IM // UR | Tom Ford // SS 2011

We swear this isn't an ironic listening. We love Beyoncé and 4. OK, we might unironically skip straight to track 5, 'Party', produced by Kanye West and with rap by Andre3000, because we ain't no stay-home-mums that need all those ballads about being broken hearted and finding the right person. But, after that, the album turns into a beautiful compilation of classic r'n'b, soul and a bit of sweat-inducing booty tracks - not too many though - that sound surprisingly courageous considering the actual state of pop music. And for that, we bow down and hail Queen B. P.S. Get the deluxe version, for those extra couple of amazing tracks.

WE // R \\ WEARING

The name of this label has been interpreted in many ways; from 'bass-seekey' to 'base-ike', but the correct way describes exactly what this label is about: BASIC. Bassike delivers easily breezily cut staples with an interesting little twist that keeps them from being your run of the mill. For those that live in climates like that of Australia (where Bassike hails from) or Brazil, you'll know how easy it is to make fashion faux pas when the weather gets hot and the prospect of wearing anything but a bathing suit becomes slightly unappealing; Bassike is all and everything you need.

WE // R \\ WATCHING

Before watching HBO's Game of Thrones, I assumed the series would tend a bit more towards the blood-dripping Danish movie Valhalla Rising rather than fairy-tale stories a lá 'Lord of the Rings'; and for that I didn't really like the series at the beginning. But slowly, I found myself submitting to tales of bad kings, midget juggernauts, savage warriors and... dragons. And that happened probably because there aren't exactly good guys and bad guys here, like there are in Tolkien stories - and that is, of course, a simplification of his work. Another reason I relented to this series is because of the intriguing political backstage element that leads to the ever-happening dance of thrones. Oh, and did I mention the gratuitous nekkid-ness?

WE // R \\ GOING

Of the slew of new spots having opened up in Sydney in the last six months, The Norfolk on Cleveland St in Surry Hills has been one fated with success. Owned by some of the same kids that have brought The Flinders back to life (and currently, it's incredibly quick onset of 'The Norms'), you'll undoubtedly find The Norfolk rammed with all kinds, vying for a bite, a beer and a spot in the garden out back. The aim of the game is to cultivate Aussie pub culture at it's best; and it's doing a pretty decent job so far - if only you could get a table!

WE // R \\ READING

Super Sad True Love Story is the third book from the writer of the best selling Absurdistan, Gary Shteyngart. Incidentally, I read him name dropped in Flavorpill's Ultimate Hipster Reading list and in the same sentence as James Franco (they're buds, apaprently) just before I finished his latest offering. Don't let any of that put you off, or take away any of the sad scary brilliance of Super Sad True Love Story; written from the perspective of one 39 year old Lenny Abramov, son of Russian immigrants and in love with the impossibly cute and cruel Eunice Park. A satire that cuts to the bone, Super Sad True Love Story is exactly it's title. And it's good.

Tom Ford // SS 2011

Tuesday // January 04, 2011 at 15:58 // filed under Fashion

HIYA // Tom Ford

It's kind of impossible not be impressed by Tom Ford's inherent fabulousness. It's in the realm of fabulous that's hard to miss; yet is quite utterly out of reach of the normal human being, existing in a totally glamorous, luxurious and flashy place that's even beyond the reach of regular cool.

We were huge fans of his heartbreaking, breathtaking film debut, A Single Man and are anxiously awaiting the follow up. In the meantime, his Spring Summer collection for 2011 was gushed over by the elite few allowed to view it in the flesh. And in line with his thoroughly old school (read: pre-internet) philosophy of making the public wait to see his work in due course, stating "I don’t get the need for this immediacy. In fact, I think it’s bad," the video of the show from New York Fashion Week has only just been released. Prior to this, we only had some sketches and snipered blurry phone pics floating around online, like the below of looks worn by Rachel Feinstein (left) and Lou Doillon:

Needless to say, the show was simply FORD-TASTIC. Soundtracked by Karen Elson's 'Pretty Babies' and an angelic host of familiar and fierce faces stalked the intimate nature of his catwalk. With Tom Ford, it truly isn't just about the clothes, but the lifestyle and how one breathes and eats (or doesn't) and lives. Check it for yourself, and the roll call (HELLLOYY, like, Beyoncé walked the show!!) below that:

Tom Ford S/S 2011

Natalia Vodianova - Model
Carolyn Murphy - Model
Daria Werbowy - Model
Anja Rubik - Model
Freja Beha Erichsen - Model
Du Juan - Model
Liya Kebede - Model
Stella Tennant - Model
Amber Valletta - Model
Karen Elson - Model
Chanel Iman - Model
Edita Vilkeviciute - Model
Karlie Kloss - Model
Abbey Lee Kershaw - Model
Lakshmi Menon - Model
Julia Restoin-Roitfeld - Model
Liu Wen - Model
Lauren Hutton - Model
Jac Jagaciak - Model
Joan Smalls - Model
Daphne Guinness - Other
Beyonce Knowles - Entertainer
Rinko Kikuchi - Actor
Julianne Moore - Actor
Lou Doillon - Actor