Playlist | introducing 2010*

1. Fortune - Highway
2. The XX - Crystalized
3. ComaR - Surprise Paper Planes
4. The Drums - Let's Go Surfing
5. Miike Snow - Sylvia
6. The XX - Basic Space
7. The Whitest boys alive - 1517
8. Folchen - No wedding cake
9. Sparkletone - Methamorphosis
10. Florence & the Machine - You've got the love

Golden Hook & Grandma

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These guys had a bright idea -to me:

They actually let customers design their own hat/scarf and then choose the grandmother they’d like to knit it !
After choosing the one they’d like to knit their hat, customers can send her a message and can even request that she signs her name on the hat’s label.

These days there’s nothing like knowing (and being able to share) the product life story of a locally handmade good to make a consumer value it more.
How smart is it !

visit the site : GoldenHook

Rykiel undressed H&M / Paris Grand Palais

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Ok, well,
how to start ?

Yesterday night, the Grand Palais welcomed an oversized show for the swedish monsters Hennes and Mauritz. In a few days they are launching a collection by Sonia Rykiel, starting first with underwear.

and they made it like it was THE big launch...

With such an high budget (3 or 4 million euros for one night) the swedish giant didn't take much risks. It seems all the guests -including me- have spent a hell of a night... Etienne Russo made the art direction (he usually works with Dries Van Noten, Hermès, Chanel and Rykiel) and created a likewise fairytale in a huge fairground.

I hope, despite the current dull time they will succed with this new French partnership !

Malouins I New photoset

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Click on the picture to enlarge

Anthropologie I London

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The american brand, Anthropologie is coming over the european market.
Well known by those (girls/women) who have been to NYC -for instance, Anthropologie is an upper version of Urban Outfitter.

The atmosphere in this new shop might be as its american sisters : huge (Regent Street location is a whopping 11,000 Sq ft) very detailed, classy and arty athmosphere.
Wooden floors, green walls, they mastered a great new shopping experience.
Just like the Merci concept store in Paris if i can compare.

If you do not have the money the store is worth a visit just to marvel at the visuals.
and for those who are not in London, they ship in more than 30 countries from the web.

Anthropologie
158 Regent Street
London, W1B 5SW
Tel. 7529 9800
Nearest tube: Piccadilly

Monocle Magazine & Shops I Paris ?

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If you do not know Monocle Magazine and if you are interested with Business, Culture and Design all together, then read carefully !

The Magazine
Edited by Wallpaper* founder and Financial Times columnist Tyler Brûlé, Monocle offers a comprehensive global briefing under a single editorial brand. Every issue means to deliver stories on forgotten states, alluring political figures, emerging brands, fresh forces in popular culture, inspiring design solutions and more.

The Shops
London and LA are lucky to have a Monocle Shop, which you can find online as well
You can find in there a wide range of Monocle design collaborations with the likes of Porter, Comme des Garçons, Orlebar Brown and Valextra - plus a handful of exclusive products for the LA store, including a limited-edition Monocle candle from Le Labo.


The guides
Monocle provides clever guides as well: about the best places (hotels, restaurants, shops, exhibitions...) in major cities around the world. You can download them for free !!

Have a look,
it worth it !

Los Angeles / 225 26th Street / Shop 19b / Santa Monica / CA 90402 / +1 310 395 4180 /lashop@monocle.com
London / 2A George Street / Marylebone / London / W1U 3QS / + 44 (0) 20 7486 8770 / shop@monocle.com

automn playlist*

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I'm not meant to suggest you brand new hype tracks from great bands.
What i do here is a mix of tracks i like at the moment.

Some are oldish,
Some are newish,
From folk to pop,
you might like these,
or not.

1. Slighter - Jupiter
2. Sleepyhead (remixed strasmith) - Passion Pit
3. Something good can work - Two Door Cinema Club
4. Kiss with a Fist - Florence & the Machine
5. Love long Distance - Gossip
6. Walkabout - Atlas Sound
7. Standing on the shore - Empire of the sun
8. Keep the lights on - Wave Machines
9. Foundation - Kate Nash
10. Two Weeks - Grizzly Bears
11. God has a voice she speaks through me - CocoRosie

enjoy !

New photoset I Distractions

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clic for more ...

Milano I Fiat plants trees on Montenapoleone

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We all know the little Fiat 500 new edition is a must have (mostly among young women) this year and mostly for the next ones...

Until the end of Septembre on can see different Fiat 500 in the world famous street Via Montenapoleone : in plastic used as planters for various trees....
this has been initiated by a trio : Fiat + the city of Milano + Fabio Novembre.

"a symbol of new way of living"

Interesting, innit ?

Clockwise Casio Vs rolex

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For some the ultimate style is the basic Casio watch, straight from the 80s.
For others it is the Oyster by Rolex.
fair enough

The watches market seem to get its colors back.
Advertisement for any kind of watch, according to the target, started to swar a couple of years ago. Just look at the best selling fashion mag...

Here is a blog dealing of the topic,

C'est quoi ta montre ?

have a look it worth it.

New photoset | green

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clic for more

C/O Berlin | 10 years of photography, Deutsche Börse

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I've been recently to a great photo exhibition in Berlin:

With subject matter ranging from landscapes, architecture, interiors, and portraits, the collection brings together top-class, mainstream works, and icons of contemporary photographic history.
It is a bit late though to advertise on that exhibition closed for a few weeks but it is not too late to talk about these inspiring photographers

Paul Graham:

Simon Roberts:

Alfred Seiland :

Rineke Dijkstra :

C/O Berlin

Postfuhramt

Oranienburger Straße 35/36
10117 Berlin
Phone +49.30.28 09 19 25

info@co-berlin.com
Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist gegen Spam-Bots geschützt, du musst Javascript aktivieren, damit du sie sehen kannst

Estuaire 2009 | Nantes StNazaire

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This summer, in Nantes (FR) one could have seen some interesting series of performances -in the context of the local biennial exhibition "Le paysage, l'art et le fleuve".

"from here to ear" Céleste Boursier Mougenot / when birds are rockstars ...

"le refuge" Stéphane Thidet / A house with inside rain ...

"misconceivable" Erwin Wurm

Parr | Paris

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As you might know, Martin Parr's collection is currently displayed in Paris -Le Jeu de Paume.

This is a godsend, this british photograper is one of the most influent artist recently. His work is mainly about the british, a critical point of view about nowadays people. His brand new serie "Luxury" exposed in this exhibition is not really impressive though, compared to some other artists displayed.
One should check out the followings -if not done yet !


Richard Billingham (UK)

Mark Neville (UK)

Jeu de Paume
1, place de la Concorde
75008 Paris
Métro : Concorde (lignes 1, 8, 12)
Bus : 24, 42, 72, 73, 84, 94
Renseignements : 01 47 03 12 50
ou info@jeudepaume.org

New photoset | colored walls - Berlin

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have a look

Dr Pong I Eberswalderstrasse, Berlin

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If by any chance you pass by Berlin and go to the Prenzlauerberg,
please do not avoid DrPong !

a PingPong club/bar interactive, minimalist, fun ....

Have a look : http://www.drpong.net/index.php
21, Eberswalderstrasse.

Pinault + Dinard = contemporary Art

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Summer time -
is not blogging time -

I assume though there are still some readers, and some who have not been in vacation yet ! That, my be of interest :

In Dinard / Brittany / France, if you have the chance to go, please visit the contemporary art exhibition :

QUI A PEUR DES ARTISTES ?

(who is scared by artists ?)

Thanks to a guy from the neighbourood and his foundation for art, some good work have been lent to the small town.
One can find five different thema about the main question : who is scared by artists
It goes from death to love...

Josef Albers, Dan Flavin, Agnes Martin, Lucio Fontana, Piero Manzoni, Lee Ufan, Pierre Soulages, Charles Matton, Takashi Murakami, Paul McCarthy, Yan Pei-Ming, Martial Raysse, Ed Ruscha, Adel Abdessemed, Andreas Gursky, Barbara Kruger, Cindy Sherman, Jeff Wall, Yang Jiechang, Chen Zhen. Subodh Gupta, Mike Kelley, Bharti Kher, Julie Mehretu, Luc Tuymans, Maurizio Cattelan, Paul Fryer, Damien Hirst, Claude Lêvêque, Yan Pei-Ming, Andres Serrano

before the 13th of September 09
Palais des arts et du festival
4,50-

Piscine Molitor & Galliano S/S 2010

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In the bid for unconventional places, John galliano is a serious competitor...
Despite the higher bid year after year, one can still find amazing places in the Capital city.
We talked previously about the Dries van noten A/W 09-10 which took place in the French communist party Headquarters, but there it goes one step beyond !

They basically settled a catwalk into an old diused art deco styled swimmingpool.
In the heart of posh XVIth arrondissement Paris, there is for decades this place where urban style has emerged over art deco.
The place is not the property of the city but is ones' landlord who seem not willing to sell it. the rumors said he was there. I doubt Galliano style affected him in the good way though...

It is not about reviewing the couturier fashion tastes but more about design and urban style, enjoy :
(clic to enlarge)

Mathew Scott | American dream sucks

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Mathew Scott made me realise how much i hate mainstream.
this can be good sometimes to like what people mostly like but i don't give a f..

have a look
he is good

www.mathewscott.com

Designers days | bilan

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last week, as it happens every year, were the designers days.
For those who are not concerned it is like the fashion week for the fashion industry but here its more or less for the design industries.
obviously.

Thus, this years' theme was "secrets of the design". every single "competitor" -brand, gallery, artists were supposed to highlight their products accroding to the theme.
and here we are ...

Thus the last day, monday, have been organized at 104 (75019 Paris) the prices ceremony.
Manufacture de Sevres won the competition,

i don't know if it was worth it... because not only this particular one but the week was globally dull
year after year the week is turning bad & mainstream, and i'm not sure its all about the financial crush ...
we'll see next year.

pictures from top and clockwise:
Christofle, Modular, Baccarat,
Kartell, Maison Margiela
and down : Manufacture de Sevres

Music | MayMay playlist*

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1. What's on your mind - Lo Fi Fnk
2. Live Good - Naïve new beaters
3. Arrows of Eros - Golden Silvers
4. Who's hot who's not - Creature
5. I was born in the 90s - Mickey Gang
6. Little Gem - I ♡ the monster hero
7. Bande à part - Detect
8. Junior - PoneyPoney
9. Sexual Healing - Hot Chip

enjoy !

Dorures... I New photoset

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click on the picture for more

the 'It camera' | Olympus's four thirds system camera

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here it is,
look at it,
how proud it looks,
... and it could ...
yes it could !

I have been very involved in cameras lately because i lost mine -somewhere someone has been lucky.
fortunately i have a good reflex, with films, not digital > not very usefull though !

Olympus is soon releasing its brand new camera. Soon because it remains secretful but its planned before the end of summer.

But that one could change one's life :

It is the first compact with different lenses you can switch with ! that is the innovation !



Look at it, who could resist ? Technical innovation is not the only issue, the design is very well done also. that retro brown color gives it more style, added value style i would say !

then, since its not out yet, there are no release about its performances, either about the price...
to continue !

La Roux I Videos

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One should leave it to the Brits : three videoclips, as much singles and the album is not out yet (planned for mid June)!
That seem really promising for the 21 yo girl !

the new video out "bulletproof" is still in her retro-futuristic world and it is very pleasant. 80's inspirations plus Eurythmics lookalikes have done a very sweet mix. have a look to this colourful new videoclip:

I really can't wait for the album because she was very disapointing on stage for the Kitsuné gigs, really hope she made good job in studios.
below the other two videos / Quicksand / In for the kills

Urbain | New photoset

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click on the picture for more

Paris 19-20 | New photoset

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click on the picture for more

IPictures / Chase Jarvis

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Who said IPhone does not take good pictures ?

"the best camera is the one that is with you"
Chase Jarvis

That is a fact,
that guys knows how to take good pictures
it is all the more interesting as it is taken with his IPhone

Find more about his work on facebook and on his personal website.

A new challenge for me since i lost my camera

:-)

to be continued on the pictures blog with my personal pictures made by my IPhone...

color trends

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When i am bored i go get inspiration on ffffound !
There are all kind of graphic stuff : drawings / pictures / polaroids / gif / and so on

You'll find next a sample of what i found today
this is all about colors

It is a pity i didn't gather them earlier
it would have been helpful for work
- anyway -

covers | not only music

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yeah covers are kinda very used for music,
sometimes in good way,
sometimes not.

We've talked lately about some good tracks in this blog, but now it is all about different covers.

I've found a nother blog with magazines covers.

It is pretty interesting, thus i advise you to have a look if you like beautiful drawings about your beloved magazines.

Lacoste red | cooler than ever

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Once again, after a very powerful ad campaign (press+internet) last year, Lacoste with the red label comes back more punchy than ever : much more about bright colors young and trends orientated than the classic collections.

The marketing agency Mégalo(s) has again prooved that they do great things online.
The "style"added value allow them to put a "corporate" strategy very easily in their prodcution: you can blog it / share it / post it quickly & freely -like i did for the blog !
congrats again for the movie guys !

Music | April playlist*

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March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb
April showers bring May flowers

and i would say in French
Avril découvre toi !

Have a good listen up

1 . Sox - 1982
2. Architecture in Helsinky - That beep
3. Lilly wood and the prick - down the drain
4. Le corps mince de françoise - Bitch of the Bitches
5 . La Roux - In for the Kill
6. Yuksek - So far away from the sea
7. Phoenix - 1901
8. Röyksopp - Happy up here
9. Mr Scruff - Hold on
10. I Monster - A sucker for your sound

TheDesktopWallpaperProject | your computer & art

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I wanted to share a cool thing. hope you'll take the opportunity

A friend from UK, Andy J. Miller, has worked for a project : TheDesktopWallpaperProject

You obviously can find drawings for your computer,
but not only,

it is drawings from cool artists from everywhere
&
on a multitude of monitor and devices sizes
&
there is a new one every single wednesday

So, please, if you spend most of your days with your computer and iPhone, have a serious look.
Trust me !

Maurice Sendak | Where the wild things are

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adapted by Spike Jonze this movie is planned to be released in October this year.
It is an adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's story, where Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, creates his own fantastic world.

The technics used for this movie are far from modern ones -all about computed scenes. It is like there is a "back to the 80's" spirit, something emotional in an odd way with colors/music/costumes. A good thing for an adaptation of a book that helped kids to grow up over the past 35 years. I wish i could have had grown up with this story, well it is not too late !

The trailer is brilliant & makes me feel like i'd like to want to be a kid again :

music by the Arcade fire, Wake up from the album Funeral 2004

Tabloid Phoenix & Kitsuné | the ' i love you' compilation

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Last week the kitsuné label has released a new compilation.
It's new in every ways : much nicer sleeve first and a new music style then.
After digitalism -all about elctro, one will hear some antic, romantic & melodic tracks...

It is a plus if you wanna flirt,
or not.

Thank you Kitsuné
Thank you Phoenix

1. Kiss – Love Theme From Kiss / 2. Dirty Projectors – Rise Above /3. The Red Crayola – Victory Garden / 4. The Impressions - I’ve Been Trying /5. Chris Bell - I Am The Cosmos / 6. Roxy Music – Pyjamarama / 7. The 13th Floor Elevators – I Had To Tell You / 8. Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Shipbuilding / 9. D’Angelo – Send It On / 10. Tangerine Dream – Love On A Real Train / 11. Urge Overkill - Stull (Part 1) / 12. Lô Borges – Aos Barões / 13. Iggy Pop & James Williamson - Master Charge / 14. Dennis Wilson – Lady (Falling in Love) / 15. Irma Thomas – It’s Raining / 16. Ritchie Valens - In A Turkish Town / 17. Dusty Springfield - I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today / 18. Lou Reed - Street Hassle

Bus stop | Sit & See (and hide) by Fitness First

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seen in Rotterdam ...



well...
i love it !

Warhol | old celebrities in colors

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I was really looking forward to this show, yeah all the ingredients for a great receip i assumed ...!
- a great artist
- pictures
- polaroids
- great location
- 60s-70s intl stars as guests

BUT, i didn't assume it was THAT all about stars, which isn't a plus -to me.
it was like reading a colored trash magazine full of stars back in the 60's ...
Fortunatly, there was some work i enjoyed, very actual when you know its from the 60's, like this particular one

Ethel Scull 36 times, 1963. Lent by the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Well, i advise you to have a look, even though its quite irritating.
The visit worth it because Warhol is a great artist, the first one who found out about marketing and dollars...

COS Paris / new opening

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Heeeeeeeeere we are, for those who don't know yet, the swedish brand COS has opened a massive store in France, Paris, rue des rosiers.

COS, stands for 'collection of style' and is endorsed by H&M.
It is kinda cool because it is about attention to detail of ready-to-wear design with down to earth pricing............



It is a reference now in europe
looks like a Banana republic or Club monaco in the american market

oh,
and it seems the UK topshop/topman is soon going to open in the street as well !

Petit Bateau / adults - and more

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it seems there are some interesting things going on with Petit Bateau !
the french band which dresses up kids and children with very good basics is now crossing over ages !

A new store, as a concept, is now available in Paris, right across colette, rue du 29 Juillet : a store only for adults with new basics made of great quality : homewear & outwear for men and women with the brand classics

Their ad' campain is pretty interesting as well: made with BETC Euro rscg, this campain shows up different people -known & unknown, with their age in months. a clever way to remind about the brand's child soul.
Anyway the impact is more or less due to MGMT members -see previous post !

On the same way, Petit Bateau has launched a coed collection for both genders, and has added a size 20yo for the taller/olders !
The website worth a look at, don't know yet about the clothes ...


Kitsuné, the top music & clothes label has also worked with Petit bateau. Well, the tee shirts are not that great but the buzz made all around is pretty interesting ...!
see the previous post about the concert Petit bateau x Kitsuné Maison en Vrai
and the blog

new photo set / Polaroïding Himalaya

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Have a look at the photoblog !

shoes / KEEP from L.A - LOISAIDA shop

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right back from vacations i bumped into a new shop
- or into a shop i've never bumped into before which seems more likely !

they display among others a sneakers brand from L.A which is COOL,
its called KEEP
Here are some :

these are a small sample and you can find much more in the shop. I bought some 'deck shoes sneacker mixed up' which are not up there though : perfect for working style and more !!
If you are in Paris have a look at the shop, otherwise go check out online

this shop is called LOISAIDA, named after some NY slang -which the manager likes to go and take back his newly found items for the french market.
Lacoste / NewBalance / Adidas Original / Bérangère Claire / New Era / ...
Oh, and there is a magic wall in the shop .....

have a look :

9 rue Tiquetonne
75002 Paris
+331 42 365 310
Opening: mon to sat: 11-20h

Merci | New concept store, Paris

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MERCI, a brand new massive concept store, opened its doors yesterday.
It is a bright idea which sticks to the current consuming issues ....

Created by the former owners of French kids top brand Bonpoint, Marie-France & Bernard Cohen, the concept is dealing with charity business :
a refined 1500 sqm jewel case, dedicated to fashion / furnitures / books / interior design / and much more.

Why is it likely to please you ?

- Top brands collections dedicated especially for MERCI.
Women, men, kids will find unique pieces by Isabel Marant, Jérôme Dreyfuss, Marni, Paul & Joe, Stella McCartney, Swildens, Christian Tortu, YSL and much more.
- Prices are quite moderate
- These top brands are conceding their Profit margin to charities in Madagascar.
- The place is more lifestyle looking than a regular shop.
- The Charity books section, a very New York inspired place where you can rest with a tea or coffee while reading. Books are second hand, in many languages and come from donations.
- The Annick Goutal laboratory to create your own fragrance.
- An old fashion haberdashery shop wher you can buy top buttons, ribbons and zippers
- The flower shop by Christian Tortu

Luxury & humanitarian are put back together
It is then a pleasant and responsible consuming
Merci !

MERCI
111 Boulevard Beaumarchais
75011 Paris

Music | March playlist*

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Here we are again, a new playlist for a new month!
It's a bit folkish, with a touch of electronic and a pinch of rock.
I hope these artists will bright your hears up.
I haven't picked a particular style up, i hope you"ll find sometg with your tastes on this playlist.

A special crush on Matt & Kim, am not obvious though bcs i've seen their joyfulness on stage !
Then on Bell, she has released an amazing Bjork cover on "it's oh so quiet". both worth a listen up!

1. Le Loup - We are gods! We are Wolves! US
2. Roken is Dodelijik- Good enough FR
3. Micachu - Golden phone UK
4. Fortune - Mission FR
5. Desmond & the tutus - Kiss you on the cheek SthA
6. Matt & Kim - Day light US
7. Gachette of the mastiff - Runn'ay all in vain FR
8. Telepath - So fine US
9. Chairlift - Bruises US
10. Bell - It's oh so quiet US
11. Catriona irving / Julien plaisir de - Mixup FR

V for VanVan & Vespa | new photo set

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a trip miles from Paris,
the motorbikes helped us to reach the resting place : Fontainebleau

the photo story is in the photo blog

Fortune | go tune in to

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Fortune is a band
Fortune is a band of electrorockers
Fortune the band of electrorockers is damn peachy
Fortune the damn peachy band of electrorockers has hot style

enough said /

these two tracks Bully & Mission are from the last EP / produced by Disque Primeur
Myspace : www.myspace.com/ilovefortune

Retro-pro | new photo set

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because kids are not the only ones who should/could have fun



more on the photo-blog

the cube slow gallery | opening

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i've been invited at the opening of the cube slow gallery yesterday :
major artists of the slow culture - emerging trend seen as an alternative to our obsessive need for speed - were displaying up some work here in Paris and soon in Geneva
- Jérôme Dreyfuss slow fashion / L’agricouture
- Marcus Kreiss slow movie / Souvenirs from earth
- Scarlett Hooft Graaftland slow photography
- Christophe Vialle Slow design / Racine carré
- Samon Takahashi Slow music
- La fratrie Slow art
- François Bancon Slow car / Nissan Cube advanced product department

It seems you see more when you take things slowly,
certainly.

This show was also about the launch of the new nissan cube : a totally not aerodynamic car -which is cool. Right up against new modern shapes this car sticks to the slow trend perfectly, but is this a bright selling point for a car?

Kitsuné Maison en Vrai

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yesterday night at "la Maroquinerie, 75020 Paris" was ace !

Kitsuné, the multifaceted Franco-Japanese brand (see previous post), has once again prooved they are the definitive barometer for setting new standards in music -and beyond!
One big discovery and one disapointment at the show...

David E Sugar :
wasn't arrived yet (...) but it seems quite cool and smooth on headphones. to be confirmed then
Two door cinema club :
seemed to be nice but not that forward-thinking new band, not on the playlist below i didn't find it online
La Roux :
that was a letdown. the music is fine though, but i was hoping for something less dull. that was kinda bland or characterless... despite her inimitable style & outstanding streak !!
We have band :
that was the surprise. they gather all these : LCD soundsystem, New Order, Talking Heads, The Rapture, Fischerspooner, Metronomy and even le Tigre - in one band !

let's have a listen up :

The visual Dictionary | real wor(l)d

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the visual dictionary is bright concept : a collection of words in the real world
Its often said pictures worth thousand words, here is the proof !

www.thevisualdictionary.net

Surface to air | new collection S/S

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Surface to Air has just released its new collection.

The brand identity becomes now apparent :
kindred outfits, of-the-moment-stylish influenced : fit shapes, fine points, soberly branded
The range is complete from shoes to shirts for both genders, and even for your kids !

It definitely worth a look at

Online

or
68 rue Charlot
75oo3 Paris

Wallpaper | Design awards 2oo9

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Every year, the british magazine wallpaper awards the most significant newness - the best of the best and the very highly commended of the rest :

brand / product / building / city / designer / fashion / and so on.

This year's jury was Kanye West, Jean Nouvel, Inès de la Fressange, Marc Newson, Sir Ken Adam and Stefano Pilati.

The most significant awards :
- Best new restaurant Bang, Boston, by Office dA
- Best new public building BMW Welt, Germany, by Coop Himmelb(l)au
- Best city Paris (!ah!)
- Best men's fashion collection Junya Watanabe A/W 2oo8
- Best women's fashion collection Yves Saint Laurent A/W 2oo8
all awards here, have a look !!

BMW - Paris - Bang

Lolita | she loves texts

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click to find out.

Music | February playlist*

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Beacuse it is still winter, and because it keeps going snowish and coldish,
here are 10 tracks to warm & cheer you up. Mostly.

1. Poney Poney - Cross the Fader
2. Lykke Li - Dance Dance Dance
3. Breakbot - A thing for me (cover Mtnmy)
4. The Cocknbullkid - On my own
5. My tiger my timing - This is not the fire
6. Passion pit - I've got your number
7. Lykke Li - Little bit (CSS rmx)
8. Six figure transatlantic - Girl just wanna have fun
9. Fm Belfast - Underwear
10. Friendly fires - Paris

Fixies | when biking turns ace

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I just wanted to make a point.
It's nice, healthy & sustainable : fixies are bikes for cool people !

Yeah, since you live in Berlin, London, Paris or New-york city you might have seen those colorful bikes called fixies bcs of their fixed gears. Its right between 70's & futuristic style : owners pay a lot of attention to details - newly painted frames / brand new modern handlebar / branded pneumatic tires / clean chain

Hence, to enter the fixies community you'll have to match criteria :
- you live & work & hang out in a nice & central area in major capital cities ;-)
- you don't walk anymore, you RIDE
- you clearly want to be mass-distincted
- you'll respect the dress code : no suits and ties unless its from a nice designer
- you don't wear helmet (only bcs they are not fit enough for fixies riders)
- you'll train before riding in public : feet are fasten to pedals and there is no brake lever!

tips :

best shop in Paris 75010
website / blog

convert a road framed bike to fixed wheel
collection of fixies from around the world
my birthday is in few days, i think i match the criteria

Paris | exhibitions to look at

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- Antoine + Manuel graphiste et designer
i still don't understand why they are showing at in a museum, people might not be sensitive enough to their work. Even though they are highly specialised in illustration, they have their own style and should be considered more like artists than graphic designers. Nicely designed rooms though.
Anyway, the purpose is to look at their job and their Lacroix artwork is pretty interesting.
Musée des Art décoratifs
107 rue de Rivoli
from 24.11.08 to 19.04.09

- Sonia Rykiel "exhibition"
a good one for those who are sensitive to fashion. a wide collection of dress is displayed (220 from the 60's to today). there is also a very interesting collection of other designers (like Ralph Lauren / Jean Paul gautier ..) creations for SR's 40th anniversary.
Musée des Art décoratifs
107 rue de Rivoli
from 24.11.08 to 19.04.09

- Geometry in Nature, Anthony Burrill
if you dare to brave the crowed at Colette, their is an interesting artwork showing at the store.
The show is made of constructed laser cut plastic artwork. and based on nature and geometry. It is a kind of clean, glossy perfect version of nature.
Colette
213 rue st Honoré
from 26.01.09 to 28.02.09

Pictures | new photo set

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have a look at the new photo set, on the -pictures blog- side :
it's monochrom-tastic !
it's monochrom-tastic !
it's monochrom-tastic !
it's monochrom-tastic !
it's monochrom-tastic !

fashion week | from inside Lacroix

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ok, i went to two more shows : Cerruti on friday and Lacroix on tuesday.
Both were totally different, Cerruti was about men fall-winter and Lacroix women haute couture spring-summer.

Cerruti :
same models, same public, but in a different place with different clothes !
quite wearable though even like i don't like the style: suits, b&w colors, smartness with italian influences : pictures from vogue uk

Christian Lacroix :
it was a massive show, 900 guests, at Centre Georges Pompidou. I've been lucky to stay on backstage with models and staff.
it was astonishing, models were unreal & impressive.... even though they are running their fashionshow marathon ! - some girls cried bcs of their high heels and tight dresses.
Since i'm not a good fashion critic i'll let you have your own point of view.

oh and I bumped into speedy Wintour (Anna) ! ah

Photographer | Keith Davis young

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subtle & delicate pictures from USA
and its deepest countryside.

The photographer based in Austin, texas, shares a real and realistic portrait of his america. His flickr.

Music | kids to look at

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I've been taken aback by these two bands. Well, it's not that really new or impressive but its interesting enough to look at -or to listen to.

the "Mickey gang" are from Brasil, they do english rock like the american band teenager could do. the track "born in the 90's" is just refreshing. It's only a demo since their first album is planned to be released on March. click on the image

The cocknbullkid is a pop band from England, London. Well they do pop, but they do it good ! The track i'm not sorry is a disco-pop mix with blingbling contemporary influences.
it's promising.
it's produced by Metronomy.
click on the picture.

Dries Van Noten | Paris Men's RTW fashion week

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I've been lucky to see the Dries Van Noten A-W 09|1o runway yesterday evening -even though i was working.

The location was stunning : wherelse a fashion show could be staged during crisis times than in the French Communist Party headquarters (staged by prada 8 years ago)...

the location was as much interesting as the collection on the catwalk - both played a great role in the success of the night.

It was all about going backwards :
- back in the mid 60's / early 70's for the building, all in a perfect condition -seats, lights, carpets, walls. the catwalk was going all aver the main room (up, down, right, left) models had to repeat to wound their way arounf the labyrinthine catwalk !
- back in the cold war ! it was like a very continental runway trend, most of the look were monochrom, all dark mono-colours. Shapes made me remind of my grand-father's suits : short & large trousers with a big shoulder double-breasted blazer.

Pictures are taken from WWD, click on them to be redirected and watch the overall collection.

I'll be on Cerruti and Christian Lacroix later on this week, i'll keep you posted before wednesday.

Polaroid | clever alternative

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for all those who don't have any polaroid camera or/& films to put in & even the new macbook pro
here is a clever tip to get beautiful polaroids !
almost like a real one, it makes sounds, you have to wait and shake, pure pleasure !!!

this picture has been taken down the street, floppies were waiting for me !
it was right next to 2 burning cars rue de Turenne yesterday evening [safest area in Paris i believed]!!!!

Ofr | Best of readings

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Reminder :

Best of avant-garde books is in here,

- 20 rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 Paris, Carreau du temple, Métro Temple.
Lundi au Samedi 10h- 20h, Dimanche 14h- 19h + Salon de Thé.

- 64 rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris, Killiwatch, Métro Etienne Marcel.

- 149 Bd St Germain, 75006 Paris, Emporio Armani, Métro St Germain des Prés.

- Carrousel du Louvre during Fashion Week.

- Who's Next et Premiere Classe during Prêt à Porter.

Designer Mathieu Lehanneur | organic work

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Mathieur Lehanneur is a French designer.
His projects are orientated towards nature & well being: fast growing niche these years !

His talent has been awarded many times and he -with his team, can now have his major pieces of work exhibited all over the world. extract :

permanent exhibition :
MoMa New York City
MoMa San Fransico
Frac Paris
Dover Street market, London

1. 2.3. 4. 5.5. 6.6.

1. Bel-Air, living filter / oxygen generator
2. Warmth by infrared localisator
3. Sound system to hide noise
4. Day light
5. Restaurant Flood, Paris
6. Christofle, Paris for Designers day 07

Music | winter warm up playlist*

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it is getting colder out there,
hopefully this playlist will warm you up,
or at least your hears,
at least ...

1. Hollow out - The Aspirins For My Children
2. Control - Nottee
3. Quicksand - la Roux (Kitsuné rmx)
4. Chromes on it - Telepathe
5. Stay don't go - Spoon
6. No surprise - James Yuill
7. L.E.S artistes - lilly wood and the prick
8. Hummer - Foals

daily dose of art | Mrzyk & Moriceau

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The french couple Petra Mrzyk & Jean-françois Moriceau have created an interesting tear-off calendar for 2oo9!
Famous with their unconventional and outstanding style -black and red ink on paper, walls / vectorials on flash animations- they bring their off-beat look about the contemporary world.





Funny, original, delirious, sometimes nasty,
all these as a daily dose .....

- available on the new Colette store online
- watch the 365 drawingdays here

Holga | cheap & chic

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You might have seen them on xmas shelves this year : Holga cameras

both pro and amateurs enjoy -and take advantage, of the shapeless and cheap plastic "made in china" camera,
i.e advertising & fashion are using them for years bcs of their significant style !

Its success could be explained while those extra perfect digital cameras are released year after years.

RANDOM is the answer which you can't find in digital

My friend Olivier took this picture (in NYC), its funny seeing him carring and taking random pictures because he always take nice shoots, check his flickr out !

a nice vintage limited edition is available here, as well.

Music & Colors | clever match

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that is a perfect match
art + colors + music

for those who think playing the piano is lame, the british artist Hoagy Houghton has created a musical book where colors are notes, the clever thing is that its totally random ! pure creativity then ...

digital acoustic | daft danish punk

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Back to basics !
a digital song turned into acoustic is always challenging.
That track is good ! Its not brand new but its refreshing...

a cover by a danish pop band, alphabeat :

2008 | picturing backwards

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Pictures often worth thousands of words. Extract ...

St Pancras / India bomb attacks / Sarah Palin / Barack Obama / Oktoberfest / Koons and Versailles / Jean Nouvel / Financial crisis / Tibet / YSL / Berlin / Beijin Olympics / Fiac / Claude Levi-Strauss / Damien Hirst

Dear God | now you can talk to him (or her?)

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That is a big help i'm providing here for those who want to confess before the new 2009 start over !

REACH GOD ONLINE: www.dear-god.net

whatever your version of god is, Jesus, Allah, Buddha, your preyers will be all heard - and published online (!!!)

And if you guys wanna complain about yourselves pitty lifes, have a look there (FR) VDM

Petit bateau + MGMT | you said music business ?

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andrew 310 months, ben 312 months,
guys from MGMT will be the new faces of the next "petit bateau" advertising campaign :

Plus,
the french brand petit bateau will be associated to the next Kitsuné gig @ la Maroquinerie (Paris 20/02/09)... interesting music business right ?

Kitsuné maison en vrai X petit bateau # 2
La Roux
We have band
David E. Sugar
Two door cinema club

Creative art groups in Music | Fashion | Advertising

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gathering musicians, fashion designers, financial institution, marketers all around a global project is the purpose of these creative groups :

ANDREA CREWS / SURFACE2AIR / KITSUNE / ...

These alternative, multitasks & easy-going structures are full of innovative ideas !
tracks | clothes | ads | videoclips | parties | exhibitions | ...

Generally off-beat style, these artistic firms / shops distance theirselves from the conventional structures.

There is a common medium for all these associated talents : clothing.
After temporary art & exhibitions, from Colette to le palais de Tokyo, they share the same clothing value.
for instance "label Kitsuné" had partnerships with A.P.C and Maison Martin Margiela way before creating there own clothing collections. At the opposite "Andrea Crews" has always been on a fashion creative process, rearranging second hands during stunning fashion performances -and is now the rallying styling-point for the fluokids / streeters and some artists like Yelle or Phillipe Katerine.

With the growing recognition and gratitude most have opened their flagships, and some have already settled overseas.
What's next ?
will they leave their very highly specialized and elitist developpement for the mass-market and $ cash $?
or are they going to keep their off-beat and always creating style, releasing trends and new concepts ?

Kitsuné : 52, rue Richelieu 75002 Paris / new album Kitsuné Maison 6
Surface2air : 129, rue de Turenne 75003 Paris / Clip Justice Vs Simian awarded / Salon Rendez-vous / New black, first online fashion fair.
Andrea Crews : 10, rue Frochot 75009 Paris / Maroussia Rebecq and her fashion art activism / pics below :

Berlin | Arty Prenzlauerberg

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Far from the german cliché, this district is the center of alternative and independent art, in the country and much more. Mostly students & artists from all over the world have been settlled there. Independent musicians, painters, photographers, graphic & fashion designers, producers, writers, or actors bring a strong creative athmosphere.

Nordic inspirations is all around but not only. Because of its cosmopolitan side, this district could be compared with Williamsburg, in NYC

Cheap brunches, small boutiques, galleries, underground clubs, bar & restaurants appear/disapear for couples of years. Past has been cleverly ereased : i.e the Kulturbrauerei, an old brewery has been transformed in a cultural center with gigs, theatre, bars and restaurants.
Some would say its already too late, its quite touristic now and inhabitants seem to move in another future emerging trendy district, friedrichshain.

Far from major cities way of life, east-berlin remains appart.

Tips for the Prenzlauerberg district :
- best currywürst : down the U-bahn station Eberswalderstrasse
- best food experience : der Imbiss W, Kastanienallee 49
- best shops : second hand shops, good one : Humana, corner Schönhauser and Danziger strasse.
- best flea market : on Sundays, Arkonaplatz.

Architecture in Helsinki | that beep

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They've done it again,

the "made in Australia" band (no, there is no link with Helsinki at all), Architecture in Helsinki is releasing these weeks its new album : Vision Revision (planned for 2009).
First single released "that beep" gives us an idea about what this album will be made of . Influenced by Metronomy, Clap your hands say yeah, The Avalanches, Lo-Fi-Fnk and also New Buffalo that can be anything but bad !

This track saves life !

fresh, addictive, catchy, beepy ...
listen it up :