first look: PINA by Wim Wenders

We've been waiting with baited breath for Wim Wender's film Pina to open in Los Angeles and the time finally arrived. A magnificent tribute to German neo-expressionist choreographer Pina Bausch, the film showcases interviews and performances by the original members of Pina's dance company. Pina became famous for creating a revolutionary form of dance known as Tanztheater, characterized by aggression, sensuality, longing and melancholy. In a tragic turn, Pina died unexpectedly two days before production on the film was set to begin, and this sense of sadness and loss comes through in the way the dancers speak of their beloved teacher. We can't even express how original and breathtaking this film is. Check out the trailer and find out when the film is playing in your city.

In the words of Pina Bausch, "Dance, dance...otherwise we are lost."

Behind the Lens: Marianna Rothen

Marianna Rothen is an amazing photographer we just stumbled upon.  So many people in the fashion blogosphere have already given appropriate shout outs and accolades honoring her rare talent and here we are; poised to do the same. 

Here's her story, (in a nutshell) as told by Marianna herself. 

“I was born in Canada in the 80s and began modeling at 15. I took photographs before I started modeling, so for me, modeling was really a way of finding people to photograph and a way of learning how to take better pictures.

Most of the time I shoot on an old Polaroid SX-70 camera, shooting SX-70 film, 600 film, or Impossible film. I work with filtration. Since Polaroids have become so expensive, I have been experimenting in mixed media—mixing analog and digital together. 

My biggest inspirations are European films from the 60s and 70s. That’s what I try to emulate in my work. I want to recreate the warm light of those past times. My models are also actresses, and I like them to have a character or be a caricature of a character, something they can play with. When someone tells me that my photographs look like found pictures from the 1960s, I know they understand my work."

For a complete swoon fest, land here.