Monday, April 25, 2011

I want to be Perfect: Personal Fashion















Images by NURBS

Kaftan: Beacon’s Closet [Thrifted]; Sandals: Inc 5 [Mumbai]

Last weekend a friend Ji did a little performance in the Brooklyn Flea Market. She wore a nude leotard and stood in the flea market with the sign, “ I want to be Perfect. Draw on me. Where should I get plastic surgery”. Here is my take on her project and what I think her project meant. Ji is Korean and like in a lot of other countries, Korean culture is also super obsessed with cosmetic surgery in the pursuit of happiness with self. This is Ji’s way to deal with her body’s imperfections and deal with her insecurities. Maybe even see how people in different parts of the world react to her body image. Having said that, I have to commend her on standing in the cold for so many hours and in THAT WIND!! It was crazy that day.You can check out more of Ji's Fab work here.

Oh and after reading a lot of your comments I do have confirm that most people who did write on Ji that day did say she didn't need any work and that she's perfect the way she is. I hope this project helps Ji figure out the battle she has with her own body image in her head like Dimi put it in the comments below. Well said Dimi. Your explanation is perfect. It's all in the head. The world doesn't care what you look like and loves and accepts you just the way you are :)... [BTW, I love such interaction and dialogue on an idea. Keep them coming people!! Lets hear from the world around what you think of this project].

Apart from supporting her with her project, I was thoroughly enjoying the flea market and that rusty airplane is my newest purchase. I heart!!

DSM's on Twitter if you'd like to keep in touch
Posted by Prutha Raithatha at 12:52 AM
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65 comments:

  1. Jg. for FatScribeApril 25, 2011 at 2:23 AM

    that was a great post. nice to see spring weather finally in your neck of the woods. keep up the wonderfully interesting posts and pics. good stuff, kid!

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  2. Megan HattieApril 25, 2011 at 2:25 AM

    What an interesting project, I love the idea. And your ensemble is amazing! Especially with the nose-ring connecting to earring thing... does that piece have a special name?

    Cheers!
    --Megan//The Martian Tide

    ReplyDelete
  3. Soleil St. FleurApril 25, 2011 at 2:52 AM

    This all looks interesting. I love those sandals. Underneath the black fabric, they are a pop of bright contrast. xx from Soleil

    http://sharpthreads.blogspot.com/

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  4. MonikaApril 25, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    I love kaftan u wore! It looks just perfect on you:)

    P.S.: Interesting project, btw

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  5. UnknownApril 25, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    what an interesting project! Kaftans look so good on you!

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  6. czech foreignerApril 25, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    love it! you look so good!

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  7. the nyanzi reportApril 25, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    ha! i'm always intrigued by your personal fashion posts.

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  8. GBApril 25, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    Love your outfit, every last detail! And your friend Ji is perfect as she is!

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  9. Jason LauchtApril 25, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    darling u never fail to put big smile on my face! amazing pictures! the sky is perfect and the colors on u are wowza!

    nuff said!

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  10. Fashion BombayApril 25, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    love your kaftan, i love all kaftans so apt for summer :)

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  11. www.janetteria.comApril 25, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    Just gorgeous!

    Happy Easter to you and your family!
    Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

    ReplyDelete
  12. TanviApril 25, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    I knew she was Korean when I saw your post. I have a lot of friends and they tell me about the obsession of 'perfection' in their country! Interesting project. I hope she found what she was looking for via this 'coz it definitely looks like a bold stuff! And you my dear are one fantastically-crazy soul! Love the Kaftan with that huge yellow bindi. Last shot is my fav. Have a good week ahead!!!

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

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  13. Lee OliveiraApril 25, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    What a fabulous caftan. Great embodied details.
    Lee x

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  14. GarimaApril 25, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    It is a lovely project and it does get you to think about it..... imperfections makes one perfect!
    Loving the shoes and the kaftan against the brigh sunny day! Gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nathália AlvesApril 25, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Oh awesome post, love the idea of Draw on me . ahhaha.
    looks like hippie look!
    check me out too ?
    www.hellonathaliaalves.blogspot.com
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  16. UnknownApril 25, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    beautiful pictures.loved the kaftan, bindi and sandals. :) you look great

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  17. ShrutiApril 25, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    I have not seen anyone wear kaftans like you did. Nicely accessorized.
    Ji's project is really commendable though I have never seen anything of this kind before, I can surely say that It has a great impact.
    Great post!

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  18. SarahApril 25, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    I need to find some outdoor flea markets around here. I haven't been to one in ages. And I commend your friend Ji for braving the weather and for doing something that undoubtedly left some people thinking. Body image issues kill me--I coach high school girls and sometimes talking them down is tough.

    Thanks for coming by my blog, it made me smile. (:

    ReplyDelete
  19. dimiApril 25, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    You look really stunningly beautiful in that caftan!! I like it that you're wearing all these exotic accessories! You have a unique style. I also wanted to say an extra thank you for all your nice comments dear! Kisses :)

    p.s - I believe strongly that beauty comes from the inside... I view all the people that are close to me as really beautiful!! If we all did that, there wouldn't be any need for plastic surgery... Life is too short to spend it hating your body and your image and the view that all women should be skinny is just twisted and forced uppon us...Congrats to your friend for doing that - I think the message is clear: everybody else said she is beautiful! The battle is just in our heads.

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  20. alishaApril 25, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Love your style. That dress is so bold and daring.

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  21. Virginia IbarraApril 25, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    That project is awesome! im glad to see that some people considered her perfect :) there are good people out there!

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  22. JTWisdomApril 25, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    Hi there!
    Thank you for commenting on my blog and for congratulating me. Your pictures our awesome.
    Your friend looks great, she doesn't need to change a thing about her appearance. I commend her for standing out in the cold doing her performance.

    I love your embroidered caftan.

    JTwisdom

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anupriya DGApril 25, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    What a BEAUTIFUL kaftan!!!!!! LOVE!!! And really hats off to your friend for going through with that project! :)

    P.S.: That flea market looks so interesting!

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  24. bollywoodstylediariesApril 25, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    love the colors of ur kaftan and ur bindi color totally rocks! It takes a lot of self-confidence and guts to do what your friend did!!

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  25. MicheleApril 25, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    Oh wow wow wow! You look really amazing. I love the colors of the kaftan and the way it just floats through the air. And I love your nose ring chain thing haha! I love what your friend did, but really she needs no work done. NONE!
    xx

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  26. UnknownApril 25, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I love your kaftan and your way to wear it!

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  27. jessicaApril 25, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    this. is. amazing.
    so awesome.

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  28. hydrangea loverApril 25, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    OMG!
    you're so cool and colorful person I love your style!
    xoxo.Caroline
    www.plastic-gun.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. simple girl.....April 25, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    gorgeous kaftan..so vibrant..
    ji's effort is commendable.. and she will be perfect if she herself feels so.. others' opinions are of no importance...

    ReplyDelete
  30. MargaretApril 25, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    What a fascinating idea Ji had. I know she was referencing Korean culture, but the whole thing is extremely relevant here in the US, too. Soooo many college sororities do something like this as part of the initiation ritual. It's horrible, but quite prevalent.

    Btw- adorable kaftan : )

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  31. Closet FashionistaApril 25, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    Loving these photos! :D
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  32. CatherineApril 25, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    gorgeous dress, love it. xxx

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  33. Matthew SpadeApril 25, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    really nice images, the flea market and your friends work has been captured so well. that's a really powerful message you is sending out and letting people interact with. i agree, she looks perfect.

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  34. The Purse-a-holicApril 25, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    Gorgeous kraftan, interesting that lady with the plastic surgery message.

    A Girl's Next Best Friend

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  35. Kelly @Indiana InkerApril 25, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    Thanks for stopping by Coupons, Crafts and Causes. Hope you had a chance to look around.

    Kelly
    www.CouponsCraftsandCauses.com
    http://IndianaInker.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. CINCHED AT THE WAISTApril 26, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    those sandals are divine, love that hue!

    great images,
    Annina
    www.cinchedatthewaist.com

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  37. Stela ALVESApril 26, 2011 at 2:42 AM

    Just wonderful!!
    Street Style by Stela

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  38. MoniqueApril 26, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    Love the nose ring!

    Monique xx

    misszuman.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. CecilleApril 26, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    beautiful photography!! ah and you shoes are so cute :X

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  40. Living_in_aShoeApril 26, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    your dress is so unique!

    ReplyDelete
  41. SarahApril 26, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    I love the colours of your caftan!
    Really nice pictures!
    your blog is incredible!

    besos desde Madrid!

    www.ademodee.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. mispapelicosApril 26, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    Thank you so much for your visit and your comment. You have a fantastic blog full of colour and magic, si up my alley. Please, please come bac again...
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  43. mispapelicosApril 26, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    I am adding you to my blogroll.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  44. NinaApril 26, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Great photo's! looks awsome!

    XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  45. mispapelicosApril 26, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    Following you now. yeahhhhhhhhh as I like it: love at first sight!!!
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  46. Absolutely Mrs. KApril 26, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    wow that print looks phenomenal. how gorgeous is that, cannot stop looking at it. the shoes look so perfect with this kaftan.

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  47. FRANKIE HEARTS FASHIONApril 26, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    what an interesting project for her to do...I hope she see that she is beautiful just the way she is!

    Love the detail on your outfit! xo

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  48. FashionistableApril 26, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    I am so happy to hear that the over all out come was that she was perfect how she is. I agree. The light and the colours just vibrate in your post. Lovin your kaftan. Xxxx

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  49. PurviApril 26, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    I hope Ji is able to influence some of the beauty obsessed people. I think beauty is something very fickle thing to run behind and I think a compassionate person is more beautiful then the so called pretty faces who just can not look beyond themselves...

    Anyways love those colorful peacocks on your kaftan.. i really liked the way u have played with the color of your footwear and the amazing Bindi :)

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  50. The Adventures of a ShopaholicApril 26, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    your blog is so cute..if you want you can be my follower!:)
    XOXO
    http://stylestarmjonas.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  51. spoozyliciouzzApril 26, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    Well, one certainly always compares himself to others, but that´s really no use. Love what you are, then will people will love you for exactly that. Don´t try to be someone else or live up to someone elses expectations.

    And by the way, Prutha: that is a cool dress!

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  52. bravegrrlApril 26, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    love these photos... all the vivid colors are amazing! and your outfit has me ready for spring!

    i think your friend is gorgeous, but i also respect such a brave artistic project!

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  53. Petsy von KöhlerApril 26, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    Those photos are striking, and you look gorgeous, so inspirational.
    Is it ok if I borrow the two photos of the perfect-project? I'll credit you of course!

    Yes, V Ave Shoe Repair is amazing! The couture aluminum pieces is made on demand.

    I'm about to post another entry about VASR, check it out! :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. Lovers, Saints & SailorsApril 27, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    Oh my lord. That kaftan is the most perfect thing I think I've ever seen!

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  55. BenyApril 27, 2011 at 12:37 AM

    Gossssh da nude girl wanna plastic surgerry??? dont! everyone perfect in their way!



    Love,
    Beny Ricardo Sadewo
    http://www.purple-snap.com/

    ReplyDelete
  56. Lindsay With An "A"April 27, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    Wow! What a great, meaning blog post. Your friend is beautiful, and in my opinion has an amazing body! Beauty is on the inside. I've ALWAYS believed that! Also - I love that caftan...so colorful! Thanks for visiting my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Sarah WhitneyApril 27, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    Wow, what a brave thing to do! I love that people said she already was beautiful, give me a little faith in people. :)

    ReplyDelete
  58. Morgan//Nuts and BowsApril 27, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    Wow you are gorgeous and I love your kaftan! And I don't think your friend needs any work at all! She is gorgeous!

    Meet Virginia Design
    Check out my $50 Giveaway from Apothica! FREE makeup friends!

    ReplyDelete
  59. dipteaApril 28, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    You look astounding! And the pictures are fabulous, I would love to frame every one of them and put it on my wall.

    My opinion about what Ji is doing is that, well, it is art. An interactive art. Where its not only her idea but also the people around her get to give feedback and inputs. She is of course gorgeous, no doubt about that. You can also look it with a humorous point of view. There is a lot of dark humor going on in what Ji is doing. If there is, then she is brilliant!! Whatever the deal is, most of the things are so subjective. Different people look at the same thing differently. All the best to Ji, you and NURBS.

    P.S.> We should definitely meet the next time I am in NYC. And I would love to meet your photographer too. I would love to pick your artistic crazy brain. I must warn you. I am kind of crazy. :-)

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  60. KazukoApril 29, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    amazing post. you look fabulous, and the project of your friend - very brave (in two ways: letting people/strangers come that close to you, and not being afraid of their opinions - wow).

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  61. laxmiMay 5, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    Totally agree with what is said above. It's true that Koreans especially from the South seem to be obsessed with perfecting themselves and I know this because I watch a lot of korean movies and dramas and everyone in the movie industry portray this image of perfection; slim, pretty and young. Where has positive influence, embracing true self, respecting and loving individuality gone?

    ReplyDelete
  62. valncamiMay 5, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    What a cool post! we did something about body types a few posts back ourselves. BUT this one is brilliant! I am sure most people wrote she didn't need any plastic surgery because I don't think people really want to admit they would do that to themselves or that they agree with it. I can't tell you how many woman have work done here in LA. Almost n real boobs any more and most faces don't move. It's a challenge for woman to not hate the way they look and not judge. It starts with girls like you making a statement. Good Job!
    XX

    http://abutterflybyday.blogspot.com

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  63. MaNAaMay 7, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    it's a very great project beautiful pics ;)

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  64. AgMay 12, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    Love the photos but that photo about wanting to be perfect and plastic surgery is deep!!! love the blog!!

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  65. Little EricaMay 26, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    i love Ji's statement! You are absolutely correct, it is all in our HEADS. i used to tell my friends this all the time when they would point out their "imperfections", so i truly commend Ji for this. ♥

    ReplyDelete

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