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