Why we should re-read 'The Velveteen Rabbit' by Margery Williams

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This children’s tale, first published in 1922, is about a stuffed toy rabbit and its journey into becoming a ‘real’ rabbit through love. The story confronts the most basic philosophical questions that we struggle to answer throughout our lifetime; ‘Who am I?’

The story is rich with profound quotes, depth, and wisdom. It chronicles the story of the rabbit’s desire to become real through the love of his owner, a young boy. The boy at first shows preference for the shinier more advanced toys instead of the old-fashioned velveteen rabbit, but becomes fond of him when the rabbit keeps him company when he falls ill suddenly. The longer the boy loves the rabbit the shabbier and more worn out the rabbit becomes. The rabbit’s insecurity with his appearance is removed when he realises that the love he has experienced has made him a real rabbit. The story ends with the rabbit leaving the nursery to join the other ‘real’ rabbits in the woods.

“You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”


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This rich quote is full of complexity and depth. It talks to us about how appearances don’t matter because they are not permanent. The more vulnerable you are, the more you experience life. The more you have loved and have been loved is what matters and what makes you real. Love exposes us to pain, hurt and vulnerability, which in turn makes us stronger and helps us become ‘ourselves’.

“He longed to become Real, to know what it felt like; and yet the idea of growing shabby and losing his eyes and whiskers was rather sad. He wished that he could become it without these.”

I think a lot of people can relate to this quote. We can’t be real without shedding ourselves bare and possibly getting hurt in the process. The thought of being open and vulnerable is scary yet it is something that makes us experience happiness without restrictions.

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“He didn’t mind how he looked to other people, because the nursery magic had made him Real, and when you are Real shabbiness doesn’t matter.”

This is applicable in today’s age with social media and the necessity of perfecting our image to the world. The minute we let go of those expectations we can start experiencing true relationships.

This story of yearning to be something and the hard journey it takes to get there speaks to a lot of our own personal stories. Let’s take a leaf out of this book and love a little louder so we can become our authentic selves.

Illustrations by William Nicholson in ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ by Margery Williams (1922).
From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository.

A Tale of Three Bookstores

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Shakespeare and Company

Nestled on the shore of the Seine across from the Notre Dame is possibly the most famous bookstore in the world. Established in 1951, Shakespeare and Company was a creative nook for writers of the Beat Generation, and continues to attract artists from all over the world to its hallowed shelves. During the day, tourists pour in and out, eager to sit where Burroughs sat and breathe the air that Wright breathed. These artists did more than sit and breathe and write in the building across from the Notre-Dame- they were also invited to sleep in the single cots squeezed between book shelves upstairs in exchange for helping around the shop! George Whitman, the owner, described his business as a “socialist utopia masquerading as a bookstore.” It is estimated that 30,000 people have graced these cots since the store’s opening.

The bottom floor of Shakespeare and Co. is a meticulously-stuffed bookstore, where even the tiniest of us must watch to avoid bumping into shelves. At the back of the store, though, is a creaky, narrow set of stairs leading to where the real magic happens. Upstairs there are an infinite number of books too old and too precious to buy, but ready to be read. There’s a typewriter that sits overlooking the Seine and the Cathédrale beyond. There’s an old, slightly out-of-tune piano with a note on it that kindly entreats the player to play softly after 8pm. And there are letters climbing up the walls from visitors worldwide who have felt the urge to leave their mark on this historic place.

At night, Shakespeare and Company is a haven of warmth with the glow of yellowing pages. Open until 10pm, the tourists and their noise are shuffled out by nightfall. Only the stable energy of the books remains, and you can feel why this was the centre of bohemia for the entirety of the 20th century.

Atlantis Books

You know how every Greek travel advertisement is the same shot of white rooftops overlooking a deep blue ocean? This is Oia!- a town built into the rocky face of Santorini island. Most of Oia is resorts, fine dining, and souvenir shops. But there is one commercial enterprise that doesn’t feel like an enterprise at all. Atlantis Books is built into a white cave below street level on the edge of town. To enter the shop, you must manoeuvre your way down a very narrow set of stairs and through a small garden in order to enter a cramped cranny of bookshelves.

Many visitors get caught up with what is at eye-level however, when they should actually be looking up. The roof of Atlantis Books is scrawled with words and a timeline illustrating the life of the store. This timeline begins in 2004, when the doors of the shop opened with the goal of “bringing great art, literature, and conversation to one of the most beautiful environments in the world.” They got the beautiful part right. The roof of Atlantis Books offers a view on the Aegean Sea with the centre of Santorini island springing up in the forefront. I would recommend the roof of Atlantis Books as a prime reading spot, but it is impossible to focus on reading a book with that horizon in the background.

Livraria Lello

To anyone else whose childhood was entirely defined by Harry Potter, have you ever wondered if J.K. Rowling dreamt up Hogwarts entirely from her imagination, or whether she was inspired by real life along the way? The answer is the latter. Rowling lived in Porto, Portugal, for two years, and visited Livraria Lello, a beautiful bookstore in the centre of town. Established in 1906, Livraria Lello is the brainchild of the Lello brothers, and a long-time pillar of Porto literary and social circles. The facade of Lello is reminiscent of the Neo-Gothic, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau styles, but as though this mashup isn’t artistically sufficient, Lello also boasts intricate woodwork and massive stained-glass windows.

The second you step in the door, it is clear what is so ‘Harry Potter-esque’ about the place: the staircase. It twists and winds and bends over on itself. Unlike the Hogwarts staircases, however, it is bright red. The bookstore has reached an iconic status thanks to Rowling, a status that the owners have capitalized on: you must pay in order to get inside. Lello also has its own souvenir store, complete with Harry Potter propaganda in both Portuguese and English.

It is worth the hype though? Absolutely. This is by far the most beautiful bookstore I have ever seen, and it is absolutely worth pushing through the throng of tourists in order to pluck one the hundred identical Harry Potter books off the shelf.

Cover photo by Bonnie Elliott.


VFW Street Style

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Every season, the most creative and stylish fashion fanatics descend on Vancouver Fashion Week to spot the latest trends and witness incredible design from across the globe. Now it’s time to shine the spotlight on them! Let’s celebrate their amazing skill in putting an outfit together and take inspiration on what to wear for the next season, FW19, set for 18th-24th March 2019 at the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza.

Photos by @liyageldman.

Guo Pei: Couture Beyond

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Vancouver art gallery tries on Couture for first fashion focused exhibition

Fashion is stamping its mark on the esteemed history of Vancouver Art Gallery as Guo Pei makes her art debut with Guo Pei: Couture Beyond. If the designer’s name doesn’t send any bells chiming in your head perhaps the image of Rihanna gracing the steps of the Met, clad in a cascading canary yellow fox fur cape while a team of people scurry around her to help carry all fifty five pounds of the embroidered silk, may jog your memory. For the first time in Canada, the intricate, artfully detailed creations of the Chinese fashion icon are on display and you certainly don’t want to miss it!

Boasting over 40 designs, the avant-garde silhouettes in each collection embody Guo Pei’s overall aim to capture the magnificence of China’s last imperial dynasty along with a reestablishment of ancient crafting techniques lost in a changing empire. Fashion enthusiasts and art lovers alike are treated to a showcase of career triumphs by the only Chinese national to be invited to join Paris’ Syndicale de la Haute Couture, as they wander through the halls holding collections from 2006 to Spring 2017.

On entering the exhibition, the curators (Diana Freundl and Stephanie Rebick) welcome guests with the awe-inspiring works from Guo Pei’s debut couture collection, Samsara (2006) and whisk them away with the next installation of dresses from An Amazing Journey in a Childhood Dream (2008). Rounding the corner the 1002 Nights (2010) collection holds the focal point of the exhibition that stands alone on a spotlight lit platform in all its golden glory. Yes, we are talking about that silk 24-karat-gold-spun-thread cloak that really is as majestic up close as it was under the glare of flashing cameras.

A personal favourite, the collection didn’t let Rihanna fame overshadow the rest of the pieces, in particular, a silk embroidered gown adorned with Swarovski crystals, hand-painted motifs and topped with a porcelain ornamented tasselled headpiece inspired by the traditional Chinese pale blue and white porcelain bowls.

Splattered with symbolism, Guo Pei continues her blending of ancient tradition with modern sensibilities as the exhibition seamlessly snakes on to Legend of the Dragon (2012) which breaths life into the mythical dragon of the Chinese Zodiac. In the rotunda of the gallery, Guo presents a dynamic display of her collaboration with MAC cosmetics in 2015 from Garden of the Soul.

A youthful vibrancy radiates from this installation, with models sporting colourful wigs to complement the electric blues and oranges of the beaded, crystal embellished shorter dresses.

Concluding the groundbreaking exhibit of expert intricate detailing by one of TIME Magazine’s top 100 most influential people, visitors are bid farewell by an LED lit masterpiece of glittering gems as a dress almost resembling a lampshade, topped off with a bejewelled religious metal cross rounds off the final collections, Encounter (2016) and Legend (2017).

A revolutionary individual herself, there never has been a more deserving creator to revolutionize the future of VAG exhibitions than Guo Pei and her couture works of art.

Organized in collaboration with SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion and Film the exquisite exhibition is at the Vancouver Art Gallery until January 20, 2019.

By Lucy Norris

@LUCEBLOGGER

Photo: Courtesy of SCAD

Yellow Is Forbidden: Designer Guo Pei

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When Rihanna walked the red carpet at the 2015 Met Gala sporting a 25-kilo dress spun from gold and fox fur, the fashion world gawked, and a new star was born: Chinese designer Guo Pei. Raised in Beijing (and still based there), Guo has become much more than a top fashion personage—being Chinese, she is both a living example of China’s rising fortunes and a political symbol, whether she wishes to be or not (she says not), of the possibilities for achievement under the Chinese regime. (It is not for nothing that Time magazine put her on its list of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2016).

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Now, the legendary designer’s story has spurred the new documentary Yellow is Forbidden, made by Auckland filmmaker Pietra Brettkelly.

Brettkelly’s deep-dive chronicle of Guo as person, fashion star and emblem benefits enormously from the fact that she had full cooperation from the energetic designer. But this isn’t hagiography: the behind-the-scenes access to the preparations for Guo’s make-or-break Paris runway show, while both fascinating and tense, show the conflicted side of the fashion world and Guo’s place in it.

With a client list that includes Beyonce and Rihanna, fashion lovers ought to be waiting on the edge of their seats to see this eye-opening story and Vancouverites have the chance to see the film on the big screen this week at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Yellow is Forbidden (https://goviff.org/yellow-is-forbidden/) is playing Oct 7 & 10, with Guo Pei herself set to attend the film’s opening screening at the Vancouver Playhouse on the 7th, ahead of an exhibition of her work titled Guo Pei: Couture Beyond opening at the Vancouver Art Gallery (https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/the_exhibitions/exhibit_guopei.html) later this month.

More information about Yellow is Forbidden can be found at the VIFF website: https://goviff.org/yellow-is-forbidden/)

For $2 off your ticket price, order online with the promo code VF18YELLOW

 

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/262913757

 

Monti: Rome's cool, creative quarter

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Traveling to any major tourist destination can always be a stressful situation; weaving in and out of tourist traps, dodging vendors selling goods etc. But...in the middle of the mayhem in Rome, just a few blocks away from the Colosseum, there is a haven for locals and visitors alike...Monti! The streets here are so picturesque, it feels like walking into an Anthropology store in real life. Rows of buildings coloured in pastel shades and hanging vines, the smell of Jasmine flowers radiate off of every breeze...

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...Needless to say, I was completely enchanted by this neighbourhood. My husband and I spent much of our time wandering these winding streets. 

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If you're familiar with Italian customs, then you know about Aperitivo. If not, it's like Italian Happy hour, where drinks are often accompanied by free snacks or a buffet. Here in Monti, the locals gather around the Piazza della Madonna dei Monti with a beer or a wine from the bar across the square. It's an excellent place to gather with friends, or people watch if you're traveling solo. For those interested in a little more structure and more of something to eat, Aperitivo at Analema Cafe has an excellent buffet and a great atmosphere. 

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Have a little time before dinner? It's time to get that perfect "Roma Photograph". Trust me, it won't take long to find a picturesque spot. There's also Gelato right around the corner from the Piazza if it's hot and you need to cool down a little or if you're just in the mood for a tasty treat. Really, is there ever a bad time for Gelato? (No, the answer is no).

I scream, you scream, we all scream... for gelato?

A post shared by Deanna Forte Rule (@deannarule) on

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For dinner there are so many incredible places lining the streets. My husband and I chose to try Urbana 47 (recommended by the Roman Guy) on their Monti travel guide. It's trendy and delicious with rotating daily specials that will blow your mind. In addition to an excellent cocktail selection. 

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Be sure to take a stroll through Monti next time you're in Rome. I guarantee your stomach and Instagram feed will thank you.

LISBON – LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

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We might never be able to explain what makes us connect with certain places or people more than others. This instant unexplainable connection might not happen very often but that’s what makes it special when it does. I clicked with the Portuguese capital as soon as I landed, little did I know that this short trip will have such a big impact on me.

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Lisbon took me by surprise because I wasn’t sure what to expect, and not having much time to explore the city due to a hectic work schedule made the experience a little more intense then I imagined. Nevertheless in the short time I had I discovered a town full of history, taste, color and a lot of soul. I also discovered that packing 4 pairs of heels and no flats is a big (actually make it huge) mistake in an old steeply town that is built from tiny slippery cobble stones.

The emotional souvenir I took from this trip will remain disclosed for now, but what I will reveal is that you will be seeing me in front of those pastel buildings very soon.

Words by Roza Sinaysky @moodyroza

Photos: by Liya Geldman

MUSIC REVIEW: Sloan

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The Canadian rock vets from Nova Scotia, now based in Toronto, have released their twelfth full-length after the longest break between albums of their career. The album, fittingly called 12, features twelve tracks, with each of the four members contributing and singing three songs.

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Bassist Chris Murphy takes the mic on opening track and lead single “Spin Our Wheels” which provides my favourite chorus of the album with a classic Blue Rodeo rock vibe. His other contributions include “Don’t Stop” and “Wish Upon a Satellite” which show off his well-oiled vocals but deliver less of a punch than the opener.

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“All of the Voices”, sung by the bearded guitarist Patrick Pentland gives off a Nirvana vibe minus the vocals, while the single “The Day Will Be Mine” delivers a driven beat and infectious chorus. Pentland caps off his contributions with “Have Faith”, another favourite of the album, with an uplifting message and a harmonic chorus. Jay Ferguson, also on guitar, has the most stand out voice of the group, with a higher pitch that lends itself to a poppier feel on his tracks with a Beatles-like sound.

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Drummer Andrew Scott’s tracks show a Led Zeppelin influence with the slower moving tracks of the album that fail to grab me as much as the others. 27 years into their career, Sloan has proved that they can still pump out a solid set of rock tunes, and with equal contributions from each member, the album keeps you on your toes. 8/10

Music Review: Hey Ocean!

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The Hurt Of Happiness

Hey Ocean! is a female-led alternative pop trio out of Vancouver that recently returned with their fourth studio album after taking a few years off. Singer Ashleigh Ball and guitarist/co-vocalist David Beckingham have been friends since childhood and their shared vocal duties throughout these nine tracks adds quite the variety to the album.

Pop-friendly “Amsterdam” starts the album off strong with arguably the catchiest hook of the nine tracks. “Can’t Let Go” changes pace completely and sounds like a song from The War on Drugs before moving into another pop-strong hook and they take influence from UK bands like Keane and Snow Patrol on the slow burning “Just Enough”.

The title track is a daydream amid it all where Beckingham’s airy vocals float through the somewhat funky verse into a Beach Boys- esque chorus. Bassist David Vertesi takes the lead on “Soul of My Heart”, that gives off a slight The National vibe with his baritone vocals and slow-paced delivery overtop dark guitar.

“To the Sea” is a dismal finish to the album consisting of Ball softly singing over a light piano and aching violin of losing someone to the sea. A pleasant listen with a range of influences led by a talented vocal pairing, Hey Ocean! has made a graceful return. 6.5/10

Sunny Days - A Summer Playlist

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One of my favourite things about summer is listening to happy, upbeat songs. Dancing to The Beatles or Vance Joy while doing dishes instantly makes my day a bit brighter. Here are my top tunes inspired by summer road trips, throwing a frisbee around on Wreck Beach, and sitting around the campfire with friends. Take a listen, and enjoy the sun!

Playground in the Desert: Coachella

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Imagining my childhood I can clearly remember being curious about the ordinary and looking at everything with wonder. Walking through the entrance into Coachella there is a palpable shift in energy, where each individual is filled with this feeling. Coachella, a music and arts festival based in Southern California, is a wonderland for the child at heart. There’s a youthful excitement about all aspects of the festival. The fashion, food, and artwork are all so awe-inspiring, let alone the music. Coachella felt like a playground, a place to be in the moment (besides making sure to post insta worthy photos on social media) and a place to have fun.

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The fashion is unlike normal streetwear, it’s more edgy and adventurous. Every festival-goer expressed themselves through their carefully curated look. From swimsuits to rompers and everything in between, almost every style was on display.

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The food is a whole new adventure, and also played on the idea of nostalgia. Restaurants such as Mom’s Spaghetti, which offered a classic spaghetti and meatballs, brought each individual back to their childhood. Or, Seabirds vegan grilled cheese with creamy pesto offered a new twist on a classic favourite.

And of course the main event, the music, was just as attention-grabbing. Odesza’s performance featured futuristic drones, which moved into different formations throughout their songs. Petit Biscuit performed with a lot of energy, with screens showing space graphics of the universe.

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The artwork was so playful and captivating. The Do Lab stage was a beautifully created tent-like area which featured a flower-like water gun, reminding me of gym class when students would sit underneath a large coloured parachute. Even the Balloon Chain, by Robert Bose, which featured a line of balloons leading to the sky was a marvel. The artpiece Lodestar by Randy Polumbo, was something out of a storybook.

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Coachella is about living in the moment, a huge party set in a desert playground. I’ll definitely be back next year.

Polaroid images taken by Alexa Wenzel.

A room with a view...

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Editors enjoy authentic Vancouver views at Sheraton Wall Center & Westin Bay Shore 

During Vancouver Fashion Week, VFW hosts editors who fly in from all over the world to watch the runway shows. This year we partnered with JW Marriott Parq Vancouver hotels to put our editors up in some of the best rooms Vancouver has to offer (see their snaps in the gallery above).

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Fashion Week there really isn't a moments rest. For our editors it's a round-the-clock week. They spend their days watching the runway and their nights writing the next day's articles. With all this time spent working, our international editors barely have time rest, let alone to see the incredible city of Vancouver. This is why it's important for their accommodation to both give them immediate access to Vancouver whilst allowing them to get the rest they need to keep up with their insanely busy schedules.

At the Westin Bay Shore, Laraine Yu, an editor from Vogue China was able to enjoy the nature of beautiful BC, whilst uploading her latest runway recaps online. Even on a work trip, she was able to get the Vancouver experience right from her hotel room. Over at the Sheraton Wall Center, Clara Meyers (Fashion Week Online) and Liz Black (PS it's Fashion) could watch over the bustling city streets and get a feel for the daily lives of local Vancouverites. Not to mention get some much needed shut-eye in these cozy rooms. 

If you're looking for a place to stay for the next Vancouver Fashion Week JW Marriott Parq Vancouver Hotels has many options including Sheraton Wall Center and the Westin Bay Shore.  Learn more about JW Marriott Parq Vancouver here. 

Photo Credit:
Sara Milosovic
Alice Sheuerman

Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg

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A retrospective exhibition on Murakami at Vancouver Art Gallery

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Takashi Murakami Tan Tan Bo Puking - a.k.a. Gero Tan, 2002 acrylic on canvas mounted on board

Vancouverites, you may have spotted the huge coloured octopus adorning the roof of the Vancouver Art Gallery on your walks along Georgia Street. So what is said larger than life creature? -it's a new major public artwork from Takashi Murakami, a Japanese contemporary artist, whose retrospective is happening right now at VAG. It’s as if Murakami’s work is crawling out of the gallery space enticing us to come inside.

Takashi Murakami Kansei Gold, 2008 acrylic and gold leaf on canvas

Kicking off the spring season in style, Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg is in fact the first ever major retrospective of Takashi Murakami’s work showcased in Canada. Micro Macro, on the hunt for visual intrigue, entered the world of Takashi Murakami for an immersive art experience; just like stepping inside Murakami’s creative, eccentric brain.

Murakami's huge canvases present a massive scale that is truly awe-inspiring, and fills the white gallery space with vibrant brilliant colour, creating a strong impact.

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Takashi Murakami Flowers, flowers, flowers, 2010 acrylic and platinum leaf on canvas mounted on aluminium frame

Featuring over 55 impressive paintings and sculptures, the work makes up a colourful frenzy of energy. Taking a closer look at Murakami’s pieces you can truly value the artist’s role as a cultural commentator with works offering a serious engagement on issues affecting Japan and the larger world today, from media culture to globalisation to the threats of nuclear power.

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Takashi Murakami 727, 1996 acrylic on canvas mounted on board

We took a journey through 3 decades of Murakami’s art from his earliest mature work right through to present day. It was compelling to see the evolution in his designs. We were particularly taken by the 1990s distinctive, anime-influenced style known as Superflat with signature animated flowers. On your visit, keep an eye out for the iconic character Mr. DOB, a self-portrait, who features in some of the works.

Along with Nihonga-style paintings, we were met with huge menacing demon-like sculptures, cartoonish with flared nostrils, who took an ominous presence in the gallery.

Takashi Murakami Embodiment of “Um”, 2014 FRP, stainless steel, zelkova wood, and acrylic

Takashi Murakami Embodiment of “A”, 2014 FRP, stainless steel, zelkova wood, and acrylic

Takashi Murakami’s dedication to exquisite craftsmanship and fun pop aesthetics made for a unique, dynamic showcase. It was a real pleasure to get an insight into the imagination of this influential and visionary artist.

The exhibition closes May 6th so make sure to get yourself down to the gallery. You don’t want to miss out on this vibrant frenzy of colour, a little escapism is good for the soul!

About Takashi Murakami

Takashi Murakami was born in 1962 in Tokyo, Japan. He studied at Tokyo University of the Arts, Japan, where he received his BFA in 1986, his MFA in 1988, and his Ph.D. in 1993. He is the founder of the art production and management company Kaikai Kiki, which evolved from its predecessor, the Hiropon Factory founded in 1996. 

Murakami is well known for his high-profile projects with brands such as Louis Vuitton, VANS, shu uemura, Issey Miyake, Lucien Pellat-Finet, Roppongi Hills and ComplexCon, as well as collaborations with musicians such as Kanye West and Pharrell Williams.

 

Images courtesy of Vancouver Art Gallery.

http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/

Vancouver International Film Festival

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Style in Film Series

Orson Welles said it best: "Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn."

Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) has curated a Style in Film series at the Vancity Theatre which shines a spotlight on those people who demand it: the artists, the designers, the photographers and their muses...The folks who know their true value and aren't afraid to flaunt it.

Through documentaries which give an insight into the compelling lives of prominent figures in the fashion industry, as well as a stylish comedy, VIFF has showcased a worthy lineup of movies.

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Dries (2017)

First up, a film on the life of Belgian fashion designer Dries Van Noten. Filmmaker Reiner Holzemer documents the life of Dries over an entire year, outlining into the steps that go into creating a collection, as well as the emblematic fashion shows that bring his collections to the world and have become cult ’must sees’ at Paris Fashion Week.

We delve into the daily difficulties of running an independent fashion label. Dries, a true artist, can be found backstage at his runway shows meticulously adjusting models, proving that every little detail counts. He exclaims he doesn’t appreciate the word ‘fashion’ as he thinks of his work as more as an artform, and this word could never do it justice.

Through the documentary we see a serious but passionate man, who is humble about his work and his life. Dries speaks candidly about his biggest downfall, which is that he is a perfectionist. He seems sensitive to what he sees as flaws; he can’t bring himself to watch his own runway videos, even on receiving the most positive feedback for his designs.

A highlight from the film is listening to Dries talk about The Antwerp Six collective with whom he belongs, a group of fashion designers who graduated from Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts between 1980–81, which really put Belgium on the map in the design world. Members include Walter Van Beirendonck and Ann Demeulemeester. Dries explains how at school they really pushed each other to work harder which led to their international success. Dries' aesthetic was the more reserved of the group, with a focus on classic tailoring and couture. He prefers a focus on more wearable garments, to really enhance the wearer’s personality.

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C'est la vie! (2017)

Next on the line-up is C'est La Vie, a French fiction film by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. This is a stylistic comedy surrounding a serious wedding planner/caterer, Max (Jean-Pierre Bacri), who attempts to create a fairytale wedding for a couple with superior tastes. The most disorganised group of waiters, cooks, photographers and wedding singers in the history of holy matrimonies make the ingredients for a fantastically funny film.

This is a movie about characters, and we get wrapped up in their worlds as they interact with each other during this dramatic event. It's a fast tempo piece, and you can feel the adrenaline of working this wedding which goes on through the night through a series of mishaps and misdemeanours. As the sun comes up you can sense the exhaustion and sense of pride from these coworkers as they manage to turn their bad luck around.

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Love, Cecil (2017)

Lastly, we have Love, Cecil. A lovingly made documentary about the life and work of stylist and fashion photographer, Cecil Beaton. Produced and directed by Lisa Immordino Vreeland, who is possibly most well known for her documentary of her relation Diana Vreeland in, "Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel". This film is created with the same warmth and admiration towards Cecil that one might imagine she felt towards Diana. The film is accompanied by excerpts of Cecil's own diaries (that he self published throughout his life). Which he always signed off, Love, Cecil. 

The documentary begins with Cecil's childhood and upbringing. We see an artist in the early stages of his career, gravitating towards the camera determined to create art. Self-taught, he knew how to "get the effect" he was looking for despite his lack of technical knowledge. This passion carries with him through the theatre at University and his close relation with the Bright Young Things (extravagant and dramatic London aristocrats and socialites in the 1920s). It was clear that he is socially ambitious in addition to being artistically ambitious from an early age, with a deep love for beauty and drama. 

A pivotal part of the film was when they focused on one of Cecil's deepest failures; his creation of a distasteful antisemitic "easter egg" that was mistakenly published to Vogue. This was shortly before the beginning of World War Two. Because of this offensive illustration, Cecil was forced resign from his established career at Vogue and British Vogue immediately. This act isolated him from much of the life and work he'd become accustomed to. Once the war started he spent the next six years as a dedicated photojournalist. He worked without ceasing and fell ill many times during the war. Cecil's photographs, some say, swayed the public mind of the American people to join the war effort. He saw this time as a way to make-up for a mistake that he truly felt horrible for. After his efforts in the war, he was welcomed back into the society he'd fought so hard to get into. 

The film gives us a comprehensive view of his life, work, and distinctive personality. There are two things to take away from this film. One, he wasn't the kind of man anyone felt lukewarm about. There were those who adored him and those who absolutely loathed him. And two, he had a deep longing to be loved and accepted. They end the film with the recollection of his death, alone and never to be loved back by the men he adored. He left the world a body of thoughtful, loving, and groundbreaking work. And quite wonderfully, "Love, Cecil" pays homage to that.

Check out VIFF's website for their year round movie listings...

https://viff.org/Online/

Let's Talk Commute Playlists

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Your daily commute can really set the tone for your day. If you have a bad experience trying to catch the bus, you might feel like you're stuck playing catch up for the rest of the day. Personally, I think I've nailed my playlist, but I wanted to get a feel for what others are listening to. So, this week I asked around the office to find out what people like to hear while they're on their way to work.  

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PATTI

I usually like old music but I'm currently obsessed with Zhavia and Dua Lipa so I’ve added them on the loop! Especially Zhavia's Killing Me Softly, she has a unique voice that can calm me down (which is quite rare)!

RYO  

Right now, I’m listening to a lot of Hip Hop & Rap music. I listen to the songs Plain Jane & Cocky a lot! I always have Future and The Weekend on repeat, it makes me feel pumped and ready for the workday. When it comes to vocals, I like Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry. 

FAYE 

Currently, I'm listening to First Aid Kit's new album, Ruins. A little bit of Indie Folk from Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg is so mellow for a commute, especially during rush hour.

I've also recently got into listening to podcasts. I can't get enough of The Joe Rogan Experience! He covers incredibly interesting topics with a wide variety of guests...I feel like I'm learning so much, it's enlightening. It's a simple format...frankly it's enjoyable just to listen to 2 people having a real in-depth conversation.

Deanna - aka damn good commute playlist

Personally, I like to feel like I’m constantly walking through the opening credits in the movie of my life. My playlist includes (but is not limited to) numbers from the movies Baby Driver, Man from U.N.C.L.E., my childhood favourite A Knight’s Tale, and the hit television show SUITS. More than that, it’s a mix of a little old school funk, jazz, and modern hits. 

It’s a playlist made for those fond of daydreaming and walking on the beat. Because I'm 'extra', I've created a little graphic and shared the actual playlist with you guys. Feel free to give it a try next time you're on your way to work. Listen on shuffle for maximum delight by surprise.

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PLAYLIST HIGHLIGHTS

THAT'S IT! - Preservation Hall Jazz Band
GIMME ALL YOUR LOVE - Alabama Shakes
SAY U WON'T - Brasstracks
GOLDEN YEARS - David Bowie
XO COVER - John Mayor
II VENAIT D'AVOIR 18 ANS - Instrumental - Ibrahim Maalouf

Do you guys have a playlist, or artist you like to listen to, to get ready for the work day? Share it in the comments below!