In an era of virtual reality the prospect of visiting an exhibition dedicated to products of designer craft presents a salutary experience. Here, at least, one can be assured of an encounter with the visual imagination made tangible; ideas translated into something that can be touched, held, worn, or reclined upon. The exhibition DUBH – Dialogues in Black, is an eye and mind-opening example of what contemporary designers are thinking about and actualizing at the cutting edge of our engagement with material culture.
Stemming from an initiative developed by Irish craftsman Joseph Walsh’s organization, STUDIO practice, and curated by Irish artist Brian Kennedy, the premise of the show is to place contemporary Irish craft and design practitioners in concert with their U.S. and international peers, demonstrating the vitality of Irish designers and drawing attention to the greater innovative achievements current in contemporary craft and design practice. You can put away your fusty expectations of finding the traditional crafts associated with Ireland – Aran sweaters, bawneen knits, country pottery, Donegal tweeds – and prepare to embark on a distinctly twenty-first century experience. Most of the craftspeople here seem to be considering contemporary notions of biology, genetics, even particle physics, disposing of historical attitudes toward craft practice, or confronting good old fashioned cultural myopia. “Dialogues in Black” may be the organizing principle behind this collection (dubh – pronounced duv – is the Irish for black) but the range of forms, feelings, and ideas at play here presents quite a varied sampling of treasures. Kennedy appears to have reached wide and far, and he is to be commended for both the breadth of the show and for permitting the “dialogue” that occurs to flow so sleekly about the gracious and somewhat period styled interiors of the AIHS’s rooms. An artful balance is struck, never permitting any exhibitor’s contribution a domineering presence or freer rein than the others. He knows how to show this stuff.
In early February I did a mini-interview with Eric Sanders knowing that I’d soon have the opportunity to have a much longer conversation with him and his collaborator, Dave Nuss. Together they have created Original Innocence – The Rock Opera and I’m already fascinated by what I’ve seen. This Friday, March 25th I’ll be heading over to ISSUE PROJECT ROOM (At the Old American Can Factory) 232 3rd Street, 3rd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11215 [Telephone: 718-330-0313] to see a workshopped production. There are two shows that night – one at eight and one at ten. I think you should come too.
I always love chatting with Eric Sanders, he’s my favorite combination of brilliant and humble. Not to mention amazingly talented. Now, meeting Dave for the first time I was equally excited; together these guys are an interviewer’s dream. Read on to find out the random thing that brought these two talented men together, find out why they think it’s so important that our culture has a creation myth they can finally get behind, and let them explain why they cast Satan as a woman.
It’s the 20th Anniversary of D&G men’s line, and boy do those two know how to throw a party on the runway (and off the runway I’m sure). Linens, sheer whites and khakis abound in this special Spring 2011 show featuring the lovely Annie Lennox tickling the ivories.
Watch video 1 and 2, and celebrate that the clothes are only one year away to legally have a drink.
Whether you think she’s a copy cat or a devilishly inspired vixen, Lady Gaga is giving the fashion industry a helping hand by showcasing the hot and haute in her music videos. Collaborations between music artists and fashion houses is not a new thing, they have helped each other’s awareness since the beginning of MTV in the early 80s.
In her recent video Alejandro, she works with stylist Nicola Formichetti and fab photographer Steven Klein to create her –much too long– but beautifully rendered video.
Why don’t we talk about fall/winter collections on this horribly hot day? Fashionistas will tell you that it is better to stock up early on the latest trends, and nothing screams more “latest” than a new line with a vintage twist.
AELEIS F/W 2010
AELEIS New York, the new menswear line by designer Philippe Trinh is sure to make you go, “I want that!” So while you stand in line to get yourself another version of the same phone (yes I’m talking to you, dude with the glasses standing in line for your new iphone 4), I’ll be checking out AELEIS’ 1900s inspired collection for when the leaves start turning that perfect shade of rose.
Make sure to swing by the website to check out the look book.
By all accounts the Come Out and Play festival was a huge success. And we’re pleased to say that The Paper Plane Derby (featured earlier on THM) was winner of the Best Family Game! CONGRATULATIONS!
Our very own Stephen Tortora-Lee was an eager participant in the derby and wound up bringing home “Most Innovative Design”; his lovely award now hangs proudly in our home for all to see. (You can see a picture of him lined up and ready to compete after the jump.)
We caught up with Rachel Schutt and Linda Perkins again to see how they felt the day went and asked them to tell us about some of their favorite moments.
“Through the magic of Leprechauns, Papa Smurf, Michael J. Fox, and all other things small, we make wee-sized, delightful stuffed animal versions of you.”
That’s how the masterminds over at “I Am A Stuffed Animal”describe their ingenious service. The reason why it is ingenious is because they are bringing custom made stuffed humans to the average consumer, with an average budget. You don’t need to star in High School Musical 9 or pray to the gods that your sex tape makes an impact to have a doll of yourself anymore.
All screenings in Tishman Auditorium
The New School, 66 West 12th Street
7:30–9:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.
April 6 ANNIE HALL Dir. Woody Allen, 1977
Introduced by JUDITH THURMAN
Reception precedes screeningWoody Allen’s classic tale of New York City romantic neuroticism stars Diane Keaton in the era-defining title role. Introduced by Judith Thurman, staff writer at the New Yorker, and author of Isak Dinesen: The Life of a Storyteller (winner of the National Book Award), Secrets of the Flesh: A Life of Colette, and, most recently, Cleopatra’s Nose: 39 Varieties of Desire.Continue Reading…
We have a special The Wo(Man) In The Window this week. Some of you might have already seen this video, read the New York Post article or have strolled down to XOXO to experience their “Window Theater”, not your average live model display.
This story was prepared by Justin Rocket Silverman for The New York Post, you can read the full article here.
Foot protection was one of the first things created by our ancestors, even before the fur wrap skirt (not to be confused with Carolina Herrera‘s wrap blouse or Diane Von Furstenberg‘s signature wrap dress). Shoes have been a part of our lives since the making of the wheel and since then have been adorned to be more than just protective gear. Shoes have become the modern woman’s ID card.
This season the runway was not exempt from highly opulent shoes: studs (the houses of Prada, Zanotti, Givenchy), elastic and leather bands (Narciso Rodriguez, Derek Lam, Jason Wu, Dior) and bejeweled wonders (McQueen, Christopher Kane, Nina Ricci, Blumarine). All fit for a queen, all ranging from $1,000 and up. So if you aren’t a trust fund baby, Ivanka Trump, or embezzling money for shoes, how can you afford all these styles?
Sure we all love Louboutins enough to write a song dedicated to them, like J.Lo did, but that won’t get Christian to custom-design a pair for us. But the ladies from BLUFF NY might … and will.
BLUFF is a newly launched accessory line that has created inter-changeable pieces to spice up any shoe. Utterly affordable, and in tune with today’s trends. They describe their first line as an organic compilation of playfully dark yet feminine looks, and I asked creators Jess, Cara and Anna to elaborate a little bit more about how BLUFF came about.
