2008/08/27
2008/08/26
2008/08/23
2008/08/21
ladies and gentlemen: Lykke Li
Li Lykke Timotej Zachrisson March 18, 1986), better known by her stage name, is a Swedish indie singer.
Li was born in Ystad, Skåne, in Sweden, in 1986 and was raised by artistic parents; her mother was a photographer, her father is a musician. The family moved to Stockholm when Li was a toddler and later moved to Portugal when Li was six, where they lived for five years; the family also spent time in Lisbon and Morocco and spent winters in Nepal and India. She moved to New York for three months when she was 19, where she recorded her album, before returning to Sweden. At one point, she worked as a dancer on Swedish TV shows.
SOURCE
2008/08/18
2008/08/17
2008/08/15
2008/08/12
2008/08/11
Cria Cuervos
"Synopsis
Carlos Saura's exquisite Cría cuervos… heralded a turning point in Spain: shot while General Franco was on his deathbed, the film melds the personal and the political in a portrait of the legacy of fascism and its effects on a middle-class family (the title derives from the Spanish proverb: "Raise ravens and they’ll peck out your eyes"). Ana Torrent (the dark-eyed beauty from The Spirit of the Beehive) portrays the disturbed eight-year-old Ana, living in Madrid with her two sisters and mourning the death of her mother, whom she conjures as a ghost (an ethereal Geraldine Chaplin). Seamlessly shifting between fantasy and reality, the film subtly evokes both the complex feelings of childhood and the struggles of a nation emerging from the shadows. " Source
"You might want to excuse me for not reading it as a childhood drama or the political allegory it is often described to be. I did not connect with those allusions here. Childhood is about harmed potential, the gradual restriction of ambitions, and this film here is quite the opposite. It is no ‘Zerkalo’ either. It is another exercise in the Spanish narrative tradition." Source
2008/08/10
2008/08/09
2008/08/06
M is for metal
Great "kids" book:
z is for zeppelin,
we followed, they led,
stairway goes to heaven,
then off to bed.
z is for zeppelin,
we followed, they led,
stairway goes to heaven,
then off to bed.
2008/08/04
2008/08/02
Of Awesome editorial reviews
Visiting the Oak boutique website I came across what I consider one of the supreme pieces of editorial writing I can remember. Perhaps it is because I also feel "old and confused" when visiting the store, perhaps because it makes fun of all that is cool. Excellent writing nonetheless.
here are extracts from the NewYorkTimes editorial titled:
Critical Shopper | Oak
Put Arm (A) Into Sleeve (B)
"If Heather Locklear had a parasitic twin emerging from her sternum who happened to be a nun, this would be something they would agree they could wear to Starbucks."
"The tomblike dressing rooms have elegant, tall backlighted mirrors. The light illuminates only the sides of the mirrors, for a solar-eclipse effect that makes the mirror seem to hover in retrograde Satanic ecstasy, watching as you struggle blindly with openly hostile mutant-octopus cardigans that suddenly have 117 sleeves, no neck holes and no capacity for mercy.
"Near the subway, I saw a Hare Krishna struggling to get off his bicycle; his big gauze diaper-dress had become tangled in the chain. I wanted to clutch his beads, weeping. Brother, I failed. I didn’t have the training. But you … there’s hope for a fashion warrior like you."
The whole thing here
here are extracts from the NewYorkTimes editorial titled:
"If Heather Locklear had a parasitic twin emerging from her sternum who happened to be a nun, this would be something they would agree they could wear to Starbucks."
"The tomblike dressing rooms have elegant, tall backlighted mirrors. The light illuminates only the sides of the mirrors, for a solar-eclipse effect that makes the mirror seem to hover in retrograde Satanic ecstasy, watching as you struggle blindly with openly hostile mutant-octopus cardigans that suddenly have 117 sleeves, no neck holes and no capacity for mercy.
I felt lucky to get out of that cardigan alive.
As I stumbled out of the dressing room, clammy, gasping and disoriented, the salesman appeared.
“We unfortunately sold out of the dress with the instruction manual,” he said, shrugging. “You had to wrap it around yourself three times.”
I pushed past him and fled into the street."
"Near the subway, I saw a Hare Krishna struggling to get off his bicycle; his big gauze diaper-dress had become tangled in the chain. I wanted to clutch his beads, weeping. Brother, I failed. I didn’t have the training. But you … there’s hope for a fashion warrior like you."
The whole thing here
very low heights
Very cute shoes made for walking -you would think. But I do preffer to feel taller than what I'm. I would really preffer a 2.5" heel....why is this height soooooooo difficult to find, WHYYYY! this would be prrrrrrfect if the where that height. All shoes are either 4" or 1"....the 2.5 is so rare unless they are boots.
Foil Dress
I'm an openly devoted fan of ZERO by Maria Cornejo. This is dress is one of the signature silhouettes in every collection. This is the Fall 08 foil dress.
She's opening a new store soon in Nolita. I visited the new space which has a very generous area and atmosphere.
2008/07/31
pepper and pistol
"SILVIA HILLMANN AND KATRIN WIENS MAY BOTH HAIL 
FROM GERMANY BUT THE SIMILARITIES STOP THERE.SILVIA HAS SPENT YEARS IN THE FASHION WORLD WORKING WITH BOUDICCA IN LONDON, AND SEVERAL UP AND COMING BRANDS IN NEW YORK.
KATRIN ON THE OTHER HAND HAS A LENGTHY BACKGROUND IN THE GRAPHIC DESIGN WORLD CREATING TEXTILES FOR THE LIKE OF JUST CAVALLI, HEATHERETTE AND CALVIN KLEIN.
TOGETHER THEY HAVE FORMED 'PEPPER AND PISTOL', A WOMEN'S WEAR LINE FOCUSING ON CUSTOM PRINTS AND FEMININE CUTS CREATED WITH SHINY SOFT SILKS, AIRY VOILES AND JERSEYS - ALL WITH A DEFINITE LOVE FOR DETAIL AND FINISH.
THE NAME PEPPER AND PISTOL DERIVES FROM A GERMAN TALE THAT IS BOTH SCARY AND AMUSING AND REFLECTS THE FACT OF COMBINING TWO DIFFERENT ELEMENTS:
FASHION + GRAPHIC TO TRIGGER SOMETHING NEW AND WICKEDLY WONDERFUL."
2008/07/27
The Dupre affair
Ashlee Dupree, infamous call girl, made a splashing public display of her assets last week, when being photographed as she was hotel hopping, boutique shopping with a married men. Her public persona has grown to the point of creating interest in the very few things that make all this "pretty" or even "safe". She is even being offered a 2 million dollar contract for a reality show.
I do not judge her career choices, but I do find extremely interesting that she would totally pass as any other trophy wife when it comes to fashion. -perhaps, making her an equal in materialistic terms-
In fact she has a very typical NewYorker sensibility for "sexy"...
-In my opinion equally trampy-
In these images there is a comparison of the wife of the married men (TJ EARLE) and Dupre. Who will win the war of skin showing heeled angst, mares in full display of attributes.
This affair seems to be in its early stages and I'm enjoying the fashion statements/war with the "respectable" women in here social scope of action. If it wasn't for the flashy humorous fashion, all this would be just ugly.
SOURCE
2008/07/25
2008/07/23
2008/07/22
2008/07/12
2008/07/10
Comme des Garçons/LV lovechild
Here is is the lovechild of this two creative minds collaboration.
She kept the LV wholesome identity, to the point of redundancy.... Like the idea, still don't like the very boring monogram bag.
"Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton Artistic Director, who has long been an admirer of Comme des Garçons, comments: "It is impossible to overstate Rei Kawakubo's influence on modern fashion. I find it wonderful to think that, thirty years ago, this immense talent, someone who has inspired so many others, was inspired by Louis Vuitton, and now that inspiration has now been realized."
Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, says: "This project not only brings a new meaning to luxury, but also speaks volumes about how the know-how and heritage of Louis Vuitton have always been perceived in Japan, including by its foremost designers. We are very proud to have been able to help Rei Kawakubo relive her memories in such an original and creative way."
Rei Kawakubo, President of Comme des Garçons, says: "These are party bags to celebrate the 30 years of Louis Vuitton in Japan. In designing them, I have kept Louis Vuitton's traditional concept as it is, but sometimes two handles become one, sometimes two handles become eight... It has been a remarkably exciting opportunity for me to have been able to participate in Louis Vuitton's traditional design and heritage.""
source2008/07/09
New Legend
Amazing MUSIC by Dax Riggs!
Riggs has a bast array of haunting blues like melodies though... This video is an example of his hardcore edge, displaying the energy of this man...but he has a deep soulful sound; definitely a new classic.
" Deadboy & the Elephantmen was a Houma, Louisiana based indie rock band fronted by Dax Riggs, the primary songwriter, vocalist, and instrumentalist. Their music is difficult to classify, though influences from alternative rock, goth rock, blues-rock, grunge, and post-punk are audible. In its most popular incarnation, the band was made up of Riggs and Tessie Brunet, and signed a three-record deal with Fat Possum Records in 2005. For the latter part of 2005 and most of 2006 they were on the road touring, but near the end of 2006 Brunet left the band for undisclosed reasons. The band announced its official end on April 16, 2007.
Riggs played guitar and handled lead vocals. Brunet played drums and sang backup. Deadboy marked her first time playing in a band."
Riggs has a bast array of haunting blues like melodies though... This video is an example of his hardcore edge, displaying the energy of this man...but he has a deep soulful sound; definitely a new classic.
" Deadboy & the Elephantmen was a Houma, Louisiana based indie rock band fronted by Dax Riggs, the primary songwriter, vocalist, and instrumentalist. Their music is difficult to classify, though influences from alternative rock, goth rock, blues-rock, grunge, and post-punk are audible. In its most popular incarnation, the band was made up of Riggs and Tessie Brunet, and signed a three-record deal with Fat Possum Records in 2005. For the latter part of 2005 and most of 2006 they were on the road touring, but near the end of 2006 Brunet left the band for undisclosed reasons. The band announced its official end on April 16, 2007.
Riggs played guitar and handled lead vocals. Brunet played drums and sang backup. Deadboy marked her first time playing in a band."
2008/07/07
Gucci: a modern chavalier's tale
Interesting set of videos for Gucci, my favorite element is the music. The woman having a provocative rendezvous with an inanimate armor (maybe a new giagantic purse) is really funny. Nice transitions, and nice promotional piece.
Good Looking Smell
"Byredo is a Stockholm-based newcomer onto the perfume scene as a brand founded by Ben Gorham, a graduate of the Stockholm Art School and an ex-student of interior design. Acting as creative director for the new line, he has assembled the talents of perfumers Olivia Giacobetti, Jérôme Epinette, and Michel Almairac to compose a collection of five fine fragrances, six home fragrances - and drawing on his love for interior decoration - one for boutique hotels.
The five Eaux de Parfum are titled Green, Rose Noir, Gypsy Water, Pulp, and Chembur. Says Gorham,
"I have always been fascinated by the world of fragrance and its effects on my memories and impressions. Through BYREDO I want to communicate my own personal experiences - to contribute to an almost collective memory of time and place. I also believe in a modern approach without loosing olfactory techniques - of simply bringing together the best of old and new." ....."SOURCE
2008/06/28
2008/06/24
2008/06/23
Favorite types for good
FIFTY DESIGNERS' CURRENT FAVOURITE TYPEFACES (UNICEF)
100% of the cover price goes to UNICEF's Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Children's Appeal in the wake of Cyclone Nargis that hit Myanmar on 2nd May 2008.
2008/06/21
Rick Owens moves next me
To be exact moves next to my daily hive or bureau of creation, or place of work. My lunch breaks are gonna gave goth flavor!!
Of a laced summer
This summer I ended up buying comfortable but playful shoes: all of them laced, MMM...A Laced summer I like.
2008/06/18
2008/06/16
industrial design gone fashionably sensual
"Porsche Design launches its first men's fragrance range consisting of eight products. The range will go on sale from fall 2008 in Porsche Design Stores and via Clarins Group distribution channels. The new men's fragrance range allows Porsche Design to expand its range of classic gentlemen’s accessories which already includes items such as watches, sunglasses, luggage, sports and fashion collections, as well as electronic goods. The core product is an eau de toilette which will be available in three different versions. An aftershave lotion, aftershave balm, a hair and body shampoo and two deodorants in stick and spray form complete the range."
2008/06/15
2008/06/05
2008/06/03
Style for a few
While reading one of the myriad of fashion blogs out there I came across to a posting that defied my ideals on individual sense of style.
In this case the author disapproves of the edgy style brought by a very few designers, stating that the strong aesthetic does not allow consumers to appropriate the style (by mixing and matching ) therefore the offered style is not individual style.....MMMMMM.
My thoughts:
" Dear writer: Style is about assumed identities, the sense of belonging to a certain urban tribe -weather one that is big enough to accommodate all individuals or small enough to think of them as a band of outsiders-.
It is a fact that somebody like Heider Ackermann has a very strong sense of style that opposes the "common" element of fashion compliance to trends. His clientele is reduced to a minority precisely for the high degree of individuality in his design. Again, this direction follows a sense of identity that differs from somebody like Jacobs (totally mass and market shaped in my opinion), Isabel Marrant, or APC to name a few of the one you find "individual" enough to wear. I actually find in Ackermann a very refreshing -and THANK GOD- alternative to flat shoes and A skirts.
Even Jacobs has confess his admiration to designers on the fringe of fashion (Ackermann being one of these gifted outsiders) for their edgy and irreverent approach to identities.
Mixing and matching designers at the center stage of fashion is probably is statistical normalcy. Maybe including Ackerman in your repertoire can ACTUALLY give a sense of adventure a very tame sense of style: a challenge for a few"
-The question still remains: is fashion something designers dictate, or people appropriate?-
In this case the author disapproves of the edgy style brought by a very few designers, stating that the strong aesthetic does not allow consumers to appropriate the style (by mixing and matching ) therefore the offered style is not individual style.....MMMMMM.
My thoughts:
" Dear writer: Style is about assumed identities, the sense of belonging to a certain urban tribe -weather one that is big enough to accommodate all individuals or small enough to think of them as a band of outsiders-.
It is a fact that somebody like Heider Ackermann has a very strong sense of style that opposes the "common" element of fashion compliance to trends. His clientele is reduced to a minority precisely for the high degree of individuality in his design. Again, this direction follows a sense of identity that differs from somebody like Jacobs (totally mass and market shaped in my opinion), Isabel Marrant, or APC to name a few of the one you find "individual" enough to wear. I actually find in Ackermann a very refreshing -and THANK GOD- alternative to flat shoes and A skirts.
Even Jacobs has confess his admiration to designers on the fringe of fashion (Ackermann being one of these gifted outsiders) for their edgy and irreverent approach to identities.
Mixing and matching designers at the center stage of fashion is probably is statistical normalcy. Maybe including Ackerman in your repertoire can ACTUALLY give a sense of adventure a very tame sense of style: a challenge for a few"
-The question still remains: is fashion something designers dictate, or people appropriate?-
2008/05/27
the viral and the spoof
Human achievements in technology are always amazing. In this case the amazement goes into cruel amusement, and end up being totally human ridicule. LOVE it.
DA Spoof
DA Spoof
2008/05/16
2008/05/09
Bond = 4 + i
I'm part of a group of 5 designers that will become known to the public as part of the ICFF in NYC. The image is the project I developed for the event of the design week.Partisan . Socio-Political Plaything
Designer: Maria Horn
Partisan is a trio of three-dimensional puzzles comprised of interlocking positive and negative pieces, representing, respectively, power, energy and religion. A player can explore and materialise various global issues through different assemblies and combinations of the puzzle elements. For example, the sum of all the positive pieces creates a dove of peace; the sum of all the negative pieces creates a weapon of war. This form of constructive play encourages users to engage and involve themselves in world issues in a non-confrontational manner.
"Bond., a new multi-disciplinary design studio will debut during ICFF at the Pomegranate Gallery in New York on May 17. The studio’s launch event, Bond., will feature an exhibition of provocative and conceptual work from director of design/founder Joe Doucet and projects from his team of international designers including Philip Attar (Philippines), Cressida Payavis (United States), Matthias Kaeding (Germany), David Yoon (Korea) and Maria Horn (Colombia). -That's me-
“Bond. is meant to be an ‘executional’ think tank,” says founder Joe Doucet. “We are a group of specialists with divergent backgrounds and diverse strengths who are united by the goal to utilise design as a transformative process. Design is more than a step towards creating an object; it is also a catalyst for change.”
In the exhibit, this philosophy is realised through the creation of a broad selection of products, ranging from furniture design to urban planning and from digital technology to clothing. Although each design is completely independent from the next, they are all united by the intention to shift focus away from the idea of consumption as a sole end purpose for a product and toward a transformative process initiated by the interaction of individual and object, client and consumer, participant and society."
2008/05/03
2008/05/01
La Battaglia!
I have been mystified by the style of Giovanna Battaglia for some years now. She is one of those characters that master a personal style becoming an asset in their careers. Not many people manage to get so much presence like she does.
Of course her exceptional height and weight makes part of the equation, but style is rare skill. You can find the whole article in April's French Vogue.
Of course her exceptional height and weight makes part of the equation, but style is rare skill. You can find the whole article in April's French Vogue.
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- MARIA H
- Compilation of aesthetic manifestations beyond compliance, bring us emancipation.