Making of Phenomenology

(Daphne as Marie Antoinette)

In addendum to my last post on our first New Media project, Phenomenology of Body which had its Premiere event last week, I sat down with Director Daphne Guinness to ask a few questions about what this art project (born from a vision she had) meant to her. I remember being on set and launching into a flurry on conversations with the other models about what each era of clothing represented in the battle of the sexes. Daphne’s reading material for the day, The Phenomenology of Spirit written by the German philosopher G.W.F. Hegel, sat on top of the monitor during the shoot, and would later serve as inspiration for the title.

(Hollywood era, modeled by Jessica Joffe)

On my plane ride back from Paris, I gobbled through the new Vanity Fair and read a thought-provoking piece on Hillary Clinton’s failed campaign, which really resonated in me in terms of women, their perception, their strengths, and their crucibles (VF’s Hillaryland at War). What I didn’t realize was all the internal struggles Hillary faced inside her conflicted camp. The main problem of course being, a relentless push by her Chief Strategist among others, for her to run like a man. The notion of enjoying a true woman’s strength in office (at this very high level) was eclipsed by the fact she was discouraged from even expressing her true female core. Somehow, that was the visceral disconnect for me — the missing piece of the puzzle. Probably the reason I felt unidentified with her at times, even though I know she is a brilliant woman. Add to the the fact that for 16 years, she (and her marriage) took a beatdown by the Republican party. The truth is, Hilary was pretty much damned if she acted like a woman, or damned if she acted like a man.

On her final speech to the American public (after 4 days of letting the loss sink in), she stood up on a podium and said “But I am a woman”, in her swan song speech. “And like millions of women I know there are still barriers and biases out there, often unconscious”.

(Suffragette. Lindsay represents Suffrage movement as women began to vote)

Hillary’s shrewd debate skills made Barack a better candidate for what lies ahead of him. He knows this and respects this. Similar to the way an athlete respects another athlete for a tough match. Hillary finally ducked out of the picture with class. Her final words: “From now on it will be unremarkable to think a woman could be President of the United States - and that is truly remarkable…. Although we weren’t able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it’s got about 18 million cracks in it”.

What does this have to do with Daphne’s film? Well, I’m not 100% sure, but it just felt like an overall week of questioning women — the perception versus reality of who we are, be it through the eyes of a man or a woman. Clearly, we all have a long way to go….

(Making the image: Producer Brody Baker, Make-up Artist Jillian Chaitin, and DP Sam Levy)

Jauretsi: In your own words, describe the storyline of this piece?

Daphne Guinness: It’s not really a narrative piece in a linear sense. There is sequence and movement. The story is a “great release” like the song [by LCD Soundsystem]. It leads and spins symbolically from Eve (before she had a name) to women who have no name in this movement – Is it a birth, a death, an arrival, a departure? – I don’t know. Really the piece is a revolving passage, a voyage of the female form canceling or revealing: it’s very simple in that sense. The unspooling of apparition or a reality. Why a second century discussion on togas set me off on this road, who knows? – but there it is. It’s the Phenomenology of the female form.

Can you describe the mission statement of this piece? What would you like your audience to walk away with?

I didn’t think of making a statement political or otherwise. The work just seemed right and true visually. I think woman’s perception of women is a kind of incredible mission.

Do you consider Fashion to be political?

Fashion has to be political. Fashion is the first flag of culture, which is necessarily hemmed by politics. But this is not political flag waving. I wanted to move beyond a reflection and evoke a sensibility of woman – all women – and her response to the time and places she inhabited.

Lastly, this was your first Directoral piece. What motivated you to create this piece of art, and why for the internet? Do you think you’ll direct again?

The Internet is a 21-century conduit. I wanted my piece to be accessed by anyone at anytime. I don’t think I can stop “making” now. I just want to keep going. This piece has led into thoughts for the next – I will just keep moving.

(A break on set)

To view the short, visit T Magazine for New York Times.

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All Photos by Kevin Tachman

Daphne Night in Paris

(Daphne Guinness speaking to press about her first Directoral effort)

I’m back in New York! Been gone for a hot minute so i’ve been truant on the blog. The good news is I come back with tales from Paris Couture Week where Starworks celebrated its first foray into New Media — The Phenomenology of Body, a simple (yet not so philosophically simple) 5 minute art piece Directed by Daphne Guinness that will forever air on The New York Times‘ T website. The video, (which was projected in large format) premiered at the Hôtel de Crillon accompanied by 12 Prints displayed in the room. Daphne describes the film in her own words here.

(POB Portraits at Hôtel de Crillon)

(Starworker Ivana with Gianluca Longo, Fashion Director at ES Magazine)

In addition to NYT’s Stefano Tonchi, the cocktail was private, mellow, and sprinkled with several influential and inspiring guests — L’Wren Scott, Andrea Dellal, Christian Louboutin, Suzy Menkes, Wes Anderson, Tatiana Santo Domingo, Margherita Missoni among others. The event was covered everywhere from WWD to FashionWeekDaily.com.

(Shelly Zander — in Marc Jacobs — playing with a dog named, um, Daphne)

I relaxed on the balcony with Phenomenology of Body’s additional producers, Brody Baker and Shelly Zander of Knowmore Productions. Newly minted Starworker Amie Witton-Wallace (who served as Alexander McQueen’s Worldwide PR Director for 12 years) attended the event as well. We’re proud to have her.

(Starworker Amie Witton-Wallace with Isobel Gorst)

(Daphne’s angels: Isobel Gorst and Michaela Cawley. A Starworker on her blackberry prepping for her Lacoste event later that night)

(Daphne — in Alexander McQueen — hosting guests on Hôtel de Crillon balcony)

(Daphne’s Private Dinner post Gallery at Caviar Kaspia)

After showing the work, it was time to sit down and celebrate. Best Caviar in Paris. Strong guest list of Daphne’s close personal friends. Can you say, “complete night”? Actually, there was just one more thing I had to do. I’d heard Santogold was in Paris playing Visionaire’s Boat party to celebrate Lacoste’s 75th Anniversary (and the release of Visionaire 54 Sport). Stage time was Midnight —– Taxi time!

(DJ booth during Santo show, Visionaire/Lacoste event. Pics on VMag.com)

I managed to arrive to the docks for Part 2 of the night. The party was on climax mode. Lacoste Designer Christophe Lemaire was spinning on the turntables before the show. Parisian hipsters sauced up. Banging dancefloor. Semi-nude women in hottubs. Inflatable animals and couture outfits on the roofdeck. The room looked like a French version of a Misshapes party. As I turn my head, Leigh Lezark (speak of the devil) was walking right towards me in the way you do when you see another New Yorker in the room — with a smiling sigh. Always a pleasure to catch up with the downtown muse. In the midst of the sweaty high energy mess, Leigh’s dress and hair perpetually look tight. It kind of amazes me. Geordian (who launched their digital identity online) emerged out of the woodworks too. The lights went down.

Finally, Santo came on stage and won over the crowd. As much as we’ve heard the album on heavy rotation at the Starworks office, I tell ya, each song sounds better and better upon each listen. Her live performance however has 1 extra dimension — two backup dancers. A mash-up of dancers past, but with flavor of its own. Think Public Enemy’s militaristic strong pauses and then synchronized twirling like soldiers to a beat. Think also Robert “Addicted to Love” Palmer women but with an indie-electro feel and the same intriguing blank faced sex appeal (video here). Now add colored Raybans, gyrating hype-man movements, spanking outfits, and some soul. It was good to see New York blood “hold down” the stage tonight.

(Close-up of Barack Obama patch on DJ bag)

Standing next Santo’s DJ, I peeped his backpack under the tables, and noticed a Barack face staring right at me with a graphic that says “Hope”. After a few days of hanging out in Paris and discussing the future of our nation to Europeans, I closed my eyes and made 1 wish to the tune of a deafening dance party. Here’s to November 08!

(View from the Boat)

Last but not least, my friends —- this was the view of the the Eiffel Tower on this spectacular night. What was the occasion? The tower was dressed up in honor of celebrating France’s rotating presidency of the European Union (EU). There were 12 stars mounted on the tower to look like the EU flag. The Blue color will continue to glow through the end of the summer (Click here to see the first moment it turned blue). Glorious.

Also, the first 10 minutes of every hour, special little sparkly lights get turned on for that extra “oomph”.

Au revoir!
J

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All photos by Jauretsi

Text Lesson

Times have changed…Sadly.

Karl is a Rockstar

Two Titans = Rockstar Games + Karl Lagerfeld.

We here at Starworks love Rockstar Games. Their new Grand Theft Auto game is set in the streets of New York this time. So imagine yourself car jacking a vehicle but setting your radio dial to Karl Lagerfeld’s station while evading the Russian mob? This lovely introduction was made last year as our Daphne Guinness did the honor of bringing Karl to the Rockstar offices via Starworks. Flash forward to April 29, where you’ll see the beautiful marriage consummated inside the game complete with Karl’s un-P.C. lines. We can’t wait.

(Karl in WWD today)

Even if you don’t play games, view the Grand Theft Auto 4 trailer to see this world Karl will be DJ’ing. As usual, the boys have stepped up their graphics and pushed the technology to new places.
J

New Media Intern

Looking For a Young Gun!

It’s official. The Forum is now open for a New Media intern. If you’re unfamiliar with who we are, go to Starworksny.com to discover all our interesting clients and services. We truly are a one-of-a-kind operation here…

Here are the bullet-points:

• Understands blog culture and accompanying software and websites
• Knowledge of arts, music, culture, and most importantly — Luxury Brands
• Must be organized and self-motivated
• Editing skills
• Writing skills (optional: please send previous clips if you have any)
• Overall creative spirit
• Literate in Photoshop, Excel, Final Cut Pro, and Wordpress.
• Available at least 4-5 days out of the work week (full days).

What do you get in return?

(1) Well, we can’t pay you, but maybe you can wing it for college credits?

(2) You’ll be working with me in the Starworks office located in Soho, so that means great lunch spots.

(3) The ability to sit next to Greg’s awesome ipod deck which has a healthy rotation of classics to advanced albums playing all day.

(4) If you are intrigued by the inner mysteries of Fashion Week, we work with top designers so you’ll be able to help out on some of those fabulous fashion shows.

Email me your resume, and why you think I shouldn’t interview anyone else.
jauretsi@starworksny.com