Skeleton Inspired Body Paint Design

Having looked into the Skeleton Tribe I was sure I wanted one of my final looks to be influenced by the ferocious body paint they wear. I want to use a male model with a strong physique, using the skeleton as my main inspiration for design. Below are my own designs that I have come up with:

1. 2.

3.4.

5.

These designs would be for my final Editorial look, for which I want to create an organic image using raw body paint and strange fabrics - I want it to look as though it could have been a design taken straight from an exotic tribe. I don't want imagery to look too futuristic or modern, which is why I have decided against design 1. & 2. even though I really like the strong lines and warrior-esuq markings. Design 5. seemed too 'flimsy' for me. I like the design, but it's important my model comes across as formidable. I thought design 4. was too much, considering a warrior going to war probably wouldn't fiddle around painting on such precise detail on a large scale when design 3. says enough, whilst allowing the body to talk for itself. I like how the design almost looks like a sheet of armour across the chest and heart, and I think teamed with the right face design it could be a really dramatic look.

GOLDEN GODDESS

I love the idea of creating a Golden Goddess look, so to get the ideas flowing I have made myself a little moodboard.

 

Having looked at my collected images, I know for sure I woud like to at least use gold as a highlight for one of my final looks. Unlike the image in the bottom right hand corner of the woman sprayed entirely gold, I could use a gold pigmant to select desired areas, such as in the image of the 'Vogue' front cover, and the middle top Image which was a look created by Alex Box. Both these images have selected the inside corner of the eye and it is a really dramatic effect. I love also middle bottom image, where its appears a selection of gold leaf and gold pigmants have been used to create this modern look. My favourite aspect of this however, is the gold highlight used to highlight the top lip and filtrum of 'Cupid's Bow' area. 

The central image of Kelis is a snapshot from her music video 'Acapella' which I have discussed in my earlier post, HERE. I love the use of facial jewellery as it instantly adds a tribal concept, even to this glam look.

Rankin & Rosie

Ten Times Rosie is the beautiful collaboration of photographer Rankin and head designer at Thomas Wylde. The book showcases 10 seasons of Thomas Wylde designs, using various different influences to showcase the diversity of model, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. I have included this post as several of the images have a definite tribal link, but I also had to share it because I think it's a brilliant example of how when using the same model, the makeup and styling can result in such incomparable images. The video explains a little more about the book:

Here are some of my favourite images of the collection that relate to my Wild Kingdom project:

Concept: Life After

I have selected the above images because of the sheer beauty of them. The focus here is all on the model and the simplicity of the images helps not to detract from the main attraction. The skin is flawless, and especially in the close up shot, appears to be really glowing. I am interested in how luminous skin can give the imression of an inner glow, inner power and integral breauty. It's a possibility I will explore fro my final looks.

Concept: African Highlander

The African Highlander consists of several of these stunning images, where this time it is not so much the model speaking for herself, but her adornments and decortion. Texture plays a huge part in these pictures and I love the organic feel that has been created by mixing paint with sand or a product similar to Fullers Earth. These images definitely have a very tribal feel to me, especially with the marking of red. I like the use of red under the chin, on the fingers and in the hair partings. This has undoubtably been influenced by various tribe markings as these are all places I am familiar with seeing painted. The colour red also brings a 'warrior' type feel, with the obvious asociation of blood.

Tribal Accessories

Spring/Summer trends of 2011 led to an explosion of tribal influence in pattern and accessories in the fashion world. All of a sudden, bold accessories in the form of cuffs and chokers using materials such a rough coloured metal, rope, bead work and feathers were everywhere. Below is a moodboard I have created to look at tribal jewellery both in other cultures and how it has been interpreted for modern fashion.

I was particularly excited by this trend so I have included some images of my own jewellery that I believe suits this theme. By doing this I can begin to think about how I would like to accessorise my final look.

Bone bangle, examples of bead work and silver bangle with fish skeleton design - this is one of my favourites, love the use of natural pattern design.

I would love to include the use of natural stone in accessories such as this  necklace from Accessorize.

Last year I loved the one-feather-earring look and here are a couple from my collection. I particularly like the pheasant feather and think this could work well in the hair also.

Starting from top to bottom these necklaces are purchases from Acessorize, Dorothy Perkins and The Vintage Jewellery Store. Chokers ofter have a tribal feel to me. Weather singular or layered I think they can give a really elegant edge to any look.

These anklets are both purchases made during my travels to India. 

Given to me by my Grandmother, this necklace is a fine example of Native North American bead work.

A purchase of mine from H&M last year, the top section of these earrings are enamel-like and the lower section is a panel of leather. I love the mix up of texture and they are a nice modern take on tribal influence, as well as managing to look sort of vintage at the same time!

The small droplet earrings are handmade by a friend of mine, using enamel. Her influences were design within nature and their rustic quality would lend itself nicely to a tribal look. The second pair are from Topshop and consist of strips of leather and metal. They are very long, touching my shoulders when I wear them.

These are both very recent purchases of mine as bold gold jewellery is a firm favourite at the moment. The circular discs remind me of a more dramatic version of delicate indian metal work, whilst the square, textured hoops look like bamboo that has dipped into gold.

Seem Chopra Wig Specialist

Seema's miniature wig creations

I was lucky enough to meet renowned wig maker Seema Chopra, when she gave a guest speech and workshop at Southampton Solent Uni earlier this month.  You may be familiar with Seema's work if you have seen the recent Diet Coke 'Love it Light' campaign where she created miniature wigs for the puppets used. Other than this Seema has worked alongside fashion houses such as Zara, Agent Provocateur, Bordello, Louis Vuitton, Dior and DKNY as well as creating wigs and hair pieces for famous photographer Rankin and feature films such as Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.

I would like to take a look at a selection of images created when Seema teamed up with photographer Madame Peripetie:

1.2.

3.4.

Seema created each hair look for this shoot and the strong tribal influence is apparent in her creations. I especially like the use of afro hair in looks 1. and 3. and although wigs are not something i had previously considered for my final shoot, its the dramatic final affect of these kind of images that has got me thinking about it! Speaking with Seema, looks such as number 1. don't have to be that hard to create - this one requiring several colours of fake hair and some glue! I also like the use of braiding and wire in look 2. Adding movement to the hair in this horn-like way creates a very animalistic feeling and I cant help but think back to my previos post NATURAL FASHION where I discuss the images of Hans Silvester, many of which look similar to this.

As I have always imagined myself creating some sort of up do for one of my final looks, during the workshop with Seema I decided to explore the possibilities of adding texture and colour to the hair using some crepe hair I found in the studio. Here are a couple of snaps of what i ended up with:

To create this look I used a stocking stuffed with cotton and then shaped like a doughnut to form the centre part and shape of my look. I secured this to the back of the head using curby grips and then brought the hair through and around it, making sure to cover all parts of the stocking. At the same time I introduced the crepe hair in red and yellow, securing as i went along to make this up-do. This was a very rough attempt but I am pleased with the results and this is definitely a possibility that I could develop further for a final look.

Another possibility I was able to explore was ready made wigs. Below are some images of my time in the studio with my guinea pig Minnie who usually has jaw-length brown hair! First of all, I sectioned the hair and pin-curled it to the head using more curby grips. I then used a stocking to stretch over the hair and keep everything secure, as well as prividing a surface for the wig to sit on securely.

Here is the final result, love how wigs are such an effective way of dramatically changing a look within moments. :

References:

http://www.girlinthecityglasgow.com/2011/01/diet-coke-glamorous-varnishes-and-grace.html
http://seemachopra.com/Volker-Koch

Skeletal Influences in Fashion

Having looked into the Skeleton Tribe, I thought I would look further into how the body's support structure has influenced fashion. 

Firstly, I would like to look at another Rodarte collection, SS09 (pictured on the right). The influence behind these pieces is obvious and I love the appearance of a rib-cage like dress hugging the outside of the body. 

Hisui's SS09 collection below was also one to draw inspiration from the skeleton. Large bone like pieces are used in the image on the left for a very Flintstone-esque look whereas the image to right has a much more sophisticated style. I like the more subtle suggestion of the breast bone, achieved using chains across the chest area.

The other thing I like about this is the choice to do the brows so wild for the catwalk. It adds a raw wildness to the overall look, showing a strong kind of beauty that doesn't rely upon perfection, similar to many 'tribal' looks.

The next statement piece are these Adidas high tops with leopard print material and faux bone decoration. Apart from being brilliant these trainers definitely are inspired by the Wild Kingdom!

 Here are some shoes that somebody has hand customised to create this really effective bone design on. Appart from being perfect for a fancy dress idea, I think these shoues have a real high fashion appeal to them, especially considering the outburst of Gothis inspired fashion we have recently seen. To learn how to make your own click here.

Here's an example of the kind of high fashion influences we have seen recently. Known as skeleton shoes these hit the runway with big success and have since seen a huge reproduction of cheaper equivalents. I like how a shoe's heel has been taken so literally in it's use of a support structure, and this spine like extension is really attention grabbing.

RODARTE

Rodarte Fashion House had been know to draw on natural/tribal themes to inspire their collections, with examples from their Spring/Summer 2010 collection. Inspired by Death Valley and the tattered, winged scavengers that live there, the clothes expressed a sort of burnt out, singed look with minimal colour except for some reds and greens.  

However it wasn't the clothes that really drew me to this runway, but the models and their body decoration. MAC's Senior Artist Chantel Miller was the brains behind these beautiful arm and neck designs, saying that it was the Maori tribe who had influenced her the most. Miller says, "The idea for the tattoos stemmed from the designers desire to celebrate make-up as art not only for the face, but also for the body in a similar was that Indian culture uses henna. They want women to look at make-up as an accessory for an outfit the way you would a bracelet or a necklace."

Here I have had my own go at creating so designs:

1. 2. 

3. 4.  

I think my favourite is design no. 4 because the patterning looks very organic. I decided to experiment with geometrical design on deign no. 2 but felt like this was too rigid an image to translate to skin. If I am to re-create tattoos such as these, I think I will steer away from anything similar to number 3, mainly because I feel like this look is far too similar to many tribal tattoos you see in today's western culture which now bring about a different and very non-tribal association. I like the simplicity or design 1, although it does remind me a little bit of Pocahontas! All these designs are my own and have been done freehand.

References:

http://www.fashionologie.com/Rodarte-Inspired-Death-Valley-Vultures-Go-Goth-Tribal-Warrior-Spring-2010-5009728?page=0,0,0#35

http://www.primafashionista.com/2011/02/blonde-like-basinger.html

Skeleton Tribe

Introducing Papua New Guinea's slightly terrifying Skeleton Tribe...

Painting their already dark skin to black before using the skeleton inside them as their design template, the Skeleton Tribe definitely know how to deliver an intimidating overall look. I like the simplicity and ferocity of these looks, with every member of the tribe claiming their own small twist on the design of their white body paint.

References:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cruxpics/7056743057/
http://avaxnews.com/appealing/Chimbu_Tribe_And_The_Skeleton_Body_Painting.html

Rainbow Warriors

From an editorial spread in UK Vougue, May 1996

I was instantly grabbed by these images entitled 'Rainbow Warriors'. There is a definite mixture of influences here, although I believe stylist Lucinda Chambers and photographer Paolo Roversi, wanted to get a strong and definite message across - the deep-rooted tribal goddess within females. The continued use of headresses throughout the shoot give the images that regal feel, whilst the use of flowers, feather and beads within them, suggest something more organic. I am intrigued by the power of a headress in a shoot. The status that instantly comes to a woman whilst wearing one always inspires awe from me and it is an area i would like to investigate further.

I would just like to make a point on the interesting choice of final image for this spread. Here is the nude image of Amber Valletta and Shalom Harlow, stripped of their flowers and feathers. I like the subliminal message that although great styling and the correct accessories can demonstrate power, it's just as much there once these have been removed. Well that's how I like think anyway!

References:

http://pennylifeinpics.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/editorials-tribal-chic-amber-valletta.html

http://www.anneofcarversville.com/style-photos/amber-valletta-shalom-harlow-paolo-roversi-rainbow-warriors.html

Tribal Themes Within the Music Industry

Something that has been apparent in the last few years is the increase in tribal themes appearing in music videos.  And no wonder; with such an array of colour and texture that is apparent in tribal decorations, it lends itself to exciting visuals used to capture a music audience. Below I have found and discussed a few examples:

Lulu James - Be Safe

 

This song is right up there in my favourites at the moment. A fresh new sound, paired with exciting visuals, with references to natural and tribal beauty with the use of water, foliage and scarification reference in the main makeup look. This very simple dotted look under the eyes, paired with the ethnicity of the singer resembles similar patters I have seen in both scarification and tribal face paint. I like how the use of diamanté glams the imagery up, especially with them being lighter than the artist's skin. It makes for striking black and white imagery, so I thought I'd have a go on myself, this time using a dark pattern to contrast with my very pale skin.

Here I recreated Lulu's style, I have shown you in Colour first, but thought I'd have one black and white image to reflect the video :)

Rihanna -Where Have You Been

In the initial shots of Rihanna she is seen to be wearing lots of wooden bangles, introducing us to the theme that quickly becomes apparent when she is seen dancing in the desert with a group of male backing dancers. During these scenes, head scarfs, animal print, some face paint and the choice of the type of backing dancer have all been selected to create this tribal feel. As with all of Rihanna's videos, all of her influences are produced in a way that is slick and fashionable, in keeping with her public image and the expectations of a very fashion concious audience.

At 3 minutes and 17 seconds into the video Rihanna introduces her final look, a golden make-up creation that looks very mask like. I particularly like the styling in these scenes, with the thick rope necklace, golden bangles and gold earrings shaped like two pieces of golden bone through her ears.  The mask like make-up will definitely have been inspired by tribal face painting and I like how small star sequins were used to create it, creating a reference to something that naturally occurs and no doubt influences the choices of some tribes when creating decoration.

Towards this end of the video there are some mirrored shots of a black male dancer wearing UV face and body paint in a style that really reminds me of The Skeleton Tribe - a tribe which I will shortly be exploring further. 

No Doubt - Looking Hot



Unfortunately, due to the video being pulled shortly after it's release, I was unable to watch this music video in it's entirety. This is such a shame, as the screen-grabs and clips that I have been able to glimpse at suggest a wonderful collision of native american and western fashions and some excellent styling. It was however dubbed racist and some believed it to be dis-respective of the native american culture.

Kelis - Acapella

This has always been one of my ultimate favourites when it comes to music videos and I even remember the very first time I watched it, whilst shopping in London a few years ago it was on a huge screen in one of the shops. I'm fairly sure I just stood there in complete awe whilst my my friends wondered off and lost me. What I love about this video so much is how Kelis uses the tribal theme as a sort of female empowerment. She is seen in this video to be a hunter, to be goddess-like and shown to be a mother - three very empowering positions.

The make-up and styling in this video reflect this powerful status - leg and arm tattoos mimicking a native american style of arm band tattoos (designs pictured) which ties in with her large feather head band and beaded choker that also have the native american style. I particularly like the make-up she wear for this look also, although this reminds me a lot more of the images I looked at in my earlier post NATURAL FASHION where there are several examples of natural paints being used in similar ways across the face.

I completely adore the golden goddess look and how it conjures up the spiritual side of tribes and their beliefs.

Empire of the Sun - We Are The People

What I adore about this video is the complete and utter amalgamation of various cultural references throughout. The combination of the scenery - dramatic deserts, ancient ruins and exotic jungle dwellings, combined with the costume and makeup ideas borrowed from the Mayans, the Red Indians, Mexicans, Hindus etc create such a mash up of colour, influence and theatrical wonder. 

Naughty Boy - Wonder ft. Emeli Sandé

The atmospherical qualities to this video, with the mysterious combination of smoke and water gives this video a Pocahontas-esqu feel. The use of tribal design in the singer's and actor's clothing adapted for a modern audience also help to create a tribe like feel amongst them.

The song itself has chanting and drums, so its clear to see why they have drawn on this to influence the video, and although at come points I feel it looks a little to much like a advert for GAP with the strange array of clothing and mixed race actors, I do really like it.


References:
www.youtube.com
http://www.naturalexpressions.org/paperstencils.html