On Diesel and Being Stupid

I actually really like the concept behind this Diesel marketing campaign. While the execution is not always perfect, the imagery, typography, and design are all strong. The binary opposition that Diesel sets up is compelling, for its so true that the many of the best, and even perhaps smartest, things in life are fundamentally stupid. Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin are stupid, in my opinion, but in response, we can be stupid in a better way. And any attempts to eliminate stupidity in one’s life will ultimately result in a greater stupidity. These “truisms” are highly reminiscent of Jenny Holzer, and also capture well what it means to celebrate youth.

Yves Saint Laurent and LCD Soundsystem

I wish collaborations like this happened more often. The music for this is perfect; the event was spectacular, but not gaudy or excessive.

Ute Mahler

From the New York Times Style Magazine:

The German photographer Ute Mahler became one of the G.D.R.’s fashion visionaries, her work a testament to the subversive role fashion can assume as a mode of expression in an authoritarian state. Mahler was focused not on extreme fantasy but on a heightened sense of reality. She presented women as strong individuals, concerned more with style than with the latest fashions (which weren’t available anyway to citizens of the G.D.R). Her work is the subject of a show at Berlin’s Galerie für Moderne Fotografie until March 10.

Junk de Luxe Spring 2010 Lookbook

For obvious reasons, I was skeptical when I heard the name “Junk de Luxe.” But this is a great set of photographs and a great collection of outfits. And it’s a Danish brand, so what’s not to love?

Things to buy with holiday gift money…

…if you have extraordinarily wealthy relatives! Oh well, these objects are enjoyable to covet.

Mulberry Brynmore Bag for MacBook Pro: $895

Wings + Horns High Cut Leather Sneaker: $289 (available from Blackbird)

Raf Simons Fred Perry Darted V-Neck Sweater: £115.50

Leica M7 Edition Hermes: £8,550 (available at the Mayfair Leica Store)

Holiday Gift Guide No. 1

There is something so shamelessly materialistic about holiday gift guides. Oh well!

Han Kjobenhavn Eyewear. Wolfgang Black Clear. € 113.00

Simon Carter Writstwatch. $250.00. Available at Blackbird.

SX-70 Sonar Onestep Polaroid Camera. $306.00. Available at Polapremium.

Hudson Ellington Brogues. £75.00. Available at Topman.

Serif Tote Bag

I love both tote bags (especially given that I don’t really own any) and typography. Naturally I fell in love with this bag.