GOODBYE - "DOS CERO UNO TRES"

I can't believe 2013 is almost over. As I'm posting this I see the light being stripped away by the dark night, and with the moon as my only light I start drifting away into my own thoughts which reveal the true essence of why all this swarming emotions are so overwhelming and at times so unbearable.

This year was a year of starting over; a year not of change, but of catharsis. I had focused so much on becoming someone I wanted to be instead of working with the person I am, and at the end I finished this year with less things than with what I had started it with. But countable things are no longer important, the things that matter the most to me are the things that I can't control. I had to lose grip on everything, including my sanity, to realize change is not something we can control, change is something that comes to us whether we want it or not. 

We evolve without someone asking us to evolve as we dream without anyone telling us to dream. And by god I am finally dreaming again. As frigid as this may sound to others, fashion, photography and music are what motivates me. The constant change of paths in all these fields keep me alive, hopefully what I find along the way will inspire others but mostly keep inspiring myself to not lose it again in the redundant self-destructive bitching that I had been living in.

Fashion is my best friend. Is the one that accompanies me through everything, the one I can tell anything.

Photography is the friend that I go to when I need to have fun, when I want to forget about the world.

Music is the shoulder I cry on, Is the one that has been there for me since I was little. My childhood friend, and my never ending crush.

 In 2014 I don't hope to just stay alive, I wish to rise against all odds, and shit on all the haters that just seem to always get their way with me. No more. In 2014 I will continue to reach for the stars. I'll probably end up crying alone up in my room, but I can't possibly reach the clouds unless my tears have evaporated.

 

 So this post, beyond being about fashion, photography or music is about goals, is about the undead positivism I strive to have, is about inspiration. Is about the new year, about fucking with everything and just doing what you want. Is about doing what I want.

I guess its a pretty self-centered post, but I'm allowed to have one at least once a year right?

So thank you all for being here so far, if you finished reading I really wish you can have an amazing 2014 and that you continue to strive to the stars. Expect rainbows my beautiful readers.

-XXXO KINGLEO

TOP 5 - "THE BEST OF THE REST"

These are the top 5 songs/videos you MUST listen before the year ends. Whether they had airplay or not, these songs (IMHO) are songs/videos that are worth listening and watching, either for their artistic flavor or because they're just plain out fucking awesome. 

Of course fashion is involved on these videos, you'll find crazy ass fucking outfits, majorly chic people with smokey eyes for days and of course, designers madness mixed with musical whimsical dreams.

Without further ado, please open your ears and eyes wide, because you're about to listen and see THE BEST OF THE REST.

 

1. M.I.A - Y.A.L.A
I've literally been a fan of M.I.A since the beginning of her career when I first listened to "Galang" I just decided I was gonna love her forever and ever, and so far I have. This girl is pure genious and with this video she proves herself one more time (though she doesn't really need to). You always live again.... bitches.

 2. ZEBRA KATZ - Y I DO

If you think you've heard it all in the rap game by listening to kanye or jay z you are wrong, WRONG. The best beats and rhymes come from little less known artists like Zebra Katz. This brilliant verbalicious being from outter space is filled with dark mad sounds, for example this video/song. I just want to take out the black candles and listen to this. damn.

 

3. SKY FERREIRA - NIGHT TIME, MY TIME
This fashion darling has been out for quite some time, but it wasn't until this year when we finally got her debut album. All her brilliant EP's couldn't prepare us for the incredible sounds of this album, specially this song. Is trippy, hazzy and specially very beautiful.

4. HAIM - THE WIRE

Mix 3 alternative talented sisters with retro sounds, looks and imagery and you have HAIM. If you haven't jumped into the haim-loving band wagon then you surely definitely should... and you will; specially after listening to this heart-vibrating and feet-shaking track. Like, how could you not? just look at them!

 

5. MØ - WASTE OF TIME

Quintessential white girl dance moves, hipster fashion chunky sweater extravaganza and some darn good beats. What else could you ask from a new artist? MØ is definitely making a statement with this cool video.

PD: Disclaimer, not all of these were actually released this year, but are very VERY worth watching.

- XXXO KINGLEO

NSS MAG - "FASHION OR PORN"

In the game of fashion photography the battle between too lame and too explicit is a battle that we all must fight. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose and that's when this game made by NSS MAG enters.

Thanks to campaigns by Dolce&Gabbana, American Apparel, Tom Ford and shots by Terry Richardson, the differentiation of both of them has become even more difficult than ever. So, thanks to this game we can feel a little bit worse about it because to be honest it's really hard to see if it is porn or not.

My highest score (after 5 tries) was 12 out of 40. So try it out and please do post how much you got. It's really fun AND EXPLICIT, so you've been warned. Give your grandma and parents money to go to the movies, close your door and shut the blinds, because you're about to see some real pornography material versus fashion photography.

Have fun!

 PROTIP: Turn your volume really low because the "Wrong" answer buzzer is really loud.

-XXXOKINGLEO

CHRISTMAS SEASON - "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU"

The christmas/end of year season keeps raging on and there's no way of stopping it. Getting closer to the date, this weekend is crucial for making that comeback to your old school friends or making a jaw dropping appearance at your crush's house party. This are my recommendations for this post:

DRESS TO SURPASS

CREDITS: Hernan Dubois Tunic dress in crystal embellished chiffon Q16,000.00 (HERNANDUBOIS.COM)

If you really want to make a statement. You can't dress to impress, dress to surpass all the other people in the room. You don't have to put your entire closet on to do this or go full-exploded clown on your face to do it. A nice dress choice, something classic or something bold, will make the difference. For this season you must choose midi or cocktail, I suggest a sleeved dress, that way you won't die from cold stroke nor look like your grandma putting on an old cardigan or a poncho.

For this christmas season, solids are the best choice, that way you can complement the whole outfit with big ass jewelry and prints on other parts of the look like shoes, handbags etc.

 

CREDITS: 1.Roland Mouret Sirus stretch-crepe dress $2,570 2.Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Iris printed stretch-jersey dress $575 (NET-A-PORTER.COM)

Also you can opt for a classic or smartly placed plantae kingdom prints. Like little flowers or fruit bulbs, I mean, we do have to remember the days were canned goods weren't a thing.

CREDITS: 1.Oscar de la Renta Printed stretch-cotton dress $890 2.Erdem Faris embroidered silk-organza and jacquard dress $2,790 (NET-A-PORTER.COM)

Finally, if you would rather produce saliva in men, maybe that special someone, you can always go for cut outs and transparencies. I mean, who doesn't like to show off some skin without looking like a porn star?

CREDITS: 1.Victoria Beckham Mesh-trimmed silk and wool-blend dress $2,350 2. CAPITOL COUTURE BY TRISH SUMMERVILLE 

Laser-cut patent-leather dress $995 (NET-A-PORTER.COM)

-XXXO KINGLEO

CHRISTMAS SEASON - "JINGLE BELL ROCK"

Well well well, it seems that the joyful season is here and there's so much to do. From shopping for the perfect gift to getting the right outfit for all those christmas parties. Of course we want to look our best for the public appearances, regardless of our style and preferences, looking bad is never a choice. During this "last days of the year" season, all stores think they know what to offer to us, the latest hat, the most fashionable skirt or jeans, comfortable dresses, etc. But we end up confused and more frustrated than when we started. Therefore here are a few tips to take into account when looking for the perfect outfit for either the BIG day or just a little party at your best friends house. I guarantee these will make a statement and make you look chic and effortless. 

THE PARTY HAT: 

Credits: 1. Gucci Wool-felt trilby $325 2. Maison Michel Fara grosgrain-trimmed rabbit-felt fedora $395 (http://www.net-a-porter.com)

 

When wearing a hat for a party or "get together", always choose one that suits your outfit/face. Chose the ones that are either neutral or plain out fucking awesome. A fedora is timeless and effortless and matches most frames especially the ones that don't have much angles to their faces, a bowling hat will suit your face if its either very delicate and pointy or squared and rough. Last, a beanie or lose hair bag will make a statement if you're more into the "I just woke up" kind of look, make it neutral and classy; which basically means lose all jewels/flowers/garnish, and for the love of god stay away from the Britney-from-the-90s kinda hat, you know what I mean. 

Credits: 1. Eugenia Kim Sasha cable-knit alpaca beanie $235 2. Eugenia Kim Jill cable-knit alpaca beanie $235 (http://www.net-a-porter.com)

Also take into account the material, I mean we wouldn't like to be caught wearing a straw hat round town -2 degrees right? So chose anything with a cotton, wool, felt blend which will help with the washing, keeping and feel of your hat. 

SHOW SHOES: 

Credits: 1. Saint Laurent Leather pumps $625 2. Jimmy Choo Cosmic suede pumps $695 (http://www.net-a-porter.com)  

THIS is the perfect time to show off that pair of killer heels you bought last month or that you plan on getting. THIS IS WHEN YOU MAKE A STATEMENT WITH SHOES. Glitter, spikes, blood red, electric blue, high heel, tip toed, bow embellished, printed or whatever you can think of. This is the moment to let your feet shine, they deserve it! 

 Please take this into account when choosing your perfect shoe: Stick to one trend, if you put glitter and lace and neon and bows you'll end up looking like princess unicorn vomit, and we,of course, don't want that. 

Credits: 1. Christian Louboutin Daffodile 160 crystal-embellished suede pumps $6,395
2. Saint Laurent Metallic snake-effect leather pumps $725  (http://www.net-a-porter.com)  

For men, show up with a crisp clean pair of old school pointy formal shoe OR a pair of chucks. We can afford to be a little bit more calmed at parties right? We do have to put up with noise and the occasional annoying friend from work who can't believe we actually went out wearing "THAT". 

 Note: I do advise high-heeled solid colors pumps for Christmas and glitter-extravaganza for new year for women. 

 Credits: 1. Charlotte Olympia The Dolly suede slingbacks $855 2. Charlotte Olympia Festive suede and metallic leather pumps $945
(http://www.net-a-porter.com)  

More to come! 

DISCLAIMER: The pictures are just used as examples, inspiration to what you might want to find. Of course it would be awesome if you can afford the actual ones, but if not, just take this inspiration and go on the hunt to find the perfect match. That's the fun part of fashion. 

Don't feel frustrated because you can't afford a pair of Louboutins, instead feel happy when you find a great pair of heels that you can OWN while strutting that hallway to the party. It's not the clothes is the person wearing them. And never EVER forget that fashion is about F U N.

 ---XXXO KINGLEO

LOOKBOOK - "SNOW CHERRIES FROM FRANCE"

So I've had my Lookbook account for like, forever. I took little care of it during this year, but I freaking love the site. You really find inspiration from everyday people and take it to your own to keep inspiring.

This time, my comeback was with my look with the flower crown. It is a bit chilly outside to actually wear this outside today. But on the past days it had been SO HOT, I just had to deal with the fact that winter wasn't here yet.

So if you have a LB account please do let me know so I can check out your looks, and maybe hype my look if you like it? haha.

Thank you for passing by!

-XXXOKINGLEO

MAISON ESCARLATA - "SHOWROOM"

By the end of last month I was invited by the brand "Escarlata" to a very intimate showroom of their latest collection. Between laughter and excitement, all attendees had a really good time, playing dress up with each other and sharing their thoughts about the collection. Local "go-to" bloggers shared moments with each other and found once again that, through fashion we can (actually) bond.

In the pieces you could find, delicious necklaces made from very unusual stones and not so unusual ones, you can just tell by looking at their pieces that every single one of them has been thought out and has been treated the way jewelry should be treated. The second you touched one of them you could just feel all the hard work that went into them and the passion involved, this is not an amateur collection, but by far the most intricate one I've seen in a while.



The juxtaposition between the very yellow gold accents of the chains and the rich dark stones used on the jewelry was refreshing showing that the versatility of the pieces is wide. I could easily see a couple of the pieces worn by punk gals and rich ladies looking equally chic.

The main statement pieces on this collection were not the long necklaces, nor the ones with religious medallions, but the body chains. A whole rack of body chains. Ranging from dark silver to bright gold, these body chains definitely would help you make a statement. Some were soft with flowers and girly accents, and some were rougher with big brown stones that completed a very though yet fashionably look.

After a couple hours of gazing at the beautifully crafted pieces, all the attendees went to have a little coffee break sharing and scaring each other with stories of runways and blogging. After a couple hours of dipping toasts in a rich blend of tamarindo and cheese (which was by far one of the most delicious things I've tried) people started leaving, not without a bag or two of the pieces. But fear not, because most pieces can be reproduced, but only to a limited number, while others are one of a kind. So if you liked any of the pieces shown above you can see more at their facebook page and website: 

-http://www.maisonescarlata.com/
-https://www.facebook.com/JoyeriaEscarlata

Last but not least I want to thank Escarlata for inviting me to this event and to all the bloggers, models and gorgeous people that went, because they were really nice and inviting.

Some of their blogs:

-thirtysomethingchic.com
-stephaniescloset.org
-thirty6degrees.blogspot.com

 -XXXO KINGLEO

WILL HEARD - "SONNENTANZ FEAT. CARA DELEVINGNE"

If you have not heard this brilliant, soothing song featuring Cara Delevingne, why do you even have the internet for? The girl turned model, turned movie star, turned singer, turned every single cool thing in the world, has not ceased to amaze us (fashionistas). She is quickly turning herself into a household name not only in fashion but in every entertainment branch, literally. she's one sex tape away from being legend.

but that's beyond the point of this song. I would talk and talk about her and how amazing her voice is but I'll let the video talk. Enjoy!

-XXXO KINGLEO

KING LEO - "LOVE KILLS"

This is a little editorial that I shot with some amazing people. The make-up artist Rs's Niky, came to me to make this idea of hers a reality. She wanted to portray violence against women in a different light, the darker side of it with a hint of fashion. So I invented a grim love story in which the lead is portrayed as an accessory, a property; to make people see that's how violence against women start.

The second men stop realizing that their partners are individuals and not part of their belongings is exactly the moment when their feelings and all humanity detaches from them. A hand risen against a woman with the intention of hurting her, is the manifestation of pure anger against everything. When a man hurts a woman, she becomes less than a wall, less than a cup or a plate. She suddenly transforms into everything this man hates. His job, his childhood, his situation, his impotence. In that moment, she becomes this nothingness to him, a hollow space in "his" home, where he can go ahead and turn his frustrations into violence and sexual arousal.


When he's done with the hate, he suddenly realizes that this object he has hurt, can perish. And he's so selfish that he can't bare to take the time to get a new object that can take all his hate. So he regrets everything he's done, and makes her believe she's still someone to him. When in real life, she's just a "something".


This pictures are to be taken, only as my rendition of what I have experienced (stories that have been told, things I have read) with this matter. Women, despite the fact that they are being demeaned and mistreated, still feel for their partners, and still bare the hope of change. But a man that hurts a woman, is not worth it.


Violence against women is not a laughable matter at all, nor a subject to be mocked. And I repeat, this is just my rendition of it. Please, never let violence happen to you, don't become a statistic, become the difference.

 Models: Danni Sarti / Estuardo Monterroso
Styling&Make-up: Rs's Niky
Photography: King Leo

---XXXO KING LEO

FASHION - "SHORT FILMS & CAR RIMS"

There's plenty of fashion short films in the world. From Chanel to Dolce&Gabbana, all the major fashion labels, pride themselves with their marvelous creations. These short films put into motion editorial minds and make day dreaming a concrete reality. On this post let me introduce you to some of my favorite fashion films on youtube. Whether they come from a big fashion label or a small business, these fashion short films definitely steal your attention in this ever changing world.



RENCONTRER - "A FASHION FILM"
This 2:28 mins video, made my heart sink to the floor and made me think of how alone sometimes you can feel, and how not-so-alone you can actually be. While looking ridiculously stylish.



GIVENCHY X BARNEYS
The director played with the symbols utilized on the collection to portray the real essence of it. From stars, crosses to the biblical references, this film is raw and easy to the eye at the same time. I mean, who didn't fall in love with this collection in the first place? and with a film like this? I just want everything... AGAIN.



KARL LAGERFELD - "THE NEW MIX"
If there's anything Karl Lagerfeld touches that doesn't turn into pure gold and artistic brilliance please do let me know, because that would finally make him human. This film is both crazy and incredibly stylish. The models, the clothes, the styling, the music is all just too much for me.



PROENZA SCHOULER - "ACT DA FOOL"
From the same mind behind "Spring Breakers" comes this fashion film for Proenza Schouler. The little poem-dialog that the lead speaks through out the film is both deep and mesmerizing. The reality most of us have to face hits you in the stomach with this film. while the clothes are the most important part in a fashion film, this time the director takes us to a juxtaposition of the luxurious brand and the lives of the people that literally can't afford it.



CALUM MACDIARMID - "STAMEN"
If you need a description of "Subtle but explicitly Sexy" this video basically describes it perfectly. The analogies used through out the video are simply immaculate. Just watch the video and tell me you don't feel a little bit sexier afterwards.



MUSE MAGAZINE - "IRRESISTIBLE"
Chic and frivolous. Enough said.



CHRISTIAN DIOR - "SECRET GARDEN"
Of course I couldn't let this master piece fall out of this compilation. I mean it's FREAKING DIOR. The song just fits perfectly with the mood, there's some "what?" moments like the mismatch height of one model. But it still doesn't wreck the awesomeness of the video.



BONUS:

PRADA AD CAMPAIGN
This is technically not a fashion film, but it is fashion ON film so I decided not to let it out of the list. I mean just look at it. Retro Perfection at its finest. And the music, oh god the music.


VOGUE RUSIA - "SKRILLEX CRUELLA"
I mean, jesus christ. This is the epitome of what I aim to create...and be.

-XXXO KINGLEO

KING LEO - "GALAXIES COLLIDE"

Here's the second glimpse of my musical (should I say attempt?) project. This time is sort of a IHATEYOUBUTNOTREALLY kind of song. It's basically the feeling after being cheated by someone you really REALLY care about. I really tried to shake things up with this one, hopefully I did what I intended.

My voice and music is one thing I'm REALLY vulnerable about because, well, I have been doing it on my own and god knows how insecure I am about my work, but despite it all here it is, in the internet, being posted by me, the author (oh god help me please)

This one is called "Galaxies Collide". The song was inspired by this particular meteor shower that was visible in my country. i was very excited about the meteor shower and then BAM something someone drained the excitement out of me.

These are the lyrics:

you promised me the moon and the stars

we caught fire in the middle of the night

I got struck by the lightning in your eyes

how could I know they were only filled with goodbyes

but the stars are nothing, but the moon is nothing

when your silence falls appart

but the fire is nothing, but the light is nothing

when it breaks a frightened heart

please stay, please stay

I always feel weightless around you

your voice destroys this concrete walls

you reach my hand and I reach yours

a single whisper it's my loss

but then in a second it's all gone

but the stars are nothing, but the moon is nothing

when your silence falls appart

but the fire is nothing, but the light is nothing

when it breaks a frightened heart

but the feeling is nothing, but the tears are nothing

when I realize everything died, please stay, please stay

Thank you so much to all the people that have shared the link and have liked the song, you really REALLY make my days brighter and make the whole embarrassment worth it. hehe.

-XXXO KING LEO

MYNOR VELIZ - "WONDERLAND"

Welcome to Wonderland dear visitors! A land not so foreign to most of us, but nevertheless very exciting to visit again. With flowers and magic this land sets itself apart from any other land we know. 

Though we have been here before, the sights have changed, from uni-dimensional pages to three-dimensional garments filled with all the wit of Guatemalan designer and fashionista extraordinaire Mynor Veliz.

His incredible hands touched the plains of wonderland and re phrased its very own essence into a wonderful fashion collection, in which every single detail was thought on. From the beautifully crafted accessories to the breath-taking heels, you simply couldn't get your eyes off of this collection, as it paraded in front of all the attendants like little heart card soldiers for the queen of hearts. 

The music was perfect, the ambiance was too. The people were nice and you could just feel fashion harmony in the air. A real fashion show was happening in front of our eyes and we definitely were left wanting more. T-shirts with the phrases "eat me, drink me" were very explanatory of the collection, because we wanted to eat and drink every piece. Happiness arrived to me when I saw some pieces for menswear (which we don't get to see a lot on these realms) and fell in love with some pieces which I must get. -ehem- At the end of the show, the designer himself was exhausted and we couldn't blame him, this titanic chore he went on was marvelous and all I can say to him is BRAVO! -applause- 

 The end.

 -XXXO KINGLEO

KING LEO - "WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?"

I finally mustered the courage, balls and may I also say time? to post the musical stuff I've been working on for the past 5 years. I honestly have been waiting for the right people to work with, for the right time to release, and for the right time in my life to do it. Unfortunately that never happened, so lastly I decided to do it all by myself. Maybe it was a good decision, maybe it was a bad decision and I'll become a joke. But life's too short and I'm too bored to play by the rules. So basically, fuck it. 

I first produced the sounds 5 years ago, came out with the melody 3 years ago, the lyrics last year and finally recorded it this year in my bedroom one day I was really disappointed and angry about a "someone" that turned out to be a "no one". Yes the song is about someone that cheats on you and how you feel about it, pretty standard. But instead of making yourself the victim, I decided to write about the angry side of it. The actual betrayal part and when the person that cheated wants to apologize to you. Like the cheating will just go away with an apology. Not your typical Taylor Swift-esque break up song. The lyrics are a mix of all my ex's and people that I've dated recently that thought they could just come by my life, allure me and then just walk away. The full lyrics (If you're bothered with them) go like this:

 WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME? - KING LEO  

There was a time in which I would crawl to your feet 

there was a time in which I would suck on your teeth 

I thought that you were god's perfect creation

 I thought that you were my only salvation 

But you thought you could go around kissing touching, fucking every guy you would see 

But you thought you could go around lying, crying, laughing at me 

She said I can explain baby She said is not what it seems baby I have not been myself at all lately But I'll make it up to you daily She said can you forgive me baby? what do you want from me? 

 Now you come crawling to my feet asking for a second chance 

after you went out with your girls to "just dance" 

I don't meant to be rude my love 

But I would rather drown in my blood 

I knew you were no pretty white dove 

 She said I can explain baby She said is not what it seems baby I have not been myself at all lately But I'll make it up to you daily She said can you forgive me baby? what do you want from me? 

Not deep at all, but pretty self explanatory. Anyway if you liked it, please PLEASE pLeAsE esaelp share, comment, like it, tweet it, fb it, whatever. I'm making this efforts all by myself and any help is greatly appreciated.

 -XXXO KING LEO

HERNAN DUBOIS - "DISTURBIA"

From the very start, the Guatemalan craftsmen from "Hernan Dubois" have made jaw-dropping collections season after season. Every single detail, shows the incredible process that goes on in their minds and translate into luscious fabric and many other materials. This collection named "Disturbia" has once again made a statement in the fashion world. From plastic bustiers to transparent glowing skirts, these duo did exactly what they wanted to do; transcend.

The show was filled with many new exciting faces, starting with the inclusion of a trans model that stomped on the runway like there was no tomorrow. After the amazing display of creativity a curtain opened to show a Givenchy-esque stage from which all the photographers and attendees fed, taking photographs of the beautifully thought scenario.

If you liked what you see you should definitely go to their website WWW.HERNANDUBOIS.COM and check on their look book, editorial shoot and maybe get a piece or two of this amazingly crafted collection made entirely by Guatemalan talent.

[PHOTOGRAPHS, EDITS AND TEXT BY KING LEO©]

-XXXO KINGLEO