Charm Her: Shaunt & Levon Suit Up

Meet Shaunt and Levon Gharibian—two dapper brothers with an aficionado for all things beer and bow-ties. And photography. And travel. And world domination. (I mean, their life is one long beer commercial #ka-POW)

Since fall season is upon us, I wanted to feature the Gharibians—gents I actually know—rather than the usual Goslings and Garfields.

While these two bleed beer, they also ooze with exceptional style. It was Labor Day Weekend that I realized Shaunt and Levon are amongst the few guys I know that have their style game DOWN (let’s all give a slow clap, shall we?). It was also that weekend when the L.A. metro got a wee bit chicer (kidding) — yes, you guys… I went on my first metro adventure in glitzy heels along with the soigné duo. Downtown metro after-hours usually conjure up associations of sketchy people (like the one guy we came across who was under the influence of something) but it was fun! Now back to Shaunt and Levon’s sartorial awesome-ness with a mini Q&A:

- What’s a fashion rule that you never break?
Shaunt: I don't know if it's a rule, but just don't think too much about it?
I don't really put thought into anything I wear. I just happen to buy stuff that seems compatible with other things I own.

- Are you a special devotee to any accessories BESIDES bow-ties?
Levon: I have an obsession over handkerchiefs. I believe they are an essential part of any outfit. A small, subtle accessory like a handkerchief can add a lot of character.
Shaunt: Eyeglasses/sunglasses (my vision is terrible) & antique wristwatches.


- What’s something every man should own?
Both: A decent black leather jacket. Keep it casual or dress it up.

- You guys recently went on a road trip (to explore breweries, of course!). how would you discern L.A. style vs. east coast + Canada?
Shaunt: It really depends on the metropolitan area.
Formality in dress aesthetic is of much lower integrity here in Los Angeles. As a relatively new and diverse melting-pot of city, LA doesn't seem to have enough history to have cultivated a concrete set of traditional standards of attire [or any aesthetic for that matter, but that's another topic]. Integrity generally goes to comfort, rather than fashionability; and for those who know how to dress, trends and styles are borrowed from other cultures (whether current or past).
Exposure yields cultivation, and exposure is scarce in this drivers' paradise. The truth manifests itself in the lyrics "nobody walks in LA." Angelenos simply don't have the opportunity to glance at strangers as a New Yorker would on a daily basis on foot, and thus lack exposure to style diversity. However, with the ever-expanding internet and recent improvements in LA public transit, this is sure to change.


- With all the traveling you guys do, is there a country or city that has caught your eye in regards to fashion?
Levon: Paris has a bunch of small boutiques with very unique taste. Whether you're looking for some unusual, urban street wear, or some darker, swanky attire, Paris is definitely it.
Shaunt: The independent music-oriented sub-culture of Paris, and the cool kids on London's Brick Lane or Carnaby street come to mind.

- describe your style in 3 words:
Levon: Dark, Obscure, Distinctive
Shaunt: nostalgic, esoteric, Foggy

-Who are your icons (style, music, etc) and have they influenced your style?
Levon: I recall a scene from the 1960s Jerry Lewis film “Cinderfella” where Jerry walks down the steps at the ball in a red blazer. That scene inspired my taste. Also, the clothing style of Justice has been a big influence. Lots of leather and lots of black.

Shaunt: depends on the mood. a bit of traditional London, 60s secret agent, beatnik/hippy/caveman, a bit of 80s metal, and the occasional abstract and completely ugly/kitsch

-What’s your favorite extravagant purchase? And… what’s your favorite sentimental piece/accessory
Levon: My grandfather's sunglasses

-What advice would you give men about improving personal style? (and please, do TELL!)
Shaunt: Walk around. Travel. See people. Meet people… anywhere and everywhere. Can't help but be influenced by exposure.

Levon: Think of some unique accessories to distinguish you. If you're not the type to want to stand out, get some subtle accessories that add more character to your outfit (i.e. handkerchief, etc).

-What style and/or trend do you like on women?
Levon: I find a 1960's look on women extremely attractive. Something similar to a Sean Connery era Bond girl
Shaunt: Whatever works. I'm partial to class and quirk. You interpret.

"Like" Charmed, She's Sure* on Facebook!

we used to wait

photos courtesy of Graphic Metropolis, Vogue.it

Model Bridget Avildsen, photographed by Irvin Rivera, styled by Robert Michael Bakhach & assisted by yours truly, hair & makeup by Tokiko Inou, assisting by Chase Green.

Hey guys, I assisted with this pretty shoot! With a pearly-white complexion (think: Rooney Mara! Emma Stone!), and a winning personality, model/aspiring actress Bridget Avildsen stands out from tanned-teen crowds in L.A. She was a pure delight during the photoshoot, where stylist Robert Bakhach brought sartorial inspiration aplenty: bright leopard prints, snakeskin blouse paired with bright colored J Brand denim, faux-fur vest + leather pants, Theory dress bursting with orange + edgy metal cuff, DVF green blouse with white D&G shorts. The combination of these lively & colorful pieces left Bridget with sophisticated yet statement-making ensembles. As for the beauty, Tokiko Inou opted for  cotton-candy meets Barbie-pink hair + bold red lips to mix playful and serious elements. So... I have to ask: Which is your favorite look?

Crazy, Stupid, Love.. of mine:

photos via buzzsugar

He makes women swoon, & men reexamine themselves. Also, he may or may not be one of the reasons why I'm single—after all, I am mentally dating him in my own delusional Gosling Bubble (Eva Mendes, who?). But enough about me. Let me rekindle everyone's obsession that is Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011). I know, I know, the timing of this post could not be more imperfect, but: I had to have these stills in my blog archives.

Remember the epic makeover scene when Ryan's character—the ultimate playboy & romancer—transforms a clueless divorcee to a more suave bachelor? Well, the makeover was more than just elevating Steve Carrel's style with a great suit—it was about getting him to snap out of his marriage woes, and most importantly, feel comfortable and current with himself. However, it was Ryan Gosling's array of wardrobe changes (and charm + smirk + good looks) throughout the film that made the rom-com oh-so memorable. The looks were all possible thanks to the film's costume designer, Dayna Pink. Gents, if you haven't done so already, read the GQ interview, here for some sartorial inspiration !

Film's Costume Designer: Dayna Pink

Designers: Alexander McQueen, Simon Spurr, Yves Saint Laurent, David Yurman (rings!) + more

Total Wardrobe Changes: 36

PS: I promise, no more RG posts for a while. If you missed the first men's post, Charm Her: Little Black Blazer, view it HERE 

Blackberry Peak: Interning at Who What Wear

My Blackberry mobile shots of the WHO WHAT WEAR headquarters.

More photos of the WHO WHAT WEAR headquarters on The Coveteur + WWW, and here 

Shattered Dreams

Spoiler Alert ! if you haven't already seen Black Swan, don't read ahead*

photos via clothesonfilm, tumblr, googleimages, wonderlandlondon

Dreams are "the royal road to the unconcsious," Freud is known to have said.  Taking on the psychoanalytic perspective, (I just had to--it's raining & I feel like writing), determinants of behavior are a combination of conscious and unconscious forces.  Hence, the unconscious psychological forces are dominant indications of an individual's motivation. The psychoanalytic theory provides explanations of positive achievement with the manifestation of instinct forces.  This brings us to Nina Sayers' character, played by Natalie Portman, in the film Black Swan (2010).  Darren Aronofsky directed Black Swan to transcend the audience deep within the disturbing psyche of a troubled yet highly competitive ballerina playing the dual role in Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake production. What was known to be the height of Nina's dance career, was actually the intrapsychic conflict of her mental state. Determined to flawlessly capture the White Swan and Black Swan dances, Nina becomes self-imposed in her rigorous fight for perfection. 

The film begins with Nina's dream which transitions into a nightmare when a haunting creature begins to dance with her.  The manifest content of the dream ominously represents Nina's upcoming psychosis which progresses in the film.  Portman plays a fragile and self-conscious character who has a purging disorder to further illustrate her despairity to become perfect. Who is she exactly trying to please? Thomas, played by Vincent Cassel, contributes to Nina's pressure as he casts her for the Swan roles, replacing Beth (Winona Ryder) because she is "too old" according to ballet standards. Boundary-crossing between teacher and student, becomes a pivotal point in exposing Nina's sensuality, a vital trait for the Black Swan.  Making sexual advances, Thomas urges her to pleasure herself, become seductive and be in tune with her libido, to capture the essense of the Black Swan, which comes naturally to Lily, played by Mila Kunis. This is where the Jungian psychonalytic perspective can be applied, to interpret Nina's and Lily's characters--or dual character?  Lily's "shadow" traits include sexual and aggressive impulses, while the socially acceptable traits of ambition and vulnerability represent Nina's persona.  The wholeness of Nina's personality is further disrupted when it clashes with Lily's hedonic habits to let loose, drink, and have sex, disregarding the worries of tomorrow.  Ironically, as it disrupts the White Swan qualities, Lily's shadow-like qualities also mediate between Nina's consciousness and unconscioussnes.  Nina's moral conflict is also a result of her mother's past as a ballerina, which subconciously torments her to accomplish what her mother was not able to.

Throughout the film, the mirror serves as a reflection of Nina's worst critic--herself. She gazes at the mirror after replacing Beth for the role of the Swan, and collects some of her personal belongings.  Nina's motive was to become as perfect as Beth, which she has placed on a petestal. To become "the little princess," as Thomas referred to Beth, would mean letting go of herself completely.  The final production of Swan Lake becomes the climax of the film, where Nina's hallucinations are magnified center stage. Backstage, the drama unveils between the clashing Swans, as Portman's character is seen to be fully submitted to the dark and vulgar side that Thomas has been urging her to become.  She thrusts Lily against a dressing room mirror, shattering it to pieces, and stabs her with a shard of glass. This symbolizes Nina's shattered mental state, which is perfectly impaired. In actuality, Nina's white dress is drenched in her own blood, as she delivers a perfect performance in the final act. Synonymous with the storyline of the Swan Lake, Nina gracefully falls and ironically utters that it was perfect as she dies. The fatal finale displays her self-destruction as a result of perfection.

xo Maria

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Reference

Cloninger, S. (2008). Theories of Personality: Understanding Persons (5th ed.). Upper Saddle     
               River, New Jersey: Pearson Education.