The Top 10 Films of the 2010's

With 2020 approaching, MODA Blog rounds up the best, worst, and most iconic phenoms of the 2010s.

The 2010s has seen a rise in media as an aspect of culture with ever-increasing impact. Now more than ever, movies and film dictate and reflect politics, fashion, and music of our time. With this cultural impact has come a new question for the age: is cinema entertainment or art with purpose? While film houses such as A24 usher in the era of the indie film, some entertainment companies are further monopolizing the industry (see: Disney buying Marvel). And as the Oscars continue to decline in popularity, it is evident that film critique is no longer an expert skill: social media has given the consumer a newfound platform to engage with the film industry. So in this spirit of conscious viewership, it’s time to round up the top ten of the 2010s: indie films, blockbusters, coming-of-age, and horror alike.

10. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)

Image via

Just barely released during this decade, Edgar Wright’s cult classic redefined the action film, right around the rise of Marvel’s formulaic approach to the genre. What makes “Scott Pilgrim” so enjoyable is not only the star-studded cast of indie darlings and baby film-stars who all give great performances (Michael Cera himself, Aubrey Plaza, Anna Kendrick, Chris Evans, Brie Larson), but Ramona Flowers’ characterization as the antithesis of the manic pixie dream girl singlehandedly destroys the archetype that popularized rom-coms of the previous decade. Bottomline, it’s a smart film, loaded with quotable dialogue, dedicated set design, a stellar soundtrack, and it pays homage to its comic book roots.

9. Hustlers (2019)

Image via

Coming in at the tail-end of the decade is Lorene Scafaria’s heist drama about strippers during the financial crash of 2008. Starring JLo and Constance Wu, with Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, Cardi B, and Lizzo in minor roles, the film made waves at the box office following its release in September. It also generated some controversy, calling into question JLo’s alleged mistreatment of actual strippers she studied for her role in the movie, and the temporary loss of income the film caused for strippers at Show Palace, the actual club where many of the scenes are shot. All things considering, the film does a great job of staying faithful to the real tale it adapts from, and crafts a believable and realistic narrative of workers in an industry often deemed too explicit for media representation.

8. I, Tonya (2017)

Image via

“I was loved for a minute. Then, I was hated. Then, I was a punch line.” Craig Gillespie’s drama film recounting Tonya Harding’s story of the 1994 attack on Nancy Kerrigan for which she is most known for, as well as other pivotal moments in her career and life, is a masterpiece of the biopic genre. Elements of comedy and docufilm combine to create an honest depiction of the controversial and prolific ice skater, given a new life by the talented rising star Margot Robbie. The best part of “I, Tonya” is its reliance on an unreliable narrator. Based on “irony-free, wildly contradictory, totally true” interviews, Gillespie puts the final judgment in the hands of the viewer by recreating interview clips of key figures in Harding’s life that act as character confessionals and incorporating dialogue interjections that break the fourth wall. All in all, this is a classic underdog tale.

7. Roma (2018)

Image via

Alfonso Cuarón’s autobiographical drama was awarded the Oscar for Best Picture at last year’s ceremony, and deservedly so. The film is a period piece that follows an indigenous maid in Mexico during the political turmoil of the 1970’s. Throughout its two-hour running time, every possible thing that could go wrong in protagonist Cleo’s life does go wrong, and we are given a clear sense of her character, desires, and worries. Somewhat based off of Cuarón’s own mother, Roma crafts the narrative with a characteristic intimacy and intention, which is only further enhanced by his choice to film in black and white. This greyscale coloring goes much deeper than aesthetics; it also implies a nuance that is representative of the student-led revolution that provides a backdrop to the film, and the racial dynamics at play in the white Hispanic household Cleo cares for. Overall, this is a gorgeous film with political undertones that hint at the upheaval of this decade.

6. Heaven Knows What (2014)

Image via

The Safdie Brothers made some waves at film festivals in recent years for their most recent projects “Good Time” starring Robert Pattinson and “Uncut Gems” starring Adam Sandler. But while “Heaven Knows What” follows the similar gritty New York City tone characteristic of the Safdies’ filmography, it stands alone in its timely and honest portrayal of the opioid crisis. The Safdie Brothers paid recovering addict Arielle Holmes through rehab, in order for her to finish the book for which the film is based on. Holmes stars as herself, along with a rotating cast of junkies and panhandlers who play minor roles in Holmes’ chaotic daily life. From its exposition, “Heaven Knows What” has you always on the edge of your seat, and is a feat of the street film genre.

5. Hereditary (2018)

Image via

Since it seems like Toni Collette won’t receive her dues at the Oscars anytime soon, I’ll say it here: Ms. Toni, you’re doing great. Ari Aster’s psychological thriller about grief and (without giving away too much) family secrets stars Collette as matriarch of the Graham family, alongside Nat Wolff and newcomer Milly Shapiro. And while some were disappointed with the conclusion of the film, I think Aster does a fine job of carefully foreshadowing future events without being predictable or relying on cheap jump scares. Instead of shaming the cheesy horror of the past decade, Aster pays thematic homage to that era, making “Hereditary” a sort of pastiche. In a post-Paranormal Activity era, Aster is bringing the thrill back to the thriller genre.

4. Eighth Grade (2018)

Image via

While the 2010s have seen many a breakout features, Bo Burnham’s “Eighth Grade” stands out among the rest as a candid portrayal of children growing up in the Internet age. The film follows Kayla, played by Elsie Fisher, navigating her last week of middle school. At times painful to watch, Kayla’s journey to self-confidence lands her in situations both comical and dangerous, but all true to the social media-dominated times in which we live. A triumph of the adult comedy genre, “Eighth Grade” stands out from its predecessors, because of its underlying seriousness: Burnham covers school shootings, social anxiety, and sexual assault, all while weaving in raunchy jokes and comforting monologues from Kayla’s single dad. It is guaranteed to leave you in tears from laughter or sadness for your middle school self, seen vicariously through this awkward protagonist.

3. Get Out (2017)

Image via

You’re all probably tired of hearing about it, but the cultural impact of “Get Out” is not to be understated. Coming out of a decade where black people were always the first to die, the butt of the joke, or just flat-out nonexistent in horror, Jordan Peele reclaims the genre and gives it depth with an obvious racial commentary. “Get Out” also truly exemplified the impact of social media on marketing and blockbuster success, and what’s even more impressive is that this was Peele’s breakout film. A first of its kind “social horror,” Daniel Kaluuya is an excellent leading actor, and Lil Rel Howery provides just the right amount of comic relief for the film to remain serious, while dealing with such heavy subject matter.

2. Sorry To Bother You (2018)

Image via

Let’s make one thing clear: “Sorry to Bother You” is not 2018’s “Get Out.” Where “Get Out” is horror, “Sorry to Bother You” is absurdist. Boots Riley takes all of Peele’s racial commentary and goes one step further to craft a daring and radical film experience that criticizes late-stage capitalism. Through his not-so-subtle metaphor of WorryFree alluding to Amazon and the idea of white-voice that drives the film, Riley makes clear his political agenda, only expounded upon through sci-fi elements. “Sorry to Bother You” has many moving parts that through its nearly two-hour running time, begin to muddy; it is not easy viewing. Still, in a time where labor exploitation is only ramping up, Riley is recalling early cinematic roots in propaganda and returning film to its earlier purposeful functionality. Also, Tessa Thompson’s and Lakeith Stanfield’s Cash are excellent as a modern-day, revolutionary Bonnie and Clyde.

1. Moonlight (2016)

Image via

“This is not a joke. Moonlight has won best picture.” The mix-up between La La Land and Moonlight at the 2017 Oscars may have been an iconic moment in pop culture, but beyond the controversy stands a film that truly merits a Best Picture award, not only for 2017 but for the entire decade of the 2010s. With a black gay man as its protagonist, it is a love story never put to the big screen before. It is also a coming-of-age, offering representation to narratives too often stereotyped in film and TV: the black drug-dealer, in a low-income neighborhood, subject to the violence of poverty since childhood. Never before has this cliché of black men been given such visible nuance, and with such raw candor from young actors, namely Alex R. Hibbert and Ashton Sanders. Based on the unpublished screenplay In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, Barry Jenkins crafts this film in a stunning color palette that is a testament to his talent as a visual storyteller.

Header Image via

Top 10 Breakup Songs of the 2010s

With 2020 approaching, MODA Blog rounds up the best, worst, and most iconic phenoms of the 2010s.

My very first article was on the “allure of the breakup anthem,” and being the self-diagnosed oldhead I am when it comes to music, all of my picks were pre-2010 bops. But the 2010’s were chock-full of stellar breakup songs—there’s been a lot to sing about, as we’ve broken up with a multitude of things like cable, iPods, and the Paris Climate Agreement. Here’s my take on the top breakup songs of the past decade:

Jar of Hearts (Christina Perri, 2010)

Christina Perri’s star burned briefly and brightly in 2010 with this sweet, raw, and unforgiving track about a neglectful ex. Some dismissed her catalogue of sad love songs as Adele-lite, but there was a unique sort of vulnerability in her sadness. And who can resist a good Cruella De Vil/Manila Luzon/Hayley Kiyoko-esque light hair streak? Come back Christina!

The One That Got Away (Katy Perry, 2010)

Katy’s star, on the other hand, has perhaps overstayed its welcome, but 2010 undeniably belonged to her Teenage Dream album. The One That Got Away was seriously crushing for supposed ‘pop drivel’, and that video? Old Lady Katy crying for her true love gone too soon? I’m traumatized to this day.

Somebody That I Used To Know (Gotye, 2011)

You simply could not exist in 2011 without hearing this one. With an artsy video that spawned a decade’s worth of memes, this one hit wonder hit us hard. I once heard someone describe this song as sounding like “The Police as remixed by the xx” and my life was never the same.

Someone Like You (Adele, 2011)

Adele was the Queen of Sad Songs in this decade. Every breakup post-2010 was officially sponsored by Adele. 2010’s Rolling In the Deep inspired Carrie Underwood-esque flipping exes off, but Someone Like You flipped the script and encouraged a hearty cry. I, at all of 11 years old, spent many a night applying this song to any and every perceived injustice in my life in order to evoke a dramatic cry session.

Climax (Usher, 2012)

Is it a true breakup song or a sex song? Highly contested, but the clever lyrical double entendres don’t fool me: this is full Sad Boy Usher. In the tradition of Burn and Confessions, this is mistake-making, anguished Usher. That falsetto never fails to pull at my heartstrings.

Wrecking Ball (Miley Cyrus, 2013)

Miley’s Bangerz era was truly Something Else. But behavioral opinions aside, Wrecking Ball was a truly touching and heartwrenching ballad that dug deep into the (now officially terminated) on and off relationship between Miley and (now ex-husband) Liam Hemsworth. Wrecking Ball is what I love about pop: hungry but structured, it winds you up and excites you and makes you feel the hills and valleys of the song. More of this, please.

Don’t Hurt Yourself (Beyonce, 2016)

“But what about Sorry?!,” you may ask, and to that I present you with my hot take: Don’t Hurt Yourself will always be the superior f-you track on Lemonade to me. While Sorry is more about dismissing toxicity, Don’t Hurt Yourself is about slapping it right back in the face. Don’t we all wish we could just slap whatever problems we have right in the face? But if, as it often is, our problem is in the form of a person, that would be unadvisable. Don’t Hurt Yourself is pure musical catharsis. It’s bold, bombastic, raw, distorted, with almost heavenly backing vocals as a musically contrasting yet complimentary cherry on top. Plus it samples Led Zeppelin’s When The Levee Breaks. Pure power.

Praying (Kesha, 2017)

Praying is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever heard. It chronicles the extreme difficulty of breaking up with a toxic presence in favor of falling in love with yourself again, while still hoping that those who hurt you can do the same. Minimal production, distant vocals and strings make the song soar with the emotion it deserves. Kesha’s Grammys performance of the song in front of the very people involved in the industry that cast her aside in favor of her abuser, joined by Cyndi Lauper, Julia Michaels, Bebe Rexha, Camila Cabello and Andra Day, is beyond moving.

New Rules (Dua Lipa, 2017)

Dua Lipa’s New Rules are the Ten Commandments of break ups. And musically, its got everything: 90s influences, tropical instrumentation, EDM, and girl power! The video is stylish, minimalist and colorful, seemingly very ‘now’ but somehow carries an air of timelessness. More of this, please!

thank u, next (Ariana Grande, 2018)

To quote an excited freshman and first-time writer: “The song is unique in the breakup song genre in that it both focuses on Grande’s personal growth and her love and appreciation for the loves that didn’t last. She artfully blends self love and the ability to reflect on things that didn’t work out, not regretting them but instead using them to make herself that much more ‘amazing.’” It holds up! Plus, any video that takes the time to reference four of my very favorite rainy day rom coms can do no wrong.

---

Feature image via.

Top 10 Fashion Collabs of the Last Ten Years

With 2020 approaching, MODA Blog rounds up the best, worst, and most iconic phenoms of the 2010s.

In recent years, it seems that fashion houses have begun to realize the potential to create objects of unparalleled beauty with the help of creatives in other fields. Though the link between fashion and art may be apparent to millennials and those even younger, the idea of collaboration across the fields of fashion and art were relatively rare before the 21st century. Beginning in the 2000’s, however, collaborations in creative industries became commonplace thanks to a combination of the artistic potential and the generally positive reaction from consumers. It is with this potential for greatness in mind that we present the top ten fashion collabs of the last decade.

Number 1: Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami:

Image via

Though it is true that the relationship between Murakami and Louis Vuitton began back in 2003 with the introduction of the Murakami Multicolor Monogram collection, the close relationship between Murakami and Louis Vuitton lasted for over 13 years, extending into 2015. Chances are, even if you didn’t know Takashi Murakami collaborated with Louis Vuittion, you are familiar with the now iconic and always lusted after Multicolor Monogram bags. These bags not only defined a decade and a half of style, being worn by the likes of Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian, but they also legitimized future collaborations between artists and household name fashion giants such as Louis Vuitton.

Number 2: Louis Vuitton x Supreme:

Image via

Having essentially created the evergreen trend of designer collaborations, it only makes sense that Louis Vuittion should appear on this list multiple times, and the Louis Vuitton x Supreme collaboration was just as earth-shattering as the Murakami collaboration, if not as enduring. First debuted at Paris Fashion Week in 2017, the Supreme x Louis Vuitton capsule came at the height of Supreme’s mainstream relevance, and undoubtedly widened the brand’s audience. Notably, this collaboration was launched first at pop-up locations across the world rather than in stores, demonstrating Louis Vuitton & Supreme’s willingness to adapt to the ways in which young people now shop.

Number 3: Moschino x H&M:

Image via

Under Jeremy Scott, Creative Director of the brand since the end of 2013, Moschino has become a go-to brand for aesthetically conscious youth who identify with Moschino’s bear motif and phone cases that elevate daily household objects to forms of art. For this collaboration, both H&M and Moschino had to pull out all the stops, with H&M dramatically raising their quality standards and Scott stretching the limits of his diverse but always recognizable style. The resulting pieces were a pleasing blend of grunge and high fashion glamour, with strong undertones of youthful rebellion. The relatively low prices for the collection were a plus, too.

Number 4: Gucci x Dapper Dan:

Image via

This particular story is an interesting one. Dapper Dan is and  has been an iconic African American streetwear designer based in Harlem, New York since the 1970s, counting celebrities and drug lords among his clientele. Dapper Dan was known largely for incorporating popular design houses logos into his clothes, and the iconic Gucci double G was among his favorites. This led Alessandro Michele, creative director at Gucci since 2015, to create a jacket that paid homage to a particularly famous Dapper Dan design without crediting him. Perhaps ironically, Dapper Dan and his followers were angry about what seemed like a stolen idea rather than an homage, and later in 2017, Gucci formally partnered with Dapper Dan on a line of clothes and eventually even opened a store with him in his native Harlem.

Number 5: Chanel x Pharrell:

Image via

The Chanel Pharrell collection, which debuted for Spring/Summer 2019, is the quintessential example of a daring and successful collaboration. With Chanel moving away from its decidedly haute couture and formal focus, and Pharrell channeling his propensity for beautiful music into beautiful clothes, this collaboration was a risky but ultimately successful move on the part of both parties. Replete with bright colors, bedazzled logos, and a range of tactile materials, the Chanel Pharrell collection was a comprehensive take on luxe streetwear and has accordingly been worn by the likes of Lil Uzi Vert and Young Thug.

Number 6: Dior x Hajime Sorayama:

Image via

Under the creative direction of Kim Jones since 2018, Dior Homme has arguably been the fashion label most open to collaborations with intriguing artists, counting Daniel Arsham and Hajime Sorayama among them. The Fall/Winter 2019 collaboration between Dior Homme and Hajime Soroyama, though not expected, seemed rather natural; pairing Soroyama’s retro-futuristic aesthetics with Dior’s legendary oblique print on shoes, shirts, and accessories, this collaboration brought a rugged and utopian vision to the house of Dior rendered in plastic and highly polished metal. Standouts from this collaboration included an industrial and futuristic revisit of the iconic Saddle Bag, originally the work of John Galliano, as well as a fantastic take on the B23 shoe.

Number 7: Chanel x Audemars Piguet:

Image via

Perhaps the unlikeliest collaboration on this entire list, the Chanel x Audemars Piguet collaboration is also arguably one of the most exciting. Ever since being launched in 1999, the Chanel J12 has been a must-have watch for celebrities and the fashionably conscious. Rendered in shiny ceramic, a shiny and surprisingly resilient material, the J12 was legendary in almost every way, lacking only a horologically sophisticated movement to match the sophisticated design. Luckily, in 2008, the famed watchmaker which needs no introduction, Audemars Piguet, stepped up and fit their well known mechanical Calibre 3125 movement to the J12, finally satisfying all of the requirements for a truly special watch. To distinguish the Calibre 3125 J12 from the standard J12 which comes in only black and white ceramic, the Caliber 3125 was cast in shiny black ceramic with 18k rose gold accents, and later editions of the watch were made in matte black ceramic.

Number 8: Burberry x Vivienne Westwood:

Image via

Uniting the historic English fashion house Burberry with the iconic English club-kid/punk rock oriented aesthetic of Vivienne Westwood was a move that fans of each brand will look upon fondly for years to come. Having risen to fame in the 1970s with the English punk rock movement, it is surprising that a collaboration between Vivenne Westwood and Burberry did not come about until late 2018. Featuring Burberry’s check motif overlaid with environmentally focused words written by Westwood, the collection carried a high-fashion political message while supporting the U.K. nonprofit Cool Earth. The full range of campaign photos and videos released for this collaboration are well worth a look.

Number 9: Jean Paul Gaultier x Hermès:

Image via

As the Creative Director of Hermès from 2003 to 2011, the daring Jean Paul Gaultier injected excitement into one of the world's most respected and sought after leather goods brands. Though it is a stretch to call the Shadow Birkin a collaboration since Gaultier was the Creative Director of Hermès when he created it, I like to think of it as a collaboration because it unites the quirky aesthetic of Gaultier while modifying Hermès’ most famous item, the Birkin. Keeping the shape of the traditional Birkin, Gaultier removed the functionality of the flap and left the imprint of the sangles (the locking arms) on the front of the bag, without allowing them any functional purpose, hence the name Shadow Birkin. Perhaps more than any other of Gaultier’s contributions during his 8 year tenure at Hermès, the Shadow Birkin left an indelible mark on the brand.

Number 10: Louis Vuitton x Memphis Group:

Image via

Rounding out the list is another collection that isn’t a collaboration in the strictest sense. For the Spring 2019 women’s ready to wear collection, Nicolas Ghesquière drew inspiration from the work of Memphis Group, a now largely dissolved postmodernist design collective established in the 1980’s and led by the fabulously creative Ettore Sottsass. This collaboration is very dear to my heart, as the products of Memphis Group have been an obsession of mine for several years. Ghesquière employed the use of bright colors, geometric 80s patterns, and bulky architecture to pay homage to the Group and the late Sotsass, and the final product was exceptional not only for the beauty of the clothes in themselves, but also for the fact that Ghesquière intentionally brought the legacy of Memphis Group to a younger audience.

So there’s our list. Which collab is your favorite and which did we leave out?

Featured image via