Obsession du Jour: Fashion Film

As part of my thesis work for my MFA in Media Design I am researching fashion films as well as the impact of fashion on film and vice versa.  Motion graphics and video art have always been my favorite mediums to work in.  Through my initial research I’ve found so many amazing short films that merge video art and experimental film narrative with beautiful clothes.  I’m interested in the idea of the story that a beautiful piece of clothing or a collection inspires.

Here are a few videos I’ve found that I’m really into.

And anyone who was a fan of Sofia Coppola’s Miss Dior Cherie Commercial (a forever favorite of mine) will enjoy the new Tucker by Gaby Basora Web Shop video viewable on Facebook.

All I Want For X-Mas: Full Rodarte for Target Look Book

When asked about my favorite designers, Rodarte easily pops to the top of my list.  So, needless to say, I have really been looking forward to the Rodarte for Target collection which will be in stores December 20 through January 31.  Here is the look book (in full, with prices).  I love the styling in these pictures so much!  Will definitely be on the look out for some combat boots…

Lace Bow Dress in yellow leopard: $44.99 Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target

Slip Dress in black: $39.99. Bow Belt in yellow leopard: $12.99. Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target

Lace Cardigan in mustard: $29.99. Lace Cami in black: $19.99. Lace and Tulle Skirt in mustard: $29.99. Bow Belt in black: $12.99. Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target

Sequin Dress in gray leopard: $44.99. Lace Cardigan in black: $29.99. Bow Belt in gray leopard: $12.99. Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target

Swiss Dot Dress in blue: $39.99. Bow Belt in yellow leopard: $12.99. Cut-Out Knee-Highs in tan/peach: $9.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target

Denim Jacket: $39.99. Tulle Bow Top in navy: $24.99. Lace and Tulle Skirt in navy: $29.99. Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target

Sequin Rib Cage Dress in black: $49.99. Striped Tee in white/navy: $16.99. Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target

Lace-Print Dress in tan: $34.99. Lace Cardigan in tan: $29.99. Bow Belt in gray leopard: $12.99. Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target

Lace Tee in navy: $16.99. Asymmetrical Cardigan in gray: $44.99. Lace and Tulle Skirt in navy: $29.99. Bow Belt in yellow leopard: $12.99. Cut-Out Knee-Highs in tan/peach: $9.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target

Particularly fond of the lace tights, anything with tulle, and the last three looks.

♥ Kind of in love. ♥

Inspirations for Winter

click image to visit Polyvore for more details on this set and my other looks

I’ve been inspired by a few different things lately…  among them, Karen O (as always), a little dip back into Cabaret, skeletons, deer, sequins, studs, faux fur, and Bauhaus.

As the nights get colder and the days begin to gray, I find myself aesthetically drawn to dark themes, motifs from nature and how wolves can be juxtaposed with deer…  stylistically and metaphorically.

What I Wore: Halloween

© Ciara Pickering 2009

Halloween was AMAZING!  My best friend is up visiting me and he and I and The Boyfriend put together some pretty fun costumes.  I was inspired by a slashed top from Rodarte  Spring 2009.  I remember seeing it on Karen O on the cover of Nylon’s June/July 2009 Music issue and even back during those still hot days of summer my costume idea began to take shape.

(Pardon the low quality of my one full outfit picture – cell phone pic was the only one that kinda turned out.)

© Ciara Pickering 2009

© Dalton Hughes 2009

My bestie and me.

© Ciara Pickering 2009

My zombie boyfriend.

© Dalton Hughes 2009

© Dalton Hughes 2009

© Dalton Hughes 2009

© Dalton Hughes 2009

© Dalton Hughes 2009

 

© Dalton Hughes 2009

 

I hope everyone had a great Halloween!  We certainly did!

Halloween Tips & Tricks

 

© Ciara Pickering 2009

Halloween Week has officially begun!  … and yes, because of my love of the holiday, I am in full support of extending the celebration all week long!  I have been planning a fun costume for myself for a few weeks now.  Of course, I don’t really need an excuse to play dress up!  This week I will share with you some of my favorite Halloween pictures from when I was a little kid.  The above photograph taken when I was about three during my cat phase – I was a cat for three years in a row at least. 🙂

There are some fabulous costumes out there, ready to buy and wear but personally I find it a lot more fun to get creative and see what happens!  Funds are tight for a lot of people this year but don’t let that dampen your Halloween spirit!

• Thrift-store finds are begging to be transformed into your holiday finery!  Any  character you might be inspired by can easily be outfitted with a simple trip to Goodwill.  Not to mention many thrift stores’ proceeds go to benefit the less fortunate and with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming just around the corner the small amount of money you spend can definitely do some good.  Better than picking up a costume-in-a-bag and cheaper, too!  And if you decide to go gore-y this Halloween you won’t feel too bad about mucking up something you acquired with pocket change.

• You’d be amazed at what a pair of cheap panty hose, some corn syrup, and food coloring can get you!  I’ve found some remarkable tutorials on YouTube for making all sorts of ghoulish delights for under $20…

 

• Okay, so maybe blood and gore isn’t your ticket.  I found myself searching for inspiration photographs and making a style board.  The more images I collected the more inspired I got and the more my idea has progressed.  See something you like – rip it off!  There’s no need to shell out big bucks for a costume a bunch of other people will be wearing!  Instead, get a picture of it (or 50!) and figure out what key pieces you will need.  Usually there are distinct elements you have to nail – with my Margot Tenenbaum costume I knew I needed the fur coat, wooden finger, heavy eyeliner and blonde wig.  Sure I would’ve loved the Lacoste polo dress but I  knew if the other elements were right the costume would be a success.  Got the wig for $10, fur coat was my great-grandmothers’, and I made the wooden finger with papier-mâché and wood-look contact paper.  Total spent?  $15  Fun had?  Immeasurable.

• This brings me to my next point:  Use what you’ve got!  Get inspired by your own wardrobe or that of a close friend or relative.  We all have things in our closets that we rarely wear.  What better time to utilize these unique pieces?  Take a shopping trip through your own closet or host a clothes swap with friends and come up with ideas together.

• For my costume (which I will reveal in good time…) I took inspiration from the runways!  (Particularly Rodarte with their sometimes spooky, goth edge.)  Some trends really lend themselves well to being reinterpreted as costumes.  There is no need to make Halloween too oh-my-gawdy and sacrifice being chic…  unless of course that’s your goal! 🙂

• Finally, if you’re having trouble cementing a killer-costume (okay, pun intended) then find a buddy to make your Halloween statement with!  Dressing up as a pair or in a group is always fun and it is much easier to get into character when you create an atmosphere with others.

With all of this said, I would LOVE to hear some of your ideas for Halloween!  Costume ideas, tips and tricks of your own, memorable Halloweens past…  all of it!  Spooky or otherwise, what are you going to be for Halloween?

 

Bookmark: The Teen Vogue Handbook

© Ciara Pickering 2009

This afternoon I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had a package in the manager’s office at my apartment complex and what could it be?!  My deeply anticipated copy of The Teen Vogue Handbook!!!

I must confess I am a devourer of books (and magazines) – a monster to be appeased only by print on page and the occasional glossy, gorgeous cover.  I was delighted when I got this fabulous book in the mail today and so far it is surpassing my expectations!  Not only is the layout wonderful and the colors vivid (as a graphic designer I can’t ignore these great details) but the interviews I’ve read so far with such fashion industry superstars as Marc Jacobs, Thakoon, and the lovely ladies behind Rodarte have been both amazing and inspiring.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in fashion and its seemingly impenetrable gates!  I plan to keep my nose buried in it for the next few days!

Get Creepy!

via Polyvore

See this set and others by me at Polyvore

Oh, it is almost Halloween!  I’m not going to try to hide just how excited I am.  Last year The Boyfriend and I went as Margot and Richie Tenenbaum which was fabulous:

© Ciara Pickering 2009

I’m not sure what his plans for this year are…  I’m thinking maybe a new twist on the classic skeleton for myself (obviously this thought informed my polyvore set for today) but we shall see.

I hope everyone else is excited for Halloween!  I very strongly support dressing up at every age (and, to be honest, regardless of the time of year 🙂 )  It is such a great opportunity to be anything you want if just for an evening.  What are you going to be this Halloween?