We are the Goon Squad

Skibby Socks

2008-03-26T18:46:00.000-07:00

Laundry day has been every day for the past two weeks. My floor is officially growing clothes tumors and now I can never find my shoes. So this morning when as I was about to leave, I opened my sock drawer to only find the skibby socks clean (See Ex.A). Really the skibby socks aren't even my skibbies, they are my boyfriend's size 12 socks who mistakenly took a wrong turn and ended up in my drawer. I suppose on the right foot they are just socks, but on my feet, they look skibby. Some of you may be asking yourself 'what are skibby socks?'. While on the subject of my boyfriend, his endearingly redneck father introduced me to the phrase, and it basically means your comfy/ trashy clothes. See Ex.B

If only more things skibby were considerable fashionable, we could all prance around with a Juciy ass. Please begin to use this phrase as often as you can, why? Because it's fun to say. Skkkiiiibbbiieees!

Beginning to Begin

2008-03-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

I recently was asked to help produce a video for the Academy's Graduation Fashion Show. Bright and bubbly me will be at your service, gripping a microphone for dear life as I watch time deny all physics. Apparently events like these make 20 hour days feel like 3 hours. My hair will be professionally poofed backstage with models as I try to convince them that crack does not count as meal and that people do have careers after the age of 23. It will be filled with glorious interviews with hob nobby people that I am sworn to secrecy to not release. Simon, the director of the department, gave me knife, made me cut myself open, and had me sign a contract in my own blood. But that's o.k because I'm sure they can prove tho the jury that it was only red ink. And if all goes well, to New York Fashion Week for another video, and the launch party for the magazine I am on staff with- OneEighty. The video should be up in May. The year of Amy is beginning to begin.

Hosiery Hiatus Happily comes to a Head.

2008-03-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

Tights are making their comeback. After years of haitus and poor economic status, tights have changed their colors and patterns and have strutted back on to the runway looking fresher than ever. Although tights are a fashion accessory, hosiery has defined gender roles as much as the male Shakesperian actors who used them to play both "Romeo and Juliet". Some believe the psychological battle of hosiery is the sexual connotation that comes along with the sheer seamless cling. Orginally put on women to control and cover them the idea of hoisery could be calssified as "indirect sexism" a title that is common in feminist circles. Indirect sexism can be defined as sexism which manifests itself at the level of presupposition, and also through innuendo, irony and humor, or which is prefaced by disclaimers or hesitation (Mills, 1998). Women wore tights to cover and confine themselves. The first scandalous pictures of women were garter belt clad pages in magazines and still is regarded today is a fetish or fantasy.

Tights and hoisery have suffocated the legs of men and women for centuries. Orignally dervied from Europe during the 18th and 19th century, only men wore hoisery for the means of horseback riding. They were also considered chic for men, because even the King would stuff his hose at his calf to flaunt his covered legs. But as men's knee length breeches evolved into trousers tights for men became obsolete. Womens hemlines however were scnadelously climbing off the off the floor and rising first above the ankles and then to knees. Hoisery became a neccestiaty for women until World War II, but as budgets shrunk propagnda discouraged women from spending frivilous money. Women found themsleves bending into unsual and foregin positions trying to draw a thin line on the back of the leg creating the illusion of a modest women in tights. After the war ended and the economy regained its equilibrium, the feminist movement began and under garments were thrown into flames and hosiery was on it's way out. With a rejuvenated mindset, women began to be more natural, more comfortable, and less inhibited. In the 90's, sales for hosiery plunged, and as of a few years ago, hosiery began its revival .

American Apparel's signature accessory are tights of every texture and color. In fall of 2007, AA placed an ad in downtown New York City on Houston Street of a waifish female figure form behind. She was wearing only tights, emphasis on the only, with her legs stretched out and her body bent forward. Although there is no nudity, the ad evokes the mood of a seedy poorly lit underage teen in a basement with a Polaroid camera, which is par for the course of AA advertisement. Many believe that this American Apparel ad was pushing limits of tact in marketing. Shortly after the ad was put up, the billboard was tagged with spray paint. But instead of stylized initials, the letters read "Gee, I wonder why women get raped?". American Apparel quickly changed out the 50 foot photograph, but the cultural relevance is still legible. Is this considered indirect sexism or empowerment to female sexuality? This is the core problem between the second and third wave movements of feminism. Third wave feminism has adapted broader interpretations of words like "sexuality,""empowerment," and "sexual oppression," while second wave feminism focuses on the psychological conditioning of sexual stereotypes.

In 2000, Malcom Gladwell's "the Tipping Point" was published hypothesizing about sociological changes in trends and everyday life. The Tipping Point is a sociological term used to define the place in which a trend reaches a certain point in popularity and then tips. Gladwell's first example is Hush Puppy shoes in the early 1990's. Once considered cheap and out of style, they marched their way into young hipsters closets, tipped, and ended up on the runway. This theory can be applied to the sexual connotation of tights. With the third wave on the rise there has been a resurge of looser ideology of female sexuality and with this ideology the public witnesses hosiery back in style. Some may argue that the two may not be linked, but the cultural evidence rings true. Designer's intentions may not support a new ideology, but the public is obviously responding to the trend, whether through a spray paint can or a trip to American Apparel to pick up a pair of tights they saw in an ad.

Hi Vanity Fair, let me introduce you to Alfred.

2008-03-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

This is one of the best photo spreads I have seen in a long time. The direction of the shoot is impeccable, like the original film masterpieces. Finally, a remake worth talking about....

Paris Haute Couture.

2008-02-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

John Galliano has done it again. His line for Haute Couture Christian Dior was close to flawless on the runway in Paris' crimson streets this past January. It is clear that the designer has his hand in every aspect of the design process, from the hats down to the mushroom shaped silhouettes.

The spring/ summer collection showcases beautiful bold colors with accents of gold. Magenta pink, blood orange, mustard, and deep purple line the runways and leave a colorful trail after each design passes the audience .

Galliano's models look like the iconic 60's counter culture, and the music grabs the spirit of the time period and wears itself on its sleeve. Edie Sedgewick inspired models look like photocopies in Mr. Warhol's factory. Each model walks and stands like a graceful crane in tall platform shoes., showing their colors confidently. Spreading their bold feathers, light satin fabrics are draped one on top of other clearly stating thier presence.

Like the eye of a peacocks feather, the fabric halos around the designs, making the geometric circle a continuous strand throughout the collection. The clothing trims are embellished with elaborate stiching and beading, echoing an era's last bohemians. The shapes are found in the skirts, bubbling at the hem, in the midsection, and on top of the models head, His shapes and silhouettes are organic, reminding us of the wild species that the women he is representing from this era truly are. He sparingly uses animal prints as an accent, but the message still speaks clear. Nature is simply natural.

Interview: Eileen Wilson

2008-01-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

Amy Harrity:Thanks for letting me interview you!! This will be fun!

Eileen Wilson: No prob, I'm excited.

So for my blog i thought it would be cool to interview just regular people who love fashion, students and such, just because i think its interesting and hell, we are the future. So is it cool if i start?

Sure, Shoot.

So, first of all. Who are you?

My name is Eileen, I'm 20 years old and I currently study fashion at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Awesome, what specifically are you in school for?

Design.

So fashion deisgn, what do you hope to do after you graduate?

Well my plan is to get in to a good graduate school and receive a masters in business. I really would like to work my way up to a high-end buyer and get paid to shop and travel all over the world. Ultimately I want to own my own Bridal Boutique and design wedding apparel. My dream is to sit down with brides and figure out what their "dream" gown is

you know, like what you think about when you are a little girl, every girl has their dream dress

That's great. I just went with a friend to pick out her dress and we went to a local boutique. The designer was actually the one consulting us the entire time. It was refreshing to have the designer there with you. You want to travel with your degree. What city would you most like to go to to buy?

Hmmm, I haven't really thought about one specific city I'd like to go. Obviously I would want to go to all the major fashion centers London, Paris, New York, and Milan. I do think it would be interesting to buy in Japan or somewhere in Asia. Their styles are so innovative and unique; there is just so much you could do with it.

Thats so true. You helped produce the Academy's show this past fall. What was your most challenging feat while getting the show ready?

Oh my god, the whole thing was a challenge, it's hard to pick one thing as more difficult then the other. People were flakey and left many empty promises, the CASE director kept trying to change certain aspects that threw a lot of our hard work out the window, and although the faculty was very supportive in our efforts, I felt that we could of gotten a little more help then we received. I do believe that the hardest part was just staying on top of my school work and completing my projects on time. Especially Color and Design. Fuck that class.

Yeah I've heard, I'm going to try and take it as a summer class and get it over with.

Good luck, ha!

After all was said and done, do you want to do another show?

Hell yea! It was a challenge and very frustrating sometimes, but I was extremely pleased with the outcome. I mean, the student garments were incredible, and after all the flakey people filtered out, I met some really cool people and made some great friends. I can't wait for the next one! Plus, this time will be way different and a lot better, because we learned so much from the last show, we'll have more time, and we have more credibility and trust with the students that hopefully will encourage more people to get involved

Cool! I know you guys did a great job. OK, now time for the "3" questions. Favorite 3 designers?

Oh man i hate this question!

Haha, I know, it's a toughie.

To be honest I don't really have specific favorite designers

None that specifically inspire you?

I don't really get inspired by other designers because I feel that is their creation, and if try and create off of them then I'm not really expressing me. I'm just expressing them in a form of me. I get more inspired by people, or icons

Ok, top three inspiring people

Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Edie Sedgwick

Beautiful. Last three movies you saw?

Juno, I Am Legend, and No Country For Old Men

Good ones!What are your 3 most played songs in your iTunes? Be honest.

Well number 1 would be "Another Again" by John Legend ,number 2 would be this song called "Brand Nu Live" by DJ Nu Mark and probably "Sweetest Taboo" by Sade. Her voice is intoxicating.

I will have to check her out! Ok, last question. How would you describe your style?

I don't know, how would you describe it?

Hey! I'm the interviewer!

Ha ha! Ok, simple, unique, beautiful. I do my best to express the way I feel on the inside on the outside

Nice!

While I'm down under, I think I'll have a Kiwi.

2008-01-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

Lately I have noticed a fore front of Australian and New Zealand culture shifting into the U.S. And why not, they're accents are lovely, they're countries are gorgeous, and the water over there always looks bluer in pictures. I know that these to countries are very different and they deny even having similar accents, but alas, I am American with a cultural identity crisis like everyone else in this country. So I must do what every cold blooded American must do, be inconsiderate and lump them all together. So get our your trudler and a felt because we are going to the outback and you may want hold on to some of this stuff. Yes, that was a a lot cockney slang i just flippantly threw around that probably isn't even accurate. Thank you wikipedia.

Music: Architecture in Helsinki

Helsinki met while in high school outside of Melbourne Australia, and slowly began to transform their style and taste, while adding and dropping members. The band has already opened for names such as Yo La Tengo and David Byrne, only making them all the more reason to check out. The band uses an interesting mix instrument, from synthesizers to trumpets. Lead singer Kellie Sutherland's vocals have a sweet innocence the lulls the listeners into some weird hipster indie trance. Helsinki is experimental, like Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah!, but at times of sheer simplicity of layered melodies. Their indie pop will grab hold of you, no turning back.

Television: Flight of the Conchords

Brilliant. Brilliant. And Brilliant. Did I mention how brilliant this television show is? If you haven't seen it, stop reading this right now, go to Best Buy, and purchase it immediately. I have yet to introduce the lovable Bret and Jemaine to a friend, and have them not love every second of it. This includes my father who is an electrical engineer, and my best friend who is a former cheerleader at a christian college. The protagonists of the show, Bret and Jemaine, are to fresh faced New Zealanders trying to make it big in New York City. Each episode features roughly two musical numbers where the characters drift off into a bizarre fantasy sequence, yet somehow manage to push the plot forward. Their songs somehow manage to mimic every style of music from folk to Bowie. The characters revel in impeccable word play, dehydrated wit, and awkward moments that each character delivers so gracefully. Supporting characters on the show include Murray- their naive and overzealous band manager, Dave- their "American" friend, and Mel- the bands only fan who just happens to be a experienced stalking nymphomaniac. Through all of this, the shows creates it's own little universe that the viewer immediately feels apart of.

Fashion: Yeojin Bae

An Australian designer from Melbourne, Yeojin Bae is thirty years old and has recently launched her own collection. She graduated form the Whitehouse School of Fashion in '92 and since has received some notable awards from Tiffany and Co and Marie Claire. She interned for Marc Jacobs as he was beginning to make his diffusion line "Marc", which we all know and adore. Now with a clean pallet, Bae is creating clothes for a young generation that exudes sophistication but still manages to stay light hearted and fun. Having established relationships with markets from Budapest to India. Bae stated in an interview that most time she uses these foreign tapestries as an exotic muse. Her newest collection, Kaleidoscope '08, is a summer collection featuring bold solid colors reminiscent of Australia coastal reefs. The necklines are embellished with beautiful trims that feel vintage and bohemian at the same time. Many of her designs this season feature high waistlines with a drapey fit. It's designers like this that are secret that should be shared with the states. I know some of her pieces are available at Elizabeth Charles, in San Francisco and New York. Charles, a native Aussie herself, has opened these boutiques feature designers only from New Zealand and Australia. The bubbly Charles is likely to be in the store helping you select 'the dress' if you go to the boutique in SF, which makes the store that much more charming.

When the duel Evils of Jews and Fashion Meet

2008-01-22T22:51:00.001-08:00

Last week, Foxnews.com accused Madonna, Unicef, and Gucci of harboring donations to the Raising Malawi Foundation. Madonna is hosting a fundraiser on Feb. 6th for her Raising Malawi campaign to raise money for children in poverty. Because several community organizations, and other non profits are supporting her campaign, this must mean Madonna is stealing this money to get kids to not renounce the New Testament. They made this claim, even though the organization is a registered non-profit. This coming from the news source that also said we went to war with Iraq because of the 9/11. If I were ever the the formally popular game show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and I had a lifeline call, I would call Madonna any day before I would call Hannity or O'Reily. At least Madonna wouldn't dance around the issue using scare tactics to get me to agree with her answer.

Gucci and Madonna's reps have denied the accusation saying "I think that the claims in the story are outrageous, they are incorrect, inaccurate, hurtful and malicious," followed by "The reality is — and it’s never been a secret — that the Raising Malawi organization was cofounded by Madonna and Michael Berg, who is one of the spearheading executives of the Kabbalah organization. The Raising Malawi organization is completely separate from the Kabbalah, and they are run as two separate organizations."

And why, pray tell, is celebrity gossip on the news. THE NEWS. Im sure this story would never have been covered if Mel Gibson was trying to convert kids to Christianity, even if he was using another organization as a front. And why am I covering celebrity gossip? Look at what fox news has done to me. Bastards.