Merry Christmas, xoxo, MF

Every Christmas, I watch this movie at least once. Some may not know this-- but the landmark musical film, Meet Me In St. Louis, marked the introduction of the song "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" to the public. The song was sung by Esther, who was played by the undoubtedly delicate and beautiful Judy Garland. The year was 1944.

That said, given the conditions of this epic historical period,  I find it to be probably one of the most beautiful Christmas Songs ever written and sung. I hope you do, too.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, lots of warmth, and love,

ladies and gentlemen.... mr. leonard cohen

Last week my friends Felicity and Mark took me to see Leonard Cohen play at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn... what an experience. They told me to watch this documentary from the 60's, which is a pretty fun watch :)

Ladies and Gentlemen... Mr. Leonard Cohen by Donald Brittain & by Don Owen, National Film Board of Canada

Snaps! 4 Artists, 1 Cause: Sandy Relief Concert at Terminal 5

A true success on all fronts, and complete fun from beginning to end! I snapped these shots last night as four bands played Terminal 5 to raise money for Sandy Relief. The lineup? Cults, Grizzlybear, The Antlers, and Sleigh Bells. The event raised an impressive sum that surpassed $300,000!

CULTS:

 GRIZZLYBEAR:

 SLEIGH BELLS:

THE ANTLERS

Inspiration: Vintage Beatles Stuff

One-On-One: Kent Odessa

Very recently, I discovered the magic that is Kent Odessa and fell in infectious love. And after watching his recently released video for his single "Bo Jacksons," I mean, who wouldn't?

The song? Brilliant. Catchy and sexy, with an 80's meets modern electronic beat and vibe, I couldn't help but dance in my seat. The video? Perhaps tripled the excitement factor as I listened to the song!  Filmed in Brooklyn (where he is based), the whole thing is Kent's version of Flashdance-- with a hilarious start and killer ending. Without revealing too much, it gives viewers a specific impression of his humor and style: uncanny, unique, and extravagant.  In other words, if you don't watch this video, you are severely missing out.

 Doing a bit of research after that, I learned that the solo artist had only one album to date! Titled "Silverdome," the entire album is full of happy feel-good dance gems that will brighten any party or walk to work.  "Honeymoon," stands as my next favorite song-- with a swingy beat that will make you smile.

That said, after listening the song and video at least a hundred times, I had to reach out to him to ask more about his body of work, future plans, and of course, his humor and views on life.

Website

Facebook

Twitter: @Kent_Odessa

Soundcloud 

MF

Who makes up the band Kent Odessa?

Kent Odessa

The studio band is technically just myself, although I've been fortunate enough to work with some really talented co-producers and collaborators like Hays Holladay and Jeremy Cox, who have contributed beats and have been instrumental in helping to flush out whatever sound I'm going for. 

I'm also lucky to have a phenomenal live band: Jason Paul on bass, Sky Riggs on synths, and Celeste Cruz and Mikal Evans on backing vocals. 

 MF
What inspires your music?

KO

Mostly when I have some sort of choked-up feeling that I have no explanation or solution for, I know it's time to sit down and write a song.


MF
What is your songwriting process like?

KO

Find a problem in my life, come up with a great beat, and let the words appear. Garnish them with a luxurious bass line, some lush synths, and hypnotic percussion. Done. 

MF
What instruments can you play?

KO

Bass, guitar, and keys.

MF
Where were you raised and how did this affect your upbringing?

 KO

I was raised in suburban Detroit... and I went to Catholic school from ages six through thirteen. I think this probably had a lot to do with me idolizing more irreverent and hyper-sexualized figures like Madonna and Prince. I remember a lot of my friends' moms were always trash talking Madonna, calling her a slut and such, and from a very young age I just wanted to be a part of whatever was the antithesis to their world. 

MF
The first song you ever wrote was _________________.

KO

The first legitimate song was "Honeymoon," (the last song on "Silverdome") which I wrote with my good friend Luke Julius in 2006. 

MF
Bo Jacksons is an amazing video! How did you come up for the concept?

KO

The idea of a dance contest hit me when I first listened to the final mix. And I thought it would be great to play a bitchy, Simon Cowell-type judge who challenges the leading lady to a dance-off. It just made sense with the feel and rhythm of the song. 

MF
What would YOU SAY the song Bo Jacksons is "about?"

KO

Lyrically, the verses are about a total disgust with Right Wing political extremists. The choruses are pretty much about how happy I was to have found a limited reissue of my favorite childhood sneakers.  

MF
If you could meet any musician, past or present, who would it be and why?

KO

I would love to have a couple beers with both Leonard Cohen and Kris Kristofferson and ask them how they currently feel about 'true love'. 

MF
If you could have any musician cover any of your songs, what would it be, and who would sing it? And... of course, why?

KO

I wish that Eddi Front would cover one of the more bitter love songs, like "Spineless" or "Candy's Offer," because she has such a gorgeous voice and breathy delivery, and everyone (and I mean everyone) that sees her live instantly falls in love with her. I think she could bring out an unpredictable, meditative side to those songs. 

MF
Your last album, Silverdome, was released in 2011-- any plans on recording and releasing another one in the future?

KO

I'm currently working on a bunch of duets with one of my backing singers, Celeste Cruz. Hopefully we'll have some recordings ready for January/February. I'm also grooming another full-length album that I'd love to release at the end of 2013. Right now I'm still pretty hooked on making music videos, though. I have a couple more in the works for some of the key tracks off "Silverdome."





MF
Favorite song from Silverdome:

"Paper Route."

 KO
Song that you think people may overlook:

Definitely "Paper Route."

 

MF
A song you'd like to cover and why:

KO

"Don't Wanna Live Inside Myself" by The Bee Gees. Totally forgotten, heartbreaking ballad that they wrote before they went disco.

MF

Your favorite spots in NYC:

KO

The Museum of the Moving Image. Chinatown, Midtown, and the Financial District after 10 pm.







MF
Your hero: 

KO
Anton Chekhov

One-On-One: Kent Odessa's 8 Songs from meghanfarrell on 8tracks Radio.

MF
Eight songs you couldn't live without:

KO

"Ashes to Ashes" by David Bowie. 
"The Beautiful Ones" by Prince. 
"You're a Big Girl Now" by Bob Dylan. 
"Eyes Without a Face" by Billy Idol. 
"The Warmth of the Sun" by The Beach Boys. 
"Levon" by Elton John. 
"Father Figure" by George Michael. 
"Angels of Ashes" by Scott Walker. 

MF
The first album you ever purchased:

KO

Nirvana's "Nevermind." 

MF
The BEST music video of all time is:

KO

Definitely "Thriller." Followed by "Estranged" by Guns N' Roses or "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak. 

MF
The last think you drank:

KO

English Breakfast tea
 



MF
Favorite films:

KO

"Beetlejuice," "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," and "The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant."

Best scene from a film is:

Definitely this one.

I never leave home without my ______________

...sense of self-deprecation. 

want: carven x petit bateau

One on One: Yasmin Kianfar

The moment her garments hit the racks of Opening Ceremony for Spring/Summer 2011, I knew that London-based designer Yasmin Kianfar was going to be one to watch.  Being a lover of all things white, pastel, and lace, it was her intricate laser-cuts into different variations of silk that made me fall in love, as well as her sexy-- yet extremely feminine-- cuts. I have followed the young designer's line ever since.

Yasmin's beautiful designs well surpass her years of experience-- as a recent graduate of Central Saint Martin's University in London, the new Spring/Summer 2013 collection impressively marks her fifth collection to date!  Just very recently did I get one of her classic laser-cut tees in white (pictured above),  a beautifully stunning alternative to your white tee, that can be worn from day to night. Needless to say, I was very, very happy by this.

Since we were in touch, couldn't help but ask her a few questions about her designs, inspiration, life, and loves!

MF

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Yasmin Kianfar

A writer-- I loved studying English literature!

MF
What was your school experience like? 

YK

I went to a girls school in the countryside from ages 4-16. The whole experience was blissful and maybe a little naive.  It was the best time.  I remember feeling very carefree... I made my best friends there.  I still have the same close friends from when I was seven years old!  

MF
When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer? 

YK

Believe it or not, it was not before I did my final collection at Centrail St. Martin's... Then I knew.

MF
If you weren't a fashion designer, you'd be an...

YK

 Interior Designer. I've been house hunting, and so, I am getting quite into homes and interiors at the moment!  My mum is an Interior Designer-- a very good one, too!

MF
Describe the first garment you created:

YK

Probably the final garment I made for Foundation at Camberwell Art School. It was inspired by Daisy from the Great Gatsby. I made a dress with printed lace in a very light colour onto White, so it was a very subtle print you could only see in the light. 

MF
About how many garments make up each of your collections?

YK

I usually end up with about twenty garments-- and so I always seem to end up with fourteen looks. There is a logic to it, in that I need a certain amount of tops/bottoms/dresses, etc.. I am not rigid with this number though!

MF
What is your design process like? How does a garment change and evolve from the beginning to the end?

YK
To be honest, the garments evolve largely on the page as I draw them. I would rather draw through several different options than create each of them. I am big on non-waste and this allows me to minimize what gets discarded at the end of a season!

MF
Laser cuts and open shapes appear throughout your collection. What draws you to this?

YK
I guess it all goes back to [the textile] Lace. I have always loved it-- but when I began to think about design, I was intrigued by the concept of taking this old craft and making it contemporary. 

MF
Who is "your girl?"

YK
My girl is intelligent, style conscious more than fashion-conscious. She is subtle and elegant. 

MF
What is the inspiration behind the SS13 Collection?

YK
The Spring/Summer 2013 collection is inspired by Sun and Surfing. The blue and coral were from those elements. The leather dot embellishment was from the concept of using the holes that were laser cut away. I also liked the idea of making the same pattern on a garment but in a different way. 

MF
Your favorite garment you ever designed and why:

YK
That's a hard one. I would say a dress from my Spring/Summer 2012 collection:  it is a laser-cut white under-dress (like a slip) that has a  nude silk overlay. I just feel that this piece just sums up my brand.

MF
Your favorite collection thus far and why:

YK
I would say Spring/Summer 2013 because it really demonstrates some signature aspects but moves them to the next level. I love the colours and fabrics too.

MF
What is the most surprising experience you've had while being a designer? The most exciting?

YK
The most surprising experience I would say would be how easy it has been to make contact with people that seem unattainable or out of bounds. Some of the best responses I have ever received were when I just went straight to the top and sent an e-mail to a head buyer or fashion director. It has been surprising and exciting! 

MF
What inspires you to create?

YK 
Believe it or not, just watching girls on the street. I love watching how people put their looks together. I myself can be a bit simple in how I create an outfit so I like to see other things, even if to discard them. It makes you think about clothes in a different way. 

MF
If you could collaborate with any designer, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

YK
I'll be boring and cliche and say Chanel... but nothing compares! Or Chloe. I am really very classic at heart, though I do love the idea of Creative Directing one of those classic houses and making them a little more fresh.

MF
What designers do you admire?

YK
Roksanda Ilincic, Christopher Kane.

MF
If you could have any celebrity-- current or in history-- wear your clothing, who would it be and why?

YK
I like Keira Knightley, Kate Bosworth as contemporaries. In History, Lauren Baccall and Lauren Hutton would be amazing. 

MF
Your ultimate goal:

YK
To open a store in London where I had an atelier underneath.

MF
Your favorite item of clothing as a child:

YK
A matching silk top and trousers that had tiny polka dots on them. 

MF
Your favorite things in your closet:

YK 
This white lace skirt which I seem to wear all year round!! And my chanel 2.5- a ridiculous purchase that took a while paying my mum back for! 

MF
A designer or brand I may not know about:

YK
My good friend Marina has a beautiful silk brand called Marina, London. The collection contains simple pieces that are beautifully cut in silk. She creates really lovely things that you will keep in your closet for a long time.

MF
Favorite spot in London:

YK
The roof at Shoreditch House has a great feel-- I prefer it at night with the lights and the fire!

MF
Favorite restaurants in London?

YK
Bocca di Lupo, an Italian restaurant on Archer Street. I have had a couple of really great dinners there. Have the crab pasta! Also, I love the ice cream from Gelupo. 

MF
Favorite shops in London:

YK
To be honest, I rarely shop and I am not a loyal shopper at all! But at the moment I am more into house shopping than clothes! But Browns on South Molton St is a great store, I could definitely go a bit crazy in there if given the opportunity! 

MF
Favorite spot in NYC:

YK
I don't go a lot when I'm there, so I'm probably super out of date!  I really like the restaurant Peasant! I love to stay at The Hudson and the big Dean & Deluca near Opening Ceremony. Oh--- and Opening Ceremony of course! 

MF
 Favorite spot in the world:

YK
Biarritz.

8 Songs: Yasmin Kianfar from meghanfarrell on 8tracks Radio.

MF
Eight songs you couldn't live without:

YK
1/ Rhythm is a Dancer, Snap

2/ Under Control, The Strokes

3/ The Cave, Mumford & Sons

4/ My Baby Just Cares for Me, Nina Simone

5/ 007 Shanty Town, Desmond Dekker

6/ 54-46 That's My Number, Toots & the Maytals

7/ Running Up That Hill, Kate Bush

8/ The Love That I Saw In You Was Just a Mirage, Smokey Robinson 

MF
Your theme song:

YK
Like a Prayer, Madonna

MF
Top 5 Movies:

YK
1/The Royal Tenenbaums

2/Almost Famous

3/Three Men and a Little Lady

4/Atonement

5/Bright Young Things

MF
Five things that you love right now:

YK
1/ Buttoned Headboards

2/ Matthew 

3/ My new Burgundy Skirt

4/ Coconut water with Pineapple

5/ The Kartell Ghost Chair

MF

Favorite books and/or authors:

YK
Catcher In The Rye by JD Salinger

When God Was a Rabbit

A Million Little Pieces

MF
Your spirit animal:

YK
Cat

MF
In a nutshell, your philosophy is….

YK
Don't worry what anyone else is doing, just worry about what you're doing. 

MF
What do you think is the best advice you could give young emerging designers?

 YK

Don't get into debt: start small and grow.