It’s here. It’s beautiful one minute, poring the next, windy — the air heavy with the warm, woody seduction of fall. Time to graduate the cotton dresses and pile on fur and wool vests, tights, maxi dresses, fingerless gloves…check out these videos to see what I’ll be pulling my dressing inspiration from this season.
The Alife, NYC-based streetwear brand If you’re going to be blatant, do it well.
Anna Dello Russo’s Paris Fashion Week Wardrobe Because there’s no excuse to be underdressed…even at 9 a.m. “Gold is my new black.”
Victoria Beckham ‘FW 2009 Even though it’s last season (good fashion is always timeless), this video is amazing. Well-dressed, but a little off kilter. Plus who doesn’t love ladies swinging with their legs crossed.
Mark Ronson and the Business Int., “Bang Bang Bang”
I love everything Mark Ronson does (especially dying his hair platinum). I’m feeling the glowing Lacoste shoes (Ronson’s own design), MNDR’s jumper and crimped bangs. “One by one, buuuy one.” See my recap of the 10/13 NYC show here.
“Little Edie” Bouvier Beale’s dressing logic “I have to think these up.” Bless her.
Florence & The Machine: “The Dog Days are Over” Eye masks, raccoon eyes, pale skin, warpaint, glitter, hanging out in the clouds. Definitely where I want to be.
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac (JC/DC): ‘SS 3001 No explanation necessary…it’s always going to be about pop art.
Since I left Doha in June, I haven’t really been able to talk much about it. I told myself I would take six months for the adventure to settle down within my being — because, overall, the quest itself was too positive of an experience to leave such a bad taste in my mouth. That’s why it was so good to meet Monica Hunken, a woman who took her own month-and-a half-tour of the Middle East, but with an added catch: she navigated the territory on a bike, and completely by herself. “It had to be that way,” she said. “I wouldn’t be able to break into communities [as well] and if you’re alone people respond and recognize your isolation.”
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I knew right away once I looked at her, that it couldn’t have been an easy experience. She’s tall and blonde for one thing, originally from California…but her striking appearance is what makes the one-woman play she wrote about her experience that more appealing. When we met, she was wearing no makeup (unlike her saucy press photos) and I also noticed that her lean frame was very muscular, from the bike obviously, but she’s also a dancer.
Getting There
Monica landed in Doha, Qatar on December 16, 2010 to cater a royal wedding party for the daughter of the H.H. The Emir’s third wife (his second wife H.H. Sheikha Mozah is the popular well-known public figure). Since women are uncovered (and dressed to the nines) at these parties, men are not allowed to work the floor.
“I was hired as a sanitation engineer to do all the gross grunt work because I was really strong,” shrugged Monica. Her NYC-based catering company was also hired to train an additional immigrant staff. Even though she was working, she said the highlight of the party was when the “Michael Jackson” of Saudi Arabia performed in a glass, mirrored box, so the woman could have their privacy.
During the nine-day stint Monica stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Doha, which is famous for having the one of the biggest Swarovski chandeliers in their lobby. The opulence, she said, didn’t really affect her. “Wealthy people are the same everywhere,” she said knowingly. Her catering company recently catered Chelsea Clinton’s largely under-the-radar wedding.
But the party was merely the means to an end. She had arranged with her company to give her a month later a return flight because she had brought along her bike and was planning a cross-continental trip from Qatar, through Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel and Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Iran. But the complications were immediate: there was miscommunication with her company regarding her return flight. Monica said, “They screwed me over and saved me in a way.” As I had suspected, she wasn’t allowed to enter Saudi Arabia…but she didn’t board the plane home and instead flew to Egypt on Christmas Day where she had arranged to couch surf with a Russian woman. “I just had to keep going,” Monica impressed.
By her third attempt at biking through unchartered countries (she has taken trips biking through Poland and Spain previously), she had conjured up a very open, yet protected attitude: “Once I’m there, I let the journey become very loose.” She only stayed in hotels a couple of times, and she had three couch surfing dates officially set up over her month and a half ride through Jordan, Syria and Jordan, but mostly she relied on the generosity of the people she met along the way.
All the Single Ladies
Monica admitted that she received a lot of male attention, but she explained that: “Biking is like having a protective force field, that I have on my side. I trusted that I trust my gut.”
She had a couple of ‘situations’ with men whom she described as friends who kept “testing the waters.” But in their defense, meeting an American blonde woman who’s traveling alone and uncovered is not just unusual — it doesn’t happen. “[Arab] Men are afraid and confused and have seen too many Lady Gaga videos.”
But she left her leotards and fishnets at home. Monica strictly wore long baggy pants with loose, long sleeve shirts, and she covered or dressed regionally appropriately when staying with local families.
A couple of times people threw rocks or tomatoes at her, “but they do that to anyone,” she said. “I came across over sexualized because of the bike.” Biking is typically taboo for women. “In Iran they [wear] tents so no one can see their butts,” Monica explained.
Coyotes and Cops
While Monica was biking through Jordan with a spotty map, she said she got to an area that was so desolate, she described it like being in the “Old West.” There was no life in sight, the sun was down and she decided that she would have to sleep in the dunes for the night, despite the howling coyotes. Soon after she settled in, a Jeep with soldiers tracked her down, and brought her in for interrogation thinking she might be a drug smuggler. Monica said they were friendly enough through their broken/non-existent English and offered to give her a ride…but took her all the way back to Aqaba, where she had started.
The “Fear”
Once Monica came back to New York, she “felt charged” to share her experience with other people that might not otherwise be exposed to that part of the world, and especially for those who interpret it negatively. What most Americans don’t realize is that Middle Easterners are extremely generous hosts. One never goes hungry or thirsty when in an Arab’s home. Monica was especially intrigued with the poorer class in Egypt who would offer their help in exchange for tips. She was impressed by their, “quick and clever sense of humor when living under such a strict regimen.”
Her choice of expression is through theater, and she’s put together an 80-minute, one-woman show where she recounts her adventures through the eyes of dozens of different characters. Originally she was uber concerned with polish and studied the language and the Qur’an because she wanted to portray the Arab world as accurately as she could…but ultimately found it impossible.
“I can only tell my story honestly. I don’t have the capacity to translate what’s really going on there.” She’s creating dialogue and promoting understanding with her show and hopes more filmmakers will do the same — minus the stereotypical negative air.
After taking her show on a European bicycle tour early next year, Monica will bike with an organization called Follow the Women, who pilgrimage across the Middle East to promote peace, come April. Ten percent of the proceeds from Blondie of Arabia will go to Follow the Women, and anyone who wears their bike helmet to the show will receive a $5 ticket discount…because for her, biking is an essential part of the journey.
“Biking is a great way to be alert…to feel landscapes in the most direct way. It’s inconvenient. You learn more, see people and have more interactions. Convenience kills life.”
Monica’s Shortlist: Favorite thing she ate: Koshari (really the only vegetarian thing to eat in Egypt) made from spaghetti noodles, chickpeas, lentils and spices. She also found Iraqi dates (which are drier than the gooey ones I prefer) to be particular bike friendly. Cheat sheet: Pimsler.com where she’s teaching herself Arabic Recommended Reading: People Like Us: by Joris Luyendijk.
Blondie of Arabia will be staged at the Living Theatre September 22-24 and the 30th at 8 p.m., October 1-2 at 8 p.m. and October 7-9th at 8 p.m. There will also be a matinee at 2 p.m. on the 9th. For tickets click here.
Think you know someone who should be featured in the up-and-coming creatives series? Leave me a comment or shoot me an email at kathflood@gmail.com. Thanks for reading.
On Thursday I was invited (the key word here) to my very first fashion show: Vena Cava, a brooklyn-based line designed by Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock. I was excited that I could go because the show was at noon, and I didn’t have to be at work until 1:30. I rolled in there, my name was on the list…and I received my standing room seat, which means you crowd around in the back, or if you play your cards right, you’re allowed a open seat after all the editors and celebrities have been seated. Unfortunately they were short on room and none of the standing room ticketed people were let in, but, thanks to the 21st century we could watch the show being projected onto the wall right there at Milk Studios. The colors didn’t come across as vividly, but highlights of the show (except of course, James LaForce’s kelly green Addidas trainers) were the maxi halter looks juxtaposed with deep V necks, crop tops with high-waisted skirts and the high bibbed overalls.
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Deep red/orange lipstick and slicked back buns at the napes of the models necks complemented the geometric lines and southwestern sunset color scheme of the collection. Reminds me of a white girl visiting Puerto Rico come January (or am I just hoping that will be me.) Definitely a flowy, wearable collection.
What’s weird about fashion week now, is that anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can watch the shows stream live. In the most extreme cases, even order items right off the runway.
I think it’s great exposure for lesser known designers, but no video compares to being in there in the flesh. I think Tom Ford got it right.
If I were in Omaha tonight, no doubt about it, I’d be at the Slowdown listening to Conchance perform (and according to Facebook he’s been on for about 15 minutes now). In a city where listening to the croon of indie rockers or pulsating to the currents of electronic DJs is by far the norm, Brenton M. Walstrom Gomez is leading the local hip-hop scene, opening up the city to a whole new form of entertainment…and simultaneously calling people to action. He’s notoriously known for playing late night house shows in environments where there’s no separation from friends and fans, where beer and cigarettes and sometimes even paint are all adulterating with the sweat of the crowd. Now you’re most likely to catch him on the bill of some sort of benefit show at one of Omaha’s larger venues.
I caught up with Conchance, asked him what his deal was and I’m pleased and honored to announce that this interview is the start of a brand new series, on Natural Disaster, where I’ll be interviewing up-and-coming creatives that have heart, GUTS and soul.
aka...
Natural Disaster: The first couple times I met you…you were introduced each time by different nicknames…Woozy, Uncle Conny…etc. How many nicknames do you have and how and when did you become “Conchance?” Brenton M. Walstrom Gomez: I go by Brenton, Brent, Walstrom, Gomez, Conny, Uncle Conny, Woozy, Boom Boom, and Conchance. I started going by Conchance when I first started writing rhymes and also writing on peoples’ “stuff.” I wanted something at the time that meant something I stand for and also a name that was simple but classic — kind of corny, old school hip-hop-ish. It just stuck I guess. That was about eight years ago. Damn.
ND: How long have you been making music and who do you perform with currently? BMWD: It started with my buddy Kento aka Klassic. We started playing with words over eight years ago. It wasn’t until about like six years ago I started doing shows around Omaha with friends like Sam Martin and Greg Elsasser. Currently I have a few people that do production for me. My friends Greg and Sam make beats, my good friend Kethro helps me out too, and my friend Johan out of L.A. makes beats for me as well. They’re all very different but beautiful people. The production goes from really low-fi beats to super-produced tracks. It is a gumbo of production. I also have a band I have been playing with for the last couple years — they go by my “Step Children.” The band includes James Maakestad, Aaron Markley, Matt Owens, Sean Pratt, Robert Cook, Daniel Ocanto and Willie Karpf. I have three DJs I rely on to do all my shows, depending on their schedules, and they are Really Real, Nater and Kethro. I love all of these people dearly.
ND: You’ve always spoken about social change and you tend to support causes and participate in shows that give back in some way. What ignites that passion? BMWG: Social change is embedded in my family. It’s embedded in my friends and their families. I try my best to incorporate as much knowledge and perspective as I can to explain my outlook of this world. My outlook sometimes can be inappropriate but at other times it can justify a situation one witnessed on the bus earlier that day. I try to touch society through all outlooks. My mother and my grandparents taught me what to see and understand.
ND: Does that also fuel the inspiration for your lyrics? BMWG:Yep. Everything I see, I write. If something makes me angry, you will hear about it eventually through a song. I constantly take…make, my lyrics line up parallel with my life or parallel with the lives that I have witnessed living!
ND: Tell me more about your creative process? BMWG: My creative process is my city, a city, a book, a conversation or a walk down the street. I love to experience, and the more I experience the more I can put what I’ve read, seen or imagined into words I agree with.
ND: You won an OEA award for “Best Hip-Hop” at the beginning of the year…what would you say is the present state of the hip-hop “scene” in Omaha and how do you contribute as an artist? BMWG: I think Omaha’s rap scene is growing. We need more community here. I feel that most people want to get their 15 minutes of shine and be OUT. But, the truth is that we need to support each other and set a standard in Omaha for its word work. There are talented people here from north to south, west to east. There’s a guy here in Omaha named Josh Ginsberg and he has been setting up these shows downtown that showcase a lot of emcees and I feel that it’s super good for the city. My contribution is my words and my integrity. People who have spent time with me know that my words are a piece of me. I believe integrity’s words are science.
ND: You used to perform late night shows at Hotel Frank…how has the end of that era affected you? BMWG: Well, I miss Hotel Frank so much. It was where we took over the world for a few hours a night. I do not know if it is the end of the era because I know that place always starts back up again. BUT, what Frankie and all the boys and girls made that place into while I was there — it was a piece of Heaven. It does bum me out not having it in my life anymore. It is really sad hearing frat dudes chanting in the palace we use to create things we loved in.
ND: Do you have any upcoming album releases or notable shows/tour dates? BMWG: I do have an album that has been sitting stagnant for too long due to money and lack of support. It will hopefully be out by fall. Also tour…there are no dates but once the record is pressed I will be on the road. October might send me to do some shows the 7th through the 15th. I don’t know yet.
ND: If you weren’t in Omaha, where would you be? BMWG: Denver probably, if not in a barrio in L.A. Possibly Guadalajara, Mexico as well. South America…too. Inside the earth? Maybe.
ND: Where do you ultimately hope your work will take you? BMWG: I hope my music will make someone nod their head. I hope my music will create ambition in an ambitionless person. I have been affected by so much music. I would love if my music caused movement with people. It does not matter if the movement is social or just physical. I would prefer social but music that makes you content with riding a bus to a job that pays your bills in order to let you create, I will be content with that as well.
ND: Anything else significant that you want to say or that I should know?! BMWG: I believe everyone in this world should read books and listen to music they enjoy. Do not sleep! Make change. There are two things is this world that are consistent. Those two things are change and death. Why waste your time sleeping when you could be bettering the people.
*Big C: Thanks for being ready for me, even if I was a year late. You're so ruthless in all ways opposite of the definition. Let me know when you’re in NYC. -XO, KFlo
Think you know someone who should be featured in this series? Leave me a comment or shoot me an email at kathflood@gmail.com. Thanks for reading.
This weekend I packed up my suitcases and moved from my good friend’s apartment to my own little room in Bushwick…which I fell in love with as soon as I stepped foot into the apartment — not to mention the 3 block walk to the L train and cafe (two blocks away) that thankfully serves beer and wine for post-work situations like this. When I was originally checking out the place before I was interviewed (kind of competitive) one of my prospective roommates said that an earlier potential roomer had asked if the view was what Americans call “industrial wasteland.” Which it kind of is, I guess. (Who cares!) Our next door neighbor is Mr. Cone Ice (a boarding house for several ice cream trucks and other food vendor carts)…which I’m kind of in love with…even the random blasts of Hispanic rap at 2 a.m. It may be “industrial wasteland,” but it’s all mine.
Jeans. Everybody bitches about “finding the perfect pair.” I always have a problem finding a pair with a small enough waist and butt to fit my thighs. GAP jeans are the worst (the cuts, thickness, etc.)…Urban Outfitters jean legs are always WAY to skinny and the inseams seem really short, but that’s just me. I couldn’t even find a pair while I was living in Doha, which is slightly pathetic considering the amount of shopping is available there (I was even willing to drop some $$ for the right ones.).
Striving for the American Dream.
Anyway, I’m glad I held out because my first thrift shopping experience back in the US got me a pair of black jean shorts and a pair of dark denim jeans…98 cents and $1.98 no less. I’ve never worn Levi’s before (I usually lean towards designer pairs), but I have not had pants that have fit as well as these for a long time. And they’re easy to dress up or down depending on what job I’m at.
Speaking of what job I’m at…I can’t go more than two blocks without spotting an ad for the latest Levi’s campaign: “We are all Workers” featuring the 501 jeans and 511 work shirt. Slogans like “There is work to be done and undone,” “Will work for better times,” “For those who toil,” and “All I need is all I got,” are really catchy, inspiring and put some bounce into my step as I sweatily trek around the city.
I especially like this ad:
Fleeting flirtation.
It’s from a previous campaign, but it’s sexy and makes me want to make more lattes (aka work harder).
“Go Forth.”
I’ve been here just over a month in this big, new city — but it feels like I’ve been here a lifetime already. I walk the streets to and from the train, from internship to job (to other job)…pausing in cafes or at parks but I am always home. I can see how people could get lonely, but I never am…surrounded by strangers, crammed into apartments, too many sweaty bodies creeping on your space at yoga…the city is my constant companion.
A sunday afternoon.
I was waiting for the G train last night (for 25 FUCKING minutes) and this cute girl approached me and started to say something to me, or so I thought with my headphones on. I took them off and we causually just started chatting. We’re both relatively new transplants, we were both meeting up with a guy, she was looking for some advice and I was in the position to give it back. We hugged, and she said her name was Colette, which I will always remember because I love this.
Scribbing on the large scale.
I guess, what’s most special is the camraderie. Everybody’s in this together. From the diabetic homeless man who turned down my offering of a perfectly good scone (He could afford to be picky in this neighborhood, B said.), to the random strangers who are graceful and ballsy enough to give a compliment or a genuine smile, to “make it or break it” connections made through friends of friends of friends. Sitting here at 5 p.m. on my only day off for the next couple weeks, I’m just taking it slow, as slow as I can without burying my neck.
Boney at Coney.
P.S. Thanks to the photographers of the pictures above…also, did you know I’m on twitter?!
