MUSIC/VIDEO::THE WALKMEN PERFORM "ON THE WATER"

A little ear and eye candy for your Thursday. A hypnotic performance by lead singer, Hamilton Leithauser and the rest of The Walkmen.

OFFICIAL SITE::THE WALKMEN

MV::MARTIN DE THURAH DIRECTS FEVER RAY "WHEN I GROW UP"

PLATFORM VIDEO PICK.

Thankfully Fever Ray didn’t keep us waiting too long for a second video. And although short, it was worth the wait. Director Martin De Thurah’s style shines through but doesn’t overshadow the tracks moody effect. He embraces it, as a young teen dressed in native apparel channels a pool of water to move and splash in a biblical way, perfectly in sync with the song.

ARTIST::FEVER RAY
TRACK::WHEN I GROW UP
DIRECTOR::MARTIN DE THURAH
PROD.CO::ACADEMY FILMS

LOCAL/EVENTS::THE FADER PRESENTS ONE STEP BEYOND MAR.13TH NYC

As children, most of us were reprimanded any time we spoke too loud inside of a museum, let alone run or walk too fast. Well, those days are o-v-e-r because The Fader will be hosting an all out dance event at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC along with some crazy space videos and cocktail drinking.

MUSIC WILL INCLUDE:: Four Tet, Jon Hopkins, and Mapei.
BUY TICKETS::ONE STEP BEYOND $20 ADV ONLY

SONG OF THE WEEK::GANG GANG DANCE "FIRST COMMUNION"

This week on the Platform turntable (okay, ipod) is Gang Gang Dance track “First Communion”, off their 2008-released album Saint Dymphna.Lead singer, Liz Bougatsos of the New York-based experimental/electronica group, yelps and screams incoherent lyrics but nonetheless makes you want to dance. If this song doesn’t get you moving, then I don’t know what will.

OFFICIAL SITE::GANG GANG DANCE

FASHION::CHLOE SEVIGNY LINE FOR OPENING CEREMONY REVEALED

The ongoing debate of whether or not an actor can successfully transition into the role of a designer is not a question that’ll be coming to an end any time soon. However, actress Chloë Sevigny is at least making fashion insiders stumble in their verbal tracks, even if it’s just for a few moments. Her new line for Opening Ceremony has been revealed, and the collection is a mixture of fair isles, long johns, oversize leopard and tiger knits, and other retooled Brit street-tribe and American classics. The question of whether or not the brand has staying power or not doesn’t have to be answered yet. For now, Sevigny is basking in her designer title glory, and we’re going to let her have it.

VIEW THE COLLECTION::CHLOE SEVIGNY FOR OPENING CEREMONY

FASHION/FILM::A GLORIOUS TILDA SWINTON IN ANOTHER MAGAZINE

Alien-esque and undoubtedly talented, Tilda Swinton has proved to be a force to be reckoned with. With a career spanning over 23 years, she is always going against the grain of the norm, and continues to transform herself in her roles and in real life. Designers praise her boldness, ignorant critics shun her taste, and audiences are left in awe with her performances. In the new issue of Another Magazine, Swinton’s admirers and close friends detail their captivation with the exotic beauty.

READ::TILDA SWINTON IN ANOTHER MAGAZINE

LOCAL::BROOKLYN'S NEW CULINARY MOVEMENT

Becoming an artisanal chef may be the new rock star, as reported by the NYTimes. Just look at the movement of young little things from Brooklyn turning to the culinary trade, prevailing with their anticorporate attitude, and successfully to add. Take the Mast Brothers for example; ready to open their first Williamsburg store-slash-mini chocolate factory. Their notoriety for delicious treats made entirely from the world’s best cacao sourced from small family farms and coops around the world such as Ecuador, Venezuela, and Madagascar, is blooming before them.

Also in the article, Andrew Tarlow and Mark Firth, owners of Marlow & Sons, Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli of Prime Meats, and Betsy Devine, who makes specialty ricotta along with her partner, Rachel Mark. Before they know it, they'll have record deals, and possibly their own reality show.

READ::BROOKYLN'S MOVEMENT

FASHION::EXCLUSIVE STELLA MCCARTNEY LINE FOR NET-A-PORTER

Stella McCartney has a summer exclusive in the works for e-tailer company, Net-A-Porter.com. The line comes out this May with 17 apparel looks, two shoe and handbag styles and a cloud-print sundress for girls.

OFFICIAL SITE::NET-A-PORTER
DESIGNER::STELLA MCCARTNET

FILM::LAGERFELD CONFIDENTIAL ON THE SUNDANCE CHANNEL

Two chances to watch behind-the-scenes footage of one of this generation's most influential tastemaker.

"Iconic in dark sunglasses, white ponytail, high starched collars and beringed hands, Karl Lagerfeld is one of the fashion world's most powerful tastemakers - and one of its most enigmatic. Filmmaker Rodolphe Marconi attempts to uncover the man behind the image as he follows the shark-like ruler of the House of Chanel in an extended interview. Articulate, epigrammatic and down to earth, Lagerfeld talks of his first sexual experience, fashion's ephemeral nature ("dangerous and unfair") and solitude ("I hate people who can't be alone")."

MORE INFO::LAGERFELD CONFIDENTIAL ON THE SUNDANCE CHANNEL - 2/20 & 2/28

MV::BIENVENIDO CRUZ DIRECTS CIRCLESQUARE "DANCERS"

The continuation of the dance video doesn’t seem to be coming to a halt anytime soon. And to prove that point, Bienvenido Cruz collaborates with Vancouver native Cirlesquare (formerly known as Jeremy Shaw) to create a minimal music video inspired by and starring contestants from So You Think You Can Dance Canada.

WATCH::DANCERS
ARTIST::CIRCLESQUARE
TRACK::DANCERS
DIRECTOR::BIENVENIDO CRUZ
PROD.CO::N/A

PLATFORM UPDATE::YSL FASHION WEEK GIVEAWAY

I told you, you innocent bystanders would somehow benefit from the fruits of Fashion Week! And what better way to benefit than getting some free giveaways from none other than YSL. That's right, folks - Y to the SL.

"Tomorrow (Saturday), as the fashion world congregates at the New York tents, YSL reps will be scattered around the city handing out some 2,000 black-and-white YSL tote bags stuffed with YSL logo-ed USB drives and copies of the latest edition of Stefano Pilati's so-called Manifesto (basically a giant booklet of images from the latest ad campaign). This year, the Manifesto, featuring Claudia Schiffer photographed by Inez & Vinoodh, includes giant removable stickers."

RELATED::YSL STRIKES AGAIN

FASHION/MEDIA::LEBRON JAMES ON THE COVER OF GQ

OK – so Platform generally does not cover the sports arena. No hating. However, we do cover notable iconic stardom. Enter: Lebron James on the cover of the new issue of GQ. James is at his peak in the world of basketball, playing for the Cleveland Cavelliers and to quote GQ, he is “the greatest basketball player in the world”. With that said, James’ look(s) in the new issue are definitely noteworthy, as he wears everything from casual Nick Owens t-shirts to a Ralph Lauren suit. Someone cleans up pretty, pretty well.

VIEW::LEBRON JAMES ON THE COVER OF GQ

FASHION::FASHION WEEK COMMENCES TODAY

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Fashion Week ’09 officially begins today. Now, not everyone will gain access to the exclusive shows and parties, but if you’re still in dire need to know what’s sort of coolness is taking place without you minute-per-minute, then check out the entire schedule for the much-anticipated event. However, keep an ear open as oodles of events will take place for fashion insiders and those…uh…who are not insiders.

SCHEDULE::MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK 09

MV::JON LEONE DIRECTS DENT MAY "MEET ME IN THE GARDEN"

Dent May is the newest band to join the Paw Tracks roster, which is home to bands Ariel Pink, Animal Collective, Exceptor, Panda Bear, and more. The video, directed by Jon Leone features strobe light effects, superimposed images of frontman May wearing Elton John-inspired sunglasses (while in a bathtub), and plenty of cheesy male serenading.

Dent May’s new album, The Feel Good Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele, is out now on CD, LP and digital formats.



ARTIST::DENT MAY
TRACK::THE FEEL GOOD MUSIC OF DENT MAY & HIS MAGNIFICENT UKULELE
LABEL::PAW-TRACKS
DIRECTOR::JON LEONE
PROD.CO::N/A

BEAUTY/FILM::ROMAN POLANSKI'S "GREED" PREMIERE FOR FRANCESCO VEZZOLI FRAGRANCE

As some may know, the exiled director created a short film,Greed, for Italian artist Francesco Vezzoli's new fragrance/installation. For those itching to view the final outcome, starring Michelle Williams and Natalie Portman, wait no more. The premiere is available for viewing via Dazed Digital. And despite the mixed reviews circulating around the project, it's still worthy of viewing.

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE::GREED

FASHION/ART::ARTIST ALEXANDER CALDER AND DESIGNER ELISE ØVERLAND JOIN FORCES

Sandy Calder, good friend of designer Elise Øverland and artist Alexander Calder's grandson, has recently "loaned" Øverland pieces from his grandfather's vintage collection of sculptural jewelry. When speaking about the collaboration, Calder explained "She's so rock 'n' roll, and the jewelry is so audacious, it was a great combination". The artist passed away in 1976 but his legacy of design lives on. And the pieces will accessorize Øverland's Fall looks this Saturday.

MORE INFO::ELISE ØVERLAND

PLATFORM SALE RACK::OPENING CEREMONY NYC

"Final call on 60-75% markdowns, still plenty to choose from!"

MORE INFO::OPENING CEREMONY 35 HOWARD STREET NEW YORK NY 10013

MUSIC::NPR/KEXP SPELLBOUND BY GUITARIST SHUGO TOKUMARU

**A PLATFORM MUST LISTEN TO

Experimental pop is one way to describe Japanese musician Shugo Tokumaru, if there is even a way to describe his unique style. It's an eclectic mix of delightful melodies mixed with The Beach Boys influences. And Seattle station, KEXP, snagged a musical session with Tokumaru - it get's better - Beirut and The National play backup.

LISTEN::SHUGO TOKUMARU ON NPR/KEXP

MV::JON VERMILYEA ANIMATES ANIMAL COLLECTIVE "MY GIRLS"

Animal Collective - My Girls

As if you couldn't get enough of Animal Collective, here is a new video for their track "My Girls", off their album Merriweather Post Pavillion. In it, the band is transformed to alienesque silhouettes that dance and sing to the cheerful tune. The video, animated by Jon Vermilyea, reaffirms the notion that Animal Collective is impossibly cool.

ARTIST::ANIMAL COLLECTIVE
TRACK::MY GIRLS
ANIMATOR::JON VERMILYEAR
PROD.CO::KNOWMORE PRODUCTIONS NY

SONG OF THE WEEK::M.WARD "POISON CUP"

You may know him best as singing alongside actress Zoey Deschanel, but M. Ward definitely has his own thing going on, if not better than the collaboration he has going with the quirky actress.

Platform's Song of the Week, "Poison Cup", is off M. Ward's 2006 album Post War, and proves the singer/songwriter has some experience holding the reigns of musical talent. Enjoy.

OFFICIAL SITE::M. WARD

FASHION::PLATFORM SALE RACK IN NYC

NICHOLAS K
WHEN/WHERE::Sunday Feb.15th @ 11 AM, The Promenade Bryant Park
PRICES:: $130 for a cotton jacket; $350 for a leather jacket; sweaters $90 to $250; silk dresses $120 to $200



COVENTRY
WHEN/WHERE:: Tuesday Feb 17th @ 3p, Cedar lake 547 W 26th ST
PRICES:: $200 to $4500


BENSONI
WHEN/WHERE:: Friday, Feb. 13th 1:30 to 3pm. Skyline Gallery 500 W 36th
PRICES:: $150 for a top to $650 for an evening dress

MEDIA::A COLLECTION OF IMAGERY BY FELLOW BLOGGER, JJJJOUND

Justin Saunders, founder of photo archive FFFFound and Moment blogger for the NYTimes, has created a new site for the penetrative blogosphere, appropriately called JJJJound. The site features images that influence, stimulate, and above all, question. The site features only pictures - no text, which keeps the ADD visitors wanting more.

Below are a few picks.

ART::THE ARMORY SHOW MARCH 5-9, 2009

Each year, The Armory Show - The International Fair of New Art - stages the work of well-known and emerging artist(s), showcasing modern work that will surely influence a culture. They're back this year for another go around, their 10th year in since their introduction in '99. And this year, artist Ewan Gibbs, was commissioned to create the visual identity for the 2009 fair.

"Gibbs’ artwork, which will feature iconic images of New York City, will set the aesthetic for the fair’s look, will be featured in all of the fair’s advertising and marketing materials and will be showcased in the catalogue."

The short but compelling weekend will last from March.5th-March.8th at Piers 92 & 94 in Manhattan.

MORE INFO::THE ARMORY SHOW

FASHION/LOCAL::A LITTLE SHOP ON BOND STREET CALLED BILLY REID

Can you live in a store? Probably not. But if I had the option, I think I just might unpack my suitcases at Billy Reid: the quaint store located on Bond Street, home to glorious collections for men and women. The store, named after owner Billy Reid, is straight from the South (Alabama to be exact) and channels vintage-inspired looks, like distressed roper boots and cropped mod jackets. And if you need more convincing, visit Billy Reid's 'social' tab under their site, where you'll find music playlists and links to other inspirational projects.

VISIT::BILLY REID 54 BOND STREET NEW YORK NY 10012

MV::SEAN PECKNOLD DIRECTS FLEET FOXES "MYKONOS"

Keeping it in the family, director Sean Pecknold (singer Robin Pecknold’s brother) creates an animated origami-style video for Fleet Foxes track, “Mykonos”, off their Sun Giant EP. Since releasing their self-titled album back in June last year, praise and popularity for the Seattle band has been growing at a nonstop pace, with performances at Coachella and other audience grabbing festivals scheduled this year.

ARTIST::FLEET FOXES
TRACK::MYKONOS
DIRECTOR::SEAN PECKNOLD
PROD.CO::GRANDCHILDREN

MUSIC/NEWS::LUX INTERIOR, LEAD SINGER OF THE CRAMPS, PASSES AWAY

Lux Interior, lead singer of The Cramps, passed away yesterday due to an existing heart condition. Interior, along with former band mate Poison Ivy, formed the punk band in 1973 and quickly gained recognition in the underground scene during the punk movement. Speaking as a former angsty teen, there was nothing better than driving home from high school, windows down in the sticky humidity of Miami, blasting “What’s Inside a Girl”. Thanks to Lux for making my high school days a little more tolerable.

OFFICIAL SITE::THE CRAMPS

FEATURE::GRACE JONES ON COVER OF V MAGAZINE

What is it about Grace Jones that sparks so much inquiry? An accomplished model and singer, her androgynous persona and over-the-top presence claimed her as an iconic fixture in all the fashionable industries. In the recent years, Jones has laid low. Now she reemerges in the new issue of V Magazine with the same resilience that made her such a notable figure throughout the 80s and 90s.

READ::V MAGAZINE

SONG OF THE WEEK::ANIMAL COLLECTIVE "MY GIRLS"

Yes, this is indeed Platform's new obsession, therefore, this week's pick for Song of the Week. No explanation needed, just pure enjoyment.

OFFICIAL SITE::ANIMAL COLLECTIVE