#sequin sculpture

[breeyn]

I've wanted to do a crow skull for a while, I'm pleased I finally got to

[longlistshort]

Last year Tampa Museum of Art installed work by fashion designer Naeem Khan, including the two pieces above,  Floating Flowers Fuchsia and Gold and Floating Flowers Pink and Silver.

From the museum about the work-

As part of its ongoing exhibition series exploring the intersection of art and fashion, the Tampa Museum of Art presents a series of paintings by globally renowned fashion designer Naeem Khan. Khan works independently, as well collaboratively with artist Stanley Casselman as the collective KACE, to create large-scale works inspired by his ongoing exploration of flora, light, and color. Five monumental works, comprised of paint and sequins represent Khan’s inaugural museum exhibition.

The Khan Family, steeped in the tradition of fashion and textiles for over 100 years, is renowned for their atelier in Mumbai and their luxurious couture worn by luminaries and India’s royalty. Khan arrived in New York at the age of 17, travelling to the United States with his father. A business appointment with Halston changed the course of his life as the famed designer decided on the spot that Khan would be his protégé. With Halston as his mentor, Khan became immersed in Manhattan’s art and social circles. From the atelier to Studio 54 and Andy Warhol’s Factory, Khan emerged as a designer at a pivotal moment in the 1970s where the lines between art, fashion, music, film, and celebrity were often blurred, further signifying New York City as the epicenter of creativity.

While working with Halston, Khan met Andy Warhol who frequently collaborated with Halston on his projects. Khan participated in their collaborations by drawing the flowers for their designs, specifically poppies. Warhol, like Halston, took Khan under his wing and once told the young designer, “You shouldn’t hold your pencil that way. Let me show you how to draw.” Flowers, inspired by his work and friendship with Warhol as well as the flora in his home country of India, anchor Khan’s visual language. In 2020, painter Stanley Casselman introduced himself to Khan at one of his fashion shows and was immediately struck by the beauty and power of the designer’s work. Casselman observed that Khan’s designs could be translated into painting. Conversations lead to collaboration and today the two artists work both individually and together under the name KACE. Works, such as Jardin Chrome and Jardin d’Or, feature Khan’s elaborate sequined blooms in concert with Casselman’s gestural paint strokes. The compositions reveal the signature elements of each artists’ practice. Here, Khan’s ornate craftsmanship and Casselman’s abstract mark making unite in dazzling effect.

Khan’s solo works, Floating Flowers Pink and Silver and Floating Flowers Fuchsia and Gold, nod to his familial history with fabric, color, composition, and texture while pushing the boundaries of contemporary painting. Each flower is comprised of hundreds of sequins and beads. Delicately sewn onto silkscreen material, Khan suspends the panels one over the other, creating a sculptural quality to the paintings. Fabricated in a range of petal formations and size, Khan’s blossoms both capture and reflect light. As if suspended in space, the flowers come to life, symbolizing Khan’s creative past and his burgeoning artistic future.

[millionmovieproject]

Am I doing this right?? I'm an artist, by the way.

[kr1g]

Dragon...

[kykyonthemoon]

Moonlit

You're on the mission to approach a target at a banquet, and that's all it takes to drive him crazy.

🌻 Rafayel/Xavier/Zayne x F!Reader See Caleb and Sylus's parts here: Full Moon Tags: R16+, suggestive theme, MDNI, possessive, marking and biting, no established relationship This is a request by Xuanlinhh. A/N: This is my first time trying out something like this for L&D, as I don't usually write fic with suggestive theme. So I'm curious to know how I've done with this fic. Feedbacks are always appreciated. After so many titles, I decided to choose "Moonlit", since the moon represents illusion, fear, hidden things. These are the scenarios where he shows another color of his to you. Thus, in all three scenes, there are moonlight all over the place.

Masterlist

Request a fic

𝑹𝒂𝒇𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒍

Your eyes widened when you saw the dress draped over your cotton blanket. It was long past the ankles, the shoulders were slightly bulging and hanging down to reveal the collarbone. The dress consisted of many layers of pastel pink and purple. In the afternoon sunlight, the sequins and pearls attached to it seemed to shine.

“Does he really want me to wear this?” It was a murmur to yourself. The dress was too exquisite, too expensive, too... much at least in comparison to what you would often put in your wardrobe. You did not need to become a princess, just a normal evening dress to blend in and complete the task assigned to you.

Being ignorant about high society or lavish balls, you had asked Rafayel for help. You never expected him to send you such a gorgeous dress.

Indeed, as he predicted, you became the focus of the party as soon as you arrived there.

Each party guest had a mask. Yours arrived in the same color scheme as the dress and was encrusted with opulent pearls and jewels. You wondered why Rafayel was making you look quite distinct. However, you shouldn't have had any reason to doubt him at all when your target moved toward you on his own initiative.

The target of this mission was a high-class profile from another city. Even though you tried your best to focus on the mission, you still wondered if Rafayel came here, or just his work.

The banquet area was adorned with paintings by Rafayel, so it was hard to look at them and not think about him. Had he made it in yet? Would he abandon you here, trapped in a conversation with a stranger?

Using the skill of pretended intimacy in order to obtain information was something you had learned from your training courses. You put a hand on the target's, smiling and talking as if you were fascinated by him. After getting the information you needed, you made an excuse to leave, but it did not appear like things would finish so simply.

He grabbed your wrist and roughly pulled you back to your seat. You shouted, but the music and laughter drowned you out. You aimed at the middle of his face and was about to throw a punch, only to have an arm wrapped over your shoulder and holding your back.

“It seems like this lady doesn't want to be here anymore.”

You knew right away that voice, and that scent were as familiar as a field of wild roses. You turned around and saw Rafayel standing next to you. His hand held your shoulder to help you stand up. Suddenly your heart was filled with joy to see him.

Your target still refused to let go, but when he realized Rafayel's face was not covered by the mask, he knew that was someone he could not meddle with.

He said something to Rafayel in a foreign language and then walked away. You looked at Rafayel, grateful:

“Rafayel…”

Before you finished speaking, you were tugged out of the banquet room by him.

The quiet garden was awakened by the footsteps of two people. From behind, you couldn't see Rafayel's face, only his broad shoulders covered in a dark-colored tuxedo with sequins. You had the strange impression that he was furious. Perhaps it was his pressure that caused your wrist to get crimson. He guided you through a labyrinth of plants and stone sculptures.

“Rafayel.”

He only stopped when you called his name, but still did not turn to look at you. You stepped forward to observe him. You took a step forward to study him. A frown could be seen plainly on his forehead as his face pouted.

“Rafayel? What's the matter?"

His gaze grew gloomy. His hand holding yours tightened even more as he pulled it up to touch his cheek.

“…”

His abrupt movement confused you. He buried his face in your palm, took in a deep breath and gave you a bite.

“Rafayel!”

You let out a cry of surprise instead of agony since the bite was rather faint. He took advantage of your vulnerability to wrap his arms around you, forcing your body to touch his.

His lips placed on your palm a kiss where it had just been bitten, then slid down to your wrist. You made an unsuccessful attempt to flee. He gave you another glance, or rather studied every strand of lace and fabric of the garment that embraced your upper body.

“I made a terrible mistake sending this dress to you. Too graceful. Too desirable…”

The moon, round like a silver disk overhead, provided the sole light in the labyrinth. Rafayel continued to rub his face on your hand, his face appearing and disappearing in an instant.

“He touched you here…” Rafayel whispered. He kissed your wrist and palm again, fiercely like a storm.

“You… What are you doing?…”

Your heart beat was so incessant. It might have been an overdose of alcohol that caused your arms and legs to feel so weak. Rafayel let go of your hand, just to rub his head on your shoulder. His fingers sank into your hair, causing your mask to fall off. You caught his heavy breathing close to your ear, his breath caressing your uncovered neck and collarbone.

“What about here?”

Rafayel asked, then he bit your neck, causing your body to squirm in agony.

“N-No! Rafayel!”

You tried to push him away, but the more you resisted, the more Rafayel tightened his hold on you. His lips sucked into your ear.

"Here?"

“I… I was just talking to him… That's all!”

"Good." He said, leaving your neck covered in crimson kiss marks. Moist. Burning. Exposed under the moonlight. "You won't be touched by that filthy hand ever again. Not in the slightest... I promise it."

A crazy thought suddenly crossed your mind. You had never seen this side of Rafayel. It frightened you, and also invited you to explore further.

“What... are you going to do?…” You asked in a daze. With your head whirling, you sought to Rafayel's powerful arms for support.

“With him? You shouldn't be worried about that guy. What you should be worried about is the things that will happen to you right now.”

“Rafayel, you—!”

He nipped you on the neck, then planted another kiss where he could hear your nearly deranged heartbeat—deeper beneath your collarbone.

You took deep breaths. Rafayel straightened up and gazed down at you, euphoric in his arms. The bite marks and kiss marks were intertwined like a work of art he had left on you. Similar to the garment you were donning, they served as a reminder to others that you belonged to no one, but him.

𝑿𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒓

The melodious music led the couples back and forth according to a set pattern. Every step, every movement was perfectly planned. Only eyes were not so easily controlled.

Yes, you had been looking at that man in the white attire ever since the music started and you were escorted to the center. His hair as bright as starlight at night stood out in the ballroom. And no matter where he was, you would find him in a blink. Even with the silver mask covering half of his face.

And, he also looked at you. There was a hint of sorrow and a tinge of rage in his eyes. Did you delude yourself like that? Or was he really looking at you and wishing that the person each of you were guiding through music was the other?

Carelessly, your heel stepped on your partner's foot. You said in embarrassment:

“My apologies… How clumsy I am.”

The man said there was no problem, and you continued dancing. This was the target you must approach for the day's mission. You turned back to face Xavier. He was also leading another person in the dance. Another target.

Due to the importance of this mission, neither you nor Xavier must show any negligence. But in the midst of this lavish masquerade, what you wanted the most was to leap into Xavier's arms. You could dance until dawn, if it was with him.

You forced the stray ideas out of your mind. You needed to focus. Extremely. You turned back to your dance partner, who did not seem to notice anything unusual. You pulled him closer and your hand on his shoulder slid down slightly.

A grin came across his grim mask to greet you. You caught a glimpse of the other side, Xavier's face tightening. Almost at once, his dance partner intentionally fell into his arms.

Fortunately, you had a mask on as well. Otherwise, your unpleasant glance would be visible to everyone in this room, including him.

You leaned your head slightly on your partner's shoulder. But you still kept an eye on Xavier. He was also observing your every move. Every time the other girl became close to Xavier, you did the same thing to your dance partner. This was supposed to be a mission, but it ended up being such a ridiculous competition.

One more dance and you got what you needed from the target. You made up an excuse and sneaked out onto the balcony alone. The starry sky loomed above you, and the aroma of flowers and grass bathed in night dew calmed you down. You removed your mask and set it on the railing. At that moment, a powerful hand was wrapped around your waist and gently squeezed.

You were startled. But immediately, you realized that the hand belonged to Xavier. He was approaching you from behind. He approached you from behind. His breath, which carried the delicate aroma of wine and cinnamon, breathed into your hair, before gradually sliding down the back of your neck, sending you slight trembles.

“Xavier?…What are you doing?…”

The mask he was still wearing tapped against your bare back exposed to the moonlight, causing you to shiver. Gently, Xavier laid kisses on it.

“Xavier!…” Your body was slightly bent, but his hand on your abdomen held you up. His other hand was around your neck, stabilizing you in that posture. A series of hasty kisses covered your back and shoulders. You bit your lip, waiting for him to speak while silently relishing the heated sensation radiating from the places where his lips met.

A little later, the hand holding you eased somewhat. You took that opportunity to turn around to face Xavier.

You could tell, even through the mask, he was hurt. He did not say a word, just looked at you like a puppy abandoned in the rain. You let out a soft sigh, wrapped your arms over his head to remove the mask. You pressed your palm against his cheek.

“Why did you do what you just did…” Your cheeks flushed, and you were certain that your back was now coated with traces of his. Xavier drew you back into his arms, grasping your hips once more.

“This mission…” He paused for a moment. “It's really too much for me.”

“Don't you like it, dancing intimately with such a beautiful girl?”

The scene of him holding someone else in his arms was enough to upset you. But it went both ways to Xavier, who was not able to hold his feelings any longer. To your surprise, he lifted you up and placed you on the railing. You felt guilty for unintentionally triggering Xavier's fury.

"I don't enjoy it one bit." Xavier replied bluntly. “Because, there is only one girl I have my eyes on in this universe and she is right in front of me.” His chilly fingers moved from your hip to your shoulder, then your neck. “I don't want anyone else to touch her.”

Before you could say anything, Xavier clasped your lips in a passionate kiss, sending your head spinning.

“No one else… but me…” Xavier whispered in very short pauses, then buried himself again in your embrace and scorching kisses.

𝒁𝒂𝒚𝒏𝒆

The high society banquet in Linkon City was truly a remarkable event. You also prepared meticulously for that day, as your latest mission needed you to meet a target at that party.

You had done quite well during the first two hours of the event. You looked graceful in a luxurious, tight-fitting black velvet dress, with long sleeves and a thigh-high slit. You spoke, laughed, drank, and danced with your target, and everything went perfectly until you noticed a familiar figure standing in the corner of the room, observing.

The guests were all wearing masks, and from such a distance, you wondered whether you were wrong. He would dislike such events. But you couldn't shake the feeling that you were being watched, attentively, by someone you knew well.

After completing the mission, you sneaked out through the path least noticed. Your feet hurt from dancing too much in high heels. So you pulled them off and wandered barefoot across the calm garden at night. The dew-soaked grass made your feet chilly, but it also provided a soothing and delightful feeling.

You sat and settled by the fountain. You removed your mask and threw it on the grass next to the shoes. Your feet had begun to swell. You stretched them out, placed your hands on the fountain, and elevated your face, allowing the silver moonlight to beam down on you as you felt relaxed and relieved after finishing your work for the day.

The sound of shoes treading on the grass jolted you awake. When you opened your eyes, you saw a figure standing between you and the moonlight, clothed in a flawlessly fitting black tuxedo. That was who you had suspected all along.

“Zayne?”

You called his name, and he took off his mask.

“It's really you!” You exclaimed, happy and astonished. "I didn't think you would attend events like this."

Zayne's face hardened, indicating seriousness. He examined you thoroughly, from your somewhat unkempt hair to the garment that clung to your body, displaying your curves and the bare thigh beneath it. He gently leaned down, one knee resting on the grass. His chilly palm touched your ankle, startling you.

“Z-Zayne!”

He gave you a glance, implying that you should remain still. His large thumb brushed over the irritated skin on your leg. Cool and comfy, as if being iced. You knew it was Zayne using his Evol.

“Seeing me here, are you surprised?”

You nodded; all words had vanished once Zayne touched you.

“I was invited. If I hadn't come, I probably wouldn't have caught you doing—"

He left the sentence incomplete without glancing at you.

"Caught me doing what?"

"…Nothing."

He tilted down and focused on rubbing your feet with all the gentleness that made you feel both comfortable and tickled.

“I think… my foot is fine now.”

Despite the fact that Zayne's Evol should have kept you cold, your body began to heat up. You were about to alter your posture to sit up straight, but he grabbed your ankle.It appeared so little in his massive, covered in scars hands.

"Be still." He whispered quietly. "Where do you want to go with feet like this?"

"I… have to go back to HQs to report for today's mission…" You made up an excuse. As soon as you left the banquet room, you sent all of the information to the headquarters.

"Mission? Is that the reason why you were intimate with that guy?”

Zayne gazed into your eyes. His face did not exhibit much expression, but his eyes were perplexing. Could it be that he was uncomfortable when he noticed you being close to someone else at the party?

Having hit the nail on the head, you pushed forward. You slipped your bare foot forward until it reached his chest.

"Maybe. But that man was really interesting. He's a doctor, too. Strangely, I was more interested in speaking with him than with some other doctors I knew."

Zayne's expression worsened. His hand shifted from your ankle to your foot, gripping firmly.

"Don't mess with me."

A giggle escaped your so red lips. “Or else? What would Dr. Zayne do to me?”

Zayne frowned. He gazed at your foot, which was still on his body. He softly stroked it and said:

"You're drunk."

"It seems so." You laughed again. Your toes started moving purposely against Zayne's chest. He grabbed them and to your surprise, he placed a kiss on the middle of your feet.

“Zayne!?”

You were so bewildered that you almost fell into the fountain. Zayne grabbed your leg and swiftly positioned his other hand behind you to support your back. Suddenly being so close to each other sent you a panic attack. You sensed a fresh scent like snow and wood emanating from his body. The sound of your heart beating was so loud that he could hear it clearly without a stethoscope.

He glanced at you for a minute before carefully returning to his former posture. His hand left your body, leaving you a little dissatisfied. As if reading you, he leaned forward again. One hand clutched the base of the fountain, exactly near to your hip, and almost immediately, you heard the sound of the water freezing, followed by silence. His other hand kept your leg tight to his torso. Long fingers caressed your calf and thigh. You trembled at the cold he delivered, but it was promptly followed by a tingling sensation throughout your body.

"Do you really like talking to him more than me?"

Zayne asked quietly. The hand that was sliding down your thigh came to a halt at the end of the dress's slit and then tightened, prompting you to cry out unintentionally.

Seeing your helpless reaction and crimson cheeks, a satisfied smile appeared from the corner of Zayne's mouth.

“I guess what you mean to say is, no.”

"You…"

You could feel Zayne's heat wrapping around your legs, in the place where your skin was exposed to the moonlight, then running all over your body. You sat still so he could continue to draw close, his lips gently brushing the corner of your lips provocatively.

“Now you will have to bear the consequences for teasing me.”

[asidian]

Set breakdown time! Next up: Niko's room.

As before, I've circled the points of interest and numbered them to make them easier to talk about. Cool? Cool. Let's do this!

1: Niko's mom's name! This part is her and Niko's surname. The kanji are 佐々木.

佐 – sa, meaning help or aid

々 – an iteration mark. When you see this, basically it means "exactly what the last one said, one more time." So another sa meaning help or aid

木 – ki, meaning tree

It's really neat that they picked a last name for her that doubles down on her role in the narrative. Just like Niko is there to support and help other characters in whatever way they seem to need, her surname hammers it home by including 佐 not once but twice.

2: Riza (リザ) Niko's mother's given name. Somewhat odd here is that it's written in katakana and not kanji. Without getting sidetracked too much (you can pop over here to read more if you're interested) most Japanese people write their names in kanji.

Katakana seems like a bit of a strange choice here, unless a) Niko for some reason doesn't know the kanji for her own mother's name (weird, given that she's in high school) b) her mother is a foreigner (a possibility; foreigners usually write their names in katakana) c) the set designer/whoever prepped the letters didn't know the appropriate kanji for "Riza" (seems unlikely, given how accurate all the rest of this is) or d) some sort of personal habit. An interesting side note is that her letter to Niko also puts Niko's name in katakana.

3: Cutesy stationery, used for marking your place in a document or book

4: A cute blue purse!

5: Watermelon! Judging by the shiny material and placement near the other bag, I'm going to guess this is another purse

6: Niko's clothes :>

7: Pink luggage

8: Lots of instant noodles

9: A rice cooker

10: Rice vinegar

11: This girl LOVES her some plants

12: Probably food items…? The one on the right looks like it might be a five-pound bag of rice, but I don't recognize the brand

13: Lots of unwashed dishes

14: A toaster oven

15: Chopsticks

16: A cute octopus pillow. I think I saw someone mention that it's from Ikea :>

17: She often leaves dirty dishes sitting on the bedside table

18: A painting of what seems to be a skyscape

19: Brightly colored pillows

20: Metal art in the shape of a moon

21: A decorative window hanging

22: More plants :)

23: Candles

24: Her tv

25: Cute pens with pompoms on the end

26: Regular tape

27: A cute cat statue

28: Marble Pop Ramune, strawberry flavor. Ramune is a type of soda that's a popular festival drink in Japan. It's sealed with a  glass marble and you have to pop the marble down into the little catch basin before you can drink it.

29: Anime wall décor

30: Fruit jelly cups. In Japan, small gelatin based snacks like this are popular. They're tiny, about an inch tall, and you eat them in just one or two bites.

31: Niko's laptop. She has stickers on it

32: Washi tape! It's decorative Japanese tape, often with bright colors and patterns, used for crafting.

33: A lot of cute magnets, including the bunny one, which serves double-duty as a kitchen timer

34: Niko's grocery list. The only thing on here that's here because she wants it is strawberry ice cream. The rest of the items, licorice tea, manuka honey, and Epsom salts, are all natural remedies. She's been trouble-shooting how to get rid of the effects of the sprites. She knows she's sick, but not why

35: Cutesy craft supplies! Sequins, glitter, and pompoms

36: More washi tape!

37: Niko's manga collection. She is that particular brand of organizational mess that does not put her numbered volumes in order. She has made an exception for the series that makes a complete picture when you line them up, though

38: More plants :)

39: Manga posters! Issho is one of the series that she has on her shelf

40: A decorative jar

41: Little metal bird sculptures

42: What seems to be the only framed picture in her room. The angle is wrong to see what the photo is, but it's interesting that they added just one in here. Maybe it's her family…?

[bebemoon]

look for the name: ARCANGELICA

erté (i.e. romain de tirtoff) sequined gold lamé coat, c. 1930's

alexander mcqueen "angels and demons" sculptural golden heels, c. 2o1o

alexander mcqueen gilt metal pearl-studded headcage, a/w 2o13

kindred black "pure air" perfume oil

alighieri jewelry "the illuminating rise" hoop earrings in 24kt gold plate

[busstop]

Björk, by Viðar Logi for Vogue Scandinavia, 2024

Styled by Edda Gudmundsdottir.

Björk tweeted:

'i am so honoured to be wearing this margiela dress !!

i got super mushy at the fashion shoot when i slipped on the prosthetic hips , it seemed such a full circle since the mannequin margiela-pieces i was wearing in the early 90́ s.

so wonderful how galliano threw away both of his and margiela ́s luggage and tapped into both of their beginnings .

i could see silhouettes of 1920 rooftop jumping irma vep vampires merging with margiela ́s first bellmer inspired poupée moment with a dash of duchamp ...

but then brought truthfully into 2024 by being all AI zombie like . is perhaps even jimbo there !? i wish .... such a profound thing ! i am so honoured to have gotten to wear this garment . i wore margiela for my first debut cover ( tinyurl.com/bjork-margiela ) so it is sentimental to me .

i would like to thank the wonderful viðar logi for the photos

and a special shout out goes out to edda gudmundsdottir and james merry for being my fashion team for my cornucopia tour , the outfits are chosen by me , refined and perfected in their hands . i couldn ́t do it without them .

thanks to andrew gallimore and olivier schawalder and sverrir páll sverrisson

photographer: viðar logi

words: liam hess

stylist: edda gudmundsdottir

makeup artist: andrew gallimore

hair stylist: olivier schawalder

masks: james merry

manicurist: cam tran

set designer: sophear van

executive production: directors lab

local production: lotti projects

maison margiela artisanal designed by john galliano @Margiela

@voguescandi

a selection of photos for vogue scandinavia @voguescandi

photos: viðar logi

stylist: edda gudmundsdottir

masks: james merry

makeup: andrew gallimore

hair stylist: olivier schawalder

manicurist: cam tran

set designer: sophear van

assistant: sverrir páll sverrisson

executive production: directors lab

local production: lotti projects

portal dress: KWK by KAYKWOK @KayKwokFashion

bodysuit: thora stefansdottir

full outfit & quill: robert wun @RobertWun

ophrys ring: james merry

hand embroidered dragonfly in petri dish: rahul mishra @RahulMishra_7

black dress: henrik vibskov

"fascia" mask: james merry

lace bodysuit: sinèad gorey

shoes by jean paul gaultier haute couture by simone rocha @JPGaultier

sequin embrodiere sculptural top, knit flight suit and latex straytukay boots: rick owens @RICKOWENSONLINE

bodysuit: CRITTER

"ophrys" handmade ring: james merry

harp: camac harps @CamacHarps

[monbons]

Stitch Sunday

Big week friends! I made some serious progress on my CORB art this weekend. Since I can't post anything finished, here is another teaser of those same legs from last week... but this week they are even sexier (if that is possible).

So in love with how this doll turned out. It is part of a set, but I can't start the second doll until a visit to the fabric store. I need fabric with the tiniest paisley print possible. Or sequins. Also tiny. We'll see if I'm successful...

In other news, I started posting The Boy Next Door. I'm glad it is out in the world, even though it is nerve-wracking in a way no other fic has been (even the first one!). This is the first idea that is all mine from beginning to end---not a canon divergence or an AU of an existing work---so it feels very high-stakes. Just my brain playing with dolls, and y'all might not like what the dolls are doing, you know? Anyway, I am having all the feelings.

Since chapter 1 and chapter 2 were originally one chapter, there won't be a teaser of anything new today because I've already teased enough from Chapter 2 in the past. Instead, let me convince you to start reading it with another snip from Chapter 1 below the cut.

I wave and smile as broadly as I can. “I just moved in!” My neighbour impersonates a Greek sculpture and doesn’t stir at all, their pale skin only adding to the illusion. I think they can hear me. I’m being extremely loud. A single pane of glass is not a real sound barrier. I motion for them to open their window. For a moment, I think they will— they lean forward, their book all but forgotten as they stretch toward the latch. I try to take this opportunity to gather more clues, although my new observations are equally contradictory. They are not just slim but flat-chested with no hips in sight. But, they move the way they play violin, like liquid—all grace and finesse. Most boys I know are bumbling fools like me. I keep waving like an idiot as I hang out of my window. They reach out a hand and … shut the drapes. Again.

I'll try to find a new snip for WIP Wednesday. In the meantime, hellos and high-fives from the doll factory!

@thewholelemon, @bookish-bogwitch, @roomwithanopenfire, @cutestkilla, @raenestee

@iamamythologicalcreature, @emeryhall, @mooncello, @hushed-chorus, @rimeswithpurple

@artsyunderstudy, @aristocratic-otter, @arthurkko, @best--dress, @brilla-brilla-estrellita

@run-for-chamo-miles, @supercutedinosaurs, @whatevertheweather, @talentpiper11, @larkral

@shrekgogurt, @you-remind-me-of-the-babe, @youarenevertooold, @blackberrysummerblog, @messofthejess

@drowninginships, @valeffelees, @orange-peony, @facewithoutheart, @alexalexinii

@ic3-que3n, @skeedelvee, @fiend-for-culture, @beastmonstertitan, @melodysmash

@martsonmars, @katatsumuli, @comesitintheclover, @stitchyqueer, @erzbethluna

@ileadacharmedlife, @theimpossibledemon, @letraspal, @rbkzz

[elaine-of-shalott-blog]

Cheney Chan, Haute Couture, Wearable Sculpture Art. At the same time, the high-quality fabrics are carefully selected and integrated with exquisite crafts such as embroidery and sequins, making each piece of fashion as delicate and textured as a work of art. In terms of color and pattern, the series is inspired by the elements of nature. Through abstraction and deformation, the fashion is given a dreamy beauty, making people feel as if they are in the flowers, feeling the power of life and the harmony of nature.

[breeyn]

I’m raffling this piece off over on ig to raise funds for the community fridge in my neighbourhood. This is a rough time of year for homeless and low-income folks. Please check it out!

[lamaisongaga]

FASHION CREDITS: JAZZ & PIANO SHOW 4.0 PART II

Due to the first part being a tad too long, here is the second part of the fourth leg of Lady Gaga's Jazz & Piano residency stage looks styled by Tom Eerebout and Sandra Amador!

For June 30th, Lady Gaga brought out her bespoke Adrián Manceras silver crystal and intricate chain fringe mini dress which she debuted in Vegas back in February!

She‘s donning the white showgirl-inspired headdress with turkey feathers and Swarovski crystals by Arturo Rios!

Of course, she can't miss out on her custom pair of Laruicci crystal statement earrings...

...and her favorite Jimmy Choo metallic silver Anouk stiletto pumps.

The same night, Lady Gaga left tongues wagging as she entered the stage in a bespoke Michael Costello fuchsia pleated cape gown with bejeweled neck and matching belt.

One of her headpieces is the Astrea black crinoline birdcage mask with bow on top (£1,500) by London-based Turkish milliner Merve Bayindir.

The penultimate show, which took place on July 5th, saw Lady Gaga taking over the stage in a custom Michael Costello x Mother Plucker Feather Company red crystallized and plummeted V-neck silk caftan with bejeweled waist.

It was topped off with a custom Haus of Gaga red crystal-embellished domed headband.

My favorite look of the night was this dreamy turquoise-colored total sequin on tulle column dress from Alberta Ferretti's Resort 2024 collection which the Haus of Gaga customized by adding plush black velvet puff sleeves.

This look was completed with the Carrie Jenkinson Millinery Spring/Summer 2024 Valencia exploding feather fascinator (£579),…

...silver-tone mixed crystal flower linear drop earrings by I.N.C. International Concepts exclusively sold at Macy’s,...

… and the Cornelia James Melissa opera-length black velvet gloves (£160).

So grateful to finally introduce designer Pamella Roland to you!

Gaga chose her Pre-Fall 2024 silver sequined tulle cape gown with starburst embroidery ($5,995) which she got customized with grey ostrich feathers at the hem.

Roland’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection is a mesmerizing homage to "the timeless allure of Dutch floral still life paintings of the 17th century by such masters as Jan Bruegal the Elder & Rachel Ruysch. This season transforms into a canvas where light, shadow, and perspective dance harmoniously, echoing the captivating essence of those masterpieces. Pre-Fall’s, asymmetrical compositions and an enigmatic mood weave their way into the collection’s silhouettes, unveiling sculptural gowns adorned with cascading ruffles and sleeves that evoke the opulent abundance found in floral arrangements."

Her vintage 1993 Jose & Maria Barrera crystal necklace completed the look.

[gumballavocadoharry]

Afterparty; Brother Harry:

"Harry it's gonna be fine! We'll all be together why are you making such a big deal about this?!"

"Because Yn, those parties are very wild! Anything goes there: drinking, smoking, people having sex randomly with anyone.... the list is endless! I don't want you going and that's that!"

You stomped towards Harry, combatively, challenging his answer. "I'm 19 years old, I can go wherever I want!" You ran up the stairs, bracing yourself against his body as you brushed past it. You slammed your bedroom door, fuming over your brother's unfair arbitrary charge. It was the afterparty of one of Harry's charities he was going to. Harry decided to take you with him to expose you to the arts and naturalism of music. He assumed it might inspire some creativity inside you to push you off from the rebellious streak you had lately.

Your eyes went straight to the sequin dark midnight purple dress that you had picked out specifically for the afterparty after the charity event. Black pantyhose, black heels and this black diamond bracelet would all be an accessorized attire to your silver and black smokey makeup. But instead, stuck wearing this gaudy white dress with cherry blossoms painted on them like some 6th grader going to her first prom. Harry loved the dress of course- picking it out for you with matching white flats. The dress in your mind was pretty, but not your taste. But since Harry was paying, what choice did you have?

Time came for the charity where Harry sat in the back of the van coaching you on how to behave and act. Listening narrow-mindedly to his instructions while internally flickering over your plan of the night. This boring charity event would soon be over and basking in the glory of the elite afterparty with your friends would be the highlight of the evening.

The charity was filled with boring chatter from Harry's upscale friends who talked endlessly about the dull hanging pictures of fruit and parks that added nothing nor took away from the slinky sculptures of rubbish that were tabled across in every corner. You side-eyed Harry chatting with a bunch of his friends, occasionally looking to you, like he wanted you to join in with their much more mature conversation or rather it was just his way of supervising you to keep you from escaping this wasted building.

The car ride home was this thick tense of quiet. Harry shuddered to ask your opinion on the night out- knowing you could never give a generous answer. Rather, more focused on the afterparty- staring stale out the window, taking in the glints of stars from the night. Your phone clock read 12:36- a little after 12:30. For you, it would mean that start of a fresh night filled with the stench of vodka, faint smoke shadows peering out of the mouths of partyers who stood to the side, puffing their cigarettes in and out, and the shimmers of flashy dresses and suits from the dim lights and the blaring music.

The rush blitzed through you like blood through veins. Harry, staggered into house, suit jacket slinked over his shoulder, keys jiggling from the first joint of his finger. "Bedtime, Yn," You let out a scoff, shooting Harry a look, "I'm not tired," "Well, then I'm going to bed- you can watch TV or whatever...." Harry was too tired to even argue with you. You watched him slouch up the stairs; debility and render wading around in his eyes. A sick ping tip toed through your stomach; feeling awful with the way you had handled your well meaning older brother. But even that couldn't shake you from the wish of attending that party.

Changing into your party dress, you snuck out of the house quietly, called an Uber and made it into the party. The smell of every alcohol hit your nostrils all at once while the quivering stench of cigarettes stung your eyes. "Yn! Glad you could make it!" Nicole, one of your friends said, handing you a drink.

Three drinks in and already feeling a little dizzy, you thought maybe dancing would help balance things out. "Heyyyy theeerrre honey," You turned to see a guy- black hair, grey eyes and a 3 o'clock shadow smiling, "Um, hi,"

"Wanna danceeee?" Obviously drunk, you tried moving away from him, only for him to grab the fringe of your dress and lift it to expose part of your thigh. "Stop that!" You snapped, splashing the remainder of you drink in his face.

Feeling cold and alone, you checked the clock of your phone- 3:00. "Damn! I need to get home!" You pushed your way through the crowd to find Nicole, only to spot a tall man- black trench coat, quiffed curls and a raspy voice, echo your name through the party the best way he could over the loud music. "Yn! Yn! Where are you?!" The panic in his voice was evident, evident enough to spike a deep rush of regret and guilt through you.

Green eyes finally spotted you, fading in and out between the brush of partygoers. Catching you, Harry pulled you into this tight hug, sniffing your hair for alcohol smell. "Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!" You shook your head, tears brimming your eyes. Harry dragged you out of the party, giving Nicole this look- a look of controlled command that only older brothers could possess.

Out on the lawn, empty cups hit your ankles and the cracking sounds of smashed pieces of glass beer bottles crunched beneath your heels. You looked at Harry, stopped and tangled him into a big hug, "I'm sorry!" You sobbed. Your glassy eyes looked into his, "He touched me..... he grabbed my dress and pulled it up!" You quivered. You felt the warm touch of Harry's hand group the center of your back. "It'll be okay..... I'm here... you're safe now Yn,"

He didn't yell at you. He didn't even so much as give you a sour look or blanket his stare with wrath. He just cuddled you- into his arms like a warm fuzzy blanket. Harry twisted his hand into yours before walking off to the car. You didn't feel like this little girl hanging onto her brother for protection, instead, you felt like a young woman who simply needed help and it was now being sent to her.

And you never wanted to let go.

*I'm back everyone!!!! Ik I've been sick for awhile, but things will be running smoothly again now!!!!!!*

[angelosearch]

Favorite's meme!

I've been tagged by @cynic-view-ahead and so I must!!

I am really bad at picking favorites so the addendum to all of this is that these are my favorites as of right now, all time favorites is a whole different ball game.

Favorite painter: I actually don't know many painters by name, but I do really like Jane Wilson. Her impressionist landscapes are so beautiful, atmospheric, airy, sometimes haunting. But also, I love that she is an American woman doing big landscapes because the wall-sized landscape paintings in the US have always been dominated by men and she subverts that.

Favorite poet/writer: This is such a big question but I'm just going to say Tamsyn Muir and be done with it. I love The Locked Tomb Series! If I was going to try and describe the series I would say... a murder mystery in a post-apocalyptic society involving swashbuckling Necromancer lesbians... in space.

Favorite band: Hmmm, even just narrowing this one to right now only is hard! I've been listening to The Last Dinner Party, Mother Mother, and Cavetown on repeat lately. I am seeing Cold War Kids on Wednesday and The Rocket Summer (I went SUPER HARD for this band in high school) on the 17th. ABBA and Death Cab for Cutie are on permanent rotation!!

Bonus: A fictional band that will be featured in an upcoming chapter of Chaos Theory - Wimbly Donner and the Soldiers. There's three sentences about this band in my fic and I have two pages of headcanon about them.

Favorite meal & drink: I am very mood/situation dependent on my food choices. I am not picky in the sense that there's food I won't eat, but the vibe has to right for every meal. There is only one thing I can eat under any circumstance or time of day and back-to-back and that is a huge bowl of popcorn. Specifically, popcorn stovetop-popped using canola oil and white kernels. I top it only with salt. It was the first thing I could cook for myself and the only thing I could have for dinner for a while so my brain has just adapted to crave it 24/7. I like it warm, burnt, even stale. My favorite drink to pair it with is a smooth iced Americano. That sounds weird but the bitterness of the coffee highlights the sweet and saltiness of the popcorn!

Favorite outfit aesthetic/style: My favorite outfit is my causal Squall outfit (the Squoutfit)! But my style usually consists of bright colors, sequins/shiny things (Cher-core), busy patterns, and tons of accessories. I like playing with layering and trying to make myself look taller. I am a bigger person who is not always on good terms with my body but ironically I really like wearing crop tops. I just can't expose my biceps.

Favorite singer: Today it is Xana. I am OBSESSED with the song "Better Kind of Best Friend." Normally I do not listen to songs on a constant repeat but I'm probably pushing on listening to this one 30 times in the last 12 hours.

Favorite item you own: You mean other than my copy of Final Fantasy VIII? Hmm, it's a tough one. I just got a hot dog bookmark. And someone else gave me a glasses-cleaning cloth that looks like a hot dog. And then there is my hot dog sculpture. Probably one of those perfectly normal things to own.

Favorite perfume: I don't really do perfume these days because my husband is allergic but I have this mint and cinnamon soap that I absolutely adore. When it comes to fragrances, I generally like notes of lemon balm, flowers, cedar wood, rosemary, or vanilla, but I am very picky about how these scents are presented.

Tagging people I didn't get in my other tag game this evening: @gardengalwrites @redfoxline @sevlinop @thewillroar @mathiwrites

[cboffshore]

creative slump + urge to do SOMETHING + iDKHOW on shuffle = doing couture art on my phone

This was originally meant to just be a doodle (you can see how rough my croquis is lmao) but it quickly turned into... not that. I wouldn't say it's polished enough to be finished, but it's good enough to post. Some minor notes:

This was inspired pretty much entirely by the cover of GLOOM DIVISION, although the title lyric comes from "INFATUATION".

The background is just the blank, Dallon-free version I found someplace; the gown itself is inspired by the suit he's got on on the cover. The evening gown is covered in champagne sequins, with dip-dyed black hems and a sheer cape (also dip-dyed), plus lots of draped black chains and fringe to stand in for whatever the hell is dripping off the suit. I'm particularly fond of the neckpiece, styled after the kind of dress shirt collar Dallon poses in frequently (and on the cover of this album). The cuff on the asymmetrical sleeve carries the dress shirt shaping down a little further.

If I were to add more detail to this, I think I'd slap dangly chandelier-type black crystals onto the neckpiece and fringe to really play up the drip effect. Maybe add some earrings or a fun glove. I'd also do something cooler with the shoes - the sandals were, admittedly, a cop-out. I never quite know what to do with shoes. I still like them, and the rest of this dress is so flashy that I think the simplicity works. I think a loafer shape might be fun, though. With the geometric cover art, this could also be prime sculptural heel territory.

[ladykissingfish]

Sasori, coming into bedroom: Deidara? Have you seen my —

Sasori: Oh, God.

Deidara: What?

Sasori: Good Lord in Heaven, brat, what are you wearing??

Deidara: *looks down at his sweater* What’s wrong with it?

Sasori: The sequins? The huge pink cats? The lace? Not to mention it’s got to be at least five sizes too big for you! It’s hideous! Where did you get such a monstrosity?!

Deidara, quietly: Your grandmother sewed this for me, to thank me for that sculpture I made her, hm. You asshole.

Sasori:

Sasori: … it’s absolutely beautiful.