Costin M.

Lana Del Rey - Born to Die Album Review

2012-02-02T23:58:00.000+02:00

Lana Del Rey came out of nowhere and took over the music scene in a very short period of time. Some love her and others love to hate her, but the fact of the matter is the singer's a force to be reckoned with!
The first thing one notices is her extraordinary image, she has a strong presence that tells a story - and that's a big plus for everyone that's being put under a spotlight, you have to get a message across in the shortest amount of time possible.
For some reason, I can't help but feel that Lana fills a part of the music industry that's been missing. She has that cool, indie feel., yet she's just the right amount of commercial pop, I think there really hasn't been anyone quite like her up until now.
Yes, her marketing techniques have been criticized, her persona was questioned, but isn't everything fair these days? Truthfully all that did was create an unprecedented (?) hype surrounding a debut album.

Now, hype can be just as hazardous as it is rewarding: if the album isn't up to par, then it's definitely not the best start of a career. So, what's the verdict?

Having listened to the album, I must admit I'm incredibly impressed. It's been on my playlist for quite a while - very addicting! "Born to Die" is probably one of the best debut albums I've heard in a long time, it's the perfect amount of range.
The songs fit Lana's persona perfectly and give a great first impression. Had she went for something with a wider range, it could have seemed messy, so ultimately I think it was a great choice to go for a more cohesive feel.
In terms of genre and melody, there are definitely some influences that stand out, some of which Lana admits to have drawn inspiration from. For me, there's a bit of Amy, a bit of Britney, a little bit of this and that in every tune, but it's by no means overpowering or distracting. The lyrics are also impressive and clever, I think they give depth and meaning to the tracks.
Ultimately, "Born to Die" is a great mix of original, catchy and powerful songs that will surely get you hooked!

Born to Die 4.5/5

Off to the Races 4/5

Blue Jeans 5/5

Video Games 4.5/5

Diet Mountain Dew 5/5

National Anthem 3.5/5

Dark Paradise 4.5/5

Radio 4.5/5

Carmen 3/5

Million Dollar Man 3.5/5

Summertime Sadness 5/5

This Is What Makes Us Girls 5/5

Without You 4.5/5

Lolita 3.5/5

Lucky Ones 4.5/5

All Ready for the Super Bowl! David Beckham Bodywear Video

2012-02-01T22:37:00.000+02:00

David Beckham's new bodywear line is something to get excited about - not only is this supposed to be the first in a long-term collaboration between the athlete's design team and H&M, but it also shows that the brand is paying attention to it's menswear items (unfortunately not many others do the same).
H&M just released a commercial set to air during the 2nd quarter of the Super Bowl, where Beckham is wearing items from his collection.
Here's the ad, as well as a behind the scenes video:

On the Run! Diego S for WWD

2012-01-30T23:04:00.000+02:00

The last few days I've been on the run, since finals have started; that got me thinking a bit about this amazing editorial, shot by Rodolfo Martinez for WWD.
Great fit is crucial when it comes to suits, and Diego S looks great styled by WWD fashion editor Alex Badia in Gucci, Dior Homme and Burberry - leave it to these brands to deliver incredible garments that never disappoint!

Say Hello to a Touch of Yellow!

2012-01-29T21:30:00.000+02:00

Today's inspiration post comes from one of the hottest colors right now, and that's yellow. True, I have cheated a bit and added a whole lot of different shades, from gold to neon/lime-ish, but the photos were so incredibly cool... how could I not?

Color has been a major part of most runway shows the past few seasons and quite frankly I can't believe how much the pop-of-color trend has grown on me!

Take a look at some amazing inspirational photos next:

If you're looking for more inspiration, don't forget to check out costinm.tumblr.com

Things Are Heating Up | Guess by Marciano S/S2012

2012-01-27T23:49:00.000+02:00

While it may be the middle of winter - and snowing for the last couple of days, might I add - Guess by Marciano releases a very hot spring/summer campaign that'll for sure warm you up!
Shot by Hunter & Gatti, the 2012 campaign features models Heidi Lindgren, Klara Wester and Eugen Bauder. The collection, in one word: amazing! I just love all of the fabrics, the color choices (been obsessed with tangerine for quite some time), the prints, the designs, quite frankly everything about it!
Is it just me or are you also craving a swim under the summer sun? Check out more amazing photos, as well as a stunning video next:

Kristen Bell Hates You!

2012-01-26T01:26:00.001+02:00

Kristen Bell is one of the most stunningly beautiful actresses in my opinion. But she is just as straight forward as she is gorgeous.
In her recent interview with Mui-Hai Chu for Flaunt magazine, Kristen showed she's not afraid to say what she really thinks without sugar coding anything. Looks like the actress really manages to bring out her sexy side! ...not that that would be a hard thing to do.
Read about what Kirsten had to say and take a look at some more amazing photos shot by Steven Gomillion and Dennis Leupold, as well as a making-of video next:

"I would like to be called on my bullshit. [...] I stopped chasing perfection in every definition of the word. In career, in vanity, in anywhere I could apply it. I think perfection is unrealistic and unattainable, and I felt freed when I let myself be who I am. Like, I’m gonna order red velvet pancakes. Life is fucking short and these are delicious."

“We’re hillbillies at heart, and I’m not f–king ashamed of that. You tend to always be prepared for the end. Even if you get out. So, I always assume my career’s going to end tomorrow, you know what I mean? We’re very frugal.” - Kristen on her and her fiance, Dax Shepard

"I do interviews like this where I talk about myself for two hours, and it’s f–king nauseating to me. You know what I mean?" - Kristen on promoting her projects
Painfully honest, right? Read the full interview on flaunt.com

Chad White | Cool + Stylish for Sheer Magazine

2012-01-25T20:05:00.000+02:00

I was so used to Chad White's buzz cut that I barely recognized him in this Sheer Magazine photoshoot, he looks so different.
The amazing photos were taken by photographer Ruggero Mengoni and I have to say that I really like the styling choices for the shoot as well - toned down with a pop of color.
Check out all of the photos next:

Lana Del Rey Ain't No Sunshine

2012-01-24T23:34:00.007+02:00

Love her or hate her, Lana Del Ray is a force to be reckoned with! The 25-year-old singer covers the February/March issue of Complex magazine.
Even though I was waiting for Lana's album to come out before writing more about her, I have to admit I found the photography for Complex to be stunningly beautiful and I just had to share!
The photographer, Glynis Selina Arban, definitely deserves a round of applause for a job well done, as does Brad Wete, who wrote an amazing article:

She was born Elizabeth Grant, a small-town girl from Lake Placid, New York. The oldest of three, she sang in church as a child, in the choir during high school, and dropped out of Fordham University as a teen to pursue a career in music.

“If you consider the definition of authenticity, it’s saying something and actually doing it. I write my own songs. I made my own videos. I pick my producers. Nothing goes out without my permission. It’s all authentic.” - Lana Del Ray

“When I found somebody who I fell in love with, it made me feel different than I felt the rest of the day. It was electrifying. That’s what inspired the ‘Off to the Races’ melodies. That’s one of the times when you’re feeling electrified by someone else and they make you happy to be alive.”

photo/quotes via complex

I Am Awesome | Simon Nessman for H&M Urban Scene

2012-01-24T14:58:00.002+02:00

Canadian model Simon Nessman does a subway station photoshoot for H&M. Featuring clothes from the brand's Spring/Summer collection, the shoot is all about bright, vibrant colors that fit in a strong urban vibe.
It's times like these that I find it ridiculous we're not allowed to take photos in the subway stations of Bucharest.
Check out all of the photos next:

Patterning for Piggy | Project Runway All Stars S01E03 [Review]

2012-01-23T20:11:00.000+02:00

Angela Lindvall is a human Barbie; I actually think she is doing a great job as the host of All Stars - Heidi Klum has some competition! That's pretty much the only thing I liked about the latest episode of Project Runway.

I'm not saying this because I didn't appreciate the designs, but because it was a challenge that just couldn't have a good outcome. The task: designing for an international celebrity - Miss Piggy. Now, I do get the objective was to see how everyone incorporates their own style into the garments and I know there was a season where the designers had to create a Barbie doll outfit, but however, this challenge was doomed from the very beginning.

There simply was no way any of them could pull this one off, because Miss Piggy's figure and a runway model's figure are two completely different things. When designing, proportion is key, so, in my opinion, what would look stunning on the runway would not be as fabulous on miss Piggy and vice versa.

The designers quickly split up into two categories: the ones using black fabrics and the ones that chose pink. I have absolutely no clue what the ones that selected black were thinking. Cocktail dress appropriate - yes. Miss Piggy appropriate - no.

I think this was actually a great opportunity to go all out and create something larger than life - perhaps Chris March would've shined in this challenge had he been a part of All Stars. There was no limit, really, to how far the contestants could push their designs. However, I do feel that 1day challenges are a poor choice, since it is simply not enough time to create something that has that wow-factor.

On another note, I'm glad to see prison hasn't changed Kenley, who created a very girly, giraffe print dress. She was part of the top three, along with Rami who also went for pink and Michael. The bottom three I had mixed feelings about, because I think many of them had good ideas, and had they been tweaked a bit they could have worked. For example, Mila had great inspiration, and I loved her dress, but for miss Piggy, I think maybe inverting the colors or perhaps using a pink/sparkly fabric (although cheesy) would've been better.
Gordana also created something very pretty, but again, keeping in mind that they were designing for Piggy, she could have given the dress 100% more volume and shorten it to the limit. As for Austin, I fear there was no saving his design; besides the not so good color combination, the only moment in Project Runway history when adding something to the hips was a great choice was during the car parts challenge back in season 5. Remember Leanne's dress? Needless to say, I disagree with the judges.

Let's just hope the next episode will make up for this one. It's definitely been a bumpy ride with these first episodes.

Song of the Day: Lana Del Rey | Blue Jeans

2012-01-20T22:18:00.000+02:00

Lana Del Rey, although just becoming a part of the mainstream music industry, is already generating a lot of buzz. Truthfully, I believe it's a general consent that she brings something different to the scene, and has a great persona, perhaps more than most artist; she is easy to remember and her songs are definitely very good.
However seeing her perform live (on SNL) was incredibly disappointing, while she did look stunning for head to toe, nothing could conceal her emotions, the vocals were all over the place and it was all just a bit too awkard. I must say I haven't seen something like that since Britney Spears' comeback at the 2007VMAs. So I wonder, is Lana del Rey another manufactured artist, is she really not ready for a major record label or will she get better over time?
That being said, I do like her songs, it's just that perhaps I would've liked a bit more stage presence to make these mixed feelings go away. I leave you with one of Lana's songs, Blue Jeans - it's one of my favorites, and I will most likely review her album, Born to Die, which is going to be released by the end of January.

Inspiring Artwork by Carne Griffiths

2012-01-19T21:30:00.000+02:00

A while ago I discovered a very talented artist from the UK - Carne Griffiths. I find his work visually stunning and - of course - inspiring, the techniques he uses are absolutely amazing. Here's a short bio:
Carne Griffiths’ artwork is born from a love of drawing and the journey of creating an image on the page. Working primarily with calligraphy ink, graphite and liquids, such as tea brandy, vodka and whisky he draws and then manipulates the drawn line. After graduating from Maidstone college of art Carne served an apprenticeship and worked as a gold wire embroidery designer for 12 years, hence floral pattern, repetition and flow play a large part in his work.
I leave you with some of Carne's amazing creations:

Carne’s images explore both human and floral forms, figuratively and in an abstract sense. He is fascinated by the flow of line and the ‘invisible lines’ that connect us to the natural world. These may be considered lines of energy or spiritual connections between ourselves and our surroundings and his work is often an emotional response to images and situations encountered in daily life.

These daily images are recorded in a dream like sense onto the page where physical boundaries are no longer important. Carne’s work takes us on a journey of escapism, often focusing on scenes of awe and wonderment, they offer a sense of abandonment to the artist and to the viewer an invitation to share and explore this inner realm.

Day #4 | Best of Milan Menswear Fashion Week F/W 2012-2013

2012-01-18T01:00:00.000+02:00

Milan Fashion Week wrapped up today with the last runway shows. It's been great seeing all of the designers' creations hit the runways, I think it was definitely an amazing few days.
What I really enjoyed seeing today was Ports 1961's whole vibe, as an architect, I have to say all black is an unspoken uniform - absolutely loved it! Dsquared2 had a pretty cool back-to-school inspired collection, Diesel Black Gold displayed a great use of fabrics and the color choices from Enrico Coveri were fantastic, but I do think the womenswear looks sort of outshied the men's.
Check out some of my favorite looks from the runways next:

Dsquared2

Ports 1961

Diesel Black Gold

Enrico Coveri

Taste.IT | The Boys of MFW by Luca Finotti

2012-01-17T19:48:00.001+02:00

Today's unfortunately the last day of Milan Menswear Fashion Week. Gotta say I was incredibly impressed by the runway shows that took place, but those weren't the only thing going on the last few days. Besides a great deal of backstage photos, a lot of other projects took place.
Luca Finotti shot the top models that walked the runway in super slow-motion, for a models.com film called Taste.IT - such a cool concept!
Take a look at the video next:

Day #3 | Best of Milan Menswear Fashion Week F/W 2012-2013

2012-01-17T00:52:00.000+02:00

The third day of Milan Fashion Week proved to be just as amazing as the previous two, with collections that managed to elevate menswear to a complete new level in my opinion. However one in particular managed to knock it out of the park and that was John Richmond.

I found Richmond's blend of casual and elegant incredibly well executed, and everything about the collection was pure perfection. I would go as far as saying it's my favorite runway show this season, because it truly encompassed everything one could imagine, it showed range while still telling the same story, and every single piece from the collection is a must-have.

Elegance was a key word in today's runway shows, where luxurious fabrics and intricate patterns played an important role - Z Zegna, Gucci, Canali, are all perfectly good examples of that.

I did like the craziness that was Versace, you all know how much I love Donatella and her creative mind!

Take a look at my favorite looks from the runways next (and yes, there will be lots and lots of John Richmond!):

Dirk Bikkembergs Sport Couture

John Richmond

Gucci

Etro

Z Zegna

Canali

Versace

Day #2 | Best of Milan Menswear Fashion Week F/W 2012-2013

2012-01-16T01:28:00.000+02:00

Today Hell froze over at Milan Fashion Week! Why? Because Vivienne Westwood wanted it to. The designer chose a pretty fun and unique touch for the models' hair and make-up; gotta admit it made it a bit hard to concentrate on the clothes with all the icicles. However I did love the collection.
Bottega Veneta went pretty futuristic with it's collection, which had modern cuts, plus lots and lots of asymmetry.
Have to say I really liked the Emporio Armani runway show as well, it had some iconic pieces and the color choices were fantastic!
Ermanno Scervino - very youthful and fun, great styling.
I had the hardest time trying to pick looks from Salvatore Ferragamo, it was such a strong collection, everything looked perfect, and the stars of the runway were the coats in my opinion. I would've totally stolen them from the runway, haha.
Here are my favorite looks from day 2 :

Vivienne Westwood

Bottega Veneta

Emporio Armani

Ermanno Scervino

Missoni

Salvatore Ferragamo

A Night at the Opera | Project Runway All Stars S01E02 [Review]

2012-01-15T16:00:00.000+02:00

After a somewhat flat season premiere, Project Runway All Stars picks up the pace with it’s second episode. While the fan favorite unconventional materials challenge showcased nothing extraordinary, the second challenge managed to turn things around, as the designers had to create a high end glamorous look for a night at the opera.
The guest judges, designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka, encouraged the contestants to design something feminine and soft, something worthy of being called couture. However, creating couture in a day - the time given for this challenge – is nothing less than blasphemy!
Having this incredible time constrait, it’s definitely make or break for the designers, and while some of them thrived, others crumbled under the pressure.
In the battle for fabrics, Michael and April once again bump heads, and Michael ends up going for black jersey instead of red. Turns out to be a very smart choice, as I think his design looked stunning in black, and red would’ve just been overkill. Seriously, I have no clue how he managed to get everything done in just one day, because the dress looked runway-perfect; definitely my favorite look of the week.

The other two top looks of the week were Austin and Anthony’s. Understandably so, as both had amazing silhouettes, fabrics and concepts and went great with the theme. But while Austin did win the challenge, I do have to disagree, as I found the dress a bit dated rather than classic.
On the other hand, it was no surprise who the bottom 3 designers were. The theme was „a night at the opera” and those designs were anything but.
April did have an amazing concept, had she pulled it off it would’ve been amazing, because she can construct amazing things, but under the time constraits, had her model walked out in slow motion, it would've looked exactly like the opening scene from Melancholia.
Sweet P and Kara were the other two bottom designers, both their dresses looking like something you’d wear to a picnic rather than the opera. But while there was a glimpse of hope for Kara’s design – I think smart styling choices can save her design – there was none for Sweet P, and the judges agreed, making her the second eliminanted All Star.

What was your favorite design this week? For me it was definitely Michael, but Mila also amazed me with her stunning black dress. If you haven't watched the episode, you can still check out all of the designs on mylifetime.com
Not sure how I feel about the next episode, when the guest star will be Miss Piggy. Seems a bit too gimmicky for an All Star season if you ask me. Am I the only one who still has mixed feelings about the show?

Day #1 | Best of Milan Menswear Fashion Week F/W 2012-2013

2012-01-15T00:14:00.001+02:00

I was so, so excited about Milan Fashion Week ever since I've read the schedule. However I was not expecting to be blown away from the first day - have to say I'm really impressed by the designs that walked the runway, it looks like Fall/Winter 2012-2013 will be an amazing season for menswear!

Things kicked off with a wonderful collection from Corneliani, which was all about modern designs, with a color palette that I must say I absolutely loved: black, navy and all possible shades of gray.

Dolce&Gabbana impressed me with this season's Baroque inspired collection, it was a visual delight that created a world of it's own!
I was so surprised when I watched the Ermenegildo Zegna runway show, I feel it was a very strong collection, every single look was perfection and made me want to have it in my closet. Usually I don't believe in wearing looks exactly how they are presented on the runway, but this collection made me reconsider that.

Christopher Bailey - although my honest thought was that the Burberry Prorsum line started out a bit rough, with some color choices I wasn't such a big fan of, it definitely turned things around and brought the brand's amazing look.
Frankie Morello... so outrageous! So wrong that it's right! I have to say that I was not expecting to be into this collection so much, but it really shined on the runway, figuratively and literally. The opening look made my jaw drop (and so did the last one, you'll have to watch the video) - the studded coat was amazing. It was great seeing the journey from a very urban, rock type of clothing to something so ethnic in the runway show.
I leave you with my favorite looks from today's runways, enjoy:

Corneliani

Dolce&Gabbana

Ermenegildo Zegna

Burberry Prorsum

Frankie Morello

David Beckham Bodywear Collection for H&M

2012-01-13T21:30:00.000+02:00

David Beckham's eagerly anticipated collaboration with H&M is just days away from being released. I have to say I quite like the collection, it is simple, modern and very H&M!
The collection will be launched this February (it'll make great Valentine's Day gifts, I'm sure!) and will be the first in a long term partnership between David and H&M, new products being released seasonally.

“The first collection introduces nine underwear styles for men [...] Designed by David’s in-house team and sold exclusively at H&M, the focus is on fit, function, comfort and design, avoiding overt branding to present a range of new classics, comprising of briefs, boxers, vests, T-shirts, pyjamas and long johns. The result of eighteen months of research and development, the collection aims to set a new standard in men’s bodywear for the 21st century. Available from February 2, 2012 in 1,800 H&M stores worldwide as well as on-line.”
I think it's great H&M is giving more attention to menswear lines. What are your thoughts on Beckham's collection? Check out more campaign photos below:

Ashley Greene Rocks NYC Photoshoot | DKNY S/S12

2012-01-11T22:13:00.000+02:00

There's really no need to introduce Ashley Greene, as I'm sure you all know her from her role as Alice on The Twilight Saga. The actress was part of an amazing New York City rooftop photoshoot for DKNY Spring/Summer 2012, alongside male models Garrett Neff, Corey Baptiste and Jamie Wise. The campaign was shot by Inez & Vinoodh.
Check out the photos next, and take a look at the DKNY Jeans campaign, including a couple of awesome campaign videos, below:

Out for a Ride | Rafael Lazzini for Unit Magazine Brazil

2012-01-10T22:26:00.000+02:00

Photographer Fabiano Pedrollo shoots a great editorial for Unit Magazine Brazil that is both urban and edgy. Modelling clothes from ZARA and Topman is one of the most well known brazilian male models - Rafael Lazzini.
Check out more photos below:

Updated Classics | Garrett Neff and Reid Prebenda for H&M

2012-01-07T23:48:00.000+02:00

H&M rolls out yet another wonderful campaign for Spring/Summer, and it's all about the classic pieces, but with an updated, modern twist.
Posing for the shots are Garrett Neff and Reid Prebenda. Gotta admit the looks are pretty cool, I think that I'll definitely try to incorporate this classic vibe into my own outfits come spring.
Take a look at more photos below:

Tobias Sorensen for Antony Morato S/S 2012

2012-01-06T21:30:00.000+02:00

Antony Morato always has amazing campaigns! The Spring Summer 2012 collection was shot by Joseph Cardo, and looks great in black&white. Modelling the clothes is none other than Danish top model Tobias Sorensen.
Take a look at all of the campaign photos next:

Sales Everywhere!

2012-01-04T23:11:00.005+02:00

Can't believe how fast this day's gone by! Well, perhaps it's because since I'm on vacation I've developed a habit of sleeping late - no complaints here, a few extra hours of sleep are more than welcome since finals are just a few weeks away, and I know this involves some sleepless night.
So after waking up I spent the biggest part of my day shopping, since every store has started their mid-season sales. Unfortunately, according to Murphy's law this means I'll never be able to find something my size for the rest of the season. That being said, I'm glad I bought the must-have pieces when they first came out (and even so, I had to search about 5 different stores until I found the right size - talking about my military inspired coat).
So, are there any items you'd like to purchase now that they're on sale?

photo via costinm.tumblr.com

Project Runway Goes All Out With All Stars Season!

2012-01-03T22:09:00.000+02:00

That's right, Project Runway is bringing back some of the biggest personalities from it's past 9 seasons. But fans of the show will definitely be in for a few surprises, as many changes have taken place for this special All-Stars season.
I'll admit, after a disappointing America's Next Top Model All-Stars season, I'm sort of reluctant to this idea. However, I do admit I'm excited about seeing some of my favorite designers return for a new chance to win, especially since the prize package is bigger than ever before. Prizes include an exclusive designer’s boutique in select Neiman Marcus stores and on NeimanMarcus.com, $100,000 dollars in technology and office space to help grow their business from HP and Intel, $100,000 cash from L’Oreal Paris, a feature spread in Marie Claire, for which he or she will serve as a guest editor for one year, and a sewing and embroidery studio provided by Brother International.
With such high stakes I can't wait to see the designers battling it out for first place! But who are the designers that'll return? Here's the list:

Kenley Collins ( Brooklyn , NY ) – Season Five, Second Runner-up

Michael Costello ( Palm Springs , CA ) – Season Eight, Fourth Place

Gordana Gehlhausen ( San Diego , CA ) – Season Six, Fourth Place

Mondo Guerra ( Denver , CO ) – Season Eight, Runner-up

Mila Hermanovski ( Los Angeles , CA ) – Season Seven, Second Runner-up

Kara Janx ( New York , NY ) – Season Two, Fourth Place

Elisa Jimenez ( New York , NY ) – Season Four, 10th Place

April Johnston ( Savannah , GA ) – Season Eight, Fifth Place

Rami Kashou ( Los Angeles , CA ) – Season Four, Runner-up

Austin Scarlett ( New York , NY ) – Season One, Fourth Place

Jerell Scott ( New York , NY ) – Season Five, Fourth Place

Sweet P/Kathleen Vaughn ( Pasadena , CA ) – Season Four, Fifth Place

Anthony Williams ( Atlanta , GA ) – Season Seven, Fifth Place

I'll admit, I've always been Kenley's number one fan, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed, hoping she'll be in the competition for as long as possible. Like I've said before, some of the biggest personalities in the show's history will be back this season, and for sure the talent level will be pretty high! I know I'll be watching the series premiere, which airs on Lifetime on January 5th.

However, while the designers will be back, some people will not. For the first time ever, the show will not be hosted by Heidi Klum, none of the usual judges will be back this season and neither will Tim Gunn.

This season will be hosted by supermodel Angela Lindvall, and the judging panel will be composed of

Isaac Mizrahi and Georgina Chapman. The designer's new mentor will be Marie Claire's Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles.
So, what are you thinking about all of these changes? I'm sure things will be quite different this season! What are the designers you're looking forward to seeing, and are there any others you wished would've come back?

info via bpr