Photographer Melanie Pullen is noted for her series based on NYPD and LAPD crime scenes. The series, "High Fashion Crime Scenes" debuted at Ace Gallery in 2005 with a book to follow. Each image is situated around an actual crime scene with documentation pulled from police records.
I love magazines. I have bookshelves filled, piles on floors, and I never want to throw any away. At least now I know I'm not just wasting money, and one day my magazine collection might have real value. I have proof, you can find vintage magazines ranging between $25 and $150 online at Paper Pursuits and/or Gallagher's Art and Fashion Gallery located at 111 Fourth Avenue.
My friend, Thomas Altamirano, recently entered The Smallest, Coolest Apartment contest and has been selected as one of the top eastern region submittals. This is a an online design competition sponsored by Apartment Therapy and Design Within Reach for small home and apartment (less than 650sf) design solutions. Winners will be selected by you "The People" in the next few weeks. Go to this link and vote.
One of the best parts of my job is that I get to work with illustrators. They can really make a not-so-great story, well... amazing. This past month I've gotten to work with Gina Triplett, Bill Mayer, and Jesse Lefkowitz. Gina's work is shown above.
This year I'm doing Relay of Life, a walk to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Go to my homepage to find out more. Donations welcome.
I wanted to wait to write to a response recent events at Virginia Tech. I've been watching the media and it always seems that the gunman is the focus of most coverage. We are doing exactly what he wanted. He wanted everyone to see his photos and movies. He is now at the front of all media attention. I think we should refocus our attention to the victims. I can't begin to comprehend or understand what the students, teachers, family, and community members of Virginia Tech are going through. I don't think the university could have responded differently. I don't think blame should be thrown around so eagerly. This can happen to anyone. I look back at my own experience at Washington University and it is clear that this could've happened to me. People become lost in between classes and activities. But I can offer some advice. Let's remember to be aware of what's happening in each other's lives. If something appears to be wrong, take action. Universities offer counseling services; use them to get information about how to approach different situations. We have to check and balance each other.
The Tribeca Film Festival is right around the corner, (April 25 through May 6) and here are my top three picks: The Air I Breathe, 2 Days in Paris, and Falafel. There's also the Tribeca drive-in which features free movie screenings. The one to check out is Planet B-Boy, (April 28 at 8:30pm in Battery Park) a documentary about the global resurgence of break dancing.
Gap is following in the footsteps of H&M and Target with it's guest collections by Doo.Ri, Rodarte, and Thakoon. Perfect timing for spring.
Chloé is my absolute favorite fashion label. One friend (in particular), will probably say, "Oh, that's just because it's French." Well, maybe... yes. For Chloé lovers, you'll be happy to know that they've added an archive (starting from the 1950s) to their website, which I will frequent often for ideas and inspiration.
Last night, SPD hosted a speaker event honoring Ed Leida, founding design director of W Magazine. A design legend in the industry, Ed has set the tone for numerous publications including Women's Wear Daily, Deatils, Jane, Vitals and Cookie. Known for his way with fonts, Mr. Leida is someone I personally admire and look to for inspiration.
First thing this morning I went the the newsstand in my building and picked up a copy of Portfolio, Condé Nast's new business magazine. When so many magazines (LIFE, Premiere, and Child) are folding, it's a breath of fresh air to see something new pop up. I'm actually rooting for this one to stick around.
Kiosk is a traveling archive of independent publication projects on contemporary art which is continually growing and changing and which currently comprises approximately 360 publishers, periodicals, zines, video and audio projects — altogether around 5,300 publications. On view at Artists Space through May 12th.
Last night Print magazine threw a party to celebrate it's New Visual Artists issue, which showcases 20 of the top designers under 30 years old. Much respect to the DJs, I couldn't help but dance. It was just what I needed after a long day in the office. I'll be on that list one day, I have 5 years to make it.
I've always wanted to be a photographer. There's something about being in a darkroom. Time seems to stop and it's just you and your work. We'll see, there's still hope for me yet. Of course that doesn't stop me from admiring from afar. Actually, Erica Beckman is rather close (her office is next to mine) and when I'm not bugging her for photos, she's doing her own thing. Here is one of my favorites.
I love illustrator, Tina Berning. Check out her cover for the Sunday Times Magazine. She also has a solo exhibit, "100 Girls on Cheap Paper" and a book with the same title. The show is up until May 11 at Gallery Hanahou.
Today I had some free time and so decided to go to the MoMA during lunch. I hadn't been in awhile and I've been wanting to see the Helvetica exhibit. I was a little dissappointed that the exhibit was so small. If you happen to go, it's on the third floor in the Architecture and Design gallery. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Helvetica, designed by Max Miedinger and Edouard Hoffmann. It is considered to be one of the most important typefaces of the 20th century. If you look around, you'll start to see it everywhere: NY subway signs; logos for American Apparel, Fendi and Knoll; even on the 1040 tax forms. And if you can't get enough there is also Gary Hustwit's feature-length independent film entitled Helvetica. The screening in New York has been sold for weeks, but don't worry the DVD will be out this fall.
Living in New York at times can be a little overwhelming. Who has time to cook a well-balanced meal, keep plants alive, or throw a dinner party for eight with only three sets of silverware? Jen and Ashley serve up ideas and advice on their new webzine, homegurls.com. Sign up for the email newsletter for a weekly tip.
Recently a friend asked me why I love New York so much. At the time I couldn’t articulate a response. I’m not sure why I love New York. Maybe because here anything is possible and you can be whatever you want to be. It is a city for people with great expectations.
The “I ♥ NY” logo was created in 1977 by Milton Glaser, a graphic design legend. It has become a famous icon. As a reaction to September 11, Glaser created the “I ♥ NY More Than Ever” poster with a little black spot on the heart symbolizing the World Trade Center. The black spot is the approximately location of the site on Manhattan.
The spring issue is of Acne Paper is out. And I love this cover. Each issue is dedicated to one theme, this time it's playfulness.
