The 2010 Shopper

As we live in a world of excess, mass-market retailers and global conglomerates are the leading figures of today's retail industry. However, as it is with any trend, there is always a backlash. And this past year, we have noticed a growing number of smaller, personalized boutique shops popping up all over major cities, creating intimate shopping experiences for those who want to purchase something that hasn't been replicated by the thousands.

photo via: J.Crew

It seems that as we live in such a globally-saturated, technology-driven society, consumers today want something different in their shopping experience. Rather than going to five floor department stores carrying every brand known to man, cosy settings with small, carefully selected products displayed with crafty art installations seem to be the preferred choice. And it is not just the local, underground shops, well-recognized stores like Anthropologie, the J. Crew Men's Liquor Store, and ABC Home have been much about keeping that intimate store atmosphere, despite the number of their chain stores.

As there are rapid expansions of chain store retailers all over the globe, there is a new, deeper value for things that are local, hand-made, limited, or one-of-a-kind. Although such products may be a bit more costly, consumers today are more careful about their purchases and want something that is special. Because there are so many options for practically everything nowadays, the infinite number of purchasing choices have created a more educated consumer; one who is more particular of what he or she buys, and willing to pay more if it deems worth. With the economic recession and the last several years of globalization and mass-consumption, there is less concern for buying the latest brand name and instead, a greater interest of things that carry a unique story behind it's exterior.

Guy Wolff pottery at Restoration Hardware 

Commercial brands such as J. Crew, Urban Outfitters, and Restoration Hardware, for example, have taken note and recently began collaborations with smaller designers and artists to bring in something unique to their collections. J. Crew just released it's small collection of chain necklaces made in collaboration with NYC-based Dana Lorenz, designer of FENTON and FALLON. Restoration Hardware is selling hand-thrown pottery designed by Connecticut-based artisan Guy Wolff. And Urban Outfitters works with a number of independent designers, with current exclusives from New York designer Ulla Johnson and the NY-LA boutique The Reformation. Although these retail stores still largely carry mass-market products, these small additions help them to stand out amongst the big name brands, while also offering competitive products against the local boutique shops.

And as online shopping is on the rise, there are several websites dedicated to providing hand-made or one-of-a-kind goods. Etsy, the social commerce site is all about building an economy that reconnects makers with buyers, taking advantage of the Internet to allow independent artists, designers, and craftsmen to sell their work in a global market. Culture Label is another, recognizing the importance of a cultural product, carrying handpicked items from artists all over the world. Offering what they call "products with soul", the founders behind Culture Label understand the need for purchases that are beyond mainstream and original in design, integrity, and authenticity.

So for those of us in New York needing to go on a shopping venture, there are a number of great, promising shops that are just walking distances away, and definitely worth checking out. Here we leave you with a short list of our favorites and recently new finds, and we'd love it if you can drop a note and give us your recommendations!

photo via: Albertine

Albertine, 13 Christopher Street

photo via: Refinery29

Maryam Nassir Zadeh, 123 Norfolk Street

photo via: Yatzer

Droog, 76 Greene Street

photo via: Refinery29

No. 6, 6 Centre Market Place

photo via: Refinery29

Kiosk, 95 Spring Street 

photo via: Refinery 29

Pixie Market, 100 Stanton Street

photo via: The Choosy Beggar
King of Greene St, 72 Greene St. 

Art & Fashion

Although the recession has brought many economic downturns and financial upsets, these difficult times has in many ways taught us to reevaluate our core values and appreciate the simpler things. And with that, has come a revival and stronger necessity for the arts and culture. Whether it offers one a new sense of hope, freedom, or joy, the arts have always played a major role in enhancing our every day lives. And with our current economic state, the art scene is much more innovative and important than ever.

The fashion industry is a major part of this artistic resurgence, and it is evident in the recent growth of collaborations between artists and designers, new mixed media projects, and inventive initiatives. These rough times have brought fresh, exciting paths of cross-fertilization, where fashion, art, music, and literature can all intermix on one platform.

Let's begin with one of the most apparent trends: fashion films. Today, cinematography is an essential tool of fashion marketing for any forward-thinking fashion house. Bringing music, movement, and story-telling together, small up-and-coming designers and international fashion houses alike take advantage of film to add dimension to their brand, while offering something more personal and unique to their audience. Marni, for example, recently collaborated with video artist Rohan Wadham for its 2010 summer collection, which was released in January. And Prada collaborated with the Chinese avant-garde film maker Yang Fudong to create a nine-minute black-and-white silent film, titled "First Spring". Yves Saint Laurent, Marni, Rebecca Taylor, and Steven Alan -- none of whom have ever advertised on television -- have all released online films within the last six months. Steven Alan is currently working on his next film project due out in the fall, collaborating with four directors to each produce a film on the same theme.

Fashion designers have always been influenced by the art community; and over the years, the two worlds have become more integrated where it is no longer black and white. There is a growth of a more collaborative process where artists are further involved in fashion branding and design, creating mutual support amongst the fashion and art community. Chanel and their Mobile Art Project, Diesel and their sponsorship of new designers, Rolex and it's mentoring program, and Prada and it's art Fondazione are just a few examples. What is more unique about this, however, is that these financially difficult times have also influenced the luxury market to give back to communities, encouraging a spirit of compassion and modesty, along with creativity and culture.

Members of the LVMH Young Arts Project, photo via: How to Spend It

One of the pioneering corporate companies is Louis Vuitton. Their most recent program, the Young Arts Project, collaborates with five of London's leading art institutions -- the Hayward Gallery, the Whitechapel Gallery, Tate Britain, the Royal Academy of Arts and the South London Gallery -- to provide underprivileged teens ages 13 to 20 an opportunity to explore, learn, and express themselves through art. Its aim is expressed in a Louis Vuitton statement: "to nurture an exploration, enjoyment, and passion for the arts among young people which they can take into adult life and perhaps follow as a career pathway." Starting off as a three-year program, selected students will have the opportunity to attend a five-day-long Louis Vuitton Summer Academy, and be part of organized visits to auction houses and artists' and film studios. Encouraging local communities to have more access to the art world, Louis Vuitton, as a luxury brand, moves away from it's extravagant and materialistic stigma, as such programs bring a greater sense of social awareness and responsibility to the corporate scene. While corporate sponsorship has always been around, Louis Vuitton is a leader in developing projects that are both responsible while being innovative and creative.

 As we live in a time where everything is rapidly changing and evolving, fashion and art rise at the forefront for the vitality of our culture. And as Pierre-Alexis Dumas, artistic co-director of Hermès, states, "The only reason we support art is because the relationship between art and craft is the building block of civilization." So although the recession has brought many of us to focus more on budgeting our finances and observing what is going on in the stock market, perhaps we all need to take a deep breath, appreciate the beauty around us, and remember that the hope of our future lies far beyond what is in our bank account.

May MBF Favorite Picks

Our MBF Favorite Picks are back! Although our original plan was to post our favorite picks every other month, we realized there are just too many things we wanted to share. (We hope you don't mind!) Focusing more on the local, indie, and underground scene this month, here is our little compilation of art, literature, food, and music. Enjoy!

May Day by Deitch Projects, May 01, 2010 - May 29, 2010

18 Wooster Street, NYC

Deitch Projects is pleased to present May Day, an exhibition of new work by Shepard Fairey, as its final project. Titled not only in reference to the day of the exhibition’s opening, the multiple meanings of May Dayresonate throughout the artist's new body of work. Originally a celebration of spring and the rebirth it represents, May Day is also observed in many countries as International Worker's Day or Labor Day, a day of political demonstrations and celebrations coordinated by unions and socialist groups. “Mayday” is also the distress signal used by pilots, police and firefighters in times of emergency. (More info here.)

photo via: Urban Daddy

Bohemian

57 Great Jones Street, NYC

Take a listen to the Brooklyn-based indie band The Drums and their latest album Summertime!  The full length release is set for June 7th 2010. 

With the Chictopia iPhone Application, you can browse chic styles from their Editor's Picks Style Gallery photos. View photo details and learn more about your Chictopian photo by viewing their Chic Blog. And best of all, this app is totally free!

Fly Me by Yoko Ono

       Yoko Ono's latest book, "Fly Me" can be unfolded into a 30x36 inch kite. Using soy-based inks, 100 percent recycled paper, and hand-carved oak, Ono shares inspirational advice, such as "Imagine Peace" and "Fly."

Monacle

ABC Kitchen

 35 E. 18th St, NYC

Kim Gordon at KS Art Gallery, May 7 - June 26, 2010

73 Leonard Street, NYC

The Thoughtful Dresser by Linda Grant

“You can’t have depths without surfaces,” says Linda Grant in her lively and provocative new book, The thoughtful Dresser, a thinking woman’s guide to what we wear. For centuries, an interest in clothes has been dismissed as the trivial pursuit of vain, empty-headed women. Yet, clothes matter, whether you are interested in fashion or not, because how we choose to dress defines who we are. How we look and what we wear tells a story...The Thoughtful Dresser celebrates the pleasure of adornment and is an elegant meditation on our relationship with what we wear and the significance of clothes as the most intimate but also public expressions of our identity. (More info here.)

Compassion Worx

Puma's Clever Little Bag

Two weeks ago, Puma revealed its latest collaborative venture with Yves Behar, industrial designer and founder of fuseproject, of its eco-friendly shoebox at London's Design Museum. Determined to create a new shoebox that was more sustainable, the 21-month-long project included 40 prototypes, and multiple visits to distribution centers, manufacturing plants, storage facilities, and retail points across Europe and Asia. Named the "Clever Little Bag", the final design is a re-usable, recyclable, non-woven plastic bag that functions both as a shoebox and as a plastic retail bag. Through researching various methods of folding and shipping boxes, the "Clever Little Bag" is made by die cutting one flat piece of cardboard without any additional printing or assembly. The structure is created with four walls that taper in to allow for secured stacking, another important element left over from the original shoebox. The bag is stitched with heat, which equals less work and waste. It's made of non-woven polyester with recycled PET, and eventually can be recycled. The bag uses 65% less cardboard than the standard shoe box, has no laminated printing, no tissue paper, takes up less space and weighs less in shipping, and replaces the plastic retail bag.

As part of the PUMAVision, this is just one of the many steps it is making in order to reach it's goal to make all of its packaging materials fully sustainable by 2015. Puma CEO Jochen Zeitz states that realizing these goals will initially have a "slightly negative effect, which we've already factored into our product development costs." But "in terms of net savings in the mid to longer term, we hope that the cost effects will be neutral." By replacing their standard shoe boxes with the new redesign, Puma will be saving 8,500 tons of paper, 20 million Mega joules of electricity, 1 million liters of fuel oil, and 1 million liters of water every year. They will also save 500,000 liters of diesel during transportation; and because they no longer need traditional shopping bags, the company will also save almost 275 tons of plastic.

Understanding that sustainability is about working together, Puma's sustainability index is open to the public and available for other companies to help set global standards of compliance for defining the sustainability of a product. What is great about Puma's vision is that it really understands the importance of thinking sustainably; it is invested in the quality of our future and promotes a healthy, responsible way of living.  The new packaging and distribution system is set to be effective beginning 2011.

In honor of Earth Day, which was April 22, there are also several other companies joining in on promoting an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle:

via: Sephora

EDUN collaborated with Sephora to released a set of allergen-free and nature-based eyeshadow collection. The palette comes in a wooden box with an organic cotton case. In line with EDUN's company vision, the makeup collection is made in developing countries, providing opportunities for employment. $3 from every sale will go to the Wildlife Conservation Society to fund activities of the Conservation Cotton Initiative in Uganda.

via: Sephora

 via: Stylelist

If you haven't seen their posters already, H&M is working in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of America to collect children's clothing. Bring in any gently used children's clothing to any H&M store and receive 20% off your next purchase. Hurry because the donation drive ends tomorrow, April 29! 

Face to Face

The Internet was invented in 1989 and with that came the birth of the cyber world. Through online messaging and emails, our world found a new, faster way of "talking" without the hassle of having to meet face-to-face or dial the phone. Saving time and money (and perhaps some awkward moments), online interaction has greatly changed the way we interact with one another. Even this week, as thousands of flights across Europe have been cancelled due to the Iceland volcano, people are still able to resume work via video chat. Even in extreme natural disasters, it seems that the Internet does not fail us in getting our jobs done. 


We are so accustomed to the cyber world that online interaction has possibly become the main form of interaction, from both a personal and professional level. Even our free time has become dependent on online media as there are endless forms of online entertainment.


As communication today is more about convenience, speed, and efficiency, when is physical interaction appropriate and how much of it is needed nowadays? The Internet makes it increasingly easier to find specific people; whether it's reuniting with an old classmate, finding a community that shares a common interest, or researching a potential employer through an online network. 


However, while it is true that the Internet allows us to engage with a wider group of people in an efficient time, this kind of networking only touches the surface of one's true personality and identity. Yes, online networking is important, especially in the times we are living in, but perhaps we need to reevaluate our physical interactions and find more meaningful, unique ways of meeting new people in our community. In a society that is so technologically advanced and culturally diverse, there should be some more creative, exciting ways of meeting interesting locals around our town.


As New York City is one of the most crowded and busiest places in the world, many would assume that it's the last place where people want to spend more time with one another. However, New Yorkers are so busy with work that the majority of their time is spent alone. How great is our social skills if we don't even know the name of our next door neighbor?


So maybe we should all take a step out of our comfort zones and try something new for a change. Below are some of the trends we've spotted in New York City that may be worth checking out:

 Lobby of the Ace Hotel via: Trip Advisor

1. Communal Table Dining
New York Ace Hotel
Le Pain Quotidien
Gusto Organics
Ippudo 
Tarallucci E Vino

 via: New York Social Sports Club

2. Social Gatherings and Events
Meetup.com
NYC: Invitations
New York Social Sports Club

Park Slope Food Coop via: NY Times

3. Local Green Initiatives
Sustainable NYC
Park Slope Food Coop
Green Guerillas
Green Hill Food Coop

Under Our Radar...

As there are hundreds of new, emerging designers every year, it's only the best of the best that can manage to stay on top and stand out amongst the crowd. Some find themselves famous over night with an instant cult-like following, while others remain under the radar for several years before becoming a household name. Today, we've compiled a listed a few of our favorite designers, who seem to be unshaken by the economic downslide and have continued to remain faithful in their unique fashion sensibility and passion for great design. So without any further delay, here are our top five picks!

Isabel Marant Fall 2010 via: Style.com

1. Although she has only recently generated a buzz in the states, Isabel Marant is no newcomer of the fashion scene. Since her debut in '94, she has had a loyal fan base of stylists, fashion editors, and models who can't get enough of her clothes for it's casual-cool designs that remain stylish beyond it's season. Now with her debut store that just opened in Soho and online sales via Net-a-Porter, it is only a matter of time till she becomes the world's next "It" designer, if not already.

Bodkin via: Refinery 29

2. Using unconventional materials like Himalayan wild nettle-blend fabric and seaweed-blend shirting, Bodkin fashions sustainability like none other. Founded by designer Wendy Mullun and Eviana Hartman, a former features editor at NYLON and fashion writer of Vogue and Teen Vogue, the pair are known for merging the latest technologies with sustainable practices to create truly, unique and stylish pieces for the downtown girl. And now with the 2009 Ecco Domani Sustainble Design Award under their belt, and collections that have only gotten stronger every year, this eco-conscious brand is sure to make way into every trend-setting girl's wardrobe.

The Row Fall 2010 via: Style.com

3. Famous since childbirth, the Olsen twins are not your average fashion designers. But despite the wary trend of celebrities-turning-into-wannabe-designers (remember Lindsay Lohan's collection for Ungaro?), their 3-year old brand, The Row, is credible for it's mature and refined taste that has received approving nods from the fashion industry. Their latest fall winter collection features 19 looks, entirely black, navy, and white. As fashion-icons, the Olsen twins' distinct style and strong dedication to their brand offers a New York City look that satisfies those who seek understated elegance with a slightly edgy twist.

Prabal Gurung for Fall 2010 via: Style.com

4. After his role as chief designer at Bill Blass, Prabal Gurung debuted his first signature label for Fall 2009 at New York Fashion Week. Having only premiered three collections thus far, his career is off to a great start with Demi Moore as his number one fan, and Oprah Winfrey wearing one of his creations on the cover of O magazine. Earlier this year, Gurung was also awarded $25,000 by Ecco Domani for his Fall 2010 presentation. And not much later, the CFDA Fashion Incubator nominated him as one of twelve New York designers to receive a two-year lease on a design studio space with subsidized, below-market rental rates. Known for his hard work ethic and already with a huge support of celebrities and fashion insiders alike, Gurung's quickly-found success is just the beginning.

Edun's Pre-Fall 2010 Lookbook via: Refinery 29

5. Although Edun, Ali Hewson and husband Bono's socially conscious label, is no new emerging brand, it is in the process of revamping itself as it is now under LVMH's wing. Having took a 49 percent stake in the company earlier this year, they recently hired Sharon Wauchob as the new creative director and is expected to have a runway show for Spring 2011. This is the first for any major fashion conglomerate to take part in the ethical fashion market, and we have no doubt that under LVMH's reign, Edun will bring a stronger, positive presence to the fashion scene.

Our Spring Shopping Guide: Chic & Green

It finally feels like spring and it's time to put away our winter coats and get ready for the warm, sunny days. But if you have yet gotten the chance to update your spring and summer wardrobe, here are some of our picks that are as eco-friendly as is tres chic! Looking fabulous and helping our earth has never been easier.

Camilla Norrback Valerie Striped Dress, $200

100% organic cotton

 Loomstate Newport Trench, $260

100% Organic Cotton

H&M Garden Collection No. 15 , $39.95

           Lutz & Patmos Desmond Tutu Guest Designer Sweater, $425

100% Organic Cotton

Bodkin Equinox Dress , $379

Edun Ziggy One Piece, $345

100% silk

       American Apparel Organic Summer Dress , $39

     100% organic baby rib cotton

Organic Boxy Tee in Blush, $75

100% organic cotton

Blake Hamster Pop Life Shirt, 150 €

78% cotton, 22% seacell

                                                  

Loyale's Emily Necklace, $398

100% reclaimed gold chain & vintage chandelier crystals

Naya's Blaze Yellow Leather Wedge, $125

chrome-free leather and recycled cork

 

Forestbound's Basic Recycled Canvas Tote Bag, $58

100% recycled canvas salvaged from a WWII era military duffel bag

 

Barney's Large Organic Travel Hobo, $675
organic canvas

April MBF Favorite Picks

Welcome to our first bi-monthly blog post of MBF's Favorite Picks! Here you will find the latest and our favorite things in fashion, art, and culture. We appreciate our readers and hope that you find something fun and interesting from our picks. And of course, if you ever have any recommendations, we would love to hear from you!

The theme for this month is exploration-- the question of boundaries, public spaces, and taboo subjects. As our culture modernizes and becomes open to new ideas and changes, the standard for what is appropriate is constantly being changed and challenged. So here are a list of some things we'd like to share:

photo via: Examiner

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Man som hatar kvinnor)
Director: Niels Arden Oplev
Cast: Peter Haber, Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist, David Dencik, Georgi Staykov
(Read the NY Times Review here)

photo via: Laia Cabrera

"Claim Your Place" 
Barcelona/New York/Berlin/Toulouse - 2009-2010
Creation: Laia Cabrera and Nuria Legarda
Interpretation: Nuria Legarda
Artistic collaboration: Leo Castro, Isabelle Duverger
Video recording and editing: Laia Cabrera

"Claim your place" is an expressive theater-film-video installation for large scale, outdoor or indoor projection that sits somewhere between film-making, theater-dance, digital art and sound design. This project emerged from an encounter between Nuria Legarda and Laia Cabrera, two innovate artists and creators. It explores beauty, desire, and violence. The three pieces (the installation, the multimedia theater play and the film-dance piece) are conceived as a whole but can also function independently. The video installation surrounds the audience with real-time projections as well as pre-recorded ones, putting them center stage. The multimedia theater play takes the audience on a unique journey by merging cinematic art, dance, photography, theater, visual arts and exposition. In the film-dance piece, the audience observes projected imagery from the outside as a cinematic experience. The various physical and virtual elements of Claim Your Place creates a sensorial landscape of storytelling.
(More info here.)

Photo via: Frillr

Gentlewoman

Editor-in-Chief: Penny Martin

Cover: Phoebe Philo

Photographer: David Sims

Stylist: Camilla Nickerson

photo via: MoMA

Marina Abramovic: The Artist is Present
March 14- May 31, 2010
MoMA, New York City 

"This performance retrospective traces the prolific career of Marina Abramovic (Yugoslav, b. 1946) with approximately fifty works spanning over four decades of her early inventions and sound pieces, video works, installations, photographs, solo performances, and collaborative performances made with Ulay (Uwe Laysiepen). In an endeavor to transmit the presence of the artist and make her historical performances accessible to a larger audience, the exhibition includes the first live re-performances of Abramovic's works by other people ever to be undertaken in a museum setting. In addition, a new, original work performed by Abramovic will mark the longest duration of time that she has performed a single solo piece."
(More info here.)

photo via: Fund Art Now

Fund Art Now 

Launches March 25 - April 4, 2010

Larson, 2010 via: Ryan McGinley

Ryan McGinley: "Everybody Knows This is Nowhere"
March 18-April 17, 2010
Team Gallery
83 Grand Street
New York, NY 10013

Quick Intro to Line2 for iPhone from Toren Ajk on Vimeo.

"Line2 adds a second number to your iPhone that works over 3G, WiFi or Cellular networks using the same number... an industry first. Ideal if you have poor cell reception or just want to reduce your cell bill."

(more info here.)

Terracycle's Green Up Shop 
March 27- May 1
Monday - Saturday 11am - 7pm 
641 8th Ave. at 41st Street
NYC, NY 10018
(more info here.)