xx

BYT: Switch

Peep my review of Switch, aka David Taylor, bka one-half of Major Lazer's recent appearance at U Street Music Hall. The crazy talented producer didn't impress me quite as much as a DJ — his openers Harry Ransom and Scottie B showed him up a bit. Nevertheless, this is my review and it awaits your attention (and comments). As always, click the image to be forwarded to the article.

Editorial: DOGMA - Fiasco Homme issue #2

ph: Jason Wu
styled by: Sophie Ruthensteiner
models: Andrej Pejic, Evandro Soldati,
and Valeriya Melnik

Editorial: Chloë Grace Moretz - Interview Nov 11

Chloë Moretz for Interview Nov 11
Fourteen year old actress Chloë Moretz graces the cover of this month's Interview magazine looking very mature and sophisticated. Lensed by Mikael Jansson and styled by Karl Templer, the monochromatic spread is pretty damn dynamic. I add a major question mark at the inclusion of the big Black man, and here, I must repeat, BIG BLACK MAN next to her... but in all I like what I see. The accompanying article is by Drew Barrymore, a child-star of days past now accomplished director and leading lady. Just in case you missed it, also check out Chloë (alongside Miranda Cosgrove) in the Best Coast video for "Our Deal" directed by Dame Barrymore. Complete editorial after the jump.



[Images via TFS]

Photo: A Vogue Family Affair

In celebration of Japan's first ever Fashion's Night Out, all of the international Vogue editors came together for one photo — this is a pretty big deal considering this NEVER happens. It's no surprise here that the editors of the four main capitals of the fashion world are in the exact center, but what is surprising is the dowdy appearance of many of them (as if there wasn't a stylist on hand). Though she's not an editor, she's certainly the face of Vogue Nippon Japan... Anna Dello Russo's larger than life personality is sadly absent from this collection of faces.

eta: Greece and Brazil's editors Elena Makris and Daniela Falcão respectively are missing from this photo; Anna Harvey acts as a placeholder


*************************************

From L to R: Yolanda Sacristan, Spain (seated); Kirstie Clements, Australia (middle); Anaita Adajania, India (back); Christiane Arp, Germany (seated); Angelica Cheung, China (standing); Franca Sozzani, Italy (seated); Mitsuko Watanabe, Japan (standing); Anna Wintour, U.S. (seated); Emmanuelle Alt, France (reclining); Alexandra Shulman, U.K. (seated); Victoria Davydova, Russia (standing); Anna Harvey, representing Brazil and Greece (seated); Seda Domanic, Turkey (seated); Myung Hee Lee, Korea (seated); Rosalie Huang, Taiwan (standing); Eva Hughes, Mexico and Latin America (standing), and Paula Mateus, Portugal (seated)

[Image via Vogue Japan]

Fashion: Cruise Controller

Lindsey Wixson for W Korea Nov 11
I am speechless at how amazing Lindsey Wixson looks in this editorial and cover for W Korea (I don't much care for the full-body cover, though). Shot by photographer Phil Poynter and styled by Mary Alice Stephenson, the Wichita native is giving me so much life — a shock to anyone who knows my disdain for this girl. Much more credit is due to the styling rather than anything Wixson is doing herself here, and it's worth mentioning that her mouth is closed (I can't get past her gap, it irks me to no end). She's every bit of woman, without looking overly sexed — she is every bit of innocent seventeen year old, without looking infantile. Continue after the jump for the alternate cover as well as the full editorial.

[Images via TFS]

Video: Carine's World

Carine Roitfeld has certainly kept herself busy in the year following her departure from the helm of Vogue Paris. The woman with all the style and grace of your favorite fashion figures, and then some, has found herself on the cover of i-D's issue no.315 ("The Dreams and Aspirations Issue" – Photographed by Terry Richardson). Quite fitting considering she is indeed living her dream and is an aspirational figure in the eyes/minds/hearts of many — myself included. Major retailer Barneys has taken it upon themselves to further celebrate their partnership with the famed editor and stylist by producing a mini-documentary of her life at present. Read on after the jump to check out the Mario Sorrenti directed short — keep an eye out for famous faces like Olivier Zahm, Rick Owens and Michele Lamy, Hamish Bowles, Alexander Wang... okay, that's enough name-droping. I must say, the party images with the karaoke singing has got to be the most darling thing I've seen in a while. Enjoy!

[Image via i-D]

...December 5th will be Amy's Day

I'm quite excited by the news that Amy Winehouse's as of now unreleased music is finally seeing the light of day in the form of a new album entitled Lioness: Hidden Treasures. Quite a fitting title considering she not only resembled a lion, but her voice carried the same raw ferocity and her inner fire was just as animalistic. Her representation was generous enough to provide the world with its track-listing, as well as brief backgrounds on each track. May December 5th, 2011 be considering Amy's Day — this album will hopefully be a musical moment of monoculture which Touré claims to no longer exist within our society.

A note from her father:

“I spent so much time chasing after Amy, telling her off that I never realized what a true genius she was. It wasn’t until I sat down with the rest of the family and listened to this album that I fully appreciated the breadth of Amy’s talent, from jazz standards to hip hop songs, it really took my breath away. “Halftime”, I’d never heard before, is just incredibly beautiful. If the family had felt that this album wasn’t up to the standard of “Frank” and “Back To Black” we would never have agreed to release it and we believe it will stand as a fitting tribute to Amy's musical legacy.” -Mitch Winehouse

eta: I'm most excited to hear her rendition of "The Girl from Ipanema" — one of my favorite songs, in all of its many forms over the years; her's is sure to be the best.

Video: One Eye Open

Check out this short interview with Jak and Jil blogger/street style photographer Tommy Ton as he discusses his craft and his views on the street style phenomena. Keep an eye open for a number of famous faces including Dakota and Elle Fanning (LOVE HER), Andy Samberg, Fashion's fairy godmother Anna Dello Russo (and its evil stepmother Anna Wintour). The clip follows the photographer around the ss12 NYFW shows.

[Video via Life and Times]

Video: Diving for McQueen

Diving for McQueen
An insightful discussion between Cathy Horyn and Sarah Burton, the creative director at Alexander McQueen. Pay close attention to what is said, there are many affirming tidbits there for the aspiring creative individual (whichever form that may take). I must say, I love the way the camera pans over the ss12 looks in such a way that it feels as if one is truly Diving for McQueen.

[Video via Nowness]

Video: Les 20 Ans... avec Mika naturellement

Behind-the-Scenes of Les 20 Ans
In celebration of Christian Louboutin's 20th anniversary book, the designer has commissioned a film entitled Les 20 Ans. A musician who holds a special place in my heart, Mika, is featured as "The Joker" in this playing card inspired photoshoot. The film itself adds a glimpse into the creation of the book, as well as providing an intimate view of Monsieur Louboutin and his relationship with various individuals of merit. Click here for the film in its entirety.

Video: Party (Remix) - Beyoncé (feat. J Cole)

BYT: India.Arie & Idan Raichel

I definitely had a transformative soul experience during India.Arie and Idan Raichel's recent performance at the Strathmore Music Hall. I was expecting a concert, but instead I was treated to a revival of the mind, heart, and soul — the two immensely talented musicians paired to reawaken the humanity of not just our country, but the world in general. Check out my BYT review of their show, and be sure to leave your comments as well. Click the image for the article.

[Photo via Blink Ofaneye/BYT]

Video: Love On Top - Beyoncé

"Love On Top" — Beyoncé

Okay Beyoncé, I love you and all... but this video just doesn't do it for me — it seemed very lazy and thrown together. Her costume changes were cute, as well as the nods to boy bands like the Temptations and New Edition, but the only wow or cool moment was the end when she calls "Cut!" and walks off. Either way, this is King B, so it's to be respected. Enjoy!

BYT: Theophilus London

I'm pretty behind on posting this, but better late than not at all. Check out my review of Theophilus London's second coming to DC, this time at a much larger space... 9:30 club. To preface my review, he put on a solid show; it just was dead energy wise within the crowd. Click the image for the review, and as always, comments are encouraged.

[Image via Rachel Eisley/BYT]

Music: N*ggas in Paris (Remix) — Jay-Z, Kanye West (feat. T.I.)

"N*ggas in Paris (Remix)" — Jay-Z + Kanye West (feat. T.I.)
Seeing as T.I. is finally out of jail, he's made one of his first re-introductions to the public on a remix to Jay-Z and Kanye's "N*ggas in Paris." I love how he begins with the line, "...how bout the crown meet the throne right here!" Enjoy.

#WatchTheThrone

Video: Countdown - Beyoncé

This video is a couple weeks old now, so there's nothing really breaking about it. I just love Beyoncé, and I love this video... so deal with it. I will say though, that there are only two more days until King B releases the video for "Love on Top" — I'm more excited for the "Party" video tbqh, but any Bey is good Bey. If it is new for you, however, check it out after the jump.

Video: Armani Jeans fw11

Rihanna for Armani Jeans fw11
dir. Steven Klein

I posted a few weeks back about Armani Jeans' fall campaign featuring Rihanna — I'm not a big fan of the hair, but she looks good. Well, apparently they took it a step further and created a commercial mini film-noir; it makes sense of the images, and injects both the sexy and the cuteness of Rihanna. Steven Klein directs the short.

Video: Gareth Pugh ss11 x SHOWstudio

Gareth Pugh ss11 x SHOWstudio
dir. Ruth Hogben

[i wish i had some acid shrooms]

BYT: Bassnectar

Peep this... Lorin Ashton, bka Bassnectar came through DC, and left me feeling the bodily aches and pains days later — I happen to like the blurb BYT pulled for my article so much, I'll use it here. "The smoke, the haze, the strobes, the lasers, the stench of drugs and sweat… it gives me new life — I know I'm not alone in this, so save the shade for the summer." Now get your fine (or wannabe fine) self on over to the website (click the pic), check out my review and leave me some comment love... and there are more amazing photos from our photog Jeff like the one above.

[Photo via Jeff Martin/BYT]