Now, I’m not sure who of you have about 34 and a half minutes to spend watching a music video, however if you are looking for complete inspiration – you should.   It seams I have completely under estimated Mr. West and his artistic prowess.  I have always been a fan of his music but this video has really raised the stakes.  He has completely commanded my attention in this dramatic, artistic and visually stunning “epic” – as many in the hip-hop arena have deemed it.  The film’s roster boasts many talents including a script by Hype Williams, Eye candy du jour Selita Ebanks, couturier Martin Izquierdo, visionary designer Phillip Lim and an introduction by Nicki Minaj.

I will give you a brilliantly depicted snapshot with help from my favourite images in his film.  Aside from the beauty in it, the story of the phoenix and my analogy of it at the end is what really inspires me.  I hope you enjoy …

Kanye’s Full Length video Runaway is an artistic masterpiece.  If you still need to be convinced, see the screen shots that follow.  The premise is of a young gorgeous phoenix personified by Ebanks that emerges from a fiery car crash.

Kanye takes her in and like Audrey Hepburn a la My Fair Lady, accustoms her to (2011 and) high society.

She explores our world, her likeness to other animals, and her innate attraction to Kanye’s music all while delicately adorned in 5 pounds of couture feathers.

Victoria’s Secret model Selita Ebanks is incredibly mesmerizing and seductive in this video.  Her wings and feather bikini were dreamed up by Kanye; influenced by amazing designer Phillip Lim and made by the hands of costume designer Martin Izquierdo who, famously designs the Victoria’s Secret Runway show wings.  It’s no surprise that Kanye interned at Fendi in his past, his immense detail to fashion has been illustrated here.

Befittingly, when the Phoenix arrives at Kanye’s home, she is captivated by a televised news report to which Kanye replies: “First rule in this world baby, don’t pay attention to anything you see in the news.”

Beyond aesthetics (and the figurative Michael Jackson parade that symbolizes the cult of pop and the pressures of society, see also: http://www.glamazonsblog.com/2010/10/kanye-west-runaway-full-length-version.html for further dissection.), this is the story of a naïve phoenix spellbound by fireworks and our world as she is preparing for her introduction to society with Mr. West by her side.

Adorned in a crown of chains that echos the grandeur of Elizabeth Taylor in the movie Cleopatra, Kanye guided the Phoenix in.

At the dinner party, bringing to mind Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” the Phoenix is detested for being different and special.  Kanye steps up to preform a solo while a troop of classical ballerinas appear to present abstract choreography.

The meal ends in torment as she has been alerted to the truths of our carnivorous culture – both figuratively and literally (when one of her related feathered friends arrives as dinner).

The Phoenix’s ideas of this new world have shifted dramatically and Kanye and the Phoenix go to his rooftop to talk philosophy as well as the difference between our worlds.

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Some say this is the view of life as a child – pure, innocent and curious – not yet afraid of society’s judgment, of the word “No” or of the Ego’s facades.

In the end our hero chases after his new love, only to discover that she has burst into flames to reincarnate herself and go back to her world.

This is so inspiring to me because many times I feel like the Phoenix, with an open mind and a trusting heart.  So many times I get reminded that the world doesn’t work that way.  However, it is ok to keep that mindset, that fantasy and playfulness. It is what makes your art, Art – your love, Love – your beauty, Beauty – and your dreams, Reality.

Like the phoenix, any chapter of your life can end up in flames – but alas– you emerge a new.

For the mere visual spectacle that was “Runaway”, as a fashion designer I have (since the first time I saw this video a few months ago) been in artistic awe.  I have so many ideas in my head that I want to create; yet I don’t know how I could possibly eclipse this gorgeous execution – but I wont stop trying.