May 19, 2012

Dark Stalkers C'est Chic

Morrigan wears Haider Ackermann Spring 2011. Hsien-Ko wears Céline Spring 2011

Here are more sketches. I have been trapped in my apartment due to a ridiculous reoccurring foot injury that just won't quit. Ironic, especially when my friends are actually in town. I decided to be productive in my static state so I took to the sketch book again. Morrigan and Hsien-ko were a natural choice for this project as they are two of my favorite characters from another CAPCOM game, Dark Stalkers. They are definitely more cartoonish because they have wings and giant metal claws, but oddly enough these collections are still complimentary.

If you haven't already noticed, my world is a strange jumble of fashion and animation and food. I will explain why I chose these looks for these girls when I scan the originals. I think I want to go ahead and color them too. So much fun! If you have any requests I am all ears, but something tells me there aren't too many fashion/gamer/anime nerds who are going to read this.

- jerome

May 18, 2012

Street Fighter C'est Chic

Chun-Li wears Chanel Pre-Fall 2010. Cammy wears Burberry Prorsum Fall/Winter 2010.

There was a "Living Single" marathon on, which pretty much decided that I was staying in on this fine Friday evening. After making dinner and cleaning house, I decided to use my free time in a productive way. Here are some sketches I did this evening. I had this idea a few seasons ago to outfit some of my favorite Street Fighter girls in runway looks befitting of their characters. When I configure my scanner (it was a hand-me-down, let's hope it works), I will put up actual scans and possibly color them in. They turned out pretty cute I think! It feels good to be drawing again - it's like therapy.

- jerome

May 11, 2012

Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations

T-Shirt and Shoe Ornament by Prada

Yesterday I went to The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the new Schiaparelli and Prada exhibit. It was such a wonder to see two intelligent, progressive, and Italian female minds collaborate and synchronize despite the decades that separate them. As you first enter the exhibit, a film plays that sets the stage for the rest of your journey. The title Impossible Conversations is to be taken literally as Miuccia and Elsa (played by Judy Davis) talk casually about their histories and philosophies. Elsa Schiaparelli passed away in 1973 of course, making the pairing physically impossible, but it is also unbelievable just how well their designs match when the clothes are separated by more than 65 years. Jackets made in the 1930s melt into skirts fabricated in our time to create a seamless match that had me scratching my head. It was as if Schiaparelli and Prada had designed for the same collections. You can see it in the prints and trims as well as the proportions and sensibility in the clothing designed ultimately by and for Italian women. One of my favorite conversations to watch was the discussion of whether or not fashion is an art; Schiaparelli says that it is with conviction, while Prada believes fashion to be a business first. I think that fashion is an art, but Miuccia's point about clothing being designed to sell has merit. She goes on to say that even "art" isn't art and that no one should really care. I think this means that art is what you want or need it to be and that for her personally it is mainly her livelihood. Whatever her stance may be, it is undeniable that Miuccia Prada is a visionary, sharing Elsa Schiaparelli's design sense in pushing boundaries for womenswear in a timeless and artful modern way.
If you are looking for the grandeur of the McQueen exhibit, be prepared to feel a little stunted. This exhibit is nowhere near as large or thorough, but it is still impressive. I recommend setting time aside to really watch each of the conversations, directed by none other than Baz Luhrmann. Don't miss out on the moving pictures in the last room! The gift shop does not disappoint for the exhibit. Pictured above is the very charming Prada Flame shoe ornament. Everyone was in a panic over the Mcqueen shoe, but I saw a surplus for both exhibits so don't worry. The book is a great read as well. Inside the cloth bound text contains the transcribed conversations between Schiaparelli and Prada and excellent photographs of the curated pieces, intimate close ups of the textiles and patterns, and original editorials from the 1930s. If you are Asian have OCD like me, ask for a new copy still wrapped in plastic because the cover is a bit delicate and I saw a few with scratches and hand prints. Jewelry, scarves, and nylon handbags from various iconic Prada collections are also available. I have my eye on the foulard with the James Jean prints from the fairy collection!! - jerome

May 8, 2012

Unpacking Slowly


Look what I found! This is my last pack of Yves Saint Laurent cigarettes from a carton I bought almost 9 years ago! It was buried in a miscellaneous drawer at my parents' house. My OCD made me keep one unopened. I wasn't lying, guys. They do exist! This was taken hours before I boarded my flight to New York.

Greetings from Manhattan! I still haven't finished unpacking, but when I do I will upload pictures of my new apartment. It is spacious and (soon to be) fully furnished! My bed frame from Fabulous & Baroque won't be here until the end of June, but at least my dining room is complete and I can entertain! I haven't found a place to take photos from a proper angle and I no longer have a tripod. Surely there is somewhere I can work it out though! It is exciting to be in a new city. People like to dress up in this town (obviously) and being around that energy and enthusiasm is a major delight!

- jerome

May 3, 2012

Moving at a Glacial Pace

These Clow Cards in the books are worth way more than what I paid for as a kid. Sadly, I cannot say the same for Beanie Babies.


A lot has happened in the past two months during my leave from the blogging world: I moved my belongings to New York, got two new tattoos, ended a four year relationship with my best friend/partner, "vacationed" at my parents' house and my childhood bedroom for a small while, and Raf was officially announced as the man to replace Galliano at Dior - among other things. Needless to say I have been AN EMOTIONAL WRECK a busy bee. Tomorrow will find me on the redeye back to Manhattan to finally live and stay on the East coast. It has been a slow transition but much had to be done in an emotional capacity so that I did not completely lose it and chicken out.

Friends and family were both surprised when I popped into my favorite haunts these past two weeks. Everyone thought I had already moved. My stuff is all put away in my new apartment so technically I was visiting California all this time. For the most part it was just me sitting in my old bedroom eating my feelings and watching Card Captor Sakura. Anime has surely affected me since adolescence, and it sure did bring a smile to my face during this unbearably tough, though exciting, time... We parted on the best of terms, but I still miss him to the highest degree every day. It will take a while before I can speak to him without considering staying in California, so I will wait.

This is probably the most personal thing I have written on this blog so let me introduce my Tumblr again. There I will write about my personal life (stay tuned there for my realizations of a Californian in New York!) and reblog whatever my heart desires so that I can keep this blog as a fashion/style album and portfolio. I hope to continue regular posting once I am settled in New York! Miss you all.

xo.

- jerome