#like evolution had different fashion styles over the ages

[lurkingshan]

Japanese BL Starter Pack

It’s been awhile since I dropped a rec list, so I am here today to share one that is very near and dear to my heart—a Japanese bl primer for those who are new to the jbl game. I created this for @neuroticbookworm to help her on her journey when she decided she wanted to start getting into Japanese works. The fandom (on Tumblr and generally) tends to focus primarily on Thai shows because they are the easiest to access for international fans, since Thailand is working its way toward world domination via ql media and wants us all to be able to watch. But there is a lot of great stuff to watch beyond the easy access Thai channels, and Japan is the country where this genre originated, so its shows are important for anyone who considers themselves a bl fan. Japan doesn’t cater nearly as much to the international audience so tracking down the shows sometimes takes some ingenuity and can-do spirit, but that’s part of the fun!

And so, the list! Bookworm is about halfway through it and having a ball, so I figured it was time to stop hoarding it and share it with anyone else who would like to dip their toes into jbl and isn’t quite sure where to start. A few notes: 

I am not here to teach you about the deep roots of the jbl genre or give you a primer on yaoi manga. I am by no means an expert and there are other places to find that information. Start here with this great post by @nieves-de-sugui and then maybe wander over to @absolutebl to read up more on the evolution of the genre.

This list is by no means an exhaustive accounting of every important Japanese bl ever made; it is simply a nice sampler platter of the cream of the crop among various styles you will find in jbl. Watching through this whole list will not only expose you to some fantastic shows, but also give you a sense of what makes jbl unique and how the country’s style differs from others, and point you toward the types of jbl you’ll like most (they tend to put shows in pretty specific style and tone lanes and once you find the ones you like there are lots more where that came from). 

If you’re coming to this post as a jbl lover and you don’t see your favorite here, I promise it’s not because I don’t love it very much; I simply had to make some choices to get this down to a reasonable shortlist. Feel free to leave extra recs for others to find! 

I’m putting these in a loose suggested watch order that will take you through the various jbl lanes in a kind of popcorn style, because I always think it’s good to change it up so you don’t get too stuck in one mode, and it works its way up to most of the extremely Japanese stuff (you will know what that means by the time you finish). But do what’s in your heart and change up the order if you want, friends, I am not the boss of you! 

Cherry Magic (Crunchyroll or grey)

gif by @liyazaki

I believe everyone on Tumblr is pretty familiar with this one, which is not a coincidence—this is one of the most accessible jbls. Not in terms of actual access to watch it, mind you (we’ve all jumped through shady internet hoops to watch it) but in terms of its content and style. Cherry Magic is a classic workplace romcom with a magical twist, and it is charming af. It’s a great exemplar of Japan’s light and zippy comedy lane for bl—a lane in which, importantly, the romances stay chaste even when the actual plot is about sex, or lack thereof. My friend @waitmyturtles would kill me if I didn’t make sure you know that Cherry Magic also has a lovely follow up film. And bonus: there is now a Thai remake airing so if you watch the original you can get in on the discussion about the different adaptations between countries. This is pretty easy to find these days in all the usual places, but I strongly recommend watching it here.

Old Fashion Cupcake (Viki)

gif by @liyazaki

Moving on to a slightly more mature workplace romcom. Old Fashion Cupcake, another Tumblr favorite, is an age gap boss-subordinate romance, and it’s both very adult and somehow wholesome af at the same time. Sure, there is a lot of carnal desire going on here, but there is also a lot of wooing via fluffy pancakes. It’s a tight five episodes and a fantastic example of what Japan, with its extreme technical precision in writing, directing, editing, pacing, and acting firing on all cylinders, can do in two hours. There’s not an ounce of flab on this thing and you’ll want to watch it over and over again.

Utsukushii Kare (Viki)

gif by @wanderlust-in-my-soul

Time to get a little weird! Weird is a key feature of Japanese media, and lots of jbls explore unusual relationship dynamics rooted in complex psychology. This is the first show on the list that will likely feel very Japanese if you’re new around here—my advice is to lean into it and finish the show, even if you get uncomfortable along the way. In Japanese media, discomfort always serves a purpose. This is a high school story with a twisted relationship at its center, and I’m not saying any more than that. Don’t spoil yourself and go watch it! This one also comes with two sequels—one short second season and one movie—that continue from the original story. They are less essential but still excellent.

I Cannot Reach You (Netflix)

gif by @my-rose-tinted-glasses

Next up, another high school tale, but with a totally different vibe. This show is kind of a revelation in its willingness to tell a story about overwhelming desire—including sexual desire—with young protagonists. It’s rooted in a classic but often misunderstood trope, friends to lovers, and takes the angst of it seriously, giving us a low stakes story that feels extremely high stakes to our leads. It’s also gorgeous and uses a classic Japanese visual style (bokeh) that you’ll be dying to learn more about. 

His (Viki)

gif by @gabrielokun

Time for a break from high school, and we’ll sprinkle in a movie for some added flavor. His is a jbl film featuring a second chance romance between a stoic, introverted man who moves to a remote town to start over, and his ex-boyfriend who follows him there unexpectedly, adorable child in tow. Importantly, this movie does not take place in what we often refer to as the “bl bubble” where homophobia doesn’t exist; the leads’ experiences of being gay men in a homophobic society are hugely important to the plot and themes of the story. It’s a beautiful film and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it. @bengiyo would surely also like me to tell you that this film follows a brief prequel show called His: I Didn’t Mean to Fall in Love about the characters originally meeting in high school; I do not think it’s really necessary to watch it but completists can start there.

The Pornographer series (Gaga)

By now you should be ready to get into some classic Japanese fucked up psychosexual material, right? Right! The Pornographer series is told in five installments in this order:

The Novelist, a six episode miniseries

Mood Indigo, a six episode prequel series

Spring Life, a 15 minute short

Pornographer: Playback, a two hour film

Spring Life Continued, a 15 minute short

Confused by that distribution model? So say we all; sometimes Japan likes to make us work for it to make sure we really appreciate its many gifts to us. The story across these installments is about a very difficult to love protagonist, what makes him the way he is, and the also-unhinged-but-in-a-different-way man who finally gets through to him. It’s an extremely satisfying love story and one of the best character arcs I have ever seen, full stop. For this one, you’ll want to just pull the word problematic out of your pocket and store it in a drawer; nearly everything that happens in this story is problematic and that’s the point. Lean in! All of these installments except for the film are on Gaga, if you get that far hmu and I will supply you with the final puzzle piece.

Our Dining Table (Gaga)

You could probably use a break after those last two, so it’s time to shift over to a heart-tugging twofer: family trauma mixed with the cutest shit you’ve ever seen. ODT is an example of another classic type of Japanese show: the food drama (you will see the GOAT in this category at the end of this list). In Japanese culture, food is love, and the act of preparing food for your loved ones is a common path to romance. You’ll love this story about an isolated office worker who meets a pair of brothers, learns to cook as a way of connecting with them, and begins to heal from his own trauma as a result. The image above is a scan from the manga, which @troubled-mind curates to make extremely cool comparison sets like this one. Many jbls are faithful adaptations of yaoi manga source material, so it’s good to have a bit of familiarity with them.

Minato’s Laundromat (Gaga)

gif by @liyazaki

Japanese media loves to explore taboo, and often manages to do it in a way that is surprisingly light and chaste. This is an age gap romance between a teenager and his adult neighbor that explores internalized homophobia, emotional repression, and falling in love across seemingly impossible social chasms. It’s also a great example of old school yaoi seme-uke dynamics that still show up across the bl genre. Also, take my advice: end your journey with this one with the first season and just pretend season 2 doesn’t exist.

Eternal Yesterday (Viki)

gif by @wanderlust-in-my-soul

Remember what I said about weird? Time to do that again, but with a heaping dose of grief and pain on top. It’s not a spoiler to tell you this show involves a major character death; a major character death is, in fact, the root of the entire story. This is a magic realist tale of first love turned tragic, and it will hurt and heal you. It is one of my favorite dramas of all time.

Restart After Come Back Home (Gaga)

And now for a break for your poor exhausted brain. This film is basically the jbl version of a Hallmark original movie, about a city boy who goes back home to the country and falls in love with a total sweetheart while working together on a farm. Enjoy it, bestie, you’ve earned it! 

Tokyo in April Is… (Gaga)

gif by @wanderlust-in-my-soul

You’ve probably noticed by now that emotional repression and failed communication are big themes in Japanese works. This second chance romance has plenty of both, and it’s a great example of a kind of muted emotional style that Japan does so well, where the surface of the story seems almost placid and calm even as deep emotion roils underneath. This one (and Eternal Yesterday above) are part of a special line up of jbls on Japanese channel MBS called Tonku (Drama) Shower. The shows air one after another in the same time slot on Fridays (in Japan, perhaps Thursdays for you depending on where you live) and you truly never know what you’re gonna get, but they’re all interesting. Warnings on this one for sexual assault and trauma. 

The End of the World With You (Viki)

Time for sexy and weird again, but even more so! This has to be one of the most unique bls ever made; it goes to some truly divine and strange places, and it feels incredibly queer while doing it. Made by the same screenwriter/director of the Pornographer series with a lot of the same sensibilities, but in a more heightened apocalyptic setting. This one has existential angst, a road trip, a redemption tale, and a variety of interesting side characters in the mix.

What Did You Eat Yesterday? (Gaga)

gif by @my-rose-tinted-glasses

Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of the list and your reward is watching one of the best bls of all time, and a perfect slice of life food drama to boot. WDYEY now has two seasons (along with a couple specials and a movie that fall in between) because the universe clearly loves us. You can now get it on Gaga for easy access but I’m partial to the versions over at @kinounaniresource for better subs. Wherever you watch, settle in to get cozy with Shiro and Kenji and make sure to always eat before you hit play.

[alienarthouse]

A bit of a change of pace from my typical scifi spec bio, but I’ve been drawing a lot of fantasy art lately and started thinking about my goblins again.

In my D&D homebrew/original high fantasy world, Fulcire, the goblinoids (a family consisting of such species as the goblins, hobgoblins, and bugbears) are distinct from the humanoids, having evolved from a different common ancestor. They are the older of the two families, having evolved somewhere between 20,000 and 70,000 years earlier. Goblins were the first of the family to evolve in their modern form, making them the oldest intelligent mortal life on the plane. They alternate between quadrupedal and bipedal stances, are opportunistic omnivores, surviving on a mix of gathering and scavenging, but never actively hunting. Before the modern age of city-building, they kept migratory paths that they traveled across over the span of several years. These days, though, they tend to live more sedentary lives in the isolation of deep wilderness, because where their’s and humanoid’s paths cross, a fight almost always seems to end up breaking out.

More fun facts below:

- As a weird quirk of their evolution, goblinoids are better able to understand large numbers as a concept than humanoids. Where the humanoid mind struggles to imagine numbers into the thousands, tens-of-thousands, and beyond, goblinoids do not. This is theorized to be due to the fact that goblinoids evolved from an animal that had a herd-like social structure, rather than a pack-like one. An individual could need to know hundreds to thousands of other people on a personal level, and those that could work in such large numbers tended to be the most successful members of the herd, eventually selecting towards this particular quirk. As a result, Goblins and goblinoids are fantastic trend-spotters, and have both a fantastic memory and a quick mind for mathematics. It’s no coincidence that their agriculture requires keeping careful track of plant and animal populations across wide tracts of land over many years, and figuring out how to manipulate them season-by-season to the benefit of both themselves, and for the local ecosystem.

- Goblin clothing and fashion is quite unique when compared to humanoid clothing. Goblins do have a taboo against nudity in most cultures, but the structure of their body means that what they must cover differs. All goblinoids are mammalian, though their breast tissue is on their stomach, not their chest. To have an exposed belly, then, is considered appropriate for men, but not women, in Goblin societies (this, of course, can vary depending on societal practices regarding nursing, but that’s a whole different topic). An exposed chest, meanwhile, is commonly considered a sign of bravery in warriors, though more often than not warriors will wear chest-plates in real combat. Everyday styles, such as an exposed chest, are designed to allow for ease of movement in both bipedal and quadrupedal stances. The classic shirt, as humans style it, tend to pull and rub at a Goblin’s shoulders, which are structured more like that of a very flexible cat than a human. A lean towards functionality does not stop Goblins from accessorizing, though, covering clothes in embroidery, beadwork, and decorating with anything that shines or makes a nice jingling sound. Patterns and motifs may stem from Goblin folklore and history, or may be adopted from other species’ cultures. Clothing style is not restricted based on sex in any case other than when it comes to nudity in a particular culture, but it is common for those with magical ability to wear styles that differ from those who do not.

- Goblins have brightly pigmented skin, ranging from green to yellow to red, with the depth of color believed to signal good health. They may very rarely have striped or spotted patterns on their skin, but if not painted-on, this tends to be the result of an individual having some hobgoblin or bugbear ancestry, rather than a naturally occurring pattern. Compared to humanoids, they have an extended hairline, which starts lower on the forehead, extending down the neck and back, and across the shoulders. It often stops at the low-back, but it is not unheard of to have a furred tail. They range between 2.5 to 3.5 feet in height when standing bipedally, though are taller when their ears are taken into account. They are mammalian, and give birth in litters of 1-3 pups per season. Goblins have retractable claws, and their teeth fall out regularly across the seasons, though they only fall out all at once if a Goblin is in truly dire health. Lost teeth are often given as a sign of affection to family, friends, and/or lovers. While Goblins may not be religious, they are often spiritual, and keeping a loved one’s tooth is thought to help keep track of them, in life and in death. In fact, when a particularly beloved Goblin passes, when they are interred below the roots or in the hollow of a tree, they are often buried with great numbers of living Goblin’s teeth, so that they may find and recognize one another again in the world beyond.

[serpentinespider]

kit 14, 43, D!

guy 13, 4, 35, 3!

been thinking about these fellas a lot recently!! thank you questionnaire this is the perfect time!!

WOO WOO YEAH I took awhile to answer these because they got my brain going so hard I had to think about them for hours before I could articulate any responses AAH /pos You always pick the best questions for each character!!

this got so long I’m putting it under a readmore actually heheh

Kit!

art by StudioScheppen!!

14. What animal do they fear most? DOGS, forever and always. Kit’s been super anxious since he was a little kid; he’s never been fond of any animals really, but dogs specifically were one of the first things that would consistently set him off. Mouth full of sharp teeth, unpredictable loud barks, usually big enough to bowl him over without much effort… he can tolerate them more these days, but he still can’t really go over to his buddy Larry’s house for fear of his family’s golden retrievers. Being attacked by one messed him up REAL bad mentally, even setting aside all the turning-into-a-beast stuff lol

43. If someone asked them to explain their sexuality, how would they do so? Depends pretty much entirely who is asking and when. It took him quite awhile to come to terms with liking men, but once he did he pretty much leaned into it 100%. Towards strangers, he has a pretty flippant “I’m a homo, go fuck yourself if you have a problem with that,” attitude… but towards his friends and family he fumbles with the subject. “Welll uhh I don’t know… I guess I’m not straight maybe… I don’t think about labels too much…” (he does, he’s just scared of being shunned.)

D. Have they always had the same physical appearance, or have you had to edit how they look? First of all, I like the phrasing of this question, usually I think of design tweaks as a ‘want,’ but ‘having’ to do so actually more accurate describes Kit’s evolution I think! I’m going to go slightly off the topic of the question for this one because it requires some elaboration (and because I can do what I want! /silly)

Most of my characters gradually change over time as my style changes and I just become interested in different design traits, but Kit has def had the most frequent and rapid design changes over the two-ish years I’ve called him my OC. I genuinely can’t remember where or how frequently I was posting about it at the time (outside of my old defunct tumblr blog), but I was deeply hyperfixated on Captain Underpants in 2022, specifically book 11 which is my favorite :] That book takes place in the past, and the antagonist is Kipper Krupp, Mr Krupp’s 12 year old nephew. He’s very goofy and his writing is standout enough that most of my fixation was focused on him. Like, it was so shockingly intense I cannot describe it. I’m not ashamed of liking CU but the extent to which I blorboified this one-off character is really something. Anyways, after a couple months of this I began to become embarrassed about how many headcanons and ideas I had for him, so I just took him and his friends, changed their names a little bit, aged them up and made them my OCs! As I’ve become more Normal about Kipper himself I’ve distanced Kit from him more and more— making him a werewolf was my main big effort to separate him from Captain Underpants tropes-wise if that makes sense! I mean I still love Kipper dearly, but not as much as I love Kit :3c

Canonically he’s still the same guy I guess, just in a super derivative AU lol. His dad is still named Jasper and his uncle is still Benny, buuut since I changed his surname to Parker I’m guessing most people are going to think that’s a Spider-Man reference haha

my gooby 🐺

I like how the antagonists wiki classifies wedgies as ‘torture’ lmao

moving on to Guy!!

13. What color do they think they look best in? Do they actually look best in that color? She gravitates towards dark gray a lot, and I think it can flatter her, but it def is more of a dysphoria thing than a fashion thing. As for what looks best, I’m certainly no fashion expert (all her ratty gray outfits are based on what I wear HAHA) but I have a soft spot for him in white <3

4. How easy is it to earn their trust? Very easy. Maybe too easy? He doesn’t make an effort to connect with people, but if you do show any interest in him he’ll pretty much be willing to put his life in your hands. He might be shy, but he loves making friends!! This does mean he’s pretty likely to volunteer personal information to acquaintances too soon, either putting them off or giving them ammo to potentially harm him in the future :< [picks up Adam like a naughty kitten and stares at him really hard]

35. How do they treat the things their friends come to them excited about? Are they supportive? Guy doesn’t really react to things appropriately in real-time— tell him you’re getting married to the love of your life, he’ll monotonously go “oh, okay,” go silent, then a week later he’ll run up to you crying happy tears congratulating you!! He is very supportive, just has a hard time with the emotion part.

3. How do they put themselves to bed at night (reading, singing, thinking?) — cw marijuana mention! — Pre-Daniel: Thinking… or more accurately overthinking. Nighttime anxiety is a big problem for her— she’s tried a variety of things to distract herself and alleviate it to varying degrees of success: journaling, reading, herbal teas… it’s hard to stick with anything, though. Weed is been the most consistently helpful for her, but her family has a history of addiction that makes her scared to commit to it. Post-Daniel: Snuggles!! It’s hard to worry about much when you’ve got a warm snakey creature wrapped around you so so happily, Dan’s purrs make her mind go wonderfully quiet. It’s like having a weighted blanket that’s in love with you

[pompettepink]

Hey guys! I’m slowly starting to incorporate coquette styles, but how do I explain that to my mom? Coquette has different substyles, and I don’t want to confuse her!

How to explain coquette ⁽⁠⁽♡⁾⁠⁾

Pretty much everyone has a general understanding of the word coquette. It isn't in most people lexicons but people HAVE heard of the word before. Most people associate coquette with flirtatious girlishness, but that definition really doesn't mesh with the fashion. So the best way to explain the fashion to someone who isn't very knowledgeable about it is ACTUALLY to start in the middle.

When discussing the fashion it helps to start by defining what coquette means to the community rather than discussing what it means according to Webster's dictionary. Coquette is a reclamation of girlhood with members basing their aesthetic on what their girlhood is/was to them. It is NOT a community full of people trying to agebait, age regress, or cosplay as children. Even if some members do age regress, bait, or dress in children's clothes that is NOT the standard or the end goal for the community. Being coquette is a much more personal experience and our clothing and aesthetic incorporate a broad reflection of the concept of girlhood while also pulling the unique experiences of community members. It can be a little hard to explain the concept to people but if you know the person well enough you can use their life as an example (like telling your mom she can wear general 80s inspired fashion AND also replicate outfits that she use to love wearing or wish she could have worn as a kid) OR you can give a more open example like a dessert table that's filled with desserts everyone will love AND also features desserts you use to love as a kid alongside family recipes.

When you feel like the person has a pretty good understanding of what it means to be a coquette then you can dive into the subsets. Not everyone is aware that fashions can have different branches to them so defining what a subset is will be your base in defining what coquette subsets are. Use an aesthetic that the person you are talking to is aware of then expand on it. For example, everyone is aware of what a blue collar job is compared to a white collar job, with one being more manual labor that often requires a uniform and the other is more stationary and often requires a business attire. You can get into further detail and discuss the different types of business attire out there, like business casual, business formal, smart causal, black tie, preppy, techie, sporty chic etc etc. Give a general understanding of what it means to dress "business" then explain the differences between each business category and explain how they tie back into the general business aesthetic. After that then you can explain the different types of coquette subsets and how they exist as their own concept but still have the foundation of coquette fashion.

Finally end by going to the beginning. After you've discussed the coquette aesthetic, community, and subsets with the person you can circle back to it's history. Explain why coquette is even a thing. Talk about it's evolution. Discuss prominent members and celebrity inspirations. You might even feel comfortable enough to discuss Vladimir Nabokov's literature, Lana Del Rey's discography, and toxic traits such as smoking, drinking, materialism, and body image issues. That way, even if people are shocked over the smaller problematic parts of the community, they would have already had a positive opinion of the aesthetic after your initial clarifications.

As a side note, leave lots and lots of room for a two sided conversation. If the person has any questions be very open to answering them. If you see that they're deep in thought ask if there's something they're confused about. If they have a criticism don't be offended! Use that as an opportunity to educate, or maybe even concede to less savory parts of coquette spaces. HAVE EXAMPLES ON HAND! If you wanna talk about the subsets be ready to SHOW THEM. Pull up your phone's camera roll. Take them to the search bar and invite them to scroll thru on their own. Have resources from YouTube, Pinterest, Tumblr, Wikipedia and Google on hand. And encourage independent research. Confusion can't always be helped, but you CAN help guide people through the topic of coquette by informing them on what you know and ALSO what you believe ❤️

[nayaninarayana-mga2023mi5016]

Survey Data Analyzation : Part 1/2

To gain insights on the impact and evolution of Barbie animated movies, a survey was conducted online as primary research, targeting respondents of different ages that are familiar with the Barbie Cinematic Universe. The survey aimed to assess how these films have influenced the viewer’s perception of content and themes, cultural impact, character development, storytelling and animation, educational value, feminism and empowerment, gender roles and diversity as well as their overall reception of the movies over time. The data collected from this survey provided valuable insights, forming a critical component of the research analysis. The derived data is as follows.

The survey gathered responses from 31 individuals, capturing the views of 75% young adults within the 20-30 years range and 21% below 19 years of age, with a 84% majority being female. Viewing habits conclude that most respondents have watched at least 20-40 Barbie starting when they were 12 years or younger. These films have had 62% of a positive impact on their views about gender roles with 6% being negative. However it is believed that these films promote positive messages for children.

The survey indicates that the most prominent themes are friendship, fantasy and empowerment. While most believe that Barbie handles diversity and inclusion adequately, 12% of respondents disagree. In terms of themes and messaging 48% respondents have seen improvements being made over time while the rest believe there’s no noticeable change or it has worsened. Data also concludes that older Barbie movies are preferred over the recent ones due to reasons such as nostalgia, songs, characters, storylines, message and fantasy based narratives. Barbie movies have influenced hobbies and sparked interests such as fashion designing, styling, drawing, singing, ballet, self defense, creative writing and storytelling.

The characteristics and qualities of the characters Barbie has portrayed in these films have resonated with most of the respondents in various ways. Qualities such as: dedication, determination, individuality, her desire to choose her own path to pursue freedom, her experience with misogyny, self-discovery, her aloof and fun personality, kind-heartedness, love of music and friendship. In terms of character development of female characters, data suggests that the homosocial relationships and redemption arcs of villain-like characters to be common themes in these films. It is also believed that the way the stories connect traditional beauty to morality is harmful. The way the ‘bad’ characters are depicted and developed only serves to reinforce harmful systems of oppression and encourages young girls to judge their peers based on appearance.

[robotfish123]

Blog Post — Convention

Attending OtakuFest 2024 was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to immerse myself in the vibrant world of anime fans. I love anime, video games, and digital art, and this conference was the perfect opportunity to explore how these interests intersect with youth culture and identity formation. The entrance was decorated with colorful banners and posters of anime celebrities, setting the tone for the event. Inside, the hall was abuzz with activity, filled with fans of all ages, wearing elaborate costumes, or “cosplaying” their favorite characters. One of the most interesting aspects of OtakuFest is the cosplay. Fans have done it all, turning them into characters from anime, manga, and video games. Cosplay isn’t just for fun. It is a powerful form of self-expression and identity exploration. Embodying the character allows fans to explore different aspects of their personality and interact with others with similar interests.

I had a couple of friends who dressed up as their favorite anime characters. They express how cosplay made them feel fun and friendly by stepping into the shoes of their favorite characters. This resonates with our class discussion of how the fan can be a place to explore and affirm one’s identity. Otakufest offered panels and workshops that delved into different aspects of anime culture. I participated in a panel on the evolution of anime’s art style, which gave me a fascinating insight into how art practices have changed over the decades. Another workshop focused on the impact of anime on Western pop culture, highlighting how anime has influenced everything from fashion to music. These sessions highlighted the global reach of anime and its role in shaping contemporary youth culture. The importance of the fan community in preserving and promoting cultural heritage was also highlighted. The discussions were engaging and informative, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of anime. As well as, learning how the plot in anime is important to empower the story.

Artist Alley was one of my favorite parts of the convention. It was a busy market where independent artists showcased their fan art, original creations, and crafts. I was amazed at the talent and creativity on display. Many artists talked about how anime inspired their artistic journey and how Otakufest and other events provided a platform to showcase their work. Fan art is an important part of being an anime fan, as it allows fans to reinterpret and reimagine their favorite characters and stories. This creative presentation is a way for fans to engage with the source material on a deeper level and contribute to the fan community. I bought a few prints and chatted with some of the artists about their inspirations and techniques. One of the most rewarding aspects of Otakufest was the sense of community. Despite the attendees’ diverse backgrounds, there was a sense of belonging and mutual respect. We talked to fellow fans about our favorite movies, debated the merits of anime, and even participated in a trivia contest.

This sense of community is important for many fans, especially those who feel isolated or misunderstood in their daily lives. Fandom provides a space to interact with like-minded individuals and build meaningful relationships. I made many new friends and felt a strong sense of community throughout the event. Otakufest 2024 wasn’t just a fun event; It was a profound insight into how being a fan fits into the formation of youth culture and identity. I learned how anime fandom is a place of expression, creativity, and connection through cosplay, panels, fan art, and community interaction. The experience was fun and made many good memories at the Otakufest 2024 and will come again for the next Otakufest.

[privatetourguide2]

Halsey: The Voice of a Generation

Overview

Welcome to our blog, where we honor the diverse skill set and indisputable influence of one of the most significant musicians of our day, Halsey. With her number-one singles, outspoken activism, and boundary-pushing artistic style, Halsey has become a voice for authenticity, creativity, and empowerment in the music industry. Come along as we examine her life story, accomplishments, and lasting influence.

Early Years and Ascent to Notoriety

At an early age, Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, who was born in Edison, New Jersey, on September 29, 1994, started her musical career by creating and playing her own songs. 2014 saw her rise to fame after the publication of her debut EP, "Room 93," which included the hit song "Ghost." Halsey swiftly gained a devoted following and shot to fame because to her unvarnished lyrics, eerie melodies, and engaging live performances.

Top Albums and Financial Achievement

"Badlands," Halsey's debut studio album, was well-received by critics and had financial success upon its release in 2015. The album, which included hits like "New Americana" and "Colors," highlighted Halsey's unique fusion of indie rock, electropop, and alternative pop. In response, she released "Hopeless Fountain Kingdom" in 2017, which made its Billboard 200 chart debut at number one and cemented her reputation as a pop icon.

Evolution of Art and Genre-Bending

With her genre-bending music and unafraid experimentation, Halsey has pushed artistic boundaries and defied classification throughout her career. Her record, which features a variety of influences and styles ranging from introspective ballads to high-energy songs, demonstrates her adaptability and inventiveness as an artist.

Social Movements and Advocacy

In addition to her music, Halsey is well-known for her vocal support of social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and mental health. She has supported organizations who are trying to change the world for the better by using her platform to start dialogues, increase awareness, and raise funds. Fans and peers alike love and admire Halsey for her unwavering dedication to social activism and genuineness.

Individual Development and Vulnerabilities

Fans have found great resonance in Halsey's openness to be open and sensitive about her own challenges and experiences, which has fostered empathy and a sense of connection. She has explored identity, sexuality, love, and self-discovery through her music and open conversations, encouraging listeners to investigate their own feelings and realities.

Impact on the World and Cultural Influence

Fashion, art, and popular culture are all impacted by Halsey's influence, which goes well beyond the music industry. She has become a fashion phenomenon and an inspiration for originality and self-expression because to her daring style, expressive tattoos, and unreserved attitude. Millions of people all throughout the world have been inspired to embrace their authenticity and be true to themselves by Halsey's influence, which transcends generations.

In summary

When we consider Halsey's transformation from up-and-coming musician to worldwide sensation, we are reminded of the ability of music to break down barriers, bring people together, and spark change. With her voice, her vision, and her unshakable devotion to making a difference, Halsey continues to inspire and motivate people all over the world, whether it's through her chart-topping tunes, fearless advocacy, or personal authenticity.

Also Read :-

Private Tour Guide India Company's Nighttime Tour of Delhi

Take the Night Tour of Delhi offered by Private Tour Guide India Company to discover the captivating beauty and exciting nightlife of India's capital city. This interactive tour offers a fresh perspective on Delhi's rich legacy and contemporary charm as it leads you on a journey through the lighted landmarks, bustling markets, and cultural destinations after dark.

Overview Delhi, with its rich history spanning centuries and its vibrant modern culture, comes to life at Night Tour of Delhi with an array of sights, sounds, and tastes. With the help of the Moonlight and Streetlights, visitors may experience Delhi's thriving nightlife and uncover its best-kept secrets on the Night Tour.

Highlights of the Tour Discover famous sites like Parliament House, India Gate, and Connaught Place. Explore Delhi's thriving street food scene and busy markets. Savor the enchantment of live music and cultural activities. Savor individualized attention and knowledgeable direction from knowledgeable tour guides. Route Evening: Pickup from Accommodation A simple pickup from your Delhi accommodation marks the start of the excursion. You will be greeted by our courteous driver and led to your cozy, air-conditioned vehicle.

Nighttime Tour of Delhi City India Gate India Gate, a stately war memorial and one of Delhi's most recognizable sites, should be your first trip. Admire the illuminated arch and honor those who gave their lives to defend the country.

House of Parliament Drive by Parliament House, a magnificent example of British colonial architecture, thereafter and take in its majesty when it is lit up at night.

Connaught Place Discover Connaught Place, the busy economic and cultural center of Delhi known for its lively street life, stores, and eateries. Saunter idly through the circular market and take in the vibrant ambiance.

Street Food Gems Savor the flavors of street food in Delhi while sampling mouthwatering snacks and treats from neighborhood vendors. Discover the city's varied culinary legacy with dishes like crispy samosas and spicy chaat.

Cultural Exhibitions Experience Delhi's rich cultural legacy with street dramas, traditional dances, and live music events that highlight the dynamic culture and artistic abilities of the city.

Late Night: Head Back to the Hotel Delivery to the Hotel Your amazing Night Tour of Delhi will come to an end when our driver drops you off at your hotel as the night draws to a close.

Why Select India's Private Tour Guide Company? Professional experts: Our knowledgeable experts enhance your tour experience by offering in-depth information and insights on Delhi's history, culture, and nightlife.

Comfortable Journeying We provide knowledgeable drivers and air-conditioned, well-maintained vehicles to provide a hassle-free, comfortable ride during the tour.

Tailored Support We customize our trips to fit your interests and preferences while offering individualized attention and first-rate service to make sure you have an amazing time.

Real-Life Encounters We provide real experiences that let you fully immerse yourself in the customs and culture of the area, giving you a better insight of Delhi's history and way of life.

In summary Discover Delhi's hidden gems and immerse yourself in the dynamic nightlife with the Private Tour Guide India Company's Night Tour. For those looking to explore the spirit of Delhi after dark, this tour offers professional instruction, cozy transportation, and individualized attention, making it an amazing experience. Make your tour reservation now to start your enchanted adventure through India's capital city's lit streets and cultural attractions.

[slidesposts]

The Evolution of Slides: From Poolside Staple to Fashion Must-Have

Slides, also known as thong sandals, have undergone a remarkable evolution over the years, transforming from a simple poolside staple into a fashion must-have for women around the world. What once began as a utilitarian footwear option has now become a symbol of comfort, style, and versatility. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating evolution of slides and how they have become an essential component of modern women's wardrobes.

Early Origins:

The origins of slides can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where variations of sandals were worn for protection and comfort. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all had their own versions of sandals, typically made from materials such as leather, straw, or woven fibers. These early sandals featured a simple design with a sole and straps that wrapped around the foot, laying the foundation for the modern-day slide.

Rise in Popularity:

Slides gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s as a casual footwear option for lounging by the pool or beach. With their slip-on design and comfortable construction, slides quickly became a favorite among vacationers and sun-seekers looking for a hassle-free option to wear in warm weather. Brands like Adidas and Nike capitalized on this trend by introducing sporty slides with their signature logos, further cementing their status as a summer staple.

Fashion Forward:

In the 1990s and early 2000s, slides experienced a resurgence in popularity as fashion designers began incorporating them into their collections. What was once considered solely a functional footwear option was now being embraced by the fashion elite as a chic and effortless accessory. Designers experimented with different materials, colors, and embellishments, elevating slides from humble poolside sandals to high-fashion statement pieces.

Celebrity Endorsement:

The rise of celebrity culture played a significant role in popularizing slides as a fashion must-have. Celebrities were frequently photographed wearing slides in various settings, from running errands to attending red carpet events. Their endorsement of slides as a stylish and comfortable footwear option helped propel them into the mainstream and solidify their status as a wardrobe essential for women of all ages.

Versatility and Comfort:

One of the key factors driving the popularity of slides is their versatility and comfort. Unlike traditional sandals with multiple straps and buckles, slides offer a simple slip-on design that makes them easy to wear and pair with a wide range of outfits. Whether you're dressing up a casual look with a pair of slides and denim shorts or adding a touch of sophistication to a sundress, slides effortlessly transition from day to night, making them the perfect choice for any occasion.

Incorporation of Technology:

As slides have evolved, so too has the technology used in their construction. Brands like Birkenstock and Teva have incorporated advanced cushioning and support features into their slide designs, making them not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods. From contoured footbeds to adjustable straps, these technological advancements ensure that slides provide the perfect combination of style and support for modern women.

Continued Innovation:

Today, slides continue to evolve with the ever-changing fashion landscape. Designers are constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of slide design, experimenting with new materials, silhouettes, and embellishments to create fresh and exciting looks. From minimalist leather slides to bold and colorful statement pieces, there's a slide out there to suit every style preference and personality.

In conclusion, the evolution of slides from poolside staple to fashion must-have is a testament to their enduring appeal and versatility. What once began as a simple and functional footwear option has now become a symbol of effortless chicness and comfort for women around the world. With their timeless appeal and ability to adapt to changing fashion trends, slides are sure to remain a wardrobe essential for years to come.

[sylvva]

CAMILLA

.weapon evolution

❀ 𓏬 early days

At a young age, she was given a weapon for self protection. At this time, the ball and chain was nothing more than hand held version of itself. Like a mace without spikes and a proper handle. Fit enough to be carried around the waist of a child with little strain.

Her father had fashioned it for his two daughters, giving Camilla's older sister a larger one that was a closer resemblance to a wrecking ball that her own version. He helped train them, although that words was used loosely. Mild self defense skills was all he wanted for the girls. He was aware that the New World was dangerous, but he never imagined that they would ever need to be in battle.

❀ 𓏬 red wood

This version wasn't one she adjusted herself, rather her sister's that was left with her after the were split up. There were a few years when she was on her own that she couldn't lift it, but over time Camilla was able to gain the lean muscles to easily swing the weapon around. Perhaps going overboard with her training, where this one felt as toy like as the original.

After joining the Strawhats, the girl new it was time for a proper upgrade.

❀ 𓏬 dressrosa

An upgrade is exactly what she got. While on Red Wood she was considered unusually strong, being on the Sunny surrounded by her new cremates showed she was still extremely out leveled. Camilla had a multitude of ideas for improvements to her weapon, however due to time limitations, she was only able to have Usopp help her make another larger version.

The battles that took place on Dressrosa opened her eyes on many aspects of her fighting style. The new wrecking ball was a great choice to start as she navigated fighting offensively rather than defensively like how she was initially trained.

❀ 𓏬 wholecake

Ideally she would have liked to implement more of her ideas and use another improved version right away. However having surrender her weapon to Usopp the crew ended up being split. Not that it mattered too much in the long run. Getting separated again in the mirror world, the old wrecking ball she had taken up was stolen as her, Chopper, and Carrot, got captured.

The irony with their imprisonment was they were chained down leg irons. To adapt, Camilla continued to use these through any fights. Keeping them cuffed to her ankles as she used a mixture of holding the chain to use as normal, and improvising with her legs to attempt a new style.

❀ 𓏬 wano

Finally the crew was able to reunited, and with it the girl was able to get the improvements she had asked for:

Sea stone chain and outer coat on the ball. Coincidence that a majority of the Beast Pirates were devil fruit users, showing an extreme use for this upgrade right away. There was another size up, but unlike before, it was minor change comparatively. The outer coat sea stone was useful for quick attacked in weakening her opponent. While the chain was a temporary means to immobilize those that might have been too much for her to handle on her own.

❀ 𓏬 egghead

While all other upgrades were improvements that didn't alter the use of her wrecking ball, but the most current change was different. Now with a button on the handle, retractable spikes can appear, turning her weapon into a mace.

This adventure is just starting, her use of this version has barely been explored. But it is her way of adapting to the growth in strength everyone else gains. Of course Camilla trains, working on her physical strength as well. To her there are no time to lack in any aspect on the crew of an emperor and future pirate king.

[trendoye]

HISTORY, ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENTS IN SAREE FASHION

You have seen the modern versions and draping styles of the saree. But do you know the origin of sarees? How has it evolved through the ages? Find out here.

The saree or sari is a quintessential part of Indian culture and tradition. Sarees are a must-have elegant attire for women and are worn at weddings, parties, and festivals..

The word ‘saree’ or ‘sari’ is a Sanskrit word that means ‘a strip of cloth’. It is derived from the Prakrit word, sattika, which is mentioned in ancient Jain and Buddhist literature. With time, it took on the term ‘sati’ and eventually became known as ‘saree’.

The journey of “TrendOye – being different” began in the year 2018 with the modest start from our home-sweet-home with offering Unique Indian Ethnic Fashion with regional variations of India, considering different & latest trend. Trendoye which means being different. After the offline penetration, we launched our online store in 2018. Today, it aspires to become world's preferred destination for affordable yet high quality trendy Indian Ethnic Fashion, and intend to set altogether a new standard of fashion and customer satisfaction.

The saree is worn by women of South Asian countries, like India, Pakistan, and Nepal, as an everyday and special occasion attire. But over the years, traditional Indian sarees have gained immense popularity in fashion industries across the world. 

This most popular Indian attire is worn by women of all ages and at different stages of life. It has taken on quintessential representations of Indian traditional and feminine wear. But how did it come to be in the styles and forms of today? What is the saree drape origin? Let’s find out.

Origin of Sarees

The origin of sarees can be traced back thousands of years. In popular history, the birth of sarees dates back to ancient civilisations, with the Indus Valley cited as the first place to wear saree in the Indian subcontinent. The first mention of the saree is seen in the Rig Veda and the epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana.

What takes on highly fashionable forms today was originally just a humble, functional garment. According to most depictions, when sarees started , they were worn as unstitched pieces of cloth. It is believed that the drapes flourished during 2800 BC-1800BC across the Indian subcontinent. There is evidence of saree-like garments being worn by women in different parts of the world, but the draping style and silhouettes are different from what we see today.

Evolution of Saree

Various ancient Indian empires, including the Guptas, the Mauryas, the Mughals and even the British Raj, have contributed to the evolution of the saree. The form of the saree we see today was developed in the post-Mughal era. Under the influence of various cultures and traditions, different methods of weaving, dyeing and printing of fabric were developed.

Thus, every great epoch and dynasty has had a significant impact on the evolution of the saree. Let’s take a look at some of the key developmental changes of sarees: 

The origin of sarees was with the use of cotton, as the textile was prevalent at the time. But eventually, specifically during the pre-industrial times, silk was developed in China and later introduced in India through the Silk Road. This marked the origin of silk sarees. 

After industrialisation, synthetic dyes were used in the making of sarees. Around that time, different techniques of dyeing and printing were also developed. 

Stitching was introduced to India by the Greeks. It became so popular that eventually, every region of India developed a unique style of stitching. 

The Mughals brought traditional embroidery, embellishments and patterns to India. With the richness of the Mughal fabric and the intricate designs of the skilled Indian weavers, a dazzling variety of sarees was developed. The most famous among them was the Banarasi saree. 

The saree was worn without blouses and petticoats before the British Raj. But during the Victorian era, blouseless sarees were seen as improper. So, the British promoted wearing blouses and petticoats with the saree. 

Later, various types of regional handloom saris made of silk, ikkat, cotton, embroidery, block-print, and tie-dye textiles were developed. There has been a dramatic transformation in the use of fabric, motifs and embellishments for making sarees over a period. 

Today, in various parts of the country, sarees are worn not just for fashion but for daily use, too. Sarees are popularly touted as one of the most versatile and comfortable garments ever. 

With the development of the textile industry in India and increasing foreign influence, the saree became the first Indian garment to be recognised internationally.

Source - https://trendoye.com/blogs/news/history-origin-and-developments-in-saree-fashion

[drampas-trainers]

<<This post was brought to you by Poryphone™ Porygon-Integration technology. Thank you for using Poryphone™>>

<<Good Evening! Yesterday, we spent another day in the wonderful Floaroma Town, watching the Combee and preparing our travels to Eterna City. After some research, i found it it is apparently a two day journey, so we spent the day preparing!>>

<<We did not start out Journey however! We will do this tomorrow!>>

<<We originally wanted to begin our hike today, but when we left Floaroma Town towards Route 205 this morning, we were stopped by a young girl in distress! Apparently, her dad had been kidnapped, or rather held hostage within the Valley Windworks! Of course we could not just let this transpire!>>

<<We found out the Valley Windworks had been taken over by the so called "Team Galactic"! They are the same group that harrassed Professor Rowan and Miss Dawn a few days ago!>>

<<Miss Laura has proved some amazing battle skills against some random Grunts though! She also won a Pokémon battle agains the so-called "Commander Mars" who had a very scary Purugly. I apologize, i could have used the Poryphone™ Videography Module to make a recording, but as i have to admit i was a little bit scared. Tiramisu was very impressive though, dealing the final blow!>>

<<We also have tried reaching out to the Sinnohan Police about this event, but we could not reach anyone from Floaroma Town. Maybe this Team Galactic has sabotaged the network. We will try again once we reach Eterna City.>>

<<The important thing is, that the young girl has been reunited with her father and that the Valley Windworks can resume operations!>>

<<I also have more pleasant news! Miss Laura caught another Pokémon! It is a Buizel, whom she named "Onion". I don't understand how she comes up with these names, but Onions seems to like it!>>

<<Thank you for using Poryphone™ Photography Module>>

[A picture, taken outside in a field of flowers. The background shows a Pokécenter. It shows Laura in a green dress in the same style as her usual ones and a secon woman her age, possibly a little bit older. The second woman has much lighter skin, but you wouldn't call her "white". Unlike her hair, which is very much white and is worn in a very old fashioned permanent wave. she also wears a large white sunhat. Her outfit consists of a rather formal looking combination of pants and blouse, both in black. This must be Solaria.

They are playing with a horde of Pokémon, among them the known faces of Lemonade, Schnitzel and the rest of Lauras Team. There are also a few new additions, for example a Psyduck who is being pet by Laura and a Buizel who is very curiously watching a Staravia who is perched on Sols arm. In her lap sits a Budew]

<<For another great event, Marshmalow has evolved into a Staravia! Miss Laura is so proud of her (and i am as well)! She has warmed up to Miss Solaria a lot since the Evolution earlier today. Evolution has changed her personality a little bit, i think. I wonder if that happened to me as well? I do not feel different, but my own evolution has been a while, so maybe i am wrong here.>>

<<In any case, I wish you all a good night! We will hopefully start our hike towards Eterna City without any more holdups tomorrow mornign!>>

[gianarosegoestothemovies]

New Queer Cinema

Starting from the late 1980s through early 1990s, a “new wave” of queer films became critically acclaimed in the film industry, allowing the freedom of sexuality to be featured in films without the burden of approval from the audience. This raw and honest film genre displays the truth, secrets, and vulnerability of the LGBTQ+ community and the representation that is deserved. The New Queer Cinema movement was started by scholar Ruby Rich who wrote “This movement in film and video was intensely political and aesthetically innovative, made possible by the debut of the camcorder, and driven initially by outrage over the unchecked spread of AIDS. The genre has grown to include an entire generation of queer artists, filmmakers, and activists.” (Rich) This movement started from Rich’s writing piece, not the filmmakers themselves. An article by Sam Moore discusses Rich’s start of the movement. He states, “Rich acknowledges that the films and filmmakers she considers under the umbrella of New Queer Cinema (including Todd Haynes, Cheryl Dunye, Isaac Julien, Gus Van Sant and Gregg Araki), don’t share a single aesthetic vocabulary or strategy or concern.” Instead, they’re unified by the ways that they queer existing narratives, subvert expectations and foreground queerness in material where it had been only implicit” (Moore). The journey through the New Queer Movement started with Ruby Rich defining the movement through her writing and inspiring filmmakers to continue producing movies with the correct representation.

           Actress from Gone with the Wind Susan Hayward claimed that Queer cinema existed “decades” before an official title was given to the genre. French filmmaker Jean Cocteau created Le sang d'un poète in 1934 which is documented as one of the earliest Queer films. This avant-garde style of film is associated with Queer cinema filmmakers such as and is displayed in many upcoming films such as Ulrike Ottinger, Chantal Akerman and Pratibha Parmar. The influence of Queer theory that emerged from the late 1980s helped guide the movement with the creators. The theory states "Challenge and push further debates on gender and sexuality.” Another closely related statement by feminist theory states,"Confuse binary essentialisms around gender and sexual identity, expose their limitations.” Queer cinema filmmakers were sometimes known to depict their films in a “mainstream” way that is agreeable to the audience. There was no exposure to the truths and horrors that the LGBTQ+ community experience and had a lack of representation of historical elements or themes. The concept of “straightwashing” was described to filmmaker Derek Jarman’s 1991 historical film Edward II. This film received backlash from the LGBTQ+ community due to the film’s queer representation catering to heterosexuality and heteronormativity.  

           The truth of the movement was for Queer films to stop romanticizing or bringing positive images of gay men and lesbian woman. The push for authenticity and liberation for the community needed to be represented in films. New Queer films were more radical and sought to challenge social norms of “identity, gender, class, family and society.” (Wikiwand.com).

           To quote the amazing drag queen of all time RuPaul “Everyone is born naked, and the rest is drag” the idea of gender identity and representation in the community is unlimited, why do you need to follow the norms of society when anything is possible? The late 90s documentary Paris is Burning introduced the audience to drag culture in New York City and the people of color who were involved in the community. The term “aesthetic” was repetitive in the research of New Queer Cinema which suggests the significance involved with the style of the films. The documentary includes the aesthetic of the drag world involving the makeup, fashion, and politics. AIDS activism was involved heavily in New Queer films and ridiculed the failure of Ronald Reagans acknowledgment of epidemic and the social stigma experienced by the gay community. Conservative politics occurred during this movement resulting in lack of media coverage and government assistance for the LGTBQ+ community. This political struggle did not discourage the community and the fight is still continuing today.

           Beginning in the 2010s LGBT filmmakers Rose Troche and Travis Mathews created a “newer trend” in queer filmmaking that evolved toward more universal audience appeal. In an article from Wikiwand.com states,

           “Rich, the originator of the phrase New Queer Cinema, has identified the emergence in the late 2000s of LGBT-themed mainstream films such as Brokeback Mountain, Milk, and The Kids Are All Right as a key moment in the evolution of the genre.[20] Both Troche and Mathews singled out Stacie Passon’s 2013 Concussion, a film about marital infidelity in which the central characters' lesbianism is a relatively minor aspect of a story and the primary theme is how a long-term relationship can become troubled and unfulfilling regardless of its gender configuration, as a prominent example of the trend” (Wikiwand).

           The film Watermelon Woman was one of the first queer films I watched for a film class, and this film allowed me to dive deeper into the subject I care a lot about which is the representation of queer narratives about woman of color. Queer woman and men deal with the most discrimination. It is unfair and cruel to see the difference of racial treatment in the LGBTQ+ community because the backbone motto is full exclusion and equal rights. The film Watermelon Woman shined light on LGBTQ+ black woman and interrogated the “Mammy” stereotype that most films depict about black actresses. Minority narratives were pushed into the circuit of the movement with developed into the later academy-award winning film Moonlight that displays those representations makes film history!

           Films to recognize in the height of the New Queer film movement are

Mala Noche (1986), Gus Van Sant, was an exploration of desire through the eyes of a young white store clerk named Walt and his obsession with a young undocumented immigrant named Johnny. The film is shot in black and white on 16mm film, contains many of the early Van Sant fixations that viewers would later see get refined in My Own Private Idaho, including male hustlers, illegality, and class.

Chinese Characters (1986), Richard Fung, this early film asks still-pressing questions about the nature of gay desire when it’s mediated via pornographic images of white men. The video defies genre, mixing documentary with performance art and archival footage to explore the tensions of being a gay Asian man looking at porn.

Looking for Langston (1989), Isaac Julien, this short film, a tribute to the life and work of Langston Hughes, is a beautiful and vibrant elegy. Julien creates a lineage of queer black ancestors for himself. The film moves like the poetry it recites, playing with the gaze and how various eyes look upon the black male body.

Tongues Untied (1989), Marlon Riggs, guided by the writer Joseph Beam’s statement, “Black men loving black men is the revolutionary act,” Riggs goes through his own complicated journey of homophobia from other black people, and then racism in the gay community, to find a community of queer black people.

Poison (1991), Todd Haynes, the three parts of the film tell a story about ostracism, violence, and marginality: the bullied child who allegedly flies away after shooting his father in order to save his mother (“Hero”), a brilliant scientist who accidentally ingests his own serum to become the “leper sex killer” (“Horror”), and a sexual relationship between two men in a prison (“Homo”). Exploits radical work that Haynes later uses in his other films.

The Living End (1992), Gregg Araki, the film follows Luke, a sexy homicidal drifter who has a distaste for T-shirts, and Jon, an uptight film critic in Los Angeles. Both are HIV-positive, and as their relationship unfolds, they fight about being respectful or lustrous.  

Swoon (1992), Tom Kalin, a black and white film that romanticizes wealthy Chicago lovers kill a 14-year-old boy named Bobby Franks because they want to see if they are smart enough to do it. The murder is more a play of power between them, with Loeb weaponizing sex as a way to control Leopold.

Rock Hudson’s Home Movies (1992), Mark Rappaport, Rock Hudson’s Home Movies is a documentary made up of glances and innuendos from Rock Hudson’s persona, displaying how this dashing, leading man of the Hollywood Golden Age was a closeted gay man.

MURDER and Murder (1996), Yvonne Rainer, is known for her experimental filmmaking and choreography, this film represents a late-in-life lesbian named Doris who suffers from neuroses and breast cancer. Her partner, Mildred, a queer academic, tells the story of their romance as older women. Rainer also makes appearances throughout the film in a tux, going on rants about smug homophobic parents while showing her bare chest with a mastectomy scar.

           1992 was the year of the highest amount of New Queer films being produced and exceeding box office expectations. Upcoming 2000s films such as “Booksmart”, “Call me by your Name”, “The Prom”, and “Rocketman” all represent the truths and authenticity of the LGBTQ+ community and creates pathways for more films to include these cinematic themes. The movement continues to grow and succeed in the film industry with new creators and actors being more honest about the LGBTQ+ community.

[betweentheracks]

My question is regarding styling for promotional work in the US - I see so many female stars who are in a different outfit, with full hair and makeup, for their interviews, sometimes with multiple changes per day. And then, there is their male costar slouching along in jeans and a rumpled shirt for a whole days worth of appearances. Is there a contractual requirement placed on female stars or is this just an industry norm? Thank you in advance for any insight you can offer!

Ah, look at you go Greyface! Taking a real stab right into the black heart of the style industry. How bold and perceptive of you! 🤭

The simple and direct answer is, this is a double standard.

The more complex path that still leads to same resulting answer is very worth traversing though and is filled with the peaks and plummets of the fashion industry's history. So, naturally, we'll walk this way together and take a look.

Buckle up, rack mates, this ride is a doozy. 

The following is my insight and perception as a professional stylist and is subjective to my position and role. 

It is a well and widely known fact of fashion and beauty that at the heart of all the glitz and glamorous there is a horrible ugliness beneath. It is treated as an unseen slight or even a "secret" we shouldn't talk much about. It is as old as fashion itself and has only been worsened over time and with the evolution of marketable style and beauty standards. Women are more promotional than men = women are more desirous than men = women are the pitch and men plunder fame by proxy.

Sex sells. Point of fact; type face bold print. This is the truth of fashion and entertainment and is a marketing strategy at this point.

Specifically, however, it isn't that "sex" sells but rather which sex sells. As in which gender is the apparent and clear choice to use as a promotional feature and living advertisement. The answer is, as it has been for ages now, women. Feminine features are fair and pleasing to behold. They can be dressed up and toned down; styled into an ideal of wanting and craving. Women can be influential to both male and female audiences by beckoning men's gazes to the treats she has for them (treats being whatever it is she is being used to stage and sell) while sitting loftily as an iconic standard of beauty for women to reach for and in turn take up anything to help achieve this ideal (meaning they'll buy whatever is being promoted in their wish to be like the woman on the package).

This strategy and double standard extends well beyond the immediate scope of fashion or upselling the brands of luxury labels. It is also very present in the entertainment industry as a means to promote films, television, and other media. You'll see an actress working the promo circuit or doing interviews dressed to the nines even in casual and laid back styles and then you'll blink and she's done up entirely different but no less coifed and glamorous. Meanwhile her male counterparts and costars are parading about in very understated styles or even sloppy attire, sometimes dressed out in high quality suits but still not quite up to snuff. The efforts of stylists clearly more aimed towards maintaining the woman first and the man second, if at all.

The second and less often discussed pigeon hole that fuels this sexist standard is money. Femme fashion, while typically more expensive, is still unquestionably more versatile than menswear. This is because fashion profits more off female consumption and interest than male and thus caters to that market with more variety and visibility. Wardrobe budgets for filming are skewed with more money funneled into the styling of an actress or female celebrity with a limit on how much is spent on the men. This is symbiotic with the pricing of menswear being less than womenswear but altogether more durable in its make.

It's frustrating and awful and I am ever so glad and thankful that it is slowly having attention called upon it by those within the industry. As modern style continues to evolve and dilute the boundaries between gender stereotypes and typecasting, this double standard becomes more and more frail. Many voices have started gathering in outrage over such rampant and asinine misogyny. Men have come forward to demand that they are as equally marketable and appealing, women have put their foot down and refused to be sexualized or sensationalized. There is the rising trend of androgyny and transgender recognition. Each step is in the right direction and in pursuit of an equal playing ground where women and men can each be glammed up and used as a standard for beauty or poised as a pinnacle of style.

I work extensively with male clients to this effect. I not only enjoy gender neutral styles but have clients that have made it clear they like the glamor of femme styles and want their image to be a balance of masculine and feminine. My oldest client wears heels and likes glittering eye makeup and has often made a case to be allowed to wear skirts or dresses, while my only female artist prefers more of an asymmetrical blending of menswear with feminine accents and likes her footwear to be the type that she, in her words, "can kick ass and stay looking class" while wearing.

There's an uptick in the emergence of queer brands and LGBTQ+ labels in the US with ideals/ethics steeped in the goal of gender neutrality and equality. With them comes the new hope for fashion's future where gender lines are not drawn and women are not the golden rule of promotional value for their supposed sexy/cute/inviting stereotype.

I hope to see men as a campaign centerpiece for lingerie, make up, and other needlessly gendered interests and women in ads for suits and leisure activities such as fishing or mudding and the other inherently male coded interests. I hope to see all gender typecasts and molds fall away entirely with people simply promoting things they enjoy. To see a full cast given the same amount of primping and stylized effort when making the rounds to talk up their projects.

Progress is slow but the world of fashion hinges upon welcoming change and being influenced by current climates and trends just as much as it influences outwardly. One of these days this double standard will be stripped out and the industry will again be revolutionized or it will become obsolete.

Beauty is beauty; people are people; style is style. Promotional/marketable viability cannot stay relevant against the might of such simple truths. The coming years will see the divide between gender being filled as designers and labels fight to remain prominent empires of fashion, and from there other interrelated industries will have no choice by to comply lest they find themselves stripped bare ass naked and lacking affiliations.

This post went and became a sort of tangent, whoops. I'll rest my rambling here and call it good. I intend to make a full post detailing the reshaping of fashion in the height of today's evolving inclusivity of gender roles and norms and the correlation of how fashion has long since been steps ahead in this movement. This ask happens to be a good sounding place for what some of that content will look like.

Fashion and style was never intended to give distinction between the masculine and feminine nor to place significance on gender. Segregation in fashion was initially between wealth and status; a determination of class in way way back when clothing first became an expression. Originally, fashion had no actual gender associations and men and women all worse similar styles of robes that would now be considered dresses. Class and wealth gave way, buckling to the thought of using one's showy status to promote goods to be traded and this was the birth of marketing women as a means of interest. Ever since it has been an internal struggle between ethics of material misuse of rights (sexism) versus capital relevancy (turning profits via brand visibility). A number of fashion houses are guilty of going with the flow and hoping the fortune and reputation made along the way could either cushion the blowback of systemic misogyny one day being aired out or could be used to steadily alter the trajectory of style's evolution.

Consider fashion as a tightrope act being performed between the politics of brand recognition and the conceptual idealism of expression. One small and out of sync step will result in a dire fall with no way of knowing if there is a safety net to pardon a brand or label from plunging into obscurity. This is why the fashion industry prefers taking time to plan careful steps forward and seldom rushes out. Fashion keeps pace while also staying baby steps ahead to change the course of current societal trends, even willing to sometimes relinquish any ground it has in effort to remain on the wire at all. It's a precarious give and take.

Three paragraphs later, truly, I yield to the length of this post and am done. I can’t guarantee this was even close to what you wanted to know and for that I am sorry. I get swept up by the passion I have for the inner workings of the business and lose myself (and my train of thought so if this doesn’t make a lick of sense, that would be why lol). Still, I do hope some of this sheds a little light on the matter. 

[passionate-reply]

Do you “fucking love” science? Have you ever been blinded by it? Well, it doesn’t really matter, because that goofy little number isn’t really supposed to be on Thomas Dolby’s debut album in the first place. Find out about all the awesome OTHER stuff that’s actually meant to be here, in this new installment of Great Albums! Transcript below the break.

Welcome to Passionate Reply, and welcome to Great Albums! Today, I’ll be talking about a stellar album by one of those artists who have gone down in history as “one hit wonders,” despite producing a deep catalogue that’s often more impressive than that one song they end up known for: it’s The Golden Age of Wireless, the debut LP of Thomas Dolby. Chances are pretty good you’ve heard his big hit, “She Blinded Me With Science,” before...at least, if you’re American.

Music: “She Blinded Me With Science”

Like I said, if you’re American, you’ve heard this one before. If anything, it’s oversaturated! But if you’re from elsewhere in the world, you might not know it. Growing up in the US, I went through the whole gauntlet of alleged “one hit wonders” of 80s synth-pop, and a great many of them turned out to be British artists who had perfectly respectable careers in their native UK: Gary Numan, Soft Cell, and OMD, for example. Thomas Dolby is also British, but he’s apparently more famous here than he is across the pond--which is still not that famous.

He really ought to be, though, because The Golden Age of Wireless is a true masterpiece. Or, at least it WAS, in its original form. It’s actually a tough album to talk about, insofar as it’s hard to pin down what exactly constitutes “The Golden Age of Wireless.” It’s had quite a few different pressings, and a variety of different track listings. And the original version of it does NOT include “She Blinded Me With Science.” While I’d never argue that it’s a bad song, since it is insanely fun, and catchy to the point of being irresistible, it really does not belong on this album. I’m sure it helped them move copies of it, but its inclusion kind of ruins the vibe, to be honest. Its in-your-face and flamboyant hooks make it feel like a very unwarranted intrusion on an otherwise fairly serious and contemplative LP, which seems to have been intended as a fairly tight and thoughtful concept album.

Aside from that glaring issue, there are a few other tracks that have appeared on later versions of the album that weren’t there from the start, namely, the two tracks from Dolby’s first ever-release, a double A-side of “Urges” and “Leipzig,” as well as “One of Our Submarines,” the B-side of some versions of “She Blinded Me With Science.” All of these tracks are excellent, and mesh with the thematic and sonic character of the album quite well. “One of Our Submarines” in particular is often considered one of the best tracks of Dolby’s career--melancholy, claustrophobic, and stinging in its poignant sense of tragedy. It captures the misery and futility of modern war, as well as the sunset of the British Empire after the Second World War...and there’s a sample of a dolphin, too. It’s easily the track that I most wish had been included from the very start.

Music: “One of Our Submarines”

But now that that’s over with, I’d like to drill down and talk about how the album operates in its original form, as the artist intended. Like I said earlier, The Golden Age of Wireless is best understood as a concept album, and I think of it in a similar league as classics like the Buggles’ The Age of Plastic, OMD’s Dazzle Ships, or even Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love. The original track listing opens with “Flying North,” a stellar introduction to one of the most prominent themes of the album: freedom!

Music: “Flying North”

“Flying North” is an exultant anthem of self-determination, and one clearly mediated by “metal birds”--aeroplanes, that is. It’s a celebration of the independence allowed by technology, and a rather winsome one, in which this almost macho image of a heroic pilot takes center stage. The final track of the album, “Cloudburst At Shingle Street,” is a bit more esoteric, but seems to be aiming for a pretty similar idea overall, and I’d argue that the two of them form thematic “bookends.”

Music: “Cloudburst At Shingle Street”

“Cloudburst At Shingle Street” leads us through the technological evolution of mankind, from swinging from trees to paving concrete beaches--but the spacey synth warbles beneath those lines give them an ominous bent. The assertion that we might be heading into a cloudburst “mindless,” “naked,” or “blindly” is unnervingly cynical, but, we’re told, “there’s no escaping it.” Despite all of these signs that our better judgment should be resisting the temptation of this miraculous cloudburst...this triumphant, rising coda, with its powerful choir encouraging us onwards, seems to muddle the whole thing. The untethered, free-roaming nature of modern life isn’t always this sexy and exuberant, though--consider the track “Weightless,” as a counterpoint.

Music: “Weightless”

“Weightless” certainly seems to be about modern transients of some sort--in this case, traveling by car--but never lionizes them or makes them too terribly enviable. Instead, the focus is on the image of the draining fuel tank: the constant emptiness and craving for meaning, validation, and genuine love. No matter the allure of this very American, Route 66-like setting, the gas stations, cinemas, and decadent diner meals along the way are never any real substitute for an emotionally authentic life. That setting is, of course, a wistfully backward-looking Midcentury one. Nostalgia and childhood naivete are also among the album’s major themes, and are expressed the most clearly on “Europa and the Pirate Twins.”

Music: “Europa and the Pirate Twins”

Narratively, “Europa and the Pirate Twins” is a bittersweet story of childhood playmates who never quite re-unite, despite promising to be together again someday. The really interesting wrinkle is the fact that the narrator’s beloved Europa has become a famous celebrity as an adult, and the narrator is essentially a fan of her despite their real-world relationship. It’s an uncanny, confused parasocial relationship dynamic that feels extremely contemporary, despite the fact that it’s ultimately more of a commentary on the rise of teenager-oriented marketing during the Midcentury than anything else. The strange, often unhealthy relationships between young people and mass media, particularly radio, are another one of the major sources of tension on The Golden Age of Wireless. “Europa and the Pirate Twins” is also one of the more interesting tracks, instrumentally, featuring a prominent harmonica part, performed by Andy Partridge of XTC. Given how much the album strives to be about the future and past simultaneously, steeped in nostalgia and utopian visions alike, it makes sense to hear Dolby blend elements of traditional folk or popular music with forward-thinking synth-pop sensibilities. Listen also for a flute on “Windpower,” and a substantial amount of guitar on “Commercial Breakup,” a song that proves Dolby certainly can rock, if he feels like it.

Music: “Commercial Breakup”

The cover art for The Golden Age of Wireless isn’t exactly the most iconic, but I’ve always thought it was very beautiful. You’ve got this very eye-catching, lurid, pulp magazine style illustration of Dolby as a diligent, yet glamourous engineer, radiating with the complementary colour palette of orange and blue, the perfect picture of retro cool. But it’s framed and inset, to give us a conscious sense of observing something that’s coming to us from another time, an artifact preserved. That patina and sense of the antique is amplified by this dull-coloured background, which actually shows a marble sculpture gallery in a museum, though that’s tough to make out unless you have it right in front of you. The numerous shades of irony operating here are another thing that make the album feel strikingly contemporary.

I’m also a huge fan of the album’s title. “Wireless,” if you weren’t aware, is an old-fashioned term for radio. Radio itself is a strong theme on the album, most obviously on the track “Radio Silence,” but the use of the term “wireless” isn’t just another piece of retro nostalgia--I think it’s also evocative of that sense of free-flying, untethered independence I talked about earlier. The first half, i.e., “golden age,” is perhaps even more important. “Golden age” is an extremely loaded term that brings a number of rich associations to the table. “Golden ages” are simultaneously longed for, but not fully believed in. They’re bygone eras that usually felt like nothing special to the people who actually lived through them, despite their greatness being palpable to anyone reflecting on them in hindsight. In every golden age, there’s a poetic tragedy.

I think that even if someone did buy this record just to get their hands on “She Blinded Me With Science,” they’d probably be at least a little bit disappointed in what they got. The album does have some decent pop singles, chiefly “Radio Silence” and “Europa and the Pirate Twins,” but they’re still humming with nostalgia and unease, and not without some substantial experimental DNA.

Music: “Radio Silence”

While they cut the single weirdest track on the album, “The Wreck of the Fairchild,” they still retained some fairly ambitious tracks, such as “Windpower”--clearly an ode to Kraftwerk’s “Radioactivity.” It’s hard to be angry with an electronic musician for trying to rip off Kraftwerk, since they all do it one way or another, and in this case it invites a natural comparison between two great concept albums focused on the theme of radio.

Music: “Windpower”

Overall, though, The Golden Age of Wireless is still a reasonably accessible album on the whole. Possibly not what you expected, and certainly, a work that’s more sentimental and affecting than good for the dance floor, but as far as poignant, ballady, diesel-punk odes to the tragic techno-optimism of the Midcentury go, I’d say it’s not all that hard to get into! Dolby does have a pop core, as an artist, that he’s quite capable of selling to us if he chooses to. For proof of that point, look no further than the single “Hyperactive!” which he followed this up with a few years later:

Music: “Hyperactive!”

When discussing an ostensible one-hit wonder, there’s a distinct temptation to resort to “they deserved better” style rhetoric. On one hand, yes, I do think more people should hear Thomas Dolby’s music, and that it has a lot to say to us. I’m all about obscure music finding new life and being appreciated. That said, in the case of Dolby, I think he basically got what he wanted, in the end. He’s always been more keenly interested in music’s many behind-the-scenes roles than he has in chasing pop stardom himself--he’s produced music, and scored a number of films and video games over the decades. It feels kind of wrong to tell someone who’s successful at one thing that they “deserve” to be successful at something different, just because we may want to hear him do it, or because we esteem one skillset more highly than the other. Ultimately, The Golden Age of Wireless is a Great Album on its own terms, whether Dolby ever decides to grace us with another synth-pop release under his own name again--which he did in 2011, with A Map of the Floating City. But it’s his decision, as an artist, and the fact that he can choose to or not is a luxury that allows him integrity. I think that’s the way it ought to be.

My overall top track on this album has got to be “Airwaves,” a song in which the narrator dies, tragically and suddenly, in an automobile accident. It’s not the sexy, “Warm Leatherette” sort of car accident, but rather a dismally realistic one, that shows quite frankly how undignified death can be. Sometimes, we aren’t so much doomed heroes as we are frightened, sickly children, defeated by our own fickle bodies. The last thought our narrator gets is “I itch all over, let me sleep”; their honour perishes just moments before they do. Meanwhile, the radio is a constant presence throughout, and serves as both something to anchor the scene in the droll and quotidian, as well as ultimately becoming something transcendent. The promise of “airwaves” is not only the human interconnectedness made possible by technology, but also a hint at the ultimate destiny of human souls, a kind of ethereal afterlife in the sky. The meandering lulls of the verses contrast sharply with the song’s eerily soaring refrain, which enhances that feeling that those “airwaves” occupy some sort of higher plane. On that surprisingly heavy note, that’s all I’ve got for today, so thanks for listening!

Music: “Airwaves”

[lanuitleslyssetachentderouge]

Let’s talk Costume Design!

As I already previsously mentioned, one of our big challenges in making this Webserie project is the making of the costumes starting with the design of said costumes... 

We are, after all, complete amateurs and not very experienced in the sewing department  ;)! 

At the moment, every costume has a set design. However, these designs evolve or become clearer based on what material we have available, on what our sewing abilities allow us to do, on what the actors are uncomfortable with wearing, and on how convenient the costumes will be to put on and to wear for the character’s activities. 

[For instance, Ismie is always running around and super energetic so the actor will need something convenient enough and not too complicated to run around in.]

Alternate Universe :

First of all, and before even elaborating on the design process itself and the thoughts that went into it, I would like to highlight the fact that the webserie takes place in an alternate universe. This means that we are building the whole fashion of this universe and this gives us a little freedom without having to stick to specific historical periods which would be almost impossible given our current means and sewing abilities. This alternate Universe is meant to be similar to French past historical periods, and follows similar codes but also has its own modern beliefs and laws.  

Designing :

The sewing team created the designs themselves. I myself designed part of the costumes and am very passionate about fashion history which is probably one of the reasons why these designs are historically inspired.

However, the costumes do not pertain to one specific historical period as explained above. The historical periods are kind of mixed, based on what we liked and what we knew we could do, and also, simply, on what we felt the costumes should look like.  Plus, since it is “inspired”, we also took a lot of creative freedom. 

Mimicking the Evolution of Fashion :

This part will probably get its own article ^V^ but to summarize, since Lilies Stained Red in the Night takes place over two different eras, the current one (that has not been named yet XD) and the Lily Tragedy Era (that took place 27 years before, in the year 160 of LSRN’s universe), we are also trying to show an evolution of fashion between present and past as well as a different fashion style between young and older people in the current era. (Which is kind of important, since the actors (us) are actually all around the same age XD, so it’s all the more interesting to show a difference in the way the characters are dressed.)

A little fact about our project : We had started sewing some costumes for the previous version of this project 8 years ago (If you want to learn more about that, I wrote a full article over here :D x )...  We had gotten 3 or 4 done, and they were not the best since we were only starting sewing at the time and very unexperienced at the time (It’s not like we are sewing prodigies now, but our creation do look better than back then XD). 

We have decided to reuse these costumes as a basis for the older generation of the current era of the webserie’s costumes. We will be readjusting them and changing them, but that is something that we are still discussing. (For the moment, we are focusing more on other costumes).

Historical fashion and inspiration sources : 

I am now going to list the historical periods we are taking inspiration from along with a few photos that are a source of inspiration. 

Lily Tragedy Era (Very loosely based on historical fashion): 

Women : The women’s fashion in the Lily Tragedy Era will be lightly inspired by the 50s’s fashion. (When I say lightly, I really mean it X) It is mostly just the long knee lenght circle skirts.)

Men :  A mix between 18th century menswear and modern fashion. 

Current Time : 

Men : In the current time of LSRN, men’s fashion is inspired by XVIIIth century menswear 

Breeches, second half of 18th Century, European, silk, wool, linen _ The Metropolitan museum of art

Women : 

- Young women’s fashion will be inspired by late XIXth century/early XXth century fashion (We’re not 100 % sure yet that will be very challenging).

Prinzessinnen Ingeborg und Thyra von Dänemark

Look at these beautiful skirts!!! Of course, we’re not aiming at making anything as grand as this, but the shape of thess skirts I find very beautiful.

- For older women, the costumes will be lightly inspired by 1910s fashion.

Les Modes (Paris) May 1910 Robe du soir, Redfern

And we have now reached the end of this post! I hope this was interesting and made some of you curious to see us progress in the making of the costumes and we will reveal some of the costumes’ design and of course, more pictures of the costume as time goes! ;)

[zerogate]

Church historian Rodney Stark says, "For far too long, historians have accepted the claim that the conversion of the Emperor Constantine caused the triumph of Christianity. To the contrary, he destroyed its most attractive and dynamic aspects, turning a high-intensity, grassroots movement into an arrogant institution controlled by an elite who often managed to be both brutal and lax... Constantine's 'favor' was his decision to divert to the Christians the massive state funding on which the pagan temples had always depended. Overnight, Christianity became `the most-favoured recipient of the near limitless resources of imperial favors.’” A faith that had been meeting in humble structures was suddenly housed in magnificent public buildings—the new church of Saint Peter in Rome was modeled on the basilican form used for imperial throne rooms."

[...]

In all these things the clergy was given special class status. Constantine was the first to use the words clerical and clerics to depict a higher social class. He also felt that the Christian clergy deserved the same privileges as governmental officials. So bishops sat in judgment like secular judges. The net result was alarming: The clergy had the prestige of church office bearers, the privileges of a favored class, and the power of a wealthy elite. They had become an isolated class with a separate civil status and way of life. They even dressed and groomed differently from the common people. Bishops and priests shaved their heads. This practice, known as the tonsure, comes from the old Roman ceremony of adoption. All those who had shaved heads were known as clerks or clergy. They also began wearing the clothes of Roman officials...

Mayo writes, "A consideration of ecclesiastical vestments will reveal that they had their origins in secular Roman dress. The view that vestments were of Levitical origin and came from Jewish priestly garments is a later idea...”

White was the color of the clergy for centuries. This custom appears to have been borrowed from the pagan philosopher Plato who wrote that "white was the color of the gods." In this regard, both Clement and Tertullian felt that dyed colors were displeasing to the Lord. 

With the coming of Constantine, distinctions between bishop, priest, and deacon began to take root. When Constantine moved his court to Byzantium and renamed it Constantinople in AD 330, the official Roman dress was gradually adopted by the priests and deacons.

The clergy were now identified by their garb, which matched that of secular officials. After the Germanic conquests of the Roman Empire from the fourth century onward, fashions in secular dress changed. The flowing garments of the Romans gave way to the short tunics of the Goths. But the clergy, wishing to remain distinct from the laity, continued to wear the archaic Roman costumes! The clergy wore these outdated garments during the church service following the model of the secular court ritual.

When laymen adopted the new style of dress, the clergy believed that such dress was "worldly" and "barbarian." They retained what they considered to be "civilized" dress. And this is what became the clerical attire. This practice was supported by the theologians of the day. For example, Jerome (ca. 342-420) remarked that the clergy should never enter into the sanctuary wearing everyday garments. From the fifth century onward, bishops wore purple. In the sixth and seventh centuries, clergy garb became more elaborate and costly. By the Middle Ages, their clothing acquired mystical and symbolic meanings. Special vestments were spawned around the sixth and seventh centuries. And there grew up the custom of keeping a special set of garments in the vestry to put over one's street clothes...

Mayo's History of Ecclesiastical Dress goes into great detail on the development of each piece of the clerical vestments through each stage of history in each tradition...

The roots of the choir are found in the pagan Greek temples and Greek dramas. Will Durant states it beautifully: "In the Middle Ages, as in ancient Greece, the main fountainhead of drama was in religious liturgy. The Mass itself was a dramatic spectacle; the sanctuary a sacred stage; the celebrants wore symbolic costumes; priest and acolytes engaged in dialogue; and the antiphonal responses of priest and choir, and of choir to choir, suggested precisely that same evolution of drama from dialogue that had generated the sacred Dionysian play."

-- Frank Viola, Pagan Christianity