I see the light.

"Cosmic Wonder"

Cosmic Wonder is a rather unknown Japanese label that produces really quality wear. I remembered seeing this brand in Front Row once. Well, I seem to have a certain liking for the rather interesting 'cardigan' as shown on the left. The designs of Cosmic Wonder has a rather English touch to it. An interpretation of the European dressing by the Japanese. In fact, if one visits parts of Hokkaido and Osaka, the streets have a rather European feel to it. The architecture from street lamps down to the paths seem to model their European counter parts. I will be doing more research on this exquisite label before commenting more on it. For now, let's just take it that the label is a promising one.

images:http://thefashionisto.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/cosmic2.jpg

Alice.

Yes, the exams are finally here... I shall, however, not grumble about this very sad fate of a student (face it, even if we all know that education is ultimately for the benefit of society, exams are not very beneficial to our mental well-being *stress*).

One of the few things I shall do after my exams...

1) Check out Dior

2) Check out Mulberry

3) Watch Alice in Wonderland

3: Another whimsical movie from Tim Burton. On an unrelated note, he seems to need the presence of Helena Bonham Carter (his co-inhabitant, not sure if they have decided to tie the know) and Johnny Depp in virtually all his movies. Back to my main topic, Alice is not going to be your childhood beloved bedtime story of a girl who falls into a hole. No, it is a tweaked version, a grown-up 19 year old Alice returning back to Wonderland. So for those who have yet to read of the book entitled 'Alice's Adventure in Wonderland' and 'Through the Looking Glass' by Charles Lutwige Dodgson aka Lewis Carroll, please get acquainted. Did I just mention Alice's Adventure... yes, I did. It was the original name of the book, well of course the lazy folks shortened it to the very name we know so fondly today - Alice in Wonderland. Now what is up with 'Through the Looking Glass'? It is one of those lesser-know Carroll pieces out there. I remembered reading it as a child, but has completely forgotten most of the plot. Though, I do remember a chess board sorta feel to the story and tons of references to mirrors. I must so read the two books again. Anyway, do watch the movie as it combines the magic of both books into one. It, therefore, somehow mashes the cards theme of the former with the chess theme of the latter to make the movie somewhat appealing.

The Little Prince.

星の王子さま：The Little Prince

It is my favourite book to date. It explores the mind of a child through adult understanding. The story has a comforting interpretation of death and friendship, I guess it makes it is then, a suitable book for children. Antoine Exupery intricately crafted how he perceived death in a rather beautiful manner. It is like returning home. The essential bulk of the book is about how a grown person slowly learns how to have a different perspective of life. He is ironically, taught by a child to do so. One puzzling thing is how the Prince is seen as a matured young man. From what I gather, maturity, in the book, is portrayed by a child who is so fascinated by his surroundings. A child so inquisitive. A child who wants to explore. I would really recommend the book to those who have been so caught up with life and lost their inner-child (my parents?).

"Miharayasuhiro Spring/Summer 2010"

I guess, I am not the only one who likes this book. A up and coming Japanese designer, Miharaya Suhiro, was too inspired by the book which lead him to create one of the most dazzling collections I have seen. Now, where do I go to get that crown...

Tsumori Chisato.

"Kiyomizu Temple"

"Kuruma 車,car"

I miss the times I spent the day wondering through Japan like a child. With child-like wonderment at everything in a land so foreign; especially in terms of culture. My trip to Japan has opened my eyes to come to appreciate little acts like greeting and a smile. It really does go a long way in modern day Singapore - a place where one occasionally gets cashiers that don't even bother looking into your eyes when they serve you. I miss the times in Japan where I would walk down the chilly street. It is a funny feeling to walk amidst the Japanese because one can't tell the difference between who is local and who is not until one hears words that escape the mouth. Until one carefully notices habits and mannerisms. Until one hears that familiar sing-song accent we so fondly remember as Singlish.I love Singapore, I am random, I contradict.

Now to make sense of Tsumori Chisato. She is a rather interesting Japanese designer who is under the A net group - a subsidiary of Issey Miyake. Her pieces are somewhat, similar to that of Rei Kawakubo's legendary designs. To get to the point, I saw a piece from Tsumori and liked it so much I bought it.

Exam anxiety.

Oh, may I have the strength to pull through the year. I can't do this on my own but I know that I have you. I shall not falter for I cannot afford to do so. I have to do reasonably well for my future depends on it in a very practical sense.

Sounds like a prayer does it not?

I sometimes marvel at how much a person can actually write on a blog. I am lazy, period.

Crash on my shore.

"Great Wave off Kanagawa"

This has got to be one of my favourite pieces to date. The deep hue of the waves that curls into crests that become foamy whites is beautifully juxtaposed to Mt. Fuji. Looking at this gives me peace and serenity. Why do I say so? Well, the fact that Mt. Fuji is pictured to be standing behind the waves undisturbed by what is transpiring in the foreground gives a person the sense of stability. That stability to face the harshest conditions, the turbulent waves, the rage of the sea. The ability to remain calm in one's darkest moments (as how the background of Mt. Fuji is darkened and to look at the better days that is to come (as how Mt. Fuji reaches towards the bright and seemingly peaceful sky), it all comes together as a message in life.

image:http://www.omohide.com/TheGreatWaveOffKanagawa.png

Exams.

It's coming! Exams... NAPFA... How critical, how crucial, how difficult. How am I to pass?