#CandidlyNicole

I used to be super obsessed with ‘The Simple Life’ when I was a kid, and I'm more than happy to admit it. Not only did the show revolutionise the reality TV genre and kick-start the whole ‘celebutante’ thing (man, I’m SO glad nobody says that anymore), but it also proved to be extremely entertaining – all thanks to Nicole Richie. Despite Paris Hilton being the focal point of the series, ‘The Simple Life’ would’ve never been the same without Nikki and her remarkable one-liners.

  

Sadly enough, the show ended in 2007, and the girls each went their separate ways. As we all already know, Nicole became a fairly successful designer and occasionally reminded us of her comic genius; Paris’ home was burglarised by ‘The Bling Ring’, and she did a show about making new friends that no one cared about. Apart from that, both women took a backseat in the world of celebrity. Because, you know, the Kardashians took over it.

Anyway, luckily for us, Nicole’s back on the small (laptop) screen with her new web series, ‘#CandidlyNicole’, and, trust me, it is hilaaaarious. Each episode, based on one of Nicole’s tweets, is about five minutes long and follows the 31-year-old as she embarks on various adventures such as removing her ‘tramp stamp’ (which she never actually does), learning how think like a drag queen and finding a date for her friend. Ohhhhh, yes. 

The only annoying things about this series is that the episodes are SO DAMN SHORT! Like, seriously, can someone give the girl a proper show?? Please?



So Lady Gaga Has Released The Music Video For 'Applause'...

 

So incase you live under a rock - or merely don’t live your entire existence on Twitter, Lady Gaga has released the music video for her new single ‘Applause’. The video, directed by fashion photography duo, Inez & Vinoodh, showcases Gaga in various guises, from a David Bowie -esque androgyny look, to embodying a Beatnik performance artist (which was my favourite portrayal in the video personally).

The concept of art is heavily influenced in the visual, and although the video is in typical Gaga wacky fashion, for me it lacks something. The video almost comes across as quite random for me. While ‘Applause’ is your catchy, run-of-the-mill EDM track, the video for me needed to be spectacular in order to boost the track to another stratosphere.

This may be a new ‘era’ for Gaga, but the music is still exactly the same. This isn't exactly surprising, revolutionary news, but I still feel a tad of disappointment. I guess Gaga has already met her peak musically and even visually.

Hopefully when Gaga performs ‘Applause’ live at the MTV VMA’s she’ll give us something else to work it, because, honey, this isn’t it.

 

See the video below. Thoughts?

Chloë, My Love

I may have already said this, like, a million times, but Chloë Sevigny is one of the coolest people on Planet Earth. Period.

Turns out, her fifth collection for Opening Ceremony is not too bad, either. The latest collaboration between the 90s fashion icon and the coveted American brand is all teenage angst and nostalgia and, well, me, aged 15. And I totally love it!

It’s also quite obvious that the garments heavily reflect Ms Sevigny's personal style, which, I guess, makes them even more desirable for Chloëholics like myself. Yeah, definitely not complaining.

Here are some of my favourite A/W 2013 pieces:

What do you think of Chloë's latest collection for Opening Ceremony? 

Maison Martin Margiela And Couture

 

Can I just have everything, please?



James Franco: Psycho Nacirema

 

For starters, apologies for the lack of posts recently. I’ve realised that when there’s not that much to do, you wanna do even less, and, obviously, this summer’s been no exception.

Anyway, a few of weeks ago, Leah and I went to our favourite boy James Franco’s exhibition at Pace London, and much to my surprise, ‘Psycho Nacirema’ was... well, entertaining and fun. Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary 1960 classic and the 'Fatty' Arbuckle case, the actor slash art-maker has skilfully constructed a very believable life-size interpretation of the Bates Motel – and it’s both gory and hilarious. There are quite a few questionable objects (gummy ducks?!?); red paint’s been splattered everywhere, and the excruciating amount of ‘Marion Crane’ portraits and video projections will keep you well aware that you’ve stepped into Franco’s insanely bizarre world.

Some people (including myself) might doubt James’ creative output, and although ‘Psycho Nacirema’ won’t strike you with extreme originality, it manages to evoke a spectrum of emotions which, I think, is definitely a rarity nowadays. Or maybe I'm over-exaggerating (as per usual), and it's simply his boyish charm that keeps people interested. Either way, you won't be bored.



All images by me.



New Music: Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop

She’s baaccccck. After what seems like forever since her iconic single ‘Party In The USA’ was released (yes, ICONIC), Miley is back with the new single ‘We Can’t Stop’.

 

The track definitely sounds like a grower, and it’ll probably be a huge hit this summer. However, I feel the song is definitely lacking in ‘oomph’. Especially after these kick-ass editorials she’s been doing with V Magazine, Elle and, of course, that epic ‘Twerking’ video. I guess I expected something ‘edgier’ for lack of a better word. Oh well.

'We Can't Stop' is now available to download on iTunes in the US and will be released in the UK on August 18.

What do you think of Miley’s new track?

Jourdan Dunn for Russh Magazine June/July 2013

With the current hype surrounding another British model who is over-exposed and highly publicised (cough, cough Cara), it was a great pleasure to see Jourdan Dunn get some shine on the June/July 2013 cover of Russh Magazine.

Jourdan is the first black model to cover the Australian publication, and she looks amazing in the 90s inspired editorial wearing looks from Calvin Klein, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ksubi and J.W. Anderson. Take a look at the rest of the editorial below.

Destiny's Child Are Back! Well, Sort Of.

After Kelly Rowland released the revealing track 'Dirty Laundry', which drummed up a considerable amount of publicity for Ms.Rowland, the former DC member has recruited her band mates Michelle Williams and Beyonce for her new track 'You've Changed'. Listen below:
 

 

The song was co-written by Kelly and consists of Kelly & co exposing their cheating boyfriends in the song, while showing off their impeccable harmonies and vocal ability. With the buzz surrounding Kelly at the moment, including another X Factor position, will any of this amount to respectable album sales? Kelly's upcoming album 'Talk A Good Game' will be released on June 18th - the same day as Kanye West's 'Yeezus'. Good luck, Kels.

Givenchy, Amanda Seyfried And Flower Power

So this might be old news, BUT – how freakishly insane is Amanda Seyfried’s Givenchy campaign?!? I absolutely hated the perfume one (seriously, ugh), but this new ad is clearly one of those ‘wow’ and ‘who-knew-she-could-do-high-fashion’ moments. The hair, the makeup, the intense look – everything is just perfect. Good job, girl! 

 Interestingly, Carine Roitfeld, who did the styling, and her daughter, Julia, also star in the A/W 2013-14 campaign, and even though they, too, look great, the Roitfelds' presence in these particular shots seems a bit too random to me. According to Riccardo Tisci, these people are his 'family'. Oh, well... I guess that does (kind of) explain a thing or two.

After seeing these images, I felt like I had to go back to the whole collection and admire it for its intricate yet grungy beauty - once again.

It's no secret that I have a huge, long-standing obsession with all things floral, so most of these garments are basically heaven to me - especially the ones with the baby pink rose print. Yeaaahhhh, that one. And don't even get me started on the hair.

Wish List

A girl can dream.

1. TOPSHOP: Red Floral Tea Dress

2. BALENCIAGA: Florabotanica Eau De Parfum

3. ZARA: Pointed Slingback Shoes With Pattern

4. Retro Skittles Alarm Clock

5. ESTEE LAUDER: Pure Color Sheer RollerGloss in 02

6. ZARA: Wallet With Beading And Embroidery

7. RIFLE PAPER: Botanical Rose Journal

8. URBAN OUTFITTERS: Floral Cushion Cover

9. TOPSHOP: Tattoo Floral Tea Dress

10. MANGO: Stone Ring

The Time Is Nigh: #YeezySeason

Kanye Omari West. Ye. Yeezy. Kanye Kardashian. Whatever you want to call him, he's back.
 

After an extremely lousy week for Mr. West, he's back to doing what he does best and reminding us of the iconic emcee that he is. West performed two new tracks on SNL this weekend, including the much talked about 'New Slaves' and new track 'Black Skinhead'. Check out the videos below:

As well as blessing us with new performances, the artwork for his sixth solo studio album 'Yeezus' is out, and it’s EPIC.

Yeezus is now available for pre-order and will be released on JUNE EIGHTEEN according to Kanye. Not June eighteenth. Eighteen. Who needs to be grammatically correct when you call yourself Yeezus.

 

Will you be jumping on the Ye train and buy his latest album?