self-made men/women

As I was taking cover for Hurricane Irene yesterday, I decided to watch "Coco Avant Chanel"- a biopic depicting the early life of Coco Chanel.


It's amazing to see how this girl who was practically an orphan was able to overcome the traps of poverty & a rigid, chauvinistic society and build one of the largest fashion dynasties in the world. And it was interesting to see the influence of the men in her life from the Baron, whose life and kingdom she weaseled her way into through the most aggressive means, to Boy Capel, the love of her life who gently encouraged her to pursue her gifts.

In a world where woman weren't supposed to work and were only seen as accessories to men, she was able to revolutionize the fashion industry by becoming the first female designer and entrepreneur. In a world of excess and frivolity, she was able to showcase a style based on simplicity and elegance (i.e. the little black dress, two-piece suits).

"As soon as you set foot on a yacht you belong to some man, not to yourself, and you die of boredom."- coco chanel

I've been going on a binge of reading up and researching these type of rags-to-riches stories, specifically on people who come from less-than-fortunate backgrounds and truly pursued what they loved. With all the recent news about Steve Jobs stepping down, I started researching (or googling) on his life, and I was blown away by his story. From being an adoptee to being let go from his own company to suffering from cancer and other health problems, this brilliant man has gone through a helluva lot. But his technological prowess, his emphasis on aesthetics, his hunger for innovation, and his love for his craft pulled him through even the darkest of times.

Unlike his rather 'square' contemporaries, Steve Jobs has the unique gift of knowing what consumers want in their products. I still remember my brother criticizing me for getting my first iBook when I was 18, saying that the only reason I wanted it was because it was "pretty." Which was entirely true (though I didn't admit it at the time), and Steve Jobs knew that.

My friend sent me this clip of a commencement speech he gave back in '05:


I know commencement speeches can be a bit gimmicky and "for show", but listening to this speech made me want to re-evaluate my life path. It made me really think about what I truly value & love and how these things can translate into a career. I'm still thinking.

the eye of the beholder

I've always been (somewhat) interested in fashion, though my limited knowledge of it comes from following fashion blogs and speed-browsing through Vogue while at the grocery checkout line. I wouldn't necessarily call myself tres chic (i'm a total cheapo and frequent shopper of forever 21 & H&M). But the world of fashion intrigues me, and that was why I initially wanted to watch "Bill Cunningham New York", a documentary about the New York Times fashion photographer.

What I didn't realize was that I'd be so touched by the story of this happy, little old man and his singular love & passion for his craft. And how it all came so naturally to him- the photography, the city, the clothes, the people... it wasn't work, it was his pleasure. Surrounded by the froufrou grandeur of the New York celebrities and socialites he photographs, he lives contently with his meager wardrobe and minimalist lifestyle- averse to any forms of praise or monetary rewards. Most of the documentary follows Bills everyday life and displays his lovable nature as he comes in contact to a wide spectrum of people from ordinary folks on the streets to journalists/art directors at the Times to the "who's who of New York" at fancy galas to the models at the Paris Fashion Week.

However, what really came out of left field for me was this extremely poignant moment when the documentarist (?) set Bill down and started asking about his personal life, specifically about his romantic relationships (or lack thereof) and his religion. As someone who grew up in a Catholic home and still attends church every Sunday (despite his hectic schedule), Bill paused for an uncomfortable length of time when asked about this subject. He slightly let out what sounded like a sob, and tried to explain casually that he had always gone to church since he was a child (though his eyes would always be looking at women's hats) and religion has been a good guide to life. But then he went on further saying that as one matures, it becomes "something else" (mind you, this is loosely quoted, because I can't remember his exact words). These two questions regarding his romantic life and his religious life seemed to have hit a nerve. The question about his romantic life (or rather the implicit question of whether he was gay) was never explicitly answered, but the roundabout way in which it was, suggested that perhaps his religious upbringing came in conflict with his personal desires (though this may be just me assuming too much). Nevertheless, my heart went out to this man who lived a fulfilling, yet solitary life.

Now my eyes will be peeled for a wobbly, old man in a blue jacket biking his way through the streets of New York. And if I ever see him zip past me, I'll run after him and give a big fat hug to this beautiful human being.

sighting!

I was browsing through the Sartorialist today and I found this girl as the newest entry.
Though i can only see 25% of her face, I swear this is my friend sarah cho who used to intern with me at MOCA. Funny thing is there is no way to confirm it because I do not know her phone # or email and I can't go on facebook anymore. But just in case, she somehow randomly finds this blog: is this you!?!?!

can we be in NY already...?

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congrats to stephen on the grammy! well-deserved, my man. <3

on a tangent:

love her style!

things that i ♡:

1. peter pan collars


2. lace dresses & skirts/tutus


3. beanie/glasses combo


4. ballet flats


They never get old for me... when I first arrived in Korea, my aunt and cousin were amazed at how many ballet flats I had. Sadly, I ended up leaving pairs behind... I need to invest in some good black ones.

5. colored tights & thigh-highs

current obsession

platinum blonde pixies

so mod

anime-esque

so pretty, he is...

my ultimate fave blonde

heard she's not blonde anymore! no!!!!

evolution of bowler hats

chaplin made it iconic.

magritte made it surreal

then kundera had to sex it up...

inspired by sabine?

oh... tres chic...

is it bad that i want one?

something is really wrong with me

i woke up this morning really wanting a pink blazer.


even the king of thailand has one! not fair!