Chanel-O

The March issue of Paris Vogue (I do realize April is tomorrow but I just found it on newsstands yesterday, as Toronto is usually a little bit behind in getting our monthly PV) features an ode to Chanel. I'm not kidding when I say there's a lot of Chanel happening in this packed issue! With stylings care of Ms. Emmanuelle Alt. The cover features Iris Strubegger who recreates a 92' Italian Vogue cover. A plethora of photos after le jump!

Images care of Purse Forum

the cost of art

Hermes in the Temple (2006)

Space Available- Inquire within (2007)

Against the common good (2005)

Surreal estate, part two (2005)

Images: Artichoke Yink Press

American artist, Christopher “CK” Wilde chooses an expensive medium for his art - money. His work explores the relationship between art and commerce with undertones of economics and politics. Building upon found images, CK Wilde cuts out shapes from paper money from around the world to create a colourful collage.

"sometimes you laugh to keep from crying"

This scene from T.I.'s Road to Redemption just broke my heart, especially when his son asks "Are you going to leave me now?' In the second last episode before the season finale, he tell us how he is going to be the most affected by not being there for his family and partners.

See you in a year T.I. :(

sweet escape

Ms. B's Sweets at Sevva in Hong Kong (TOO Marvelous!!)

Fauchon in Paris. Their madelines are amazing and their packaging is all pink and black.

Laduree in France
Image: paris breakfasts
(this blog is great. it has wonderful photos of pasteries and France)

French macaroon anyone?
Pierre Herme

Local Finds:

La Bamboche Patisserie at Eglinton
They do macaroon trees!!!

Patisserie La Cigogne at Bayview

As I sit here finishing the last of my year end papers, I find myself procrastinating drifting away to a sweeter place and scowering the web for the finest pâtisserie's/bakeries from around the world and discovering some marvelous local ones on the way.

There seems to be something wonderful and magical that these shops have that lure you to them and when inside turns into a means of escape where we get lost in the aroma, decor, and of course the decadent variety of tasty treats they have to offer, all perfectly positioned in a linear fashion behind the glass that stands between you and the object of your affection.

It's like the world gets better when you step into this lovely little realm. Anyone have any notable ones that I need to know about?

FML!

Think your life sucks?

As we've all said one time or another. But just when I thought it sucked to be doing yet another final paper on a Saturday, I came across this great site and thought these people definitely take the cake.

Notable FML's:

"Today, after finishing a huge French essay, I realized my printer wasn't working. So, I emailed it to a guy in my class to print and then give to me. When I get to French, he said he had already turned his in early and never got my email. It turned out he used mine. I got an F on the essay." FML

"Today, I was driving home from swim practice with my mom. I glance over and see my brother's hot friend who I've been secretly in love with forever. He waved to me, and excitedly I waved back. I then hear my mom say "You're gonna die when you see how bad you look right now." FML

"Today, I was rejected from the University of Washington. My dad has been a professor there for 30 years, and is on the board of admissions." FML

"Today, I was at a club with my girlfriend of only two weeks. As we were dancing, another woman grabbed my ass from behind me and squeezed. I yelped and turned around to see my mother as the culprit. My girlfriend punched her. I found out my mother is a Cougar and my girl has a mean right hook." FML

"Today, I found out that I am 14 weeks pregnant. The father of the baby is now engaged to my best friend, whom he was cheating on me with when I became pregnant. I'm going to be the maid of honor, 8 months pregnant with his child, at their wedding." FML

I guess life isn't so bad eh? My new found means for procrastination - FMyLife.com. A collection of people's everyday life stories/misfortunes. Kind of sad yet kind of hilarious but be forewarned it gets a little addictive!

PS. Much appreciation on all the positive feedback on the blog!
You gals and guys are wonderful! Thanks for reading!

xo.

sell out | art is hard

Sell Out - A musical from Malaysia that revolves around two characters named Eric (a product designer) and Rafflesia (a bottom-ranking arts show host) and their battle between retaining their artistic integrity or finally selling out for fame and fortune.

It peaked my interest as I came across it while doing research for my Global Arts paper. It's won a few awards and is quickly becoming recognized by many international film festivals. Sell Out looks pretty entertaining.

it's an art thing

1. DMG Gallery Exhibition @ UTSC: meeting point (March 17 - April 26)


Such a great exhibition that's currently being held at the DMG gallery! Since I'm partially lazy and should probably be writing my papers here is the exhibition description taken from the website.

Meeting point features internationally recognized contemporary artists whose works construct or metaphorically imply a range of social relationships between two people - intimacy, disagreement, love, friendship and competition, to name a few. This art encourages direct social interrelation, subjective experiences and ensuing narratives that are sometimes personal and always point to real life.

From Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard’s Fucked Up Lover (2001), in which conversations about compilation tapes are remarkably revealing of couples’ relationships, to Laura Belém’s Diplomatic Talks (2009), where paired heads of coins from different countries set up an imagined dialogue that may either be diplomatic or intimate, the works in Meeting Point represent a reconstructive, hopeful experimentation by artists frustrated by art of all kinds remaining discrete from social contexts.

In this way, Meeting Point offers an optimistic angle for current artistic debate. The exhibition brings together major works by Canadian and international artists who has previously shown in the Venice, Lyon, Havana, and São Paulo biennials. In addition, their work has been exhibited at the Carnegie International, ICA London, the Barbican, and the Palais de Tokyo. Despite such exposure, many of these works will be new to Canadian audiences, particularly those of the included artists from Brazil.

Source: Doris McCarthy Gallery UTSC

2. Subway Art Gallery Opening


Now if only this could happen on the Bloor/Danforth line.

3. Fine Art Student Union (FASU)

Lastly, to any University of Toronto FAH or VIS students (or if you have any friends in these disciplines) out there, I'm running for the position of FAH Events Coordinator for the 2009/2010 academic year and need your votes!!

Elections will be taking place on Thursday, April 2nd at 3pm at the UC Art Centre.

If you could help me out I would really, really appreciate it and love you foreva and eva!! xo

Inside all of us is a WILD THING

Remember this book?

Now the movie!
There seems to be a lot of hype about this one, can't wait! I think the Arcade Fire song works so well within this trailer.

Cause your palate deserves some high end design too

Designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, Evian works with crystal/jewelry designers, Baccarat to create five exclusive limited edition bottles each evoking Evian's best asset: purity.
Kanye West Blog

Nathalie Rykiel (daughter of Sonia Rykiel) designs a limited edition Coca-Cola bottle. Seen above is the Parisian version which features a very Rykiel-like colour scheme.

(Barneys) Trash doesn't look all that bad

ShopDiary

Christian Louboutin - Barneys Trash
$995

Probably the only time where the words trash, Barneys, and Louboutin are heard in the same sentence.
A double platform, peep toe slingback, PVC coated metallic leather with images of found Barneys and Louboutin objects, 5.5 inch heel, complete with signature leather red soles.
Available exclusively for Barneys and no two pairs are made alike!
As seen on: Rihanna

I'm kinda feeling them, it's like wearable art for your feet
and the one of a kind thing is a bit of a plus!

It'll Knock You Down

Keri Hilson's new album In A Perfect World drops today! Here is her new video Knock You Down featuring Kanye (again!) and Ne-Yo.

Yezzy's a painter?!?! Told you he was Manet! Haha

It's a Kanye West World

Kanye West in this month's Complex magazine. These pictures are ridiculous!

In your face Dom Perignon!

Born Rich

The richly flavoured Diadema Diamante by Alberto Giannotti is another step towards exclusive and luxurious champagne it contains a superb Super Tuscan made of a Sangiovese and Syrah mix for those champagne connoisseurs out there.

It has the most expensive label in the world with a price tag of $10,506 dollars. Why? The precious bottle has 4 karats of diamonds set in white gold on it with a total of 134 diamonds.

If big balling is your hobby? Diadema Diamante is available in a magnum version that includes 180 diamonds (5.2 karats) and comes in a lined wooden box with black leather and sewn with silver thread priced at $15, 757. On the theme of personalizing (as per the last post) one can get their bottle engraved and choose the type of leather that they prefer...what recession right?

Because we’re all in need of a good closet

Almost as good as the Carrie Bradshaw walk-in closet from Mr. Big, the “Dress” by Rimadesio combines functionality and exceptional aesthetics in this customizable walk-in closet. Designed by Giuseppe Bavuso, the Dress offers two artistic possibilities – visible uprights or wall back panels which are available in glass, wood and with lighting. It has all the essential organizational accessories, including shelves, clothes rods, drawers, trouser racks, and pull over units. Which can be positioned upright on the wall with ease giving you flexibility in the placement of all your wonderful garments. Finally, it is enclosed by sliding doors which are an attractive addition to the overall design. All it’s missing is a little robotic servant to fetch your things and lay out your outfits and maybe dress you.

Born Rich

Briefcase of the Future?

Kanye West Blog

I'm a little behind as this has been popping up on blogs everywhere but here it is the Chanel Perspex Briefcase by Karl Lagerfeld. An interesting take on the working girl's briefcase. Plastic never looked so stylish.

The Black Leather Belt

I've been on this eternal hunt for a wide black leather belt, something so basic and an essential classic for any complete wardrobe. Yet, I can't seem to find one worthy of investing in as there is always something one off about it - material, thickness, too plain, not practical, price point. Perhaps I'm being picky but in true Vic Lee fashion...I just won't settle until I find "the one."

While parusalling on one of my favourite resources for fashion on the web - shopstyle, I came across some post worthy belts. I absolutely adore the Philip Lim one! Check them out after zee jump!

Left to right: YSL (leather cage belt), Philip Lim 3.1, Nikki Jaggs,

Chanel, Chanel, Ralph Lauren

Wanda Sykes has got a Bailout Plan

"I want receipts dammit!" - Wanda Sykes

Obama on Leno

Effortless swagger.

In case you missed it President Barack Obama was on Jay Leno last night. Leno asked all the tough questions including the AIG situation, Economic crisis, and even gets a little personal by asking "How cool is it to fly on Air Force One?" Oh that Leno!

Check it all out here.

photo opp

Ed Westwick and Jessica Szohr of Gossip Girls. How cute are they?

future fashionistas

The Sartorialist and some