as that. The behaviour of Michelle Palmer and Vince Acors on Jumeirah beach in Dubai would also have been against the law in London, Paris and New York. Not only that, it would have been against the law in the fleshpots of Las Vegas, Amsterdam and Bangkok. That is why they were arrested, that is why they were prosecuted, that is why they were found guilty and that is why, if their appeal fails, they will go to prison."
Bloody right, first rule of international travel states, know the law of the country you're in, respect it, and don't break it. We all know that British expats are not going to leave Dubai because they want a piece of that money pie as much as anyone else does but, for every British idiot who leaves... there will be more than enough expats from all over the world ready to pounce on his job (me included).
Read here
another absolutely brilliant piece from
Tony Karon, in the National, on the geopolitical after-effects of the global financial crisis. He rightly points out that most people blame poor stewardship on the part of the US for the crisis, that right now the US is nto taking any innovative steps in leading the world out of it and that this will strongly change the global financial, and geopolitical, landscape. Karon explores the aftermath of the bailout and its likely effects on several other pressing issues.
In US Elections related news... I very much am hoping that I can soon say that it's all over red rover for Mr. McCain. Not only has Obama just shredded all sorts of records with his
$150m September donation figures (remember he rejected public funding!) and
gathered a rally of over 100,000 people in Missouri but he has just landed
the endorsement of Colin Powell! Colin Powell is not only a Republican and one of the earliest proponents of the war on Iraq, but he also happens to be one of the most popular politicians in the US (not to mention
an accomplished rapper)... surely this is End Game.
Fashion/Design-wise, I came across this awesome looking stool. Yes it's actually a soft scuplted Hercules' head that this chap is sitting on. I want one! You want one too? Buy it
here.
Also get a sneak peak at the
new Converse Spring collection. I'm not a huge fan of what I've seen so far but new Converse is always an exciting thing. I find the platinum chucks on the left rather interesting but I don't think they're anything that I would wear.
And finally, Mr. Sachin Ramesh
Tendulkar has overtaken Brian Lara as the highest run-scorer in the history of test cricket. 12,000+ runs and counting. I, like many Aussies, am not impressed by the thorough shelacking that has been dished out to our team in the second test so far, and am growing rather worrisome about this series... but hats have to go off to the little master. It has been an amazing innings, still not out and still yet to see when and how he will hang up the pads - no doubt it will be a grand event.
Labels: cricket, design, dubai, fashion, US Elections 2008, world happenings
Some more cool stuff from the internets today. If anyone else is into stencil art, here is an
absolutely amazing set from C215, a Pais-based stencil artist, set in Karol Bagh, India. He may be the first stencil artist to have stencilled the streets of India... but either way his work is absolutely awesome.
According to Anchorage Daily News,
"A legislative investigation has concluded that Gov. Sarah Palin abused her power in pushing for the firing of an Alaska state trooper who was once married to her sister, or by failing to prevent her husband Todd from doing so."
For those that are not so clued in on this story called
Troopergate
"Branchflower was investigating Palin's involvement in an effort to get state trooper Mike Wooten fired. Wooten was involved in a nasty divorce from Palin's sister. Palin and her husband, Todd, have accused Wooten of threatening Palin's father."
A recent symposium called
al-Qaeda 3.0 has established some worrying facts about the situation with al-Qaeda these days. The general consensus around
the Washington establishment is that the Surge and the recent "successes" in the war on Iraq have weakened al-Qaeda but it seems that this is hardly the case.
Check this from
the Wonk Room's Matt Duss
:
"Because of the redirection of focus and resources to Iraq, Al Qaeda’s top leadership was allowed to escape to Pakistan, from where they continue to support insurgency in Afghanistan, and continue to plan attacks on the West. Also reiterated at today’s event was the extent to which the invasion and occupation of an Arab Muslim country has served to confirm bin Laden’s propaganda, which appeals to a sense of grievance among many young Muslims. Another consequence of the Iraq war — one which has yet to be widely reported but which I think is going to become extremely important in the next few years as its effects become more apparent– is the phenomenon of fighters leaving Iraq, bringing their ideology and experience and establishing new fronts in other countries."
Considering that the Washington Establishment is so misguided about the impact of this War, or, at the very least, is so eloquently and elaborately continuing to try to pull the wool over the eyes of the American people (and the People of the World), what will it take to end this? Many of the people that started this war and continue to be proponents of it now serve as advisors on the McCain campaign. When will people wake up?
Labels: art, india, street art, US Elections 2008, world happenings
I love the Guardian. They somehow manage to make sarcasm cool again and not 'the lowest form of wit' as it has often been accused of being... I call bullshit on that one. Sarcasm is awesome. Here is
an excellent blog entry written by Steven Wells that calls Sarah Palin out on the pop tragedy, tabloid fodder, shock politics that she bloody well is. Respect.
"The pop tragedy that has been Sarah Palin's gloriously entertaining fortnight in the limelight will no doubt be compared by lesser scribes to the crash'n'burn trajectories of Buddy Holly or Mama Cass. They do the story a disservice. It took Jesus Christ 33 years to be born in a blaze of media hype, have an entire nation hanging on his every word, and then be crucified in front of a jeering mob. It took Sarah Palin just two incredible weeks, making her not only more rock'n'roll than Jesus, but more rock'n'roll than rock'n'roll itself."
In fashion-related news we have
a very rough critical appraisal of the Givenchy show at Paris Fashion Week, from Cathy Horin at NYT. Which is good, I never liked those bastards anyway. The fact that they are selling discount wallets for 50 Bahraini Dinars (ard $150) at shady looking outlets in forlorn corners of Seef Mall, hawked by Egyptian sales assistants that don't speak English, is proof in the pudding really... how far you have fallen, I predict Givenchy will be the next Pierre Cardin.
"I don’t think the explanation for last night’s rambling Givenchy show is that Riccardo Tisci just has too many ideas and doesn’t know how to “focus.” I’m beginning to wonder if he has any ideas at least that are original...
There was not much design value in the clothes, and some things showed surprisingly little finesse..."I agree with the lack of finesse comment. I mean if you look at each of the pictures I've posted here, you can see what he's trying to do but I can see these clothes stretched onto 15 year old Marias at whatever shitholes they are passing off for clubs now at Crown Entertainment Centre. Granted, Givenchy will probably still appeal to the nouveau riche crowd, particularly loaded Russians that need to flaunt their recently liposuctioned legs and whatnot. And none of this is a good thing.
Robin Derrick is a creative director at British Vogue and is also a photographer. His latest work, dealing with cut flower arrangements is pretty cool. Although minimalist in a way, his combination of colourful, chaotic-yet-systematic flowers arranged over a black canvas, I personally find quite visually powerful.
According to
Wallpaper* online:
"The post-production phase on each image took around 100 hours, and it shows. Up to 15 original transparencies were shot and then combined, in part, to elicit the sharpest elements for the final print."and it shows.
Labels: art, fashion, photography, US Elections 2008
first from
Milan Fashion Week...
notice the beautiful evening gown on the left with a slightly exaggerated bodice, I'm also rather a fan of the burgundy/reddish mini-dress with the shell embroidery, all from Mr. John Galliano.
"The message was sexiness, luscious color mixed with neutrals, and lots and lots of leg. (Mr. Galliano had just two pants outfits, and they were black leggings.)"
I'm also a fan of the Balmain stuff, check out this pic. I've always been a fan of acid-wash jeans and that french military (i dunno if its really french but its def military) jacket is really very cool.
In the aftermath of
the US Presidential Debate last week we have seen a lot of analysis in the papers and news media, mostly calling a stale-mate. But did people notice the ties? Oh my God, the ties. Obviously male US Presidential candidates (as they so far have always been) have no other way to really differentiate their outfits... though I am waiting for the day when someone rocks up in something cool like a tweed suit... so far they havent even broken into pinstripes yet.
Things have been interesting on the tie front though. Check out the pic: Obama has gone for a dark purplish/red tie, red being the traditional Republican colour and blue being Democrat, he seems to have gone somewhere in between... McCain has gone for a colourful stripy tie... woah.... I know he's a maverick but that thing is blinding!
Further on the politics front,
the BBC has done a poll on how
the War on Terror is going according to people in various important countries and it seems to be a resounding 'not great'.
"Some 29% of people said the “war on terror” launched by President George W Bush in 2001 had had no effect on the Islamist militant network.
According to 30% of those surveyed, US policies have strengthened al-Qaeda."
Furthermore:
"In Pakistan, where much of the battle against al-Qaeda is being fought, just 19% said they had a negative view of Osama Bin Laden’s organisation."
Ummm.... that's bad.
Labels: fashion, US Elections 2008, world happenings
I personally find the conversion of over-sized men's shirts to skirts for the ladies through some creative tailoring a pretty interesting concept. That's right girls, it's time to raid ya boy's old wardrobe and steal all those shirts that appear to have a decent colour and fabric... we don't mind... just one less for us to iron anyways. Thanks to
Refinery29 Pipeline for this. First pic taken in Stockholm, second in Brooklyn.
And thanks to
Pipeline again for digging out this little nugget:
Pulitzer-Prize Winning Washington Post Fashion Editor Robin Givhan.
What exactly is Rob saying? Is this... a good thing? Is it... bad? Certainly it's probably better than the proletarian criticism of Laura Bushes $300,000 outfits... but surely having an exceptionally ordinary style is nothing to crow about... surely. Ahhh... I miss Keating and his Zegna suits Labels: fashion, US Elections 2008
I've been blogging a great deal about fashion and the US election so it's time to switch it up somewhat and blog about both... combined... in the same paragraph. I have seen the "Fuck Palin" t-shirt but this is something a little more subtle and not-so-partisan... I (well actually, the trouser makers
Bonobos) present to you... the Obamas and the McCains!
Firstly the McCains:
"We respect mavericks, in all shapes and forms. We hope that you continue to be willing to swim against the current and lead with your best instinct rather than with the special interests that are destroying our nation.
The McCains are our first pair with a liner that doesn't show through the back: as conservative as we get. Navy outside, with a supersoaker liner. No contrast color cross-stitching on the belt loop, either. You asked for the clean cut, you got it. Check out the Obamas for more signature Bonobos flair."
And the Obamas:
"Barack - it's more of a love affair we have with you amigo. You are young, strong and thoughtful. You give us hope for a better America, one where our President is a global citizen.
The Obamas target our charismatic customers - the magnificent tile-style floral mosaic liner screams open-minded, well-traveled, gregarious. In contrast, the McCains offer this highly desired navy trouser with a quietly confident subtle finish."
Despite the fact that it's clear which President I vote for, I think I prefer the McCain trousers... does this mean I'm conservative?
In other news, it seems that Saudi Arabia is having a fashion show...
a men's fashion show... it's first... and of course it's in that liberal bastion of the Red Sea, Jeddah. Oh how I'd love to go to Jeddah. Maybe one day, after I either convert to Islam or work for a big oil company, neither of which is very likely at this point but hey, you never know...
Anyone who's every been to Taiwan knows about betel nut girls. They're the chicks in skimpy clothing, specifically mini-skirts, and tops that look like they involved the deaths of many pink records or crylics (whatever they are) to make, that hawk the apparently addictive and possibly mildly hallucinogenic stimulant betel nut. Apparently there is a new art installation in NY by artist Annamarie Ho, which will recreate a betelnut booth with a hired actress. Her goal is to explore the class and gender dynamics of the betelnut girl phenomenon... no really. Here's the link to
their site.
Labels: art, fashion, US Elections 2008
The US presidential campaign appears to be heating up, McCain who has previously stumbled on the economy and conceded a lead in the polls to Obama over the issue (this might have something to do with the fact that he claimed that the US has a fundamentally strong economy a few days before the collapse) is back in the picture. His recent announcement that he is halting his campaign (including his debate appearance) in order to focus on solving the crisis may have been a master-stroke. As it stands, McCain is not backing down, not attending the debate, and the question on everyone's lips is will Obama be debating with himself in Mississippi?
[update]: There are still questions as to whether John McCain will participate in the first presidential debate, but Barack Obama's top advisers are heading to the event site.
Jeff Zeleney, The Caucus, NYT.Palin, on the other hand, continues to make me laugh. According to
The New York Times' Sarah Wheaton, Palin has actually thrown more fuel on the hysterical fire brewing over her "I can see Russia from my house" remarks. She apparently complained to Katie Couric of CBS that she has been mocked for these comments and has proceeded to clarify them:
"It’s very important when you consider even national-security issues with Russia. As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where do they go? It’s Alaska. It’s just right over the border. It is from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right next to, they are right next to our state."
I mean... seriously?
Speaking of stupid Republicans, our all time fave went on national TV last night and
decided to blame the financial crisis on foreign investors... I mean... is the American public that stupid? Well ok don't answer that...
And here's
an excellent article from Think Progress' M. Duss, reminding us that the $700b suggested to bailout the US economy is in fact similar to the amount the US has spent in Iraq so far... it also quotes some interesting comments from Bin Laden way back in 2004 about the strategy of "bleeding the USA until bankruptcy". And I quote from Mr. BL
"And even more dangerous and bitter for America is that the Mujahedin recently forced Bush to resort to emergency funds to continue the fight in Afghanistan and Iraq which is evidence of the success of the bleed-until-bankruptcy plan with Allah’s permission… And it all shows that the real loser is… you. It’s the American people and their economy."
Labels: politics, US Elections 2008, world happenings
Excellent blog post from
Washington Post's Chris Cillizza on whether Sarah Palin may have the 'teflon'-like quality of past presidents Reagan and Clinton, to whom negative stories rarely stuck.
"We wondered whether Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin might have the same quality. As most recent polls show, despite a wealth of stories critical of Palin and questioning John McCain's selection of her as a running mate, she remains generally popular across the country. Does this mean Palin has the Teflon quality? And if so, can she maintain it all the way through Election Day?"
I personally don't think you can compare the gun-toting, fish-loving (my dad loves to fish, aint nothin wrong with that) Alaskan Governess to Bill Clinton, she has all the charisma of a Barbie doll, as is underscored by her foreign policy credentials "I can see Russia from my house!"
Speaking of the Governess, apparently the Palins are in New York at the moment, as are the Sarkozys, The
New York Observer's Irina Aleksander wonders whether they would meet... and how that meeting might go down
...
"We’re picturing it like a scene from Wife Swap where the two sets of spouses are seated across from each other, having a civil discussion until someone inevitably loses their temper and storms off. And while Ms. Bruni-Sarkozy might be tall, beautiful, a singer, and, ahem, a former supermodel, Ms. Palin was a runner-up in the Miss Alaska beauty pageant, eats moose burgers and, she can shoot guns!
Something tells us the husbands might take the back seat in our fantasy. "
Mr. Obama meanwhile is busy trying to fix this ridiculous bail-out "plan" that the Bush Administration has hastily cobbled together with... oh... $700 billion of taxpayers money. Here's my favourite part:
"It is wholly unreasonable to expect that American taxpayers would or should hand this Administration or any Administration a $700 billion blank check with absolutely no oversight or conditions when a lack of oversight in Washington and on Wall Street is exactly what got us into this mess...The plan must include protections to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to further reward the bad behavior of irresponsible CEOs on Wall Street. There has been talk that some CEOs may refuse to cooperate with this plan if they have to forgo multi-million-dollar salaries. I cannot imagine a position more selfish and greedy at a time of national crisis. And I would like to speak directly to those CEOs right now: Do not make that mistake...This plan cannot be a welfare program for Wall Street executives."While all the talk at the moment is that "the US is more communist than China" after nationalising a bunch of companies and bailing out a bunch of others with the above-mentioned tax plan, I think what's a bigger problem is the Bush Administration is going to throw taxpayer's money at an issue (more tax cuts! more defense spending! more war! less medical! less education!) and not even bother to delve deeper into the lack of regulation and oversight that created this mess in the first place. I think it's ironic that the sub-prime mortgage crisis started with a bunch of unscrupulous financial organisations giving loans to people who were never going to be able to pay them banking the entire time on the fact that the property bubble will never burst... and this is being "solved" by an unscrupulous Governing Administration giving a bunch of shady financial institutions a blank cheque (so that the CEOs can keep their multi-million dollar salaries) assuming that the share market bubble wont burst as long as we throw money at it. Ah do we ever learn from our mistakes?
Labels: finance, politics, US Elections 2008
