SEEING DOUBLE? - ELLE'S FLOWERBOMB

RITA ORA IN CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE - ELLE MAGAZINEI'm a big fan of Elle Magazine.  In fact, I rarely miss an issue.  At first glance of the May 2013 issue, something looked familiar.  It wasn't the beautiful Rita Ora who graces the cover of this "Women in Music" issue.  RITA ORA HANGS CHIC IN LAS VEGAS - THOSE FERRAGAMO BOOTS..SUEDE FOR DAYS! Ora is like lightning in the bottle these past few months.   She is everywhere! DOUBLE TAKE - RITA ORA FOR ELLE MAGAZINE INSPIRED BY VIKTOR & ROLF'S FLOWERBOMB?  The fashion world has annointed her the next "it" girl and designers are keeping her very well clothed.   In Las Vegas wearing Salvatore Ferragamo, in Basil Switzerland wearing Calvin Klein, & on the cover of Elle magazine - wearing Chanel Haute Couture!  You know you have arrived when they ask you to wear couture!

Flipping through the issue, I quickly realized why I was having a deja-vu.   This cover was heavily influenced by the iconic fragrance ad for FLOWERBOMB by Viktor & Rolf.  Maybe ELLE'S creative director -Joe Zee was inspired by the super cool design duo of V&R.   Maybe he was and didn't even realize?

Keep up with Rita Ora by clicking over to iTunes now.   This Jay Z protege is here to stay!

BEAUTIFUL ART - THE COLORS OF SPRING

GREEN SHOTGUN HOUSE, BATON ROUGE - LOIS DODD at FISCHBACH GALLERYAnyone with eyes and ears knows that the art world, like the fashion world, has been transformed from a passion of the classes to an entertainment of the masses.  Just like Couture runway shows from Dior and Chanel are now watched by millions over the internet, sales of Artists like Damien Hirst and Jeff koons become a spectacle events like Art Basel, and icons like Picasso are known to a global audience bigger than ever before.

However, there are galleries that still focus on the artist and the patron.   Those that mentor young artists and curate their showingsTULIPS - JACK BUSH at FISCHBACH GALLERY to grow a career organically.   Building a reputation for artists and for the galleries themselves.  In New York there is one such gallery I visit often.  High above the street level art boutiques found in Chelsea is a quiet space filled with beautiful art.  Fischbach Gallery at 210 11th Avenue @ 25th Street is a gem.   Show after show, the gallery is filled with American art, with a consistent focus on talent.  (Jack Bush showcased here was Canadian).  Many of the artists represented have a two decade (or longer) relationship with the gallery.

Currently, BLACK SHACK - JACK BUSH at FISCHBACH GALLERYthe collection exhibited courtesy of William McWillie Chambers III really spoke to me..  I recently visited New Orleans and Baton Rouge.  There are so many rich details that both those cities make you remember.  The food, the people, the land, and of the beautiful architecture -all impossible to forget.  One look at Lois Dodds - Green Shotgun House, Baton Rouge - and I was right back there.  The subtle composition, the tender shades of green.   Something so sad, so peaceful, so fresh?  It's all up to you isn't it?  But of course, that's art.    Click images to see so much more and contact FISCHBACH GALLERY.  

EMMA TAPLEY AT FISCHBACH GALLERY

WUTHERING HEIGHTS / MOBY DICK - EMMA TAPLEYNew York based artist Emma Tapleyhas a connection with nature that her biography might belie.   When most people think of artists from New York, they might think avant-garde or modern art presented in non-traditional mediums.   However, a constant theme in Tapley's work is in fact nature.   Trees, leaves, puddles, and grasses, all find there way onto her canvases.   The interesting thing is that although there is a sense of serenity and calm in her work, somehow there is an overwhelming feeling of power.  Like nature itself.  The Fischbach Galleryin Chelsea (NYC) has a brand new show of Ms. Tapley's work opening November 8th.  Fischbach has a loyal following of devoted art collectors that truly appreciate the talent behind every painting.   Fischbach truly believes in nurturing artists, often representing them for decades. 

If you visit the Fischbach Gallery, be sure to make a day or at least afternoon out of it.   The HighLine is just steps away.   A perfect place to go after a gallery visit.   CookShop is a favorite restaurant of celebrities and locals for its hardy and locally harvested menu.   The Chelsea Market also offers a huge assortment of food, sweets, and shopping opportunities.   If you visit on a sunny day, by all means visit the newly restored and beautiful  Hudson River Park.   Of course, the best thing about NYC is that you don't need to make plans at all.   An amazing day can unfold itself just by walking down the street, that's New York!

J. LOHMANN GALLERY AT ARTHAMPTONS FINE ART FAIR

The SANDRA DAVOLIO PORCELAIN VESSEL AT J. LOHMANN GALLERY recent Fine Art Fair in Brigdehampton in July proved to have an upbeat mood.  The ArtHamptons fair seems to have built a loyal following of serious collectors and casual viewers creating a great social mix.   Great art and great people watching - both pastimes are rarely surpassed outside of New York, and especially in the Hamptons.

One standout exhibitor has become a show favorite.   J. Lohmann Gallery (NYC) consistently presents pieces that stop you in your tracks.   His curating skills are fine tuned, and his choice of artists - a true talent in itself.   He is the exclusive gallery in the U.S. of Ceramist Sandra Davolio (Italy & Denmark). 

Davolio has an amazing ability to create vessels that mimic nature.  They somehow feel like undiscovered coral reefs from some underwater cavern on another planet.   They are stunning, and Lohmann's eye for selecting the most unique items to showcase in his collection is a delight to experience.    Be sure to see J. Lohmann Gallery during the next exhibit at the Park Avenue Armory in September.   Click image above to see more.

ANSELM REYLE FOR CHRISTIAN DIOR

ANSELM REYLE - MIXED MEDIA SCULPTUREOne of the hottest artists at this years Art Basel in Miami displayed his work on a most unusual medium - Christian Dior handbags.    Berlin based artist Anselm Reyle was tapped by Delphine Arnault to design a capsule collection of Dior classics.  Reyle covered all accessories from shoes, to bangles, to bags,ANSELM REYLE FOR DIOR in his signature modern designs awash in color and camo.  Dior signature caning is oversized and asymmetric, and the results are awesome.  The collection that Reyle has created has a Warhol like quality to it, colorful and irreverent, with just enough classic Dior details.

While I'm excited to see Christian Dior creating some much needed positive public relations, I'm saddened that this brand is still left languishing on the vine.  Long before John Galliano had his public meltdown and left Dior, the brand had lost it's lustre for all but it's most dedicated fashion clients in North America.   My worry is that while business mogul Bernard Arnault, the owner of LVMH and Christian Dior, holds on to Dior as a trophy in hisANSELM REYLE FOR DIOR WALLET luxury crown, he lacks the vision needed to truly foster a Couture house like Dior.  PURPLE CAMO BANGLE - REYLE FOR DIOR

Many industry insiders fear that Mr. Arnault has the same formula planned that he created at Louis Vuitton.  Arnault took control of the storied luggage house and expanded it's reach across the globe.   By lowering average price point and increasing category range, Mr. Arnault was able to turn a small luxury collection into a multi-billion dollar brand.    American designer Marc Jacobs was made creative director and quickly partnered with modern artist Stephen Sprouse. DIOR PLATFORM BY ANSELM REYLE  Sprouse would make graffiti covered LV bags a must-have and it helped change the brand image and make it one of the hippest in the accessory world.  Marc Jacobs also launched RTW at Louis Vuitton, but it is given little attention from luxury shoppersANSELM REYLE FOR DIOR CAMO COMPACT.   Shoes also get the cold shoulder for the most part.  At LV, it's logo mania on bags and wallets, and there has never been a greater demand globally for a resin coated canvas product.   However, Dior is so much more than just a bag collection.  Christian Dior revolutionized the fashion industry with his talent in construction and draping.  His "New Look" would be the inspiration for designers from the late 1940's to this day.  It is such a waste of a legacy and a legend to relegate the Dior brand to just bags and shoes.  Dior is so much more than just a bag collection.  ARTIST - ANSELM REYLE  Christian Dior (the Collection) deserves to represent the finest designs in the Couture and RTW world.  An avant-garde designer needs to be chosen as the new creative director and given the control he or she needs to re-launch this iconic brand.

Enter Anselm Reyle for Dior.   While it seems like an exciting new project, when you look at the history of LVMH, it seems more like a calculated formula that has been played out before. 

Let's hope Christian Dior can once again become the most exciting RTW collection in the industry.  Bernard Arnault has the power to do just that, if he will allow it.

PAMELA BERKOVIC IS WATCHING

PRETTY GIRLS PH: PAMELA BERKOVICPamela Berkovic sees things you don't.  Literally, because she is backstage in places the public aren't permitted, creatively because she has the eye of a great photographer.    Ms. Berkovic finds moments in the chaotic setting of the back of house at fashion events from New York to Paris.   It is her keen ability to create images that are beautiful and powerful that stand on their own.   Every shot is a valid work of art.  With the current obsession of photographers to find gritty "real" shots of models and people on the street, talented images like Pamela's are a breath of fresh air.  It's no surprise that the biggest names in fashion like Stella McCartney, Thom Browne, & Cacharel give Pamela full access to their fashion events.  SCHOOL OF TULLE PH: PAMELA BERKOVIC

Fashion shows are no doubt one of the most stressful days in the life of a designer.   Months of work come down to 10 minutes of action in a multimillion dollar runway show.  Even more testament to Pamela's work that deisgners trust her to be back of house when chaos is unfolding!

Click BERKOVIC to visit Pamela's website and PHOTO to see the DELIBERATE DIABLO PH: PAMELA BERKOVIC most current shots on her blog.   Take note of her name - you will be seeing it in print for years to come!   ABSOLUTE ANGEL PH: PAMELA BERKOVIC 

KEVIN McDERMOTT IN PROVINCETOWN

Provincetown, Massachusetts has a long tradition for hosting and inspiring artists from many different schools.  Painters, Photographers, Writers, and Performers create some of their finest work here decade after decade after decade.  The sun, sand, and salt air create a magic combination - and a light that is rarely duplicated.Kevin McDermott - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Photographer Kevin McDermott is one artist clearly inspired by the natural beauty of this place.   Based in New York, McDermott has been drawn to Provincetown to shoot breathtaking landscapes.    Gallery Ehva in P-town will host Mr. McDermott's latest show from August 26th through September 14th.FARAONE MENNELLA - FINE JEWELRY - PH: KEVIN McDERMOTT

McDermott has built a well rounded portfolio.  His success is due in part to his ability to move from vast landscapes, to intimate portraits with the same amount of detail and insight.   After all, great photographers have a vision, a way to see things that most of us don't - capturing a beauty we might not see.   TENAMPA TEQUILA - PH: KEVIN McDERMOTT

Fashion fans know his work from fine jewelry and interior design campaigns, and just about anyone who reads magazines has seen his work in the world of Wine & Spirits.   

McDermott also has a following for fans of the Male form.  His powerful portraits of Male models are sought after by collectors from around the world.   McDermott is also sought after by aspiring models building their own portfolios.   Models and modeling agencies know that the right shot from a talented photographer like Kevin can be worth gold in a portfolio shown to prospective clients.  TRAINER TO THE STARS, MODEL, & SINGER/SONGWRITER - ISAAC SMITH

In addition to physical beauty, McDermott's live models typically have more to offer than just what meets the eye.   Case in point is Isaac Smith.   Mr. Smith carries several titles.  Personal Trainer to the stars, Male Model, & Singer/Songwriter are three he juggles day to day with ease.   Smith has a loyal following of high profile clients that he transforms via old-school and state of the art training techniques.   In addition, Isaac has a singing voice that somehow sounds like a cross between Seal & Frank Sinatra.   You don't get to use the word Crooner too often these days, but Smith's vocals definitely invoke that term.     Isaac is also in talks with producers about a TV project based on his training techniques.  How's that for multi-tasking?

To see more of Kevin McDermott's work - click KEVIN McDERMOTT to visit his website.   Of course if you can get to Provincetown before September 14th - visit the Ehva Gallery to this beautiful show.  Click Email Isaac today to plan your workout regimen, or to find out more about his music.  If you contact him now, I bet Isaac can get you in better shape by September 14th as well!