From Rooms to the Runway

American interior designer Kelly Wearstler wowed the world of luxury living with her unique aesthetic taste. Having a passion for art and design, it was only a matter of time before she segued into the world of fashion. However, this designer is no stranger to the industry — she was named one of Vogue’s Best Dressed back in 2007. Now, four years later, she translates her talent from rooms to the runway. Kelly has made her debut as a fashion designer with her fall 2011 ready-to-wear and accessories collections.

She often explains in her blog that her inspiration for design stems from the materials she works with, which is especially visible in her jewelry collection. Whether she uses brass, pyrite, lapis, or quartz, she maintains a clear grasp of the elements. Her finished products are a result of playful yet thoughtful experimentation. She's a master at constructing organic pieces that are unexpectedly glamorous — they're wearable equivalents of sculptures you'd find in a gallery.

One of Kelly's most admirable traits as a designer is the relationship that she has with her work. Her passion shines in every piece she creates. By way of design, she encourages us to seek out inspiration and find beauty in raw materials, and she reminds us that jewelry is, in fact, art.

The Kelly Wearstler flagship boutique opens in L.A. this fall. But, for all of you East Coasters, her collections are always available at the official Kelly Wearstler site, or just visit Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus.


Text Jennifer Bernard
Image and Source Kelly Wearstler

Peter Lippmann Gives An Art History Lesson: Christian Louboutin Fall 2011 Lookbook

At this point, it’s pretty much inarguable that a beautiful shoe can be considered a true work of art. Architecturally inspired arcs, impeccable craftsmanship and luxuriant materials can take designing shoes from a mere trade to a level of superior artistry. Shoes possess the ability to be transformative – the exquisite pedestal upon which a woman stands - and in the same instance become something of an icon to be admired and idolized in their own right.

When photographer Peter Lippmann and Christian Louboutin reunited for the Louboutin F/W ’11 lookbook, it was clear that high art was on the brain. Louboutin shoes and evening bags share the spotlight with (or rather, outshine) female subjects in highly stylized photos that read more like Flemish paintings than photographs.

The signature red soles work their way into iconic art pieces in recreated works such as onto the lap of James Abbot McNeill Whistler’s “Whistler’s Mother” and in the fruit plate of “Saint Dorothy” by Francisco De Zurbaran. The candle of Georges de la Tour’s “Magdalene and the Flame” is moved atop the books to make way for the fur covered Puck boot and the frame is drawn back to reveal the Gold Spiked Platform Shoe and Catalina Sequined Clutch delicately balanced on the knees of “Elizabeth of Austria” by Francois Clouet.

Perhaps the most curious thing about this collage of old and new is how cohesively they blend together. This is obviously due in part to the talent of Lippmann, but one has the feeling it also says something about the timelessness of a shoe that is truly a work of art.

Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Source(s): Peter Lippmann, Christian Louboutin

The Fabric Works

It was not only Hauser & Wirth that was proud and enthused to announce the inauguration of its new space at 23 Savile Row with a solo exhibition by the late Louise Bourgeois, For those lucky enough to stumble upon this new space and the Bourgeois collection, it was a rare find and the the most delectable of delicacies. As the most important female artist of our time, for seventy years she transformed thoughts and emotions into beautiful works of art in radical, complex, intense and excessively influential manners of work. This collection, 'The Fabric Works' are abstract and geometric drawings deriving from the juxtapositions of patterns printed on materials. In 2002, Bourgeois to weave thin strips of her garments together and from this developed later polygonal strips, which would read how different patterns of printed materials would compose when stitched together. Fabric for Louise Bourgeois must, in many ways, have been like returning to a long lost friend having played an important role in her life. Her parents owned a tapestry restoration workshop and from the age of twelve she began helping out by drawing in the sections of the missing arts that were to be repaired. In time as the thinking and creativity of Bourgeois was to develop and grow it would play an important part in her work. ‘I always had the fear of being separated and abandoned. The sewing is my attempt to keep things together and make things whole’. This beautiful collection is only showing until Saturday the 18th of December at Hauser and Wirth Savile Row, so run!

Text Katriona Flynn

A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words

Mashup culture is alive and kicking (just listen to Girl Talk's new album All Day for evidence) and here's another by-product of mixing previously separated entities: Picture This, the new half-memoir, half-comic-workbook from renowned cartoonist Lynda Barry (and published by hip Canadian publishing imprint Drawn & Quarterly). From advice on what kind of doodles help inspire new ideas, to absurdest paintings of cigarette-smoking squids, the whimsical, autobiographical, thoroughly entertaining and heartfelt tome is full of cool stuff.

The holidays are upon us -- Picture This would make a fantastic gift for anyone, whether the aspiring comic book artist or your run-of-the-mill daydreamer. Want more? Here's a cool interview Barry recently did with The Paris Review.

Text Molly O'Brien

Frieze

It is London's biggest contemporary art event and it all kicked off in the capital of creativity this week. Offering London, events, talks, workshops and art obviously. Additional music nights and 150 international galleries involved in the Frieze festival were not to be missed. Full of creative kinds, inspirational awe and supplying all the F's such as fun, fair, film etc, etc, the Frieze Fair may not have been free, or cheap, but it was without a doubt a value for money and a fine contradiction to the good old, 'best things in life are free' thought. What is so important about this event is the platform it supplies practicing homegrown and international contemporary artists. With the likes of the Frame section showcasing a number of galleries that are less than six years old and their solo artist presentations, the Frieze Fair is an exciting insight into contemporary art as it is right now.

Text Katriona Flynn

Villagers

When Conor J O'Brien opens his mouth and sings, time stands still, for a minute ... or three. It is wonderful and it appears so is O'Brien. From the moment he becomes visible he is captivating and it would take a soul a lot stronger than me to resist the pull of his charm. O'Brien also known as Villagers is like a lost storyteller from a different time, layered on beautiful melodies he speaks of ships and the sea and the main streets. He tells intriguing tales, and his words build stories of love lost and found, of lust and hurt, and destruction, and hope, there is, it seems, always a sense in the darkest of rhymes a glimmer of hope. When a stage in London's King Cross met Villagers they were in for a treat, as were the audience. And on a crisp October Tuesday with the first signs of Winter safely in place, not a member of the congregration could have gone home unimpressed, I am sure of this.

By Katriona Flynn

Say it with flowers, Mr Hodges does.....

and so to Camden, where American artist Jim Hodges has a lot to say and a lot of things to say it with. Hordes creates artifacts and then associates the feelings with these items. For example, flowers with which we associate life and love and all of that blossoming blossoms. However, Hodges lets the viewer create this imagery and then wistfully contradicts the initial feeling with a less delightful undertone. It's like taking and linking love with loss and desire with despair. In many ways, even the way the space is filled and cluttered, is again a sort of unsettling notion. Whether it is enough, (as it should be) too much, and a little smothering, is always lurking among, but then that is the essence. Whether making flower diaries from paper napkins or jewelry cobwebs. Pieces such as 'A kind of Forever' and 'A Line to You' demonstrate well what hordes is trying to spell out, until September at the Camden Arts Centre. Go have a look!

Text Katriona Flynn

Photography Wolfgang Tillman

It has been seven years since Turner prize Photographer Wolfgang Tillmans has had a major public exhibition in London. For fans of Tillmans work, and there are many, the wait is finally over. Since arriving in the United Kingdom from his homeland Germany twenty years ago Wolgang Tillman has redefined the photographic image and its presentation methods. Tillmans ability to deliver every theme and style of photo with equal importance appears to be one of his adored and most remarked upon abilities. This exhibition pulls together many iconic snapshots created since his arrival from images of his early career to the recent pieces created especially for this exhibit at the Serpentine Gallery. It is a stunning collection of work which reinforces all the attributes that Tillman is noted and respected for. Regardless of the themes which are broad, from the unconventional to the abstract subjects, the process of the print is the joyful soul of each piece. Until September 2010, finally again, the work of Wolfgang Tillman.


Text Katriona Flynn

Cabbages and Frocks

The Cabbages and Frocks Market in the beautiful Marleybone Village, is a splendid alternative to an arty afternoon out and about in the sun, away from the shadier galleries. Noted as being one of the locations of Vogue's secret address book and declared by the Independent as one of the 'Top 50 Best markets', the surroundings, the characters, the atmosphere create a wondrous time out. Offering anarray of products from art to craft to brick and brac to who knowswhat else, it is like an alternative to the legendary Portobello, although much, much smaller.

However, this is the beauty of Cabbages and Frocks it almost feels like a school fair that offers vintage Channel. Quite the school fair, but it is indeed Maryleybone after all. The trick is to keep your eyes open, and of course enjoy yourself. The food and beverages are global and delicious, the only thing that cannot be guaranteed, is the weather, it is London after all.

Every Saturday 11 - 5 Marleybone.
 

By Katriona Flynn

"Like shooting a fish in a barrel. There was no way I could miss it."

Anna Wintour Editor-in-Chief of Vogue takes fashion residency as part of Alex Katz first and hugely anticipated first solo exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London. The chosen works of Katz exhibition range from a group portrait of New York intelligentsia at a cocktail party to portraits of Katz's friends and family, including a portrait of his life-long muse and his wife Ada. But, it is the portrait of Wintour which is a new and hugely sucessful approach for Katz. Capturing Anna unusually without her signature sunglasses, Katz became interested in Wintour during the September issue documentry when he noticed her 'lovely eyes. Sitting for her first painting Katz described Wintours visit to his New York Studio as, "like shooting a fish in a barrel. There was no way I could miss it." The bright yellow background and use of colour, softens the harsh associations of Wintours public character and creates a softer intriguing personality. This exhibition explians exactly why Alex Katz is deemed as one of the most exceptional painters of our time. ALEX KATZ PORTRAITS will run from 15 May - 21 September 2010, in Rooms 41 and 41A in the Contemporary Collections in the Lerner Galleries of the National Portrait Gallery, London.


By Katriona Flynn

Fifty Eight Faces

Fifty eight selected works hang in the National Portrait Gallery as part of the 2010 Portrait awards. The worlds most prestigious portrait competition, it promotes the very best in contemporary portrait painting. A lot of people have started to expect these awards, but any doubting aside the standard of skill is near impossible to fault. For in each composition and sitter the artist has found something intriguing to present and there is a certain sense of something captivating in each of the 58. The winning portrait is Daphne Todds the 'Last Portrait of Mother', Todd painted her mother Annie Mary Todds on her death bed, just after she had reached her 100th birthday. In a competition to this standard where the winning prize is £25,000 the winners and winner are going to be questionable. Perhaps this years winner was significant in seeming to move away from the traditional static association between the painter and the sitter, Todds exploration of a invasive and contemporary theme was a far move easily associated with the contemporary notion of 'art' in 2010. However, the idea that there is anything less exciting or fulfilling than great painting is sadly mistaken. Until September at the Nation Portrait Gallery, London.


by Katriona Flynn

Princess Grace

A fitting tribute to a truly remarkable lady. Actress, model, and of course delectable style icon Grace Patricia Kelly takes Centrex stage once more, this time at the Victoria and Albert Museum London. Commonly referred to as Princess Grace, after marrying the Prince of Morocco Grace Kelly was paramount in her role as 'her Serene Highness'. This collection gathers a magnificent array of the stars possessions from jewellery and hats to Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy, and Yves Saint Laurent gowns worn throughout Graces career. Her semblance, charm and magnetism meant that although she retired from the silver screen at 26, to dedicate her time solely to her duties in Morocco. She was still named by the American Film Institute as one of their top female stars in American cinema. She has film clips, photographs, and of course the Oscar statuette won by Kelly in 1954 are on show this exhibition, running until September 26th it should not be missed by those who loved Princess Grace and the allure of her style.

By Katriona Flynn

The Family and the Land

The notion that 'The Family and the Land' is Manns first solo exhibition in London, seems quite preternatural when you consider that in 2001 Time Magazine described Sally Mann as 'America's Best Photographer'. No doubt those who like their photographs know of Mann, not only because she takes admirable pictures but also because her work is associated with pushing and over stepping the fine lines.’ The Family and the Land' presents fine examples of both of these associations, presenting a collection of work based on portraits of her three children and decaying corpses. The series of images which focus on her three children are extremely intimate and revealing, perhaps the sensitivity of the images lies in the idea that Mann is more than a photographer here she is also a mother and she captures the innocence and vulnerability of youth. When photographing the anonymous deceased there is sensitivity and a beauty to the idea of natures work. It is easy to understand why Sally Mann has met questions and concerns from the press and public about the themes of her work with her work, what is unusual and surprising is that it is the uncontroversial series of Faces that is perhaps the high point of the exhibition.’ The Family and the Land' depict Manns ability to create something much more significant than a great image, and runs until September 19th at The Photography Gallery, London.

By Katriona Flynn

SaatchiSpeak: British Art Now

To describe Saatchi as the Godfather of British art, it would almost seems portraying him in a slightly wise crack jest figure would be the way to go, so I won't describe him as that. Instead, I will imply that his opinion is highly sought after and that as an artist if one man in this country would be singing the praises of your work, you would crave it surely to be Charles Saatchi.

So when the exhibition Newspeak: British Art Now opened it doors to the public at the Saatchi Gallery on Kings Road, they came. Why? Mainly because Charles Saatchi has deemed it as being British Art Now. The show delivers art in the good the great and the miscellaneous. It is all over the shop as it was always going to be with various themes and disciplines, but it works and is exciting, shocking and questionable. There were times when I really believed the nail had been hit on the head, and the contrast between the likes of Ged Quinns and John Wynne restored faith that there is room for traditional disciplines in Modern art as is there room and hope for the untraditional. Contrast and contradiction keep the space alive and flowing and the likes of Little White Head, 'it happened in the corner' and Alastair MacKinven, 'Portraits of Thomas Jefferson as Karl Marx' were two of the delights.

THE MAN BEHIND THE SCULPTURE

The man behind the sculpture, Anthony Gormley is again in residence at The White Cube Gallery, London. His exhibition 'Test Sites' consists of a series of nine (Title to be confirmed) cast iron sculptures and a prodigious installation 'Breathing Room ///'.

It is the 15 interconnecting photio-luminscent 'space frames' which invites the viewer to explore. In the blackhued room of the lower ground floor the lucid structural is interrefered with only by the darker shadows of the audience moving throughout the structure. It is alluring to say the least, disturbed only by the unsettling intense bursts of light that interrupt the complete darkness. But this is part of the game. 'Breathing Room ///' is all about the principles of light and time and Gormleys hope is to invite te audience to interact with the structure and then unexpectedly jolt their experience of quiet meditation to acute inquiry.

The White Cube plays host to 'Test Sites' like a long lost friend, whilst the ground floors iron cast sculptures are nice demonstrations of how, 'time acts on Objects and how objects act on us', downstairs was always going to be the crowd pleaser and that in all its luminosity it is.

Anthony Gormleys TEST SITES runs until the 10th of July 2010, at the White Cube, Masons Yard, LondonWhite Cube is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.

Tommy Hilfiger and Keith Haring Collaborate

Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger and the Keith Haring foundation have collaborated on a line of shoes that were released today at Colette, a Parisian concept store, and will be on sale for two weeks.

The collection's sneakers and rain boots are printed with some of the painter's most popular work, with sizes available for men, women, and children. Some styles include Wellington boots covered in the Dancing Man, and tennis shoes with the Barking Dog.

If you are not a Paris native and a fan of Haring's work, fear not: the collection has a broader release scheduled for this fall.

-Erin O'Hara

Chris Mendoza Paints on Ray Bans!

Maybe you have grown sick of everyone and their mom sporting those good old Ray Bans that your grandpa/dad was rockin' in the 1950's and then again in the early 80's. I mean shit, we can get them in basically every color under the sun. Could someone come up with something new? Well, maybe not a new rad style but, someone did come up with a way to take the Ray Bans to the next level. Not possible? Possible. Sunglass Hut/Ray Bans have teamed up and started an artist series, and New York City based painter Chris Mendoza is creating some buzz. Mendoza is doing what some would say hip-hop meets subway graffiti throw in a little South American flava and you've got a pretty dope update on the played out Ray Bans.

If you're still not rushing out the door to buy your newly updated Ray Bans, know that this is a gift to yourself that is also giving back. 25% of the proceeds go to the 'Give The Gift Of Sight' charity that gives glasses to those who are in need. This should give you a little piece of mind when you drop $250 on these bad boys. Don't miss out! These are sure to go fast, get them before the Olsen Twins do!

Available tomorrow, December 3 online @ www.sunglasshut.com

Peace & Love,

CHAOS Magazine

source: www.style.com

12.15.08- Vol. One

CHAOS will be releasing Vol. One on December 15, 2008. Stay tuned for a great issue! 

Peace & Love, 

CHAOS Magazine

Hey Chaos lovers, it's about to get CHAOTIC!

Chaos Magazine is about to launch our first issue and we are thrilled! The anticipation is killing us and we are so excited to share the beginning of this venture with you. December 1, 2008, we will go live with our premier issue. You will be able to view it here on our site by clicking on the cover at the upper right of this page. Or, if you wish, you have the option to download the entire magazine in pdf to your desktop.
It has been a long an exciting journey, we hope you will enjoy the magazine as much as we have enjoyed creating this first issue for you. Most of all we extend our greatest appreciation to the photographers, stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists, location scouts, writers, artists and musicians for their generous contribution of time and spirit without which none of this would have been possible.

Peace & Love,
CHAOS MAGAZINE