All posts filed under: Art

Eighth Generation x Chinese New Year

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Louie Gong, the shoe artist I featured a few weeks back is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. You will remember that Louie`s background is Nooksack, Squamish, Chinese and White. Although my family always lived on a reservation, Chinese New Year was one of our favorite holidays because it involved things that were implicitly “Chindian” – fireworks and food. – Louie Gong Learn more about Louie Gong and his shoes at the Eighth Generation website. image: courtesy of Louie Gong

Louie Gong, Shoe Artist

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I discovered this fascinating video of an artist, Louie Gong, whose medium is sneakers, typically Vans and Chuck Taylors. Louie’s work is very beautiful. I don’t think I’d even want to wear them outside, just put them in a glass box for display purposes. His aesthetic has resonated with people because he’s currently not taking any more orders right now. Business must be booming and I can imagine each pair of shoes takes a lot of time. images: Custom Coast Salish/ Northwest Coast style shoes by Louie Gong Facebook

I want – I got Reading Room: Toronto based Online Magazines

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Thankfully people email me about their projects because I don’t have the time to keep on top of things. I was glad to learn about some great online magazines created here in Toronto recently. Some are by people I know and I think that’s pretty cool. Here’s a glimpse of what’s on my reading list right now. PERFECTO Mag is Diego Armand’s baby. He works with handful of local toronto musicians, designers and stylists. PERFECTO is his way of showing support for their work and the diversity in the community. The first issue is out now and I’m really loving Stefania Yarhi’s editorial (pictured above). There are interviews and videos as well as editorials in PERFECTO. The second issue will hit the streets in the spring. Plaid Magazine started in digital and has supplemented that offering with seasonal print issues. Odessa Paloma Parker, Editorial Director sent me a copy of the inaugural print edition for Fall 2010. The magazine has beautiful editorials, shop profiles and interviews. You can get a copy of the print issue …

i got: Framework: The YSL’s by Moxy Creative House

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I really liked the Moxy Creative House’s Framework. It’s a series of prints celebrating some iconic eyewear of celebrities like Warhol, Johnny Depp, Kurt Cobain, Shock G of Digital Underground, Truman Capote, Geordi LaForge and Malcolm X.  I really liked the YSL version so I ordered the poster sized print. One of the most revered designers of all time, Yves Saint Laurent demonstrated a deeper understanding of aesthetic when he said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” This could be no truer than when looking at the man himself, a veritable icon of style. The man understood that even a simple pair of black frames can inform who we are, and more importantly, who we want to be.(source) You can purchase this print or others online at Moxy Creative House. image: moxycreative.com

PULP Magazine – Winter 2010 The Individualism Issue

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The new issue of PULP Magazine is out. PULP Magazine – Issue 2 – Winter 2010 The Individualism Issue has some great editorials. I asked Juliana Schiavinatto, publisher a few questions. AC: Why did you start an online magazine? JS: The intent with PULP was to start a magazine with a new voice, a place where new ideas could be touched on through images and long editorials. It became online since that was the best way to self publish a magazine of this nature, but it has also allowed us to get a following and to reach an international audience. Online magazines are becoming more and more relevant, people want to look at new information and imagery faster than ever, and online magazines have the ability to deliver that. Now after 2 issues online we are looking at going to print for Issue #3 as well as maintaining a strong online presence. AC: Can you elaborate on the theme of Issue 2, Individualism? JS: The theme for Issue #2, Individualism, felt important at this time …

Hermes Holiday Windows 2010

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There are a couple videos out there showcasing the Hermès Holiday Windows for 2010. The French version is displayed below. The English version is hosted on youtube but it won’t play as an embedded video. You can see the English version here. (EDIT – The link is working now) Lever de rideaux sur les vitrines de Noël d’Hermès Uploaded by afp-mode. – Watch the latest news videos.

Wish You Were Here, Bergdorf Goodman 2010 Holiday Windows

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I might not live in NYC but Bergdorf Goodman were nice enough to send me pictures and information about their 2010 holiday windows called Wish You Were Here. Reminiscent of a patinated Vaudeville stage set, “The Scenic Route” features an antique caboose pulling out of the station. A hand painted moving backdrop animates the scene while a mannequin dressed in an Oscar de la Renta gown makes her exit stage right. “Full Speed Ahead” takes viewers inside a ship rolling gently on a sea voyage. Amidst a lavish collection of nautical antiques, a mannequin clad in a one-of-a-kind striped outfit by designer Naeem Khan keeps company with an international cadre of miniature antique sailors.. “Day Tripping” invites viewers to come along for a spur-of-the-moment jaunt to the moon. The glittery lunar dreamscape is inspired by the 1902 silent film, “Le Voyage Dans La Lune” by Georges Melies, plus a generous dose of mid-century touches a la Flash Gordon and an aquatic nod to Jules Verne. In “A Guided Tour,” a gigantic gold and ivory wooden …

Holt Renfrew’s Happy Christmas Windows 2010

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I’m not a big fan of the holiday season but I love Holiday/Christmas windows. First up is Holt Renfrew’s Happy Christmas windows. Happy Christmas is a very English saying that works because the Weston’s (Holt Renfrew’s owners) are British. “We took the most iconic symbol of Christmas, the tree, and featured it running lengthwise through every window in our stores across the country” says John Gerhardt, Creative Director of Holt Renfrew. “Each window features characters attending holiday festivities: from party guests unloading their wares for a traditional Christmas dinner, to friends and family bringing their gifts for under the tree wrapped in Holt Renfrew’s iconic magenta boxes” Gerhardt says, “These vignettes mimic the frenzied and fantastical chaos of this most exciting time of year.” There was no fanfare this year. No party or special musical guest. The 2010 holiday windows goes back to the throw everything and the kitchen sink approach that I love. My favourite windows are still from 2006, Merry Making Mischief and I wrote about them at blogTO. I also liked 2009’s …

To Lee, With Love, Nick – A Tribute to Alexander McQueen

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Nick Knight and Bjork teamed up to create this stunning tribute to the late Alexander McQueen. Celebrating the breathtaking imagination and groundbreaking designs of Lee Alexander McQueen, the latest fashion film by Nick Knight pays tribute to McQueen’s sensational creations, stellar career, and most importantly to the man himself. Directed by Knight and set to an exclusive soundtrack by Björk, the film is featured online at SHOWstudio.com.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Musical

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I love Mirvish!!! They send me a pair of tickets for Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Musical. I was ecstatic. Priscilla Queen of the Desert is one of my all time favourite movies and I was dying to see what they could do with a musical version. IT IS SPECTACULAR! AT LAST! After smash-hit engagements in Sydney and in London’s West End, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL has arrived in Toronto. Based on the Oscar-winning film, PRISCILLA tells the outrageous and heart-warming tale of three friends on a road trip adventure to the middle of nowhere who end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed possible! With an incredible array of jaw-dropping costumes and an irresistible score of more than 20 dance-floor classics, PRISCILLA is a sensational journey to the heart of fabulous. So get ready for the ultimate feel-great theatrical experience… and HOP ABOARD! This musical is such a treat. I couldn’t keep still. The costumes were amazing. The cast was amazing. Everything was amazing. They didn’t even tone …

WORN Fashion Journal’s Issue 11 Release Party, November 13, 2010

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WORN Fashion Journal’s Issue 11 Release Party Saturday, November 13 at 9:00pm – November 14 at 2:00am The Dovercourt House – 1st Floor Ballroom 805 Dovercourt Rd. Toronto WORN Fashion Journal invites you to HIT REWIND at TIME AFTER TIME! Come celebrate fashion and music from 1950 to 1999 – this is a half-century-revival. Dress for your favourite decade and be eligible for a Best of the Decade prize. Arrive early and feast on free tasty treats courtesy of Dufflet Pastries! Take a chance on our Retro Raffle to win prizes from our generous sponsors Comrags, Royal Ontario Museum, The Royal Cinema, Mrs. Huizenga, K-W Sewing Machines, Dufflet Pastries and Come As You Are. Show off your shimmy, shake, and strut as our DJ spins a mix of passionate ballads and vintage boogie-rific beats $10 ADVANCE TICKETS at Freedom Clothing Collective – 939 Bloor St. West Take Me Back – 1692 Queen St. West Function 13 – 156 Augusta Ave. OR go to www.wornjournal.com OR $12 at the door All tickets include a copy of …

Opera Atelier presents Acis and Galatea, October 30 – November 7, 2010

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There were a lot of kids at the dress rehearsal of Opera Atelier’s Acis and Galatea. Through the magic of twitter I found myself with two tickets to the event. I like opera so I accepted the invitation to check it out. I can’t resist Greek tragedy and Handel together. It’s my intellectual crack. Acis and Galatea, Handel’s ravishing pastorale, depicts Ovid’s tale of the water nymph Galatea and her doomed love for the Arcadian shepherd Acis. The opera weaves together a story of startling sensuality and tragedy blended with an ironic sense of humour – told through some of Handel’s most sublime music. My knowledge of Opera Atelier was very little before the show. I knew of their existence and that was about it. We were warned that this was a dress rehearsal and that if necessary the actors will stop mid performance, etc. It was exciting to get this behind the scenes look at what happens in the days before a premier. I learned that the kids were from their education program. They …

i got: Darcel Disappoints – Fashion Week postcard set

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I posted about the cute Darcel adventures at the Fashion Weeks. Craig Redman’s caricatures of fashion icons are so adorable that I had to own them. So I bought the Darcel Disappoints — Fashion Week postcard set. It’s so adorable. To celebrate the fashion week insanity I’m releasing a few sets of the postcards I did with colette and Nowness for Fashion’s Night Out here in New York. They are a nice size (5 x 7) and there are 10 different cards, all for 15 bucks – nuts! In order: Anna Wintour Suzy Menkes Karl Lagerfeld Tom Ford John Galliano Marc Jacobs Tavi Carine Roitfeld Grace Coddington Alber Elbaz image: darceldisappoints.bigcartel.com caricature

Darcel at the Spring Summer 2011 Fashion Weeks

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I came across these wonderful cartoons of famous fashion personalities and fixtures on nowness.com. Freaking too adorable for words. Darcel at New York Fashion Week Craig Redman’s Cult Character Turns Style-Savvy Reporter for NOWNESS. Following his hazy, rather drunken night at the grand opening of Louis Vuitton’s London Maison this summer, Darcel—the one-eyed, bespectacled egg-person who is daily overcome by the modern world on Craig Redman’s hugely popular blog, Darcel Disappoints—has got the fashion bug. Yes, Darcel sets off today on an intercontinental trip to cover the spring 2011 catwalks exclusively for NOWNESS.(source) You can see the complete set of Darcel posts on Nowness.com. Darcel at London Fashion Week Darcel at Milan Fashion Week Darcel at Paris Fashion Week

El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa – October 2, 2010 – January 2, 2011

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El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa The exhibition is a 40-year career retrospective of Ghanaian visual artist El Anatsui and will be his first solo exhibition in Canada. El Anatsui is the centrepiece of the Museum’s upcoming Season of Africa, an offering of exhibitions, new permanent installations, and a series of public programs and events inspired by African art and culture. El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa will be on display in the Roloff Beny Gallery on Level 4 of the ROM’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal from October 2, 2010 to January 2, 2011. El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa is a career retrospective of the internationally renowned artist. Best known for monumental wall sculptures made from discarded bottle tops, Ghanaian-born artist El Anatsui, has transformed often-overlooked and discarded materials into monumental visual statements that reference global, local and personal histories, as well as traditional Ghanaian beliefs. “The ICC is thrilled to present the striking work of world-renowned artist El Anatsui and to offer …

TIFF 2010 – Signed. Sealed. Delivered

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There is still time to check out Signed. Sealed. Delivered, a signature memorabilia show which is showing at Gallery One (121 Scollard Street) until September 30, 2010. The pieces are from The Signature Library. Torontonian, Bryan Ulrich has collected signatures of the worlds most famous celebrities for over 20 years. He has the largest collection of Micheal Jackson signatures. It was pretty weird standing in front of the signed Thriller jacket encased in glass. Signed. Sealed. Delivered also has album covers, photos and a number of beautiful guitars signed by rock gods like Brian Wilson, Guns and Roses and Neil Young. I attended the opening party during TIFF and met Bryan later on that night at the after party at Moroco.

Foot Ball by Marcus Tomlinson at Hermès

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Hermès had a small party to feature a special film installation called Foot Ball created by artist Marcus Tomlinson. The fall 2010 Hermès shoe collection was the inspiration for the film. There was a preview of the upcoming Fall 2010 accessories collection also. Every shoe has a thousand and one tales to tell, and Marcus Tomlinson believes each one, following them step by step. In his enthusiasm for Pierre Hardy’s designs at Hermès, the artist, photographer and maker of animation films has become their messenger: “His shoes strike a perfect balance between design and craftsmanship, between tried and trusted skills and what seems to me is a very limpid form of inspiration.” Patiently and passionately, the artist has composted FOOT BALL, the film of an imaginary day in the life of a part of shoes. And so there are, filching fragments from our own lives – step by step, with measured tread, from a standing start, or dragging their feet. The installation will be available for public viewing in the Hermès Bloor Street store until …

From the Soul: Caribana Art Exhibit at The Royal Ontario Museum, July 23 – August 13, 2010

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The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) joins in the excitement of the Scotiabank Caribana Festival and presents From the Soul: Caribana Art Exhibit, July 23 to August 13, 2010, Canada’s largest ever single juried display of works of art by African Canadian artists. Curated by renowned African Canadian artist and activist, Joan Butterfield, the exhibition is produced by the Association of African Canadian Artists, in conjunction with Scotiabank Caribana and the ROM. From the Soul will be on display in the Museum’s Bronfman Hall, Level 2 during the citywide festival, which takes place from July 15 to August 15, 2010. More than 160 works on canvas, several Caribana parade costumes, three dimensional bronze sculptures and award-winning ceramic pieces by 49 artists will be on display. Ms. Butterfield said, “This collection of works will arouse the conscious, still the mind and soothe the soul. Our goal is to attract a new and expanded audience to this exhibition with the hope of inspiring others with the message of courage, love and respect prevalent throughout the displays. Art is …

Plastik Wrap Presents Stuntkid aka Jason Levesque

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PLASTIK WRAP â„¢ Presents Stuntkid » aka Jason Levesque Jason’s work regularly depicts “pin up” style girls with elements inspired by both the beautiful and ugly parts of the natural world. “Aquatic life” is a collection of underwater, deep sea inspired illustrations with fashionable flare. Please join us for the opening reception on August 5th. Plastik Wrap boutique, 2235 Dundas st. West From 7.00 pm till 11.00 pm

Douglas Coupland x Roots Launches at Bloor Street

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The Douglas Coupland x Roots collaboration is now on sale at the Bloor Street Store. The ROOTS X DOUGLAS COUPLAND collection includes apparel for women/men/children, accessories, leather goods, design items, furniture, limited editions, original art and a series of pop-up stores. This is the first time Douglas Coupland has designed fashion wearables. He is best known as the internationally best-selling author of “Generation X”, “JPod” and “Generation A”.

i want: Douglas Coupland x Roots

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I like a few items of the Douglas Coupland x Roots collaboration. The ROOTS X DOUGLAS COUPLAND collection includes apparel for women/men/children, accessories, leather goods, design items, furniture, limited editions, original art and a series of pop-up stores. This is the first time Douglas Coupland has designed fashion wearables. He is best known as the internationally best-selling author of “Generation X”, “JPod” and “Generation A”. “For more than 10 years I’ve been intimately exploring what it means to be Canadian,” says Coupland. “This partnership with Roots is an amazing opportunity to keep that dialogue going with an even wider, more diverse audience.” The theme created for the ROOTS X DOUGLAS COUPLAND collection is “Canada Goes Electric” and brings together Douglas Coupland’s recognizable perspective with the Roots reputation for quality goods and craftsmanship. “For the first time in our history, we stepped back and left the design to an outside designer,” explains Don Green, Co-founder of Roots. “Visually the collection is strong but beyond that, Douglas Coupland has once again shown his trademark humour and brilliance …

Luminato 2010 - Wish Come True Festival

Luminato 2010 – Wish Come True Festival

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I had to check out the super cute installation by FriendsWithYou at Queen’s Park for Luminato. It was like an acid trip came to life; floating mushroom and pill shaped objects with happy faces. Magic, luck, and friendship are the qualities that FriendsWithYou, a visual arts collective based in Miami Beach, seek to spread throughout the world. Now, in an unprecedented spectacle created just for Luminato, they invite Toronto to come out and play. FriendsWithYou turns Toronto into Rainbow City, a delightful explosion of colour and jubilant energy. Led by the Rainbow King, Luminato 2010’s Festival mascot, a host of celestial characters transform Queen’s Park with larger-than-life dimensions of giant totems, bounce houses, and inflatable friends. Meanwhile, emissaries from this magical world fan out across Toronto to spread their universal message. The trusty Olympus E-PL1 was there to record some video I wish random installation like this were more common in the city.

Todd Selby in Toronto

Todd Selby in Toronto

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Todd Selby (aka The Selby) came to Toronto to promote his new book, The Selby is in your House.   Holt Renfrew hosted a public book signing session in the Bloor street store.  A party in his honour at was held at Parts & Labour the night before. It was at this party I would learn about Todd’s site and why I was always hearing his name in fashion circles. Yep, I was that ignorant about the man. I don’t follow interiors that much and since he loves to photograph homes I can see why I never really bothered to check him out.  I knew he was important, the why was never that important to me. For those of you not familiar with The Selby, he takes photos of people’s homes. These people are usually creative types and many big players in the fashion industry. My first exposure to The Selby was on the walls of P&L. Holt Renfrew had printed all the pages of his book on these panels that lined the walls.  There were …