Eames: The Architect and The Painter

Drexel recently hosted the film Eames: The Architect and the Painter. The film was shown, followed by a question and answer session with one of the directors of the film, Bill Jersey. While it was not an event that I was particularly interested in before attending, my friend studying interior design and architecture dragged me to see it. Within moments of the film starting, I knew I was going to enjoy the film.

The film introduced Charles and Ray Eames, design extraordinaires who worked from 1940s until Charles’ death in 1978, a quirky couple whose photographs show an insanely cute bond of the two, both lovers and partners in design. Their designs flashed across the screen, one after the next, and each one looking equally familiar to me. Charles and Ray Eames, along with their office of associates, appropriately named The Eames Office, were frontrunners in developing the modern American design aesthetic.

Charles’ “Eames Chairs” are regarded to be his most celebrated designs. He stripped away all extraneous elements of a chair, and created the most simplified device for sitting. The chairs were made from plywood, a cheap, easily accessible material, and were about to be mass-produced for a wide audience. These designs are still mimicked today in modern furniture design. Despite being affordable at one time, an Eames Chair truly manufactured by the Eames Office will run a steep bill in current times. One after the next, their designs were celebrated by designers and consumers alike. There was constant pressure to make another great chair, but somehow, Eames always managed to do it.

While Charles was the primary designer of the furniture, Ray was the backbone that held the designs together. Charles knew structure, but Ray knew color. This knowledge of color provided Ray a platform for design patterns for the furniture. Her designs are also still copied today and recognizable without knowing who the couple is.

The film also reveals other design conquests, including film and exhibition design, all while being narrated by James Franco, oddly enough. After the film, Bill Jersey humbly and humorously answered questions about the couple and the research put into developing the film. With hundreds of thousands of reference materials on the couple, the choice of editing what made the film or not provided more work than gathering the actual material. Whether you have an interest in architecture, fashion, painting, or multimedia design, this film offers a great look at amazing designers who impacted multiple industries, and did so beautifully.

Rebellion + Time + Money = Main Stream

“Rebellion + Time + Money = Main Stream.” This simple equation is the square root to rebellious fashion trends. On October 20^th, Design Philadelphia brought the rebel himself, designer and musician Keanan Duffty, to Drexel University to share his new book, Rebel Rebel, Anti-Style. From one legged jump suits to wearing underwear in public, he describes the the ins and outs of rebellious fashion or, non fashion, and how they came about.

His fascinating and illuminating graphics complemented Duffty's comical, diverting and sensational lecture. His cheeky personality made the presentation all the more entertaining. Duffty’s phrase, “rebellion + time + money = main stream” was repeated throughout his presentation about rebellious styles from the 1950s to today. In a basic, very concise, description of his book, Duffty explained his inspiration from icons such as David Bowie, Marlon Brando, and Kurt Kobain, and how their individuality and their desire to move against the mainstream actually began entirely new fashion trends. This movement of non fashion and their rebellious activities were contradictory to their outcome.

For the most part, when people, more specifically students, hear the words “guest speaker” they often sigh  and think of which high score they will break on their iPhone. Keanan Duffty’s presentation was not only entertaining, but it was informational, educational and fun.  I would go to hear Duffty speak anytime, anyplace. And I will always remember, Rebellion + Time + Money = Main Stream.

It looks like Duffty enjoyed his visit to Drexel, too. See his latest blog posting:

http://rebelrebelantistyle.blogspot.com/

Mmm, mmm, good.

I once was in a world where I could grab a cloud in my hand, throw it around and watch it float slowly back into the air. I once was in a world where I was lost in colors, textures, sounds, and space. I once was in a world where superheroes were frozen in time. I once was in a world where drag queens, druggies, models, and rich snobs melted into one being creating one thing, art. This may seem like an acid trip to most, but this was beyond a psychedelic reality.

“Popular, transient, expendable, low cost, mass-produced, young, witty, sexy, gimmicky, glamorous, big business.” – British artist Richard Hamilton used this shopping list of adjectives to describe what he coined as “Pop” art. I experienced the whole list on a visit to the Warhol Museum, located in Pittsburgh, PA.

Every floor of this museum was dedicated to a different aspect of Andy’s life showcasing the varied media he used throughout his artwork. When entering the museum I was told begin my journey on my first floor, then go to the very top level and work my way down.

The first floor was devoted to the beginning of Warhol’s life and the start of his career. When entering the room, you are to begin on the right hand side working your around the rectangular layout. Words such as pop artist, entrepreneur and innovator were randomly placed all over the large white walls, used to identify Warhol.

Continuing to the upper level, you are immersed into a comic book world created by Alex Ross. Portraits and action shots of superheroes line the brightly colored red walls dragging you into a deeper understanding of each individual. Paintings, drawings, and sketches of Ross’s progression throughout his life fill the room making it feel more intimate than most. The movement  makes you feel that you are traveling through an endless comic strip. Although the pictures are serious in artistic nature, there is a  sense of youthfulness that bleeds from every painting, screen print, or sketch. As you leave the room the last thing you see is a cartoon drawing of Andy Warhol flying through clouds superhero-style.

Every room throughout this museum allows you to interact with different media and viewpoints of art. One level is strictly devoted to Warhol’s movies, screen plays, interviews, and television shows, while another floor is dedicated to spatial installments. Warning: In case of a blown mind due to art, make sure you are a few feet away to prevent goo from splashing on that work. Correction, in case of a blown mind due to art make sure you are close to the work to allow goo to add to the artistic element it possesses. Who is to judge what pop art is?

The Pomp

The pompadour--- named for Madame de Pompadour of the 18^th century - is making a huge comeback. Its last resurgence appeared in the 1950s and 60s and was best rocked by icons James Dean and Elvis Presley. Traditionally a men’s hairstyle, the pompadour features hair tufted at the crown while remaining streamlined on either side. This hairstyle within the past few years has become a major statement and can be seen at its best on artist Janelle Monae, who has successfully trademarked the style for herself. A clear indication of its hype can be witnessed when searching Google images “pompadour hairstyle.” The number of current pictures are evenly divided with those of the 50s, reflecting just how influential the style is.

Studio Moko, located in Old City recognized this need for The Pomp, as it is now poshly called, and launched an event to herald its comeback recently.  Moko styled models that rocked the hairstyle, and attendees joined for an intimate event over cocktails. The windows of the salon featured images of old icons strung together with pops of color to catch the eye. It was a great celebration of past and current culture, an over all fun way to pay tribute to the originator herself. 

Window Design by: 

Amy Bottie Hildenberger

Tierra Mia Organic Nail Spa

TIERRA MIA ORGANIC NAIL SPA

Tierra Mia is the Philadelphia nail salon where you can get your nails done with organic materials. Manicures and pedicures are part of fashion and styling, so many of people are getting more sensitive about the appearance of their hands and feet. But are mani-pedis okay or good to your nails? 
With mass media and many business industries talking about green, eco-friendly, and organic, then why not for my nails?

 Tierra Mia is the place you should check out. Their interior is very comfortable, clean and modern...also very green. Flowers makes you feel cozy and in a luxury spa. Most nail salons in Philly don’t really care about their interior - sometimes I feel I’m at factory, not a salon.

Tierra Mia’s nail products are natural and organic based. The owners told me that there are two kinds of nail lacquers, one is emulsion (which means water based), and the other one is nitrocellulose based, which means solvent. Most other nail salon’s nail lacquers are nitrocellulose based. It is quite toxic. Although many companies have removed formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalates, which are considered as the toxic trio, but still their nitrocellulose based products are toxic. Is it really harmful? Yes, it can be the cause of cosmetic poisoning, and every time you put manicure on your nails, your nails and your body absorbs toxic chemicals and keep it in your body’s fatty tissues and internal organs.

So then, how does Tierra Mia serve their customers? They have coconut mani and pedicure service and soy hair removal service.  Their nail lacquers are water based with many different organic materials. Customers say after they get their nails done, they look good and there was no bad chemical odor. Looking pretty is important, and that is the number one reason why people get their nails done, but now it is the time to think about the inside of your body getting prettier.   

A View from the North

Jillian Fragetti

Sara Ozege just started her senior year at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. Her perspective on OccupyPhiladelphia revealed a Canadian’s outlook on a current US event.

Me: As a Canadian, how often/how many times have you come to the US?

Sara: 10+, it’s easy to go back into Canada so we go for shopping often.

Me: Do you get a lot of news and info about things going on in the US on a daily basis?

Sara: Yes, we get your news all the time.

Me: What have you heard about OccupyWallStreet?

Sara: Lower income people are telling the higher up people in banks and economists that they are responsible for the economic crisis in the States.

Me: Have you heard as much or anything about the same happening in Philly?

Sara: We know that it's spread but not specifically to Philly.

Me: What is your personal opinion of what is going on?

Sara: It's in reality there is no one to be held responsible and no one that can really fix the situation that they are in.

Me: Do you think it is something that should continue or would there be a better way to go about what they are trying to accomplish?

Sara: Yes, reasonable solutions need to be addressed, but this is not a productive way of going about it 

Me: Is Canada going through similar economic problems?

Sara: Nope, our economy has remained stable. Our currency is actually worth more now than the US, which hasn’t happened in awhile.

Me: Why do you think your economy is doing better than ours?

Sara: Everything is more stable here and we’re a lot smaller so it is easier to control.

Me: Has the US economy affected your daily life in Canada in any way? (If so, how)

Sara: No, we’re pretty independent from the US. Everything is run differently so the same things don’t affect us.

Me: Do you think your government has a better way of being run than ours to prevent these sorts of problems?

Sara: It’s definitely different but not necessarily better because it’s under greatly different circumstances. Size differences, the way we were established, all of those things affect how your government is set up. 

Drugs That Won't Send You to Rehab

Living in a time where TMZ and Perez gives us weekly updates of celebrity substance abuse and relapses, illegal drugs have made their way into popular culture. Being associated with celebrity lifestyle and glamor has removed some of the dirty connotation to them, which in turn has been a platform for designers and brands to absorb drug culture into their clothing and make substance abuse wearable, with an excellent sense of dark humor.

Jeremy Scott x Longchamp

Pill Le Pliage Bag, $322

Collaborating with French bag brand, Longchamp, American designer Jeremy Scott used the pill print from his spring/summer 2011 collection and had it printed on Longchamp’s oversized travel bag. The result is a literal pill bag that may set airport security on edge when you place it on the belt to be x-rayed. Once you manage to get through security checkpoints and land in London, the cheeky humor of the bag will score many glances from shoppers on Old Bond Street and maybe even a smirk or two.

Cast of Vices

Oxycontin Necklace & Coming and Going Hospital Bracelet, $198 each

Cast of Vices aims to celebrate the design aesthetic of substance abuse while recognizing pop culture’s obsession with self-medication and addiction. The result of this effort is a line of addictive jewelry that has a poison for every abuser. Pictured is an Oxycontin necklace in silver that may cause some questioning of your health from your friends and coworkers. Also shown in the silver Coming and Going bracelet that has eternalized every hospital check-in that you may or may not have had in silver rather than plastic and paper. Show your frequent-flyer-status by tightening the bracelet to the perfect fit and being proud of your addictions, whether it is pills or fashion.

Bobby Berk Home

Plank Pills Yoga Mat, $85

Who said that a druggy couldn’t appreciate Sunday yoga in the park? With this yoga mat by Bobby Berk Home, you can take your drug cocktail to yoga, even if they did fall all over the faux bathroom tiles. Bobby Berk acknowledges that not every person that takes a yoga class likes pink butterflies and blossoming lotus flowers. Downward dog becomes infinitely more fun when you get to stare at your addiction beneath you.

Eddie Borgo

Penny Poison Ring, $375

New York based jewelry designer Eddie Borgo has developed his line of sharp, edgy pieces that are darkly beautiful. His Penny Poison ring allows you to lift up a decorative silver penny to reveal a small container that can hold some powder if you need to take it on the go. No need to deal with tiny plastic bags when you can hold your substance in a beautiful Borgo ring that certainly makes your drugs feel more expensive than the price paid.

Occupy Philadelphia

The public voice has spoken. Confronting what they believe to be the cause of the downward economic slope that steepened in 2008 and has continued to plague our nation ever since. In mid July the Adbusters group released a civic summon for a peaceful occupation of lower Manhattan, beginning on the 17^th of September. The call was greeted with widespread support.

Teachers, college students, labor members, unemployed workers, and the other 99% are coming together at the intersection of Broad and Market Street to express their discontent and disgust for corporate America and politics. The gathering at City Hall is an extension of the current Wall Street protest.

Occupy Wall Street is a horizontally organized resistance movement employing the revolutionary Arab Spring tactic to restore democracy in America. The origin of the name transpires from the wave of Middle Eastern demonstrations beginning in December of 2010. The protests consist of civil resistance in sustained campaigns involving strikes, demonstrations, marches and rallies, with an emphasis on social media. The efforts behind Occupy Wall Street can be accessed through an array of different outlets. Countless images, forums, LiveStream, chats, Twitter, Facebook and Reddit are all enabling a wild fire-like spread of the protest.

Clearly stated on the website promoting this event is the mission statement claiming, “Our nation, our species and our world are in crisis. The US has an important role to play in the solution, but we can no longer afford to let corporate greed and corrupt politics set the policies if our nation.” The points of attack, although vague, are strong in the fact that they deeply resonate with a vast majority of frustrated citizens.

An undeniable energy permeates the atmosphere, whether an onlooker or active participant. The clusters of haphazard and colorful tents set against the intimidating backdrop of City Hall create a juxtaposition that borders on comical, yet comforting. Powerful signage and obvious camaraderie between activists almost gives the laidback air of a 1970’s hippy rally. Almost.

In a speech from October 9^th, Slavoj Zizek declares, “The only thing I’m afraid of is that we will someday just go home and then we will meet once a year, drinking beer, and nostalgically remember what a nice time we had here. Promise ourselves that this will not be the case. We know that people often desire something but do not really want it. Don’t be afraid to really want what you desire.”

Take a few minutes out of your shopping trip on Walnut and venture over two streets to see for yourself.

Backstage at Charlotte Ronson Spring 2012 Runway Show

Working backstage at the Charlotte Ronson Spring 2012 fashion show was by far the most amazing experience during my co-op. I’ve volunteered backstage at small shows before, but nothing could compare to working behind the scenes at Charlotte Ronson. Fashion shows are definitely not all glitz and glamour. Preparing for the show took long hours and hard work. We received multiple shipments of the clothing samples for the runway and our showrooms that had to be sorted, labeled, and checked off on our inventory sheets. As interns, it was our job to help with all the last minute changes. We sourced buttons in the garment district, switched and sewed the buttons, cut lining out of tops and dresses, and dyed various pairs of shoes. We created an emergency runway kit full of matching thread, needles, scissors, tide to go pens, shoe inserts, and lint rollers. At this point, things were just getting started.

The model castings began about two weeks prior to the show with help from Natalie Joos, a well-known casting agent in New York City. We had a schedule of models coming to the office everyday to try on specific looks and be photographed. Charlotte and our stylist, Natasha Royt, looked at each model’s book, which contained all of their information and photographs to decide who had the right look for the show. After they narrowed it down, it was time to confirm if they were available for the day of the show. Two of the confirmed girls were chosen to come in to meet with Natasha to try on different outfits and decide what exactly was going to be shown down the runway. Each look was photographed and posted on boards for the design team to narrow down. We ended up with a total of 39 looks.

Once the models were confirmed, they came into the office to try on some of the outfits, so Natasha and Charlotte could decide who would be wearing what. These were the days that I helped dress the models, took pictures, and made the model cards. Every model received a poster stating their name and showing the pictures of the exact look that they would be wearing on the runway. The cards explained exactly how to put on the entire outfit including shoes and accessories. These model cards were extremely helpful on the day of the show because they made sure everyone who was backstage was on the same page in regards to dressing each model.

The day of the show was extremely stressful. About fifteen minutes after everyone met at the office, there was a power outage and a water leak. In a panic, the employees and interns packed up the entire collection and had everything ready to go the venue in a matter of minutes. We all headed straight to the Lincoln Center and had hours of down time before we could head backstage. Once the clothes arrived, everyone headed backstage where we separated the garment bags on racks. There were two to three models assigned to each rack, and the dressers spread out their looks and made sure everything was ready to be put on quickly. All of the interns helped dress the models and lined them up according to their look. In a matter of ten minutes, the show was over and we were all finally able to breathe! Although the Charlotte Ronson fashion show was stressful, I loved every minute of it.

View the complete collection online at http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2012RTW-CRONSON

"30 Days/31 Ways"

The start of October not only reminded us of the official end of the summer with the chilly weather that has been brought upon us, but it also marks the start of the Mural Arts Month. With the city of Philadelphia having the largest, and in my opinion the most influential, public art programs in the United States, this special month dedicated that very program will be full of activities and things to do.

Since its beginning in 1984 as a part of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network, the Mural Arts Program has created over 3,000 murals as a way to create and promote community involvement, education, and creativity. The Mural Arts Program challenges youth to inspirer peers through art and reduce violence with alternate means of expression. The program also has been a leader in bringing the arts into the national prison systems providing inmates with stipends to create parts of murals seen throughout the city.

Throughout the month of October, The Mural Arts Program will be hosting the month long celebration titled, “31 Days / 31 Ways Art Ignites Change”. The program selected a group of community members, artists, and other important figures in Philadelphia to explain how “art has ignited change” in each of their lives. There will be sponsored events throughout the city all month long including free trolley tours, egg hunts, and mural dedications. More information is available on Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program website at http://muralarts.org/