Photography in Motion from César Mansilla Sialer

Buenos Aires based, Peruvian born, photographer César Mansilla Sialer has one of the best photography videos I have seen in a while - but maybe thats because it isn't really a video. Rather than attempting a switch to narrative video to get his work out to the public - he has taken the art of slideshow above and beyond with his Photography Reel. The illusion of time and movement is still achieved, while highlighting his ability to capture a still image (rather than showing some new technique). Don't believe me that it isn't just a slideshow... see for yourself!

Exit Art - After 30 Years, Exits with a Bang!

For 30 years, Exit Art has supported and fostered a vibrant, interdisciplinary artistic community in New York, presenting hundreds of innovative exhibitions and the works of thousands of emerging and established artists. Now, with plans to close at the end of its 30th anniversary season, Exit Art is looking back on its own history; celebrating the pioneering work of its co-founders, Papo Colo and Jeanette Ingberman; and asking its longtime supporters for help in sending us out with a bang.

This Gala and Auction is being held to raise funds for Exit Art's "Legacy Project": a 30-year retrospective exhibition, the publication of a major book on the history of Exit Art, and a properly-funded transfer of the organization's complete archives to NYU Fales Library Downtown Collection. At Fales, scholars will be able to study Exit Art, its groundbreaking programs, and the thousands of artists who have shown here since 1982. It is vital that Exit Art continues to be recognized for its contributions to alternative art and culture in New York.

Join the benefit committee today!

New Years in Buenos Aires

Wondering what to do in Buenos Aires for New Years - Ring in the New Year in style at The Oasis Collection's exclusive New Year’s Eve bash!

Meet up poolside at the Oasis Clubhouse for a 6-hour open bar, full menu of Argentine asado passed cocktail style, Champagne toast at midnight followed by desserts, beats by international DJ Whitney Weiss and surprise entertainment. I know I'll be there!

RSVP: clubhouse@oasiscollections.com

Check back for pictures in 2012!

An Oasis in Punta del Este

Just having gotten back from a week in Punta del Este and I already wish I could go back - especially with the Oasis Collections opening a seasonal Clubhouse in Punta this year! Their BA hangout has been such a success that they are expanding to include a second location from December 28th through January 8th. If you are headed to the beach this is definitely one hot spot not to miss in South America's coolest beach resort.

La Dolfina wins HSBC Cup at 118 Argentine Polo Open

Photo of Mike Ferre & Ian Bone with HSBC's Alexandra Suriano

After a thrilling match against La Aguada, La Dolfina took home the HSBC Cup and a spot in the finals to be held on December 9th. Their opponent will be decided by tomorrow's match of Ellerstina versus Estancia Grande. Following the match guests mingled at the many private viewing booths - though the best was definitely HSBC's mix of high finance, high fashion, and four victorious polo players mingling among (seemingly) endless champagne and a multi-course dinner. As the party at HSBC winded down it was time to head to the Chandon area where all the spectators gathered like moths to a flame for a champagne fueled dance party along the primary esplanade of the Campo Argentino del Polo.

White Box hosts Mtree Charity Auction

White Box NYC is hosting a show of work resulting from the Mtree "Brush with Hope" project in Benin, with the opening on Friday, November 4th from 6pm-8pm. The following day, Saturday, November 5th, there will be a silent auction starting at 7pm which will go to benefit the community in Benin.

This special exhibit and auction stems from the project "Brush with Hope," a summer program hosted by Mtree where artists and designers from New York City and Paris gather in Africa to offer art classes to African children. The first set of classes took place in Benin, West Africa and 300 Beninese children participated from July 29, 2011 to August 12, 2011. To children who barely had one meal a day, art instruction was a new experience. The instructors wished to instill hope in these children. The inner thoughts and feelings of the children were expressed through 2,800 paintings and drawings, which were brought to New York City. A selection of approximately 300 works will be exhibited for the event and all auction proceeds will go to fund a water pump in Benin.

The exhibition will consist of paintings and drawings on canvas or on paper, in color or monochrome. The artwork will be divided into six different categories: self-portraits, portraits of family, portraits of friends, collaborative works, works inspired by music, and "hope".

Mtree
Mtree is an international non-profit charity organization aiming to change the developing and developed countries into a better place ("change for all") by promoting networking and supporting young adults who are pursuing visions around the world.

While serving as an officer in the Republic of Korea Army for four years, Yohan Choi (Founder of Mtree) spent two years near the North Korean border and witnessed the hardships that North Koreans were facing. Through this experience, he became interested in developing countries. Since his discharge in 2009, he has traveled around the globe networking with young professionals in the US and in Europe and has fostered an interest in economic independence and development through running the Global Entrepreneurship Training (GET) program in Kenya and Ghana sponsored by UNESCO.

One Marker, One Line, One Amazing Commercial!

Faber Castell from eric yeo on Vimeo.

Sometimes the ability and creativity of an artist stands on its own. This is such an incredible video that I am not going to mess it up with a description...

Guided By Invoices - Inaugural Opening

Guided By Invoices, a new project space in Chelsea, is hosting their inaugural opening Thursday, November 3, from 6-8 PM. They will be showing a selection paintings by Charles Andersen created over the last decade and curated by Chris Byrne. The project is spearheaded by Anne-Brigitte Sirois who also heads up ART STATE, an arts focused real estate advisory firm. With her experience in developing art projects, this is definitely an opening not to miss.


CHARLES ANDRESEN
PAINTINGS 2001 - 2011
Curated by Chris Byrne
November 3 - December 10, 2011
Inaugural opening: Thursday, November 3, 2011, 6-8 PM
Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM - 6PM
558 WEST 21ST STREET NY, NY 10011

http://www.guidedbyinvoices.us/

Commonwealth Propper hosts Cocktails for a Cause

At Commonwealth Propper they Hate Cancer and Love Moustaches, so they have dedicated the month of November to supporting Movember, a moustache growing charity event held each year that raises funds and awareness for cancer, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. Therefore for the month of November 10% of Commonwealth Propper sales will be donated to the charity. Help them kickoff this month of giving back by heading down to 1732 Spruce Street and having come cocktails from Art in the Age for their monthly happy hour. Great clothes and a great cause, what else does a gentleman need - great cocktails, of course, but they will have that too!

Christian Cota and Doutzen Kroes at Fashion's Night Out

Super exciting event for tomorrow's Fashion's Night Out... Christian Cota and Doutzen Kroes will be creating one of a kind prints using pixal paint screens at Saks Fifth Avenue on the third floor from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Then hop downtown to check out the launch of Christian Cota's shoe line for Aldo at their Soho store (579 Broadway) from 7:30 - 8:30 PM. Two events in one day, especially so close to fashion week, seems almost superhuman - but if any designer can do it, Christian is surely the man for the job!

Livestreaming Fashion Week from Metro Velvet TV

Watch live streaming video from metrovelvet at livestream.com

If this isn't working you should check it out at MetroVelvet

House of Major - Fashion to the Max

With fashion week coming up, I couldn't help but share this hot ticket. Former Heatherette designer Richie Rich is teaming up with the fashion forward Jean-Luc Quevauvill​iers to produce what can only be an amazing satorial extravaganza... Knowing these two over the top designers, if there is one show not to miss this season, it is this.

Four Openings for the Price of One!

With four simultaneous openings at Gallery Afero there might finally be a reason to cross that other river and head to New Jersey. On September 10th from 7:00 - 10:00 PM Gallery Afero will host opening receptions for the collection of photographer Eric Wolfe, Obsessive Repair by Caroline Mak, the Inner Man and Outer Man by sculptress Barbara Wallace, as well as a group show in collaboration with GlassRoots. If you can't make it for the opening, this gallery will host you again for a closing party on October 21st, also from 7:00 - 10:00 PM. Who knew that Jersey had more to offer than table flipping and guidettes...

Gallery Aferro is located at 73 Market St. Newark, NJ

Read about each of the shows below:

First Position - New Ballet Documentary at Toronto Film Fest

In her new documentary, First Position, director Bess Kargman shows us that ballet is not for sissies. It is fiercely competitive, physically demanding, and must be mastered early. First Position follows six young aspiring dancers (ages 9-19) as they prepare for the ballet world's toughest youth competition - the Youth America Grand Prix. With exclusive access to the competition, First Position offers an inside look at the extraordinary world of ballet and the determined young dancers who try to capture a dream only a few will achieve. Though the beauty of ballet is undenialable, in First Postion we get to see the drive and struggle that make ballet the pinnacle of dance.

The film is showing at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11th and 17th.

Fashion's Night Out now Fashion's Night In...

Don't worry if you can't make it to NYC for Fashion's Night Out this year. Pop princess Alex Young’s recently launched fashion line “A Young Rose” will be a participating e-tailer this Fashion’s Night Out on September 8th. New this year, Fashion’s Night Out will include online retailers, allowing people who can’t make it out a chance to still participate in the stylish evening (you just have to supply your own champagne...) To celebrate Fashion’s Night Out, recording artist Alex Young will give away a FREE DOWNLOAD of her upcoming and never-before-heard single, “Don’t Play With Me” with any purchase from her online boutique on September 8th, 2011 – the day of Fashion’s Night Out. This hot, 70s sounding new track will definitely get you dancing and is Alex’s first single off her upcoming DIGITAL CAPSULE of songs to be released fall 2011.

Listen to “Don’t Play With Me”

Shop at “A Young Rose” Online Boutique

Brooklyn Royalty - Fashion Week Launch Party

Independent label Brooklyn Royalty is collaborating with killer website Brokelyn on a new apparel collection that is set to launch during September 2011 Fashion Week. The launch party will be Friday, September 16th from 7:00-10:00 PM at Mission Dolores, a great bar and event space at Fourth Avenue and Carroll Street. The men's and women's tees & tanks being launched will be sported by models and also available for sale to the public.

In keeping with the Brokelyn ethos, nothing will be over $20 and as part of this inaugural launch, each shirt will come with a package of neighborhood discounts available for those sporting the Brokelyn collection. There will also be delicious drink specials, fashion week-related prize giveaways, and free temporary tattoos if you want to blazon yourself Brooklyn pride (at least for the night...)

Discounts Include:
* 2-for-1 beer or coffee at Flying Saucer on Tuesdays
* 2-for-1 drinks at Bocca Lupo after 10:30 on Friday and Saturday nights
* 2-for-1 beer at karaoke Wednesdays, MikNic Lounge
* A free one-bite appetizer at St. Austere restaurant in Williamsburg
* And way more than we can list here!

To contact Brooklyn Royalty designer Bob Bland, email brooklynroyalty@gmail.com. You can also reach Brokelyn founder Faye Penn at faye@brokelyn.com. Mission Dolores is located at 249 4th Ave at Carroll St.

Burberry Body

Maybe it is just me... but the newest video from Burberry seems a bit... ehem... suggestive. Though the simplicity of the shots by Mario Testino are incredible and striking, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is beautiful as always, I am a bit suprised at how sexually provocative the video feels. Between the intimate tone of the video (totally appropriate for a perfume that is supposed to make you feel sexy) and the sleek product packaging (again elegant and appropriate, though perhaps overly phallic) there seems to be something more that the video alludes to. Apparently if you get the new Body from Burberry (launched today) you will have everybody you need for a good time...

Nudes by Sophie Delaporte - Opening Sept. 22 at Sous Les Etoiles

Inspired by high fashion (and her career as a British fashion photographer), Sophie Delaporte claims that with her new series Nudes she has been able to overcome the limitations offered by fashion photography. Her photography has alway brought about a spirit of vivacity and intuition which is now translated with a new energy into graphic simplicity. Accessories such as paper, fabric, and furniture, embellish the pose of the model to create a dramatic and playful elasticity of movement. With her own colors, her way of staging, and the joy of her imagery, Delaporte lets these fashion butterflies take flight - sans clothing.

The show opens at Sous Les Etoiles Gallery in New York on September 22nd from 6:00-9:00 PM. The gallery is located at 560 Broadway Suite 205. A catalog will be released with a foreword by Vicki Goldberg, journalist and critic, who has overseen photography’s rise in contemporary art over the past 25 years.

Bright Young Things - Art + Fashion from Not A Gallery

On Wednesday, September 7th, Not a Gallery celebrates the opening of BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS, ten new Diamond Dust Paintings along with an archival fashion exhibition from Albright Fashion Library. Style Icons being honored in this presentation include Bridget Bardot, Steve McQueen, Grace Kelly, Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, James Dean, & Paul Newman.

The opening reception will take place at the MINA Gallery space - 32 Cooper Square from 7:00-9:00 PM. Complimentary cocktails will be accompanied by beats provided by DJ (And incredible fashion designer) Timo Weiland. Timo will most certainly not be the only fashionista in attendance with some powerhouse editors and stylists curating the mannequins from the Albright Fashion Library collections. Whether you love art, fashion, or just free cocktails on a Wednesday; this is certainly an event not to miss!

MANNEQUINS CURATED BY
Julia von Boehm, Stylist
Peter Davis, AVENUE
Kristian Laliberte, Refinery29
David Lipke, WWD
Andrew Lutjens, WSJ.
Luigi Tadini, PAPER
Patti Wilson, Stylist
AND MORE

OPENING RECEPTION
Wednesday, September 7th from 7-9pm
MINA Gallery, 32 Cooper Square, NYC
Complimentary Cocktails
Music by BAKER with Special Guest DJ Timo Weiland
RSVP to rsvp@notagallery.com

Automaton at Hasted Kraeutler

Incredible NY photography gallery HASTED KRAEUTLER is offering a limited number of pre-release copies of Paolo Ventura's new book, The Automaton ($60) which isn't supposed to hit the shelves until2012. HASTED KRAEUTLER will have 200 advance publication copies during Paolo Ventura's exhibition The Automaton of Venice, September 8 - October 15, 2011.

The Automaton centers around an elderly, Jewish watchmaker living in the ghetto of Venice in 1943, one of the darkest periods of the occupation of the Nazis and the rule of the fascist regime in Italy. The city where the watchmaker has lived his entire life, now desolate and fearful, is the stage where this story unfolds. The photograph is actually the final product in a chain of creative processes, from initially drawing the scene in watercolor to constructing an elaborate miniature set with figurines to taking the final photograph. Paolo Ventura has been selected for the Italian national pavilion of the prestigious Venice Biennale 2011. Paolo Ventura lives and works in Anghiari, the small village in northern Italy where he grew up. He has created three bodies of work, War Souvenir (2005) and Winter Stories (2007-2009), both of which were published in books, exhibited widely and critically acclaimed, and mostly recently, Venice (2010).

See below for a selection of works from all three collections.

Lanvin Video - Fistpumping Fashion

Lanvin looks like it is going to have a situation for fall... thanks to this Steven Meisel video that was apparently choreographed by Pauly D. The girls were slightly ironically (and forgivably) bad but the boys were just tragic. I didn't realize that Alber Elbaz, Karen Elson, and Raquel Zimmerman were such big fans of the American Riviera that is the Jersey Shore...

Though the dancing is laughable at best, the clothes still manage to be gorgeous - proving you don't need rhythm to rock out in these stellar designs. And when it comes to Lanvin, you are right Alber - I do want you, or at least I want your clothes.

KahriAnne Kerr Spring 2012 - Two Collections with One BOLD Look for Spring

KahriAnne Kerr takes her inspiration from the iconic hard-rocking sister act of Ann and Nancy Wilson from the 70s and 80s girl band, Heart. Their hit song "Barracuda" plays a recurring role in both the Kahri and KA lines for S/S 2012.

The latest collections include maxi dresses, silk & satin ruffled tops, metallic-coated linen skirts, cropped jackets and bustier tops. Chevron stripes and strong magenta tones reflect an LA "rocker" aesthetic that is continuing to gain steam with downtown New Yorkers. Sheer flowing long sleeves and peasant-style dresses plus eyelet fabric are an updated homage to the bohemian-chic look of classic female musicians from the 70s (think Stevie Nicks with a sartorial facelift).

The "Barracuda" theme goes a bit too literal when it is reflected in fish-scale patterns used throughout the collection. Fun screen-print tees and tote bags with odes to Heart's lyrics pull everything back in the direction of fun, while still holding to the literal aspects of the inspiration.

These LA looks aren't just available on the west coast, KahriAnne Kerr's designs are currently available nationwide and in New York City at Kit 228.

Check out both the KA and Kahri lines in the videos below

LES Runway at Grand Opening

Tickets are now available for the LES Runway!

Come and see some of New York's up and coming designers in the most intimate and interactive runway ever to hit New York. Swag bags, champagne and all the fixings of a downtown fashion event will be provided. Yet another great experience provided to NYC from Grand Opening! The LES Runway will be open from September 7th through October 2nd.

Runway: Thursday, Friday and Saturday (7, 8 and 9pm)
Pop-up Shop: Tues, Wed and Sun (12pm-7pm), Sat (12pm-6pm)

Get your tickets here:
http://www.grandopening.org

Grand Opening
139 Norfolk Street, NYC

Maria My Love wins at NYILFF

Launched in 1999, the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) is the premier Urban Latino film event in the USA, and this year Maria My Love took home the award for best domestic feature film. The award was accepted by producer Tiana Matthews. Inspired by a true story, Maria My Love is about a young woman named Ana (Judy Marte) struggling to deal with her mother's death and her father's mistakes. In an effort to feel better, she reconnects with her half-sister Grace, (Lauren Fales) and, inspired by a new boyfriend (Brian Rieger), sets out on a quest to find someone to help. Though excited and hopeful when she meets a hoarding woman named Maria (Karen Black), she encounters a situation more emotionally and morally complicated than she had expected to find. The film was written and directed by Jasmine McGlade Chazell.

Commonwealth Propper Fall Shirt Launch

Commonwealth Propper is ending the summer the best way anyone can... with a cocktail party and some fall shopping. Who says back-to-school shopping has to end when you graduate, now you can do it with a drink in your hand; at least on August 31 from 6:00-8:00 PM at their Rittenhouse Showroom (1732 Spruce St.). Commonwealth Proper makes both ready-to-wear and custom suits and shirts for the contemporary gentleman. They design their garments with a traditional aesthetic and with modern, yet appropriate styling and details.

Central Park Conservancy ''Film Festival''

Not to be outdone by its tiny neighbor to the south Bryant Park, Central Park has movies too... And here it is a ''Film Festival''. Music will take center stage at the ninth annual Central Park Conservancy Film Festival, which brings free movies to the heart of Manhattan for five nights, Aug. 23-27. From rock to country, the films will celebrate great musicians and the best in popular music, with each night showcasing a different musical icon.

All screenings begin at 8:00 pm, rain or shine. Gates open to the public at 6:30 pm. Guest DJs play at 6:30 pm. All movies will be closed captioned. Bring a picnic! Please note that alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, video cameras, tape recorders or flash cameras are not allowed. All bags are subject to search. (Now I know why I haven't gone before... no wine allowed - but it is a good option if you are looking for a recession-friendly cheap and sober date.)

Young Patrons of Lincoln Center - Party on the Plaza

The Young Patrons of Lincoln Center are throwing a big party on September 26th and you know you won't want to miss it. While you are at it, pick up over a 100$ savings by getting your ticket and membership at the same time... that is if you aren't already a young patron. The event will include hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and an incredible fountain show. As summer comes to a close, who could resist one more excellent outdoor event.

Young Patrons of Lincoln Center (YPLC) is a membership group for arts enthusiasts in their 20s through early 40s dedicated to celebrating and supporting the world’s leading performing arts center. Through special events, arts advocacy, community outreach, and annual contributions, YPLC members build future audiences at Lincoln Center and increase access to the arts for a diverse range of New Yorkers.

Maria Vazquez - Spring 2011

The final show of fashion week in Buenos Aires and the runway has sprouted giant multicolored mushrooms. The opening look did not disappoint after the mushroom laden runway and acid trip video. Bright colors pop on top of crisp white backgrounds and a caged bird print on black adds to the trippy vibe with its bright colors and swirling paisley accents. The show continues with some great color blocking in lemon and tangerine silks, paired with turquoise green shoes.

The Maria Vazquez girl is definitely living in a technicolor world this spring - even the accessories, like a multicolored button clutch, help bring a pop of color to an otherwise all too normal little black dress. Flowers and stripes make an extremely powerful statement whether paired or standing on their own. These patterns become 3D and really jump out to grab the viewer as they are incorporated into structural elements of the garments (and I thought that they were speaking loudly before - now they are standing up and shouting!) The girl who wears these clothes better have a lot of personality - otherwise the clothes will end up wearing her. Seriously, they can truly come alive - or maybe the show was just one big acid trip. Either way you should watch out for these clothes - you don't want to miss them, and you will definitely see them coming. Hopefully to a boutique near you...

Photographs courtesy of Mike Ferre

Hermanos Estebecorena - Spring 2011

The models had to navigate a runway full of obstacles, and in their underwear no less! Well at least the first two did... The obstacles ended up melding together to display the company logo when seen head on. The clothes were classic, refined, and at times playful. The look incorporated fun prints like flowers and lighthouses (reminiscent of little boys' bedding) with everyday staples and some sleek jackets. These pieces could walk right off the runway and into the closet of any dapper dude from New York, London, Tokyo, or Milan. The HE-man has plenty of fashion sense with a bit of whimsy thrown in.

There also might have been a bit of magic backstage - with the whole show comprised seemingly of three models (though it turns out to be four - two sets of twins, one being admittedly more identical than the other...) Apparently in Argentina only the boys know how to do quickchanges, and these guys are experts.

The staple pieces presented in the collection are well thought out and excellently tailored, giving the right mix of polish and enjoyment. The tailored shorts, hemmed to just above the knee, have a great sense of classic modernity to them. If there were to be any complaint (not that I have one) it would be a question of color. The clothes were impeccable but lacked the bursts of color one so longs for after a cold grey winter.

As the show came to a close there were a few surprises. The chest mounted camera was certainly one of them, and this techno-modern edge came from nowhere - as did the next model (in his only sighting of the show) finally giving us some color in a purple bathing suit - worn with a thick coat of chest hair. Overall an excellent collection of spring staples - which according to the runway obstacles you can now buy online!

Photographs courtesy of Mike Ferre

Varanasi - Spring 2011

The heavy handed intro video was entirely unnecessary - like being forced to sit through all of the credits before getting to watch the movie. The African influence on the collection would have been abundantly clear without the laborious video (OR the African singing, OR the sculptures on the runway - though both of these I enjoyed). Lightweight white linen pieces floated down the runway with patchwork and applique details that ride the line between tribal and holly-hobby but somehow manage to come across mostly fashionable. As the music amped up and the group started singing we were delighted with a celebration of colors in interesting geometrics - both on the clothes and the models themselves (the models had painted hands and arms). All of the colors seem to have a root in nature which allows them to be mixed (at times in abundance) interestingly and elegantly. The clothes are definitely for a more modern and artsy woman who appreciates the hand touched feel of less processed fabrics and a spice of something different. Bright bold prints brought back the tribal feel in a modern and interesting way. One of the recurring visuals was a (nearly giraffe) pattern that seemed to emulate the cracks in dry mud - both structurally and in prints. I still can't decide whether the plastic Massai neckbands and giant gold starfruit earrings were over the top or a genius new jewelry trend to watch.

The wood, metal, and leather sculpture were just as interesting as the clothes and never waivered in their taste level or interest. They definitely added rather than detracting (unlike the video).

Photographs courtesy of Mike Ferre

Cora Groppo - Spring 2011

One of the strangest openings I have ever seen, three models walked down the second row of seats on both sides of the runway before the first model stepped foot on the runway. This was a precursor of the models doing double duty - walking the runway then completing another lap up and down the aisles. The garments were decidedly dark with black, navy, and midnight blue as a palette. However, their light and ethereal nature told you that they were decidedly for spring. The clothes had an interesting precariousness to the way they were layered - as if made from scraps of other luxurious garments. Color came into the collection with dusty mauve, platinum, and purple. There is a natural architectural quality, as if the pieces grew organically or were put together by waves or winds rather than men in hard hats. The great mix of textures range from light weight knits, to silks and jerseys, and even a shockingly yet seasonably light leather. The layered looks are great for a day on the town - and will carry you from spring through fall. Meanwhile, the sculptural dresses are perfect for your next cocktail event and can hold their own against the best that modern art (or modern dance, given their ethereal nature) has to offer.