BENJAMIN HUBERT

Designer Benjamin Hubert presents the 'Fold Magazine Rack'. As you can see, this piece was influenced by the shape of paper contents within a magazine. The outcome is simple, sophisticated and evidently serves its purpose. To top it all off, the fold magazine rack comes in an array of colours to suit every style; a good look indeed!




Check out more Bejamin Hubert designs on his website (click here)

Mac

FaCshion

FaCshion, the first exclusive two day exhibition for both fashion buyers and consumers is coming to London. Taking place on the 13th & 14th of September at the old Truman Brewery, FaCshion will be home to some of the latest collections from various up and coming designers, as well as a mecca for all fashionista's out there.

You can expect an eclectic array of collections, ranging from lingerie to couture, as well as a series of catwalk shows to preview the latest exclusive pieces. You can also expect an insight into the industry with numerous fashion & lifestyle guest speakers.



For more information on FaCshion, or to register for tickets you can visit the FaCshion site (click here)

Mac

JITRIN JINTAPRECHA

Designer Jitrin Jintaprecha is the name behind some of the most innovative & practical designs i have seen in a while. One of my favourite Jintaprecha pieces is the 'ifreeze' chair which was influenced by the shape of an Arctic Iceberg. Not only does it look amazing, but Jintaprecha took the design one step further by adding a light within the armrests which adds to the sereneness of the chair. The attention to detail within this design continues to the cushions, which are covered with 'pasaya' which is a textile only found in thailand.





You can find more Jitrin Designs on his website (click here)

Mac

ALIFE

Alife have released a further two pairs of from their exclusive Fall 2008 collection. The Everybody Mid Lux tweed collection has a refined and sophisticated look, focusing on material & quality with the upper made only of tweed. If your out for a new look and some definite swagger, then you can get at these for $152!





Visit ALIFE online for more details (Click here)

Mac

Dave White Interview

Born 19th February 1971 Dave first went to art school at the age of 16.
Even before starting his degree, Dave had secured his first solo exhibition before he was 18. Thanks to critical acclaim from Adrian Henri, Liverpool’s beloved poet and artist, word quickly spread. His premier solo exhibition was a complete sell out and he was awarded ‘Best New Talent in Visual Arts’.

3 years and one degree later, after being lucky enough to paint in John Lennon’s old studios, Dave’s work was quickly picked up by galleries and he was exhibiting alongside the likes of Hockney and Piccaso in the west end of London and at international art fairs. Today there are over 200 works in private collections worldwide.

After some time touring as a dj around Europe he then decided to go back to the studio and launching his site in Jan 03 Dave has been lucky enough to exhibit worldwide and work with the best in the business. Thanks to the support of sneaker headz and art lovers Dave’s work is reaching new audiences every day.

(the above text taken and edited from his Myspace)



When and under what circumstances did you first refer to yourself as an "Artist"?

I have always created images for as long as I can remember, obsessively making pictures of the things I really loved as a child, . I made a choice at 15 that Art was what I wanted to pursue. So I suppose then.

What inspired your style of painting?

I have been painting for over 20 years and studied Fine art painting for 10, along that journey I discovered oil paint right at the beginning and just connected straight away, the mark making, the surface texture and even my paint splats all appeared as soon as I got together with the medium. It just felt natural and represented my ideas the best way. You never stop learning along the way and your work always develops through exploration, risk and chance play a big part in my work.



When did you realize that you were a highly well-respected artist?

I just do my thing.

Which piece (or project) are you most proud of ?

I am only as good as my last painting, that's how I have always worked, I am constantly thinking of the next one.

What do you think are the most positive things about being a working artist in today's cultural climate?

The world has never been more exciting, and actually seems quite a small place, I always cherish visiting other countries and getting to absorb other cultures and ways of living.

Your well known for your sneaker paintings, so what was it like for Nike to acknowledge this and to use some of your ideas for a t-shirts collection?

A massive honor, I made the 1st painting in 2002 and never would have imagined the journey that I was taken on through making the Sneaker paintings. My relationship with Nike and all of the people who work their I call friends Is really special to me. I would never have imagined the incredible journey, the people i met and the opportunities that came along from painting objects I love.



How have you handled the business side of being an artist?

I have an amazing wife, we have been together for 21 years this year, we work very well as a team.

What are the most important influences that have moved you as an artist?

Van Gogh. There is an amazing book of his letters to his brother Theo who supported him his whole life, who knew he was a free spirit, a man whose style was unique, who didn't play to convention, and just did his thing regardless and did it with so much passion. it's a really moving read. Even the most banal subjects he painted just had magic, something really special.

Do you ever go through long periods when you don't make art?

Never, I am in the studio at 730 am everyday.

Who is your favourite artist working in a different genre than you?

Too many to mention, but one of the standouts has to be Fatsarazzi, he is like the Spike Jonze of photography, his style is so unique, and just captures his subjects, be it an event, party, portrait with so much flair and style, like when is someone going to make that massive Coffee table retrospective book of his work?

What advice would you give to a young artist?

Believe, do your own thing, explore everything and you will find what suits you and your style. Don't follow trends or styles to fit in, However be patient it's a long road with ups and downs, but if you love what you do with all your heart nothing else matters. And always go on gut instinct, if you smell a rat, walk away.

Where do you think the majority of your work will end up thirty years from now?

Who knows, I am honored when people buy a piece. Only time will tell.



Are there any plans work wise you have coming up, which you could share with the readers?

I have been exhibiting abroad, but have 2 uk solo shows coming up, the 1st is in September with my latest Super Hero paintings, and the 2nd is in London in October at The Old Truman Brewery where I will be exhibiting and debuting my latest subject matter,. I am also very honored to be releasing my 1st published print coming out of the same studio that makes Damien Hirst prints. I hand finished the edition last week and they will be available through www.opus-art.com at the launch of my show.

Last question the mighty morphine power rangers or transformers?

Stormtroopers all the way!


For more info on Dave White you can check his myspace by just a (click)
or for Dave's website just (click)


Lego

TEKKONKINKREET

I've been a fan of manga and anime for a long time, but what i didn't know was that Uniqlo had series of manga inspired shirts released for a while now, including one of my favourites 'TekkonKinkreet'. So when i ran into the store babbling on about 'TekkonKinkreet...you know...black and white?', its safe to say i got some strange looks. Alas, i found my shirt and got the hell up outta there.
TekkonKinkreet (meaning reinforced concrete) was originally a manga comic created by artist Taiyo Matsumoto. The comic was adapted into an anime in late 2006, and hence created a buzz and a great amount of recognition for Matsumoto.
TekkonKinkreet is set in 'Treasure Town', a rough around the edges city which is watched over by the characters 'Black and white'. The two orphans, renown for their amazing fight scenes, go together like 'ying and yang'. White is naive and playful, whereas Black is wiser and the moodier of the two. I don't want to give away the entire storyline, but if you haven't seen it, i suggest you go get it. The critically acclaimed genius of Taiyō Matsumoto speaks for itself, and was well worth the uniqlo incident.






You can check out some more Tekkonkinkreet by visiting the site (click here)
Check out the uniqlo website (click here)

Also, designers? Dont forget to check out the 'Uni-Qlo UT competition' i posted up a few months ago. Competition closes on september 21st (click here for more information)

Mac

CHRISTIAN FLINDT

'Rainbow Chairs' is a design by Christian Flindt, comprising on set units that together create the effect of a rainbow. The innovative design first emerged three years ago, and won the Design prize in copenhagen. Entirely made from acrylic plastic, the design not only looks good, but the chairs are made to stack side by side in order to create the rainbow look, and to also be used as a bench. Im always a fan of the odd multifunctioning colourful chair, so this design is definitely a good look in my books.





You can find our more about Christian Flindt designs by visiting his website (click here)

Mac

Banksy in New Orleans

London's very own "street artist" Banksy hits New Orleans on the hurricane Katrina anniversary, with his trade mark stencil art work.















To see the rest of the New Orlean pieces just (click) and to check out more info and work on the guerrilla artist, that is Banksy just (click)

Lego

A.P.C autumn 09

Received the new A.P.C look book today for autumn 2009 and was highly impressed. More so with the time and effort gone into the book rather than the clothing (in comparison with there summer collection).

Taking it out of the envelope I was surprised to see the use of some sort of woven green cotton, for the cover (right there that's a couple of grand in itself if were gonna consider how many there gonna shift out).

The layout of the product and text was simple and effective which in some sort of way reflects A.P.C and the type of the brand and clothing they produce.
The layout is almost just like being in a store.

Another nice feature they have added to the lookbook is a little magnified part of the fabric used for each garment this shows one how it has been woven and gives an insight into what the texture may feel like.



Each item of clothing has been fully opened up (information wise), everything from materials, to engraved buttons, to shapes of pockets and much more has been highlighted to point where you might as well have it in your house there and then.

Days of up and coming clothing companies printing up look books/ catalogs have been almost none existent since youtube and blogs proved to be a LOT cheaper, but I must say i as a consumer do appreciate and prefer having a sorts of physical, interactive promotion pieces rather than some average poor photographic images I'm used to seeing on a daily basis. (not to say apc is up and coming by any means but it shows they've put in the effort)

(The free poster was a good look as well)
Now I'm sure you realized my lack of talk on the clothing from the book, mainly due to fact there wasn't a great amount that jumped out, but there were a few nice bits which makes it still worth the look.

to check out A.P.C's website (click)

A.P.C's

Lego

2008 SUCKERFREE DANCE-OFF & COOK OUT

Styleslut, sometimes known as Europe's "fifth most popular" blogging misfits, otherwise known as the masterminds behind some of Londons dopest parties. Either way, we witnessed their return last month with the launch of their new club night 'spray', and needless to say they are back again this sunday, fully loaded with fried chicken and booty popping. Earlier on this week we caught up with styleslut editor Donald Crunk to talk parties, chicken cottage & desperate housewives...


Yo Styleslut, what’s up?
We’re good. We’re just watching re-runs of Desperate Housewives at the mo. Those girls are a hoot.

Now for anyone that’s been outta the loop for the past few years, tells us a bit about Styleslut…
Styleslut is voice of love, hate and everything in-between. You know that guy that keeps getting bullied at work for having a weird haircut; the fat girl that can't stop eating doughnuts or the guy who’s frustrated because he can’t get a hard on around his chick? We speak for them and all the underdogs all over the world. Not to sound all hip-hop circa '92, or anything, but we definitely ‘keeps it real'.

You disappeared for a while, and coincidently London suffered a club night drought. Alas, you’re back with some killer names in your line-ups so far, such as Tinchy stryder and Rye Rye. How does it feel to be back & how are you gonna switch up the London scene?
It feels fucking great to be back. We love seeing people having fun at our parties. . We want to bring that missing element of fun back to the club scene. Yeah, it’s all good to spend 3 hours getting dressed to go out, but why go to a club to stare at what everyone else is wearing? No matter what our line-up is, our focus is on fun.

If you could name one artist (past or present) that you would like to perform at one of your club nights, who would it be and why?
Rihanna. Whenever we hear ‘Umbrella’, we go weak at the knees. She’s got a killer haircut, too.

What can we expect from your upcoming club night ‘2008 suckerfree dance-off and cook-out’?
Some of the best and worst dancing that you’ll ever see in your life, hotties giving out free chicken and absolutely no ‘suckers’ aka doofuses. Oh and we think Rye Rye may be judging a dance-off between the party-goers. We’re bringing Bring It On to Shoreditch.

Does Styleslut have any other projects in the pipeline?
A Jewellry collection with NY brand IHMJ (I Hate My Day Job), the Styleslut clothing line, a collaboration collection with Trapstar (www.iamatrapstar.com), more parties and a revamped website.

Lastly in light of your collaboration with Dante fried chicken, KFC or Chicken Cottage?
KFC. The last time we went to Chicken Cottage, we had the runs for like a week.




Be sure to check out the '2008 suckerfree dance-off & cook out' this sunday at east village. For more info visit the styleslut site (click here)

Mac

Stickerbomb

Stickerbomb is the first collectable, fully-peelable sticker book featuring illustration, graffiti and graphics. It is filled with an amazing collection of over 250 specially commissioned stickers by artists, illustrators and graffiti writers from around the world. An essential part of the street art movement, inexpensive, and easy to produce, stickers often act as an informal business card for graffiti writers, and a quick and effective promotional tool for many artists and illustrators.



As more and more stickers are placed around major cities in the world, interest in the subject keeps growing. Many street art books to date have featured photographs of stickers spotted in urban environments packed with examples of the real thing. "Stickerbomb" offers the fun of peeling and sticking, and of owning and collecting cool stickers.

Available in any good book store.
please let me remind you it is a offense to place stickers on public property, it carries a £75 fine if caught.
BUT WHO REALLY GIVES A FUCK, IM GOING TO BUY MINE TOMORROW AND STICK THE STICKERS ALL OVER BUCKINGHAM PALACE.


Lego

David Borrington

David Borrington has a unique approach to dissecting bad news. Instead of posting up a reactionary blog entry, the RCA graduate chooses to to slice into a plate of wax-covered copper until the gashes from an intricate, claustrophobic lanscape. Spending approximately 100 hours methodically etching and engraving each story.




"The work shows the historic grandeur of an unfamiliar civilization; the location, language and temporal context of which is unclear.

The works springs from a passion in language and communication through imagery from my personal difficulties within modern society which result from my Dyslexia and expressive Dyspraxia. The work aims to confuse the viewer in a manner similar to how I would feel and cope in everyday situations for example in a Library, trying to read a bus timetable or a menu in a restaurant. These objects are aesthetically interesting and tactile for me but difficult to comprehend. The work operates in this way, it is highly detailed and familiar in its symbols and imagery, but it is also obscure.

The maps illustrate a landscape and a civilization that is parallel with our own. The books show us a journey through the possible landscape shown in the maps"

Above text taken from David's website which you can check out by just a Click


Lego

IDEA DESIGN

I recently came across the 'IDEA' design collective. A japanese based company that supports a range of designers, supporting their creative visions as they come to life. The overall look of the IDEA design collection is minimal, sleek and different. Just imagine graphic design being brought to life, which is exactly what the 'icon watch' does, having being inspired by a computer icon (designed by & design). You can expect more innovative designs on the lines of a 'key calender', or the more minimal wooden clock.






For more on IDEA visit the website (click here)

Mac

GREGORY CREWDSON

American photographer Gregory Crewdson is known for his surreal portrayals of American neighbourhood and home life. The works of crewdson are set apart from that of other photographers, as each project is staged and undergoes intricate planning. I first came across Crewdson at the V&A twilight gallery a few years back, and what blew my mind was the crewdson cinematic approach to photography. The way he has the ability to make an everyday situation into something out of this world & epic.






Gregory Crewdson is represented by the white cube gallery in London, so you can check out more of his works on the website (click here).

Mac

BECKS CANVAS

In tune with their support of contemporary art for the past 20 years, Becks have released these new bottle designs that feature the work of 4 artists.
The art pieces chosen in partnership with London Royal College of Art show the works of Tom Price, Charlotte Bracegirdle, Riitta Ikonen & Simon Cunningham. Previous years have seen artists such as Tracey Emin & Damien Hirst grace the bottles of Becks, but this year will the artists work in mass-productions as Becks will produce over 27 million bottles all over the country.




You can check out more on the Becks website (click here)

Mac

ALEJANDRO INGELMO

Renown for his metallic sneakers, NY designer Alejandro Ingelmo is back with his new line of hi-top sneakers. The metallic look comes with a velcro strap, in 4 different colours. Although i dont usually go for the outlandish colours, these are definitely a good look.






These are very limited, but you can get a pair online at Oki-Ni (click here)

Mac