Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome -- Keneth Anger -- [1954] part 1

Happy Halloween

xx

I'll cry if I want to

I realize it's been a super long time since I've posted to this here blog. I admit, I've never been the best at social media. In fact, it annoys the hell out of me. I'd rather be cleaning the apartment, or taking a walk, or on the phone with a dear friend. The thought of posting something makes me anxious. I don't even think anyone uses blogger anymore, but that's just me being negative. Something positive has happened and I felt it would be a disservice to limit this news to only Facebook. So, dear beauties, some new work of mine will be up on the walls at Human Resources this time next week!

I should be hanging out at Human Resources more often. If you haven't been, it is an amazing event space in Chinatown. They throw all kinds of events, to interactive art, band performances, visual art, film, etc. Next week's show (wish it was more than one night) is a tribute show dedicated to girl groups from the 1950s & 60s! Curated by Daiana Feuer. Click here for more info. ps: My friend, Taylor, from The Windmills of Your Mind on KXLU will be djing!  

Before I found out about this show (thank you internet), I had this idea burning in my head about a rebel school girl project. I had shot this image of my friend, Rachel, of Movable Magazine. This was our first time hanging out in person after she had traveled cross country from Road Island to live in Los Angeles. 

© Ava Alamshah

I liked the idea of photographing her in a school yard, and I've been wanting to do a series again for some time. We talked about doing her hair up in a beehive and giving her some thick cat eye. The leather jacket, smokes…the whole thing. Sounds silly, but finding out about this show was serendipitous. It was the push I needed to get this series rolling. 

Lots of influences came to mind. Of course, girl groups like, The Shangri-Las & The Shirelles, but also shoegaze -lots of repeat listening to honey power (that outro… absolutely beautiful), John Water's Female Trouble, heart ache, longing, unrequited love, Scorpio Rising (surprised they have this so easy to watch -probably won't be for long, so…. ENJOY at your own risk!!!), total boredom, that idea of the little girl lost, tough broads with soft hearts…. 

Sneak peak: I was searching the web for inspiration before my shoot & came across this photograph. 

The source is unknown. Happy to post a credit if anyone knows who took this beauty! 

© Ava Alamshah

Our recreation. One of the many photographs that will be showcased. Come say "Hi" and shimmy with us! 

xo

The Knights of Cabazon

C A B A Z O N

I had no idea that dinosaurs lived during the Middle Ages

I just got back from my Coachella weekend on Monday, and needless to say, it was an adventure.  I took way too many photos that I need to sort out before scanning, so here is a sneak preview of what's to come.  It's time for me to start publishing a collection of books. 

Here is a shot of my wardrobe selection.  Although we were camping, it was still very important for me to travel with function and style.  You never know when you are going to have your picture taken.  I packed the mixes I made specifically for the trip. One for turning 30, the other for this year's festival.  


Here is one of my favorite tracks.  These guys were  I N S A N E  and I loved every, loud minute of it!  


ps! The video has Kenneth Anger written all over it.  I recently discovered that the director, Brian Butler, is Anger's protege.  RAD

C O A C H E L L A   V A L L E Y

Our home for four nights!  We are troopers. 

Stay tuned for more  C O A C H E L L A   2 0 1 2   ! ! !

your friend,

ava

Life is a Cabaret

Anyone who knows me, knows that I enjoy dressing up.  I take pride in putting together the perfect outfit, so imagine how excited I must feel that Halloween is fast approaching?  This time of year has always been a joy for me.  That chance to be someone else for a night.  Times have been tough this year with having to move back under my mother's roof, to my recent car accident.  I'm definitely on a tight budget, & probably not the only one, considering our country's economic status.   

It's funny that I chose to be Sally Bowles this year because behind her decadent facade, are her struggles to make it & that vulnerability that ever so slightly rises to the surface.  I have to quote my mother here in reference to my father; "..he may be poor, but he looks like a million bucks."  That is something that has been passed down to me, which gives me great pride.  It's all about utilizing what is already around you.  Luckily, being Liza won't be too tough.  I already have the short hair &  have managed to accumulate a sweet collection of unmentionables over the years (blush).  The icing on the cake is this nail polish I bought a while back at Sephora.  When I saw it, I immediately thought Cabaret.  It's almost the exact wild, dark teal blue polish she had in the film.  That same amazing color I have seen in Kenneth Anger's Puce Moment.  If you look closely, the starlet  has her toe nails painted that blue/green.  I'm not sure if they even had colors like that back in the 30s & 40s.  It seems so progressive. By the way, if you haven't seen Cabaret, I suggest you Netflix it immediately.  Liza Minnelli is perfection, not to mention Fosse!

Have a rad & safe Halloween everybody!

your friend,

ava

Inspiring 40s Fashion

I would just die for this Miu Miu collection & for Hailee Steinfeld's glorious locks of hair.  I don't think I ever looked that good at 14.  Then again, she's acting in films with Jeff Bridges.  I was riding my bike around the block & crushing on lil goth boys.  By the way, if you click on Mr. Bridges' name, it links to his website.  I recommend a gander, for he is a wonderful artist & so down to earth. Love "the dude". 

This video reminds me a lot of the hauntingly beautiful Kenneth Anger film Puce Moment.  This one was truly shot in the late 40s & then re-edited in the 60s, hence the more modern soundtrack.  Truly ahead of his time, that guy. 

Doesn't she look a bit like Isabella Rossellini?  I think so. 


Expect my own interpretation of the 40s trend very soon.  I was on the hunt for a pair of high waisted polka dotted palazzo pants.  Found some at H&M!  Score! 


I wish everyone a safe and happy month.  I was in a bad car accident a few hours ago.  My car has been totaled, but I still have my life and loves around me.  I couldn't be happier.  Life, love and polka dots! 


Don't dream it, be it...




your friend,


ava

The Roaring Weekend

My friend, Amber's wedding is this Sunday, which means I'm going to be M.I.A until next week! It's been a crazy month. Things are finally starting to settle down and come into place for her.  Right after the bachelorette party, I had the worst cough imaginable.  Bronchitis as it turns out! Luckily I got some meds and should be in tip top shape by the ceremony. Believe me, I was super worried. Being sick has had some advantages.  I was able to finish reading Bukowski's "Women", watched all season one of Boardwalk Empire (um hello Michael Pitt!), and started reading "Century Girl" about the long and glamorous life of Doris Eaton Travis. She was the last living Ziegfeld Folly and was 106 when she passed away in 2010! All these wedding details are making me think of my own future wedding (someday *crossing fingers*).  I hope for a little classic glamour for sure, and thank goodness for the internet because there is just so much eye candy at my fingertips! Can't wait to reveal Amber's dream dress and spill wedding details!  In the mean time, enjoy this car porn by Kenneth Anger. Speaking of eye candy, this is seriously one of my most favorite films I had the pleasure seeing while attending CalArts.  Enjoy.  ;-)

your friend,

ava