Sexy Little Things: In other words, you are in my hands

Hamasaki in Alexander McQueen

Sexy Little Things was another music video which filmed in London, along with Microphone. According to her ViVi Deji Diary, more than 50 musicians and models were featured in this video.

Filmed in a completely different style and mood, it provides a continuation to Microphone, with a different twist. The imagery is highly minimalistic and makes heavy use of black, white and red. Hamasaki describes it as “fully loaded with tricks” and mentions how she experiments with unique different styles.

Sexy Little Things is probably one of her most unique and entertaining music videos. With a bizarre combination of the 8-bit videogame era, the haute couture runway and the twisted “Alice in Wonderland” vibe, Sexy Little Things is definitely something to keep out an eye for.

Bizarre Eye Radio Player?

Since the whole style of this video is quite bizarre, many have claimed that Hamasaki is copying Lady Gaga’s style. Arguably it has certain elements which are reminiscent of “Bad Romance” but I feel that certain elements were simply inspired from Lady Gaga and used for her own concepts. After all, Hamasaki has been working on weird and bizarre videos long before Lady Gaga’s debut.

The whole atmosphere of this video is quite playful and light-hearted, while maintaining the slightly creepy vibe from Microphone. However it seems that everything is poked fun at, at a certain level. Models prance and pose teasingly around the room. The fox hunters jump around the room like little kids. These two professions are usually characterised with being serious and expressionless. However, here they are depicted as having fun and being themselves, without any inhibitions. Could this be a hint that not everything is actually as it seems?

What do you mean by “I love you” ?
What do you mean by “You are the best” ?

My personal theory is that the fox hunters and models are a metaphor. The fox hunters could be seen as a metaphor for the male gender. Anthropologically men are characterised as being the hunters, the providers and the ones who traditionally seek females, rather than the other way round. So therefore the fox hunters could be viewed as the ideal male prototype.

Fox Hunters

However in the music video, men are also portrayed as being immature and seeking entertainment by using women as a form of “sport”. Furthermore fox hunting is frequently viewed as a controversial activity since many consider it to be cruel and unnecessary while others assert it is tradition and a symbol of power. It seems that instant gratification is achieved at the cost of suffering of others.

It goes without saying that sometimes men objectify women as a “prize” to be won over. The lyrics underline this concept more than once. Although it might be generalising several men feel that women are something to chase after for their amusement and then simply providing them with their materialistic needs to make them happy.

Hey, how many times can you possibly use
The same gestures and same way of doing things that we’re so utterly used to?

On the other hand the models are a metaphor of the female gender. Models are frequently viewed as the “ideal” female. With the perfect figure and feminine looks, the docile and emotionless demeanour and obedient nature, they are characterised as the perfect female. In a less idealised manner, this portrayal might be of someone dim-witted, lifeless, subdued and unable to make her own decision.

Fitting in...

It is a common perception that in order for a female to be chosen by a prospective male, she must “fit in” the ideal model of a female; no matter how unsavoury this might be for her. The emphasis is on “fitting in” was always focused on being feminine, being slim and obedient. The imagery where she forces the plug to fit in the socket, which screams in protest, symbolises the whole concept of “fitting in”.

Women are always at the receiving end,
Showing themselves like they have no intention or desire.

However the models in this video are portrayed as being more bold and assertive. The outfits, make up and overall appearance of Hamasaki and the models are rather bold and unfeminine, as if expressing their own personality rather than repressing it. Instead of trying to fit in the men’s stereotypical ideal of “sexy”, they are more at home at being with their own definition of “sexy” and simply having fun. The giant girl in the wall, when woken up is cranky and suspicious. All versions of Hamasaki show a lot of personality and quirkiness. Rather than waiting for orders, Hamasaki takes matters in her hands to the point of being aggressive and destroying the electric guitar.

“Women don’t know anything
They are always just nodding with their lifeless eyes.”
If you think that, then that’s a huge mistake.

Ayu sporting Alexander McQueen

The principal message seems to be that although men seem to think they are the ones using women to their ends, women are actually the ones who are in control. Being a female makes it harder for males to read their minds and makes it easier for females to manipulate men in their subtle way. The passive demeanour females posses provides men a confidence boost where they can feel in control but ironically this does only take place because females grant them this privilege.

In order to offer the environment where you can act cool
In other words, you are in my hand

The video is saturated with avant-garde haute-couture elements. Two of the outfits worn by the models (the black and white mini-dress and the robot-styled outfit) are from Gareth Pugh Spring 2007 and 2009 Collection. The huge black outfit another model wears is inspired by Alexander McQueen. Hamasaki’s outfits are also from runway collections. The black and white houndstooth checked top is from Alexander McQueen Fall 2009 ready to wear collection. The black and red houndstooth dress is also an Alexander McQueen design. The large black dress was designed by Akira Noda, Ayumi’s personal costume designer.

From the top left, Garet Pugh, Alexander McQueen, and Hamasaki wearing Alexander McQueen and Akira Noda

Author’s Note: A big thanks goes to maikaru and masa from Ayumi Hamasaki Sekai who do terrific translations of Hamasaki’s songs. Furthermore another big thanks goes to truehappiness for hunting down the costume designers.

About the author

Rinoa enjoys spending her free time writing articles, most particularly reviews, biographies and news articles. Her favourite artist is Ayumi Hamasaki but she enjoys listening to a wide range of musical talents from all over the world.