David Bowie still and always the pioneer

You put your left leg in, your right arm in...*

 

I'm sure many of you noticed the hoo hah surrounding the singer Rihanna as she performed onstage at the Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam on February 4th in Miami Beach, Florida.

The fuss was triggered by "a peculiar one-shoulder, one-leg catsuit" that she bravely decided to wear for the event. The black asymmetrical concoction was finished with white trim, with two white hoops on one wrist giving the effect of bangles.

The ensemble contrasted nicely with Rihanna's spiky, died red hair...I say 'bravely', but then it hit me that I had seen something very similar before.

 

I was then that I remembered the stunning outfit above, that model Candice Swanepoel wore on the runway during the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at The Armory in New York City on November 19th.

It all seemed to be jogging my memory, the asymmetrical outfit with sparkly bits woven into the fabric, covered in bold geometric designs, with not only the two wrist bangles, but a great pair of platform shoes too. Still wasn't quite it though...no red hair for a start.

While searching I did stumble upon the House Of Field designed creation above that hit the runway at the Barbie 50th Anniversary Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week on Feb 14th last year.

It was close, but no sleeves at all and no bangles...though the diagonal design was triggering something. One thing's for sure, if Barbie had looked like that when I was a lad, I would have spent less time with Ken!


I was about to give up, when it hit me like an Aladdin Sane lightning bolt from the blue...

It was Kate Moss I had remembered wearing the exact outfit I had been thinking about all along...even if there was no sign of red spiky hair.

I didn't think I could get any closer. The picture was from a feature in Vogue from May 2003 (04.10.2003 NEWS: BOWIE INTERVIEW AND CLOBBER SPECIAL IN VOGUE) in which Kate was photographed wearing different stage outfits belonging to David Bowie.


Hang on a minute. David Bowie!?

Of course, David Bowie had pioneered the look thirty seven years ago with the costume above created by Japanese fashion designer, Kansai Yamamoto.


It was all there, all those years ago: the asymmetrical outfit with sparkly bits woven into it, the two wrist bangles, the diagonal stripes and geometrical shapes...and of course, bright red hair.

Bowie was so comfortable with the asymmetrical look that he had Freddi Burretti knock up a couple more for Ziggy's last fling during the filming of The 1980 Floor Show in London in October 1973.

Somehow, though they are even more flamboyant, this look seems to work on Bowie a bit better than the other examples on this page.

And there was much more to come...but that's another story.


*So, you think Bowie has never sung The Hokey Cokey?

Total Blam Blam - (BowieNet News Editor)
Courtesy of David Bowie.com http://www.davidbowie.com/news/index.php?id=20100205

To add to this, I have to say that I am really tired of this lack of innovation by the Rihanna and Lady Gaga of this world. I am not a fan at all and I don't think we'll remember them...but we'll remember David Bowie !

King Murakami exhibited in Versailles in September 2010

Following the king of kitsch pop art Jeff Koons in 2008 and French artist Xavier Veilhan last year, it is the turn of Takashi Murakami to be enthroned at the Palace of Versailles in 2010. It will be the first major retrospective in France for the Japanese artist. A new culture clash between history and modernity, which is sure to irritate, again, the conservatives of the "exception française".

From 12 September to 12 December 2010.

More info on: http://www.chateauversailles.fr/

Exclusive interview with rising French Fashion Designer Maxime Simoens

I recently came across a very interesting show by Loic Prigent and Mlle Agnès

(http://www.fashionologie.com/Loic-Prigents-Habillees-Videos-Capture-Anna-Wintour-Implying-Carine-Roitfeld-Should-Better-Support-Young-French-Designers-6697951)

on the next generation of French Designers and I thought it was actually true to ask the question: who are they? I particularly liked the work of Maxime Simoens and so I thought I would get in touch and do an interview with him. Here's the result of this fascinating discussion with the emerging talent.

When is your brand born?
A year ago.

Who, from the fashion or "creative world" do you take your inspiration from?

Designers who revealed modernity of their times such as Vionnet, Jeanne Lanvin, Courreges, Cardin and Mugler but also from contemporary art such Vasarely, Olafur Eliasson and Jeff Koons.

Are you originally from Paris? Can you tell us a bit more about your background please?

I was born in Lille. Since my childhood I was attracted painting, drama and cinema.

Following 10 years of acting classes, I wanted to study filmmaking. To get into this school, I had to make a book describing my world; which as a result, I spent more time to draw than to express it through words.

But it was at the Madonna’s concert in 2001, that I realized that fashion was my vocation. I bought the program in which was displaying all the costumes made by Jean Paul Gaultier. At that precise moment I gave myself my first goal: to work for him ... which I reached 4 years later!

After passing my exams I went to Lyon to study fine arts. A year later I joined to the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.

I then worked for Fashion designers such as Elie Saab, accessories for Jean Paul Gaultier and finally embroidery at Christian Dior. Subsequently, I joined the studio of Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga where when it came to inspiration, embroidery and prints were my main tasks.

Can you tell us about your latest collection?

It all started with the kaleidoscope, infinite combinations of shapes and colours, a childhood marked by the thirst of for striking images.

During the progress of the collection, the death of Michael Jackson affected me a lot. He was the Icon of my youth, - I remember dressing like him wearing a wig and a glove when I was a kid - I would not be too literal, the cut, the colours but also the colour brightness of subjects.

What do you think about French Fashion's scene?
It is the right balance between minimalism New Yorker, the sexy Italian and English extravagance. The French designers have a sense of chic and elegance.

Have you had any support from any other fashion figure?

The realization of the brand was made by our own experiences, but from my first presentation, journalists such as Mlle Agnes or Lawrence Dombrowicz encouraged me!

What are you expressing through your designs?

I hope to achieve timelessness and a garment which goes through the ages is a real challenge. It must be part of a current fashion, make a difference with the others but do not become excessive !

Are you showing at Paris Fashion week?

Yes, during the week of Prêt à Porter, the last presentation took place in October.

What projects do you have upcoming?

The presentation of the Winter 2010/2011 collection in March.

Where can we find your designs?

We are distributed in France, in Cannes and in Paris at Maria Luisa and Suite 114, and in the rest of the world, in Italy by Luisa Via Roma in Germany, in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., Canada, Japan , Russia and even Uzbekistan.

To finish with, what would you wish to this blog?

A sumptuous and creative life filled with beautiful vibrations!

Thanks to Maxime and Tomek.

More info on: www.maximesimoens.com

Auction sale: Giacometti sets sale record £65m sculpture

A sculpture by Alberto Giacometti became the most expensive work of art ever sold at auction when it fetched £65m ($104.3m) at Sotheby’s London on Wednesday night.

The sculpture, “L’Homme qui marche I”, soared over its £12m-£18m estimate and beat the record held by Picasso’s painting “Garçon à la pipe”, which sold for $104.2m at Sotheby’s New York in May 2004.

The buyer was obviously... me... but keep it for yourself.
More info on: www.sothebys.com

Because it feels so good... Bad by Michael Jackson

Check at 4:51 minutes, it rules !

I am not a fool Sony Ericsson, I can see that you're using American Apparel's branding

Am I the only one reading through the lines? I am sure that Sony Ericsson took inspiration from American Apparel's branding for this ad and product. I also believe that the brand is trying to compete with Apple and is therefore trying to target fashionistas. Really clever.

Is it working with you?

More info on:  www.sonyericsson.com and www.americanapparel.net

Pringle of Scotland: Tilda Swinton is beautiful

For the second time, Pringle of Scotland has chosen the beautiful and intelligent Tilda Swinton to represent their ad campaign. Ryan Mc Ginley has shot it near Nairn, the city where Tilda was born. The below film was also specifically made for the campaign and takes its inspiration from the movie Notes sur le Cinematographe from movie Director Robert Bresson.

Pringle of Scotland has definitely become more creative since Claire Wight Keller took the artistic direction in 2005 and its first catwalk show in Milan in 2006 ! The video is also beautiful. I am emotionally involved with Scotland - for personal reasons - and I love Tilda Swinton's talent and beauty...

Alexander McQueen S/S 2010 : Raquel Zimmermann by Nick Knight

Alexander McQueen S/S 2010 : Raquel Zimmermann by Nick Knight

‘Plato’s Atlantis‘ by Alexander McQueen, was by far was the best show of the 2010 collections. Now the ad campaign has been revealed and it's amazing. Raquel Zimmermann was shot by UK fashion photographer Nick Knight and the result is beautiful ! Well done !

LEVI'S + JPG = weird partnership

I can only see one reason behind the collaboration between Jean Paul Gaultier and Levi's: the need for financial support on one side and the publicity on the other site. I remember Christian Lacroix's numerous partnerships with Larousse, and SNCF (the French national railway company) which were always publicly defended as "ways for the designer to express himself", later on would I realize that I was right in thinking, at the time, that these were only ways for the Fashion House to survive. I must admit that I find this one a bit strange...

Would the crisis have hit Jean Paul Gaultier so hard that he needs to explore cross-branding? I am not sure I really like the results though... What do you think?

More info on: www.jeanpaulgaultier.com

Andy Warhol Japanese TDK Ad

Patti Smith and Steven Sebring: Objects of Life in NYC

Steven Sebring, "Patti Portrait Detroit" (1995). Gelatin silver print, ed. 1/5, 16 x 20 inches, 40.6 x 50.8 cm.

NEW YORK - The exhibition "Patti Smith and Steven Sebring: Objects of Life," is on view at Robert Miller Gallery through Feb. 13, and has opened last week. The opening reception was
full of celebrities, I hear, Zac Posen, Michael Stipe, and Mary Ellen Mark were there. I wish I was there too...too bad but I had had the chance to meet with Patti Smith in London at Alison Jacques back during Frieze.

The sprawling exhibition is a collaboration between Patti Smith and Steven Sebring, and is meant as a celebration of the 11 years he spent filming her for his documentary Patti Smith: Dream of Life. Like the film, the exhibition is an "impressionistic portrait of the artist," represented in the form of her drawings, screen prints, poetry, and memorabilia, as well as photographs taken by Sebring. These range from intimate Polaroid prints to large-format, documentary color images of such Smith belongings as her trademark boots, a cherished childhood dress, a necklace Mapplethorpe gave her, and a tiny urn holding some of his ashes.

This show is apparently made of 80 works and in the same way as the Mapplethorpe' show in London, acts as a memorial to the artist. One can feel a bit moved by so much emotion conveyed by the drawings, poems, videos, photographs, silkscreen prints, installations etc.

What did you think of this show?

More info on: http://www.robertmillergallery.com/index2.html

MONUMENTA 2010: Christian Boltanski

Christian Boltanski, one of the key figures of French contemporary art, was born in Paris in 1944 and is now spanning an international career, which started in the 1970s. Individual memory and time are recurring themes in the work of Christian Boltanski, who has created “Personnes” especially for the MONUMENTA exhibition at the Grand Palais.
In this installation combining visual impact and sound, he tackles the question of destiny and the ineluctability of death and follows the steps of Anselm Kiefer in 2007, and Richard Serra in 2008.

MONUMENTA is an outstanding, ambitious artistic encounter. Each year, a leading international contemporary artist is invited by the Ministry of Culture and Communication to create an exceptional new work for the 13,500 m² Nave of the Grand Palais, in the heart of Paris.

More info on: http://www.monumenta.com/2010/

Quote of the week by Tom Ford (yes again)

"I stay this way [nude] pretty much 24 hours a day. Richard [Buckley, Ford's boyfriend] is very funny. He is usually completely dressed. He does not like to be naked. So he is in the house; we are having dinner. I am sitting there naked; he is sitting there completely dressed." Tom Ford on his private life.

Exclusive interview with Janet Morais, Brand Director of the design company Boca do Lobo

I recently came across the furnitures of the Portuguese company called Boca do Lobo and thought I would interview with the Brand Director, Janet Morais. She kindly agreed to answer my questions and here are the very interesting answers. I love this design, it's beautiful, precious and it rocks ! On top of that, it's made in Portugal, the creative country I come from. 

Can you introduce Boca do Lobo and introduce yourself please?
Boca do Lobo’s furniture is designed to evoke emotion in its admirers! The sensational collections of furniture pass on uniqueness and exclusivity. They never cease to surprise, and surely never go unnoticed. Each piece is handcrafted in Portugal with the finest materials by a team of talented artisans who have a passion to deliver only the highest quality furnishings. All of the items are fully customizable and the designer always loves a challenge!
As you know, my name is Janet Morais-I am an interior designer in the US and the owner of the international design firm DeMorais & Associates. I also own DeMorais International, a furniture import company through which I travel the world to bring new and exciting design products to the US. I came across Boca do Lobo in the summer of 2008, when I first encountered BL I was amazed by the emotions which its pieces awakened in me, they were feelings rarely evoked by furniture-fascination, inspiration, desire and euphoria. My initial reaction to the collection was a strong sense of desire. Today this feeling rises in me each time I see a BL work of art and as the new Brand Director it is my mission to share the emotional seduction of the BL world with all who wish to experience it!

When was the brand born and what's the philosophy behind it?
After five years of practicing interior design and analyzing the design market and its many facets, space for a distinctive product was seen-with this perspective Boca do Lobo appeared. Its ideal name wishes it luck as it follows its quest to explore and share the best Portugal has to offer: the knowledge of its people who design and create furniture art, the tradition of working with the noble material of wood, and the artisans and joiners who create the pieces with their years of wisdom and experience and their love and dedication to the art that they perform.


Our brand was created to bring excellence in furniture design. Since 2005 we have been working to present our admirers with the best designs and quality art pieces for the home. We are currently present in every corner of the world and have received recognition from many.

Our mission is to understand the past and interpret it through technology and contemporary design. We use this knowledge to transfer our entire artisan’s wisdom into our design. The latest technological methods are combined with traditional manufacturing techniques allowing our pieces to transform into timeless objects. In this way, we are able to offer the finest examples of this art.

How many designers work for Boca do Lobo?
There are currently 8 designers working for BL.

Where can we find you?
US: Exclusively through DeMorais International, di@demoraisid.com, 001.703.369.3324, www.demoraisid.com

London: Decoratum located at 13-25 Church St., Marylebone, London NW8 8DT, info@decoratum.com, +44 (0) 20 7724 6969, www.decoratum.com.
Europe and rest of world: Direct from Boca do Lobo, Rio Tinto, Portugal, info@bocadolobo.com, +351 224 881 669, www.bocadolobo.com.

Does the brand takes its inspiration in Portuguese Culture?
Yes our brand is rooted in the desire to understand traditional Portuguese furniture crafting methods and other manufacturing techniques through the wisdom of our artisan’s and to combine this knowledge with the latest technology and contemporary design.

Do you take part in design fairs?
Yes, we participate in design fairs throughout the world. We were at Tent London this past September and we will be at Maison & Objet in Scènes D’Intérieur the end of January, Architectural Digest Home Design Show (New York City) in March, Milan Design Week at Salon Internazionale del Mobile’s Zona Tortona in April and possibly back to New York for the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in May. We have also exhibited at shows in Angola, Barcelona, and Lisbon.

How many collections do you have?
We have three collections, Soho Collection, Coolors and LE-Large Emotion/Limited Edition. To view the collection catalogs please download the links below.

Soho Collection
Coolors Collection
LE-Large Emotion/Limited Edition Collection


When is the next collection coming up?
We are unveiling our newest design, Time Goes By, at Maison et Objet and we will be coming out with more new pieces in Milan in April.

To finish with, what would you wish to this blog?
We wish you and your blog the best and continued success recognizing and sharing good design!!


More info on: http://www.bocadolobo.com/

Beautiful artwork by Sir Peter Blake, sold at London Art Fair, Paul Stolper Gallery

Peter Blake

Diamond Dust Warhol, 2009
Inkjet on Somerset Satin Enhanced 330gsm, Diamond Dust
Signed and numbered by the artist
Image size: 35.6 x35.6cm
Paper size: 52 x 50.8cm
Paul Stolper