The Great Gatsby was magical, marvelous, and manic.

Baz Luhrmann is synonymous with all of these words. His films are beautiful, artistic, and far from traditional. You simply cannot enter into his world expecting a conventional take on an ageless story.

Luhrmann transformed Fitzgerald’s fantastical world of the 20s into something electric and mesmerizing. Critics may be ripping apart the liberties the risky director took with the classic work, but nothing about the production was done flippantly and without thought. Every decision, every oneliner, every song was chosen with precise research and absolute care.

F. Scott Fitzgerald was nothing if not a leader. He was new and modern as was his work. Luhrmann’s understanding of this is what made the movie great. Any director could’ve pumped this story full of hip-hop music and other ostentatious choices, any other director could’ve been safe, but only someone as creative and dedicated to the core of the tale could pull off something as groundbreaking and crazy as what Luhrmann did with The Great Gatsby.

I saw the film on Thursday, the day it was released in New York. I got all gussied up and I sat in the theater, with my equally nerdy friends, staring in awe at the screen for two hours and twenty minutes. I watched Gatsby’s sanity unravel, I saw Nick Caraway observe this life he didn’t live, I saw Daisy toy with hearts, and I cried. I cried at the beauty. I cried for the love and the loss. I cried.

As I was leaving I heard the people behind me complaining. They didn’t appreciate Luhrmann’s take on a book that defined an era. They said Luhrmann “wasn’t a very good director” and “didn’t do the story justice” and I just sat there thinking are these people out of their minds? I just viewed one of the most cinematically beautiful films in the last 15 years and these people didn’t like it?

But that is a lesson I have had to learn. The lesson that madness and genius go hand in hand and not everyone is going to appreciate it. The Great Gatsby is going to go down in history, if only in my book, next to Titanic and Avatar as one of the most cinematically and emotionally astounding films in the last two decades.

5/5

Written By Sydney Weinshel 

Met Gala 2013 Best Dressed

This years Met Gala theme of Punk: Chaos to Couture brought out a variety of stunning gowns and looks that will not be easily forgotten in the future. The event is not only a celebration of fashion, but also a celebration with the art of couture and its symbiotic relationship with society and culture. The dark theme was left open to interpretation, which caused for some diverse results.

1. Beyoncé Knowles in Givenchy – Topping of our list is of course Queen B. Stepping out of her car in this beautifully patterned gown with full train was certainly a sight to see. It almost seemed that the hem of this gown was laced with dancing flames

2. Blake Lively in Gucci Premier – Obviously Blake, in this Gucci original would be a knockout. Using a multitude of textiles and elements this gown is the definition of hard and soft juxtaposition. Even in the dark train, Blake still managed to bring her usual bright light to the red carpet.

3. Nina Dobrev in Monique Lhuillier – All Nina really needed was a set of fangs and a trail of blood dripping down her chin and she would have the dark vampire look down. This lovely look by Monique (A Cashmere and Tweed favorite) is absolutely stunning. From the tulle train to lace leggings Nina utilized her dark features marvelously to pull of this living dead look.

4. Dylan Lauren in Ralph Lauren – If there was an embodiment of classic it may be Dylan Lauren, in a gown designed by her father. With soft flecks of metallic gold this white garment just draped so effortlessly over the stunning fashion heiress. The lines created by the ribbing really made this dress so flattering and quite simplistically beautiful.

5. Katie Holmes in Calvin Klein – This dress was a knockout on Katie. The flowing train of airy fabric really just had a movement that was so ethereal. Fabio really out designed himself with this gown. Katie managed to keep the punk theme with dark makeup, which was a direct contrast to the white purity in her garment. Absolutely beautiful.

6. Amanda Seyfried in Vintage Givenchy – This vintage Givenchy piece was perfect for Amanda. The best part about this down was not only the lovely patterned train, but the amazing open back detail. This gown can only be defined as regal and Amanda wore it so gracefully.

7. Joan Smalls in Tom Ford – Pictured here with the designer himself (also in Tom Ford) by far pulled of the full body lace dress the best over any of the other attempts. Joan simply looks fierce with the dramatic ombre, which trickles down against the intricate backdrop of her dress. I can only imagine how proud Tom Ford was to have his garment worn by such a stunning creature.

8. Anne Hathaway in Valentino – As soon as Anne, in all her blonde glory stepped out of her car, all eyes directly went to her. In an amazing shear Valentino gown with fringe cuffs, Anne was truly something to behold. She managed to do the shear in a tasteful way and especially with the blonde locks pull off glam punk effortlessly.

9. Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles with a Phillip Treacy headpiece and Christian Louboutin boots. – SJP always has a way of taking the crazy and making it look beautiful. With a grand combination of patters and ideals, Sarah J managed to make it all go together so well. The headpiece was the talk of the evening and once it managed to come out of her car, everyone knew this fashion icon had arrived.

10. Jennifer Lopez in Michael Kors –JLO is pretty much the very definition of sexy, in the almost leopard print gown by Michael Kors, Lopez really was just so hot. The gown hugged her famous curves and accentuated the beautiful woman we all know and adore. Topped with a wild and lovely up do, JLO is a perfect way to draw this list to a close.

Written by Luke Hartman, Photos courtesy of The Cut

I have got to hand it to Demi. She knows how to hype an album. Besides being the current Queen of Pop, she is the queen of surprises too.

You’ll remember the Demi Blackout/Whiteout when she was releasing “Heart Attack” and the DEMI album cover. Well, she is back at it with #lovaticsspeeduptime. Today, fans could tweet the names of her tracks (in order) as a means of unlocking the songs on her website and on Vevo. Once the song title was tweeted and hash-tagged enough, the song would be unlocked and the next song could begin to be tweeted. Needless to say, the Lovatics unlocked the songs in no time and now we have the complete album!

The songs are nothing short of perfection, with soul and passion wrapped up in Lovato’s sassy voice. It is a bit of a break from the dubstep tunes we got on her previous album, Unbroken, and she has transitioned back to real instruments.

This girl deserves all the success in the world and I look forward to the day she finally gets the recognition she deserves by stepping up on stage and accepting her first Grammy.

You can preorder Demi on iTunes and Amazon today. It will be available for purchase on May 14th.

Written By Sydney Weinshel

The RISD Museum in Providence, RI held its Dandy Gala last Friday night in celebration of its new exhibit, Artist/Rebel/Dandy: Men of Fashion, which features pieces from the wardrobes of Patrick McDonald, Thom Browne, and Beau Brummel, among others. After previewing the exhibit, guests were led to the Providence Public Library where they rubbed shoulders with the likes of jewelry designer Waris Ahluwalia and Vogue’s Hamish Bowles. Guest speaker Andre Leon Talley gave an inspiring, witty, and entertaining speech on the beginnings of his career while he was at Brown finishing a Master’s Degree in French. Dandies left and right swarmed the dance floor in what was a grand evening of sartorial elegance and flair. The exhibit runs through August 18, 2013. 

Written by Dominik Halas/Photo courtesy of the RISD Museum

Falling  in love is scary… and exhilarating… and awkward.

There is never a time when you’ll be more honest or more passionate or more truthful than when you are 17. It is the time to take risks and be reckless and fall in love. Those things are what being 17 is about. Living life without fear or strings attached.

When you’re 17 your biggest concern is love and sex; it is a really big deal. Sex is awkward and threatening, but that’s not even the hard part. The hard part is giving your heart to someone else. Completely giving over to your emotions and becoming vulnerable with someone else. All those emotions are wrapped up in a single person and you’re giving them the power to completely destroy you.

That is what The First Time is about.

Starring Britt Robertson (Aubrey) and Dylan O’Brien (Dave), this movie completely captures what it feels like to be 17 and faced with sex and love. It shows the awkwardness of that first time because it isn’t a romantic thing (contrary to every teen romcom ever filmed). We just want to be loved, to find somebody that makes your heart ache (in a good way), and to feel understood.

This film is a must-see for anyone under the age of 20, for anyone still falling in love, and for anyone who remembers what it feels like to be 17. We spend so much time waiting and wanting and wishing without ever doing. Let Aubrey’s detachment and Dave’s fairytale complex of a happily ever after take you back to that day when you saw her in English class, the time you saw him at that party your freshman year. Let their love take you back to that feeling of free falling before you’ve even spoken to her or learned his name.

The First Time might come off as some low budget, straight to DVD flick featuring a TeenNick starlet, a short-lived CW star, and that guy from Teen Wolf, but when you watch it you can’t help but think I remember that… 

5/5

Written By Sydney Weinshel

Has it been confirmed that underdog Alex Pettyfer will be playing Hollywood’s most coveted role of the year? Could it be true? Will he be our brooding Christian Grey? Unfortunately, no one has been cast in the highly anticipated trilogy, but after Pettyfer was cast in a trial sex scene (directed by Gus Van Sant) rumors started to run rampant.

Pettyfer is said to be the new favorite of Universal. Could this trump the big name contenders already in the running. Even favorites such as Ian Somerhalder and Alexander Skarsgard? Ian has been openly favorited by E.L. James and has definitely been the most vocal about his interest in the film, but one little teaser from Pettyfer and that could all be down the drain.

As for Ana, it is rumored that our very own Katniss Everdeen, Jennifer Lawrence, has become Universal’s new favorite to play the innocent and naive Anastasia Steele. After rumors surfaced that Watson was confirmed for the part (courtesy of some “talented” hackers), she made a public statement denying the allegations. Other big names being thrown around include Allison Williams, Alexis Bledel, Lily Collins, and Nina Dobrev.

No matter how many times we debate the pros and cons of every rumored actor and actress, it will all come down to E.L. James and Universal studios. So let’s start getting used to the idea of Alex and Jennifer because we may be looking at our future Mr. and Mrs. Grey ladies and gentlemen.

Written By Sydney Weinshel

H&M CONSCIOUS: Collection and Initiative

Recently H&M has launced a multifaceted campaign centering around fashion sustainability, and being conscious of not only the world around us, but the needs of those less fortunate.

Everyone is entitled to feel beautiful, to be proud of ones appearance. It is clear that fashion is a large part of this. One of H&M’s goals during this campaign is to not let fashion be wasted, and the benefits of recycling fabric, styles and old garments. Collections are being taken at every H&M store in order to promote an idea of zero textile waste. Not only will this benefit the environment with energy savings, but also benefit those less fortunate as well. 

Also in order to promote this idea of CONSCIOUS, H&M has launched their Conscious Collection. A series of pastel, and robust almost couture pieces, are now available in many retail stores. The sea green tulle gown is simply amazing, and is something one would expect from a high end fashion house. While these garments are somewhat more expensive than the regular H&M piece, they are reasonably priced when looking at the detailed craftsmanship, and their modern appeal. 

All of these garments are made out of organic materials and also all the workers that made these pieces were paid fair wages and worked in suitable conditions. Not only is this collection beautiful, but the concept behind it is just as beautiful as well.