not so fast, smarty pants

I recently realized that that I’ve done a number of stupid things over the past year and, frankly...in my life. So you could imagine my relief when I drove past the latest Diesel Campaign on my way to work (most likely while texting and running a yellow light).

“Be Stupid.”

Somebody endorsing stupid? I had to know more.

Out of the thousands of advertisements I’m exposed to daily, (not to mention working at an ad agency) why was it that these two words sparked my interest enough to not only investigate the situation further, but to then go on and share it with you lovely people?

Because, like me, these words are not stupid at all. In fact, they’re brilliant.

Diesel’s latest integrated campaign evangelizes stupidity across untraditional platforms preaching the ways of a joyous, fulfilling, stupid life. Because what is being stupid, really? It’s acting on impulse. It’s taking risks, dreaming the impossible, and following your heart. Sure, stupid may lead to some awkward mornings and a set of crutches for 6 weeks, but in the grand scheme of life, stupidity is one the greatest characteristics we can have.

This campaign does not speak to everyone. In fact, from what I’ve gathered, it actually pisses a lot of people off. More aptly put, not everyone is… with stupid. There is an immediate moment of self-reflection or rejection of the campaign creating an unsettling tension. And although shock value lives most predominantly in the fashion world of marketing, this stupid girl believes that this is just the kind of charming irreverence our society could use more of.


Check out Diesel’s "Be Stupid" anthem video here.


Music: WeHaveBand

I find these words to be inspiring, so I took the liberty of transcribing the visual lyrics into a blank verse, unrhymed, iambic pentameter. Stupid? I think not.

like balloons we are filled with hopes and dreams
but over time one single sentence creeps into our lives... don't be stupid.
it's the crusher of possibility.
it's the world's greatest deflator.
the world is full of smart people doing all kinds of smart things.
that's smart.
well, we're with stupid.
stupid is the relentless pursuit of a regret free life.
smart may have the brains but stupid has the balls.
smart recognizes things for how they are. stupid recognizes things for how they could be.
smart critiques. stupid creates.
the fact is if we didn't have stupid thoughts, we'd have no interesting thoughts at all.
smart may have the plans but stupid has the stories.
smart may have the authority but stupid has the one hell of a hangover.
It's not smart to take risks, it's stupid.
to be stupid, is to be brave.
stupid isn't afraid to fail.
stupid knows there are worse things than failure.
like not even trying.
smart had one good idea and that idea was stupid.
you can't outsmart stupid so don't even try.
remember, only stupid can be truly brilliant.
so be stupid!


I posted a few shots from the campaign below, but you can check out the whole campaign here.












NOW GO ON... BE STUPID!

C is for Couture and that's Good Enough for Me

Oscar de la Renta and Oscar the Grouch. Grunge at its finest.


Sunny day, sweepin' the clouds away, on my way to where the air is sweet. 
Can you tell me how to get, how to get to… 7th Avenue?

Because if Sesame Street is where everything’s A-OK for us kids, then surely New York’s fashion capital is where we should come and play as grown-ups.

And what friendlier neighbors will we meet there than Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Francisco Costa, and Diane Von Fürstenburg?

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic television program, Harper’s Bazaar orchestrated a playful fashion spread bringing together some of the biggest names in haute couture with some of the biggest names in childhood: the muppets of Sesame Street.

The spread fuses fashion with the pop culture institution, shedding light on each notion in an unconventional way. It illustrates that high-end fashion doesn’t always have to be serious. It can be fun, lighthearted and joyous. And it shows there is much more to Sesame Street than a beloved children’s program. The characters of Sesame Street possess an intangible quality that can only be described as precious. They are imaginative and wonderful, and a reminder of the kid who lives in all of us - even the most conspicuous fashion designer.

Both concepts communicate a universal message that is timeless and relevant. Years pass, but children keep coming back to Sesame Street. And everything from reoccurring trends over the decades to the term 'vintage' proves that great style, no matter how much time elapsed, will always find a way back into our wardrobe.

Check out some of the photos from the shoot below.

Photo credit: Jason Schmidt






Carolina Herrera and Elmo. Fashion's Song.



Diane Von Fürstenburg and Big Bird. Feathers: soon to make a major comeback.



Kate and Laura Mulleavy and Cookie Monster. Mmmm...Rodarte. Nom nom nom nom nom.




Francisco Costa and Grover. Two men: style for eternity.



The complete spread is featured in this month’s issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

See more photos (plus exclusive interviews with the Sesame Street characters) at www.harpersbazaar.com


It goes to show that some things will never go out of fashion.

Confectionery is the new black

Another great product of Sweden. Photographer Therese Aldgard and stylist Lisa Edsalv created this fabulous display of high fashion cupcakes inspired by Chanel, Louis Vuitton along with other designers.

For those of us who can't afford the fashion, we'll find a way to afford the calories.

More designer dessert