Archives: September 01, 2006

In fashion, one day you're in, and the next you're out

Wednesday, 27 September 2006 12:35 PM

Speaking of fashion, tonight brings us a new episode of Project Runway. I didn't want to like this show, but I'm drawn to it -- the design challenges, the psychological battles, the excellent and horrific outfits, and Heidi Klum's hypnotizing smile.

My pick for winner is Laura. The dress pictured here (or maybe it's a top?) is one of her creations for tonight's Fashion Week episode. My other favorite designer is Michael, who has sharp style and comes across as the nicest fellow.

Incidentally, when I grow up, I want to be Tim Gunn. For those who don't watch the show -- and that's probably most of you -- Tim is Chair of the Department of Fashion Design at Parsons The New School for Design, which is where "Project Runway" happens. He's also co-host of the show. His bio is here. Tim walks through the workroom door many times each episode. He explains the challenge, brings in the models, sternly instructs the designers how much time they have left to finish their creations and get their models to the Tresemme hair salon and L'Oreal Paris makeup room, and kibitzes on the developing designs.

I love to see the creases gather on Tim's forehead as he stands, finger held thoughtfully to lip, and looks at a partially constructed dress -- particularly if it's a really awful dress. You can see he's trying to figure out how to fix it, even when it's clearly a lost cause. He's so helpful, so kind, so concerned about these designers as they try to claw their way into the self-important world of frippery that is modern fashion design.

Of course Tim has a blog for the show. Nothing shocking, just summaries of what happened and reiterations of the collective judgements regarding the results. Yet each week there are hundreds of comments on each post. Everyone loves Tim.

UPDATE: Izzle Pfaff gives a biting and funny analysis of "Project Runway" and last night's episode.

iCouture

Wednesday, 27 September 2006 11:15 AM

Here's what's engraved on the back of my iPod mini: "To Me, With Love."

I pre-ordered it the day they were announced and have have it replaced twice. I keep it in a specially-purchased, color-coordinated wallet to protect it from the harsh realities of daily life.

I take it everywhere, listen to it always.

But I draw the line at dropping $250 on jeans for it.

Introducing the Levi's® Redwire™ DLX Jean, designed for the on-the-go music lover. Custom iPod® docking cradle is built into a hidden side pocket.A red wire connects cradle to jeans, allowing for visibility of the iPod® without losing connectivity. Retractable headphone unit sits on waistband. White leather joystick controller is integrated into watch pocket, with controls to play, pause, track forward/back and adjust volume.

Ugly, unflattering even on a model, and uber-geeky. Yow.

Hugo Chavez: the new Oprah Winfrey

Friday, 22 September 2006 08:53 AM

From today's Los Angeles Times:

At the start of his talk Wednesday, during which Chavez referred to President Bush as "the devil," Chavez held up a book by Noam Chomsky, "Hegemony or Survival: America's Quest for Global Dominance," and recommended it to everyone in the General Assembly, as well as to the American people.

"The people of the United States should read this … instead of watching Superman movies," Chavez later told reporters.

As of Thursday afternoon, "Hegemony or Survival," originally published in 2003, had jumped into the top 10 of Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com.

And what a jump: Amazon said the book had zoomed from No. 20,664 on its bestseller list to No. 4 for the day.

(Link via MIT Advertising Lab.)

UPDATE: Reports (from Pres. Chavez) of Mr. Chomsky's death have been greatly exaggerated.

Oh, such grace! Such beauty!

Tuesday, 19 September 2006 11:05 AM

Sport imitates viral marketing: Olympic-caliber skaters adapt the OK Go "A Million Ways" video.

My favorite bits: the male skater flapping his arms like a chicken while skating backwards and kicking, and the slo-mo karate chop.

Also, the announcers seem unaware that the odder moves are copied from a music video. And they seem bewildered by those self-same odd moves. Delicious!

In case you've forgotten the splendor of the original...

Hang in there, little tomato

Wednesday, 13 September 2006 10:50 AM

My dear, dear blog readers, how I've missed you. I have much to tell you about and so little time to tell it. But time must be found, for I can't continue to abandon you like this.

Here's what you'll be reading about in the near future: Beckettfest concludes gloriously, and apparently without cast, crew, or audience suicides; I reveal my secret interest in certain reality TV shows (including one that has its finale tonight!); the new season of House begins; I make up for BlogDay; my impending birthday starts to faze me a little; I can't stand the rain, at least when I'm driving; we are all ready for some football.

Copyright © 2004 – 2007 Cynthia Closkey