Archive for the ‘11’ Category
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Kyle Anderson was born in Sweden and grew up in a suburb near Chicago. He has worked for the past six and a half years as the Senior Accessories Editor at ELLE magazine and joined Marie Claire as accessories director in November.
What’s hot right now?
Givenchy, Andrej Pejic, Sexy, Ginger Beer, Wet Hair, rock ‘n roll surfers, Korean food, Berlin, Diamond Rolexes, pointy toe pumps, leather, extreme high-low mix of fashion, Bryanboy, Marie Claire, Nina Garcia, Vogue Paris, Ricardo Tisci, Harley Davidson, Boucheron, Balmain glamour, Dark cowboy.
Who are your favorite accessories designers?
For bags, I love Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, VBH and Chanel. For costume jewelry, I love Lanvin, Mawi, Tom Binns and Alexis Bittar. For shoes, I love Giuseppe Zanotti, Casadei, Givenchy and Jimmy Choo. For belts, Azzedine Alaia and YSL. For fine jewelry, I’m obsessed with Degrisogono, Piaget, Bulgari, Chopard and Elsa Peretti jewelry from Tiffany’s. For watches, I like Cartier, Bulgari, Rolex, Versace and Piaget.
In your estimation, what will be the biggest accessories trends in 2012?
For jewelry, it’s all about fine jewelry right now. Even the runways haven’t had big costume jewelry for a few seasons. And it’s all gold, diamonds, colored stones. 2012 so far has not been full of the sculptural silvers of last year—it’s all about statement fine pieces like Degriosgono or sexy gold from Bulgari. For bags, its all about the lady bag. Inspired this season by the shape of the classic Kelly bag, designers have turned to structured top handle ladybags in a variety of pastel tones and white. For shoes, the pointy toe pump is very strong in many pastels again. For clothes, there is a big return to ladylike for the most part (pastels, ’50s), but there are many other trends for those not a fan of the Mad Men look. Whatever the trends, I’m a big fan of black, rock ‘n roll and sexy styles.
Tags: Alexis Bittar, Andrej Pejic, Balmain glamour, Berlin, Boucheron, Bryanboy, Bulgari, Cartier, Casadei, Chanel, Chopard, Dark cowboy, Degrisogono, Diamond Rolexes, Elsa Peretti, Ginger Beer, Giuseppe Zanotti, Givenchy, Harley Davidson, Jimmy Choo, Kyle Anderson, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Marie Claire, Mawi, Nina Garcia, Piaget, Ricardo Tisci, Rolex, sexy, Tiffany's, Tom Binns, Trendsetter, VBH, Versace, Vogue Paris, Wet Hair
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Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
Brett Bailey grew up obsessed with Old Hollywood movie musicals such as Cabaret and All That Jazz thanks to his quirky “fruit shoe” wearing grandmother. A California native, he channeled his love of musicals into dancing and performed professionally by the age of fourteen. After appearing in a Britney Spears Vogue shoot that emphasized fashion’s finest labels and movie production-like sets mixed with dance and movement, Bailey was inspired to make the jump into fashion styling. He has since collaborated with major fashion photographers including Ellen Von Unwerth, Hillary Walsh, Nick Haymes, Jeremy Kost and Tesh, and has styled talented musicians, including Nikki Minaj, Casey Spooner, The Phantograms, Sleigh Bells, Uffie and Muse. Bailey has also created customized pieces for icons Lady Gaga and Rihanna. His work has been featured in Dazed & Confused, Mykro, The New Tough, Metal, Spin, GQ, Flaunt and French Playboy.
What’s hot right now?
Liberation! The fascination with current trends has just become irrelevant. It’s 2012, people are sick of being confined to the perameters of reality. Everyone wants to be free—it’s the end of the world after all.
What do you consider “compelling” in subjects?
Characters who commit to their own identity.
Who are your favorite photographers?
Nobuyoshi Araki, Robbert Mapplethorpe and Damon Baker. All three are legends in their own right.
Tags: All That Jazz, Brett Bailey, Cabaret, Casey Spooner, Damon Baker, Dazed & Confused, Ellen Von Unwerth, Flaunt, GQ, Hillary Walsh, Jeremy Kost, Lady Gaga, metal, muse, Mykro, Nick Haymes, Nikki Minaj, Nobuyoshi Araki, Playboy, Rihanna, Robbert Mapplethorpe, Sleigh Bells, Spin, Tesh, The New Tough, The Phantograms, Uffie
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
Jan Mihm is co-pilot at USLU airlines, HNIC at Art Is The Alibi. and CCO at Shukran Cola. Born in Germeny, he is based in Berlin with his two children.
What’s hot right now?
Hot now is political involvement, fighting the system, re-inventing society, putting heart before hedge funds. More people realize that as good as a bio potato might be, what really counts is who gets to eat. That potato, or a steak or even anything at all. I am confident that we will see Main Street occupied and more Tahrir Squares.
What are you looking forward to most in the new year?
I am looking forward to the re-birth of lipstick (because I like to kiss) and the elimination of gender differentiation in makeup. Male nail polish as a first is already there!
What do you think will be big trends?
In style and fashion, we will see a further reflection on the above mentioned political motions and standpoints. I expect a color and style coded lingo to express one’s position—similar to team apparel in European soccer, US college football or youth movements in general. “Who’s team are you with? What’s your gang? What do you stand for?” will be an inherent question when it comes to designer choice and brand image. We will wear certain designers to show our association and sympathy with a cause or an opinion.
Tags: Art Is The Alibi, Jan Mihm, politics, USLU airlines
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Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
Shea Goli is driven by the arts. As a gallery associate at the Suzanne Geiss Company, her focus is on the comprehensive support of artists and their wide-ranging, ambitious visions. Motivated by a commitment to innovative art across multiple disciplines, the SGC’s program encompasses historical exhibitions, shows by both established and emerging artists as well as a range of site-specific artist projects. Goli received a BA in visual culture at NYU before pursuing a masters degree in Design History and Theory from Parson’s School of Design. Before joining SGC, she worked on various art projects, interior design and as a sales girl/blogger for Opening Ceremony. Energized by brand strategy, design for social innovation and collaborative, creative projects, Goli’s interests expand far beyond the white cube of gallery walls.
What’s hot right now?
Spotify! I really cannot thank the brains behind that enough. It’s a true testament to how a simple idea, when executed with affectibility and awareness, can be life changing. I have been making lots of mixes with Future Islands, House of Wolves, Wu Lyf and the lovely Lana del Rey. And visually I think Adrian Ghenie, Adam Dix, Kristin Baker and the Stillhouse colllective are making interesting and stimulating works.
What are you looking forward to most in the new year?
The new and affordable womenswear line “Karl” by Karl Lagerfeld. The Cindy Sherman retrospective at MOMA Stillspotting NYC project at the Guggenheim. Trying more restaurants in Brooklyn like St. Anslem and Vinegar Hill House. And working towards being a more socially conscious consumer all around!
What do you think are going to be big trends?
Modern Folk. We are increasingly a “making culture” and I think we will see a myriad of translations of this ethos.
Tags: Adam Dix, Adrian Ghenie, Future Islands, Guggenheim, House of Wolves, Karl, Kristin Baker, Lana del Rey, MOMA Stillspotting NYC, Shea Goli, Spotify, St. Anslem, Stillhouse, Suzanne Geiss Company, Vinegar Hill House, Wu Lyf
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Thursday, December 15th, 2011
Krista Freibaum is the co-founder of Serious Business, a boutique new media PR agency that helps clients deploy innovation and creativity in telling their stories online. A digital native with a background in new media editorial and a focus in digital art and music, Freibaum is most intrigued by helping brands use innovation and creativity to make headlines and create content that is inherently newsworthy. Serious Business was launched in late 2009 and has since worked with clients such as AOL, Partners & Spade, Edun, Moleskine, Mr. Porter, Playboy, Garage Magazine and New Museum.
What’s hot right now?
Lasers, kittens, kittens with lasers, Michael Fassbender. Michael Fassbender with kittens & lasers? Also, the totally, 100% interactive Carsten Höller Experience exhibit—with the notorious slide—on show in New York right now. The new Diane Keaton book, which I haven’t read yet because I am fully expecting it to be gifted to me for the holidays—she’s my style hero. Not sure what’s up with her recent Chico’s collaboration though…
What are you looking forward to this holiday season?
Holiday parties. I think the best parties are holiday parties, they’ve all got that “It’s a Wonderful Life” vibe, but with way more drunk people. Also during the holidays is the only real time I get to play my Xbox. I’m obsessed with the Michael Jackson dancing game for Kinect. I’m predicting my MJ moves will be fully honed by the start of 2012.
What digital platforms are you most into right now?
I’ve been on Tumblr for years—most-recently nurturing a Clair Huxtable fashion obsession—but am now mainly focused on Twitter, Instagram and Svpply. I feel like those are the only places my mom can’t fully stalk me (just kidding, mom, if you’re reading this). I actually just really like the platforms that are visually driven and designed with the user experience in mind. That’s why I love Svpply—that, and it plays into my online shopping addiction quite nicely. Other than that, I’m really looking forward to the new Kindle iterations and any evolutions that Microsoft will make in the gaming sector.
Tags: AOL, Carsten holler, Diane Keaton, Edun, Garage Magazine, Krista Freibaum, Michael Fassbender, Moleskine, Mr. Porter, new media, New Museum, Partners & Spade, Playboy, Serious Business
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
Barbara Briones is the Chilean designer behind the colorful self-titled shoe label, currently in collaboration with Anthropologie. She began her studies in her native Chile, but moved to Buenos Aires after being inspired by the talented pool of Argentine artists working with leather there. She eventually transferred to London to study at the School of Cordwainers at London College of Fashion, followed by positions at the House of Ferragamo in Florence and later at Mulberry. Under the British heritage brand, Briones fine-tuned her accessories skills and affirmed her passion for shoe design. Now based in Santiago, Chile, she creates her distinct handmade collections with the local artisans of the city. The level of quality craftsmanship and fabrics, mainly leather, is clearly visible in each elaborate and beautifully created pair, solidifying the talented Briones as a flourishing accessories designer worth following.
What’s hot in Santiago?
Definitely the weather right now! It’s summer over there and it can get super-hot! Santiago is not very well known for its fashion. The style over there is very laid back and easy—with a good pair of jeans, t-shirt and a jacket, you are fine.
What accessory trends have you picked up on?
I try not to follow trends that much. There are so many styles right now, that it’s difficult to keep track of them. I’ve seen big chain necklaces and bold colors for winter. I think it’s fun to give a little humor to the cold weather for the winter. In shoes, I think big chunky high heels and curious forms will be key for this season. I like to mix different materials and techniques in my shoes—such as metals, different leathers, fabrics—and play around with those textures.
What inspires you?
I find inspiration everywhere, especially in the street. NY is such a fascinating city for that, the street is a catwalk! The key is to be alert—even a trip to my grandmother’s closet can be inspirational! I just got back from a trip from Asia; we went to China, Burma and Vietnam. Definitely a lot of inspiration from there.
Tags: Anthropologie, Barbara Briones, Chile, Santiago
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Monday, November 28th, 2011
Christine and Justin Gignac are New York City-based artists. In July 2007, they started WantsForSale.com, a site where they sell paintings of things they want at the cost of the actual item. When a painting is sold, the couple takes the money and buys that item. So far they have fulfilled over 60 wants, from “A Slice of Pepperoni Pizza” for $3 to “A Gold Watch” for $287.19. They even painted and sold an entire Vegas Vacation, including flights, hotel room, gamblin’ money and all-you-can-eat buffets. In November 2007, Christine and Justin took the concept one step further and launched NeedsForSale.com. The site follows the same structure as Wants but all the proceeds go to charity. Through the sale of paintings and limited edition prints, Needs For Sale has raised over $7000 for various causes. This season, the pair have teamed up with Threadless, UNICEF and BBH New York to produce Good Shirts, a line of t-shirts sold on here. 100 percent of proceeds will be donated to the US Fund for UNICEF to support relief efforts in the famine and drought stricken region of the Horn of Africa.
What’s hot right now?
Now is the time for makers—whether that’s in products, art or the digital space. Hand-crafted objects and one-of-a-kind pieces are at such a premium. We want to have a connection to the objects we buy and when they’re hand-crafted you have an appreciation for the item but also feel a connection to the person that made it. The internet has made it easier than ever for people who make beautiful objects to get exposure and recognition for their talents, which is a great thing.
What are the most interesting things in the digital space at the moment?
One of the biggest things that’s lacking in the digital space is warmth and human connection. In the past couple weeks, a site came out that blew us away. It’s aptly titled thenicestplaceontheinter.net. Sometimes you just need a hug and this site gives it to you in a very simple and powerfully emotional way. The site pieces together videos of people around the world hugging the camera with a beautiful soundtrack. Strangely you actually feel the endorphin rush of a real hug. We’ve never experienced anything like it online. Also, sites like kickstarter.com have had such an enormous affect on the maker movement. They help connect makers with an audience that is hungry for their creativity.
Why do you think socially conscious businesses are flourishing?
More and more people feel a responsibility to do the right thing as we’ve become educated on how our actions effect the planet and each other. On the other hand, they don’t want to give up being consumers. So if people can continue to get the things they want but do it in a smarter, more socially conscious way it’s an easy buying decision.
Tags: Christine and Justin Gignac, Kickstarter, NeedsForSale.com, thenicestplaceontheinter.net, WantsForSale.com
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Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
Bradley Livingstone Black’s art draws from a wide range of unique experiences and talents. Raised outside Toronto, Livingstone Black studied pre-med while attending Duke University on a golf and tennis scholarship and also working at Ford Models. After doing stem cell research at the university’s medical center, he transitioned away from medical science into art by pursuing an MFA at the New York Academy of Art’s Graduate School of Figurative Art. Experimenting with traditional portraiture, Livingstone Black’s work explores both form and function of the body. His distinctive pieces have drawn patrons such as the Duchess of Marlborough and the Princess of Spain.
What’s hot right now?
Philanthropy and giving back are perennially in fashion. Metowe transforms consumers into world-changers; it’s a great Canadian initiative. Also The Art of Elysium, which provides artistic workshops for children who are battling serious medical conditions. I dedicated the proceeds of my current exhibition of portraits at the Bosi Damjanovic Gallery in New York City’s Lower East Side to this worthy and special organization.
What are your favorite places to go to?
I love the North Fork when I need to escape the city, carrying on the tradition of artists seeking refuge and inspiration out on Long Island. When there, some local haunts I enjoy are locavore favorites The North Fork Table and Inn, Raphael Vineyards and Jedediah Hawkins Inn.
What are some of the biggest trends in art right now?
I’m not really a trend-driven guy in general. I pay attention to individuality and new directions. I’m always curious about the figure and how it resonates in people’s work. I do enjoy following Gagosian’s roster of artists, including Jenny Saville, Richard Serra and Carsten Holler. Holler’s current exhibit, The Experience, at The New Museum on the Bowery is massively creative
Tags: Bosi Damjanovic Gallery, Bradley Livingstone Black, Carsten holler, Gagosian, Jedediah Hawkins Inn., Jenny Saville, Metowe, NorthFork, Raphael Vineyards, Richard Serra, The Art of Elysium, The North Fork Table and Inn
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Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
Heading up PR and Sales for Valery Demure, Andrew Blyszak’s specialty is turning unknown brands into uncharted success stories for the accessories. Blyszak’s career began in his native Australia, but in 2005 he traveled to London to launch gentleman’s grooming and barber-shop Murdock. Working with products from Santa Maria Novella, Acqua di Parma, Malin + Goetz, Aesop and Kiehl’s, his successes included setting up a concession shop within luxury department store Liberty’s. He eventually moved into PR, nurturing niche menswear brands including Material Boy, Mjolk, Komakino, Pudel and 5preview for AB Agency. As a leading menswear expert and trend forecaster, Blyszak has increased sales figures for Valery Demure and contributed to the agency’s standing as one of the finest showrooms in London.
What’s hot right now?
I just got back from New York, and both Brooklyn and Manhattan were ablaze with new and interesting restaurants, projects and stores. London has lagged for some time—bar the addition of LN-CC in Dalston and some cute little eateries like Brawn on Columbia road. LN-CC has an incredible selection and the staff is remarkably helpful for this city. Definitely the new London address for ultimate style gurus.
What are your favorite places in London to visit this fall?
I’m looking forward to the ice skating rink at Somerset House.
What trends are you looking forward to this fall?
I don’t think defining trends is style. Morbid and drapery are definitely out.
Tags: 5preview, AB Agency, Acqua di Parma, Aesop, Andrew Blyszak, Kiehl's, Komakino, Malin + Goetz, Material Boy, Mjolk, Pudel, Santa Maria Novella, Valery Demure
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
After meeting an influential jewellery designer while growing up in her grandmotherʼs salon, Atsuko Sano began training in hand-made jewelry techniques while majoring in classical vocal music at art school. Sano eventually left her native Japan for the United States to absorb both the business and creative side of the industry. Driven to produce pieces unlike anyone else of the time, she became intrigued by menʼs jewelry and since 2001 has created pieces under the label AS Collection. A unique line that pays homage to a manʼs maturity, life story and everyday existence, AS Collection has been featured on the cover of magazines including W, Vogue and Harperʼs.
What’s hot right now?
Metabolism: Future City Exhibition. The architectural movement was born in Japan and has dominated the world. The thought of Metabolism is not only the unfinished future city planning but also experimental architecture, and deeply involves design and arts, around the keyword of “environment.” You might be able to witness jewelry from the perspective of the imagination of future cities.
What are your favorite places in Tokyo to visit this fall?
The Nezu Art Museum and Blue Note Tokyo (both in Aoyama).
What trends are you looking forward to this fall?
Marc Jacobs a/w ‘11 collection.「Dot x Dot 」style
Tags: Atsuko Sano
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