Vogueing Vamps

C’mon. Time to admit. Go on. It’s ok, we’re all on the same bandwagon.

We all love vampires and fortunately they are very en vogue right now. Now that fashion month is behind us, it’s safe to assume (based on the collections designers presented) that more or less, we all will look like the undead next fall. And, my friends, that is a good thing.

While vamps in movies are indulging in something else rather than blood these days, mainly whining and pondering about how tragic their immortal youth is, the cinema has offered us a fair share of fashionable and bad-ass blood-suckers since the dawn of film.

With no further ado, here’s a few stylish vamps that may get, you know, your blood pumping:

The Hunger (1983)

Miriam, oh Miriam. I think feminists should erect a monument in your honour. After all, you have been draining the life out of your lovers for centuries while living in extravagant house and wearing absolutely stunning ensembles.

Dracula (1992)

A film the fashion of which I have already bowed to before. Oldman, how can we not love your young Johny Depp, I mean young Dracula, portrayal.

OMG, like, he is so hot.

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Santanico Pandemonium, is pretty hot. What’s more, she’s rocking the bohemian belly-dancer look. She probably played everyone’s dream film role: short, sweet and forever remembered.

Queen of the Damned (2002)

Speaking of bohemian belly-dancing like outfits, check out the vamp Queen Akasha (portrayed by the late Aaliyah) rocking this number. Do appreciate the meticulously done lapis lazuli neckpiece.

True Blood (2008)

More blood-thirsty royalty. This time it’s from the popular TV series, filled with hot love making and, when this particular character was alive, fashion. Doesn’t image number two look simply Vogueing?

Do you have a fave stylish vampire character? Do share.

Marilyn wore this

(Images: Marilyn in a photoshoot for Life Mag, the infamous leotard from Bus Stop – interesting to see how Technicolor manipulated the green into teal – floral leotard from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, the dress from The Prince and the Showgirl – also showed in the new production of My Week with Marilyn (Michelle Williams) – Marilyn’s dress from the Rose Tattoo premiere, the red sequin dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Lanvin and Castillo couture gown and a silk jersey cocktail dress, both of which were in  Marilyn’s private wardrobe rather than film costumes, the pink dress from Niagara, followed by the iconic négligée from the same film, the eclectic gown from There’s No Business Like Show Business, the provocative sheer and sequin cocktail dress from Some Like it Hot. Finally, some photographs that you can view at The Getty Images Gallery and myself in front of the exhibition.)

Now it’s my turn to say
What’s been said too many times.
We’ve applauded you
For years and years
Hiding your life and fears
Because who cares, right?
Not the look-alikes
They are exactly you
With a slight difference
That you are you
And you are better.
It hurts them so much to admit
That you made them ugly
You made them cheat.
They were beautiful
Before becoming you
They should have been worshiped
Even more than you,
Mrs. to the poor, Miss to the rich
You are not creative, you’re someone’s creation
Not too pretty – just under beautification
You’re a victim of apotheosis and sanctity
An elusive goddess in eternity.
Your life is one fragile ambiguity
Illuminated by discrepancies of your tears
You’re decrepit
You’re pure poison
You’re dead
Yet you never rot.
You can innocently kill everybody
Even Yourself.
You made people wonder and never know.
Simple. Because you’re the only Marilyn Monroe.

(2007)

Eve Arnold 1912-2012

The women in these photographs look beautiful, sensual and full of life – but the person behind the lens is now dead.

Ironically, they died before her yet she made them immortal.

Images of Marilyn Monroe (1955), Marlene Dietrich (1952) and Elizabeth Taylor with Richard Burton (1962) photographed by the late Eve Arnold.

Monday’s Inspiration: Audrey Horne

Who should I seduce today?

I present to you Audrey Horne, the girl whose style I was madly in love with in the 90s, despite being just a kid at the time. The fact that Audrey is not even real did not discourage me either. This is merely a character that Sherilyn Fenn portrayed in Twin Peaks (1990-1991), one of the most notorious TV series of all time.

Frequent readers will no doubt remember my love for all things David Lynch, be it from a slightly more fetishist perspective, or sartorial one (especially when it comes to that luscious fabric that is blue velvet), Lynch’s works have in some way or the other influenced me fashion-wise.

Take Audrey, for instance. A feminine figure who looks ever so alluring in a black dress as she is innocent and girly in a tartan skirt and brogues. He school wardrobe slightly resembles that of the Clueless (1995) girls’ except that she really had a clue, a lot of seductive clues actually.

While a part of me was obsessed with the question  “Who killed Laura Palmer?“, I was equally obsessed with watching Audrey on screen – be it smoking in the school toilet or dancing to Angelo Badalamenti’s Audrey’s Dance. She just knew how to move in those very 90s clothes and not to mention wore blood red lipstick like it was a given.

Last time pret-a-reporter was inspired by an actress rather than a character – Marlene Dietrich to be exact.

Disney girls got style

It seems that it’s not only Hanna Barbera‘s characters who wear awesome clothes – Disney did not allow its girls to win all of the cartoon chic points.

A young and bright artist, Jirka Väätäinen, decided to take it all a step forward, and through photo manipulation (via Photoshop), has come up with portraits of Disney Princesses of how would they look like had they been, difficult to break it to you but you know, REAL.

I adore these so much because of the attention to detail – the headbands, bows and the jewellery, I mean look at Jasmine’s chocker. I guess this is why she is my personal favourite. Who’s yours?

All images by Jirka Väätäinen

A dose of Mae West

What’s likely to get me going on a gloomy Sunday morning? A couple of Mae West quotes of course.

Mae herself reached stardom at the age of 41 and became one of the highest paid actresses of her time, along with the lovely Marlene Dietrich, both of whom actually liked each other, which can be seen as peculiar as the Golden Hollywood years were filled with hatred and competitiveness.

During her heyday, the tactic Mae had used was pretty damn simple: to cast actors and especially actresses who looked, let’s just say, less fortunate than her. And it worked. When she was 85 she starred as a twenty-something in Sexette (1978). You can criticise all you like – but who else could have done this except for West?

As for the fashion – she was wearing Zuhair Muradesque or Ellie Saab-like gowns even before these designers were born. Provocative, expensive and very seductive.

Nevertheless, here are some quotes to put a smile on your face. Feel free to use these on a daily basis. I sure do.

A dame that knows the ropes isn’t likely to get tied up.

A hard man is good to find.

All discarded lovers should be given a second chance, but with somebody else.

Any time you got nothing to do – and lots of time to do it – come on up.

Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.

Don’t keep a man guessing too long – he’s sure to find the answer somewhere else.

Every man I meet wants to protect me. I can’t figure out what from.

I believe in censorship. I made a fortune out of it.

I didn’t discover curves; I only uncovered them.

I’ll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure.

Love thy neighbor – and if he happens to be tall, debonair and devastating, it will be that much easier.

Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

All quotes by Mae West

Tuesday’s Inspiration: Marlene Dietrich

Ah, Marlene. I have been a big fan of this woman, I have even written her short bio for an online glossy.

Marlene’s films have always been a source of style inspiration for me. She would wear the most outrageous of outfits or indeed the most wearable down-to-earth clothes which can easily be worn today, and they are.

The Dietrich trousers, for instance, are like white and navy stripes – always in fashion and can be worn no matter how old you are. I remember wearing this wide-fitting pant style when I was ten even and I wouldn’t need to think twice to wear them today.

Those who want some fashion inspiration should watch Marlene in The Devil is a Woman (1935). The outfits she wears as Concha Perez are definitely bonkers for her era. In fact, the clothes that she sported in most of her movies make Lady Gaga look like Lady BlahBlah.

Can I choose a single favourite film by Marlene? No. Why would I settle for a starter if I can have a whole three course meal?

But if I had to choose a single must see, I’d say Morocco (1930) in all its glory.

Here’s a cocktail of her style, should be served cool, shaken not stirred.

Last time pret-a-reporter was inspired by Evelina Khromchenko.

(Images:?)