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Thursday 31 July 2008

KASHIWA SATO

As one of the most recognised designers in Japanese history, Kashiwa Sato has single-handedly changed the face of visual communications with his ground-breaking creations.

The Sato name is renown in the world of art direction & the design field in all areas.
Kashiwa Sato sets himself apart from other designers with his ability create a presence for the product he is working with; creating an almost effortless flow from product design through to the cultural appeal.

One of his most known works is with Uniqlo, whereby he created a logo that is not only unique, but widely recognisable. Sato creates an environmental presence for the product he is advertising, through his unique and identifiable style.





You can check out the impressive Kashiwa Sato website here.



Mac

BAPE STORE- HARAJUKU

The Bape name speaks for its self, as the widely acclaimed high end street label. Bape stores have always been a lavish experience alone, with the widely imagined & thouroughly constructed interior designs. Which leads me to the latest addition to the bape family, the harajuku store. The Harajuku store is said designed as a 'town within a building', which goes to show that the stores designers, Wonder Wall Inc, are still on top of their game. Other Wonderwall Projects include the Billionaire Boys Club store in Tokyo, which has a 50's retro space feel.

The WonderWall team were let loose on this one. The end result is a surreal world adorned with camoflage prints and an american diner theme which takes visiters to another world.








Mac

Wednesday 30 July 2008

A KID NAMED CUDI



If you know whats good, you'll know about Kid Cudi. Cudi is the latest dude on the scene rocking the off-beat hip hop sound. With fans like Kanye West (and a similar sound), its only a matter of time until Kid Cudi is turning heads on a mainstream scale.

Kid Cudi's mixtape is available to download here for free. The mixtape is strong, putting the kid in the big leagues with a lot of stuff out there already.

Keep up to date with Kid Cudi on his myspace (Kid Cudi Myspace page). In the meanwhile, you can take a listen to one of my favourite Kid Cudi tracks 'Day & Nite'.


Kid Cudi- Day & Night


Mac

Peter Saville Interview

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From his iconic early work with Factory Records through to a stint as a partner in Pentagram, Peter Saville has carved himself a niche at the very top of British graphic design. He’s now creative director of the City of Manchester and partner in Peter Saville Associates.

A few weeks back he did a interview with digital arts magazine I'v gone to the lengthy processes (not) of copying and pasting it. Enjoy it


What’s the most impressive piece of design you’ve seen recently?

There’s a light installation, Carmina Figurata, by Charles Sandison in the V&A’s exhibition Blood on Paper – I really liked that. I found it an inspiring way to present the fluidity of thought. We don’t think in straight lines, and I thought it was an excellent way of illustrating the connectivity of thoughts in a kinetic, moving piece.

What first made you aware of the power of design?

The Biba shop in Kensington. It was this huge manifestation of the brand – walking into that as a teenager showed how an idea or an attitude could be carried through everything. I bought a box of soapflakes, just Luxe soapflakes repackaged by Biba in dark brown and beige, that I kept for many years.

Who are you most proud to have worked with?

I’d have to say Ian Curtis – it’s at the beginning for me. Joy Division was the first album cover I ever did; without Ian and the enduring stature and resonance of his life and death, I wouldn’t be where I am now. The work was good – much better than I knew at the time.

Are there any trends in current design that you particularly appreciate or dislike?

There’s a trend at the moment towards the undesigned. There’s a lot in there that just gets directly to the point; it understands the truth in something. There are certain works at the moment that are just what they need to be – it’s like walking into Muji for the first time again. The worst thing, though, is ironic un-design that has then become a sort of design, and then become a mess. When it’s still radical – a spread or an ad in a magazine – it’s effective. Once 99 per cent of the publication has adopted a don’t-care poise, it’s a mess and has become that which it sets out to mock.

Which piece of your work are you most proud of?
The cover for Power, Corruption & Lies [New Order’s 1983 album], of all my work, is the most representative of my aesthetic and personality. It’s got a Victorian oil painting and an industrial colour swatch, and my own tastes and interests lie on a sliding scale between the two. When I think of the piece, I think of my mother’s drawing room and the factories and industrial setting of the north of England. It’s also the first thing I did that had innovations of my own, not a reworking of other people’s ideas. It’s a very personal piece.

What are the biggest changes in graphic design since you started out?

It’s not just in graphic design, but the shift from an analogue sensibility to a digital sensibility is profound, and we still don’t know how it’ll play out. It’s a change from a world where things were logical and sequential to a world where all things are possible simultaneously. It’s atomized our experience.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

“The solution is in the problem.” John McConnell said that to me one day at Pentagram. He was surprised I’d never heard it before, but it’s amazingly true – when you get to a problem you can’t solve, the answer lies in the reason you can’t solve the problem.

What gets you up in the morning?

Nothing. I’m known for not getting up in the morning – it’s been one of the greatest handicaps of my career.

Who was your mentor?

From a few of my partners at Pentagram I learned an enormous amount: Colin Forbes, John McConnell and Alan Fletcher, but I had this lovely thing where I learned from working alongside them as colleagues.

What advice would you give to a young designer?

Identify that which you care about and believe in, and hold onto that connection: design is a vocation, and your motivation is intrinsically linked with a belief in the value of what you’re doing. These values can change as you get older, but if you lose your sense of values and beliefs you won’t be compensated by your work, you’ve lost yourself.

Learn more about one of the greatest graphic designers ever click his name Peter Saville
i must state once again for all up and coming graphic designers and those who think there graphic designers (because the title sounds cool). Research the man and you'll be enlightened i guaranty you'll learn a thing or two.


Lego

US

The newly formed London based design trio known as 'US' comprise of Christopher Barrett, Edward Heal and Luke Taylor. Their thought provoking and inspirational pieces demonstrate their talent and innovative use of material, such as T-shirts that reveal messages only when wet.
Pieces include 'Free range workers', which was a concept to raise awareness of the similar working standards within an office and that of farmed hens. The concept was simple yet effective.




One of my favourite pieces was the Thom Yorke promo video, which looked at our everyday over consumption, and the way packaging and mass production has an effect on this. You can check the film out here

You may have seen this piece entitled 'The Art of Football' (in collaboration with Nike and photographer Nick Knight). The concept was based around the simplicity of football focusing the way it appeals to the masses & how a variety of objects can be used rather than a football.




You can see more of their work on their website (Click here)



Mac

Tuesday 29 July 2008

Fashion vs Sport

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A new exhibition at the V&A opens tomorrow from 10am, Fashion V Sport it will highlight the relationship between contemporary fashion and global sportswear brands. Both industries have been inspired by street style and have been working in closer collaboration in past 4 to 5 of years.

On display will be around 60 outfits including performance sportswear, work by fashion designers such as Stella McCartney who have designed sportswear ranges for Adidas, and garments such as the work of Japanese label Visvim which show the influence of sportswear on high fashion. There will also be design drawings, photographs and films to examine how these products are worn by various people in different countries from London to japan.

Once again exhibition starts tomorrow 10am and shall be on till January 4th 2009
i guarantee you all you "London urban hipsters" and others will not be disappointed.

£5.90 for adults £3 something for full time students so don't forget your id cards if that's you. click for more information Fashion V Sport

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Lego

GULP RETROSPECTIVE: J DILLA

James Dewitt Yancey, Jay Dee, J Dilla, or otherwise known as "your favourite producer's favourite producer". Hip Hop producer J Dilla hugely influenced music, and other producers of today with his neo soul and rugged sound.

In his career, J Dilla worked with & remixed projects for Pharcyde, Tribe called quest, De la Soul and more. One of my favourite Dilla albums is 'Ruff Draft' (Released in 2003), made in under a week, J Dilla experiments with all kinda sounds and distorted vocals. Real hip hop innovation.




J Dilla- The $



Mac

RUVEN AFANADOR

Contemporary photographer Ruven Afanador is definitely one of my favourites. Afanador's surreal pieces range from portraits to fashion, often using highly contrasted black and white images with detail and pattern to enhance the effect.

Previous winner of the Trophee de la Mode award for best photographer, you can expect a lot more from afanador for a while yet.












Mac

RYAN LESLIE



Often overlooked, R-les is one of music's best kept secrets. Producer, Singer and Film Maker (Dont watch that), ryan is definitely one of the most talented artits out there. He's worked on tunes with Cassie (Me & U), Danity Kane, Cheri Dennis, and the list goes on.
His Self titled (american) debut album is scheduled for release on September 16th, make sure you go get that!


Ryan Killing it in the studio, making 'addiction' my summer jam. The creative process is epic.



Check out more videos at the R.Les Youtube page (click here)


Mac

Monday 28 July 2008

VITRA

I used to roll past this place everyday on my way to uni, and i never thought furniture could make me as excited as i got. Vitra is a furniture manufacturer with braches practically all over the globe, from Angola to Slovakia, you name it. What stemmed my love for this place was the amazing design and attention to detail, from the furniture to the showroom; it's furniture at its best.


A reoccuring theme in the 60's was Living Landscapes, and hence drew inspiration for this piece. The 'Living Tower' (Designed by Verner Panton) is probably one of the most innovative furniture designs ive seen. Not only does it make use of space, but it looks flippin' dope. This is definitely going on my 'When-i-make-my-first-million' list of things to get.


I never thought i'd find my self glorifying cardboard furniture, but alas i never thought i'd see cardboard furniture with so much swagger. The Red Beaver (Designed by Frank Gehry) adds a new dimension to a classic look. Drawing inspiration from the classic armchair, the red beaver takes an artisic twist on the old battered look with the carboard detail and rounded edges. Apparently the Red Beaver is comfortable, ill be the judge of that, but until then i'll still give this a thumbs up.



Vitra Online




Mac

Tappening.com print campaign

Tappening is a movement that encourages people to drink tap water (over in newyork i must state).
New York-based DiMassimo Goldstein created this campaign to educate people that bottled water is not only unnecessarily expensive, but also environmentally harmful.
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exceptional in my opinion simplicity in the white back ground makes the subject matter (bottle and its contents) have a whole new meaning and purpose.


Lego

Sunday 27 July 2008

MAPEI


When i first saw mapei live, she almost blew my helmet off. Comming straight outta Sweden/New york, mapei is a face to watch out for. With this influx of female rappers, Mapei is one i rate, with her witty lines and catchy verses ("his momma his momma yo momma yo momma his cousin said something bout his love makin that you did not like" - Date Rape). As a dope freestyler, vocalist and performer, its safe to say mapei is one talented chick.

Be sure to check out mapei's myspace page (click here), with remixes to jigga's 'Allure' and more.


"A chicks got stories to tell..."





Mac

PHLEGM COMICS

I first came across phlegm comics when i was interning with a magazine. In between running monotonous errands and making cups of herbal tea, i was only able to remain sane and entertained with a copy of phlegm i found in the office. It must have been fate.
Put a guy in a room with a pen and paper, ask him to draw surreal illustrations with witty and stimulating captions, and im pretty sure you'll come out with phlegm. A defintite must-cop.

Check out the site, and get yourself some copies at www.phlegmcomics.com







Mac

Channel 4 Creative Advertising Team

As some one who wishes to go into the business of graphic advertisement one of my favourite design companies has to be the channel 4 creative design team.

Never am I disappointed by their work. From their billboard posters to there television adverts time and time again its something fresh, quirky, smart and simple with impact.

So obviously the latest ad campaign for Generation Next, starting next month on the channel was just like drinking a ice cold glass of fanta fruit twist, on on one of these hot summer days. . fucking fantastic.





Lego

Saturday 26 July 2008

ANTTI LOVAG

Probably one of the dopest houses ive seen in my life, the 'bubble house' creation was made by architect Antti Lovag. With curved walls and rounded shapes for the exterior and interior, this 'bubbles dream castle' is a far cry from my humble 3-bed semi. One word for Mr. Lovag, 'WOW'.









Mac

GULP RETROSPECTIVE: CHARIZMA & PEANUT BUTTER WOLF



Charizma & Peanut butter wolf, the creative duo began making history in 1991 with the later released 'My World Premiere'. Their genius movements were cut short when Charizma was murdered in 1993. 10 years later, peanut butter wolf later released their first album 'Big shots' under his label 'Stones Throw Records'.
I get chills when i listen to this album, its a perfect example of what you get with a dope producer and lyrical genius. Music without a formula or boundaries.

Gulp Retrospective will be taking you back to the musicians, artists, designers etc that showed us 'what it looks like' from the start.


One of my favourite tracks from Big Shots is 'Methods', the ultimate summer jam.


Charizma & Peanut Butter Wolf- Methods (Big Shots)




Mac

Friday 25 July 2008

PHILLIP TOLEDANO

Based in NY, Phillip Toledano has been taking photos since the age of 11. Most of his work is surreal, ranging from portraits to fashion and advertising. The good thing with toledano is he never ceases to surpise with the ever changing concepts and ideas behind his projects. A definite must-see.


"Mr. Toledano will see you now"













Mac

DAMN-YE



The perks of being a celebrity? Apart from the ferrari's, free clothes, and 10-bed mansion in beverly hills, you will also get a custom Louis Vuitton Damier Azure Backpack.

It took a year and a half to make and features the signature Damier Azure print in a light brown leather trim. It apparently cost yeezy $15,000 for this, money well spent?


"Welcome to the good life"





Mac

MOBILE EXHIBITION




Chanel's mobile exhibition, designed by Zaha Hadid is moving to NYC this comming october. This makes me wanna bust out my imaginary black card and just book a flight already. This isnt going to happen, so i'd suggest anyone in NYC should definetely check this one out.


Chanel Mobile Exhibition:

Rumsey Playfield in Central Park
October 20th - November 9th
FREE!

The exhibition features the satirical movements of the 'life of a handbag', pop art, and a load of women shooting handbags with guns. Word.




Mac

Thursday 24 July 2008

Illustration wed

Need a Illustrator ? For a project you have.
well here is the Perfect website for you, it has a vast amount of different illustrator portfolios on offer to see with a good hundred and a bit you be sure to find something you like. So many different styles
(click on the name below to be taken to the site)
Illustrationwed



Lego

Yves Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 08

I personally am extremely impressed with these two pairs sneakers provided by the fashion house Yves Saint Laurent. For the simple reason iv come to notice major fashion houses don't really get sneakers design right, with the exception of Alexander McQueen.
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The tone of the pastel peach and pastel green make this shoe stand out with out being to loud which seems to be the look at the moment.
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the toe box on this pair remind vaguely of a pair of Vans skate highs, what ever the case they look nice especially in the brown patent leather colorway. The added detail of the stitched in Yves Saint Laurent writing is a nice touch to.
the silhouette for both pairs of shoes should suite all shoe sizes from 7 to 11.

wont a pair hit the website for you nearest store. Yves Saint Laurent




Lego

TOP RANKING



"Top Ranking", Diplo teams up with santogold for this new mixtape. I wasn't a big fan of the Santogold album, but i gotta rate Diplo, so when i heard about this mixtape i was little short from intrigued. The 35 track mixtape is a good look, diplo doesnt dissapoint. It is indeed, mad decent, no pun intended.


Top Ranking mixtape:

01 "Dub Selection Intro"
02 Three 6 Mafia: "Late Night" (Unstoppable Mix)
03 Santogold: "Shuv It" (Disco D Blend) [exclusive]
04 Santogold: "I'm a Lady" (Diplo Mix ft. Amanda Blank) [exclusive]
05 Sir Mix-A-Lot: "Posse on Broadway"
06 Santogold: "Lights Out" (Diplo's Panda Bear Mix) [exclusive]
07 Aretha Franklin: "Save Me"
08 Devo: "Be Stiff"
09 B-52's: "Mesopotamia"
10 Gerri and the Holograms: "Gerri and the Holograms"
11 Santogold: "Anne" (Switch Mix) [exclusive]
12 Santogold: "L.E.S. Artistes" (XXXchange Mix ft. Movado)
13 Cutty Ranks: "Dutty Six Pack" [exclusive]
14 Santogold: "Find a Way" (Graeme and Switch Mix ft. Kid Cudi) / Lunar Camel [exclusive]
15 Richie Spice x Ratatat: "Marijuana"
16 Desmond Dekker: "007 (Shanty Town)"
17 Santogold: "Guns of Brooklyn" [exclusive]
18 Dixie Cups: "Iko Iko"
19 Tony Matterhorn: "Big Belly Guns" [exclusive]
20 Santogold: "Get It Up" (Radioclit mix ft. MIA & Gorilla Zoe) [exclusive]
21 "Mark Ronson in Studio"
22 Trouble Andrew: "Run - Hide"
23 Sister Nancy: "Pigeon Rock"
24 Nora Dean: "Barbwire"
25 Shinehead: "Know How Fe Chat"
26 The Clash: "Ghetto Defendant"
27 Warrior Queen: "Check It"
28 Santogold x Benga: "Unstoppable / Night Dub" [exclusive]
29 Shawty Lo x Skream: "Dey Know / Stagger"
30 Santogold: "Creator" (Mumdance Mix ft. Jammer, Badness, Chronik Rage, Slikman & Tempz) [exclusive]
31 Xray: "Turbulence Dubplate" (Starstruck Diplo Mix) [exclusive]
32 Barrington Levy: "Send a Moses"
33 Prince Jazzbo: "Ital Corner"
34 Santogold: "Icarus" [exclusive]
35 Santogold x Diplo: "Right Brigade" (hidden track) [exclusive]



Santogold-Starstruck (Diplo Remix)




Mac

"DROP A ROCK WITH THEM OBAMAS"

Upper Playgrounds OBAMA 2008 campaign got some of the dopest artists to donate designs for screen printings during his campaign. Now you've probably already seen these around, but hell, its obama.



Munk One



Morning Breath


Alex Pardee






Mac



VIKTOR AND ROLF

Remember the fall 2008 Viktor and Rolf collection? The big 3D 'No' popping out from a grey trench coat blew my MIND. So i wasn't so suprised when i came across this twist on your average bottle of bubbly. V & R teamed up with piper-Heidsieck to create these one of a kind champagne bottle designs. The top becomes the bottom, the back becomes the front. I never thought i'd describe a bottle of alcohol as having too much swagger, but it is what it is.




Mac

Tuesday 22 July 2008

GULP ALBUM OF THE MONTH: NAS


When i heard "Be a Nigger too", i just knew this album was gonna be the shit. Stillmatic, God's Son, Nastradamus and the list goes on. Classics. Nas never lets me down man, especially with all the phoney "rappers and tappers" out there talking about "Lolli Lolli let me see you pop that body", its good to here some good ol' fashion conscious hip-hop. Nas doesnt play around.

If you still haven't got it, i suggest you make moves son. Here's a little taster of what to expect, one of my favourite tracks 'Fried Chicken'.








Mac

NUNO TEIXEIRA

If i could design my own screen, it would look something like this. Designer Nuno Teixeira, created this baby. The iview; it features a huge curved screen with an extra built in screen at the back. It hasn't been made yet, but this is 100% on my list of things to get that i'll never afford. The rent can wait that month.






Mac

DESIGNERS? UNIQLO


"UT Grand Prix", aka Uniqlo's annual T-shirt competition is back! All you designers out there get to create a shirt for Uniqlo's UT collection. The first prize winner will not only get there design featured in stores, but they will also get £14,000. Damn-ye! 8 runners up recieve £966 each, so start designing!


To applysend your designs to http://ut.uniqlo.com/utgp before September -21.




Mac

KAWS AF1

The Kaws/Nike collaboration for the 1world collection. Tastefully fresh. Its simple with sick signature kaws details. I dont usually mess with AF1's, but these are definitely coppable. Release Date? There isn't one yet. Word from the nike camp is there WON'T be one. Kaws might only get 10 pairs, so sneakerheads better get to ebaying for leaks.






Mac