FIRST TUNIS, NOW CAIRO.

The Associated Press just released a video of a man being shot in an impassioned Egyptian protest that spread to the outer-suburbs of Cairo. There's not much more to say; the video has a jaw-dropping effect.

NECKBRACE, RATATAT ON CB PLAYLIST.

I know people found last summer's LP4 too predictable, and I know it's true. But I still enjoy this. Sue me.

MILAN KNOWS PRINT: ETRO SPRING 2011.

Ethnic funk with a lingering sizzle. Etro brings a wide array of African-inspired print to spring and summer fashion. From florals to zig-zags to intricate texture, there's something for everyone in this mix of cohesive crazies.

Click for more on MILAN KNOWS PRINT.

[Sourced images: ELLE.com]

THE ARAB WORLD ATTRIBUTES TUNISIA'S UPRISING TO THE FUNDAMENTALS OF DEMOCRACY.

There are those who say democracy is impossible where Islam is the predominant ruling force. "Those" are usually naive or politically-inclined Westerners, plus the Islamic fundamentalists that the West secretly hopes remain in power. The Arab press disagrees wholeheartedly with this assumption, and they aren't being quiet about Tunisia's revolution linking to democracy. It's a good point; Tunisia is a strong model for other Arab countries that are striving for democracy. But no one explains this as accurately and powerfully as Arab journalists, who understand that democracy does not necessarily need to replace local pride with cliched and culturally-exclusive American values. Writes al-Arabiyya:

“Are the Western values of justice, freedom, and democracy suitable for Arabs? There can be no denying that they are. As the second caliph Umar bin al-Khattab is said to have asked: ‘How can you enslave people when their mothers bore them as freemen?’...If an iconic figure like Umar promoted such values as freedom, justice, and accountability, do the Arabs really need to imitate the West? ... But whereas the West translated these values into tangible laws and civil institutions, the Arabs and Muslims merely touted them without following their spirit. And this is the fundamental difference between Western and Arab civilization. But now, with the Tunisian uprising, no one knows what direction their compass will point them. In any case, those Arabs who sincerely care for their country should study what is happening in Tunisia and do what needs to be done immediately to recreate the same set of facts in
their own land.”

[More Arab newspaper quotes found in the Economist.] 

Image Source: CHRISTOPHE ENA / AP (TIME Photos.)

"WITHOUT YOU," RAINBOW ARABIA: FIRST LISTEN.

Rainbow Arabia might just be the "next big thing" to transfer from Williamsburg parties to MTV playlists. Their single "Without You" gives listeners a catchy blend of loud, impassioned vocals and very visible percussion styles. The album Boys and Diamonds is up for grabs in March. (Click for more on Rainbow Arabia.)

MILAN KNOWS PRINT + PATTERN.

It's MLK weekend! Let's take a moment to thank Martin for the extra day off. For me, the "three day weekend" concept equates to hours of quenching my thirst for an interest that I may have set on the back burner. This weekend, that interest has been keeping up with today's definition of style. I'm not a huge fan of the latest trends, mainly because they inhibit my ability to push my style limitations. But on occasions, there is one trend that takes a necessary risk to introduce a new approach to style, and for this reason, it's important to observe trends and take note of when and how they may surpass a season.

In the January issue, ELLE listed "Mexican Riviera" as an up-and-coming trend that will be prevalent in spring and summer fashion. Among the pieces in this trend were incredible prints that skillfully blended color, pattern and texture into a gorgeous silhouette. Brilliant print overload isn't just found in "Mexican Riviera"-inspired pieces, though. And the style that should be noted is not the very specific idea of what is Mexican. That will come and go. Let's pay closer attention to prints and pattern, and how to couple them with solid color.

When flipping through the Spring/Summer collections for 2011, I concluded that the Milan shows kept it real. From Etro's ethnic to Missoni's mayhem to Moschino's Americana (featured in this post)-- each designer draws from a traditional notion of identity and transforms it into a slightly more accessible piece of modern fashion. Milan inspires and challenges what is considered "timeless style" by looking to very specific inspirations and coloring outside the lines with them. And while lot of people have complained about some of Milan's costume-like attire and mind-boggling pattern usage, there is enough variety for every individual to appreciate at least one look that opens him or her up to new horizons.

Milan's spring shows represent a sort of punk scene in the fashion industry, but certainly not in the cliched "dark and angry anarchist" way. Today, Milan's outfit stands out, it questions us and keeps us curious for more. And because CAKE BATTER is oh-so-hardcore, we're dedicating a series of posts to who we think are Italy's best designers and the brilliance that they have showcased in their spring/summer lines. MILAN KNOWS PRINT will feature the aforementioned designers' use of print and pattern, along with Pucci, Fendi, and a couple other innovative Italian lines.

For now, here is a closer look at Moschino:

[Sourced images from elle.com and fashiongonerogue.com.]

FLASHBACK: KATE MOSS, BURBERRY, AND OTHER TESTINO SHOTS.

Mario Testino is likely one of the best fashion photographers the world has seen. There aren't many who are as skilled at capturing the beauty behind style and influence, the two components that combine to create the celebrity phenomenon. Here are a look at black and white pieces from his immense body of work, including a previous Burberry campaign and other random shots that caught my eye.

FIRST LISTEN: THE SHOW GOES ON.

From Lupe Fiasco's upcoming LP Lasers. Miraculously, this man is able to make Modest Mouse-- a band I despise-- sound pretty good. Lupe's a cutie.

SUDAN'S NEW SOUTH, AS TOLD BY A SUDANESE.

Until recently, Sudan boasted its strongly diverse landscape and cultural makeup. Ancient pyramids dating from the Nubian dynasty decorate the country's North. The Blue-White Nile split marks the capital region and its three sub-cities of Omdurman, Khartoum proper, and Bahri. And from there, the Nile valley gives you a tour of the country's vast beauties, from traditional sword dances to fresh fish in the Port, to lush mango trees that grow in the South. This is the Sudan that today's Sudanese will always remember in pride, despite poor leadership within and without the country-- leaders that only serve to strip the people of their resources and strength. Leaders that hail from the States, Juba, Europe, Tel-Aviv, and Khartoum alike.

Sudan has never been new to political strife and controversy, but today we stand as two vulnerable nations. After every referendum ballot is submitted and New Sudan is announced, the two African countries will materialize and contradict the definition of Sudan. 

If the Southern people were actually given the rights that they deserve, this would be a different story. If there was a chance that both Sudan and New Sudan could be lead by fair and just politicians, then the referendum wouldn't lead to inevitable violence and divisions within South Sudan. If geo-politics surrounding all of Sudan weren't so baffling, if Sudan was truly free to self-determine itself, and if the country wasn't a victim of gross propaganda and slander perpetrated by corrupt Save Darfur and Lost Boy activists, then yes, the naive tale that the Western media tells of this "historic triumph" might actually become a reality.

But let's not be naive. A Sudanese secession is only a triumph for the countries that will reap the benefits of the Southern oil fields and leave the people to fight and fend for themselves as per usual. Divide and rule is alive and well, and accordingly, Sudan is not.

CAKE BATTER IS NOW CAKE-BATTER.COM

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

VALENTINO SPRING 2011 CAMPAIGN.

“This is a very feminine, stylish campaign, with a light, playful twist that reveals the Spring 2011 collection’s airy atmosphere and captures the brand’s lifestyle.”

[Valentino’s Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli tell Style.com.]

Following a highly successful Spring 2011 RTW show, Valentino has revealed its campaign. Black and white, delicate, and feminine, the campaign photographs will feature top models Freja Beha Erichsen, Caroline Brasch Nielsen, and Julia Saner (Saner is photographed below). Valentino's spring pieces were a hit mainly because they showcased timeless style and beauty. I personally love the intricate ruffled pieces, the pops of solid red clothing, and the varied fabrics that still managed to be cohesive. The new ad's photos capture the collection well by simply trusting the beauty of natural light.

BRAZIL TO HOLD PALESTINE'S FIRST EMBASSY IN THE WEST.

After Brazil's historic recognition of the conflict-laden region, a Palestinian embassy is in the works.

Recap: Brazil and a number of other South American countries have publicly recognized Palestine within "pre-1967 borders." Israel has deemed this decision as "seriously harmful." America is mad, too (shocking). Meanwhile, the rest of the world is happy to see some sort of progress materialize. More information can be found in Al Jazeera's article.

[Sourced image contains an excerpt from Joe Sacco's Footnotes in Gaza.]

HIROSHIMA BAGS.

I saw my friend with a Hiroshima bag and was mesmerized. Incredibly well made and gorgeous, soft leather texture. Needless to say I am jealous. Oh well.

[Source image from Hiroshima Singapore Facebook group, includes a bag from the latest Hiroshima spring/summer line.]

JERRY BROWN SWORN IN AS DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA.

It's about damn time. In response to this, Schwarzenegger declined to say anything but, "I'll be back."

[A slightly more honest news report can be found on BBC.]

DUNYA ATAY: VISUAL GENIUS.

Word on the street is Turkish mixed media artist Dunya Atay is pretty incredible. CAKE BATTER agrees. According to Trendland,

“Dunya Atay does not use any glue, scissors or photoshop! The Istanbul based illustrator uses only ink and markers on various fashion magazines to create her beautiful art.”

I flipped through her portfolio and was in love with both her old and new work. Her older stuff has a cartoon-like quality to them, whereas her recent pieces contain a lot of the original magazine elements. It's cool viewing the natural progression, see for yourself.

[Source: Dunya's e-portfolio.]

ANDY WARHOL POLAROIDS.

History lesson: Andy Warhol photographed portraits of athletes and other public figures. Por ejemplo:

More importantly, Warhol photographed still-life images of shoes, perfumes... You know. The important things in life. This one's my personal favorite, likely because I am a fragrance junkie. Nothing to be ashamed of.

Today, hipsters across the world seek to shamelessly mimic Warhol's classic polaroid shots. They are lost young souls looking for a niche in the left-of-center arts. CAKE BATTER is here to tell hipsters: knock it off.

[Source: Trendland.]

JET GRIND RADIO.

Best soundtrack. Best characters. I love this game.

VICKI LEEKX: FIRST LISTEN.

M.I.A. is so edgy. For a while, we thought that she was done, just because she's that edgy. Guess not! Her ViCKi LEEKX mixtape is not okay. I had to stop listening eleven minutes into the mixtape, because it reminded me of my high school music taste. I then realized that it isn't the music that bothered me. It's her fake badass persona that we all got tired of three years ago.

Try out the mixtape via Gorilla vs. Bear. May be you'll like it better than us.

CALL YOUR GIRLFRIEND.

Listen to this as you flip through your favorite magazine or drive to that job you hate.

Call Your Girlfriend by robyn

RODARTE SPRING 2011 COLLECTION.

Metallics combine with vibrant florals and wood-like textures. Brilliant! Here are some of my favorite pieces from the Cali duo's collection.

[Images from nymag.com]

GAGA TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM THIS SUMMER.

Has anyone else noticed how strikingly different Lady Gaga looks since her Poker Face days? Her entire face has transformed. But that's beside the point.
Lady Gaga announced her upcoming album release date as late May. Not sure if we should cringe or be excited. Her first single will drop in February and all hell will break loose.

Let's just hope we don't see any more meat chic attire in her future music videos.

BRAZIL'S PRESIDENT-ELECT DILMA ROUSSEFF IS THE FIRST OF HER KIND.

Writes the New York Times:

Voters who supported her in São Paulo, where [Rousseff's opponent] Mr. Serra won, said Sunday that they were willing to look past her lack of experience. “If it were only about experience I would never vote for her,” said Denilson Quintino, 43, an electrician. “But she has a good team behind her. Today the country is much better off because of the Lula government. [Lula da Silva] did more for me than any other president.”

 [Source image: CBC News.]

CHINA'S NEW YEARS REVOLUTION.

Fireworks portrait of Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen from the celebration in Taipei, Taiwan.

This is pretty fucking sweet. CAKE BATTER wishes you a happy 2011.
[Source material and information: Gawker and AP.]

IS OBAMA SCREWED?

On the moderate-liberal end of the political spectrum, a lot has been said about Obama's next two years after the lame duck legislation. Some say he has proven that bipartisanship can lead to productive efforts, that he has done more than his progressive critics claim, and that they need to stop expecting perfection. Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, who has made it his mission to destroy Obama's "hope and change" efforts, recently told TIME that the tax-cut compromise was proof that Republicans and Democrats "can do business." Hope is alive, and the two enemies that were the Left and Right are becoming friends. Or, at least, frenemies.

Obama's liberal critics are annoyed that the President insists on appeasing men like McConnell. As Democrats and Republicans are doing business, critics see any hope for progress wiped out or watered down. They are waiting to see more action that mirrors the "Yes We Can" campaign. In short, progressives have practically thrown in the towel and today view Obama as a self-contradicting jellyfish. This growing negative discourse adds to the harsher conservative critiques of the President; as Obama said in a[n unrelated] press conference, "I can't win." Is this guy screwed?

Say what you want about Barack Obama's political record thus far. But the man has not been playing politics well. While a lot of the President's less politically active constituents have stood by him, he has managed to confuse the hell out of a large portion of his liberal base. Those who voted for hope and change are likely to get swayed by more experienced and impassioned presidential candidates come 2012. And let's not forget the new Republican House, who are getting ready to crush any and all hopes of progressive legislation.

Then again, this last point isn't very new. If you ask us, Barack Obama has been screwed ever since his inauguration. Actually, we're all screwed.

NYLON SAYS "YOU CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH SCARLETT."

We beg to differ. Here are some photos of Scarlett Johansson from the Nylon shoot a few years back.