ART TO DO/NEWS::ART BASEL MIAMI BEACH 12.4-12.7

Over the past decade, Art Basel has come to be one of the most highly anticipated events in the art world. The conference-style expo, which commences this Thursday, is a four day convention filled with the works of both established and emerging artist(s). The event, which started in Basel, Switzerland is the ultimate playground for curators and spectators alike where the value of art has no price limit.

MORE INFO::ART BASEL MIAMI BEACH

ART/FASHION::MARLENE MCCARTY'S RODARTE INTERPRETATION

Marlene McCarty was recently commissioned by curator Dominic Sidhu to interpret designing duo, Rodarte's Fall collection. In response, McCarty created a visual essay in four parts: Absorption, Reflection, Inversion, Progression.

Progression (above), features model Anja Rubik in the ultra feminine duds as she "morphs from woman to beast". McCarty's work can be seen at Sikkema Jenkins & Co. in NYC.

OFFICIAL SITE::RODARTE
GALLERY::SIKKEMA JENKINS & CO./MARLENE MCCARTY
RELATED::V MAGAZINE

FASHION/FILM::SHOWSTUDIO'S "INSENSATE" VIDEO FOR GARETH PUGH.GARETH PUGH WINS MY HEART.

Gareth Pugh is much more than a designer. He's a conceptual artist who uses the opportunity as a designer to create elaborate works of art. SHOWStudio recently teamed up with Pugh for a two-minute short titled "Insensate", displaying his Fall 2008 collection, which was featured on the cover of Dazed & Confused.

Below is a look at Pugh's Spring 2009 Collection.



SHOWSTUDIO FILM FOR GARETH PUGH::INSENSATE
OFFICIAL SITE::GARETH PUGH
RELATED::DAZED DIGITAL/GARETH PUGH

DESIGN::DROOL WORTHY ARCHITECTURE BY ZAHA HADID

I'll admit, I've been sort of Zaha Hadid fiend since she exhibited her Chanel artist pavilion in Central Park early November. And her newest work only drives obsession forward.
Home House is an exclusive members only hotel and bar located on Portman Square in London, which commissioned the famed architect to design a decked out bar and reception area with an awe-infusing outcome. However, in order to see the futuristic space-age interior, you'll need an invitation from a member, or become one for $2,250-a-year. For those of us who don't have exclusive hook ups, we can admire from afar.

OFFICIAL SITE::HOME HOUSE
ARTIST::ZAHA HADID
RELATED ARTICLE::NY TIMES/T MAGAZINE/NOW SERVING ZAHA HADID

MV::TELLA SELF-DIRECTS "SOUVENIR"

Musical songstress, Tella, self-directs newest video for "Souvenir" off her upcoming album Tempest in a Teacup, out next year. It's an experimental piece that highlights her fancy editing and electric guitar playing skills, while singing the moody tune.

Tella is currently available on itunes

ARTIST::TELLA
TRACK::SOUVENIR
DIRECTOR/EDITOR::TELLA
PROD.CO::N/A

ART/VISIT::DIA:BEACON, NEW YORK

With winter (almost) in full bloom, it’s easy to get lazy and not venture out to greater New York for fun and festivities. But DIA: Beacon should be the one exception for you to get your bum off the couch and out to see some great art. They have one of the largest collections of art from the 1960s to now, including works from Andy Warhol, Dan Flavin (love), Agnes Martin, Gerhard Richter, and much more.


Gerhard Richter, 6 Gray Mirrors, 2003. © Gerhard Richter/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn. Photo: Richard Barnes.


MORE INFO::DIA:BEACON (NY)
DIRECTIONS::MTA

FASHION/SHOP::EXCLUSIVE FALL SALE @ OPENING CEREMONY

Check it:

EXCLUSIVE FALL SALE this Friday 11.21.2008!!!!

Get a head start on your Holiday gifts and Winter wardrobe additions. Enjoy discounts of select designers, including Marios Schwab, Hussein Chalayan, Mayle, Peter Pilotto, Lutz, Katy Rodriguez, Peter Jensen, Whereabouts, Nike exclusives, Opening Ceremony and more!

In addition, explore the new Holiday arrivals of Rodarte, Kate Moss for Topshop, Emma Cook for Topshop, Phillip Crangi Jewelry, Pamela Love Jewelry, Comme des Garcons, Proenza Schouler, K-Swiss x Hederus, Pendleton, Kim Gordon's Mirror/Dash, Hello Kitty and books galore from Distributed Art Publishers. -Opening Ceremony

ADDRESS::OPENING CEREMONY 35 HOWARD STREET NEW YORK NY 10012

FASHION/DESIGNER LOOKOUT::JEN KAO

It's only a matter of time before you see Jen Kao's name headlining Fashion Week. The New York-based designer is already getting noteworthy attention, even working with the likes of must-have fashion photographer, Ryan McGinley.

Her stunning high-end womenswear line was born the Fall of 2007 and is now well on it's way to becoming a fruitful brand. Her clothes are influenced by her Japanese upbringing, during which she learned the traditional crafts, artistry, and folklore of Japanese culture.

Her clothes are currently available via email.

OFFICIAL SITE::JEN KAO

MV::PATRYK REBISZ DIRECTS THE VANGUARD, "RIO"

Patryk Rebisz directs newest video for New York band, The Vanguard. The video for "Rio" is an innocent and voyeuristic view into a relationship between photographer and his (real life) girlfriend. It's all shot through the viewfinder of a medium format still camera with imagery that alludes to experimental film legend Jonas Mekas, particularly his film "To Ruby With Love" (this is observational). The song is equally as catchy and harmonizes with the romantic visuals onscreen.

ARTIST::THE VANGUARD
TRACK::RIO
DIRECTOR::PATRYK REBISZ
PROD.CO::PIPELINE TALENT

MUSIC::CSS PLAY WEBSTER HALL IN NYC 12.17.08

Self-described grunge/reggae/melodramatic popular song band, CSS (aka Cansei De Ser Sexy) will be playing at Webster Hall in NYC on Dec. 12th. The band, originally from São Paulo, Brazil is known for putting on some fantastic sweaty-inducing dance parties and playing eclectic remixes of their current tunes.

BUY/TICKETMASTER::CSS @ WEBSTER HALL. $20/ADV, $25/DAY OF

FASHION/READ::BLACKBOOK'S INSIDER LOOK AT STELLA MCCARTNEY'S GLORIOUS SPRING '09 COLLECTION

McCartney. The name itself resonates with a cultural-infused identity. But put Stella before the highly recognized surname and you're heading into a different type of influential territory. Stella McCartney (daughter of The Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney), hit the floor running as a designer almost thirteen years ago. Since then, she's proven to be an unstoppable force in the world of fashion. Her enthusiasm for organic fabrics sought out to go against the grain of the tree huggin' style norm, put her at the forefront of the industry. Now, beyond the peak of her fame as an acclaimed designer, she continues to wow her devoted followers with a brand that continues to flourish.

BlackBook Magazine takes an exclusive sneak peek at the designers flirty 2009 Spring Collection.

READ::BLACKBOOK ICONS, STELLA MCCARTNEY

FILM/DVD::JOHN CASSAVETES', "A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE"

John Cassavetes', A Woman Under The Influence, is an emotional film about a suburban woman struggling with mental illness. Her family attempts to support her erratic behavior while her husband, played by Peter Falk, nears the brink of giving up altogether. Gena Rowlands plays the young woman and her performance was one of the "harrowing performances of the 1970s".

Platform outstanding clip pick::


BUY::THE CRITERION COLLECTION, A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE $31.96

FASHION::WESC PRINTED DELTA BONGO HEADPHONES

The sheer design of these headphones is something worth getting excited about. However, the company behind the edgy earwear is worth talking about as well. WESC, better known as We Are The Superlative Conspiracy, has an eclectic mix of headphones and gear with campaigns featuring Giovanni Ribisi. But they also have an equally as interesting perspective: It's all about street wear for intellectual slackers. Top that.

MORE INFO/BUY::WESC DELTA BONGO HEADPHONES $95 & UP

BEAUTY::SUN PROTECTIVE POMEGRANATE SERUM

Körner Skincare's signature K6 serum is formulated of pomegranate, rainforest fruits and indigenous desert plants from Australia. The nutritious serum protects from the harsh elements of our everyday environment: free radicals and sun damage. It's lightweight ingredients plump, firm, and better the overall health of your skin.

BUY::KORNER SKINCARE, LOADED THE SERUM $175

ART::ELIZABETH PEYTON'S 'MICHELLE OBAMA' ADDED TO THE NEW MUSEUM RETROSPECTIVE

As mentioned, artist Elizabeth Peyton has her first U.S. retrospective on display at The New Museum of Contemporary Art. 100+ works are up, with a new addition titled 'Michelle Obama', which was painted prior to Obama's elect. Peyton decided that she would either put it up or not, depending on the election outcome. Now it's joyously up for all to view, thanks to a historical Tuesday night.

MORE INFO::ELIZABETH PEYTON, LIVE FOREVER, AT THE NEW MUSEUM

MV::ANTHONY SECK DIRECTS FEIST "HONEY, HONEY"

Anthony Seck, of Revolver Films Toronto, directs this newest video for Feist. It's the story of a seaman told through puppetry and beautiful imagery that matches songs melodic vocals perfectly.

ARTIST::FEIST
TRACK::HONEY HONEY
DIRECTOR::ANTHONY SECK
PROD.CO::REVOLVER FILMS

LISTEN::Q-TIP TALKS POLITICS AND LONGEVITY ON NPR

This Q-Tip interview was held the day before elections on NPR.
Q-Tip, who is best known for leading influential hip hop group Tribe Called Quest, talks about his newest album, The Renaissance as well as his "longevity in the rap business and why getting involved in politics is important for the hip-hop community."

LISTEN NOW::Q-TIP TALKS POLITICS AND LONGEVITY
OFFICIAL SITE::Q-TIP

FILM/FASHION::COCO AVANT CHANEL

Here's a first look at French actress, Audrey Tautou, in her upcoming portrayal of iconic fashion designer, Coco Chanel. The film biopic is currently in production, shooting in France and Normandy and is slated to be in theaters by 2009.

OFFICIAL SITE::CHANEL
RELATED ARTICLE::THE INDEPENDENT

MV::ELI STONBERG DIRECTS RIO EN MEDIO "UMBRELLA"

Newcomer Eli Stonberg directs this newest video for Brooklyn-based band, Rio En Medio. In it, we're given the perspective of sitting atop of what looks like a colorful and at some point glowing butterfly. The video is a dusty backdrop with melodic vocals sung by singer-songwriter Danielle Stech-Homs.

ARTIST::RIO ED MEDIO
TRACK::UMBRELLA
DIRECTOR::ELI STONBERG.
PROD.CO::UNSIGNED