Inspiration

In an increasingly homogenous world where everyone eats, reads, buys, watches and wears the same things, artists, or more specifically, fashion designers are starting to look at unconventional sources of inspiration to inject a much needed dose of originality into their work .

For example: Marc Jacobs’ new perfume, Daisy, is in fact not inspired by the innocuous flower, but by Daisy Buchanan, the seemingly superficial and vapid great love of the eponymous millionaire in F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.

Should I spritz on some Daisy or diva? Hmm....

Faye Dunaway and Robert Redford star as the ill-fated lovers in the dreamy 1974 adaptation. So now, you can choose between a scent inspired by J.Lo or by one of the great American novels, take your pick.

You could probably hike in these

Or check on Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga’s crazy colorful strappy heels, supposedly inspired by Transformers.

Hey where did my sh....CHU CHEE CHU CHU CHU

Yes, I totally see that shoe transforming into an ass-kicking Optimus Prime! Not sure where he stores his rockets though.

She don't look like no Iban woman to me.

Then there’s Oscar de La Renta’s Spring / Summer 2008 collection, who’s summery patterned fabrics show a great resemblance to our own Malaysian homegrown art of Pua Kumbu – cotton textiles woven by the Iban tribe, inspired by Iban rituals, beliefs and the environment.

Eat this, Oscar.

Just another example of the West capitalizing on our Eastern values and cultures by repackaging it and selling it back to us at exorbitant prices.