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How To Take Better Instagram Photos With Selfie On A Stick

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Just like a captivating story, the secret to a perfect selfie is getting the right angle. This can, at times, prove impossible due to pesky human limitations. Arm lengths are pretty much a fixed type deal, after all. Since the future is amazing, however, your photos will now know no bounds. Enter: Selfie On A Stick, which is exactly what it sounds like: a stick... for selfies.

Using it is super easy, all you have to do is: 1) Connect your iPhone/Android/camera to the stick's corresponding Bluetooth remote. 2) Strap your device into place. 3) Adjust the stick’s length to your sweet spot somewhere in its 9-42-inch range. 4) Set your desired timer length. 5) Make sure your hair looks cute. 6) Press the button on your remote. The result: self-documented perfection.

With seemingly every tourist in NYC toting these guys around, we set out to find more, um, calculated ways to use the Selfie on a Stick than just to capture popular landmarks. Check out the slideshow above for pure, unadulterated fun.  “OMG. The paparazzi followed me all the way out to my car! :( #leavemealone #imjustlikeeveryoneelse” You’re a big deal. How else would someone get this picture of you out of the back of an Uber? (WARNING: Opening Ceremony LLC is not responsible for any iPhones dropped out of a moving car.) “Mirror selfie with my new bionic arm! So glad the procedure worked #newbeginnings #newme” Instagram performance art is so in right now. Take a page out of Amalia Ulman’s book and pull a fast one on your followers. Your explanation as to why you have a normal arm the next time you see one of your followers out and about is up to you. “LOL #bae took a pic of me while I was napping. He's so silly ;* #love #cute” Is your crush not giving you the time of day? Make it look like you found someone else. It’s scientifically proven that inciting jealousy is the quickest way to someone’s heart.

The Pepper Jack At Bar Hugo

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This summer, OC got you Tipsy and Tan. Now, we're just getting you tipsy. Meet Fridays at Five, our cocktail series where mixologists at New York City’s white-hot new restaurants create OC-exclusive drinks for our readers. Drinking on the job? Don't mind if we do...

Sometimes the view is as important as the drink—which is how we ended up at Bar Hugo, the latest rooftop bar in Hudson Square’s Hotel Hugo. With floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the beautiful Hudson River as well as the New York City skyline, the bar has quickly become a hot spot, meaning reservations are required on busy nights.

Luckily, the drinks are worth the trek. Just ask David Roth, who created a sweet, cherry cocktail with a kick for Opening Ceremony. Now if only you could transport the view (and the Courtney Love artwork on loan from Fred Torres gallery) into your living room.



Name: David Roth

If this drink had a soundtrack, what would it be? “Mack the Knife" by Bobby Darin

Drink of choice: A Manhattan

Hangover cure: More alcohol. Lillet on the rocks

Best date advice: Always open the door, and always pay the check.

Worst pick-up line: “Are you wearing space pants? ‘Cause your ass is out of this world.”

What not to do to your bartender: Don’t forget to say please and thank you.



Exclusive Recipe: Pepper Jack
OC Alcohol Scale*: 8.5
“I mean, it’s 100 proof applejack.”

2 oz. Black Dirt Applejack
.75 oz fresh lime juice
.75 oz Amarena cherry syrup
1 dash pink peppercorn tincture

Shake ingredients together, and double strain it into a cocktail glass or coupe.
Garnish with three Amarena cherries on a skewer and a good dose of fresh-cracked pink peppercorns.


*OC's Alcohol Scale ranges from 1 ("like sippin' from a juice box") to 10 ("take me home—right now").
All photos courtesy of Jessica Chou
 

Band Of Outsiders' 10 Favorite Polaroid Outtakes Of All Time

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In 2005, about two years after "Hey Ya!" hit airwaves and Polaroid Corporation rode André 3000's coattails with the popularity of his lyric, "shake it like a Polaroid picture," Band of Outsiders released its very first Polaroid campaign.

The focus was holiday, with a few merry shots of model Mike Donahue wearing a sweater vest or a houndstooth tie and Santa hat, and, on occasion, clutching a bottle of whiskey and a candy cane. It felt familial, and the nostalgia-tinged, candid aesthetic worked. Ten years later, the Los Angeles-based has 20 more Polaroid campaigns and 900 pieces of instant film under its belt. As for the lightbulb moment that this would become A Thing, well, that came in 2009 when Jason Schwartzman ushered in a whole new era, says Scott Sternberg, the brand's founder and designer. Which is to say, lookbooks actually became fun. 

Here, Scott shares his 10 all-time favorite Polaroid outtakes from the past 10 years. Take a peek and view his comments in the captions below each frame.

Shop all Band of Outsiders men's and women's. Plus, get your fill of special BoO anniversary goodies before it's too late—the Opening Ceremony New YorkBoO shop-in-shop closes Monday, November 24! 


"I've known Rashida and Kidada since before I started Band. We always talked about doing a campaign and this particular season couldn't have been more perfect for them. Kidada is the definition of cool, Rashida is hilarious and so smart, and they're both so beautiful. Directing them and watching them interact on camera was really fun." Rashida and Kidada Jones, Fall/Winter 2013. All photos courtesy of Band of Outsiders "The collection we were shooting took some inspiration from the Japanese film Battle Royale, so naturally we ended up at a Paintball arena. This place was slightly disturbing, but somehow made for a particularly beautiful backdrop. Greta was game for anything. She's rad." Greta Gerwig, Spring/Summer 2013"I still can't believe we actually shot Ed Ruscha. We stalked him for over a year to do it—politely, methodically—but I never actually thought he'd do it. He was so great in front of the camera and looked awesome in the clothes. Insanely cool day." Ed Ruscha, Spring/Summer 2012"This was the second campaign we shot with Michelle, who is a true Band fan and a great friend of the company. By this point she was a huge movie star, but still so down-to-earth and hadn't changed a bit, other than being much more comfortable in front of the camera. And that pixie cut—too good." Miche

Power Piece: mophie For Opening Ceremony

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What if we told you that you’d never have to send anyone the dreaded, “Hey, sorry my phone died,” iMessage again? Or that you’d never have to frantically search for an outlet in a Starbucks, or request to be seated near an outlet near a restaurant bathroom just to get your phone back to at least 1% of its battery life? Would you mistake us for a heaven-sent message? (Insert the “praise hands” emoji.)    

As smartphones have become increasingly more functional (iPay, for example), their batteries are drained faster than ever. Well, our innovative friends over at mophie, the California-based creators of the original juice pack, have brought their sleek powerstation battery to an Opening Ceremony wardrobe staple. One-upping the term "wearable tech," the limited-edition varsity jacket boasts a secret powerstation concealed in an inner pocket, so you'll stay connected to the world while eliminating the unnecessary bulk of carrying a hand-held mobile charger or a wall adapter. What’s more, it's compatible with any iPhone (yes, even the 6) or Android. So while you’re on the go, you can worry less about leaving the party early because of a bum phone, or a cold shoulder.

Shop the mophie for Opening Ceremony Varsity Jacket here

Watch the clip above for the full how-to! 

  
OC Exclusive Gold Varsity Jacket in black multi OC Exclusive Gold Varsity Jacket in black multi

What Is The Modern-Day Definition Of 'Family'?

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Here at OC, we are struck by how often we end up in everyday conundrums. The ones that land you in the thick of semi (or full-blown) awkwardness, or maybe, the doghouse. 

So, we turned to Simon Collins, the
 dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons, who after six years in his plum perch, just announced plans to step down at the end of this year. Translation: More time to divulge lessons on how to play nice this Turkey Day...


Q: Holiday shopping season is here. Is taking the actual day of Thanksgiving, a time-honored family holiday, as the time to jostle crowds for your discounted flat-screen TV kind of gauche? 

It depends on your family, doesn’t it? For so many of us, Thanksgiving involves hours of delay (approx. 24) in a poorly catered airport followed by hours crammed into a seat fit for a five year old (approx. 2-3), ignored or insulted by the in-flight crew. They really would prefer that you didn't fly with them. Once at your destination, you’re forced to consume a meal made from agro-corp-crap from the local mega-mall-market.

And once you’ve had your stomach pumped, it’s time for the inevitable argument with the parents. Why didn’t you study more? Why did you marry that asshole/tramp? Why don’t you call more often? When are you going to sort out your life? and so on. And, if that doesn’t put you over the edge, then try turning on the television. 

Two days of that and the only thing you’re thankful for is the exit strategy. For the unfortunate, yes, I do recommend the flat-screen TV quest—it’s healthier for your mind and body.

Of course that’s not how you and I feel though, is it? We’re lucky enough—and educated enough—to know that a public holiday that encourages you to spend time with the people you love, and who won’t be there forever, is to be embraced and enjoyed. Drink a little too much, eat a little too much, and if you need a rest, take some James Bond DVDs (Connery or Craig), or, wait for it... have a conversation with your parents. You might find that they’re as smart as you think you are.

One thing though: please don’t ask me when the English celebrate Thanksgiving. 

Q: Speaking of people you love, what is the modern-day definition of "family"?

It’s true you can’t always choose your family, and some of them are proper horror show. But, there are 1.) the partners and lovers that you choose 2.) the parents who did their best for you even if you don't realise it, and 3.) those people who you’ve picked up along the way that don’t appear on your family tree, but cross the world for you. The fact is, family is whoever you love, and not those you don’t. It turns out that in spite of opinions to the contrary, you can choose your family. And they don’t fuck you up. (If you want to know what a wholesome family looks like, click here.) 
Simon Collins

Designer Kim Haller Shares The Knitty-Gritty Of Her Craft

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Walk into Kim Haller’s four-story townhouse in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, and you’re greeted immediately by her sweet Rhodesian Ridgeback, Lila. She is followed by a studio: a space home to two large mood boards, a giant crocheted art piece, and an office crammed full of books on fashion, Japanese knitting, and, well, everything Kim Haller needs to be Kim Haller. 

Much of the home's original décor remains from the previous owner. Wooden staircases balance out cameo patterns along one wall, while bright-pink Plexiglas decorates the kitchen counter. So despite the designer's previously modernistic studio (perhaps informed by her 20-year tenure at New York establishments like Calvin Klein and DKNY?), her current aesthetic and vibe feels just right against dark wood and rustic fireplaces. This balance speaks to the Haller aesthetic itself. Both cozy and sexy, the designer's knitwear has become every girl's dream: think chunky knits paired with curve-hugging bodysuits, or a velvety bra top in a snakeskin pattern.

We stopped by to chat with the designer. 

Shop all Kim Haller here


JESSICA CHOU: You’ve specialized in knitwear for more than 20 years. What got you into it initially?
KIM HALLER: My grandma first taught me how to knit on a car trip down to Florida. My first piece ever was a scarf for my dad; we lived in Australia and there was a football team called the Cats. Their colors were navy and blue, so I knitted a striped scarf for him. But the funny thing was I was so impatient that for every stripe, I kept thinking, "Oh that’s close enough," and when you spread it all out, the stripes got shorter and shorter until the very end.

Obviously since then, you’ve become more meticulous.
I was really lucky because my boss at Calvin Klein was this amazing Icelandic woman who knew knitwear very well, and she taught me from the ground up. Knitwear is so different from wovens because you have to give numbers for every single part of the sweater: how big the neck opening is, the cross chest, the waist, the hip, everything. In woven design you do sketches and you give basic measurements, and it’s usually up to the pattern maker to come up with the patterns.

It sounds like a lot of math.
You have to be a really technical person to do it because you just start with yarn, just a string, and you have to figure out how many ends of yarn, what yarns to mix it with, and all that. So I feel like a pattern maker, weaver, and designer all wrapped up in one. I think that’s why I like it; my dad’s an engineer and I like to solve problems like that. If I find a stitch I’ve never seen before, I try to analyze it and try to figure it out.

What have been some of the more interesting stitches you’ve worked with?
So I like mixing different yarns, like a sheer yarn with something shiny or something matte. Some of the stitches, especially for resort, they’re very unusual. The closer you get, the more you see is going on.

Well you also do some unusual knit pieces, like a bra and panty set, and a lot of bodysuits.
I didn’t want to just throw my sweaters over a T-shirt, so I had this idea of lingerie-like knitwear, so you could mix chunky with finer woven pieces. I like the idea of women being comfortable in their bodies, and being provocative but still sophisticated at the same time.

Have you found any other interesting ways to present knits?

'I'm the Warped Tour Girl Of New York Underground'

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In case you've been living under a rock, it's crystal clear that Beyoncé identifies as a feminist and has inspired women everywhere to follow suit. While she is a symbol of a new breed of feminism on a broader market, a noticeable void has been left from forward-thinking women in the alternative, less-publicized music scene. Luckily, a new feminist has arrived to liberate and educate the underground music world: Princess Nokia.

At the tender age of 22, Princess Nokia has carved out a niche following with her eclectic sound, which blends trip-hop sounds with jungle beats and references everything from video games to bae problems. In addition to infiltrating the Interweb with catchy tracks such as "Dragons" and "Nokia" from her debut mixtape Metallic Butterfly, the Harlem native has also taken over the Know Wave radio waves to preach the good gospel of modern-day feminism. With her female art collective that doubles as an engaging radio show, aptly titled Smart Girl Club, Princess Nokia is setting herself apart from her Tumblr-generation peers with her own distinctive tool: a message of social change.  

Opening Ceremony caught up with the singer to talk Smart Girl Club politics, new music, and her fave Nickelodeon television series.



CHLOE DEWBERRY: Can you tell us a little bit about your radio show and collective Smart Girl Club and how it came to be?

PRINCESS NOKIA: I’m very envious of boys and their solidarity with themselves because it’s so natural in any facet of art. I woke up one day, and my boyfriend was leaving to do his radio show and I was like, I’m going to start an ill feminist collective and call it Smart Girl Club. At first it was just an idea that I put out into the universe on Instagram and Twitter to inspire and encourage women to exchange art and express themselves. I wanted to bring things to another level and make an ill digital art collective for girls that’s on some new-age riot grrrl shit—but even bigger, because it’s for everyone.

What is it about your specific sect of feminism that differentiates it from the rest? Is there a difference?

Smart Girl Club is a really big supporter of the whole Beyoncé feminist movement. I’ve been asked questions like, “What do you think of her stance on feminism?” and I just feel that feminism is feminism, however you put it out there. I support all women who think that whatever they do is some sort of feminist movement because in their own way, it is. What I do with Smart Girl Club is make sure everyone who is interested is included—I even extend it to men and tell them that this is a safe space for all people who have the idea and honor in their hearts. With Smart Girl Club, I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of different women and work with them in a professional setting and that’s important. All these guys work together in the music industry and it’s so effortless, and I think that’s what I did with Smart Girl Club. I wanted to make more female-minded connections with music and art.

How does Smart Girl Club correlate with your own personal music?
I’m just a girl from Harlem making music. I'm sharing it, getting paid, and getting booked out of my bedroom—that’s some real feminist, powerful shit. I created this whole career and world of my own and it&rsq

Friday Tip-Off: Adam Selman Has What A Girl Wants

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If Christina Aguilera's classic "What A Girl Wants" were on the soundtrack to anyone's life, it would most definitely be Adam Selman's. Luckily for all gals with an eye for casual glamour and sporty sex appeal, after getting his start designing statement-making costumes for #1 bad gal Rihanna, Adam branched out to start his own eponymous line. For the past two seasons, the New York-based designer has continued to prove why he is an up-and-coming womenswear force, creating innovative looks that no girl, from Rita Ora to the everyday chick, can resist.

For Fall/Winter 2014, Adam looked to the textiles and culture of India for inspiration. While there aren't any Swarovski crystal CFDA gowns present in this collection, the prints and shapes more than make up for it. The blue-and-black splatter print, initially recalling a very colorful cow, was inspired by the Hindi Holi dye festival. (There is, however, a very sharp pair of paint-splattered overalls that is, um, spot on.) The seed print, meanwhile, is a traditional block print from saris. Meanwhile, a quilted miniskirt and coat add just the right amount of West Coast glam (we hear Adam's a fan of Beverly Hills Madam). And if this plethora of options isn't enough, you can top it all off with Riri's new favorite 3-Way Stocking Cap. Mission to look like your favorite bad-ass popstar: complete. 

Ladies, take note: Adam Selman is the only man you need in your life.

Shop all Adam Selman here

A version of this article originally ran September 18, 2014 


Printed Wide Leg Work Overalls in white/black Seed Print XLT Minidress in red/black Seed Print Hooded Robe in black/white Printed Big Coat in blue/black  Ribbed Pencil Skirt in black/redQuilted Coat in black Quilted Miniskirt in black Twill Track Jacket in black/red

A Smart Bracelet Beautiful Enough To Show Off

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On December 8, Opening Ceremony's first-ever wearable project with Intel will hit stores and online. You may already know it by name—MICA—which is an acronym for My Intelligent Communication Accessory: a beautiful bracelet first, a sleek gizmo second. Facing the world, like a watch: semiprecious stones, showcased on 18k gold and snakeskin; secret to you, close to your pulse: a discreet 1.5-inch glass touchscreen which delivers text messages, emails, calendar alerts, and even Yelp recommendations.  "If function can be answered, but style considered," said OC's co-founder Humberto Leon, "It’s the perfect marriage." 

Could it be a happily ever after of beauty beats brains? Decide for yourself in our latest editorial, "Hello, MICA!" shot by the inimitable Collier Schorr.

View the editorial here

For more details on functionality, click here; for "The Value of Time" video with the lovely Rashida Jones, click here 

Models Kirsten Owen and Ajak Deng with the MICA bracelet in lapis/black snakeskin (L) and tiger's eye/white snakeskin (R). Photo by Collier Schorr 

Steve J & Yoni P Fight The Good Fight

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The many facets, complications, and exceptions to what does and doesn’t deserve to be labelled as a member of youth culture is dizzyingly complex and impossible to keep up with. Perhaps the point of youth culture is that the consumer always feels a step behind in its evolution. It’s a land full of aspirational imagery and social innovation, but the bombardment of these things is often so intense you feel as if you physically fight it all off yourself. It is in the exploration of these feelings that Steve J & Yoni P’s latest collection dwells.

The Seoul-based design duo’s activist-inspired prints and silhouettes tell a story of fighting the confines and limitation of culture in search of true self-expression. Chain prints, tattered hems, and bandana-inspired motifs paint the picture of a dystopian cultural landscape, where the wearer navigates the land with something to prove and the power to prove it. A collection touting feminine silhouettesluxe beaded mesh, and plush velvet, epitomizing the concept of punk? Why not?

Shop all Steve J & Yoni P here Denim Flare Dress in blue Ornament Hologram Mesh Long Skirt in black Eternal Chain Velvet Sweatshirts in black Denim Belted Long Skirt in blue Eternal Chain Striped Overall Dress in navy Striped Ruffle Long Blouse in blue Velvet Belted Long Skirt in black in black Lace Velvet Bustier Top & Shorts in black

This Is NYC Like You've Never Seen Before

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Out of the inky shadows lurks a city that looks vaguely familiar, but it doesn’t look quite like you remembered it—and it came from a cardboard box. For the past 25 years, Stefan Killen has been photographing New York with nothing but a pinhole camera. “It’s literally a cardboard box wrapped in black plastic and electrical tape,” he says about the design. “I like this rinky-dink cardboard box up against New York City. It’s about as extreme a contrast as you can get." Out of that box comes a dark, dreamy New York that’s miles away from the city we all know. 

After studying drawing and painting in college, a friend gave him a pinhole camera, a lens-less box that directly exposes an image onto medium-format film and creates rich, shadowy images. “It’s like you press this magic button, and this character appears—whether it’s a person or a bridge, that’s mythological," Killen explains. "It has that primitive quality to it, and I like that there’s a real element of chance.” He began by shooting New York bridges and streetscapes, drawn to the tourist-friendly corners of the city like Times Square and Coney Island. “I’m interested in that Disney-like part of the city but pulling out the weirdness in it,” he says. About a year ago, after years of exploring the streets, his focus began to shift from New York’s landscape to its people.

This shift from atmospheric to personal has been a gradual one for Killen. “Years ago I was focusing on bridges because I didn’t want to deal with people. Now I find the element of a person much more interesting than something like a bridge.” He immersed himself in portraiture, and this year photographed over 60 of his friends and family in a marathon session on his birthday. These soft, eerie portraits blur the line between portraiture and abstraction, creating something entirely different. “I like the psychological aspect of portrait. There’s something about it where you get all this demented, dark, moody quality that I really enjoy.”

With over two decades of work under his belt, Killen has become an authority on pinhole photography. He has helped develop and run a workshop teaching city kids pinhole photography at Photoville, a major photography festival held every September at Brooklyn Bridge Park. On top of running his graphic design firm, he is working on two books of his New York work, and is gearing up for another marathon portrait session early next year.

"At this point," he says, "I’m really attached to New York City as my subject.”
All photos courtesy of Stefan Killen
 

Back In Stock: Vans Vault Sk8 Hi LX VLT

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You were sad to miss out on an item the first time around, so we created the series, "Come Again" for important restocks. It's like the proverbial "Soup's On" light, flashing just for you. 

Go outside without a coat for a minute and it will be facepalmingly clear that we are living in a post-Labor Day world. That means, apparently, no one is allowed to wear white. Oh wait, silly us, it’s not 1954 anymore and fashion rules exist only for you to break. So instead of letting these badass Vans Vault Sk8 Hi LX VLTs die with the swimwear and golden tans of seasons past, we’re letting them take another lap around the track. Will Aunt Suzy, decked in a garish holiday sweater and drinking from a koozie, wrinkle her nose when she catches sight of these at Thanksgiving? Maybe. But who cares. 

Just don't step in sludge. 

Shop all Vans Vault hereVans Vault Sk8 Hi LX VLT in white with Opening Ceremony Finger Print Pants in light grey multi

On Latex: 'I Always Saw Potential For It To Go Out Of The Dungeon'

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While other fashion students lusted over Chanel tulle and Dior silk, Atsuko Kudo wandered into a Tokyo fetish shop and fell in love with latex.

“The first piece I tried on was a latex leotard,” Atsuko tells Opening Ceremony on our recent visit to her Holloway Road, North London boutique. “When I put it on, I felt like Superwoman.” Following that discovery, the Japanese designer moved to London to study European costuming, simultaneously getting a job at a fetish shop next door to her current boutique. 

“I couldn’t really learn about latex in school,” she says. “It was kind of underground, so at this shop they were making traditional gimp suits and other fetish icons, and I learned how to use glue, developing techniques from there.”

The result: sleek, skin-thin, sexpot pieces that give latex both shape and structure. Store racks are filled with demi-couture-like black dresses, laser-cut body suits, and hand-punched latex petticoats, bringing the once fetish fabric into the world of high-fashion. It looks fantastic on a lithe frame like that of supermodel Kate Moss (who recently wore the designer's Cheongsam dress) or a more curvaceous bod like Kim K's (here in a custom, blush-pink bustier top and pencil skirt.) “I don’t think latex will replace any fabric,” Atsuko of the glove-fitting fabric. “But I always saw potential for it to go out of the dungeon.”

More with the designer below. 

Shop all Atsuko Kudo, including 11 OC-Exclusive pieces, here 



JESSICA CHOU: What’s the best way to wear latex, casually?
ATSUKO KUDO: You don’t have to wear a full dress or suit all the time. You can just wear a glove, or a collar, or something like that. It’s just a little bit to feel powerful. Latex brings the unordinary to life, and it doesn’t have to be big things.

Is there a way to make it any more comfortable?

Well, latex isn’t really comfortable; it is a fetish fabric, after all. It will make you look great and feel special, but it’s not for every day. When you wear latex garments, you put talcum powder inside or lubricant, so it’s like a ritual. It’s like beautiful high heels or a corset; you have to go through it to get the pleasure.

Have you found any new ways to treat the fabric to make it more wearable?
Latex has been around for many, many years, but not many people have used it in fashion. It’s only been used since maybe the '50s or '60s, so there is still so much to do, and I’m still learning new things about the fabric. But latex traditionally can’t go under UV rays, so we’re finding ways to protect it. It used to be that if you went under the sun, the latex would turn white, like Dracula. That isn't the case today. 

That explains why most people wear it at night or in dungeons.
It’s still better to wear it for an evening party or something for sure, but now we have this spray that protects the latex. But oftentimes, people think latex is only for thin people or fashion models or fetish, but it’s not. We have so many different people come in here. When latex is cut properly it works like

Blinded By Science: MPMP Fall/Winter 2014

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After you've learned from the best, the only next step is success.

After studying under legendary teacher and designer Raf Simons in his master class at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, designer Katrin Reinfurt was equipped with various skills to start MPMP, or Magnetosphere Prospecting and Monitoring Program, a brand that blends technology with modernity. 

With a focus on conceptual products and innovative fabrics, Reinfurt also understood that she needed to take her brand into unchartered territory—Beijing, China. 

"For me, as a fashion designer, the point of exile in the art world was the only way to develop MPMP as a independent, conceptual brand," says Reinfurt. "Not being connected to any kind of Western trends-dominated fashion scene was the only way to make something really new and progressive."

And progressive MPMP is. Inspired by Reinfurt's PhD research on utopian theory, the designer's Fall/Winter 2014 collection envisions a world where science and fashion unite. Glow-in-the-dark coats become rain-proof outerwear, while reflective nylon gets a convenient twist with a raincoat that protects and reflects. Bill Nye would approve. 

Shop all MPMP here   Moonlight Shadow Glow In The Dark Coat in moon   Magnetic Landscape Reflective Raincoat in sky Moonlight Shadow Glow In The Dark Coat in moonlight Magnetic Reflective Raincoat in black

Mini Martha: Crab Apple Dumplings With Gingersnap Ice Cream

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Our resident baking babe, MINI MARTHA, gets snappy with crab apple dumplings and gingersnap ice cream, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin pie is nice, but if you want to really impress your guests (or your stomach) with the perfect seasonal confection, research no further than this apple-dumpling recipe. These api etoiles (French for small star apple) are the perfect serving size; though, any crab apple can be used. Paired with this gingersnap ice cream (which is the best winter-themed ice cream I’ve ever tried), you’ve got an out-of-this-world Thanksgiving dessert. Sweet, soft, crunchy, apple-y, spicy, hot, and cold, these dumplings and ice cream are what food comas are made of.



Crab apple dumplings filling:
8 crab apples of any variety (api etoile is especially nice)
1/3 cup of sugar
3/4 tsp of cinnamon
3/4 tsp of ginger
1/4 tsp of cloves
1/4 tsp of nutmeg
2 tbsp of butter

Vodka piecrust (cook’s illustrated):
2 1/2 cups of flour
1 tsp of salt
2 tbsp of sugar
12 tbsp of cold unsalted butter cut into tablespoons
1/2 of shortening cut into tablespoons
1/4 cup of chilled vodka
2 tbsp of cold water

Gingersnap ice cream (adapted from The New York Times):
2 cups of heavy cream
1 cup of whole milk
1/2 cup of sugar
1/8 tsp of fine sea salt
6 large egg yolks
2 tbsp of molasses
1/4 tsp of cinnamon
1/4 tsp of ginger
1/8 tsp of cloves
15 gingersnap cookies crushed

1. Start with the ice cream: Place the heavy cream, sugar, and sea salt in a pot. Whisk over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the milk is about to start simmering. In the meantime whisk the egg yolks in a bowl until combined. Slowly add the hot cream to the eggs while constantly whisking. Add the egg and heavy cream mixture back into the saucepan and continue to whisk on medium heat until the mixture can coat the back of a wooden spoon and when running your finger on the custard-coated spoon, your finger leaves a clear line (the custard does not cover the area that your finger had just been). Once the custard has reached this stage, turn off the heat and strain the ice cream through a mesh sieve and into a glass bowl (this is to strain out any scrambled egg). Stir in the molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Then on top add the crushed gingersnaps. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover in saran wrap and place in the fridge for at least 24 and up to 36 hours (to really let the gingersnap flavor set in). Once finished chilling, strain the cookies out of the ice cream base and then pour the base into the ice cream maker and follow the manufacturers directions. Once finished set aside in the freezer until the dumplings are done.

2. While the ice cream base is cooling in the fridge make the piecrust. Place the flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor and blend. Add in the chopped up butter and shortening and pulse until it forms pea-sized crumbs. Stream in the vodka while the processor is running. Turn the food processor off as soon as the dough comes together, if it is not doing this stream in the water. Separate the dough into eight balls and put them in the fridge. Once slightly hardened, dust them with flour and roll each one out into a rectangle while it is sandwiched between two pieces of wax paper. Place these all on a plate and move them back to the fridge to chill more.

3. Once the ice cream is finished, assemble the dumplings. In a bowl mix the sugar with the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Peel the apples, then halve

Cosmic Numbers: November 25

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As anyone waiting for that boy/girl to text knows, updates can be just as important as dates. In Cosmic Numbers, Morgan Rehbock, the guru behind our monthly Astrology IRL column, divines the stars to bring you in-the-moment advice on important dates.

Something is coming to the surface today when Mercury, the planet of communication, joins serious Saturn in Scorpio. You may feel guarded, but it would be great to get that secret off your chest.
 

Aries
(March 21 - April 20)
The universe is sending you an ultimatum about commitment, and it's time to go deeper.

Taurus 
(April 21 - May 20)
Clearly state your intentions and your desires when it comes to business partnerships today. Today is a positive day for renegotiating the terms of a contract.

Gemini
(May 21 - June 20)
It may be months before you really need to start thinking of swimsuit season again, but it's never too early to start working on your summer bod. Make diet and fitness plans today.

Cancer
(June 21 - July 22)
It's time to think seriously about a project you've been toying around with. Don't disregard an idea just because it seems like too much fun.

Leo
(July 23 - August 22)
While everything in your life seems to be going up, your family will keep you grounded. You are compelled to get real with your closest companions this week.

Virgo
(August 23 - September 22)
November has been fun so far, but it's time for some serious thinking before the end of the month. You're ready to make up your mind about an issue that's been up in the air for quite a while.

Libra
(September 23 - October 22)
Use your spare time over Thanksgiving to organize your finances and make plans for the next few months. If you need to enlist help in this process, approach a family member or someone with experience to help.

Scorpio
(October 23 - November 22)
Like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, you're about to leave Saturn's restrictive web and enter new cosmic territory next month. While Mercury joins Saturn in Scorpio this week, you will start to understand the full depth of the changes that have taken place.

Sagittarius
(November 23 - December 21)
Can you recall something weird from a dream last night? There's a psychic message waiting for you today. Pull a tarot card if nothing comes to mind immediately.

Capricorn
(December 22 - January 19)
A friend will mention something in passing that turns out to be seriously useful info. Pay close attention to even the most tedious conversations you have today.

Aquarius
(January 20 - February 19)
Serious steps will be made on your path toward success this week. Major career advancements are possible, but you need to be ambitious and put in the work to make it happen.

Pisces
(February 20 - March 20)
Your spiritual side is coming out today, spend time meditating by yourself and focus on developing your personal mantra.
 
 

For Everyone On Your List

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Let's be honest: who doesn't like gifts? Wrapped up to the nines and tucked in with a thoughtful note, presents are pretty much our favorite things—to give and receive. Just in time for the holidays, your friends at Opening Ceremony are bringing you the ultimate animated gift guide, featuring our OC Represent collection in an exclusive gold colorway. We've got your nice and naughty list covered, so you have time to pick up a little something extra for yourself. Hey, 'tis the season.

Shop the 2014 Gif(t) Guide here 

Selfie On A Stick: Take Better Family Photos, & More Clever Uses

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Just like a captivating story, the secret to a perfect selfie is getting the right angle. This can, at times, prove impossible due to pesky human limitations. Arm lengths are pretty much a fixed type deal, after all. Since the future is amazing, however, your photos will now know no bounds. Enter: Selfie On A Stick, which is exactly what it sounds like: a stick... for selfies.

Using it is super easy, all you have to do is: 1) Connect your iPhone/Android/camera to the stick's corresponding Bluetooth remote. 2) Strap your device into place. 3) Adjust the stick’s length to your sweet spot somewhere in its 9-42-inch range. 4) Set your desired timer length. 5) Make sure your hair looks cute. 6) Press the button on your remote. The result: self-documented perfection.

With seemingly every tourist in NYC toting these guys around, we set out to find more, um, eccentric ways to use the Selfie on a Stick than just to capture popular landmarks or even perfectly candid DeGeneres group shots. Check out our ten best uses for the selfie stick, below.* 



1. "This Is Everything!"
Got an itch you just can't reach? Enjoy every moment of wonderful relief with a selfie stick turned futuristic back scratcher.

2. "Police Records"
You're innocently taking a selfie, minding your own business, when—BAM—a mugger attacks. Use that baby as a self-defense weapon, hit 'em like your life depended on it, and run. If you have time, take a pic of the assailant.

3. "View From The Top"
Life is tough for the vertically challenged, especially when everyone's crowded around a spectacle and you can't see a damn thing. The Selfie on a Stick gives you the height and vantage point.

4. "Beer Passing"
When your bud says, 'Pass me a brewski," extend that metal arm out—with a beer in its grasp. Your pal can even sip from the can while you hold it.

5. "Let's Pedaddle"
Show all your friends what a badass biker you are. Just make sure to wear a helmet. 

6. "Rub A Dub Dub"
Careful of water damage! Keep the equipment far from the tub, but close enough to capture your most intimate moments for a private show...

7. "Who needs a GoPro?"
Those amusement park-captured photos at the end of a roller-coaster are pretty pricey. With the Selfie on a Stick, you get every smile, scream, and moment before you upchuck for a one-time payment.

8. "Bug off"
Finally—a way to swat those flies in the far reaches of the ceiling! Just don't forget to wash the stick with bleach after slaughter.  

9. “LOL. #bae took a pic of me while I was napping." 
Is your crush not giving you the time of day? Make it look like you found someone else by taking a "napping" picture. It's a little juvenile, but what isn't? 

10. “Papz Fender" 
So the paparazzi followed you all the way out to the car. You’re a big deal (or y

Velvet Crush: Devon Halfnight Leflufy Fall/Winter 2014

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If we could describe Devon Halfnight Leflufy’s culturally rich namesake in hashtags, we’d surely opt for #eclectic, #ingenuous, and #cultchic. And for Fall/Winter 2014, the Canadian-Belgian designer was inspired by everything from Tumblr to his native British Columbia, to the Benelux, and everywhere in between.

For his sophomore collection, uniquely entitled “Coconut Water,” Leflufy cited references both culturally hip and personally nostalgic, which seemingly underline the brand’s aesthetic of catering to customers’ individualistic branding in lieu of commercial appeal. In addition, he confronts, as he puts it, “Tumblr ADHD,” along with the craze of the Internet—take the 3D Free Wifi T-Shirt, which features two balled up fists with “FREE WIFI” tattooed across eight fingers, lyrics from 1993’s “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu Tang Clan, and among other societal parodies, an iced-out grill.

The Fur Short Jacket, no doubt, one of the collection’s standouts, fuses the utility of winter-ready mohair, with the fun of holographic hashtags adorned at the chest. Elsewhere, the collection centers on today’s fixation with comfortable (and luxurious) street-chic. Take the Flower Sweatshirt and Sweatpants, which, despite their digital flower jacquard prints, custom-made in France, were made for those moments in life where only sweats will do—the same with the Velvet Track Pants. “You can’t trust anyone who doesn’t love velvet,” says the designer. We couldn’t agree more.


Shop all Devon Halfnight Leflufy here


Model wears the Omega T-Shirt in white, Retro Dress Pants in red, and Reebok 101 Classic Sneakers in white. Photo by Alex Salinas  Free Wifi T-Shirt in black Fur Short Jacket in white

New Drop: Solange Knowles' Second Puma Collaboration Is A Wild Wonder

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Look up the term multitasker in the dictionary and you will undoubtedly find multi-talented powerhouse Solange Knowles' name. Just when you thought the long-winded résumé of the singer/mother/Saint Heron founder wasn't enough, Solange has made the rest of the world look like slackers with the announcement of her second collection as creative director of sportswear brand PUMA. 

Fresh off of her wedding day, the songstress barely took a breather before taking to Instagram to release the first photos from the collaboration. After last season's debut "Blaze of Glory" collection, which showcased innovative interpretations of the beloved Disc style, Solange is back again with collaborators Hisham Bharoocha, Gerlan Jeans, and William Okpo for a two-drop collection. Hey, if it ain't broke...

"The two drops that make up this collection couldn't be more different from one another, but the commonality between the two is texture," says the singer. "I really wanted to focus on maximizing different textures to their fullest potential."

The first drop, "Wild Wonder," features three styles that are centered around the iconic PUMA Suede and XT2 styles. The myriad of colors and well-balanced serving of heavy mesh fabrication and contrast soles on each sneaker style is certainly of the eye-catching variety. The second, "Behind the Bazaar," features two styles that will release at OC in December. 

"[This experience] has been truly been amazing! I've been able to express so many parts of my artistry that I don't necessarily get to do as much in my realm," says Solange. "I absolutely love art direction, and being able to do that on so many levels during the scope of this collaboration has been super stimulating."

The Puma x Solange "Wild Wonder" collection is available in OC stores and online on Friday, November 28.  

The Puma x Solange "Behind the Bazaar" collection is available in OC stores and online on Saturday, December 13. 
The Puma x Solange "Wild Wonder" collection is available in OC stores and online on Friday, November 28. Photos by Paul JungThe first drop of the collection, titled "Wild Wonder," features three styles that are centered around the iconic PUMA Suede and the XT2 styles. Solange is back again with collaborators Hisham Bharoocha, Gerlan Jeans, and William Okpo for a two-drop collection that is even more colorful and textural than the last. 
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