#an ode to their love and how they wear it proudly on display | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

eastraen · 6 years ago

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Moon appeared, a wind blew, they who once stood proudly under the sky Who still remember, those years where they rode carefree.

Benevolent sons one and all!

Decades came and gone, people constantly wander to the past Of long years lived, of worn path tread

It had always been a cruel, merciless world They called it: to the victor go the spoils

They persevered, never alone on this turbulent path Giving up all that was happy and sad After the dust settled and people looked back Fifty of the Kugane Gate!

A soldier may perish, but aspirations will never falter Time wore everything, the righteous heart remains!

- Ode to the Fifty Gallant Lords, Written during Emperor Reigen era -

Kugane Castle, freezing rain falls down unceasingly since afternoon. Drenching the fifty men sitting in a seiza form in front of the gate. In front of them are their Katana and Wakizashi. Each wear a white headband and white Haori. On the front of the fifty, are box with the letter "Petition".

Crowds of onlooker gather around the gate, pointing and whispering. Hideyuki clears his throat, determination in his eyes

"Your Excellency, Mitsurugi-Sama magnanimity knows no bound. We fifty sinners are ashamed to do this, each of us have received your kindness and our humble self will not be able to repay even a shred of your bountiful blessings."

"Enemies abound, strife threatens the land. When the people cries for salvation, how can we as your subject not feel their pain? how can we, whose blood is from this land not feel the suffering of the common people."

"Your excellency's heart is vast as sea and high as mountain, always looking towards the horizon. We humble servants can only help you in this way, to voice the cries of those that are voiceless. So that Heaven's wrath will not befall our great nation"

"Many thousands of years ago, our forefather fought brave battles to help the emperor bring peace. Then our grandfather and great grandfather, with aspiration as high as the sky aid your excellency Mitsurugi-Sama in your effort to bring peace."

"People were blessed by good harvest for many years, draught were thwarted, and peace reigns. This is the sign of heaven's providence!"

"Alas, heaven have no eyes. The commoner plea for reprieve, for food to pass the long winter and shelter above their head. To not worry of the fate of their children and wife. We the feeble few can only follow our forefather step."

"Grant us this petition and do not raise the tax, my lord. We beg of you. If our blood can wash clean this nation and become the base of hundreds or thousands more years of strong nation...we are ready to die for our cause...we are ready to die so that your name will always be remembered as the protector of the nation and follower of the righteous way!"

The fifty prostrate in unison, shouting repeatedly "Your excellency's magnanimity knows no bound, may your heart remember the suffering of the people!"

Some were moved too far by this action their forehead bleeds from striking the stone many times.

Thunder rumbles and lightning flashes, some people fall down on their knees, weeping openly. Prostrating with the fifty lords while repeating the same thing :

"Your excellency magnanimity knows no bound, may you listen to the voice of your loyal subjects"

The imperial Samurai standing on the gate is stone faced, they did not utter any words but if anything the hand that grips the spears was tightening. Alas, even their hands are tied.

The gate opens with a rumbling sound as the other nobles enter the gate on their horse-cart or palanquin. Sneering at the fifty. The protesters' white Yukata drenched by the rain and not only one of them have their lips turn blue from the cold yet the chanting did not relent. Few hours later, the sun was about at its peak when they finally stop.

Hideyuki sighs and stare at his fellow nobles. There is nothing in his eyes but determination

"Brothers, I am blessed to be here today with you all. We may not be born on the same day, but let us depart this world on the same day. Maybe our name will be forgotten after many years, but surely our deeds will be remembered."

The other look at each other and smiles, they laughed and nods. Eyes directed at the Wakizashi in front of them. There was no fear, only determination, something instilled in their blood by their benevolent forefathers, the love of the country and of the people. Fifty patriots with unquestionable loyalty!

"My Lord! we, your humble servants will leave first. It was our regret that we will not be able to serve you anymore. If there is another life, let us remain lord and retainers"

Each of them picks up the Wakizashi in front of them, steeling their resolve. The people starts to wail and full blown riot was about to happen. The Sekiseigumi was having trouble. The fifty remove their Yukata top, so that their drenched robe fall on their waist. Soon enough, blood will flow.

Fifty sound of Wakizashi unsheathed rings beneath the rain, who suddenly stop to a drizzle before the cloud parts and sun shines down. Even heaven and earth were moved by this display of humanity solidarity!

"Farewell mother, father...farewell uncle Takeshi,Saya,Ichi,Emi" Hideyuki sighs

Right when they were about to cut their belly, a thundering trumpet can be heard

"How dare you, halt! The Kanpaku (royal advisor) arrives with royal decree!" as the gate rumbles to open. Hideyuki blinks "Father is in Kugane..?" he says softly. a stern man that exactly looks like Hide except for the salt and pepper hair, in red Suikan, steps out of the gate followed by a royal herald.

"Royal decree is here!" Hideyoshi says as he looks at the Herald.

"Subject Fujiwara no Hideyuki, Subject Takeda no Kanbei, Subject.." the name of the fifty were read one by one. Each of them replies with "Your subject is present and listening!" while kneeling.

"In this year of Emperor Reigen era, i commanded this decree to be written. On behalf of the Emperor, may he live thousand years and reign in peace: after deliberating with the court, the decision of raising the tax is the general opinion of the nobles.”

“However, as a filial son of the Mitsurugi, protector of the emperor, father of the nation...I, with the power bestowed upon me...granted your plea....as you plead not for yourself but on behalf of the people. If heaven and earth can be moved, then why not i ?"

"I hereby declare that the tax will not be raised for three years. However, each and all of you will need to work harder and think of a way to fill our coffers. For the roads to be built, and the army to be paid. For the prosperity of the nation."

Hideyoshi linger for a while longer, looking at his son with iron in his glance, this is a man that is tempered in war and battle. Subjugating the western pirates and foreign invaders.

When their eyes met, there were words spoken from his lips that only few can see or read : "Well done" before he turn back and the gate rumbles to closing. The fifty look at each other before in sudden emotion they slap each other's shoulder and even hug each other as they laugh.

Hideyuki was still sitting dazed. If he had to do this again, will he still have the same conviction? he sighs and smiles to the others. From this day on, these fifty bonds would be stronger than any other lords in the court. He stand and hold the decree aloft as the crowd burst into cheer.

#au ra #raen #ff14 #rp

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thong-lee · 4 years ago

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Oded Wagenstaein

Oded Wagenstaein is a photographer that use this skills to explore the human and their journey. Many of these works have been displayed by National Geographic, BBC, The Gaudarin, and Vogue. One of this series that won first place in the 2021 LensCulture Portraits Awards was called Transparent Curtains: Aging through the Eyes of Gay Elders. This series took us on a journey about five men that living their lives as gay. Four of the elders are out in the open about their identity, but one of the elders is still in the closet. Wagenstaen uses photography as a tool to record what these individuals feel, hide, and what is revealed about themselves as gay people. Mordechai Zilberman, one of the elders, loses his lover but he still wears his partner’s clothes to feel close to him. Living their lives knowing that they are gay, they embrace their identity and live proudly.

“We tried to visually represent a thought, a story, a piece of an inner world: a world that is often kept behind transparent curtains, from the fear of being hurt.” Oded Wagenstein

I love how Wagenstein visually presents this series on a topic that I can relate to. It is beautifully done. As a gay man, it gives me a sense of relief to know and see what it is like for these elders to truly embrace who they are especially in a community that still holding on to their religious beliefs. Being gay is not easy. It’s like the whole world is against you. It is “a world that is often kept behind transparent curtains, from the fear of being hurt.” quoted Oded Wagenstein. Everyone is afraid to be hurt. Once we truly find the courage to live as who we want to be, no one can deny us the freedom to. Overall, Transparent Curtains: Aging through the Eyes of Gay Elders by Wagenstain is truly beautiful.

https://www.lensculture.com/articles/oded-wagenstein-transparent-curtains-aging-through-the-eyes-of-gay-elders

https://www.lensculture.com/oded-wagenstein

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beyonceinadecade-blog · 5 years ago

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LEMONADE: 2016-2018

“The most disrespected person in America, is the black woman.”

It should not be shocking that such an affecting statement was spoken by Malcolm X, though one must ask why it isn’t one of his more famous quotes. The excerpt from his speech “Who Taught You to Hate Yourself?” echoed in the background of Beyoncé’s sixth album “LEMONADE” — or rather, the visual portion of it. On April 23rd, 2016, Beyoncé premiered her newest visual album “LEMONADE” for a global audience of HBO subscribers (and those that scrambled to secure a free-trial to the premium television network). Immediately after, the album was released exclusively on Tidal (the streaming service that the singer and husband Jay-Z co-own, along with 15 other artists), and would remain exclusive on the platform until the album’s anniversary three years later in 2019. Limited release did little to sway its popularity, as the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, being her sixth consecutive album to do so.

The LEMONADE era technically began prior to Super Bowl 50, when Beyoncé surprise-released the song “FORMATION”, and its accompanying music video, on TIDAL on February 6th, 2016. The song was seen as a protest. It denounced Beyoncé’s trolls and haters bluntly, as well as sampling phrases from black LGBT influencers Big Freedia and the late Messy Mya; “I did not come to play with you hoes… I came to slay, b**ch!” blared proudly throughout an antique-decorated home in Louisiana. Pop culture enthusiasts immediately regarded this moment as Beyoncé embracing her blackness, after years of maintaining a palatable and easily-digestable pop star for the white masses. The video depicted the singer and her back-up dancers dancing along to poignant lyrics such as “I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros/ I like my negro nose with Jackson 5 nostrils”. These lyrics relate to her daughter Blue Ivy (who is pictured smiling proudly) and her husband, who regularly receives attacks on his appearance somewhat due to his African features. Also shown is a black boy standing alone in front of white police officers in riot gear, an ode to the growing “Black Lives Matter” movement and police brutality. The video ends with Beyoncé atop a police car that sinks beneath a large body of water in the middle of the city. This shot is reminiscent of the communities decimated by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, particularly the black communities that did not receive aid for months under the Bush presidency.

FORMATION was included as the finale to “LEMONADE”. The album, like its predecessor, was culturally significant, albeit for different reasons. “LEMONADE” told a tale about marital infidelity, along with the stages of grief and healing that come with it, specifically with the way that the identity of a Southern black women afflicts the journey. Songs such as “Pray You Catch Me” and “Sandcastles” saw a vulnerable Beyoncé grapple with having an estranged lover, while songs like “Hold Up” show her bubbling aggression at the onset of his betrayal. She maintains her importance not only in her husband’s life, but in society, with the lines “Just imagine for a moment that you never made a name for yourself/… never had the baddest woman in the game up in your sheets./ Would they be down to ride? No.” In turn, “Don’t Hurt Yourself” shows an angry, no-filter Beyoncé smashing car windows and dancing in front of fire to the lyrics “I am the dragon breathing fire/ Beautiful man, I’m the lion/ Beautiful man, I know you’re lying”. The visual album is very movie-esque; each song is divided by scenes of black women, including Beyoncé herself, both dressed in traditional southern antebellum attire and in the present day. They are displayed as carefree, majestic, stoic and, perhaps most importantly, at the forefront. Accompanying these scenes are lines of poetry, read by the singer, written by Nigerian-born U.K. poet Warsan Shire. Beyoncé takes her eponymous release a step further by delving into the cyclical effects of patriarchy and how it relates to the wife, mother, sister, daughter in black families. In “Daddy Lessons”, Beyoncé recalls her father’s own mistreatment of her mother, and recites a mantra that he embedded in her from a young age: “When trouble comes to town, and men like me come around/ Oh, my daddy said shoot”. The black man’s own suffering is also highlighted later; “Freedom” is replicates the format of a traditional negro spiritual, with Beyoncé crowing to a church organ and exuberant drums. Kendrick Lamar’s rap in the bridge waxes unconventional, narrating a police chase rooted in racial profiling: “Channel 9 news tell me I'm movin' backwards/ Eight blocks left, death is around the corner/ Seven misleadin' statements 'bout my persona”.

“LEMONADE” ends in reconciliation. The singer narrates a recipe for Lemonade, and ties it in the metaphor for life that the album tackles. A sound bite from Jay-Z’s grandmother at the end sums up the work: “I've had my ups and downs, but I always find the inner strength to pull myself up. I was served lemons, but I made Lemonade.” An album’s worth of cultural and familial evaluation culminates in the song “All Night”, through which Beyoncé sings “With every tear came redemption/ And my torturer became my remedy”. About this message, she explained to VOGUE, “I come from a lineage of broken male-female relationships, abuse of power, and mistrust. Only when I saw that clearly was I able to resolve those conflicts in my own relationship”. “FORMATION” at the end grounds us back into reality, as a celebration of blackness and continuing to flourish in the face of adversity.

Earlier, we touched upon how intersectionality in feminism allows us to highlight the oppression of women in other marginalized groups, especially black women. The black female body, general ideas associated with it being large breasts, thick lips, and wide hips (not to mention their bodily movements, from traditional African tribal dances to “twerking”) are all especially sexualized, and have been since European colonization of African tribes hundreds of years ago. The Age of Exploration gave way to European settlers’ judgments on the ways that African women were shaped, how they walked, and their manner of dress. These settlers gave themselves permission to sexually violate African women upon bringing them into slavery, and slaves were often chosen by their “birthing” capabilities. These women became the African American community, and in the South, began their own traditional wear in lavish dresses and headwraps (after the exposure of black natural hair was banned via the Louisiana Tignon Laws of 1786). This fashion is put on full display in LEMONADE. In that way, and in the way in portrays black femininity as a thing of beauty, it reclaims that agency that was so many times robbed of black women. It reclaims the story of the black family, and reshapes how black love can be approached in entertainment. Upon first listen, cheating allegations might swamp this message, but in actuality the message of “LEMONADE” is not simply a story about one man who tortures his lover; it is that of generational suffering, the black family in America, and undoing cycles of pain while appreciating the unintended goodness that can blossom from them.

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billionairescoblog-blog · 5 years ago

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Lesson 15, Task 2: What has influenced me?

What has influenced me?

By Scoey Hamilton

I have heard the expression that says, “we are the sum of our experiences”, and if this is a truism, I am truly the sum of my exposure.

Although my culture may be rooted in a cross between Jamaica and Brazil, I have had the privilege of being exposed to various forms of top and sub cultures that have influenced who I am today. Proudly, my exposure has influenced the foods I eat, the fashion I wear, the architecture I admire, and the leisure activities and entertainment I participate in. The summation of these elements has been fundamental to frame the classic man I am today.

Historically, the term Renaissance Man symbolizes those rare individuals who were able to expand their knowledge base, character and actions in order to channel the highest version of themselves. Today, I consider myself a modern Renaissance Man. Born in the Caribbean Island of Jamaica to both Jamaican and Brazilian lineage, my foundation is underpinned in black culture. The culture springs from a people whose uprising came through rebellion from slavery. Jamaican’s were one of the first groups of slaves from Africa who rebelled from British tyranny to gain their independence. In Jamaica, the credo of the island is enshrined on the principle: “out of many we are one” which means that standing in unison through solidarity breeds the highest elevation of a group of people. In commercial tourism ads you will quickly make the connection to the phrase “Jamaica, One Love”. Thus, learning to love myself meant continually developing all facets of my character. Love of self and my people was instilled in me from an early onset to continually embrace change as a means for growth and betterment in order to improve the perception of my nation. The cultural lineage of being bread as a Jamaican in North America has influenced my character in numerous ways.

When it comes to my pallet, my taste for cuisine is broad and diverse. My formative years occurred in Canada, specifically Toronto, Ontario, where I embraced many Canadian dishes. The City of Toronto has become a fusion of the world’s best virtues. The spirit of Canada represents a frontier for all those who are willing to aspire to build a nation that is far greater than the country they left behind. In leaving a country behind, you open yourself up-to the absorption of new theories, customs and cuisine. From a culinary perspective, I consumed many Caribbean-based meals grounded in tropical fruits and vegetables, and as my pallet expanded, I grew a penchant for North American agriculture such as salmon from BC, potatoes from PEI, tomatoes from Ontario, and lettuce from the mid-western provinces. Augment such culinary staples with western Canadian beef and poultry, and you begin to form the base of some fantastic dishes. Using our cultural Caribbean spices, symbolic of heat through scotch-bonnet peppers, onions, turmeric, nutmeg and cinnamon, you form the basis of raising the flavour profile of any dish. This elevation through heat and spice easily gives rise to customized meals such as grilled-jerk chicken over a body of Canadian cabbage and sweet potatoes. Or pan-fried red snapper fish with white rice. These dishes quickly add heat, flavour and your required food groups in order to maximize your nutrition. These are some of the foods that have influenced me growing up and are a part of my general consumption to date. Secondly, I tend to gravitate towards many Asian dishes which incorporate a large amount of vegetables in their rice, noodle and meat dishes. The flavour profile experienced is not only tasty but also healthier than many North American fast-food related dishes. Lastly, I’ve customized many Italian dishes, often you can find me with a hearty bowl of meat sauce with grated parmesan cheese, which is not only filling, but also satisfying given my participation in numerous athletic endeavors.

As my formative years progressed, I was influenced by east coast fashion designs of Levi Strauss jeans, a traditional New-York staple, sprinkled with the colorful hues of Polo Ralph Lauren shirts, topped-off with some streamlined Nike-Air sneakers, to provide a crisp and clean casual prep-school ensemble which I wear when I traverse the city scape. This style of dress springs from the collegial attire often worn on most university campuses in the east coast, such as Brown University in Rhode Island or Wharton University in Pennsylvania. As an adolescent, my parents often embarked-on shopping road trips to places such as New York and Pennsylvania’s Factory Outlet Malls, where retailers such as Polo, Levi’s, and Nike were readily exhibited. As a young adult, when my evenings call for more polished apparel, I lean towards haute couture. With high-end fashion, I can express my creativity through a style known as the “Dandy Movement” which originates in Williamsburg Brooklyn, New York. The style manifests itself through bold pattern assortments in trousers, which are tailor fitted for a form-fitting display, capped off with single breasted form-fitting blazers, and patterned buttoned-down shirts and pocket squares. This modern twist on classic style is referred to as the “Dandy Movement”. The art of the Dandy Movement is a cross between classic British gentleman meets unlimited expression through patterned assortment of fabrics. Although the prep-school style and the elegant gentleman are juxtaposed, they provide expressionism and artistic freedom, whereby I can readily present myself as clean and nonchalant, or Avant-guard within the same day, at different venues. These styles fit in well within the City of Toronto, where taste is an individual element but appreciated by onlookers. Travelling throughout the United Kingdom, and New York as young man has given me the exposure to styles and concepts which formed the basis of how I express my personal style. Therefore, although my lineage may be one part of me, my sartorial attire has been influenced by Britain gentlemen and capped off with an East Coast University flair.

Through travel for personal enjoyment, and work, fortune has smiled upon me in my occupation, which has allowed me to experience Canada’s most prominent cities: Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto. Through my journey’s, I have been able to embrace the architectural landscape from multiple cities. Real estate and architecture have always held a warm spot within me. I am influenced by the reclaimed lumber and clean lines of modern homes in Vancouver, British Columbia, added to the sleek European interior designs of minimalism which is expressed in the condos of downtown Montreal. I embody both of these styles in my own dwelling here in Toronto. In order to express my appreciation for both of these styles, I have renovated my interior space with spiced-oak hardwood floors, and taupe-grey porcelain feature-walls in my living room, to be reminiscent of Vancouver, with a clean European designed kitchen in snow-white as an ode to all things minimalist, which directly reflect my exposure to Montreal. Combining these two styles makes my home great for quiet reflection, or leisure and entertainment activities. Minimalism allows for spacious comfort, and clean designs allow for mental clarity to be gained, which allows me to conceptualize high-level thinking freely. The duality of these special designs is perfect for embracing all the four Canadian seasons. These are foundational elements which have influenced my sense of home, and what I define as style and comfort.

The City of Toronto as well as my cultural background have influenced my choice of leisure activities and entertainment. In Toronto, the popular theme is urban music, which consists of hip-hop, r&b, reggae and rap music. This genre known as urban music offers Influential heavy base-tones with soulful overtures. The music I gravitate towards incorporates themes from the islands and are blended with North American renditions that communicate expressionism, story-telling, insight and perspective through lyrics that rhyme over beats that flow. The music I listen-to intertwines with a lot of the sports I engage in. I am influenced to participate heavily in CrossFit, weight-training, basketball and football. Not only did I grow up being drawn to these activities because of where I grew-up, these sports were also what was and still is considered to be popular culture. These athletic genres are dominated by African Americans, and require high levels of athleticism, discipline and extension of oneself in order to reach peak levels of performance. The music influences the athletics, and the athletics influence references often found in the music. Both elements have created a symbiotic relationship. In fact, you can’t go to Raptors Basketball game in Toronto without hearing the roar of hip-hop music throughout the game, and during half time. Given that I am from the urban culture in a City that embraces the urban culture, you can frequently find me embodying music from Toronto’s ambassador, Drake. This young man has brought Toronto’s urban music scene to the World stage, and has revolutionized the global perspective on what it means to be urban in the City of Toronto, I am glad I am a part of this movement, and even more appreciative that I was able to witness this evolution from the onset of his musical ascendance which started in the year 2008 and continues to evolve and expand daily. Urban cultural undertones have changed the euphemisms we once referred to as Toronto, to the T-dot, and now we call it the “6ix”; the six is an acronym which highlights the amalgamation of the six-boroughs which influence the sound and style coming from Toronto. The six boroughs which are: East York, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, York and the City of Toronto.

The term osmosis readily comes to mind when I think of the term influence. Given that we are the byproduct of what we are exposed to, thereby we are influenced by everything we are exposed to. Throughout my development I have been privileged to be exposed to cultural flavours and foods that have enhanced my pallet and my culinary choices. The places I have travelled to have influenced the prep-school casual style I wear, and my travels abroad have influenced how I present myself to the world when I frame myself as an elegant gentleman while showcasing the Dandy Movement. Finally, the music I listen to is a direct reflection of the City I am in, and the headlining artist of my City which incorporates movement and a myriad of anecdotes expressed through the lyrics of our generation. My personal evolution from Caribbean settler to elegant gentleman is a tribute to what influence can do for a person. Therefore, it is material that we consider what we are exposed to, the places we go to, the people we meet, and the thoughts we choose to embody through our social circle, because without your conscious knowledge, over time, all these elements will positively or negatively influence you.

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hidoose · 6 years ago

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PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2019: Ramping up the Style Quotient on the Final day....

New Post has been published on https://www.hidoose.com/pfdc-sunsilk-fashion-week-2019-ramping-up-the-style-quotient-on-the-final-day/

PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2019: Ramping up the Style Quotient on the Final day....

The Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) in collaboration with its title sponsor, Sunsilk hosted the third and final day of PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week on Saturday, 13th April in Lahore.

The 20th consecutive fashion show in line with international standards ended glamorously after three fashion-packed days where 22 designers put forth their exquisite collections. This year PFDC also collaborated with the Trade Development Authority Pakistan (TDAP) to further the channel of communication with international buyers while promoting the business of fashion.

The guests walked down the blue carpet, sponsored by world-class water brand, Aquafina. With TEXPO happening across the venue, the show brought in international buyers allowing them to experience the whole process of hand to loom, to a high fashion set in the evening, making PSFW19 more exciting. Every season, PFDC creates shows that highlight the best of Pakistani fashion and this year was no less. With a wide array of talented and creative designers, the third-day collection showcases ramped up the style quotient. The day opened with afternoon shows where Khas, Sanoor, and Almirah displayed their creations. The evening shows included So Kamal, Zaha by Khadija Shah, Nomi Ansari x Tahura, Republic by Omar Farooq and a grand closing by HSY.

The Pakistan Fashion Design Council is extremely proud to host the 20th consecutive fashion week. Each year, they streamline the process of making the PSFW experience beneficial for stakeholders, benefactors, and fashion enthusiasts – both locally and internationally. Their purpose is to bring the best of fashion trends for each season, all under one roof, showcased by well-established, emerging and debut designers. PFDC works with industry professionals, designers, sponsors and partners that assist in curating a show that enhances their fashion week platforms while helping them maintain the standard of the shows.

Speaking on this occasion, Unilever Pakistan Limited’s Marketing Director for Beauty and Personal Care, Asima Haq explained, “Over the years, Sunsilk has established itself as a beauty brand that helps young Pakistani girls be confident. Since 2010, Sunsilk has been collaborating with PFDC and local designers to bring fashion trends to Pakistani millennials. This year the brand is moving one step forward and opening up more possibilities for young girls who aspire to be part of Pakistan’s fashion industry through our digital platform. We are always delighted to partner with PFDC and hope that our relationship continues to become even stronger over the years. The Council organizes back-to-back Spring and Fall fashion trade events as per the international fashion calendar. It leads the industry through creative influence and is strategically working towards improving the business of fashion while repositioning Pakistani fashion in the global fashion economy.

Khas Stores with Khas Philosophy of quality, innovation, designs and khas trend presented its Khas designer lawn collection. The pieces reflected apparel for comfort, luxury and Khas look. Keeping quality as a priority and innovation as their main goal; Khas proudly presented their wide range of refined products featuring a blend of comfort, luxury and visual appeal that left all awestruck.

Sanoor Introduced a unique eclectic blend of design philosophies, artistic tastes and styles from rich cultures of various civilizations around the world. Taking inspiration from all over the world, the collection unified them with the customary tastes and heritage of Pakistan. The spring summer collection was a combination of pastel colors, exotic flowers, paisleys and oriental ornamentation and much more with a touch of fine embroideries that gave a fresh summer feel.

Almirah represented class and sophistication and signified traditional ideals with modern execution. The creative designs were attuned to rich history and ran deeper than just latest trends. Simple and classically modern. The pieces were impeccably represented the brand’s core values of class, originality, and heritage. Truly, a trendy stitch in time. The collection had a blend of the palette of subtle colors and finest fabric. With a wide range and countless designs, the sherwanis, waistcoats, and formal suits sewn in threads of sophistication and embroidered with the glory of incomparable workmanship. Through the ensembles, audience relived a grandiose era of royalty. Wasim Akram was the showstopper for Almirah.

So Kamal presented a range from morning to evening where a girl can select anything from So Kamal wardrobe. In this millennial era, today’s generation is aware of what’s happening around, how to dress up accordingly to stand out strong. The collection presented a range which was youthful, fun-loving and free-spirited.

Having a palate of brighter tones – florescent accents and Deeper Hues, So Kamal created a wardrobe to cater a woman of every walk of life. They also introduced the Athleisure Line focusing on volume harem pants – cuff jackets and so kamal logo tees. The Evening line consisted of big emphasis on details of Sequence, cut pipes, gottas and beaded embellishments and floral colored embroideries. Ruffles and bows accentuated the mid-day look of the garments. Along with Ethnic-geo motives with luxe skirts, overs sized tunics – adorned capes draped gowns and textured crushed fabrication which enlightened the collection.

An eclectic collection rooted in the glamour and decadence of the eighties. A decade of bold style and even bolder women. The collection comprised of flamboyant yet easy to wear silhouettes featuring clashing animal prints in punchy primary colors. The ‘Wild Things’ glamorous display was a pleasure to watch and remarkably loved by all. Mawra Hocane was the showstopper.

Fashion powerhouse Nomi Ansari joined forces with Pakistan’s leading online sportswear brand, Tuhura Athletics, to debut a luxury active-wear collection. The limited-edition capsule, inspired by the designer’s active on-the-go lifestyle and retro style, featured a variety of silhouettes and colors. The collection ranged from head-to-toe animal prints, full monochromatic studio-to-street styles, fierce neon sets and must-have metallic windbreakers. The display stood out as models strutted down the runway in athleisure wear while busting moves making the walk twice as exciting and fun. The 20 set collection, will be available exclusively from mid-April at www.tuhuraathletics.com. Hania Amir was the showstopper for Nomi Ansari.

A luxury street-wear capsule collection by Republic by Omar Farooq explored the evolution of symbolism from a form of basic communication to that of self-representation and anarchic expression. Much like the clothes that played on the balance between past construction and present deconstruction on a palette of subtle creams just positioned with fluorescent neon shades, challenged the contrasting idea of how the same symbol can be both favorable for one culture and baneful for another. Neon shirts, vests and stripes on single toned suits added a pop of color to sophisticated menswear sprucing up the runway looks. Sheheryar Munawar was the showstopper. The iconic fashion force, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin celebrated 2019 as his 25th year in fashion and one in which he comes full circle with the HSY brand. HSY’s journey has been one with his mother; his guiding light as a strong icon of an empowered and empowering woman. In an ode to their bond, the collection was titled ‘Rani’, his mother’s nickname and ‘queen’. The pieces were a clear depiction of powerful, independent, free-spirited and elegant women. The collection pieces were mostly all red and had patterns which were hand-made and the fabrics used were georgettes woven out of silk yarn, predominately based in a monochromatic color palette ‘red’ because the color has a special significance in HSY’s life as the first color he saw when he got his sight back, 25 years back.

Amongst the tastefully lit lighting and décor were famous faces with the likes of Nasreen Sheikh, Sehyr and Naseem Saigol, Amna Taseer, Wasim Akram, Frieha Altaf, Meera Jee, Mawra Hocane, Sheheryar Munawar, Alyzeh Gabol, Hania Amir and many more. The show was an exceptional preview of what’s in store for Pakistan’s fashion-lovers this Spring/Summer season.

PFDC is proud to continue their partnership with the global giant Unilever’s hair care brand, Sunsilk as their title sponsor and Aquafina as the Blue Carpet and beverage partner. The Media Partner is HUM TV, the Footwear Partner is Borjan, the Fragrance Partner is J. Fragrances, Transportation Partner is Careem, and the Radio Partner is FM 89. The Associate Sponsors are Lipton, Engine, and Almirah.

The teams that brought PSFW’19 together are Sadia Siddiqui of Mustang Productions as the show director, Talking Point as the PR management agency, Nabila as the hair and makeup stylist, Kamiar Rokni as the spokesperson for PFDC, Production 021 for backstage management, technical direction and event consultants, Red Communications for digital support, Rehan Babar as the red carpet host, Restart Branding Solutions for branding and logistics, Empact Activation Services for event architecture and safety, AI Solutions

#East Fashion #Fashion #News Feed #Photo

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13thfloornz · 8 years ago

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At the main bridge of Holiday, Billie-Joe Armstrong screams for the lights in Spark Arena to go down, grabs a portable spotlight and strides onto the runway. “Auckland….Neeww Zeaaland!! Repeat after me!! “No Racism! No Sexism! No Homophobia!! The crowd dutifully responds before erupting into rapturous cheers. To any sane person, these sentiments are just part of being a halfway decent human, but in 1980s Berkley California, they were the rallying cry of the counter culture; namely the socialist punk scene. They were rules that were proudly displayed on the wall of 924 Gilman Street, the all-ages venue where Green Day found their feet, only to be shunned by their own when they had the audacity to become pop punk sellouts.

The above is just one moment throughout the 2 ½ hour set where the counter culture spirit was truly alive in the sold-out arena, but this was tempered by cheesy, absurdly poppy moments. A man wearing a Pharaoh headdress and playing a more-hammed up than usual version of Careless Whisper, for example would be enough to make any punk purist turn up their patch jacket in disgust.

But it’s this tension between two extremes that makes Green Day more interesting than other Pop-punk bands. Most either aim for a comfortable in-between or oscillate wildly between the two styles, but Green Day takes a more complex approach. In true DIY fashion, they cut and paste Beatles melodies with a perchant for grandiose rock operas Peter Townshend would be proud of, throw on some Springsteen showmanship, and stitch it all together with some Ramones-eque speed and ethics ripped straight from The Clash.

What makes them even more interesting as a band performance-wise, is that these influences are never static- the upper hand is always something that is up for grabs, and tonight Springsteen’s relentless crowd-pleasing presence permeated the band and enthralled the inter-generational crowd.

With the exception of a few songs, Green Day made the wise move to steer clear of their latest songs, instead opting for a hodge-podge of hits that span their thirty-plus year career, resulting in a unrepentant, stomping ode to bubblegum punk. The energy between the three members is remarkable- Bassist Mike Dirnt-who looks like Krammer from Seinfield’s edgy cousin knew just when to jump to Tre Cool’s impeccably timed drums, who didn’t flinch as flames flared and fireworks exploded around him throughout the set. (I wish I could say the same about myself).

Frontman Bille Jo Armstrong gave a masterclass in stage craft and showmanship. Like Tinkerbell on her deathbed, he couldn’t get enough applause from the crowd, and it seemed like every few minutes he was encouraging the audience to cheer or do a call and response. He had boundless love for fans, inviting them to jump onstage and sing, play drums, even giving a girl his guitar before letting them crowdsurf off into the darkness.

There were occasional forays into wedding band territory- a medley of songs that included Shout, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life and Hey Jude– was cheesy as anything, but no one seemed to mind. It actually only added to my belief that Green Day has carved out a strangely logical place for themselves, where their punk roots and whizz-bang showbiz sensibilities don’t cancel each other out.

This doesn’t mean that there weren’t moments where this old cynic raised her eyebrows- I internally questioned how a 12,000 capacity arena branded by a telecommunications company could be described by Armstrong as “our own little private underground” but I found his sincerity disarming. After all, Green Day started out in a tiny club dedicated to DIY and inclusivity. It was this spirit that first attracted me to punk as a 16 year old in Hamilton, it was similar sentiments stenciled on the stairs leading up to Upsett Records, my local all-ages dive venue.

The fact that they have carried this ethos all the way to stages this big and not given a fuck about what people think of their sound, that is truly punk. At the risk of sounding pretentious, Green Day could be seen as a ‘Gateway Punk’ into the heavier musical aspects of the genre,but even if they aren’t the ideas and ethos Green Day are rallying behind need to be heard- and surely in a movement dedicated to inclusivity, this is the most important thing.

Kate Powell

Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Michael Flynn:

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Michael Flynn Photography

Green Day set list:

Know Your Enemy

Bang Bang

Revolution Radio

Holiday

Letterbomb

Boulevard Of Broken Dreams

Too Dumb To Die

Welcome To Paradise

Youngblood

2000 Light Years Away

Long View

Hitchin’ A Ride

When I Come Around

Waiting

Minority

Are We The Waiting

St Jimmy

Drum Solo/Knowledge (Operation Ivy cover)

Basket Case

She

King For A Day (With Careless Whisper Sax Solo)

Medley: Shout/Break On Through/Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life/(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction/Hey Jude

Still Breathing

Forever Now

American Idiot

Jesus Of Suburbia

Ordinary World

Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)

Green Day – Spark Arena May 13, 2017 At the main bridge of Holiday, Billie-Joe Armstrong screams for the lights in Spark Arena to go down, grabs a portable spotlight and strides onto the runway.

#13th floor #Auckland #concert review #Green Day #Kate Powell #Michael Flynn #Photos #Spark Arena

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