#Prestige Art Trends

[joeruggieroblog]

Welcome To High Point Furniture Market!

[eerna]

As much as I enjoy criticizing sjm and booktok it's not like what is popular now is not similar with what was popular for ages.Bad boys and pretty privilege with some magical element where always in trending it's just that now it's became a problem since good pieces are harder to find bc now everyone is copying the same books without adding anything new to the table

Yeah, bad, easily digestible stuff being popular is just the way of things, it has always been that way and it will always be that way. What I didn't notice before, though, was the way these fans "invade" other spaces online and demand their favorite books be treated as works of art (I might be wrong on this, I am no fandom historian, for all I know booktube used to be this way too before booktok took over and I am inventing hot water). Examples. "Reader" doesn't mean someone who reads, it means someone who reads the specific type of romance popular on booktok. They could use a more accurate identifier, "romance reader" or even "booktok reader", but the generalization implies a much more prestige status. Diversity and social justice are discussed specifically only in context of that same genre, and the same goes for worldbuilding, writing and thematic quality, and all of those are NOT the point of reading a romance book so these readers end up unequipped to handle proper conversation about such topics outside of the genre. Like you said, it is just the same type of book on rotation, without any tolerance for new ideas or widening one's horizons. It reduces something as diverse, rewarding and world-opening as "being a reader" to nothing but being a servant to the capitalist machine of overconsumption and never looking up from the simplest, most base pleasures that serve as happy shots. And then someone who also calls themself a reader and matches their demographics says "I don't like SJM" and they are shocked because they can't understand how that's possible. My my my

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

06/03/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Rhys Darby; Taika Waititi; Samba Schutte; Nathan Foad; Anapela Polataiva; TellTaleAwards Round 2; AdoptOurCrew; June 3rd An Excellent Day: Trends; WeAreAllTaikaNow; RoboJenks; Other Fandoms; Menacing Memes; Articles about #DontStreamOnMax; NeurOFMDivergent Pride Week; FanSpotlight; Love Notes; Daily Darby/Tonight's Taika

== Rhys Darby ==

Throwback picture from The Cryptid Factor with Rhys and Buttons!

Source: The Cryptid Factor Instagram

== Taika Waititi ==

Quick crumbs of Taika on Rita's Instagram from her latest show!

Source: Rita Ora's Instagram

== Samba Schutte ==

Samba's rom-com Advanced Chemistry is premiering on June 26, 2024, 9:15 PM at TLC Chinese 6 Theatres Los Angelos CA! Get tickets here.

Source: Samba's Instagram

== Anapela Polataivao ==

Our fabulous Auntie has been appointed Officer of the NZ Order of Merit (ONZM) in this years King's Birthday Honours List! This is a prestigous position awarded for contributions to the Pacific performing arts! Congrats Anapela!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pacific Islands Screen Artists (@pacificislandsscreenartists)

Source: The Coconet TV Instagram

== Nathan Foad ==

Nathan is feeling pretty saucy about another Billionaire planning to visit the Titanic Wreckage.

Source: Nathan Foad's Instagram

== Round 2 of TellTale Awards ==

TellTaleTv Awards Round 2!

The awards are open from June 3 - June 9! OurFlagMeansDeath, Rhys and Ruibo both made the next round! So did Deadloch and Deadboy Detectives, please be sure to get your votes in each day!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Twitter

== Adopt Our Crew ==

Our crewmates over at @adoptourcrew want to hold WBD Accountable! Check out their statement below!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Instagram

== June 3: An Excellent Day ==

Where the hell do I even start? Wow crew! Today was impressive! #DontStreamOnMax was trending on twitter, so was #SaveOFMD, there was so much polite menacing and massive aggression going around, it was wonderful to see.

= Trends =

The absolute darling @ twindy5 was kind enough to send me some trends just before posting this so we could see some of the latest numbers.

Source: twindy5 Twitter

Our crewmates over at NeverLeftPodcast caught #FireDavidZaslav as well!

Source: NeverLeftPodcast's Twitter

= We Are All Taika Now =

So one thing you don't want to miss is that apparently certain folks on twitter think that everyone fighting for Our Flag Means Death on Twitter is a Taika bot. So rejoice! If you wanted to be Taika Waititi, now you can be!

Source: @ pirateidiot's twitter And everyone rolled with it!

Source: DagaNaranjade's Twitter

= Long Post Is Long - See More Below The Cut =

= RoboJenks =

Okay so there was some speculation because an account named "David Jenkins" started getting into the fun with everyone today (but not Chaos Dad's account). Many folks thought it was a bot that maybe somehow got attached to our trends, but I read back to when the account was created back in January and they've been around a bit. They've hopped on the bandwagon against WB for quite some time (for CoyoteVsAcme, etc) so it's still possible they're a bot, but hard to tell for sure. What did cause some excitement was Chaos Dad then blocked them.

Source: @meowzawowza_ on Twitter

= Other Fandoms =

One of the other exciting things that happened today was just how many other fandoms outside of OFMD Twitter decided to jump on the bandwagon for #DontStreamOnMax. Even the SnyderVerse folks got into it!

Source: @ BatFleckMovie's Twitter / @ seven_sugars on Twitter

= Menacing Memes =

Sources: @xxprincess1x's Twitter / @ love4ofmd's twitter

= Articles Covering the Polite Menacing! =

Q+Magazine Article

Source: Q+Magazine Twitter

Daily Caller Article

Digg.com Article

Source: Adopt Our Crew Twitter

NerdStash Article

Source: Nerdstash.com

‘Don’t Stream On Max’ explained: Why people are boycotting the streaming platform

Is Warner Bros. Discovery Inc (WBD) worth investing in despite its overvalued state?

== NeurOFMDivergent Pride Week ==

The lovely folks over at @neurofmdivergentprideweek were kind enough to allow me to share some info for the upcoming Week!

"What is NeurOFMDivergent Pride Week?

NeurOFMDivergent Pride Week is a week-long Our Flag Means Death fan event for creating & sharing fanworks focused on neurodivergent experiences. There are prompts for each day, but any content relating to OFMD and neurodivergence is welcome."

Wanna learn more? Please visit them here on tumblr!

Source: NeuroOFMDivergent Pride Week's Pinned Post

== Fan Spotlight ==

= Cast Cards =

Today's Cast Cards are Lily Riley, "head guard" of The Red Flag, she had the distinct honour of being knocked out with chamomile! and also one of our lovely writers-- Natalie Torres!

Source: @melvisik's Twitter!

= Pride Month =

Gonna try to keep up some spotlights from the fans with Pride month! Tonight's spotlight is the absolutely stellar @blackbeardskneebrace with some adorable Peanuts style of our favourite pirates! Peanuts T4T Ed/Stede / Peanuts Polycule

== Love Notes ==

Hey lovelies. Today we are all Taika. You're Taika-- I'm Taika, all of us are Taika! And you know what Taika does? He gets some sleep, and he eats good food and drinks plenty of water!

You know what else he does? Laugh, and cry, and joke, and enjoy life! And even further-- he is kind and he is thoughtful, and he is proud of the work he does, and so you should be too! Goodnight Taikas, I hope you sleep well and wake up refreshed tomorrow. So proud of you <3

== Daily Darby / Tonight's Taika ==

Tonight's gifs courtesy of the always lovely @darkinerry and @thunderwingdoomslayer

[natalyarose]

𝓈𝒶𝒷𝓇𝒾𝓃𝒶 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓅𝑒𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓇 (𝓋𝑒𝒹𝒾𝒸 𝒶𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑜) ♡

My little sister introduced me to Sabrina Carpenter and I gotta say I loove her!! Not necessarily my type of music, but the older I get, the more I realise how every genre has something so beautiful to offer and it just makes me so happy to see ART and joy in this world of any kind :')

My first thought is she's gottaaa be Sun influenced- the pastel, literally sunny visuals, the bubbly smile & attitude, the 'lightness'. I find Solar women possibly the easiest to spot- even Sun women I've met who have 'darker' personalities & aesthetics still offer this light energy. I checked, and she is Krittika Sun! (I know she's getting very popular now so this is all probably old news to a lot of people lol but just thought I'd share).

ALSO, I've noticed people remarking on how she is bringing the element of dance and full 'performance style' back into music. Krittika is intimately connected to the art of dance.

Then she has Moon conjunct ascendant in Purvabhadrapada, in the 1st house! Classic Jupiterian sass & vocals (Jupiterians often have gorgeous and or very powerful voices since Jupiter traditionally rules the throat) + Purvabhadrapadas position as the archetypal 'femme fatale' is referenced in her song 'Feather'. Religious imagery is common to see with Purvabhadrapda natives too given the bhadrapada Nakshatras relation to sacrifice.

Since she has Purvabhadrapada Moon; this makes her yoni animal the lion- glamorous, proud, strong.

I noticed someone comparing her energy/demeanour/look in her music video for her song 'Espresso' to Sharpay in Highschool Musical, who is played by Krittika Ascendant, Ashley Tidsdale. Definitely a nice depiction of Krittika energy- being in Taurus, we see Venus (beauty, pleasure, luxury, art) combined with Sun (joy, warmth, self love, authority). Edit - y'all I think I got confused between different birth time sources, but Ashley is in fact mostly Bharani ascendant HOWEVER, with Venus in Krittika ruling her chart.

As well as Sun & Jupiter Nakshatras' abundant qualities, I think Sabrina having Moon in the 1st definitely helps to garner likability & widespread appeal. Moon reflects whatever is around it, so she's going to be somebody who as an artist, is naturally attuned to public opinion. Moon in the 1st can have a knack for identifying what is popular, and reflecting it back through their persona or art in their own way.

With Sabrina's Sun, Moon & Asc consisting entirely of Purvabhadrapada & Krittika, this makes the energies of the 'brahmin caste' extremely relevant to her. Brahmin Nakshatras tend to be associated with spirituality, knowledge, education, prestige or a 'priestly' quality. Of course, not always especially since the ways in which each Nakshatra works is very unique; but heavily Brahmin influenced people tend to find themselves in very privileged positions in life- even if they're in a rough spot, they carry themselves with an aura of importance and therefore tend to easily attract what they desire.

As I talked about in my Vishakha women post, especially Vishakha but honestly strong Jupiter influence in general is often somewhere in the charts of those who have the type of fame where they are ever expanding & deeply influencing the masses.

Anyway, I'm eating up her music videos lol, the solar energy is so uplifting- sorta makes me nostalgic for the 2010s, when mainstream music & trends was a lot more solar inclined in that way. Some may have considered it shallow (my edgy 12 year old self sure did lmao) but honestly I think there can be something very spiritual about artists making music that's just fun, joyful and silly.

Thankyou for reading & I definitely want to do more small observational/analysis posts like this! ♡

[kinky-pen]

Got any general Ouran headcanons?

More disorganised, general thoughts!

Tamaki:

When Tamaki found out about renfairs, the whole host club wasn't just dragged to one (I don't believe they're a thing in Japan, but I may be wrong), Tamaki made them help him organise one. Yes, Kyoya had thought he'd escaped budgeting for Tamaki's whims in adulthood, and yes he felt stupid for thinking that.

Paints his nails frequently. It's an activity he finds fun, but he also repaints them constantly because he changes his mind about the colour constantly! He also wants them to match his outfit, and god forbid he plan ahead.

Was raised Catholic in France, but finds much more love for the aesthetics and community than the religion himself.

Haruhi:

Haruhi was always androgenous, but she embraces her gender nonconformity and identity even more as they become and understands themselves. Lots of lovely suits, both masc and fem. (They do use all pronouns, also, but use she/they the most)

Keeps the short hair!! I know she grows it out in the manga, but the short hair is nicer, more in character, and Haruhi said on multiple occasions that they prefer it.

When she's a lawyer (not if, let's be real), she's actually scary good at employment law and making sure companies compensate and treat their worker's fairly (comrade Haruhi, everyone)

Kyoya:

Keeps a sketchpad handy a good portion of the time. He found art really relaxed him, and he's pretty talented at it, but he'll keep it to himself as it's something he actually considers for him, not profit or prestige.

Has had a crush on every member of the host club, at some point, except Hanni for obvious reasons (boo, you whore)

Has diagnosed depression, and is half convinced he has a personality disorder of some flavour. He can be a bit of a hypochondriac, however, and his doctors haven't confirmed anything as of yet. Who knows.

Hikaru:

Dyes his hair constantly, all sort of colours. Like Tamaki and his nails, Hikaru recolours his hair very often - as soon as he gets bored of it. It got to the point where he dyed it four times in a month, fried it all off, and had to get a buzz cut. He eased up a little after that.

Loves getting tattoos. He's one of those people that really love the sensation of it, and he also gets a cool piece of art on his body forever! Yes there's something wrong with him, he's seeing a therapist!

Loves spending time in his office, tinkering about with new things - whether it be finding new ways to put together certain pieces of hardware, or coding new software. He can disappear in there for days straight, sometimes (he has a mini fridge stocked with drinks and snacks, don't worry)

Kaoru:

Goes through phases of growing out his hair, then cutting it all off again. Changes hairstyles frequently. When you're head of a designer brand, you do have to balance keeping up with the latest trends with setting them, and I think Kaoru does well with both sides of that.

Loves flower arranging (which is semi-canon), but it's something he keeps up his whole life.

Kaoru actually does have some """mild""" HPD (that's the phrasing he uses, but he generally means he's high functioning) he's just like me frfr

Mori:

This man matures like a fine wine. Will always be attractive, honestly. He went from hunk to DILF to GILF effortlessly.

Still wins Judo competitions and such well into his early fifties, but decided to retire from competing at 53 due to some joint issues. Still keeps it up for fun and health, though.

Had a bit of a revelation about putting his foot down and protecting his boundaries during university. It actually helped him a lot with the self destructive tendencies he has in canon.

Hunni:

Living his best life with his goth wife! He just adores that girl so much and she'll kill for him! (Ask her to kill for you, Hunni, she really wants to)

Takes up baking his own cakes, which does actually save money in the long run - not that they need to worry about that.

Had a similar revelation to Mori in university, caused by Mori standing up for himself more. He realised that he can still be true to himself and what he wants, without running roughshod over those who care about him. He can still be a little selfish, but better than what we see in canon.

Also, as this is a kink blog and I don't really want to encourage engagement from people not into NSFW/are minors - please only 'like' this post if you're the aforementioned :)

[likdayligt]

[ 𝟎𝟏 ]  ──  *  𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐒.  ⸢  𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 ⸥

full name : nina isolde halberg

nicknames :  izzie ( for those who want to piss her off )

gender :  cis-female.

pronouns :  she/her.

sexuality :  homosexual.

age :  32 yrs old.

date of birth : 19th september.

hometown : palmview, florida.

occupation : gallery owner.

zodiac sign :  scorpio, pisces moon and capricorn rising.

location : seaglass heights.

counterpart : elizabeth jennings ( the americans ).

scroll down for the lowdown on her backstory, personality and all the connections that make her… well, her.

[ 𝟎𝟐. ]  ──  *  𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘.  ⸢  𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒈𝒐  ⸥

nina was born in palmview, florida, into a world that seamlessly blended intellectualism and art. her weekends were often spent in new york city, wandering the hallowed halls of the met and moma, while evenings at home revolved around lively debates on the latest trends in contemporary art. from a young age, she was immersed in this culture—familiar with the sharp tang of oil paint and the energy of bustling gallery openings. her father’s gallery in palmview was both her playground and her classroom. here, nina learned to appraise art, grasp its history, and understand its value—both aesthetic and monetary. while her father’s gallery operated as a legitimate business, it served another purpose: a front for the clandestine acquisition of art. from an early age, nina was exposed to both the refined and the shadowy sides of the art world. she accompanied her father on secretive trips, learning negotiation, appraisal and the delicate art of manipulation that would later define her career. her mother, a glamorous socialite known for her impeccable taste and extravagant gatherings, introduced nina to high society. by her teens, nina was well-versed in the nuances of charm and diplomacy, mingling effortlessly with the elite. but beneath this polished surface, she understood the duality of her family’s life—public prestige intricately tied to covert dealings. driven by a desire to inherit her father’s legacy, nina excelled academically, particularly in art history and business. she later honed her skills at the sorbonne in paris, earning a degree in art history with a minor in business administration.

after college, nina returned to palmview, stepping into her father’s gallery with a vision to modernize and expand its reach. she immersed herself in every facet of the business, from curating exhibits and managing sales to orchestrating the complex logistics of art transport and security. under her influence, the gallery evolved into a contemporary art hub, attracting a younger, more diverse clientele through innovative installations and digital art showcases. her ascent was not without challenges. when her father abruptly retired, nina inherited not only the gallery but also its hidden responsibilities. balancing her legitimate business with her father's illicit network, she skillfully maintained a façade of respectability while taking the reins of the underground art trade. her father's contacts now answered to her, and she used the gallery’s veneer of legitimacy to shield these dealings. nina also made strides to integrate herself into the palmview community, hosting charity events and art education workshops. these efforts solidified her gallery’s reputation as a cultural pillar while discreetly covering her underground operations.

three years ago, nina married alejandro morales, a longtime family ally groomed by her father as a potential successor. their marriage is one of convenience and mutual benefit, founded on respect and shared ambition rather than romance. publicly, they embody the archetype of a power couple—polished, influential, and aligned in their mission to champion art and culture. privately, they lead separate lives, granting each other the freedom to pursue personal interests. alejandro is supportive of nina’s preference for women, and their understanding allows her to maintain discretion in her personal relationships. this arrangement has proven mutually beneficial, bolstering both their public personas and their business ventures. together, they present an image of unity that inspires trust among clients and admiration within the community, all while protecting their individual freedoms.

nina’s daily life is a complex balancing act. she curates exhibits, negotiates with collectors, and meets with artists while simultaneously managing under-the-table deals to sustain the gallery’s financial viability. her involvement in art theft is not just about profit; it’s a continuation of her father’s ethos. she views stolen artworks as treasures that, without her intervention, might remain hidden in private collections. by circulating these pieces—even through illicit channels—she believes she is democratizing access to art and preserving history. despite the constant pressure, nina remains poised and polished, an image she carefully cultivates. she rationalizes her unlawful activities as necessary to sustain her gallery, her employees, and her philanthropic endeavors.

nina’s employees are her chosen family, many of whom come from challenging backgrounds. some are struggling artists she has given a chance; others were on the fringes of legality before finding redemption under her wing. she takes pride in knowing their personal milestones and often goes out of her way to support them—whether organizing a surprise celebration for an employee’s achievement or delivering a painting herself so her staff can rest. her sense of duty toward them is rooted in guilt and genuine care. she sees herself as their protector, justifying her riskier ventures as a means to secure their livelihoods. nina channels a portion of her profits into philanthropic efforts, funding art scholarships, supporting emerging artists and sponsoring public art installations. these actions serve as both atonement for her illicit dealings and a testament to her deep love for the art world.

[ 𝟎��. ]  ──  *  𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘.  ⸢  𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆, 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔  ⸥

nina embodies sophistication with effortless grace. her upbringing in the art world endowed her with an innate appreciation for beauty, history and culture. she can quote obscure art movements, identify a forgery with a glance and navigate conversations in multiple languages—all tools she wields to charm collectors, clients, and allies. her public persona is impeccably curated: poised, confident, and elegant, she shines at galas and exhibitions, captivating audiences with her wit and insight. yet, beneath this polished exterior lies a genuine love for art, born from a deep belief in its power to inspire, evoke emotion, and drive change. even in her illicit activities, nina views herself as a custodian of art, redistributing stolen or hoarded masterpieces to serve a higher sense of justice.

her pragmatism is both her greatest asset and her heaviest burden. a consummate strategist, nina is always thinking two steps ahead, whether closing a legitimate deal or navigating the black market. rarely impulsive, she approaches every decision with careful calculation, assessing risks and rewards with precision. this sharp intellect allows her to excel in high-pressure situations, but it also creates a wall between her and others, as she prioritizes survival over vulnerability. while she isn’t above exploiting weaknesses to achieve her goals, her actions are rarely driven by malice. instead, her moral compass is complex and situational: she will do the wrong thing for the right reasons, whether stealing from a greedy collector to uplift a struggling artist or using her profits to fund humanitarian efforts.

nina’s loyalty to those she considers family is unshakable. she views her inner circle as an extension of herself, bound by trust and mutual purpose. this profound sense of duty drives her to extraordinary lengths—risking exposure, sacrificing personal happiness, or facing danger head-on to protect and provide for those under her care. as a leader, she is compassionate but unwavering in her expectations, demanding the same dedication and excellence she holds herself to. her protective instincts are deeply rooted in guilt over the risks her dual life imposes on those she involves, fueling her determination to shield them from harm.

though nina’s life is filled with relentless work, she tries to remember the importance of balance—and she’s a master at carving out moments of enjoyment. whether it’s indulging in a spontaneous night of karaoke with her closest allies, attending an underground art show just for the thrill, or sneaking off to a quiet corner to enjoy a cup of loose-leaf tea, nina can be surprisingly playful. her love for adventure and discovery doesn’t always fit the conventional mold, and when she does let her hair down, it’s often in unexpected ways. she has an affinity for whimsical things, like quirky board games or random art-related challenges, which keep her grounded.

[ 𝟎𝟒. ]  ──  *  𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒.  ⸢  𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒆  ⸥

loves luxury, but mostly for the image it projects. if you ask her, she’ll tell you she’d rather spend a night with a rare painting than a diamond ring.

despite her image, nina can’t stop doodling little faces and shapes on every document she touches. her team once started a “guess the doodle” contest to see which one’s most like her mood.

has a thing for vintage watches—each one marks a major event in her life. they’re like little time capsules that no one’s allowed to open.

nina also owns an impressive collection of rare board games, many of which are never opened because she’s “waiting for the right moment.” spoiler: the moment never comes.

she’s been known to hold "breakfast-for-dinner" nights where she makes waffles, eggs, and bacon... and insists it's the most sophisticated meal.

when the pressure gets too much, nina secretly bakes—cupcakes with intricate designs that she gives away to unsuspecting gallery visitors. she calls them "artistic expression."

in the privacy of her office, nina indulges in watching soap operas—she loves the drama and melodrama. it’s her escape from the chaos of her own life.

she has a pet snake named "art" who lives in her office. no one knows why, and nina doesn’t feel the need to explain.

nina’s deep voice and confidence make her an unstoppable karaoke queen—especially when she’s belting out 90s pop songs.

[ 𝟎𝟓. ]  ──  *  𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒.  ⸢  𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒖𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔  ⸥

ALEJANDRO MORALES (HUSBAND). alex is nina’s equal in intellect and pragmatism, making him an ideal partner in her high-stakes world. their relationship is founded on mutual respect and unwavering loyalty rather than romantic love. while they maintain separate personal lives, they present a flawless united front, embodying the image of a power couple. he is fully aware of nina’s preference for women and supports her unconditionally, though his own hidden secrets create an undercurrent of tension in their partnership.

YOUNGER BROTHER. his rejection of their family’s legacy has driven a painful wedge between him and nina, leaving their relationship fraught with unresolved tension. despite their estrangement, nina yearns for reconciliation, haunted by the fear that she may lose him forever.

EMPLOYEES. to nina, her employees are more than a team—they are her family. their loyalty is her greatest pride, yet their dependence on her weighs heavily. she feels a deep responsibility for their well-being, fueling her guilt and amplifying her fear of failure.

CHILDHOOD FRIEND. nina’s childhood confidante is her closest ally, providing a rare connection to her more innocent past. with a mix of warmth and irreverent humor, she encourages nina to prioritize her own happiness, often reminding her to step back from her endless responsibilities. her energy and lightheartedness bring moments of relief to nina’s otherwise heavy life, making her an indispensable source of comfort.

CLOSE UNIVERSITY FRIEND. this muse is one of the few who knows the full extent of nina’s complicated relationship with her family. a firm believer in legality, they frequently urge nina to focus on her legitimate gallery work and abandon her unlawful pursuits. while their differing values occasionally strain their bond, they remain a steadfast supporter, offering practical advice and emotional stability during nina’s most turbulent moments.

EX-LOVER AND INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST. this relentless journalist, specializing in uncovering corruption in the art world, shared a passionate but tumultuous affair with nina in the past. though their romance ended, her fixation on exposing nina’s secrets persists, unknowingly bringing her closer to unraveling nina’s double life. their dynamic is an intoxicating blend of lingering attraction and impending danger, leaving nina torn between her unresolved feelings and the need to keep her at arm’s length to protect her empire.

FRIENDSHIP WITH FEELINGS: a free-spirited artist, this muse embodies a whimsical and carefree outlook that stands in stark contrast to nina’s calculated approach to life. they first meet at a gallery event, where their shared disdain for art world elitism sparks an instant connection. this muse brings a sense of spontaneity and joy into nina’s life, challenging her to loosen her grip on control and savor life’s simpler pleasures.

THE ART GALLERY’S HEAD OF SECURITY. nina’s head of security is one of the few people she trusts implicitly. what begins as a strictly professional relationship evolves into a deep and unshakeable bond after years of working together. fiercely protective, they often put themselves in harm’s way to shield nina from danger. their quiet strength and unwavering support provide a rare sense of stability in nina’s chaotic and high-risk world.

* part of palmviewfm

[7grandmel]

Rip of the week: 24/06/2024

YO-Kai Direction

Season 7 Featured on: Now That's What I Call Quality! 3

Ripped by DonnieTheGuy

Y'know, funny story: a part of me genuinely thought I'd made this post already, and I had to double-check my posting archive three times over just to make sure. Because for as much Season 7 glazing as I've done on here, YO-Kai Direction is the kind of rip that absolutely deserves that love, as such a perfect rip from one of SiIva's most surprise breakout events in recent memory. Hell, last time I was covering the event in question, this rip only barely lost out from being covered instead of Beautiful Dreamer - but, in earnest, I believe two legends should indeed be able to coexist.

I've learned a lot from running this blog, but one of the biggest breakout surprises to me was learning just how incredible of a ripper DonnieTheGuy truly is. He joined the team around when I was paying less attention to the channel in general, and didn't exactly have a loud internet personality for me to learn of otherwise - yet rip by rip, from the blog's very first in Running Through Cookie Country to later-covered examples like Epic Rap Battles of History: Funny vs. Funnier and Remember when this song was the one related to toilets?, I began realizing just how powerful the guy is. A master chef that works in the background, even working to provide tons of assets to help people get into ripping themselves, sharing samples, samples and much more. But even if I wasn't aware of all that, even if I wasn't aware of just how much of a menace he is even off of SiIva when it comes to Twitter shitposts (the Digital Circuit edit trend where he made like 20+ edits on his own for instance), YO-Kai Direction would've likely convinced me on its own of DonnieTheGuy's prestige.

I recall saying to myself back when I wrote Beautiful Dreamer that one of the reasons that I picked it over YO-Kai Direction was just due to how much I'd already featured YO-KAI Disco, and Yousuke Yasui's music in general, on here. 【＝３】e-MUNO Disco (vs. 音MAD AGENT) was effectively the rip that made me INVESTED invested in the art of high quality ripping, WA-HOO DISCO shows just how much Super Mario 64's sound can and has been pushed by the SiIva team, Siiva Lining just outright slaps - you get it. But we're now in the golden age of ripping quality, where it feels as if every rip made is touched by some benevolent gods ensuring that it does WAY more than it necessarily needs to in order for its proposed joke to work. Because like, YO-Kai Direction is an incredibly simple premise on the surface, mashing up the all-too-known YO-KAI Disco with What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction as part of the One Direction event. Back in, say, Season 1, that would've been the end of it, but there's so many small touches added by DonnieTheGuy that shows just how invested he was in utilizing One Direction's sound to the fullest.

And honestly, when the One Direction event began, I was initially a bit disappointed, as it took the place of the channel's annual "9/11 event", which had previously given us incredibly bait-and-switch events like what brought us SUNGORE in 2020. Initially I figured that I had no stake or familiarity with One Direction and so the event was completely out of my wheelhouse...but not only was I SURPRISINGLY familiar with What Makes You Beautiful in particular, I also had no clue that the team was so excited and ready to start using it. It gave me flashbacks to Season 6's Big Time Rush event which brought us Famous Surprise, only with even more people firing on all cylinders for it. Because again - in many other eras, YO-Kai Direction would've just been a mere mashup, but DonnieTheGuy goes the extra length to pitch-shift it all to something absolutely heavenly.

Without ever leaving that original pitch for the rip, YO-Kai Direction masters the art of escalation in a way that's so well done, it's hard to even notice with how well it fits in. It begins as a seemingly normal mashup with a slightly increased BPM speed of YO-KAI Disco being used as to match the One Direction song, but then at the second go around at the verse's melody it becomes more YTPMV-esque, editing soundbytes from What Makes You Beautiful into the melody of the source track, as if to communicate the two tracks merging - "You're insecure, but you walk-walk through the do-o-or!" is pulled off with just a slight stutter and pitch-shifting that's immediately noticeable if you're paying attention to it, yet fits so well as to initially sound just like an extension of the initial mashup. This then carries on into the bridge, before finally exploding in the chorus - wherein every part of One Direction's vocals are pitch-shifted to amazing effect. It's hard to put into word without repeating myself just how well done this build-up is, but the end result is obvious - a genuinely amazing listen.

All the while, slight elements of What Makes You Beautiful's instrumentation seem to be sprinkled into the rip, sounding almost as if they had just been dug out of the mix of the original YO-KAI Disco. That's the theme of the whole rip, and to be clear - ABSOLUTELY not meant as a negative. The way in which DonnieTheGuy managed to make YO-Kai Direction sound almost as if it was a natural collaboration between One Direction and Yousuke Yasui is actually insane, yet it still subtly honors the traditions of what makes the greatest SiIvaGunner rips as good as they are. I won't sugarcoat it - on many days, humming YO-KAI Disco in public, THIS is the version I'm humming.

[pierre-priestly]

The Tiresome Truth About Trends

By Pierre Priestly

Another season, another barrage of supposedly "must-have" looks and accessories bombarding us from all angles. The relentless cycle of fashion trends and consumer culture has me utterly fatigued. When did it become acceptable - enviable, even - to mindlessly chase after each new fad like lemmings obediently gulping down the latest "It" product?

This disturbing lack of individuality and inability to think for oneself makes me want to cancel my subscriptions and burn every magazine that hits my desk. How many faux pas-filled celebrity looks and cringeworthy street style galleries can we possibly consume before recognizing the vapid excess for what it is?

The fashion world used to be a brilliant bastion of exclusivity and taste-making prestige. Visionaries like the iconoclastic Elsa Schiaparelli rejected boring conformity in favor of avant-garde sophistication and magnificent whimsy. Her iconic Surrealist collaborations with artists like Dali and ingenious abstruse designs - like the beautiful Lobster dress and Skeleton sweater - redefined modern chic as something wildly imaginative yet supremely cultivated.

That singularity of creative brilliance has tragically become all too rare. We've become a culture enslaved by newness for newness' sake - addicted to the adrenaline hit of fevered hype and perpetual want for more, more, more. And for what? A fleeting high that dissipates into self-disgust and emptiness as soon as the next big trend hits the scene? I think not.

While the breathless herd chases after each passing novelty, the true fashion greats understood something more profound: The art of cultivating a signature aesthetic that transcends temporal vagaries. Like when Hubert de Givenchy brought rarefied elegance and modern glamour to his sculpted, minimalist creations for muse Audrey Hepburn. Their discreet sophistication has far outlasted the momentary blips on fashion's radar.

Even the house of Prada - built on the avant-garde conceptualism and progressive feminist spirit of Miuccia's anti-status nylon handbag - has managed to retain uncommon dignity and intelligence amid industry hoopla season after season. While others flit about chasing ephemera, Prada has stood for something greater.

My dears, isn't it time we awoke from this materialistic trance and reclaimed our discerning taste and sense of self-respect? When you find yourself coveting an "It" item or look solely because the echo chamber of social media and fast fashion has manufactured a frenzy around it, pause. Ask yourself: Does this piece inspire true sartorial artistry the way an iconic Schiaparelli design or Armani masterwork does? Or am I simply chasing windswept vagaries and momentum for momentum's sake?

It's a question to which the answers may prove quite unflattering at times. The truth often is. But I have far more respect for those brave enough to think for themselves - to forge an identity of substance over hollow want-mongering and wanton consumerism.

The path of individuality and self-actualization is arduous and unending, but taking the road more discernible is a matter of self-respect. It starts by canceling the noise and rediscovering what you truly hold dear.

So I'll leave you with this: What trite trends and ill-advised impulse buys are no longer serving you? Let today mark a renaissance of reverence for true style over senseless materialism. Discern what is built to endure and inspire like the creations of Schiaparelli, Prada and Armani. Only then can you ascend from the incessant thirst trap of consumerist trends. Who's with me?

[frederichry]

The Henry.

Full Name: Frederic Henry Wei (魏)

Place & Date of Birth: Singapore, October 30, 1990

Nationality: Singaporean

Education: Harvard University, B.A. in Economics

Profession: Senior Executive at Wei Financial Holdings

Interests: Classical music, tennis, philanthropy

Early Life and Education

Frederic Henry Wei, known to his close friends and family as "Fred," was born into a prestigious family in Singapore. The Wei family has a long history in the region, tracing their roots back to early Chinese immigrants who settled in Singapore in the late 19th century. The Wei family surname is written as 魏 (Wèi), symbolizing strength and prestige, and it is recognized throughout the country.

From a young age, Frederic was exposed to a blend of Western and Eastern cultures. His father, Herman Wei, is a prominent businessman in the finance sector, having built a financial empire from the ground up. His mother, Margaret Huang, is an accomplished lawyer with a strong passion for philanthropy. Growing up in a bilingual household, Frederic is fluent in both English and Mandarin, which has served him well in his diverse social circles.

Frederic attended one of Singapore’s top international schools, where he excelled academically and was particularly drawn to economics and international relations. He was also an avid participant in extracurricular activities, particularly in debate and tennis, where he demonstrated leadership and a competitive spirit.

Higher Education and Career

After completing his secondary education, Frederic went on to study at Harvard University, majoring in Economics with a minor in Political Science. His time at Harvard was transformative, exposing him to global perspectives and allowing him to build a network of influential contacts. Frederic's thesis on the economic development of Southeast Asia received high acclaim and was published in a leading academic journal.

Upon returning to Singapore, Frederic joined his father’s company, Wei Financial Holdings, as a junior analyst. Over the years, he worked his way up through various departments, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the business. His innovative ideas and keen insight into market trends quickly earned him a reputation as a rising star in the finance industry.

Personal Life and Interests

Frederic is not just a businessman; he is a man of many interests. He has a deep appreciation for the arts, often attending gallery openings and supporting local artists. He is also a philanthropist, much like his mother, and actively contributes to various charitable organizations focusing on education and poverty alleviation.

Despite his busy schedule, Frederic makes time for his personal passions. He is an accomplished tennis player and enjoys playing matches with friends and colleagues. He also has a love for classical music and is a skilled pianist, often performing at private events and family gatherings.

---

BEHIND THE MASK

First Name: Guang Han

Family Name: Xu

Native name: 許光漢

Also Known as: Greg Han, 许光汉, 許光漢, Hsu Kuang Han

Nationality: Taiwanese

Gender: Male

Born: October 31, 1990

Age: 33

Greg Hsu, also known as Greg Han or Hsu Kuang Han, is a Taiwanese actor and model. He is best known for his roles in the dramas Q Series: Love of Sandstorm (2016) and Someday or One Day (2019). He has been nominated for the Best Supporting Actor at the 52nd Golden Bell Awards.

[joeruggieroblog]

Fashion Plate!

[secondhanddevil]

Interlude with Yuza and Tamara, with absolutely no subtext whatsoever

“I didn’t know you had opinions on the decor.”, Yuza remarked as she examined the multicolored fabrics laid before her. Each one was a work of art, labored over for months by the many talented weaver guilds of Illium. Each guild clamoring to have the prestige, and subsequent notoriety, of having their works hang in The Voice of the Nontricates own home.

“You never said anything about the last hundred rounds of selection.”, Yuza said to the woman at her side. Knight-Comander Tamara was an imposing sight regardless of the situation. Even in her casual wear, people made comments when they thought she couldn't hear, likening her to a mountain glacier- cold, harsh, and completely merciless. Yuza disagreed, she knew her sister better. Tamara was closer to a deep ocean than a mountain. Just as intimidating but with so much more beneath the surface.

“I have options, I have just never felt the need to share them.”, Tamara said with a shrug while Yuza picked up one of the rolls of fabric, a deep roiling violet with gold geometric designs stitched into it.

“Oh? And what monumental event has caused you to share your previously secret opinions on curtains?”, Yuza asked her sister with a smile, an eyebrow raised.

“You’ve been rearranging a lot of furniture in the house.”, Tamara stated, her face as impassive as ever, “‘Replacing a lot of our old furniture with new fleeting trends”.

“I don’t think these are fleeting trends...” Yuza said exsmining the bolt of cloth in her hands, “Besides, it’s not like I’m getting rid of any of the old furniture, just moving it around”.

“For now, but you’ve already moved one dresser into storage, what’s next? A bed frame?” Tamara asked pointedly, her eyes boring into Yuza's.

“Hells,” Yuza thought in resignation, “So we’re having this conversation now.” Her tail twitched anxiously. She should have expected it. Tamara was not one to keep her options hidden from her, but danm, if Yuza hadn’t just fallen for one of Tamara's tricks. Just because Tamara often wasn't subtle doesn’t mean she was incapable of it.

“Well, I’ve had that dresser for what, 70 years now? I think it’s time for a change wouldn’t you agree?”, Yuza asked as she put down the curtain.

“That cabinet has been tried and tested, made from sturdy wood and hasn’t shown any signs of wear and tear.” Tamara replied, walking past her sister to examine a different roll of a fabric. “It has served you well for decades, there’s no need to replace it now.”, Tamara said, as she picked up the new roll. It was from one of the older weaving houses, one of Belegar’s people if Yuza remembered correctly. The fabric was a deep crimson and bronze, with clouds woven out of spun brass. It would be much heavier than the violet one, but would provide more protection from the elements.

“I like this one better.”, her sister stated.

Yuza furrowed her brow, “And what about this one calls to you?” She asked.

Tamara turned and looked down at her sister, “We’ve bought their curtains before, they are good quality, and we’ve never had any problems with them since we bought them.” “Perhaps I desire a change of pace, something new.” Yuza said, looking at the fabric and knowing exactly what Tamara was talking around. She had been trying to avoid talking about Jax since the breakfast but her sister was nothing if not dogged in her pursuit of letting her displeasure be known.

“It will not be as good as the ones we have.” Tamara replied, her teeth starting to grind against her tusks, a sure sign she was getting just as frustrated as Yuza at this line of questioning.

“How do you know?” Yuza responded, arms crossing in front of herself subconsciously.

Tamara gave a short, sharp exhale out her nose “Because, Yuza, it has not been tested as much as our existing curtains. It has not gone through the same rigors. We have had these type of curtains for several years now and they have served us well. I can see no reason to change them now all of a sudden.”

“Well maybe I want something new!” Yuza's voice rose sharply, her tail lashing behind her, “Maybe I am tired of having the same heavy curtains in my home, always blocking the light. Perhaps I wish to feel the rain on my skin when I look out on the balcony!”

Silence followed Yuza’s proclamation, Tamara looking down at her and Yuza breathing slightly heavy from the outburst. Her tail coiling itself around her legs defensively. Tamara said nothing as she walked towards her sister, leaned down and pressed her forehead to Yuza’s.

“Everything I do is to protect you, even if you don’t like it.” Tamara whispered.

Yuza nodded, reaching her hands up to grasp Tamaras’ face, “I know, but I cannot keep making the safe choice and expecting things to change. I need to make different ones, even if I might get hurt.” Yuza locked eyes with her sister, “Perhaps one new curtain, to try it out.”

Tamara sighed, “I do not like it but can accept it. What about the furniture?”

Yuza gave a wry chuckle “I will stop rearranging the furniture for now.”

“Good, Tamara said her face serious, “I hate getting new furniture.”

[nyasialiveshere]

I'm patiently waiting for the day sean lew does his big one and finally choreographs for sm and saves the company from mediocrity cause southern hip hop does not go like how they've been doing it or teaching it.

Back in the day they used to have a good medium of american choreographers to assist the trainee's and idols and clean up their faults now it's like they don't' have that and it's soo evident.

I don't care the minute they got rid of that bald british or american dude they companies dancing went down hill. It became a weird oligarchy. Like I noticed kai's main teacher started recommending people he trained and they eventually ended up replacing most of the western choreographers. They brought in bailey sok

for peaches, the asian american southern swag hip hop extraordinaire that she is and it was way better than Mmmh.

It actually had so many different elements in it, but most don't really focus on the dancing. But for rover they settled on bada lee

who is mainly a krump battle dancer, it lacked authenticity. Not to get all so you think you can dance, but Jongin cannot do that and at sm they make no effort to really teach everyone learns on their own and they aren't really pushed to be at a certain standard.

Kasper and all those other choreographers and that studio they get most of the dancers from have a very specific skill sets.

They've been with sm for quite some time and I get that, loyalty but like the art world don't work like that they're gonna get left behind.

they got clout about 2013 from america's best dance crew made it to the quarter finals cool. We back to Korea with prestige

Did the olympics alongside exo.

I get sm always wants people with lots of prestige and clout but they tend to keep the same people for so long the creative image of sm gets stifled and left behind, now sm is desperately trying all the trends and fads to get their artists relevant to the youth again. Like it's a little late they should have been letting young creative directors in.

I don't care I'm always gonna advocate for new and upcoming artist with lots of passion. They make the world turn, they start the trends, they bring the most energy with their ideas.

Ignoring the performative style an artist specializes in and getting choreographers that make lite hood tik tok mashup dances is ruining the game. But if one must do it I think letting the western choreographers they bring in for ideas have some real creative freedom. It typically never fails I feel like they bring in these choreographers for a blueprint then let a korean choreographer twist it up a little bit so they never have to really give somebody credit. They never say western names hardly if ever only thank you team who contributed to the success but the korean choreographers get to show their face, do interviews, and idols basically have them as a part of the crew.

Like they are NOT slick. At all. I know the western choreographers get inspo from southern hip hop but at least they are transparent. They'll say this is inspired by this dance, two step, crank that, etc but it never is even a topic of discussion. Only full credit going to the k choreographers and yeah yeah some other people helped...like people forget why exo's choreo was so on point when they started

I really don't wanna make it seem like it's just black creators they try to shelve and ignore it's basically anyone non korean.

Tony Testa I remember him from back in the day but when I wanted to search him up to my surprise nobody really talked about him and the only choreographer people talk about training Kai is mainly Mihawk and Kasper...which is somewhat true.

Cause they're choreo is...like it's okay.. but Kai himself went into how Mihawk trained Exo and it was basically sm style, yelling, you're terrible, quit now, emotional abuse... wow you're famous I love you let's take pictures.. I don't care they gaslight them kids idc idc idc. Now that's trauma bonding.

But then there's the actual full truth that they and many other sm performers who have been praised for their dances around that time, were in fact trained by a real deal professional at one point, one of their staple choreographers was Tony Testa and he choreographed for Britney Spears(circus) and Michael Jackson(Testa was hired by director Kenny Ortega as an associate choreographer for Michael Jackson's final tour This Is It which obviously never got to happen but still)

This was dance on sunset? I think?

and suddenly the quality makes all the sense in the world

But again try and find it without knowing about it before hand you'd be like yeah no they never really had any western choreographers. There's no history books in Kpop if you were there you remember but if you weren't woops doesn't exist.

except it does.

Anyway too many people have this weird odd narrative Mihawk did it all and thank God for him like....how? He's just one of the only one's still there. Everybody else left cause Korea is trash to artists and creatives.

Like Kai cannot do that hood stuff, he wasn't trained for that at all. Now if sm invested more in there artists fine blame him but everybody knows these kids would dance in that basement for hours by themselves cause be honest they probably paid the teachers for a certain amount of time and then it's all on the kids. They absorb as much as they can but then it's up to them. He couldn't just learn such an advanced style like krumping from watching, you either grow up in the culture or you learn from someone who grew up in the culture. This is why you can't expect these Korean teachers to teach krumping. They know it but only cause they most likely learned from someone close to the source, it's not just something that can spread so easily.

sm has always like historically done this like it's just something they do they will never stop taking these itsy bitsy pieces of black culture and recycling it they can't help it. They've worked with tons of black artist to make the actual music and tend to get some western or black influenced people to try and create some type of instant quick success. But it's so subtle one could say it's not related at all.

I would say its a coincidence but knowing who trained shotaro like uhm no it's not,

Sm knows exactly what company trained Shotaro and they are known to specialize in krumping and hip hop. The little time he spent at sm most likely taught him barely anything he was already trained when they got him. They fib so much and never let their artists go into detail. He trained for years with a company that trains people in the top boy groups in japan.

EXPG is a studio connected with the iconic Japanese boy group exile tribe where most of their members train.

I just get tired of people saying 'studio from japan or studio in america' like if it was Korean people would give the entire name...like what's wrong with giving people credit who deserve it.

They typically sometimes get sent to new york for 2 years I think? But that was in the old days it may be different now. This is because the japanese always understood if you want your artist to do black music they should not just sing black music but be under the cultural american influence in some sort of way.

I don't know what they aren't getting, Kai isn't perfect at every style. They just don't plan on ever investing any more money into him or really any of their artists.

He was more in his comfort zone at the beginning of exo with a heavy emphasis on jazz and contemporary style dance.

If there isn't jazz or contemporary at least in the basis of the dance that's where Kai starts to falter. Broadway theater style is what he's most comfortable in. But because of appearance they push urban dance on him.

They didn't even try with bomba

Rover was a soul crushing mix between crank that soulja boi and the macarena.

I was watching the video like nooo that's every viral black/ethnic dance in one and I already knew that tagged choreographer was korean. I wanna analyze rover later but I might get upset it's pretty like a big major 106 in park style mv/music video and dance but like that fact just got

Everything he specializes in sm is like nah they also make anyone with sm have this weird loyalty to where the artist never get to express and cultivate themselves as a human. They are stuck in some sort of child/star hybrid.

I don't know why in the world they didn't send exo or at least super m to millenium they literally rented out the studio where so many talented dancers choreograph and just flew out they korean choreographer so ignorant. They were so stubborn with that group.

I feel like if they were trained by young vibrant artist close to their age they could of gotten so much inspiration. Freedom is really a virus and why would a kpop company want them to have freedom

Like hire the boy he just traveling around asia in his spare time making some of the best choreography of his career and they're like lalalala let's hire other people he's worked and trained with but not him. If anyone could actually help fill in the gaps with some of sm's main dancers I think he could.

Anyway I just feel definitely by 2025 either super m is gonna be somewhat active or sm will be out of business but I still think sean and kai should at least meet up once at a dance conference they become friends and post jazzy contemporary dances online with the occasional obligatory bff's cooking in the kitchen youtube channel, like so many of the peebles do now and days. They both do the same artsy triple threat yet auditioning to be a stay at home husband type of thing, cooking, yoga, self care. Like it can be good for the brand I swear. I just have a thing for artsy people with the same vibes clicking up. It's not so far fetched cause he already worked with Jackson. I just want the two balls of sunshine to meet

[zorilleerrant]

"why do people like [character] more than [other character]? why is there so much content about them?"

well, you see, when people draw/write about/make meta about [character] they get a lot of positive and friendly comments. and when they try that with [other character] they get a bunch of people angrily decrying everything they got wrong and telling them they're a terrible person who should stop creating art.

"why do people like [ship] more than [other ship]?"

when people interact with [ship] they get a lot of positive comments. and when they interact with [other ship] they get people complaining that they're doing it wrong and being inappropriate and the way they like the ship isn't sufficiently worshipful.

"why do people like [prestige category] more than [minority]?"

when talking about the prestige category, people get a lot of praise for interpretation, and positive interaction of people adding on to their ideas and running with them. when they talk about minority characters/relationships/media they get crickets. or they get called a bigot. or they get bigots advising them to create more bigoted interpretations of things.

"why do people want to ship things instead of creating elaborate breakdowns of media?"

shipping gets a lot of positive feedback. literary analysis gets people ignored. or gets angry people saying dumb bullshit. (it also attracts fascists pretty much no matter what.) or an elaborate, often hostile, disagreement, because it's much harder to see things the same way the more depth they have. it's also a lot of work for way less engagement. if it's thorough, there's not a lot for anyone to add on, so no one continues the conversation. if it's not thorough, then the author gets called an idiot for missing obvious things. even if someone likes it, they add in a bunch of things complaining about other things in fandom that OP often finds fun.

...like, I get it, there are trends you don't like in fandom, but I only ever see complaints about those trends. I don't see the same people, say, promoting the content they do like. and I see so many complaints, without any corresponding rec list. create things about the unpopular character/ship/media - more importantly, find the ones other people have already created. promote the things about or by minorities. find the viewpoint or lens you like - there is so much meta out there, and so little of it gets interacted with.

and for fuck's sake, stop blaming everything you don't like on other marginalized groups just because you don't get the same thing out of something that they do. and stop randomly bringing asians into it when they have nothing to do with anything.

[imasloid]

SHINY COLORS FASHION ANALYSIS - L’Antica (アンティーカ) PART THREE

This is PART THREE of the L'Antica fashion analysis thread (had to separate because of picture limit)! Click these links for part one and part two.

-----

Encadrement Coupé (アンカードルモンクーペ) continued

Key points of “Encadrement Coupé” mainly include strong Medieval knight theming with Victorian and Romanticist influence. This does not only include the clothing, but also the colors used (black and gold) have strong symbolism and meaning in tincture used in heraldry.

Heraldry refers to the design and display of armonial bearings, while tincture refers to the the use and symbology of colours and patterns used in heraldry. The main colors in “Encadrement Coupé” are gold/or (faith and obedience) and black/sable (constancy and grief).

The songs that are associated with this costume give more insight into why or and sable were chosen as colors. In their song, “A Certain Story of Heroes” (とある英雄たちの物語), five knights (L’antica) of different orders get into a bloody duel and fight against each other to the death.

This story continues with the song “Unsung Heroes” where it’s revealed that fighting occurred between the five orders to see who could best serve their lord, & the five knight leaders had a final battle to see which order remained, thus fitting the themes of grief and obedience.

The “Encadrement” part of the costume’s name is very important as well, as one of the main points of the costume are the frames that surround the members with their swords. Victorian (and especially Pre-Raphaelite) painters had a fixation on frames and how they complimented art.

Knights were often painted not as they were but how they would want to be remembered. As such, they are in a battle-ready, dynamic pose (unusual as subjects of paintings would have to sit still for a long time) with an embellished gilded frame around them.

Different frames were used depending on the size or medium of the art piece, but also based on the content of the piece. Gilding, or application of gold leaf on a wood frame, was a common practice and often represented royalty, beauty, or prestige (Lord Leighton Frederic's Crenaia, the Nymph of the Dargle).

If you want to know more about Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite frames and framing techniques, this blog post is really interesting and informative!

---

Haute Couture ArtePiece (オートクチュールアルテピエス)

“Haute Couture ArtePiece” is L’Antica’s eighth costume, featuring the members as socialites visiting an amusement park with animate stuffed animals. In the first time in a while, this costume marks a return to the heavy steampunk theming that L’antica is known for.

Haute couture refers to custom-fitted high end fashion design, reserved for the runway or upper-class socialites and celebrities. It was coined as a term during the Victorian Era by Charles Frederick Worth to delineate “houses” or “salons” that were of quality and prestige.

The biggest style inspiration for “Haute Couture ArtePiece” is that its heavily based off of late-Victorian haute couture and upper-class fashion. The silhouettes and fabrics/features are shared between the two, but L’Antica’s costume has a more modern twist.

Key points of “Haute Couture ArtePiece” include a marriage between the haute couture trends of the Victorian era with the trends of today. While there is a common silhouette and general style reminiscent of an earlier period, little details elevate it uniquely to the current day.

Another key point I’d like to expand on is the makeup of this costume. Compared to old costumes where the makeup was not noticeable or used for “horror” purposes, this costume has a full, polished look including eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick.

Though the costumes themselves are moreso Victorian, the setting is very reminiscent of a steampunk universe. The amusement park, covered in gears and mechanical joints, is all powered by steam power.

Even the stuffed animals have gears for eyes, metal appendages, and appear to be mechanical as well!

Watching the animation, it’s a fun contrast to see the members in very upper-class high fashion but also having fun in an amusement park: Kogane in a parade, Mamimi on a teacup ride, Sakuya on a carousel, Mitsumine on a swing ride, and Kiriko on a ferris wheel.

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This is it for L'Antica! This section will be updated with new unit costumes when come out.

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Next section: Kogane Tsukioka

[littleporksausage]

Yet another skin release, yet another disappointing prestige skin, this time for Katarina.

My main gripe with prestige skins when it comes to design is that they're just... boring? And I don't mean that they lack detail or skill, absolutely not, the in-game effects are stunning. But the design details are just stripped away

Let's look at the latest prestige skin, Faerie Court Katarina. First, the base one

I won't get into splashart structure too much, since that is a different topic entirely, but I will mention the colour palette is vastly different from other skins in this line, already distinguishing Katarina as someone in a different position, an outsider even.

Now, for design details. I'll list the ones that stick out to me the most

The blades are very thin, resembling insect wings or some type of mandibles. Insect

In the wing patterns there are eyes, reminiscent of some species of moths, and the wing shape is sharper, again leaning more towards moths instead of the butterflies of other skins

While it is a very fantasy design, the outfit clearly has armored pieces in it, immediately establishing her as a warrior of some sort, albeit distinct from Kalista. Her outfit is light, but protective, maybe less a brawler but more a, you know. Assassin (this is all ignoring the boob window. We all know the deal with boob windows, in a design analysis it may as well not be here)

The shoulder pads have scales and fur. The scales fit in with the general bug theme, while the fur further alludes to moths

A splashart specific design detail - in the art Katarina looks like she's emerging from a cocoon. The butterfly and moth theming is very strong

Now, let's compare that to the prestige version of the skin

Here the colour palette is, of course, changed to fit the prestige style, which is completely fine. The composition is more reminiscent of other prestige skins aswell, which means that Katarina's pose and surroundings don't reflect the theme as well as the base splashart.

And for the details I mentioned above

The blades are now shaped exactly like Katarina's base swords, with the added wing shapes at the handles

The wings are more rounded, and in the spots that had the eyes, there are now holes (which. Why. Cmon)

The armor pieces are all gone, including the shoulder pads with the fur and scales

The outfit has more fragments reminiscent of butterfly wings and flower petals

These changes are not inherently bad. They make for an attractive design. My issue is that the design is boring. Clearly a lot of thought went into the base design, adding many subtle but recognizable visual allusions to moths and insects in general. The prestige skin has nothing of the sort, only having some flaps of fabric that look vaguely wing-like

I think the design philosophy of prestige skins is immensely disappointing. I noticed that trend first with Star Guardian Syndra and Space Groove Nami, who both had those same issues, taking away the pieces of original design that made those designs unique and representative of their skin line

When Riot announced they would be changing the way they treat prestige skins, I was excited to see what they come up with, but honestly? All these prestige skins do is make me appreciate the base ones more