Film Muse: L'Enfer (1964)

Hello Curbside readers!

As college is coming to an end, I have finally gotten around to making a post about one of my newest film finds: L'Enfer (1964) by the French director Henri-Georges Clouzot. The beauty is that this actually isn't a feature length film. Story goes that Clouzot got an unlimited budget to make the film (which was creatively daunting), and due to many complications - never finished the film.  It's sort of a shame because the cinematography and lighting work were both insanely well done. You can see bits of the film in a documentary by Serge Bromberg if you look hard enough.

There are so many aesthetic appeals in the film that I subscribed to. Light movements of psychedelic reds, greens, and blues juxtaposed by scenes of soft '60s pastels reflecting the film grain. Lacy demure night slips versus lustrous translucent coats. Blue lips (a coloring trick) accompanied by classic '60s power hour eyeliner. The list goes on. 

I think sometimes we forget about lighting and colors within our own wardrobes. For example, the possibility of creating illusions (shout out to the holographic trend, '90s glitter fair hair, etc). I think the film really sparks the core appeal of fashion: aesthetics. It leaves the audience in aw by showing the possibilities of beauty within living. Even though the film wasn't completed, passion within the visual images still remain. It challenges me to bring the same intensity into my own perspective of the world and my wardrobe.

That's it I suppose. If anything, take it as eye candy. Wish I could have written more about it, but this is just the type of thing you have to vibe with on your own.

See you in the summer,

Lauren Rose

Curbside Fashion

(p.s. - for your visual pleasure: )

Moodboard - S/S '13

(Left to Right: The Doom Generation still, Unknown, Pageant Girls by Petra Collins, Unknown Gwen still, Unknown Spice Girls Still, James Huang, Unknown, The Doom Generation Still, and Unknown)

  So I thought I'd make a moodboard for today's post. Since in my last video I talked about the glam '70s/millenia 2000s vibes I thought I'd show you some visuals that pretty much embody my brain at the moment. Actually, now that I look at this it's mostly focused on the millenia half but you get the point nonetheless.

I've been thinking about the summer recently and what I'm going to do with it.  I originally planned on taking summer classes at my college in May to get ahead, but I might not pursue it because the financial aid will be beyond shitty. Plus, I don't want to burn myself out for the upcoming school year. Which leads me back into the post vibe - road trips.

For those who haven't seen The Doom Generation, its a hyper stylized film about 2 teenagers who are trying to escape their seemingly messed up lives.  They encounter strange places and psycho characters along the way.  It makes me sort of reminisce on all of the absurdity that lies in the outskirts of the U.S.A. The joke shops, touristy destinations, etc. It'd probably be super depressing to constantly reside there (shown in the movie), but popping in on a road trip and leaving when you want just seems so appealing to me in a voyeuristic way.  

Something else I've been inspired by recently is the concept of Roswell New Mexico/Aliens. I remember staying up late and watching crappy reenactment shows about alien abductions on T.V. as a kid. It just makes me really intrigued how so many people across the world believe in it whole heartily and dedicate their lives to exploring the matter.

Anyways, I guess what this all comes down to is mystery. What's still out there? What can I document? Maybe that's what I'll do over the summer - get some money together and bum it across the U.S.A. More fashion inspiration on this topic will be coming soon!

Much love, 

Lauren Rose

Curbside Fashion 

(P.S. I watched this documentary called "Kurt and Courtney" on Netflix last night. I never knew there were hardcore conspiracy theorists that thought Kurt was murdered. I liked when they showed people from his past (his aunt/ex girlfriend), you can really see the impression he left - it's actually super depressing. Also Courtney is kind of displayed in a bad light (then again it's hard to make her seem like a saint), but her dad is the biggest asshole on earth. Wow. That is it, over and out. )