Inez & Vinoodh

Inez and Vidoodh photographed Marc Jacos, Lady Gaga and Alexander Wang for the Council of Fashion Desginers of America portrait series.  The CFDA commisioned Inez and Vinoodh to create some amazing portraits of the nominees and honorees.   Inez wanted to shoot everyone in their birthday suit. 

 Marc Jacobs was all too willing to take his clothes off for the shots!   They are very cool and clean shots. They are also responsible for the latest issue of  V Magazine featuring Ms. Gaga earlier this month.

 

LV

The French luxury label, celebrates its 20th year in China, and will hold a special summer exhibit titled “Voyages,” which features historical LV luggage and handbags in the country’s most renowned museums. Voyages narrows down on Louis Vuitton's long historic affair with travel, and also marks China’s first National Museums' partnership the brand. Voyage features work from Chinese artist Zhang Wang paired with an extensive collection of  rare vintage Vuittons that would give most visitors a peek into the most iconic pieces of all time.  The Louis Vuitton: Voyages exhibition will last from May 29-August 30 this year, below you can see the entrance to the venue.

The French company also hit a rocky patch in China earlier in May, when Shanghai’s city government required the company to demolish one of its advertisements—a 65-foot-tall suitcase—that violated the city’s outdoor ad regulations.

The museum itself only just reopened after three years of extensive renovations, so this could be considered its grand re-debut. The funny thing is, the National Museum's mantra is to educate on the arts and history of China, which, at first glance, Louis Vuitton doesn't exactly fit until you remember that most Vuitton items are made in China and the fastest growing consumers of the monogrammed luxury fashion and accessories are Chinese shoppers.

Shoot

Kate Moss and Jamie Hince are getting married on July 2nd and Mr. Mario Testino will be the photographer to make this event burn in our memories.   He told the paper that he wants to “capture the happiness that Kate is going through at the moment.”  Really excited for them.

Crash

Naomi's models had a really hard time making their way down the fashion fundraiser event for Japan during Cannes. It tickles me.

Russian Princess

"The Russian Princess"  This is a sneak preview of my upcoming series of photos.   Inna is a superstar we created magic during this process.  I can't wait to finish and post the entire collection.

Oro

The new Nokia Smart phone that I really want.  This beauty is  plated in 18-carat gold, has a sapphire crystal on the home button, and comes wrapped in leather.  Want one? It will go on sale later this year, and will cost you €800. That's a little over $1,100. I'm sure that soon there will be a million different versions of it, maybe they will have some tin foil ones that will be sold thru Crickett or Booze or one of those pay as you go.

Glitter Sole

The new Miu Miu Fall 2011 shoes are so cool!!  The colors are totally unexpected and they are giving you glitter for days!   The curve heel is really chunky and cool.  The bow detail and the straps give it a glam 70's romantic flare.   Very chic and ultra retro.    These are for sure the shoes of the season!

Hot

Creepers

I just got a fantastic pair of creepers!  Yes.. my high school choice of footwear.

 
I wanted to share some of the history of this magnificent shoe. They really were originated around  the years following WWII,  soldiers in the deserts in North Africa wore suede boots with hardwearing crepe soles because of the climate and environment. After leaving the army, many of these ex-soldiers would hang out at the popular nightspots of London wearing these crepe-soled shoes which were known as Brothel Creepers. In the late 1950s, these shoes were taken up by the Teddy Boys along with drainpipe trousers, draped jackets, bolo ties, quiff, and pompadours of course everything made out of velvet with electric blue being the color of choice.  This style of shoe was developed in 1949 by George Cox and marketed under the Hamilton name, based on George Cox Jr.'s middle name.

The brothel creeper regained popularity in the early 1970s when Malcoml Mclaren sold them from his "Let it Rock" shop in London's King's Road shop. Teddy Boys were the obvious customers, but the brothel creeper still proved to be popular among regular customers when  McLaren and his partner Vivienne Westwood changed the shop to more rocker oriented fashion.

Now Creepers come in many different styles, colors, textures and they are worn by just about everyone who is fashion conscious. Creepers are in their own category because of their versatility, not to mention, the amazing secret "coffin compartment" featured in all 400 models and Veggie styles.  My fun summer shoe.

Jap Tee

Karl as in Lagerfeld and Lady G are helping to save Japan in alliance with Uniqlo. Starting June 25th you can buy these cool tees!  Save Japan Project is working with a bunch of famous folk to put this little project together and raise some dough. Here of course we see Mr. Lagerfeld's and Lady G's.  Other amazing peeps have contributed also such as Lanvin's artistic director Alber Elbaz.  There will be a total of ten t-shirts that will benefit the Japanese Red Cross to aid recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Save Japan!, created  after the quake, has recruited volunteers from the fashion industry and partnered with Vogue Japan and GQ Japan to promote "Fashion Unites for Japan" T shirts they will hit the Uniqlo stores worldwide this summer. Sales of the limited-edition shirts will cost  $19.90 these should raise approximately 100 million yen ($1.2 million). Gaga’s collage of messages written on her bag by fans during a visit to Japan last year, love (and hope and courage) from Lagerfeld are my faves.  I am going to def get one!

Fabric

"Jax-Max"   This is my own pattern.  I foresee many things with this "seal".  This is my own brand of houndstooth.  I am going to print this in many small and symmetrical patterns and create a new fabric pattern.  This shape makes me feel passion.  I feel this in many ways, zen, elegant, conservative, mute, sophisticated, classic.  This stamp will become my "plaid".   I am very excited to begin this project.  I will keep you posted.

Joy D.

SPOEK MATHAMBO - CONTROL from spoek mathambo on Vimeo.

Thanks to my friends at Twisted Lamb, I wanted to share this amazing video
All the rad people on this video are total locals who belong to dance troupes, this beautiful piece of film was shot in Langa, Cape Town. This totally new feel of the classic Joy Division She's lost Control, titled Control is a ultra-mystical synth-darkwave hunting electro balad. It comes as the 4th single from South African producer DJ Spoek Mathambo's album, Mahini Wam.
Artist: Spoek Mathambo
Directed & shot by: Pieter Hugo & Michael Cleary

YSL

Every pair has substance, I want them all specially the plaid frames.

Ribs

"D&G Ribs"  I was so obsessed with some Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses last year.  I was absolutely ready to buy them.. but instead I used my money for pet surgery.. :(  Sadly Rockett needed a big surgery and I was not able to buy them.  Instead, I placed them in the confinement of someones ribs.  That's right, I made a perfect drawing and placed it in between two Xrays.  Framing and trapping the illusion of these amazing glasses inside the ribs.  Its like someone ate head.  This is a picture you can only see againts light or a window.  Makes good window Art.

Wolfing

"Wolf"  I've never been one to paint animals/landscapes and such.  I am never attached to one idea of art. I feel like I can create anything out of anything for anyone.  This piece was symbolic.  Ryan's mom Marci, is amazing.  She's the most giving person I've ever met. She's never upset and I couldn't have asked for a better mother in law. I love her and thank her for making such an amazing human as Ryan.  I like to paint things for her and i try to narrow in on what she likes.  This piece was done for her as her beautiful Connecticut home is very special.  The entire place gives you the feeling of being in a cabin. This piece was conceived in order to be one of the main pieces of Clay's and Marcy's home.  I wanted to show nature in a dark but pretty way.  They loved it  and I loved it too.  I hope you like it.

Alma

Sister Alma Children is one of the Sisters of Perpetual indulgence and one of my besties.  Ms Children, surprised me over the weekend with a pop up visit!   I took this portrait about 2 years ago.  She's a creature of beauty and charity.  She's not only a philanthropist but she's also an amazing vocalist.  She can sing the shit out of any song, she carries true Soul w/her. Even though she's a white boy.   There's no moment of dullness if Ms.Alma Children is around.. that's for sure.  

CHER

Dear Cher,
Happy Bday!
You are strong and we know it, 65+

Chonis

The campaign for Ms. Westwood's 2011 underwear line is .  It stars Clinton Weber and was photographed by Sean & Seng.  Cute as a button!

BTW

I am very lucky to have received a copy of the "Born this Way" Double CD special Lady Gaga new record.  I absolutely love it and I think its amazing.  This album gives me hope.  The songs have an amazing mix of old school rave tunes meets death rock synth sounds.  This is a breakthrough record and I am sure its going to be the summer soundtrack to a lot of people.   This is a joyful album with a few deep balads and amazing chords.  This is a very well put together album and you won't be disappointed, unless you are a silly person w/out rythm.

SHOWStudio

Lady Gaga is among 30 some models, designers and film peeps that will contribute to world famous photographer Nick Knits' amazing feature-film project called The Fashion Body.  SHOWstuido, will be hosting the extraordinary event. The work  focuses in series of short films narrowing in at individual parts of the human body, while using items from the latest fashion collections of the world.  Nick Knight says that he hopes the project will explore the relationship between fashion, film and the human body. Featuring contributions from  members of the fashion masters as : Rick Owens, Gareth Pugh and Craig McDean.  The Fashion Body will also feature essays from leading journalists and authors. New videos will be uploaded each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with the first film already available to view on Showstudio.

Pushkin

Christian Dior established his house in 1947 Paris.  He was considered the master and known as the designer always with the "New Look" evoking grace of mid-twentieth century fashion and innovation for women. Moscow’s Pushkin Museum, is collaborating with Dior, and celebrating the essence and substance behind Dior’s signature looks in the new exhibition, "Inspiration Dior".  The exhibition will feature a wide selection of Dior’s one of a kind haute couture breathtaking designs with the unique works of art that have inspired them,  an Autumn-Winter 2003/04 couture gown on display by John Singer Sargent’s ‘La Carmencita’, a luxurious tulle number from Autumn-Winter 2005/06,  such displays show that Dior heart has always belongs to art.  Dior’s world of beauty will also be exhibited  by artist Olga Kisseleva  capturing the experience found in every bottle of Dior perfume. This project will celebrate a house that's proved to stand on its own throughout the decades. Mr. Christian Dior the master couturier has a collection of artistic inspiration that pairs well with the likes of Modigliani, Picasso, Goya and more, so its safe to say that his legacy is in good company.

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Smells Beckhamish

Mr. Sexy Beckham has been busy working on a men's underwear range and a new scent, Homme by David Beckham.  "I have had the idea of doing a bodywear collection for some time now. The push to do something of my own really came as a result of my collaboration with Armani," Beckham told WWD.

While the 'face' of Emporio Armani's underwear line for four seasons, the Italian fashion giant saw its turnover almost double, and this pulling power was not lost on the L.A. Galaxy midfielder: "It proved to me that there is a real market for good-looking, well-made men's bodywear" said Beckham.

I am adding this to my shopping list!! 

Genius

I love Asian food, Asian people, Asian Fashion and I am obsessed with a Chinese Artist who is incredibly amazing, Mr Zeng Fanzhi is my idol. 

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Christie’s and the Rockbund Art Museum will present “BEING", an exhibition featuring 30 works by Mr. Fanzhi, sponsored by the Francois Pinaul Foundation and focusing on a theme that is close to the Zeng Fanzhi's heart (interactions between people & the environment)

The show will run from May 27th to May 30th 2011.   Zeng will hand-pick one work, to be valued around HK$10 million (US$1.3 million), to be auctioned off at Christie’s Asian Contemporary Art & Chinese 20th Century Art Evening Sale on May 28, with proceeds going to the environmental organization, The Nature Conservancy the event will be coinciding with Christie's Spring Auctions (May 27th - June 1) at the same venue.  If you are lucky enough to be over there you should totally go.  Its free to get in. 

Nicola

Wake up

"Wake Bake & Paint"   I had disturbing dreams once, this is like 10yrs ago.. and I woke up.. grabbed some materials and painted this after what I just saw, in my dream.

Wet & Wild

Selfridges, British department store will transform its London local into a unique experience presenting, Washed-UP, the new exhibition that is part activist part awareness.  A fashion minded initiative to highlight the impact of over-fishing on the environment. This very amazing event will be hosted by Selfridges London under the careful eye of curator Judith Clark.  This purpose to support the Ocean Project. This exhibition will showcase 26 couture garment and accessories inspired by the oceanic environment. The exhibited items will include pieces of the iconic designers and artists like Alexander McQueen’s iconic Plato Atlantis dresses, Hussein Chalayan’s bubble dress for Swarovski or Philip Treacy’s lobster hat that Lady G made famous. There are also some Gareth Pugh &  Iris Van Herpen numbers that are so cool.  Throughout the exhibition Clark tells the narrative of the ocean species’ fragile existence, staging the garments and accessories in a desolate surrounding of dead coral and driftwood.  I wish I was in London right about now, the event dates are May 11 - June 12