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Description
Being home sick from work results in doing a meme.
And this one looked like fun and everyone seems to be doing it anyways. So here it goes...

1. Geiko/Geisha.
Like a lot of people, the first thing I saw that had to do with geisha was Memoirs of a Geisha. And while the movie bugs me a little now (because of all the inaccuracies, and I'm a stickler for things being accurate,) I've since learned more and more about the geisha culture, particularly around Kyoto. I fell even more in love with them after my trip to Japan. They're fascinating and beautiful, and completely different from anything we have in Canada. I chose a picture of Miehina, who has since become my favourite geiko. I love that she is so dedicated to shamisen playing, one of my favourite traditional arts.

2. Marie Antoinette.
The extravagance, frills, pearls, and crazy hair. I love the details of rococo fashion and the insane lengths these women went to to be the talk of the town. And while the lavishness ended up being Mme. Antoinette's downfall, it makes for a wonderfully amazing visual. I mostly watch this movie for the costumes and the set. Versailles is a beautiful place.

3. Lady Gaga.
Overrated? Psh, who cares. Her ridiculously cutting edge, over the top, haute couture fashion sense will forever amaze me, and I love it. She's a walking work of designer art, and I will never get sick of doodling her myriad of hairstyles.

4. Jean Harlow
Ever since watching Three Wise Girls on TCM, I have been a huge fan. Forget Marilyn, Jean Harlow is the original blonde bombshell. I've always loved the 1930's, and it's a horrible shame that she wasn't able to continue her career past the decade. But I will always admire the few black and white photos I find of her.

5. Sigur Ros
My favourite thing about Iceland. And actually, they're responsible for my desire to visit one day, especially after watching their DVD. Their music is incredible, and I could listen to it all day. I'm sad I never saw them live, but seeing lead singer, Jonsi, was incredible, and possibly the best concert I have EVER had the privilege of attending. Love, love, love.

6. Alexander McQueen.
Like a lot of people, I was incredibly saddened by the loss of such a genius designer. I was always excited to see what he created next, and found a lot of my fashion-doodles (intentionally or not) were inspired by him.

7. Harry Potter.
Yes, I love Harry Potter. J.K. created such a fun and imaginative world, and I think it's absolutely fantastic that everyone from 9 to 90 has read these books. Luna's one of the more amusing characters. For sure one of my favourites. (Along with Ron, Neville, and the Malfoys, especially in the final book.)

8. 1950's pinups.
Pinups, rockabilly, Elvis and Wanda Jackson. I love the 50's. And Gil Elvgren created some of my favourite art from that decade. Pinups are such a classy way for women to be sexy, without going into that trashy Hustler look. Bettie Page was definitely the Pinup Queen, without a doubt. And the people that are still so into the 50's culture are just plain awesome.

9. Harajuku.
These kids are crazy and incredibly gutsy to dress up the way they do. I could never pull some of these looks off and I commend them for it. The effort they put into their outfits? I just don't have the time. They must get up at 4AM or something to put this stuff together. But either way, it's always amazing to look at what comes out of Tokyo's teenagers. They're truly some of the most original people in the world.

10. Napoleon Era France.
A little random, and I'm not quite sure why I love this time period so much. It could be the military fashion, or the Hollywood kind of romanticism in which historical wars are often portrayed. This is art's Romantic period after all. And the Louvre's collection of Romantic period art is wonderful. And, while it may not be French, let's not forget Jane Austen was also around at this time.

11. Hayao Miyazaki.
Animation's genius. He really can do no wrong. I've never watched a movie of his and thought "I didn't enjoy that." Because it's not possible. He's creative and invents these amazing worlds that audiences just fall in love with. And characters. Totoro? Everyone loves Totoro. He's a classic animated character now.

12. Torii Kiyonaga.
Technically, all Ukiyo-e prints. But Kiyonaga in particular. I fell in love with his particular style after picking up a reprint of one of his works in an antique mall in Newmarket. Ukiyo-e has such a unique look to it, and are still incredibly strong influences to Japanese artists today, even mangaka.

13. Disney.
Anyone growing up in North America knows that Disney has made an impact on them in some way or another. Most kids were raised on these films. And many (with the exception of me, sadly,) have visited Disney World at least once. Even now in my early 20's I hope to go some day.

Original by

EDIT; That's a lot to read... Cookies to anyone who gets through it all. =]

Description
Being home sick from work results in doing a meme.
And this one looked like fun and everyone seems to be doing it anyways. So here it goes...

1. Geiko/Geisha.
Like a lot of people, the first thing I saw that had to do with geisha was Memoirs of a Geisha. And while the movie bugs me a little now (because of all the inaccuracies, and I'm a stickler for things being accurate,) I've since learned more and more about the geisha culture, particularly around Kyoto. I fell even more in love with them after my trip to Japan. They're fascinating and beautiful, and completely different from anything we have in Canada. I chose a picture of Miehina, who has since become my favourite geiko. I love that she is so dedicated to shamisen playing, one of my favourite traditional arts.

2. Marie Antoinette.
The extravagance, frills, pearls, and crazy hair. I love the details of rococo fashion and the insane lengths these women went to to be the talk of the town. And while the lavishness ended up being Mme. Antoinette's downfall, it makes for a wonderfully amazing visual. I mostly watch this movie for the costumes and the set. Versailles is a beautiful place.

3. Lady Gaga.
Overrated? Psh, who cares. Her ridiculously cutting edge, over the top, haute couture fashion sense will forever amaze me, and I love it. She's a walking work of designer art, and I will never get sick of doodling her myriad of hairstyles.

4. Jean Harlow
Ever since watching Three Wise Girls on TCM, I have been a huge fan. Forget Marilyn, Jean Harlow is the original blonde bombshell. I've always loved the 1930's, and it's a horrible shame that she wasn't able to continue her career past the decade. But I will always admire the few black and white photos I find of her.

5. Sigur Ros
My favourite thing about Iceland. And actually, they're responsible for my desire to visit one day, especially after watching their DVD. Their music is incredible, and I could listen to it all day. I'm sad I never saw them live, but seeing lead singer, Jonsi, was incredible, and possibly the best concert I have EVER had the privilege of attending. Love, love, love.

6. Alexander McQueen.
Like a lot of people, I was incredibly saddened by the loss of such a genius designer. I was always excited to see what he created next, and found a lot of my fashion-doodles (intentionally or not) were inspired by him.

7. Harry Potter.
Yes, I love Harry Potter. J.K. created such a fun and imaginative world, and I think it's absolutely fantastic that everyone from 9 to 90 has read these books. Luna's one of the more amusing characters. For sure one of my favourites. (Along with Ron, Neville, and the Malfoys, especially in the final book.)

8. 1950's pinups.
Pinups, rockabilly, Elvis and Wanda Jackson. I love the 50's. And Gil Elvgren created some of my favourite art from that decade. Pinups are such a classy way for women to be sexy, without going into that trashy Hustler look. Bettie Page was definitely the Pinup Queen, without a doubt. And the people that are still so into the 50's culture are just plain awesome.

9. Harajuku.
These kids are crazy and incredibly gutsy to dress up the way they do. I could never pull some of these looks off and I commend them for it. The effort they put into their outfits? I just don't have the time. They must get up at 4AM or something to put this stuff together. But either way, it's always amazing to look at what comes out of Tokyo's teenagers. They're truly some of the most original people in the world.

10. Napoleon Era France.
A little random, and I'm not quite sure why I love this time period so much. It could be the military fashion, or the Hollywood kind of romanticism in which historical wars are often portrayed. This is art's Romantic period after all. And the Louvre's collection of Romantic period art is wonderful. And, while it may not be French, let's not forget Jane Austen was also around at this time.

11. Hayao Miyazaki.
Animation's genius. He really can do no wrong. I've never watched a movie of his and thought "I didn't enjoy that." Because it's not possible. He's creative and invents these amazing worlds that audiences just fall in love with. And characters. Totoro? Everyone loves Totoro. He's a classic animated character now.

12. Torii Kiyonaga.
Technically, all Ukiyo-e prints. But Kiyonaga in particular. I fell in love with his particular style after picking up a reprint of one of his works in an antique mall in Newmarket. Ukiyo-e has such a unique look to it, and are still incredibly strong influences to Japanese artists today, even mangaka.

13. Disney.
Anyone growing up in North America knows that Disney has made an impact on them in some way or another. Most kids were raised on these films. And many (with the exception of me, sadly,) have visited Disney World at least once. Even now in my early 20's I hope to go some day.

Original by

EDIT; That's a lot to read... Cookies to anyone who gets through it all. =]