What do you get when you cross a French filmmaker and a closet jammed with shoes and books? The neat freaks and green-thinking among us, relax- for Mr. Brainwash, better known as MBW, it is only fodder for his art.

MBW has spent the last nine years attempting to make the ultimate documentary about graffiti art. While filming, MBW began putting his camera aside and making art of his own, displaying a Banksy-esque predilection for coloring on the walls. Graduating from a few hand drawn stickers to giant billboard sized paste-ups, MBW has become one of the most prolific street artists in California.

MBW’s first exhibition, “Life is Beautiful,” opens in Los Angeles this week, running four days in a former Hollywood studio complex. The exhibit features more than 300 paintings, sculptures and prints, alongside installations made from 100,000 of the aforementioned shoes and a life-size recreation of Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks.” MBW also does his own take on graffiti, Andy Warhol and icons of American pop culture- neither Marilyn Manson, Michael Jackson nor anyone in-between, are spared his aerosol treatment.

For more information on Mr. Brainwash’s show, click here

Also, be sure to check out the opening reception, Wednesday, June 18, 7P-11P: the first 200 people walk away with a hand finished limited edition print by MBW himself.

Life is Beautiful
June 19 - 22

CBS Studios
6121 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA

txt_Shawn Lawrence James//ph_Rahan Cotterel

Styling others for a living requires a special charm, external instincts, and an unlimited reservoir of influence. British-born stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste is well-noted for refreshing herself with the latter and here, she chats about the mechanics of making people look good.

Name: Nasrin Jean-Baptiste
Age: hmm?
Born: in the 80’s
Based: London
Occupation: Fashion Stylist and Consultant www.nasrinjeanbaptiste.com

Background: I was born and raised in London by two Haitian parents. I have always had a dual sense of cultural identity. The concept of different-ness and being open to our many diverse cultures will always be a point of intrigue and something to embrace.

My fearless, non-conformist mother would never bat an eyelid when I would come home with bright yellow hair or the most horrific outfits I would make out of ripped up t-shirts, bleached denim jeans and florescent ribbons. So being open, coloring outside the lines and self-expression came quite naturally and is reflected on my approach to life, work and my appearance.

Favorite Brands: I am a very fickle brand follower. You’re only as good as your last collection, so I go season to season falling in and out of love with designers – but British designer Ashish has stood the test of time as I have been a huge fan since his first s/s collection in 2005. Lashings of sequins, beading and knitted enmeshments is divine and he somehow combines it with enough wit and edge to make me feel like a lady.

Luella Bartley and Danielle Scrutt are new favorites. I love their interpretation of Britishness and Youth Culture. Up and coming designers Timothy James Andrews and Pam Hong will prove to be significant future talents. Oh, and I can’t not mention Vivienne Westwood for her menswear.

What inspired you to become a stylist?: I have always enjoyed the idea of creating alternate worlds and hyperreal personalities. Whether it is in print or film, styling allows me to explore these mediums. Being able to interpret and manipulate garments like an artist’s paint pallet and using them to convey a story, message or to even make someone feel the same excitement I do when I see a shoot that inspires me is the reason why I’m so passionate about styling!

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