Sunday, December 5, 2010

GLEEming Star: Darren Criss



A new cast member of FOX's musical phenomenon, Glee, Darren Criss has struck the fancy of the show's fans, creating a lot of buzz with his amazing vocal talents and his adorable boy-like charm. Playing the character of Blaine, at the fictional rival school, Dalton Academy, Darren displays, both, his ability to sing and to act, which has made a positive stamp on his already rapidly growing career.

Originally born in San Francisco, California of Filipino and Irish decent, the 23 year-old sensation is grabbing the attention of fans through his soulful voice that encompasses a soothing, passionate, and charismatic sound. Addtionally, Darren's acting skills are not too bad either. His adorable smile and handsome looks seem to get you every time.


Playing the role of Blaine is Darren's biggest role so far. However, the character of  Blaine is not your "traditional" teenage, prep-school boy. Blaine is a homosexual male who befriends the recently "out of the closet" character Kurt (played by actor Chris Colfer) and becomes his confidant and, in many ways, Kurt's gay mentor. Blaine shows Kurt that being gay is acceptable in a high school setting like at Dalton Academy. Darren's character seems to have a recurring appearance on the show, helping Kurt through various social situations dealing with discrimination and bigotry. The show,  as a whole , addresses the varying issues of growing up in high school, combatting the negativity that many teenagers face in their day-to-day lives.

Thank Glee for discovering a burgeoning, talented young man. We will be sure to keep track of  Darren's career as the years progress. Be sure to check out Darren's EP album Human to get a taste of his soulful tunes.

Following are a couple of fave performances by Darren. One from a live performance at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California and another of his cover of Train's "Hey Soul Sister" with the cast of young men from Dalton Academy on Glee.
 





(Photos: Courtesy of IMDb, Videos: Courtesy of YouTube)

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Kanye, Ye, Yeezy, Mr. West!!!



Kanye West is definitely not a disappointment when it comes to delivering hot beats, original tracks, and tunes that will blaze in your head forever. On Monday, November 22nd, his "ye-ness" released his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, that fans were raving about way before it even dropped. With "Good Fridays" by way of Kanye's website, he graced fans with weekly releases of new singles for their hearing pleasure.

An amazing rapper, lyricist, and verbal poet, Kanye West has come back with a more upbeat album that reflects his amazing talent. With great collaborations from Elton John to Pusha T, from Kid Cudi to Fergie, Kanye reinforces the fact that he is one of the best rap artists of the last decade, and arguably, one of the best rap artists of all time, along with those who precede him like the Notorius B.I.G., Tupac, and Jay-Z.

Yes, Kanye can be very "confident" in his talents and skills as a rap artist. However, can you blame him? He always delivers each time he releases an album. Of course, some modesty could be expressed, but when you're that successful, it is okay to boast, every now and then.

The music continues on with Kanye releasing a collaborative album with Jay-Z titled Watch the Throne, set to be released in 2011. Be sure to keep an ear out for this dynamic duo release.

Enjoy this short video of Kanye performing "All of the Lights" (my fave song on the album) last night, November 23rd, at a secret concert in New York City, held at the Bowery Ballroom:




(Video: Courtesy of YouTube, Photo: Courtesy of Google Images)

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Rihanna "Red-anna" Gets Loud!



On November 16th, Rihanna released her fifth studio album Loud and make no mistake about the album cover, it screams "LOUD" from a distance with Rihanna's vibrant red hair bleeding off the cover and her bright red smoochers lusciously painted. Therefore, it is only appropriate to nickname this look "Red-anna."


This red-haired bombshell has finally returned with her new look and an attitude that celebrates her femininity. With long locks and empowering tunes, sure to make a woman feel good and desirable, Rihanna provides her female fans with a more upbeat , confident album.


A new, vivacious Rihanna is expressed in each song, showing that she has risen out of the dark period of her life, after the media focused on her domestic encounter with Chris Brown ever since February of 2009. Coincidentally, her last album, Rated R, expressed an aggressive side of Rihanna that portrayed emotions she may have been feeling at the time.

Fortunately, the opposite can be said for Loud, where songs like "S&M," "Raining Men," and "What's My Name" express a woman's confidence in herself as well as her search for a good man, beyond all the testosterone who cannot satisfy her needs. Overall, the Loud album is pretty good and evokes a happier mood. Enjoy this video for Rihanna's single "What's My Name" featuring Drake that was filmed in New York City:



(Video: Courtesy of YouTube, Photos: Courtesy of Google Images)

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Mark Ronson & The Business Intl Celebrate...The 9th Decade!



If there is one era that fascinates my creative mind and remains a mystery, it is the 80s, the 9th decade of the 20th century. Because most of my generation was born during this period, there is not much to recall about what it was truly like living and growing up in such a free, ever growing time. 

Every way of life seemed so creative, with the freedom of expression embraced and the simplicity of enjoying life, without restraints, flourishing. Whether it was the way individuals dressed or partied, all you every really hear were that the 80s was such a fun time to live. Of course, the same can be said of every decade, but yet this era seems to have made a real impact. 

With the population growth booming, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and birth of music videos on MTV, the 80s zeitgeist of being free was definitely felt by all. Expressing one's self was almost limitless. This was  a colorful time with icons like Madonna, Boy George, Cindy Lauper, David Bowie, and Blondie's Deborah Harry coming out of this era and influencing a style so unique and different to society. It was not about being tailored and proper, it was about being you, in every sense of the word. 

To pay a bit of a tribute to this amazing era, I came across this  video  for Mark Ronson & The Business Intl. single "Somebody to Love Me," which inspired me to write this piece. Enjoy this glimpse of Boy George and his Culture Club friends from the 80s, that celebrates his heydey. It is a little scratchy, but of course they did not have digi cams back in that day, and even this   captured the essence of the time. 


Mark Ronson ft. Boy George 'Somebody To Love Me' - Director: Saam Farahmand from Tom Lindsay on Vimeo.

(Video: Courtesy of Vimeo)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Quote of the Day



"...Life on earth is not just about gain...Unfortunately, so many people equated lifestyle to luxury rather than equating lifestyle to a day that was pleasant -- without argument, without aggression or the need to show off." -Sir Paul Smith, in WWD

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Atomic Tom + iPhones = Creative Awesomeness!



Now talk about 21st Century improvisation! This video of the band Atomic Tom on NYC's orange B line train, playing their single "Take Me Out" with only their iPhones and a set of speakers, is truly a display of creative talent with technology. According to the video, the band had their equipment stolen and found a new, brilliant way to perform their tunes. Long live the struggling artists of NYC! No one knows the struggle to top better than the peeps of the Empire State. And, once at the top, how sweet the big apple tastes!



(Video: Courtesy of YouTube)

Pushing Chic Into Country



In an effort to catalog my work thus far, I wanted to share it on this blog as well. Below are images taken from my most updated portfolio, displaying either my market work (mostly) or sittings assisting. At CL, fashion is very specific and particular. Therefore, it has been quite a journey to push the content of fashion into the pages, but so far it has been an enjoyable experience. Take a look at these four stories:


Story: Mad For Plaid
Photographer: John Kernick
 Fashion Market Editor: Charles Fernandez


Story: Ravishing Ruffles
Photographer: Miki Duisterhof
 Fashion Market Editor/Sittings Assistant: Charles Fernandez


Story: New-Fashioned Classics
Produced by: Natalie Warady, Charles Fernandez
Photographer: Cedric Angeles
Stylist: Chris O'Shea
 Fashion Market Editor/Sittings Assistant: Charles Fernandez


Story: It Only Looks Rich
Photographer: Susanna Howe
Stylist: Don Sumada
Fashion Market Editor/Sittings Assistant: Charles Fernandez

(Photos: Courtesy of Country Living)

Thursday, October 21, 2010

My Favorite Finger Ring, Ring Finger




In the spirit of the upcoming All Hallow's Eve, I found the perfect finger ring, ring finger (however you would like to reference its nomenclature) to wear that will surely be creepily fabulous! Designer Jules Kim of Bijules Haute has definitely created pieces that are artfully dark, but also maintain a quality of style and taste, in every way. Starting as low as $132.00 and rising up to $8,000.00, Jules creates pieces that are unique in character and that truly attract the eye. Gracing some of the noted fashion pages around the world from Numero to Italian Vogue, she has created a following of fashionistas and celebrities, alike, who admire her work of fantastical creativity.




Here (above) are images of her 3-piece ring (The Finger Ring, $2,400.00) that was molded from wax of her own finger as well as (very top) Jules, herself,  photographed by Emmanuelle Tricoire, wearing the ring that personally makes me drool for more. I love statement pieces, better yet, luxurious statement pieces!

(Photos: Courtesy of Aha Life and Bijules)

Sunday, October 17, 2010

The Ultimus Gingerbread Domus




Excuse the latin, but it had to be that dramatic for what you see above. Every year, we come across a holiday we all know as Christmas. During this eventful day or series of days, depending on how you celebrate, families and friends around the world engage in festivities full of food, drinks, laughters, and, best of all, the exchange of gifts with one another.  

Ideally, when buying presents for one another, it is usually about the thought that counts (or so you would think). I'm sure the majority of people like to get more bang for their buck and to buy things that feel really special and that touch the hearts of those they give such presents to. 

Even the wealthy like to buy things that feel special and exciting, so it comes as no surprise that luxury retailers like Neiman Marcus felt the need to up the ante to allow adults to purchase grand gifts for children. One particular gift that made my eyes bulge in disbelief and had me salivate for a quick second was the ultimate edible gingerbread playhouse by Dylan's candy that is being offered through Neiman Marcus this holiday season. And yes, all $15,000 of it can be eaten to your child's desire. Money may not buy you love, but it can buy sweet, yummy things this Christmas.  

(Photo: Courtesy of Neiman Marcus)

Neumann Aroma




The scent of candles is an endless craving of mine. Whether it is walking into a home, a bedroom, or a bathroom, a candle always helps to set the mood of the space you're in. Something about stimulating the olfactory with an aroma that feels fresh and light can really help to improve the aura of an environment. Just like parfums and eau de colognes that help to finish off an individual's personal scent,  candles complete the mood of the environment of which they are placed. 

I recently was introduced to a candle collection by the Baroness Monica Von Neumann. A jetsetter and former model for Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, the Baroness was inspired by her travels in Europe and Africa to create a line of scents in the form of candles to share with others. The Baroness, also, a humanitarian, travels the world, particularly in Africa aiding in the help of children with HIV. 

My personal favorite is her Savon candle, a sparkly floral Aldehydic with notes of Jasmin, Jonquil, Rose and Lily of the Valley with a woody, musky, ambery background.

Click here to read more on the Baroness

(Photo: Courtesy of Baroness Von Neumann)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Laugh Moment: Little Girl Recites Mommy and Daddy's Bed Noise



As if things couldn't  get more embarassing, these parents couldn't keep it down one evening and their little girl let them know so. Enjoy this video from Youtube of a little girl acting out the noises and sounds her parents made (that probably kept her up all night).

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Raymond Usher-ed Into 2010



Probably one of the most talented R&B music artists in the world, Usher Raymond IV, better known as Usher, definitely knows how to come back into the music scene, club scene, and the public eye with style, sophistication and captivation that remains relative.

I've been a long time fan of Usher since his days of My Way and 8701, then several years later, of his  Confessions and Here I Stand album. Usher's ability to exude a smooth and sexy swagger draws you to his unparalleled talent. Whether it's a dance off to show off his incredible footwork or his voice that gives you the "good" chills, there is something about this artist that remains intriguing.

With his newest album Raymond vs Raymond, which was released on March 30th, Usher has returned  once again to celebrate his talent and love for music and to give his fans an evolved Usher, with music all his own, but with an upbeat rhythm that just feels right and music that is cohesive to the tunes on the air waves.

In addition to his current album, Usher released his Versus album, on August 24th, which is a compilation of eight songs that were apart of the Raymond vs Raymond Deluxe Edition, but then soon after were turned into its own separate album. One song that became a hit before the album's release is "DJ Got Us Fallin in Love," featuring Pitbull and currently one of my favorite upbeat, dance songs for 2010. If you haven't already seen this, check out the video to this latest single from Usher's Versus album. Enjoy!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Laugh Moment: The Dancing Bee



Enjoy this video from Youtube.com of the dancing bee. Laugh away. It is Hilarious!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

His Kanye-ness, Mr. West



Not much to say here, except Kanye knows how to use social marketing well. In addition, I started these series of videos with his 90 second video of Portrait of Power, which I will leave you to interpret for yourself. Enjoy:


Video from Vimeo.com of the Portrait of Power:


Video from Youtube.com of Kanye West at Twitter:



Video from Youtube.com of Kanye West at Facebook:

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Laugh Moment: Baby Marilyn

I just had to post this because I am laughing like crazy at this image! So adorable.

 (Photos: 9GAG.com)

Friday, July 30, 2010

Summer Christmas



In the fashion industry, story boards, styles, and products are always created way ahead of the seasons. In the fall, we are thinking about spring. In the spring, we are thinking about fall. And, in the summer, we are thinking about the Holidays (aka Christmas, for the believers in Christ). Therefore, as a nod to the upcoming day of gift giving and jolly celebration, I wanted to share one of the many beautiful things on my (faux) wish list.

Swarovski, known for their dazzling crystals, which have become decorative embellishments for anything from Victoria's Secret bras to dangling curtains, will be offering two necklaces that are sure to enchant the eye this holiday season. The necklaces, respectively the Gisele and the Meringue, are quite elegant pieces and very much a la Victorian period. Not overly pretentious and maintaining a sense of sophistication, these necklaces and others, alike, are sure to be a perfect stocking stuffer. Yes, a stocking stuffer. I'm tired of candy canes, give me glamourous candy I can wear! "I'm a material girl, living in a material world."


















(Photos: Courtesy of Swarovski)

Ben Minkoff Bags, Ooh la la!



Talk about a Jack to his Kate, Ben Minkoff (to his Rebecca) will be debuting in Spring 2011 and the line will be offering one of the new "it" acccessories for men next year. Therefore, it's so long Jack Spade and hello to Ben Minkoff. 

A "spin-off" of the Rebecca Minkoff line for women, designer Rebecca Minkoff has created an accessory line for men that is sophisticated, creative, and edgy. Inspired by her grandfather's career in World War II as a combat fighter pilot, Rebecca wanted to capture the essence of bags used during that time period. From leather to canvas, the designer will be offering stylish options to keep men fashionably set and functionally ready. Here are a few bags to tease your shopping cravings. Personally, I am obssessed with the Gregger Tote:

(Photos: Courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff)

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Whisper Report: William Rast



William Rast is collaborating with Target, more after the jump!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

True Blood Temp Rises



In the most recent episode of True Blood that aired on Sunday, July 11th, you cannot help but notice the new addition to the cast, Joe Manganiello. Playing a werewolf, hired to be Sookie Stackhouse's bodyguard, Manganiello, better known as Alcide Herveaux on the HBO series, has definitely caught the attention of the show's fans.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Manganiello (love that surname) began doing gigs more than a decade ago. With roles on shows like One Tree Hill, CSI, and How I Met Your Mother, it was hopeful that the current 34 year-old actor was going somewhere. True Blood finally gave Manganiello the opportunity to be apart of a project that "took risks" and played into his like for horror films. Even when he was a child, Manganiello thought about being a werewolf. In an interview from USA Weekend, the actor explains, "I would wake myself up at 5:30 in the morning and walk up in the dark to 6 a.m. mass, and I would pray every morning for weeks on end that God would turn me into a werewolf. [Laughs] I was a little, little kid with Coke-bottle glasses, and I would pray for weeks. And nothing happened." How adorable and typical of an adventurous young boy.

True Blood, itself, is an amazing show, that presents vampires in a light that is more mature and sophisticated than most vampire shows on other networks or movies. Of course, backed by HBO, the show has struck a nerve in anyone from the vampiric obsessed to the those who fantasize and wonder about the lives of vampires within our human society. If you haven't already become a fan, then jump on this bandwagon because it's sure to take you on a trip. However, stay clear of the "V." It may take you on a real drug trip, just ask the citizens of Bon Temps, Louisiana. Ha.

The best line of the most recent episode is when Manganiello's character explains why he is so warm: "It's a were[wolf] thing, we run hot." Here's a clip from Youtube of Manganiello from Sunday's episode, don't get too (werewolf) hot!




(Photo: IMDB.com)

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Goo Goo for Gaga

My never ending love for Lady Gaga's talent, charisma, and style was once again reaffirmed with her performance Friday morning on the Today show in New York City.  Playing for an audience of about 20,000 fans, Gaga performed her heart out, despite the rain. Her song, "You and I" displayed the artist's incredible music talent on the piano and her pure ability to just sing. The song will be on her next album, which is currently in the works. And yes, I wrote, her next album. How exciting?! Enjoy this video from the Today show of her performance for "You and I."



Friday, July 9, 2010

Haute Couture...Du Jour!

Yesterday, marked the end of this year's Fall Haute Couture shows, but the pieces shown on the runway definitely signified a continuation of incroyable design and vision from the best, current couturiers of the world. With each thread pulled and tightened by hand and every detail given the most critical attention, couture has long been a true art of dressmaking and, in every sense of the word, defines the idea of bespoke--custom-made--clothing. 


Alexis Mabille I'm definitely a newly found fan of his work. For his collection this year, I fell in love with his voluminous, lace top-layer skirt accented with tulle trim. He seemed to focus on the idea of pieces and using a sense of mixing and matching them to create looks that took you from a casual french brunch to an evening at a fashion gala. 



Armani Privé He can do no wrong. This year, Armani presented the fashion elite with a show Tim Blanks quotes as a, "A Play on Amber." The feel of the show seemed like a throwback to 1920s fashion with suiting for women. Greta Garbo could have easily worn it in one of her films like The Divine Woman, or maybe if her movies were made now, it would seem even more fitting. I particularly jaw-dropped at this number that felt as though the 1920s Hollywood glam and the 1970s disco sizzle got together and had a baby. One word for this gown: Haute!


Chanel If there is one couturier who is immaculate in my eyes it is Coco's house. Under the visionary direction of Monsieur Lagerfeld, the pieces always maintain a luxurious and sophisticated design. However, it seems as though, Karl has deviated, just a bit, creating pieces that almost speak to the Haus of Gaga. The show also included floral, lace, and Indian inspired motifs that served to offer visual and colorful play for the season. My fave piece was this lace dress that exuded a sense of Parisian chic!


Christian Dior John Galliano has created a floral explosion! With models' heads wrapped with celophane and draped with gowns resembling the buds of flowers, Galliano created a fantasy world of colour and vibrance for the Fall season. Colours of tulips, birds of paradise, and peonies flooded the runway, engaging the audience in a visual treat that was sure to pleasure the right brain. The look that pleased my cones was this hot pink and black dress that felt very wearable, but very stylish and just right for the season. Pink and black, it's like so Fall! Ha.

Givenchy Riccardo Tisci is truly a couturier extraordinaire! In a bittersweet sense, Tisci takes me back to pieces from McQueen's Fall 2010 collection, but obviously in a manner and skill that is all his own. His attention to the smallest of details has allowed the collection to become an epoch fantasy of refined taste and style. I swoon at this fully embellished dress adorned with amazing beadwork, gold paillettes, and stones.


For the rest of the Haute Couture shows for Fall/Winter 2010-20011 visit Style.com
(Photos: Style.com)

Art Serendipitous

Living in New York City never seems to bore me. There is always something interesting that you come across that catches your eye, especially in the summer. Whether it is a bum ranting about how his rear itches or a sexy model walking across the street in their, next to nothing, clothing and their immaculately glistening skin, the city manages to keep you entertained.

During the weekend of NYC's Gay Pride Festival, I was hanging out with a friend, walking around the Meatpacking District (how appropriate for pride weekend, ha). We stumbled upon the Bohen Foundation where various, rotating art and cultural exhibitions are on display from time to time. The theme of this exhibition was ICONS, presented by Mr. Brainwash, where individuals like Charlie Chaplin, The Rolling Stones, and, of course, Madonna were silkscreen printed or illustrated with old vinyl records and cds onto large canvases.

The exhibit was immediately a visual stimulation.  Although, it would have been nice to run into a picturesque male model to observe as art. Joking. Okay, only half joking.

Here are several photos I took at the exhibit located at 415 West 13th street. I, especially, love the Madge piece since it was the cover for her Celebration album as well as the wall of portraits of forward thinkers. For more information, email Eric Allouche at allouche@operagallery.com.

     
 
See more from Mr. Brainwash...

Thursday, July 8, 2010

I Like Miike

Lately, I've been fascinated with the indie, electro-pop tunes of Miike Snow. Although their music has been around for several years now, it was only in the last year that they began grabbing the attention of the public. The group, itself, is made up of three men by the names of Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, and Andrew Wyatt coming out of Stockholm, Sweden.

I fell in love with the group when I randomly heard the song "Cult Logic" off their 2007 debut album Miike Snow on Pandora.com. Immediately, I was drawn to their smooth, bass induced beats. Below is a video of another fave song "Black and Blue." Enjoy!

Read more about Miike Snow...

Whisper Report: Rebecca Minkoff for Men

Rebecca Minkoff is launching a men's accessory line named Ben Minkoff, more after the jump.

Read more...

Mueller Bros: Y

Eccentric in their own right, the Mueller brothers, or as they would like to brand themselves, The Brothers Mueller, display a sense of sophisticated quirkiness with an aesthetic that juxtaposes the essence of middle-class, 19th century men and the aristocratic life.

The brothers were brought to my attention during a casual conversation with a colleague about the drive and determination Generation Y possesses when it comes to their careers, ambitions, and creativity and the envy he has for the baby boomer offspring. Of the same generation, I found myself agreeing with him about his observations, realizing that my generation doesn't take no for an answer and expects results.

Like the Mueller brothers, much of this generation feeds on exploration and creativity, never limiting ourselves to one thing. The Mueller brothers, working for a major publication, have created this other endeavor, The Brothers Mueller, that nourishes their cultural intrigue. I found their work to be playful yet sophisticated and, overall, well executed. I especially loved their Infrathin: Installation, see image above from their site.

One thing is for sure, Gen Y keeps things interesting. 

See and read more...

Dang (Alexander) Wang!

Dubbed one of the fashion world's darlings for more than several years now, Alexander Wang has definitely made a name for himself among the "istas" and "istos" (my everyday vernacular for fashionistas and fashionistos) of style and taste.

We all know of Wang's humble beginnings designing lush cashmere knits, but we all love him, even more, for his amazing gift to provide us with edgy, deconstructed high fashion, season after season. Wang definitely struck a nerve within all of us to release our inner stylish bad ass!

For his more affordable line, T by Alexander Wang, the designer maintains his creative aesthetic, while catering to a larger audience. Personally, I love the T line! For Fall 2010, Wang created this amazing hybrid black coat/cape, zip-up design for T. It's like little red riding hood went ultra chic:


See more Alexander Wang...

(Photos: Courtesy of Alexander Wang)

Ronaldo for Armani

As the World Cup 2010 comes to a close, with the Netherlands and Spain going for the championship title this Saturday, July 10th, I can't help but to pay tribute to the World Cup in my own special way: showing these incredibly sexy pictures of one of Portugal's forward players, Cristiano Ronaldo.

I'm sure most of you have already come across pictures of Cristiano modeling Armani underwear. However, I still chose to write about it because it's just TOO hot for words! See the ads jump off in Fall/Winter 2010-2011. In the meantime, enjoy these:


Read more on the World Cup...

(Photos: Courtesy of Armani)

Friday, July 2, 2010

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Enjoy this weekend everyone! Stay out and about! Here's an adorable video I came across on babelgum.com:

           

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Mad Libs for AD's Libs

Confused? You're probably wondering, 'what in the hell is he talking about?!'
First off, as we all should know, the U.S. economy and many others around the world have gone through, what many would like to refer to as, a "recession/depression." Personally, it's more like a period of being robbed by the rich and not enough giving back to the poor. 

With our [U.S.] economy slowly bouncing back to its state of financial security, many corporations, businesses, companies, etc. have become cautious of their expenditures--making sure not to put money where it doesn't count or where it doesn't help them grow financially. Many individuals and companies, alike, have begun putting their investments towards expenses that not only help their interests, but also have become more responsible--the thing we should always be concerned about, more so, even now. It is about making a profit, but also progressing towards social, environmental, and economical responsibility.

Therefore, it comes as a bit of surprise that powerhouse publishing corporations have taken an interest in pursuing the "power of print." If you're not already in tune with the world of magazine, there is a huge movement towards the promotion of print magazine and its longevity in our society. Despite new mediums of communication that have revolutionized and challenged the print industry, primarily the power of the internet, publishing corporations believe that print lives on and that it will continue to do so for future generations. Thus, they bring us the "Power of Print" campaign, which began running in late Spring issues of this year. Above, an image of one creative that appears in magazines, illustrates the fresh and clever use of magazine covers to create, what feels like, a game of Mad Libs, providing readers an entertaining visual juxtaposition.

Although, many may argue that this does not help our environment, but only contributes to our growing waste of paper and the killing of our earth's trees, the same can be said for any office in America using paper to print anything from a simple note to a five-hundred page annual business report. However, the campaign does help to promote the idea that print magazines do provide individuals with something that the internet cannot--a physical, tangible, non-digital product that we all love to immerse ourselves in. Check out this campaign video posted on YouTube.com featuring publishing executives:



There is exists a bigger question. With the hundreds upon thousands of magazines produced around the world, edition after edition, country after country, city after city, niche after niche is this all that necessary? Charles Darwin would have agreed in my belief that only the best  print magazines should survive. We don't need that many cooks in the kitchen telling us what to wear, what to eat, where to travel, and how to love.

Read More...

Saturday, June 12, 2010

The Goal Heard Around the World (Cup)

On June 11th, FiFa (Fédération Internationale de Football Association)
kicked off the World Cup of 2010 in South Africa. Sometimes considered bigger and better than the Olympics, the World Cup definitely gets nations joining together to cheer on their teams and watch as each goal stirs up excitement, anger, and thrills. It's the superbowl of the world!

Whether considered a victory or a failure, depending on the team you are rooting for, today displayed a sense of competitorship as the USA went up against England in an highly anticipated match between the two teams. However, what has everyone talking is England's goalkeeper, Robert Green's (bottom image) "failure" to protect the goal from USA's striker, Clint Dempsey (top image). This not only helped the USA to score, but it also brought the opening match to an end with a tie between the two teams.

Among all the sports, the World Cup definitely gets the entire world excited and glued to their television! Personally, these are some of the most fit athletes in the world (and the sexiest)! Here's a quick clip from youtube of the goal heard around the world.

Read more at Fanhouse.com

Real Housewives of New York: LuAnn

Excuse me?!? LuAnn de Lesseps of the Real Housewives of New York has a music video? Wow! I was taken aback when I came across this video of LuAnn venturing into the music industry with her single "Money Can't Buy You Class."

Although this is, evidently, not LuAnn's forte, I will definitely give her an A+ for effort. She is definitely working it out in her lusciously treated hair, form fitting get ups, and expert make up treatment. However, her RuPaul like vocals could use a little help, before she is mistaken for a bass vocal range.

I love the show, but I can't say I am fully in love with LuAnn's song and music video. It definitely makes for a quick dance tune in the gay clubs. At any rate, she is enjoying her life and soaking in her fifteen minutes of fame.

Fortunately, there is one lesson we can all learn from this, that "elegance is learned." Oookay?! *snap*

Whisper Report: Mulberry

Mulberry collaborates with a mega brand for Fall 2010.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Music Alert: Christina is back

On June 8th, Christina Aguilera's new album Bionic drops in music stores and online. It's been awhile since Xtina has been in the music scene, mostly likely she has been recording great tracks for her upcoming album and being a great mother to Max, fathered by husband Jordan Bratman.

At any rate, I am definitely excited to see what Miss Aguilera, or better yet, Mrs. Bratman serves up in Bionic. Her latest single Not Myself Tonight had the critical public talking about all the looks she presented in the video, mostly reviving past looks of Madonna's, which to some seemed insulting, while others found it comedic and fun. Whatever the case, I loved it and I love that she is coming back. Thank goodness, someone who can actually sing again!!! (image: google images)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Whisper Report

Simon Doonan designed a small collection for a mass brand

Rihanna's a Rock Star

Debuting today, Rihanna's video Rock Star, shot in black and white, maintained the edgy, hardcore aesthetic the young Riri has been displaying since the release of her current album Rated R. Coincidence or not, after the Chris Brown throw down, Rihanna has definitely shown a new side of her celebrity image and style with sharp, hard hitting looks and barely clothed videos. No newcomer to the music scene, Rihanna is definitely showing a degree of evolution as she matures with age. I first began noticing her new style in her music video for Disturbia from her Good Girl Gone Bad album. Not only does Rock Star reinforce her aesthetic, but, the video also, puts a stamp on who Rihanna is for the time being: a sexy, hardcore b*&ch that takes no man's sh*t. Personally, I think it's pretty Glam! Enjoy her video (youtube.com):

Glee goes gaga for Gaga

If you're not already a Glee fan, then you should be. Focusing on teenagers in high school, with singing talents well beyond those who try out for American Idol, as part of the glee club, you learn to have an appreciation for musicals and showtunes and for the youth pursuing their dreams.

Viewers are usually captivated by Glee's smart and witty incorporations of pop culture music. Cover music from Madonna to U2 are revived in a way that can relate to audiences, young and old.

Tonight's episode will feature music from, who some call, the "new" Madonna of the current times, Lady Gaga and songs from KISS. Personally, I LOVE Lady Gaga, for, both, her lyrical bluntness and edgy, avant-garde style. In one word: fabulous!

If you're in the mood for some "bad romance" then tune-in tonight for the latest episode of Glee.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

MacGruber

Summer is fast approaching with blockbuster movies rolling out towards the later half of this month. However, I failed to gain prior knowledge of the SNL (Saturday Night Live) character MacGruber coming to the silver screen. What? When? Why?

Although a huge fan of SNL, I will say that some things are better left on the television set, like MacGruber. The SNL spoof off the late-80s show MacGyver sometimes disappoints. The most recent sketch with Betty White playing MacGruber's grandmother was probably the funniest one to date.

Without totally discrediting the upcoming release on May 21st, MacGruber, with reference to the below trailer, manages to execute some explosive action sequences, which will hopefully keep the audience engaged.

Let's hope that it does not totally disappoint and at least entertains theater goers.

MacGruber Trailer (source: mtv.com)
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