DAY 7 & 8: Leaving Washington DC to St. Louis, Missouri

 

DAY 7: Preparing for our fellowship

After nearly a week of orientation in Washington DC, it’s time for all of us to be deployed to our respective state hosts. The Indonesians are going to Mississippi, the Filipinos, Atlanta and Malaysians to St. Louis. Just as I was getting used to living in Washington DC (and of course with still so many more places to explore; the Smithsonian museums in particular, but who’s keeping count, eh?), it was time to leave and I was feeling rather melancholy. The good news is, we’re coming back after 4 weeks.

We spent half a morning with Kristin at the Club Quarters Hotel conference room. She briefed us on our respective fellowship schedules and miscellaneous assignments we’re expected to do during that period of time. Then, we were off to Capitol Hill for a quick tour.

Top left: On the way to Capitol Hill through an underground tunnel for staff.

Top right: The delegates taking pictures of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s entrance to Congress.

As usual, I was not disappointed although it was crowded with visitors and we had to rush through the tour. The highlights were definitely the 15-minute video called E Pluribus Unum, Latin for “One From Many” (found on the US 1 dollar bill) and the inside of the Rotunda (see picture below) which took my breath away. The video seeks to illustrate the historical background of the American Congress (House of Representatives) and its significance.

I thought the video was insightful and inspiring at the same time. If there’s one thing I’m learning from the Americans; it’s that they do know how to run a fantastic campaign and to “sell their products”. By the end of the video, I was convinced that the American Congress is the greatest democratic institution and serves as a strong and proud model for the rest of the world despite being told by many, how disappointed and upset the Americans are with their present Congressmen and women. I believe their success lies in two main factors; lots of money and getting the best team to run the campaign.

I then went to the new US Supreme Court which was originally housed in Capitol Hill. Unfortunately, it was closing in 15 minutes and I had to rush through the whole building. I thought I could squeeze the national zoo on the way back but instead I went to watch a new documentary called Waiting for Superman by the same producer that did An Inconvenient Truth. The documentary is about the declining quality and standard of public schools in America.

Above: The US Supreme Court. On the top front of the Greco-Roman building, it’s written Equal Justice Under Law.

I could see that the American audience is more interactive than in Malaysia. They would respond to what’s being presented in front of them on the silver screen. For example, the audience applauded, expressed their disgust and sighed out loud at appropriate moments throughout the documentary. They were appalled to see thousands of children being entered into lottery  so that they would stand a chance, regardless of how remote it may be, of getting into a good school with very limited spaces. While I acknowledge that it’s sad state of an affair, I couldn’t help but think how Malaysians have been robbed of a good education for decades and nobody would have dared to make a documentary about it if they are not prepared of the possibility of government reprisal.

When I was waiting for my popcorn before entering the theater, the guy behind the counter asked what movie I was going to watch. As soon as I said “Waiting for Superman”, his reaction was, “Oh really? Why?!!” Taken aback, I asked whether there was something wrong with the documentary. He looked around and once he was satisfied that no one else was around, he slipped a printed piece of paper to me and urged me to read it. As it turned out, the paper is Rick Ayers’ criticism of the points asserted by the documentary. You can read it here. And this is what I call a healthy and robust democracy – allowing people to express their point of views and then to have others rebut it based on facts, research and study. And, nobody dies from this.

For our last night in Washington DC before we return again in 4 weeks’ time, Rajiv and I hit Adams Morgan. It is a vibrant area where the clubbing scene is. The roads were filled with people ready to party all night long. There was also a bunch of people protesting against the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while being observed by policemen. We went to have dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant. Since I lived in Ethiopia for almost a year, I can tell that the food is not as authentic or delicious as the real thing, but it was sufficient to remind me of a place I once loathed in the beginning and learned to love in the end. (The injera still looked like folded tea towels which made me laugh.)

Day 8: Living like a VIP in St. Louis

Upon arrival at the airport, we were greeted by a tall, handsome and well-dressed man, and a jovial and warm woman. Michael McMillan, License Collector for the City of St. Louis, and Charlotte Ottley, Michael’s assistant, will be our hosts for the next 4 weeks.

When we finally secured our luggage and stepped onto the tarmac, I was stunned to see a long black limousine waiting for us by the sidewalk across the street. The first thought that came to my mind was this: “How on earth are we ever going to live up to this?” You see, Michael, Charlotte and two more individuals from St. Louis who are yet to be identified, will be visiting Malaysia in December. This is part of the ACYPL exchange programme.

I was rather distracted by the whole “grand gestures” (Benedicto will smile if he reads this) that I failed to notice my surrounding. I definitely notice the number of whiskey carafe in front of me and the fact that Charlotte and Michael were sitting way at the back that it was probably impolite for me to raise my voice so that I could talk to them.

I was also stunned when I saw our accommodation for the next 4 weeks. We were all placed in a double bedroom suite at the Marriott Residence Inn and since I’m the only woman, I get a whole suite to myself. Not only that, Charlotte had prepared a welcome pack for each of us and I must confess that tears came to my eyes as I opened the bag that is filled with all sorts of wonderful girlie stuff. I told Michael that I felt as if I’m in America’s Next Top Model and he laughed. All in all, Michael and Charlotte’s generosity  and hospitality were beyond comparison and nothing that I have quite experienced before.

We had a few hours of rest before being picked up by a polite and nice gentleman named McFarlene Duncan. McFarlene works in Michael’s office and he was to accompany us to a black tie fundraising event for the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of St. Louis at the Marriott Hotel at Union Station. I must confess that I was dreading it, especially when I was ill prepared in the wardrobe department. Thankfully, my turquoise silk kebaya was a huge success as I received appreciative comments by the women there. Everyone looked dignified and handsome in their tuxedos and evening gown. Michael of course, looked dashing and I smiled when I saw this video on You Tube.

Now, if you really know me, you’ll also know that I’m actually shy and uncomfortable in formal and high society-type events. I’m especially bad when it comes to striking up interesting conversations, networking with important people and putting a spotlight on myself so that I’ll get noticed. I tend to shy away from this but I’ll always remember what Mom tells me, “As an adult, you’ll need to learn to do all sorts of things which you don’t like. It’s called responsibility.” The other thing which I constantly tell myself is to always give something a chance before making any conclusion and as it turned out the night was fun, interesting and I was glad that we were invited to attend.

We were honoured to meet so many interesting people and with those who received awards for their contributions to their local communities. I learned a lot about the American culture of fraternity and sorority. I also learned about how people do fundraising event and above all, I learned that all African Americans can sing (not that it’s a secret if you watch American Idol but I just didn’t know how many they would be).

I don’t know what to expect come Tuesday when we finally start our fellowship. I must confess that I wait for it with great anticipation but not without trepidation. It seems that people here have such great expectations of us and I hope we won’t disappoint them.

Thank you Michael, Charlotte, McFarlene and everyone else who have welcomed us to St. Louis with style, warmth and kindness.

Discovering Phnom Penh in a few hours

As soon as I heard a new cafe serving six types of freshly roasted coffee beans has just opened up in Phnom Penh,  I decided to try it out yesterday. Being a coffee lover (note, not addict), I was anxious to see for myself whether it’s as good as what the review has said.

As I was riding in a tuk-tuk on my way to Cafe Symphonies (#81, Sisowath Quay), we went past a busy and crowded crossroads between Street 13 and Street 108. I haven’t really been there before but the atmosphere was a harbinger of something interesting to come. There was so much action going on judging from the throngs of people moving around purposefully. I made a mental note to trace back to the place right after I had my breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Alas! Cafe Symphonies does not serve food and I was not willing to drink a strong cup of coffee with an empty stomach. But as the review said, the lovely and intoxicating aroma of roasted coffee was worth the short whiff. I told the lady that I would come back after having my lunch, but I didn’t. Street 110 was too much of an excitement for a day and coffee would just send me right over the top.

Anyway, I was glad that I didn’t leave my photo camera behind. As I walked back to that crossroad, I was pleasantly surprised by the assault of local scent, noise, taste and colour at every corner. Most tourists or expats would normally stop by the tonnes of restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels lining Sisowath Quay (aka Riverfront) and only a few manage to walk further down on Street 110 towards Street 13. I guess I’m one of the lucky few.

I was glad that I stumbled upon this path less travelled by many of us. If you are here in Phnom Penh and plan to do some walk-about around the city, you might want to consider this itinerary.

0900: Breakfast at the Amazon Bistro (#8, Street 102)

Start off your morning tour with a hearty breakfast and Jazz and Bossa Nova music at this small bistro situated at a relatively quiet street. The old buildings with French louvers are rather quaint and charming. For just US$5, you get a full breakfast of scrambled eggs, croissant, toast with butter and jam, a cup of Vietnamese coffee and orange juice (not fresh though). However, if you prefer to go native, there is a restaurant just right next to the Amazon Bistro serving rice, noodles with mixed vegetables and meat although Amazon Bistro serves local cuisine as well.

 

0945: Market area on the crossroad of Street 13 and 110

Before proceeding to the market, it’s worth stopping by at the infamous Green Vespa pub (#95, Sisowath Quay), if only just to have a look at the monochromatic pictures of beautiful international actresses posing with different models of vespa mounted on the walls.  Go on and have a draft beer if you feel like it, especially if you’re on vacation.

Unfortunately, I felt that the owner wasn’t too friendly. Perhaps, all the fame has gone into his head and the place is mostly frequented by expats, especially those of the middle-aged, beer-bellied type.

Before heading towards Street 106, walk past across the Bopha Phnom Penh Titanic Restaurant and enjoy the view of its strikingly beautiful traditional Khmer roof.  Along Street 106, you’ll see an old laundry shop on your right. Walk further down and turn left. You’ll reach the crossroad of Street 13 (see picture below) and 108. Remember to look to your right and left before crossing the road.

This open market is rather small compared to the dozens of others around the city. It might just as well since the bigger market can be quite daunting especially if you’re not used to the heat and crowd.

Since it’s open, you can observe pedlars selling pickled fruits, spiced cockles, broomsticks and sugarcane juice on their bicycles or carts. Otherwise, watch the bored look of cyclo-riders and fruit vendors staring into vacant spaces as they wait patiently for the arrival of customers. Who says business is easy when the economy is down?

 

        

As you can see below, Cambodia is bestowed with a tropical climate which makes it a haven for growing fruits. Here, you can find almost any fruits you would  normally find in other parts of South East Asia (bananas, rambutans, durians, mangosteens, dragonfruits, oranges, etc.), but they somehow look juicier, fresher and I would suppose cheaper as well. It’s true that bananas that are as big as your little finger are the sweetest. Don’t forget to pick up some lotus flowers along the way. The subtle but alluring fragrance beats any synthetic air freshener anytime.

 

Walking about in the heat will no doubt leave you thirsty and perhaps peckish as well. Do try the freshly squeezed sugarcane juice and some of the local snacks such as grilled fish or cockles. The sugarcane juice is normally mixed with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to tame the sweetness, giving it a refreshing quench. If you’re concerned about the hygiene, it might reassure you that I’ve not had any unwanted incident yet. Besides, the smell of grilled fish will most likely make it difficult to resist.

 

1100: Shop along Street 110 and arrive at Sisowath Quay (aka Riverfront)

Now that you have check out the market area, it’s time to do some shopping indoors. Turn back and walk along Street 110 towards the Riverfront. If you’re a knife lover, you’ll be happy to find Citadel (#11, Street 110), an internationally known shop specializing in all kinds of knives produced locally at a workshop situated near the international airport.

Once finished, walk just a few steps further and you’re back at the Riverfront. Take a right turn and walk along the rows of shops, cafes and restaurants. Not far away, you’ll come across a cookie shop called Camory Cookies (#167, Sisowath Quay), what they claim as the best cookie in town. There is a small table at the entrance for you to sample the different types of cookies sold. The oatmeal with cashew nut and palm sugar with honey are simply delicious! If you decide to buy some (US$3/10 pieces), 50% of what you pay would go towards an orphanage.

1200: Lunch with a twist at the Mekong River Restaurant (#1, Corner of Street 118 & Sisowath Quay)

Situated at the crossroad between Street 118 and Sisowath Quay, the Mekong River restaurant is rather special for two things. Firstly, it plays two documentaries in English and French daily at scheduled time with a charge of US$3/person (please call 012494705 for the schedule). Now, watching Pol Pot:The History of Genocide and The Mines in Cambodia and the World may not go down well with your food, but you can always catch the documentaries later on in the evening.

Secondly, you are able to try snake wine at the restaurant (definitely not for the faint-hearted or animal activists). I have a strong feeling that most people will be able to swallow the documentaries easier than the wine. If you like them, you can buy some  at 3 different sizes, selling at USD$6.50, 10.50 and 16.50 each, they all come with a baby cobra and scorpion stuffed into recycled Hennessy Cognac bottles.

 

1315: Continue shopping along Sisowath Quay

Once you’re stuffed, burn off some calories by continuing to walk along the Riverfront. Take a few minutes to look at the different silk products at the KNN Cambodia Arts and Crafts (#169E, Sisowath Quay). If you feel like doing something for the environment, it sells some pretty creative bags and note pads made out of recycled materials.

For men, if have gone to Indonesia or Malaysia but failed to buy some cotton batik shirts, you can find some along the way. Do remember to look up because they are hung high up above the shops and are easy to miss.

1400: End your tour with a massage at Islands Massage (approaching corner of Street 130)

From the exterior, this massage place doesn’t look too enticing especially when compared to so many other spas along the Riverfront. However, with a great bargain at US$8/1 hour full body oil massage, you’ll be pleased to know that the massages are in fact really good and it comes with an adventure as well. You’ll be brought into a really dark room with only the soft music guiding your senses and right there, you’re asked to strip. It’s up to you whether you choose to strip down to the bare minimum or retain your underclothing.

Don’t expect a massage table because there are just mattresses lining the whole floor (so yes, it’s not an individual room but a shared common room). As soon as you’re asked to lie down, the masseur immediately treats you to an hour of blissful kneading, pounding and twisting of your body in total darkness. I assure you that it may seem alarming at first but once you allow your sense of adventure to take over, you’ll be wanting to go back for more. The good thing is, only ladies are allowed (sorry, guys!).

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I find that whether you are living in Phnom Penh or just visiting, the city has the ability to continuously surprise you. Phnom Penh is not just about the pagodas, Royal Palace, the Killing Field or the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. All you need is to walk around the city and you’re bound to stumble across a street that is filled with a lot of local flavour.

A different kind of shopping in Phnom Penh

They say that all nice things come in small packages. In Cambodia, it’s all small things come in nice packages.

Shopping can be really fun in Phnom Penh although it will take you several tuk-tuk rides from one place to another since there are not many malls. Even then, the malls are not very interesting and don’t really house many shops that sell nice and good quality stuff.

Phnom Penh has seen a mushrooming of small boutique shops that sell Cambodian-made silk products, clothing, accessories, home decoration, household upholstery and beddings, arts and crafts, etc. in the past few years. Although most of the shops are really small but the items sold are usually handmade, unique and pretty. Some might be a bit too pricey (all in US dollars) but it’s worth the purchase as they are usually high in quality and not made for mass production. In addition to this, many of the shops are operated by locals and profits are channelled towards funding NGOs and creating sustainable livelihood for the communities.

I have a friend who came to Phnom Penh not too long ago just for the shopping. She has fallen in love with a particular boutique selling silk women’s clothing. Needless to say, she went on a shopping frenzy and I can understand why. The hand-woven silk, satin and organza materials feel rich to the touch, the colours are not the usual bright and loud type and the design and cutting is made to fit any body type. They provide free altercation if you have enough time here. A purchase will set you back quite a lot but if you can afford it, as my friend does, a dress will make quite an impression at a cocktail party in New York City, for instance.

Anyway, I’ve done some shopping lately in Phnom Penh and what really interests me is that many of these boutique shops provide lovely and environmentally friendly packaging when you purchase their goods. Even when you buy lotus flowers at the local market, they are wrapped in fresh lotus leaves! This makes the shopping experience truly nicer and if you’re planning to buy someone a gift, there is no need for gift wrapping, which means more thumbs up for the environment.

Here are just some pictures to illustrate what makes shopping different in Cambodia.

This is a gift I bought for a friend from Elsewhere (Street 278). It comes with a lovely baby blue cloth pouch.

Inside this palm leaves container are some napkin holders. This is bought at Sophanna Boutique (#24, Street 144/49). The container can be used again for gifts or to hold other small items; stationery, letters, toiletries, etc.

These are famous Kampot peppers and palm sugar. You can find them in most supermarkets or souvenir shops. They usually come in such wrappings even if they are not meant as souvenir items.

Bags made out of left-over cloth from Bliss (#29, Street 240). They come in different sizes depending on the size of your purchase. Bliss operates as a spa but also sell beauty products made from natural ingredients, cotton clothes, accessories, handbags and lovely beddings.

Left: A polka-dot dress I bought in Orange River (#361E, Sisowath Quay, two stores away from the FCC) wrapped snugly in a salmon pink organza pouch. Right: A tiger balm with steel applier in a bamboo box. This is bought at the Phnom Penh International airport. You can find this in other handicrafts shops in Phnom Penh city.

These beautiful multi-coloured silk coasters are complimentary gifts from Orange River. Again, many shops here utilize their materials efficiently. Excess materials are not tossed away but creatively made into small decorative items, hand carrier bags or free gifts.

This lotus leave from the flowers I bought is used as a natural and beautiful “plate” for fresh food ingredients and fruits. They really spice up your kitchen.

Marketing strategies reinforcing the stereotypes and objectification of girls

 

I watched a rather interesting documentary on TV5 Monde tonight. I felt sorry that I didn’t watch the beginning part of the programme but it was about how marketing has “pornofied” every aspect of our lives today, including children and adolescents. The pictures above show two famous brands of dolls by MGA Entertainment which apparently are selling like hot cakes around the world.

On the left is a Bratz Babyz and the right, Bratz Dolls. What seemingly harmless toys are apparently shaping the minds and stereotypes of how girls should be perceived by our world today; thin, sexy, desirable, trendy and fashionable, by children as young as 2 years old. If you look closely at the Bratz Babyz, you wouldn’t even realize that it is supposed to be a baby. Do you spot a diaper anywhere? What about those pouty lips (without a pacifier, may I add), which is a marketing signature of Bratz.

What was interesting about the programme was how honest and open the discussions were. It was a Quebecois production, a French state in Canada and hence not the prudish sort you would have expected elsewhere. But it was precisely such honesty which made an impact on the topic in discussion.

According to several experts (child psychologists and social scientists) who were interviewed on the programme, marketing and commercialism have evolved to such a monstrous state where children are now being targeted as consumers. This includes music videos featuring scantily clad women, dancing in sexually provocative movements. Bands like the Pussy Cat Dolls are being idolized by millions of teenage girls all over the world.

Clothing lines like the American Apparel, targeting young adolescents prides itself for its sexy and trendy designs and is not ashamed to market its product through sexually provocative billboards, fashion magazines and catalogues featuring very young teenage girls in cleavage hugging but rather baring tops. When I first watched the American series Gossip Girl, I was shocked with how the entire main cast, portraying 16 to 17 years old New York elite socialites, were dressed. They should have named the series Glamour Girl instead. Whatever happens to jeans, T-shirts, baby-doll dresses and the classic shapeless but adorable dungarees (overalls)?

The programme also showed how young girls are being encouraged to shop. You get merchandise like small purses with the inscription such as I-heart-shopping (I love shopping). Then you have panties that have a picture of an ice cream cone at the crotch area with the inscription, Lick me! They have also created push-up teenage bras for those who are wearing bras for the first time.

A child psychologist based in a school revealed that she often counsels girls who want to talk to someone about sex, something which they do not want to discuss with their parents. She was horrified when a 13 year-old girl asked her whether she should have sex with a boy using 3 holes; her mouth, vagina and anus. She explained that due to the influence of  media, especially uncontrolled access to internet which exposes children to unlimited adult materials has forced teenagers to believe that they are expected to perform all the sexual acts seen on pornographic pictures and movies. At that age, they do not discuss about sex when they are in a relationship. Boys are pressurized to perform and the girls are expected to play her role in the performance.

Another expert qualifies pornography as a form of violence which comes in 3 different forms; physical violence where women are objectified as sex tools, economic violence where women are being exploited for commercial purposes and political violence when governments are unwilling to put a stop to such exploitations in defence of capitalism.

Some concerned members of the public have raised their outrage on marketing strategies adopted by entertainment and commercial entities. They have launched sensitization activities in schools and homes to educate children about self-dignity and how their bodies belong to them and no one else. In schools, a workshop facilitator put up two pictures taken from fashion magazines on the screen. They each showed two women (one presumably a teenager) posing in sexy garments with seductive poses. She then asked the students which one was adolescence (presumably teenage fashion) and which was pornography. Some students were interviewed later on and one admitted that she couldn’t tell the difference. Since she was so used to seeing these pictures on teen magazines, she thought it was normal and nothing pornographic about them.

Then the programme showed an activity carried out in a house with several children around the age of 4  to 6. The children were shown cut-put pictures from teen magazines with images of teenage girls posing half naked (the girl was wearing tights and one arm was flung across her chest, covering only her nipples). The children were asked what they thought about the pictures. One pointed out that the girl was naked and when asked whether nudity was necessary to sell clothing attire, he said no. And why not? The child said because those are our private parts and we shouldn’t show them. The children were then given crayons to create tops which would cover the model’s upper body. Their work of arts were then put in an envelope to be sent to children and teenage clothing companies as a sign of protest.

Finally, a woman expressed the irony of how the feminist movement in the 70s, is now perceived as anti-sex feminism when they were the ones who fought for women’s right to sexual expression and liberation. The whole concept of feminism has deviated to a point where women are moving backwards. Instead of spending time to discover their own personal identities and potential, they have become generic creatures who wear the same make-up, clothes and accessories, with an appetite for shopping.

To end this note, I thought that the programme was indeed enlightening but at the same time, I was disappointed that the panel of experts consisted of women only. It would have been more effective if we could hear the men’s perspectives on such an important matter. At the same time, I’m also curious how young boys are being sensitized on the way marketing strategies have changed the whole concept and idea of feminity and role of women in society today.

Dumb and Dumber

There is actually one American reality game show that I like and watch it whenever I get a chance. Yes, the word is finally out. I am a fan of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM). I like it mainly because I think Tyra Bank is one of the most creative, animated, dramatic and funny hosts. She doesn’t mind making a fool of herself and she actually bring her experience as a former supermodel into the show. Compared to Heidi Klum, this girl actually knows how to entertain.

So, I am now watching Cycle 10 and usually, I don’t have much opinion about the contestants. They are often pretty but stupid. But I have to confess that I enjoy watching them making a complete clown out of themselves. It’s part of the fun.

Surprisingly, in this cycle, I was rather taken by Katarzyna (see photo) . What set her apart from the other girls was definitely not her beauty although she does have that Eastern European look unlike some of the boring colourless blondes. I thought she was intelligent compared to the rest. She took great photos, she seemed nice to the others and she approached the whole competition professionally.

Unfortunately, Tyra thought she lacked personality. Yes, they sure like their girls to be boisterous and extrovert. It’s like back in school again. If you tend to be someone who sits at the back of the class and never raises your hand to show off how smart you are, it means you’re boring.

Anyway, in her last photo shoot, I was surprised when Katarzyna became the first contestant who actually asked Tyra, who was also the photographer, what her vision was for the photo. Normally, the contestants just receive directions and follow instructions. They are like marionettes, only made of flesh and blood.

When the judges were deliberating the results, comments were made that Katarzyna’s photos were too sterile. One of them said that it was like as if she was using her brain too much and thinking a lot while posing. I got to tell you that these judges can be idiots. Very often, a good photographer would actually ask a model to think so that the facial expression doesn’t come out vacant. So, what the hell do they want? Damn it! (Yes, I’ve crossed over from being a fan to total obsession.)

Worse of all was when the new judge, Czech “Legendary Supermodel” Paulina Porizkova said that she preferred models who don’t use their brain. Gasp! That’s it…time to start that anti-addictive ANTM patch.

Of course, Katarzyna was eliminated, much to my chagrin. A Cornell University graduate, working in finance and didn’t seem bitchy at all, was eliminated.

We often have prejudice over pretty girls. If they are pretty, they are dumb. It seems like you can’t have it all. Of course, I do want to kill that rare girl who seems to have it all but at the same time, I do appreciate and admire her. It’s like a rare vintage car which you kick yourself watching other people drive it, but it doesn’t stop you from admiring the car.

What is sad though is how a certain sector of industry expects these girls to fulfil a certain stereotype. I do question now whether it’s the girl who is really dumb, or it’s the industry which is dumber.

I know I shouldn’t take this seriously but hey, at least I haven’t lost my perspective of life.

Fabulously glamourous?

My friend and I have been invited to attend the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week this Friday. The dress code is Fabulously Glamourous and we have no clue what the hell that means! It’s tough enough to be fabulous but we have to be glamourous too?

We are excited about it of course but at the same time, mull over what to wear since we literally have nothing in our wardrobe. Thanks to the years of living in countries where combat pants and vests are considered decent.

Sure, I read fashion magazines and enjoy watching fashionable people but unfortunately, I can’t pull off many things since I am neither thin, nor tall. The only items of clothing which I am anxious to show off are my knee length leather boots, leather jacket and a fedora hat and I don’t think anyone will agree that it is fashion when worn together unless Dolce and Gabbana  get Adriana Lima to parade them on the cat walk.

So when I thought I could just wear jeans, a Cookie Monster baby tee, heels that kill and my leather jacket (with other fabulous accessories to glamourise the outfit, I was told very firmly that jeans are not tolerated.

Then, I asked my friend whether my Massoud hat will do the trick, she said unless I want to look like a Mujaheed and get kicked out of Fashion Week, then fine.

So as I am thinking that Fashion Week is all about people expressing their individual styles, I am reminded that it only means what others, especially renowned designers think is fabulously glamourous. French Connection FuCK!

 

Left: Photo taken at the Fashion Week with my fabulous gal-pals, “L” and “S”. Black just can’t seem to go wrong. (Photo courtesy of MasterCard Malaysia)

Right: Me trying to strike a glamourous pose. Believe me, this was the only one that didn’t come out all weird. “S” and I had a hoot taking photos before attending the event. (Photo taken by “S”)