x Le T-Shirt x

ZEF/SWAG/The Rise Of NonSense Music

2011-06-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

Die Antwoord and OFWGKTA have in the past year taken the internet and music industry by storm one after the other. Their many similarities makes one wonder if this is the beginning of a new era…

It’s actually funny how I came to realize this... I had recently discovered Odd Future when I was telling my dad about them and their hilarious music and performances, and he pointed out to me that they reminded him of Die Antwoord. A distant comparison it seemed to me at first, but the more I thought about it and the more I realized… he had a point.

In fact, these two groups have more similarities than we think of at first. Firstly, they are both groups of “underdogs”, coming from an unprivileged background: while Odd future is a group of immature black skater boys, Yolandi and Ninja are seen as typical South African “white trash”. These weirdoes (as they accept to be called) grew up as rejects and are now enjoying every bit of fame and influence they have, as if it were now their revenge against anyone that has made them feel worthless in the past (“People are so mad that we are famous” Ninja). They also both come from a growing subculture of young adults that live life getting high, refusing to act “grown up” and rebelling against…well…everyone.

But what is interesting is that they fully use this normally unflattering image to stand out, and they’ve have done a brilliant job at it. At the complete and utter opposite of big pop and hip hop artists like Beyonce and Drake, they are popular because they are slightly “fucked up”(or in other words; relatable to often pressured young adults) as opposed to perfect role models. In a time where subculture sells, these artists truly understood the potential of their style and background.

Even their style is unlike the overall glitz and glam in the industry right now; it’s unclean, full of attitude, but mainly a reflection of their passion and background: Most of Odd future members skate, and are always seen sporting Supreme, Hawaian shirts and Vans, and Die Antwoord piece together THE MOST RANDOM items of clothing, like pairing gold leggings, with pink Floyd boxers and crazy ironic t-shirts.

Sure, they rap about raping girls, burning schools and disproportioned genitals (which has already led many groups and associations to ban or boycott their music) but it works, because we do not take it seriously. Actually, behind the strong and provocative content, there is nothing truly evil minded about them. On the contrary, the end message turns out to be embarrassingly preachy: Odd future basically passes the message that its ok to be you and not fit in boxes, especially regarding your skin colour (tyler is pissed off he was laughed at in high school for wearing Good Charlotte Tees) and behind disturbing songs like Evil Boy, if you really pay attention to the lyrics, Die Antwoord are just promoting safe sex (“no glove no love, if you don’t believe me take ur dirty hands off my umthondo we Sizwe (dick of the nation,fyi)”)!

Actually unclassable, many have described this genre as a mainstream version of horror core. I refer to this type of music as “nonsense”, but definitely not in the negative way. It’s nonsense in the way they portray it: even if we just had to start with their stage names, Die Antwoord means The answer, but no one in the group knows the answer to what? And OFWGKTA, which stands for Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, leaves one wondering… before just accepting there is no way it could even begin to make sense. Their videos, which are often a illogical series of provocative images, are not meant to have depth, but rather to leave the viewer wondering “WTF?”.

And they don’t go soft on the shocking side either! While Ninja parades around with hoselong genitals, Yolandi raps while taking a dump on golden toilet and Tyler the Creator pukes before hanging himself at the end of his self produced debut music video. Did I forget to mention: all of that in the company of a giant roach (eaten by Tyler) and a few massive rats (in Yolandi’s hair and coat)?

Not limited to the videos, their chaotic behavior is also reflected in their performances. Having personally seen both acts, I have to say I’ve never experienced such hardcore moshpits, and actually came out with a few bruises and some missing strands of hair! With an incredible ability to control their audience while provoking them, Die Antwoord spit and pull down their pants, and Odd future do not hesitate to give the finger and surfcrowd at any possible time. The audience, which is often a widely eclectic group of “kidults”, goes crazy, but all in good spirit, and can always be heard screaming the groups’ respective “Wat kyk jy” and “Wolf Gang”.

Other words spread by these two bands’ massive influence: SWAG and ZEF. Unless you live in a Himalayan cave, you have surely (over)heard one of the two. Although these non-definable words existed before their rise, these artists brought them to a whole other level. SWAG (which deserves an article and analysis of its own) is used to describe an inimitable level of coolness, aura and identity. ZEF, the south African Equivalent, is party described by Die Antwoord as the art of being “next level”. How Los Angeles and South Africa have become the epicenter of such high ZEF/SWAG importance and influence is a question that haunts me…

Their strong identity has indeed proven to be highly influential, and inspired movie directors and big photographers. They have appeared in the most edgy and influential magazines (tyler on the cover of NME and Wonderland, Die Antwoord have welcomed Dazed Digital and Vice magazine to shoot documentaries in SA), TV shows (odd future’s brilliant performance on Jimmy Fallon), and many other projects: Odd future have recently shot with Terry Richardson for Supreme, Yolandi and Ninja have starred in a short film by Harmony Korine… They have also been touring the biggest festivals, and have both debuted at Coachella (first time performing overseas for Die Antwoord!) where they have left some people perplex but conquered many! (bonus: In their usual fashion, both groups acted retarded during the festival: here and here)

In fact their success mainly draws from this Generation Y culture of sharing videos, posts, tweets, and this has proven to really create a strong link with their fans worldwide. They started like many by posting videos, grew from a large base of youtube followers, and they now share their creative vision through their funny (but very clever) websites, tumblrs , blogs. But don’t get it it twisted, they were overnight successes, but no “one hit wonders”! Plus, they did it in a way that is much “realer” than their artist counterparts, which often have a marketing team behind their tweets.

Actually the whole appeal of the two groups is their realness. Maybe this is the new key to making music work; it doesn’t have to make sense, it doesn’t have to stick to society’s values and surely not to the totalitarism that is now the mass music industry. It takes a bunch of young adults that are pressured to fit into society’s mold, rejected or judged for not fitting into boxes, that grew up poor or in broken families, and still come out on top and claiming their identity. Isnt this what we all want to be?

After galvanizing millions of internet users in the fight to “free earl” and convincing fans that breeding dozens of rats is Next level, what is their next step on their (surely unusual) path to world domination?
Hell, if this continues, I might get short blond bangs and wear tube socks. For the time being, I just walk the streets of Paris wearing my “Next Level Shit” and “Free Earl” Tshirts…

Coachella '11

2011-05-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

I'm the kind to really obey rules, so when I saw on the Coachella website that no "professional" cameras were allowed, I thought I'd try the good old disposable camera again. Of course tons of people did bring their fancy cameras, but as doubtful as I was, I think the "surprise" shots turned out not too bad!

(all non modified)

I fell in love with... Ezra Koenig's nose

2011-02-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

... and I'm not the only one! :

http://ezrakoenigsnose.tumblr.com/

White.

2010-12-01T12:48:00.000-08:00

A white-themed playlist for a snowy day...

Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal

Vampire Weekend - White Sky

The Whitest Boy alive - 1517

(typed white into my itunes and some of my favorite songs came up)

Twisted Condo Fantasy

2010-11-18T15:27:00.000-08:00

I was surprised to see that Kanye's new album artwork is done by George Condo!

If you remember, he was also the main inspiration for the Adam Kimmel collection I wrote a post on

There are 5 different covers, although some have been banned from several stores because too explicit?

I love Kanye for always taking it to an other level.. amazing that he gets artists such as Condo, Murakami and Kaws to create his cover artwork. Got to respect...

Murakami x Versailles x NERD

2010-09-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

Monday 13th Sept was the Opening night of Murakami's incredible & controversial exhibition at the Chateau de Versailles. Whether one is for or against it, there is no denying the surprising and refreshing effect of seing these crazy kawaii pieces in such a decor.

The viewing was stunning, followed by a great party with performances by Uffie and

NERD (photos of performance on BBC blog).

Thanks Loic!

Little Cupcake Anecdote:

Back in 2008 when I used to intern at BBC/Ice Cream, on my last

day Loic asked me to go buy the prettiest cupcakes i could find.

Random.

I go to Magnolia Bakery (of course, so cliché) and when I come back he

tells me to bring them to Jacob the Jeweller.

Even more Random.

He never told me what it was for, but a year later I hear about this piece by Murakami in collaboration with Pharrell (called "The Simple Things") and I see... a diamond encrusted cupcake.

Needless to say I was really happy to see it at Versailles

and took pride in some(little)way being "part of it" :)

Strong & Fragile

2010-08-16T23:32:00.000-07:00

Rikhado, JHB July '10

Hey DJ!!

2010-08-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

Travelling.

2010-08-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

South Africa equals Diversity..

Eastern + Western Cape 2010

Atlanta

2010-07-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

The most amazing face...

Eastern Cape, June 2010

I Fell In Love With... YSL Gold Chains!

2010-06-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

Stefano Pilati brings Bling Bling back! But in such a cheeky way, worn with "strict" outfit, around the neck, or the hips...

YSL FW 2010

But my favorite look has to be the hot nun!

Praise YSL xx

A Night Out in Jozi

2010-06-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations on your Graduation

2010-06-05T04:05:00.000-07:00

Surfing Cats and Shooting Bears...

MGMT - Congratulations (2010) / Cover Art by Anthony Ausgang

Kanye West - Graduation (2007) / Cover Art by Takashi Murakami

Time to Pretend

2010-05-24T02:07:00.000-07:00

A few shots from PRAGUE

2010-04-13T04:28:00.000-07:00

Frills? Ruffles? Bubbles...?

2010-04-13T03:58:00.000-07:00

... I dont know what they call them,

But they're the cutest little thing!

... and SPRINGY!!

first subtle in Valentine Gauthier's SS08:

Then so romantic at Chloe's SS09:

In details at Miu Miu's recent FW10 show:

But the one who just KILLED the look... Christopher Kane (SS09) of course....

just. TOO. cute. <3

Johannesburg/Paris

2010-03-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

A trip I am quite familiar with.

Little video made by Tumi & The Volume (a South African band that I love) that features some of their music. check their (unfortunately not often updated) myspace HERE

Adam Kimmel FW10 Presentation

2010-03-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Back in January, I was lucky to assist AK's team for their Winter 2010 collection Presentation at Paris fashion week; the whole thing was simply amazing!

AK's collection was inspired by two things; George Condo's art and style and the world of Gambling. Two things that were clearly put forward at the presentation, where a dozen male models with surreal Condo inspired masks were playing poker and blackjack in front of surprised and amazed guests.

The clothes: luxurious basics; deep reds and greens and navy blues, from a craps table printed capes to corduroy blazers to velvet slippers.

Bonus: the model wearing the famous cape was also doing some card tricks for the guests, little did they know the man behind the mask was the crazy magician David Blaine himself!

WOw.

Here are some pictures...

Styling by Mel Ottenberg

A huge room was transformed into a dark casino setting, with beautiful vintage playing tables brought in specially for the occasion.

there was even the "security room" where guests could view the images from the security cameras projected on the walls while sipping their champagne...

I believe they created the desired impact as the whole thing was just unforgettable

View full lookbook HERE

Coke cans are the new Stephen Jones Darling...

2010-03-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga in recent "Telephone" video

John Galliano FW 2004

Maluca's El Tigeraso Video, at 1:51

Please, DO try this at home.

(... and then send me the pics so I can have a laugh)

Oh, and for more ridiculous Coke use (like getting a tan, or cleaning tires) check this out

Charlie the unicorn, the King of Random

2010-03-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

(because the blog is about randomness)

(because charlie the unicorn is the funniest thing ever)

"Charliiiiiiie, look out for the blebleble!"

Bonus: Special video for launch of Youtube Live

"oh my god, its raining chocolate!"

(sorry, i just HAD to share this)

As Close To Liking Cowboys as I'll Get...

2010-02-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

Never been much of a fan of Cowboys

Heard Western movies are meant to be good, but never got around to watching any...

...I don't even like Lucky Luke!

But these actually make me LIKE cowboys:

1. My brother's 2010 Wishes card

Every Year my brother makes a unique New Year card,

and they keep getting better...

2. Adam Kimmel SS10 Collection:

(Complete lookbook here)

... Along with its beautiful short film;"The Cowboy in the continental suit"

Also check out the amazing photos shot in Utah by

Jim Krantz (the original photographer for Malboro ads) HERE

3. Madonna's "Don't tell me" video

I always thought it was a good video? Easy and impactful

4. My Ice Cream Cowgirl sweatshirt:

With the little cowgirl boots on the sleeve :)

5. Last but not least (although I admit quite far fetched):

Comme des Garcons Homme Plus FW10 collection with its suit twist

on GAUCHOS (crotchless pants, right?)

... hum... Cowboys are Hot.

Epic quote

2010-01-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

"Paris is so confusing; how can you tell the difference between the metro and the McDonald's sign?"

Naoual Benamar, December '09

Keep reading :)

2010-01-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

I know I know I know I haven't posted anything in forever.. it's been a bit busy. but as you can see I'm catching up!

One of my resolutions is to post much more, more regularly.. so keep checking, and please comment, I'd love to hear some feedback :)

Also please bare with me, I have some Fall/Winter ideas I wanted to post, and yeah I know Im late but SS10 postings will come soon! It's still -3°C outside anyway!! So I don't care if everyone's already moved on to spring summer, I'm not moving on until I do at least one post on Hannah McGibbon and her EPIC Chloe FW09 Collection!!!! at least. (total fanatic loser)

Happy New Year!

Moonmilk or the Magic of Mineral

2010-01-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

All photographs from Moonmilk series by Ryan McGinley

Marios Schwab FW09

Peter Pilotto FW09

Christian Cota FW09

Erdem FW09

Marios Schwab FW09

Peter Pilotto FW09

Proenza Schouler SS10

Wherever I go she goes...

2010-01-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

this one's going to be put on replay for a while...

Lupe Fiasco - Paris, Tokyo [NEW]

Just love the old school beat... VIVA LUPE!

oh and please visit and support http://summitonthesummit.com/

Lupe, Kenna and friends are raising awareness for clean water across the world by climbing up kilimanjaro! they're up there now!

Nothing better than good artists making such efforts to support a cause...

Epic quote

2009-12-12T04:13:00.000-08:00

"I love Spongebob.. he's like, my role model"

Hali Totletsi, New York, October '09

Because im not the only one mad about JUMPSUITS...

2009-11-24T05:22:00.000-08:00

ha!

(from cult tv show FREAKS AND GEEKS)

I Fell in love with... Slow and Steady Wins the Race Sunglasses!

2009-11-09T01:49:00.000-08:00

sorry these images are small, but check out thr brand's website for more, their sunglasses ROCK! you can wear the simplest outfit and these will totally "edge it out"...

The Leather Jacket

2009-11-09T01:11:00.000-08:00

The leather jacket is one of the few items that has not been "overkilled", i still cant believe its STILL as trendy today as 2 years ago, even though EVERYONE is wearing it!

The leather jacket was also present during the last collections, my favorite pieces being revisited uniquely by Alexander Wang, A. McQueen and Haider Ackermann:

The Leather Jacket Shoe By Alexander McQueen (real Badass!! with the skull and all)

The Leather Jacket shoe by Alexander Wang; more interpreted and subtle, i love that one too! Actually I love his whole SS10 season, itll be one of my key sources of inspiration nxt spring...

Oh and i love the socks that go with them!

The leather jacket of my dreams(ok i know theres a bit of wool there)!! Deconstructed and effortless,

by amazing Haider Ackermann...

I know its a bit late for that, but i just love his whole fw09 collection and although this is a post about leather jackets, i just HAVE to add other looks from his collection... watch and dream...

seriously considering the whole leather jacket matched with long skirt look, although I cant imagine walking the streets of paris dressed like that.. props to anyone that can pull it off...

There's something about Basquiat...

2009-10-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

.. that really inspires fashion...

I guess that's not really new. But it seems that lately he's been a true inspiration.

It might have started with this Valentino bag dating back to 2006....

But this year its Basquiat-mania!

With collaborations...

Reebok x Basquiat sneakers released in July

Clear inspiration for looks as seen in Band of Outsiders Lookbook:

( thanks to Adam Christopher's blog for making me realize this)

And now a "JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT THROUGH NICHOLAS TAYLOR" BY THE INOUE BROTHERS" temporary space at Dover Street Market!

Basquiat's artistic sensibility and style sure live on...

Breathe...

2009-10-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

I love this kind of music, I guess I could call it Soulful house/Vocal house, but the only thing is I never know the name of the song or artist!

So when I heard this song (that reminds me so much of South Africa by the way) in a restaurant and a friend told me the title I was so happy!

If you like this and know a song in this genre please share :)

I fell in love with... Vashtie's thigh-high thights!

2009-10-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

HOTNESS! I get how skanky they could look, but she works them perfectly, they sure add a dash of sexyness to the tomboy outfit.

Make sure you check out her blog regularily!

*****

Also, sorry for being quiet so long, lots of posts coming up soon!

You live and you learn.

2009-09-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

So yesterday me and the girls go back to our place late at night after a great movie (that i will write a post abt later), and realize that all our laptops have disapeared. and the window is wide open.
The previous night, I had taken hours uploading all my pictures on the computer, organizing and editing them, and finally erased them all from my camera (which was getting really full).
I cannot even begin to describe how shocked, scared and frustrated we were, not being able to do anything about it even if we had an idea who could have done it. We felt so naive, powerless and stupid.
I guess everything happens for a reason. But what could possibly be the reason for me losing all the pictures I had put so much time, passion and effort into? Im really sad because I was actually proud of my pics for once, and some of them meant so much, just for the memories.

But there are worse things that happen, and i guess i just need to get over it, and move on. I am going to continue taking photos, and hopefully share them with you.

You live and you learn... right?

Am I late?

2009-09-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

I just heard of this website last week.. Am i late??
Just in case there are any more losers out there who do not know it, it's a cool website that plays music that you like: just type the name of an artist or song you like and it will play similar songs.
I like.

http://pandora.com/

I fell in love with... these tights

2009-09-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

I lOve these tights! and the headpiece...
Aparently they are from this brand called We Love Colors

I dont really like kids (at least not as much as other people seem to, must sound awful but hey), and I do not look forward to having any... but if I have a daughter, I pray that she will be as amazing as TAVI this girl is just incredible, check out her blog and vlogs!

September soundtracks... Empire of Starlight

2009-09-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

Warning: these songs get stuck in your head!!

The video is kind of special, freaks me out a bit... but i like :)

I think they performed this song at the VMA's but my attention that night was elsewhere lol

I just wanted to hoooooooooooooooold you in my aaaaaaaaaaaarms.........

I fell in love with.... this painting

2009-09-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

I saw this painting last year at the Met and it caught my eye.
But then when I saw it again last friday I really fell in love with it, its so clean, beautiful, magical. And the bird's eye perspective gives it so much charm, seems dreamlike.
I read that the title of the painting was "The Midnight ride of Paul Revere" and instantly recognized it, we had read the poem in class. It describes the ride of Paul Revere on his horse running through the villages during the revolutionary war to warn of the British army's advance, I think it's such a beautiful way to honor Henry Wadsworth's poem and to illustrate a historical legend and American folklore...

So if you ever go to the Metropolitan museum in NY, don't forget to check it out!
Also, click here to zoom into the picture and see the amazing details!

*lol so random...

Im on my New York Sh*t

2009-09-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

New York, New York... what can I say?

If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere?

2009-09-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

I always told myself that I would never have a blog.

....

Well, this pretty much describes me.

x Le T-Shirt x

ZEF/SWAG/The Rise Of NonSense Music

Coachella '11

I fell in love with... Ezra Koenig's nose

White.

Twisted Condo Fantasy

Murakami x Versailles x NERD

Strong & Fragile

Hey DJ!!

Travelling.

*Atlanta*

I Fell In Love With... YSL Gold Chains!

A Night Out in Jozi

Congratulations on your Graduation

Time to Pretend

A few shots from PRAGUE

Frills? Ruffles? Bubbles...?

Johannesburg/Paris

Adam Kimmel FW10 Presentation

Coke cans are the new Stephen Jones Darling...

Charlie the unicorn, the King of Random

As Close To Liking Cowboys as I'll Get...

Epic quote

Keep reading :)

Moonmilk or the Magic of Mineral

Wherever I go she goes...

Epic quote

Because im not the only one mad about JUMPSUITS...

I Fell in love with... Slow and Steady Wins the Race Sunglasses!

The Leather Jacket

There's something about Basquiat...

Breathe...

I fell in love with... Vashtie's thigh-high thights!

You live and you learn.

Am I late?

I fell in love with... these tights

September soundtracks... Empire of Starlight

I fell in love with.... this painting

Im on my New York Sh*t

Atlanta