FashionFUCK Preview x Don the Verb

From Dazed Digital.com: A new zine is set to launch because founder Brigitte Nicole Grice "felt like New York today was missing this power of print."
Text by Carolyn Brennan | Photography by Daria Radlinski |Published 05 November 2009
http://www.dazeddigital.com/Fashion/article/5753/1/FashionFUCK_Preview_x_Don_the_Verb

Brigitte Nicole Grice gave fashion-goers an exclusive preview of her sexy new ‘zine FashionFUCK this past Monday night, along with the unveiling of Hanna Astrom and Yanina Landsaat’s Hostess Spring/Summer 2010 collection for Don The Verb. FashionFUCK will be printing four limited edition issues total, with the first one launching this December.

Dazed Digital: What inspired you to launch your own magazine?
Brigitte Nicole Grice: I have always been interested in the world of print and especially magazines more than anything. I am constantly searching for magazines from the past and the present, that have dramatically influenced communities like Real Life magazine did in the art community in the ‘80s and how i-D and Dazed took fashion and fused the pages with multifaceted outlets of creativity. I felt like New York today was missing this power of print, and people were getting a bit too caught up with the internet and blog cultures. FashionFUCK would be a way reposition and approach this new, young and old, professional and emerging, creative community that needs more than the internet can provide.

DD: Can you tell me what else will be featured in the premiere issue?
Brigitte Nicole Grice: I can’t give away too much, but I can tell there is going to be more from Chadwick Tyler, there’s going to be some beautiful illustrations stretching the runway looks into our own fantasy land, a lot of collaborations amongst artists, designers and photographers, and some exclusive shoots with New York designers. The rest is hush-hush, but many amazing things are happening in the four issues to be released of fashionFUCK.

DD: Who else has been working with you on FashionFUCK?
Brigitte Nicole Grice: There are a lot of great and extremely talented people on board; fashionFUCK is very much community-focused and operating like a collaborative team. In an attempt to eliminate the hierarchy system used in mainstream fashion magazines, fashionFUCK is teaming up with the most talented creatives in the fields of fashion, art, photography and literature, whether well-known professionals or emerging youths. We are leveling the playing field when it comes to the elite attitude that comes with fashion, making it accessible, and in that way opening adding fresh ideas.

DD: How do you know Don The Verb?
Brigitte Nicole Grice: I’ve been going to their shows for a couple of years now, and when they had their store I would come and wander into their beautiful space on Delancey. We worked on some shoots together and to use a way too overused phrase, the rest is history. It was a great time working with Yana and Hanna, we all have very similar ideas about fashion, and they have been very supportive of the magazine.

DD: In an economy where other magazines are suffering, what will fashionFuck do to stay relevant to readers?
Brigitte Nicole Grice: It’s usually in times of economic downfalls that people crave a creative outlet more than anything. They want something to take them away from their personal lives and be able to escape within. It is this cry to the imagination to actually rethink fashion in terms of art, literature, music and performance, instead of spitting out the same thing season after season. It’s these cravings for something different that will make fashionFUCK stand out and stay relevant to its readers.

Zero Maria Cornejo S/S 10

Dazed Digital.com-- With a utilitarian appeal, Maria Cornejo held her new collection show at the Hosfelt Gallery on Monday
Photography by Mark Reay Text by Carolyn Brennan | Published 16 September 2009
http://www.dazeddigital.com/Fashion/article/4659/1/Zero_Maria_Cornejo_SS_10

City and nature collided at the Zero + Maria Cornejo show held at the Hosfelt Gallery on Monday morning. “The dynamic relationship we have with our surroundings; the beautiful tension of organic elements pushing through the cement of an urban landscape are what inspired me most,” explained the designer in her program notes. The collection kicked off with asymmetrical origami-like white linen dresses, soon followed by flowing silk tops, dresses and harem pants in a black and white pattern much like the rings of a tree. With plenty of twisted seam work and prints straight from the great outdoors (grass, water, wood, etc.), Cornejo was able to achieve an exciting sense of optical illusion.

A sleek navy waterproof nylon jacket had an ultra utilitarian appeal, and there were several striking leather jackets fit for downtown urbanites. The models were accessorized with tough wooden cuff bracelets and neck pieces by Saltlamacchia for Zero + Maria Cornejo, while Eileen Shields took care of the footwear, which included black leather heels cut open to expose half of each foot. Simply put, Cornejo’s collection was a breath of fresh air to the fashion set.

Rad by Rad Hourani Presentation

DazedDigital.com-- Rad Hourani takes the next step by launching his diffusion line at the Soho Grand Hotel last week.
Text by Carolyn Brennan | Published 04 August 2009
http://www.dazeddigital.com/Fashion/article/4261/1/Rad_by_Rad_Hourani


Despite unbearably hot temperatures, the downtown fashion pack crowded in the Soho Grand's outdoor garden for the first glimpse of RAD by Rad Hourani, a new diffusion line presented by the up-and-coming Canadian designer. Though it seems a bit premature for Hourani to be launching this collection already, (after all, he's only been in business for four seasons) he is eager for his dark and minimalist vision to spread. "The team is growing in New York and Paris," Hourani says. "I felt it was the right time to launch the collection, as we've been getting many requests about an affordable line from retailers and clients that can't afford the main line."

While Hourani's main line uses plenty of leather, cashmere and other high-end fabrics, RAD by Rad consists of more affordable cottons and jerseys, but maintains the designer's affinity for angular, razor-cut fashions. "It's a unisex second line based on the same aesthetics of my main line, but with a touch of casual, urban wear to it," says Hourani. "I'm always into long, straight, sharp and slick silhouettes, geometric shapes that, by the use of noble, fluid materials, can come alive through the movement of the wearer." Among Hourani's fifteen androgenous looks are perfectly draped jackets with jagged lapels, skinny jeans with zippered slits over the knee, and oversized printed tees all paired with chunky black square toe boots. The lack of button or zip closure on the outerwear may seem unfinished to some, but it does add to the clothing's slouchy, relaxed appeal. The mostly black, white and grey collection also included a dash of color in the form of a bright red jacket.

With lower price points ranging from $100 to $400, RAD by Rad will be available online this November at www.radbyradhourani.com. Hourani's main line is currently available in limited locations including Seven New York, Feathers London, Reborn in his hometown Montreal and Holt Renfrew in Toronto, but the designer will confirm more retailers following this coming fashion week.

Rad Hourani A/W 09/10

DazedDigital.com-- The Montreal export adds a newfound shine and depth of texture to his latest collection.
Photography by Shawn Brackbill Text by Carolyn Brennan | Published 23 February 2009
http://www.dazeddigital.com/Fashion/article/2074/1/Rad_Hourani_AW_09


The famously self-taught Rad Hourani from Montreal has been carving out a hard-edged niche for himself, never straying too far from sexy androgynous looks. For A/W 08, that case remains but there was an added experimentation with fabrics and textures and jewelled embellishments that made Hourani shine on the last day of New York Fashion Week.

Dazed Digital: What were your inspirations for this season?
Rad Hourani: My main influence is myself. It's always something that is a continuity of the first collection I started. It's just a feeling... doing what I want to wear, it's a continuity of all of that. My references are always the same: architecture, graphic design... it can be an image, a movie, a person-- it can be anything. There are no specific influences. I always make clothing that I would like to wear myself. It's completely myself, as if I'm a frame that catches everything around me and related to me-- everything that I see and do. And my brain is like a computer that spits out what I feel like wearing.

DD: I attended last season's show and loved it. Is there going to be as much leather this time?
RH: There is always lots of leather, but I'm also really hoping to see how technology will evolve-- especially with the development of fake leather. I use real leather now, but I would like to eventually experiment with fake leather that looks and feels real. I would like to look into it one day, when it's the right time.

DD: Despite your "no-background background," how did you first become interested in fashion?
RH: I guess when I was a kid, my mom used to always take me to her seamstress. I was always surrounded by fabrics and pattern makers. I was really a little kid, so I didn't understand what it was all about. But then I also never wanted to wear anything that the other kids where wearing. Like when my mom would buy me the same outfit as my brother, there was no way I would wear it. I was always into something different-- something that has an aesthetic that doesn't belong.

DD: And lots of black!
RH: Yeah, and my background was really finishing high school, and after high school I started scouting. The one day someone said to me, "Ah, you have great style, why don't you be a stylist?" And I had no idea what styling was. From there I just really continued developing my personal style, and thinking about what I would want to create. I kind of knew that one day that I would start making a collection with my name as a brand-- but for a while maybe I didn't feel I was ready. I never like to do something half way, you know? I want to do it the right way. And I've always been like that about a certain aesthetic. But I'm not interested in fashion-- I'm interested in style. I speak to people who are interested in something seasonless. Something that they will figure out how to wear themselves and make it their own.

DD: What other fabrics are you using today?
RH: I always use silk, wool-- the classic fabrics that will never go out of style, but then I like to mix it up. I like paillettes, or sequins, and the effects of patterns. I look for fabric that has a comfort to it, and then I mix it up by adding some little touches. I always like subtlety-- but this time I feel like having fun so maybe I put more flash in there. When I pulled looks for the show, I like to pair the flashier pieces with more subtle ones.

DD: Which designers are you most influenced by?
RH: I've really always be attracted to Pierre Cardin. I think he was someone who started something that was a bit more futuristic, more modern and graphic. And he kind of invented fabric, he was a great designer. If I see something from another designer that I like, or something that relates to me, I will always relate it back to Pierre Cardin.

DD: Do you live in New York now, after showing in Paris in the beginning?
RH: Yes, part time. So I was living in Paris full time and it just felt natural then. After that I spoke to Wayne Sterling (my casting director) about casting the show and I said, "Ah, why not do it in New York?" And I like the idea of being from nowhere and everywhere. For me, cities are the same as numbers and the same as colors-- it's not something that has a limit to it. I feel very comfortable in New York, I feel like home here. Everyone has been very supportive here, so it's been great.

DD: What are your plans for the future of your label? Where do you see yourself in a few years?
RH: It's a continuity to the beginning, and it's really sticking to my style and just developing it as much as possible. It's like a feeling I want to continue... I would like to have accessories, shoes, bags. I would also like to eventually have my own perfume.

DD: What you have going on, it's like a way of life.
RH: Yeah, it's a world I've created... a world, my world that I have in my mind-- and if you like it, if you want to get in it, that's good, that's wonderful.

Rad Hourani S/S 09

DazedDigital.com-- This Montreal-based designer continues to show his signature asexual, aseasonal clothes.
Photography by Shawn Brackbill Text by Carolyn Brennan | Published 14 September 2008
http://www.dazeddigital.com/Fashion/article/1056/1/Rad_Hourani_SS_09


In a solid white studio in New York's Nolita neighborhood, an army of androgynous cyborg-like models marched through a maze of benches, clad from head to toe in black, black and more black. A well-dressed friend turned to me and said, "This stuff makes me want to go home and burn all of my clothing." And I'd pretty much have to agree. If my wardrobe consisted entirely of Rad Hourani, I'd be a very happy girl.

Nominated as one of Style.com's "Top Ten New Designers" after showing his A/W '08 collection in Paris, Rad Hourani has become a hot name for editors and stylists to watch. At just 25 years of age, the self-taught Montreal-based designer has built a solid reputation based upon his penchant for stark minimalism, strong geometric shapes, razor sharp cuts and bondage detailing a la Raf Simmons.

Of his designs Hourani says, "They are asexual, aseasonal, they come from no place, no time no tradition, yet they could be home anywhere, any time. They exude a sense of discreet chic, the essence of timeless style, drawn on a monochromatic and graphical canvas...sophisticated modern classics for anti-conformist individuals."

Consisting of impeccably tailored jackets, tunics, vests and skinny rocker pants adorned with methodically cut-out details and rectangular strips of leather, Hourani's unisex collection evoked crew of sophisticated cyber-goth militants from the future. Forget color for spring: the darkness is taking over.

Jolibe S/S 09

DazedDigital.com-- Joel Diaz puts on a minimal presentation that lets the clothes do the talking.
Photography by Shawn Brackbill Text by Carolyn Brennan | Published 09 September 2008
http://www.dazeddigital.com/Fashion/article/1006/1/Jolibe_SS_09


Jolibe by Joel Diaz is only in its second year, but the Dominican designer is just picking up speed with his menswear-inspired approach to womenswear. After graduating from Parsons in 1992, Diaz continued to develop his innovative tastes by working for the venerable Helmut Lang as well as Paco Rabanne and Theory, before launching Jolibe in the Spring of 2007.

When asked what inspired the ethereal looks from his latest collection, Diaz replied, "It all started with a brown piece of paper and evolved from there." Through his progressive thought process, the brown piece of paper in question managed to morph into an anthology of meticulously tailored diaphanous dresses crafted from silk, organza and chiffon, as well as drapey oversized trousers, vests and jackets. Diaz's color palette ranges from browns, blacks and tans to the brighter end of the spectrum with splashes of royal blue, salmon pink and plenty of gold. While layers of vertical panels and embroidered handiwork courtesy of a Afghan Hands (a charity founded by Martin Maulawizada to train and educate women in Afghanistan) lent a somewhat tribal quality to the dresses, other pieces (i.e. a solid gold pantsuit and a dramatic black dress with extended hips forming a trapezoidal skirt) look like they've been beamed to the studio from the future. "I can be impulsive sometimes," remarked Diaz, "Maybe it was because the Olympics were on while I was working on the collection, but there are a lot of stripes this time!"

Tim Hamilton S/S 09

DazedDigital.com-- A rooftop presentation complete with a soundtrack by LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy.
Photography by Shawn Brackbill Text by Carolyn Brennan | Published 09 September 2008
http://www.dazeddigital.com/Fashion/article/1007/1/Tim_Hamilton_SS_09


Foregoing the routine runway song and dance, New York menswear up-and-comer Tim Hamilton opted to throw a cocktail party & presentation in the penthouse of the West Village's Milkhouse Studios - complete with James Murphy and Pat Mahoney of DFA/LCD Soundsystem to supply the background beats. Like familiar characters straight out of a Bret Easton Ellis novel, the group of sharply dressed young models stood atop white blocks sporting sunglasses, chiseled good looks and wet hair slicked back into pompadours. The air was thick with the type of sexual tension that occurs when attractive young men and women stare awkwardly at one another while indulging in gin & tonics.

In a palette of mostly black, white and neutrals (with the addition of the designer's self-created "Hamilton Blue" - whatever that means) the collection featured plenty of looks that stylish girls will want to steal away from their boyfriends, including cashmere cardigans, striped tanks, black and white striped terry shorts, perfectly tailored blazers and two-tone bibbed button-downs. "I wanted to create shapes that are gender ambiguous but inherently masculine," Hamilton commented on his inspirations, which also included the cryptic works of 1960s artist Frank Stella. "Spring '09 is my take on futuristic street wear where boundaries are erased." Also fun were the striped clingy-in-all-the-right-places wool cotton long johns, and the juxtaposition of the grungey, punky lace up combat boots and futuristic metallic trench coats with the preppy pleated trousers made of seersucker and linen. With its feminine details and elements of mod, punk and wealthy '80s hooligan, Hamilton's S/S '09 collection's got something for everyone.

Savant S/S 09

Dazed Digital.com-- Feng Feng Yeh gives a first taster of what to expect of her "Savant-Garde" designs at New York Fashion Week.
Text by Carolyn Brennan | Photo by Zandy Mangold | Published 08 September 2008
http://www.dazeddigital.com/Fashion/article/994/1/Savant_SS_09


Feng-Feng Yeh (pronounced "fun-fun yeah") is the creative force behind fledgling New York womenswear label Savant, which unveiled its debut collection to packed room of extremely well-dressed hipsters at the Midtown Lumber Building this past Friday the 5th.

Originally a native of Tucson, Arizona, Feng-Feng enrolled at FIT in 2002 and made a seamless transition into New York's downtown nightlife scene by becoming an integral member of the Six Six Sick - a wild trio known for throwing killer fetes. And when this jack of all trades isn't designing for Savant or hanging out with her good friend and mentor designer Benjamin Cho, she currently works for Yves Saint Laurant, but has also held a stint with Narcisco Rodriguez and interned for Francisco Costa at Calvin Klein. With such a stellar resume and loads of experience, the future is looking bright for Feng-Feng and Savant.

As a prelude to the show, a short black and white film clip gave us a peek into the making of the collection, while also providing the designer's nostalgic albeit melancholy visions. The camera panned across ivy growing on a chain link fence, crumbling cracks in the sidewalk, an x-ray of a ribcage and an elderly man supported by a cane in the subway: all parallels on the delicate nature of the human anatomy. "[It] was inspired by medical braces used by invalids during the turn of the century and is a statement on the fragility of the structure of the human body," says Feng-Feng of her whimsical oeuvre.

Despite being packed like sardines into a small unairconditioned room, the show went on without a hitch (meaning it started only about half an hour late); Feng Feng's designs were well worth the slightly steamy wait. As Swedish pop darling Lykke Li's "Dance. Dance. Dance" set the mood, the first model appeared sporting a playful hot pink silk organza jumpsuit and grommetted navy dress coat in a cotton/silk blend. The mood was light, and the pieces were playful yet elegant with an antique, vintagey feel. Other looks included a white gingham blouse and lightweight denim shorts with cut out details, a ruffled navy bustier, and a black elastic bra layered over a gray cotton jumpsuit. Feng-Feng accessorized the models with chic leather driving gloves and quirky jewelry and buttons made from mother of pearl encased in resin.

The undeniable showstoppers of the night had to be the surreal bondage-style skirt and trousers made from elastic, which confined the models' frail bodies like imposing cages. "The elastic white pants were a magnified mirrored play on the gingham used in the white blouses," remarked Feng-Feng. Though Savant's pieces first appear to entrap the body, the overall ambiance of the collection is far from imprisonment. Wearers of Feng-Feng's designs ought to feel liberated from the limits of more traditional clothing.

Michael Angel S/S 09

DazedDigital.com-- The first show to kick off New York Fashion Week with a psychedelic kaleidoscope of colours bleeding into one another.
Text by Carolyn Brennan Photography by Mark Reay | Published 08 September 2008
http://www.dazeddigital.com/Fashion/article/985/1/Michael_Angel_SS_09_


Michael Angel kicked off New York Fashion week with a brilliant show on Friday morning. In the business of fashion for well over ten years, Angel cut his teeth as the Senior Visual & Creative Supervisor of SABA, otherwise known as Australia's most notable department store. Angel also held stints at both Diesel in London and Oakley in California before taking on the roles of international stylist and Style Director of Melbourne Fashion Week. Deciding to try his hand at fashion design, Angel's premiere collection debuted last February in New York.

Inspired by both the past and future, Angel's Spring/Summer 2009 collection fuses sleek and modern silhouettes with free-wheeling '70s rock swagger. The designer's hand-drawn patterns help intensify the fluid movement and energy of the clothing. Imagine the love child of Jil Sander and Balmain , and Michael Angel might just be the answer. "My girl is modern, sexy, confidant and at the same time she has that dash of rock 'n roll in her, she might listen to '70s rock, but she lives in the now and looks towards the future," says Angel.

With a psychedelic soundtrack blaring King Crimson's "Model Man," Primal Scream's "Silent Spring" and MGMT's "Weekend Wars," a line of glowing Marilyn Agency waifs stomped down the runway bedecked in massive platforms and seductive stares. Shear, floaty silks, chiffon and organza garments printed with abstract ombre-like patterns were paired with structured metallic separates, completing a look for fashion-forward girls seeking flirty fare with a side of edginess.

Collection highlights include a stunning black and white striped silk frock paired with matching nylon mesh leggings and Swarovski Crystal mesh shoulder pads; the simply gorgeous structured stretch metallic blazers and paneled dresses; an ivory crushed lame trench and silk twill dresses akin to bleeding kaleidoscopes of violet, electric blue and emerald hues.

Clips From i-D No. 298 / Telepathe

The "Pain And Pleasure Issue" featuring Miuccia Prada, April 2009.

TELEPATHE are a noisy pop duo making future, sex, love sounds.

TELEPATHE are a cross between Gang Gang Dance and Chromatics, with a bit of Luscious Jackson thrown in for good measure. Their tribal beats satisfy sonic cravings for something left of centre, and the sound is a whirlwind of electrifying ambiance replete with hammering machine beats and haunting drug-induced melodies fit for late nights in underground places.

"We're just too crazy for anyone else," laughs Melissa Livaudais when asked why Telepathe consists of only herself and fellow bandmate, Busy Gangnes. With roots embedded in Brooklyn's do-it-yourself indie music scene, the two musicians respectively played guitar and drums in multiple different noise bands before setting out on their own, and the combination is proving to be a perfect fit.

Livaudais and Gangnes' infectious tunes have already stirred up a massive buzz in the US and beyond, allowing the band to open for The Kills and Diplo, as well as playing shows throughout Europe and Australia. Through a collaborative process of give and take, Livaudais and Gangnes build cascading layers of syncopated beats, delirious looped vocals and woozy synths. And more often than not, their trials result in heart-thumping anthems of electronic bliss: i.e, their killer single, "Chrome's On It."

"Our first big break was soon after we put "Chrome's On It" up on our MySpace page," says Livaudais. "We received so much positive feedback, and it really just snowballed from there." It didn't take long for the duo to snag the attention of multiple labels, as well as TV On The Radio's Dave Sitek, who produced their upcoming full-length, Dance Mother, released earlier this year.

On making the record, Livaudais comments, "We really wanted to push it and make music that didn't sound like anything else, but still sounded like everything that we love at the same time." As for the band's musical influences? "We really like everything," says Livaudais. "We listen to a lot of rap, we like Lil Wayne, Cash Money, Cocteau Twins... lately Busy and I have been listening to a lot of Iraqi pop music too." Carolyn Brennan

myspace.com/telepathe

Handsome Furs, Face Control (Sub Pop)
Wolf Parade's Dan Boeckner and his wife Alexei Perry managed to take their hands off each other just long enough to complete their sophomore record, an experimental electro fantasy influenced by the starkness of the Eastern Bloc and the politics of control. CB

The Decemberists - Hazards of Love (Capitol/Kill Rock Stars)
Inspired by vocalist Anne Brigg's 1966 EP of the same name, the Portland-based quintet present a riveting concept record about - you guessed it - the hazards of love. Featuring guest vocals by Lavender Diamond's Becky Stark and My Brightest Diamond's Shara Worden among others, this album is indie rock at its finest. CB

Music Reviews From i-D No. 297

March 2009, "The Best of Britain" Issue, featuring Kate Moss, Yasmin Le Bon, Stella Tennant, Naomi Campbell, Lily Donaldson, Jourdann Dunn, Agyness Deyn, Daisy Lowe, Eliza Cummings, Twiggy, Susie Bick and Alice Dellal.

MSTRKRFT Fist of God (Modular)
Jesse Keeler and Al-P have fine-tuned their electro craft into a dance floor force to be reckoned with. Featuring the live set favorite, "VUVUVU," the Fist of God LP will keep the club kids partying hard and fast from dusk 'til dawn.

Dan Deacon, Bromst (Carpark)
The classically-trained composer continues his reign of manipulated bleeps and blips; Deacon's Bromst is a sonic blender of electro-acoustic ecstasy infused with trippy tribal beats and vocal experimentation.

Bonnie Prince Billy Beware (Domino/Drag City)
Will Oldam doesn't seem to be letting up any time soon-- the delicate folk genius' new record features a lengthy guest list including Rob Mazurek and Nicole Mitchell of Exploding Star Orchestra and ex-Wilco member Leroy Bach.

Clips From i-D No. 295

The Beautiful Issue featuring Eniko Mihalik, January 2009.

MUSIC

CAT POWER Dark End of The Street EP (Matador)
The sexy Southern crooner's unreleased covers from her Jukebox sessions are being put on vinyl for your listening pleasure. We wish she'd get back to writing her own songs, but this sweet little EP will tide you over in the meantime. CB

JUSTICE A Cross The Universe CD/DVD (Atlantic)
In collaboration with buddies Romain-Gavras and So-Me, the Parisian D.A.N.C.E. messiahs have documented their first North American tour de force. It's larger-than-life electro funk from two larger-than-life DJs, and absolute heaven for the ears. CB

PRINT

The Allure of Beauty: Women In Hollywood (Assouline)
From Marilyn Monroe to Marlene Dietrich, Anita Ekberg and Julia Roberts, Hollywood's leading ladies have set the beauty bar to incredible heights. Featuring seductive photography and narrative by Elle's Karen Durbin, this anthology of strong, talented and gorgeous women belongs on your shelf. CB

E Pluribus Venom (Gingko Press)
Gingko Press sees Shepherd Fairey, the man behind OBEY, challenge the cracking foundations of the U.S. government with his iconic graphic prints. For those of you who missed the propaganda master's extensive show last summer, this graphic tome is an absolute must. CB

Romanticism (Steidl & Partners)

"I think of the camera as my soul. Much like a guitar," says Lou Reed of his second passion. A follow-up to the urban photos of New York, the Velvet Undergrounder has compiled dazzling snaps of landscape and architecture from all over the globe. CB

Seen Behind the Scene (Phaidon)
Marlon Brando, Catherine Deneuve, Jack Nicholson, Cate Blanchette and Johnny Depp are the stars captured behind the scenes in Mary Ellen Mark's new collection of celebrity portraiture. CB

Clips From i-D No. 293

"The God's Gift" Issue featuring Lara Stone, November 2008.

MUSIC

FUCKED UP, Chemistry of Common Life (Matador) The Toronto punk rockers of Fucked Up have put forth a vicious sophomore full-length. It's packed with plenty of pounding anthems that will get your fist pumping. CB

ART

Other Voices, Other Rooms is a retrospective of Andy Warhol's most notorious films, screen tests and television programs on display at London's Hayward gallery. southbankcentre.co.uk CB

PRINT

Known for his unparalleled fashion photography, Richard Avedon: Portraits of Power (Steidle) celebrates the American lensman who's captured the changing faces of the world's political activists and political elite. richardavedon.com CB

Clips From i-D No. 291

The "To Die For" September 2008 issue featuring Jordan Dunn.

ART

COLLIER SCHORR curates Freeway Balconies, an exhibition entwining film and photography, with performance art and sculpture.
Text Carolyn Brennan
Photography Collier Schorr

Celebrated photographer and i-D contributor Collier Schorr questions America's cultural obsession with celebrity and spectacle in her latest exhibition Freeway Balconies, named in homage of the beat generation's poet laureate Allen Ginsberg. "After reading Allen Ginsberg's poem Fall Of America I had a fantasy," Collier confesses. "Ginsberg is at a gas station in the south and picks up a stranded traveller who thinks he is part of the Black Panther movement, but actually, he is an actor hoping to get to Hollywood. I guess that conflation of identity is at the heart of the exhibition."

In addition to photography, the exhibition will feature a mix of sculpture, installation and video art by nineteen emerging and established art talents, including Bruce Nauman,Yvonne Rainer, Adrian Piper, Richard Prince and Aki Sasamoto amongst others, offering an intimate glimpse into the private lives of those untouchable deities and luminary eccentrics whose status we have elevated above our own.

See Shinique Smith's adoring fan mail to actor Johnny Depp, Sara Gilbert's photos of Leonardo DiCaprio on the cusp of stardom, Matt Saunders' video study of idol worship and Schorr's own seductive photography study that includes an unexpected photo of Brooke Shields sprawled vulnerably across the carpet.

When asked which is her favorite piece Collier pauses, "If I had to choose, it wouldn't be once piece. I think it would have to be the cover photo from the catalague, which the museum made into a T-shirt. It's me in the early '90s sitting on a motorcycle and failing to look like Marlon Brando. Only now do I realise that everyone is cute when they are young." Entertainment weeklies may claim the stars are 'just like us!' but Schorr's exhibit proves our voyeuristic nature for all things star-studded is far from over.

deutsche-guggenheim-berlin.de

ART

GOTHIC: DARK GLAMOUR, FIT Museum, New York
An ode to all things vampy and dramatic, Dark Glamour showcases more than 75 gothic inspired designs by fashion's most beloved enfant terribles. See designs by the likes of Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Rick Owens, Gareth Pugh, Anne Demeulemeester, Anna Sui, Olivier Theyskens, Ricardo Tischi, Jun Takahashi, and Yohji Yamamoto theatrically displayed in labyrinths, laboratories and haunted palaces. The exhibition will also explore the old-school goths of the '80s and the Japanese fixation with Gothic Lolitas. CB

ASSUME VIVID ASTRO FOCUS: Absolutely Venomous Accurately Fallacious (Naturally Delicious), Deitch Studios, New York
Assume Vivid Astro Focus has pieced together a wreckage-filled wonderland exploding with neon sculpture, majestic murals and jagged, crumbling installation inspired by New York construction sites. Though the opening night's Demolition Disco has passed, hightail it to this helter-skelter exhibit before it closes. It's sheer and utter chaos on a wonderful scale. CB

CONSTRACTION, Deitch Projects, New York
A follow-up to Nicola Vassell's Substraction, Constraction - curated by i-D contributor Kathy Grayson - seeks to overwhelm the eyes with conceptual patterns of abstraction, showcasing a maze-like tile floor by Tauba Auerbach alongside large-scale paintings and sculptures by the likes of Joe Bradley, Peter Coffin, Xylor Jane, Mitzi Pederson and Ara Peterson. CB

MUSIC

ONEIDA, Preteen Weaponry (Jagjaguwar)
Making music together for more than a decade, these avant-garde Brooklyn noise rockers present a record full of distorted build-up layered with churning guitars and atmospheric fuzz. As the first part of a psychedelic triptych entitled Thank Your Parents, Preteen Weaponry consists of three ten minute-plus tracks of experimental (and mostly instrumental) rock that might just eat you alive. CB

BRAZILIAN GIRLS, New York City (Verve Forecast)
The Brazilian Girls (who are neither Brazilian nor all-girls) have stirred up sexy third course of quirky electro bossa nova for those who just want to have a good time, all the time. With infectious beats and melodies paired with the seductive purring of Sabina Sciubba in multiple languages, the Girls have crafted a fitting ode to the city that never sleeps. CB

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE PRESENTS: BRENDAN CANNING, Something For All of Us (Arts & Crafts)
With the mighty Broken Social Scene to back him up, Brendan Canning can pretty much do no wrong on his debut solo release. Featuring guest appearances by Kevin Drew, Justin Peroff, Metric's James Shaw, Stars' Amy Milan, Apostle of Hustle's Lisa Lobsinger and much more, this gorgeous piece of indie rock warrants plenty of play on your stereo. CB

Clips From i-D No. 290

August 2008, "The Artisan Issue" featuring Naomi Campbell and Stefano Pilati.

PRINT

NO WAVE: POST PUNK. UNDERGROUND. NEW YORK 1976-1980 (Abrams Image)
Who better to document the late '70s experimental art punk movement than Sonic Youth's wild child Thurston Moore and respected rock journalist Byron Coley? These two music fiends have compiled a book of striking live photos and personal interviews with No Wave's finest forbearers, including James Chance, Glenn Branca and Brian Eno. CB

USELESS MAGAZINE
Each issue of this independent bi-annual New York culture and art magazine is packed with revealing interviews, well-versed essays and edgy photography. Issue seven, A Star-Shaped Enterprise, features actor Brendan Sexton photographed by Marcelo Krasilcic, the apocalyptic musings of Agathe Snow and much more enlightenment.

ART

LIKE IT A LITTLE, V&A Gallery, New York
Featuring the contemporary figurative works of Natalie Frank, Selma Hafizovic, Jocelyn Hobbie and i-D art writer Kathy Grayson, V&A's Stateside exhibit aims to draw out the mixed emotions of its viewers. Between Hobbie's aloofly lounging ladies and Grayson's forced family portraits, the common thread is the tension and sense of detachment between the characters within each painting. CB

Welcome.

Welcome to Nothing With The Word "Style" In It, my new blog where I'll be posting all of my work from the past, present and future. Thanks.