TO DO::BROOKLYN DESIGN FESTIVAL THIS WKND 5/9-5/11

With ICFF approaching, it's time to kick-off the season with design festivals all around the city!
This weekend, the Brooklyn design festival will exhibit hand picked designers and manufacturers of lighting, contemporary furnishings, and accessories, all made and/or designed in Brooklyn.

SHOW HOURS::
Friday, May 9: 10am–8pm
Saturday, May 10: 10am–7pm
Sunday, May 11: 11am–6pm

**Tickets for the sixth annual BKLYN DESIGNS™ may be purchased at the event ($15, $10 for students with I.D.)

FOR MORE INFO::BKLYN DESIGNS
ADDRESS::VARIES (VISIT SITE FOR MORE INFO)

MV::DUO NICK BROWN & ALI MORETTI DIRECT CLINIC "THE WITCH"

Clinic will remain masked and enigmatic whether or not for your liking. And with this newest video, even more so. The track is off their new album "Do It". And the video is directed by unsigned duo Nick Brown & Ali Moretti.

ARTIST::CLINIC
TRACK::THE WITCH
DIRECTOR::NICK BROWN & ALI MORETTI
PROD.CO::NONE

PLATFORM'S LOOKING FOR A SKILLED WEB DESIGNER

Hello, all! So as Platform post(s) increase daily, I realize it's now time to take it a step further. I would like to hire a fantastic and creative web designer to help me with creating a whole new site for Platform to call home.

If interested, please send along links or portfolio samples of your work to Contact@platformmag.net. Also, please make it relevant to Platform, which means no corporate-type sites please.

Thanks!

EVENT::THE STOLI HOTEL NYC GRAND OPENING, MAY 7TH

This Wednesday, May 7th, the much-anticipated arrival of The Stoli Hotel will mark its NYC presence for a week and a half long stay.
The Stoli Hotel debut will be set in a chicly designed space inspired by the Hotel Moskva from the Stoli bottle’s label. The space will include a bespoke bar, integrated spa, and individually designed guest rooms showcasing Stoli's wide array of flavored Vodkas. Yum!
Tomorrow's grand opening is undoubtedly destined to meet your every expectation of decadence and entertainment, all while sipping on the best-selling Russian Stolichnaya Vodka.

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT::THE STOLI HOTEL
ADDRESS::330 WEST STREET (NEAR HOUSTON)
DOORS::OPEN FROM 9PM-1AM

LISTEN::PORTISHEAD GUEST DJ ON ALL SONGS CONSIDERED

Portishead share their influences with NPR host Boilen on All Songs Considered. Tracks from artists include: Jimi Hendrix, Public Enemy, Kraftwerk and British actor and singer Noel Harrison

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST::PORTISHEAD DJ SET (30min)

MV::RON WINTER DIRECTS GALACTIC "HUSTLE UP"

Greencard Pictures director Ron Winter, collaborates with New Orleans funk band Galactic.
Sort of reminds me of that awful 80's movie with that singing duck...Howard the Duck! For the record, I don't really enjoy "funk" music per-say, but this video was just too cool to not post.

Artist: Galactic
Track: Hustle Up
Agency: Anti Records
Production Company: Greencard Pictures, NY
Director: Ron Winter

WATCH::INTERVIEW WITH JUSTICE VIA PITCHFORK.TV

Electro band JUSTICE sits down with Pitchfork writer Dave Maher for a little one-on-one. And like all French rock stars, I guess smoking while interviewing is appropriated and justifiable. .

TO DO::CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL, May 3rd-May 4th!

Despite a week of dreaded rain, we can look forward to a weekend full of color and nature, thanks to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. With over 100 trees in full bloom, you can engage in endless amounts of activities all set within a vibrant background of Cherry Blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

MORE INFO::BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN, CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL (FREE ADMISSION)

TO DO/ART::FROM ANOTHER SHORE, RECENT ICELANDIC ART

Scandinavia House located in NYC, has opened their newest exhibit featuring the new works from an array of Icelandic artists. "This survey of contemporary Icelandic art from the National Gallery of Iceland includes: sculpture, installation, painting, photography, and videos by 20 of Iceland’s most acclaimed artists."

And after you embrace Icelandic art, you can pop around the corner to Les Halles for some hardy meat!

VISIT::SCANDINAVIA HOUSE 58 PARK AVE (BTWN 37th & 38th)

MV::KAREN O & BARNEY CLAY DIRECT TINY MASTERS OF TODAY "HOLOGRAM WORLD" FEAT. VOCALS BY KAREN O

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah’s lead vocalist Karen O directs new video for Tiny Masters Of Today, alongside Barney Clay of HSI London. The slapstick’ish humor is reminiscent of an 80’s horror B movie. It’s fun, totally random, and if at all possible, stranger by the second when everyone breaks out into a zombie-mode ala "Thriller" move dance party.

FYI::TINY MASTERS OF TODAY IS MADE UP OF SIBLINGS IVAN AND ADA, WHO ARE ONLY 11 & 13 YEARS OLD!

ARTIST::TINY MASTERS OF TODAY
TRACK::HOLOGRAM WORLD
DIRECTOR:: KAREN O & BARNEY CLAY
PROD.CO::HSI LONDON

TO DO/DESIGN::ICFF NY IS COMING MAY 17-20!

The 20th Annual ICFF design convention is back in NYC starting May 17th through the 20th.
The much-anticipated event exhibits a diverse group of contemporary designers from all around the world- featuring a multitude of furniture, industrial, and architectural designers. Attending a few parties here and there last year was an incomparable exposure to the forefront of design, and I have no doubt that this year will only get better.

INFO::ICFF $50 DAY TKT

FOOD::WILDWOOD BARBECUE OPENS!

Summer is nearing full bloom, and what better way to welcome your days of fun in the sun than some good ol’ BBQ.
Enter: Wildwood Barbecue, the fashionable-yet-still-authentic take on Southern cooking, thanks to chef/owner “Big Lou” Elrose who managed to stock 500 jars of sauce from all around the country…hm...that should be interesting.
It opened just yesterday (Wed) so it might still have an obnoxious wait. But like a good NY foodie, you’ll wait.

INFO:: Wildwood Barbecue, 225 Park Ave S. (at 18th), 212-533-2500

MV::PORTISHEAD "MACHINE GUN"

After years of hiding, Portishead is back with a much-anticipated return. Their newest video for their current single "Machine Gun" is just the beginning of the greatness they'll be bringing back to our eardrums and desktops..I mean laptops.

TO DO::CAI GUO-QIANG "I WANT TO BELIEVE"

Cai Guo-Qiang is renowned Chinese artist currently exhibiting at Soloman R. Guggenheim. He has successfully managed to execute an incredible feat, in which harnesses propel six compact cars upwards throughout the Guggenheim rotunda.
The cars are ornamented with multichannel light tubes shooting out from every direction through its windows, like a reenactment of an explosive pile-up of cars ablaze. It's an awesome sight and the exhibit as a whole is pretty groundbreaking. So, if you haven't made it out, you still have time.
The show will end May.28th, but I'm informing you now so you'll really make it out there!

MORE INFO::GUGGENHEIM. CAI GUO_QIANG: I WANT TO BELIEVE

WATCH::GRIZZLY BEAR ON CONAN, MONDAY NIGHT 4/21!

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Late night funny man Conan O’Brian regularly asks known and emerging bands to perform on his show. And this Monday night, the greatness of Brooklyn band, Grizzly Bear will perform! Apparently they were suppose to play in November, but couldn’t due to the writers strike. However, good things come to those who wait. I’ve waited long enough.

MV::MATTIAS MONTERO DIRECTS LYKKE LI "LITTLE BIT"

ID4L director Mattias Montero directs video for Swedish songstress Lykke Li.

The song is an eclectic array of beats and chimes, that mirrors lead singers Lykke Li’s funky dance moves, all set in a warmly lit apartment that displays Montero’s impeccable cinematography talent. Montero works frequently as a cinematographer, working with artists like Bat for Lashes and The Libertines.

Not just an artist-to-watch, but a director-to-watch as well.

DON'T LIKE THIS QUALITY? CLICK HERE FOR OTHER VIDEO-WATCHING OPTION

FYI::LYKKE LI COMING TO NYC 5.8 WITH EL PERRO DEL MAR!
CLICK HERE FOR APRIL POST

WATCH::VAMPIRE WEEKEND INTERVIEW & PERFORMANCE

The tagged Ivy League preppy boys of Vampire Weekend are accompanied by Julliard-trained string trio, and perform three songs at Columbia University's ADP Literary Society.

MV::ARTIST ANDREW KUO DIRECTS ANIMAL COLLECTIVE "WATER CURSES"

New York based artist, Andrew Kuo, directs for Animal Collective. Kuo pays homage to film experimentalists, closely resembling the early works of Mary Ellen Bute (Synchromy No.4). The video is an appropriate partner for the bands experimental style.
Kudos to Animal Collective for going with a non-traditional music video format, and instead having a media artist direct their video!

READ::HOW MUCH INFLUENCE DOES AN AD REALLY HAVE?

NYTimes recently featured an article posing the question "When is a fashion ad not a fashion ad?".
In it, they interview photographer, Juergen Teller, whose career has blossomed over the past couple of years as a result of his close working-relationship built with cultish designer, Marc Jacobs.
Teller, has shot all of Jacobs ads, and more than plenty of his photos are sometimes shot entirely without any of Jacob's collection.
Teller is clearly an artist with a very distinctive style that has influenced culture, which has allowed him free range to create some of our generations most prolific imagery.

“Juergen is Juergen Teller’s biggest fan — full stop. Usually after the shoot I get a phone call from him ...” — Mr. Jacobs dropped into a German accent — ‘The pictures are really excellent, they’re really excellent.’ I think he uses the word excellent a lot.” Marc Jacobs.

READ::NYTIMES "WHEN IS A FASHION AD NOT A FASHION AD?"

BUY::FAREWELL WAYFARER, HELLO AVIATOR!

As much as we all love Ray Bans explosive wayfarer comeback (or for some of us, Ebay's wayfarer comeback), we must now let you go and move on to our attempt at looking like a contemporary Amelia Earhart...that's if Amelia Earhart sported Gucci!
With Spring in the air, it's an opportune time to bring out the shades and debut a new look, that'll have you hipster comrades "ooo"ing and awing in your favor.

BUY::Gucci Vintage Crest Logo Aviator Sunglasses $277-
2ND LOOK::Signature Aviator Shield Sunglasses $298-

WATCH::SUNDANCE CHANNEL BRINGS BACK THE GREEN!

This season, Sundance channel brings back THE GREEN.

THE GREEN, an informative show about our society’s effect on the environment, blends both imperative educational purposes, but all done in a contemporary and entertaining fashion.

With award-winning hosts journalist Simrun Sethi and community advocate MacArthur Fellow Majora Carter, they lead us through a world of shocking and eye-opening factors that contribute to our environment’s formidable future.

The show emphasizes on information, practical advice, and community building, all while making for some compelling television.

SHOW INFO::SUNDANCE:THE GREEN

BUY::YSL Y-MAIL PATENT WALLET!

When looking at this wallet, I'm reminded of the classic Italian film, Il Postino. Probably because it wouldn't be a far stretch for Italian beauty, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, to be sporting this chic accessory (of course along with an entire YSL wardrobe!)
The new patent wallet is from YSL's 2008 Spring Collection, and runs at a pretty price of $495.

BUY::YSL

MV::SAAM DIRECTS THESE NEW PURITANS "ELVIS"

**Double-click to start and pause.
DISCLAIMER::VIDEO FEATURES SWEAT,SPIT, AND VIBRATING SKIN.

Partizan director Saam, shoots new video for These New Puritans single "Elvis". It's a bit disturbing, but like a car wreck for some, you just can't look away!

ARTIST::THESE NEW PURITANS
TRACK::ELVIS
DIRECTOR::SAAM
PROD.CO::PARTIZAN

MV::KROZM DIRECTS CUT COPY "LIGHTS AND MUSIC"

CUT COPY - LIGHTS & MUSIC

Melbourne directing collective, KROZM, directs trendy new video for electroclash band Cut Copy.

ARTIST::CUT COPY
TRACK::LIGHTS & MUSIC
DIRECTOR::KROZM
PROD.CO::SIGNED TO OWN, KROZM

MV::ENCYCLOPEDIA PICTURA DIRECTS BJORK "WANDERLUST"

When I first viewed directing-duo Encyclopedia Pictura’s music video for Grizzly Bear, I was in awe. I checked their site frequently, just in case a new video had slipped under my nose. But for much time, no videos were posted. Well, some time later, the brain genius that is Encyclopedia Pictura came back with a video that has become my pick for Best Video of the Month! And it was well worth the wait. And the artist needs no introduction.