Sex in the City 2

Maybe its cardinal sin for a girl-woman but I was never a fan of the series. To tell you the truth, I have never watched a FULL episode. The reason for this is because I hung out with boys. For as long as I can remember, my best friends have always been boys. Boys saved me from other boys. Boys taught me what they really thought about girls and I never had a problem understanding Martians.

So I could never relate to a bunch of girls, long live sisterhood and travelling pants. To me, women in general were ala Mean Girls. Don’t get me wrong. I love fashion, I had female friends (and still do keep some) and it is comforting to know that you can truly have a platonic relationship with a woman (unless she swings your way). I try and I try but I could never really relate to SATC. 

Until SATC 2: Carrie Bradshaw has been married to the love of her life for two years (has it been that long already?) and is in desperate need to find the “sparkle.”  She is also struggling with identity: is she a wife or the eternal single woman? Miranda seems to have hit the glass ceiling (or hand) and a partner always put her down. Charlotte, mother-of-two, is too busy looking at her nanny’s tits while discovering that she isn’t “the perfect mother”. The outspoken Samantha fights aging and menopause like a crime by taking too many pills.


So what is it about SATC 2 that hit a nerve?

Our usual suspects look happy with life and the Big Apple but what is next for them? I remember in one scene, Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) forces Mr. Big (Chris Noth) to go to an exclusive event. At the premiere, Mr. Big, finally has a good time (despite the badly catered food) talking to a Spanish Banker played by Penelope Cruz. Later at home, they fight. Bradshaw does not want to end up being like a traditional “old married couple”. In another scene, Bradshaw receives a flat screen TV to watch B&W movies. Despite Big’s enthusiasm, she’s highly disappointed. She would rather receive jewelry than a TV for an anniversary present.

As a married woman who often has to force her husband to go out for an event, I finally feel for Bradshaw.   WE finally have something in common! I don't know about you but the role of marriage, motherhood and the fear of looking like Miley Cyrus’ mom, does scare me.  

So they head to Abu Dhabi (actually shot in Morocco)…city of entertainment, city of modernity, city of decadence…city of tradition...

Now, the bad and the ugly starts to surface…

Writer-Director, Michael Patrick King wasn’t so “off the ball” when a bevy of ladies started to reveal what was really underneath them abayas…

You see…I remember going to Mecca recently and while waiting for the next prayer call or azan, I would eye a veiled woman carrying her Louboutin pumps into the mosque, notice a lady sporting Vera Wang shades on top of her tudung or find myself next to the owner of an LV monogram rose speedy in a niqab. 

I, myself was veiled and wearing an abaya throughout this entire experience.

However, as a Muslim woman, I did find certain aspects of the movie rather insensitive: French fry eating Arab woman in a niqab and the karaoke scene was just tacky.  Rules are the way you understand the game and Samantha screaming “condoms” would not only anger a crowd in any part of Arabia but would get you stoned to death (literally). No amount of Chanel or Manolo Blahniks can save you then.

To add salt to the wound, just because Samantha has A LOT of sex, does not mean she is more empowered than Muslim women (or in this case Arab women).  Remember: not all Arabs are Muslim and not all Muslims are Arab. 

The SATC 2 girls should have come to Malaysia instead. All they would do is eat! Don’t get me wrong, I’m no jihadist and definitely no hypocrite. I’m all for light entertainment and fashion vomit - I thoroughly enjoyed watching the girls prance in expensive outfits. However, Hollywood should learn to speak to an audience other than Sarah Palin. Let’s hope that future SATC movies do not repeat the mistake of poking fun on other cultures, maybe touch more on universal issues like love and how to keep it.  Back to basics people!

How about…Evan Handler’s character, leaves Charlotte for big boobs? Can’t wait!  Yours  Truly,    The Editor  

Movie Stills courtesy of Warner Bros         *Check out the soundtrack, love the song "Rapture" by Alicia Keys and "Window Seat" by Erykah Badu

Sex and the City 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

PERRIAND: AHEAD OF HER TIME

Charlotte Perriand  (1903 – 1999) ,  a pioneer of  interior architecture,  was brought to "life" again in Malaysia recently. Hosted by the Shalini Ganendra Fine Art gallery, the exhibition was very much appreciated by Malaysian art lovers. Sadly, the exhibition ended on the 20th of May 2010.

1. How did the exhibition come about?  

SGFA was invited to participate in the French Film and Arts Festival. Because of our emphasis on contemporary art and design, we thought it appropriate to introduce to audiences here the work and story of Charlotte Perriand, who has been, until now,   overshadowed by male colleagues of her time.  

2. In your opinion, what fascinates you about Charlotte's work? 

Her determination and dedication to creating functional and elegant design.

3. She lived in Japan for several years building a dogma - the "volumetry of space."  Can you explain further?   

In the simplest sense, Perriand used the design of furniture (bringing it closer to the ground), textures (such as wood design) and the structure of the interior space itself, such as openings for light, murals etc.  to create  three dimensional and planar perspectives and interaction with the space.

4. Is it possible to buy her work? Will it cost an arm and a leg?     

One of her pieces  (a set of shelves)  sold at a Sotheby's contemporary design auction for US $45,000. 

AN ACQUIRED TASTE?

The big dilemma: when it comes to shoes do you skimp on style for comfort or do killer four-inch heels commit crimes against your sole? Croc’s Spring Summer 2010 collection will please the urban trotter – not only does it look good...it feels good…

Crocs. I thought I would never wear one. Ever since the shoe that looks like you’re wearing holey cheddar cheese (unfortunately I was given a yellow one for a present) was invented…I stayed away from the brand. Some may say it’s an acquired taste…not for every fashionista? But after another chance encounter at a Croc’s Spring Summer 2010 fashion event – I became a convert…I ended up buying 3 pairs of shoes…

My personal favourites are the trendy plain Hanalei wedges (with no flower designs but the playful flower designs are actually the latest to come out in the market) and the McCall ballet flats (not pictured) …but anyhow, do check them out at a Crocs store near you…(an industry insider professed that the One Utama branch have the best models)…

Also watch out for the ABF (Almost Barefoot) Flip Men, Women and Slide Pro Models.  

By The Editor

EMPORIO ARMANI SPRING / SUMMER 2010 COLLECTION

By The Editor

AN AFTERNOON WITH TED

On a hot Malaysian afternoon, Media’s usual suspects were treated to a bird’s eye view of Ted’s latest offering for Spring Summer 2010. Expect bold colors, tropical floral prints and easy-to-wear preppy shorts to name a few...

Fuchsia: the color that most testosterone-packed male would be too scared to wear was actually used in the menswear collection and to add more bite – checked shirts were tucked underneath an effortless tailored coat that seemed cool enough to wear for a balmy evening.

For the girls, expect flirty fun and poppy cluster prints. Colors galore – hues of Tangerine oranges, cornflower blues and lawn greens will give any wardrobe added fun. On the flipside, there was a black and white dress that one model sashayed in that seemed like something Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl would wear (yes, I love BW…can't you tell?)

The dress doesn’t shout - it’s versatile and romantic.
The apple of my eye? The bleached denim and leather jackets – not pictured unfortunately. Now, where did I hide my credit card again.

By The Editor

HOMEGROWN JEWELRY MADE WITH LOVE

Zinc & Zayan is made with passion. Zsa Zsa (yes that IS her real name) creates original pieces that can only be found at nana.g boutique and her online store: http://www.zinc-zayan.blogspot.com/. The Editor scours Zsa’s jewelry box…

Editor: How did the passion for fashion come about and why jewelry in particular?

The passion for making jewelry initiated to want something different and to differ from mass produce designs and it started when I tried restoring old time favorite jewelry pieces.

Editor: What materials do you use to make jewelry?

Mostly semi precious stones and plated metals and I try very hard to avoid using synthetic materials. 

Editor: Name a few Malaysian jewelry designers that you are friends with?

None specific jewelry in particular but I do have my favorite homegrown independent brands like: thirtyfour ( bags & leather accessories), ciggy box@nita (searchable on FB) & shoes, shoes, shoes and of course Nana.g for ready to wear range. 

Editor: Favourite colour that you must use in your designs? 

Very hard to answer... no favourite colours, god bless all colours!

Editor: Unofficially, what never goes out of style to you?

Being comfortable with yourself, knowing what's best to suit your personality that reflects your individual style identity most of all being able to carry it well then you can be sure , you can never go out of style.

Note from Editor: Be the first FIVE to subscribe to styleunofficial.com and stand a chance to win a killer item from Zinc & Zayan!

CHIN KON YIT – WATERCOLOR MAESTRO

CHIN KON YIT is one of South East Asia's most eminent watercolorists. Style Unofficial’s Editor challenges him to talk about fashion, art and life’s little annoyances.

1. Honestly Chin, what do you think about fashion?
My wardrobe staples are t-shirts and shorts. I like nothing more than a good T-shirt with interesting graphic and prints.


2. What do you usually pack in your suitcase when you’re off to an art show?
Batik shirt and smart trousers.


3. If you were a fashion designer, who would you emulate?

Karl Lagerfeld

4. Someone once told me that, fashion and art is synonymous and share they share a very passionate love affair….do you think so?

Yes.

5. When someone views your art work for the very first time, what do they tell you?
They always point out the nostalgic factor in my art, and that I must’ve put in a lot of effort and time in the fine detailing.

6. How do you stand out from other watercolourists?
Through my unique take on heritage architecture.


7. What annoys you about the art scene?
The lack of respect for intellectual property


8. Give us a little bit of a history lesson on your growing pains? Were you always interested in watercolour?
When I was a young man, I did not have the means to fund for art college, so my skills are largely self taught. I have always love painting. I could paint in other mediums, but made watercolour my main tool of expression.


9. Your style has been described as “pointillism” and that you use “delicate strokes of pen/ink…” please elaborate.
Pointillism gives my artwork a textural quality through the tonal variation of colours and brushwork.

10. Where will we see you next? When is your next showcase?
I am currently working on my next book project.

11. Who would you most like to thank for making you the person you are today?
There are many people that I would like to thank, most notably my family, late high school teacher, the gallery and my art collectors.


Catch his work from March 27 – May 2, 2010 @ G Hotel lobby, Penang. For more information contact Shalini Ganendra Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur at 03-7958 2175.


http://www.shaliniganendra.com/
stag@tm.net.my

By: The Editor