Madonna Nominated For Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame

Now, over ten albums later, Goddess Madonna’s been nominated for a slot in the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame. And she’s hardly the only gay icon:
Madonna, the Beastie Boys, the Dave Clark Five, Leonard Cohen, Afrika Bambaataa, John Mellencamp, the Ventures, Donna Summer and Chic have been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year.
Five acts will make it into the Hall of Fame in 2008. Madonna and the Beastie Boys are on the ballot on their first year of eligibility; this year’s nominees had to release their first single no later than 1982, the year that Madonna’s “Everybody” and the Beasties’ punk EP Polly Wog Stew came out. The other first-time nominees are Cohen, Bambaataa, Summer and the Ventures.

Via Queerty

You Know You Are a Ho When

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A HO WHEN:

When people say "Ho, Ho, Ho" and it's July.
Your baby looks familiar, but......like who?
You become a Vaseline spokesperson.
You go through a Sealy mattress a week.
Frederik (of Hollywood) actually comes to your door himself...just to see where 1/2 of his orders go.
When you don't know "What's his name?"
When they change your phone # to 976.
Tetracycline is your best friend.
McDonald's calls you "The Happy Meal".
Changing your sheets comes more than once a day.
When they call you "Shazam" and they don't mean the money machine!
When getting dressed is not part of your day.
Your day starts and ends by rolling over.
When your screams are heard over a fire alarm.
When you're wearing more latex than spandex.
When your ceiling mirrors fog.
When the Marine Corps does recruitment outside your door.
When you have a neon sign saying "open all night".
You want to have your name changed to Misty.
Madonna comes to you for pointers.
You start to think of yourself as Smurfette.
You haven't seen your floor in a week.
When sunlight scares you.
When your favorite quote is "next please".
When Guinness Book starts calling.
When every song reminds you of someone...but who?
When everyone is refers to you as "dear" and "honey".
When he doesn't even have to buy you a drink.
When Holiday Inn is coming after you for their linen.
Motel 6 signals you in with runway lights.
The only place you haven't had sex is on the moon.
When a men's prison becomes a vacation "hot spot"
When the Red Cross turns their head at you.
When you and your cat have the same tongue consistency.
When other women begin to call you "Man's Best Friend".
You and Prince have already made 3 records.
When the neighbors want you to install a drive up window.

You've been a dancer in a hip-hop video.
Wonder where Britney goes for waxing.

You think Mariah Carey dresses "cute".
When you already own the outfit below in 3 different colors.

New Gucci Perfume Ad by David Lynch

This is the new Gucci by Gucci perfume ad shot by Hollywood director David Lynch. The surrealist creator of Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks adds his kooky views now towards fragrance sales, for Gucci's first ever TV ad. Brazilian supermodel Raquel Zimmerman, along Natasha Poly and Freja Beha Erichsen were the hand picked beauties to star in G by G film and ad campaign. The ad will run in Europe from late October on. But all I can think of is "These girls have no rhythm!", as they sway away out of beat to Blondie's Heart of Glass.

Via Vogue UK

Annie Lennox @ HX Magazine

Goddess Annie Lennox is the cover interview of NYC's HX Magazine. She just looks ageless and ever gorgeous in her pink ensemble. Her new album "Songs of Mass Destruction" comes out on October 2 and I just can't wait to get my hands on it!!

Amir Khan @ Got Milk UK

British professional boxer Amir Khan is the new poster boy for the Got Milk campaign in the UK. He also happens to be the International Boxing Federation's inter-continental light welterweight champion. Not bad...

I MUST cut down all carbs - NOW!

Via Towleroad

Miscellaneous Images - Volume One

I've been amassing way too many interesting images lately, as I always have my little Sonny camera on me when I am out & about. I have to say that I've been "rediscovering" Rio de Janeiro - and Brazilian culture in general - after so many years living abroad. Maybe I see the city with a tourist's perspective now or simply just am photo obsessed, not sure. These pictures here are a few (of many) that I keep around looking for the right post to use it in. As the "right post" may not show up anytime soon I decided to group them in "miscellaneous" and publish them anyway. All of these were shot here in Rio, mainly downtown and in Ipanema, and they illustrate a bit of my current experience here.

Woofer Speaker System

These slightly creepy speakers are actually growing on me, in a Salvador Dali kind of way. Maybe because I am a dog owner the idea of a decapitated Toto in my living room can be a little icky but the Damien Hirst in me says "Yeah, baby!" The setup includes two 20-inch tall headless pooches, each sporting co-axial speakers. Take your pick from white or black dogs. Don't you love the name, Woofer?

It's available at Generate - US$899.00 for the pair

Via Uncrate

You May Quote Me On That: Anais Nin

"Anxiety is love's greatest killer. It makes others feel as you might when a drowning man holds on to you. You want to save him, but you know he will strangle you with his panic."

Anais Nin

The Work of Patrick Nagel

Patrick Nagel embodies the look of 1980's America. It's hard not to look of his images and not envision the times of Miami Vice and leg-warmers. His pin-ups were super glamazons, ready to devour you, full of power and not afraid to face the Gordon Gekko-Wall Street years.
Nagel first put his talents to work as a freelance artist in 1971 and by 1976 hebegan contributing regularly to Playboy, which extended the exposure and popularity of "the Nagel Woman" to a huge and loyal audience. In 1978, he created his first poster image for Mirage Editions. He also painted the cover of rock group Duran Duran's Rio album, which became the number one album in the world. The feeling of Nagel's work is reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints as well as of Art Deco styling, yet it is completely contemporary and universal in appeal. Starting from a photograph, he would create a simplified drawing, the translate the drawing to a painting. Bold, dark lines shape perspective out of flat, cool colours and stark white spaces; the result is what some have described as "fantasy realism." Patrick Nagel died of a heart attack in 1984 at the age of 38.

Sao Conrado Beach @ 7:52 AM Today

I shot this gorgeous picture of hazy Sao Conrado Beach this morning around 7:52 AM. The very peaceful image of an empty beach in the early ours of the day... Enjoy!

Mario Lopez @ Santa Monica Beach

Some inspirational images of actor Mario Lopez, running on Santa Monica Beach, in California. My friend Marty from LA sent me this link today and I realize that I need to cut down my carb intake ASAP. Might as well well cut down the sugar too. Note to self: purchase new pair of running shoes. NTS 2: Actually wear them for running.

Via Towleroad

Girl! Girl! Girl! by Yuko Odawara

Great kawaii illustration site "Girl! Girl! Girl!", that is - you guessed it - about girls! I love the whole minimalist Asian aesthetic in illustration artist Yuko Odawara's drawing style. Very fashionable, stylish design. Yuko's work is quite characteristic, due to the vivid colouring and elegant lines, combined with fashion textures, prints and cloth samples. Too bad that the site is written in Japanese so I cannot tell you too much more about the artist besides that her work is geared mainly at advertising, editorials and web contents. Kudos anyway!

Click here to see more

Heidi Klum @ Jordache Jeans

Heidi Klum is on the new Jordache Jeans campaign looking a bit too photoshopped for my taste. The top image looks like her head was attached to someone else's body. Even her bum looks fake, as if she was wearing padded panties or something. I probably won't even talk about the boobs & tummy because she just had another baby not that long ago, and those were worked on for sure. I actually do like Heidi Klum a lot and Project Runway is certainly my favorite reality TV show. I will give her kudos for the daring ad anyway because going topless to sell K-Mart quality jeans does take some courage. Well, she did not do this for free, right? But nowadays with all this digital manipulation no celebrity looks real anymore, specially when their image is used in fashion/beauty ads. Remember those crazy Jennifer Lopez ads for Louis Vuitton when she looked like an alien? That was probably the worst high-fashion campaign in years!

Click images to enlarge.

Perrier By Paul & Joe

This is the newest limited-edition Perrier line by French label Paul & Joe and will be available from October 07 to January 08 only. The chic vintage-inspired motifs will also be seen on Perrier sparkling-water bottles designed for the Fall/Winter 2008 collections launch in Europe.

Just for sparkling people!

Via Tendence High Tech

Vivienne Westwood @ Palazzo Reale - Milan

British designer Vivienne Westwood's first official collection was in 1981, during London's Fashion week. Since then her collections have been the fountain of inspiration for countless other designers, by adapting her original punk/new romantic/sartorial ideas into every day fashions. Many people may credit Gaultier as the underwear-as-outerwear originator but Westwood had lime-green satin bras worn over white T-shirts in her fashion shows all the way back to her earlier collections. Along Malcolm McLaren, she invented the punk rock look, famously dressing the Sex Pistols in the late 70's. Nowadays she keeps an eye in tradition, exploring Saville Row, Scottish tartan country plaids & Victorian patterns, but unafraid of the frayed hems and torn seams of her punk past.

Starts today at Palazzo Reale in Milan, Queen Viv's retrospective spanning over 30 years of her influential fashion career. Launched in the 2004 at the London Victoria & Albert Museum, the exhibition is the largest display the museum ever dedicated to a British designer. The Retrospective features designs selected from both the V&A’s collections and Vivienne Westwood’s personal archive. The Palazzo Reale in Milan is the only Italian venue and is the climax of a tour that in four years has visited nine European, Asian, American and Pacific venues. The work encompasses styles from the street fashion of the 70’s to grand ball gowns influenced by historical art and dresses, to the more recent exploration of pattern-cutting techniques and socio-political critic.Film and catwalk footage on Vivienne Westwood’s life and career will be shown throughout the exhibition.

From September 26 2007 to January 20 2008. Via Style.It

Cool Shop in Rio - Alessa

I was in a cab last week, going through Rua Nascimento Silva in Ipanema, when I spotted this really cool place that I wasn't even sure what it was. Maybe an architectural firm or a design studio? I had to find out and went there a couple of days later to check it out. It's belongs to Alessa - a women's clothing label and fashion atelier - by designer Alessandra Migani . Birds of all shapes, sizes and hailing from all continents decorate the facade of their shop and the effect is awe-striking. They are decals that were individually applied to the outside wall, forming a breath-taking collage of pheasants, peacocks, parrots and eagles. Birds were also the inspiration for Alessa's Spring/Summer 2008 collection, featured in many of their new runway pieces.

This is surely one of my favorite shop designs in Rio!

Dita Von Teese @ PETA New Ad Campaign

Porcelain skin Goddess Dita Von Teese is the definition of sexy and my favorite pin-up come to life. Now Dita is combining her sex appeal with her compassion for animals to launch PETA's new ABC campaign. But what does ABC stand for? Animal birth control, of course! PETA's new ABC campaign tackles the issue of companion animal overpopulation and urges people to do their part by taking simple steps to help end this crisis. Dita knows her ABCs and just how important animal birth control is as every year, nearly 4 million dogs and cats are put to death in the U.S. because there are not enough good homes for them. Until we all do our part to put an end to this cycle, euthanasia will remain a tragic necessity. In her ad, Dita urges fans to "bone up" on their ABCs and, if they are considering adding a dog or a cat to the family, to adopt from a local animal shelter and be sure to get their new family member spayed or neutered. More kudos for Dita!

Click to enlarge.

Ink Inc @ The New York STYLE Times

As the owner and founder of Williamsburg’s Saved Tattoo, Scott Campbell has inked the limbs of Marc Jacobs and Heath Ledger. But recently Campbell has branched out from branding skin to brand development. His consulting firm, Mama-Tried Inc., has created tattoo-like graphics and typography for Volkswagen, Camel, ZZ Top and Nike — not to mention the 200 leather-upholstered chairs tattooed with skulls for Comcast’s horror network, FEARnet.

“A great tattoo is designed so that as the detail fades, you still have a strong, deliberate design,” says Campbell, who relies on a laser-etching machine to ensure that same kind of linearity in his artwork. Campbell has been applying the technology to limited-edition sneakers, skateboards, tabletops, titanium laptops (he’ll do yours for about $200), leather pillows and even perishables.

I simply love this chair above! Great Gothic touch for a contemporary & eclectic home.

Via The New York Times

Vanessa da Mata @ Canecão

Brazilian singer Vanessa da Mata is one talented & gorgeous woman. I was at Canecão watching her new concert this Sunday night with my "special friend" A and we had a great time. I only knew three or four of her songs before the concert, stuff I hear on the radio or at Galeria Cafe, here in Rio, but her repertoire was flawless. She is 31 years-old, hails from Mato Grosso and her third album "Sim" has just been released. Besides singing she is also an accomplished composer, having penned hits for singers Maria Bethânia and Ana Carolina. Her hits include "Não Me Deixe Só" and "Ai ai ai..." and I often catch myself humming them endlessly. Her current hit in the Brazilian radios is the gorgeous ballad "Boa Sorte/Good Luck", a beautiful partnership with Ben Harper. The song was actually done over a phonecall, with Ben Harpen in Los Angeles and Vanessa in Brazil. She sang it to him on the phone, and with a translation in hand, he composed the melody. Watch their video below.

Mega Munny @ Kid Robot

Introducing Mega Munny and you are the artist! The biggest mass produced Munny yet, standing at 18 inches tall. This DIY behemoth is set to become your custom toy masterpiece. Love Mega Munny like a child, because it's about the same size as an enormous baby! Just like with regular Munny, you can draw and paint on Mega Munny. Use crayons, pencils, finger paint, ketchup, or anything else you can think of. Each Mega MUNNY comes with a mega sized practice sheet and an ilovedust coloring poster. It's a limited edition and comes in bright white, pink or yellow.

Available at Kid Robot for US$199.95

Sunset @ Provincetown Harbor

My friend Seth sent me this beautiful shot of Provincetown Harbor at sunset. This brings back great memories from the many summers I spent there, during the time I lived in Boston, MA. Currently I am living in Rio and pretty soon Miami will be my next stop. Wish me good luck!

New Tom Ford Ad by Terry Richardson

This is the new Tom Ford men's fragrance ad that is making the rounds on the Internet. I had posted about another of his ads for this same campaign here before, but this one is far more...intimate. I will not make any racy jokes about what this scent must(y) smells like, but feel free to add your two cents.

Spring Time in The Tropics

It's Spring in Rio! Yesterday, as of 06:30ish AM was the official start of Spring below the Equator. This morning at 8:40 AM the thermometers registered 37 degrees Celsius in Ipanema (98.6 F) and it already feels like Summer! Yummy!

Ton Hyll's Concert @ Espaço News in Rio

This past Friday evening I went to watch my good friend Ton Hyll's concert at Espaço News at São Conrado Fashion Mall, here in Rio. Being the chameleon he is, there were several costume changes throughout his set, accompanying and illustrating his eclectic musical style. His repertoire is a voyage through many facets of Brazilian music, reissuing old classics with a contemporary finish. Samplings from Britney Spears and Annie Lennox were peppered in, to unexpected and successful results, in a couple of songs. His versions of well known songs by singer Marina and and 70's girl group Frenéticas had the audience singing along with enthusiastic participation. I had a blast and was very glad to be able to be there to support him in his first solo show. His CD comes out soon and I'll let you know about it as well. He will be performing at Espaço News for two more shows on 09/28 and 10/05. Check it out!

Carlos Tufvesson @ Veja Rio

The new issue of Veja Rio features a small article about Brazilian designer Carlos Tufvesson. He will be showing his new Summer 2008 collection - this coming Wednesday - at The Week nightclub in Rio. This is his first fashion show in the city after a three-year hiatus and 700 hand-picked guests will be feted while previewing his new fashions. There will even be a new drink, specially created for the occasion, named after him by a local liquor company. The presentation will include 14 models - in installation style - showcasing the pop-art spirit of the new collection, that was inspired by street graffiti and artist Roy Lichtestein.

A few days ago I had mentioned, here in Little-Pumpkins, about this upcoming article. The post was about the graffiti mural that had just been done in front of his atelier in Ipanema when I happened to walk by. Told you so!

Mary Winkler's Acrylicana @ Booboolix

Detroit based freelance illustrator Mary Winkler's really cool site, Acrylicana, done in the format of a Filofax-binder web page, is surely is worth the visit. I found her art work online by chance, as I mostly do, by browsing links on the All Things Kawaii site one day. I really like her computer pixel art & digital illustrations, but her talent can also be seen on her traditional-media work as well. I am just crazy about the "foodies" series she designed, very yummy! And the Happy Poos are priceless!! She is a member of several popular Oekaki communities, has her own Etsy product line and still finds time for art school in Michigan. I must mention that her cool site is of her own creative design and execution. I am still amazed of how many young & talented people are out there. Congrats!

Via Booboolix

Kitty Liter @ Japundit

What else can we stamp sickeningly cute variations of Hello Kitty on? Apparently not much else is left, specially after the HK condom hoax that made some people go hurl. Hum, what about some pink HK fire extinguishers? Just in case the cute plush dolls come to a spontaneous combustion. Or a HK Sanrio microwave? Epson HK Laptop maybe? If you've got the bucks maybe a limited edition Fender guitar for a cool US$22,000. For a little less you may opt for the US$4,250- diamond ring or the faboo “Hello Kitty Collection by Kimora Lee Simmons” convertible pendant/brooch, with the over-abundant use of diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones. US$50,000 will get that home. If none of these strike your fancy you may try the new Hello Kitty vibrator..err..massager shown below. No one will suspect what's that really meant for!

Via Japundit

English Beat @ The New York Times Magazine

Photography: Nan Goldin. Fashion Editor: Bruce Pask.

Via The New York Times

More Street Art in Rio - Graffiti in Jardin Botanico

These days I feel that I don't even need to look around too hard to stumble across great graffiti art here in Rio. I keep seeing beautifully colored murals - done with extreme care and attention to detail - at the most random places around town. It could be on the pillars of an overpass or on the fancier walls of the Jockey Club. It could be in the suburbs, downtown or near the bourgeois beach area of Zona Sul. These here were found right across the street from Jardin Botanico. There were way too many to choose from and what determined my final choices were the ones that I would not get run over by a bus trying to photograph them. The sidewalks there are very narrow, leaving no room for frame depth, so I would need to stand a few feet from the curb in the middle of a road in a very heavy traffic area. I will add that people drive VERY fast in Rio and as a pedestrian you should not expect anyone to slow down so you can take some pictures. Unfortunately some art work had already been vandalized by less talented rivals or were prematurely weather worn. The Zebu bull is by the same artist that I showcased here last time and it's always great work. I liked the Pan-American games themed mural as well, with it's charming colorful characters. The megaphone guy is quite fetching with the purple/lavender/sky blue color combo that connects to the sassy little girl's hair curls. She reminds me of the young Tabitha Stephens of Bewitched. Very cute!

The Army of YODS @ Amos Toys

These great looking guys are called YODS and they are a new collectible from Amos Toys. They will be released October 12Th - 6 different colors, 200 pieces each - though only 140 in black. I don't have any other info on sizes and prices yet, but will keep you posted as I find out about it. I just love their dead-pan expressions and that "piece sign" hand gesture. The shoes are soooo great! By the look of the pictures above I will want to own one of each color now too. Don't they look great together?

Via Urban Retro

Street Vendor in Rio - Flower Guy in Ipanema

I had seen this flower vendor above around Nossa Senhora da Paz Square in Ipanema, here in Rio, a couple of times before. The cart always seems to be by itself, as he stands away from it, making it a very poetic tableau of flowers left alone in a city square. But as soon as I pulled out my camera he showed up yelling "Two dollars for pictures". I just laughed it off saying in Portuguese that I was not a gringo and complimented him on his Brazilian flag patriotic touch. He then proceeded to straighten it out to make it look better for the pictures and didn't even mind being in the picture too.

Chloe Sevigny @ Opening Cerimony

It is no surprise to see Chloe Sevigny turning her eye for cool to designing a fashion range. New York's self-styled queen of vintage has always effortlessly mixed and matched. With the independent spirit that runs through her best collaborations, Chloe has chosen the concept boutique Opening Ceremony as her retail and manufacturing partner. Creating a range of 50s rockabilly-influenced wearable fashion for most sizes (appealing to women across 'the spectrum'), Chloe fuses her love for new wave, rock'n'roll, 80s high school and northern British 'slags' together into a charming first collection. And as for the retro-cool label's logo, Chloe even designed that herself.
The collection will go on sale in January 08 at Opening Ceremony New York and Los Angeles.

Via Dazed Digital

Cool Shop in Rio: Carlos Tufvesson

I had just dinned around Nossa Senhora da Paz Square in Ipanema this past Tuesday night, with my "special friend" A. As I had eaten way more than I should have, we decided to stroll around a bit towards Lagoa, to walk off some extra calories. We were on Rua Nascimento Silva when I spotted this great mural outside of Brazilian fashion designer Carlos Tufvesson's shop/atelier. At first I thought it was some work site that had been graffiti-ed or something like that. But I came to find out that this new mural was commissioned to coincided with the launch of his new Summer 2008 line, that was inspired by graffiti art and artist Roy Lichtenstein. They hired street-artist MENT to show off his talent on the shop walls and the results were breath-taking. The colors really popped as the mural had just been finished the night before and the very bright spot lights didn't let you miss a single hue of acid yellow and hot pink. As I was taking pictures outside, one of the atelier workers asked me where was I from, etc., because Veja Rio magazine was going to be there the next morning for a cover shoot about the mural. He was concerned that images would be "leaked" by the press before the official unveiling but I told him not to worry, as I was just a mere blogger...

Argument Chair @ Crib(XS)

This clever chair is called Argument and it's made with 14 sets of authentic Everlast red leather boxing gloves. The frame is nickel plated hardened steel. It has locking casters on the rear legs and adjustable stainless leveling front feet for uneven surfaces. This special order item is hand-crafted and part of a limited edition.
It's dimensions are 30"W x 36"D x 48"H - and can be yours free-delivery within the US for US$5,895.00



Available at Crib(FX)

Sex & The City - The Movie (Spoiler Alert)

If you are as huge Sex and the City fan as I am you might not want to keep reading this post as there is a big plot spoiler here. Charlotte, the lovable romantic Upper East Side perfectionist-princess, whom for so long tried to get pregnant, might get her wish in the movie version of SATC. The shootings started Sep/19Th in New York and she was spotted on a location shoot on 70Th & Lexington sporting a HUGE baby belly! She was standing outside a cafe next to Mr. Big and looked very pregnant. I am elated that she is finally going to have her own baby but wasn't she adopting a Chinese baby when the series ended?

Via New York Magazine Photos via INF Daily

Ton Hyll @ Sao Conrado Fashion Mall

I had driven by São Conrado Fashion Mall last night when I spotted my friend Ton Hyll's name on a sign on the side of the building. It took me by surprise, as I was distracted looking out the window and wasn't expecting to see it, though I knew of his upcoming show there. I went by it again this morning just so I could take a picture for "posterity" - though a quick one as I was inside a moving car. Good luck Ton!

Ziyi Zhang @ Vanity Fair

Nicole Kidman may be the "Big Hollywood Star" in Vanity Fair's October issue's cover, but in my opinion the real deal is Ziyi Zhang, photographed by Michael Roberts. Zhang has been a favorite of mine since I first saw her in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers", all of which I own in DVD. She has such a flawless kind of beauty - gorgeous face and porcelain skin - that combined with her superb martial-arts skills makes her even more fascinating. She stars in two new movies -The Horsemen, with Dennis Quaid, out in December, and Mei Lan-Fang, a biopic about China's most famous opera singer. The last is the inspiration for "Star of China", VF's gorgeous pictorial of Ziyi Zhang by Michael Roberts.

Via Vanity Fair

You May Quote Me On That: Joan Collins

"The problem with beauty is that it's like being born rich and getting poorer."

Joan Collins

More Street Art in Rio - Graffiti in Lagoa

These murals were done around the walls of a private school in the Lagoa neighborhood, in Rio. It's a pity that many other great graffiti there were spoiled by dripping cement from a recent renovation to the school. I picked a few of my favorite ones - that were still in good shape - to share here. I'm very fond of the little kawaii Asian girl character, that can be found in many spots around the city too. Another very cool character, that I often see around, is the one with the grinning teeth and prescription glasses. The Narcissus mural is freaking-genious and really unique. The black & white palette, though minimalist, is very effective here and the Maori tattoo touch is very subtle - and chic. I bet "chic" was not the original intention but that is the feel I get from it. The giant bunny scares me a bit but I do love the drawing style. The Zebu bull is an amazing design and quite life-like too. Enjoy!

Ton Hyll @ Espaço News

My dear friend Ton Hyll will be performing at Espaço News in São Conrado Fashion Mall for the next three Friday nights. His show is titled "Ton Sobre Tom" and it's a preview of his upcoming debut album - to be out soon. Needless to say I will be there in person to applaud his talent and will post some pictures here on Little-Pumpkins as well. To preview a few of his songs you can visit his MySpace page by clicking here. The pictures above give a hint of his eclectic musical style and sense of humour.

The Cool Art of Rafael Urnhani @ Mondo Cosa

I've been a regular visitor at São Paulo-based illustration artist Rafael Urnhani's blog - Mondo Cosa - for a while now. I love his drawing style and washed-pastel color choices. It reminds me of the vintage reading book illustrations I had when I was a kid, but with a cool contemporary edge. I see a little bit of dark humor in his designs and that's just the right spice to captivate me to the fullest. Being the nostalgia-freak I am, added to my love for great drawing talent, I had to showcase a few of his work here at Little-Pumpkins for you to enjoy.

To see more of his great work visit his blog "Mondo Cosa" by clicking here.

Wild in the City - More Fauna in Rio

I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, lived abroad for almost as many years and returned for regular visits from time-to-time to see family and friends. My family always lived in the city but as a kid we went to parks and nature walks quite often, so I am pretty used to seeing animals in their natural habitat. But I must say that I had never seen so many wild fauna in Rio as I have in the past few weeks. Actually I had never seen monkeys or toucans in the wild anywhere. And I did not go looking for them - it just happens to be there. I feel like I am in that Simpson's episode when they come to Rio and wild monkeys are everywhere!

I went to Jardin Botanico, our beautiful 1808 botanical garden, this past Sunday. I just wanted to chill and "commune" with nature and was awed by the animal life I saw in a matter of 90 minutes there. I first spotted the elegant white egret, that can be found at many watering spots in the city. It was feeding in one the small ponds in the garden - spear-fishing I may say. Then the turtles - OK, no big deal. Soon, I spot high up in the trees a couple of toucans (!), with bright yellow chest feathers. I was like "Oh, my God! Toucans!!" This was really a first for me as I didn't even know we had toucans in Rio de Janeiro. Then the piece-de-resistance came along. Suddenly coming down from the trees, there must have been over a dozen monkeys (Capuchin?), attracted by the noise of the people, probably in expectation of food. They were quite playful and not too afraid of us, getting a little too close for my personal comfort. I tried to film them with my Sony camera and it would have come out great if I had remembered that I am supposed to record in the horizontal position only...

If you tilt your head to the left you can watch a little of my monkey adventure. If in Rio, you must go to Jardin Botanico for a break from "Ipanema Life". I cannot guarantee you will see all these animals there but the odds are quite high for what I experienced this weekend.

Koons, Slimane & Rams @ Wallpaper

The October issue of style bible Wallpaper gave three guest editors 20 pages each to design and create their own custom cover. The chosen few were fashion designer Hedi Slimane of Dior Homme fame, German industrial designer Dieter Rams and art world's bad boy Jeff Koons. Slimane talks furniture, photography and the fit of his suits with Thomas Demand, Rams lays down the ten tenets of good design, photographed at his home in Kronberg and Koons created a 16-page artwork inspired by his passion for Led Zeppelin.

Via Wallpaper

Antonia's US Movie Debut

This week marks the US distribution debut of the Brazilian movie "Antonia" and it also coincides with the start, this Friday, of the second season of the TV show that inspired the flick.

The movie by director Tata Amaral offers a poetic look at such difficult issues of violence, racism, and sexism in contemporary Brazil with this vibrant and uplifting tale of fourfemale rappers straining to make a name for themselves while performing on the outskirts of São Paolo. Preta (Negra Li), Mayah (Quelynah), Barbarah (Leilah Moreno) and Lena (Cindy) provide back-up vocals for a popular rap act, yet despite their success with the group, the talented female singers know well that they have what it takes to strike out on their own. Since we're not talking Hollywood here but rather the "Third World" and "our" far more ideologically candid approach to cinema, all sorts of female-specific messy real life issues run interference on their creative aspirations, including pregnancy, single motherhood, abortion and compulsive machista womanizing. Also of interest, is that these Brazilian females are actual aspiring performers, which lends additional grit, energy and authenticity to the story.

Maggie Gyllenhaal @ Agent Provocateur

Hollywood actress Maggie Gyllenhaal has taken over supermodel Kate Moss as the smouldering new face - and knockout body - of lingerie line Agent Provocateur.
Gyllenhaal stripped down for a series of sexually charged images, which see the scantily clad star splashing about in a bath and even posing with her wrists tied to a chair. The indie actress certainly had good training - she first came to attention with her daring role in 2002's "Secretary", where she played a personal assistant who enjoyed being spanked by her boss.
Serena Rees, co-founder of Agent Provocateur, said: "Maggie is not an obvious sex symbol. She is interesting looking, confident and beautiful in a way that is non-threatening, which makes her appealing to men and women alike."
The coveted campaign has previously starred pop princess Kylie Minogue and burlesque star Dita Von Teese.
The images are part of "Lessons in Lingerie", the first in a collection of books entitled "The Adventures of Miss A.P". The next episode in the series, 'Lady of the Manor, will be released in November.

You can also get free e-cards, screen savers and wallpapers at Agent Provocateur's site by clicking here. I got mine already!

Photography by Alice Hawkins. Via French Vogue

Naomi Campbell @ i-D Magazine

Somehow, Naomi Campbell still manages to stay on top of it. After all these years she remains the supermodel of supermodels. No scandal is too big for her as her charisma and star power seem to overcome all short comings. She still got the face and a body to die for. Naomi Campbell opens up to i-D in an exclusive bare-all shoot, and no-holds-barred interview. She was photographed by Mario Sorrenti for the magazine's October cover but she's no novice cover-girl at i-D, as you can see.

Tokidoki Bear Qee @ Newbury Comics

This red Tokidoki Bear Qee is a limited edition of 300 units and available exclusively at Newbury Comics. It stands 8" tall and retails for US$79.99. Very cool!!

For ordering info check out Newbury Comics.

Nude Barbie Dolls & Girlie Magazines

Just a few weeks ago I had mentioned about the Barbie doll display at "A Cena Muda" vintage magazine stand in Ipanema. As I walked by the other day and had my camera on me, I took some snap shots to share here at Little-Pumpkins. Another interesting detail is that the nude model on the mags on display is Xuxa, a very famous TV personality in Brazil. These publications date from the early 80's when Xuxa was still fairly unknown and mostly famous for being soccer player Pele's girlfriend. Nowadays she's a very successful and influential media person, having built her career as a kid's TV show hostess, and she shuns her shady past. By the way, this display is right on the sidewalk for everyone to see as female nudity is not a big taboo in Brazil.

Gabriel Mendes' Urban Puns @ Shopping Leblon

I was strolling through Shopping Leblon here in Rio and got the chance to see photographer Gabriel Mendes' work, "Urban Puns - Trocadilhos Urbanos", on display there. It is part of "Arena da Moda", a fashion event that Shopping Leblon is promoting from September 11-22. They are urban portraits, mostly everyday-people shot in front of street-art murals, that were shot in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and New York, where Mendes resides. There are 12 photo panels in total, and though I thought they were not greatly displayed in the mall, the images itself were quite fetching. This visual diary has been a Mendes' project since 2005, when he started mixing portraits and graffiti art in NYC. By the way, Brazilian top model Raica is the subject of one of his photographs in this show. I picked a few good images to share with you as his work unites two things I truly love: street art & photography.

You May Quote Me On That - Marquis de Sade

"My manner of thinking, so you say, cannot be approved. Do you suppose I care? A poor fool indeed is he who adopts a manner of thinking for others! "

Marquis de Sade

Stefano Pilati @ New York Times Magazine

When it comes to fashion, Stefano Pilati is not afraid to lead by example. As the creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, he embodies the louche elegance of one of the world’s most iconic labels. With his slicked-back hair, carefully groomed beard and lithe figure, Pilati projects an innate sense of elegance. Frayed jeans and tight-fitting clothes are not for him: Pilati identifies with the Old World glamour of tuxedos and scarves. He is seldom seen without a foulard around his neck; he jauntily folds up the sleeves of his figure-skimming suits, which he sometimes cinches with a large safety pin; and he rocks vintage cuff links ‘‘(actor) Melvil Poupand was a natural choice of model for me,’’ Pilati says. ‘‘There is something real and imperfect about him — he was able to wear the collection effortlessly. In his films, Melvil plays complicated characters — beautiful, conflicted and ultimately tragic. There is a richness and depth to his evocation on screen that resonates with the ideas behind the collection and my work in general at Yves Saint Laurent.’’

Photos by Maciek Kobielski Via The New York Times

Pink Gablin @ Tokyo Store

How can you not love that?

The Gablin - Pink version - of Touma's new character in the "Kaiju For Grown Ups" range from Wonderwall, in Japan. Stands 15 cm's tall. Limited to 200 pieces. Price: £39.95

Available at Tokyo Store

Bjork @ Dazed & Confused

Goddess Bjork is the cover girl of the October issue of Dazed & Confused Magazine, along German fashion designer Bernhard Willhelm. The article is called "Outer Limits":

"A kaleidoscopic explosions of colour with the two agent provocateurs behind one of 2007's most far-out collaborations."

Cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of it!

Tactile - High Touch Visuals

New developments occur when boundaries are crossed. Today, the most progressive designers are working at the intersection of various creative disciplines. They are challenging existing design principles and defining them anew. Many designers from different areas are choosing to no longer work exclusively in two dimensions and are instead dealing intensively with space, material and physical products. Now, Tactile shows how graphic design is moving into three-dimensional objects and products and presents graphic design that works with space – or the perception of space. The book focuses less on murals than on products, objects, installations and collage that demonstrate how designers are developing and implementing their ideas spatially from the very outset of a given project. Tactile proves that spatial innovation in graphic design is not limited to personal work or artistic endeavours for exhibition, but is being sought out more and more often by commercial clients, for example in store design. With its insight into this experimental field of graphic design, Tactile targets young, progressive designers as well as professionals from the fields of advertising, architecture and interior design. Because its topical content is compiled in a way that highlights the interesting multi-disciplinary interactions between the various works, Tactile also offers inspiration for creatives in fashion, lifestyle and art.

Tactile - High Touch Visuals

Price: € 44,00 / $ 65,00 / £ 33,00
Format: 24 x 28 cm, 208 pages, full colour, hardcover

Via Die Gestalten Verlag

Brazilian Fashion Matures @ IHT

Great article about the coming-of-age of Brazilian fashion posted at the International Herald Tribune site - written by Robb Young. It states that in the past 10 years Brazilian fashion has matured from splashy visuals to a more subdued approach, such restraint influenced by a changing, less ostentatious consumer. The need to be commercial, appealing to the foreign market and a recent focus on brand-building are also main reasons for the toned-down looks from most fashion houses in past season's runway presentations. The article contains many blurbs by local fashion editors and designers , such as Erika Palomino and Dudu Bertholini of brand Neon.

"Long gone are the days when fashion insiders tried to evoke a Brazilian aesthetic from trite references like Carnival plumage or bikinis on a Copacabana beach. It has taken designers here 10 long years to convince the outside world that there is as much diversity in their native fashion panorama as in the natural one.
But no matter what distinctive quality that might be - piercing prints, primitive handicrafts, strong colors or futuristic silhouettes - the Brazilian design kaleidoscope has often had a wild edge, at least by Paris or New York standards. So why is the one place we could rely on for a fix of exotica falling prey to subtle and even bashful design this season?

Not long ago, critics dismissed much of Brazilian fashion as highly derivative of European brands. No more. A decade since the inception of São Paulo Fashion Week, some Brazilian labels are now confident enough in their own identities to even parody fashion itself. Wild theatrics have given way to tongue-in-cheek flourishes."

Check out the whole article at International Herald Tribune

Chicken Run

Humm...

A Big Cock ... nah, forget it. This is too easy of a joke.
Pair this funny Rooster costume with the Big Yellow Chicken outfit for a funny "couple costume" idea for Halloween.

Or a furry convention.

Adult "Funny Rooster Costume" US$98.95 & Adult "Yellow Chicken Costume" US$99.98

One size fits most. Available @Four Eyes Jock Shop

In other chicken news, my friend Seth was walking though Chinatown in Boston the other day and sent me this image he shot. He was concerned about avian flu infections, with many establishments still selling live poultry for slaughter right in the city. This reminds me of when I was a little kid, accompanying my mother to aviaries to buy fresh chicken for dinner. At the time - you'd walk into a shop - pick the bird you wanted, return about an hour later and it would be all plucked, gutted and ready to be cooked. I always felt bad for the chickens there...

More Street Art in Rio - Graffiti Downtown

This great graffiti mural is to be found near Largo de Sao Francisco and Praca Tiradentes, in downtown Rio. Love the colors and drawing style, very clean and graphic. Murals like that can be a mish-mash of different graffiti styles that not always work together, but somehow this one spoke to me right away. I like that they incorporated an image of the Real Gabinete Portugues de Leitura, an 1887 building located across the street, in the design on the metal gate. Very cool!

The Art of Adrian Johnson

UK artist/illustrator Adrian Johnson has a cool fun style with a "vintage" color palette. Great stylized characters that are a bit retro, yet cool enough for the 21st century. He is also the author and illustrator of many wonderful books for children, like "That's Not Funny".

To see more of his great work visit his site by clicking here.

Carioca Street Vendors

A few images of street vendors I captured this past weekend in a public park in Rio. I love all the colorful packaging, some familiar like Cheetos and Fandangos, and others that I never heard of like "Fofura" (cuteness, chubbiness) or "Torcida" (fans in a sports event). The sign sells hot-dogs and burgers, and the "X-tudo" is a burger with everything on top (cheese, egg, bacon, etc). The X stands for cheese, because in Portuguese the word sounds like the letter X, as we pronounce it "sheez". Cute, huh?

Chloe Sevigny @ RG Vogue

Chloe Sevigny is the cover girl of RG Vogue's September issue. She was shot by NY-based Brazilian photographer Marcelo Krasilsic at Bob Wolfelson's studio while in Brazil for Sao Paulo Fashion Week. Chloe showed up without an entourage, didn't complain or made demands during the one-hour shoot. That does sounds like very rare behavior in today's spoiled-celebrity world. More kudos for Chloe!

Carlos Zefiro - Vintage Erotica From Brazil

Carlos Zéfiro was the pseudonym of Alcides Aguiar Caminha, a Brazilian artist who drew underground erotic comics between the 1950's and 1970's. His small publications, or catecismos, were 24-32 pages long, crudely drawn and circulated clandestinely during that time. It was sold discreetly in newsstands and street markets, and slowly developed a cult following. They were the initiation manuals to many young man, before the age of explicit sex magazines and movies. It wasn't until one year before his death in 1992 that Carlos Zéfiro's identity was finally revealed in an interview to Brazilian Playboy magazine. He had hidden this secret identity even from his wife and family, who didn't suspect of his parallel life as an erotic cartoonist. It turned out that he was a public servant and feared legal action against his work, resulting in the loss of his government job. During the dictatorship era in Brazil an investigation began looking into the author of such pornographic work but the results came out inconclusive. Today, his work is very much prized as nostalgia and the original editions of the booklets he published are highly collectible and hard to find.

In 1997, original illustrations from Zéfiro's work were used on singer Marisa Monte's album cover and inserts, bringing a new found interest in his career.

To view more of his original work click here. Warning NSFW.

Copacabana Beach - Today, 8:40 AM

I took these shots this morning at Avenida Atlantica in Copacabana Beach, here in Rio. Spring is around the corner for us and the weather has been beautiful recently. In the evenings you can still feel the chill in the air but daytime has brought sunshine and beach weather. I love seeing the kids play in the sand and the second picture shows a group of boys in "soccer school". There are several "little schools" - paid classes for soccer, volleyball, body-boarding, etc. - teaching kids and adults to play certain sports, along the beaches of Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. There are also Tai-chi and regular exercise classes for the older folks. I also love the classic art-deco facades of the traditional buildings along Avenida Atlantica, reminding us of the glamorous "Old Copacabana". Enjoy!

Sleeping Tee & Tote @ Blood Is The New Black

Very cool women's "Sleeping" tee US$36.00 and matching tote bag US$36.00, Available at Blood Is The New Black. They also have great men's tees, with awesome graphics by upcoming artists. This co-op was created in 2004, to showcase the work of artists and graphic designers, and it's based out of sunny Los Angeles, California. Check it out!

You May Quote Me On That - Voltaire

"The secret of being a bore... is to tell everything."

Voltaire

Marc Jacob's Boytoy & a Dead Mouse

Just a minute for an icky gasp of air.

Marc Jacobs' boytoy, ex-sex worker Jason Preston, showed up for a recent New York fashion event wearing a deceased rodent brooch on his lapel. According to witnesses, Jacob's arm candy said he couldn't take it off because "Courtney gave it to me,"-- as in train-wreck Courtney Love. When you start taking accessory advice from Courtney Love, and you're dating one of the world's biggest designers, you might want to rethink your priorities.

Where is PETA, when we really need them?

Via TMZ

David Gandy @ V Man

British supermodel David Gandy photographed by Mario Testino @ V Man Magazine

Hello Kitty is a Psychoanalyst

Why spends tons of money on expensive shrink bills when you have Doctor Kitty?

Sadly, my psychoanalytical diagnostic wasn't very promising as I was told I have negative self-image and feel bad about my personality! How dare you!! Sniff, sniff...

To take your free test click here.

Inflatable Toys & Bouncing Balls

Power Rangers, Strawberry Shortcakes, Astro Boys, Spider Men, Hello Kitties, dinosaurs, leopards and much more! These colorful inflatables were for sale at the entrance of the Rio de Janeiro Zoo this Sunday morning. Love it!

Hedi Slimane Photography @ V Man

All American by Hedi Slimane at V Man Magazine.

Armani Exchange Windows in San Francisco

My pal Marty Meriweather spent the weekend in San Francisco and sent me these two shots above. This is the A/X-Armani Exchange "live" window display at their Union Square location and seemed to be causing a little street commotion. The window is promoting their underwear line and they picked a few buff guys to showcase the undergarments.

Seems like A/X is trying to move into the Abercrombie & Fitch's territory, as A&F is well know as the trend-setter for near-naked live models inside their shops and window displays. As we all know, sex sells and A/X wants to move some undies off their shelves too!

Chloe Sevigny in "Myself" by Marcelo Krasilsic

I love this!!! I keep smiling and giggling every time I watch this great video directed by photographer Marcelo Krasilcic. Chloe Sevigny is adorably yummy with her "No, no, no, no, myself, myself, myself, yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!!!" Just brilliant and I can't get enough of it.

This short video is part of Diane Pernet's "You Wear it Well", shown at the last Iguatemi Filme Fashion festival, and it shows lovely Ms. Sevigny trying on outfits by designer Kai Kuhne. The actress is the star of the new campaign of Brazilian clothing label Ellus, also shot by Marcelo Krasilcic.

More Street Art In Rio - Graffiti in Botafogo

I found this great graffiti mural on a corner of Rua Voluntarios da Patria, in Botafogo, and I had to document it. It's located diagonally across the street from the subway entrance and the colors catch your eyes right away. I think it's great!

The Art of Denis Goulet

Denis Goulet lives and works in Quebec, Canada. He got inspired for drawing comics by the French magazine Pif Gadget. He is now the webmaster of the official Pif Gadget website. He took part in a contest at age 19, and got a chance to visit the editorial office of Spirou magazine. Years later, he drew the gag series 'Canal Machin' for this magazine. He is also a regular contributor to the Canadian magazine Safarir. Goulet works as an illustrator for magazines, juvenile literature, advertisements and school books. He made his comic album debut in 2004, with the series 'Les Commerciaux' at Bamboo publishers
To see more of his great work, visit his site by clicking here.

You May Quote Me On That - Quentin Crisp

"Fashion is what you adopt when you don't know who you are."

Quentin Crisp

Brazilian Folk Art @ Emporio Tropical

I was taken to Bistropical, in Itanhanga area, Barra da Tijuca, this past Saturday morning for a delicious Brazilian brunch. This was my first time there, as it is about 30 minutes drive from where I'm living here in Rio, but it was well worth the trip. The bistro's ambiance is just lovely, surrounded by plants, with great china sets and a very courteous staff. It is located inside Chacara Tropical, an immense exotic flower shop and plant's nursery complex, that also houses a well stocked art gallery/store called Emporio Tropical. It specializes in Brazilian folk art from all different regions of the country, hand-picked by their own buyer. They have amassed a wide collection from the best skilled artisans and craftsmen that transform raw materials into elaborate art. This is not your run of the mill tourist-trap nick-knack shop, but a collector's quality inventory. I had a very yummy brunch and was glad to discover this hidden gem in Barra da Tijuca. Next time I have guests here this will be a sure stop on their visit to Rio, getting away from Ipanema for a change.

Guess The Product!

Cool Japanese commercial. Hard to tell what the product is really about but looks good to me!

The Flags of Ipanema Beach

Sunny weekend afternoon at Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro. Because of the 3-day holiday the beaches were all packed, despite being winter season in Brazil. Lovely day!

Globe-Trotting in The Mid-East (or Laura Bush as a Floor Mat)

My dear friend Princess Halleh just returned from one of her many exciting trips to exotic locales across the globe and shared some pictures with me. Her trip to Afghanistan and Dubai looked quite amazing and I picked a few images for Little-Pumpkins readers to enjoy. Besides her always gorgeous smiling self, my favorite image was the Laura Bush carpet, hanging on display in one of the shops. Pretty brilliant!

Thanks HK for the lovely pictures!

Fulla - Don't Call Her Muslim Barbie

Princess Halleh also told me about the Fulla Doll, though out since 2003, I had never heard about it before. I thought it would make a good posting, so here it is!

Fulla is the name of an 11 1/2 inch Barbie-like fashion doll marketed to children of Islamic and Middle-Eastern countries as an alternative to the American icon. Fulla is sold in China, North Africa, Egypt and Brazil(!) while few are sold in the US (wonder why?). Although there had been many other dolls in the past that were created with a hijab none of them had ever been as popular as Fulla. She is a role-model to some Muslim people, displaying how most Muslin people would prefer their daughters to dress and behave. Though often compared to Barbie, they actually have more differences than similarities. For instance, while Barbie has a free life and a wide range of jobs, Fulla doesn't have much to do but shop, spend time with her friends, cook, read, and pray. The brand claimed that there will be a doctor and a teacher Fulla in the future, as "these are two respected careers for women that we would like to encourage small girls to follow." Also, Barbie has a boyfriend, but Fulla doesn't and never will.

But do not pity the young Muslim girls! In the Western world we have the anorexic blond-bimbo Barbie (the infidel) to contend with, "helping" girls have a more messed up sense of self and skewed body image.

More Marmoset Monkeys in Rio

When it rains, it pours.. Not too long ago I was complaining that, despite many friends' personal accounts, I had never seen wild monkeys myself within the city of Rio de Janeiro. To me it always sounded like a scene from "Blame it on Rio", where peacocks, parrots and monkeys just prance around wherever you seem to be at. You know - a gringo's image to what a tropical country must be like. I went to Palacio do Catete Park the other day to finally spot a small family of marmoset monkeys feeding there and I posted some images here. So today, Sunday, I was having a late lunch in Jardim Botanico neighborhood when I looked up to witness another "wild life" sighting right in the city. There must have been about 8-10 little monkeys, one at a time, racing across the phone lines to reach a tall tree. They were of different sizes, so I assumed it was a family with babies. They seem to move about the neighborhood using these tall street poles. They were very careful taking turns to speed to their destination and I feared they might get electrocuted but I guess they've done that before. This time I got the chance to make 2 short clips to share with you.

The Art of Frank Kozik

I first noticed Frank Kozik's work when visiting LA a few years back. A friend took me to this store called Wacko, saying that I would really love it, and he was so right. They have an amazing selection of cool collectable stuff like art books, limited-edition toys, original art, off-beat home accessories, etc. - all housed inside this huge block-wide warehouse.

Kozik was born in Spain and at the age of 14 he moved to the United States and settled in Austin, TX. Credited with single handedly reviving the "lost" art of the concert poster, Frank's creative career grew largely out of his enthusiasm for Austin's growing underground rock scene in the mid-eighties. Starting with black and white flyers for friends' bands posted on telephone poles, his reputation grew as an artist whose work was graphically compelling as well as culturally gripping. His work is well known to devotees of album-cover and concert flyer art. He has produced artwork for musicians such as Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Ice T, Green Day, Beck, and many more. Kozik is also heavily involved in the design and production of vinyl toys. He has teamed up numerous times with such entities as Kid Robot, Toy2R and others and is credited with such creations as Smorkin' Labbits, the Hate Dunny, Dr. Bomb and more.

Alexandre Herchcovitch @ New York Fashion Week

Since launching the collection in 1994, Brazilian-born Alexandre Herchcovitch has never compromised his vision, be it the high-concept constructions of molded rubber and gargantuan sequins from his early years or the aggressively cheerful floral frocks he’s favored of late. The designer has branded his own signature quirky chic, and he branches out in equally interesting ways. The looks were a re-interpretation of evening wear and tuxedos, with impeccable tailoring and mostly solid colors. I love all the short dresses with the layered-ruffles necklines and his new heels. He had previously showed this same collection at Sao Paulo Fashion week earlier this season.

Click images to enlarge.

Ikea Hackers @ The New York Times

There is a totally unofficial collective known as the Ikea Hackers. They transform Ikea's affordable furniture, accessories and home goods into unexpected new items, with brand-new artsy looks and purposes.

The reason why Ikea, the 60-year-old Swedish megabrand that has homogenized living rooms from Europe to Malaysia (it now has 265 stores in 35 countries), should be so hackable has everything to do with its price point, style and availability.

They can be do-it-yourselfers and technogeeks, tinkerers, artists, crafters and product and furniture designers, the hackers are united only by their perspective, which looks upon an Ikea bookcase or table and sees not a finished object but raw material. A clean palette yearning to be embellished or repurposed. They make a subset of an expanding global D.I.Y. movement, itself a huge tent of philosophies and manifestoes including but not confined to anticonsumerism, antiglobalism, environmentalism and all-purpose iconoclasm.

Some of the most ingenious hacks are as simple as a $6.99 Ikea desk lamp reimagined as a wall sconce, or stainless steel shelving reworked as a coffee table. A shower curtain can also become a dress. A surfboard and a couple of chairs are reborn into a new table. Plastic bowls are put together, along with stereo parts, to transform into 21st century speakers.

Read more @ The New York Times.

Antique Car Show - Rio

Yesterday I came across the XVIII Veteran Car Show taking place at the Forte de Copacabana, in Rio. I love all things vintage and memorabilia in general, specially 50's-60's Americana, and period cars are a must for the true aficionado. Though I do not own or plan to own an antique car anytime soon, I am fascinated for well kept vintage vehicles and these were mint condition. The cars displayed were at least 25 years old, from the 1010's on to late 1970's. There was also a small parallel market selling vintage car parts and memorabilia. I took some photos to share with you. Just click on the images to enlarge. To view an earlier post on a GREAT mint Brazilian VW Bug click here.

Brad Pitt @ V Magazine

Brad Pitt isn't looking too bad. He is the cover-boy of V Magazine's #49 that was out yesterday, September 7Th.

Home Improvement by Mario Sorrenti

"Fall’s most out-of-control looks take a lot of time and cutlery. But when it comes to individualizing your style, nothing—not even kitchen appliances–can be counted out."

Photography Mario Sorrenti & Styling by Jane How

Via V Magazine

Blythe @ Yoyashop

After the great response I got of the earlier Blythe posting, I wanted to share this great limited-edition doll I found online. Great mod outfit! Love the wide neck tie, her tilted cap and rolling suit case. They do not come cheap but way more affordable than the 1972 originals.

Blythe "Feel The Sky" sterwardess collectable doll, 12" tall. Available at Yoyashop for US$148.95.

Copacabana - Princess of The Sea

Today, September 7 Th, is Independence Day in Brazil and was the perfect sunny day to enjoy our national holiday. Copacabana Beach, gorgeous as ever, was mobbed with beach-goers enjoying the day-off basking in the sun. These shots were taken at the Copacabana Fort, at the end of the beach, on Posto 6. More on that tomorrow! Enjoy the view!

You May Quote Me On That - Colette

"In the matter of furnishing, I find a certain absence of ugliness far worse than ugliness."

Sidonie Gabrielle Colette

Belle Du Jour by Bill Presing

I came across Bill Presing's work by chance while browsing online and it stopped me on my tracks. This amazing artist and illustrator is all I want to be! This is how I wish I could draw! First of all I've been in love with pin-ups as far as I can remember. I've collected several books and memorabilia on Pin-up art, specially stuff from the 50's-60's era. From Bettie Paige to Dita Von Teese, from Vargas to Olivia, the whole glamour of that gone-by slice of time has an enormous appeal to me and I applaud those who keep the flame alive. That "sexualité naive" is sadly gone...but now there is "Belle du Jour" to add more sparkle to our lives! Presing's new book is a hard-cover, all color, 99 page tribute to those sassy girls that I love so much. There is also a special limited-edition that includes an original artwork by Presing. How cool is that?

You can visit his personal blog and also see more of his incredible art work by clicking here. There you can also find all the info on how to purchase "Belle du Jour" directly. US$25.00 (+ shipping)

More Street Art in Rio

Creative Growth Windows @ Barneys New York

The word "handicapped" is often defined as "working with less," but the art at Creative Growth, in Oakland, CA, seems to indicate the opposite. These artists appear to be working with more of everything: more freedom, more imagination and most of all, more truth. Their handicaps may have forced them to live in a world outside of and very different from ours, but these "outsider" artists are no less brilliant than those deemed by our society as "normal" (those noted as intelligent, clever, on-trend or tasteful). All art is experiential and draws on the lives and realities of its creators and these artists are no different. With normalcy and logic redefined by their personal views of the world, their imagination soars to extraordinary places, enabling them to express ideas free of deceit, pretense, agendas or societal constraints. The result is art that's as pure as it gets.
Paper Magazine thought it would be wonderful and appropriate for their issue celebrating art and fashion to invite some of the most amazing artists from Creative Growth to illustrate and interpret some favorite fashion looks for the new season. How can anyone not love seeing this world we call fashion -- which is usually such an insider's game -- so purely and gorgeously through the eyes of these magical outsiders?
PAPER's Creative Growth fashion illustrations will be shown in a window at Barneys on Madison Avenue, in NYC, from Sept. 4-25. (Click on image to enlarge)

Via Paper Magazine

Siouxsie's New Album - Mantaray

High-Priestess of Punk Siouxsie Sioux has a brand new album, Mantaray, coming out on October 02. This is Siouxsie's first solo album though she had participated in many individual projects before, away from The Banshees and The Creatures. Recently she contributed on Basement Jaxx's album Kish Kash, with the title song, as singer and composer. She is considered one of the most influential singers of her era, with an unique singing style and looks to match.

Siouxsie brings back many great memories of the mid 80's when I was dancing to her songs at Crepusculo de Cubatao, in Rio, wrapped in dark clothing and believing I was soooo cool.

You can listen to song samples and get pre-order info at Amazon.

Her new single "Into a Swan" promo video is also here for you:

Shoes Good Enough to Eat

The Erotique Collection by UK chocolatier Thebroma Cacao is hand-crafted from the highest grade Venezuelan chocolate and has gilded edible 22 carat gold highlights. Venezuelan chocolate is considered one of the best in the world due to the country’s unique combination of fertile soil, tropical climate and traditional harvesting methods. There are eleven items in the Erotique Collection ranging from sculptural recreations of the human form (!) to shoes and reproductions of Karma Sutra plates and massage butter. Each gift is beautifully presented in a brown and silver gift box, cocooned in rich purple tissue paper with the chocolates lovingly wrapped in lilac Christian Dior silk.
I though these life-like chocolate shoes would be a perfect match to these handbags I posted here before. They are priced at £25.00 for a single shoe or £45.00 for the pair. For more info click here.

Pornochanchada - More Brazilian Sexploitation Movies of the 70's

Too many good posters to choose from, but I picked four more iconic images to share with you.
I love the pornochanchada posters so much because of their fun, sexy, colorful images. The lovely Barbarellas, liberated 70's pin-ups! There is a certain tongue-in-cheek appeal to those period illustrations, with the wide smiles and sassy face expressions, not to mention the great font choices and lay-outs too. Naive? Maybe not, but never "hardened" as in most of today's adult industry imagery.

Love all that stuff and have plenty more to share in future posts. To catch up on my original "article" click here.

The Death of Tais - Or Was It Paula?

Breaking news! I just saw these headlines stamped across the gossip rags today. It claims that instead of Taís, the evil twin, that was murdered last week on popular soap "Paraíso Tropical", the actual corpse belonged to Paula, the good twin! Taís would have murdered her good twin sister and then switched outfits with her so everyone would believe that she was dead! And, once again, she took her sister's identity on this "it-can-only-happen-in-a-soap" soap! By the way, Alessandra Negrini is simply amazing playing the dual roles.

My hunch is that this is too crazy to be true as in good soap opera tradition the heroine never dies. It bother me a bit that you cannot escape these headlines, as most Sunday papers also bring these news on their TV magazine reviews. Though I am not a typical soap opera viewer I do watch "Paraíso Tropical" when I get the chance, but I do not like to know the plot with so much advance. The soap wraps up in 3 more weeks and it seems that most of what is about to happen has been announced in the media already. More updates to come...

Ipanema Beach - 9:45 AM

I took these two shots this morning on Ipanema Beach. Gorgeous sunny day here today!

The World of Blythe

Blythe is a doll originally created in 1972 by designer Allison Katzman with the now-defunct U.S. toy company Kenner. She was a fashion doll with a very groovy mod wardrobe. Reportedly, she was modeled after drawings by Margaret Keane, the painter known for her doe-eyed characters in the late 60's. Blythe's most unique and notable feature were blinkable eyes that changed color with the pull of a string attached to the back of her oversize head. Blythe dolls were only sold for one year in the US during 1972 but she was not very popular and faded from store shelves quickly.

Thirty years after her first release date, Blythe regained popularity. In 1997, New York TV and video producer Gina Garan was given a 1972 Blythe by a friend and began using it to practice her photographic skills. She began taking her Blythe everywhere with her and took hundreds of photos. In 2002, Gina published her first book of Blythe photography,This is Blythe. Later that year, Hasbro (Kenner's successor) gave the rights to make Blythe dolls to Takara toy company in Japan. A vibrant Blythe subculture flourished on the Internet, predominantly in forums, user groups and several fan sites. There is also a parallel network of hobbyist Blythe clothiers, designers, and customizers. Original Kenner dolls are highly collectible, hard to find and sell for hundreds of US dollars on sites like Ebay.
There are two types of Blythe dolls: the 28 cm version and the 11.2 cm "Petit Blythe." Only large dolls have color-changing eyes, which include the colors blue, green, orange, and pink (except for cases with limited-edition dolls). Newer releases of the Petit Blythe dolls have movable eyelids and bendable bodies.

Unlike Barbie, Blythe does not have a boyfriend. She also does not advertise her professional life. Watch below an original TV ad from 1972, thanks to You Tube.

George Israel @ Cinemateque Rio

I went to see artist George Israel play last night at Cinemateque in Botafogo, Rio. It was the released party of his second solo CD "Distorções do Meu Jardim". Israel is best know as the saxophonist of Kid Abelha, the very successful Brazilian pop group he helped create in the early 80's. Lead singer Paula Toller has also released her second solo CD recently, "SóNós". Kid Abelha celebrates it's 25TH anniversary in 2008 with the release of their 13th studio album.

Israel's CD includes songs co-written with members of Barão Vermelho, Los Hermanos and even an old partnership with Brazilian pop legend Cazuza. The mood is a mix of soft rock, blues, reggae and Brazilian pop. He will be playing in São Paulo, on 09/15, at Teatro Crowne Plaza.

Cool Shop in Rio - Complexo B

I went in Complexo B last week when killing time in Ipanema for a doctors' appointment. Their shop is located on the second level of Quartier Ipanema, one of the many "galerias" around the neighborhood. I had seen an editorial a while back featuring one of their tees and that was the first time I got around to go check it out. Complexo B is the creation of Beto Neves (the B in the label's name) and has been around since 1994, when they opened their first showroom in Copacabana. This season the label's inspiration is all about the Brazilian sacred icons from Candomble, the spiritual African religion brought here during slavery times. Images of Saint George, killing a dragon atop his white horse , adorn the shop as well as their T-shirts, having become the label's signature motif. Stylized illustrations of deities like preto-velhos, pomba giras, Exu, Iansa and Oxum made really cool (and tasteful) tees as well - I bought 4 myself. Basic tees start at R$55.00 to R$134.00 for the embroidered models. The icons show up on colorful fridge magnets as well. The small unisex shop's decor reflects the season's theme, with an awe-striking wall installation of glossy-white religious icons. The mix of Catholic saints and Candomble gods, is the perfect example of the Brazilian religious melting pot.

Pay them a visit and you probably won't walk out empty handed either! They also own a small outlet shop at Galeria River in Arpoador, known for it's great mark downs.

For address info click here & to visit their virtual shop go here.

Freddie Mercury 1946 - 1991

" I'm just a musical prostitute, my dear."

"I won't be a rock star. I will be a legend."

Freddie Mercury would have been 61 years old today.

Grazi Massafera @ Rolling Stone Magazine

The new issue of the Brazilian edition of Rolling Stone magazine brings aspiring actress Grazielli Massafera on it's September cover. The ex-Big Brother Brazil participant poses with a body-paint T-shirt with British band The Rolling Stones' tongue logo on it. Her rise to fame has generated plenty of controversy among the acting set as she was chosen as one of the main protagonists of an upcoming Brazilian soap. Keep it in mind that soaps are a big deal here. In the accompanying interview the ex-Playboy pin-up comments on the touchy topic:

"It's not my fault that there are good actors doing theatre that haven't had opportunities on TV and I, being a nobody, got there."

Tokyoplastic Opera Dude @ My Plastic Heart

Tokyoplastic is one of the most innovative flash animation groups on the net, their combination of top notch animation and kickin' beats is a wonder that needs to be experienced first hand. Now the creatures from those videos are available in vinyl form.
Tokyoplastic Opera Dude, 4" - white (or black) - equipped with swiveling eyeball and posable antennae. Available at My Plastic Heart for US$39.99

7 - O Musical

I had the honor to be invited by my friend Claudio Botelho to the opening night of his new creation, "7 - O Musical", at Teatro João Caetano here in Rio. Claudio is a well respected actor/composer/author in Brazil, and along with professional partner Charles Möeller and musician Ed Motta, brought "7" to life.

The musical is a tale of jealously and unrequited love, using the Grimm Brother's Snow White tale as reference, but seen though the eyes of the evil stepmother. Poisoned apples and magic mirrors are brought to a turn of the century Rio de Janeiro, populated by fortune tellers, prostitutes, witches and whore house madams. This is far from a literal adaptation. The focus here is a dark, Gothic view of the human heart, or lack of it. The play will ask how far would you go to get back what you think is yours. Black magic, deceit, maybe murder?

This original musical was all written, directed and scored by the trio, to a challenging theater world that embraces foreign productions to a much quicker pace. The eclectic cast of 15 brings together sacred names of Brazilian show-business like Zezé Motta, Rogéria, Eliana Pittman and Ida Gomes, to name a few. If in Rio you must check it out!

For ticket info click here.

I couldn't resist playing paparazzo and snapped a few pictures of the many Brazilian celebs that were there in attendance. Pretty much the whole cast of soap "Paraíso Tropical" was in attendance. Thanks once again Claudio for an unforgettable night!

Julian Opie's Digital Art

I've never been a great fan of digital art, as my attention spam is ususally too short to sit through video installations. When at museums, I tend to take a peek at those darkened rooms, wait a few seconds and walk out. It seldom grabs me to the fullest. There are a few exceptions here and there, but to me they are usually too hermetic and boring. You know, that kind of art that you're suppose to say it's brilliant but deep inside you think "WTF?!" I don't pretend to be a highbrow art critic, who can wax-poetic about "the complexities of human existence", or stuff like that. I just tend to glance quickly at "TV monitor art" and keep going.

But there's something about Julian Opie's work that seized me at first glance.

The first time I really paid attention to the British artist's work was at the ICA, in Boston, earlier this year. The piece was one of his "walking supermodels", as I call them, and it's part of the museum's permanent collection. It shows a black & white video of a female cartoon-doll, side view, with a hypnotizing hip swagger. I couldn't get enough of that!

In his work, photographs and short films, are computer-altered to highly stylized, minimal figurative reproductions. In my simple words, I would say a "paint-by-numbers" quality, with thick black outlines and flat colors. You see idyllic landscapes where water subtly ripples. Face-on portraits, staring at you with little beady eyes, then a sudden blink. Spellbinding!

I selected a few of my favorite pieces to share on the blog. To see more of his fascinating work click here for his personal site.

You May Quote Me On That - Oscar Wilde

" Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative. "

Oscar Wilde

Tiny Meat Wallets @ Urban Retro

Tiny Meat artist series wallets are limited edition womens and mens designer wallets created by leading and up-coming designers, artists and illustrators from all over the globe.

Each wallet features exclusive art on both the inside and outside. Twice the art for twice the fun. Super shiny and durable thick vinyl outside with crosshatch vinyl on the inside. Inside there is a large pocket for your money and 4 pockets for your ID and credit cards.

Wallet size is 3.75 x 4.25 inches closed. Availabe for £9.95 @ Urban Retro

Marmoset Monkeys in Rio

I spotted this family of four marmoset monkeys the other day at the Palacio do Catete grounds in Rio. They were mom, dad and their 2 babies, running up and down the trees looking for food. They are called micos or saguis in Brazil, and though quite common to be seen in wooded areas - even within the city - this was the first time I personally saw one out in "the wild".

When I was growing up we had 2 little marmosets like these, that were given to us by some acquaintance. They were not tame at all, so we couldn't touch or play with them, as they could really bite. Their teeth are little needles and very sharp. They were kept in an large outdoors cage meant for pet birds, with a clay shingle roof. We actually had this cage built to resemble something you'd find in a zoo, big enough for an adult to step in. As I kid I was fascinated with small pets, specially birds, and always nagged my parents for a cage like that. This one was shaped like an L, with a fixed wire mesh divider in the middle, so we could separate different species, etc. At the time they were put there, the monkeys were it's only residents. I recall that they stank REALLY bad. So, don't ask me why, we had gotten some baby chicks, cute, yellow & fuzzy, and they were put in the partition next to the monkeys. Keep it in mind that there was a wall about a foot & a half tall at ground level around the cage and partition, so no cats or predators could reach in. But there was a small evacuation hole, like a 1" thick pipe, that connected the partitions so water wouldn't puddle inside. We always kept a rock or brick on both sides of the pipe for whatever reason, to block passage. One day, so I was told by my older sister, when she went up to the cage to check on the baby chicks she saw a ghastly bloody scene. The little monkeys had managed to move the rock and lured one of the chicks close enough to the pipe to yank it to the other side. All was left of the chick was it's legs as the "cute little monkeys" had devoured all the rest. Very traumatizing for a child to hear that story. Needless to say the monkeys were donated shortly after that to some guy who displayed them at his gas station.

Click images to enlarge for detail.

Hirst Painting Sells for £200 at Auction

How much is art really worth to you? Do you buy it for love-love or status-love? If you knew it was a fake would you still want it? Like that Ab Fab episode in which Edwina gets a pair of earrings for her birthday and asks: "Is this real Lacroix or it's just in a Lacroix box?" Daughter Saffie replies:"Does it matter? And Eddie responds "I love IF it's Lacroix!"

Painter Damien Hirst, UK's most bankable artist, wanted to know just that and festival organizer Kevin Allen came up with an idea. A "mock" art auction of 41 unsigned, anonymous works was set up and news were leaked that there would be an authentic Hirst piece among them. They would have to guess which one was the real one as the pieces were deliberately misleading, done to resemble Hirst's art style. In attendance at the Flatlake Arts and Literary Festival in Ireland were some of the country's most prestigious art dealers and media types. In trying to guess which one was "the one", buyers paid up to £5,000 for works they mistook as being Hirst's, including a sculpture entitled Two Rats in a Drainpipe, made by three A-level students from West London. Film producer Allan Maloney was the lucky one who managed to snap up Hirst's Spin for a mere £200.00!

Hirst donated the painting, which he created for his 'Spin' series, hoping it would go to someone who really liked it.

I wonder how he feels about the fact that Maloney immediately offered up the painting for auction again, selling it for £95,000 to Irish gallery owner Kevin Spillane.

I had talked about Hirst here a few days ago but this new mention was worth another post.

Via The Independent

I've Been Simpsonized!

I've been Simpsonized! Not too sure how much accurate it is but I think you might get the idea. My friend Marty from LA will be sooooo proud of me! He's a such huge Simpsons fan and even went to the Kwik E Mart that was set up in Los Angeles when the movie was being promoted. I have to admit that the Simpsons movie let me down... But I am glad that I have my own Simpsons avatar now!

Jealous?? Get your own here.

Favorite Album Covers - Volume 2

The joy and excitement of buying a new record is sadly in the past. Unless you are a professional DJ, or a music purist, the large format vinyl albums are no longer part of our current music purchases. Probably pretty soon CDs will be also be seen as relics, as digital music downloads substitute the old-fashioned walk-in record stores.

I recall getting home from Modern Sound, in Copacabana, with a spanking new Blondie album in the mid 80's. The image of Debbie Harry in leopard skin and lioness hair on the cover of "The Hunter" will stay tattooed in my memory forever. The smell of a freshly open "import", like a new toy, is something you do not forget. Holding a record cover, the glossy large image, printed in sturdy carton paper is incomparable to a tiny CD's cover art. I always waited in anticipation wondering how the pull-out insert would be. Would there be lyrics (a must)? More photographs? And what about a DOUBLE album? I envied my older sister for owning the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack as it looked so immense, foreign, fascinating, to my pre-teen eyes.

Here are a few more iconic images from album covers that made history. Most are personal choices, along with a couple of reader's suggestions. If you have a favorite one let me know. Write in a suggestion in the comment box and it might show up here on the next "volume".

Ipanema @ 3 AM

Big Nectar Juices, open 24 hours.

False Alarm, theater affiche on a news stand.

New subway station construction site.

Bus stop shelter.

Very eerie medical convention ad.

Piauí - The Best Magazine You Never Heard Of

If The New Yorker had a Brazilian baby brother, bastard & alternative, it would be called