A girl, a style : Tank Girl

 These days, I'm a bit tired of the girls I see in the magazines and in the streets. They are all replicas of each others, with stripes, colours and vintage clothes. Conversely, some prefers a rock attitude, implying the addiction to some very trendy brands which have little to do with rock but with a clever marketing, such as The Kooples or Zadig&Voltaire. I didn't want to focus on one of those grunge trainee, and suddenly, I've thought about the comic's heroine, Tank Girl. This odd creature was created by Jamie Hewlett and Alan Martin at the end of the 80's. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the comic focus on a nonconformist (it's the very least you can say...) tank pilot (hence her name, Tank Girl) whose adventures are mostly absurd, but hilarious. Now, Hewlett takes care of music band Gorillaz, and his punk heroine has quite fallen to oblivion. But her unique style still influence many indie girls, and could seriously kick the ass of all the punk-wanabees out there, starting with Taylor Momsen : Girl, dressing with black underwear is not original and cool as you suppose, so at least, put a mischievous smile on your drunkard head ...

Boots Nicolas Andreas Taralis £705 - Jean Eleven Paris 89euros - Sweater AllSaints £63

As a resident of an Australian desert, Tank Girl is not really keen on covering clothes, but she sometimes slips on tees and sweaters. If she would make some shopping, I'm sure she would fall for British designer Eudon Choi, whose designs seem to fit a post-apocalyptic world a la Luis Royo, another artist who could have a fresh influences on all those neo-punks. I also imagine that Tank Girl would not resist to the clothes of brands Obesity&Speed (they have an hilarious t-shirt with 70s former punk goddess Poly Styrene, and many other destroy garments), DimePiece (I'm in love with their collars, slightly less with their shipping costs) or French brand Eleven Paris, whose ambassadors are Lizzy Jagger, daughter of Mike, and Zoe Krawitz, daughter of Lenny, two potential Tank girls.

Charm Helen Ficalora $35 - Bra Urban Outfitter 24euros - Belt Boy London $8 on Ebay - Short Bitching&Junkfood 72euros - Boots AllSaints £185 - Watch La Mer Collections $198

But, most of the times, Tank Girl is hanging out with crosses taped on her boobs, or if she wants to be a bit classier, in some dark bras. She howled with laughter when she saw Katy Perry's video California Gurls, because, obviously, rockets bras are outweighing chantilly cream bottles ones ... For the bottom, she would certainly fancy a legging by Aguri Sagimori, but her preference would mostly head for a destroyed jean short, such as those of Evil Twin. Also, she is a bit fetishistic when it comes to crosses, and jewels in general. She has got a lot of them, badges, bangles, rosaries, and she would certainly love the cuffes and belts of Givenchy by Riccardo Tischi and the bullets pendants of Akillis. And if she wanted to be a bit sexy for her boyfriend Booga, she could puts fake suspenders panty hoses by Henry Holland.

Ellery Fall 2011

A tank is definitely classier than a motorbike, but if you would like to channel your inner Rebecca Buck (her real name) in a colder country, you would adopt the brand Ellery, which made a very appealing campaign for its Fall collection. A bit too aristocratic for Tank Girl though, but she would steal the  belts for sure. She would also kidnap Britney Spears and forces her to give her the Burberry Prorsum jacket she's wearing in her latest video, Liv Tyler, for her Givenchy dog sweater and obviously Kate Lanphear, for her integral wardrobe. I guess she would also appreciate the editor's do. Singer Cassie and Brit It girl Alice Dellal have also tried the Tank Girl's hairdo, in a more feminine version. Alice, incidentally, would be a recommended cast for the role of Tank Girl in a movie (one which doesn't suck, as the previous attempts did), much more than Ellen Page, as some geeks have suggested.

Alice Dellal

Courtney Love and Kate Moss have their adepts, so why not Tank Girl ? At least, her attitude is much more real and funky than all those IT girls who think that wearing a dark tee at the last MTV Push Party with CK One would make you a rock star. Neither does a Schott jacket, even a great red one. First, it is in the head. In the freedom of your thought. That's why a look at the Tank Girl's comic could not kill you (remastered edition from £6,48 at Amazon.co.uk). Alcohol and drugs could, however, so remember that you're not a comic heroine.

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http://www.elevenparis.com
http://dimepiecedesigns.com
http://www.allsaints.com
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com
http://www.elleryland.com
http://www.layerslondon.com
http://www.shopbop.com

We Hear The Church Bells Singing

For a special weekend getaway with the Royal Couple of The Month



Will and Cate.

Taking part in the celebrations

If you would like to be part of the celebrations in central London and catch a glimpse of the royal couple then you can stand somewhere along the wedding procession route.

The route will include The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and Parliament Square. It is likely that space along the route will fill quickly early on the morning of 29 April. But you can also travel to Hyde Park or Trafalgar Square where you will be able to watch a free, live broadcast of the wedding on giant screens.

Please plan your journey carefully and check for the latest updates before leaving. On arriving in central London, you will be directed by clear signs and by a team of official stewards, who will be on hand to offer assistance as required.

There really is no better time to visit London than this coming weekend, where the world's most anticipated wedding will finally take place with a royal blast. Grab a bunch of your fairy-tale-romance-lover friends with you and participate on various STREET PARTIES to celebrate our real-life fairy tale!

SPECIAL ROYAL WEDDING TIMETABLE FOR HARDCORE STALKERS :

Ceremonial Timings

The following timings have been confirmed for the Wedding Day:

• Between 8.15am and 9.45am: The general congregation will arrive at the Great North Door of Westminster Abbey.

• From 9.50am: Governors-General and Prime Ministers of Realm Countries,the Diplomatic Corps, and other distinguished guests arrive at the Abbey.

• 10.10am The Bridegroom and Prince Henry of Wales leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.15am.

• 10.20am Members of Foreign Royal Families arrive at Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace.

• 10.20am Mrs. Michael (Carole) Middleton and Mr. James Middleton leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.27am.

• 10.25am Members of the Royal Family (except those listed below) leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.30am.

• 10.35am The following Members of the Royal Family leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.40am:

- The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence
- The Duke of York
- Princess Eugenie of York
- Princess Beatrice of York
- The Earl and Countess of Wessex

• 10.38am The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.42am.

• 10.40am The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.45am.

• 10.48am The Bridesmaids and Pages leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.55am.

• 10.51am The Bride, accompanied by Mr. Michael Middleton, leaves the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey.

• 11.00am The Marriage Service begins. The Marriage Service will be relayed by audio speakers along the Route.

• 12.15pm The Carriage Procession of the Bride and Bridegroom with a Captain’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, followed by The Queen’s Procession with a Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, leaves Westminster Abbey for Buckingham Palace.

• 12.30pm The Bride’s Carriage Procession arrives at Buckingham Palace.

• 12.40pm Members of the Royal Family and Members of Foreign Royal Families arrive at Buckingham Palace.

• From 12.40pm: Other guests for the Reception arrive at Buckingham Palace.

• 1.25pm The Queen and the Bride and Bridegroom, together with their Families, appear on the Balcony.

• 1.30pm Fly Past by the Royal Air Force and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Notes

Miss Catherine Middleton, accompanied by her immediate family, will spend the night before the Wedding at the Goring Hotel. This was the Middleton family’s personal choice.

All arrivals at Westminster Abbey are at the Great West Door unless otherwise indicated.

All routes to and from Westminster Abbey are as already announced: The Mall, Horse Guards Road, Horse Guards Parade, through Horse Guards Arch, Whitehall, Parliament Square (south side), Broad Sanctuary. The additional route from the Goring Hotel to The Mall is yet to be confirmed.

The Wedding Service will be relayed by audio speakers along the Route. This is in addition to the screens already announced at Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square.

For more fun ideas on how to spend your weekend, visit our website here.

Shopping : Zen Garden

Ring Gaia Repossi for Zadig&Voltaire 320euros - Gareth Pugh Fall 2011 - Pendant Kenneth Jay Lane $132 - Blayde £488 (click to enlarge)

To fight the stress of our modern world with all the angsts related to modernity (nuclear power stations, airwaves, planes, traffic jams, Suri Cruise and other children ...) and the frenzy of the fashion Industry which drives many people to burnouts (Galliano, Decarnin, Lohan...), some people have found a solution. We all saw Diane Von Furstenberg doing her yoga in Le Jour d'Avant of Loic Pringent. Likewise, Karl Lagerfeld never seems so zen now he is almost ubiquitous, the Beckhams, Kate Bosworth, Miranda Kerr and Naomi Watts have all turned to Buddhism and many celebrities are lauding the return to nature and to a more spiritual life. Don't kid ourselves, most of them are doing that to give themselves a most mysterious, intellectual side. But the idea is there and it never sounds that good. 

Bangles Chan Luu 175euros - Bangle All Saints £45 - Kimono jacket Zara 79,90euros - Skirt Topshop £35 - Top Topshop £38

Minimalism carries on fascinating designers, even if they prefer luxury and colours this season. But some of them are thinking in another direction : it is the case of New Yorkers Donna Karan who have launched an intermediate collection called "Urban Zen" and Michael Kors who created minimalistic zen shoes. Both Gareth Pugh and Haider Ackermann have been inspired by Asian soft kimonos and we can find many loose-fitting items in shops. So, if you wish to bring some Zen in your life and in your wardrobe, here are some tips ...  

Dress Mango 129euros - Donna Karan Urban Zen collection

One of the most famous exercise of Chinese gymnastics, Qi Gong, is called Baduanjin, which can be translated by the Eight Pieces of Brocarde. Brocade is incidentally a luxurious fabric, so the connection between Zen and fashion is not only a fancy of the mind ... If you think that kimonos are too clichés, or too much related to geishas, choose large and soft garments, preferably of soft colours related to stone and sand, the two key elements of a zen garden. Orange is trendy, but for meditation, leave it to Buddhist monks, because you will have more chance to look like a convict at Pelican Bay ... You can also find many stone washed blouses, t-shirts and dresses, to continue the metaphor. Topshop has got a lot of great nude items that fit both bohos (it's the 70s revival) and our purpose.   

Brook&Lyn $352 - Maison Michel for Opening Ceremony $975

On the side of the accessories, flats have definitely their place in the fashionista's wardrobe and stones are still very present. The star of the season is turquoise, but I've chosen more natural examples. Californian brand Chan Luu, the darling of celebrities, drew its inspiration from Buddhist prayers' bangles, while online retailer Shopbop offers a range of stone jewels and accessories of great originality, such as the body roped necklaces of Brook&Lyn. More zen, you die and the price is also a small death. If you think that stones and ropes are not worth so much money, you would prefer the collection of Monaco jeweller Gaia Repossi, which reminds of Native American dreamcatchers. Nature is international, and the more important is the interior peace those items bring you.   

Just Female 75euros - Paolo Errico 450euros

Now, you are ready. You've got an ethereal silhouette, gracious gesture, a free mind. You can do what you want, draw lines in the sand, cut a bonsai, do tai chi, sunbath at Coachella, ... Talking of music, I could have chosen something from Chinese or Japanese music, but I will take something more rock from my stock. No, not the Rolling Stones, but the idea is here ...

Interview : Yiqing Yin, the Perfect Harmony

No, I didn't disappear since the beginning of April. My apology for the absence of articles. I was concentrating all my energy on my work of freelance editor and I had the opportunity to get many interesting articles. One of them was a report on the young generation of designers. For it, I have interviewed many of those young talents, but one has particularly striken me : fashion designer Yiqing Yin. So, I really wanted to introduce her to you. 

"To me Fashion is not only about a garment but also striving to create an emotion, to tell a story and to relate to others."She states.

Yiqing is a twenty-six years old young woman from China who grew up in Paris, France. Of her two cultures, she had formed a very personal universe, made of natural elegance, grace and harmony, in one side, and of prestige, magnificence and details in the other. This mix is also present in the work of Madeleine Vionnet and Madame Grès, two French classic designers she quotes as her inspiration. Madame Grès is, incidentally, honoured by an exhibition at the Musée Bourdelle, in Paris. We can find this legacy in Yiqing's work.

Yiqing decided to launch her own label after the International Festival of Couture of Hyeres, in France, where she was a finalist. Since then, the success was always here and she won the Great Prize of the city of Paris and has been exhibited in a gallery. She will soon show her first collection in public, in July.

"I have a very sculptural approach to garment and couture, which i try to modernise by reinterpreting various techniques based on pleating draping, cording, smocks ... It s a sensitive and instinctive approach. My main focus and starting point in creation is the encounter with the fabric, its texture and its movement." She says.

Her catchwords are quality, emotions and moderation, and thus, she rejects trends, fast fashion and consumerism. She is proud to make products of quality, of an extreme luxury, even if it means that she would only sell to an elit.

Already spotted by famous magazines (Vogue, for example), the young woman is yet easy to access and she has answered my questions with politeness and concern, which is always very remarkable in the Industry. It is also very rare to see someone that young being that wise, able to think about big issues and to have a very philosophical and sensible view on the present and the future. A pearl in that world of celebrities-obsessed designers. Yiqing never quotes an actress, she dresses real women, like you and I ( if we can afford her creations of course !). Sure, he is not famous herself yet, but her vision of her work should prevents her to get a big-head :

"I love my job so much because of the reality behind it, the notion of intimacy to a person and the absolute necessity that is intrinsic to the very idea of clothing."

"The stylistic directions of my design are very personal, but I never had the feeling that I had to compromise creatively, quite on the contrary people from the industry and the public have always encouraged me to dig deeper into what I instinctively desire. I m not interested in proposing a vision that everyone likes, it wouldn’t be “honest”, and again it’s all about emotions and I much rather have people hate it or love it."

Let's hope that she will get the attention she deserves, without losing this integrity which is so refreshing in that world of attention-seekers. For the moment, her website is a bit empty, but if you want to take a look, click here : http://www.yiqingyin.com/

For the rest of Yiqing's interview and those of the other designers, you will have to wait for the publication of the article. I will keep you updated.

HOW TO END YOUR APRIL WEEKEND WITH A SPLASH!

1. Pack Your Bag and Book The Next Flight to Thailand in the middle of April (ideally between 12 to 15)

With the abundance of cheap budget airlines offering daily flights to Bangkok, there has never been an easier time to visit the Land of the Smiling Buddha. Simply turn on your internet connection, make your booking, and you will be off across the Southeast Asian peninsula in a blink of an eye!

2. Check in To Your Two-Days Accommodation
Wherever it is located. Bangkok or Chiang Mai, Phra Phradaeng to Khon Kaen, you have plenty of options because the exhilarating experience you are about to take part in is conducted nation-wide! It is better to do previous research on what kind of splashy adventure you are looking for, because they are carried out differently based on each region.

3. Stock Up On Your Ammunition
Pails, rubber hoses, water balloons, water guns, you name it. Powder or flour would be pleasant additions to spice up your attacks!

4. Get a Good Meal and a Good Night Sleep
Obviously you want to be extra fit and well-rested before you embark on your crazy water-splashing extravaganza! And finally.....

5. TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF, LOAD YOUR AMMUNITION, GET DOWN ON THE ROAD AND START SPLASHING WATER LIKE MAD!



It is called SONGKRAN FESTIVAL, the traditional New Year's Day in Thailand from 13 to 15 April. It coincides with the New Year of many calendars of South and Southeast Asia.

The date of the festival was originally set by astrological calculation, but it is now fixed. If these days fall on a weekend, the missed days off are taken on the weekdays immediately following. If they fall in the middle of the week, many Thai take off from the previous Friday until the following Monday. Songkran falls in the hottest time of the year in Thailand, at the end of the dry season. Until 1888 the Thai New Year was the beginning of the year in Thailand; thereafter 1 April was used until 1940. 1 January is now the beginning of the year. The traditional Thai New Year has been a national holiday since then.

Songkran has traditionally been celebrated as the New Year for many centuries, and is believed to have been adapted from an Indian festival. It is now observed nationwide, even in the far south. However, the most famous Songkran celebrations are still in the northern city of Chiang Mai, where it continues for six days and even longer. It has also become a party for foreigners and an additional reason for many to visit Thailand for immersion in another culture.

The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. Thais roam the streets with containers of water or water guns (sometimes mixed with mentholated talc), or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. This, however, was not always the main activity of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends, neighbors, and monks.

Besides the throwing of water, people celebrating Songkran may also go to a Buddhist monastery to pray and give food to monks. They may also cleanse Buddha images from household shrines as well as Buddha images at monasteries by gently pouring water mixed with a Thai fragrance over them. It is believed that doing this will bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year. In northern Thailand, people may carry handfuls of sand to their neighborhood monastery in order to recompense the dirt that they have carried away on their feet during the rest of the year. The sand is then sculpted into stupa-shaped piles and decorated with colorful flags.

Some people make New Year resolutions - to refrain from bad behavior, or to do good things. Songkran is a time for cleaning and renewal. Besides washing household Buddha images, many Thais also take this opportunity to give their home a thorough cleaning.

After participating in Songkran, you may now return to your daily routine, carrying that precious memory of unbridled laughter and losing yourself amidst the bash of splash!

For more weekend ideas in and around Singapore, visit weekend.com.sg.

TOp Asian Aoi Sora

TOp Asian Aoi Sora

Anzu Sayuri Top Celebrity Asian

Anzu Sayuri Top Celebrity Asian

Andou Sayaka Top Asian

Andou Sayaka Top Asian

Top Amuro Namie

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Akiko Yada Asian Entertainment

Akiko Yada Asian Entertainment

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UNLEASH YOUR PARTY ANIMAL IN THIS JUNGLE PARTY!

RAINFOREST MUSIC FESTIVAL

Started by two Canadians Randy Raine-Reusch and Robert Basuik in 1997, this 3-days mind-blowing festival is now anually held every July or August in the Sarawak Cultural Village. The best thing is, it is perfect for weekends, because it IS HELD OVER THE WEEKEND!

The village is located in Damai, about 45 minutes from Sarawak's state capital, Kuching. It is one of the region's most popular events that features an international lineup of folk and world music bands. Not only does the festival attract plenty of musicians, but it also features plenty of workshops, a crafts market and variety of local foods to enjoy before the concerts take place after dawn.

Even if you are not a world or folk music fan, the festival should be on your list of things to do if you happen to be in Sarawak around this time. The relaxed ambience of the place and the warm sense of bonding among the guests makes the festival a unforgettable event for every visitor. After sunset the whole village is lit in all different kind of colors and effects, transforming the place into a mystical spectacle for the eyes.

Local vendors selling local cuisine.

Workshop with indie bands.

The concerts take place on 2 different stages located next to each other. This makes it possible to seamlessly switch from one band to the next without any idle setup time. Video screens and speakers are positioned all over the place to make sure that you don't miss any bands while you enjoy your laksa or nasi lemak.

Traditional house of Orang Asli in the cultural village.

Single day tickets for the festival are available for RM 90 along with a 3 day event passes for RM 260. The festival organizes shuttle buses which depart hourly from all the major hotels (Grand Magherita, Gand Continental, Riverside Majestic, Hilton, Harbour View, Merdeka Palace). A return trip is only RM 20. It is highly recommended to use the shuttle buses, as there is limited parking around the festival area. The whole event is cash only so make sure to bring sufficient money for food, drinks, bus fare and CDs.

Appropriately named, the Rainforest Music Festival will likely experience an abundance of rain! An umbrella or raincoat should be in every visitor's bag to weather through the brief showers, but there are plenty of tents and roofed areas to relax under during a shower if you left your umbrella at the hotel. The grounds tend to get a little muddy, especially on the 2nd and 3rd day of the event, so leave the expensive shoes at home and grab some rubber sandals which will match your raincoat better anyways.

Let go all inhibitions, let yourself loose under the liberating raindrops and among the festive voices of the jungle - it truly is an experience to behold!

For more ideas on weekend in and around Singapore, visit weekend.com.sg.