These past couple of weeks have been very hectic for me, as there have been many changes in my professional and personal life (new job, new home). To add to all this my laptop has been quite temperamental lately and my wi-fi connections have been close to impossible, so I will need to bring it to a Geek Squad office very soon, but where is the time for that??
I hate to neglect Little-Pumpkins but as I have been very short on free time I cannot update it as often as I'd like to. I believe that I will be returning full-force within the next few days so hang on for many more fun and eclectic posts! My most sincere apologies...
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Miss me?
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Pin-Up Art of Bill Ward
I found some great images of cartoonist Bill Ward's work and had to post it here at Little-Pumpkins. The classic 1940's-1950's style is a favorite of mine and I just love all the great curvaceous torpedo-bra-wearing pin-ups in his work. One of Bill Ward's signatures were his "Telephone Girls", voluptuous blonds and brunettes laying about in sexy stocking and sheer negligees, sharing last night's gossip and sexy innuendos with their gal pals or would-be paramours. Love it!!!
Bond No.9 - Andy Warhol's Silver Factory
Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory marks the start of Bond No. 9’s series of Warhol collectibles. Depicted on the bottle’s surface is a graphic image inspired by one of the pop artist’s most recognizable images—a boldly re-colored rendition of the Campbell’s Soup Can. But an Andy Warhol perfume? Well, Warhol once made mention of a company that was “interested in buying [his] aura.” Here it is, in liquid form. Warhol once remarked, “Another way to take up more space is with perfume. I really love wearing perfume.” What’s more, “for an iconic time, perfume is a way to see and be seen,” adds Bond No. 9’s president, Laurice Rahme.
Bond No. 9 is an edgy downtown perfumer, committed to art and design—not just the art of scent-making, but the visual components, too—including bottle and package design. It is all about New York neighborhood scents too. So the inspirations for the Warholian pop perfumes would be based on Andy Warhol’s favorite haunts. First among them? The Silver Factory—also known simply as the Factory. In operation from 1964–1968, Warhol’s original studio, hangout, and club central, located in a nondescript building on East 47th Street, acquired visual uniqueness with its aluminum-foil walls. These walls evoked silver-backed mirrors—emblems of the narcissism that suffused the times. The Silver Factory served as a galvanizing forum for artists, silkscreeners, actors, filmmakers, debutants, activists, hustlers, and misfits—all of whom somehow contributed to the creativity. It was here that Warhol emerged as an avant garde filmmaker, pop art progenitor, and all-around superstar.
Arriving December 1 - US$230, for 3.4oz
Available at Bond No.9
Surrealist Footwear
The realms of creativity within the human mind measure no boundaries. Though footwear design in principal is meant to be practical, comfortable and - dare we say - stylish, some designers and artists push these predetermined limitations from the futuristic never-seen-before creation to the plain silly. Sources of inspiration can be found in many places - everyday objects, conceptual-art or fetishist erotica. Recently shoe designer Christian Louboutin featured some of his more conceptual creations in Paris - in a gallery show collaboration with director David Lynch, that I covered here in Little-Pumpkins.
Here are some inspirational images found on the web that excite the imagination. Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Bad Behaviour - The Calendar
Bad Behaviour 2008 is a collection of fetish inspired images, celebrating the art of fantasy and the expression of alternative desires. These dark, erotic fantasies are created with great sensitivity and detail, making them captivating, beautiful and sexy. Ross Brownsdon and Travis de Jonk have established themselves as two of Australia's most successful photographers both commercially and artistically. They have had numerous exhibitions and contributed to leading publications, both locally and internationally. This is their first calendar.
AUD $34.95 - Available at Bad Behaviour Publishing
Via Queerty / Via American Urge
Snowden Flood's Plates @ Three Potato Four
"Birds On A Wire", "Motorway" and "Factory" are a few of the ceramic bone china plates included in London-based artist Snowden Flood's Urban Landscapes collection.
Plates are available individually as well as in a set of 6. All plates are manufactured in the UK and can be special ordered from Three Potato Four. US$50.00 each
Plates are available individually as well as in a set of 6. All plates are manufactured in the UK and can be special ordered from Three Potato Four. US$50.00 each
Love it!!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Urban Camouflage in Japan
Great article from The New York Times on the Japanese's obsession with safety and security in modern-day Japan, even when crimes rates are in decline. It showcases their creativity to combat such fears, using camouflaging devices to escape would-be aggressors and bullies, that would bring a smirk to most Westerner's eyes. Take the “manhole bag,” a purse that can hide valuables by unfolding to look like a sewer cover. Lay it on the street with your wallet inside, and unwitting thieves are supposed to walk right by. There is also a line of knife-proof high school uniforms made with the same material as Kevlar, and a book with tips on how to dress even the nerdiest children like “pseudo-hoodlums” to fend off schoolyard bullies. You may also outfit your kid with a backpack that doubles as a mailbox disguise, in case ones is in need of a quick cover-up. The silliest of the bunch might be the skirt that is lifted to reveal a large sheet of cloth printed in bright red with a soft drink logo partly visible. By holding the sheet open and stepping to the side of the road a woman walking alone could elude pursuers — by disguising herself as a vending machine. The wearer hides behind the sheet, printed with an actual-size photo of a vending machine!
These elaborate defenses are coming at a time when crime rates are actually declining in Japan. But the Japanese, sensitive to the slightest signs of social fraying, say they feel growing anxiety about safety, fanned by sensationalist news media. Instead of pepper spray, though, they are devising a variety of novel solutions, some high-tech, others quirky, but all reflecting a peculiarly Japanese sensibility.
Martin Margiela's L'Incognito
Developing a new take on sunglasses is a little bit like reinventing the wheel. The formula is kind of a given—two lenses, a nosepiece, a frame. For next spring, however, Maison Martin Margiela teams up with Italian lens manufacturer Marcolin to do the unthinkable with a line of sunglasses made of solid pieces of reflective Polycarbonate. The lenses mimic the censored bar motif that the house has used in its catalogs and look-books for years. Which is fitting for a Spring collection that played on notions of undressing with nude bodystockings and jeans shredded to the point of no return. Available in black, brown, transparent, or mirrored silver.
The "L'Incognito" line of sunglasses is out in February 2008 at Maison Martin Margiela boutiques in NYC and L.A.
For more info go to Martin Margiela's website.
Via V Magazine
Monday, October 22, 2007
Vintage Biba Poster @ 55MAX London
New and Exclusive to 55MAX, unsigned original Biba posters by James Wedge. Posters were printed in 1974 to be sold in all the iconic Biba shops - never hit the shop floor as Biba just went bust. A serious collector's item and an investment for the future.
Poster Detail : Gold Biba Logo printed top left hand corner
28 x 13 inches(Print only) @ £150.00
28 x 13 inches(Gold frame) @ £295.00
Available at 55MAX London
Kristin Davis On The New Sex and The City Movie
Getting all the attention from the media, fans and paparazzi while filming Sex & the City in NYC is almost too much for co-star Kristin Davis. “It’s overwhelming,” the 42-year-old beauty confessed at the Viva La Cure event held at NYC’s Sea Grill Restaurant on October 17.
“Before we did the movie we thought ‘Oh we’re ready, we can handle it, we had it before.’ But we were not prepared for the intensity.”
Even though the fans are respectful as they watch the shoot, she fears too much of the plot is escaping.“I hope it doesn’t ruin the actual movie," Kristin revealed. "I want people to go see the movie and not know what is actually going to happen. We don’t want to let our fans down. You don’t want to pay your ten dollars if you know exactly what’s going to happen. We’re like ‘ooh, wow, we’ve gotta get inside the studio.’”
How are the ladies getting along?“We’re good. We’re hanging in there. We’ve had a lot of practice wearing heels for hours. It’s terrible to have very painful feet.”
Via OK Magazine
Takashi Murakami @ MOCA Los Angeles Exhibit
Arguably the most internationally acclaimed artist to emerge from Asia in the postwar era, Takashi Murakami effortlessly navigates between the worlds of fine art and popular culture and is best known for his cartoon-like, “superflat” style. This large-scale retrospective includes key selections that span the early 1990s to the present. More than 90 works in various media—painting, sculpture, installation, and film—will be installed in three sections, occupying over 20,000 square feet of exhibition space at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. The first portion will be an immersive, theatrically lit environment, recreating the annual “Wonder Festival” comic market convention. It will feature many of Murakami’s acclaimed large-scale otaku-inspired figure projects of the late 1990s, including a new version of Second Mission Project Ko2 (2000-07). The second section will comprise a grid-like shelving display of all of Murakami’s merchandise, including multiples, collectibles, and maquettes, among other items. The final section will trace Murakami’s artistic development since 1991, including early works that engage branding and the evolution of his signature character, DOB. Of particular importance will be the premiere of a new animated film, kaikai & kiki, and the debut of Buddha Oval, an enormous self-portrait sculpture in the guise of a Buddha. The exhibition is organized by MOCA Chief Curator Paul Schimmel with Project Coordinator Mika Yoshitake and is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue.
From 10.29.07 - 02.11.08 at the Museum of Contemporary Arts, Los Angeles
Go to MOCA's website for more info
Saturday, October 20, 2007
You May Quote Me On That: Albert Einstein
"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
Albert Einstein
Comme des Garçons Builds Niche Perfume Empire
What do Daphne Guinness and Stephen Jones have in common - apart from their English eccentric style? They are both launching first fragrances under the auspices of Adrian Joffe, who heads up the company of his partner Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons and has developed for her a fragrance empire.
The idea of Joffe as the beauty industry's new prince of perfume sounds unlikely. But, as Joffe says, there is an increasing demand for niche marketing in this area where big does not always seem so beautiful.
The proof is in the steady development of Comme des Garçons fragrances since the early beginnings in 1993. When its Eau de Parfum was launched around the swimming pool at the Ritz, it seemed more like a medicinal congress than a beauty event, as bags of yellow liquid were the decoration of choice.
The idea of Joffe as the beauty industry's new prince of perfume sounds unlikely. But, as Joffe says, there is an increasing demand for niche marketing in this area where big does not always seem so beautiful.
The proof is in the steady development of Comme des Garçons fragrances since the early beginnings in 1993. When its Eau de Parfum was launched around the swimming pool at the Ritz, it seemed more like a medicinal congress than a beauty event, as bags of yellow liquid were the decoration of choice.
Instead of the standard $50,000 launch parties that reverberated through the 1990s, Comme des Garçons brought out a different concept each year, with the 1999 series of "Leaves" a hit with customers.
But Comme des Garçons Parfum has remained an individualist and a family affair.
Jones explains that he worked closely with Kawakubo herself on his concept, saying "she's not a perfume person," but that "she is a very good editor."
While Kawakubo has always been labeled an iconoclast, Joffe has broken the mold in a more nuanced way. The Dover Street Market, set up as a London multi-brand store, was dismissed as an aberration in the era of brand retail flagships. But now, with its mix of cool and traditional fashion and accessories - not least from Comme des Garçons' own labels, the store is looking increasingly visionary.
But Comme des Garçons Parfum has remained an individualist and a family affair.
Jones explains that he worked closely with Kawakubo herself on his concept, saying "she's not a perfume person," but that "she is a very good editor."
While Kawakubo has always been labeled an iconoclast, Joffe has broken the mold in a more nuanced way. The Dover Street Market, set up as a London multi-brand store, was dismissed as an aberration in the era of brand retail flagships. But now, with its mix of cool and traditional fashion and accessories - not least from Comme des Garçons' own labels, the store is looking increasingly visionary.
The financial side is also moving ahead, with wholesale figures up 32 percent to $3.5 million for year end to May 2007 and profits rising by 50 percent. The new phase of development will see Comme des Garçons managing its independent names and paying them a royalty. "Our role is like a producer in a movie," says Joffe. "And like a producer, we have to be satisfied with the plot and the text."
Text by Suzy Menkes
The New Chanel Bike
Attention fashion victims all around: presenting the new Chanel Bike!
As an outdoorsy sports woman, Coco Chanel liberated women by creating clothing adapted to her time, freeing them from corsets and what-nots and allowing them to enjoy freedom of movement as well. Now the exclusive French maison is launching it's own luxe bicycle, faithful to it's iconic codes of elegance. It is outfitted in Chanel's signature black matelassé leather - including seat and utility saddle bag - and attached to 8-speed light-weight 16.5 kilos aluminum frame.
To rock a fancy Chanel bike does not come cheap - € 8,900.00 - or US$12,695.00 at today's rates.
I would invest in a VERY potent lock & chain set-up as this bike won't last long when parked anywhere outside in a big city.
Via Vogue Paris
Friday, October 19, 2007
More Sex and The City - The Movie - Fashion Previews
Fret not! This wedding dress business is clearly a dream-sequence in the upcoming Sex and The City movie that is being shot all over Manhattan. I've seen pictures of Carrie looking really angry in this same wedding gown, running away from church, as if she had been stood up at the altar. Sarah Jessica looks great as a brunette as this chocolate-brown hair color (Garnier Nutrisse?) suits her very well. I actually might like her better as a brunette, more chic & sophisticated. Her blond hair can look too hippie-frizzy for my taste. The argyle tights & Frankie-says-relax-style t-shirt combo is a miss as she is too old for that, but the gray tights-cardigan look is awesome!
I love these two pictures on the bottom as Carries does a double-look on the four girlfriends strutting down the avenue with all their shopping bags. Great casting, as the girls are younger carbon-copies of our favorite SATC demoiselles. The Samantha chick is fabulous! Love it!!
Pugs Not Drugs!
Sadly I had to leave my son with the grand-parents in Rio for a while and when I came across this T-shirt I went all "ooh, ahh...I miss Booboo!! "
Booboo, daddy loves you, OK? I will be back soon to fetch up so you can pee all over North America!
100% Preshrunk Ringspun Cotton Sizes S- XXL - US$16.95
Available at Crazy Dog Tshirts
Cool Ad Campaign - Pointer
Great ad campaign for London-based footwear company Pointer. The design concept, layout and color choices are amazing - a hint of Dali, a dash of Krofft Brothers - and the result is surreal-dreamy! PlayArea, led by Mat & Hannah, is the design agency responsible for this cool ongoing thought-provoking campaign, featured in magazines like Dazed & Confused, Lowdown and Grafik. I must point out that the new Camper campaign strikes a remarkable resemblance to Pointer's two year-old adverts.
Hum, sometimes the "big boys" don't seem to go too far for "inspiration"... Kudos guys!
Eva Green @ Vanity Fair
Va-va-voom! Ex-Bond girl Eva Green is looking might hot in this Vanity Fair web-exclusive photo shoot. The French-born actress was photographed by Patrick Demarchelier at Sunbeam Studios, London and I can't believe my eyes. If I squint I see Dita Von Teese!! She also seems to channel Maggie Gyllenhaal on that seductive Agent Provocateur campaign that I posted here a few weeks back. I guess serious actresses like to slip on some sexy lingerie and play sex-kittens once in a while too... Why not if you look that good?
"I love photo shoots where I can be like a pinup, not myself," Green gushes. "Where I can be feminine, glamorous, dark … not like in real life. I hate it when you go in and they want you to be 'natural,' to be yourself. I just hate it. I love having fun. When they ask you to smile, I hate it. Of course I smile in my real life, but to do it on cue, that's not spontaneous. I'd rather do something that's like a little movie, like a little story, rather than just me—I feel naked."
Eva can also be seen in the lavish TV spot for the new Dior fragrance Midnight Poison, directed by Hong Kong auteur Wong Kar-Wai.
Via Vanity Fair
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Sassy Assy Jeans
Sassy Assy Jeans - Brazilian low-rise jeans.
Found on Washington Avenue, South Beach - Florida.
How sassy is your assy today?
Cate Blanchett @ W Magazine
Goddess Cate Blanchett photographed by Michael Thompson for the October issue of W Magazine. It's hard not to admire her personal sense of style and a beauty that transcends cookie-cutter Hollywood perfection. Her daring role choices accentuates her independence and personal drive, never shying away from challenging new parts. Such was the personality quirk that led her to accept a role in Todd Haynes's hotly anticipated Bob Dylan biopic, "I'm Not There". As she states on her W interview:
"I used to constantly play that Truth, Dare, Kiss or Promise game as a child. I guess I've never outgrown it. If somebody challenges me to do something, I say okay. I say okay very quickly."
I've been a long-time fan of Cate Blanchett and had to say so here at Little-Pumpkins too.
Via Style.com/W
Dualit Classic Toasters @ Target
Cutting-edge technology meets old-fashioned practicality in the Dualit Classic 2-Slice Toaster. The award-winning ProHeat system efficiently and evenly toasts the bread, while a manual browning dial and ejector lever put you in control. The chunky, retro design features an insulated stainless steel body with extra-wide, 28 mm slots for thick bread slices, bagels and English muffins. Or make yourself a hot sandwich using the Sandwich Cage with built-in drip tray (sold separately). Includes auto shutoff, removable crumb tray for easy cleaning and an adjustable rear foot to compensate for uneven countertops. Hand-assembled in England. Imported. 9Hx8Wx10L". Available in pink, canary, mint green, red, cobalt, white and stainless steel. Love it!!
Available at Target for US$239.99
More Street Art in Williamsburgh
A few more cool graffiti images I found along Bedford Avenue in Williamsburgh, NY. As I neared the subway station, or "downtown", the quality of the artwork really improved and some really interesting pieces started popping up. The top two are my favorites in the kawaii-department and would make great vinyl figures for the collectible toy-art market. The green gecko was part of a mural on a Mexican restaurant but I thought he was a charmer too.
The first piece of great street art I saw in Williamsburgh was actually the stenciled graffiti piece above. It is posted right outside of the subway exit on Bedford Avenue and I have to say that it strikes me as being quite sophisticated in design and concept. It did remind me right away of the graffiti art that I used to see in Rio de Janeiro in the mid-80's, as this stencil graffiti style was quite popular in the more new-wave artsy set. Love it!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Lisa Petrucci @ Panik's Toy Box
Lisa Petrucci collects old toys, dolls, kitsch, pin-up art, and vintage men's magazines at an obsessive pace. Eventually these things made their way into her artwork and she found the perfect format to capture them-the souvenir wood plaque. Each slab of wood is lovingly painted with the things she enjoys most and celebrate sexuality, femininity, and all that is cute. Her work has been exhibited and enjoyed in the US, Copenhagen, and Stockholm, and has been featured in many diverse publications. The natural next step after gracing many a wood slab with her adorable images is vinyl!
Devilish Dolly (6 3/4" tall) and Little Miss Monster (8 1/2" tall) are the first in a series of vinyl figures based on Lisa's popular characters. US$24.99 each
Available at Panik's Toy Box
David Lachapelle @ Palazzo Reale - Milan
A retrospective of 350 works by photographer David Lachapelle is on display at the Palazzo Reale, in Milan, from September 24 to November 25. The opening coincided with the beginning of Milan Fashion week and celebrates one of the most creative and prolific image-makers of our times. The exhibit chronicles the work of this great American photographer from his earlier career to his most recent works, showcasing his notable celebrity portraits, publication work and his more artistic pieces. Lachapelle's art is unabashedly post-modern and his fascination with contemporary society and pop culture is ever-present.
Hot Cha Cha @ My Plastic Heart
Designed by artist Gary Baseman, this special 7" tall black flocked Hot Cha Cha figure is strictly limited to 500 units and comes in a box that’s a work of art in itself.
Price: US$119.99
Available at My Plastic Heart
Scarlett Johansson @ Elle Magazine
Lovely Scarlett Johansson is the cover girl of Elle Magazine's November 07 - The Women of Hollywood Issue.
Unlike many of her peers cast as contemporary post-adolescents, Scarlett Johansson prospers on her own planet icon, unconstrained by her age or by movie genre. She's persuasive as a seventeenth-century Delft maid in Girl with a Pearl Earring and as a bio-engineered clone in The Island. True, some of her films have been merely indie-quirky, and some didn't pan out at all (even her shimmering bodysuit couldn't save The Island). But it makes little difference to the inexorably upward arc of her career. Bigger than her last movie, she's a throwback in a way to the heyday of the Hollywood studio system and its industrious contract players. (After graduating from Manhattan's Professional Children's School in 2003, her college equivalency was a blur of movie sets.) “The point is,” she says, “by the time the movie has flopped, you're looking forward to finishing the next film. The important thing is to keep working.”
Johansson grew up a culture-vulture middle-class Manhattan kid, raised on movies by a cinephile mother. She admits to a case of nerves shooting the first take of Match Point with her idol Woody Allen behind the camera. But now, after last year's Scoop, the valentine of a murder mystery he created for her, she regards her breezy rapport with the director as nothing out of the ordinary, even as the press has dubbed her his muse, a late-in-the-game successor to Diane Keaton and Mia Farrow.
“Woody's mannerisms and his wit are classically him,” she says appraisingly. “But when you know someone, your conversation has an intimacy that you couldn't have predicted from seeing him on the screen. Woody surprises me all the time. On film, you see his neurotic side but not his sensitivity.” I read to Johansson a recent quote from Allen, that she has “a tiny bit of Marilyn Monroe in her zaftig humidity.” Johansson waits two beats and then laughs a naughty laugh that would have done Mae West proud. “My goodness,” she says. As that great lady herself once said, “Goodness has nothing to do with it.”
Celebrity Billboards in Tokyo
Many celebrities will shy away from advertisement contracts in the US to avoid being associated with a particular product or wear-out their images. Usually that's something one will do end they are at career's end and they take what they can get. This has changed a little in recent years when desirable luxury-goods companies like Louis Vuitton or Versace are key brands when adding glamour and sophistication to a star's public image. Welsh-born Catherine Zeta-Jones was somewhat of a trend-setter when agreeing to be T-Mobile front woman in the US. Traditionally such stars will seldom be seen pushing cars or liquor ads in America, but when the images will be sold to foreign markets the cash will talk louder. Sites like Gaijin-a-Go-Go offer a great menu of Western stars in Japanese commercials, that are actually quite fun to watch. Here's a small array of celebs working hard in Japan.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Cate Blanchett @ Elizabeth - The Golden Age
I went to see "Elizabeth -The Golden Age" last night, with the fabulous Cate Blanchett in the title role. The movie, directed by Shekhar Kapur, finds Queen Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett) facing blood lust for her throne and familial betrayal. Growing keenly aware of the changing religious and political tides of late 16Th century Europe, Elizabeth finds her rule openly challenged by the Spanish King Philip II (Jordi Molla)-with his powerful army and sea-dominating armada-determined to restore England to Catholicism. Preparing to go to war to defend her empire, Elizabeth struggles to balance ancient royal duties with an unexpected vulnerability in her love for Raleigh (Clive Owen).
The costume design by Alexandra Byrne leaves us breathless with all the exquisite detail and sophistication of the clothing. Cate Blanchett couldn't have been more fascinating in the role and she commands every scene she is in, either as the powerful queen or as the fragile woman seeking true love. The movie is a tad on the long side, almost 2 hours, and seems quite rushed towards the end as it nears it's "historical thriller" finale. Clive Owen oozes sensuality but I can't help the feeling that he was just added eye-candy for this movie. I also loved Samantha Morton as Mary Stuart and wish that I could have seen more of her, as she was superb as the back stabbing next-in-line for the crown of England.
The costume design by Alexandra Byrne leaves us breathless with all the exquisite detail and sophistication of the clothing. Cate Blanchett couldn't have been more fascinating in the role and she commands every scene she is in, either as the powerful queen or as the fragile woman seeking true love. The movie is a tad on the long side, almost 2 hours, and seems quite rushed towards the end as it nears it's "historical thriller" finale. Clive Owen oozes sensuality but I can't help the feeling that he was just added eye-candy for this movie. I also loved Samantha Morton as Mary Stuart and wish that I could have seen more of her, as she was superb as the back stabbing next-in-line for the crown of England.
Kate Moss Rimmel Ads Banned
Rimmel Magnif’eyes Mascara ads featuring Kate Moss have been banned after complaints that the supermodel’s lashes were false. Ads for Rimmel said that the ‘Magnif’eyes mascara’ produced 70 per cent more lift, with a ‘unique vertical life brush’ helping wearers ‘get the London look.’
A spokesman for Broadcast Advertising Clearance Center in Britain says:
A spokesman for Broadcast Advertising Clearance Center in Britain says:
“Because we had not received documentary evidence that Kate Moss was not wearing false lashes in the ads we concluded that the images of the eye lashes in the press and TV ads may have exaggerated the benefits of the product, and were likely to mislead consumers. “
“We told Rimmel not to repeat the ad in its present form. We advised them to include a disclaimer in future ads where post production techniques had been used to increase the effects of a product, or where false lashes had been used. “
Gee, what about every single beauty ad these days, that are Photoshoped to death, promising miraculous results? Does anyone really believe that crap? TV ads are of the worse offenders too. Those shampoo commercials with the glowing hair, cascading in waves, can only be attained in an editing room. It sounds like plain hypocrisy to me.
Via Style Crunch
Those Pesky Neighbors!
Exterminator shop sign in Williamsburgh and a little friend taking a nap in Soho, NYC
Street Art In Williamsburgh
I spent a few days visiting a friend in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn and got the chance to walk around and discover the neighborhood on my own. I was already a bit disappointed with the quality of most graffiti I kept seeing as it was nothing but tags and scribbles. Just plain vandalism in my eyes. I lucked out in the surroundings of the Williamsburgh Bridge, where I found the group shown here. They were all clustered around the walls of a refrigerator repair shop and I though they were just great work. Though some of the walls were decaying and in pretty bad shape, the colors and styles drew my eyes from a block away and I had to take some pictures for the blog. I have a few more images from Brooklyn coming in another post soon...
Dita Von Teese @ InStyle UK
There is no such thing as too much Dita Von Teese! My favorite pin-up-comes-to-life, Dita Von Teese, graced the pages of In-Style Magazine, UK edition, in another gorgeous pictorial and I had to post it here too. Love you Dita!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Yamamba!
Yamamba is a fashion trend among young Japanese women that always fascinated me. Whenever I see images of these over-tanned "slutty" chicks I wondered what make them tick. Starting with the bleached white hair and heavy tan of the "ganguro" girl, the yamamba adds white lipstick, white eye makeup, and sometimes brightly colored contacts, plastic clothing, and eye-catching accessories. Being a yamanba is to be an extreme practitioner of the ganguro fashion. Some yamanba wear stuffed animals as decorations, talk with a slurred speech, and enjoy shiny neon or day-glo colors. The term yamamba comes from a mountain hag, known as Yama-uba, whom the fashion is thought to resemble. Ganguro comes from "black face" or gangankuro that is "exceptionally dark". The deep ganguro tan is in direct conflict with traditional Japanese ideas of feminine beauty, that of the palest skin. They also speak with slang terms and use fashion in an unconventional way, being regarded as the "bad girls" of Japan. Their shorts skirts and platform shoes surely do not help their cause.
If Mariah Carey and Bozo had a baby girl in Japan she would grow up to be a yamamba.
Michael Young's Dog House @ Hive
A super stylish, ultra-modern home for your four legged friend. The Dog House is constructed of molded polyethylene and elevated by stainless steel rods. Also includes a brass plate with the standard slogan in Latin “AMICUS FIDELIS PROTECTIO FORTIS” (faithful friend strong protector). Michael Young has been amongst the most successful and influential designers of his generation and is astute in the fields of interior, industrial and furniture design and has shown his work in prestigious galleries around the world.
Great design does not come cheap - US$900.00 - but it surely looks cool!
Dimensions 19.4" w 35.5" d 30" h
Available at Hive
Britney Spears Hearts Little-Pumpkins!
Little-Pumpkins is not a celebrity-gossip blog. Every so often I may post things on celebrities because I might find it note-worthy for their fashion sense or personal style, maybe a crush of mine or simply because I wanted to. I do not condone the current celebrity-obsessive-media-pack that trails movie/music/TV stars on their every trip to Starbucks or something like that. I am personally against the paparazzo-culture, allowing a public figure to be relentlessly followed - day in day out - filmed, photographed and harassed in the name of "free-speech reportage". I do feel bad for the young Hollywood starlets that can't handle fame & fortune and make public spectacles of themselves, feeding the media sharks with their weekly or daily missteps. Many of them seek this attention purposely, acting up their best "bad behavior" for their allotted "Access Hollywood" air time. Hello? Can't you remember to slip your panties on before leaving the house? You are wearing a VERY short dress, you know?
Oh well, after all this unnecessary rant, I am posting a few pictures of Britney Spears here on Little-Pumpkins. The sole reason is kind of obvious... I hope you will not think that I sold out and resorted to cheap shots for extra clicks on my blog, but I just couldn't resist it!
Sorry and please forgive me as I will do my best, and use all my will power, to stay away from "them".
Street Art in Soho
Great street art in the streets of Soho, NYC. I love all the guerrilla-style collages that I often see around Soho and Nolita. The post-punk dominatrix is one of my favorites I've seen in a while, as I have a thing for pin-ups in general. The news-print bunny (?) is simply awesome and I would have paid to be able to hang that on my walls! I always get so inspired being in NYC and this recharge was much needed after a few months in Brazil. More street art in the next few days as I've been photographing many cool graffiti art everywhere I've been lately.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Twiggy Mod Mirror @ Hive
Fantastic art mirror by designer Wendell Storm showcasing the iconic model of the Mod era, Twiggy. The Mod mirror creates a spacious environment with minimal effort and has a great vintage feel to it. The Mod Mirror is both functional and beautiful, use it as a mirror and art work at the same time! Beautiful and clean design matched well with the simple brushed metal frame. Love it!
Silk screened mirror, brushed metal frame. 12" w / 12" h US$250.00
Available at Hive
Kate Moss @ i.-D Magazine
Kate Moss is the cover star of i-D Magazine's November o7 edition - the !*#? Issue.
In the "Too Fast to Live" editorial she appears as post-punk Pris look-a-like - Daryl Hannah's character in Blade Runner - with severe bleached hair and blunt bangs. She is hawking her new Topshop clothing line, in a quite fetish-y layout, with black stockings and stilettos in bed. The cover tag "You want me to say who I am?" makes me think of Madonna's Erotica video, as Ms. Moss could just answer in a raspy voice: "My name's Kate and I will be your mistress tonight"
Photography by Emma Summerton.
Duggie Fields @ Dover Street Market
Set Of Four Badges by British Artist Duggie Fields , special edition exclusively at Comme des Garcons' Dover Street Market in London. Diameter 5.5 cm £16.00
Available at Dover Street Market
NYC Moment @ The Meat Packing District
A young couple was having their wedding album photos taken in the Meat Packing District, NYC, the other day and I had to take a picture too. They were quite excited with it all and didn't even mind my indiscretion. Not sure if the graffiti tags will appeal to Uncle Vern and Aunt Gladys, but I thought it was a cool idea to pick this as a background. Wedding pictures are usually so corny anyway, so let's jazz it up a bit, OK? Kudos!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Brad Pitt @ GQ Italy
Brad Pitt is the cover boy of the October issue of GQ, Italian edition. His faux revolver tattoo brings to mind the tear drop ink that convicted criminals in the US get on their faces, symbolizing they've already committed murder, in or out of jail. It says they that they are real "bad-asses" or incapable to shed real tears. In Australia, the teardrop has an entirely different meaning. It is forcibly marked on convicts who are accused child molesters. This mark is then used as a justification for the beatings and abuse of the wearer. The teardrop in this case, represents the tears that the convict will cry, eternally. How lovely is that?
On a lighter note, I bet there are a lot of people out there that would love to "bang-bang" Mr.Pitt, but not in the literal sense if you know what I'm saying...
Via GQ Italia
Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Computer Case
I was browsing the new Yves Saint Laurent's e-commerce website when I came across the incredible Downtown computer case, in leopard-printed calfskin. This faboo man-bag has an adjustable strap, double zipper closure, inside-zip pocket and functional brass lock and key. 2'' H x 16'' H x 3'' W. Made in Italy for US$1,995.00
I LOVE IT!
Available at YSL
Dita Does Cointreau
Cointreau, one of the world's leading purveyors of spirits, announced Dita Von Teese as its worldwide brand ambassador. As a performer who draws her inspiration from legendary Burlesque performers and film stars of the 1930s and 1940s, Dita Von Teese's personality, sensuality, provocative grace and unique style make her the ideal candidate to incarnate Cointreau's "BE COINTREAUVERSIAL" brand signature.
The partnership, initially signed for two years, is a natural fit for the French brand.
"Dita combines elegance and extreme refinement with a certain daring sensuality," says Justin Weston, Cointreau International Director. "Her vibrancy and sophisticated style mirror that of the Cointreau consumer, and we are delighted to have her bring to life the 'BE COINTREAUVERSIAL' brand message."
The ambassador program is a global initiative that will encompass several elements, including multiple launch events in London, New York and other global cities; a signature, Cointreau-branded performance with one-of-a-kind costume; and international public relations appearances. Cointreau and Dita Von Teese will reveal further details of the partnership at an exclusive, invitation-only event in New York City on November 7.
"I am thrilled to be working with Cointreau," says Dita Von Teese. "For me, Cointreau is a quintessentially French brand; a product which transcends fashions and trends. I love the contrast of its delicate taste and strong personality. It is only natural that we would come together around a cocktail glass," she says.
Via Yahoo
Fetish @ Galerie du Passage, Paris
In one of the more imaginative collaborations we’ve seen of late, Christian Louboutin and David Lynch have locked heads and created a show, Fetish. The exhibition shows five limited edition pairs of shoes by Louboutin alongside five signed photographs of the shoes by Lynch. As if Louboutin’s day-to-day footwear weren’t fetishistic enough, the pair together has taken the theme to an entirely new level.
As with so many collaborations, things moved very quickly. The process began when Lynch commissioned Louboutin to make shoes for an exhibition he was hosting at the Cartier Foundation back in March this year. The pair quickly became friends and when Louboutin wanted to push the notion of extreme fetish in his work, by creating shoes and then playing with their creative representation in two-dimensional images, it was clear Lynch would be the man to translate his vision.
As with so many collaborations, things moved very quickly. The process began when Lynch commissioned Louboutin to make shoes for an exhibition he was hosting at the Cartier Foundation back in March this year. The pair quickly became friends and when Louboutin wanted to push the notion of extreme fetish in his work, by creating shoes and then playing with their creative representation in two-dimensional images, it was clear Lynch would be the man to translate his vision.
"I tried to keep an element of my drawings, to be faithful to the drawings, with no practicality, just pleasure, thinking of extreme fetish shoes. Usually when you go to the third dimension you lose something," explains Louboutin of his initial concept, "then I wanted to photograph them - I find there’s more emotion with cinematic images. I wanted Lynch’s style and since we’d recently become friends it was natural for me to ask him."
The designer has an atelier where the one-of-a-kind shoes are created. With practicality and comfort out the window, Louboutin has pushed the designs to their limits: think 26cms heels, spikes on the inside and sole of the shoe, and Siamese heels (two shoes fused at the heel).
The idea is that the shoe becomes a cult object, transcending the most beautiful part of the shoe and/or foot. Louboutin pinpoints ‘The Siamese shoe’ as his favourite, "For me the shoe and the picture together become very close to Twin Peaks."
The idea is that the shoe becomes a cult object, transcending the most beautiful part of the shoe and/or foot. Louboutin pinpoints ‘The Siamese shoe’ as his favourite, "For me the shoe and the picture together become very close to Twin Peaks."
FETISH : 10/03/2007 -11 /03/2007
DAVID LYNCH (Photographs, 2007) CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN (Souliers, 2007) @ Galerie du Passage
Via Yatzer Via Wallpaper
Theme & Variation - More Rua da Alfandega
On my previous post about Rua da Alfandega, I might have missed to mention the chaotic foot traffic that, together with the narrow streets and on-the-sidewalk discount bins, can make anyone scream and run home. If that does not discourage you, that's the place to find good bargains in Rio, specially if you are in the market for a new carnaval costume. It's already October and the cariocas are already planning what they are going to wear comes February. There are a good dozen shops that cater to beads, rhinestones, materials, feathers and all things carnaval-related. If you are the lazy/uncreative type there are also places that will sell you the head-to-toe ensembles, just like they do on Halloween in North America. The best known shop is called Casa Turuna, that occupies a large chunk of the corner of Rua da Alfandega and Rua Senhor dos Passos. Casa Turuna, founded in 1915, is the paradise (or the claustrophobic's nightmare) for carnaval paraphernalia and accessories. Just simply ask for "it" and they sell it there. In such an eclectic place you may also purchase your maid's uniform, no not a costume, an actual uniform for "the help" so your cleaning lady or butler can look sharp when you have guests over. Among the mix you will even find Candomble's religious iconography, clothing and what-nots, that seems like an odd place to carry that stuff, but what the heck - that's Brazil to you.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Tom Ford's Forbidden Ad by Terry Richardson
Tom Ford recreates the double standard in a cheeky outtake that was too racy for Out Magazine to print in the magazine's pages. The image by photographer Terry Richardson, also responsible to the very risque perfume campaign, is clearly inspired by the original often-rejected advertisements.
"It was meant to be a play on the new [fragrance] campaign. But there’s a double standard with featuring female nudity and featuring male nudity. When people say to me, ‘Well, you objectify women,’ [I say] I’m an equal opportunity objectifier. We had a lot of magazines reject the female version [of the campaign], so the male version is going to get rejected even more."
The Shecky's Girls - NYC
I bumped into the Shecky's Girls the other day while walking down on Broadway towards Soho, in NYC, and couldn't resist their charm. They were promoting Shecky's girl's-night-out, "a 5½-hour DREAM evening—deliciously filled with endless fashion, glamour, beauty, shopping, cocktails, freebies, and fun", that is held throughout the country. The event is sponsored by Shecky's, a fashion & beauty web site that is quite popular with the ladies. They will be at the Puck Building in Soho, NYC, from the 8-12 of October.
For a list of all cities and date events click here
You May Quote Me On That: Napoleon Bonaparte
"Religion is what keeps the poor man from murdering the rich."
Napoleon Bonaparte
More Graffiti Art in Rio
This is just a "miscellaneous" batch of cool graffiti art that I had photographed in Rio recently. These are images taken all over the city - from Copacabana to Gavea, from Urca to Ipanema - and they are just a small example of the variety of amazing work that one can see in Rio de Janeiro nowadays. As I am currently in the Northern Hemisphere I will be reporting from here soon on that subject soon - and you can await some great street art that I've already been capturing in pixels. For more great contemporary street art just give it a click!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Alexander Girard Dolls
Alongside Charles and Ray Eames as well as George Nelson, Alexander Girard was one of the decisive figures in post-War American design. The focus of his broad oeuvre was on textile design, and a key source of inspiration for him was his passion for the popular art of South America, Asia and East Europe. The Wooden Dolls, which Girard created for his own home in Santa Fe and made himself, are likewise inspired by his own extensive collection of works of popular art. Half decorative element, half toy, the Wooden Dolls were originally intended only for personal use. Based on documents and originals found in the Girard Estate held by the Vitra Design Museum, the partly joyful, partly grim-looking company of dolls is now coming out as a limited edition as a charming enhancement to any interior. I love it!
Dita Von Teese in Paris
Burlesque Goddess Dita Von Teese was a vision of perfection at the Spring/Summer 2008 shows in Paris last week. She attended all the major runway presentations including Chanel, Dior, Loewe and Elie Saab, to name a few. She also attended the Fetish exhibit party, co-hosted by photographer David Lynch and shoe designer Christian Louboutin. At Chanel she posed next to a grumpy-looking Victoria Beckham, that didn't seem too thrilled to share the spotlight with the raven-haired beauty.
Every time I see Dita's looks she is flawless from top to bottom: the hair, the make-up, the outfit, the nails, the bag, the shoes, the TOE NAILS!! She does not miss a single detail and it shows. Her clothing choices are always perfect and true to her 40's-50's pin-up look, that she never seems to compromise or misstep. A true fashion icon!
Click images to enlarge
The Work of Samuel Casal
Florianópolis based Brazilian artist Samuel Casal was born in 1974 and has been working professionally as an illustrator since 1990. He is also a cartoonist, guitar player and part-time tattoo artist. Somehow he also finds time to put out his own graphic T-shirt line, available from his site, while contributing his work to several Brazilian and international publications. I love the dark edge that permeates even throughout his most commercial designs, not simply relying on "cute" to get his point across. It reminds me a bit of the feeling of movie director Tim Burton's goth illustration work, but with his own original twist. Great stuff!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
This Day in History: Barbarella - The Movie
On October 10, 1968, Barbarella was released and Jane Fonda, at the top of her form & beauty, became every young men's wet dream. The movie directed by Roger Vadin, then her husband, is a soft porn/sci-fi adventure featuring Barbarella, a space traveller with a highly sexual appetite. The movie is eye-candy from start to finish - it's Franco-Italian design all the way through, a celebration of petroleum products and the best of the lava lamp aesthetic. Not to be forgotten, Barbarella' wardrobe was designed by Paco Rabanne, a reason in itself to watch this deliciously camp movie.
Fun Facts:
-Barbarella was the first science fiction hero from the comics to be adapted into a feature film as opposed to a serial (Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers, her male predecessors, had only appeared in serials up to this point).
-SoGo, the evil city Barbarella travels to, is a reference to Biblical cities Sodom and Gomorrah.
-The film's missing scientist character famously inspired the band name of 1980s pop group Duran Duran
-The scenes during the opening credits where Barbarella seems to float around her spaceship were filmed by having Jane Fonda lie on a huge piece of plexiglas with a picture of the spaceship underneath her. It was then filmed from above, creating the illusion that she is in zero gravity. (If you look carefully, you can see the reflection in the glass as she removes her gloves.)
Watch Barbarella's strip-tease opening sequence and just drool!
Tom Ford's Naked Photo @ OUT Magazine
Tom Ford is the coverboy of new issue of OUT Magazine and he exposes more than his opinions in it's pages. In a boxing-themed photo shoot by bad-boy photographer Terry Richardson, the ex-Gucci front man appears au naturel in a shower scene next to two young men, with his glorious backside in full view. Tom is slapping one of the guy's equally naked ass with a towel. How cheeky!
Tom also has a few of his two-cents to share:
On being gay
"I have to say that I don't think gay is the most attractive word; If I were art-directing the creation of a word that would describe homosexuals, I think I would have tried to find another one. Gay makes us sound silly and frivolous, which is probably where it came from originally - it was first used in a Cole Porter song in the '30s - and I think it was probably a bit derogatory, and so it's not a word I necessarily like, but it's what I am, whatever."
On women:
"I love women, I just don't fall in love with them, but I'm attracted to them, I find their bodies beautiful, and I can relate to them as the persued, because of course as a gay man you understand what it's like to be taken - to be an object to your partner - as well as what it's like to be the aggressor."
Click here to view Mr. Ford's white booty - Warning- NSFW
Via OUT
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
I found this "street art" sculpture right off the Bedford Avenue subway stop in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn. That's a bargain at US$89,000... I love the sarcasm! Kudos Paul Richard!
I'm Not Gay - I Just Really Love Rainbows
"I'm not gay, I just really love rainbows..."
How funny is that? I was browsing at Urban Outfitters the other day when I came across this great air freshener and coaster set by BlueQ in their housewares department. I often go in there to look around and always end up picking something up as their prices are just too good to pass stuff up. I do have a taste for the kitschy-off-beat stuff and Urban's is chock-full of tempting merchandise that appeals to this low-brow side of mine. Urban's is a great place for graphic tees too, though I swore a while back to not buy any more of them, but their clothing selection is a bit too alternative for my current age status. I also love all their in-store displays and visual merchandising, very cool, young and hip.
Well, I thought it was just too funny not to post it at Little-Pumpkins' "shopping section".
Coaster set U$4.99 and air freshener available directly at BlueQ
Camper Posters In SOHO
Spanish shoe label Camper's new ad campaign is plastered all over NYC and I love the whole concept and colors. A shoe-box-as-head opening up to your imagination. I found the posters above on a street corner in Soho around a construction site and had to preserve it in pixels. I actually do like (and wear) Camper shoes and they are quite comfortable and sturdy. The guy's shoes are all on the casual, clunky side but the women's are very tongue-in-cheek fun and flirty.
Sex and The City - The Movie - Fashion Preview
As "Sex and The City - The Movie" has been filming all over NYC, there are a lot of images available taken from all their location shoots. Here's a little preview of what Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte will be wearing on the upcoming movie version of one of my favorite TV shows of all times. As we can see Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie remains a fashion risk-taker, hence the oversize hibiscus-looking flower sprouting from her rushed dress. That does look like a school play costume, you must agree, but I wouldn't want Carrie any other way. Cynthia Nixon must be very excited about Miranda's new looks as what I can see so far looks fabulous on her. She looks gorgeous in gold accents! Charlotte looks beautiful in whatever she wears and I always loved her outfits throughout the old shows. The strapless print dress is a winner and she just glows in it. Very sexy! Her Oscar de La Renta maternity wear is perfect for Charlotte too. Jennifer Hudson plays Carrie's assistant in the movie and she must be running home to get rid of those hideous Burberry-looking boots. I will cover some of Samantha's looks on my next SATC post, as I haven't seen much yet that is noteworthy.
Images via People Magazine
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
You May Quote Me On That: Dolly Parton
"I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb... and I also know that I'm not blonde."
Dolly Parton
Wall Panels @ Crib(fx)
Googly and GeoSquare are a few examples of the "PuzzleMurals" panels, allowing you to display a number of them on the wall in a variety of ways and create amazing kaleidoscopic and psychedelic visuals. These special order wall panels are incredibly colorful and vibrant. Each panel is 22" X 22", giclee print on high-quality canvas, ready-to-hang and they retail for US$125.00 each. Custom colors, sizes, and designs are also available. I love it!
Available exclusively at Crib(fx)
Sex and The City - The Movie - On-Set Feuding
Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker just can’t seem to get over their differences.
After reports of a spat between the two at the ‘Sex and the City’ reunion party, new reports of yet another catfight are surfacing. As rumor has it, Cattrall picked out a specific pair of red heels and was going to wear them on set...until SJP swiped them.
A source said:
“Kim wanted to wear a pair of red heels and picked them out from wardrobe especially, but then Sarah apparently swept in and took them, much to Kim’s disgust.”
It got so ugly that Kristin Davis had to separate the two at one point.
The source adds:
“By the end of the TV series they could barely be civil to each other. But both women are top professionals and won’t let this get in the way of their jobs. They know the Sex and the City" movie is a huge money-spinner and a great way to wave goodbye to their characters, and each other, for good.
After reports of a spat between the two at the ‘Sex and the City’ reunion party, new reports of yet another catfight are surfacing. As rumor has it, Cattrall picked out a specific pair of red heels and was going to wear them on set...until SJP swiped them.
A source said:
“Kim wanted to wear a pair of red heels and picked them out from wardrobe especially, but then Sarah apparently swept in and took them, much to Kim’s disgust.”
It got so ugly that Kristin Davis had to separate the two at one point.
The source adds:
“By the end of the TV series they could barely be civil to each other. But both women are top professionals and won’t let this get in the way of their jobs. They know the Sex and the City" movie is a huge money-spinner and a great way to wave goodbye to their characters, and each other, for good.
Via Celebrity Smack
Monday, October 08, 2007
Dita Von Teese @ Macy's in Santa Monica
Porcelain Goddess Dita Von Teese was present at the Macy's Passport Charity Event at Barkers Hangar in Santa Monica, California on September 27, celebrating $25 million raised for HIV/AIDS agencies in 25 years. She was representing M.A.C. as it's Viva Glam lipstick spokesperson. Dita also performed her burlesque routine at the event.
"I'm performing tonight because I love keeping the art of burlesque alive. I'm overwhelmed about meeting Elizabeth Taylor. I admire her. I'm nervous. She's a living legend!"
Click images to enlarge
Via Celebrity Snap & OK! Magazine
Condoleezza Warho
I got this in my e-mail box and had to pass it along. Too good not to be shared...
Via Bleeding Hearts Club
Revisiting Boston
Being in Boston always feels like home, specially since I lived in Bean Town for almost as many years as Rihanna is alive. It was nice to be back and be able to view it through the eyes of an outsider again, rediscovering sites & sights that - because of their familiarity - you end up taking for granted once you see it on a daily basis. This same thing happened to me in Rio and it made me appreciate and endear myself even more to the places that were "always there".
Boston is an easy city to move about. You can pretty much walk to most of it's famous spots of interest or simply hop on the T, USA's oldest subway system, and get to wherever you need to be in a matter of a few stops. Many of America's most significant historical moments were set in Boston, and still are to this day. Gay marriage, anyone?
Though through the eyes of most New Yorker's Boston is just too "sleepy" and boring of a college town, the city's lifestyle and lay-out allows to to have a small-town feeling with all the amenities of a major city. The restaurants here are amazing, great cultural life, international grade high-end shopping and excellent quality of living. Oh well, nightlife does suck here, I have to agree, but for how long do you really want to club-hop? You can just jump on an Amtrack and be in NYC in under 4 hours, get your club fix, and return to a where home is. The weather is another set back, specially if the idea of shovelling snow is not your cup of tea. Rents here are almost as high as NYC but at least our trash cans are not year-round displayed in front of our buildings. Apples & oranges, right?
I was glad to be back for a few days but other shores await me...
Sunday, October 07, 2007
More CowParade in Rio
A few more pictures of the charming "cowriocas" in Rio's Cow Parade, thanks to my sister, exclusively for Little-Pumpkins. There are almost 100 in total and they are displayed all over the city of Rio de Janeiro, mostly along the beaches. To see the complete cow picture gallery, list of participating artists and locations you can click here.
Ricky Martin's Tattoos
When did Ricky Martin get all these tattoos? I personally love tattoos and sport quite a few myself, but just cannot recall Ricky being such an ink lover. I found this image at People Magazine and while reading the accompaning text I was also a bit, let's say, amused:
"The Puerto Rican star is never without the company of a lady (!), or at least a tattoo of one on his left arm. And even though he’s a Buddhist, he’s got the Our Father prayer inked on his right arm in Hebrew. "
Did I sense a little sarcasm here?
Sex and The City - The Movie - Chris Noth is Mad
You know what has been ticking off Chris Noth lately? All the wrong predictions in the press about the plot of the Sex and the City movie, based on all of the shooting around town.
"Have you seen the script?" I have. There’s been all this talk of Big and Carrie get married. I’m not going to say yes, or no, but did you see me at the church with Sarah Jessica? No, because I was at the Brooklyn Detention Center shooting Law & Order: Criminal Intent. The pictures everyone’s talking about are me with Charlotte. What does that mean? All I can say is that you people have gotten nothing right."
Via New York magazine
Autumn in Boston
Though it's officially Fall I must admit that it feels more like summer weather to me. I remember spending many chilly Autumns in New England and cannot recall temperatures as warm as the ones we've had these past few days. I spent a few days in Boston visiting friends and had the luck not to have to lug a jacket around, as a short sleeve tee was more than sufficient during the day. Boston, my hometown for many years, remains as beautiful as I remember and the nice sunny days allowed me to stroll around quite a bit. I snapped a few (corny) pictures around Copley Square, as they also have a small farmer's market in the afternoons. The sunflowers were screaming "Take my picture!" and I had to oblige, though I am not a "flower photographer" kind of guy. Nothing against flowers or any threat to my masculinity, but it's such a cliche subject that has no appeal to me unless they are fake and meant to look it, then I love it. The colorful chairs were displayed in front of Auntie Sadie's, a charming home-goods store in the South End neighborhood. They were so "picture-ready" that it almost looked like a photo prop.
I have a few more great images of my trip to Boston that I'll post here during the week.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Found on Ebay: Frank Sinatra Paintings
Ebay can be amazing. Occasionally a very broad search in a category like art, followed by a sort from highest price to lowest price, can yield some astonishing results – like this one.
Via Blu Dot News Letter
In the early 80's Frank Sinatra needed some restoration work for some of his art collection. He contacted Arthur Beeman, who was an avid painter and the head of the illustration department for the Pasadena Jet Propulsion. Impressed by Beeman's work he asked Beeman to teach him how to improve his painting techniques. As a result of this relationship several pictures were painted by Sinatra and left at the teacher's house. When Mrs. Beeman passed away these paintings were a part of her estate.
This collection entails 12 paintings, nine of them are 12" X 16", two paintings are 16" X 20" and one painting is 14" X 18". There is also a companion notarized letter confirming provenance to this collection. The bidding starts at US$525,000.00 (!) at Ebay and is scheduled to end on October 13.
This collection entails 12 paintings, nine of them are 12" X 16", two paintings are 16" X 20" and one painting is 14" X 18". There is also a companion notarized letter confirming provenance to this collection. The bidding starts at US$525,000.00 (!) at Ebay and is scheduled to end on October 13.
Clearly, old blue eyes employed the age old “would you like to pose for a painting” line to score with the ladies. Sounds like a dirty old man to me...
Via Blu Dot News Letter
My Loony Bun is Fine Benny Lava!
This is probably one of the funniest things I've seen online in a while and I had to post it here too. The formula is rather simple: take a random Bollywood music video and get it translated - with subtitles - from what you think the words sound like in English. Example: turn your back to the screen and jot down whatever first comes to mind when you hear they sing - and voila! A masterpiece of hilarious non-sense that fits to a tee to what comes out of the performer's mouths. The auteur of this very creative oeuvre, Buffalax, unsatisfied with simply giggling at all those silly dance moves and group routines (and wardrobe), allowed me to ache with laughter watching his hysterical take on Indian cinema. Sample quotes: "Who put the goat in there? The yellow goat I ate", "Someday I sell DNA" and the classic "I'd love to see you pee on us tonight!". I guarantee you will love it too!
Via OMG Blog / Via Lady Bunny
Vivienne Westwood's Yellow Bentley
For fashion designer Vivienne Westwood no sedate silver Bentley will do.
To celebrate Milan Fashion Week, Bentley announced that it has joined forces with British designer Vivienne Westwood, known for her mini-crinis, links with the Sex Pistols and penchant for going "knickerless," even during the ultra-formal ceremony when she was made a Dame by Queen Elisabeth.
The Milan event was highlighted by a bright yellow 1992 Bentley Continental convertible that was shown off in front of the Palazzo Reale, where her retrospective is being held. Bentley said it is a fitting tribute to the "unconventional spirit" of Westwood. She also gets the keys to a Bentley Continental Flying Spur for use in Milan and will get a ride in the Bentley Continental GTC.
Via Inside Lines
The Milan event was highlighted by a bright yellow 1992 Bentley Continental convertible that was shown off in front of the Palazzo Reale, where her retrospective is being held. Bentley said it is a fitting tribute to the "unconventional spirit" of Westwood. She also gets the keys to a Bentley Continental Flying Spur for use in Milan and will get a ride in the Bentley Continental GTC.
Via Inside Lines
SoWa Open Market in Boston
This past Sunday I took a walk through Boston's SoWa Open Market, on Harrison Avenue. SoWa stands for South of Washington Street, Boston's hip & happening warehouse district, home of fancy renovated lofts and artist's studios. The open market is a mix of farmer's market, flea market and crafts fair. There I found artisans, artists, bakers, florists, vintage clothing & furniture dealers and designers to name a few. The eclectic mix has a hip edge to it, not at all granny's old church swap meeting. As it was a warm Fall afternoon the place was packed with young couples with baby strollers, gay guys with baby strollers and the usual bargain hunters. The images above illustrate a bit of the day's outing and the variety of different cool vendors there. I'd definitely advice an out-of-towner to stop by for a stroll and experience a bit of SoWa's hip vibe. The market is open from mid May to late October.
For more info go to Sowa Open Market's website.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Marc Jacobs @ Arena Homme +
Marc Jacobs is powerful enough not to worry about what people think, so I assume. He is the cover boy of the new Fall/Winter 2007-08 issue of Arena Homme + magazine, posing all buff, shirtless and tan. I recall when Marc Jacobs was just a skinny, femme-y, bespectacled fashion nerd - somewhat of an average unattractive, stringy-haired guy. All of a sudden this major reinvention happens, a la Lagerfeld's skinny make-over or Galliano's similar re-buffing, that I have to take a second look to make sure it's still him. He looks like a gay porn star now! Definitely a change for the better...
Photography by Juergen Teller
Maid Chair by Nika Zupanc
This polycarbonate chair is still only a prototype but I love it already. It is called "Maid" and the creation of Slovenian designer Nika Zupank. She explains it in her own words:
"This chair is not about parts and materials. It is about flesh and desires. Its shapes are following sensual curves of ideal feminine body; it’s proportions are pushing fantazies to the surface. Maid is someone that brings joy in every days routine, order in chaos, a bit of fun in business. It is emotion squeezing device that conquers public and private place with the same unbrekable charm. It is pleasure altar in a bedroom. It is everybody’s darling in lounge bar. It is primadonna in house of high culture. It is "must see" in shopping avenues. Put it in the street, it will function as an HALT sign."
To see more of Nika Zupanc's work visit her website
Via Yatzer
FruitaBü - Fruit to the People!
I just arrived back in the US and already am hypnotized by the TV commercials. I LOVE the FruitaBü ads! Not sure how long they've been around but it's new to me. They are so colorful and visually appealing that I can see how a kid would want to nag their parents to death to get a hold of those fruit candies. I probably never will actually eat one of them but the whole visual design - and catchy jingle - got me hooked from the first time I saw it. I had to freeze-frame my Tivo to be able to enjoy every second of it, as it's so much information at once that can get anyone dizzy!
Check out FruitaBü's website for the awesome videos and pretend outtakes.
Faux Handbags
I spotted all these faux handbags during a single day's outing in Rio de Janeiro. I still kick myself for being too shy to pull out my camera in the subway when I saw this shabby-looking granny carrying a faux Louis Vuitton Murakami handbag, bows and all. Like any other major city these days, you will find peddlers selling copy-cat Guccis, Pradas and Fendis, and Rio is no exception. The local government does such a poor job to combat piracy in general, with conterfeit CDs, DVDs and computer software being sold EVERYWHERE, that I assume fashion is not high on their priority list.
Considering that for the price of a real LV bag you can purchase a good second hand car in Brazil it is no wonder that the local ladies also want to sport some flash, even if without the cash.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Theme & Variation - Rua da Alfandega
I keep noticing a certain pattern to the things that appeal to me in the photographs I've been taking recently. I am very attracted to images of clusters of repeat objects or things. I love neat store shelves and supermarket aisles, specially when I see rows of a repeat products perfectly aligned in a pattern. I find beauty also in everyday things that have been casually grouped, without prior thought. I guess I just like visual repetition of a theme or color. It could be a row of chairs, a discount bin, a stack of plastic bowls or a stylized shop window. I don't have any aspirations or claim to be a good photographer, nor do I use professional equipment, so pardon my lack of technique. My little Sony camera is serving me very well so far. I decided to name this new series "Theme & Variation" to paraphrase Piero Fornasetti, one of my favorite designers of all times.
All these images here were taken at Rua da Alfandega, in downtown Rio, that is a popular (read low-end) shopping area. There are about 6 or 7 rows of long narrow streets, chock full of "stuff" for sale, spreading out of the stores into the side walks. They call this area SAARA, the name of it's commercial association, and it's well known as a bargain hunter's paradise. There you can buy carnaval costumes, boot-leg DVDs, budget kid's toys, clothing, house goods and anything else you can imagine. Nowadays there is a new wave of Korean and Chinese merchants flooding the streets with Made in Asia discount merchandise, from electronics to cheap plastic stuff. It's definitely worth the visit, if not to shop just for the Brazilian cultural experience.
All these images here were taken at Rua da Alfandega, in downtown Rio, that is a popular (read low-end) shopping area. There are about 6 or 7 rows of long narrow streets, chock full of "stuff" for sale, spreading out of the stores into the side walks. They call this area SAARA, the name of it's commercial association, and it's well known as a bargain hunter's paradise. There you can buy carnaval costumes, boot-leg DVDs, budget kid's toys, clothing, house goods and anything else you can imagine. Nowadays there is a new wave of Korean and Chinese merchants flooding the streets with Made in Asia discount merchandise, from electronics to cheap plastic stuff. It's definitely worth the visit, if not to shop just for the Brazilian cultural experience.
You May Quote Me on That: Margaret Thatcher
"In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man; if you want anything done, ask a woman."
Margaret Thatcher
Jeff Koons' Hanging Heart @ Sothebys
The good thing about a Monet or a Van Gogh is that you can probably find space for it in your home. It's not quite so easy with some of the works by today's artists such as Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. Case in point, Koon's big bright Hanging Heart (Magenta and Gold) which will be auctioned off on November 14 at Sotheby's New York as part of their Contemporary Art Sale. This beauty in high chromium stainless steel weighs over 3,500 pounds and is almost nine feet tall. Koons employs a large stable of artists and this work and took over 6,000 man hours to produce. The work is on display at Sotheby's this week through Sunday, October 8th, by private appointment. When it sells it is estimated to bring $15/20 million. I wonder if that includes shipping and installation.
Via The Luxist
I Love Fluffels!!
Fluffels are soft designer toys that put a smile on your face! They are very adorable looking and a little bit crazy, with a twisted edge that I love. Fluffels are made from very soft materials and are very hug-able, as fleece and felt are used for the skin and they are filled with polyfill. The first Fluffel was created when Mariska Vos-Bolman got her hands on her first sewing machine. Sitting in the train with her boyfriend Yannis Bolman she designed Zumba, the toothy purple thingy on the second picture. Mariska and Yannis are both graduated from the Utrecht School of Arts. They both work in the videogame industry and are based in Holland.
Prices range from € 22 - € 80 and you can check them out at their site by clicking here.
I LOVE IT!!
Via Booboolix
I LOVE IT!!
Via Booboolix
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
CowParade in Rio
The "Cowriocas" are in town! Since 1999 they've been seen from New York to Tokio, passing through Sao Paulo and London, and now they've arrived to greener pastures in Rio de Janeiro. This is the biggest street event ever done in Brazil and will be on display throughout the city from October 03 - November 24. While the cow sculptures remain the same, each city’s artists were challenged by the art from past events, inspired by the cultural influences of their respective cities, and moved by their own interpretation of the cow as an art object. CowParade is not meant to be high art, however. It is first and foremost a public art exhibit that is accessible to everyone.
The lovely cows will be put up for auction individually on December 11 for the highest bidders and anyone with enough cash can park one on their backyard. The proceeds will then be donated to the city's charitable causes. The average bid at the Chicago's auction reached US$25,000 and US$18,000 in NYC. Now let's see how much our charming Cowriocas will fetch!
Rio CowParade website For the official US site click here
Images via UOL
More Cool Graffiti in Rio - Gavea 2
A few more cool graffiti-art along the walls of the Jockey Club in Gavea, in Rio. The bottom three were about a block away from there, near the edge of Leblon neighborhood. Great Stuff!Feel free to send me cool shots from graffiti art from your hometown as I will be more than willing to post interesting work at Little-Pumpkins.
Kid's Beauty Pageant Images - Cute or Creepy?
These creepy-cute images from a kid's beauty pageant can make you go from ohhh to yuk in a matter of seconds. They look like mini-adults, precociously "sexualized", fit to a tee to a pervert's wet dream. Little prosti-tot Barbies. They do look happy to be there but we all know that their overweight stage moms are the ones behind it all. Haven't parents learned anything after Jon Bennet? These days, even in Brazil you can hear about kid's pageants, specially in the South, as I saw recently on a variety TV show. The kids were always crushed when they were not picked, though most weren't even sure why they had to win. When you're 5 the concept of a beauty pageant can be a bit blurry. What most little girls wanted was just to get a sash because that's what made their mom's happy.
Via Curious & Funny Photos
Egg Bird House @ Design Within Reach
People are not the only creatures that can benefit from a well-designed home. Provide a safe and colorful haven to your winged friends with the Egg Bird House, designed by Jim Schatz. The Egg Bird House is handcrafted of ceramic earthenware that is cast, glazed and fired. The glossy surface prevents squirrels and other intruding critters from getting a grip on the side, providing a safe place for small birds to comfortably nest. The House has a 1.13" entry hole to attract petite species like chickadees and wrens and features a detachable bottom for easy cleaning between tenants.
Available in aqua, green, yellow, red and green. US$150.00 each at DWR
Ms Olympia 2007
The Ms Olympia contest was held in Las Vegas this past weekend crowning Iris Kyle as the 2007 winner. Say what you may say, the 15 contestants must be commended on their dedication and perseverance to achieve such unimaginable physics. I can't even commit to a 5-time-per-week gym schedule or low-carb regimen, so anyone that devotes that much effort and time to any physical activity gets my kudos. But they still look freaky...
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Little-Pumpkins @ The Guardian Unlimited
Look what I just found online on UK's The Guardian Unlimited website: a write up about your favorite (so I hope) blog Little-Pumpkins!!!
Series: Blog by blog guide to ...
Blog by blog guide to ... Rio
This month Benji Lanyado rounds up the best bloggers' guides to the beaches, bars and even the burgers of Brazil's most glamorous city
Guardian Unlimited
Tuesday October 2 2007
Little Pumpkins
In Brazilian-Portuguese, "abobrinhas" is the art of talking shit. Or, as this blogger refers to it, "small talk; useless information, foolish chit-chat; non-sense; fluff." Either way, Little Pumpkins (the literal translation of "abobrinhas") does exactly what it says on the tin - a prolific, oddly captivating flurry of modish camp stuff from the mind of a Rio-based "Pumpkin Man". A short browse reveals our hero's forte: pretty pictures. One of his many tags is "street art", featuring Rio's finest, including two rather snazzy shop facades at Carlos Tuvfesson and Addict.
To read the full post click here.
Graffiti in Rio - Santa Teresa
I received these great pictures from a reader in Barcelona, that was in Rio a while back, and shot these cool graffiti in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, in Rio. I love how the design blends into the decaying wall it was painted on. The sunlight gives it a great washed-out effect that only enhances the lavenders & pastels in the Sugar Loaf design.
This is is simply genius!! She tells me that nowadays he is sporting a pair of briefs and no longer has his manhood going commando... His friendly, unmenacing face makes his erect wee-wee looks very cute! Wonder how long the neighbors allowed such risque artwork to go untouched...? Kudos!
Thank you so much Lindsay & Ruby! I love being surprised by reader's suggestions and comments. Keep it up!
Click images to enlarge.
Cool Shop in Rio - Virzi
I just love the window displays at Virzi, at Rua Nascimento Silva in Ipanema, Rio. The half-sawed gold-painted skulls are a great contrast to the chic fashions that are found at Virzi, a high end women's boutique. Designer Marcella Virzi should be congratulated for her daring windows - associating women's couture with such dark Gothic touches - specially while in a beach culture city like Rio de Janeiro where the sexier the better. Kudos!
Ché Magazine
Ché is a magazine from Belgium that focuses on straight men and what they’re supposedly interested in. It's based on testosterone-charged laddie's magazines like Maxim, Stuff and FHM and focus on women, fast cars, cool gadgets and sports. Their current ad campaign is nothing short of suggestive and misogynist, portraying women as sex-objects (what's new?) and bad drivers. I must say that the campaign is very visually appealing and their art direction is superb. As a publicity stunt they outfitted several newsstands in Belgium with posters, that attached to it's check-out counters, gave them a quite sexy-funny effect. You can actually buy the "single-guy's bed sheets", with the lingerie-clad pin-up printed on it, from Ché's website.
Cool Graffiti in Rio - Gavea
Great graffiti I found in Gavea neighborhood in Rio, right in front of the Jockey Club. It's painted on the walls of a local public library and the design overall is amazing. I just love all these sassy little ghosts-like creatures, with their wide toothy mouths, always in grin. The photo below was taken on the same day further down in Jardin Botanico area and shows work by the same group of artists as well. After some online research I found out they are called the Flesh Beck Crew. The Asian girl is by graffiti artist Toz and one of my favorite characters I see around. Great stuff!!!
Kawaii Tree in Leblon
This semi-scary kawaii-looking tree is located in front of Zona Sul Supermarket in Leblon area, in Rio. It is meant to be a kid's playpen, hence the fenced in area and the stuffed toys on top of the padded mat. It reminded me of something out of H.R. Pufnstuf, that 70's hypnotic kids TV show that had big stuffed characters that always looked a bit creepy to me.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Hang Gliding @ São Conrado Beach - Rio
Last Sunday I went to São Conrado Beach, here in Rio, to check out the famous hang gliding landing spot. This is a very well known destination for this type of extreme sport and in a matter of a half hour you can watch dozens of landings right on the beach, a few feet from you. They actually do land VERY CLOSE to the sunbathers, that can be kind of dangerous in my view, but they seem to be all at peace with it. You can also hire a flight instructor and jump off the tall cliff on the background on a double-flight, smoothly gliding over the gorgeous beach view. Not for me, thanks. There are also many cool parasailers sharing the sky with the gliders and the image of all those colorful giant nylon birds is really amazing. I shot a few very short videos of my time there and posted here for your enjoyment. I did try to edit them together at Youtube but lost my patience after the nth time. On the clips you can see how fast they descend and how close to the people they land on the sand. Very cool!
Cheeky Monkey Tire Cover
Very cute spare tire cover I saw while stopped in a traffic light in Rio. It says "Preserve Nature" next to the drawing of a very charming cheeky monkey.
Love it!
Armani Attitude
And this year's award for best-looking cologne bottle goes to...
Armani's newest men's scent is called Attitude and comes in a very elegant lighter-shaped flask. Attitude packs a spicy, smooth, and sensual scent that should provide the perfect transition from fruity, summer scents to the musky, heavy scents of winter. US$55.00I just love this bottle! Très chic et très masculin!
Manekineko - Cool Sushi Place in Rio
This past Thursday I returned to one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Rio, Manekineko, at Casa Shopping in Barra da Tijuca. I had been to this location once before earlier this year and had been dreaming of returning there ever since. Manekineko has four locations in Rio but the one in Barra is still the best looking one. It's located inside Casa Shopping, a high-end design center, on a cozy indoors/outdoors corner. The courtyard's red lacquer tables are set amidst very tall palm trees and exotic ferns, in a Japanese-meets-the-Tropics style garden. Sheer floor-to-ceiling white curtains shield you from the rest of the mall, making it very intimate and charming. They also have a brand-new adjacent restaurant/bar/club called Gloss, that has a live DJ on the weekends, and is supposed to be very hip & happening with the younger crowd now. One of Manekineko's trademarks are the geisha wigs motifs that decorate all their locations to a very cool effect. Another thing that caught my eyes was their sexy men's room decor, with a topless Carla Bruni-looking model standing above the urinals. Inside the private stalls there is another naked beauty stamped on the inside of the door.
This place gets my vote for excellent service, that is a rare thing in Rio, and for it's delicious food.
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