#formal wear dresses 2017

[mikufigureoftheday]

any mikus in tuxedo dresses? like dresses made to look kind of like suits at the top :3

I'm not sure any true tuxedo dress ones exist, but there are a few that are kinda close

A couple of the symphony ones have fancy formal dresses

This NT one is pretty good too

The Infinity SPM one has a skirt+shirt combo I believe, but the all-black makes an illusion oooohhhh spoookkyyyy

[blorbocedes]

do you have any thoughts on how girl lewis' fashion sensibilities would evolve. for nico i really see her in like. business formal. wearing a sensible enough dress and a blazer. actually maybe the suits nico actually wears now

lewis definitely would have a cringe era like teen zendaya... with the snapbacks and not like the other bitchezz. remember she was On Vine. really boring bandage dress at the fia awards, got her hair straightened in a fuck ass bob.

then 2017 slut era, esp with the fashion influences -- lots of bodycon, pump heels all the girly girl shit she couldn't do in mclaren bc of ron dennis, and post early merc years after she's finally a multiple time wdc in her prime, boobies out at the gala. lets the curls breathe too, gets more experimental

then present day is more baggy fits, relaxed confident, a bit of boob tattoo showing, styled by law roach in a lot of rick owens, Versace... the Rihanna moodboard of it all

would be down to wear something interesting and structured at the fia awards if she goes. at the met gala she would pull this janelle monae look where she's co-chairing

I looked for silhouettes that are familiar to how present day lewis would dress and evolve to as a woman because the journey feels true to her

[kookyburrowing]

and so now that i have your attention here are the couture looks i think fox would ABSOLUTELY rock. note these are from women’s collections bc a) fuck gender roles and b) men’s fashion is very meh. there’s no drama.

This is look 23 from their spring 2024 collection. despite my bitching about the awkward number of looks, this is a collection I do really like. Sigh. Fox would like this outfit for two reasons. First, the cut would emphasize his shoulders and thus make him more intimidating. Second, it’s very elegant, but not particularly elaborate, making him stand out in a room filled with whatever nonsense the Senate put on today (cough Palpatine cough).

This is look 28 from the same collection. A bit more elaborate, and again shoulders are emphasized. It allows for a more formal setting with retaining freedom of movement.

This is look 15 from FW2019. A lot more elaborate, but easier to hide weapons in and the pants allow for greater flexibility. Also: POCKETS. more importantly: SUBTLE POCKETS. for knives ❤️❤️

This is from Galla Lahav’s spring collection in 2017. I don’t know the exact look number because I found it through pinterest but I think this works for a dinner or something because it’s less outlandish and more practical. (Dinners are usually SIGNIFICANTLY less formal than things like balls and galas btw).

I’m stealing the coat and running. This is from Dior’s Spring 1998 collection, and I love the shawl/cape thing, but the dress? Eh. Not a fan.

Zuhair Murad AGAIN. they really said “let’s serve cunt constantly” tbh. This is look 2 from their FW2022 collection and I have actually used this in writing wherein Fox wears this (or a modified version of this, with knee-high flat heeled boots) to an opera. Sorry I just HATE thigh high boots with a passion.

YET AGAIN. ZUHAIR MURAD. This is very “oh no the Chancellor died! of natural causes im sure” which is why I love it for Fox. he’s got a femme fatale vibe. to me.

I cannot for the life of me remember where I got this one. If someone else could find it it would be HIGHLY appreciated. I like this bc it’s giving a Sith AU and idk man. The concept of Fox becoming a Sith fascinates me.

tagging @sevdalinkas because they said I could and also i genuinely thought i had more than this? alas those were all rtw not couture. SIGH.

[the-golden-comet]

✨🌺OC Outfit tag🌸✨

Thank you for tagging me @mysticstarlightduck here , @thecomfywriter here, and @wyked-ao3 here . Appreciate y’all 💛💫✨

Rules: find outfits that your OC would wear!

Rules: create an oc wardrobe and outfit of the day (ootd) for the following situations: casual/daily wear, fancy event, on a date, during one of the most significant events in the book

I did this for Peter Hart and YWIMC, so I can share a couple outfits from another story. Tyr from ITROG only has one outfit, and it’s a little something like this:

https: //preview.redd.it/norse-hunter-v0-xd8o3cs3po1b1.jpg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=0a728a7fa16e2bcfd16b8191d7b946536619c6ad

If he were to dress for more formal events, it would be something like this:

https: //themedievalhunt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/20170304_153423.jpg

Going to gently tag (no pressure): @lychhiker-writes , @gioiaalbanoart , @alinacapellabooks , @fortunatetragedy , @sableglass , @words-after-midnight , @nczaversnick , @ominous-feychild , @paeliae-occasionally , @agirlandherquill , @kaeru483 , @greenfinchwriter , @saebasanart , @kaylinalexanderbooks , @indecentpause , @pisces-swirlix , @poorreputation , @autism-purgatory , @finickyfelix , @rivenantiqnerd , @frostedlemonwriter , @diabolical-blue , @marlowethelibrarian , @moltenwrites , @fantasy-things-and-such , @far-cry-from-finality , @honeybewrites , @drchenquill , @the-letterbox-archives , @theink-stainedfolk , @willtheweaver , @aintgonnatakethis , +open tag! ✨

[asgoodeasgold]

The name is Goode, Matthew Goode - Part 3

Matthew in formal wear (black tie, white tie, morning dress, you name it) through the ages, always looking very dashing.

Also, the side glances 🫠

📷 He Knew He Was Right (2004), Cemetery Junction (2010), Downton Abbey (2015) s6, The Crown (2017) s2, my edits

Link to Part 2:

[thelibraryghost]

A Young Person's Introduction to Early 20th-Century Western Fashion

am i hip with the kids yet

General information Dotschkal, Janna. "1920's." FOUND. October 21, 2016. English Heritage. "Fashion Through History: Episode 3 – 1930s." YouTube. April 16, 2023. Rudolph, Nicole. "The History of Standardized Sizes in Womens Fashion and Why They FAILED." YouTube. May 16, 2021. Vintagebursche. "100 Years of Classic Menswear - and what we can learn from each decade." YouTube. February 29, 2020. Zebrowska, Karolina. "1920s Fashion Is Not What You Think It Is." YouTube. May 20, 2018.

Accessories Cox, Abby. "Flappers, Y2K, & Capitalism are Why Women "Don't" Have Pockets." YouTube. January 12, 2023. Cox, Abby. "The Disappointing Truth On Why We Don't Wear Hats Anymore..." YouTube. December 18, 2022. Rudolph, Nicole. "The History of the Iconic Cloche Hat: Making 1920s Fashion." YouTube. September 18, 2022. Rudolph, Nicole. "When Hats were Illegal: Sewing a Goth Edwardian Hat." YouTube. February 21, 2021. Sheehan, Sarah. "Neo-Egyptomania." PatternVault. December 31, 2022. Zebrowska, Karolina. "Why Did We Stop Wearing Hats?" YouTube. April 28, 2020.

Cosmetics Banner, Bernadette. "Making and Testing a Victorian Skincare Routine." YouTube. April 8, 2023. English Heritage. "1930s Makeup Tutorial | History Inspired | Feat. Amber Butchart and Rebecca Butterworth." YouTube. December 18, 2018. Holland, Evangeline. "On How to Be Lovely." Edwardian Promenade. April 15, 2010. Rudolph, Nicole. "The Controversial History of Color Season Analysis." YouTube. November 4, 2023.

Fabrics Rudolph, Nicole. "The History of Elastic." YouTube. July 4, 2021. Rudolph, Nicole. "Wearing Overalls to Boycott Fashion Greedflation? Weird History of 1920." YouTube. March 16, 2024.

Gowns and formal wear Banner, Bernadette. "I Redesigned Mary Poppins' Jolly Holiday Dress Based on REAL Edwardian Lingerie Gowns." YouTube. February 20, 2021. Banner, Bernadette. "I Remade Mary Poppins’ Dress to be Actually Edwardian." YouTube. July 9, 2022. Cox, Abby. "Alexander McQueen & the Patriarchy Problem in Modern Fashion." YouTube. October 20, 2023. Cox, Abby. "What Makes a Gown Haute Couture (like House of Worth) in Victorian and Edwardian Eras?" YouTube. September 19, 2021. Lady Rebecca Fashions. "An Edwardian Woman's Fashion Evolution." YouTube. June 4, 2022. Oakes, Leimomi. "Terminology: what is a lingerie dress or lingerie frock? (and blouse, and skirt)." The Dreamstress. July 21, 2018. Rudolph, Nicole. "Stop Idolizing Coco Chanel: a shocking history of theft." YouTube. January 13, 2024. Rudolph, Nicole. "The Truth about the Fringed Flapper: Making 1920s Evening Dresses." YouTube. November 6, 2022. Vintagebursche. "1920s Theme Party - How to dress." YouTube. December 9, 2023. Zebrowska, Karolina. "1920s Fashion Encyclopedia, Pt 1: Daywear." YouTube. November 27, 2019.

Hair care and styling Banner, Bernadette. "I Tried Following a Real Edwardian Hair Care Routine." YouTube. May 12, 2020. Lady Rebecca Fashions. "Getting Dressed in the Edwardian Era / Gibson Girl Hairstyle Tutorial." YouTube. June 12, 2020. Lady Rebecca Fashions. "Titanic-era Hair Tutorial // Getting Dressed in the 1910's." YouTube.September 4, 2020. SnappyDragon. "Historical hair myths debunked : How often should you wash your hair—daily shampoo or no shampoo?" YouTube. August 12, 2022. Zebrowska, Karolina. "Weird Edwardian Beauty Tips." YouTube. February 11, 2017.

Laundry and starching Banner, Bernadette. "Ok but how did the Edwardians WASH these dresses?" YouTube. August 3, 2022.

Outerwear Cox, Abby. "Athleisure: Destroying Fashion & the Environment." YouTube. January 18, 2024. Rudolph, Nicole. "150 years of Masc Women causing a Moral Panic." YouTube. June 17, 2023. Rudolph, Nicole. "The History of Jeans, T-shirts, and Hoodies: Time Travel 101." YouTube. March 20, 2022. Zebrowska, Karolina. "SPRING/SUMMER FASHION TRENDS REVIEW but it's 1936 (ft. original fabric samples!)." YouTube. April 22, 2022.

Shoes Rudolph, Nicole. "I Made Witchy Edwardian Shoes by Hand!" YouTube. March 14, 2021. Rudolph, Nicole. "Making 100 year old Comfy Slippers: Free Pattern!" YouTube. December 30, 2023. Rudolph, Nicole. "The Myth of Tiny Feet "Back Then"." YouTube. September 26, 2021. Rudolph, Nicole. "The True History of Stiletto Heels : the battle between Ferragamo and Dior." YouTube. August 26, 2023. Zebrowska, Karolina. "Why Is No One Talking About 1930s Shoes?" YouTube. September 15, 2020.

Undergarments Banner, Bernadette. "1903 Patented Bustle Pad Reconstruction." YouTube. June 8, 2019. Banner, Bernadette. "Achieving That Classic Edwardian Shape: Reconstructing a 1902 Bust Bodice." YouTube. April 16, 2020. Lady Rebecca Fashions. "So What are Guimpes Anyway? // Examining Antique Edwardian Guimpes." YouTube. August 21, 2020. Lady Rebecca Fashions. "They Wore Corsets in the 1920's?!" YouTube. January 29, 2022. Rudolph, Nicole. "Did Brassieres End the Corset?" YouTube. February 28, 2021. Rudolph, Nicole. "Dressing in Edwardian Clothing: Undergarments and Layers of 1907." YouTube. November 1, 2020. Rudolph, Nicole. "How Flappers got their Figure: the 1920s Silhouette." YouTube. July 10, 2022. SnappyDragon. "How pin-up photos fooled dress history : the making and marketing of lingerie pictures." YouTube. April 1, 2023.

[lampfacedstudios]

For the first time since 2017, Ponzu finally has a proper reference sheet!

I’ve decided over the years that she’s an ambassador from her deep-water realm to the inland domain. She’s based on a Chimaera monstrosa, aka rabbitfish or ratfish, and they regularly swim into shallower waters at night, so I figured by extension she’s more suited than some of her fellows to be doing ambassador work. Her formal wear reflects her status as an ambassador, fancier than the average citizen but distinct from royal garb in color and adornments. She doesn’t like to be dressed up if she doesn’t have to be.

Outside of the professional setting, Ponzu is very introverted. In her realm, she’s “normal”, or rather there’s enough variation amongst everyone that she doesn’t feel too outlandish. In the inland domain, she sticks out amongst the zora with all their brighter colors and their more uniform morphology. The idea of being perceived when not on her own terms is off-putting for her.

Ponzu is almost like a cryptid when she’s out and about in the inland domain - often goes out in the dead of night (she’s also very nocturnal, doesn’t like to be up during the day too much, the light can be hard on her eyes) to do her own thing, and with how extremely reflective her eyes are all you might see is a vague dark shape and glowing eyes in the distance if you spot her.

She and Sidon originally bonded from a diplomatic perspective, getting to know the other’s cultures and differences and similarities, but as time went things got a little more involved. More than a little. She’s a little shy about their relationship on a public level as she’s not royalty, and is a little intimidated by his fan-club, but Sidon doesn’t care at all and will happily parade around with her. He does his best to respect her comfort levels though.

[berniesrevolution]

IN THESE TIMES

DES MOINES, Iowa — Wearing bright yellow Crocs, carrying a backpack and holding a clipboard stacked with papers, Ahmed Musa listens intently to a student. You would be forgiven for thinking Mr. Musa was a student himself; it is ​“staff dress like a student” day during spirit week at Theodore Roosevelt High School, and Mr. Musa looks the part.

Then again, Mr. Musa, 24, was a Roosevelt student not too long ago. He graduated in 2017.

He is talking with senior Jackie in a second floor hallway. She is animated, her purple and white braids falling across her baby blue N95 mask as she explains a problem. She is the president of the K-Club and there was an incident among members. The K-Club, she says, is about all things K-pop, from Korean music to food to movies to fashion. Mr. Musa laughs — he thought it was the ​“Kulture Club.”

Jackie goes on to give a broad overview of the situation: Racist and homophobic memes were posted in the group’s online chat of several dozen members. Tempers flared and arguments spilled over from social media into the classroom. Then a shouting match erupted during a club meeting. Fortunately, it didn’t come to blows. Members contacted the club’s teacher-advisor who contacted the school’s ​“restorative practices” team.

As a restoration facilitator, Mr. Musa’s job is to listen to problems and help students find solutions. Talking with Jackie that morning was the first step (a ​“prerestorative conference”) toward a formal ​“restorative circle.” Restorative circles are a group activity meant to help repair harm and restore relationships.

Jackie was one of several students I spoke with during two week-long visits to Roosevelt this year — once in the spring and once in the fall — to witness the school’s implementation of its new restorative practices program. Vanessa, a freshman struggling with the transition from remote learning during Covid, and Yonathan, a sophomore caught with drugs and weapons at school, were also among them. (Students involved in the RP program are referred to by first name to protect their privacy.)

Before the pandemic, armed officers known as ​“school resource officers,” or SROs, from the Des Moines Police Department would patrol the school hallways. But during the summer of racial justice marches and protests after the police murder of George Floyd, students, parents and community members spoke out against SROs at Des Moines School Board meetings. In the end, the police contract with the schools was terminated. After scrambling to make remote schooling work during the long, mournful slog of the pandemic, Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) were left to find a way to reimagine school safety — and fast.

The district moved quickly to implement restorative practices, an increasingly popular educational model for school safety, violence prevention and mediation.

The 2021 – 2022 school year was a huge opportunity with the highest of stakes: DMPS could become one of the only districts in the nation to succeed in concurrently removing SROs and implementing restorative practices, or the district and its students could be thrown into crisis.

Restorative practices (RP) derive from ​“restorative justice,” which is used to bring together, in mutual agreement for mediation, the victim and the perpetrator of an offense. The goal is typically restitution for harm caused while helping the perpetrator restore community ties.

In education, ​“practices” is often swapped in for ​“justice” because it involves children who aren’t in criminal proceedings. Formal conflict resolution, after a dispute or rule-breaking, does play a role, but RP is also proactive, explains Anne Gregory, a Rutgers professor and one of the nation’s leading RP experts.

One core proactive practice is ​“check and connect.” This might be as simple as having teachers and staff say hi to each student as they enter the school, or asking a student between classes how their day is going. When there’s an issue, students can then sit down with a trusted adult to build ​“their own insight into themselves and what’s driving their behavior,” Gregory says.

Gregory emphasizes that relationship building is a two-way street. These micro-interactions of ​“check and connect” also change how teachers see students. They undermine ​“overgeneralization [and] negative stereotyping” and create space for understanding, Gregory says. When a student has ​“attendance problems,” for example, the right mindset involves ​“thinking about and understanding what’s going on for the family of that student that morning in getting out the door” — which is a ​“very different approach,” Gregory adds, from ​“sending a police officer to your house the fourth time you’re truant.”

(Continue Reading)

[malue-505]

Sally HCs please

Will do!

For reference, I use her 2017 revamp version:

She was adopted by Slenderman as one of his daughters after he helped her scare her uncle to death in cell

Her nightgown comes with a matching nightcap but she only wears when she goes to bed

I mentioned this before in a post a while back but she has made pink aprons for all the male residents, each apron has their name/nickname hand-stitched on it. Needless to say, Sally is skilled in needlework

Since she’s intangible as a ghost, Sally likes to stalk/eavesdrop on other mansion residents. Sometimes it’s for mischievous reasons like pranks and other times it’s for sentimental reasons like learning what a mansion resident’s troubles are or how they really are inside, it’s how she’s become more sympathetic to others (Yes even to Jeff)

It’s a well-known inside joke that Sally runs the mansion with an iron fist but it also has some level truth in it. For one, similarly to Ally, mansion residents can’t say no to her due to her status as Slenderman’s daughter and she’s more cunning and smug about it too. Second, she has gathered a lot of blackmail due to her stalking

Although quite surprising, Sally can be a very business-savvy person. She can bargain, barter, advertise and deal-make like nobody’s business. I honestly believe that other creatures would consider asking Slenderman for Sally to be their agent, she’s just that good

I like to imagine that maybe Sally has another dress to match with Ally for formal family occasions

Speaking of family, she has meet her adoptive grandmother and great grandfather personally. Slenderman’s mom, thinking that her son can do no wrong, gladly accepted her finds her delightedly intelligent. Slenderman’s grandfather also sees a lot of potential in her

Every time someone tries to wipe all the blood of her face and scalp, the blood always comes back in like the exact same streaks

Her green eyes glow in the dark

She accidentally killed her cousin, Sam Williams, in a fit of rage but regretted it soon after. They made up as ghosts and now get along swimmingly

Mr. Death has a bunch of handmade outfits that Sally has made for him. One of them is a set of pajamas to match hers and the other is a black business suit to match Slenderman’s

She’s slowly learning German from Slenderman since he knows that she’s German American

She’s good friends with BEN and they sometimes get into some mischief together, Jeff calls them pink goblin and green goblin respectively because of this

[vir-tanadahl]

As the Moon Rises

Chapter 7: The Games We Play

I’m eagerly rewriting As the Moon Rises, which was originally written back in 2017, in anticipation of Dragon Age: Veilguard, channeling my excitement into refining the story. Summary: Isera Lavellan, at her mother’s behest, is sent to assist her twin brother, Banreas—the Inquisitor—in his mission to stop a force determined to bring about the world’s end. Together, they uncover long-buried secrets of their shared family history while Isera finds herself drawn to a mysterious non-Dalish elven mage whose knowledge of her heritage runs far deeper than she could have imagined. As the stakes rise, Isera must navigate this dangerous journey of discovery, where the past holds as much peril as the looming threats of the present. Solas x F!Lavellan.

[Ch1][Ch2][Ch3][Ch4][Ch5][Ch6] [Ch7]

Finally, the day had come. The Inquisition was staying in a small château a mile outside of the Winter Palace in Halamshiral. One by one, the members of the inner circle began to congregate in the foyer. Josie, Leliana, Cullen, Sera, Banreas, the Iron Bull, and Solas were the first to finish dressing, each of them bringing their own unique flair to the occasion. Josephine quickly began checking everything, ensuring that those representing the Inquisition were up to par. The air buzzed with a mix of excitement and tension, each member aware of the importance of their appearance as they prepared to step into the heart of Orlesian nobility

Vivienne followed, dressed in her signature style but with a twist. Instead of her usual pants, she wore a sheer skirt with a high slit, shimmering in silver and white, paired with high-knee boots that added an air of boldness. The high collar of her outfit was larger than normal, framing her face with an elegant authority, and atop her head rested the Hat of Majesty. Tonight, she embodied Madame de Fer—the Lady of Iron, exuding power and sophistication as she prepared to make her mark at the ball.

Cassandra steadfastly refused to wear a dress, opting instead for an ensemble reminiscent of a tailored pantsuit. Her top was a shimmering black, long-sleeved blouse that hugged her figure at the waist before flowing out and turning sheer at the hem, adorned with delicate red flowers embroidered along the edges. The pants were tight yet flexible, allowing her the freedom of movement she valued, paired with sleek black riding boots. Despite her elegant appearance, she unmistakably wore a look of displeasure at being there. Her mask, representing House Pentaghast, was a striking dark purple, adding an air of nobility to her otherwise rebellious stance.

Blackwall chose to have his formal wear crafted in the Grey Warden colors, opting to forgo a mask entirely. He believed in the Warden’s pledge to abstain from political entanglements, making a quiet statement with his appearance. In contrast, Varric donned a striking red leather jacket adorned with golden embroidery at the edges, exuding his signature flair. His mask was simple yet fitting—a red and gold Volto that added a touch of mystery without overshadowing his well-known charisma.

Dorian, as expected, donned an outfit that was distinctly fashionable in Tevinter. His robe was a rich dark green, featuring a high collar interwoven with golden threads that caught the light. His fingers sparkled with golden jewels, a nod to Tevinter custom. On the back of his coattail, a striking golden serpent was intricately embroidered, a symbol of his heritage. However, he refused to wear a mask representing House Pavus, opting instead for one connected to a rod. This choice allowed him the freedom to remove the mask easily, ensuring he could showcase his handsome features without concealment.

Isera was the last to finish, having argued frequently with the tailor throughout the process. Her dress sparkled with the enchanted fabric, featuring a sweetheart neckline adorned with embroidered roses that emitted the scent of real flowers. The deep red color was exactly what Leliana had envisioned, fading gracefully into a shimmering white. Despite the tailor's insistence on a pair of golden heels, Isera had adamantly refused, opting instead for simple golden flats that allowed her comfort and ease. As she stood in front of the mirror, she felt a mix of pride and apprehension, ready to step into the evening ahead.

Josephine began addressing everyone as they gathered in anticipation of the carriages' arrival. Meanwhile, Isera paid little mind to her words, her attention drifting as she nervously fidgeted with the fabric of her dress. She felt out of place, the weight of the evening’s expectations settling heavily on her shoulders. The vibrant colors and the elegance of her attire felt foreign, and she couldn’t shake the feeling of being an outsider in a world that was both exciting and intimidating.

Solas stepped closer to her, his presence calm and reassuring. “Nervous?” he asked, appearing more relaxed and less guarded than usual. Isera turned to look at him, her expression a mix of anxiety and honesty. “Uncomfortable, mostly,” she admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability. The opulence of the setting and the gathering crowd intensified her feelings, making it hard to shake off the sense of being an outsider.

Solas glanced over toward Josephine as she continued her speech, then turned back to Isera. “You look beautiful,” he said, his voice quiet yet sincere. Isera met his gaze for a brief moment before looking away, her cheeks warming at the compliment. “I—thank you,” she replied, her tone a mix of surprise and bashfulness. She turned her attention to Josie as well, focusing on the familiar energy of the gathering to help ground herself in the moment.

“The advisors will arrive first, followed by the Inquisitor, and finally everyone else if you haven't made arrangements already,” Josephine said, taking a deep breath to steady herself. “All right, everyone, let's be off!” Her voice carried a blend of excitement and authority, energizing the group as they prepared to embark on the evening’s festivities. Isera felt a rush of adrenaline as the moment approached, her earlier nerves mingling with a spark of anticipation.

Banreas, Isera, and Solas were squished together on one side of the carriage, their shoulders brushing against one another. Iron Bull, massive and imposing, took up most of the opposite seat, leaving little room to spare. Sera sat comfortably beside him, her legs draped casually over his lap, a cheeky grin on her face as she leaned back. The cramped space felt lively with their banter, and despite the discomfort, Isera couldn’t help but smile at the camaraderie surrounding her.

“All right, be on the watch for Venatori activity,” Banreas began, his tone serious as he turned to address the group. “Leliana informed me that she believes there is a magical elven artifact in Empress Celene’s possession. We should be looking for that as well.” The mood shifted slightly, the lighthearted banter giving way to a more focused atmosphere as they processed the information. Isera felt the weight of their mission settle in, the stakes of the evening becoming clear as they prepared to navigate the intricate dance of nobility and danger.

"What’s with the magic elf-y things? Strange, innit" Sera grumbled, her arms crossed as she leaned back against Iron Bull. Her expression was one of skepticism, and Isera could sense her unease with the idea of pursuing an elven artifact amidst the political intrigue. The contrast between Sera's casual demeanor and the seriousness of their mission added a layer of tension.

“Boss, we don’t need another magical object in play. We have the Venatori to worry about,” Iron Bull stated, nodding in agreement. His tone was serious, underscoring the potential dangers of adding yet another variable to their already complicated situation. The weight of his words hung in the air, a reminder of the formidable challenges they faced, and Isera could sense the tension building among the group as they considered the implications.

“Perhaps the Venatori are looking for it,” Solas added thoughtfully, his expression contemplative. The implication hung in the air, drawing the attention of everyone in the carriage. The stakes were becoming clearer, and the atmosphere shifted as they contemplated the dangers that lay ahead.

Isera turned her head to look at her brother, her expression earnest. “If it is magical, I could locate it easier and get it out discreetly,” she suggested, her voice steady with determination. The idea of using her unique abilities to help in their mission sparked a flicker of hope within her. She met Banreas's gaze, silently urging him to consider her proposal as a viable option in their quest.

“If we know about it, it’s safe to assume the Venatori do as well. Our agents didn’t gather enough information to specify what it is, but they confirmed it’s elven,” Banreas explained, his tone serious. Iron Bull shifted uncomfortably in his chair, a frown etched on his face. “Then how do we find something that we don’t even know what it is?” he asked, his voice tinged with frustration. The challenge of their situation loomed large, and Isera could feel the weight of their uncertainty settling over the group.

“I can,” Isera spoke up again, her voice firm. “I’ve done it before.” The conviction in her words drew the attention of her companions, and she felt a surge of determination. The memory of her past successes in locating magical artifacts fueled her confidence, and she hoped to inspire faith in her abilities as they navigated this complex situation.

Banreas raised an eyebrow at her, a teasing smirk on his lips. “You’ve smuggled elven artifacts out of a palace?” he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Isera frowned, undeterred. “I have smuggled ancient elven artifacts out of heavily guarded Circle towers before,” she argued, her voice steady and defensive.

Isera could feel the surprise radiating off everyone in the carriage. “You’ve… smuggled?” Iron Bull exclaimed, his voice tinged with genuine admiration. The unexpected revelation seemed to shift the atmosphere, transforming her from an uncertain participant to someone with valuable experience. She met their astonished gazes, feeling a swell of pride at having garnered their respect, even if only momentarily.

“She’s a thief!” Sera cackled, her grin wide as she playfully punched Iron Bull in the arm. The laughter that followed filled the carriage, lightening the mood and bringing a sense of camaraderie to the group.

Isera shrugged, her expression casual. “It was easy. I was twelve, and Mother heard a rumor that the Ostwick Circle had something she wanted. I just pretended to be a new mage, and the Templars took me in. I was there for a few months, found it, and left.” She shrugged again, as if the whole experience was just a minor adventure rather than a bold feat. The confidence in her tone intrigued her companions, revealing a glimpse of her resourcefulness.

"Banreas stared at her in disbelief, his eyebrows raised. "Mother had you… stealing?" The incredulity in his voice was palpable, as if he couldn’t quite wrap his mind around the idea of their mother orchestrating such a scheme.

“Yes?” she paused, her brow furrowing slightly. “Is that not normal?” Isera questioned, her tone earnest. “It isn’t like it belonged to them.” The conviction in her words hung in the air, challenging the group’s perceptions. “It wasn’t exactly stealing. More like... retrieving something that belonged to the elven.” The playful twist in her reasoning added to the intrigue, sparking curiosity among her companions. Isera could sense their hesitation, a mix of surprise and contemplation, as they processed her logic. To her, reclaiming what was lost felt justified, but she wondered how others viewed her past actions.

The carriages came to a halt, and a loud announcement echoed that the Inquisition had arrived. Isera quickly placed her mask on, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Iron Bull and Sera stepped out first, their presence commanding attention. Banreas leaned closer to Isera, his tone harsh as he whispered, “No, by the way, that is not normal!” He gestured for Solas to step out first, as he was closest to the door, the urgency of their situation clear in his demeanor. The anticipation hung thick in the air as they prepared to face the Orlesian nobility.

Isera shrugged and followed Solas, who graciously offered his hand to assist her as she stepped out of the carriage. “They didn’t need it,” she muttered to no one in particular, a hint of defiance in her voice. Despite her earlier nerves, she felt a spark of confidence, bolstered by Solas's steady presence beside her. She was ready to face whatever awaited them at the grand event, even if it meant navigating the expectations of the nobility.

The Grand Duke was quick to engage with Banreas, steering the Inquisitor away from the group as the rest of them followed behind. Isera could hear the whispers among the nobility, their hushed voices filled with disbelief at the audacity of the Inquisition’s company being made up of elves and a qunari. A wry smile tugged at her lips as she imagined Banreas squirming with delight at the stir they were causing; it was practically blasphemy in their eyes. The tension in the air was palpable, and she felt a mix of pride and amusement at the chaos they had brought to the evening.

Josephine and Leliana had trained Banreas for weeks on how to navigate the treacherous waters of the political game. If he felt uncomfortable, he certainly didn't show it; instead, he carried himself with confidence, engaging the Grand Duke with a charming smile. Isera watched with admiration, noting how well he had absorbed their lessons. Despite the tension in the air, he exuded an air of ease, expertly maneuvering through the complexities of Orlesian society.

As Isera and the others entered the vestibule to convene with the advisors before continuing on to be announced in the ballroom, Josephine took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of behaving appropriately. Her gaze was direct, landing squarely on Sera, who was grinning like the cat that ate the canary. The tension in the air mixed with amusement as Isera watched Sera's mischievous expression, knowing that her friend was hardly one to conform to expectations.

“Isera, you will be announced following the Inquisitor. After you, the advisors, and then Solas, Iron Bull, and Sera. Once the introductions are complete, you’ll be free to roam around,” Josie informed them, her tone brisk yet encouraging. The weight of the evening’s expectations hung heavy in the air, and Isera felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety at the thought of being introduced to the nobility. She glanced at her companions, each one preparing for the role they were to play in this intricate dance of politics.

Isera nodded as the procession began, her heart racing with anticipation. Banreas was introduced right after the Grand Duke, and he looked remarkably relaxed, unfazed by the treacherous waters surrounding him. With a confident bow to the Empress, he followed the Grand Duke up the steps, embodying the poise and charm that had been cultivated through his training. Isera couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as she watched her brother navigate the moment with such grace.

“Mistress Lavellan, sister of Inquisitor Lavellan and a Seer of Rivain.”

Isera felt her body tense at the announcement, taking a deep breath as she began her descent down the stairs. With determination, she turned, bowed gracefully, and followed after her brother. As she moved, she heard the murmurs of approval ripple through the court, their eyes enraptured by her outfit despite her being an elf. The unexpected admiration filled her with a mix of pride and anxiety, reminding her of the precarious balance she was walking between acceptance and scrutiny.

Isera stood next to the advisors, with Iron Bull, Sera, and Solas positioned behind them. Banreas engaged the Empress in a cryptic manner that delighted the court, and Isera suppressed the urge to scoff at the theatrics. The Empress, with a wave of her hand, dismissed them to mingle, and Isera followed her brother as he began greeting those affiliated with the court. Each interaction was a dance of charm and wit, and Isera felt a mix of admiration and apprehension as she navigated the sea of unfamiliar masked faces.

Isera broke away from the group, heading toward Cullen, who looked far more uncomfortable than she felt. He was surrounded by admirers, and it was clear that the Commander was exceedingly uneasy with the attention. His back was pressed against the wall, arms crossed defensively as the crowd edged closer, their flirtations relentless. Isera couldn’t help but smirk at the sight; it was a stark contrast to the confident leader she knew him to be on the battlefield.

“Ah, Commander, if I may have a word,” Isera said as she stepped between the horde of nobles, her presence a welcome interruption. Cullen's expression shifted to one of relief as he spotted a familiar face beckoning his attention. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly, and Isera could sense his gratitude for the distraction as she offered him an escape from the relentless advances of the court.

“Oh! She’s the Inquisition’s sister!” a high-pitched, thick Orlesian voice chimed in, cutting through the conversation. “Are you two lovers?” The question hung in the air, drawing curious glances from the surrounding nobles. Isera felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, and she shot Cullen an incredulous look, silently questioning how he would respond to such an unexpected insinuation.

“Well, that would certainly not concern you,” Isera replied sharply, her words more direct and biting than typical for Orlesian culture, especially coming from an elf. The noblewoman glared at her, visibly taken aback, and huffed as she fanned herself. “How rude!” she whispered, the offense clear in her tone. Isera felt a mix of defiance and irritation at the woman's reaction, standing her ground despite the stifling expectations of the court.

Isera walked away, glancing back to ensure the Commander followed her. He did, a look of relief washing over his features as they stepped outside onto the balcony. The air was fresh and crisp, a welcome contrast to the stifling atmosphere inside the Winter Palace. Cullen let out a deep sigh, his tension easing as he inhaled the cool air, grateful for the reprieve from the prying eyes and chatter of the court.

“They are like hounds,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as he tried to shake off the lingering discomfort. He coughed lightly, clearing his throat before turning to Isera. “What did you need?” he asked, his tone shifting from frustration to curiosity as he focused on her, grateful for the momentary escape from the pressures of the ballroom.

Isera shrugged, leaning against the banister as she gazed at the partygoers inside. “Nothing. You looked uncomfortable and needed a break,” she replied, her tone softening slightly. She took in the lively scene, the laughter and chatter echoing through the open doors, but it felt distant and surreal from her vantage point. The contrast of the vibrant celebration with the quiet balcony allowed her a moment to breathe, away from the pressure of expectations.

“Oh!” Cullen exclaimed, clearly shocked. “You didn’t have to do that. I will manage.” His tone was earnest, though Isera could sense the underlying tension in his voice. He straightened up, attempting to regain his composure, but the flicker of gratitude in his eyes spoke volumes. Isera couldn’t help but smile at his resolve, knowing that even the strongest leaders needed a moment of respite.

“Cullen, I have no doubt you can handle a swarm of women,” Isera replied with a teasing smile. “But you looked like you wanted to flee. As far as everyone else is concerned, I’ve taken you away to discuss an important Inquisition meeting…” She paused, a playful glint in her eye. “Or I’m your secret lover. I’m sensing the Orlesians love a bit of dramatic flair.” The lighthearted joke hung in the air, and Isera couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie building between them as they navigated the absurdity of the evening.

Cullen chuckled, a hint of amusement breaking through his earlier tension. “That they do,” he admitted, shaking his head slightly. He sighed and began stretching his neck, attempting to ease the stiffness that had settled in from the pressure of the crowd. The light moment with Isera offered a welcome distraction, allowing him to briefly forget the expectations weighing down on him inside.

“If you walk around more, they can’t pin you down,” Isera suggested, her tone light and encouraging. She watched him with a knowing smile, hoping to alleviate some of his discomfort. “It’s a crowded room, but that means there are plenty of opportunities to slip away and find some peace, don’t you think?” Her playful demeanor was meant to remind him that he could still navigate the evening on his own terms.

He lightly scoffed, shaking his head. “They are everywhere,” he muttered, pressing his fingers into the side of his temple as if trying to relieve the mounting pressure. Isera could see the strain in his posture, the way he tried to maintain his composure despite the overwhelming attention. It was clear that the evening's festivities were becoming more than just a social gathering for him.

“A headache?” Isera whispered, glancing toward him with genuine concern. The tension in Cullen's shoulders and the way he pressed his fingers against his temple told her all she needed to know. She shifted slightly closer, ready to offer support if he needed it, her own unease momentarily forgotten in the face of his discomfort.

“They have been coming more often,” he continued, his voice low and serious. After a brief pause, he added, “Do you know?” Cullen’s reference to his decision to stop talking lyrium hung in the air between them, a weighty subject that had clearly been troubling him. Isera met his gaze, her expression shifting from concern to understanding, recognizing the struggle he faced in navigating both his duties and his personal demons.

Isera nodded slowly. “He told me,” she replied, moving to stand directly in front of him. Her gaze was steady as she considered her next words. “May I try something?” she asked, her voice soft but firm. There was a quiet determination in her demeanor, a desire to help Cullen in whatever way she could. She sensed the weight of his struggles and felt compelled to offer him some relief.

Cullen looked skeptical, his brow furrowing as he regarded her with uncertainty. Isera took a breath, lowering her voice to a whisper. “I want to see if my magic will be of assistance,” she explained, her tone earnest and reassuring. The air between them felt charged with possibility, and she hoped to convey that her intentions were genuine. She could sense his hesitance, but she was determined to help him find some relief from his discomfort.

Cullen stared down at her, weighing her offer before finally agreeing. Isera, standing at least a foot shorter than him, rose onto the balls of her feet, her determination evident. She pressed her fingers gently onto the nape of his neck, feeling the tension coiled there. Whispering a familiar ritual, she let her fingers glide around his ears and onto his temple, channeling her magic with focused intent. After a moment, she released her touch, stepping back to observe any change in his expression.

Cullen blinked a few times, processing the sensation. “Is... it supposed to feel cold?” he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty as he reached up to touch the back of his neck. The coolness of her magic was a surprising contrast to the warmth of the evening, and he furrowed his brow, trying to determine if it was a good sign or not. Isera watched him closely, gauging his response and hoping that her magic was indeed providing some relief.

“Yes, it will fade to being warm and then back to normal by the end of the night. Is it helping?” Isera asked, her tone filled with genuine concern as she searched his face for any signs of relief. She wanted to know if her magic was making a difference, hoping to ease some of the tension that had been weighing on him. The moment felt crucial, a bridge between their struggles and the comfort they sought.

He nodded, a hint of relief in his expression. “I believe so. Thank you,” he said, his voice warm with gratitude. The tension in his shoulders seemed to ease slightly, and Isera felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that her magic had provided him with some comfort. Their shared moment felt like a small victory amidst the chaos of the evening.

Isera smiled, her spirits lifted. “Well, come on, Commander,” she said, turning to head back inside. Leaving him to gather his thoughts, she stepped into the vestibule. The lively chatter of the gathering enveloped her, and she could hear Iron Bull's booming laughter as he flirted with a group of nobles nearby. Blackwall and Sera were tucked away in a corner, hiding out behind the Wall of Champions, their playful banter echoing softly. The scene was both chaotic and vibrant, a stark contrast to the quiet moment she had just shared with Cullen.

The elven servants stared at her longer than they would have with a human, their eyes lingering with a mix of curiosity and caution. Isera felt the weight of their gaze, acutely aware that she was an elf wearing a mask, thrust into the complexities of the Game whether she wanted to be or not. It was a strange position to occupy—both a part of the nobility’s world and yet still on the outside, grappling with the expectations that came with her lineage and the evening’s festivities.

“Drink, my lady?” an elven man approached her, bowing his head respectfully. His demeanor was polite, yet there was a subtle undertone of wariness in his eyes as he regarded her. Isera appreciated the gesture, though she could sense the unspoken complexities behind it. She offered him a warm smile, grateful for the courtesy in the midst of the swirling chaos of the gathering.

He continued to stand, a hint of admiration in his eyes. “Hallas are most beautiful, no?” he said, gesturing toward her mask with a smile. Isera could sense the weight of his words, the compliment both genuine and laced with the cultural significance of the halla in elven lore. He balanced a tray of drinks in his hands, the shimmering glasses catching the light. She felt a flutter of appreciation for the compliment, a small reminder of her heritage amidst the grandeur of the evening.

Isera stared at him, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Quite majestic,” she agreed, her voice steady as she took a cup from him. “Wild and enduring, much like the elves.” The man nodded in approval, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as if she were answering his unspoken questions correctly. “The Empress is quite fond of elves,” he continued, his tone slightly conspiratorial. “Many pieces of elven art are scattered throughout the palace, particularly in the eastern wing. Perhaps you should look.” His suggestion lingered in the air, a tantalizing invitation to explore the history and culture she held dear.

“Perhaps I will,” Isera answered with a thoughtful smile as the elven servant excused himself and walked away. She continued into another vestibule, her eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on Solas. To her surprise, he was leaning against the wall, appearing relaxed and at ease amidst the bustling atmosphere. His posture was casual, but there was a subtle intensity in his gaze as he observed the scene around him. Isera felt a warmth in her chest at the sight, grateful for the moment of familiarity in the midst of the evening's chaos.

“You look comfortable,” she remarked as she approached him. Solas turned his gaze to her, and Isera noticed a subtle brightness on his cheeks, a hint of warmth that caught her by surprise. It was a rare glimpse of vulnerability that softened his usually enigmatic demeanor. She smiled, feeling a sense of connection as they stood together amidst the vibrant energy of the gathering.

“I do adore the heavy blend of power, intrigue, danger, and sex that permeates these events,” he replied almost cheerfully, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “I have seen countless such displays during my journeys in the Fade. Only the customs have changed,” he recalled, a faint smile gracing his lips. The contrast between his relaxed demeanor and the chaotic energy of the gathering around them made Isera feel as if they were sharing a secret amidst the masquerade, a moment of understanding that transcended the superficiality of the court.

Suddenly, two Orlesian nobles approached, their presence commanding attention as they introduced themselves to Isera. Their titles and positions became a blur, the formalities lost in the rush of their eagerness. They attempted to step between her and Solas, an unwelcome intrusion that made the air feel tense. Isera noticed Solas frown at the interruption, his expression darkening slightly as he regarded the nobles with barely concealed annoyance.

“Your accent is quite beautiful, my lady. Are you from Antiva?” one of the nobles asked, his voice smooth as he grabbed her hand. He was tall, wearing a yellow mask with a pointed nose that added an air of theatricality to his demeanor. Isera felt a flicker of annoyance as she tried to pull her hand away, but he held on tighter, his grip firm and intrusive. “Rivain,” she replied, forcing a polite smile despite her growing discomfort. The playful atmosphere began to shift, and she sensed Solas's irritation brewing beside her.

“You smell absolutely delicious. Roses? Who knew a heathen country could produce such a beauty?” he remarked, his comment dripping with insincerity—a thinly veiled insult disguised as a compliment. Isera felt her scowl deepen, irritation rising within her as she recognized the condescension in his words. The encounter was quickly souring, and she was determined not to let him get under her skin.

“Why don’t you come with us? We could… show you around,” one of the nobles suggested, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. Isera scrunched her nose in disgust, her expression turning caustic. “And just where would you take me?” she retorted, the sharpness in her tone unmistakable. The implication behind his words set her on edge, and she wasn’t about to entertain their condescending offer.

“I have a key to the East wing,” the other man, shorter and dressed in blue, announced with a sly grin. “I could… show you around. The Empress has quite a collection.” Isera paused, a thought dawning on her. This might be her opportunity to explore the Winter Palace without drawing too much attention. The prospect of discovering hidden treasures within the palace intrigued her, despite the dubious intentions of her current companions. She considered her options, weighing the potential for adventure against the underlying motives of these nobles.

Isera hummed thoughtfully, a playful smile spreading across her face. “Well, do lead the way,” she flirted, her tone light and teasing. The shorter noble beamed at her response, eager to take the lead. Meanwhile, Solas looked alarmed by the interaction, his expression tightening with disapproval. He stayed silent, watching with a mix of concern and disappointment as Isera moved away from him, drawn into the orbit of the nobles.

[coochiequeens]

An old article but relevant with some moid musician turned activist attacking women on the basis that sometimes their views line up with conservatives

https://unherd.com/2023/10/does-billy-bragg-have-a-woman-problem/

Julie Bindel OCTOBER 3, 2023   

Louise Distras was once a darling of the anti-establishment Left. An underground punk singer whose hits include “Dreams From the Factory Floor”, this working-class woman is unafraid to speak her mind. Five years ago, she was being invited onstage by Billy Bragg, the folk singer and progressive activist — but since then, a lot has changed. Recently, Bragg has publicly and repeatedly condemned Distras, because she had done what she has always done: speak out against misogyny. This time, though, she was criticising the backlash against women who refuse to recite the “trans women are women” mantra.

Distras has been expressing concern about gender ideology in private since late 2021, but the first time she went public with her opinions was in May of this year. “I’m a woman, and a woman is an adult human female,” she said in an interview with Louder than War, a music website. “I’m a woman that’s experienced domestic abuse.” She later made comments, on Twitter, about how women are silenced for questioning gender ideology: “No amount of rainbows and ‘kindness’ can hide the authoritarianism and misogyny and homophobia that’s on display here, especially in the arts.”

Born in Wakefield in 1987, Distras ran away from home in her teens and, she told me, “stayed with a lot of dangerous people who took advantage of me”. She turned to song writing as a form of escape. Her bravery is remarkable. But as soon as her straightforward resistance to gender ideology became known, she was met with horrendous abuse. Distras has been called every name under the sun, including anti-trans, Nazi, scum, prostitute, grifter, child serial killer, and witch. She soon realised that she had been “marked for life” as a “disgusting terf” — that no redemption would ever be possible. She was told she deserves to be chucked out of the music industry. Her booking agency has said that her attitude towards transwomen could “have detrimental effects on [her] musical career”. Radio stations have stopped playing her songs and venues cancelled her gigs. “If I go back to the industry as it stands,” she says, “if someone had the balls to book me for a gig, I would likely be physically attacked. It’s not safe.”

Having been rejected by the majority of her contacts in the music industry, Distras decided she might as well use her voice to speak out. Alongside five other women, her testimony featured in the Daily Mail about the experience of being ostracised for daring to question gender ideology. One of the first derogatory reactions was from Bragg. “What??”, he tweeted, linking to the feature, which included a photograph of Distras — who usually wears black and leather on stage — wearing a formal dress. “Louise Distras hates trans people so much that she’s willing to dress in a style acceptable to Daily Mail readers in order to have a go at them. What does this have to do with feminism Louise? Or punk rock?”

Bragg fancies himself a bit of a trans ally. And prides himself on being an all-round anti-sexist bloke. In 2014, he posed with a sign, “I pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about men’s violence against women in all its forms,” as part of the White Ribbon campaign.

Back in the early days of her career, Bragg championed Distras as one of a “new breed” of singers, tweeting in 2013 that her song Love Me The Way I Am should be our next Eurovision entry. Another of her songs, The Hand You Hold, is about how what women say and do should matter more than how we look, and she tells me that “Billy for some reason loved that song and that’s why he invited me to go play on his stage” — which she did that year, at Glastonbury, and again in 2017. “So for him to now take a pop at me and start criticising what I look like instead of actually listening to what I have to say means he is the biggest hypocrite.”

But it is not only men who have gone after Distras. In a recent interview with Kerrang!, Phoebe Lunny of the Lambrini Girls reacted to Distras speaking out against trans ideology and the silencing of women: “I will scrap any Terf, any day, in person, with my fists.” In a tweet, Distras pointed to the hypocrisy of claiming to be progressive while “inciting violence against women”. She also condemned Kerrang! for publishing the remarks, saying she is “ashamed my face was printed on its pages. Vile!”

Spoken word poet Amelia Vandergast also responded angrily to Distras’s public statements about being cancelled by trans activists. In a feature entitled, “Wipe away the terf tears: freedom of expression was never permission to perpetuate hate in the music industry”, published in A&R Factory website, she wrote:

“In the recent Daily Mail article, which attempted to portray women as the victims of their transphobic hate, Louise Distras bemoaned the journalists, radio stations, and her booking agency who rightly refuse to have anything to do with her for the self-piteous bile spewed across her social media platforms (anyone got a tiny little violin I can borrow?)”

For Distras, the hypocrisy within the so-called radical music scene is appalling. While the misogyny of trans activists is ignored, women are viciously attacked for daring to defend their sex-based rights. She is one of a growing list of female artists criticising cancel culture — a phenomenon of which Bragg denies the existence.

But Bragg has form. He has dismissed feminist concerns about self-identification and argued that, owing to our incompatible “hardware”, lesbians are biologically ill-equipped for sex with other women and should therefore understand the plight of men claiming to be female. When Maya Forstater was harassed by trans activists in the street, Bragg suggested that she could not possibly have been scared or upset, because she appeared to be smiling. This is a classic sexist trope. Too often, women are told by men to “Give us a smile” when we complain about being sexually harassed by them, and yet women are informed we must have enjoyed the harassment if we attempt to laugh it off.

“I think he’s a misogynist,” Distras says, of Bragg. “I think it’s just plain to see for everybody and the way he is — the way that so many men are in the music industry.” She talks about how uncomfortable she has felt with him, describing him as “creepy”. “He’s everything he says he’s not. His words and his actions just don’t match up for me… The way he goes after women over the trans issue has made it really clear to me that he’s just a misogynist, and that he just doesn’t care about women”. She says what many feminists have said of many men in recent years: “The trans thing is just an excuse for him to bully women with impunity and do it publicly and get applauded for it.”

Bragg also showed no sympathy for Róisín Murphy, another female singer-songwriter who has faced the wrath of trans activists. After a private Facebook conversation in which she criticised the policy of giving children puberty blockers was leaked, she was admonished by Bragg for holding the wrong opinion. “Them’s the breaks,” Bragg tweeted when it was suggested that Murphy was being punished by having BBC coverage and concerts cancelled. “Think before you post is my advice, especially on issues that are contentious.” This is cowardice.

Distras strongly feels that the music industry used to be about “freedom of expression and freedom of speech”, but is currently in thrall to gender ideology and “totally monotheistic”. “There’s an urgent need to build a new one, with a proper counterculture that isn’t dominated by misogynists like Billy Bragg, where women have actually got a proper say,” she says, telling me she has had numerous messages from female musicians who are too scared to speak out — especially after seeing what happened to Murphy. “It’s well established that violence towards women is a massive problem in the music industry,” says Distras, “and here they are inciting more violence, and the rest of the music industry just applauds them for it and tells them they are stunning and brave.”

“We need more musicians to come forward courageously and without apology. There’s been so much support for me, and there will be for the other women. And the more of us that stand up, the more these men like Billy Bragg will not be so dominant.”

[simshousewindsor]

Buckingsim Palace has released official portraits of the Royal Family taken during the South Marvanian State Banquet.

His Majesty King George I and Queen Rowena sat for a collection of portraits along with other senior royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Brindleton Bay, and the Earl and Countess of Boykins.

King George with son-in-laws, The Duke of Brindleton Bay and The Earl of Boykins

Queen Rowena with daughters, The Duchess of Brindleton Bay and The Countess of Boykins

The Duke and Duchess of Brindleton Bay

The Duke and Duchess of Kent

The Earl and Countess of Boykins.

Buckingsim Palace formally announced the Earl and Countess of Boykins as new senior working royals, along with the creation of their own household. Royal patronages were not announced.

The Duchess of Brindleton Bay showcased the Royal Family Order of George I. 

The Royal Order is an honor bestowed on female members of the Windenburg royal family by the sovereign. The Royal Family Order of George I depicts King George in formal dress wearing the ribbon and star of the Order of the Garter. The miniature portrait (painted on glass since 2017) is bordered by diamonds. The watered silk ribbon is chartreuse yellow and formed into a bow. The order is worn, pinned to the dress or sash of the recipient on the left shoulder, on formal occasions. 

Queen Rowena, the Duchess of Kent and Queen Zarah, The Queen Mother are the only living royals to have also been bestowed the Royal Family Order of Edward II, during his reign, but recently have chosen to solely wear that of George I.

Gowns by @sentate​ @joliebean​ Tiaras by @glitterberrysims​ @batsfromwesteros​

[asbfyi]

Lecture

Anna-Sophie Berger: Wealth & Propriety

Tuesday, 06.12.2022, 7 pm, Dürerstraße 10, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, aula

Wealth & Propriety is the title of two of Anna-Sophie Berger's most recent exhibition projects. They are accompanied by an image of a stick-figure wearing a dress on which arrows are drawn like axes, labeled with the designations "wealth" and "propriety". The lecture will explore these terms literally and formally as they relate to art and to Berger's practice.

Anna-Sophie Berger (b. 1989, Vienna) is an artist living and working in New York and Vienna. She was trained in fashion and creates work that connects individual perception and intimate use with questions of material reality as part of socio-economic circulation and consumption. Berger has had solo exhibitions at Bonner Kunstverein (2020); Cell Project Space, London (2019); MUMOK, Vienna (2016); Kunsthaus Bregenz (2016); Ludlow 38, New York (2015); White Flag Projects, St. Louis (2015); and Belvedere21, Vienna (2014); among others. She has recently participated in group exhibitions at the Pictures Collection of the Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna (2022); The Glucksman, Cork (2022); MACRO Museum, Rome (2021); MAK, Austria (2019); Kunsthalle Wien, Vienna (2019); Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem (2018); S.M.A.K., Ghent (2018); Contemporary Art Centre, Vilnius (2018); Kestnergesellschaft, Hannover (2017); Kunstverein München, Munich (2017). She is the recipient of the 2017 Ars Viva Fine Arts Prize in Germany and the 2016 Kapsch Contemporary Art Prize, Austria.

The lecture will be held in English language.

[earcandle]

ECP0965 Speakeasy 4th Of July Fireworks Party Cruise San Francisco Bay 070417

The Speakeasy hosted a San Francisco Bay cruise on the 4th of July, 2017, inviting guests to dress up in vintage costumes and formal wear and dance and socialize. Davis Jones and J Neo Marvin joined in the festivities on the party boat and enjoyed the bay, the bridges, and the local characters.

Ear Candle Productions is a small music label, video production, and eLearning website. We also have a free, 24/7 global Ear Candle Radio program designed to bring creative ideas to the worldwide public at large.

The owners of Ear Candle Productions are the creatives, John Bassham (AKA J Neo Marvin) and Debra Nicholson Bassham (AKA Davis Jones). We live in San Francisco. Come visit our website, check out our YT, Bandcamp, Ear Candle Radio, Internet Archive, and other pages at https://earcandleproductions.com

[armandosumalinog]

Cagayan de Oro Business Spotlight: Insider Insights from Local Entrepreneurs (Part 2)

Welcome back to our blog series!

We’re now on part 2, where we dive deeper into the diverse business scene of Cagayan de Oro City.

Now let's start with,

Straightforward:

The business began in October 2022 with a clear vision, to offer stylish and unique bags. While their main competitors are Penshoppe and Bench, they stand out by focusing on aesthetic designs that appeal to a wide range of customers, especially teachers and professionals. Their strategy of running frequent sales and promotions keeps customers excited and coming back for more.

Though there are times when customers seek specific items that aren’t in stock, they see this as an opportunity to grow and improve their product offerings. They’ve also noticed a surge in sales during the “Ber” months, which is an exciting time for the business. Their ultimate goal is customer satisfaction, and they do this by consistently offering promotions that not only attract buyers but also boost sales.

They foster a positive work environment by carefully listening to employee feedback and working together to ensure everyone feels valued. Staying ahead of trends is also a priority for them, and they love incorporating popular designs, especially K-pop themes, which are a hit with their audience.

For them, customer satisfaction is the most rewarding part of the business. They truly believe in building strong, lasting relationships with their customers, which has led to incredible loyalty. As the manager shared, focusing on customer happiness is the key to success, and it’s advice they offer to anyone looking to thrive in the same industry.

Noregold:

Noregold opened its branch in May 2017, offering a wide range of jewelry. What sets them apart from the competition is their lower prices. Their regular customers are mostly from the middle class, and they’ve seen their sales steadily increase each year.

According to them, their biggest achievement is consistently growing sales, which is also their ongoing goal. They handle their accounting manually and make sure to train new staff by familiarizing them with every product so they can assist customers effectively. To stay current, they continually update and modernize their designs.

Photoline:

Photoline opened its branch in 2015, specializing in printing services, cameras, and frames. Their primary competitor is Camera House, but what makes Photoline unique is the use of high-quality paper in their printing services, which attracts photographers as regular customers.

While they experience slower foot traffic on some days, they see a significant sales boost during the "Ber" months, with December sales reaching 2 million pesos. Their goal is to increase sales every month, and they use social media, particularly Facebook, to post family photos and boost engagement.

Their day-to-day operations involve machines, cameras, and customer interactions. When it comes to handling feedback, they patiently resolve issues, with different processes depending on whether the problem involves cameras, frames, or photo quality. Staying trendy, they use social media to increase engagement and attract more customers.

Mags:

Mags opened in May 2017, offering a variety of blouses, dresses, and shoes. Their main competitor is Apartment 8, but Mags differentiates itself with lower prices and hands-on customer assistance. Fashionistas make up their core customer base, and while they experience slower days, sales typically pick up during the "Ber" months.

Their main target is to hit their sales quota, which they often achieve by offering promotions. In terms of customer service, they have clear processes to resolve issues, and one of their biggest achievements is being the top-performing branch, especially during December when quotas are reached.

Karimadon:

Karimadon opened its branch when SM Downtown started operations, offering formal wear such as gowns for graduations and weddings. Like Mags, their main competitor is Apartment 8, but Karimadon stands out by offering unique designs crafted by their own designers, as well as high-quality products. Their typical customers are event-goers, and they maintain loyalty through strong communication.

The biggest challenge they face is addressing customer concerns, but they handle issues professionally and calmly. Sales peak during the "Ber" months, and their primary goal is to satisfy customers with their products. They run promotions in line with SM’s sales events and use the DOS system in their daily operations.

New staff are trained to familiarize themselves with the products so they can provide recommendations. Their greatest achievement is being a top seller, and their advice to others in the same niche is to focus on building strong relationships with customers, as this is what keeps the business thriving.

(photo of a young entrepreneur)

As we wrap up part 2 of our exploration into the business landscape of Cagayan de Oro City, it’s clear that each business has its own unique strengths and strategies for growth.

From embracing modern trends to prioritizing customer relationships, these companies continue to thrive by adapting to challenges and staying connected to their customers' needs.

Whether it’s through competitive pricing, creative marketing, or simply offering quality products, their dedication is a testament to the vibrant and dynamic business scene in the city.

Stay tuned for part 3, where we’ll dive even deeper into more local success stories and business insights!

[juliahemsleypho101]

Lauren Greenfield is a documentary photographer and filmmaker from Boston, Massachusetts. She has published four books containing her photographic documentaries, “Fast Forward”(1997), “Girl Culture”(2002), “THIN”(2006), and “Generation Wealth”(2017). These projects serve a purpose of giving the viewer a perspective into various lifestyles and societal “cultures”. When it comes to Lauren Greenfield’s impact in the world of photography, she has earned her title as one of the top 25 most influential photographers by American Photo. Lauren Greenfield also is an Emmy winner due to her contributions and efforts as a documentary photographer as well as a film producer. Between Greenfield publishing numerous books of her photographs, filming multiple documentary movies, and even producing an award winning Super Bowl commercial, one could definitely agree that she is a triple threat.

Focusing in on two of Lauren Greenfield’s photographic collections, “Girl Culture”(2002) and “Generation Wealth”(2017), both of these pieces display Greenfield’s ability to truly give the viewer a glimpse into the various realities of her subjects, while still showing a clear picture of what she’s trying to communicate through her images. “Girl Culture” shows us what really is, a culture, among teenage girls and women living in a western society. Through this piece, Greenfield shows us two points of view, the way women see themselves, and the way the world sees women. “Generation Wealth” is Lauren Greenfield’s way of letting us peek in through the window of the homes, the luxuries, and the lifestyles of those who are extremely wealthy. Greenfield neither criticizes or praises these wealthy subjects, she simply lets us see their lives. According to HyperAllergic, “The exhibition came first, then the book came and was developed alongside it. The movie came on at a point when I realized there were certain things in the book that I could develop into a more emotional experience through film — it was a way to bring the characters to life.” In a sense, this statement from Greenfield describes not only her thought process as a photographer and producer for “Generation Wealth” but for “Girl Culture” and even her other films and books. Lauren Greenfield is emotionally connected to all of her work which is what leads her to keep building on these projects.

In “Girl Culture” Greenfield shows us how women of all ages are affected by the presence of beauty standards, the male gaze, and other stereotypes in an American society. In a photograph from this collection “Sara [Ziff], 19, walks down the street, New York, New York” the subject, Sara, is seen like in the title simply walking down the street in New York, as three men who seem to be construction workers all stare at her. This photograph really creates a feeling of disgust with the fact that men are constantly giving women unwanted attention, a woman cannot simply walk down the street without getting harassed or getting uncomfortable stares. This is a sad reality that Lauren Greenfield highlights in this documentary. Another photograph from this collection, “Alli, Annie, Hannah, and Berit, all 13, Before the First Big Party of the Seventh Grade, Edina, Minnesota” depicts 4 subjects wearing slightly formal dresses with their hair and makeup done, for which one could assume the 7th grade party. A previous photo from this collection shows 3 of these 4 subjects in the process of doing their hair and makeup in the bathroom mirror. These two photos seem to highlight the pressure for women to look “presentable” starting at a young age. “Girl Culture” allows the viewer to really feel how body image, materialism, social standards, clothing and fashion trends play a role in the lives of her subjects, and it is highly relatable to many women in America. According to Vice, Lauren Greenfield said, “I was, however, thinking about my chronic teenage dieting, my gravitation toward good-looking and thin friends for as long as I can remember, and the importance of clothes and status symbols in the highly materialistic, image-oriented Los Angeles milieu in which I grew up."

Using a Canon DSLR, Lauren Greenfield perfectly captures the bright colors, the glitz and glamor of the super wealthy, in “Generation Wealth”. In a photo from this collection, “Ilona at home with her daughter, Michelle, 4, Moscow, 2012”, the subject is seen walking through a very spacious and luxurious hallway in her home with her daughter, who is riding around on a toy horse. The subject is wearing a bright blue sweater stating “I’m a luxury”. That statement alone really speaks volume on the lives that some of these people live, it seems so out of reach and so unavailable. It almost feels like they are the luxury, that they are able to live this way out of luck. In another photograph from this collection, Lauren Greenfield uses her camera to photograph herself in the mirror inside of the bathroom in one of her wealthy subject’s home. Greenfield is depicting herself as sort of a fish out of water. The main color that we throughout this whole documentary is gold, it seems casual to the subjects.

Similar to “Girl Culture”, “Generation Wealth” shows the viewer how material items and fashion play such a huge role in the subject’s lives. While “Girl Culture” zooms in on women in the United States. On the contrast, “Generation Wealth” was documented across the world, in China, Russia, but also North America. “Girl Culture” is relatable to the masses, Greenfield shows us a direct look into the minds of so many women in America and what they go through because of society’s standards. “Generation Wealth” may not be as relatable but is so fascinating to observe and feel like you’re there in the homes of the rich. Overall, Lauren Greenfield shows us what’s real in the lives of her subjects, her work is thought provoking and extremely influential when it comes to photography and film.

Sources:

GENERATION WEALTH by Lauren Greenfield | International Center of Photography. (n.d.). https://www.icp.org/exhibitions/generation-wealth-by-lauren-greenfield

Lauren Greenfield’s “Generation Wealth” Exposes A Nation of Wannabes. (2022, June 22). Burnaway. https://burnaway.org/daily/lauren-greenfield-generation-wealth/

Schindel, D., & Schindel, D. (2019b, November 4). The Photographer Holding Up a Mirror to the Super-Rich. Hyperallergic. https://hyperallergic.com/423383/lauren-greenfield-generation-wealth-sundance-documentary/

Furman, A. (2016, October 27). Looks Like Teen Spirit: Intimate Portraits of 90s American Girlhood. Vice.com. https://www.vice.com/en/article/kzeay3/lauren-greenfield-girl-culture-90s-photos

Annenberg Space for Photography. (2018, February 2). Lauren Greenfield - Annenberg Space for Photography. https://www.annenbergphotospace.org/person/lauren-greenfield/

Lauren Greenfield - Artists - Fahey Klein Gallery. (n.d.). http://www.faheykleingallery.com/artists/lauren-greenfield/series/girl-culture?view=slider#4