Hard Out Here

Lily Allen is back!

You have probably heard of Lily Allen's long awaited comeback. Yes, she's back in business. Better than ever, I must say. Her dry wit and irreverence always makes me happy!

In 2009 it seemed that Lily wouldn't make a return in the music bizz. Ever. But in June 2012 she tweeted that she was working in the studio with Greg Kurstin on new music. "I'm just throwing shit at the wall and seeing if anything sticks."

Forget your balls and grow a pair of tits / It's hard out here for a bitch Lily sings on Hard Out Here, where she gives her view on sexism and double standards in the music industry. The video starts as she lies on a stretcher, getting a liposuction surgery and being criticized by her male manager for her post-baby weight. That's only the beginning. What follows is a parody on the music culture a.k.a. hip-hop video clishés containing twerking, champagne bottles, half-naked dancers, gold bars, product placement and a Rolls Royce. Oh and she also takes aim at the use of the word 'bitch' by (over)using it several times.

The video has caused quite some fuss on the internet. 

Some are questioning her decision for women of color as twerking background dancers. Sounds familiar? Miley got criticism after her VMA performance for using her black dancers as probs. Apparently the 'teenage tragedy' didn't care as she did it again at the EMA's this month. The double standards were also confirmed in this discussion. Miley told that 'no one's talking about the man behind the ass', Robin Thicke. I'm (certainly!) not a fan of Smiley, but she's absolutely right in this case! Lily Allen is making fun of mister Thicke as well. Lily dances in front of huge, silver balloons that says 'LILY ALLEN HAS A BAGGY PUSSY'. In Blurred Lines a model dances in front of 'ROBIN THICKE HAS A BIG DICK'. That's a huge difference to say the least. 

I think it's good that Lily shows the downside of the music industry by enlarging it. It's distressing, especially for young women, that there's a picture of how women are supposed to be. Misogyny is still a hot topic, even in the Western society. How often do you see that young and sweet girls turn into lust and/or sex objects (Britney! Miley! etc.)?

I can only applaud Lily for making this statement!

Lily Allen is hoping to release her third album next March. I just can't wait!

Confirmed: Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton

hot off the press

It was only a matter of time, but it's officially confirmed (finally!) that Nicolas Ghesquière is the new artistic director of Louis Vuitton. The appointment came almost a year to the day he exited Balenciaga. Therewith he's taking over of none other than Marc Jacobs who left the label last month. "I have a lot of respect and admiration for Marc Jacobs. He made Louis Vuitton relevant in fashion and will always be known as the first designer of the brand. I'm very proud to succeed him." In early October it was already leaked that Ghesquière was appointed. The news made the headlines on Twitter, but was consistently denied by LVMH.

But now the word is out! Ghesquière will bring "a modern, creative vision to the house's women's collections, building on the values of refinement, savoir faire and extreme quility," says Vuitton. When he left Balenciaga there were rumors that he was in talks with LVMH to do his own line. Ghesquière told Suzy Menkes that it's something he will always think about, "one day maybe I do my own name, but not now when I was asked to do something so fantastic."

Because he did things at Balenciaga we must not forget
(if we ever could),
here are some of his highlights:

The designer will show his first collection for the fashion house next March. He said he will not give any interviews until that time "to keep it a surprise". The show will take place in Paris monument Cour Carrée du Louvre.

I have no doubt he'll do great at Vuitton.

What about you?

FW #3: Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez
never does anything wrong

Is there something like too much perfection? If so, I would like to give this award to none other than Narciso Rodriguez. In an interview he told his hope that the new collection is better than the last one. Oh yes, dear! Look what you've done now!

Every season Narciso's blowing my mind with his easy-going yet constructive designs. This time round the new length was really short. Look at these super mini skirts. Super sexy, to say the least.
And another thing: the layering. Ever heard of double-skirting? Well, now you do!

For this collection Narciso Rodriguez has been looking down a microscope for inspiration. "There's never one source of inspiration, but I had these microscopic pictures of water, rock formations and crystals blown up. It's amazing what you find then." The collection was also a continuation of resort, he said. The play with texture and detailing to enhance the simple lines was clearly visible.

Then this:

can I please have your attention
for these amaaazing heels?

...

... Thank you!