Up Front by Emma Hart

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Up Front: Does My Mortgage Look Like a Slag in This?

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  • Jolisa,

    is that slip worn over, or under, garments?

    Definitely over for that early 90s grunge look, under for the corsetophiles among us.

    Ceci n'est pas un very comfortable option (hessian?!) but it might work as an alternative sort of Foucauldian slip, for those who prefer their theory in the bedroom.

    And who doesn't.

    Auckland, NZ • Since Nov 2006 • 1472 posts Report

  • Keir Leslie,

    So I don't regard commercialisation as proof of inauthenticity in fashion or culture, but a case of diminishing returns. Entrepreneurs give scale and vitality to new ideas -- but successive applications of commerce will eventually shut them down.

    I don't think authenticity is a particularly valuable way of thinking about it, and I don't think one should naively oppose commercial/altruistic in good/bad way; there are entirely inauthentic things that are simply stunning, like Lady Gaga.

    The other thing is that it is quite possible for capital to be effectively anti-capitalist & it is quite possible to subvert and challenge meanings mediated by capital. But NME was out to make money out of punk, as were Virgin and EMI, and there's no way around that. (Well, there are lots of ways around that, and that's the interesting thing.)

    Since Jul 2008 • 1452 posts Report

  • giovanni tiso,

    for those who prefer their theory in the bedroom.

    La Philosophie dans le Boudoir? I'm a little scared of what Emma could do with that.

    the market is mercurial,
    (and I ain't talkin' Hermes)

    Oh, man...

    Wellington • Since Jun 2007 • 7473 posts Report

  • Russell Brown,

    (Well, there are lots of ways around that, and that's the interesting thing.)

    Quite!

    Night all.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report

  • Sacha,

    the bust conductor

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report

  • George Darroch,

    La Philosophie dans le Boudoir? I'm a little scared of what Emma could do with that.

    Does my theory look like a slag in this?

    WLG • Since Nov 2006 • 2264 posts Report

  • Craig Ranapia,

    You mean there is a filter where the subway vending machines for used knickers make sense?

    Sure. And when you get right down to it, I find a culture where torture porn like Hostel is "mainstream" entertainment remarkably poorly positioned to get too deeply invested in treating the Japanese like exotic perverts.

    so you seriously think that constant bombardment with images from early childhoold through adolescence does not constitute an extremely strong and pervasive form of programming?

    Well, I'd like to know why children who've been exposed to the franly horrifying works of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson et. al. haven't all turned into blood-stained little sociopaths.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report

  • Amy Gale,

    Pointing Percy at the proletariat...

    I am in love with just about everyone here.

    tha Ith • Since May 2007 • 471 posts Report

  • Amy Gale,

    I don't understand why it's the impractical things that are fashionable.

    Perhaps it's about showing status?

    "I don't need to be able to walk in these heels, I have a limo"

    "I don't need to be able to dial[*] the phone with these nails, I have a secretary"

    [*] What are we supposed to say now, anyway? The autothingy at my local pharmacy invites me to "touch 3", which obviously sends my inner twelve year old into stitches.

    tha Ith • Since May 2007 • 471 posts Report

  • George Darroch,

    Clearly we're not in much of a financial crisis then.

    The downturn was supposed to bring hemlines to the floor, and cleavage disappear.

    WLG • Since Nov 2006 • 2264 posts Report

  • Tony Parker,

    In the real world, however sad it might be, it makes sense not to wear a pork chop around your neck if you wander through places where hyenas lurk.

    And sometimes that pork chop can be something as simple as sitting in your car chilling with mates. I guess there's just a mean streak out there that doesn't care what it inflicts on others.

    Napier • Since Nov 2008 • 232 posts Report

  • Craig Ranapia,

    Perhaps it's about showing status?

    "I don't need to be able to walk in these heels, I have a limo"

    "I don't need to be able to dial[*] the phone with these nails, I have a secretary"

    Certainly -- anyone else remember the wonderful opening sequence from Dangerous Liaisons, where we see the fantastically elaborate toilet of the Marquise de Merteuil (Glenn Close) and the Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich)?

    I'm always impressed how much we learn about these two, and the world they live in, without a word being spoken.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report

  • Danielle,

    <points to own cleavage> Ceci n'est pas un pork chop.

    some of the production styles and knowledge sure seemed to sweep through hip hop and other forms

    I'm guessing with no real evidence that the biggest drum'n'bass ever got, influence-and-market-wise, was OutKast. 'Bombs Over Baghdad' and 'Ghetto Musick' were probably heard by way more people than anything else, because they got through to the USA too. (Also: holy fuck I still love 'The Rooster'. It's playing right now.)

    Charo World. Cuchi-cuchi!… • Since Nov 2006 • 3828 posts Report

  • Megan Wegan,

    Perhaps it's about showing status?

    "I don't need to be able to walk in these heels, I have a limo"

    Here's how it works for me, and this plays into the discussion around advertising as well. Hopefully Emma won't yell at me for talking too much about shoes.

    There is currently a pair of shoes in the window of Mi Piaci on Lambton Quay that I am coveting. They're about $300. (Which is nothing on what I could spend if I had the money.)

    I am aware that I am being manipulated into wanting them, that Anna Wintour and her ilk have convinced me that 4 inch stilettos are not only beautiful, but necessary,and that perhaps said stilettos are a conspiracy by the patriarchy to keep me constantly off balance. I know that I don't need more shoes, and I definitely don't need more shoes that I will never wear because they are too uncomfortable to walk in, and are completely impractical.

    But, regardless, they are beautiful, and are, to me, art. And knowing that I am buying into everything that is wrong with fashion and its surrounding culture isn't going to stop me lusting after them.

    Welly • Since Jul 2008 • 1275 posts Report

  • Megan Wegan,

    Oh, and to answer Cecilia's question, my own take on it (i wouldn't presume to speak for teh wimmin) is this: I have a job and my own money, and therefore I can buy as many damn pairs of impractical shoes as my bank manager will let me. Because I have choices and options and if I choose to waste my money on frivolous things, well, no one can tell me to do anything different. And God help anyone who'd try.

    Welly • Since Jul 2008 • 1275 posts Report

  • Megan Wegan,

    I'm always impressed how much we learn about these two, and the world they live in, without a word being spoken.

    Fantastic. And that is some damn impressive cleavage.

    Oh, and Craig? For :

    Pshaw... I'm bored by women who aren't harridans, and if anyone comes near my legs with a blade (let alone the work of Satan known as the wax strip) there will be merry heck to pay.

    way back when I was otherwise engaged yesterday, I think I might love you.

    Welly • Since Jul 2008 • 1275 posts Report

  • giovanni tiso,

    perhaps said stilettos are a conspiracy by the patriarchy to keep me constantly off balance.

    Darn, she's onto us guys. Go to plan... what is it now? K?

    Wellington • Since Jun 2007 • 7473 posts Report

  • Danielle,

    But, regardless, they are beautiful, and are, to me, art.

    I think this is an important point - the silhouette, the design, the materials... no one gets too snarky about stuff installed in an art gallery, or even design pieces in your home, but clothing and accessories are The Most Frivolous Thing Ever, somehow.

    This year, for the first time, I was able to afford to buy a pair of green Minnie Cooper shoes. They are so beautiful that I can't even handle it. Um, sorry Emma. :)

    Charo World. Cuchi-cuchi!… • Since Nov 2006 • 3828 posts Report

  • Megan Wegan,

    This year, for the first time, I was able to afford to buy a pair of green Minnie Cooper shoes. They are so beautiful that I can't even handle it. Um, sorry Emma. :)

    jpegs plz.

    Welly • Since Jul 2008 • 1275 posts Report

  • Joe Wylie,

    I am aware that I am being manipulated into wanting them, that Anna Wintour and her ilk have convinced me that 4 inch stilettos are not only beautiful, but necessary,and that perhaps said stilettos are a conspiracy by the patriarchy to keep me constantly off balance.

    Should you require a utilitarian justification, I'm reliably informed that hi-rise stilettos provide a great boost when walking uphill. I'll bet they sell heaps more in Wellington than they do in Chch.

    flat earth • Since Jan 2007 • 4593 posts Report

  • Amy Gale,

    Should you require a utilitarian justification, I'm reliably informed that hi-rise stilettos provide a great boost when walking uphill.

    This is true, but balanced by the extra precariousness experienced when you walk back down that hill later.

    tha Ith • Since May 2007 • 471 posts Report

  • giovanni tiso,

    You need to move to Escher's hometown, where I'm told streets only go up.

    Wellington • Since Jun 2007 • 7473 posts Report

  • Rich Lock,

    Just as an aside, has there ever been a more insular musical movement than drum 'n' bass?

    Punk.

    Perhaps it's about showing status?

    "I don't need to be able to walk in these heels, I have a limo"

    "I don't need to be able to dial[*] the phone with these nails, I have a secretary"

    Wearing a heel lengthens the leg, and tightens and thins the leg musculature. Which increases the visual attractiveness.

    Nails are a ggod visual indication of health - they get very manky in people with bad nutrition, for example. So visually attractive nails = ability to attract a mate.

    back in the mother countr… • Since Feb 2007 • 2728 posts Report

  • Sofie Bribiesca,

    Megan, the shoes, layby.Layby incurs no financial interest, just anticipated joy interest. A good shoe will never fall from grace and a good shoe will generally be a well made shoe which explains my ability to walk so well.;)
    My spanish cerise suede low but elegant $800 boots are now 6 yrs old and still get the oooo as soon as they venture out in public and they are just sooo comfortable. Heel not so high but all the clout required to say "worth every penny"
    Only got 2 feet, invest in good footwear, your old age will thank you.:)

    here and there. • Since Nov 2007 • 6796 posts Report

  • giovanni tiso,

    Nails are a ggod visual indication of health - they get very manky in people with bad nutrition, for example. So visually attractive nails = ability to attract a mate.

    Dangling things off your ears shows you have strong ears, an indispensible quality in a prospective mate. The ability to apply mascara, on the other hand, is an indicator that you obviously had the skill to become a thoracic surgeon, but could afford not to.

    Wellington • Since Jun 2007 • 7473 posts Report

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