Saturday, December 12, 2009

Inspiration From The East

Heads Up!--->Drop Dead Cute is having a (dare I say it) cute (yep, I said it) giveaway on her blog. A super awesome Momorobo Panda Hat from Punch Brand is up for grabs so head on over to her giveaway post and enter!

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Did you know that "Artistic Inspiration" has its own entry in Wikipedia?

"Inspiration refers to an unconscious burst of creativity in an literary, musical, or other artistic endeavour. Literally, the word means "breathed upon," and it has its origins in both Hellenism and Hebraism." -Wikipedia

I'm always fascinated to learn what inspires people, particularly creative people. There's the typical answer of "family, friends" yada yada yada. But what really lights that spark of creative activity, the one where you feel like if you don't get it down (paint it, draw it, write it, scrap it, sew it, glue it) you'll explode?

Lately I have found myself drawn to and inspired by Jpop and Japanese street fashion. (*Fingers crossed* you'll be able to see this influence in my next project that I will hopefully get posted soon!) Jpop is pop music from Japan which is funny because as a rule I don't like pop music. lol But recently I've been playing it around the house and it is simply infectious. Here is a song from the group "Girl Next Door":



"The term 'street fashion' is used to describe fashion where the wearer personally customizes the outfits by adopting a mixture of current and traditional trends." -Wikipedia

Japanese street fashion is a treasure trove of inspiration all its own. Such a bold out-of-the-box mix of styles, colors, textiles, eras - you name it. How can you not be inspired by such a grand example of creative abandon?






All pictures from tokyofashion.com

No matter what the art form or tools used, I hope that I can always strive to create without fear of what people will think and become comfortable in resting in that creative space where there are no hard and fast rules of what works. I want to be like those on the fashionable streets of Tokyo, wearing my artistic sensibilities on my sleeve (so to speak) and reveling in my creative freedom.

The possibilities my friends...are endless!!!

What has inspired you lately?

24 comments:

A Vintage Revival said...

I love the second to last image the best, beautiful color combination with the green pencil skirt and red bag, what a doll!!!

Unknown said...

Great post!

You've just opened my eyes to JPop and Street Fashion. Also, I love the words, "breathed upon."

Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!!

http://carrigansjoy.blogspot.com/

Serendipity said...

I love Japanese fashion, but I know if I tried to pull off one of those outfits it would just look wrong! Thanks for visiting my blog :)

Anonymous said...

Happy SITS Saturday sharefest!

There is no way I could EVER pull off any of those looks. They're bright and colorful and fun to look at but jut not me.

Have a great day!

laterg8r said...

love that fashion - so over the top and fun :D

can't wait to see what you've been creating :D

Amber Page Writes said...

I wish I was brave enough to dress like that - they look like they're having fun! Great post.

Happy SITS Sharefest!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

i've always hoped to have the guts to dress like that....but never was quite cute enough!! LOL! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

icandy... said...

Those fashion photos are really fun! I wish that I could get away with dressing like that!
Have a great day!
oxox
Christina

Sadako said...

Asian stuff has always interested me too. Your photos were so awesome. They make me want to learn more about them!

Anonymous said...

Hi Maggie, I was delighted to have you visit the Vintage Nest and hope you'll be back often. Your blog is darling. The Japanese have bought quite a bit from me over the years. From my Ebay store and now my website. Always so polite and nice. Hope you are having a fabulous weekend down there in N.C. xo Lynn

Stefanie Valentine said...

I love jpop fashion, i wish i was small and cute enough to pull it off! One of my friends is into Japanese fashion and she looks so wonderful all the time. xx

Samsara said...

Thank you thank you for entering! and thank you for the great post! lol Maybe I'll see you at tokyo rebel :) Good Luck! Thanks again for supporting me

dropdeadkawaii.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I'd love to go to Japan sometimes and see all those really cool fashions. Personally however, I don't think its a look that Moi could really pull off.
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend daaaaaaahling.
*kisses* HH

Winchester Manor said...

What awesome fashion! I can't even imagine having the time to make myself up like that on a daily basis, it would be like a part time job! lol

I'm constantly inspired by you and many wonderful blog buddies.

Love and hugs,
Karyn

Keith said...

Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting on my blog. I really appreciate it. Hope you're having a great weekend. Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment hope you are all well...

Anonymous said...

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment hope you are all well...

The Wallace Family said...

My problem with fashion is I always think it looks funny on me! I don't think I can pull off some styles very well so I stay a little plain Jane!

Carmen said...

Uhhhhh... Alice Cooper... Alice Cooper and ummm.... Alice Cooper just lately :D But honestly - even if you don't like his music (and why wouldn't you?) his theatrics are just a gift to the crafter in me ;)

Otherwise it can be anything, billboards, loving street art/graffiti at the moment, tv shows, other blogs, nature... there's a cute childrens artist I adore called Lauren Child - I love, love, love her. Everyone keeps asking me why I have books for the kids on my Amazon wishlist and I'm like...'ummm, they are for me actually' :P

Unknown said...

Hey Maggi! What a great post. I love Wikipedia's definition of inspiration. Very cool.

Thanks for stopping in to say hi today.

I enjoyed looking at the pic of Japanese street fashion. Did you see the season of America's Next Top Model when they went to Japan and had a shoot where they dressed in that style? Very interesting and colorful.

~Lanie

Kori said...

Great photos. So colorful and chic! Thanks for the sweet comments on my new 'do honey! Hope you had a great weekend. Kori xoxo

yyam said...

I love Japanese street fashion...outrageous and whimsical. I love that they own their styles and revel in the bright bold colors.

Can't wait to see your artistic piece inspired by Jfashion...:)

Unknown said...

Heh Heh.. Too cute! Reminds me of dress I see at toy shows and comic cons. Very cool indeed!

Witchcrafted Life said...

So much uber kawaii sweetness running through this fun post! I tend to favour the (sweet) Lolita styles over the FRUiTS look, but these really are charming examples of styles that veer towards the later. Can't wait to see all the cool Japanese inspired projects you've got in the works, sweetie!

Big hugs,
♥ Jessica