Shipley & Halmos Women’s Resort 2010
(New York,NY) Today marks the release of Shipley & Halmos’ first Resort collection for women. Exclusively available at Barney’s New York, this capsule is a brilliant assortment of lightweight wares that are perfect for that holiday getaway. Constructed out of cotton twill, georgette and silk jersey, the pieces are perfect for travel. After producing a successful menswear capsule last year for the New York based department store, creating this offering was a no-brainer—so much so the collection was bought by the company’s buyers on the weight of the sketches alone. Shipley & Halmos have always managed to produce great and re-imagined basics that can be easily added to your wardrobe. THE VERDICT: Time to book a destination flight…these clothes need to be seen ASAP. —J. Dwayne Joseph
Also Known as TOUSSAINT ST JEAN
How could you not love this man?
Wyclef performs in New York on November 9th in Times Square
Download Wyclef’s Patwa Swagga Mixtape for free here !
Dungeon Dragons: Little Dragon Performs at Le Poisson Rouge.
Since releasing their self-titled debut album,
For additional show and ticket info visit: http://lepoissonrouge.com/events/view/633
- Courtesy of Devin “Pan” Barrett
Perfectly Flawed [The Shape of Black]
They say if Eve did not eat the apple, women (and men) would have forgiving eyes when they come across the visual display of the female body. Unfortunately, knowing the female body doesn’t come with understanding, and time has allowed our fantasies and ideals to create a bondage around it. It seems the more humans are exposed to anatomy, the more they become obsessed with perfecting it. When females -in particular- are observed as objects (sex symbols, video vixens, and ANTM’s), they no longer feel comfortable in their own skin. The hissing, the grabbing, and the judging weighs too much. So they become afraid to communicate with their bodies. They lose the feminine walk, and cover their curves under layers of clothing, because they are unsure about what they see. If humans can understand that perfection lies within the imperfections, they will begin to appreciate the female body as it is, flaws and all. The Shape of Black (an exhibit-installation produced by Social Mogul, Divine Bradley) is a collection of black and white photographs (captured by professional photographer, Cathrine Westergaard) that celebrate the beautiful bodies of Black women. The Shape of Black exceeds a snap-and-develop moment; it is a visual novel that tells the stories of individual Black women and their choice to celebrate their bodies the way it is.
Toni Burke: What inspired The Shape of Black? Cathrine Westergaard: Divine approached me about the exhibit idea over a year ago and I fell in love with the concept. If felt like it was time to celebrate an area of beauty that is so under celebrated in mainstream society and the art world. Black women have the most beautiful curves, and historically, cultures have worshiped strong shapes and womanly ideals, not the heroin chic images women are compared to now. As a woman, it is impossible to go through life and not be affected by commercial standards and ideals of beauty. Divine and I both felt it was time to open up a dialogue on the subject and give black women a chance to tell their stories. Divine Bradley: I wanted to create an installation that celebrated women and dealt with the years of insecurities women faced. I’ve come into contact with a lot of beautiful women, that didn’t see their beauty due to minor imperfections…and I saw them differently. So I wanted to capture that in a very tasteful, provocative display of black and white photography. I knew that Cathrine would be the best person to create the still version of what I seen.
TB: When you refer to the word ‘Black’, is it comprehensive of all Black women or specifically directed towards African-American (Black) women? CW: Our mission with The Shape Of Black is to create a global conversation so we intend for this installation to travel and incorporate black women from all over the world. It is also important to understand that The Shape Of Black is not only about the color of the women; it is more than that. It is about the space we inhabit. Artists learn through our formal art training that it is equally important to look at the negative spaces of our subject as the positive space. The Shape of Black is really about looking at black women’s beauty and bodies as art. DB: The shape of black has multiple meanings. Its primarily about womenof color…period, which goes across many cultural boundaries. Secondary, we want to open it up to more women because the title is really about the black and white photography being taken…focusing on the contour of the body- whether it is their hands, feet, or back. I wanted to start with women of color specifically because those are the first women I encountered in my family dealing with these insecurities. Women, after having babies talk about stretch marks, body parts expanded and they felt they weren’t as beautiful any more; I grew up hearing that all my life.
TB: The Shape of Black’s mission states, “[These images] will show you the real definition of[Black] beauty.” What is your definition of real Black beauty, and how does it compare to the real beauty of other races? CW: These images are real stories, told by real black women about their real relationship to their bodies and their sense of beauty. Our goal is to redefine the ideals of black beauty prevalent in magazines and the music industry. I am merely the visual vehicle and the storyteller. This exhibit is not a comparison between women in any sense of the word. I feel comparing ourselves is what has gotten us into such a mess in the first place. The Shape Of Black is a safe place where women can begin to explore themselves. We need to come to terms with these issues if our goal is to learn to love ourselves. DB: Real black beauty is extremely genuine and captures [black] women as they liberate and celebrate themselves. Read more
SOLE II SOLE: Nicholas Kirkwood S.S 2010
Live It Up On Tombsday.
All Taste Makers - Stylistas - Media Moguls -Photographers - Models - and Artists of all kinds come and enjoy yourself!
Please RSVP: RSVP@CLUSTANDBONE.COM
See You There!
- Courtesy of Sigourney Salley
Styles Ahead Xtra: Sandra Backlund
Swedish Designer Sandra Backlund continues to push the design boundaries of knitwear. Paying close attention to the body, Backlund explores the form to create new shapes and silhouettes. She constructs her knits from a sculptural approach, many times creating in pieces. The perfect marriage of architecture, art and—as the designer claims—”therapy,” her Fall 2009 collection simply titled Control-C is a testament to her design voice. —J. Dwayne Joseph Read more
SOLE II SOLE: Alexander Wang SS.2010
Tracing the Market: Billy Reid
Long supporter of bluesy Southern alternative rock, Fashion Designer Billy Reid is releasing a limited edition music box just in time for the holidays. The box made from reclaimed heart pine wood will include a compilation CD of music selected by Reid as well as two short sleeve and two long sleeve t-shirts that will feature Patterson Hood from Drive By Truckers, Justin Townes Earle, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.Since its inception Reid’s epoynomous label has become the sartorial upgrade for the male set who’s lifestyle is rooted in the southern sensibility and heritage. This merging of down-home spirit with the sounds of the south make for quite charming results. With only 200 units being produced this is the ultimate gift of exclusivity. THE VERDICT: Speaking as a southern gent, purchasing this music box is a no-brainer. ($295.00 , Available 11/15 at Billy Reid—54 Bond St. NYC 10012. and BillyReid.com).—J. Dwayne Joseph
ArteRotica vo. 5
