event. Cirque du Soleil: Totem

On Friday, I went to the big tent in Atlantic Station to see the latest Atlanta installment of the Cirque du Soleil productions. This was my first time seeing anything by the company live, though I've made a few attempts to see the "LOVE" show every time I was in Vegas.

I've always been a fan of gymnasts, the height of my obsession being Alexei Nemov at the Sydney Olympics (am I dating myself here?), but Cirque du Soleil's 'Totem' isn't just about amazing body feats. Set to a world music soundtrack, the show features the traditional contortionists, elements from the Shanghai circus, and so many other artistic visual delights.

This glitter bodysuit is going to be my next Halloween costume.

Stacking cups on heads. This was a crowd favorite.

Despite the appearances here, these costumes are amazing up close. Also, I'm a sucker for fur, even if they are worn by variations of Darwin's Theory.

ph. by Pouya Dianat, courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

But above all, my favorite part happened backstage, where I got to view the costumes up close. Handmade in every aspect of the word, the clothes are the most spectacular carnival of color. And OMG, DO NOT even get me started on the meticulously arranged rows of MAC make-up. The OCD organizer in me squealed for joy when I saw it.





All of the masks are fitted for each artist, and look shockingly real (or gross, depending on how much you love apes). Another aspect I found surprising is that each actor is required to do their own makeup, and as you can see from the sample Polaroid, the makeup can become quite intricate. This particular actor used to require around 3 hours to put on his performance face. He is now apparently down to 1-1.5 hours. (That would not be me. I would be the loser sitting in front of the mirror for half a day.)





The tour goes on for 15 years, so even if you're not in Atlanta, there's a good chance it might still come to your city. This particular big top is only in ATL until Dec. 31, so you should plan accordingly.

'Totem" by Cirque du Soleil
Located in the Big Top at Atlantic Station
261 19th Street, Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30063

Financial compensation was not provided for this post. Access to the show and media materials were provided by Cirque du Soleil. Opinions stated in this post are my own.

giveaway. 'mari' wire band ring

I'm finally doing one of these. Yes, yes, it's a giveaway. In honor of a new era, plus just wanting to do something nice for all you people who come to read my ramblings, I'm going to give this lovely .925 Sterling Silver 'Mari' wire band ring to a lucky soul just in time for Christmas. Ho, ho, ho, and put your name in the pot.

Requirements:

1. Put in your name and email on the form.

2. An extra entry if you follow me on Twitter. 

(Because you're unfortunate to experience the crazier rambling that happen in my head throughout the day, I'm gonna throw you an extra bone.)

Giveaway ENDED Dec. 21!

still here.

I'm still here.

I'm just having a major lifestyle change.

This blog has been on my mind for the past few weeks. I no longer see the point of having a blog with a bunch of photos where I'm standing awkwardly in front of some landmark or dully in front of this tired wall in my room to show off how I paired a black skirt with a black sweater. Call it my blog's 4.5 year crisis.

I've always been a firm believer of change, and evolution hasn't really touched this space. However, I'm out of ideas. Not sure if I want to still continue as a fashion blog or move towards an Atlanta-based news/event space. The largest part of me just wants to make it a giant space of everything - quite a reflection of the chaos that is my life and me.

All this talk about how blogs should be a marketed towards a specific audience and target a niche point of view just makes me want to barf. How is this possible when I am nothing and everything at the same time?

I'm southern. But I'm not blonde. I'm Asian. But I don't dress like a Californian. Or like Rei Kawakubo. I'm not downtown or uptown. I'm classic and modern. Okay, I'm done with writing these ridiculous comparison clauses.

You get the point.

I'm not going away. I'm just no longer going to do scheduled posts where I've obviously coerced some poor soul to take my photo in some public venue while I stand stupidly. Those days are over.

By the way, whoever went insane trying to look for the 'Geni' antique ring from this post, you can get it in my shop on Etsy now. (Use code: KMASKS12 for 15% off. Sorry for your troubles.)