Chuang Qu Roughs ‘Em Up

March 1, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Courrèges Proves The Future Doesn’t Lie In Technology

≪ Previous: Before The L Train Stops… Take 90% Off At The Opening Ceremony Sample Sale

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As part of our 2016: Year of China focus, we’ll be rolling out a special edition of our New To OC series to introduce some of the emerging Chinese designers we’re proud to carry this year.

It’s refreshing to find a designer that hones in on minimal basics while playing with rough fabrications that are tailored to an undone feel. With his Spring/Summer 2016 collection, which includes soft cotton anoraks and cotton pants that fold to a crossover silhouette, designer Chuang Qu is doing just that. Below, meet the Hubei-born designer as we discuss traditional Chinese handmade fabrics, Sichuan hotpots, and Rei Kawakubo as design muse.


Shop all Chuang Qu here

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Name: Qu Chuang（瞿创）
Hometown: Hubei, China
What is your current Spring/Summer 2016 collection inspiration? Chinese traditional rough handmade fabrics and tie-dye
Do you have a design muse? I really like Rei Kawakubo, but the Chinese traditional aesthetic has been deeply influential to me.
Coolest place to visit in China: Beijing and Tibet
Favorite traditional Chinese food dish? Sichuan hotpot
What's your go-to karaoke song? I never go to karaoke
What makes you feel most at home where you currently live? Quietness and virescence
What do the Chinese characters in your name mean? Qu (瞿) comes from an ancient Chinese family with 3000 years of history. Chuang (创) means “to create.”
What Western pop culture topic was popular where you grew up? Hollywood and pop music
Click through the slideshow to see all products from Chuang Qu  Half-Zip Anorak in grey Bomber Jacket in white Corduroy Jacket in blue Camo Jacket in camo Mandarin Collar Shirt in white Partial Zip Shirt in blue/white

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Courrèges Proves The Future Doesn’t Lie In Technology

March 1, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: The Mirror Cube: Must-See Events The Week Of 3/3

≪ Previous: Chuang Qu Roughs ‘Em Up

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Flashes of cobalt, pumpkin, and Christmas green lit up the runway while delicate grids and grommet-detailed belts provided a structure and severity to the Courrèges Fall/Winter 2016 presentation. With an over forty year legacy of cultivating futuristic fashion, Courrèges masterful tailoring and innovative styling choices profess the brand’s expertise. While other designers superficially attempt to innovate the aforementioned with overly conceptual stylistic choices or unnecessary technological embellishments, Courrèges is systemic.

Highlights like knit one-piece jumpsuits and mixed media tops with curved paneling lightened up some of the more architectural silhouettes for Fall/Winter 2016. Trousers and blazers constructed with double lapels and zip fronts explored the breadth of the brand’s technical finessing and nod to deconstruction.

Approachable yet innovative, Courrèges’s latest collection proved that future doesn’t necessarily lie in technology or meta concepts, but in the ingenuity of construction and drapery.


Shop all Courrèges Spring/Summer 2016 here Photos courtesy of Courrèges

The Mirror Cube: Must-See Events The Week Of 3/3

March 2, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Take A Step Into Mansur Gavriel’s World

≪ Previous: Courrèges Proves The Future Doesn’t Lie In Technology

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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 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.

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NY: Force Field Turns 10 at Baby’s All Right
March 3 at 8 PM
Picked by: Lili Peper
What: Los Angeles-based boutique publicity firm Force Field celebrates their 10th anniversary with a roster of live bands and a DJ set by Neon Indian.

Why Go: The impressive lineup of Force Field artists playing the show features The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Lou Barlow, Real Estate’s Martin Courtney, The Blow, and Guerilla Toss. There will also be special surprise guests on the bill at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn.


NY: Taxi Driver at Metrograph
March 4
Picked by: Jasmine Albuquerque
What: A 40th anniversary 35mm screening of Martin Scorsese’s wickedly funny expressionist urban drama at Metrograph, the new LES cinema and restaurant.

Why Go: Critic Pauline Kael called Taxi Driver a “ferociously powerful film” and described it as a “raw, tabloid version of Notes from Underground.” It’s the perfect New York movie to help launch the full-time programming at the city’s latest shrine to celluloid. You’d be wise to make it a double bill at Metrograph by showing up early or sticking around for The Purple Rose of Cairo, which is Woody Allen’s most magical—and arguably, best—film.


NY: The Armory Show 2016 at Piers 92 & 94
March 3-6
What: The annual Armory Show leads the international fairs of Armory Arts Week 2016.

Why Go: This year, the Armory Show will have a special focus on African artists and galleries. The show will feature over 205 galleries at Piers 92 & 94 in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan. The perennial stalwart in the New York art world, the Armory Show provides an extensive look at some of the best work in Modern and contemporary art and also includes in-depth conversations and panel discussions with leading artists and curators.


LA: Lower Dens, Gardens & Villa at Natural History Museum
March 4 at 8 PM
Picked by: Tasya van Ree
What: Indie pop group Lower Dens headline the live music performances at First Fridays at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles

Why Go: Lower Dens are currently on tour in support of their third album, Escape from Evil, which Pitchfork called “Best New Music.” First Fridays is an opportunity for Angelenos to see some of their favorite b

Take A Step Into Mansur Gavriel’s World

March 3, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: It’s Issey Miyake’s Technological World

≪ Previous: The Mirror Cube: Must-See Events The Week Of 3/3

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It’s no secret our friendship with Mansur Gavriel runs deep, especially considering we’ve carried the brand’s coveted handbag styles since the early days. Coincidentally, we even share the same office building, and no, that wasn’t planned. So like neighbors normally do, we chatted and decided what better way to show our early-on friendship than with an Instagram takeover (since clearly we’re both obsessed with the visual social media platform).

Keeping one another’s aesthetics in mind, we went off and did what we do best: play with clothes and take pretty pictures. Mansur’s creative team—consisting of designers Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel as well as two Ukrainian twin sisters— headed to sunny Los Angeles to shoot their latest line of handbags and footwear, but this time with Opening Ceremony Spring/Summer 2016 collection.

The Mansur Gavriel team is always on the hunt for fresh faces, and for this shoot they found two amazing Midwestern girls and flew them to Los Angeles, which if you’ve ever checked out the brand's Instagram, is a natural playground for the girls to do their thing.

All this for Instagram, why? Mansur Gavriel feels that the platform is not only a natural canvas for creative expression, but a community where you can discover what people like, who they follow, and how they react to the stories we tell to one another. We couldn’t agree more. And while we can’t blame them for not sharing their secret sauce, they did tell us that their goal is to keep things fresh and inspire, while in turn being inspired by the people they follow. So if you haven’t already, escape into Mansur Gavriel and Opening Ceremony’s Instagram accounts today, where we’ll show our communities one another’s vision.


Shop all Mansur Gavriel here

Shop all Opening Ceremony women’s and men’s

Head over to the Opening Ceremony Instagram to see more images from Mansur Gavriel.

Opening Ceremony Talene U-Neck Jumpsuit in sycamore, Mansur Gavriel Suede Platform Mules in color, Opening Ceremony Juniper Twill Big Button Anorak in sycamore, Opening Ceremony Denim Big Button Mini-Skirt in indigo, and Mansur Gavriel

It’s Issey Miyake’s Technological World

March 3, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Otho Creates Workwear For Women (Finally!)

≪ Previous: Take A Step Into Mansur Gavriel’s World

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For the Issey Miyake Fall/Winter 2016 Paris Fashion Week show, Issey Miyake’s Yoshiyuki Miyama stated that his goal was to “pursue as yet unseen and unknown beauty created from A Piece of Cloth.” We’d say he accomplished his goal and then some with the technologically spectacular feat that was today’s runway show.

With a focus on the Issey Miyake brand’s technique of creating entire garments out of just one piece of material using advanced technology, the current creative designer helped usher in the brand into a new era.. .by helping it look back at the era that made its name.
Models stormed the runway in complex pieces that kicked off the kaleidoscopic effect while optical illusions were formed with colliding stripes and circles and pleated outfits formed complex 3D forms. The light-up runway glowed as models pranced across and helped reinstate the fact that wearable technology has been here.

It’s Issey Miyake’s technological world, we’re just catching up to it.


Shop all Homme Plissé Issey Miyake Spring/Summer 2016 herePhotos courtesy of Frederique Dumoulin for Issey Miyake 

Otho Creates Workwear For Women (Finally!)

March 3, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: What Do KAWS, Daniel Arsham, And Olympia Le-Tan Have In Common?

≪ Previous: It’s Issey Miyake’s Technological World

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When it comes to finding legit workwear, most women can identify with the fact that it’s nearly impossible to find the right fit while also looking authentic. And frankly, we’re sick of cinching the waists of our Dickies trousers. It’s safe to say there is finally a saving grace in the form of New To OC brand Otho. Founded in 2014 by designer Valerie Hui, Otho is a London-based brand that focuses on workwear-inspired androgynous clothing with a pared-down aesthetic. Boxy cuts in the vein of denim jackets and two-tone shirtdresses reign supreme while female jumpsuits get a rough touch with exposed contrast seaming and structured denim fabrication.


Shop all Otho here

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Name: Valerie Hui
Hometown: London, Hackney
Zodiac Sign: Horse
What is one Chinese superstition no one knows about? I’m not entirely certain if no one knows about this particular superstition, but one of the ones that I find interesting is that you’re not allowed to sweep the floor on the first day of Chinese New Year. Whilst sweeping, you have to make sure to brush towards the center of the house and not towards the door. It’s meant to protect you from clearing away all the good fortune from your house.
What is your current Spring/Summer 2016 collection inspiration? My inspiration for the Spring/Summer collection is definitely rooted in menswear. I worked on workwear and modernizing classic uniform silhouettes. Otho takes cues from menswear tailoring, but with a specific concentration on the female form. It has all the languid aesthetics that I love about skaters, but with a more mature, clean finish.
Do you have a design muse? I don’t really have a specific muse per se. I love looking at what people put together, so it can be anything from workmen to people on their way about life that have unconsciously put together striking looks.
Coolest place to visit in China or London: I love cycling around Hackney Marshes, especially in the summer. The marshes always have incredible spots to explore, like obstacle courses and all the wildlife around the River Lea that runs through it. My favorite place in Hong Kong is the old-school ferry that crosses the harbor. It’s something I try to do every time I go back, as it allows you to see Hong Kong at her best. Also, visiting any of the traditional stationary shops is a treat. They’re like cabinets of curiosities for innumerable tools, paper, and markers.
Favorite traditional Chinese food dish? I really like all of the simple Cantonese dishes, like tomato egg stir fry (番茄炒蛋) and Beef Chow Fun (乾炒牛河).
What's your go-to karaoke song? “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake was the last song I sang at karaoke… I think that might be my first and last performance.
What makes you feel most at home where you currently live? My friends make me feel at home. My life can get quite chaotic so I’m lucky to have friends who keep me really balanced and sane.
What do the Chinese characters in your name mean? I have two characters in my Chinese name; the characters are in reverse and literally translate as Hui Wan. Interpreted they mean to give consent, like giving someone your permission.
What Western pop culture topic was popular where you grew up? Disney was a really big part of my childhood. I also had this corny plastic postcard of Leo

What Do KAWS, Daniel Arsham, And Olympia Le-Tan Have In Common?

March 6, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Thick Girl Tips From Two Women Who DGAF What You Think

≪ Previous: Otho Creates Workwear For Women (Finally!)

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Most folks can agree that everything is made better with a few glasses of champagne. That’s why we collectively attend art openings in the first place, isn’t it? To look at art while we contemplate our next flute of bubbly is a moment of pure #bliss. Luckily, accessories designer Olympia Le-Tan caught on to this preference with her latest Fall/Winter 2016 presentation during Paris Fashion Week and turned her event into a gallery opening as opposed to a typical runway show.

Presented at Galerie Perrotin and curated by art dealer Emmanuel Perrotin, Le-Tan’s presentation featured models thoughtfully placed in front of the the work of the gallery’s resident artists such as Jens Fänge. Certain artists’ works were also incorporated into the clothing and Le-Tan’s signature quirky tongue-in-cheek handbags, including sequined reworks of Fänge pieces on the back of jackets and Pierre Le-Tan’s (Olympia’s father!) work on shirtdresses and tunics. For the handbags, newly-interpreted work from artists such as KAWS, Daniel Arsham, David Hockney, Édouard Manet, Victor Vasarely, and Sophie Calle, was displayed on each of the clutches and oversized handbags.

Call her what you want—innovative designer, art connoisseur, persuasive art dealer—one thing is for sure: Olympia Le-Tan knows what women want hanging on the walls of their home... and in the crooks of their arms.


Shop all Olympia Le-Tan herePhotos by Tim Elkain/Monsieur L'Argent and Saskia Lawaks

Thick Girl Tips From Two Women Who DGAF What You Think

March 7, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Exploring Art From Every Hemisphere At The Armory Show

≪ Previous: What Do KAWS, Daniel Arsham, And Olympia Le-Tan Have In Common?

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Amidst the hateful “fat” Instagram comments, real life shade thrown at those who aren’t rail-thin, and trigger happy photoshoppers, we promise there is hope. A movement of young female role models are shaping new views of body positivity and bringing the fat shaming conversation to the forefront. Long before internet trolls and archaic celebrities started flipping their shit over plus-size model Ashley Graham’s Sports Illustrated cover, 18-year-old Dounia Tazi and 19-year-old Minahil Mahmood were tackling body shaming one Instagram post at a time. And it hasn’t been a quiet battle.

From mirror selfies denouncing anyone who can’t accept them as they are to photos of the girls hanging with empowering friends like Amandla Stenberg, it’s obvious that Dounia and Mina are the voices of the new woke generation. Speaking out about body positivity, intersectional feminism, and racial equality, it only made sense that MadeMe designer Erin Magee welcomed the two into her inner circle of badass females. So when we all got together, we decided to not just talk about the issues, but embrace them with thick girl tips every girl or guy of any shape should read. From dealing with dudes with thick girl fetishes to addressing cellulite misconceptions and summertime chafing, Dounia and Mina tackle it all.

Read their tips below and see more pics of both of the girls in MadeMe’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection in the slideshow above.


Shop all MadeMe here

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Finding Clothes That Fit And Flatter
“Stop trying to hide your belly. I know this sounds completely insane, but embracing your tummy is the best style tip I could give you. Too many people drown themselves in clothing they wish they didn't have to wear. Your tummy isn't a secret you have to keep; it's a part of you. It's not a burden, but an addition to an outfit. That's how I like to look at it. My tummy makes my pencil skirt look cute as fuck. Go thrifting. I found a perfect pair of high-waisted gray mom jeans for $3. Is that not insane? Bring a measuring tape if your thrift store doesn't have a dressing room. You can also find cute tops to transform into crop tops. Thick girls look amazing in crop tops— it's a fact. ” —Dounia


Chafing In The Summertime
“Chafing in the summertime is something all girls with thighs dread, and I know it can ruin an amazing day. It's so painful and uncomfortable. Just a year ago, Dounia taught me a trick to make this stop and it's been a lifesaver! All you need to do is roll a little deodorant in between your thighs and you can go a whole day without that awful discomfort.” —Mina


Addressing Cellulite Misconceptions
“Everyone has cellulite. I don't know why it's such a foreign concept to the media and most cis men. Just because it

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Exploring Art From Every Hemisphere At The Armory Show

March 6, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Vivienne Westwood Finds Inner Zen

≪ Previous: Thick Girl Tips From Two Women Who DGAF What You Think

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The Armory Show, an international platform for modern and contemporary art, hosted a slew of different galleries from around the world with a focus on African artists and perspectives this past weekend. Kehinde Wiley, El Anatsui, and Mickalene Thomas were just some of the notable highlights of the The Armory’s ever expansive collection of African artists and viewpoints alongside artists from every other hemisphere. Take a look at some of our top highlights from the show.

Modern & Contemporary
Over at Piers 92 and 94, which both feature modern and contemporary art, a flurry of activity was buzzing throughout. From Janet Fish’s photo realist liquidic blue Windex bottles to Valerie Jaudon’s painterly strapwork patterns and YBA stalwart Marc Quinn’s prismatic Labrador Sound Thaw, the assortment was refreshing throwback to some gems from art history class you may have forgotten. Jesús Rafael Soto’s optically intriguing sculptural relief consisting of precariously balanced color blocked thin beams inspired a further look into the Kinetic Sculpture. Antony Gormely’s mild steel rings ornately constructed into a sinuous corpse-like forms, one suspended in the body of the other, invoked a sense of fragility and resulted in a complex kaleidoscope of shadows.


Armory Focus: African Perspectives
While walking through the convention center, spotting highlights from the In Focus theme wasn’t hard. From Kehinde Wiley’s large-scale paintings such as Equestrian Portrait of Prince Tommaso of Savoy-Carignan at the Roberts & Tilton booth to Jose Alberto de la Cruz Diaz and Luis Nunez at Galerie Daniel Templon to new pieces from Njideka Akunyili Crosby at Victoria Miro Gallery, to Mickalene Thomas’ Portrait of Din #4. The Tiwani Contemporary booth was also a highlight, with paintings on the wall from Francisco Vidal showcasing historic icons ranging from Gil Scott Heron to Angela Davis.Dan Halter, Patterns of Migration. Photos by Angie ChuangMarc Quinn, Labrador Sound ThawValerie Jaudon, FermataTom Wesselmann, Claire’s Valentine BannerJanet Fish, Windex BottlesDean Byington, Divided CityJesús Rafael Soto, Untitled

Vivienne Westwood Finds Inner Zen

March 6, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Before The L Train Stops… Take 90% Off At The Opening Ceremony Sample Sale

≪ Previous: Exploring Art From Every Hemisphere At The Armory Show

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Time and time again, outrageous fashion pioneer Vivienne Westwood proves that punk is not dead. When she isn’t combating the global climate crisis in her collections, the iconic English designer is also handing over the reigns to her husband and design partner, Andreas Kronthaler. During the Paris Fashion Week show on Saturday, the longtime collaborator took center stage as he presented his first official collection for Vivienne Westwood. Channeling more of a ethereal punk as opposed to the plaid-loving rebel synonymous with the brand, Fall/Winter 2016 proved to be more of a spiritual journey than anything. Both male and female models graced the runway. Accessories proved to be the highlight of the show, with female models accessorized in headdresses embroidered with the word “OM,” while details featuring angry unicorns, swirling prints, and the word “Zen” on a multitude of jackets and outerwear throughout the collection. Men wore thick-heeled boots while the ladies stuck to platform creepers, featured in an array of bubble gum pink and a swirling ornate print.

Under the direction of Kronthaler, it appears as though the Vivienne Westwood design house is finding its inner zen.


Shop all Vivienne Westwood Red Label herePhotos courtesy of Vivienne Westwood

Before The L Train Stops… Take 90% Off At The Opening Ceremony Sample Sale

March 1, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Chuang Qu Roughs ‘Em Up

≪ Previous: Vivienne Westwood Finds Inner Zen

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You’re already going to be in Brooklyn this weekend, so why not score big at Opening Ceremony’s bi-annual sample sale? Starting Friday, our spring sample sale is going down in true Brooklyn form over at the Villain warehouse at 50 North 3rd Street.

All weekend long, take up to 90 percent off of your favorite brands including Acne Studios, Kenzo, Raf Simons, Proenza Schouler, and more. As if the prospect of L train service being suspended in the near future wasn’t enough reason for a weekend commute, we guarantee the racks on racks of designer items at our sample sale —think Opening Ceremony footwear, Dries Van Noten gear, and Marques'Almeida frayed denim—is.


The Opening Ceremony sample sale is open all weekend (3/4-3/6) on Friday and Saturday from 11AM to 8PM and Sunday from 11AM to 6PM.The Opening Ceremony sample sale is open Friday, March 4 through Sunday, March 6 Take up to 90 percent off your favorite brands

Chuang Qu Roughs ‘Em Up

March 1, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Courrèges Proves The Future Doesn’t Lie In Technology

≪ Previous: Before The L Train Stops… Take 90% Off At The Opening Ceremony Sample Sale

$

0

0

As part of our 2016: Year of China focus, we’ll be rolling out a special edition of our New To OC series to introduce some of the emerging Chinese designers we’re proud to carry this year.

It’s refreshing to find a designer that hones in on minimal basics while playing with rough fabrications that are tailored to an undone feel. With his Spring/Summer 2016 collection, which includes soft cotton anoraks and cotton pants that fold to a crossover silhouette, designer Chuang Qu is doing just that. Below, meet the Hubei-born designer as we discuss traditional Chinese handmade fabrics, Sichuan hotpots, and Rei Kawakubo as design muse.


Shop all Chuang Qu here

---

Name: Qu Chuang（瞿创）
Hometown: Hubei, China
What is your current Spring/Summer 2016 collection inspiration? Chinese traditional rough handmade fabrics and tie-dye
Do you have a design muse? I really like Rei Kawakubo, but the Chinese traditional aesthetic has been deeply influential to me.
Coolest place to visit in China: Beijing and Tibet
Favorite traditional Chinese food dish? Sichuan hotpot
What's your go-to karaoke song? I never go to karaoke
What makes you feel most at home where you currently live? Quietness and virescence
What do the Chinese characters in your name mean? Qu (瞿) comes from an ancient Chinese family with 3000 years of history. Chuang (创) means “to create.”
What Western pop culture topic was popular where you grew up? Hollywood and pop music
Click through the slideshow to see all products from Chuang Qu  Half-Zip Anorak in grey Bomber Jacket in white Corduroy Jacket in blue Camo Jacket in camo Mandarin Collar Shirt in white Partial Zip Shirt in blue/white

Courrèges Proves The Future Doesn’t Lie In Technology

March 1, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: The Mirror Cube: Must-See Events The Week Of 3/3

≪ Previous: Chuang Qu Roughs ‘Em Up

$

0

0

Flashes of cobalt, pumpkin, and Christmas green lit up the runway while delicate grids and grommet-detailed belts provided a structure and severity to the Courrèges Fall/Winter 2016 presentation. With an over forty year legacy of cultivating futuristic fashion, Courrèges masterful tailoring and innovative styling choices profess the brand’s expertise. While other designers superficially attempt to innovate the aforementioned with overly conceptual stylistic choices or unnecessary technological embellishments, Courrèges is systemic.

Highlights like knit one-piece jumpsuits and mixed media tops with curved paneling lightened up some of the more architectural silhouettes for Fall/Winter 2016. Trousers and blazers constructed with double lapels and zip fronts explored the breadth of the brand’s technical finessing and nod to deconstruction.

Approachable yet innovative, Courrèges’s latest collection proved that future doesn’t necessarily lie in technology or meta concepts, but in the ingenuity of construction and drapery.


Shop all Courrèges Spring/Summer 2016 here Photos courtesy of Courrèges

The Mirror Cube: Must-See Events The Week Of 3/3

March 2, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Visionaire 65 Is Free Ninety-Nine

≪ Previous: Courrèges Proves The Future Doesn’t Lie In Technology

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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 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.

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NY: Force Field Turns 10 at Baby’s All Right
March 3 at 8 PM
Picked by: Lili Peper
What: Los Angeles-based boutique publicity firm Force Field celebrates their 10th anniversary with a roster of live bands and a DJ set by Neon Indian.

Why Go: The impressive lineup of Force Field artists playing the show features The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Lou Barlow, Real Estate’s Martin Courtney, The Blow, and Guerilla Toss. There will also be special surprise guests on the bill at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn.


NY: Taxi Driver at Metrograph
March 4
Picked by: Jasmine Albuquerque
What: A 40th anniversary 35mm screening of Martin Scorsese’s wickedly funny expressionist urban drama at Metrograph, the new LES cinema and restaurant.

Why Go: Critic Pauline Kael called Taxi Driver a “ferociously powerful film” and described it as a “raw, tabloid version of Notes from Underground.” It’s the perfect New York movie to help launch the full-time programming at the city’s latest shrine to celluloid. You’d be wise to make it a double bill at Metrograph by showing up early or sticking around for The Purple Rose of Cairo, which is Woody Allen’s most magical—and arguably, best—film.


NY: The Armory Show 2016 at Piers 92 & 94
March 3-6
What: The annual Armory Show leads the international fairs of Armory Arts Week 2016.

Why Go: This year, the Armory Show will have a special focus on African artists and galleries. The show will feature over 205 galleries at Piers 92 & 94 in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan. The perennial stalwart in the New York art world, the Armory Show provides an extensive look at some of the best work in Modern and contemporary art and also includes in-depth conversations and panel discussions with leading artists and curators.


LA: Lower Dens, Gardens & Villa at Natural History Museum
March 4 at 8 PM
Picked by: Tasya van Ree
What: Indie pop group Lower Dens headline the live music performances at First Fridays at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles

Why Go: Lower Dens are currently on tour in support of their third album, Escape from Evil, which Pitchfork called “Best New Music.” First Fridays is an opportunity for Angelenos to see some of their favorite b

Visionaire 65 Is Free Ninety-Nine

February 22, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: It’s Issey Miyake’s Technological World

≪ Previous: The Mirror Cube: Must-See Events The Week Of 3/3

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​​How does a collective of creatives celebrate the 25th anniversary of their publication that sits somewhere in the intersection of art, film, fashion, and contemporary culture? By creating an issue that is totally free, of course!

This past Sunday, we attended the outer space-themed launch of Visionaire 65 FREE, a multimedia event consisting of free art, free Stella Artois, and a seven-piece orchestra that played hits from the late David Bowie as well as today's top 40 (including “BBHMM”). The event, held in the lobby of the sprawling Creative Artists Agency headquarters and produced by Bureau Betak, was only the second installment of the three-part release.

Beginning last December in Miami, Visionaire released 12 of the 36 exclusive art prints that, when assembled all together, complete issue 65. Each of the 36 different artists—including Spike Jonze, Kahlil Joseph, and Gus Van Sant—created their own prints with the same questions in mind: “What do I want to say to the public?” “How do I want to open minds through visual engagement?” “What would I want to see hanging in someone's home?” The result is 36 beautiful, exclusive posters all available for the taking.

Some of the most popular prints of the night were Sterling Ruby’s bleached canvas for Raf Simons, Marina Abramović’s digitally drawn-on video still, and Ariana Grande’s groundbreaking kisses in different colors.

To get your hands on some of these free, limited-edition art prints, you can visit the installation. Visionaire 65 FREE runs through Saturday, February 27.


Creative Artists Agency
2000 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
MAP

Photos courtesy of Nathaniel Santos and Stefanie Keegan of Getty Images 

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It’s Issey Miyake’s Technological World

March 3, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Otho Creates Workwear For Women (Finally!)

≪ Previous: Visionaire 65 Is Free Ninety-Nine

$

0

0

For the Issey Miyake Fall/Winter 2016 Paris Fashion Week show, Issey Miyake’s Yoshiyuki Miyamae stated that his goal was to “pursue as yet unseen and unknown beauty created from A Piece of Cloth.” We’d say he accomplished his goal and then some with the technologically spectacular feat that was today’s runway show.

With a focus on the Issey Miyake brand’s technique of creating entire garments out of just one piece of material using advanced technology, the current creative designer helped usher in the brand into a new era.. .by helping it look back at the era that made its name.
Models stormed the runway in complex pieces that kicked off the kaleidoscopic effect while optical illusions were formed with colliding stripes and circles and pleated outfits formed complex 3D forms. The light-up runway glowed as models pranced across and helped reinstate the fact that wearable technology has been here.

It’s Issey Miyake’s technological world, we’re just catching up to it.


Shop all Homme Plissé Issey Miyake Spring/Summer 2016 herePhotos courtesy of Frederique Dumoulin for Issey Miyake 

Otho Creates Workwear For Women (Finally!)

March 3, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: What Do KAWS, Daniel Arsham, And Olympia Le-Tan Have In Common?

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When it comes to finding legit workwear, most women can identify with the fact that it’s nearly impossible to find the right fit while also looking authentic. And frankly, we’re sick of cinching the waists of our Dickies trousers. It’s safe to say there is finally a saving grace in the form of New To OC brand Otho. Founded in 2014 by designer Valerie Hui, Otho is a London-based brand that focuses on workwear-inspired androgynous clothing with a pared-down aesthetic. Boxy cuts in the vein of denim jackets and two-tone shirtdresses reign supreme while female jumpsuits get a rough touch with exposed contrast seaming and structured denim fabrication.


Shop all Otho here

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Name: Valerie Hui
Hometown: London, Hackney
Zodiac Sign: Horse
What is one Chinese superstition no one knows about? I’m not entirely certain if no one knows about this particular superstition, but one of the ones that I find interesting is that you’re not allowed to sweep the floor on the first day of Chinese New Year. Whilst sweeping, you have to make sure to brush towards the center of the house and not towards the door. It’s meant to protect you from clearing away all the good fortune from your house.
What is your current Spring/Summer 2016 collection inspiration? My inspiration for the Spring/Summer collection is definitely rooted in menswear. I worked on workwear and modernizing classic uniform silhouettes. Otho takes cues from menswear tailoring, but with a specific concentration on the female form. It has all the languid aesthetics that I love about skaters, but with a more mature, clean finish.
Do you have a design muse? I don’t really have a specific muse per se. I love looking at what people put together, so it can be anything from workmen to people on their way about life that have unconsciously put together striking looks.
Coolest place to visit in China or London: I love cycling around Hackney Marshes, especially in the summer. The marshes always have incredible spots to explore, like obstacle courses and all the wildlife around the River Lea that runs through it. My favorite place in Hong Kong is the old-school ferry that crosses the harbor. It’s something I try to do every time I go back, as it allows you to see Hong Kong at her best. Also, visiting any of the traditional stationary shops is a treat. They’re like cabinets of curiosities for innumerable tools, paper, and markers.
Favorite traditional Chinese food dish? I really like all of the simple Cantonese dishes, like tomato egg stir fry (番茄炒蛋) and Beef Chow Fun (乾炒牛河).
What's your go-to karaoke song? “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake was the last song I sang at karaoke… I think that might be my first and last performance.
What makes you feel most at home where you currently live? My friends make me feel at home. My life can get quite chaotic so I’m lucky to have friends who keep me really balanced and sane.
What do the Chinese characters in your name mean? I have two characters in my Chinese name; the characters are in reverse and literally translate as Hui Wan. Interpreted they mean to give consent, like giving someone your permission.
What Western pop culture topic was popular where you grew up? Disney was a really big part of my childhood. I also had this corny plastic postcard of Leo

What Do KAWS, Daniel Arsham, And Olympia Le-Tan Have In Common?

March 6, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Thick Girl Tips From Two Women Who DGAF What You Think

≪ Previous: Otho Creates Workwear For Women (Finally!)

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Most folks can agree that everything is made better with a few glasses of champagne. That’s why we collectively attend art openings in the first place, isn’t it? To look at art while we contemplate our next flute of bubbly is a moment of pure #bliss. Luckily, accessories designer Olympia Le-Tan caught on to this preference with her latest Fall/Winter 2016 presentation during Paris Fashion Week and turned her event into a gallery opening as opposed to a typical runway show.

Presented at Galerie Perrotin and curated by art dealer Emmanuel Perrotin, Le-Tan’s presentation featured models thoughtfully placed in front of the the work of the gallery’s resident artists such as Jens Fänge. Certain artists’ works were also incorporated into the clothing and Le-Tan’s signature quirky tongue-in-cheek handbags, including sequined reworks of Fänge pieces on the back of jackets and Pierre Le-Tan’s (Olympia’s father!) work on shirtdresses and tunics. For the handbags, newly-interpreted work from artists such as KAWS, Daniel Arsham, David Hockney, Édouard Manet, Victor Vasarely, and Sophie Calle, was displayed on each of the clutches and oversized handbags.

Call her what you want—innovative designer, art connoisseur, persuasive art dealer—one thing is for sure: Olympia Le-Tan knows what women want hanging on the walls of their home... and in the crooks of their arms.


Shop all Olympia Le-Tan herePhotos by Tim Elkain/Monsieur L'Argent and Saskia Lawaks

Thick Girl Tips From Two Women Who DGAF What You Think

March 7, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Take A Step Into Mansur Gavriel’s World

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Amidst the hateful “fat” Instagram comments, real life shade thrown at those who aren’t rail-thin, and trigger happy photoshoppers, we promise there is hope. A movement of young female role models are shaping new views of body positivity and bringing the fat shaming conversation to the forefront. Long before internet trolls and archaic celebrities started flipping their shit over plus-size model Ashley Graham’s Sports Illustrated cover, 18-year-old Dounia Tazi and 19-year-old Minahil Mahmood were tackling body shaming one Instagram post at a time. And it hasn’t been a quiet battle.

From mirror selfies denouncing anyone who can’t accept them as they are to photos of the girls hanging with empowering friends like Amandla Stenberg, it’s obvious that Dounia and Mina are the voices of the new woke generation. Speaking out about body positivity, intersectional feminism, and racial equality, it only made sense that MadeMe designer Erin Magee welcomed the two into her inner circle of badass females. So when we all got together, we decided to not just talk about the issues, but embrace them with thick girl tips every girl or guy of any shape should read. From dealing with dudes with thick girl fetishes to addressing cellulite misconceptions and summertime chafing, Dounia and Mina tackle it all.

Read their tips below and see more pics of both of the girls in MadeMe’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection in the slideshow above.


Shop all MadeMe here

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Finding Clothes That Fit And Flatter
“Stop trying to hide your belly. I know this sounds completely insane, but embracing your tummy is the best style tip I could give you. Too many people drown themselves in clothing they wish they didn't have to wear. Your tummy isn't a secret you have to keep; it's a part of you. It's not a burden, but an addition to an outfit. That's how I like to look at it. My tummy makes my pencil skirt look cute as fuck. Go thrifting. I found a perfect pair of high-waisted gray mom jeans for $3. Is that not insane? Bring a measuring tape if your thrift store doesn't have a dressing room. You can also find cute tops to transform into crop tops. Thick girls look amazing in crop tops— it's a fact. ” —Dounia


Chafing In The Summertime
“Chafing in the summertime is something all girls with thighs dread, and I know it can ruin an amazing day. It's so painful and uncomfortable. Just a year ago, Dounia taught me a trick to make this stop and it's been a lifesaver! All you need to do is roll a little deodorant in between your thighs and you can go a whole day without that awful discomfort.” —Mina


Addressing Cellulite Misconceptions
“Everyone has cellulite. I don't know why it's such a foreign concept to the media and most cis men. Just because it

Take A Step Into Mansur Gavriel’s World

March 3, 2016, 9:00 pm

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It’s no secret our friendship with Mansur Gavriel runs deep, especially considering we’ve carried the brand’s coveted handbag styles since the early days. Coincidentally, we even share the same office building, and no, that wasn’t planned. So like neighbors normally do, we chatted and decided what better way to show our early-on friendship than with an Instagram takeover (since clearly we’re both obsessed with the visual social media platform).

Keeping one another’s aesthetics in mind, we went off and did what we do best: play with clothes and take pretty pictures. Mansur’s creative team—consisting of designers Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel as well as two Ukrainian twin sisters— headed to sunny Los Angeles to shoot their latest line of handbags and footwear, but this time with Opening Ceremony Spring/Summer 2016 collection.

The Mansur Gavriel team is always on the hunt for fresh faces, and for this shoot they found two amazing Midwestern girls and flew them to Los Angeles, which if you’ve ever checked out the brand's Instagram, is a natural playground for the girls to do their thing.

All this for Instagram, why? Mansur Gavriel feels that the platform is not only a natural canvas for creative expression, but a community where you can discover what people like, who they follow, and how they react to the stories we tell to one another. We couldn’t agree more. And while we can’t blame them for not sharing their secret sauce, they did tell us that their goal is to keep things fresh and inspire, while in turn being inspired by the people they follow. So if you haven’t already, escape into Mansur Gavriel and Opening Ceremony’s Instagram accounts today, where we’ll show our communities one another’s vision.


Shop all Mansur Gavriel here

Shop all Opening Ceremony women’s and men’s

Head over to the Opening Ceremony Instagram to see more images from Mansur Gavriel.

Opening Ceremony Talene U-Neck Jumpsuit in sycamore, Mansur Gavriel Suede Platform Mules in color, Opening Ceremony Juniper Twill Big Button Anorak in sycamore, Opening Ceremony Denim Big Button Mini-Skirt in indigo, and Mansur Gavriel