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Libby Black’s New Exhibit Is A Window To Her Logo-Obsessed Soul

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If we had to hire any non-professional interior designer to redecorate our rooms, it would be Berkeley-based artist Libby Black. From the moment you walk into There’s No Place Like Home, Black’s first solo exhibition at Joshua Liner Gallery (and her first in New York City), an overwhelming feeling of, “Damn, I wish this was my foyer” overcomes the viewer. At the “entryway,” a coat rack hangs with a Gucci tennis racket, a San Francisco Giants paneled cap, and a bright-yellow umbrella with a quirky duck handle while a wall of painted lesbian-themed book covers hang on a left wall, acting as Black’s own version of a bookshelf display. “I wanted to create the essence of a room,” says Black. This is a welcoming room that you’ll want to stay in forever.

The interior gallery spaces capitalizes on Black’s knack for mixing her flat pieces with her sculptures, and black-and-white pencil drawings look outside to a darker exterior. Think of the Joshua Liner Gallery as a reverse The Wizard of Oz, where a technicolor interior looks out to a stark Kansas—except in Black’s world, it looks out to a picture of Whitney Houston’s grave. “I’m really into Whitney Houston and addiction and overdose in celebrity,” says Black.

For Black, There’s No Place Like Home truly acts as a personal introspective-retrospective, with each handmade piece representing a part of her past and present, as well as fictitious objects of her own imagination. Atop a Vivienne Westwood trunk made of paper and acrylic paint (WHY does this not exist? Take note Vivienne!) rests an Hermés tea set and a San Francisco news publication featuring a photo of Janis Joplin. Bookshelves feature Judy Blume novels, cassettes, and even that iconic J.D. Lang and Cindy Crawford Vanity Fair August 1993 cover. “That was a big cover of Vanity Fair a long time ago,” says Black. “That would be totally normal now, but it a heightened cover during that time.”

“I like incorporating luxury items with something like a Judy Blume book,” says Black. “I like to mix in things from my past.” Black also takes into account her own experience as a lesbian artist, where books such as Ann Bannon’s Odd Girl Out and Black’s painted interpretations of lesbian book covers taken from the ‘50s to ‘70s line an entire wall. “I’m drawn to the graphic titles and labels [with the books], just like these are labels like Vivienne Westwood and Hermés and Chanel,” says Black. “I was always taught that if you looked good, then you are good. It’s kind of judge-y, like we’re a facade. So [these books] are another type of facade and it’s reaching a different angle.”


There’s No Place Like Home runs through November 14

Joshua Liner Gallery
540 West 28th Street
New York, NY 10001
MAP
There’s No Place Like Home runs through November 14. Photos courtesy of Joshua Liner Gallery

Sixth Time’s The Charm: Kiko Mizuhara For Opening Ceremony Fall/Winter 2015

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Singer-actress-model Kiko Mizuhara has always designed collections for the female with a rebel heart. From the Pink Ladies to Japanese sukeban, each collection has given off the allure of innocence while also conveying a sense of rebellious badass energy with a cutesy edge. The Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony Fall/Winter 2015 collection (her sixth collaboration with Opening Ceremony) stays true to this aesthetic.

This season, cheeky ‘60s separates get a subtle, sexy twist. Good-girl argyles unleash their inner rebellion with cropped cuts that end just above the belly button while the mini-skirt gets a leggy lift with a length that would have even Twiggy blushing. Ribbed turtlenecks in a both mustard and white tones compete to take home the top spot with a color palette and fabrication that we’re sure Marsha Brady would approve of—if she channeled her inner-Kiko and let loose every once in a while.


Shop all Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony here

Having trouble believing that you can look badass in pieces as cute as these? Kiko Mizuhara proves it’s possible in a behind-the-scenes video from the Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony Fall/Winter 2015 lookbook shoot below.


 

Lurex Ribbed Cardigan in black Ribbed Turtleneck in mustard and Mini-Skirt in grey Mix Pattern Jacquard Pullover in purple and A-Line Skirt in navy Ribbed Turtleneck in white Mix Pattern Jacquard Pullover in off black

The Story Behind Our Minnetonka For Opening Ceremony Editorial

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Opening Ceremony is, at its core, all about family. Whether we’re focusing on our dedicated staffers or the close connection to our many brands and collaborators, we keep it familial every step of the way. For our latest collaboration with the classic footwear brand Minnetonka, we take this philosophy to a literal and figurative realm. This time around, we made sure the collab has something for the whole family. “Carol and I grew up in the suburbs as huge fans of Minnetonka shoes. I still remember buying my first pair of moccasins at the mall ages ago,” says OC co-founder Humberto Leon. “Over the years, we've always loved this heritage brand that created comfortable American staple​s​ for women, men, and kids alike​, ​so when ​my team and I were brainstorming on brands that we wanted to partner with to create the perfect holiday gifts for the whole family, Minnetonka was an obvious and meaningful choice for us.”

Perhaps the most elevated design element of our take on Minnetonka’s classic designs is the addition of Swarovski crystals on the women’s leather driving moccasins. The unexpected colorful stones were so impactful, that we carried the motif into the collaboration’s own photo editorial. To make this happen, we enlisted the help of still life artist Sonia Rentsch (whose name might seem familiar from her past work on our Opening Ceremony x Teva editorial) to create the trippy, sparkle-filled photos.

Meticulously assembling individual crystals around the shoes, Sonia created 1/4th of the finished photo’s pattern, and then mirrored the image to create the perfectly symmetrical design. “The Swarovski crystals were beautiful. I was excited to have them as a tool to work with in the design,” says Sonia on the process behind assembling the crystals. “It was challenging, yes—[the crystals] are small, fiddly, catch fingerprints easily (sorry retouching team!), and en masse they pose issues with reflections.”

Challenges aside, it’s a good thing that Sonia finds satisfaction in what others might view as extremely tedious. “Maneuvering the minute pieces, tweezers in hand, with deft precise movements was a trance-inducing exercise of patience and endurance,” says Sonia. “I can’t tell you I didn’t enjoy it… I’m a terrible sucker for both a challenge and detail.”

The end result of Sonia’s hard work is a kaleidoscopic view of a collection even our co-founders are excited to give to their families. “I can't wait for my twin girls to wear the shearling slippers we made with Minnetonka when the weather gets cold,” says Humberto. We’re guessing grown adults are just as excited for their own pair as much as for the tots.

View Sonia's design process in the gif above, and view the finished product here 

Shop Minnetonka for Opening Ceremony for men and women
View the full Crystal Visions editorial by Sonia Rentsch here. Shop Minnetonka for Opening Ceremony for men and

Bring On Winter With Anne Vest

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If one thing is for sure, it’s this: Anne Vest is all about a sculpted silhouette. Sure, the designer has become synonymous with dramatic outerwear, but when it comes to design, the designer gets down to the architectural details. “[This] collection is about curating impeccable new shapes,” says Vest. 

Drawn from the understated elegance found in her Scandinavian roots, the Anne Vest Fall/Winter 2015 protective outerwear pieces are built for the elements—with an added touch of polka dots and luxe (read: warm) fabrics. The voluminous Shearling Jacket features a polka dot pattern while a reversible heather grey shearling coat displays a white swirling pattern. Even the Olga Wool Cardigan gets a twist on the classic cardigan, with its elongated shape and glittering silver discs that adorn the fabric. Below, we catch up with the designer to talk Fall/Winter 2015 inspiration and architecture as a secondary job. 


Shop all Anne Vest here



Name: Anne Qvist Vestesen
Hometown: Århus, Denmark
Astrological sign: Pisces
Hidden talent: I have always been an impressively fast runner.
Celebrity crush: Johnny Depp
What was your style like in high school? From quite an early age, I became very interested in designer clothing. My style was always  a little bold and very personal. As a youngster, I did not wear clothes to simply stand out or make a statement. I just loved clothes: the different fabrics, feel, and construction of shapes.
What's your favorite thing about Opening Ceremony? For me, this has to do with engagement and connection with the designers they work with. 
What's your current Fall/Winter 2015 collection inspiration? The collection is about curating impeccable new shapes. For me, femininity is centered around a playfully sensuous silhouette that is rich in touch and texture, yet always understated and chic. 
If you were to do another job besides designing, what would it be? I would definitely be working in architecture as shaping and creating is such a big part of who I am. I can see myself working on buildings close by the sea. The sea always brings a smile to my face and a positive thought to my mind. It also serves as a connection to my home in Denmark.
What’s your favorite music to listen to in the studio? I have a rather wide taste in music, so I don’t really have any preferred artists. When I am designing, I only tend to open my mind to slightly sensitive and original music. I like to be moved and triggered, both in tonality and lyrics.  
Four nouns that define you: Francophile, ice cube-obsessive (I put ice cubes in everything), holder of excuses to dine-out, and workaholicClick through the slideshow to see all products from Anne Vest Skylar Shearling Coat in black/white Olga Wool Cardigan i

Crystal Moselle Turns Nostalgia Into Groundbreaking Films

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“It’s been a huge shift to all of the sudden be public with this piece that I did, and that’s been really crazy for me,” confesses The Wolfpack director Crystal Moselle. “I feel very exposed, but it’s also a positive thing. As an artist, you create so that you can share with the world.”

Up until Moselle’s documentary debut The Wolfpack opened to rave reviews and a newfound fandom last spring, the world wasn’t able to experience the true wonder of New York City’s Angulo brothers. Overruled by their overprotective and paranoid father, the six brothers were confined to the tiny dwellings of their family’s Lower East Side public housing apartment for the better half of their young lives (they now range in age from 16 to 23). Unable to leave their home, the boys found solace in the film world, constantly consuming the work of iconic directors or straight-to-VHS cult films. The brothers’ nights were spent re-enacting iconic scenes from Reservoir Dogs or getting thrifty while recreating Batman costumes out of yoga mats, cereal boxes, and duct tape. The boys’ stories and newly-exposed creativity may never have been introduced to the world if a curious Moselle hadn’t encountered the boys in the Lower East Side on during one of their rare outings over five years ago. This chance meeting prompted Moselle to create one of the most captivating stories of 2015. “I think that these kids are very special and they reach far,” Moselle states matter-of-factly, when discussing her film’s stars. “Whatever it is that really drew me [to them] when we first met is translating into the world, and that’s very special.”

The Wolfpack not only examines the brothers’ transformation as they venture out into the world, but also investigates cinema’s ability to inform and influence who we are as people. When we watch a young Angulo brother channel his inner-Mr. White in a Reservoir Dogs re-enactment scene, the viewer can identify with that moment and character, even if it’s not instantly obvious. Moselle exposes that not only in her celebrated film’s subjects, but also in the hearts of those watching it. “At the end of the day, people still want to go sit in a theater and watch something that takes them away from reality,” she says. “I think that [feeling] will always be there, it’s just about expanding to other areas and different ways to do things. Good old theater will always be there.”

But it’s not like Moselle isn’t used to evoking these feelings and emotions with her work. She’s been honing in on this skill for years, since first discovering her knack for getting into the hearts and minds of subjects and viewers alike while taking a film class at Otis College at the influential age of 16. “I think that was when I started to understand my voice and how I was going to tell things,” says Moselle. “I realized that I was good at capturing things spontaneously by going with my gut and intuition.” That first gut intuition involved following around a group of raver kids the she found in a random hotel lobby and documenting it all on her camera for her first project. “It ended up being really good and everyone loved it and that was the first moment I started to find my own voice and I realized that it was from capturing real people in real situations. To me, it was like ‘Oh this is working. This is translating to other people other than myself.’”

Documenting real people in real situations is obviously Moselle’s subtle talent. From her focus on 14-year-old ballerina

We’re Screaming For These Classic Horror Movie NYC Screenings

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Netflix and chill is cool and all, but when it comes to watching the horror movie classics, do you really want to watch B-horror movie streaming options on your date’s tiny 13-inch screen? With all the blood, guts, and feathered ‘80s hairstyles, movie classics as gory as A Nightmare on Elm Street or Frankenhooker deserve to be viewed on the big screen. So do iconic director John Carpenter a solid and put on your best Michael Myers mask and freak out everyone else in the Nitehawk Cinema popcorn line.

Our other advice on watching this season’s horror offerings on the big screen? Skip
 Eli Roth’s brand new Cannibal Holocaust rip-off now in theaters and stick to these classic offerings below.



Friday, October 23
Movie: Killer Klowns From Outer Space
When/Where: 6PM Owl’s Head Park
The lowdown: This ‘88 science-fiction horror comedy is a cult-classic. For those who are a faint of heart at the sight of clowns, at least this film makes them slightly less creepy (repeat: slightly).

Movie: Frankenhooker
When/Where: 12:20AM at Nitehawk Cinema
The lowdown: You probably haven’t heard of this 1990 black comedy horror film, but the premise is just as the title describes. After a freak accident involving a lawn mower decapitates his fiance, a mad scientist reassembles her using parts of New York City hookers. The plan (obviously) goes awry.


Saturday, October 24
Movie: Little Shop of Horrors
When/Where: 6PM at Fort Greene Park
The lowdown: Descriptions using the words “comedy, horror, rock musical” don’t normally blend too well together… unless, of course, you’re going to a screening of this 1986 classic. In the film adaptation of the off-Broadway musical, Rick Moranis raises a vicious plant that prefers human blood as opposed to H20.


Monday, October 26
Movie: Ghostbusters
When/Where: 11AM at Film Forum
The lowdown: Do you really want to be one of those people in the theaters of the hyped upcoming Ghostbusters reboot who hasn’t seen the original on the big screen? This one’s a no-brainer, and anyone claiming to be a true Bill Murray fan should have their butts glued to the seats during these multiple showings.


Wednesday, October 28
Movie: Night of the Living Dead
When/Where: 9:30PM Nitehawk Cinema
The lowdown: Long before “walkers” took over the modern-day world in The Walking Dead, director George A, Romero’s 1968 classic had audiences squirming at the un-dead. The film follows a group of people trapped in a rural farmhouse in Pennsylvania, which is attacked by “living dead” monsters. 


Friday, October 30
Movie: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
When/Where: 6PM at McCarren Pool Deck
The lowdown: While the cult-classic film has been a mainstay in late-night Friday movie showings since it was released in 1975, nothing beats seeing Tim Curry in his full lingerie get-up right around Halloween time. Plus, a good old audience reenactment of “Time Warp” is always a good idea after a few too many of those hard ciders you stashed in your purse.


Saturday, October 31
Movie: A Night to Dismember
When/Where: 12AM at Nitehawk Cinema
The lowdown: No plans on Halloween night? Nitehawk will begin screening five horror movie classics starting at 12AM. Titles include&nbs

A Chance Meeting Changed Jan-Jan Van Essche Forever

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Some say a designer is only as good as their muse. From Isabella Blow and Alexander McQueen to Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn, nothing compares to when a designer that finds a subject that fully encapsulates their artistic vision. Antwerp-based menswear brand Jan-Jan Van Essche knows this to be true. Since discovering their muse (and frequent lookbook model) Lamine all the way back in 2006, when Jan-Jan stayed with Lamine’s family on a trip to West Africa. “We kept in contact with Lamine for many years after the trip,” Jan-Jan explains. “In 2012, he contacted us saying that he was planning to move to Italy and wanted to visit us in Antwerp.” The friendship was reunited in person in January 2013, when—just one week before Jan-Jan was scheduled to leave for Paris to present PROJECT #1 [Fall/Winter 2013]—Lamine called Jan-Jan from in front of the brand’s shop in Antwerp, Atelier Solarshop. “He remembered the shop’s facade from images on Facebook,” said Jan-Jan. “It was a nice surprise and I immediately went to meet him.”

The surprise visit from Lamine quickly turned into much more when Jan-Jan decided on a whim to get his new friend to try on some garments from his then-upcoming first collection. “That was quite an epiphanic moment,” say Jan-Jan about the experience. “It all fell into place, and we asked him to join us in Paris as a showroom model.”

Lamine has been filling this role ever since.“The way he translates [our clothing] is still quite amazing and emotional to us.” In addition to finding his place as a model, Lamine also became involved in the production of the very garments he was modeling. Jan-Jan bought a loom for the Fall/Winter 2014 collection and Lamine was drawn to it right away and started weaving. “He’s a natural talent and has so many facets of goodness which are channeled in concrete material when he's working on the loom,” says Jan-Jan. “It’s simply beautiful to see.”

With a team as tight-knit as Jan-Jan Van Essche’s, it’s easy to see why his easy-to-wear pieces feel so nice: they’re made with love and positivity each step of the way.

View Lamine in Jan-Jan Van Essche’s latest lookbook above, and shop all Jan-Jan Van Essche hereWide-Fit Sweatshirt in black, Slim-Fit Pants in night blue Loose-Fit Hooded Windbreaker in blackLoose-Fit Long Cardigan in black, Loose-Fit Tee in charco

Hot Shots: Christine Hahn Wants To Challenge Viewers’ Perceptions On Fashion Photography

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Before Spike Jonze was, well, Spike Jonze, he was just a rambunctious teenager hanging around the BMX world, eager to document his surroundings. It’s easy to look back on an icon and acknowledge their phenomenal work, but what’s not as easy is recognizing that very work before the artist’s name began to speak for itself. In honor of the Opening Ceremony Fall/Winter 2015 collection, which celebrates Spike’s early photography days with a 35mm film camera, we decided to turn the lens on the next generation of photographers.

Our Hot Shots series exposes young photographers you should keep on your radar and lets them take a break from the everyday grind to speak on why photography life is totally worth the long hours. Since the series focuses on photography, we asked the Hot Shots subjects to team up and photograph each other to show off each of their aesthetics.


We’d be lying if we said that we weren’t excited to get photographer Christine Hahn in front of the lens. After working with her on numerous Opening Ceremony editorials and culture features, we’ve become familiar with her rare approach to fashion photography and the real beauty of it all. With her brash sense of humor and in-your-face honesty, it’s sometimes hard to register how her perseverance transfers over into her beautiful images. From her photo editorials that show the deviant side of fall fashion, to her own colorful tours of Chinatown, Christine’s photography is here to expose a new type of imagery.

We catch up with Christine (photographed by Hot Shots subject Elvin Tavarez) below, to talk about why photographers should be maniacs as well as the impact she hopes her work leaves on the photography world.


Shop all Opening Ceremony women’s and men’s



What was your first introduction to the photography world?

I really enjoyed it as a teenager. I kept taking photo classes throughout high school and then I realized I wasn’t going to learn anymore. When I got my license, I took classes at my local community college. It was something that I really liked and I felt more connected to the teachers and students there. For me, it was a way to get away from home, like “Oh, I’m at school,” but I was actually with friends in a setting I really want to be in. By the time I was a senior in high school, I already knew I wanted to work in the visual realm. 

Were your parents always supportive of you pursuing photography as well?
My dad wasn’t supportive for years, but moms always know their children better. I feel like she always knew I was always going to do something creative. I had always wanted to take art classes as a kid, and she would take me to these classes and we wouldn’t tell my dad. I don’t even think he knows to this day how many years my mom did this for me. So I’m definitely very thankful towards her. She’s very supportive of me wanting to do things that express myself.

Is the fact that you have more to prove to your pare

The Mirror Cube: Events The Week Of 10/22

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We all have that moment where Friday night rolls around and a Netflix binge is the primary “event” option. In order to cure your major case of FOMO, we’ve teamed up with The Mirror Cube, a new happenings site that features events recommended by artists. With their expert panel of visual artists, actors, writers, and directors, The Mirror Cube brings you the lowdown on what shows, screenings, and exhibits you should check out each week in New York and Los Angeles.



NY: Hitchcock/Truffaut at Film Society of Lincoln Center
October 27 at 7pm
What: A documentary by New York Film Festival Director of Programming Kent Jones that’s based on Francois Truffaut’s 1967 book Hitchcock/Truffaut, a collection of Truffaut’s interviews with master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock.

Why Go: Hitchcock/Truffaut draws audiences into the informative and engaging conversations between two cinematic masters who paved the way for critical studies of films. The documentary includes excerpts from these conversations, as well as testimonials from other filmmakers influenced by Hitchcock, such as Martin Scorsese, David Fincher, and Wes Anderson. There will be a post-screening Q&A with director Kent Jones, moderated by Noah Baumbach.


NY: Hinds at Music Hall of Williamsburg
October 27 at 9pm
What: Madrid-based lo-fi garage quartet Hinds stop in NYC on their US tour.

Why Go: Hinds rose to prominence for their dynamic live performances and songs, which have been called “hyper-energetic, elegantly sloppy garage pop” by Rolling Stone and “rowdy, singalong lo-fi anthems” by NME. Hinds has toured with The Black Lips, The Libertines, and The Vaccines in the past, and will be joined by opening guests Public Access T.V. for their own headlining tour.


NY: Andy Warhol: Late Paintings at Skarstedt Gallery

September 19-October 31
Picked by: Anna Gray
What: An exhibit featuring the later works of pop artist Andy Warhol that he created from 1974 up until his death in 1987.

Why Go: In the 1970s, Warhol began to re-examine his artistic process, consequently producing art that utilized his older techniques, like the mechanical production of his early pop art pieces, as well as his newer methods in abstract painting.


LA: Beach Goth at The Observatory
October 24-25 at 12pm
Picked by: Delilah Jesinkey
What: The annual two-day Beach Goth festival is organized by surf and psychedelic rock band The Growlers.

Why Go: Consequence of Sound wrote of last year’s installment: “Beach Goth, like Burgerama, is one of those rare festivals where local labels can showcas

Cozy Up To 25% Off All Outerwear

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Cuffing season is upon us, which—if you haven’t checked UrbanDictionary yet—is the phenomenon of singles feeling a longing for a cuddle buddy once the temperatures drop. This is all fine and dandy, but victims of cuffing season run the risk of getting more than they bargained for once Spring rolls around. For real, do you want to fall victim to a cat custody battle because you and your partner thought it would be a good idea to adopt a pet? Or better yet, those extra love cushions that keep you warm through the winter aren’t always ideal for bathing suit season.

So why not do a little crisis prevention and cuddle up to a nice new coat instead? Wrapping yourself in the fuzzy faux fur goodness of a Shrimps coat or Acne Studios’ latest love affair with wool will keep you just as warm as any Tinder relationship, without running the risk of a nasty breakup afterwards. So we wanted to do you a favor and lower the stakes in terms of commitment: take 25% off all outerwear items* with the code COZYUP but hurry, this promotion is online only, ending this Sunday.. And hey, if you do end up wanting a special someone to brave the winter with, wearing a fancy new coat will definitely catch you a few suitors.

Get started and shop all outerwear for men and women here


*Promotion ends Sunday, October 25th, 2015 at 11:59pm EST. Promotion is valid on full-priced merchandise only and cannot be combined with other discount offers. Promotion is not valid on Yves Salomon, Yves Salomon for Opening Ceremony, Alpha Industries for Opening Ceremony, Canada Goose x October's Very Own, or Rains.

*Enjoy free ground shipping on orders over $100 pre-tax with UPS Ground Shipping method selected. Offer is valid within the contiguous United States only.

Opening Ceremony Fall/Winter 2015, Directed by Spike Jonze

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For Opening Ceremony's Fall/Winter 2015 collection, Humberto Leon partners with friend Spike Jonze, renowned for his videos with musicians such as Sonic Youth, Bjork, The Beastie Boys, The Pharcyde, and Fatboy Slim. The two created a video to celebrate Jonze's never-before-seen, 35mm film photographs. These photos were then translated into digital prints used throughout Opening Ceremony's collection as well as informed the look and feel of the collection as a whole. As you watch, Leon and Jonze provide insight into their curation process, inspiration behind the collection, and personal memories that coincide with the images chosen.

Shop all Opening Ceremony for men and women


 

OC Takes A Trip To Bergdorf’s

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Last night, a flock of OC friends and family took the (admittedly rare) trek north of 14th street. The reason? To celebrate our Fall/Winter 2015 collection debut at Bergdorf Goodman. The highlights of the evening included a new video directed by Spike Jonze in honor of the collection inspired by his never-before-seen 35mm film photography. Oh yeah, and Spike’s 46th birthday.

With so much to celebrate, it’s no surprise that spirits inside Bergdorf Goodman’s men's store were high. After a few selfie shots in front of Bergdorf’s must-see dedicated OC window display, guests made their way to the third floor to find it transformed into an Opening Ceremony Fall/Winter 2015 playground. Freixenet kept the bubbly free-flowing as guests gathered around television screens to watch footage of models free-falling around our Fall/Winter 2015 prints set to Beck’s “Jack-Ass” and an accompanying playlist based off of Spike’s days as the master of music videos. Not one to miss out on an OC event, the man himself even stopped by for a birthday drink... or two.

See photos from the event above and shop all Opening Ceremony for men and womenBruce Pask, Melissa Lowenkron, Spike Jonze, Humberto Leon, and Carol Lim. Photos by Patrick Spears Humberto Leon, Bruce Pask, Melissa Lowenkron, and Carol LimOC’s Sean, Jacky, Terrill, and AlexMatthew Mazur and OC’s MichelleOC’s Will and Marcus PaulGia Seo and James EvansAileen McBride, OC’s Carly, Jared Ames, Jack Burns, and OC’s ChloeYoungmi and Danny BowienGuest, OC’s Galen, and TylerOC’s Nancy Kim, guests, and Natasha NunezOC’s Chloe and Oak--OC’s Julia and her guest

Katie McCurdy and Kathy Lo are Never Going Home

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Travel pictures can inspire wanderlust in the viewer, but the collection of images in the book Never Going Home equally captures the unspeakable longing and nostalgia one has when on the go.

Katie McCurdy and Kathy Lo, the two fashion and art photographers at the helm of the project, intend to pull together a tome each year about travel. Last night was the launch of their first installation of the series, published by Ed. Varie gallery, and the opening reception of the accompanying photo exhibit. Held at Nolita Cleaning Co.—an actual dry cleaning establishment that offers customers a full experience that apparently includes, but is not limited to, art exhibits—the dual art show/book launch was a casual affair. A small selection of images were displayed, with the artist’s names discretely written in pencil directly onto the wall underneath each picture. Attendees hung out in the open space, or on the benches outside, drinking beer or vodka (no mixers). While the party was going on, the dry cleaning customers popped in to pick up their newly clean and pressed laundry on hangers and wafting clear-plastic garment bags.

McCurdy has been travelling a lot recently, which led her to question the concept of what “home” is. “For me, it just became the people I got to enjoy experiences with,” she said. “It was less about where my shit was, and more about where my memories were, and where my friends were, and having people in those different spots, and feeling like myself.”

Ed. Varie doesn’t normally publish books of non-gallery related content, but when approached by McCurdy and Lo (who was not in attendance due to giving birth this week), founder Karen Schaupeter considered the particular project to be a special one. “We know all of the contributors, and we’ve worked with them over the past six years – so so it just felt really right.” Schaupeter explained of how she became involved. “The clincher was Marcelo Gomes—I love his work. Ysa Perez was a new discovery for me. And then having Kathy and Katie, and Todd [Jordan] and Maia [Ruth Lee] involved as well just made it feel genuine.”

Never Going Home spans the globe, capturing glimpses from Thailand to Ibiza, New Mexico to Niagara Falls. While the images were clearly taken by professional photographers, there is a certain personal quality that linked them—as if they were the shots taken before, after, and in-between the snaps of posing family members, that are hidden on the roll of film.

McCurdy’s contribution documented a road trip to Marfa, Texas, with her sister and then-boyfriend, which was derailed due to an ice storm. “Nothing went right, everything was fucked up,” she said. “We couldn’t go camping; we had to crash at a friend’s house who was out of town, but at the end of the trip I realized it was actually nice just to be with two people I really cared about and loved. So that, for me, the correlation of ‘never going home’ was just being with those people, no matter where I am. Even if it’s a shitty experience, it’s still good because you’re with those people.”

Never Going Home is on view until November 1, 2015


Nolita Cleaning Co.
149 Elizabeth St
New York, NY 10012

Celebrate Filipino American History Month The Right Way

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It's Filipino American History Month so we caught up with Nancy Bulalacao, Founder of the Filipino American History Museum (or FAM), about FAM's marathon reading at the Bowery Poetry Club last weekend. From Saturday through Monday, volunteer readers took the stage to read pages from Noli Me Tangere, written by Philippine hero, Jose Rizal.


CHRISTELLE DE CASTRO: Can you talk a little bit about Jose Rizal and why his work is so important?
NANCY BULALACAO: Jose Rizal is a national hero. He's beloved across boundaries that normally divide people. Over dinner one night a year ago the author Ninotchka Rosca said to know ourselves as Filipinos we need to know the Noli. Which is why we're doing this marathon. His works have endured over time and contain cultural, sociopolitical, and religious overtones that resonate in contemporary life. Ayesha Vera Yu of Advancement for Rural Kids said that Rizal is required reading for her employees because if you're not aware of the problems then you can't be part of the solution.

Can you tell us about FAM, when you established it and why?
FAM along with being a platform for Filipino American art, culture and community is a roving museum. Roving in that it doesn’t have a physical space yet but also in that as we curate and present programs we’re following where the community leads us—like an investigation. We’re a museum for the people by the people.

FAM was established because we believed that there was great work by Filipino American artists that deserved to be curated and presented. And that there was a community that could support that. Two years all signs point to this being true.

Not many know that it's Filipino-American History Month. What are your thoughts on the Filipino-American impact on art, media, and fashion?
Filipino American History Month was established by Filipino American National Historical Society in 2009. More than anything it's meant to remind us that our history needs to be told, documented, and remembered.

I think that there is a growing community of young Filipino artists and creatives that are pushing boundaries in how they work, how they live and what they like. There's a bit of social advocacy to it, a little religion, some irreverence, and a lot of style.

What's on the horizon in terms of programing and events for FAM?
We're copresenting an exciting night at Asia Society called A Golden Opportunity (in conjunction with their Philippine Gold Exhibit) featuring Filipino New Yorkers telling stories about personal turning points. We also begin a year-long programming partnership with Ace Hotel in March starting with a preview of our biggest program yet: an exhibit based on Juan Luna's Spoliarium.Photos courtesy of Christelle de CastroNancy Bulalacao 

The Japanese Are Always One Step Ahead

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Japan always seems to be one step ahead of the curve in all facets. From technology to food and culture, Japan somehow manages to stay at least five years ahead of the rest of the world in all of them. This also naturally extends to clothing. To see proof of this, look no further than the country’s established and up-and-coming menswear designers.

Japan’s many up-and-coming designers are taking risks not seen in most of the menswear pieces today. This season in particular, Leather-centric brand Blackmeans offers up jackets adorned with bone-shaped suede cutouts for an avant-garde X-ray effect and Shinya Kozuka’s oversized patchwork trench brings an all-new spin to the classic overcoat. These concepts are ones you’ll see other designers featuring in their collections by 2020. The only difference? You can have them in your wardrobe now.

So why wait another five years? That’s just how the Japanese roll.Lad Musician Slim Suit in black (available in stores), Lad Musician Shoegaze T-Shirt in white (available in stores), and Vans Vault Old Skool Leather Sneakers in white. Photos by Katie McCurdy Lad Musician Reversible Bomber in black (available in stores), Lad Musician Shoegaze T-Shirt in white (available in stores)Blackmeans Embroidered Leather Jacket in black/tan (available in stores)Blackmeans Leather Pants in black (available in stores), Blackmeans Embroidered Leather Jacket in black/tan (available in stores), Fanmail Boxy Tee in blackSASQUATCHFABRIX Skin Turtleneck in black (available in stores), SASQUATCHFABRIX Sweatshirt in grey (available in stores), SASQUATCHFABRIX Leather Pants in black (available in stores), Dr. Martens Graeme Chelsea Boots in black (available online in merlot)Shinya Kozuka Printed Trousers in grey (available in stores), Shinya Kozuka Shirt in white (available in stores)Undecorated Man Colorblock Top in khaki, Undecorated Man Colorblock Sweat Pants in khaki, Undecorated Man Quilted Jacket in black (available in stores), Undecorated Man

The Doom Generation Turns 20: Opening Ceremony’s Tribute Collection

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After working with Gregg Araki on Kenzo’s Fall/Winter 2015 short film “Here Now,” Opening Ceremony co-founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim knew that we had to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the filmmaker’s legendary 90’s cult hit The Doom Generation in style. Consisting of four tees, each touting some of the film’s most iconic sayings and imagery, the Opening Ceremony x The Doom Generation 20th Anniversary capsule collection is our way of celebrating the film the best way we know how. Below, we catch up with Araki himself in an exclusive interview about the film’s cultural impact and the stories behind some of the noteworthy shots recreated in our the above photo story.

Shop all Opening Ceremony x The Doom Generation here


CHLOE DEWBERRY: What would you say has changed the most about you personally as well as your artistic direction in the past 20 years?

GREGG ARAKI: It’s funny. I’m definitely a bit different. I’m definitely older, and hopefully a little more mature and not quite as angry. But I still have my rebellious side. It was really fun when we did the Kenzo short film [Here Now] a few months ago, because it was very much revisiting that sort of sensibility and craziness, which was really fun and exciting for me. I think I’ll always be a punk rocker at heart, but I’m definitely older, and hopefully wiser, than I was back in 1995.


Once you’ve got the punk in you, it doesn’t go away, right?
I was in high school when The Sex Pistols came out and I was in college during the Talking Heads and New Wave and the British invasion.That kind of music andalternative sensibility was so ingrained in me and such was an inspiration that really changed my life. That kind of music and that sort of culture hit me at a time when it was really sort of my formative years. And so I think Humberto and Carol are a bit younger, but they kind of had the same experience. It was very kind of life changing. It really stays with you and your work. At least it did for me, just that sensibility and thatsort of “marching to your own drum” and doing your own thing. I think that will always be a part of what I do.


Speaking of that era and comparing it to the modern-day, why do you think The Doom Generation still resonates with audiences today?
It’s such an honor that kids whoweren’t even born when The Doom Generation came out are so into it. They quote lines from it and I feel really lucky that it has that kind of impact. I’ve always sort of made the analogy of my movies to certain bands and musicians that were really influential to me and were maybe never hugely popular. They weren’t huge top 40 successes. Take The Cocteau Twins for example, their music wasn’t chart-topping, but for the people who did hear it, it had a really big influence on them and stayed with them in a very deep and profound way. My movies sort of have a similar approach in the way that they just kind of do their own thing. I think the people that do “get them” get them in a deep way and I think that’s why there’s a sort of longevity to them.


I don’t feel like Tumblr culture would exist today witho

Opening Ceremony Gamed the Tompkins Square Park Howloween Paw-ty

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If you were to poll random New Yorkers regarding their thoughts on Tompkins Square Park in Alphabet City, my guess is you’d get drastically different opinions. As of recently, the debate has been about the visible issue of homeless people residing in the park. Residents are up in arms about the city of New York solving—or rather—hiding the problem. So when you hear about a Halloween dog run, it’s easy to assume that the event is yet another sign of the East Village’s inevitable change. In fact, it sort of is. The first parade took place 25 years ago as a celebration of the 1990 renovations of Tompkins Square park. The difference: This event wasn’t funded by the city as some PR stunt. The community pooled resources in order to establish a safe place where dog-loving residents could bring their pups.

When we entered the Tompkins Square Park Howloween Parade this past Saturday, it was overwhelming to say the least. As a New Yorker, your first instinct is to run from the crowd or slither through the open spaces to find your end destination. But then you stop for a second and realize that the point is to chill out (a.k.a. stop being an asshole) for a hot second and swoon over the cute dogs dressed in their ridiculously adorable costumes. The best part? After you have that realization, it’s apparent that this isn’t just an infiltration of yuppies taking over the East Village… the park is still full of weirdos. To put it simply, you probably won’t find the participants that handmade a Pet Cemetery float and doused their dogs with fake blood at the Starbucks on First Avenue.

This year seemed as good as any for OC to join in on the four-legged fun. Firstly, our Resort 2016 collection is inspired by suburban life and the family trophy dog. Secondly, OC staffers Jacky and Terrill recently adopted a pair of Frenchie brothers named Muki and Marshawn, so we obviously couldn’t resist dressing the newest little additions to our OC family up in a taco truck/taco costume combo. In the end, we survived the cuteness and we’re damn proud of it.


Take a peek at our Showing Out from the parade in the slideshow above and see which doggy costumes made the cut.
Muki and Marshawn as a taco and a taco truck. Photos by Elvin TavarezOC’s Terrill and Jacky with Marshawn and Muki 

Rainy Days Got You Down?

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Being that it’s fall in New York, it should come as no surprise that four out of the next seven days calls for rain… Or at least that’s what the tiny rain cloud graphic on our phone says. We at OC know that those who aren’t prepared for the rainy season ahead could find themselves stranded with wet socks and an inside-out umbrella, so to help you stay dry, we have partnered with rainy day experts Rains for a collection of sleek waterproof gear.

The collaboration consists of a classic raincoat, weather-resistant accessories, and bucket hats. Rains functional textiles are met with an updated color palette and Opening Ceremony’s iconic box logo. “Rains is a brand we discovered in Denmark and are excited to introduce in the US,” says OC’s menswear buyer Jesse Hudnutt. “Scandinavians know a thing or two about inclement weather, and Rains' super minimalist and affordable design ethos paired really well with our classic Opening Ceremony box logo, so they made a perfect partner for creating this unisex capsule of rain gear.”

Shop all Opening Ceremony x Rains for men and womenOC Exclusive Bucket Hat in black and OC Exclusive Breaker Jacket in black OC Exclusive Breaker Jacket in fire engine red OC Exclusive Parka in black OC Exclusive Pants in black OC Exclusive Parka in cream OC Exclusive Tote in black OC Exclusive Tote in fire engine red OC Exclusive Duffle Bag in black

Hot Shots: Photographer Guang Xu Knows That The Quietest Voices Have The Most To Say

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Before Spike Jonze was, well, Spike Jonze, he was just a rambunctious teenager hanging around the BMX world, eager to document his surroundings. It’s easy to look back on an icon and acknowledge their phenomenal work, but what’s not as easy is recognizing that very work before the artist’s name began to speak for itself. In honor of the Opening Ceremony Fall/Winter 2015 collection, which celebrates Spike’s early photography days with a 35mm film camera, we decided to turn the lens on the next generation of photographers.

Our Hot Shots series exposes young photographers you should keep on your radar and lets them take a break from the everyday grind to speak on why life as a photographer is totally worth the long hours. Since the series focuses on photography, we asked the Hot Shots subjects to team up and photograph each other to show off each of their aesthetics.


I first met photographer Guang Xu at a pre-college summer course back in 2009, where Guang would frequently document our friends’ travels and experiences in NYC with the click of the camera button. Even back during our high school years, it was already apparent that Guang had the ability to connect with anyone who stepped in front of the camera. Each of Guang’s photographs, from candidly intimate photos of friends out and about to the always-flattering portraits in both of Opening Ceremony’s Fashion Against the Grain and Sartorial Snacks series, show that Guang has ability to highlight any subject’s brighter side...even if it’s something as seemingly unappetizing as blow-dried fish. “I'm genuinely interested in the people that I shoot,” says Guang. “When I ask someone if I can shoot them and their gut reaction is to question why I’d want their photo, I have to fight the urge to shake them and yell, ‘Because you’re super rad and no one should have to tell you why!’”

From accurately capturing trans personalities, to snapping drool-worthy shots of food travels in China, Guang has a knack that some photographers would be lucky to have: connecting with each and every subject, no matter who they are. Below, we chat with the photographer about the preciousness of photography, diversity in the workplace, and fostering trans visibility in a non-exploitative way.


Shop all Opening Ceremony men’s and women’s



CHLOE DEWBERRY: When did you first discover photography? Was there a specific person or moment that inspired you to pursue it?
GUANG XU: For the longest time, I viewed photography as a functional medium. Growing up, I always heard it on loop from my family that photographs are the most precious thing. When my parents and I moved to the States, we didn’t have FaceTime or anything to keep in touch with the rest of the family. I ended up internalizing this mentality tha

It’s Yeezy Season at Opening Ceremony

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Look, let’s cut to the chase. We all know about Yeezy Ready-To-Wear Season 1, including the fact that it drops tomorrow. We also all know that Opening Ceremony is one of the few select retailers to carry the collection. We also also know that getting your hands on pieces from this highly coveted drop is going to take some Olympic-level speed and (keyboard-based) agility.

Now that we have that understood, let’s get down to business. Yeezy Season 1 will be available to purchase in Opening Ceremony stores at 11:00 AM (local time), but if you prefer shopping from the comfort of your own home, you’re going to want to pay attention....

Since quantities are very limited we can’t guarantee all purchases, but we can help your chances by sharing all the things you need to know:
  • - Starting at 10:00 AM EST on Thursday, October 29, 2015 customers can sign up for the chance to be notified when Kanye West x adidas Originals is available for purchase
  • - Once you reach the Kanye West x adidas Originals designer page, click on your desired style(s)
  • - Click on “Keep An Eye On This Product”
  • - Fill in your contact information, and click “Submit.”
  • - Sign ups will end promptly at 11:00 AM EST
  • - E-mail notifications will be sent out on a first come, first serve basis while stocks last
  • - E-mail notifications will end once all items have sold out

Please note receiving an email does not guarantee purchase, quantities are limited and are only available while stocks last. Because of that all Kanye West x adidas Originals products are limited to one unit per style, per customer.

Looking for the The Yeezy Boost 350 sneakers? These will be available to purchase on November 14, 2015.
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