My Little Ties: Brony-wear for the Sophisticate

I make no efforts to hide the fact that I'm a huge fan of the children's TV show My Little Pony. The well written, smart series shows that brilliance and inspiration can be found anywhere. It proves that children's shows aren't all bumbling nonsense, or poorly drawn cartoons with adult humour shoe-horned in. I rarely talk about my MLP obsession due to the fact that many other people cover the subject thoroughly, while I enjoy the show on a much more passive level. However, when my friend Tom sent me a link to this amazing website that sells My Little Pony themed neckties, I had to do something to let the world know about them!

Of course, most people are probably thinking of gaudy christmas ties, or novelty ties with a giant garfield face on them. Neigh! (see what I did there?) These ties are incredibly subtle. I doubt you'd be able to tell what exactly is going on unless you were standing at an uncomfortable distance from the wearer. The repetitive pattern is cute, without being too in-your-face.

These patterned ties would hardly stand out at being childish or novel.

The ties are made of 100% silk, and currently come in 10 different styles. Most importantly, they are incredibly reasonably priced. I have no problem with someone who wants to drop loads of money on a nice tie (my dad has been found guilty of this on many occasions), but a novelty tie really shouldn't break the bank (even if it is a really, really nice not-so-novel novelty tie.). At $25 a piece, these ties fit that range perfectly. If you missed the link above and are interested, you can buy the ties here, at mylittleties.com

The Raritie: an obvious favourite

Bonus: the website even has a section on how to match your shirts to the tie you choose. This advice could be very necessary for the internet lurking "Brony", especially since most fans choose to show their love of the show through awful witty t shirts (ok, so I totally own a pony shirt. But it's only for sick days and sleeping in).

Images via MyLittleTies

Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations

When I found I was coming to New York for the summer, the first thing I did was google the dates for the Schiaparelli and Prada exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Both designers have been huge influences on me and my work, and I was incredibly excited to see how their very distinct styles could be put together. So I got together a plan and a friend, and we made our way to the upper east side to partake in this once in a lifetime event.

Trompe L'oeil pleating in Prada (left) and Schiaparelli (right)

The exhibit focuses on the idea of the two women being able to sit down together for a drink, and discuss their views on women, politics, and of course, fashion. Prada explains her focus on the "waist down", explaining that there are "so many things happening from the waist down, sex... giving birth, being attached to the earth"; while Schiap (depicted here by actress Judy Davis) explains that dressing from the waist up was important in her time, as cafes were becoming popular, and most women would be seen sitting down.

I really enjoyed this idea of these two women bantering on about their very distinct views. The videos (which you can view here, at the Met's website), combined with the quotes on the walls and in the exhibits, made them seem like dear friends that are comfortable enough with each other to tear down the other's work. A quote from Prada explaining why she would never collaborate with a conventional artist hangs right next to Schiaparelli's Cousteau and Dali inspired gowns.

"Fashion is art." ~ Elsa Schiaparelli

"Fashion is not art. Fashion designers make clothes and they have to sell them. We have less creative freedom than artists.” ~ Miuccia Prada

Images via vogue.co.uk

metmuseum.org