Fossil Fools with Leslie Friedman

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Providence, RI is popular for many reasons these days. Beyond the glitz and glamor of the student bodies, anyone who’s walked down Thayer, Wickendon or South Main St. can attest to the vibrant poster culture that’s organically grown from within the local creative community. Leslie Friedman, a Providence native and emerging artist, has been printmaking since her early days at Brown University. Friedman’s most recent collection, titled, Fossil Fools, embodies all that Providence printmaking represents: an appreciation of industrial craft, the belief in DIY/punk ethos and the acknowledgment of political and historical significance in promoting civil liberties. Through humor, bold color and collage, her serigraphs are funny, honest, expressive compositions that awaken the democratic spirit. “The Fossil Fools Project is all about America’s dependence on gasoline and cars. Each piece addresses one part of the problem. Some people see quilts, others see Mandalas. The topic explored is the American side of the issue.”

September 25, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Color: Black and Blue Basecamp

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Growing up, the words “black and blue” generally applied to the bumps and bruises earned on the playground. This fall though, the phrase seems to transcend both aural and visual projects. From the title of the new Alice In Chains album, to a track title on Miike Snow’s critically acclaimed album, it’s obvious to see how fashion, film and digital influences are continuing to make their cultural mark.

September 24, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Virtual Baggage

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These days, who doesn’t live life on the go? The ease at which we consume information keeps us moving from one task to the next, allowing us to jump through ideas, facilitate conversations and share moments. With the use of our mobile devises and computers, we are able to navigate through unlimited technology with minimal strain on our physical being. Dr. Susan Blackmore describes this information transferral process in her TED presentation, touching upon evolutionary theory, consciousness, replication and idea convergence between humans and technology. Blackmore, like others, is part of a research movement that’s focused on studying how trends, ideas and epidemics spread throughout human and digital communities.

In visualizing these theories, we have pulled dot-inspired imagery from relevant print, fashion and web sources. Are Your Friends Making You Fat? is a recent NYTimes piece by Clive Thompson which focuses on social contagion in the world of networking. Merging fashion with technology, Commes de Garcon embraces pointillism with this atom inspired undershirt. Cisco insinuates global communication using colorful dots while Stella McCartney pares down to blue and green with her Whatever It Takes tote. Nancy Macko adds a truly organic touch with her artful study of the honey bee and Tatiana Plakhova embodies the idea of networkism in her two-toned fiber optic-looking graphic.

Collaborative coverage by: Kelsey-Lee LeGassick and Shayna Kulik

September 21, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Quick Links: Weekly Notables

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1. Dan Phillips’ found object house, via NY Times.

2. A lovely, contemporary, stylish line of…axes, via If it’s Hip, it’s Here.

3. Dino wallpaper, via Kickcan and Konkers.

4. Interview with incredible Melbourne street artist Miso, via The Design Files.

5. Zaishu’s hand-printed snap-together sustainable stools, via Distillate.

6. Photo-realism and graffiti stenciling at The Friends with Knives exhibition, via Cyana Trendland.

7. Not your grandmother’s porcelain, via Moco Loco.

8. Modern Fairy Tales for Design Saavy Kids, by Steven Guarnaccia, via Inhabitots.

9. An illustrated alphabet, inspired by computer related things, via Kitsune Noir.

10. Yay or nay to Mini Cooper car wraps? Via The Cool Hunter.

11. Chad Hagen’s nonsensical info graphics, via Poppy Talk.

12. Pop art radiators by Antrax, via Trendir.

Compiled by: Emily Gup

September 19, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Interview: Juanita Cárdenas

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Meet fashion’s latest print maven, Juanita Cárdenas. Born in Colombia, raised in Miami and now a resident of Buenos Aires, Cárdenas is making a name for herself with her graphic ensembles. Her eclectic background has served as the inspiration for Polychromatico!, her new fashion label. Growing up in Miami “filled my imagination with colors,”says Cárdenas, a given after browsing through her electric collection. Check out our Q&A for a glimpse into the world of this cultural hybrid and get inspired by Cárdenas’ can-do attitude.

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PP: How did you start your own line?

JC: I had wanted to start a line or to embark on a project for some time, but I always thought that I had to have more experience, money, etc. I realized one day that the perfect conditions would never exist. The ability to map everything out clearly was further away than I was willing to wait. I decided that rather than planning how to face imaginary obstacles I would tackle the real ones as they came. After this realization I started thinking about the line, drew a series of sketches, produced some samples, designed a website and a little baby Polychromatico! was born.

PP: What inspires your collection?

JC: My inspiration varies from collection to collection. A common thread throughout is an interest in developing characters. My first collection was inspired by circus characters. The second line is based on intergalactic heroines. The line I am currently working on is inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

PP: Who is your ideal consumer?

JC: Someone who enjoys getting dressed and is willing to experiment with her image. I greatly appreciate people who wear something and own it; people who choose to express their unique being rather than blend in with the crowd.

PP: How has your unique cultural background influenced your aesthetic?

JC: My cultural background serves as a database of images that inform my aesthetic. Having lived in NY informs my certainty that beauty is often achieved through taking risks. Having been born in Colombia and having spent so many years in Miami fills my imagination with colors.

PP: What is your design and style philosophy?

JC: My style philosophy resides on wearing what brings your heart satisfaction. I try to resist the temptation of altering my designs based on mass-market appeal and try to produce accessible clothing (as far as price is concerned). I am not at all interested in having my line become exclusive through pricing, as it’s more rewarding to have people wear your clothing because it helps them express their personality.

Coverage by: Rebecca Silver

September 17, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Music: Bambi's Sartorial Sister

Bambi, beautiful women and blood have become synonymous over the past few years. From Giles Deacon’s Spring ’08 punk fetish collection to Stella McCartney’s Fall ’09 disney-inspired photoshoot to musical acts such as the Bambi Killers and Terry Poison, we wonder if we have The Sex Pistols to thank for this snowballing global fascination with femininity and a loss of innocence.

Meet the Bambi Killers, a creative troupe based in Manhattan and a true breath of fresh air to the downtown creative scene. Melding performance art, role play, costume design, audio soundscape and circus freakery, this trio explores topics such as government brainwashing, conspiracy theories and brut sexuality every time they go on stage. “Initially we were inspired by the loss of innocence, but our shows have evolved into a creative reaction on how pop culture objectifies women,” says Dawn Dunning, the group’s cofounder and fashion designer.

Tapping similar styling techniques and fierce attitudes, the Tel Aviv based girl band, Terry Poison is just as eye-catching. Petite Meller, Louise Kahn, Gili Saar, Bruno Grife, Anna Landsman are all members of this electro-clash band that merges “American sleaze with European finesse” and has been performing the underground scene since early 2004. Terry Poison will be making their first US debut during CMJ– check them out if you’re in New York in late October.

September 16, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik