Badass.

The best part of Erykah Badu's slow motion video streak to her new single Window Seat, is all of the fearful, look-straight-ahead, shock in the stiffened bystanders who are watching her strip in broad day light. It still confounds me that we are so uptight about human bodies--about their nudity and about their sexuality--that we clutch our chest and gasp at the sight of one. With all of the hijinks and stunts pop culture's seedier side serves up, getting naked on tv is nothing new, but walking strong among crowds as a black woman with your thick ass all out and out, your tattoos blazing, and your shaved head held high, is a statement. In fact, in Badu's version of this statement, it is so radical that it can't possibly exist without invoking a violent end.

The lyrics Badu sings, in their needy honesty (I need you to want me/ I need your attention/ I want you to need me) are vulnerable and in high contrast to her romp&stomp. Yet the vulnerability and the desperation of the act of stripping down in public somehow fit so well. The video says you are a body, you are alone in skin, but you need others. Isn't that the human condition? Something about shedding clothing makes that message so clear. From hiding under a trench and a hoodie to blazing naked. From separate and wanting attention to standing out and getting it. Evolving awkwardly through risk. Badu, this is badass.

Pussies, Swallows, and Naked Ladies.

Miu Miu's Spring 2010 patterns were Miuccia Prada's playful salute to all things Freudian. One question...where are the cigars?

Bits of photos from The New York Times website.

Supermodels On Board.

I've never successfully stepped either on or off a skateboard in my whole life, but I did used to dress like a "skater" in middle school because I crushed on every in-need-of-a-shower boy who rolled by my Manic Panic red headed, converse wearing self as soon as my hormones hit. What can I say? I had a thing for boys who could grind some rails, get some air, and land some ollies. And after watching this footage of Mr. Chris Halsam doing his thing, I think I still do.



I totally dig the roller Jesus look. It makes me want to pray.

Anyways, turns out Halsam--and any other boarder who cares to--can start rolling around on some hot models as soon as they like. Erin Wasson has become the latest babe in a bevy of babes to be featured in nothing but boots and boobs on the boards of Swiss skate supply company Doodah.

Wasson's board body (r) and her backyard ramp (l) as featured in Interview Magazine.

Turns out Erin is more than just pretty board decor, she's a grinder herself. That's a photo (above right) of her LA backyard complete with a skate ramp installed by the local ska8er bois (Whaddup, Avril?!). I can't find any YouTube proof of her heels on wheels, but that doesn't mean it's not out there. I'm going to keep searching and you just watch that video of Chris Halsam again. He's magic. Hot magic.

Lose The Clothes

Ida Maria writes a song for the ages.

True dat.

Ford Focus

Former Gucci Guy Tom Ford is making a foray into the film biz. He's announced plans to direct "A Single Man," an adaptation of Christopher Isherwood's 1964 novel about a gay man who loses his partner of 16 years. Ford's either spending the big bucks, pulling some strings, or paying the cast in a lifetime of slick couture because he's managed to get Julianne Moore, Colin Firth, and Matthew Goode to sign on as stars. While Ford did some unbelievable work at the helm of Gucci, his ego has been overshadowing his talent for years, and I'm surprised this incredible cast has faith in his filmic ambitions. If his more recent work is any indication, we may be treated to a couple of self-directed Ford cameos in the film.

Remember when he was art director of the 2006 Hollywood Issue of Vanity Fair? He worked himself into the cover, looking all creepy and nuzzley up against a nakey Keira Knightley. And then, he also made appearances in no less than four of the magazine's inside pages. I could just hear him saying, "You know who would be great in this shot? Me!" Then came Ford's self appointed starring role in an ad campaign for his men's cologne and most recently, a high end men's store based on the "Tom Ford Look". Now, he's a physically attractive man. He is; he's fit. But my God, doesn't he just know it!

That song is made for Mr. Ford. He should direct and star in a video for that song instead of the film. If I didn't have so much faith in the lovely and talented Julianne Moore, I'd think this was a crazy talk project along the lines of Mariah's Glitter. It'll be interesting to see what happens. Maybe he'll come through with brilliant results, just like he did for Gucci. Or maybe we'll just see his naked buns a lot (NSFW). Who knows?