Inauguration

On Monday, President Obama gets "Sworn-In" for another presidency term. I remember how excited I was four years ago. It was my first American Inauguration and the country was poised for something truly monumental. Perhaps the excitement and expectation will be dimmed slightly this year, but no doubt Michelle Obama's fashion choice will still amaze and excite. Her lemon-colored J-Crew ensemble in 2009 blew the political and fashion worlds apart. Whoever had the gumption before Michelle to wear a high street brand to what was probably the most important day in her life! And my did she carry it off beautifully. And then to wear an "unknown" designer to the Inauguration ball that night (Jason Wu) was a brilliant move of confidence, independence and fashion agenda setting for the White House.  And even if Obama himself is somewhat greyer than 4 years ago, he is still a striking figure in an always well cut suit. I actually feel truly blessed to have such a good looking and capable couple leading this country.

So in honor of Monday's festivities, let's have a look at what the First Ladies of the past have worn for their husband's Inauguration.

Mamie Eisenhower, 1953

Jacqueline Kennedy, 1961

Lady Bird Johnson,  1963

Pat Nixon, 1969

Rosalynn Carter, 1977

Nancy Reagan, 1981

Barbara Bush, 1989

Hilary Clinton, 1993

Laura Bush, 2001

Michelle Obama, 2009

images: (1) penndems, (2,3) Life magazine, (4-5) Bettman, Corbis, (6) jimmy carter library, (7) on this day in fashion, (8) bush presidential library, (9) brennan, AP, (10) instyle, (11) vogue princess nailja 

Politics & Art

"Without freedom of speech, there is no modern world, 

just a barbaric one."

- Ai Weiwei

A silent but defiant protest has appeared in front of my work building. It is the work of dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. He was supposed to come here a month ago to open his installation, alongside Mayor Bloomberg. Unfortunately he was and still is regrettably indisposed at the hands of the Chinese government, being held in a place no-one knows where.

"Circle of Animals" is a series of 12 animal heads making up the Chinese Zodiac. They are each cast in bronze and stand majestically, as if on guard of the fountain they reside by. When Bloomberg unveiled the installation, he spoke of New York as a city "that fiercely defends the right of all people to express themselves," and referred to Mr Ai as "one of the most talented, respected and masterful artists of our time."

It seems the world agrees. Although Mr Ai is nowhere to be seen, his voice is heard around the globe as his art continues to be installed. When some new work of his opened in a Berlin gallery recently, it was accompanied by a huge banner by artist Rirkrit Tiravanija asking, "Where is Ai Weiwei?" Another exhibition is currently on at Lisson Gallery in London. 

The crazy thing about all this is that most people outside the art world - myself included - wouldn't have even known who Ai Weiwei is before he was detained. Now, in trying to silence him, the Chinese authorities have only succeeded in making his voice louder and more easily heard.

images: (2) art observed, rest: mine

Happy MLK Day

Imagination in the 21st Century

In light of America's relations with China being a hot topic this week, there was a great article by Thomas L. Friedman in the New York Times today. He started wtih the adage "Britain owned the 19th century, America owned the 20th Century and China will more than likely own the 21st Century". But Friedman refuses to cede this century to China yet. He argues that in a world of increasing commoditization, there is still one thing left that can't be commoditized and will serve a country now better than ever before and that is imagination.
In Friedman's view, America still has this and he doesn't want to give a century away to an authoritarian society who controls the internet. But he does go on to say that the only way to harness creativity is good governance and that is only going to be possible by better citizens.
A thought provoking piece worth reading.
Advice from Grandma, Thomas L Friedman

Image: mirror.co.uk