Tesla Commemorative Convoy
The mere fact that a company has delivered its 500th electric car in such a short time span is a true indicator of how our priorities have shifted over the last few years. The fact that the car is question is the blindingly quick, beautifully curvy Tesla Roadster is just icing on our green cake. Attracting gearheads and the eco-conscious alike, this gathering of Tesla owners in Los Angeles was planned to celebrate the delivery of the 500th electric sports car manufacturer by Tesla, and coincided with the one-year anniversary of their first retail store. The San Carlos-based company will be aggressively expanding eastward this summer, opening sales and service centers in New York, Chicago, Miami, and DC. Our friends across the pond will be able to see the Roadster firsthand at new stores opening in London, Monaco, and Munich.
See the rest of the images after the jump.
Hussein Chalayan – Super Contemporary Interview
The Super Contemporary exhibit at the Design Museum in London is happening from June 2 to October 4, 2009. As part of the exhibit, Dezeen interviewed some key London-based designers. Included in this group is fashion designer Hussein Chalayan, who in this video interview talks about his relationship with London and the many influences and inspirations he takes from such a city.
See the video interview after the jump.
Benn Watts’ “Teddy Boys” Gallery
British photographer, Benn Watts, has been relative in the fashion industry since the early 90’s. His stellar work has graced the pages of every fashion magazine from Vogue to GQ.
Today, we present some original works featured on the Photographers Limited Editions (link below) site. One of the striking galleries was the “Teddy Boys” collection of black and white profile photographs. The subjects all possess strong and intense facial expressions while also demonstrating an incredible fashion sense.
The British Teddy Boy subculture is typified by young men wearing clothes inspired by the styles of the Edwardian period. The subculture started in London in the 1950’s and rapidly spread across the UK, soon becoming strongly associated with American rock and roll music of the period.
Teddy Boy clothing consisted of: long drape jackets, usually in dark shades, sometimes with velvet trim collar and pocket flaps; high-waist “drainpipe” trousers, often showing brightly coloured socks. Favoured footwear were chunky brogues, large crepe-soled shoes, often suede (known as brothel creepers). Plus a high-necked loose collar on a white shirt (known as a Mr. B. collar because it was often worn by jazz musician Billy Eckstine); a narrow ‘Slim Jim’ tie, and a brocade waistcoat. These clothes were mostly tailor-made at great expense and paid for through many weekly installments. Preferred hairstyles included long, strongly-moulded greased-up hair with a quiff at the front and the side hair combed back to form a Duck’s Arse at the rear of the head. Another hairstyle was the Boston, in which the hair was greased straight back and cut square across at the nape.
See more images after the jump.
Generic Man Pop Up Shop at Space 15 Twenty
Space 15 Twenty in Los Angeles is now currently housing a pop-up shop for the Generic Man brand. The space is impeccable and features great mid century modern furniture, house plants wrapped in generic ceramics, unique lighting arrangements, recycled materials like cardboard, and even a pint sized Fiat car. Decorated throughout the space of course is the Generic Man’s S/S 09 Collection of Men’s shoes, accessories such as SUPER sunglasses and headphones, and even a sleek line of new Women’s footwear.
Check out more images of the pop-up at Space 15 Twenty after the jump.
Sasha Grey in VMan Magazine
Contributor, Jesse Asholock, has a well-written and intelligent article published in VMan Magazine’s latest issue about adult movie performer, Sasha Grey, and her impressive career of 3 years and running in the entertainment industry. Already widely known in the adult film communities with a staggering 150+ movies accredited to her name, the 21-year old Grey has lifted the bar in a “cross-over” performance in Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh’s new film, The Girlfriend Experience.
Soderbergh’s latest film explores the various ways the commodification of American life affects people in our present economic climate. The subjects for this investigation include Soderbergh’s main character Chelsea (portrayed by Grey), a high-priced Manhattan call girl, her various clients and her boyfriend. The interactions of these parties provide interesting and comical commentary of American sentiment set in very peculiar circumstances.
Go to VMan Magazine’s site here, to view the beautiful images from their photo shoot and read the complete article. Also check out a trailer for Steven Soderbergh’s The Girlfriend Experience after the jump.
h(y)r Collective Magazine Issue No. 12
For the 12th issue of the h(y)r collective magazine, the Canadians skipped no detail and obviously worked on creating some amazing new content for their readers. Since about issue 9 or 10, the group headed by Ryan Willms on the daily’s blog has been getting some great press, but judging by their server crashing Tuesday afternoon this new issue is going to take them to the next level. Issue 12 brings us an interview with Daiki Suzuki of Engineered Garments, a factory tour of American staple Red Wing Shoes, and among many other features, the stories around their collaborations with Gitman Bros shirting and Tannis Hegan. With some amazing writing, great photography, and collaborations with high quality companies, the magazine feels a bit like Monocle for fashion junkies like myself.
Make sure to check out the entire issue available at h(y)r.
Human Landscapes from Above by Jason Hawkes
Our previous entry for Alan Taylor’s Big Picture weblog on the Boston Globe showcased the series “At Work.” His latest installment features the works of UK based aerial photographer, Jason Hawkes, in a series titled “Human Landscapes from Above.” Featured artist, Hawkes, has put out an astounding number of books throughout his career highlighting his talents for this niche in the photography world. He shoots with a Nikon D3 from a twin squirrel helicopter as he perilously leans out from the ajar doors with just a harness holding him in place.
What he captures are breathtaking landscapes of subjects varying from crop fields to car lots to landfills. These results all possess their own patterns and intrigue, and yet they are all tied by a unique style. The quality of the pictures is apparent when viewing on Alan Taylor’s blog. His selections for “Human Landscapes” provide an excellent overview of this artist’s body of work. Proceed to the jump to view our picks from Alan Taylor’s blog and Jason Hawkes professional website.
See the rest of the images after the jump.
When No One Wants to Look Like a Banker – NYT Editorial
Hard as it may be to believe, there was a time when Wall Streeters dictated what it meant to dress with success. As the recession turns social norms on its head, the power suits of yesteryear seem not only dated, but almost vulgar in the face of widespread economic panic. Luckily, the fluctuating Dow Jones does not signal an end to style as we know it, but rather a tweak to office attire. The Style section of the New York Times offers a portfolio of looks for the current working man, with a shift from the standard gray or navy jacket and tie to a more versatile wardrobe for the “creative professional.” Without sacrificing professionalism, the editorial suggests replacing the time-tested two-piece with Phinaes Cole cardigans or Idol Radec vests, or daring Dolce & Gabanna pinstripe blazers paired with Rag & Bone chinos. Sartorial risk takers may also want to dabble in the electric Antonio Azzuolo cotton sport coat or Alexander Olch linen bow tie. Whatever your taste, the new rules for dressing for the workplace are considerably more lax than ever before. Consider your horizons broadened. Read the rest at NYT.
See more images from the article after the jump.
Steve McQueen Antiquorum Auction
Here at Swipelife most of us are always looking for ways to step up our watch game. One surefire way to accomplish this is to buy a classic timepiece worn by arguably one the most stylish men of the last century, Steve McQueen. If your outbid on Antiquorum’s currently up for auction original Heuer Monaco or an alternative Rolex Submariner, a new version of the Heuer Monaco watch has been developed for the 40th anniversary of McQueen wearing the piece in the movie “Le Mans”. Limited to 1000 pieces, the chronograph is delivered in a special box with both an alligator and calfskin strap which resembles the original watch strap.
Check out the Tribute to Steve McQueen watch after the jump.
Zaha Hadid x Lacoste Footwear
Architect Zara Hadid, whose line of work includes designing the London Aquatic Centre and the BMW Central Building in Cincinnati, collaborates with Lacoste to create men’s and women’s boots. Her latest endeavor into footwear design has her producing a few designs for the high-end fashion label, including an ankle boot for men and a calf boot for women, as well as featuring a digitised version of Lacoste’s famous croc logo and a coiled strap system. Limited to only 850 pairs, the boots will be released in July at colette, 10 Corso Como and Dover Street Market.
