You can tell more about a person by her Instagram bookmarks than by her actual personal feed. I developed this theory fairly recently when I compared mine with those of MR Fashion Editor Harling H. Ross. On her screen shone a grid of bright colors, sharp angles and so much sparkle. It was a veritable parade of eye candy, a colorful reflection of her colorful personality. Mine, in contrast, was unsettlingly brown, made up almost entirely of low-res animal photos and videos I found special and insisted on bookmarking for impending use cases, like, for instance, if and when I’m suffering a hangover.
Last month, MR’s Head of Creative Amelia C. Diamond took us through 19 things she’d recently bookmarked on Instagram, and in doing so curated a charming collection of art, fashion and design. Fitting, too, don’t you think? I’ve done the same for you below. I’m not sure what this ragtag selection says about me, but as MR’s Digital Editor who just published a piece about refocusing her consumption habits, the first thing that springs to mind is the urgency with which I need to drop my phone off a cliff and look at literally anything else.
That said, I need you to look at:
1. This really fun foot
It’s hard to say why I’m so taken with this Cinderella foot trying to squeeze itself into a glass slipper, but I think it might have something to do with the foot’s length, which is at least twice as long as the ankle’s proportion demands. Would I frame this in my home? Yes.
2. This peachy duo
I bookmarked this because it made me realize MR Photographer Edith W. Young should shoot more models holding random, color-coordinated objects. Also because I was inspired by the gender-fluid dressing, and believe everyone should try a midi skirt at least once, just to make sure they don’t love it, because what if they do?
3. This quote about friendship
Harling sent this to me after a conversation we had about “relationship neutrality” — an idea I’ve been mulling over for a few weeks now and intend to write about soon. This quote may be featured in it.
4. My beautiful home
I bookmarked this around the time I was developing a thesis around modern friendship because it not only speaks perfectly to the fucked up narrative our generation has propagated about friendship, it also features some kind of possum in a cardboard box. This is my ideal content.
5. This Gucci ad
The Pekingese is one of the most majestic dog breeds; I follow several on Instagram to glean tips on grooming and poise. I bookmarked this because I felt deeply fulfilled that Gucci realized there was a Peke gap in the fashion market.
6. This precious stop-motion animation
I love @guldies stop-motion work. It’s so utterly charming in its simplicity and unlike anything I’ve seen before. I love the idea of being so dedicated to a personal vision that you’re willing to spend days on a what might amount to a 10-second video clip. It’s refreshing.
7. This Botero poodle
I love that this poodle, painted by Fernando Botero, was a short-lived meme about being a good boy. He really does look like such a good boy, don’t you think? Please bookmark.
8. This little doodle
I’m consistently drawn to artwork that riffs on the expression “OK.” I love the kind of optimistic ambivalence of it, and I appreciate how this little illustration seemed to capture that in such a simple and clever way. I want it on a shirt or something.
9. This cat getting a massage
Literally why are you making me explain this?
10. This important, expressive gif
I bookmarked this out of FEAR that I would lose it again. I found this important gif a long time ago, and have continued to lose and re-search for it several times over the last few years. It’s perfect. I’m keeping it close this time.
11. This terrifying bunny eating berries
This is art of our times.
12. This Zeit issue about the female gaze
I saved this post by MR Contributor Claire because it gave me pause and made me think about the female gaze. What defines it? What would my female gaze capture? (Definitely necks, if we’re getting specific, but also certain subtle movements.) I found the prompt thought-provoking and wanted to remember to come back to it.
13. Lettuce shoes
I have a personal rule that I bookmark any photo that features non-shoes worn as shoes, because it’s never not funny.
14. This mesmerizing video
I love @annettelabedzki‘s work. As with @guldies, I find her stuff so unusual, and a true testament to the power of making art that speaks to you, even if some people don’t get it. That said, I definitely get Annette’s work. It’s heaven and makes me want to aimlessly play with paint.
15. This dream of a photo
I’ve looked at this photo so many times I know every detail. There’s something almost unnameable about its appeal to my senses; I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I also want to wear this whole outfit, top to bottom.
16. This Q-tip art
As a life-long food-player and object-fusser, I find @witenry‘s arrangements so delightful. They make me want to find new ways to look at mundane objects, and they remind me that art doesn’t require much more than idle hands and a curious mind.
17. This corgi floating in the ocean
This video made me cry.
18. This apropos bag
I love how @emotionalclub always manages to pinpoint the dark irony of living an emotional life in a world that constantly demands you smile.
On that fun note, what have you bookmarked recently?
Feature photo via I Am That Shop; @iamthat_shop.
