Music: "1+1" - Beyoncé

>> Download <<
This song has quickly become, hands-down, my favorite Beyoncé song — it's such a stunning ballad, declaration of love, open letter to her husband Jay-Z. Nothing she has released up to this point has captured the full emotion I'm sure she feels for that man, until this. 1+1 relies on nothing but her voice, a steady bass guitar line, a little organ, and a tap upon the cymbals. It's simple; her vocals draw you in like an inhale, and then it exhales you with all the desire and passion she feels in her soul. A discussion with a friend pointed out that this is sure to become the wedding song of our generation — I don't doubt this in the least. I'm anxious for a good love like this, I'm not pressed for it though, I'm too young to feel such emotion for another individual... but when I do, I hope it's just as strong as what Bey and Jay have. Below is her performing the track for the first time on the American Idol finale — as if the song didn't already do it for me, the performance also brings tears to my eyes.

Video: It's OK to be Takei

George Takei vs. Tennessee's "Don't Say Gay" Bill (SB049)
Recently in the news, Tennessee legistlators have been attempting to ban the word 'gay' and any references to homosexuality from it's educational institutions. The notion is that by not discussing it, the "issue" will become null — sort of how abstinence only supporters believe that will keep kids from having sex. Star Trek alumnus and activist George Takei has lent his name as a tongue-in-cheek way to speak out against this ignorant bill, and support our brother & sisters in Tennessee.

Any time you need to say the word "gay,"
you can simply say "Takei."
You can go a step further with the support by checking out the merchandise associated with this cause over at ItsOkToBeTakei.com

Art: Savage Beauty

I was fortunate enough to experience this profound moment for both the fashion and art worlds — Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photography of any kind was strictly prohibited, but I never cared much for rules. I filmed the exhibit in it's entirety (I really hope I don't get sued), and upon editing footage, I plan to share it with you all here. So think of this as a head's up — the exhibit runs through the end of July, so there's still time to make your way up to NYC. Lee Alexander McQueen was a masterful craftsman and artist; this exhibit will blow your mind — it blew mine at least.

[Image via Ritournelle]

BYT: Amor de Días

I'm not going into too much prefacing here; I'm on a beyond cramped bus from NYC to DC after all. I checked out Amor de Días at Red Palace, as well as openers Damon and Naomi. This is my review, comments are welcomed/encouraged, click the pic for the article. Unfortunately, our photog had an accident with his camera post-show, so there are no visual aides. Either way, the music was great, my review is up, so go check it out.

Video: Recognize These Moves Anywhere?

This is just gratuitous Beyoncé posting; but if you can look past that and bear with me, we'll have fun. There was only a matter of time before the members of Mozambican Kwaito dance group Tofo Tofo began getting increased shine. These men were responsible for the majority of the choreography in Queen Bey's new video for "Run The World (Girls)." It doesn't take long to recognize where their moves have influenced the moves within the video — it's pretty mirror imaged. This whole thing just reminds me of Beyoncé's Bob Fosse inspired "Single Ladies" video. Her inspirations are all over the map — yes, I say inspirations, not copies... she's always upfront with her product. Watch a side-by-side comparison here — be forewarned, it gets pretty ridiculous.

Fashion: Bowties in Silk. Wool. Lace?

A while back I stumbled upon a post from a blog that I now follow, 00 o 00 blog — it was about bowties. I'm admittedly not a bowtie enthusiast, nor do I ever wear them, but this post caught my interest nonetheless. Unless incredibly thick in the head, you have probably already realized that it was about the above image. London's tie-making company Marwood prides themselves in "an exquisitely crafted range of ties and bow ties made with the finest fabrics such as woven silk, wool and traditional English Leavers lace." Prices range between £75-90 (so about $122-146) — a steep price to pay for a tie, yes. However, when you consider the craftsmanship and care taken into its construction; it seems a bit more negotiable. I have no such money at the moment, but these just make me want to transform into a Dandy for just a day. Below is a silly, but super creative, video lookbook from fw11.



[Photos via Marwood]

Fashion: Louis Vuitton fw12 (Preview)

-Models-
Daphne Groeneveld, Anaïs Pouliot,
Gertrud Hegelund, Zuzana Gregorova, Nyasha Matonhodze

“Who wouldn’t want to be this gorgeous young woman in the back seat of this beautiful car?” asks Marc Jacobs, Vuitton’s artistic director, highlighting the tongue-in-cheek take on the French brand’s familiar travel theme. (WWD)

The full campaign will also feature Fei Fei Sun — glad to know there will be some more color present. The campaign which was shot by Steven Meisel was styled (impeccably might I add) by Karl Templer, makeup by Pat McGrath (the queen of beauty), and hair by Guido Palau — look for the campaign images to run this August.


[Photos via TFS]

**This post was edited from May 19, 2011**

Video: Lady Gaga On SNL... awwkwarrrd

Justin Timberlake will be hosting tomorrow night's Saturday Night Live with musical guest Lady Gaga. Okay... I love you Mother Mons†er, but this was just too painful to watch. I'm glad you're not appearing on the show as a host; let's just stick to the music babe, that's where you truly shine. I'm excited to see your performance, it's sure to be amazing — or perhaps your moment to unveil yourself as the Anti-Christ. I hope it's the latter, I'd love to spend the rest of eternity dancing in the dark with you.

Fashion: Harper's Bazaar UK May 2011

As the fashion world honours Alexander McQueen with a retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, Kate Moss stars in Bazaar’s special double cover May issue. She wears both the ruffled organza dress in which she appeared as a hologram in the A/W 2006 Widows of Culloden show and then in an exquisite white gown from Sarah Burton’s first collection. (Harper's Bazaar UK)

Kate Moss, the eternal beauty, covers the May issue of Harper's Bazaar UK — there's not much to mention that the above blurb hasn't already said. I will say however that I'm extremely excited to check out the "Savage Beauty" exhibit at the Met (I leave Sunday, with a return on Wednesday). Kate looks gorgeous, but that's to be expected. My one qualm is that the newsstand cover looks like something W magazine would produce; I much prefer the subscribers cover (which you can see below).


[Images via TFS]

Fashion: So What Was Beyoncé Wearing?

>> Press Play <<

So by now, we've all seen Beyoncé's explosive new video for "Run The World (Girls)"; if not, click here. As her song proclaims, "...this is for all of my girls up in the club rockin' the latest," she does just that. Now let's take note of her video's fashion breakdown — she definitely took a "fashion shower."


dress & boots: Alexander McQueen


shorts: Norma Kamali
heels: Alexander Wang



dress: Givenchy HC



dress: Jean Paul Gaultier



jewelry: Larucci



dress & shoes: Gareth Pugh



jumpsuit: Norma Kamali



dress: Emilio Pucci
boots: Sergio Rossi



dress: Emilio Pucci


All I can say is... WERQ.

Video: Napoleon Dynamite... The Series?

It would seem that seven years since its release (yes, it's been that long), the awkward Preston, Idaho teen is back to invade our minds. I, like many, SEVEN years ago, thoroughly enjoyed the film's deadpan humor. But seeing as it's been SEVEN years (yes, I must stress that point), it seems a bit late to really build off its original cult popularity, and too soon to bank off its nostalgic appeal. Fox really needs to just leave the animated programming to Seth MacFarlane — but I'll probably check it out anyway; it shall be my stoner cartoon. As the trailer points out, most (not all as they said) of the original cast is back — they must be hard-pressed for work. I wish the best for this series, as Fox doesn't have the best reputation for series' survival.

As a side-note, I posted a while back about the revival of Beavis and Butt-head; well, it's been confirmed for this summer by MTV!

This trailer came by way of Shannon Says...
a friend of mine's weekly round-up for BYT!

News: A College Degree, and He's Only 15

Wisdom Martin reports:

Before 15-year-old Ty Hobson-Powell graduated from the University of Baltimore, his parents realized at an early age he had a gift for learning.

"At the age of three, I was learning how to read, write and speak Chinese. Went to elementary school, skipped two grades. [In] junior high school, that’s when my headmaster recognized my gift, allowed me to take some course work outside traditional settings," said Hobson-Powell.

From there, it was off to Montgomery College, then Howard University before transferring to the University of Baltimore. That meant a one-hour on the train every day, each way. (Fox 5 News)

Though I take issue with accelerated education, primarily because the child misses out on the fundamental life-experiences which help to eventually shape who they will become, this young man is seriously an inspiration. His thirst for knowledge is one we all could take note of – he has plans to continue on to law school, and then medical school after that. What makes me most proud of him, besides the accomplishments and his determination, is that he's a man of color. The news seems to maintain its focus only on the negative aspects of the Black community; it's refreshing to hear something positive for a change. Kudos to his parents for nurturing his desire to learn (not to be confused; his parents never forced his education, it's all him). You Go Boy!

Video: Run The World (Girls) - Beyoncé

>> Download <<
Words can't describe the emotions that are running through me right now... so I will just let her work speak for itself — she's my favorite performer for a reason, PERIOD. So excited for her album 4 to drop; official release date being June 28th. Thanks once again to Martian Leaks for providing the download file.

To Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, my Queen Diva Supreme, WERQ.

Video: Gilt Goes Gaga

Online retailer Gilt Groupe, known for its 'flash' sales, partners with Lady Gaga and her right-hand man Nicola Formichetti to present one Mons†er of a sale. Starting May 20th at noon EST, members can shop sales curated by Formichetti — items include a one-of-a-kind Thierry Mugler dress worn by Gaga, tix to a future Mugler presentation in Paris, access to see Mother Mons†er perform and preview her album, and of course, great Gaga inspired fashion. In this interview with Gilt, Formichetti dishes a bit about the collaboration but more importantly, where he sees his role within the industry in the future. I'd never heard him speak before this, and I must say, he has a really sexy voice.

BYT: Here We Go Magic

I recently had the opportunity to see Brooklyn quintet Here We Go Magic in concert, and might I say, I was quite impressed by them. They took the stage to a pretty light crowd at Red Palace; joined by another Brooklyn act, Caveman (not so impressed by them however). Check out my review of the show, and if you're feeling so inclined, leave some comment love — there, not here, though here would be appreciated just the same, ha. There recent EP
The January is available now on iTunes — if you're a fan of Local Natives, I highly recommend you give them a listen. Click the image for the article/review.

[Photo via Julian Vu/BYT]

News: 'No Knock Raids' Made Legal... WTF?

The LA Times reports:

The Supreme Court gave police more leeway to break into homes or apartments in search of illegal drugs when they suspect the evidence otherwise might be destroyed.

What happened to the Fourth Amendment?! This was shocking to me initially, but didn't really affect me that strongly until I read this commentary by Bay Area Hip Hop Journalist, Historian, DJ, Media & Community Activist, Davey D (yah, he's got a string of titles; this man is accomplished). This is an abhorrent violation of citizens' rights, and quite frankly an embarrassing method of social control by our government. By endangering countless of innocent individuals for the sake of policing drugs in this country is willfully remaining ignorant to safer, more affective, methods of drug enforcement. Take note from countries like Switzerland, The Netherlands, Portugal, and even Germany where drug-related crime is significantly lower that ares with strict enforcement policies. Some would assume the moral here would suggest simply, Don't Do Drugs — well, Kathryn Johnson wasn't do drugs, neither was Aiyanna Stanley Jones, nor Jose Guerena. Wake up US Government, restriction doesn't prevent anything — I'm agnostic, but to use the Bible, which seems so popular within politics: Adam & Eve were restricted from the Tree of Knowledge... and we all know how that ended.

[Photo via Irfan Khan/LA Times]

Video: Plato's Atlantis

Plato's Atlantis
x
Alexander McQueen, Nick Knight, Ruth Hogben

This fashion film, presented by SHOWstudio, played as the opening to Alexander McQueen's ss10 presentation. Shown here in full, the short film stars model Raquel Zimmermann bathed in snakes — mind you it's NSFW; but you've probably discovered this by now. Also accompanying the film is an exclusive interview with Lee himself.

Click here to view the AMcQ ss10 presentation in full.

BYT: Vitamin Water UnCapped Live

[dir. Jeff Martin]

Press Release:

vitaminwater® will partner with Brightest Young Things (that's us!) and Art Whino to present vitaminwater® uncapped LIVE, a takeover of 2213-2217 14th street NW (the corner of 14th and Florida NW) for a month of the finest music, fashion, arts and entertainment our nation’s capital has to offer.

In short, the company I intern for, BYT, is hosting a month-long party starting this Friday, and running until the 17th of June (because that's when Summer Camp Starts). THIS is your ONLY summer plan; at least heading into Summer. See you there!

Click here for the complete schedule.

Music: "Born This Way" - Lady Gaga

Disc 1
1. Marry the Night
2. Born This Way
3. Government Hooker
4. Judas
5. Americano
6. Hair
7. Scheiße
8. Bloody Mary
9. Black Jesus † Amen Fashion
10. Bad Kids
11. Fashion of His Love
12. Highway Unicorn (Road to Love)
13. Heavy Metal Lover
14. Electric Chapel
15. The Queen
16. Yoü and I
17. The Edge of Glory

Disc 2
1. Born This Way (The Country Road Version)
2. Judas (DJ White Shadow Remix)
3. Marry the Night (Fernando Garibay Remix)
4. Scheiße (DJ White Shadow Mugler)
5. Fashion of His Love (Fernando Garibay Remix)

>> Download <<
Regardless of your personal views on Lady Gaga as an artist or her persona, there is no denying this album's supreme quality. Hopefully this album silences her critics, and cements herself in the minds of all who exist beneath her sphere of influence (which is pretty much the entire free world) that she is a bonafied phenome who has earned her place fair and square. I feel like such a guilty Little Mons†er for not waiting for its release, and then proceeding to pass it along, but this album is too amazing to keep to myself. Thanks to Martian Leaks for the link. Enjoy!

Art: After The Rain

After The Rain x JulianIrre

A friend of mine (follow him) shared with me this cool site which is pretty much an online version of MS Paint (not so archaic, but the same thing nonetheless) — this was a cool image, and thus I share it with you. Click here to try it for yourself.

Food: DC Taco Experiment

Check out my coverage of the recent DC Taco Experiment cook-off, presented by Food Experiments and Brooklyn Brewery. The event which took place this past Sunday at Rock and Roll Hotel was just an open-call for chefs to come and compete for more than just bragging rights; not to mention a trip to Brooklyn for the championships. It was an awesome way to spend an afternoon; a ton of free food (26 taco testings left me sluggish to say the least). Click the image for the article — comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Photo via FranzMahr/BYT]

Style: The Amazona Weekend Bag

Fantastic Man's Tuesday Pick: the Amazona Weekender x LOEWE — chosen by the minds behind Spanish men's mag Hercules, Francesco Sourigues and David Vivirido. As one of the label's most iconic accessories for 35 years, this presents itself as the perfect carry-all for Spring/Summer. If I weren't a struggling college student, but rather a son of some wealthy investment banker, I would most definitely opt in for the Oro Suede model. With it's beautiful tan suede and calfskin leather; it would look perfect strewn over my shoulder as Sourigues and Vivirido demonstrate.

[Photo via FM]

Fashion: Les Coutures de la Fumée

"I hope my dress shocks smokers and plays a role in making them more aware of the damage they do by throwing their butts away that degrade in 18 months at best or 12 years at worst."
-Flore Garcia Bour-

Check out this 22-year-old Parisian Design student's project, which beyond being really cool and creative, makes me take a moment to evaluate my own contribution to this issue. Click Here.

[Photo via Jacques Demarthon/AFP]

Fashion: Too risqué for America's Wholesome Booksellers?

Andrej Pejic x Dossier Journal VII

According to ELLE's blog, stateside booksellers Barnes & Noble and Borders have ordered that the mag ship this issue with the all too familiar black plastic censorship sleeves... Newsflash B&N/Borders: Andrej's a guy... those aren't breasts; well not female ones. Do we care that much about the human anatomy that we're willing to ignorantly and unfairly force a publication to pay for unnecessary distribution packaging? Well, apparently so, as both companies have been made aware of MISTER Pejic's gender, yet their decision remains the same... this is too hilarious.

Film: The Adventures of Tin Tin (2011)

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn
(2011)

I'm beyond excited for this film; I was a big fan of the cartoon series as a child, and to hear that someone is finally revisiting these characters just sends my adrenaline through the roof. I'm not usually all that hyped up about children's films, but TinTin holds a special place in my heart. The film is adapted from a mash-up up three of the novels from the series: The Crab with the Golden Claws, The Secret of the Unicorn, and Red Rackham's Treasure. It's been the inevitable norm for literary adaptations that when writers combine installments, the overall story comes off as rushed (i.e. A Series of Unfortunate Events). However, I'm quite hopeful for this film (despite its 3-D production), especially with Steven Spielberg as director and Peter Jackson as producer. I would only hope that this turns into a multi-arched franchise... that would make me very happy.

Video: ...Why? Because I love it. Ciao!

>> Fashion Shower <<
Anna Dello Russo (aka Our Lady of the Knobby Knees) presents this borderline obnoxious display of decadence... I can't help but love Vogue Nippon's cooky editor-at-large. She's just so... ADR!

"When you get comfortable, you’ll never get the look."


-Fashion Credits-
Dress: Mark Fast ss11
Shoes: DSquared2 fw11

Art: Victoria x Randy Atwood

HB, 2B, 3B, 5B graphite; hard (HB) charcoal
11" x 14" smooth bristol
Reference used
Would you believe that this is actually a hand-drawn portrait of Madame Beckham, and not a well-lit b/w photograph? Well, believe it; it is. 22 year old artist Randy Atwood uses a mix of graphite and charcoal to create stunningly realist images of not only celebrity figures, but cartoons, animals, and common folk like you and I (click here to request his services). I've pulled a few of my favorites, but his whole portfolio (which comes in the form of a DeviantArt profile) is definitely worth taking a look at.


[images via Randy-Man]

Music: "Phosphene Dream" - The Black Angels

1. Bad Vibrations
2. Haunting at 1300 McKinley
3. Yellow Elevator #2
4. Sunday Afternoon
5. River of Blood
6. Entrance Song
7. Phosphene Dream
8. True Believers
9. Telephone
10. The Sniper

>> Download <<
A couple friends of mine who maintain a music blog called Whiskey & Cigarettes recently spotlighted this band on their site—I'm not usually into Rock; but this band's lazy stoned sound really appeals to me... and thus I pass this on to you. I feel like this is going to be a mainstay in my summer music rotation—they're moody, I can dance to it, and it brings up nostalgic emotions of days past. I'll admit, I write about music, but my knowledge isn't all that extensive—I have a decent ear, so you can trust me when I say you'll enjoy this album. For a better review of this band/album, check out W+C. Now I'm going to go riot... PEACE.

Models: New Faces, April A. (KRUSH)

April Alexander, Black, Brown, 5'11, KRUSH
full name, hair, eyes, height, agency


[photos via MDC]

A (Re)Introduction to Quite Fascinating

Keep up with me...
www.QuiteFascinating.blogspot.com
www.QuiteFascinating.tumblr.com
www.QuiteFascinating365.tumblr.com
www.QuiteFascinatingETC.tumblr.com
www.twitter.com/QFascinating
www.youtube.com/QFascinatingTV

[If you didn't notice, I'm trying to brand the whole 'Quite Fascinating' name—it seems to be working, wouldn't you agree?]

...I'm baaaaaack

Regular updates shall return following NYFW fw2011--I've missed you all so much!

InterPreview: Siren

InterPreview: Siren

#BYT

Listening Party: MoneyBrother

Listening Party: MoneyBrother

[sidenote: I'm not sure how many readers I have, but if you are reading this, be assured that I haven't abandoned this little hobby of mine... life just happened, really fast, and I haven't properly sorted through it all... lol... but let me just say, I have much to say about the VMAs, FNO, NYFW, and ANTM15... until then, enjoy my archives, and hold tight... it won't be soon before long]

Live DC: Marina and The Diamonds @ 930Club

Live DC: Marina and The Diamonds @ 930Club

My second piece... I didn't think it sounded to harsh... Hmm.

eta: Im actually a MtD fan, even if my words don't convey that, lol.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Live DC: Dominique Young Unique @ DC9

Live DC: Dominique Young Unique @ DC9

Follow the link above to check out my first piece for my new internship (i.e. my reason for not updating much recently... well that, and school, lol)

[sidenote: be sure to check out my pics from the show on my Flickr Photostream]