Lindsay L Miller

Marina Abramovic's Idea of a Dinner Party

lindsay — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:08:45 -0600

Last night, Marina Abramovic transformed the already typically transformative MOCA annual gala, testing her audience with a strange play on objectification and the human body that put many of those in attendance visibly on edge. Marina required every guest — no matter the Chanel gown or tuxedo tailored just for the occasion — to don a white lab coat before entering the tent where dinner was to be served. Inside, they were confronted by tables that were adorned by either A) a naked man or women lying prone on a sort of high-tech, constantly spinning lazy susan while being smothered underneath a skeleton, or B) a rectangular table festooned with two human heads that poked up and out from the tabletops, expressionless but still blinking, gazing blankly out on the crowd. (Will Ferrell's reaction when he came face-to-face with one of his unexpected dinner companions was pretty priceless.) For dessert? An anatomically correct cake in the form and size of a human body. The surgical undertones and references to the Other were clear in Abramovic's confrontational but playful "experiment," but beyond the plainly visible portion of the art, what was more interesting to me is the influence of the work that cannot be completely seen. While I didn't stay for the completion of Marina's performance piece, since I hadn't shelled out for a seat at the dinner, I didn't witness the full unfolding of this strange trial of viewer vs. viewed. Clearly, there were the obvious themes of examination and objectification suggested by the lab coats, disembodied heads, and bodies on display. However, I would have loved to see how the presence of two unknown observers at each table impacted the behavior and conversation of the guests. It's also impossible to believe that Marina wasn't also poking at least a bit of fun at the gala's well-heeled guests, many of whom found themselves having paid $2,500 for the privilege of eating dinner alongside a faceful of unkempt genitals. (Nope. No Brazilian waxes here, folks.) But there was a darker element to the effort. After all, Marina pointed out in a recent LA Times article, "we are creating a vulnerable position with respect to the performers. You could do anything — you could take the fork and stab it in their heads." Luckily last night's event included no random acts of violence, that I know of, but the possibility created a certain tension that permeated the evening. Who really had the upper hand in the situation, though? The guests, who could have easily manhandled their disembodied dinner guests? Or the performers, whose silent observation completely shifted the behavior and experience of the ticketholders? Dita von Teese perhaps said it best with a Tweet from inside the festivities, writing: "A favorite quote of mine: 'this must be art, because it sure ain't entertainment'. -Pogo"

well heeled, with a sense of humor

lindsay — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:07:32 -0500

Coco Chanel may have warned: "Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door." But what about transforming a shoe into a purse? For Azumi and David, the latter endeavor was decidedly a success. The married duo behind the Coco Heel Clutch Bag have created all sorts of wacky, wearable projects since joining forces at Central St. Martins in 2003, including temporary tattoos that mimic watches and necklaces that double as fanny packs. Clearly, this iteration is a cheeky take on the classic quilted Chanel, and it also feels timely given the surrealist tone so many of the Spring shows riffed on. Not to mention—like it or not—the currently trendy kitten heel.What I like about this purse is that it's both a little silly and inarguably stylish. (Also, I'd like to invite any woman who owns one out for a round of drinks.) The design is even counter-intuitively functional; the arch of the "shoe" is a perfectly cozy spot for the palm of your hand. Now that's a clutch that's truly a step ahead. (Har har.)image via Purse Blog

lookin sharp

lindsay — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:12:08 -0600

Aoi Kotsuhiroi's wow-inducing rings provided my first introduction to the French designer's wares. They were dark, talon-esque pieces that incorporated human hair, tiny porcelain skulls, and delicate threads of silk. Creations that looked suspiciously like something that had once been alive, but was no longer. Or, like the jewelry embodiment of Poe's "The Raven."So it seems a natural progression that Aoi would apply her devotion to that clawlike, organic silhouette to creating a pair of truly killer heels. Her new, one-of-a-kind "foot objects," which she gave the name Exotic Regrets, are sexual, precarious, and basically belong on a pedestal in a museum. Made from lacquered cherry tree, they feature a seven-inch heel and—when paired with lamb leather thigh highs—generally make it very hard to understand why Aoi refers to these latest sculptures as a "work in progress."

amsterdam good

lindsay — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:58:43 -0600

I've never paid much attention to Amsterdam Fashion Week, which—let's be honest—probably doesn't make me too out of the ordinary among average Americans. But this weekend, I stumbled upon some of the designers from the most recent batch of runway shows. BAM. I was instantly and especially taken with the work of Elsien Gringhuis. Elsien, who is Dutch, graduated from design school in 2008, and has been busy racking up awards and accolades in her native land ever since. Not surprising. She's got a knack for judiciously applied, extra-bold hits of color and for putting a feminine twist on minimalism. Elsien's latest collection, sort of wistfully titled "One of These Days," was presented during the last week of January. And is outstanding. It included sharp pops of grass green against white. Utilitarian looks that bucked the military trend in favor of the more hospital-esque. External shoulder pads that felt less contrived and costume-like than potentially protective on a safari or in space. (Or a safari in space.) Don't get me wrong; I usually hate the term "wearable" for all the sweats-clad schlumping it connotes, but these clothes are the very best version of the word. In fact, I may even cross it off my black list. all images via Elsien Gringhuis

cup size

lindsay — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 20:40:57 -0500

This is just the kind of highly amusing image that can make my Monday. It's by Janiss Tsipoulanis, a Parisian photographer who has a wicked sense of humor and a real talent for transforming people through the lens. (After all, it takes a little magic to make a Victoria's Secret model seem somehow edgy.) image via Yay! Everyday