The Red Shoes

Source: guardian.co.uk via Vint on Pinterest

Last night I watched The Red Shoes (1948) as part of a poem I'm working on collecting imagery for. As I've mentioned before, I'm working on a series of poems about missing women in America, and Lola Celli, missing since 1946, is one of the women whose story I need to tell.  There was a lot of mystery surrounding Lola's disappearance, but she was last seen wearing an aqua dress and red Cuban heels. Later, someone reported seeing a single red shoe in the middle of a nearby road.  In the poem, I had originally planned on mixing imagery from The Wizard of Oz with Lola's story, but then I decided to connect it to other ominous connections with red shoes so that the poem can work more broadly.

I feel as though the only reason I know about The Red Shoes is because of commercials with Martin Scorsese in which he discusses the importance of saving our film history.  It is unusual for me to have missed it until now given the fact that the film is considered one of Britain's greatest and it was a commercial success in America.  In brief, The Red Shoes is a story within a story featuring a hopeful ballet dancer, Victoria, who is picked to perform the ballet The Red Shoes (based on a Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale) while under the thumb of the controlling head of the ballet company, Lermontov.  She falls in love with Julian, an aspiring musician who himself is quickly working his way up the ranks within the company eventually writing the score for the ballet The Red Shoes. This connection between Victoria and Julian spoils Lermontov's professional and personal plans for Victoria.

Source: guardian.co.uk via Vint on Pinterest

Martin Scorsese has a particular love for The Red Shoes calling it one of the greatest visual pieces shot in color film.  It certainly does not disappoint on that record and the continued and pressing image of red ballet shoes connects the story of Victoria with that of her unnamed character in the ballet production. While the viewer is hopeful for a romance between Victoria and Julian to function despite Lermontov's opposition, the image of the red shoes is a message to the viewer that love can not prevail and that Victoria the dancer and Victoria's character in the ballet will both, quite pointedly, be danced to death.

While the imagery of the red shoes is what drew me to the film, and ultimately is what will be distilled into poetic form, it's also interesting to see The Red Shoes on a broader social and cinematographic level.  Socially, the message imbedded within The Red Shoes is that women cannot have it all.  While Victoria would love to have the presence of love and dance within her life, it is clear from the start that Lermontov, who has the power to influence the entirety of her career, does not think this is possible. This messaging is something that we continue to hear in regards to women who want to have family and career in their lives.  This is something, we are told, that is just not possible.  To be fair, Julian also experiences this pull and messaging, but he does not have to pay the price with his life in the same way that Victoria does.

Source: joelcrary.com via Vint on Pinterest

As a film about ballet, The Red Shoes fits into a larger genre and it's interesting to see how films borrow from one another, or are just plainly derivative in general. While Black Swan was hailed for its presentation and beauty, it clearly borrows heavily from its predecessor in terms of visual effect and atmosphere. I'm not sure if this makes Black Swan a more interesting film, or degrades its presence in the genre. If I had to choose between the two, I would most certainly pick The Red Shoes for its impressive score and more subtle movements.

And, before I go, I'll leave you with a Kate Bush video since this song and its containing album are inspired by the film.

How to Land a Man in Just 16 Easy Steps "The Girls of Pleasure Island" Way

*as a warning, you probably shouldn't read this if you actually want to watch the movie. I will also say I don't want to make light of war or the pain of waiting for a loved one to return, but rather add commentary about romantic conventions.

 

1. Live on a tropical island in the middle of nowhere, but in a strategically placed location so that it will make sense that a herd of Marines wants to use your pretty little island as a landing strip. Even though this island is already packed with men, they're only there to serve your family and as we know British ladies like yourself don't talk to servants. Use this to your advantage. Any of your awkward moments can easily be excused away by your sheltered upbringing. 

2. Live in a nice house. Just because you can and because men will naturally flock to the only place on the island the looks like it has all the comforts of home. This will drastically reduce the amount of effort it takes to sort through all those men once said 1,500 soldiers conveniently fall into your lap.

3. Make the most of your windfall by being the right sister. Obviously the saucy and freakishly worldly older sister won't work. We all know that girls who like a good time never land the man. It also doesn't pay to be the youngest one (sorry for the bad screenshot, darling!). She's stuck wearing pigtails and awkwardly puffy dresses. And as we know, the youngest sister is always the most man crazy and obnoxious. She's only bound for superficial puppy love heartbreak.

But the middle sister? Yes. You're literally the glue that holds the family together. You're responsible, mature, capable, and the most virtuous. Let a man see you put on stockings? I don't think so. Let a man get fresh with you? Hell no! After all, you know he'll respect you more later which is the golden path to landing a man and a ring.

4. Select the man. Sure you could meet a few guys, have a few laughs over tea and crumpets, maybe even do some island fun like walking the beaches or swimming, but it's best just to pick the first one who has any sort of authority and talks to you. Bonus points if he likes to be shirtless. In 60 years when the ideal body type for men is completely changed, you may question this attraction, but don't think too hard about it now.

5. Let the shirtless man kiss you a bit on the beach. Remember hands must remain firmly placed above the waist at all times. Limit the kiss to less than 10 seconds. 

6. Act horrified over said kiss. Tell him that it's your first, this will remind him that you're virtuous and pure and his manly lips are the only ones that have been on yours. Be sure also to question him about how free he is with his kisses. This line of questioning serves the following purposes: 1. reminds him of your virtue (again) 2. lets you know how many ladies he's been canoodling with before you 3. will wring a confession from him along the lines of how you are the best kiss he's ever had. Now don't you feel better? 

7a. Bathe in the bubble bath that he gave you. It's important not to question why he's on a tropical island in the middle of a war carrying a bottle of bubbles in his knapsack, just luxuriate in sudsy heaven before the party that you're throwing him and all the other officers. All of this will ensure man feels special and makes him feel like he bestowed his bubbles upon the right lady.

7b. Make sure you luxuriate long enough that the perfume soaks into your pores and hope the fumes will disorientate your shirt-deficient hero long enough that he won't notice your wonky eye.

8. Expect that your party will be broken up by the sudden departure of the Marine unit. You know that the plot has to thicken somehow, but be sure that you have a look of surprise on your face when he rushes to your house to let you know. It's okay, but only as long as you've been following the plan. We know you haven't done much beyond that sneaky beach kiss, but if you threw in some longing looks and thoughtful nods you should be good. Make sure you get a promise that he'll come back to you. After all, you're not the one going anywhere, right?

9. Stand solemly on the dock as the men leave. Don't cry, but look sad. Your man will know that you're one tough lady but that you have a soft side as well.

10. Commence moping. Look through everything he ever gave you. Wait, what is that you say? You only have a drawing pad? Make sure you return to it again and again.  Also insist to everyone you see that he's the type of man who will remember you exist once the war is over and return to your waiting arms. Glare at anyone who points out that you only knew him for five seconds.

11. Make sure you vary the scenery while moping. Mope by the dock.

13. Mope by a rusted out jeep in the middle of the jungle.

 

14. Mope by the ocean late into the evening.

15. Be prepared for your family to suddenly decide to leave the island after living there for twenty years or so while you're in the middle of moping. Protest! You need to wait for your man! How will he ever find you!

 

16. Spend your last day moping on the beach waiting for his return in mildly inappropriate clothing for sandy sitting.  This is the moment of truth, after all.  Will he arrive in time? Walk the beach alone, head cast down, locked in your own thoughts. This causes you to miss the arrival of an airplane and your manly man calling your name as he runs down the beach toward you. Finally hear him and run toward him. Wrap your arms around him.

He has returned! You are victorious!

Cue palm trees and end credits.

An Education

I finally watched An Education. I know I'm late to the party and many of you have already seen it, but I must say I was entranced. There are obvious parallels to Humbert Humbert of Lolita fame with the seduction of young innocence, the seduction of those around her but I will say that An Education manages this in a bit of a different way than in Lolita. In An Education the viewer is aware of the seduction, the treading into dangerous territory for the young Jenny.  We want to warn her away, tell her parents to be more cautious.  In Lolita (the novel), Humbert Humbert is less easy to guard against.  Even in grad school I heard my classmates refer to Dolores as a seductress, somehow culpable in these hyper-sexualized encounters.  But the truth is, dear readers, you too have been seduced by Humbert Humbert in a way that Peter in An Education fails to do.

In regards to fashion, the transformation of Jenny is visible in her wardrobe, she ventures from her pitch perfect school girl garb to lady-like perfection, but even in this perfection we see her as playacting, trying to be the woman and adult she's not quite ready to be.

I also must add, that a few months ago I sold a similar gold dress, I wonder if the buyer knew how closely it resembled Jenny's outfit as she waits for Peter.

I know that the blogger world and the fashionistas have a strong adoration for Carey Mulligan and I agree, she's got style and immense acting ability, but I was geekily happy to see Rosamund Pike (who reminds me of actress Jewel Straite in looks) in this film.  I've loved her since she starred in Wives and Daughters and Pride & Prejudice. I think I'd also be remiss in not pointing out her wardrobe as well.

Movie Inspiration: Picnic at Hanging Rock

So lately I've been mildly obsessed with Australia. Books set in Australia, devouring three seasons of "McLeod's Daughters" (don't judge) and apparently also watching the 1975 classic Australian film "Picnic at Hanging Rock" (as an aside: if Mel Gibson wasn't such a douche I'd probably have watched the original Mad Max for the millionth time). 

I give nothing away when I say that "Picnic at Hanging Rock" is set at the turn of the twentieth century and follows the story of 3 classmates who go missing and the aftermath of their absence.  The whole film has a dreamy quality too it which matches the state of the 3 girls before they go missing.

Fashionably, the whole feel has a strong 1970s feel (enough with the middle hair part ladies!) and the outfits might not quite be period accurate, but oh how the 70s loved Victorian and Edwardian clothes.  I thought in honor of "Picnic at Hanging Rock" I'd feature some great choices from my fellow etsians and myself that suits this film.

1970s does 1900s

1970s cream Victorian Ruffle Shirt, $28 at Ragamuffin Designs

1970s peach Victorian inspired skirt, $56 available at my store, Vint Condition Style

1970s Gunne Sax Victorian Inspired dress, $110 available at Little Veggie Vintage

Flashback: Partying in 1999

Remember 1999, when we were young and naive, when we easily believed that computer systems would fail because they couldn't roll over to 2000. There was that collective sigh of relief when time continued to march on like it always did. In 1999 we partied like it was 1999, which was with a bit of fear and anticipation. Looking back on the past ten years, it's easy to see that we should have carried those feelings with us. These past ten years have been turbulent and have tested even the best of us.

In 1999 we thought we were fashionable, but now a lot of us would laugh at our wardrobes of the past or cringe at how outdated they were. We'll do the same to our current selves in 2019. I decided to take a peak at movies from the year 1999 that represented that current year's fashion sensibility. As such, I've left out great wardrobes from films like Girl, Interrupted, The Cider House Rules, The End of the Affair, The Mod Squad, Sleepy Hollow, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and The Virgin Suicides.

Let's take a look back at quintessentially 1999 movies:

American Beauty:

American Beauty is THE film of 1999. Though it has lost much of its luster and sparkle now, those of us who saw it when it was first released remember the freshness of it, the perfect capturing of the present. It's hard searching for images from this film since the most iconic image, that of Mena Suvari covered in red rose petals, reigns supreme on the internet. Here, though, is a great capturing of what fashion was. Note Thora Birch's deep red lipstick and matching dark fingernail polish, heavy eye makeup, her beaded necklace, and over-sized hoodie.

Blair Witch Project:

Just admit already that this movie freaked you out. I never bought the whole documentary masquerade, but as someone who lives in the middle of the woods it was a bit frightening. Heather never represented the height of fashion, but in this movie it was perfectly reasonable that she'd be tromping around the woods in a muted earth-toned flannel with hat securely on. Sadly, I can picture this movie now with flashly and scantily dressed coeds, oh wait, I'm sure they already made that one as well.

Cruel Intentions:

Cruel Intentions was the height of the wealthy, preppy look. I suppose the current take on this might be Gossip Girl. Here we see Selma Blair with her sweater tied over her shoulders, muted colors, and plaid. I haven't seen anyone in quite awhile doing this sweater move, but I can see a lot of elements here that are still going strong in today's fashion.

Election:

Oh Tracy Flick, with your flared nostrils, tilted head, and penchant for sweater vests. Tracy always had a bit of out of time/out of place feeling to her, perhaps to emphasize her inability to connect with her peers. Her style was hyper-neat and formal. It's obvious that she tried really hard, but had no fashion know-how. That's not to say Tracy was without distinct style. She was the master of button down shirts, plaid skirts, and the headband. In her own way, Tracy is a style icon.

Never Been Kissed:


Never Been Kissed, simultaneously adorable and awkward at the same time. Somehow we're supposed to be rooting for Josie Geller to hook up with her teacher (or that much younger guy) even though the supposed or actual age differences in both those instances place this in the ewww category. Nonetheless, for those of us who were socially awkward teens, it was easy to identify with Josie. This movie is heavily about fashion. In an effort to embrace her new teen identity, Josie throws herself fully into the realm of teen fashion. She's more hit than miss until she's shown the ropes be her more popular classmates. Now, Josie's outfits feel neither here nor there, but they do feel dated, in this picture the over-curled hair, the shrug, and tucked in tee.

Run Lola Run:

If I could have lived in a 1999 movie, it may have been this one. I spent most of my senior year playing the soundtrack on repeat in my car and trying to dye my hair kool-aid red (epic fail). The red hair is really the fashion stand out in this film, since Lola wears the same worn outfit throughout. Of late, I haven't seen a lot of intensely dyed hair, or navel tattoos for that matter.

Runaway Bride:

The much anticipated return of Julia and Richard. In this picture, I'm coveting her hat and will probably be hunting one down. But here, I actually have something to say about fashion for guys. The last ten years has brought us from ultra-comfort for men with layers and t-shirts to a more informed fashion aesthetic that includes trimmer cuts and more details. I feel like now, perhaps, guys have a bit more ability to customize their wardrobe now then Richard Gere's character had in this movie.

She's All That:

Overalls, need I really say more? Except remember when Freddie Prinze Jr not only acted but was in every movie?

Varsity Blues:

This movie is probably best remembered for its scene of Ali Larter wearing nothing but strategically placed whipped cream. Other than that, it shows how sedate some wardrobes were in 1999, a lot of tank tops, some high school paraphernalia, t-shirts and headbands.

10 Things I Hate About You:

10 Things and dreamy Heath Ledger as a bad boy with a soft heart. Here, though, I'd like point out are the baby tee (thank goodness we've moved on to longer shirts), platform sandals, and rolled jean cuffs which in real life were obnoxious for the amount of debris they collected.


Feel free to comment with other 1999 film fashions or add to the commentary about these movies. No more Y2K!

Film Inspiration: Bus Stop

This weekend I was supposed to be working on a grant application, but feeling overwhelmed I decided to curl up with my computer and Netflix and watch a movie. The kitties and I piled into bed to catch Bus Stop (1956) starring Marilyn Monroe. The basic premise of the film can be read over at Wikipedia if you're interested. As a movie it's interesting and provides quite a few moments to think about the portrayal of women. Monroe as Cherie admits that she's been with men which the male main character comes to accept. At first this seems like an amazing achievement for 1950s film until you take into consideration that the male lead isn't really the best catch.

In terms of wardrobing, Monroe only wears a few outfits throughout the film which is unsurprising considering it barely covers two days of time. Monroe's main outfit is in the pictures above. The look is stunning on her and the belted waist and pencil skirt perfectly emphasize how small her waist was. Throughout the whole movie I kept thinking how much I loved her look. On Saturday I went shopping for the camisoles and cardigans I put on my "must buy list" and came across the perfect black pencil skirt that could have been a replica of Marilyn's. It was at TJ Maxx and was from CC Couture. They had just one so I snatched it off the rack and hurried to the fitting room to find that it was too big. Curse you shopping gods, curse you! I will not be foiled. I will keep looking and I'll let you all know what I come up with.

Project Runway Style

Last night's Project Runway featured a rather extreme challenge for the designers. We've already seen past contestants construct garments out of trash or candy, but this week they worked to make innovative designs from Saturn car parts. The materials they were given included seat belts, rubber floor mats, side view mirrors, and carburetors. These are not exactly ideal materials to work with, yet in Tim Gunn's words they "made it work." Well, at least some of them did. While it seems unlikely that any of us will be donning a rubberized dress with extra hip padding proclaiming that we found a new way to interact with our cars, this design challenge does speak to the long-standing attachment Americans have with their vehicles. Sure this love affair has cooled in recent years, fueled in part by auto companies being unable to offer us distinctive and beautiful conveyances, but it is to this interaction between vehicles and fashion that I dedicate today's blog.

Beautiful women featured in car ads have become rather cliched and irritating as they are designed apparently to appeal to the stereotype of every straight guy's basic impulse for women and cars. I won't even begin to get into how much of a stereotype this is, but instead turn your attention to the Cadillac ad above. It's commendable that Cadillac is at least advertising to women and as much as I want to hate the fact that they're specifically advertising a pink car, I kind of would love to own it myself. In any case look at the ladies in this picture, so elegant and pulled together for their meet-up. They looked good just hopping into the car. This elegance isn't seen often today as a growing number of people schlep to the store or to meet friends in the pajamas they wore to bed. So how can you snag this look for today? Please see below and excuse Polyvore's overzealousness with the white tones.

Outfit consists of:
1960s day dress, no tag, on ebay (vintage-basement), current bid $9.99
Silk blend trench, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, net-a-porter.com, $903
Kacy red pumps, rsvp - Kacy, zappos.com, $72
Brass ring, Alexis Bittar faceted ring, Nordstrom, $74
Beetle, Volkswagen, MSRP $17,630-$25,890
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Or what about an opposite extreme? Remember that film Tank Girl from 1995? Probably not, it was so awful most is best forgotten. It features a post-apocalyptic world where a girl and her tank are trying to defeat the bad guys. While not a car, the tank serves as a means of transport and protection. Here's our inspiration photo, and yes I know what you're thinking, I'm already thinking it too, but trust me, we'll "make it work":

Outfit consists of:
1970s safari style shorts, no tag, on ebay (sally-janevintage), current bid $9.99
Sateen vest, Rampage, $19.99
Tank top, Abercrombie and Fitch, $29.50
Savory Spice Belt, Anthropologie, $58.00
Prada leather tote, Bag Borrow or Steal, rent for $125 a week
Eullia heels, Guess, currently out of stock
Hammered Cuff, Max&Chloe, $46
military tank not required