Harajuku Gallery

“There’s blood beneath every layer of skin.” - Alexander McQueen.

The work of Alexander McQueen is the subject of the exhibition Savage Beauty at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York until the 31st July. It's an unique opportunity to experience up close his geniuses mind, exposed, in his own terms. An artist sometimes misunderstood and many misinterpreted. Learn more at blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen

“My friend George and I were walking on the beach in Norfolk, and there were thousands of [razor-clam] shells. They were so beautiful, I thought I had to do something with them. So, we decided to make [a dress] out of them. . . . The shells had outlived their usefulness on the beach, so we put them to another use on a dress. Then Erin [O’Conner] came out and trashed the dress, so their usefulness was over once again. Kind of like fashion, really.” - Alexander McQueen.

“[This] collection is . . . romantic but melancholic and austere at the same time. It was gentle but you could still feel the bite of cold, the nip of the ice on the end of your nose. . . . With bustles and nipped waists, I was interested in the idea that there are no constraints on the silhouette. I wanted to exaggerate a woman’s form, almost along the lines of a classical statue.”- Alexander McQueen.

“Working in the atelier [at Givenchy] was fundamental to my career . . . Because I was a tailor, I didn’t totally understand softness, or lightness. I learned lightness at Givenchy. I was a tailor at Savile Row. At Givenchy I learned to soften. For me, it was an education. As a designer I could have left it behind. But working at Givenchy helped me learn my craft.”- Alexander McQueen

“I have always loved the mechanics of nature and to a greater or lesser extent my work is always informed by that.” - Alexander McQueen.

“Remember Sam Taylor-Wood’s dying fruit? Things rot. . . . I used flowers because they die. My mood was darkly romantic at the time.” - Alexander McQueen.

Hit the jump for the next best thing to having a physical copy of the magazine in your hands!
Translation courtesy of imwhywhy@fanwonder:

Taeyeon
9^th March 1989
Interests: Movie, Music, Book reviews
With outstanding singing skills
Q1. What are the charms of SNSD that you know as a member of the group?
It’s our simplicity and frankness and how we behave naturally all the time.
Q2. What is the song you would sing for people in love?
I will recommend “Born to be a lady”.
Q3. Who are the people you consider to be your allies?
It’s our fans. They always give us support and the energy to produce the next album. We never fail to get strength from our fans.
Q4. What do you want to be if you were to be reborn again?
A bird, I admire them because they can fly!
Q5. Who is the member you would marry if you were a man?
Myself. (Smiles) Because I know myself the best.
Q6. What is the fashion item you are aiming for this summer?
During summer, your arms will usually be exposed when you wear short-sleeves or no-sleeves, so I will find some bracelets that will stand out.
Q7. Please reveal the secrets of your fair skin.
I will do hot-packing before firming, sometimes I also use scrubs.
Q8. Which is the place you wish to go in Japan?
Tokyo’s Disneyland and hot spring.
Q9. Any surprises from Japan’s culture and habits?
How they broadcast live on TV early in the morning.
Q10. If you broke up with your lover, how will you overcome this?
I think time heals all wounds.
Q11. What do you do when you can’t sleep?
I listen to music. My favourite artiste changes from time to time. (Smiles)
Jessica
18^th April 2989
Interests: Move, music reviews, shopping
Specialized in: Singing, English and Piano
Born in San Francisco
Q12. How will the aura be like when all members gather around?
It will be very noisy but relaxed.
Q13. When people do Gee and Genie dance covers, what are the key dance steps?
In either ways, leg movements are the key steps. You can check them out through MVs.
Q14. Your impression on Japanese guys?
I feel that they’re very careful and sensible. They’re cautious and careful all the time.
Q15. Have you ever gone for shopping in Japan?
Yes. I like Shibuya’s opening ceremony. Because we don’t have this in Korea, I will go for shopping when I come to Japan.
Q16. What are the things that give you comfort?
Bag and shoes. When I see cute things I will purchase it ‘unconsciously’.
Q17. If you were to be reborn again, would you like to be a girl or a boy?
I would still like to be a girl. Then I can have a lot of styles!
Q18. What are your thoughts while trying out your roles in the musical ‘Legally Blonde’?
I feel that it’s a new experience. I took the leading role, the musical is a fresh experience for me and I found it enjoyable.
Q19.What kind of styles and behaviors of a man that could make your heart pounds?
When he suddenly touches my fringe and helps me tidy it up. (Smiles)
Q20. What do you think of Japanese female fans?
They have a variety of personalities and they love fashion.
Q21. Which sports do you have confidence in?
I’m not very good at sports……..Although I like watching footfall, I don’t enjoy playing it by myself.
Q22. Please reveal the secrets of maintaining nice legs.
Although I don’t put extra attention into it….. Sometimes I will get into a hot tub.
Hyoyeon
22th September 1989
Interest: Movie reviews, Shopping, Chinese
Attract fans with powerful dance performances.
Q23. What are the new trends among girl groups?
It’s nail art. I like leopard spots, so I will keep the design but only change the colors.
Q24. Something that all the members want to do in Japan?
Go to Sapporo during winter, and other places that receive positive comments, like hot spring.
Q25. Which is the place you like most about your face?
Is it the eyes…… If not it will be the face when I smile. Because people around me praise me about that. When I talk about it myself, it’s a little embarrassing. (Smiles)
Q26. Food you like?
Korea’s rice cake (“tteok”), in hot sauce….. and tteok…. Whatever it is, as long as it has the word ‘tteok’, I will like it.
Q27. Sports that you would take up as a challenge?
Swimming. Previously when we went overseas for filming, members played at the sea. Because I’m bad at swimming, I want to do it well. (Smiles)
Q28. What do you think of Japanese females?
I think they have strong personalities and confidence.
Q29. How do you overcome it when you’re disheartened?
Because I have my parents at home, I can go home, relax and rest, then I will feel better.
Q30. How is your room decorated?
Simple but it has a ‘princess style’ to it (Smiles). My curtain has lace, basic color being ivory, and the main color is pink.
Q31. How is your character when you’re with friends?
I will be very naughty. (Smiles) I will also crack a lot of jokes.
Q32. You receive good comments on your dance performance. What are the points to note when you dance?
I think it’s taking note of the angles and settings in front of the mirror, eye movements too.
Q33. Something that you will never forgive?
Betrayal. Because I’m the type of person who takes relationships seriously. I would really feel hurt.
Seohyun
28^th June 1991
Interests: Music reviews
Specialised in: piano, singing and Chinese
Maknae who receives a lot of love from the members.
Q34. What’s on your mind during performances?
I will enjoy it while thinking ‘Let’s enjoy this moment’.
Q35. What is the fashion you want to try out this summer?
Usually I stick to basic styles but this time, from summer onwards, I want to try other styles too.
Q36. Your happiest moment?
When I accomplish something I’ve planned for.
Q37. What’s the job that you would want to take up?
A professor in a university. Because professor is the one who guides students on the road to their dreams. I think it’s a very meaningful job to take up.
Q38. Do you think your fashion has to suit the taste of someone you like?
Although it’s important to wear something you like, to a certain extend, trying to match the taste of people you like is not a bad choice too. (Smiles)
Q39. What is your dream in the future?
I want to do something that empowers people and give them strength.
Q40. If time machine ever exists, which era would you like to go to and what would you do?
Into the future, because as society develops, I’m curious how it will be like from now on.
Q41. A number you like?
1.
Q42. When is the time that thoughts like ‘Still a young child~’ comes to your mind?
When I can’t control my own emotions properly.
Q43. A tour spot in Korea you would recommend?
The Gyeongbok Palace because it’s a place where you can experience Korea’s history and culture.
Q44. You’re the most serious member, anything you like being a dongsaeng (younger sister)?
Because I’m the only daughter in the family, whenever I’m with my 8 cute unnies (older sisters), I feel very happy.
Yuri
5^th December 1989
Interests: Books
Specialized in: Dance, acting, swimming
The outstanding health-mania is the result of Yoga and sports.
Q45. What kind of female you would want to be 10 years later?
I think it will be good if I can continue doing music like now, and at the same time save some space to enjoy life as well as becoming a career woman. I also want to make one of my dreams come true, which is to master Japanese language, and take up some roles in Japanese drama and movies.
Q46. When is the time you think that you’ve already grown into an adult?
When I try to smile instead of getting angry. Now I have learned to take everything easy.
Q47. If you don’t have anything to do now, what would you want to do then?
Because I really like music very much, I think I will still be doing music anywhere I go.
Q48. If you were to become another member for one day, who would you choose to be?
Although all of them are great, I’ve never thought of being someone else. (Smiles)
Q49. In a day, when do you feel the calmest?
When I wake up in the morning and the bright sunlight shines on my face.
Q50. What is the dream that makes you feel good when it comes true?
I want to master Japanese language. I also want to watch Japanese dramas without subtitles.
Q51. A Korean food and drink that you would like to recommend?
Biji Jjigae. It’s a stew made using tofu residue. It’s tasty and is also good for health.
Q52. Something that made you cry recently?
During acting lessons, when I was angry with myself for not speaking well.
Q53. Please tell us some simple ways to maintaining health.
Before you sleep, look back at the entire day and be self-affirmed. That is really simple!
Q54. What kind of fashion do you like?
Chic styles that make use of black and grey designs. I also like to wear simple and basic items.
Q55. Something that you’re currently interested in?
Stage performances. So, I’m learning it through watching foreign artistes’ live performance videos.
Sunny
15^th May 1989
Interests: Sports, music reviews, shopping
With a cheerful character, she is also active in variety broadcasts.
Q56. What is your most nervous moment?
When I get returns for my hard works. When our fans have good reactions to it, I feel really satisfied.
Q57. Something that you want to do when it comes to summer?
Going for vacation. It will be nice going to the beach, I also want to go to tropical regions and eat delicious fruits!
Q58. If you are to change your hairstyle, what kind of hairstyle would you like to try?
Short hair! I want to keep it very short. (Smiles)
Q59. A book or comic you like?
Novels written by a French writer called Bernard Werber. A Comic would be “One Piece” which teaches us about friendship and fate.
Q60. What kind of compliment do you want to hear from a man?
‘You’re charming’ or ‘You’re smart and mature’.
Q61. How would you react if you forget about the lyrics or dance steps?
It’s important to stay calm and act naturally! Also, quickly make myself steady.
Q62. Your impression on Japan?
Everything is in order right start from the airport, people have good manners, roads are also neat and clean.
Q63. A place for shopping in Korea that you would recommend?
Seoul’s Garosugil (Tree-lined street). There are a lot of café houses and clothing stalls. You can find a lot of clothes there. It’s also a place that I like very much.
Q64. How do other people comment on your characters?
They say that I’m cheerful and lively but I think, other than that, I’m also quite reserved sometimes. However, I’m working hard on becoming more cheerful.
Q65. Any ways to relieve stress?
Watch TV or movies then go to sleep. I like thrillers and mysteries.
Q66. When you go out with others for a meal, what would you choose to eat?
Japanese Ramen. I like Miso ramen the best. (Smiles)
Sooyoung
10^th February 1990
Interests: Movies, music reviews
Specialized in: dance, acting, Japanese
Knows a lot about Japanese culture and habits.
Q67. Is there something that you must eat when you come to Japan?
Fried oysters. They taste the best when they’re fried!
Q68. What do you talk about when members gather around?
We talk about nice food or discuss about other artistes’ new songs.
Q69. Do you prefer confessing to the person you like, or get confessions from others?
I’m a young girl so I would prefer getting confessions if possible. (Smiles)
Q70. Say a word about your characters?
When I asked Taeyeon-jang, she said ‘like the sky’ (Smiles) because my emotions are very stable so I think this is the way to describe me.
Q71. Please tell us some Japanese words you like.
Food.
Q72. Something that made you laugh recently?
When I said “We are Sooyoung!” instead of “I am Sooyoung!” during our trip to China.
Q73. Are you aware of fashion trends?
Although I feel that I’m aware of that, I would like to have my own style.
Q74. If there was a conflict among the members, how would you solve it?
Talking to each other will do. And say ‘sorry…….’ to each other sincerely.
Q75. What is the most touching movie or drama you’ve watched until now?
Korean drama will be ‘Love Generation’ and ‘The Painter of the Wind’. I also like Japan’s ‘Nobuta wo Produce’. Movie would be “Forrest Gump”.
Q76. Something you’re currently interested in?
Fashion, Travel, and artist P!NK.
Q77. Do you have complex emotions?
Of course I have.
YoonA
30^th May 1990
Interests: Movie review
Specialized in: Acting
Active as an actress.
Q78. What kind of people are the members to you?
People who understand one another even without saying anything.
Q79. Please tell us your dream as a group.
Always take up new challenges, we are also thinking of becoming a more and more charming Girls’ Generation.
Q80. Which part of your body do you like the most?
My hands. My fingers are so long that I’ve never considered them cute last time. But I started to gain confidence afterwards.
Q81. If you were to have a date during summer, what kind of date would you like to have?
I would like to walk on a long and beautiful road, on a day of mild weather. In the evening, I will drive along the Han River under the lights, that will be great too.
Q82. Food that you dislike?
I’m not particular about food. I eat a lot!
Q83. What do you do to maintain your style?
Recently I go to gym for exercises. I also eat a lot, which gives me the energy to dance.
Q84. What do you do during your holidays?
I watch movies and meet up with friends. I also go to the gym.
Q85. A country that you’d want to go, at least once?
Czech Republic, especially Prague.
Q86. Something that you would consider a treasure?
An album that contains my photos since young. My mobile phone is also a treasure. (Smiles)
Q87. What is the source of your luck?
I react very sensitively to the weather. So I’ll be happy on bright days!
Q88. What are your thoughts about the Japanese broadcasts?
I was surprised looking at Japan’s camera sets and the speed they switch from one to another.
Tiffany
1^st August 1989
Interests: English, Music reviews
Specialized in: English, Plotting stories, singing
Born in L.A
Q89. Do you go out with the members and what do you do?
We go for shopping or movies. Recently we also went for bowling.
Q90. Something that you want to try from now onwards?
Because the language that first comes to my mind is English, I want to try acting in America.
Q91. How do you keep everything uniform with all the members when you dance?
Because we do it together for a long time, we don’t have the sense of being stressed trying to breathe at the same rate. All of us have high expectations even after we’ve completed the task.
Q92. Any Korean drama you would like to recommend?
‘Secret Garden’ and ‘Hwang Jin Yi” are really interesting dramas!
Q93. Something that you’re really bad at?
Making people laugh. Because I take things seriously, I can’t say anything funny.
Q94. What kind of male fashion do you like?
Style that looks rough, and is outstanding anywhere a person goes. Because I think that one can tell another person’s sense from his accessories, I look at their shoes and watches. (Smiles)
Q95. Do you have good sleeping habits?
According to the members, I behave well when I sleep. (Smiles)
Q96. What was your dream when you were young?
I wanted to become a singer and lawyer like Elle Woods in the movie ‘Legally Blonde’.
Q97. What kind of woman would you think, “she’s beautiful”?
Someone who has confidence and passion. Also someone who is attractive.
Q98. What kind of fashion do you pay attention to?
All! If I want to wear one-piece dress with feminine style, I would choose matching shoes to go with it, right? In this way, I’m pretty concerned about all kinds of fashions. (Smiles)
Q99. A message to Ray’s readers!
Thank you for always supporting us! I feel that the 8^th month publication is a gift for me because my birthday is in August!
Q100. What do you need for your future plans?
Tiffany: Exercises. I don’t like to exercise so I haven’t been doing it for 3 years, but recently I go to the gym and toughened up my body. Also, to present a good image during the Japan tour, I would work out even if I’m tired.
Yuri: I need instruments or guitar for my music compositions. I went to Shibuya’s big instrument shop before, and I want to own all the things in the shop. (Smiles)
Jessica: To have dreams. I think it’s good to have big dreams. People will work towards their goal if they have one. To me, I want to try shoe designing in the future.
Sooyoung: Exercises. Because no matter what we want to do, health is always the priority. So, I think nothing will work if we don’t build up our physical strength.
YoonA: I want to upgrade myself. To display my abilities, it’s important to have passion in anything I do. I think it will be good if I have better concentration.
Hyoyeon: Learning to speak and master languages. Now I’m studying Japanese language. I also think that I should study Chinese so that I won’t forget what I learned in China during my 1 year study there.
Taeyeon: I want to study music. Because I feel that if one cannot make her own music, she cannot find anything to express herself.
Sunny: We need to plan our future properly, both for SNSD and for ourselves. It’s important to prepare ourselves well for the future.
Seohyun: I think no matter what we do, the basic of all is still health. As health is not something to be achieved within one day, it’s important to take care of our food intake and habits, as well as to take in vitamins.