This year's MET Gala has been quite stunning and i'm so glad of that. The theme was quite easy to follow and many celebs have gone ahead with it and provided amazing looks, while others did so little about it just by having a cross necklace or not sticking to the theme at all. But below are my total favorite looks from the night, because this year the Met Gala hasn't disappointed. I haven't included Katy Perry because that was too much, Cardi B., because she looked exactly like an old Beyonce look and we all know it, or the Jenners who didn't even try. Check all of them after the cut!
Kate Bosworth was absolutely beautiful looking like a virgin in this dreamy Oscar de la Renta gown
This was an easy theme for Madonna as she provided a total look in Jean Paul Gaultier
SZA has to be my favorite look as she looked heavenly and cute in Versace
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley had a pristine look in Ralph Lauren
Lana del Rey's look in motion looks amazing, as she and Jared Leto were wearing Gucci and looked like they came straight out of a painting
In 2003 Madonna released the controversial 'American Life' after the country dance album 'Music' and it was definitely a different twist for her. And while i liked some songs, i was kinda disappointed as i expected something else, despite Mirwai's fabulous involvement. But i played it again a few years later and i unexpectedly adored it.
'American Life' wasn't Madonna's biggest success, in fact, its lead single and title album track didn't even make big on the charts as it was expected from the Queen of Pop but many as i didn't understand what we had ahead of ourselves. This album was ahead of its time, and that makes it priceless as years go by and you listen to it with a different point of view. Many appreciated it for what it was but it took time to others to see that this is not Madonna's worst album, not even close. One has to admire gems like the ultra hit 'Hollywood' or divine and worth James Bond tunes like 'Die Another Die', so underrated at the time. And what about the powerful and heart felt ballad 'Nothing Fails' which i saw her performing live, playing an acoustic guitar and with a profound feeling that later i understood as weeks later it was announced that she and Guy Ritchie (after whom he wrote such a beautiful love letter) were divorcing. But all of them, alongside some pure disco electronic delights as fantastic as 'Mother and Father' or 'Nobody Knows Me', make up for a different, out of the box album.
It's surprising how underrated this album actually is but i guess many experienced what happened to me when i first listened to it and now we can give the place it deserves. Below there are my five absolute favorite songs from 'American Life', one of them actually included in my Top 20 Madonna songs ever so it can't be that bad of an album. Not at all.
I'm late on this because this happened last week, and while i heard of it, i didn't take the time to check it out until now. Madonna, undeniable Queen of Pop, was granted the Woman of the Year award at the Billboard Women in Music 2016 gala and she gave such a powerful speech that can't be ignored. She was praised by many and everyone should watch it, because she's only speaking the truth out loud. She talks about her tough path during these 34 years of her career and how hard it was for her to make it onto a men's world, being overly criticized for being loud, sexual, for being herself no matter what. And it's so inspirational. She opened the doors to many young artists nowadays that everyone should give her credit for that. I got emotional during her acceptance speech because we can all relate to her story, and everyone needs to take the tame and watch this vid.
I posted below parts of her speech that i adored (which is practically everything) and you can see the full video below, but also click here to watch it with Spanish subtitles. It's amazing.
“I stand before you as a doormat. Oh, I mean, as a female entertainer. Thank you for acknowledging my ability to continue my career for 34 years in the face of blatant sexism and misogyny and constant bullying and relentless abuse. [...]
I started off in a difficult time. People were dying of AIDS everywhere. It wasn’t safe to be gay, it wasn’t cool to be associated with the gay community. It was 1979 and New York was a very scary place.
In the first year I was held at gunpoint, raped on a rooftop with a knife digging into my throat. And I had my apartment broken into and robbed so many times I just stopped locking the door. In the years that followed, I lost almost every friend I had to AIDS or drugs or gunshot.
I remember feeling paralyzed. It took me a while to pull myself together and get on with my creative life — to get on with my life. I took comfort in the poetry of Maya Angelou, and the writings of James Baldwin, and in the music of Nina Simone. I remember wishing I had a female peer I could look to for support. Camille Paglia, the famous feminist writer, said I set women back by objectifying myself sexually. So I thought, ‘oh, if you’re a feminist, you don’t have sexuality, you deny it.’ So I said ‘fuck it. I’m a different kind of feminist. I’m a bad feminist.’
I realized that I could not be a victim any longer. That everything happened for a reason. And my job was to learn from every shitstorm I wandered into.
As you can imagine, all these unexpected events not only helped me become the daring woman that stands before you. But it also reminded me that I am vulnerable. And in life, there is no real safety except for self-belief. And, an understanding that I am not the owner of my talents.
I was of course inspired by Debbie Harry and Chrissie Hynde and Aretha Franklin, but my real muse was David Bowie. He embodied male and female spirit and that suited me just fine. He made me think there were no rules. But I was wrong.
There are no rules — if you’re a boy. If you’re a girl, you have to play the game. What is that game? You are allowed to be pretty and cute and sexy. But don’t act too smart. Don’t have an opinion. Don’t have an opinion that is out of line with the status quo, at least. You are allowed to be objectified by men and dress like a slut, but don’t own your sluttiness. And do not, I repeat, do not, share your own sexual fantasies with the world.
Be what men want you to be. But more importantly, be what women feel comfortable with you being around other men. And finally, do not age. Because to age is a sin. You will be criticized, you will be vilified, and you will definitely not be played on the radio.[...]
Eventually I was left alone because I married Sean Penn, and not only would he would bust a cap in your ass, but I was off the market. For a while I was not considered a threat. Years later, divorced and single — sorry Sean — I made my Erotica album and my Sex book was released. I remember being the headline of every newspaper and magazine. Everything I read about myself was damning. I was called a whore and a witch. One headline compared me to Satan. I said, ‘Wait a minute, isn’t Prince running around with fishnets and high heels and lipstick with his butt hanging out?’ Yes, he was. But he was a man.
This was the first time I truly understood women do not have the same freedom as men.
People say I’m controversial. But I think the most controversial thing I have ever done is to stick around.
What I would like to say to all women here today is this: Women have been so oppressed for so long they believe what men have to say about them. They believe they have to back a man to get the job done. And there are some very good men worth backing, but not because they’re men — because they’re worthy. As women, we have to start appreciating our own worth and each other’s worth. Seek out strong women to befriend, to align yourself with, to learn from, to collaborate with, to be inspired by, to support, and enlightened by.[...]
But to the doubters and naysayers and everyone who gave me hell and said I could not, that I would not or I must not — your resistance made me stronger, made me push harder, made me the fighter that I am today. It made me the woman that I am today.
Madonna gracefully turned 58 last month, and as the Queen of pop that she is i always like to do something for her bday but this year i wanted to wait until the LOVE spread by Mert Alas was fully released so here it is.
The photoshoot shows Madonna with no make up on and being her usual awkward, fun and silly, but the pics are really great and, i'm sorry, i think she looks damn great in most of them. Also, her son Rocco Ritchie is making his modelling debut with this spread and he looks all grown up and really good, so another talent in the family.
Enjoy some of the pics that i liked best from the shoot after the cut and the full spread at the source.
While i don't follow every designer's collection or every fashion week show, these are the three collections that have captured my attention this year (click on link to check the full collection):
As usual, i catch up on movies from last year because here everything gets released a bit later and there have been some really great surprises in cinema this year but i haven't watched as many movies as i would have loved to. But here are the ones that i really loved:
Mommy - this was such an experience to watch and such a mind-blowing movie. I was aware of the good critics it had and it was not disappointing at all. Xavier Dolan makes a film about emotions and you can't help but to feel them all, and it's heartbreaking in a beautiful way. Must-watch.
It Follows - I have already talked about this movie in the 5 Modern Horror Film for Halloween post and i can't recommend it more. It's a film like none other and it gives you 80s vibes, and that's a good thing. Watch it and get intrigued yourself, the less you know about this movie, the better but watch it.
Relatos salvajes - this Argentinian movie was amazing, a combination of drama stories with a lot of comedy ones and it is so worth watching that even if you don't speak Spanish you have to give it a try because it's so, so good.
Whiplash - was another super nice surprise, in my opinion deserved the Oscar for Best Film instead of 'Birdman', but anyway, the film has superb and over the edge performances that make the movie so exciting and powerful with all that drumming that it stand out for me among the other nominees from last year.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens - And what about 'Star Wars'? i'm a fan of the old trilogy so imagine my surprise when this new movie was nothing like the new saga from a few years ago and so like the good old movies. It contains all the excitement and nostalgia that the original trilogy had and it feels like coming home. Maybe it's not as superb as those movies but it has the same feeling and i can't wait for the rest.
The Hateful Eight - while i'm still processing this film as i've just watched it, i had to include it here. It may be too long or whatever but it was good old Tarantino as i have missed in other recent movies like 'Django Unchained' or 'Inglourious Basterds'. Those movies are ok but i felt like there was something missing from his signature style. Anyway, while maybe i found the ending kinda weak, the rest is amazing, and keeps you guessing all the time. That and a ton of great and charismatic characters (which i think that that was precisely missing from his two previous films) makes a nearly perfect movie that may be not his best but is far from its worst film. Watch it and decide for yourself.
TV Shows
It has been a really exciting year when it comes to TV shows, i don't think i ever started watching so many series in a year like this one. So many brand new good shows like starting for my fave one that can't be none other than 'Scream Queens', it was so good and such a guilty pleasure that i'm suffering withdrawal now that it's over; also, 'Unreal' has been such a pleasant surprise, i binge-watched the whole first season in less than a week and it was so, so good i got two friends of mine hooked to it (which is never easy). 'Scream' has also been one of the top shows this year, i don't think noone expected it to be any good but it was. 'Flesh and Bone', which i just finished watching, was simply mind-blowing and i have to make a post next year about it because it's so worth-watching, you have no idea. Currently i'm watching 'Jessica Jones' and i can't comment on it until i watch the whole first season but i'm liking it so far; and, 'Younger' which was a breeze of fresh air, a simple but cute comedy that has replaced my good feeling series that was 'Hart of Dixie', that had its final season this year. Because this year a few series that i loved have come to an end, like 'Hart of Dixie' as i said, which had run its course but had such a nice ending that made you feel sad about it. Also, the cancellation of 'Looking' was something so disappointing and unfair, luckily it will have a closure but is still so sad after having such a great season this year. 'Cougar Town' also came to and end but it was dead good funny till its very end. And this year has also been the comeback of 'The Comeback', which i just started watching and it was something else, really enjoyed it.
As for the other shows that i was already watching, 'Game of Thrones' remained one of the best series of the year despite people saying that it's not as good as it used to be. 'Girls' didn't disappoint and had a lot of heartfelt moments in between comedic ones, which i love; surprisingly, 'Grey's Anatomy' continues to be interesting after so many seasons and i can't help but keep watching; 'Orange is the New Black' was ok, i enjoyed the third season but not as much as the two other seasons, such a shame; 'Faking It' has continued to be good but somehow has lost its freshness so soon but it's still fun to watch; and 'Awkward', big sister of 'Faking It', it's about to end next year and well, while it's not as good as it used to be, it will be missed. 'Broad City' remained flawless as it is and i quit watching 'American Horror Story: Hotel' after one ep because that's one big mess.
When it comes to reality shows, 'Barely Famous' and 'Dash Dolls' have been the brand new two shows that i started watching and while the first one was really hilarious and you should watch it, the Dash girls were something entertaining if you like the Kardashians and such.
Musique
When it comes to music, these four albums have been the ones i played most because, what a little gem is Carly Rae Jepsen's 'Emotion'? It's a perfect pop album and i don't think it's valued as it should be. Also, Madonna made a great comeback with 'Rebel Heart', her best album in years and i hope she continues that way. 'Miley Cyrus and her Dead Petz' was also a nice surprise because i don't think noone expected an album like this coming from her and it was fantastic. And 'Communion' by Years & Years was the most fantastic debut album that little by little, with each listen grew on me.
In honor of Madonna's 57th birthday, i've done the very difficult task of deciding which are my 20 most favourite songs out of her 30 year career. Not easy at all. At first i was gonna only do a top 10 but i really couldn't decide between only 10 songs so here's a top 20 instead. I know many will be missing classic Madonna songs like 'Like a Virgin' or 'Material Girl', but i'm not fond of those songs as so many people are so enjoy, don't judge, and let's celebrate the Queen of Pop's belated bday:
As many of you know, Madonna has released the music video of her third single from her new album 'Rebel Heart'. 'Bitch I'm Madonna' is an instant hit, it must be her best song of the album and i'm my opinion she should have released this track as the first single but well, better late than never.
The video... Well, lots of cameos by famous people (the Jon Kortajarena cameo is mint) but all aside, is ok. I expected more from this vid and it reminds you to the performance she made singing this song in The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon that was amazing, and the music video is totally the same idea though live and the result is way better. That live performance is no longer on youtube, i'm assuming since it's because it's so similar to the actual music video they removed it, but you can watch it in daily motion, so watch the vid, the Jimmy Fallon performance below, and bonus, Madonna, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots covering her old hit 'Holiday' that it's amazing, such a funny and cool cover that you can also watch below, so enjoy the Madonna fest:
'Rebel Heart' is finally being released tomorrow after some demo leaks and even the full album, and let me tell you that it's her best work ever since 'Confessions on a Dancefloor' (2005). I'd rather have Madonna taking some time from album to album and releasing some decent material like this record, than to have forgettable albums like 'Hard Candy' or 'MDNA'.
Anyway, this record contains some fantastic songs like the first single 'Living for Love' and many more so after the cut, i'm posting my fave songs from 'Rebel Heart', Madonna is back and with good stuff, sorry monsters:
First things first, 'Living for Love' is an instant hit. I kinda liked the demo version a little bit better but this song is as great as it can be:
Madonna performed at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night, she was back after some years and while the performance was ok, it didn't live up to other amazing performances she's done before.
I know Madonna is not what she used to be, but who could keep being awesome, innovative and groundbreaking after 30 years? Exactly. So i'm posting some of my favourite performances from the Queen herself, from award shows to tour shows, she has always put on a show when performing live. Who could forget her iconic performance of Vogue ala Marie Antoinette during the MTV Awards in 1990? Or Lenny Kravitz playing guitar to 'Ray of Light' in 1998? I know, lots of Madonna lately here, but i'm an unapologetic bitch.
Madonna's new album is scheduled to be out in March even though we have already listened to 6 tracks she released (and some others that were illegally leaked). Based on what i've heard from those legally released songs, 'Rebel Heart' seems to be the best album Madonna has released in years (ever since 'Confessions on a Dance Floor' in 2005) so i've decided to make a little tour through her discography and put my favourite songs from each album. Because even though she might have records that are a little meh, there's always a good song there.
I'm starting from the beginning, from her very first album to her newest one, so get ready for a quick reminder why Madonna is the Queen of Pop and she still is.
Fashion
This year Elie Saab's Spring/Summer collection blew me away but also the gorgeosity of Ralph & Russo's Spring Couture, designers i didn't know about:
But most recently, the one that amazed everyone with its beauty is Valentino's Sala Bianca Haute Couture, all in white and so delicate and immaculate that i'm even posting the finale of its NY show because, look for yourself, it's beauty in movement:
Movies
I have to admit that i haven't watched many movies this year and i had to catch up with some of 2013 because they hadnt been released here. So, i'm including a few from last year that are really worth it but my number 1 of the year has to be 'Under the Skin':
Under the Skin - this blew my mind in so many ways that i still have it on my head. That epic ending, the photography, the Mica Levi OST that creeps the hell out of you, Scarlett Johansson's touching performance, the devastating truth of what the movie wants to tell the viewer is something not everyone fully appreciates. Truly one of the weirdest movies out there and that makes her even more special and unique.
Her - What can be said about Spike Jonze's modern love story at this point? It really touches you in ways you can't comprehend and also you can relate to the loneliness of Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) so much that it kinda hurts.
Short Term 12 (Las vidas de Grace) - Another film that was released on 2013 but i have to include it here. I already talked about it but i couldn't recommend this movie more because it's so touching and beautiful that will steal your heart. And you have a good cry with it as well which is not bad at all.
Nymphomaniac - As a full movie with both of its parts, it really works out. Because if you only watch the first part and then the second, this last one is a little weak. So it's better to watch the complete movie because Lars Von Trier's latest and most polemic movie is something that explores sexuality as well as human nature and the result is kinda great. It has a weak ending but overall i really liked it.
Palo Alto - Gia Coppola's directing debut is worth mentioning because without being a great story, it really depicts today's youth – its boredom, failed aspirations and the not so certain future they have in front of themselves. That's perhaps the greatest thing about the movie, it really captures that time as it is and she also does it with a lot of taste and pretty images. Beware of what's to come from the newest Coppola director.
Boyhood - i was really looking forward to watch it and i have to admit that i really liked it. It shows you how we're only a series of milestones and that we, more or less, we all go through the same process when growing up, as simple as that. I really loved Patricia Arquette's performance and the OST is really amazing but now i can't wait for Richard Linklater to make a 'Girlhood'. Please, it has to be done.
TV Shows
This year i discovered two shows that are already among my favorites like the hilarious 'Broad City' (please watch it because it's really something else) and 'Looking' which is so full of feelings that i barely can't stand it.
Apart from those, 'Game of Thrones' continued to be fucking amazing starting with that epic second episode 'The Lion and the Rose' and its OMFG ending. 'Girls' continued to be something that really gets me to the core and that is very dear to me (with the 'Beach House' ep being the epitome of epic) ; 'Grey's Anatomy' had a really good start after the departure of Cristina Yang's character so i still have faith in the show. 'American Horror Story: Coven' was fucking flawless despite the haters and 'Freak Show' started really bad but it's gotten better and it's fun to watch. And 'Pretty Little Liars' continued to be the guiltiest pleasure ever, which is good.
On the other hand, the much awaited season of 'Orange of the New Black' was a little bit OK, not bad, but not as flawless as the first season but i'm still gonna watch it like crazy when a new season comes out. 'True Detective' was worth watching but somehow i didn't love it as much as everyone else. 'True Blood''s season finale turned to be surprisingly good despite the ending and other shows ending next year are the feel good series 'Hart of Dixie', 'Awkward', which is not as great as it used to be, and the always funny 'Cougar Town' which i will really miss. 'New Girl' though was kinda OK, nothing really surprising. And i finally quit '2 Broke Girls' because it turned to be really boring and it has basically no plot so why bother.
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