V magazine web site http://vmagazine.com (c) 2007 V MAGAZINE, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ARCO, the International Contemporary Art Fair in Madrid, celebrated its 29th installment last month with guest of honor: the city of Los Angeles. Enter Javier Peres from Peres Projects (whose freebie 'Young Men At Play' posters by Dean Sameshima wreaked utter havoc) and Wendy Yao (ARCO panelist and head honcho behind the infamous L.A. bookshop Ooga Booga). Oranges anyone? Fallen Fruit, an American eco-art collective, invited viewers to sample the goods at El Matadero, a great new exhibition space that could only be rivaled by cliche flamenco posters, the picturesque must-see coffee house La Mallorquina, or an impressive library at the ultra-cool gallery, Ivory Press. http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14849 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:27:32 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14849 Yes, we know, Katherine Bigelow, likely the Best Director. Check. And of course, Mo'Nique will do runways as Best Supporting Actress. Double check. But what about predicting that often overlooked category which this year poses quite a dead heat, while serving up wall-to-wall, powerhouse talent? That's right it's time to vote your Oscar prediction for Best Costume Design, or your favorite ‘Onscreen Runway', if you want to really break it down. Delivering fantasy and reality in the past, present and future while tacking all sorts of artistic challenges, it's a critical element in what gives a film its visual and narrative truth. http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14866 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:49:18 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14866 EVERYONE KNOWS STELLA SCHNABEL AS THE SMART AND SEXY GIRL-ABOUT-TOWN. BUT THIS YEAR SHE'S PROVING HER VERY SERIOUS ACTING CHOPS IN TWO VERY SERIOUS ROLES. DON'T CALL IT A BREAKOUT, CALL IT A BREAKTHROUGH Photography Matthu Placek Text James Kaliardos You Wont Miss Me, a new film directed by Ry Russo-Young, tells the story of Shelly Brown, a 20-something actress trying to sort out her life after being released from a psychiatric hospital. Fragile, funny, and brutally honest, she is the kind of character who stays with you long after the lights have gone up; and much of what makes her so hypnotic is her portrayal by Stella Schnabel. Compared by one film reviewer to Klaus Kinski, the 26 year-old New York native has a raw, uninhibited style that's unmatched right now, and her talent extends well beyond acting. Along with Russo-Young, Schnabel wrote the script to You Wont Miss Me, which won the 2009 Gotham Award for Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You. http://vmagazine.com/article.php?n=14859 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:23:14 CST http://vmagazine.com/article.php?n=14859 http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14858 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:38:44 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14858 Stephen Courter isn't your standard film critic, so it goes without saying that his cinematic sounding board, AnAisleSeat.com, should have a style all its own. The recently launched blog from the publicist/business partner for rising womenswear label Ohne Titel isn't a thumbs up, thumbs down catchall of current titles but a thoughtfully selective guide to what to see at the movies. The result is a slew of witty, intelligent, and unpretentious write-ups (complete with fun-fact style footnotes) of indie, art house, documentary, and even the occasional big-budget blockbuster movies-whatever makes it past the author's self-described discriminating taste. The concept is film recommendations from a cinephile with a downtown perspective, says Courter, who took inspiration for AnAisleSeat from the bitchy New Yorker wit of Quentin Crisp's movie reviews in the '80s-era gay-issues magazine Christopher Street. Given the growing number of fans eager to heed Courter's advice, it's a concept well worth reviving. Martha Glass http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14818 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:44:49 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14818 Marni's Fall collection was characteristically bold and colorful, filled with large graphic prints (some of them paintings by Gary Hume) and a palette of dusty pink, ochre, and brick red. The Marni customer is a rather quirky, creative woman; and Consuelo Castiglione has given her structured silhouettes to play around with next season, such as sharp Bermuda shorts with dramatic peplum shapes and sculptural dresses with brocade panels. Given the brand's heritage, there were also some standout furs, such as a red goat hair capelet and cleverly printed plush vests. http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14825 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:39:00 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14825 In the next issue, Mario Testino presents an ode to the over-the-top personal style of Mexican film star María Félix-she of the wide-brimmed hats and golf ball-sized diamonds. Supermodel Daria Werbowy assumes of the role of the smoldering fashion icon in a 10-page story styled by Sarajane Hoare.Photography Mario TestinoV64 is on newsstands everywhere March 5, 2010. http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14791 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:27:01 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14791 There was a lot going on at Bottega Veneta's Fall collection; and in the end, something for everyone: cool leather looks, shaggy shearling coats, colorful silk taffeta cocktail dresses, and a series of mannish pantsuits for evening that-paired with side-swept hair and kohl-rimmed eyes-seemed inspired by Betty Catroux. Of course, there were also plenty of accessories, among them oversized bags slung across the body, sculptural wedges, and suede over-the-knee boots. http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14809 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:34:20 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14809 Dean and Dan Caten have never been known for their subtlety, and their Fall 2010 collection, shown at the ripe hour of 9 a.m. on the 2nd day of Milan Fashion Week, was no exception. To the sound of Lady Gaga, curtains parted to reveal Carmen Kass and two scantily clad male models descending to the runway from a metal lift. Mangalicious Experimental Anatomical Atelier was the title of the show, which had a weird science, sex dungeon vibe running throughout. But there were some elements that really worked, like a wool trench coat with leather sleeves and a great gown with a crystal spine. http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14808 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:25:10 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14808 Ski sweaters, furry hot pants, mongolian lamb moon boots, and crystal-encrusted goggles-for Fall 2010, D&G celebrated the glamorous ski bunny, sending out a series of leggy looks on Day 1 of Milan Fashion Week that was surprisingly wearable. Shown before a wood-paneled backdrop built to resemble a ski chalet, the collection made for an exuberant start to the soggy day. If the Fair Isle print jeans and woolen onesies didn't leave you feeling warm and snuggly, the series of white chiffon gowns worn with trim velvet blazers and mukluk boots certainly did the trick. http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14795 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:53:27 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14795 http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14801 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:50:25 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14801 Supermodels Liya Kebede and Lily Donaldson turn up the volume in the next issue of V. This 10-page Josh Olins story finds them channeling hip hop goddesses of yore, namely '90s chart-toppers like MC Lyte, Lil' Kim, and the deliciously decked-out Salt-N-Pepa.Photography Josh OlinsV64 is on newsstands everywhere March 2, 2010. http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14778 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:55:59 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14778 http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14740 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:19:11 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14740 JAPANESE GIRL BAND THE SUZAN IS BENT ON GOOD TIMES AND WORLD POP DOMINATION. LATELY IT SEEMS THAT WHEREVER THEY GO, RAUCOUS ADVENTURES TEND TO FOLLOWText T. Cole Rachel Photography Keiichi Nitta As far as all-girl Japanese rock bands go, most American audiences have a very limited vocabulary. In the '90s, Kurt Cobain did his part by tapping twee-grunge popsters Shonen Knife to be Nirvana's opening act on the In Utero tour, while more recently Quentin Tarantino hired the 5.6.7.8's to play backing band in one of Kill Bill's outrageously violent scenes. Other than those two shining examples, most of Japan's musical imports come to us in the form of cartoonlike pop singers (à la Puffy AmiYumi) or as an actual cartoon. This is what makes the Suzan-a four-lady party pop machine from Tokyo-such a wonderful and welcome addition to our record collections. Also, it's hard not to love a band that issues a press release stating that you can't take your eyes off The Suzan and miss any incidents they bring up in the world! http://vmagazine.com/article.php?n=14763 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:24:39 CST http://vmagazine.com/article.php?n=14763 Burberry takes to the future today, presenting it's Fall/Winter 2010 collection live and in 3-D. If this is what the future of fashion looks like, we can't wait to watch. Click here to watch live! http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14759 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:24:59 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14759 New York fashion week. Not much sleep for this guy but plenty of beauties, style icons, and preppies made the three a.m. bedtimes worth it. James Kaliardos CYNDI LAUPER & LADY GAGA: Starting at 4 a.m. the day of the New York Blizzard of 2010, I was on the 52nd floor of the Mandarin Oriental preparing for a day of interviews for a Viva Glam M.A.C lipstick with Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga that they designed, with all proceeds going to AIDS research, including the development and distribution of a female condom. (As Cyndi said, 'Women will no longer have to negotiate in the bedroom.') The long day ended with a special presentation and performance for the AIDS organization, amfAR, with Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga. The two of them all day together. Ah so fun, I was in heaven! Makeup, hair, wigs, costumes, safety-pin crowns! I learned so much from each of them, like how women are the most affected with AIDS in age groups 18-26 and 36-60. Cyndi said, 'Think like the boy scouts do, always be prepared.' Gaga encouraged girls to share and support each other to insist on being safe when the guy doesn't want to. 'Make them wrap it up!' Gaga insisted. 'We all have had that phone call and a girlfriend is laughing saying how she can't believe what happened in the heat of the moment the night before, but as a friend or sister that is the time to say that is NOT funny and to be strong as an advocate of being responsible about your health.' Cyndi and Gaga are like a cool pair of radical outcasts. For her performance, Gaga performed with a revolving piano covered in plaster and pearls by artist Terence Koh, and began her act by spitting out pearls as a safe sex gesture. Those two girls just wanna have fun, and they do. http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14735 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:19:03 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14735 Over the past few seasons, Hannah Marshall has become known for her love of simple lines, sharp edges, and even sharper shoulders. For Fall 2010, her first scheduled showing at London Fashion Week, Marshall kept to what she knew best and delivered a collection which played to her strengths. That's not to say Marshall's style hasn't evolved at all-shoulders had definitely grown in size, so much so that walking through a doorway could prove seriously difficult. Similarly, her signature LBD was no longer fully intact. Cut, sliced, and slashed under the bust, buttocks, and anywhere inbetween, the body-con dress appeared severe and ever so slightly sinister. Made from either velvet, liquid-like latex, or leather, the Hannah Marshall woman knows exactly what she wants, and how to get it. Not surprising then that Grace Jones was a big inspiration for the collection. A collaboration with jewelry designer Hannah Martin added silver talon-like rings to fingers, which echoed razor-sharp jutting hips and spike-heeled platforms. Marshall favored black over any other shade (neither print nor color have ever been her strong points). But her new collection did allow for a brief digression into the realm of color, albeit in the arctic hues of bright blue and silvery gray-a palette perfect for the ice cold Marshall woman. Olivia Marks http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14754 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:13:33 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14754 HUMOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN A KEY INGREDIENT IN THE WORK OF PERFORMANCE ARTIST ADRIAN PIPER. SHE KNEW DECADES AGO THAT THE WAY TO GET PEOPLE THINKING ABOUT RACE, SEX, MISOGYNY, AND BIAS WAS TO GET THEM LAUGHING FIRST Text Aimee Walleston A beautiful intruder in the predominantly white-male world of American conceptual art in the late '60s and '70s, Adrian Piper used her physicality, visage, and kinetic, uncompromising intellect to pose trenchant questions about race, gender, and identity. Before artists like Chris Burden became renowned for creating performances that used the self and corporeality to produce shocking, explicit, and sometimes violent artworks, New York-born Piper was dousing herself in wet paint and walking through Macy's department store, or riding the D train while drenched in fetid eggs, milk, vinegar, and fish oil. Piper used her being as a lightning rod for on-the-spot audience engagement. Her works often seemed to explore her own discomfort with society's view of her as a light-skinned Black woman by reversing this uneasiness and putting viewers in the crosshairs. But, however confrontational these works may be, they're equally possessed of a wry, energized vitality that employs humor to test the boundaries of her audience's internalized racism and misogyny. http://vmagazine.com/article.php?n=14723 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:34:03 CST http://vmagazine.com/article.php?n=14723 Carolyn Murphy returns to V in this 18-page shoot by photographer Sebastian Faena and stylist Alastair McKimm. The surfer supermodel and her flaxen-haired companions prove that blonds really do have more fun. Photography Sebastian FaenaV64 is on newsstands everywhere March 2, 2010. http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14743 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:41:25 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14743 You can always depend on a few recurring elements at a Victoria Bartlett show. From a strong music factor (this time, the pre-show sounds of Girls) to an ever-expanding list of outside collaborators (like LD Tuttle shoes, Lizzie Fortunato and Orly Genger jewelry, and the styling talents of Priscilla Polley and Avena Gallagher). Then there's the gift bag, which always includes a signature 'No Fur' pin, skincare goodies from Jurlique, and even a little snack.'The inspiration always comes from the body,' says the designer. Indeed, Bartlett's ability to accentuate the female form with various tricks of the trade is formidable. 'I wanted to slash everything, have sections practically falling off, sometimes pieced back together in a patchwork.' Another Bartlett trademark is the division of her show into two distinct sections-the first being a parade of smart and elegant looks, and the second (Visible Panty Line) being all the stuff that, for the most part, is meant to be worn underneath. Which brings us to the final VPL mainstay: plenty of skin. http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14722 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:23:26 CST http://vmagazine.com/blog.php?n=14722