Gangnam Style Costume

David Lo Pan Style

2012-10-24T13:55:00.001-07:00

Apparently, John Carpenter gets asked a lot of questions about doing a Big Trouble in Little China sequel; a cult classic movie made in 1987. I wouldn't mind a reboot at all. It was cheesy then, but just think of how crazy it would be if they cast James Hong as the bad guy again?

*Keeping fingers crossed, but is ultimately let down that they'd probably cast a non-Asian actor*

At this year’s Screamfest in LA, Carpenter was asked yet again about the movie. Instead of doing a Big Trouble Q&A, Carpenter presented this amazing “Gangnam Style” parody, called "David Lo Pan Style."

Yes, I know. If you have to sit through another Gangnam Style parody, you’re liable to tear the place apart. Especially if you haven’t seen Big Trouble in Little China, this probably won't make a bit of sense.

For the rest of us nerds that grew up in the 80's, you're in for a treat. There's a cameo from original Lo Pan—the legendary James Hong! I KNOW! EPIC!

Not familiar with the guy? When Hollywood needs a old Asian guy who can pull off the accent AND be intelligible, they go to James Hong. He does a lot of bit parts now, but I like the fact his voice is so awesome that he does a ton of voice acting.

Notable voices: Po's Father from Kung Fu Panda

Daolon wong from Jackie Chan Adventures.

One of my fav shows was Avatar: The Last Airbender. Yeah, he's done that too. Not a monumental role, but the fact he's associated with such an awesome show just makes me like both more. They're greater than the sum of their awesomeness now!

Check out the video below.

International Playboys don't know they're in the Gangnam Style zone

2012-10-23T15:40:00.001-07:00

A friend emailed me this today. It's a page out of this October's Playboy regarding the attire of modern; yet wealthy; playboys.

In this case it's Lapo Elkann, a New York-born Italian entrepreneur, former marketing manager. He has been manager of brand promotion at Fiat Automobiles like the re-release of the 500 and is currently president of LA Holding, Italia Independent and Independent Ideas.

So he's good at marketing and at the same time oblivious to the fact of who he's dressed like. Well those independent ideas are doing wonders for him.

Before Gangnam Style: K-Pop

2012-10-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

Before there was Psy on the Eastern seaboard and the Gangnam Style craze, there was Korea's music machine. They were the glitzy, fashionable and corporate grown artists that the Western world only hopes to raise in farm fields one day.

Never saw so many members of a group. It's like trying to capture all social types within a demographic. I don't think the Western world could withstand such an onslaught of corporate owned artists.

Here's a really good mash up of 30 K-Pop songs. Listen to some of the melodies and you'll hear "samples" that other Western songs have inexplicably duplicated. Mostly raps which is disturbing in itself.

Tracklist:
Wonder Girls (원더걸스) - 2 Different Tears
2NE1 - 날따라해봐요 (Try To Follow Me)
Big Bang (빅뱅) - Lollipop part. 2
ss501 - Love Ya
F.Cuz - No One
2AM - 잘못했어 (I Did Wrong)
U-KISS (유키스) - 빙글 빙글 (Round and Round)
f(x) - NU ABO
KARA (카라) - 루팡- (Lupin)
Girls' Generation (소녀시대) - Oh!
4minute - HuH
C.N. Blue - 외톨이야 (I'm A Loner)
After School - Bang!
2PM - Without You
Girls' Generation (소녀시대) - Run Devil Run
KARA (카라) - We're With You
SISTAR - Push
Seo In Gook (서인국) - Love U
MBLAQ - Y
BEAST - Shock
Lee Jung Hyun (이정현) - 수상한 남자 (Suspicious Man)
Gummy (거미) - 사랑은 없다 (There Is No Love)
Davichi (다비치) - 시간아 멈춰라 (Time Please Stop)
T-ara - 내가 너무 아파 (I'm Really Hurt)
Lee Hyori (이효리) - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Super Junior - 미인아 (BONAMANA)
ZE:A - 하루종일 (All Day Long)
Secret - Magic
Rain - Hip Song
CN Blue (비) - Love

Lyrics:
Two thousand and ten
Two thousand and ten
(Yeah. yeah) Guess who's back
You already know what it is
If you ain't know, now you know (uh huh)
Here we go once again
You know how we do it
Baby you~
Lemme show you something
Let's go

Sister
Round halo
Round oh!
Round and round (eh eh)
Round girl
Round a-ha
Round and round (Doooo~)
Round crazy
Round why
Round and round boy
Round love
Round girl
Round

Every day I love you
Every night I run
I'm sorry, please come back to my side
Every day I bounce bounce
Every night I bang bang
I am gonna be famous
From now on be tough ladies
Pure love, f(x)

Baby you, baby I might take you higher
Damn it oh oh oh
No one no one no one one
Baby you, baby I might take you higher
Say yeah ah ah ah
bang bang bang bang bang bang

Ha ha ha, rock tonight
La la la, magic
La la la, be ok
La la la, what should I do sister?

Round ah
Round shh!
Round and round love
Round push
Round boy
Round and round hurt
Round round like
Round and round i'm back
Round after
Round chitty chitty
Round (ah)

Somebody bump bump bump
Somebody love love love
Why make this to me, make me cry?
Every day I bounce bounce
Every night I bang bang
I wanna be on magazine
Everything in my way in ma scene
Baby you turn it up

Baby you, baby I might take you higher
Damn it oh oh oh
No one no one no one one
Baby you, baby I might take you higher
Mellow ah ah ah
bang bang bang bang bang bang

Bang bang bang mystery
Boom boom boom mazik
Ah ah ah let's secret secret time (let's go)

Fine, breaking up is better
This was going to happen between us anyway
You were going to do this anyway
Why do I still feel this way
When I know there's nothing left to say
Because of it I lose you, girl in the mirror

Bringing it to you daily, it's only from the best
After School, Play Girlz know how to get fresh
So cool, so right, just so tasty
We bring it fast forward, the fellas go crazy

There's only two of us under the colorful lights
A new story, Lollipop 2
My style is more thrilling than sweet
I got you

Every day I love you
Every night I run
I'm sorry, please come back to my side
Every day I bounce bounce
Every night I bang bang
Round and round
Hope you'll step to me, step to me
Round and round

Round halo
Round oh!
Round and round girl
Round after
Round f(x)
Round and round boy
Round love
Round girl
Round magic
(One) not without you, yeah
We're out!

Gangnam Style: HyunA Version

2012-10-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

After promising fans of a second version of “GANGNAM STYLE” Psys unleashed “Oppa Is Just My Style / Gangnam Style – HyunA version” featuring Korean Pop singer HyunA from the group 4minute, a month after he released his original Gangnam Style upon the world.

It's basically the female version of the viral hit “Gangnam Style” and both feature PSY singing and dancing.

One problem: HyunA's voice. Like the original Gangnam Style, they were probably trying to go for something humorous. HyunA's voice comes off as high pitched and squeaky.

In fact it grates on my ears. After the third chorus squeek, I could stand it no longer. Even PSY couldn't save the video. Which in itself is sad, because as bad as the singing was, the production value was through the roof. I'm like a moth drawn to flame when it comes to bright flashing lights.

While the voice was suppose to sound humorous and isn't supposed to be taken seriously, a lot more could have been done with this video. Honestly, if it was in a lower tone or more in a rap this video would probably have been the equivalent of a U.S. music video release; all sparkle and shine. PSY was awesome. In fact, the video was really good when I watched it while muted. All I had to do was imagine the original Gangnam Style song and things felt better.

Apparently, the horrible noise that emanated from HyunA is a "aegyo" high pitched squeaky voice that girls do a lot in Korea. Or Anime characters being smacked around. Not sure which.

I hope this is catching on, but I agree when people say that this is the Pikachu version of Gangnam Style. You know, without the awesomeness of Pokemon thrown into the mix.

Gangnam Style Makes Anyone Look Good

2012-10-14T22:17:00.001-07:00

Honestly, this is pretty awesome way to spend a night.

So the day after the Zombie Walk, I went to a Zom-B-Con to support a friend running the event for charity. It included events for the whole family, ranging from Cutest Little Zombie prizes to Best Survival Team.

Lots of brain shaped cupcakes with blood made by Boarder City Cakes. Yum!

To top it off, the all ages portion of the events were held at The Villains' Bistro. I have to say, the place is off the charts for all your fictional villain needs. I love the framed pictures of all the known villains of the fantasy world, ranging from The Grinch to the old lady in the Goonies. *I forget her name and I'm lazy with Google today. Thhhhhpppt! :P*

Captain Hindgrinder, the Zombie in Charge of the event got me kitted out with weapons and ammo. He called me a PSY-Vivor. *rimshot*

Aside from all that, my pictures have been slowly making their way to me. Each day I get a few more people tagging their Zombie PSY pics that they took of me. "Hey! I know that guy!" then blam! Another fan is tracked. I hope I get pics of me as PSY of the Dead from people soon. I'd love to see how they turned out.

Admit it. This is an epic shot. Bane was born in darkness, but PSY wears shades anyways.

Zombie Gangnam Style

2012-10-12T23:02:00.000-07:00

Wow.

Simply wow!

I got dressed up to go to a zombie walk that happened in Windsor, Ontario this October 12, 2012.

First I got make up applied and then I got into my official Gangnam Style costume and buttoned up.

Loki from Loki's Wardrobe on Etsy was kind enough to give me her prototype Gangnam Style Blue Jacket. This jacket goes back to August when she first started making these costume jackets. It was absolutely awesome that she parted with it. It has a proper lining with interfacing in this jacket, but she didn't like the way this prototype turned out. So I found a purpose for it. Covered in Zombie Gore! From my previous pictures you can tell how much more improved and awesome her current jackets are.

So here I am, a Zombie PSY. Living Dead Gangnam Style. I found an old white dress shirt and then I layered an old grey shirt underneath to fight off the cold. Hey, we're living in Cananda. Of course we know about battling the cold. Winter is coming!

So there was a space of TWO hours where I was asked to pose and dance. Yes, I felt like a circus monkey. "Dance Monkey! Dance!" Everyone and I mean EVERYONE wanted a picture with me.

I took something out of popular culture and I made it ever BETTER!

Thank goodness I had a cheap, throw away Gangnam Style jacket. You can't do this with an overly expensive coat - marked up 100% in price and called 'classy'.

"You are awesome!"
"That is epic!'
"I love you!" times 5, people actually said this.
"Your video is awesome!" times 10!
"You look exactly like him." Which I'm not quite sure because I was Zombie PSY, but meh! I'll take it.
"Hey Gangnam Style!'
From passing cars, "Heeeeeeeey, Sexy Lady!"

Too bad I'm overweight, that and I smoke. I was out of breath from dancing all night doing the Gangnam Style dances and poses. My calves actually hurt.

Even people who weren't part of the zombie walk took pictures of me. This one guy found me at five different locations and demanded photos of me with him in various poses. Seriously? Five times?

For a while I had everyone calling for me. "Hey PSY! Over here! Look over here!"

There has got to be a minimum of a thousand pictures which are going to be posted on Facebook and blogger tonight because of me. That doesn't even count the videos of me dancing with various zombies!

I like the idea that I took a good idea and ran with it. I admit, I let it go to my head. Loki had lots of fun running around with me and taking photos on top of the thousands people took of me.

"Ehhhhhhhhhhhrgh.... Sexy..... Laaaaady!" said in a creepy zombie voice.

This one kid who wasn't even part of the zombie walk was all, "PSY! It's PSY! OMG! PSY!"

Hey, it was a lot of fun. This doesn't even cover all the photos I took when I went into the night clubs for the After-Zombie-Walk parties that were happening.

I even horse trotted through a scary fun house and none of the ghouls even bothered trying to scare me. HAH! Zombie PSY is the ultimate anti-scare costume.

Here are a few more pictures of me below. If you surf online, you'll find even more of me one various peoples blogs and facebook pages.

***Note: Now that I've done this, expect to see a lot of imitators trying to hock their goods at their Gangnam Style stores with Zombie PSY. I did this previously going to clubs just to immortalize the experience, but quickly people clutched at my good ideas with their undead hands*

So what should you pay for a costume?

2012-10-06T23:33:00.002-07:00

What should you pay for a costume? Not much really. The average price at the costume store for any jacket is $50.00 minimum. Then there are the pre-packaged costumes. They'll range from $90.00 to $150.00. Yikes! These are for generic costumes. But that's for mass produced stuff where they have warehouses full of these things; like Sexy This-n-That Costumes by the Genre. What about the hot ticket costumes? Are those really expensive? What about Gangnam Style Costumes?!

If you already haven't had the chance yet, use a search engine and shop around. Don't just settle for the first thing you see. Make an informed purchase. Even Loki's Wardrobe refers people to other websites for their Gangnam Style apparel. Loki's availability to make hand made Gangnam Style Blue jackets went fast and sold out, but it doesn't mean that they need to string people along. Incidentally, check out www.gogangnam.com if you're still looking for a Gangnam Style costume. Their website is pretty original and and compared to other sites, won't charge you an arm and a leg for mass produced clothing. Also the color of the jacket looks close to what Loki uses at least. It's definitely not an overly-bright, neon blue, hidden by shadowy pictures.

It's like Miracle on 34th street. Santa takes the time to tell parents to go to 'other' stores to find the toys their children want. Santa doesn't shill out just because he's working at Macy's. So why should any other Gangnam Style costume maker? If you're out, you're out. Help people out and be a decent human being.

So if you search enough on Google, you'll find articles on how to make a Gangnam Style costume for $15.00, or put one together from the store for $30.00. That is simply awesome! Shop around and find what's best for you. Just don't get suckered by big claims. Honestly, it's common sense to think before you purchase.

Ever watch an infomercial? The kind where an obviously paid actor says something "honest" and "candid" with the viewing audience?

"But I know what I'm talking about. I visited Gangnam once."

Good for you. The song is a satire on pompous attitudes and ideals found in Gangnam. Hence, "Gangnam Style".

In all honesty, I believe that with cheap, no lining, one time wear Halloween costume, and the combination of being an awesome human being, that anyone can pull off the real Gangnam Style.

Wait... What's the real Gangnam Style? Here's two articles that explain it better than I do.

Gangnam Style Dissected

Gangnam Style Social Commentary

It's about appearances, right? It's not the clothes that make the man. The man makes the clothes. Does PSY look like your typical music industry robot? Then why should you? Add your own flair. Make it rock and call it your own!

Besides, do you really want to be suckered into buying a costume for an extra $60.00 on top of the regular price for $2.00 worth in lining? It's a costume! Wear it once or wear it until it wears down. Don't be constricted from enjoying a full on Gangnam Style good time because you're worried about staining a new overpriced jacket. That's the satirical message that PSY makes in Gangnam Style!

Charging extra and calling it "classy" is honestly a bit much considering it goes with cheap plastic sunglasses. Nice try though.

So get out there, get dirty. Get spilled on, get other people's make up on it. Get it ripped up dancing the night away.

Have a good time and enjoy Halloween!

Gangnam Style Trumps Swag

2012-10-05T02:13:00.000-07:00

Remember all those crappy swag pics out there?

Yes. Those are the memes and adverts that annoy me yet make me want to click on links to see if they've been lynched yet. *Eye twitch!*

So don't associate Gangnam Style with swag. It feels like Gangnam Style gets sullied being associated with the word. It's like YOLO. Just as mindless and annoying. At least Gangnam Style is just plain silly and cartoon like. Because that's what PSY is. He's like a cartoon character. Have you seen all the awesome cover art he has? I some of his stage performances, you can even see caricatures of PSY as Superman, a Mermaid, or even a romantic Fabio type.

PSY doesn't take himself seriously. Gangnam Style doesn't even take itself seriously.

Here's the way I look at it: Posers use "swag" like it's the new age "je ne sais quoi." but are too lazy to say it. Some kind of intangible coolness that only they can purchase with their allowance and no one else can. They also use "YOLO" as an excuse to do stupid things that may get them killed. "Man, I got so much swag drinking my greygoose and driving really fast. #YOLO" I don't think I'm the only one hoping that survival of the fittest kicks in.

Remember: Gangnam Style beats swag everyday.

Gangnam Style Hipsters

2012-10-05T00:10:00.000-07:00

If it's not the dance moves or the video people are talking about, it's about when they saw it first.

That's right. Hipsters everywhere are arguing who was first to be exposed to the awesome rays of Gangnam Style first, but what will that prove?

"Oh, I used to listen to Gangnam Style, but now it's so mainstream."

Please. Really?

Then there are the tales of those that go out of their way to show their friends, co-workers or schoolmates Gangnam Style only to be made fun of. "No, we listen to real music, nerd." Only for a week later for them to post on some social media nonsense. "OMG! This is muh favoritest songs evah! I knew about it weeks ago!"

It fills me with a mixture of annoyance and mirth. Mirth that people never change and annoyance as I'm faced with the thought, "Maybe I'm just as sheepish as they are?"

Naaaah. I was listening to K-Pop already. This wasn't new to me. I'll admit though, I'm a sheep in my own way. I already have my PSY costume and so do a lot of other people!

Gangnam Style Bow Tie

2012-10-04T23:48:00.001-07:00

So let's examine the choices of bow ties out there to go with the Gangnam Style Costume.

PSY wears two types of bow ties in his Gangnam Style music video.

Black Bow Tie

White Bow Tie

Whether the bow tie is black or white, it is obviously a classic bow tie. One that requires a bow tie knot to wear.

How can I tell? Well he's obviously wearing it down around his neck in sequences during the video.

Loose black bow tie while screaming at butts!

There's a variety of styles out there for the Gangnam Style costume, but at this point, I'm going to have to go with the class bow tie.

Why wouldn't I choose from other varieties?

Snap on metal clasp bow tie: It falls off and I'm not noticing, my costume is ruined until I find another one

Velcro bow tie: If I undo it and let it hang around my neck, it'll be unbalanced. Again it'll fall off. Remember: Gravity.

Elastic bow tie: Ever had a bow tie pulled on you really far and then let go of? Don't remember that as a child? Then lucky you! It hurts. Especially if it's one of those heavy crumpled pieces of fabric, shot at your throat like a sling shot. Oh, it'll hit it's mark and it... Will... Hurt!

Tuxedo T-Shirt bow tie: Up to you really. I prefer a little bit more authenticity.

Overall: If I want to transition from PSY in the Blue Tuxedo jacket to Screaming-Yet-Relaxed-Look PSY, I'm going to have to go with the classic bow tie and knot. Then I'll be able to let it hand and get that bit of authenticity I'm looking for.

So that means that I have to...

1) Get my hands on a classic cut bow tie

2) Learn how to tie a bow tie knot

3) Profit!

Learning how to tie a bow tie at first was frustrating. I expected instant results to go with my outfit to make it complete. Here's the image I learned it from.

This image drove me nuts. It was rather annoying because my neck it huuuuuge. *Incidentally, my cranium is massive.* The tie I got from the suit store wasn't the right size for me! Whaaaaaaaaat? I figured that out on the third try as I realized I was going to choke myself if I didn't cease.

So my friend at Loki's Wardobe (Found on Etsy) made me the correct sized tie. Really? A size 20? Yikes! I better stop going to Korean BBQ so often.

So I finally got the bow tie knot done proper. Awesome! Here's a video below to help you tie a classic bow tie knot. Learn from my mistakes!

Remember to fit the middle of your bow tie so it's not all messed up when you're done. It gives it that clean look.

So to everyone, find what's best for you and what you're comfortable with. As long as you enjoy yourself this Halloween and have fun the Gangnam Style way!

Also, Bow Ties are COOL!

Pics of me in my Gangnam Style Costume

2012-09-22T00:25:00.002-07:00

Where did I get my Gangnam Style Costume?

If you're wondering where I got my sweet threads, I got them at my friend's Etsy store. You get find it at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LokisWardrobe

She's got the coat, the bow tie and she'll even throw in the sunglasses that you see me wearing. Yeah, she's got me modelling them and you know what? I feel really good wearing this outfit.

Gangnam Style Image

2012-09-22T00:17:00.001-07:00

The Image

Psy is not the best looking dude. He wasn't endowed with handsome chiselled looks or pretty boy flair. He's 35 years old, short, and round. While the body type doesn't conform to the industry standard for commercial appeal; not even for South Korea if you've ever seen their boy band videos; people still love Psy exactly the way he is. It's even in the lyrics of Gangnam Style. He might not be physically built, but he is socially buff and full of personality.

As an Asian male, living in the Western world, I completely identify with this body type. While sometimes I feel that it holds me back, I have no excuses after watching this awesome video of Gangnam Style.

Yes, I got the blue tuxedo, the bow tie AND the sunglasses altogether in a single package from http://www.etsy.com/shop/LokisWardrobe

You should check it out while supplies last. She hand crafts the jacket and bow ties.

Gangnam Style Reaction

2012-09-22T00:11:00.002-07:00

The world has fallen completely in love with Psy and his hit single, Gangnam Style.

The South Korean rapper who's been in the business for a decade has exploded onto the scene and is making up for some lost time.

This time, the whole world will hear his message, whether they entirely understand it or not. That's the beauty of Gangnam Style. Psy is breaking down the language barrier that most musical artists hit. Something that might be a hit in the U.S. might do well in Canada, but might not translate well into another language, say Russian.

Meanwhile, there's Psy. He's created such a catchy beat, coupled with outlandish dance moves and colorful imagery, that it translate well across the board. You don't need to understand the words to know that it's high energy. You don't have to get the meaning or the subtle satirical overtones in this musical piece. You just got to bob your head and grin.

Even in the behind the scenes footage of Psy, in making the Gangnam Style video shows him having the time of his life. He did things because it was fun or plain funny to him. He was living in the now and it translated well.

The song has made it to No.1 in the US iTunes Top Songs chart, andin 18 other countries including Canada, Argentina, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Lithuania, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Remember to get your Gangnam Style costume at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LokisWardrobe

If you haven't seen the video yet, check it out below

Gangnam Style Costume

2012-09-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

Which Gangnam Style Costume is the best? Which one should you get?

The dance moves, the video and the wardrobe has captivated audiences from around the world. People who have recently joined the Gangnam Style bandwagon have found a green t-shirt that resembles Psy’s outfit during his debut on the “Today Show”. They think that slapping on a green tuxedo t-shirt just any old pair of sunglasses will do for the Gangnam Style.

That's not going to cut it. Anyone can get their hands on a tuxedo or a t-shirt, but it's not what exemplifies the video. It's simply not the signature outfit.

Yes, Psy wears a number of outfits in the video, but the one that has bled into the collective consciousness of everyone who's been exposed to the video is the one and only. The Blue Suit.

Me in my sweet blue tuxedo jacket made my Loki's Wardrobe

The Gangnam Style Halloween Costume

It's blue, it's true, it's the signature jacket that everyone will see and shout, "Gangnam Style!" Then bust out the dance moves as you walk down the street. Forget the party store jacket that barely fits, or the costume jacket that has electrical tape all over it. Don't overpay for something that looked ridiculous before you even get it modified. What you want is the cool, the smooth, properly sized signature blue tuxedo jacket.

Baby blue is the bold choice, but that's the Gangnam Style way. This tuxedo jacket is trimmed in a darker color around the lapel and faux flap packets. The outline lends to the comic-book appeal to this ensemble and it's perfect for all your action packed dancing needs.

Look like a hero. Dance like a hero.

I admit, I am an absolute fan of the song and video. So I went to one of my friends who had the know-how, and she made me the exact Gangnam Style Blue Tuxedo Jacket. Yeah, it's ever so sweet.

I actually went out to a club and everyone I met went nuts over it. It's weird when everyone runs up to you and starts to do the Gangnam Style Dance. People bought me shots. I had my picture taken A LOT! And I have to say, some of this attention I got was not bad at all. I won't mind doing this again next weekend.

You can get the exact coat I have at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LokisWardrobe

Yep. It's handmade and not a single person was giving slave wages to make it. Loki's Wardrobe at Etsy is a friend of mine, I admit. But she does some sweet work and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Some of the things online boasting about their jackets won't even show you the real thing. They'll just show you pictures of PSY and let you imagine what you'll get.

S if you go over to the Loki's Wardrobe shop, you won't be disappointed. She'll even throw in a proper bow tie. Yeah. I actually had to learn how to tie a proper bow tie knot.

For those that order early on, there are some sweet sunglasses that get tossed in there for free.

"Bow Ties are cool!"