In conjunction with Elton John’s AIDS Foundation White Tie and Tiara Ball, world renowned artist Damien Hirst produced a special one off version of the A1 by German automaker Audi, marking the eight consecutive year the company has participated in this event. Putting Hirst’s popular spin paint technique to work, the car featured a special candyfloss pink paint job, selling at auction for 420,000 euros, along with a 1.80-meter high spin painting on canvas. The vehicle model in particular won’t see a release in the UK until November 2010, marking the most exclusive donation that Audi has ever given away.
The Salamatina Gallery is pleased to host an unprecedented installation, Calligraffiti: Letters of Independence, by the cutting-edge artist Niels Shoe Meulman. This unique project will open on the evening of Thursday, July 1st with a live Calligraffiti performance. During his opening-night performance, Meulman will literally rewrite the 1776 Declaration of Independence on site at the Salamatina Gallery. His Re-Declaration, which will take place over several days, will highlight all 1,337 of the historic words, resulting in 262 U.S. letter-sized pieces, executed in ink on paper. Showcasing the artistʼs fluid and hypnotic style, these “Letters” will remain on view and for sale until July 27.v Continue reading “Calligraffiti: Letters of Independence” »
Parties, parades, picnics in parks, fireworks and open-air concerts – summer doesn’t have to be about skitting off to the beach, when there are so many cities in America that offer a calendar-packing array of events designed to add summertime sparkle. Mr. & Mrs. Smith earmarked five of their favorite hotels – in five of their favorite US cities – that are perfectly positioned for making the most of the sun-soaked urban action.
Ace Hotel, Portland, OR
Bring your coloring pencils to this beatnik bolthole, where hand-painted murals by local artists make every room a studio space for Portland’s dusty bohemian glamor. With retro posters, vintage furniture, vinyl players and records, rooms are original without being ornate. Hang out in Clyde Common’s bar sipping Wild West-inspired cocktails, then venture out into the Pearl District to soak up more of the city’s creative buzz.
Explore Margaret Mitchell country from this historic 19th-century inn where Southern charm meets European flair. Think bare feet on gleaming hardwood floors, scraping the last crumbs of home-made lemon bread from antique gold-rimmed china, or relaxing with a copy of Gone With The Wind on the front porch swing.
Right beside Boston Common, this trad but trendy stay has eye-popping opulent interiors complemented by original art deco elevators and Louis XV furniture. On the rooftop, a Bostonian bower with views over Beacon Hill spills its greenery onto maple-red loungers. Look your best at Mooo, Jamie Mammano’s classic steakhouse, or descend into the stone-lined grandeur of the cellar to gaze in wonder at the vaulted array of rare fine wines.
Slip into vintage finery and Aladdin slippers to suit the spirit of the Saint Cecilia, just south of the river in downtown Austin. It’s a trippy mishmash of turquoise velour wallpaper, stuffed exotic birds, weathered chesterfields and glittering antique chandeliers. So dim the lights, pour a Rioja from the minibar, pick a vintage vinyl soundtrack to slap on the in-room turntable, and plan your own rock ‘n’ roll rebellion.
Just a stroll from the White House, this palatial hotel combines 1920s glamor with the spankingly up-to-date. Sip a bloody mary amid the old-gold glamor of the Chandelier Room, with it’s floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows, or dine on ceviche and Colorado lamb among the eye-soothingly sleek lines of the Adour restaurant, where Alain Ducasse brings a touch of French finesse to classic American cuisine.
Yesterday, we told you about the 2nd installment of the Converse ‘Three Artists. One Song’ collaboration of a original track featuring Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast, Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend and Kid Cudi that will be released this July and available to music fans globally via free download at converse.com and authorized Converse websites around the world. In addition to collaborating on the track, each of the artists also participated in the creation of the music video, which will be released later this summer.
“Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino is one of today’s most hotly-tipped musicians,” said Geoff Cottrill, Chief Marketing Officer of Converse. “She has jumped onto everyone’s radar within the past six months due to her refreshingly honest and clean musical style and having her be involved with the new collaboration was a no-brainer. She brings a west-coast flair and ease to the single and we couldn’t be more excited to have her participate in the songs creation.”
This film is the first installment in a series of three short films being released in anticipation of the song’s release, featuring each of the musicians. It follows indie music’s lo-fi pop princess Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast on her first European tour as she explores Hamburg, Germany and discusses the west coast, warm weather and the beachy, sun-kissed songs of the 50′s and 60′s that inspired her to create music of her own.
Dutch fashion label No Excess is launching in the US this August. No Excess has distributed its lifestyle brand for sixteen years to over 20 countries and is proud to announce its launch in the US market. Designed for the young male professional who has a keen sense of style. They’ve already had a soft launch this spring at Fred Segal Melrose. The Fall 2010 season will be the very first full collection of the Dutch born label here in the United States! Retailers who’ve already accepted the No Excess lifestyle include the likes of Fred Segal, Akira, Kitson and Style Lounge.
Please Remove Your Shoes is the feature-length documentary detailing the shocking lack of oversight, planning, and leadership within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and how its corrupt management continues to knowingly expose the U.S. to terrorist attacks. The film is the brainchild of executive producer Fred Gevalt, a pilot and aviation publisher, who was galvanized to expose the TSA’s weaknesses after watching the burgeoning size and influence of the agency since its creation after 9/11. Please Remove Your Shoes will be available on DVD for purchase starting July 1, 2010 atwww.pleaseremoveyourshoesmovie.com. Continue reading “Trailer: Please Remove Your Shoes” »
The Levi’s brand continues in its tradition of bringing great jeans and great music together with today’s launch of “Levi’s Pioneer Sessions: The Revival Recordings” – a new and innovative campaign that champions musical artists who embody the pioneering spirit of the Levi’s brand. An original series of musical recordings by a diverse roster of talented musicians, “Levi’s Pioneer Sessions: The Revival Recordings” features remakes of hits from past decades inspired by renowned artists. Continue reading “The Levi’s Pioneer Sessions: The Revival Recordings” »
This summer, Converse further activates its commitment to being a catalyst for creativity by bringing together three extraordinary musicians from different genres to form a unique collaboration known as Three Artists. One Song. The nucleus of this initiative is a brand new, all original track featuring Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast, Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend and Kid Cudi that will be released this July and available to music fans globally via free download at converse.com and authorized Converse websites around the world. In addition to collaborating on the track, each of the artists also participated in the creation of the music video, which will be released later this summer.
“Kid Cudi is one of today’s most innovative artists,” said Geoff Cottrill, Chief Marketing Officer of Converse. “His eclectic style and ability to weave timeless samples effortlessly into his own music sets him apart from his peers. At Converse, we always champion creativity and if his past collaborative efforts are any indication, the creative freshness he will bring to the new single is sure to make the song an instant summer hit.”
In anticipation of the song’s release, each artist is also featured in a short film, with the second installment exploring Kid Cudi’s life, and the influences that make him one of today’s most pioneering artists. The film captures Cudi exploring his native Cleveland and provides a unique look into his artistic journey.
Even the dates are well designed for Vienna’s upcoming Design Week taking place throughout the city from October 1 – 10, 2010. During this week, the whole city becomes a showcase of design as Viennese museums and companies collaborate with designers from around the world. With a focus on Central and Eastern European design, the goal of the festival is to be international but local. Continue reading “Vienna Design Week: Oct. 1 – 10th ’10” »
Animal Kingdom is the the debut feature of writer-director David Michod. It opens NY/LA on August 13, 2010 and stars Ben Mendelsohn, Jacki Weaver, Guy Pearce, Luke Ford, Joel Edgerton, Sullivan Stapleton and James Frencheville.
Welcome to the terrifying Melbourne crime underworld, where tensions are on the brink of exploding between felons and renegade cops – the Wild West played out on the city’s streets in broad daylight. The Cody brothers, a gang of armed robbers, are in the process of initiating their teenage nephew Joshua ‘J’ (James Frecheville) into their frightening world after the death of his mother and under the watchful eye of his matriarchal grandmother, Smurf (Jacki Weaver), a modern-day Ma Barker. Continue reading “Trailer: Animal Kingdom” »
