#DieselReboot

*London

Shoes, sex, Selfridges, London

*A different shopping experience ;))  shoes section, Selfridges, London 

[Pigmy Hippos, Jake & Dino Chapmans]

Christmas design for Selfridges by Bruce Weber

*Christmas design by Bruce Weber, Selfridges, London

'Never Hide' / Ray-Ban

I remember having a pair of Ray-Ban glasses during my teenage years :))

Nice ad campaign by Ray-Ban: "Never Hide". Thumbs up.

Armenian water polo team from LA

Cute swimwear. And this water polo team from LA looking hot.

For details and problems this sport and teams encounter in Armenia and Diaspora - read here (English brief version - here).

*picture - via sport.news.am

Ridiculous being of Iranian regime: latest targets - football and male haircut

*Mohammad Nosrati (via Daily Mail)

*Sheys Rezaei (via Daily Mail)

This pair of Iranian footballers got suspended for lengthy periods and fined heavily for ‘immoral’ goal celebration. There were even suggestions that they may face lashes.

Two leading Iranian football players face floggings for celebrating goals in a manner the regime deems immoral.

Mohammed Nosrati appeared to place his hand on the buttocks of Sheys Rezaei as members of the Persepolis team, based in Tehran, jumped on each other to celebrate the winning goal in their 3-2 victory over rivals Damash last Saturday. Earlier in the game, which was watched by millions of Iranians on live television, Rezaei appeared to touch the bottom of another teammate, Alireza Noormohammadi, though he insists he was just trying to tickle him.

The Iranian football federation swiftly suspended both players and fined them nearly $40,000 (£25,000) each. But a Tehran judge, Valiallah Hosseini, has now suggested that they should be imprisoned and lashed as well.

“The two players should definitely be charged and sentenced according to Islamic punishment to two months prison and 74 lashes,” he said. Describing their behaviour as a “breach of public chastity”, he continued: “Even if a husband and wife conduct themselves inappropriately in public they are punishable (but) the two players have behaved like this in front of thousands in the stadium and television cameras.” [...] (The Times)

As per latest news, at least one of the players is reportedly seeking his career abroad.

While Nosrati is still under contract with Persepolis, Rezaei was released by the club. The former Persepolis captain, who had repeatedly violated the disciplinary code of the club in the past, reportedly is seeking his luck abroad now.

I’d say, ban football altogether. It’s sooo homoerotic.

But there is more to ridiculous being of Iranian regime.

Recent reports by Amnesty brought to our attention the issue of ‘legal male haircuts’. Apparently, there are only limited number of male haircuts that are ‘approved by state’ in Iran.

The Iranian government dictates which haircuts are acceptable for its citizens. This week's clip from Amnesty TV looks at which styles are approved by the state. The Simon Cowell, the lesser Simon Cowell and the Elvis are pretty safe. But don't even think of trying a mullet or ponytail. (watch the video on The Guardian)

Greek Ukrainian Andreas sings: Make Love, à la Kazaky, and fights animal cruelty

According to the bio posted on his website and YouTube channel, Andreas was born and grew up in Greece. Contrary to his father desires (to see his son becoming a financier), he instead chose modelling and show business. He then left Greece and came to Ukraine, first as a tourist and then, in his own words, fell in love with the country and decided to stay there.

However, Ukraine is not terra incognita for Andreas. Born in Greek repatriated family, Andreas speaks Russian very well and with no accent, thanks to his living and studying in Moscow. Moreover, Andreas can be called an international project. He can sing very well in Russian, as well as in Greek, keeping the same temperament. [...] 

In his spare time, he is seriously interested in nature and animals protection.
‘It’s not enough just to feel sorry about cruel behavior and killing animals, - Andreas says, - we should do something! I’m going to organize some events for it. For example, I plan to make people stop wearing fur clothes. It’s time to pay high attention to the cruel behavior toward pet animals as well…Until we learn to treat animals well we won’t treat people well either…’

Sexy video à la Kazaky with important messages against animal cruelty and for love. Simple as this: Make Love.



The uncensored version can be accessed here with disturbing scenes of animal cruelty.

*Thanks to Nelly for the link.

X-rated lollipop + more ;)

I never thought that the very definition of lollipop could be so X-rated. It reads like a porn.

Wikipedia: A lollipop, pop, lolly, sucker, or sticky-pop is a type of confectionery consisting mainly of hardened, flavored sucrose with corn syrup mounted on a stick and intended for sucking or licking.

The only reason I looked up for it is because I came across this pretty X-rated version of lollipop today while browsing through Soho stores in London (picture, above).

There was another treat waiting outside the store too - naked model, that is ;)

London: high heel shoes environment

12 September 2011

25 July 2011

Yerevan Diaries: white is the new black (brief observations re current fashion trends)

We all know that the abundance of black colour, especially among Armenian men, is something pretty much routine in Yerevan, not worthy of blogging.

This summer, however, I can see some changes. Instead of black trousers, it's white that dominates the colours. I wanted to say I am happy with what I am seeing - and, relatively speaking, I am - but it's way too much. From one extreme to another :)

Good thing is that I see more youth wearing trainers with some cool T-shirts. Another positive thing is that I see less (much less!!) people wearing socks with sandals now.

Still, Yerevan women catching up with the fashion trends much better and quicker. And in their majority, dress code of Armenian men is still pretty conservative, even among Armenian gay men.

Have to admit, though, some of them still manage looking hot, regardless of style or fashion. Just being themselves. You know, their curious self ;)

‘Two alternatives’ for Armenia re Eurovision in Baku? I don’t think so. No ‘music wars’, please

Why on earth everyone ‘agrees’ that there are 2 alternatives for Armenia re Eurovision representation: either SOAD or Razmik Amyan?! Provided, if Armenia decides positively on participation, which seems likely. Of course, as I mentioned few times in my previous posts, there are still major concerns that Azeri authorities must address before the final decision is made by Eurovision officials and Armenia organisers.

Irrespective of Azerbaijan factor, I would love to see SOAD (System Of A Down) or similar band one day representing Armenia in Eurovision. Yes, I know, it’s not your typical Eurovision-like band, but - for a change - we could try with alternative genres too. Of course, I hope Public TV in Armenia & higher level decision makers understand (or must understand) that there should be no political songs there, well, at least not overtly political. I’d rather see messages of love, peace etc. In fact, Serj Tankian seems to understand this perfectly too. Two years ago, in response to similar speculations re their participation in Eurovision for Armenia, he stated: “A love song would probably do better than political song however".

Also, why suddenly everyone talks of Razmik Amyan as the 'only alternative to SOAD'? Just because he has Karabakh roots, and in Azerbaijan we should present either highly political SOAD or Karabakh-born Razmik Amyan? It’s a music contest, after all, and I sincerely hope that Armenia will not put itself into a ridiculous position of attempting at ‘music wars’ with Azerbaijan.

I am not fan of Razmik Amyan, never was. In my opinion, his music could become digestable only if he refrains (completely!) from that ‘klkloc’ part, although almost all of his songs suffer from that to a varying degree. Besides, his fashion sense and ‘moves’ are highly questionable image/style-wise, and close to ‘rabiz’ style. This will need an urgent image/style/fashion intervention, if his choice is finalised.

Let’s put forward and discuss few singers/bands, and (importantly) songs that they will represent. There should be several factors to take into account in decision making process, and those factors should not involve regional or international politics and place of birth.

A moment... with Tom Ford, Selfridges, London

Russian ex-spy Anna Chapman drops her gun in a fashion show debut, performs bizarre 'game' with Dima Bilan

The incident happened during the Shiyan/Rudkovskaya fashion show in Moscow dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Gagarin's space mission. Too bizarre and funny. Watch the video in full. You will find more bizarreness from Dima Bilan & co there. Entertaining.

Arthur Gasparyan (Archibaz): Armenian member of Kazaky - Ukrainian band that everyone talks about

Kazaky took the Internet by storm, instantly becoming the hottest band from Ukraine that everyone talks about. Good looking, fit guys, hot with stilettos... and from the post-Soviet country Ukraine. This is their winning combination. Adding unashamedly homoerotic nature of the choreography, no surprises they became hit project with big gay following. [Read: Kazaky in drag. Ukrainian "response to Lady Gaga" did it again ;)]

Among them... our very Armenian Arthur Gasparyan, nicknamed Archibaz.

No much details are available re bio of Kazaky band members, including Arthur. Here is info via formenya_lire (RU, thanks to A.N. for the link).

Артур Гаспарян - 100% арменин, родился 22 июня 1984 года в Ереване.
Артур окончил Академию Русского балета в Петербурге. Был солистом в Московском Академическом Театре классического балета Н.Касаткиной и В.Василова. С 2007 солировал в Национальной опере Украины им. Т.Шевченко. 2010 год - участник танцевального коллектива "Kazaky".

Below are pictures of Arthur and Kazaky via their Facebook page and official website.

Also, towards the end you may see their latest collaboration with Georgian fashion-designer BICHOLA at the Ukrainian Fashion Week (thanks to Lusine for the link). And appearance in music video clip by Lama - Тримай.

Enjoy ;)

***

Ida Kar - Armenian "bohemian photographer"- fashionista

She is described by The Guardian as “bohemian photographer who made history”. Works of Armenian photographer Ida Kar are currently on a high profile display at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Don't miss it if you can (until 19 June 2011).

Look at the glasses she wears on this picture I spotted at the exhibit. Very trendy by current standards too. Ida Kar, the fashionista, I'd say :)

Related on Unzipped:

YES! Armenian “bohemian photographer who made history” Ida Kar restrospective at the National Portrait Gallery in London

P.S. Ida Kar - Armenian "bohemian photographer" at National Portrait Gallery in London

LOVE, the cover

I know it's not very new, but could not help myself not capturing this when browsing through the magazines' section today. Kate Moss and transgender model Lea T in a passionate kiss that made the latest cover of LOVE magazine.

Father Christmas à la Ted Baker, London - Թիթիզ Ձմեռ Պապի ;)

*Btw, Ted Baker is one of my favourite British designers.

Austrian ballerina of Russian-Armenian origin sacked for nude photo shoot

Photos appeared in the September issue of the Austrian men's fashion and lifestyle magazine WIENER. Reports say that Karina Sarkissova was previously warned over similar photos in Penthouse magazine.

VIENNA — The management of the Vienna State Opera and its ballet company says it has fired a ballerina for posing in the nude after she was warned not to do it again. The management of the prestigious institutions says solo dancer Karina Sarkissova was axed Aug. 23 after a series of provocative photos of her appeared in the September issue of the Austrian men's fashion and lifestyle magazine "Wiener." A statement Friday said she had already been reprimanded in May for nude shots that were taken in the opera house without permission and published in the June edition of "Penthouse."

News were reported by Tert.am, Utro.ru, Telegraph, AFP and other agencies too.

Karina Sarkissova considers this case discriminatory. WIENER magazine that published her photo shoot, posted a nude picture of Vienna ballet director Manuel Legris, that appeared on a photo book cover, and was not resulted in disciplinary actions.

You may access her website at http://sarkissova.com

I have to say, she looks stunning.

*pictures - by Moritz Schell für den WIENER / September 2010 (1, 2)
****

UPDATE 17 October 2010:

“Late last week the state opera caved in to public pressure and agreed to reinstate Sarkissova in an apparent effort to avoid further embarrassment.”

For more details (based on The Sunday Times), as well as statements by Sarkissova and opera director, see comments section below.

The Sunday Times: Karina Sarkissova said her nude modelling was inspired by photos of Manuel Legris, above.

Fashion: Milan menswear shows

'The Lady Gaga effect' with Emporio Armani (PR/Guardian)

Mankini (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images/Guardian)

Dolce & Gabbana show with Annie Lennox live (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images/Guardian)

This is London (pics)

...as seen via Selfridges window displays

and London underground...