LOS ANGELES FASHION WEEKEND
This past weekend fashion lines within Los Angeles competed for our time and attention. In particular Saturday night
Unfortunately, I had to make the decision to miss the Elmer Ave secret fashion show downtown (you can read about it here), but was able to make it to the Division E, Raw-7, Tavik Swimwear, and Urban Republic show for a little while before grudgingly having to leave to attend another event I had previously committed to. These lines were all part of the The Gallery LA produced Los Angeles Fashion Weekend, where they showed off their Spring and Summer 2010 Collections
Although there are those that are quick to write off the LA Fashion Scene, at times forgetting how much really goes on daily in the busy lives of those who keep this industry alive, it was nice to see that all of those present did not share that attitude. They all filled the courtyard playing catch up and enjoying drinks from the open bar sponsored by Skybar (hosted by Marani Vodka, Asahi Beer, 1921 Tequila, Steaz Organic Energy Drinks, Smart Water and IZZE soda) while waiting for the fashion show to get underway.
Some of the Brand Equity Showroom team were seen sporting their Division E designer client’s designs (as well as Signature Collection footwear from Sponsor Report Shoes), giving a sneak preview of what was to come later during the actual show.
A noticeable and welcome change from the typical fashion show scene at the Sunset Gower Studios was that a lot of the general public and sceney fashionista mainstays were excluded, opting for a guestlist comprised of mainly buyers, designers, agents, and media.
The Gallery LA owner/producer Mikey Koffman had this to say, “People talk incessantly about the recession and the need to cut back, but the reality is that now, more than ever, local designers need to get involved to prove their worth to buyers, media and consumers across the world.”
This statement definitely set the tone for the evening, as this show had an underlying theme of “getting down to business.”
Here are a few shots from the show (I apologize for the poor quality, you can find additional much better photos here). Click on Images to enlarge. Hair by Elle Hoppenstedt and the Aveda Planet Salon team.
Here are some better photos:
all photos courtesy of Launchpad PR
Saturday October 17, 2009
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An ‘Unlit’ Saturday
all photos by Andrea Carroll courtesy of Robotanists
Unlit was a somewhat exclusive traveling night time house party started by British singer/songwriter Jont that I was lucky enough to attend a couple of times back in 2005 when I’d first moved to LA, before it’s lengthy hiatus set in. Since the parties featured live acoustic musical performances, I would imagine that it was thought best to keep the guest list to a minimum and therefore only invite core supporters of the movement to ensure that they wouldn’t be shut down. These parties have taken place not only here in the states, but also regularly occur in London, England where Jont spends much of his time.
Last Saturday Lady Di and I went to a daytime installment of Unlit.
When I got the invite, I was glad to see it coming back and even though I had been under the weather I knew I had to make it. Most of you know I am a strong supporter of creators in any of the arts collaborating with their peers and building their own communities that offer support to each other. Communities of this sort serve as incubators to great talent and sadly there are never enough of them.
The return took place poolside at the home of Tony Berg in Brentwood, who graciously lent his home to the event. People sat around the pool drinking, mingling, playing catch up, and enjoying the special acoustic performances as well as dj-ing by friend Jon Hershfield (www.isgoodmusic.com. Jon credits the original Unlit parties as being “where he learned to dj from the closet of Jont’s apartment.”
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Jont and Jon Hershfield alternated mcing/hosting duties saying a few kind words about each artist (which included Jont, Robotanists, Marvelous Toy, and Jay Matsueda, among many other guest appearances) prior to their performances.
The great thing about shows like Unlit, where the artists are forced to perform completely stripped down versions of their songs, is that true talent is easily identified. It is always great to see bands like our old friends in the Robotanists translate over well acoustically (which is not always the case with bands that have such a full live musical sound when plugged in). However, Lead singer Sarah Ellquist had no problem projecting her voice to the audience.
This was Lady Di’s first Unlit, and I think she came away with the same appreciation for it as I had after the first time I’d attended one almost 4 years ago.
Cheers to many more Unlits!
Robotanists will be performing Saturday at BLOOMFEST (716 Traction Avenue, LA 90013 ), which will feature 14-Live Bands, Art , Films, Beer, Etc. FREE ADMISSION
Early Edition: Boris!’
In most media, a “breaking story” would be something involving a war breaking out somewhere, or a groundbreaking presidential election, or the fact that some celebrity had been sighted wearing tighter-than-usual pants. In my world, however, a toy raccoon is quite sufficient to qualify as something that must be shared with the world instantly. Artist Nathan Hamill has filled this niche for me with a completely kickass 2 ½ inch figurine called “Boris,” produced by U1 Toys. Since I am, as they say, “in the know,” I was able to secure an interview with the artist, irrespective of the fact that I have no idea how to interview anyone and probably don’t have any business doing so. Ignoring that, I soldiered bravely onward and provided Nathan with a list of questions, which he graciously answered despite the fact that the questions are mostly ridiculous in nature. What follows is a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred investigation into the darkest depths of an artist’s soul—or, failing that, an explanation of why everyone should own a small purple raccoon.
ES: Most interviewers would probably research a subject before an interview, but as it happens, the only research I’ve done involves knowing that you drink Red Stripe and occasionally bum my cigarettes at our local bar. So, what can you tell me about your background in art? Explain yourself!
NH: First off, thanks again for the cigarettes. I appreciate them. And I think I’m getting tired of Red Stripe and will change my regular beer so now you know one less thing about me.
My background in art consists of drawing from an early age until now, with computer work becoming much more predominant in the past few years. Also, I draws what I likes.
ES: How did Boris come to be?
NH: Boris was sketched while I was waiting at the Apple Store in 2005. I was designing him with an animated show in mind so that’s how his mask turned out the way it did. I didn’t want the black of his pupils to blend into black of the mask when he looked side to side. My friends and I never got the project going but I continued to draw Boris. When I began talking to the guys at U1 about making a toy, it was the first character that came to mind.
ES: I get the impression that, though adorable, Boris has a tragic or possibly even sordid past, evidenced by his purple coloration and the fact that he’s constantly looking to his left. Am I right?
NH: Yeah, his father, Horace, was killed when he was just a kitten. Pirates slayed him shortly after Boris’ sixth birthday party. It’s only partially based on real life experiences.
He’s always a bit suspicious of his surroundings. Tragedy plus Napoleon complex equals constant vigilance.
ES: Whose idea was it to articulate his tail and head?
NH: That was all me. The figure wouldn’t have really benefited if his little
T-Rex-esque arms and his legs had been movable. Plus, if we’d gone that route, we would’ve had to alter the design.
I have an idea for one more point of articulation that I’d like to add to a future version of Boris but I’ll leave that one as a surprise.
ES: The iconography of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) is well-documented in indigenous folklore, particularly that of the Dakota Sioux and the Aztecs. Given the raccoon’s iconographic status as a trickster, often possessing mystical powers, and taking into account more modern representations such as Sterling North’s “Rascal,” the children’s magazine “Ranger Rick,” and Bruce Willis’s character in the animated film “Over the Hedge,” I have a three-part question: why is Boris purple?
NH: Huh? Sorry, I zoned out there for a bit.
Sure, I like purple.
ES: Where is Boris available for purchase?
NH: If you’re in the Los Angeles area, he’ll be available this Friday, July 17th at Meltdown Comics. We’re having the launch party there. You can read about it at www.nathanhamill.com. We’ll also be at Comic Con. After that he will be available online at www.U1ToyArts.com and will be distributed through www.DKEToys.com.
ES: What is the “Picnic Land” series, with which Boris is affiliated? Is it a shadowy government conspiracy of some kind?
NH: Picnic Land is whatever’s in your heart, Eric.
ES: I’ve heard you’re in talks with Michael Bay to produce a live-action Boris movie. Am I making this up? Is this a horrible idea?
NH: If by ‘horrible’ you mean ‘awesome,’ then, no. This is really a terrible idea. But I signed away the movie rights long ago. Hopefully, Benicio Del Toro can save it. Did I mention it’s a futuristic musical?
ES: What Batman villain is Boris? Take the quiz!
NH: The Penguin.
ES: Do you have plans for other Boris-themed merchandise? I’ve heard people love to wear t-shirts, for instance.
NH: I’m planning on making a belt buckle and some Boris jewelry next. I’d love to make a shirt at some point too.
ES: Most interviewers would close by asking if there’s anything you’d like to add. I think this is a clichéd and tedious practice, so I’ll close by asking this instead: what do you think about the fact that I’ve just made you do most of my work on this column for me?
NH: It’s ok. I’ve got your wallet.
The Launch Party for Nathan Hamill’s Boris and the Picnic Land Series will happen this Friday July 17th from 7-10 pm at Meltdown Comics (7522 Sunset Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046)
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Out in TRAffIK: Downtown Artwalk Tonight
TONIGHT IF YOU ARE HEADING TO DOWNTOWN (LOS ANGELES) ARTWALK A FEW OF OUR FRIENDS ARE INVOLVED IN A COUPLE OF GREAT EVENTS.
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Photographer Jason Costanzo will have some of his pieces on display during the exhibit:
“The Surveillance Room” at the Spring Arts Galleries
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2009
Time: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: Spring Arts Galleries
Street: 453 S. Spring St. Downtown Los Angeles 5th and Spring
City/Town: Los Angeles, CA
The Garden Party
ISGOODMUSIC/EVFA/SWEET HEAT PR PRESENT:
542 S. Alameda St., LA
$5 before 11pm, $7 after
w/ Jont
Old War Shirt
The Rhone Occupation
Les Blanks
visit www.isgoodmusic.com for more information
OUT IN TRAFFIK: PLACES WE GO… THE ASSOCIATION
Dark, sleek and cool. This bar may be hard to find, located on 6th Street (110 E. 6th Street ) near S. Main Street down a sublevel alley in the basement of a loft building, but worth the drive around the downtown streets. Good-looking bartenders serving up great tasting drinks with music that is easy to ease into. Space is small and fills quickly – great place for drinks after work if you’re in the downtown area. The vibe is speakeasy meets a burlesquese setting with a good LA crowd – easy going and mellow. In fact, to keep the easygoing local pub feel of the bar, the owners go as far as to not work with promoters The scattered mirrors and chandeler give you just enough of the “fancy” to bring you back a second and third time.
This is a great place to hit up after Downtown ArtWalk (which happens the 2nd Thursday of every month)
Drink recommended: The French 75 – a wonderful sugary (but not overly sugary), lemony gin concoction
The Association is located at: 110 E. 6th Street (Los Angeles, CA)
OUT IN TRAFFIK – FEEL MODE 2 DVD RELEASE @ DOWNTOWN INDEPENDENT
During last night’s Downtown Artwalk, the Graffiti Art sub-culture was the main focus at the Downtown Independent Theatre during the Art Show doubling as a DVD Release Party/Screening of Feel Mode 2. Although it can easily be argued that this artform is probably the most highly visible and most easily accessible to the general public, the negative connotations associated with the lifestyle of the in your face result of tagging up walls can often deter art lovers from actually accepting this as a valid form of art. The FeelModeInc., behind last night’s event, is trying to help change these viewpoints by establishing a multi media design house specializing in the Graffiti and Urban Arts market and by releasing their Feel Mode Graffiti DVD series which is an ongoing project that started in 2004 showcasing a wide range of some of the country’s most prolific graffiti writers, according to their site, www.feelmode.com.
Last night the Feel Mode crew brought the streets to a more controlled gallery setting taking advantage of the various multi-media facilities available at the Downtown Independent, which included: DJ’s (Zo, King Solomon, Fat Jack), live paintings, projections, and even some impromptu skateboarding on the rooftop bar; paintings and art on canvas prominently displayed on the first and second floor lobbies and walls; and special screenings of Feel Mode 2 in the theatre itself.
Here is the trailer for Feel Mode 2 – “The Game Done Changed”
With last night’s event the Downtown Independent showed it’s versatility as a space that not only lends itself to carefully selected film showings/screenings for music lovers (The Harder They Come, Wild Combination, This Is The Life, The American Astronaut), wine enthusiasts ( Corked!), as well as film buffs (The Guatemalan Handshake, The Times of Harvey Milk, Jake’s Corner), but also often plays host to events (International Festival of Cinema and Technology, LA Japan Film Festival, Zero Film Fest).
Their low ticket prices (most film engagements stay at about $5) and their more than reasonably priced concession stand ( most items are well under $5 including beer and wine) are the equivalent of flipping the bird or sending a “shame on you” message to big name chain theatres. It is definitely worth checking out and even more so if you are a resident of downtown Los Angeles (downtown residents often get discounts for events that have admission fees)
Currently playing is Know Your Mushrooms - “From the award-winning director of COMIC BOOK CONFIDENTIAL, GRASS, GO FURTHER and a host of paradigm-shifting films reappraising the backwaters of popular culture, Ron Mann investigates the miraculous, near-secret world of fungi with his newest piece of cinema, KNOW YOUR MUSHROOMS.”
The Downtown Independent is located at 251 S. Main Street Los Angeles, California 90012. Visit www.downtownindependent.com for more info.