Bird Girl's View 002: Jeauni's May Inspiration Guide + Playlist
John Galliano (AGAIN!), Marilyn's steamiest moment, and my FASHION MOTHER
Hello Hello Queens,
Last month, I gave you a dip into the pool of my inner mind in my April inspiration guide. We attended the Opera, vibed to David Bowie, and got acquainted with the enigmatic Ms. Josephine – all in the spirit of celebrating the Cherry Blossom season. But with May rolling in and the summer breeze teasing us just around the corner, let’s turn up the heat with what’s got my pulse racing.
Cinema: High & Low – John Galliano
Now, y'all already know this man holds the keys to my beauty kingdom, my beacon of light in the world of glamour, but THIS FILM—it was a poetic revelation delving into the essence of the maestro behind the couture. I caught the documentary last month during its NYC theater run, and let me tell you, it was an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, I cried, and I left feeling a whirlwind of emotions—inspired, puzzled, and a tad bit enraged. There’s a common thread among many queer folks—a yearning for love that often feels out of reach, concealed beneath layers of societal expectations. We create our own worlds where beauty becomes our solace, our sanctuary. John Galliano, no stranger to this plight, embodies this journey—rising from the depths of longing to become the revered couturier of our dreams. But, as the film unveils, fame comes at a cost—the soul-shredding sacrifice to the altar of corporate greed, where creativity becomes a commodity in a relentless cycle of production and consumption.
Stream the full film on Mubi HERE for free with a trial subscription.
Music: Heat Wave – Marilyn Monroe
Whenever the heat of summer begins to sizzle on the nape of my neck, the allure of a 28 year-old Marilyn Monroe in There’s No Business Like Show Business reminds how sexy things are about to become. In a pink & black jeweled ensemble, the eternal Goddess gyrates her hips while a clad of male dancers melt and lust over her. While Marilyn’s wingspan for choreography may not come close to rivaling the ensemble of dancers, there is an undeniable understanding imbued in each of Marilyn’s movements. Each pulse of her hips, wiggle of her shoulders, and scrunch of her face is a symphony of bodily poetry that proves true allure transcends technical prowess. All of this HEAT set against a theatrical set of perfectly draped red curtains, twisted trees, and glossy flooring make this a Marilyn performance that should remain on repeat.
Muse: Michelle Elie
Now, let me introduce you to my fashion mother, the incomparable Comme collector Michelle Elie. Amidst a fashion landscape tainted by pretentiousness and profit-driven agendas, Michelle stands as a beacon of authenticity, reminding us of fashion's true essence: joy, freedom, and unapologetic self-expression. Her infectious energy fills every room she enters, her laughter reverberating off the walls and wrapping everyone in a warm embrace – this is a woman that just wants to have fun and you can’t help but want the same when you’re around her. We met when I was 19 after I playfully illustrated a photo of her at fashion week and she requested we meet in person on one of her visits to New York. I remember taking the downtown 1 to meet her in a Soho restaurant – our conversation lasting for hours. She was charming, brilliant, incredibly well-spoken, and everyone that crossed her path felt the threaded needle of joy move through them; it was obvious…fashion was her expression, but this was and is her eternal gift. From that moment on, I’ve looked at Michelle as a MOTHER GODDESS – hopeful I could not only mirror the feelings she gave me, but pass them onto others.
Playlist: With Love, The Oasis
The May mix is dedicated to the Oasis: Deep within the arid expanse of the desert lies the mystical Oasis of Illusions, a sanctuary hidden from the scorching sun. Its waters shimmer with an iridescent pink hue, beckoning travelers with promises of respite. Yet, those who dare to quench their thirst are ensnared in a spellbinding trance. As the liquid touches their lips, their minds are whisked away to a realm where reality blurs with fantasy. Pink-hued visions dance before their eyes, crystalline jewels sprouting from the earth like blooming flowers, only to metamorphose into enchanting women whose laughter echoes through the oasis. Entranced by the allure of lust, ecstasy, and romance, visitors find themselves lost in an eternal reverie, ensnared by the Oasis of Illusions' captivating embrace.
For enhanced listening, please visit your settings > playback > crossfade > set to 8 seconds
From the blushing Magnolia to the tantalizing Oasis, we’re two stops into our With Love, tour and a fever for more is upon us. Until next month, stay inspired, stay divine, and remember, inspiration is all around you when you’re in the sky!
With Love,
Jeauni
