15/12/2010

Lino Sabattini The Film

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Lino Sabattini the Film

Our penchant for the artisanal had us drooling – with popcorn – over Kid Dandy‘s fantastic documentary of Lino Sabattini by Gianluca Migliarotti and Porzia Bergamasco. Part designer, whose prolific imagination has driven a lifetime of original, thoroughly inventive objects, part artisan-craftsman whose hands know and work the materials those objects are made from, Sabattini’s conceptual prowess and craftsman disposition have secured him a place in the world’s pantheon of great designers. Known for being entirely self-taught, he preaches and truly believes (and practically coined the adage) “s’impara facendo…e anche sbagliando” (learning comes through doing…and through making mistakes). And like any self-respecting design great, he not only creates beautiful objects, he also attacks niggling problems (and shows his formidable sense of humour) with objects like his infamous jellyfish-esque fork-spoon-hair accessory.

The documentary is a long talk with Sabattini and highlights his acquaintances with several bigwigs of Italian design, most importantly Gio Ponti, who presented his metal work in the 1950s on the pages of Domus and introduced him to the world outside Italy in a Paris exhibition soon thereafter. Working most prolifically at the vanguard of 1950s and 1960s design, his creations have become iconic of the time and many remain in production.

Sabattini’s intimacy with his materials – an organic progression from first working with silver to a later passion for ceramics and glass – is a refreshingly quaint dose of expertise in a computer crazy industry in which designers more often than not create objects in pixels, without ever tinkering with the materials they will eventually be made in. The go-deeper attitude embodied by Sabattini, furthermore, has been conspicuously absent in sometimes mercurial contemporary design education, but which is increasingly being soaked up by schools as diverse as the Royal College of Art, ECAL and Stanford’s d.school. We hope Sabattini’s legacy of doing – and intensely knowing his craft’s ins and outs – inspires generations of designers to come.

Tag Christof, Images courtesy Kid Dandy and Artnet

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14/12/2010

Delfina Delettrez / We-Man

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Delfina Delettrez / We-Man

Delfina Delettrez, the globetrotting fourth-generation Fendi (yes, those Fendi), has over the past several seasons built an admirable following with her uncommonly intelligent, sophisticated line of jewellery. Inspired by “powerful women with enormous personalities,” this most recent collection turns masculine icons inside out to make them something sensual yet still commandingly powerful.

Citing the grand, gender-bending and tough personages of George Sand, Virginia Woolf and Amantine Aurore Lucile Dupin in particular as the spirit of the collection, Delettrez also looked squarely to the intensely detailed works of Domenico Gnoli as a visual catalyst. The result is surprisingly original, abounding with clever details such as convincing “stitching” on some pieces, which make the collection as much a tactile experience as a visual one. Every piece is a semiotic subversion in fine metal, gem and stone: starched shirt cuffs as bracelet, a snail with brilliantly translucent shell, a tuxedo neckline and pressed collars collars as bold necklaces.

2DM’s Ricardo Fumanal, in his trademark clean and serene-surreal way, illustrated the hell out of the pieces (above) for Delettrez. Now that’s teamwork!

Tag Christof, Images courtesy Delfina Delettrez and Ricardo Fumanal.

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14/12/2010

Guest Interview n°20: George Esquivel

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Guest Interview n° 20: George Esquivel

Among conoisseurs of fine shoes – and among southern Californians – George Esquivel requires no fanfare or introduction. From simple beginnings and through honest, meticulous work he built a passion for shoes into a sterling reputation for quality and creativity. We’ve even called him a sort of present-day, living Salvatore Ferragamo. A truly inspiring artisan in a thoroughly impersonal industry, his tiny atelier churns out masterpieces that regularly make their rounds in the glossies, and he was just featured in this month’s issue of Monocle as an example of an exceptionally inspired small business success story. We had a chat with him following the launch of his fresh collaboration with Italian shoe giant Fratelli Rosetti.

How and when did this collaboration with Fratelli Rossetti begin?
Diego (their managing director and son of one of the founding Rosetti brothers) wanted to relaunch the brand. He came to the states six moths ago to meet me, we met, we clicked. We understood each other immediately and in short time began our collaboration.

Does this capsule collection have an Italian attitude?
It’s a mix of both Italian and Californian influences. I design for a free spirit so I don’t want to define my style as a nationality. And this wasn’t just a capsule collaboration! It’s a long-term, true collaboration that has just begun… next season will be even better!

Are you happy to be linked up with a big, historical Italian brand like FR?
Of course, has always been a dream for me to work with an Italian brand and it’s really an honor to have collaborated with them.

How do you think Italians will react to your work?
I am not worried about it. The collection is not only for Italian market, it’s for Americans and everyone else, for that matter. In any case, I design what I love…

So, three words to describe Italy?
Really. Amazing. Food.

What do you think is the strong point of this work?
Like all of my work, the collection maintains a classic edge and superfluous craftsmanship. Its point of strength is a mix of elements: twists, turns, colors, and shapes inspired by Diego’s father’s style. Colors and treatments and leathers mixed to 60’s shapes…

Which materials do you prefer to use?
Leather only. It’s the best material, no comparisons. You can do anything with it.

Your feelings about vintage?
I love vintage leather!

Has your idea of beauty evolved or changed since your first collection?
I definitely understand shoes and shoemaking better… Lots of changes in my taste since my first collection. At the beginning, in the mid-90s, I was inspired by rock’ n roll and punk and my style was more aggressive. Now times have changed, as has my idea of beauty with it.

What have shoes meant for your life?
Quite a bit, obviously. I wear shoes that I design, shoes are my passion and deeply connected to me, my family and the people I love.

If you hadn’t become a shoe designer what would you probably be doing now?
Only God knows…

What kind of music do you like to listen to?
What inspires you when you create? I like different kinds of music. Right now I especially love Janelle Monae. I made shoes for her in the video for “Tightrope.” I also listen to Ben Harper… and he wears my shoes as well.

Have you evern worn women’s shoes?
NO WAY! Definitely not my style…

Intro by Tag Christof, Interview by Giudetta Vigilani, Images by Sara Romani, Film by David Hubert for Esquivel.

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13/12/2010

Prada Private Customizable Sunglasses

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Prada Private Customizable Sunglasses

As a society with common interests and fashions, we struggle to set ourselves apart. There is the timeless search to acquire distinctive possessions, whether tangible or metaphorical; and with this desire swings back a cornucopia of options, the most recent being the way one wears their sunglasses as an exclusive and private affair. Customized design to showcase your own visual representation.

Prada likes to woo and dazzle us; and they never falter in presenting the things we have not seen in ways that are refigured with trinkets of unexpected imagination. With indicative subtle expressions, you let your fingers do the creating with their latest seduction, Prada Private Customizable Glasses. The mechanisms are removable arms where you can scrabble your declarations by plugging in two symbol inserts on each side of the frame. Made in two distinctive styles for both men and women, classic frames and your choice of black, white or tortoise-shell and sold exclusively through Sunglass Hut. With a multitude of symbols, letters, numbers, hearts, stars and skulls to choose from, your framed statement provides distinctive luxury for an ever-changing expression. So the question is, what will you say in just four frames? B for badass Blogazine!

Coco Brown, images courtesy Prada and Sunglass Hut.

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13/12/2010

Mini Interview with Phil Pinto

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Mini Interview with Phil Pinto

The forecast predicted a rainy day but not a single drop had fallen when 27 year old Phil Pinto filmed the music video for “Infinity Guitars” by Sleigh Bells. Living in Brooklyn, NY he has worked for a variety of clients including 2×4, AR New York, GOOD, Details Magazine, Human Rights Watch, HunterGatherer, Incase, MTV, Mom+Pop Records, Nike, New York Magazine, Print Magazine and VH1.

But Phil Pinto is not just a producer. He is also a maker of things. Most artists unconsciously draw inspiration from things they grew up with, childhood moments that even now seem to be freshly minted. The Infinity Guitars video is strongly influenced by movies 80’s kids can all relate to; things we all grew up with: high school comedies, and Beverly Hills Cop II with Eddie Murphy.

For one full day the Red Hook district in Brooklyn NY had been sent back to the future à la Marty Mcfly, and served as scenery for this electrifying music video.

How did the collaboration between you and Sleigh bells come along?
The whole thing came together really quickly. I knew Derek through some mutual friends before the band had played any shows. They were out on tour & I got a late night phone call from  him telling me that they wanted me to do their video. Two weeks later we were blowing up mailboxes.

Where are your favorite spots to hang out?
I spend a lot of time at my studio in Williamsburg, around there I like to eat at Five Leaves or Egg & I’ll get a drink at Enid’s. Otherwise, I really like Lovely Day & the Jane Hotel. People watching on the benches by La Esqunia & of course Film Forum. In LA, Animal on Fairfax and the Taco Zone cart in Echo Park have the best food. The Cha Cha for dancing & drunk people.
I also love the old Baixa neighborhood of Lisbon, Portugal – I’d love to film something there.

So, photography or videography? Where do you stand?
I’m a huge fan of both mediums. I don’t think one could ever replace the other. As much as I love how complex or simple a film can be, there’s something about being able to capture an exact moment & freeze it. It punctuates the scene. Whereas if you had filmed what you photographed it might be less striking…

Safia Brown, Images courtesy Phil Pinto and Sleigh Bells

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10/12/2010

Design In Italia: L’Esperienza del Quotidiano

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Design In Italia: L’Esperienza del Quotidiano

We’ve finally gotten our hands on Ottagono and Giunti‘s new design book, Design in Italia: L’esperienza del Quotidiano. Written by Porzia Bergamasco and Valentina Croci, and curated by the indefatigable Aldo Colonetti, the nearly 300 page volume is a sprawling, comprehensive adventure through design in the Bel Paese. The particularly salient nature of Italian design’s creations and contributions are clear on a walk down any of the world’s high streets, or in a passing glance at any would-be sports car unable to ape the magic lines and proportions of a Ferrari. And while its more iconic objects have been disseminated far and wide (or at least emulated and lusted after, as in the cases of architecture and interior design), this book is, in any case, squarely focused on the more narrow sociological context of design as a primary shaper of Italian life, Italian habits and Italian identity. This is design as patrimony, and a complex look at the pervasive creative fertility that has made the country not only a perpetual hotbed of clever innovation, but also a particularly nice place to live.

Split into sections covering spaces places, objects and people, the volume is curated through the lens of standard, everyday life – the experience of the quotidian, as the story goes. It is filled with spaces that continue to inspire, essential objects, and some of the major protagonists behind them. The objects within are the industrial, inclusive, quintessential icons of the day-to-day in the country, from the indispensible Bialetti moka to Barilla’s iconic pasta boxes and Campari’s tiny tasty jewel-like bottles, all the way to Milan’s metro cars, the diminutive Lancia Y, Castiglioni’s Arco lamp and Ponti’s Superleggera chair. All strokes of genius, none terribly exclusive or terribly rare.

Adeptly written, fresh and thorough, the book paints a picture of a very particular dynamic, a perfect storm of social, geographic and economic scaffolding that continually results in exceptional design, and which, extraordinarily, remains relevant to everyone, design fiend, Italian or not.

Tag Christof

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10/12/2010

Salvatore Cuschera / Galleria Biffi Arte

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Salvatore Cuschera / Galleria Biffi Arte

From this Saturday, 11 December 2010 to 6 January 2011 Galeria Biffi Arte will present Salvatore Cuschera’s “Shaman Roosters” sculptures. The artist – starting from his idea of modern shamanism – has been modelling clay to create these colourful cocks, which embody the power of the shaman himself.

The zoomorphic figures are the result of the artist’s will to bring some changes to the traditional cucù made in Matera (Basilicata, in the south of Italy). In many cultures the cock is recognised as a sacred animal connected to the sun and characterised by a fighting spirit. It is also seen as a symbol of virility and often used to make offering to the gods.

The sculptures by Cuschera, through their fantastic shapes, reveal all the artist’s spirituality and cultural background – even if they are not explicitly religious and are made with a certain rationality; volumes, lines, colour and, sometimes real bird feathers are mixed together in a way that recall shaman masks. Creating a parallel between the roosters and the shamans, Cuschera’s wish is to express the charisma of these human beings that are recognised as guides and intermediaries without time.

The works by Salvatore Cuschera will be displayed with the Nativity scene by Enrico Pulsoni in the show called “Il sacro e il profano fianco a fianco per il Natale 2010” (The sacred and the profane side by side for Christmas 2010”), where the sacred and the profane are blended. The “profane” animals, through their rugged and colourful surface, reveal their spiritual nature, reflecting, at the same time, the need of contemporary artists to represent their own particular way to perceive spirituality.

Via Chiapponi 39, Piacenza.

Monica Lombardi, images from the bureau.

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09/12/2010

Museo del 900

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Museo del 900

Milan’s newest cultural crown jewel, il Museo del Novecento, opened its doors for the first time over this week’s holiday. Within metres of the city’s flagship Palazzo Reale museum, it is a rare bright spot in the the city’s mostly unimaginative public exhibition spaces, and is at long last a Milanese institution to butt heads with the likes of Paris’ Palais de Tokyo or even New York’s New Museum.

Showcasing an innovative, constantly refreshed collection of exhibitions from what were unquestionably human history’s most radically transformative 100 years, inside are the 20th century’s (novecento in Italian) masters of fine art (with a particularly sharp focus on Futurism), its pop culture, its history and its technological breakthroughs. The museum is housed inside the spectacularly remade 1930s Palazzo Arengario, a suitable example of one of Milan’s many stern, stark Futurist structures constructed at the height of fascism. Flanking Piazza Duomo, the white marble temple is now decked out with a glass façade encasing a spiraling Smithsonianesque staircase, vivid light installations, and a bookshop. Free admission for all until the end of February.

Palazzo del Arengario, Piazza Duomo, Milano.

Tag Christof

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09/12/2010

Imagine a Tree House

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Imagine a Tree House

And with winter and rain comes along that nostalgic feeling, that reminiscence of our childhood looking for a special place. A place to hide or be safe.

A wooden house is the perfect shelter, but in reality it was always more… a blanket hung from a special corner of the house. Or a garden, where our most precious valuables were kept. Director Marco Mucig, a brilliant multi talent, brings us back, ¨à la Michel Gondry” to that magical feeling. The key is vintage, though, not childish. It’s very personal, that special place, our own world of discovery and sharing. The Tree House is a place not only to discover, but also to make your own, where, as the story goes, we can keep our fantasies growing…

Twice a year in Milan Chérie’s Tree House creates a perfect platform to support the growth of emerging artists. This Saturday, they open the doors on their 6th edition and will be featuring a pirate’s ransom of treasures including new and vintage fashion by Toxic Toy, Neroli Cashmere, Até Jà, Alessandra Modarelli as well as toys and design products from Drawflowers, Sunettes and many more.

This Saturday and Sunday, December 11th and 12th, at 247 Showroom, Via Pestalozzi 4, Milan.

Juan Alvarado & Tag Christof, short and photos courtesy Chérie’s Tree House

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07/12/2010

Bar 25 Berlin: In meinem Garten an der Spree

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Bar 25 Berlin: In meinem Garten an der Spree

When New Yorkers talk about Berlin, they do not discuss the opera but rather reminisce about the good times they had at Berghain or Bar25, two clubs that embody what Berlin is all about: a freewheeling lifestyle of music, creativity and individuality. “Bar 25 is like a love song to a bygone place in the heart of Berlin.” Forget about club managers, head of PR, accountants: this place is run by a community of 15 people that live and work at Bar 25, reinvesting every penny they make back into the Berlin Neverland.

A parallel world, or mini universe, 3000 square meters of jubilation and prosperity, offering 21st century hippies a 360º party landscape right on the Spree’s waterside, open solely in the summer. Seven years ago Bar 25 started as casual Berlin love boat, today it is an institution, an endless story of famous after parties that are simply unforgettable, a never ending dreamland, the personification of a carefree lifestyle. It comes as no surprise that regulars identify Bar 25 as their family, a place where to spend their weekends, since the doors open thursday nights and close down on tuesday mornings, the day reality comes back into the picture.

Sadly summer 2010 was the end of an era. Big investors, politicians, businessmen with a different idea a what should happen along the Spree, have decided to close Bar 25 down in order to develop Mediaspree project, building offices, lofts and hotels. On midnight, September 13, 2010 with a final foghorn blow and a shower of confetti, Bar25 closed its doors for good.

But this was not the definite end. Bar 25 along with Inkubato is now making a coherent movie all about these incoherent moments. “Over those seven wondrous years, there was a group of videographers who realized that we were part of something unique, magical and, yes, ephemeral.” In order to realise the project, Bar 25 needs help from all of us in order to afford editing facilities and finance the soundtrack.

All there is left to say is: Eins, zwei, drei, vier, Fünfundzwanzig!

Safia Brown, Trailer courtesy Inkubato.

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