Et Vous East

Mini K

2009-11-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

Karl Lagerfeld has officially been miniaturized in a 10" bobblehead. Made by Japanese toy maker Tokidoki, this sweet little figurine of the notoriously sour designer comes in at $185.00. That works out to a tidy $18.50/ inch. How could you resist?

Gangsta Graphs

2009-10-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Generation Fail

2009-10-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

The Love of my Life

2009-09-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

Reflecting on what first inspired my passion for couture clothing and photography I have to revisit the mental recesses of my youth. Over the years, a series of images have been etched in my mind and created a deep and eternal love for all things fashion. From the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair and Bazaar the great photographers of the last decades; Testino, Meisel, Leibowitz have all ignited what I am sure now is a lifelong love affair with this industry.

It is fascinating how I can recall with crystal clarity certain events surrounding the discovery of these images. How they seemed to jump from the shiny pages of the magazines into my heart where they were locked, never to escape or be forgotten. How I would carefully pull apart the magazine, gently extract the page embedded in it's gluey spine and transplant it onto the walls of my bedroom. How I would look with youthful pride and approval back at the sultry-faced models pouting at me from their new vantage point.

Recently, I have gone on a quest to re-find these images. When I do, a flood of memories comes with them. This Testino portrait of Princess Diana I found in a Bazaar many years ago and became the first of many favourites I collected. I had been dragged with my parents to a dinner party thrown by their incredibly fashionable friends. I had decided that they were fashionable for two reasons. Firstly, the hostess wore 5" Manolo Blahnik stilettos and cooked for 2 hours in them while entertaining a party of 20 and secondly, her husband kept a large black and white glamour photo of her wearing an ostrich feather embellished dress in his office on the credenza. Seeking reprive from the uptight chatter of the 'adults' by escaping to the loo after dinner, I found this among the spread of water closet reading material. I remember staring at Diana's demure expression and hoped that I might one day be as captivating as she.

The other image that cemented my love of fashion was a Versace ad campaign shot by Steven Meisel. I had painstakingly extracted both pages of the ad and had re-posted them on my wall right above my bed. I would adore the fur thrown lavishly on the car and the shadow the trees made on the lawn in the background. A friend had been over a few days after I had put it up. I remember his remark as he observed my cut and paste wall decorations. "I love your ads everywhere." He said. "You wouldn't be you without them." I wonder if he knew just how right he was.

HuH...

2009-09-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

Cherries and Berries

2009-08-29T11:44:00.001-07:00

Reading my new favourite news source yesterday, I stumbled upon this little gem. Being a Friday and stuck in the office on the fringe of death from boredom this certainly raised my interests. A gentleman is apparently complaining that the wrappers for the candy Maoam depict pornographic scenes. He commented that these were offensive and that the company should not be allowed to market their product with these 'carnal' images as their target market is obviously children. Quite frankly I think the man who lodged this complaint might be suffering from sexy time deficit if he is seeing porn in lolli wrappers.

Enough Said

2009-08-19T15:04:00.001-07:00

“ If one more person asks me if I have a Twitter, I’m going to tell them, ‘Twitter this [bleep], mother[bleep]er.’ Kid Rock

Things that Don't Suck

2009-08-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

It really seems as though life would be so much better if your shower were disco themed. Ok, so it's a little over the top with the coloured lights, but imagine this: You, a nice cocktail, and a little band called the Bee Jees. Just turn the lights off and let the good times roll. This would not suck.

Quintessentially Awesome

2009-08-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

For those who are unfamiliar, Quintessentially is a global 24 hr 365 day conceirge service delivering luxury everything to their exclusive members. From private estates to fine art, beautiful destinations, exquisite gifts and access to just about any event anytime, if you can dream it you can have it. Tres cool. Check out what you could do at http://www.quintessentially.com/

Easter in Fall

2009-08-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

Bunny ears are this falls hottest trend. While admittedly a very unique statement, the jury is still out on their practicality. But let's be honest for a moment: Who really wants to be practical anyways? I'm wondering if I can incorporate my pink and white Easter ears into my fall wardrobe.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2009

Marc Jacobs Fall 2009

Flare Magazine ft. Daria

Creative Persuits

2009-08-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existant. And dont bother concealing your theivery-celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: "It's not where you take things from-it's where you take them to."

- Jim Jarmusch

L'ART C'EST LA VIE

2009-08-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

"We artists are indestructible; even in a prison, or in a concentration camp, I would be almighty in my own world of art, even if I had to paint my pictures with my wet tongue on the dusty floor of my cell."

-Pablo Picasso

LV-OE

2009-07-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

Louis Vuitton 1001 Nuits.

Camoflague

2009-07-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

Liu Bolin is a Beijing based artist who's exhibit entitled Camoflague has gone on display globally. Bolin has remarked that it is difficult to be an artist in China and has even suffered having his studio shut down by authorities after his work in Tiananmen Square. Despite these setbacks he is still committed to showing people what the community really looks like through his art .

Obsessions

2009-07-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

It's official, 'Barber Beach' by American surrealist painter Mark Bodnar has captured my heart. When I first discovered this beauty, I contacted the artist to see if it was available in print. Much to my shagrin it isn't. And so I dream, and in my dreams, there is an acryllic on canvas scene hanging from my bedroom wall of a boy being haunted by a sinister barber pole. Too bad my dreams are $4000.00.

Read Read Read

2009-07-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

For a long time, I have been looking for a novel that inspires and provokes thought and introspection. The Perks of Being a Wallflower does exactly this. Written in a witty epistolary style, antagonist Charlie chronicles his life in a series of unique, hilarious but sometimes heartbreaking letters. Although to whom he is writing remains unknown, Charlie's honesty, blunt observations and deep transparency reveal a fantastic insight into relationships and the tribulations of growing up.

Fabric for Thought

2009-07-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

Bring a friend shopping only if you can't decide between one peice or another. Never bring someone along if you don't know what you like. If you do you're not wearing your own clothes. You'll be wearing something safe and agreeable that won't cause a stir.

Weekend Inspirations

2009-07-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

"Fashion is about eventually becoming naked" -Vivienne Westwood

"Eternity is very long, especially near the end"- Woody Allen

Between the Sheets

2009-07-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

The National Health Service of Britian started a little controversy with their sex education program which promotes an orgasm a day. The NHS released a leaflet throughout British schools recommending that pupils have a right to an enjoyable sex life and that regular intercourse can be good for cardiovascular health. The leaflet comes (no pun intended) with a cute slogan : "An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away." Naturally, the campaign sparked some fears that this kind of promotion would encourage underage and unprotected sexual activity.

Sun & Sand

2009-07-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday boredom and a desperate desire for fashionable swimwear interesected at a little store known as H & M. Although my first swimwear pick was long gone with no chance of re-stock, my second was readily available. Naturally, my heart beat with excitement as I scooped up my size, went to the fitting room and ripped my clothes off in anticipation that it would fit nicely. The cut was not only incredibly forgiving but the construction was fantastic. Unlike the $215.00 paper thin bikini I tried on over a week ago, this one had substance to it, was finished beautifully with hand stitched gold sequin accents and was a fraction of the price. I was also able to mix and match my sizes for top and bottom which made finding my perfect fit oh so easy. So, for a little over $60.00 I left H&M in a cloud of bliss and even managed to squeeze a second sexy black bikini into the budget. I am in love and his name is Matthew Williamson.

All The Beautiful Things

2009-07-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

"If Everyone is Not a Beauty then Nobody Is."

Andy Warhol

In History

2009-07-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

On July 5, 1946, the bikini was unveiled during an outdoor fashion show at the Molitor Pool in Paris and quite frankly, the world has been a better place since that date.

2009-07-06T10:05:00.001-07:00

Redecorating can be both rejuvinating and inspiring. The ability to reinvent a room and integrate peices that reflect a particular epoch in your life can make a space both timeless and effortlessly elegant. I find that the finer details are always what makes the room chic. Hiding clutter is key, however, cleverly integrating art that you have picked up from your travels is paramount. Not only do these peices make for great conversation as guests will inherently be drawn to unique objects, but it also adds that classic element that will make your space unique. If possible, dress well while youre decorating. That feeling of being smartly clothed will be reflected in your designs.

Anecdotes...

2009-07-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

A conversation yesterday yielded one of the most inspiring anecdotes I have heard in a while...

This past winter my girlfriend was getting ready with her brother and mother to go out on a family excursion. Being a particularly cold day, everyone was dressing warmly for the occasion with boots and jackets. As my friend stood up from pulling on her knee high leather boots, she looked behind her to see her brother holding her coat open for her.

This is indeed a sign of a true gentleman. One who doesn't abandon his values despite no promise of reward.

A gentleman's goal is to make life easier,

not just for himself but for his friends,

his acquaintances, and the world at large.

Because he is a gentleman, he does not see this as a burden.

Instead, it is a challenge he faces eagerly every day.

Fall 2009

2009-06-29T10:40:00.001-07:00

Versace Fall 09- Litmus Paper Blue

A Twist on the little Black Dress

In light of the new economic climate many top designers have been attempting to reconcile a sense of conservatism within their collections. As buyers of luxury goods are feeling the strain of an economy in dispair, classic pieces with shots of colour or hints of lavish fabrics are hitting the runways everywhere. In Milan, Versace embodied this understated elegance in her Fall 09 collections. The bright blue, which has flourished in numerous designers collections for the season has been aptly named "litmus paper blue" by none other than Donatella herself.

Of course the ever inspirational Dsquared duo threw out the rulebook for their Fall 09 collection. Instead charting a course that harkened to the flamboyance of New York in the '80's and the days of Studio 54. Always fresh.

Dsquared

Summer Love

2009-06-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

If my life was a constant swarm of paparazzi I would want to be on page 3 of Hello wearing Laguna Beach Jeans. Handmade in Laguna Beach CA, these gorgeous denim numbers offer up all kinds of sexy with their original designs. Complete with fleur di lis inspired back pocket stitching and crystal embelishments, Laguna's have become the new definition of Hollywood chic.

To make a pair yours go to: http://www.shoplbjc.com/

Sunday Nostalgia

2009-06-27T23:28:00.000-07:00

After being out all night on Saturday, a welcome change of pace is a leisurly Sunday morning brunch with some friends in the city. This is usually followed by relaxing at home, basking in the last day of the weekend, and considering all the productive things you could be doing if you weren't so hungover. It is in this post breakfast haze, that nostalgia sets in. For me this is when I start to wonder what ever happend to ridiculous novelty fads such as Hypercolour shirts. Apparently, they are back in style. Who knew? This time, remember not to put yours in the dryer.

Two Icons- One Day

2009-06-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Farrah Faucet 1947-2009

Michael Jackson 1958-2009

On the Table

2009-06-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

The Kennedys: Portrait of a Family

This book fuels my love of two things: Firstly, an intense fascination of American political legacies and secondly, a love of picture biographicals. Portrait of a Family quickly became the quitessential must-have for my coffee table. Complete with over 100 pictures taken by Richard Avedon, a photographer for Harper's Bazaar in the 1960's, the style of Avedons work creates a unique insight into arguably the most famous American family.

Where to buy: www.smithsonianstore.com

Concrete and Glass Beauty

2009-06-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

Some of the coolest architectural marvels of the modern world. Definitely providing us with yet another reason to quit the 9-5, buy a Dakine backpack and go somewhere new. Of course, the rainbow sign on the Museum of Contemporary Art makes it twice as inviting.

New Museum of Contemporary Art- NYC

Guggenheim Billbao-Spain

Turning Torso-Malmo, Spain

BMW Central Office- Leipzig, Germany

Museum of Islamic Art- Doha, Qatar

China Central Television Headquarters - Beijing, China

For more travel inspiration we love www.travelandleisure.com