LB Louis Boshoff
Bonne Fantissimo
sol lewitt
}
Hari-cane
©kacie tomita
No Messing Around…
the less glamourous sister-of-pavlova. a generous pudding from the privileged sons of Eaton College circa 1930’s. today it has suffered various incarnations but as far as a fool proof answer to dessert goes…who can argue something that is this edible even after it’s been dropped on the floor.
Cool Covers
i’ve been brought up on a mix of disco and sentimental rock, thanks to my mother and the fact that we were so isolated and always two steps behind the rest of the world; from grace jones to pink floyd; i still know most of the lyrics from the bee gees off by heart (not the best thing to admit, i know) but then my father had this thing for country ballads which is possibly why that looping sound still strikes a chord…
Urban Warrior
asher levine f/w 2012
Hablo Hayon
speak my language…
The Divine Comedy of Barbara Bologna
the spring/summer 2013 mens collection from barbara bologna.
House of Finn Juhl
celebrating 100 years of pioneering danish furniture design …
You would never call me baby…
from perfume genius: mike hadreas’s latest album put your back N 2 it the promo video of the sensitive track: ‘hood’, directed by winston chase and also starring gay porn phenomena arpad miklos, was reputedly refused by google for containing unsuitable material and not in compliance with their policies. i might not be as media savvy as them but fail to see how this video contains anything more lewd or suggestive than the average sexy gyrating r&b sista or angry foul mouthed hip-hop teen. the terminology surrounding ‘adult content’ can also be misleading, especially since adults often behave like children themselves. i can only assume that the free and brave country that gave us google are now also imposing their values and controls onto us. strange though that they’d be so upset that the chinese prefer their own search engine. some people just want to be their own dictators. that’s all fine by me but surely you can’t get with that draconian control attitude and still think people should believe your advocacy of freedom of expression. it’s sometimes easy to forget that ‘them good old values’ can bring back ‘them good old prejudices’.
the song that ironically echoes with the consciousness of fickle love and honesty cleverly translates in this video, and then further lives up to it by not getting any of that google-love.
if i sound a bit crapped out it’s only because the hypocrisy of it all. my country which has been the pariah of prejudice for exactly that same reason of values, is currently proposing a bill to end all alcohol advertising. not that i’m any economist myself but it seems a bit rash of principle in a country where unemployment in a beleaguered economy still persists. if we were to regulate all potentially harmful substances, i shudder to think about the consequence to our consumerist commercial existance. in addition, we’ve also had our censorship laws brought under scrutiny due to an artist’s painting that depicted our president in’cock’nito. the whole regulation thing seems a bit like calling the vase ming. i am just too afraid of what it means when a great song and a creative promo video such as this gets treated as suspect - what could be the real reason? perhaps it was just a case of ‘promo’-phobia from google? …it would be such a pity if i had to change my search engine.
Excellently Edited
photographer louis park makes miraculous with rising designers munsoo kwon and kang.d. both utilize superb tailoring to create abstracted silhouettes in a new take on the urban-safari look. pleating, blocking and box cuts, asymmerical patterns and pockets. crossing the divide between casual but structured; the palette is mostly neutral which makes for excellent summer companion outerwear. the understated simplicity from these designers belies their individuality and unconventionality. just what i was looking for.
in the video presentation i have to express my relief at the lack of over-branding and over-styling and other over-aspirational over-ness. the layered approach and monochromatic presentation without fuss or fancy conveys the character of the collections superbly and doesn’t distract from their essence - excellent edited detail.
Jean-ious!
although it seems that every designer has their own version of jeans; there are some scandinavians that are focusing on jeans in a way that is pure jean-ious!
No More Pleats Please?
although i have the greatest admiration for issey miyake, it doesn’t prevent me from adoring this fresh design innovation too.
Feminazi
girls to the rescue…
Strange Flowers
A bouquet of art and fashion.
FC 1
Yves Klein (1928-1962), FC 1 (Fire-Color 1)
Initial Initial
Bottega Veneta 1979
Dark Beauty
an anxious and suspense filled video montage suitcase stories of the AW12 noir collection. this danish brand intrigues with simplicity in a pre-millenium jil sanderish way. they focus on simple structure and shape since, as they put it - in darkness all colors agree. their modern design consciousness and absolute wearability is a statement in itself; craftmanship, tailoring and a definitive silhouette ensures meaningful beauty.
Act with your Heart
only the brainless would argue the power of psychology in this campaign. the fact that it was viewed by millions over just a few days, more than five million up to date, should bear testament that we are still creatures of emotion and when it comes to selling a product or a purpose, we act with our hearts.
Bruxe Bling
these are too cute and not just a fix for the interior designer minded. men’s jewellery is a no mans land to me, i daren’t go there; i simply start looking like a cheap gypsy woman complete with a beard. i’m possibly the last person to ask about charms, my mother completely cured me of that and tupperware but even having said that , i can’t remember when last i used the word - adorable. these little pieces by bruxedesign most certainly are just that.
Ergonomic Organic
the atelier of multi-award winning nini andrade silva produce designs with an organic minimalist style that has provided the backbone to hospitality projects such as hôtel teatro, vine hotel, fontana park hotel and the aquapura duoro valley. said to be influenced by the pebbles on madeira, where she hails from, her statement pieces are clever interpretations that invoke the harmony of nature and take us back to the familiar… where we all come from.
Brand New?
not being from the states, this took me years to figure out… i love not you? english is my second language after all.
Critique
Lindsay Anderson, prominent film critic, and winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes for his 1968 film: if…., on objective criticism -
‘there is no such thing as uncommitted criticism, any more than there is such a thing as insignificant art. It is merely a question of the openness with which our commitments are stated. I do not believe we should keep quiet about them.’
Toffie 2012
toffie 2012 must be the pop culture event of the year. maybe i’m too old for this alternaivety but it could still be fun, at the last festival i felt every bit as left out as xavier dolan in heartbeats. the great thing about the festival is the talented mix of international and south african creatives in a programme of conferencing, talks, workshops, movies, parties and such. a must do event for media and design fundis, where low-brow is high-brow… now if i could just find something to go with my marc jacobs macbook carry case!
Looking Ahead
africa bids again. now the connection between africa and high tech advances is not one generally makes. africa is the dark continent; dark and primitive, and this is exactly why it may just win this bid; for the chance to build the world’s largest telescope. the square kilometre array. a marvel of super sensitive technology that would make short work of the 50 million lightyears, making it almost possible to see the birth of time itself. even with so many brilliant scientists working ceaselessly its completion is only anticipated around 2025. SKA Telescope. africa, and specifically the arid northern karoo forms the backbone of this bid location. with its sparse population and low radio noise, it stands a very good chance in hosting this chance to peek into creation. here’s to africa, again. wishing you the best of luck and support. love. louis.
World Design Capital 2014
cape town truly is a remarkable place, top designers are making their mark and the place is so laid back that even if they have to resort to printing t-shirts in the apathetic market of post-season frenzy, you can be sure that it will be fab d-e-s-i-g-n-e-r stuff. another patriotic moment, but along with our other great event world cup soccer 2010, i am completely surprised at the international response to our capacities. we were awarded the soccer bid apart, or in spite of the fact that we can’t play; and i hope it not to be a similar case with the design capital bid. far be it for me to be sceptic after pulling off 2010, but i’m interested to see how this one gets tackled.
Design Indaba 2012
one of the premier design showcase events in south africa, design indaba has matured into a proud platform of design savvy and spectacle of what we have to offer. once i get over my patriotic emotionality however, i have to point out that it has now become an institution that attracts any design aficionado from as far as manila. Glory, glory, glory!
my ambiguous sentiments of the event mostly revolve around the bad catering and the credits. i’ve always had a piss about the fact that designers seldom give credit to their inspirations, and in countries with less interest in copyright than commerce, i believe the blatant copy still to be more flattering than the contorted reworking of hella jongerius’s stitched ceramics without as much as a mention. with the web and visibility; albeit not transparency, as it is, designers will have to become quite clever to maintain their credibility.
Valentine’s Day
Glass hearts suspended; a poignant reflection of the day’s sentiments methinks?
- Homework (140)
- Portraits (84)
- Re-Issued (39)
- Recommended (187)
- Reviews (281)
- Wanderlust (60)
Stupidity & Sensitivity
Since it’s nearly impossible to gauge each individual’s level of sensitivity or stupidity, I’d rather play it safe and classify this site as suitable for adults only. Although that term is still nebulous to me, the responsibility remains that of the viewer.
Curating & Criticism
The identification and definition of creativity are two different things. Challenging conventional interpretations and perspectives expands its validity and effect. I am convinced that collaborations and participation across creative industries allow for discovering a greater realisation of our potential.
Art & Collecting
I love mixing styles and textures, media and materials. But I believe in respecting personality when it comes to choosing work. There is of course the investment angle which is too boring to discuss here….or anywhere really. It is important to remember that when you live with art, it should be alive to you. That is to say it needs to move you. You need to have an affair with it.
Fashion & Architecture
Starting with the roof over your head and the clothes on your back. These are the things we inhabit. Without entering into the fashion vs trend debate. They also shape our sensibilities and the way we present ourselves.
Design & Function
Whether colour or form is your thing. Pattern or plain. What we choose to live with can make our lives easier or more challenging. Consider your commitment and convince yourself.
Gardens & Flowers
Since Eden it has been a fascination, inspiration, an indulgence of kings and common gardeners, a joy. No home is complete without it. Whether you go for potted, landscaped or organic, dry or shade, just go for it.
Treasures & Trash
Most of which are filed under S for sentimental. I respect that.
Heirlooms. Bargains. Souvenirs. Gifts. Curiosities. Found Objects. Impulse Buys.
Never hide what’s important or meaningful. Denial is a very ugly word.
History & Reality
Get to know yourself and others. As much as we live in the same world, everyone has their own version of it. Live up to yours, never fear your dreams and ideals lest they remain aspirations forever.