The Bean Sculpture by Anish Kapoor

Project: The Bean Sculpture
Location: Chicago, Millenium Park
Artist (Sculptor): by Anish Kapoor

I just really want one of these for every city around, or at least more of his mirror, sculptures, which the artist is famous for. Kapoor's pieces are frequently simple, curved forms, usually monochromatic and brightly coloured. Most often, the intention is to engage the viewer, evoking mystery through the works' dark cavities, awe through their size and simple beauty, tactility through their inviting surfaces and fascination through their reflective facades. His work is collected worldwide, notably by the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, Fondazione Prada in Milan, the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the De Pont Foundation in the Netherlands and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan.

plastique 80

voque paris: october 2008
photographer: mert and marcus
creative director: carrine roitfeld
model: malgosia bela

when she first came out i wasn't really feelin' her all that much. but through the years the less i see her on runway shows and the more i see her on ridonkculous editorials like this one, the more i get floored by her pictures. lol

Balenciaga Menswear Spring/Summer 2009

Possible "808s and Heartbreak" covers

Which do you like?

Jay-Z, Iconix Hit With Trademark Infringement Suit

A Georgia-based apparel company has accused Jay-Z and Iconix Brand Group Inc. of trademark infringement over the use of the phrase “I will not lose.”

According to documents filed in federal court in Atlanta last week, I Will Not Lose LLC has created apparel under that name since 2004. In its complaint, the company takes issue with the use of the tagline in an advertising campaign for the Iconix-owned and Jay-Z-founded Rocawear apparel brand. As part of the campaign, Rocawear registered the Web site domain www.iwillnotlose.org, launched a channel bearing the name on YouTube and made the phrase a prominent part of its print ads.

According to I Will Not Lose LLC, the fame and reach of the rapper and Iconix have led consumers to states of “reverse confusion” resulting in the belief its goods are Rocawear knockoffs.

I Will Not Lose LLC registered its namesake as a trademark in 2006. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, declared the phrase to close the song “Change The Game” on his 2000 album, “The Dynasty: Roc La Familia.” I Will Not Lose LLC is seeking an injunction against the further use of the phrase by Inconix, profits derived from actions found to be unlawful, legal fees and other, unspecified damages. Iconix declined to comment.

New Talent: Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is an alternative, soul, futuristic, and rock performer and singer. Originally from Kansas City, Kansas she was first featured on the Purple Ribbon All-Star's Compilation Got Purp? Volume 2 in 2005. Her song "Lettin' Go," from this album became a cult hit and a fan favorite. Her next major feature was on OutKast's movie soundtrack for Idlewild, where she is featured on the songs "Call The Law" and "In Your Dreams." She was also featured in the video for the single "Morris Brown," with Big Boi and Scar.

She is currently signed to indie record label The Wondaland Arts Society. The Wondaland Arts Society was founded by the Wolfmasters Nate "Rocket" Wonder, Chuck Lightning, and Delvin Franklin along with manager George "Rico" Rodriguez, Mitch Mitchowski, and Janelle Monáe herself. Other artists on The Wondaland Arts Society include the Afro-punk group Deep Cotton.

Escaping from the underworld of her hometown, Monáe attended the American Musical Academy in New York City where she studied musical theatre and planned to pursue a career on the stages of Broadway. But feeling stifled by the lack of dynamic roles for black women on Broadway, Monáe decided to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue her dream of changing the world through her music. Monáe made her debut in Atlanta in the Fall of 2003. At the time, she was enrolled in Georgia Perimeter College and studied Science. She performed at various events in the Atlanta University Center. Her first solo project "The Audition" consisted of raw acoustic production from fellow AUC group BOF (Best of Friends) and from Nate "Rocket" Wonder and Chuck Lightning of Wondaland Productions.

Monáe originally planned on releasing "Metropolis" in four separate parts, or "Suites." The first Suite of Metropolis, titled "The Chase" was released in August of 2007 via her label, the Wondaland Arts Society. The first single from Suite I of Metropolis, "Violet Stars Happy Hunting" has since become an internet sensation and is an underground hit. Her album is available exclusively via her website and live performances, as well as iTunes and other mp3 download sites. In late 2007, Janelle Monae signed with Sean "Diddy" Combs' label, Bad Boy Records via her own recording label, The Wondaland Arts Society. Through the joint venture, Monáe will follow up the suite with Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition), heralded by the album's first single Many Moons (Song) and in stores on August 12th, 2008. The Many Moons (Song) video premiered on BET's 106 and Park on September 25, 2008. Janelle plans on releasing a full length album in January 2009.

Greedy Genius Cool Breeze “Avalanche”

There is almost a literal avalanche of new Cool Breeze styles from Greedy Genius this fall. The one that takes that name (”Avalanche”) comes with a full patent leather white upper. One the heel, a black and white houndstooth provides contrast. With the laces, you get a choice of white or black. Look for them in stores this week.

Futura Laboratories x Medicom Toy x Casio - G-Shock Bearbrick Set

In a project largely kept under wraps, Futura Laboratories along with Medicom Toy and Casio put together a special collaboration which features both a classic DW-6900 watch and Medicom Toy Bearbrick. Despite the multiple colors seen on the watch, the balance of color is kept in check with the all-black body and black LCD display. The Bearbrick follows a similar pattern as each body part is done up in a different color. Set for a mid-December release. Pre-orders are currently being accepted at the FL Shop as of tomorrow.

A Bathing Ape Book signing by Nigo

Taking place this Saturday the 4th at colette Paris, Nigo will be holding a book signing for the celebration of A Bathing Ape’s 15th year anniversary. The book is a retrospective look at the last 15 years of his company and it’s evolution into the most popular streetwear label in Japan. The book will be available in various Bape camouflage covers, with a special colette blue cover limited to 300 units and only available at the signing event which begins at 11am.

Blu Dot to takeover Stüssy's Soho Spot

After ten years at their Wooster Street location, streetwear brand Stüssy has yielded the prime space to modern furniture maker Blu Dot. Staking a claim on what will be their first freestanding store, Blu Dot will bring their clean, Design Within Reach-meets-IKEA aesthetic to the same block as Poltrona Frau. Although based in Minneapolis, Blu Dot has already hit New York with a store-within-a-store on the fourth floor of Broadway's ABC Carpet & Home.

The Grey Wool Blazer

From the files of "the item every man needs this season", I bring you the "Grey Wool Blazer". This is a must own item this season. Grey, in general, is right on trend. And this item in particular is being done by labels ranging from Banana Republic to BBlessing. The option pictured above is from Banana Republic, and despite the shitty smirk on the guy's face on the right, the blazer appears perfect. I haven't had a chance to try it on yet but it looks tailored just right. And at $250, a bargain.

A Fine Tooth

A fine tooth is a menswear salon which offers up vintage pieces. Worn by the likes of Devendra Barnhart, OK Go and Of Montreal, Owner James Kessler has built up an enviable client list. But the main selling point of this shop is their made-to-measure trousers or ‘dandy pants’ as they like to call them.
By eschewing sizes, instead going by nine different body types, A Fine Tooth make trousers that they guarantee will fit. Try it out for yourself at the Fine Tooth website.

Johnny Love Spring/Summer 2009 Collection

Adding to the long list of desirable brands originating from Scandinavia, Johnny Love are a 3 year old label based in Norway. Designed by John Erling, the brand grew because he had been tailoring suits for friends and family and demand grew to a point where a label was a viable idea. John himself describes the clothing as “classic streetwear”.

Nike Air Max 1 “Tartan Plaid”

Nike will be releasing the Nike Air Max 1. It comes featuring a mix of tartan plaid on the upper. The base comes in black leather, which is featured on the Swoosh, around the laces and above the sole.

We will keep you posted.

Pinel & Pinel Bike Trunk

Luxury luggage for the bike enthusiast, the Pinel & Pinel bike trunk is built of wood and leather with brass tacking. Available in 51 color options, so there is no chance of not fitting personal taste. Included with the chest is a Brompton folding bike type M6R. Brompton bikes are designed and built in West London. When folded, they are incredibly compact, making them perfect for the international traveler.

Banksy’s Three Story Piece in Soho

Seemingly still on his tour of the US, we hadn’t heard much from the British street artist since his endeavors in New Orleans. Recently, Banksy commissioned professional painters Colossal to put up his I Love NY rat piece in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood. The three story high work features a very ironic message, which we have come to expect throughout the years.

Lanvin for Acne Capsule Collection

Announced a few months past, the new capsule collection by Lanvin for Acne is now being preview on the Acne Jeans site. For men, we are given three preview looks all of which share a similar palette and feel but the dress runs from casual to proper business attire.

Movie Trailer: Seven pounds

Academy Award® nominee Will Smith stars in the drama “Seven Pounds,” re-teaming with the director and producers of “The Pursuit of Happyness” for the emotional story of a man who will change the lives of seven strangers.

The movie co-stars: Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy, and Tom Cruise’s son, Connor Cruise.

Common & Sense Man Issue #5

Common & Sense Man has recently hit select outlets as the magazine has a jam-packed issue for its fifth release. With two covers featuring Nigo and Pharrell, the page of contents includes features on Kriss Van Assche, Hedi Slimane, Louis Vuitton and of course the duo of Nigo and Pharrell. Look for Common & Sense Man Issue #5 at colette and for more information check out Commons-Sense.net.

Wonderwall x OriginalFake T-shirt

OriginalFake has partnered with Wonderwall on a t-shirt. Featuring elements of design with OF and Kaws’ trademark imagery, the t-shirt is produced in strict quantities and exclusive to only a handful of locations. Available at colette, Wonderwall’s onlineshop and OriginalFake.

Diet Butcher Slim Skin Hi-Top Sneakers

Diet Butcher Slim Skin has dropped a nice series of high top sneakers. The sneakers are actually very high, come with an upper entirely made of patent leather and with a short zipper added on the side, making it easier to get in. The upper features some nice stitching details, giving the sneaker more character. It comes in black, blue and beige, all featuring white soles. Last but not least they added matching fat laces to the sneakers.

The Diet Butcher Slim Skin hi-top patent leather sneakers will be released September 29th at Glaice.

OBAMA’S RUNWAY TO CHANGE COLLECTION

With the debates coming up, Obama supporters can get some exclusive designer duds straight from the official Obama online store with their Runway To Change collection. The collection features t-shirts and accessories produced by designers like Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, Diane Von Furstenburg, Nanette Lepore, and Tory Burch - for Obama’s presidential campaign.

Celebrity designers got their hands involved as well, with tees also coming from Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Pharrell Williams.

Hyden Yoo 2008 Fall/Winter Collection

As a brand bolstered by prize money acquired via his participation on the reality TV show Fear Factor, Hyden Yoo’s success with outlandish acts on TV has translated into another success on the fashion front. The collection features traditional pieces ranging from duffle coats to overcoats and cardigans as the collection enjoys a middle ground of high-end and casual wear.