Politics In the Pressroom '08

As were approaching the presidential elections in the November and the 4th of July just around the corner, we can’t seem to ignore all that patriotic hoopla. At iDR we’ve conducted a sort of round table discussion among friends and readers. Hope you enjoy them, they will be posting through out this week! (insert marching band here)

Make it Count.

Richard Chai for Target

Thank you Nylon for providing us with one of the first looks of Target's next GO International Designer:

Richard Chai

Who is Richard Chai?

The Designer
An Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation winner (and one of People’s 2004 Sexiest Men Alive) Richard Chai burst onto the scene at Marc Jacobs, where he helped launch the Marc by Marc Jacobs line. Having also done time at Donna Karan and Geoffrey Beene, Chai moved from Marc to the Creative Director post at TSE; there, he helped take the fashion house beyond the scope of the basic cardigan. Frequently cited as one of the “new Asian” influences on haute couture (alongside fellow up-and-comers Derek Lam and Peter Som,) Chai launched his epynonymous line in 2004, to industry raves.
nymag.com

Click here to peep the rest of the looks that Nylon leaks to the public.

I'm buying everything! I'm loving the structured pieces in long vests and blazers, also the long cardigans and pleated feminine skirts. And you know I'm loving the vibrant, bold hues making up the color palette of eggplants, reds, and cobalt blues. Its barely July and I'm already ready for Fall!!!

I'm always a little sad when summer ends, but this has got me excited for August. I'll keep you posted on the exact dates.

Tie One On

As Shia demonstrates here, so very well, on the June 2008 cover of GQ...vests and Skinny Ties are all over the pages of fashion magazines and on the runway. This is an easy way to tie (no pun intended) your whole look together without taking yourself too seriously or being too stuffy. The ties are a fashion throwback, but the sleek, clean lines will update and modernize any outfit...and it just looks damn good.

Earn your Stripes.

Moschino Spring 2009

Skinny Ties Gone Bad.

Dsquared^2 Fall 2008

Skinny Ties Dressed Down.

Rag & Bone Spring 2008

INSIGHT

The other day I received some goodies from INSIGHT's summer collection (thank you Vanessa! I hope CANADIA treats well ay!)

Insight is KILLIN it with their women's line... Click here for more on Inight's SUMMER COLLECTION and FALL COLLECTION on CtotheJL.com! SUPER cute =)

Such great marketing tools...

Also, make sure to keep up to date with my postings on CtotheJL.com for "active" women's collection updates!

Two important emails came into our inbox this week. At iDR we'd gladly support our readers who support us, especially those who fit iDR's voice and vision. Check out these two driven individuals

Help Send Ruby to Tokyo!



















Ruby holds experience as an arts educator for high schools across the country, a host for breakthrough TV show SociaLush, an assistant at Jive Records, and a model for some of today's hottest new fashion lines, Ruby is taking the world by storm from all angles. She has star appeal and iDR thinks she would do absolutely fantastic in Tokyo!

After many many technical difficulties, Ruby finally got her audition video up for the H&M Tokyo Competition! If she wins, she’ll get flown to Japan to host the video Podcast. There in Japan, Ruby has an opportunity to be your guide to Japans hottest and trendiest retail stores.
Please click on the link, and click YES to send her to Japan. She’s entered the competition a couple of weeks late but already managed to move halfway up…but she needs to reach the top 10 to be considered!


AND DONT FORGET to....
Download this guys mix. A cool cat from DC has sent us his mix. Although its recording is barely loud enough to hear, we enjoy his music selection. A mix of electro pop, dance grooves, and awesome flashbacks will get your bootie moving! Thanks Jerome, for sharing with us your mix!

Click here to download.

Tracklisting:
Kenna - Out Of Control
Pase Rock - So Fucking Disco
Kid Sister - Damn Girl
The Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance (The Twelves
Remix)
Heavy D & The Boyz - Now That We've Found Love (Knish's What It Do Edit)
Armand Van Helden - You Don't Even Know Me
Modjo - Lady (Mano mix)
Pase Rock - The MotherFucking Rave Is Over
Planet Soul - Set U Free
New Order - Blue Monday
Daniel Bedingfield - Gotta Get Thru This
INOJ - Let Me Love You Down
Dr. Dre Feat. Eminem - Forgot About Dre
The Rapture - W.A.Y.U.H.
Kelis - Bossy (Alan Braxe & Fred Falke Remix)

Living Doll: Kira Plastinina invades LA

Ever wanted to borrow your Barbie Doll's clothes? Well, now you can. I'm still on the fence with this one, which is pretty surprising, even for me, because if it's girly, I'll take it!

Saturday, I went to Americana at Brand, for the third time to check out Katsuya, Ironman, and the Russian...Kira Plastinina (KP) is the latest designer import, and she is only 16! More props to this mini-mogul.

KP's store was pretty empty around 8 pm. But I think that has to do with the fact that not many people are aware of KP yet, as well as the location of the store, which is right on Brand Blvd., away from the crowds. Maybe if the Trolley made a special stop?

Anyways, the store is a tween girl's dream with bubble skirts, ruffles, bright pinks, yellows, and all that glitters. There is even a section of Dylan's Candy Bar in the back (No complaints about that).

All in all my first impression is that you will definitely find cute, fun, flirty clothes for going out, or lounging around the house, and at fair prices between $20 - $200. The designs and quality of materials are at a higher standard as well, not F-21 level as far as I could tell.

But I just can't shake this feeling that I was shopping at Libby Lu, Limited Too, or Build-A-Bear. It was odd seeing women, in I think their mid-20s holding, as cute as they are, KP bags filled with their recent purchases.

I'm all for girly, like I said, but it's missing a certain class and sophistication that I would still want to maintain no matter how girly my outfit is. For now I think I will stick to Juicy Couture and Betsey Johnson to fulfill those desires. But I did see the cutest Ruffled Baby Pink Babydoll top with a huge Rosette pinned to the strap. hmmmm....

Paris Hilton with KP. She's a fan. Enough Said.

KP is a smart cookie, no doubt, using Audrina Patridge from The Hills, as the new face for her line. Hey but this is cute huh? Ugh, my inner girly-ness is saying get over your reserveration! lol...

Can't wait to see how KP is received by the masses as her stores start popping up everywhere...

Apologies. My Camera died so here's a pic of KP's store on Robertson Blvd to get an idea.

I promise to be better about charging my camera so I can provide better photos...

Nike Olympic Projections in China

Like a giant awaken from its slumber. The new headquarter complex of China Central Television (CCTV) raise above the busy cityscape of Beijing. Designed by architect Rem Koolhaas and his Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), the A L-shaped monolith, along a few other structures within the compound, recently received a new “skins” treatment as workers rush to completion for the Summer Olympic. Created by Nike China, the “skins” are actually digital projection slideshow. It highlights the members of the Chinese Olympic team, who are determine to win the most gold medal this Summer. To see their individual story, you can visit the special Nike Gold website for more in-depth video on each athlete.

via. envant

Colorsplash Chakras x ReedSpace

I headed out to the ReedSpace x Lomo event a few days ago with some friends - yay! The new colorsplash allows a "don't think just shoot" policy =)

ALWAYS crackin' there - much props to the whole crew especially Suzzzzz =)

See full post on my blog on Fatlace.com/YOSHI

It's Only Going To Get Hotter...

So come cool off with me and Bay Area's own DJ Rygar (600 inc.), poolside. Give your AC a break.

Coming and Going

Departing Soon...

I underestimated Rogan and didn't get to purchase 3 pieces. It was either sold out or XL. I blame it on the fact that Barney's exclusively offered it for purchase before it went live at Target...
I personally only like the white handbag (as in the ad up above) and the Grey weave/clear handbag.

Overpriced. move on.

Arriving Soon...

Target Go International line is filling in the gap between Headlining Designers with their own designs...

And Botkier in July :-)

Happy Father's Day!!!!

Courtesy of Kobe...






See you in Boston!

Dont get stung!

Our good friend, Ben sent us another LA pool party flier. The designs keep getting better yes? Thanks Ben, Blends, and DubFrequency for keep in touch!

Beestings and Nosebleeds
The Standard Downtown LA
14th of June, Saturday | 1-8p

The June Sound Selection Playlist

In case you haven't noticed iDR has a music playlist for you to enjoy every month. So far its been the latest songs on the radio We've managed to slip an alternative indie rock playlist in there However, be on the look out for more themed playlists and current hits. If you have any songs to submit for our playlist or any suggestions, bring it on! We'd love to hear what you got!

American Caveman Fall 08

So my good friend Tello introduced me to an awesome guy with a very familiar name to me a few weeks ago. Later that day, I received an email and was intrigued by his line, American Caveman. Jason Boyd - lead singer of former Audiovent (woot woot!) and brother of lead singer Brandon Boyd of my favorite band growing up, Incubus (hehehe). Needless to say, I was very suprised when I got the email, but I was even more suprised at his humbling words as well as passion for his line.

American Caveman is ethically produced in LA, the hoodies are made of bamboo fleece, the tees are organic cotton, all artwork and designs are created by Jason (with the exception of the "Ships" design, that was a piece made by his mom that was stitched before he was born - WOW!).

To the left, the "Ships" shirt - go mama Boyd!

This Eco-friendly brand urges all of us to not only think more green, but BECOME more green (and no, I don't mean like become the HULK).

"The City"

More photos HERE

Thank you Jason for opening our eyes to more eco-friendly alternatives. Also! Keep your eyes peeled for his interview on iDR!

Dwell on Design 08 | LA

Dwell on Design 08 | LA was covered by a fellow friend and avid reader, Ryan Ng. As a Los Angeles resident he had the opportunity to see Dwell's work beyond the the pages of their magazine. Below are his pictures from the conference.



Ryan love for the arts started while back in high school. He is now working within the lighting design industry. For more info about Ryan and his lighting designs click here on Enlightenment-Design and his blog.

click here for more information on Dwells website

Thanks Ryan for sharing with iDR and our readers your pics! If you have something to send us or to share with our readers, feel free! Email us at itsdesignrelated@gmail.com

INSIGHT Women's Summer 08 Collection

I heart INSIGHT - see what I posted about their summer collection here (click image)

If you haven't noticed by now, I'm all about bargain-shopping and never paying full price....So I'm always going to be excited about all the Target Designer Collaborations...Here's whats coming up next!!!

Remember this craze? This $15 bag designed by Anya Hindmarch was sold at select Whole Foods and helped make being green a lot more trendy.

Now Target has Anya Hindmarch signed on to do a diffusion handbag line which will be sold 10/12/08-12/26/08.



And the next Shoe Diffusion line will be by Sigerson Morrison to be sold during the same time 10/12/08-12/26/08. Just in time for accessorizing your holiday looks or as a solution for chic and cheap holiday presents!

p.s. Remember Botkier is up next month, so grab Gryson before its all gone...or wait till its marked down 30% :-)

PIECEBOOK

Thursday, June 12th 8:00 - 10:00PM @ ReedSpace (151 Orchard St). MARK your calendars!

10Deep presents a Book Release Party: PIECEBOOK - The Secret Drawings of Graffiti Writers

You can also get your book signed or maybe your new tee!

Thanks D for the heads up!

The Girl Effect. It can change the world

iDR is majority females and when we see a promo like this "Girl Effect" we cant help but to put it on blast. Not only does the motion of type and music inspire you, but the concept that a girl can change the world is profound. According to the GIRLEFFECT.org, girls can be the solution to a social problem. Below is their official information from their site.



The Girl Effect: The powerful social and economic change brought about when girls have the opportunity to participate in their society.

WHY GIRLS?
Because when adolescent girls in the developing world have a chance, they can be the most powerful force of change for themselves, their families, communities and nations.

But while those 600 million girls are the most likely agents of change, they are invisible to their societies and the world. So what can you do about that? Get yourself seen, whether you're a girl or just believe in girls. Tell us when your voice is posted, and we'll add it here.

If you're ready to learn and do more, head over to girleffect.org.

(Nike Foundation created this page to help this movement along; opinions expressed here aren't necessarily ours. As a private foundation, Nike Foundation does not participate in lobbying activities and cannot host discussions of legislation on this page. We may remove any postings at our discretion.)

MONTANA paint

A big THANK YOU goes out to Montana (www.mtnshopchicago.com) for this shipment that we received at work today for Leah, Mike and myself! I almost had to change my pants I was so excited! LOL. NO.

Check check check check it ouuuuttt.

We all split it up of course =)

LUIS - THANK YOU. And don't forget to peep the shop if you're in CHICAGO!!! (previous post HERE)

Raising the Beauty Bar

As if the task of filling your Target cart with things you only need is already hard enough....don't expect it to get easier. According to WWD.com, come August, Target will exclusively offer 3 fabulous cosmetic lines by 3 influential artists: Jemma Kidd, Napolean Perdis, and Petra Strand.

Not only will there be three new lines, but you will also see elaborate displays and testers so that you can try all of the products from the diffusion lines of Kidd, Perdis, and Strand...entitled JK Jemma Kidd, NP Set, and Pixi by Petra, respectively.

Target once again brings high-end designer products to the masses. August seems like a lifetime away, so in the meantime check out their websites for product info, inspiration, and for a complete list of retailers.

Jemma Kidd, model turned Make-Up Artist, is sold at Bergdorff and Neiman Marcus.

Napolean Perdis is based out of Australia and 4 concept stores in the United States, all of which happen to be in California: Century City, Hollywood, Topanga, and San Francisco.

Petra Strand's line, Pixi, is available on their website and in Sephora.

Pixi's very cute flagship store in London.

BPM Magazine joins Vessel and Infatuation next week to present BPM's SF Summer Party with a special DJ set by one of the hottest new bands from across the pond, SH*TDISCO (www.myspace.com/shitdisco ). These new Dim Mak Recording artists will be making a special stop for us on their first major US tour to DJ alongside SF's own SLEAZEMORE, RCHRD OH?! and OMAR.

So don't miss this chance to hear SH*TDISCO next week, Wednesday June 11th at Vessel (85 Campton Place, off Stockston St.). Make sure to RSVP early at www.bpmmagazine.net/BPMSF. Plus hot T-Shits and gift bags from The Brooklyn Circus will be on hand.

P.S. Get there early for complimentary Skyy Vodka cocktails from 9pm til 10pm plus more Skyy specials all night long.

See you next week...

Takagi Masakatsu

Takagi Masakatsu is from Kyoto, Japan. He is considered a multimedia artist. I first came across his work while at Apple. His Apple Pro Profile is inspiring and beautiful. His work is a hybrid of mediums. Seeing watercolor come to life in motion is quite poetic. Below is his Apple Pro Profile.


Sound of Light
Takagi Masakatsu is a visual artist and musician whose work knows no aesthetic borders. He has presented video installations and performed live at art spaces around the world. He also produces music videos, as well as music for commercials and film. He has toured with musician and remix artist David Sylvian. In 2006, “Bloomy Girls,” a visual book with his video arts collection, was released. Res magazine named him one of the 2006 RES 10, an annual selection of emerging artists who will influence the worlds of film, video, design, advertising, music, and media art in the upcoming year and beyond.

www.takagimasakatsu.com

Thank you for partying with us!

Pictures from Sound Stackin at Fahrenheit Lounge, SJ. CA
Check out the iDR Photo Gallery

Art 39 Basel Week 2008, Sneak preview. Switzerland

Art 39 Basel Week 2008 / Some kind of preview, part 1/2: Scope Basel Sneak Preview





Art 39 Basel takes place June 4 – 8, 2008.

The world's premier international art show for Modern and contemporary works, Art Basel features nearly 300 leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. More than 2,000 artists, ranging from the great masters of Modern art to the latest generation of emerging stars, are represented in the show's multiple sections. The exhibition includes the highest-quality paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, photographs, video and editioned works.

check out Art Basals website

No need to fret, for those stateside...there is an Art Basal Miami in December 2008.

6 months and still going!!

click to zoom!

and cant forget out in house photographer Theodric, the only male on the iDR team!!

YSL, one of the greats died. Let us remember and say farewell.

One of the greatest french fashion designers dies, Yves Saint Laurent, at the age of 71.

Yves Saint Laurent, one of the most influential and enduring designers of the 20th century, empowered women by reinventing pants as a sleek, elegant staple of the female wardrobe. Saint Laurent had long been rumored to be ill, and Berge said on RTL radio Monday that he had been afflicted with brain cancer for the past year "He no longer liked the world of today's fashion ... he said it didn't understand him," Berge said."He had a great, immense love affair with fashion. It's true that he left the profession, but in a couple you can split up because you must do so ... and still be very unhappy," he said. "That was his case."

Details of Yves Saint Laurent's death last night are emerging. WWD reports the designer died of brain cancer.

The legendary couturier passed away in the presence of [business partner Pierre] Berge and longtime friend and muse Betty Catroux. Catherine Deneuve arrived shortly after he died, at 11:10 p.m. Paris time, Berge noted.

Saint Laurent's funeral is scheduled for Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in Paris at the Eglise Saint-Roch at 296 Rue Saint Honoré. French president Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to attend. After the funeral, Saint Laurent's ashes will be sent to his famous Majorelle Garden in Marrakech.

via. associated press
via. wwd
via. times online uk