Ok, so it's one thing flicking through magazines, window shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue and day dreaming of how great that Lanvin dress would look on you - or how nice your feet would feel in those Christian Louboutin pumps; or that Celine Tote that's been on your wish-list since, forever!! - and it's a complete different thing actually affording any of this luxurious brands.
Well, that's kind of where ZARA comes in. For the past couple of years this Spanish retailer has made thousands of young woman really really happy (me included) by creating low-prize-look-alike products of popular, high-end clothing fashions labels. And although copy cats are not something we like or admire, it's impossible not to give some credit to the people behind this.
Although I've been a loyal customer for a while, this year I literally had to make a sacrifice not to buy something every time I walked into that store. Whether it was clothes, bags or shoes, ZARA was my go-to store all year long, and from the look of it, I wasn't the only one. Most of the street style shots from tumblr and other fashion blogs had at least one ZARA item in them.
Their website is great because you get to see their entire collection, their campaign (which normally features beautiful girls and boys, such a Sean O'pry), international events related to the brand, a lookbook which can help as a source of inspiration on what pieces to buy (let's call it the pre-shopping experience) and finally, the PEOPLE section, which consists of regular people uploading their look, wearing at least 2 pieces from the season collection and winning 300 euros to spend in store - is that awesome or what?
Now that we're done with music, let's move on to fashion. So, you might love or hate the whole fashion industry and the way it controls society and the rest of the world. But if you think about it, it's a pretty interesting field, not only from the design aspect or esthetically speaking, but the entire idea behind it.
For centuries, fashion has defined important periods of time, in the same way that architecture, science, ideology, religion or any other cultural matter has. The fashion industry, as a mass business is a product of the modern age, and it is what it is today because of the amount of media that surrounds it. Fashion journalism, blogs and televised fashion shows have made it possible for people all around the globe, to enjoy this for of art and the brilliant minds behind it.
BEST IN FASHION - DESIGNER: FASHION HOUSE
This year my favorite collection was Raf Simons (for Jil Sander) Spring / Summer ready-to-wear from Milan Fashion Week. Known for her bold colors and minimal silhouettes, this collection was no exception. Although the vast majority of the pieces are wide and flowy and not your average "sexy", this belgian designer; who's been creative director at Jil Sander since 2005, knows the perfect balance between fun and formal, also known as casual cool... but fancier, obviously. The color selection was beautiful, the contrast between the classic white t-shirt and the volume of the skirts. Ahh, I love, love, love it!!
And not only did they nail the catwalk (the hair and make-up was just as perfect); the ad campaign was bright and fabulous, for both woman and man. And don't forget that amazing plastic bag. It might look like a regular grocery bag, but it's the only plastic grocery bag worth paying $150 dollar for.
So here we are, day nine of resolution season. How's that going by the way? I've personally given up. I've tried it too many times, only to realize I never (truly) get any of my resolutions done. It's not that I can't commit to something, or that I have no willpower what so ever. But, I guess compromise is not an institution I'm very comfortable with - *restriction may apply.
So anyway, let's go back. Way back. All the way back to 2011. We still have a couple of Best Of's to get rid of, like the other half of "Best in Music"...
BEST IN MUSIC - LIVE ACT
This year I went to a little over 10 concerts. And although I missed out on some pretty amazing live acts (including the Strokes, The Rapture and Portishead) in what's probably Mexico City's biggest music event of the year, the Corona Capital Festival, I can't really complain about the shows I did go to.
Choosing my favorite was a though decision, but it really came down to three: Ratatat, The Kills and Feist. All three shows were unbelievably good, yet completely different from one another, which made it even harder.
The thing is, when you go to a concert, there are three main factors that pretty much make or break the show: 1) The musical talent. 2) The connection between the band (or artists) and the crowd. 3) The crowd itself. - It is a combination of the three that define a show. So when I compared all three shows, it was clear that Feist was the one.
1) Musically, it was as close to perfection as an artist can possible be. There were no flaws, not one tiny error. Not from Leslie, not from her band members, not from her three backup singers (who looked like greek muses). Perfection people, complete perfection that was.
2) The interaction this woman has with her audience is unlike any other I've seen. She is not only charming, funny and adorable, but she created the kind of environment that made everyone feel as if you actually knew her. As if, she was just a friend, playing for you in your living room.
3) If you can control and manipulate a crowd in Mexico City, you can do it anywhere in the world. We Mexicans are well knows for being loud and crazy... all the time. Yet, somehow, those of us who attended any of the four shows Feist gave last december, will testify being under some kind of spell. We could not speak, scream, or move. Singing along was more like whispering along, and the only time our body would allow us to clap or let out any sort of noise, was after mademoiselle Leslie had finished either singing or talking.
So yeah, it comes as no surprise she's been called the Queen of Indie music. Her lyrics are as beautiful and powerful as her stage presence and personality. Her fifth album, Metals, is as good as any of her previous ones. And if I ever turn gay, I totally want to date her.
