"The Virtual Reality of Code Lyoko"

"We all live everyday in virtual environments, defined by our ideas." - Michael Crichton



"Scanner, Transfer, Virtualization!" Bonjour! And welcome to the wonderful world of French animations! =] Now my last three posts have been on cartoons, I know, but they are just so darn interesting! >.<; I want to take the time to escape from reality and into the alternate universe of vivid characters and exhilarating action sequences. Now, France (particularly Paris) is known for it's trendy fashion an internationally known culinary cuisine. But, what really goes unnoticed is the face that, like most major countries, the French do make cartoons.

Now, when Code Lyoko first came on Miguzi (a line-up of popular cartoons that showed for a couple of hours during the afternoons on weekdays)on Cartoon Network, I wasn't really interested in watching it. It was actually one of my brothers that got me into the show. I actually took the time to watch one of the earlier episodes, and i've been hooked ever since.

Code Lyoko (originally called "Garage Kids") in France, focuses on the lives of 4 adolescents/teens (Jeremy Belpois, Odd Della Robbia, Yumi Ishiyama, and Ulrich Stern) at Kadic Academy, which is a French boarding school. Jeremy, the smartest of the group and a total computer whiz, finds a hidden underground cellar that houses a computer that is linked to virtual world called Lyoko. While trying to unlock the computer's components, he stumbles across a virtualized girl that is given the name Aelita, that is stuck in Lyoko and can't get out because that is basically her home. But, home isn't always so peaceful. A supercomputer virus that goes by the acronym, X.A.N.A. activates "towers" in Lyoko that affect the real world in which the kids live in, leaving them in a situation. In order to resolve the situation and fight against X.A.N.A., all 4 kids must travel into the virtual world of Lyoko as the people they wish to be, but can't be in reality (i.e., Odd is a cat, Yumi is a geisha, and Ulrich is a samurai warrior). There, they must not only protect themselves, but most importantly Aelita, from the evil minions that X.A.N.A. has released in the different environments of Lyoko. They must guide Aelita to safety each time so that she can "deactivate" the towers and save the real world from eminent doom.

I think that pretty much sums up the show, hahaha! *sweatdrop* ^__^'

What I like most about this show is that it combines traditional two-dimensional animation along with CGI (which is basically three-dimensional computer graphics animation). It's a very good twist of reality and virtual reality. It's almost like the Lyoko gang is sent into a video game to save the world from evil or something like that, which is really cool and different. I also like the whole "return to the past" thing at the end of each and every show.

Now, Code Lyoko bashers are quick to point that the foreheads on the characters are too large and the plot just sucks. But i'm sure if people would look past that, and really learn to appreciate the artwork, they would most certainly enjoy the show. I think it's a very wonderful and inventive show coming from the French, and it is also one of my personal favorite shows. Not many cartoons nowadays combine a perfect blend of two and three-dimensional animation like so. The people on the show do a very good job =]


You would expect something like this from Japan, but many like to call it "French Anime". I wouldn't consider it anime (even though "anime" is French for animation), but it is a very good cartoon created by the unexpected. And that is certainly a reality.




-Monique

"Everyday is an Adventure!"

"Life is either a great adventure or nothing."- Hellen Keller




It seems as though we keep venturing back to America, right? Haha! Don't worry, this will be the last visit for a while. I would just like to take the time to place another of my favorite cartoons in spotlight. Adventure Time! :D

Again, for those of you who don't really watch cartoons like that, Adventure Time was originally a short that aired on Nickelodeon for minute a while back in time, but recently, Cartoon Network took over it and turned it into a full 30-minute television show. (For once, since Chowder and Flapjack, good move Cartoon Network. Though I am still highly pissed off about the cancellation of Chowder after the third season >.<). Surprisingly enough, it is created and produced by some of the people who work on Spongebob Squarepants (Such as Fred Siebert and Derek Drymon).
Adventure Time is a show about a human boy named Finn and his dog Jake, who just so happens to be the coolest dog ever, and their adventures in the made-up Land of Oooo. While in the Land of Oooo, they encounter and interact with many memorable characters including, the sweet Princess Bubblegum, the pathetic, yet rather treacherous Ice King, Marceline the creepy vampire girl, Tree Trunks the yellow elephant, LSP (Lumpy Space Princess), and a host of others.

What I love most about this show is that it's epically hilarious. The humor is very off-beat, but funny. But it is very different from the shows Cartoon Network had originally created. The fact that parental guidance is directed towards small children means that some of the humor is not really for small children...no, let me rephrase that, most of the humor is not meant for small children to understand. Although the show comes off as often "disturbing" and "messed up", is a very good show. I wouldn't put it up there with Family Guy on humor rank because parental guidance is suggested, but it is one of those epic shows that you just have to watch. The first time I saw it, I fell in love with it because it was offbeat and ridiculous. I felt it had a very unique approach and is rather original (Although the Adventure Time wording with the sword going through it reminds me of The Legend of Zelda, haha!)

My friends and I love it so much, we even compare each character's personality to our own, which is always fun. It such a funny show, honestly, if you enjoy the type of random humor that makes you go, "huh?" or "what did he/she just say?"

Adventure Time is certainly a show that is not afraid to go beyond boundaries and really make you laugh. But, this goes to show you that everyday is an adventure and be ready to tackle it and have fun =]



-Monique

"Valiant Cartoonist: Bleedman"

"They didn't portray comic characters, they were comic characters." - Stanley Green





Since, we're on the subject of cartoons, I would like to travel to the Philippines to present to you one of my favorite artists: Vinson Ngo aka "Bleedman".

Now, I happen to stumble across his work while on DeviantArt. I saw that he did the Powerpuff Girls and Dexter in his own style and I simply fell in love. I later found out that he did web comics according to his DA profile. Not only are a few of his comics on there based on licensed Cartoon Network characters, but other artists have put their web comics up there as well (single panel, one page shorts, etc.) Here's the link:



It's a pretty awesome website if I do say so myself. The only negative is that some of the comics on there are already done in such a short amount of time or haven't really been updated like so (which sucks .__.). But, I know Bleedman keeps his up to date, so that's good =] Now, the comics that he's done on the website are "Grimm Tales from Down Below" (The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy), "Sugarbits", and "Powerpuff Girls D" (Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory, and other assorted Cartoon Network characters). He does an anime/manga style version of cartoon characters as stated before, and he's obsessed with characters :D



I was in Comic Book Design class today and we were doing a show-and-tell of web comics that we had found on the Internet. While we were discussing Snafu Comics,the professor had mention that Vinson Ngo [Bleedman] was also the subject of many haters. Apparently, there are blogs out there that deem him a "hack" and a "poser" because the majority of his work is not really original. They also make fun of his appearance...which is rather cruel. I will admit, he's the not the type of guy that I would go for, but I really do adore his style. And yes, he is Filipino, Hahahaha! :D

I was surfing the net earlier today and I found a website that pretty much bashed him for being a so-called "pedophile" and some other things. Here's the following website if you would like to check it out (Warning: There is mature content within the advertisements, so if you are a little bit blahhh about the human figure and whatnot, then I would suggest you steer clear, because there's some hentai/ecchi stuff >.<):



I think it's sad because they totally bash him for being unoriginal and a lover of little girls (Well, he does like lolicon, sooo >.>...) But nonetheless, I love his artwork and he is one of my favorite artists because of his style. I don't care what the haters have to say. Yeah, he does work off of licensed cartoon, anime, and video game characters and incorporates them into his own style, but is is very original and cool, because he makes them more teen/adult-like even though they are little kids. That just goes to show you that there are people out there in today's society that are quick to put you down because you are able to do something that they can't, so they have to poke fun at the flaws and rumors....totally tragic...Keep on doing you, Bleedman. I'm a fan! ^_^ *thumbs up*

-Monique

"Marzipan State of Mind"

"What's most important in animation is, it's a team sport, and everything we do is about pure imagination." - Jeffrey Katzenberg

So, we're taking the plane back to American now (The Iceland volcanic eruption delayed travel quite a bit, haha!) and this time we are going exploring in the world of animation/cartooning. Now, one of my favorite cartoons, Chowder, has come to an end because the creator [C.H. Greenblatt] apparently found more beneficial opportunities out there and it opened a lot of doors for him.

That's all good and well Mr. Greenblatt, but I really do miss Chowder T__T 2 or 3 more seasons would have been awesome, thanks. But, unfortunately, all good things must eventually come to an end. I figured the cartoon would end, but not soon, my lord...it's suuuch a wonderful show! >.<;

*Ahem* Anyway, enough rambling. For those of you who don't really watch cartoons like that, Chowder is a show that airs on Cartoon Network. It is about a young cat-bear-thingiemahoozit child named Chowder (Ahhh, small world, because that's what the show is called :D), and he is the apprentice to a professional chef named Mung Daal (I have yet to figure out what he is other than a blue-colored troll with large nostrils O_o) who runs his own catering company in the heart of the vibrant, energetic Marzipan City. Other characters include Mung's wife, Truffles, the super strong Schnitzel, Chowder's cute little female stalker, Panini...and a host of other well-drawn, original characters that each have their own relatable personalities.

Now, if you haven't caught on yet, each character in Chowder is named after a specific food. Even the recipes and foods that they create in each episode are based off of real foods (i.e., "Shmeggs"- "Eggs" "Meviled Eggs"- "Deviled Eggs"), which I think is highly original and creative! =D Another thing of love about the show is that each character has a specific pattern on their clothing that sets them apart from each other, which is totally cool! Also, the pattern don't move as they do. They stay in place (I found it odd at first, but then I grew to like it! ^_^)

All in all, within the heart of Marzipan City, Chowder and his friends encounter colorful new characters, go on hilarious adventures, and are put in very humorous situations that many can often relate to. Though sometimes the humor within the show is not meant for smaller children, it can be a hoot for adolescents, teens, and adults alike.




The Show ended it's 3 year run on April 5, 2010. New episodes revolving around season 3 are still being shown, but re-runs will continue to be viewed by the show's dedicated fans, and more DVDs will be available soon =]

I know I will always be a devoted Chowder fan because it is one of the best cartoons on Cartoon Network, since Dexter's Laboratory, Powerpuff Girls, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Ed, Edd n Eddy, and Courage the Cowardly Dog...bascially all of the old-school CN shows =]



-Monique

"United Kingdom, United Fashion"

"British fashion is self-confident and fearless. It refuses to bow to commerce, thus generating a constant flow of new ideas, whilst drawing in British heritage."- Alexander McQueen



A few months ago, while I was at Barnes and Noble doing some research on Harajuku for my public speaking final, and I stumbled across a fashion magazine called Nylon. As I was browsing through each individual and unique page, I came across a section strictly devoted to fashion from the United Kingdom...and I really really liked it. Especially the teen fashion. And that magazine taught me how to love London fashion. Especially the punk rock styles.

I can't really describle London fashion in one simple word. Actually I can, it's COOL! :D But, what I really mean is, I can't really sum up London fashion like so. I certainly wouldn't compare it to American fashion really because I feel that UK fashion is a bit more edgy. I am particularly fond of the hip-hop styles with the rope chains and whatnot. Rope chains look awesome, and I have Master Shortie to thank for that! Haha! Here's a couple of pics I snagged from the Internet that I really really liked. This has definitely inspired me to do a couple of things with the outfits I put together eventually:







I'm really really fond of the bow in the third image, I thought it looked really cool and cute =] That's something I would put on a shirt or gloves or something of the sort. I'm picturing so many outfits in my head right now from that one accessory.

Master Shortie also inspires me with his styles as well. I would love to make feminine versions of his outfits and add rope chains as well :D




I could do alot with those colors! =]

There aren't really alot of punk rock photos that I were really fond of, but I did manage to snag one though:



Rather vintage, but I like it.

Next to the Japanese, the British really know how to put it down in the unique style department. I definitely have to take notes =]

-Monique

"Boogie Days and Boogie Nights"

"Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still." - Dorothea Lange



I've have recently become hooked on a show that takes place in New York called How To Make It In America. It tells the story of a down and out designer named Ben Epstein, and his best friend/right hand man Cam, who try to create their own fashion line in order to make it big. So, by going through a series of obstacles, meeting new people, and hustling their way through the Big Apple, they try to "make it" in the city that will practically eat you alive if you are not prepared.

Now what I love most about this show is that not only is it inspiring, but the opening credits has to be one of the best I have ever seen for a television series. It uses a blend of breathtaking photography and slow-motion filming to capture the heart and soul of New York City. I was always trying to figure out who the photographer was, but I later found out that it was a guy that went by the name of "Boogie". He was born in Serbia, which is pretty sweet! So, I checked out more of his photography, and this guy is amazing. I noticed that he does alot of people and scenery, which is obviously typical of a common photographer. But, in my opinion, his pictures express so much emotion, and they're fresh. This guy has ultimately become one of my favorite photographers in the whole entire world, I just love his stuff =]

Here is the link to the opening sequence of How To Make It In America. All of the photographs were taken in NYC by Boogie himself. The opening credits immediately drew me in to the show and now i'm hooked on it. Haha! Though, the season finale came to quickly though. *ahem* Anyway, here is the video (the song is great too!) :


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvfIGPiZL-g

By the way, if you're wondering who the song is by. It's called "I Need A Dollar" by Aloe Blacc! =] The song really captures the show, if I do say so my self because it's all about trying to make it.

Okay, back to Boogie :) Now, he has a website that you can check out here. This shows all of his commercial work and whatnot. He also travels to other countries as well. He did some great Tokyo ones:

http://www.artcoup.com/

Man, his photography is amazing! ^_^;

Here are a couple of photos that he has done that I particularly love, and I like how he does alot of them in black and white:






You can find more on his website, which I posted the URL for in this post.


So, street photographer Boogie takes some pretty awesome photos, and they are very inspiring. He's not like other photographers in my opinion, I just have to say that! >.< Hooray for Serbian photography! :D

-Monique

"Defying Beauty With Bjork"

"What probably confuses people is they know alot about me, but it quite pleases me that there's more they don't know."- Bjork






She is a unique lyrical genius who has the ability to bring her words to life in picturesque, vibrant, and strange visual images. Her words explore the deeper meanings of life and the society around us. Whether it is politics, love, emotions, or everyday life...she has the ability to relate to the inner being inside of us in a rather strange, yet satisfying way.

Valiant Expression Airways has landed in Iceland to take an inside look at one of the most beautiful and unique music artist of our time...Bjork. Born Bjork Guomundsdottir (try saying that three time fast, haha!), she is a musical genius. She is also an actor, producer, and composure. So, she's pretty well rounded. She's one of my top 5 favorite music artists of all time, and she's been out for a very...very...very long time. I'm talking since the late 70's. Lady Bjork has also starred and appeared in host of Icelandic movies.

Here is her discography (the list of albums that she has released)

- Bjork (1977)

-Debut (1993)

-Post (1995)

-Homogenic (1997)(One my personal favorites! ^-^)

-Vespertine (2001)

-Medulla (2004)

-Volta (2007)

Her music videos are also unlike any other music videos i've ever seen. Not only are they incredibly visually appealing, but they are rather disturbing. Back in 2008, her music video for the song, "Wanderlust" (featured on her 2007 album, Volta) had to be one the creepiest music videos I have ever watched, and I rarely enjoy watching music videos like that.

Here's the video to her song, "Wanderlust", just click on the url (I don't know how to put videos on her yet, silly me! >.<)




It is such a visually astounding video and I can't understand why her videos aren't played like anything. It upsets me, because it beats half of the crap the media plays this day in age! >.<

But, all in all, she is a lyrical and visual genius. She is unlike any other music artist I have listened to...she is such an inspiration and she is just amazing. Plain and Simple. I don't really have a favorite song by her because I pretty much love all of them...I cannot say one bad thing about them.

You never really hear much about the country of Iceland. But when you hear Iceland...most think of one person, and that is Bjork. Her blend of ambient, classic, and electronica is truly soothing to the mind, body, and soul. So, get lost in the world that is above and beyond beauty. The world of Bjork.



-Monique

"Cute Little Characters Galore!"

"All cartoon characters and fables must be exaggeration, caricatures. It is the very nature of fantasy and fable." - Walt Disney

Okay, we're back in Korea again! Just had to take a pit stop into the arcade/music studio in Game Land to listen to some awesome Nintendocore. I must say, one of the things I love about Asian culture is the way that they portray cuteness within their cartoon characters. Hello Kitty ™, Kerropi ™, Blue Bear ™, etc. They are so cute ^_^; (Why can't Americans make a bunch of cute cartoon characters like that? >.>;) The Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese do it so well! But, I want to take this time to focus on cute Korean cartoon characters in this post. These are just a few that I have liked for a while and/or thought were just so amazingly adorable from fist appearance:





Blue Bear: This cute little creature is actually Southern Korean and is part of a Korean school stationary store called Morning Glory. I believe there's also a flower shop by the same name. Blue Bear is found mostly on school supplies such a pencils, notebooks, paper, folders, etc. Just soooo cute.

Panyang Girl: A bunch of cute little girls in cute little settings having a ton of fun. If they were real, I would adopt them and take them all home like so. Haha! There are tons of wallpapers online with them. Of course, girls love them =]

4Crain: These little animals were created by Byung-Kyu Lee. There are characters such as Neco, ChicoChico, and the Maguri Brothers. I wish they made stuffed animals that looked like them in America.

Dooly: Children's cartoon character that is very popular in Korea. Dooly is a little dinosaur (Again, stuffed animals please! >.<) It was created in the 80's so it's older than I am...but cute! :D

Here's some other Korean cartoon characters to check out if you're interested. Just Google search them and you'll get a ton of adorable wallpapers :)-

-Pucca

-Piyoz

-Mashimaro

-Onion Head (emoticons)

-Gamenara

-RooRoo & RaaRaa

- Mini Valley

-Wish Wing the Bear






It's rather difficult to find this stuff in America unless you shop online or actually go to Korea (I don't really do that much online shopping so i'm just going to shop around at different Asian stores to find unique characters when I get the chance >.<). But, all in all, Koreans really do know how to draw cute and memorable animals geared towards children and teens. America, step your game up in this department. Disney characters aren't going to cut it any much longer.

-Monique

"Pause! Time for some Nintendocore! Resume!"

"You take 8-bit video game tracks, combine it with hardcore screaming, throw in a little pig squealing and sick bass, a pinch of techno and death metal...what do you get? One of the most unique "core" genres the world has to offer."

Well, in the previous post, Korea was the country of the moment. I want to take a little detour and go deep into the world of music. Now, I love music dearly. It influences my ideas, my artwork, even the way I dress. Music is my life! ^__^; I listen to alot of different types of music (mostly screamo, post-hardcore, metal and alternative), but I stumbled across a genre of music that just blew my mind. And it's called Nintendocore.

There are so many different core genres out there, it's freakin' ridiculous (mathcore, trancecore, deathcore, etc.) It's kind of hard to classify different bands and even keep u at times. Also, it's almost like some of them sound the same (Well, some of them do, haha!) But, nintendocore is one of the most unique of all of the different types of core that I just adore. Maybe because I love all of the glitchy/electronica sounds. It sounds very futuristic and cool! :)

One of my favorite nxc bands at the moment

is called 100DEADRABBITS =] Don't let the name fool you, but they're sooo cool. Especially their instrumentals ^__^; Like "Dead Cell", "Fear of the Pink Mist", and " Chaos Emerald". You can listen to the song "Dead Cell" here:



"Fear of the Pink" here:



And this is my favorite. If you don't like metal or screamo, please don't even bother to listen. Ha ha!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzMGntEuj_U

Here are some other Nintendocore bands to check out if you like 100DR:

Dungeon Elite

HORSE the band

As the World Fades

There are a bunch of others, just look on Youtube! XD

- Okay, we'll go back to Korea in the next post. I just had to explain this new type of music i'm addicted to. Haha, maybe you'll like it too, I don't know.





-Monique

"Roaming The Streets of Korea"

"Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythym depend on simplicity."- Plato


Time to jet from the runways of Dubai with its beautiful architecture to the pretty cool country of Korea! =]

Now, I love Korean fashion. It's not as wild and out there as Japanese fashion, but I still adore how cute it is. It's also fit for different seasons and can still be style and created to suit the individual's needs as well. I would say, in my eyes, it's a bit more organized and tailored, hahaha! XD

Going off tangent a little bit here, I have to say that I am in love with the cute little Korean characters such (like Blue Bear) and a bunch of others. I just think they're so totally adorable, and I wish there were more Asian stores around, so that I could actually buy some of the material. Buuuut, there isn't, so bah to that one. Ha ha ha!

But, on a serious note, in my opinion, Korean streets fashion is a bit more clean-cut than Japanese fashion. While Japanese fashion to focus on layering, color, visual appeal, and creativity, Korea's is a bit more "catalogue-esque." But, it is still very adorable and very SIMPLE. That goes to show you that simple can look great as well and that you don't really need alot to look great =]

Here are a couple of photos of current Korean fashion:





See what I mean? Straight from a catalogue. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with the fashion style there at all, but it's just not something I would wear every single day. Like mini-dresses and boots and such. I would have to put more of an edgy and colorful spin on the outfit, ha ha ha! But, I still really like their trends and whatnot.

In the next post we will still be located in the beautiful Korea, but i'm going to focus more on the cartoonish aspects of the country, which should be very cute and fun!! :D I cannot wait! =]





-Monique

"Dubai's Revolutionary Architecture"

"When I first started going to Dubai, no one had heard of it. Now everyone wants to go." - Sandra Morgan

Around and around the world we go. Where we stop? I already know! :) Welcome to UAE (United Arab Emirates)! We are now about to land in the most famous of the seven emirates...DUBAI!

Now, not many people really know about this place. I didn't really think much of this place at first, myself. A friend of mine introduced me to the place a few months ago. We were surfing the net in the college library together and he told me a lot about Dubai. He even showed me pictures. I must say, the first thing that grabbed my attention was the architecture. And yes, architecture is indeed a form of art =] Anyway, I was in complete awe of these buildings and how beautiful they were. They were absolutely lovely. Especially the Hydropolis Hotel. Now, the Hydropolis Hotel is supposed to be the world's first underwater luxury hotel, which is absolutely THE MOST COOLEST THING EVER!! I believe it's currently being built. It's rather expensive ($5,000 dollars a night? Really??), but i'm sure it will be well worth it.

There is also a Dubai Disneyland =] It looks a hell of a lot better than the Disneyland/Disney World here in the US, I mean, woah!! It just looks so vibrant and luxurious. Or is it Dubailand...? Something like that, haha! But back to the actual architecture. It's lovely, vibrant, and absolutely amazing! There are so many beautiful structures in the world, but the ones in Dubai just make my mouth drop. Here are some photos of these one-of-a-kind structures:

- Palm Island

- The upcoming Hydropolis Underwater Luxury Hotel

- Rotating Building

- Wave Tower

Dubai is famous for it's unique architecture, so there is definitely alot more buildings to explore within that area. These are just the ones that caught my attention. Although, may seem like the perfect and coolest place to go, there are many rules and restrictions within the city (which is very new to me). Especially when it comes to drugs! I heard that if they find you carrying a roll or piece of bread bread with poppy seeds or something in it, you go to prison for 4 years because they think it's drugs. Beautiful place, outrageous policies....

I found this website on the different rules to abide by and regulations to follow while in Dubai (and I must say, some of them are quite ridiculous). Listen to what some of the residents and visitors have to say:

http://www.dubai-online.com/essential/customs.htm

Dubai is still one of my top 5 places to visit one day. I just have to careful not to bring any bread with seeds in it and always check the bottom of my shoes :) I would go there just to look at the buildings and lights all day :D

-Monique

"Bandi causing 'Panda'monium?"

"There is a level of cowardice lower than that of the conformist: the fashionable non-conformist." - Ayn Rand

Ni-hao, everyone! Welcome to the wonderful country of CHINA! :D Let's jump back into the fashion realm once again =] Now, this is something interesting I came across while surfing the net earlier. I wanted to do my current post on Chinese teen fashion, and I stumbled across this unique and amazing fashion line created by Chinese fashion designer, Zhao Bandi. It's called "Bandi Panda". I personally think it's a super cool line, but the Chinese don't really think so...they take it as an insult...(Lighten up, will ya?)

Anyway, I stumbled across this article on Google about Bandi Panda, and thought it would be interesting to share. Here's the URL:

http://www.chinahush.com/2009/04/11/bandi-panda-fashion-show-in-france-stirs-online-debate/

Hahaha, well, I can't really say that the Chinese hate it...but it's stirred up quite a bit of controversy online with debates and such, so I suppose they don't take that much of a liking to it.

Bandi Panda was introduced a year ago, in March 2009 in a fashion show in France. It represents different types of Chinese social classes and occupations, which I thought was rather clever.(Kudos to Bandi! ^_^)

I wouldn't really call the line an insult to the Chinese people at all. It believe it is just his interpretation of what he perceives as Chinese society. It's not like he's being ignorant about it. But, I don't live in China, so I guess I wouldn't really know. But, that's what I get out of it.

I guess it's all how you look at it. The article says otherwise, but I would just call them "haters". He did his thing. I like it alot :D

"Melbourne Shuffle!"

"There is a bit of insanity in dance that does everybody a great deal of good." - Edwin Denby

Well, so far, I have covered fashion and art, now time to move onto pop culture. Time to make a stop in Australia! =] Melbourne to be exact! ^-^ A while ago, my boyfriend showed me a video of this really cool, yet intense at the same time. It's called the "Melbourne Shuffle" and it actually originated from Irish immigrants (Go figure, eh?)

But, anyway, the Melbourne Shuffle is a really intense underground dance that involves quick movement sliding of the feet. It almost reminds me of a crazier version of moonwalk and the running man at the same time. It began in the 80's, grew in the 90's, and just recently became really popular starting 2 years ago.

I cannot explain how to do the steps properly, so here's a video on how to do so! :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3evoNeD45g

And here's a really cool compilation of the actual dance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPaMdxC6CQI

Lol, hopefully I will going to be going to Australia to attend the Empire of the Sun since they're not playing in America this year >.< Maybe i'll throw on some "phats" and shuffle my way to the country, haha! XD

"Tokidokitaly??"

"Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.”- Bo Bennett




So for all of those who know, and don't know, already...Italy is a beautiful country that is BIG (and I mean BIG) on fashion. So is the United, Japan,and Britain, but nooooo! Italy is up there. Being that Milan is the fashion capital of the world, I wanted to make a pit stop here (in Italy), haha! :D

Now, one of my favorite fashion lines, Tokidoki, was actually created in Italy. You would think with a name like that, it was created right in the heart of Japan. Ehhhh, not so. Though Tokidoki is a Japanese-based clothing line, it was not created in Japan itself. You have Italian artist, Simon Legno, and his business partners to thank for that one.

If you're unaware of what Tokidoki is, it is a fashion/accessory line that is inspired by Japanese pop culture. Hence, the cute little chibi-like characters, Asian women, and happy, cute, and colorful backgrounds. The line has even joined forces with Hello Kitty (one of my favorite little Japanese characters). There is a huge assortment of shirts,purses, shoes, footwear, jewelry, backpacks, and many more to choose from. Who can resist the adorable faces of mobile milk cartoons and girly grim reapers, eh?? It is a rather cute line indeed.

I am amazed how at how a guy could create such a colorful and female-oriented fashion line such a Tokidoki. You would think a female created it, but one cannot be right about everything!

If you would like to take a deeper look into the world of Tokidoki and its store locations, please visit the following website: http://www.tokidoki.it

It gives you the lowdown on the all the accessories, what's happening, different collaborations, and store locations. See how another country's fashion style can have an influence on another country?? Pretty awesome, isn't it??

Oh, and Tokidoki means "sometimes" in Japanese (yes, it is a real word). The TD characters will be apart of my future tattoo. I cannot wait, haha!



-Monique

"German Graffiti"

"What harm cause not those huge draughts or pictures which wanton youth with chalk or coals draw in each passage, wall or stairs of our great houses, whence a cruel contempt of our natural store is bred in them?" -Michel Eyquem De Montaigne

Well, since the first post was on fashion, I figured I would switch it up and focus on some crazy urban artwork. I love every form of art, and I have to say, graffiti is one of my favorites :D I...love...graffiti, and I have high admiration for the ones who are so talented and bold enough not to get caught doing so (graffiti is a form of vandalism in many places, especially in the city. Which is where graffiti is huuuge.). Art should never be deemed a crime because it is not only freedom of speech, but freedom of expression. Many artists speak and show emotion through their work. I do graffiti on paper and sometimes draw it on my clothes, but i'm going to save up some money to get spraypaint and eventually start tagging buildings, haha! :D

I am also into photography, so while I was surfing the Web, I found cool pictures of graffiti painted on buildings and even trains in Berlin and other places in Germany. It's amazing what you can do with a small can of colored air, haha!

The ones displayed were completed in Berlin and Munich, which I thought looked really cool.

There is also a German graffiti artist that I absolutely adore because his work is just phenomenal. It almost looks like the shapes are coming out at you because they look so three-dimensional due to the shading and color. The artist goes by the name of DAIM, and if would like to check out his website, click on the following URL: http://www.daimgallery.com/

His work is simply stunnin' and he's been doing this since like, 1989. He's sooo talented. He not only does plain graffiti, but he also does spraypaint on canvas of insects and other things, which can be seen on his website.

He makes me want to be a better person, haha! I sure will learn alot from observing his work once I start spraypainting. I can't wait! :D Instead of doing graffiti on paper, shoes, and such, I actually want to do it on a building :P Let's just hope I don't get fined.




-Monique

"Ganguro Girl Rebellion"

"Putting on a show, when you dress up in your clothes. Wild hair color and cellphones, your accessories are dead on."- Gwen Stefani, "Harajuku Girls"

Well, since i'm taking you around the world with different fashion, pop culture, and art, I thought to myself, what better way to take off by traveling to my favorite country....JAPAN!!

They're eclectic and wild taste in fashion is immaculate, and it inspires my way of dressing 100 percent. Now, our destination in Japan...the Harajuku section of Tokyo, Japan (which is close to Shibuya Station).

Believe it or not, Harajuku fashion is constantly changing. It is not just one particular style, it's several. Whether it's Gothic Lolita (or GothLoli), Decora, Kawaii, etc, Japanese teenagers and young adults are always finding away to put their own spins on the different types of styles. But, I think the one that stood out to me the most was the "Ganguro" or "Gyaru" style, because it is so strange, satirical, and outrageous to me.

Now, "Ganguro" is actually a style in which Japanese teen girls, or even twenty-something really take to the limit. Many believe that it is a mockery of American women with fake tans, blonde hair, and sometimes rather revealing clothing. In Japan, it is a form of rebellion against traditional Japanese society. Ganguro girls are often ostracized or tend to stick together because they are seen as whores or prostitutes by the way they look (America, look at your influence on the world. Haha!)

The "ganguro" style consists of the girls painting their skin bright orange and dark brown (similar to "black faces" back in the 19th/20th centuries) in order to obtain that "tan" look. They wear incredibly sparkling silver makeup or other outrageous colors depending on preference. They dye their hair blonde or add extensions of multiple colors to make them stand out. Oh, and not to mention, they always have a cellphone with crazy charms on there. They also wear clothes with bright neon colors, short skirts, platform shoes, etc.

This is the gist of the whole ganguro style. I thought it was very weird and off-putting at first (I still do), but it is a form of rebellion against traditional society. And, as stated before, it is sort of satirical because if you look at the ideal American woman this day in age (blonde hair, tan, alot of makeup), it's almost like it is poking fun at American women.

Well, this is the fascinating fist post. I'll take you all to Germany in my next post :D

-Monique

"The Beginning of a New Experience"

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the streets, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."-Coco Chanel

Well, I should first start off by saying that I am new to this whole "blogging" thing, but I am very excited to try it out. =]

"Valiant Expression" was created so that people can see the different fashion trends and art from around the world. There are so many different countries, and each country has their own culture (which includes art, fashion, pop culture, etc.) I thought it would be really exciting to let the people of the world know what's going on in the non-conformist society.

This is only my first post, but more exciting will come shortly. I just hope that you will be patient enough to take the time out and read them.

-Monique