Brazilian Design Today: Frontiers

by Phuong-Cac Nguyen

With Brazilian designers and companies like F. Akasaka and Melissa helping to put Brazil on the map for design (not just street art), there's a lot of talent that's on the brink of making it big, which is the subject of the just-opened exhibit "Brazilian Design Today: Frontiers." Interest in Brazil's arts outside of the traditional cultural symbols is relatively recent, so to celebrate and showcase the variety and contributions of Brazilian design in the 21st century, the show focuses mostly on industrial design but also takes a look at digital mediums.

There are gems aplenty among those 90 picked for the show, from Eduardo Recife's handmade cut-and-paste fonts and Fernando Prado's smart adjustable lamp to Hok Inovacao's clever bid for Denmark's postal service and Osklen's salmon skin shoes. The online catalog is worth the browse to understand how Brazilian design is so different from its counterparts in other countries. .

Brazilian Design Today: Frontiers
Through 28 June 2009
Modern Art Museum
Parque do Ibirapuera, portão 3
São Paulo, Brasil
04094-000 map
tel. +11 5085 1300

Brian Dettmer: Adaptations

by Jonah Samson

Artist Brian Dettmer dissects books to expose the beauty of their anatomy. Using an X-acto knife and tweezers, Dettmer pulls away carefully selected layers of books, revealing a complex view of their internal organization.

In this time when the book is no longer the most efficient way to store and transmit data, Dettmer's transformations are at once nostalgic and forward-thinking. His process is a wonderful example of how a destructive act can create something beautiful and new.

View more images after the jump.

Adaptations
Through 9 May 2009
Packer Schopf Gallery
942 West Lake Street
Chicago, IL 60607 map
tel. +1 312 226 8984

Swrve Urban Cycling Apparel

by Doug Black

Cycling attire usually falls in one of two camps: triathlon spandex or rudimentary messenger cut-offs. To fill the void of bicycle apparel that's as stylish as it is utilitarian comes swrve, a small Los Angeles-based company. Their collection of reasonably-priced, American-made clothing has everything from classic wool riding caps to light-weight, water-repellent riding knickers—all constructed with a discerning eye for a contemporary aesthetic.

A particular bright spot in the collection is their jeans. Currently available for men, they have the outward appearance tailored blue jeans but have accounted for all the rigors of cycling. The 98% cotton/2% Lycra blend and articulated knees allow a full range of motion, while the gusseted crotch eliminates any potential chaffing on the seams. The waistline dips low in the front (to avoid an invasive belt buckle) but rises higher in the back (to thwart a chilly tailwind). Additional details include six-inch back pockets (wide enough to store a mini U-lock) and an interior reflective stripe that a rolled drive-side pant leg exposes. And the whole package comes in a slim, streamlined fit that doesn't scream "cyclist."

The full range of Swrve items can be purchased at the online store, as well a select few dealers around the world.

Valentina: American Couture and the Cult of Celebrity

by CH Contributor

by Tamara Warren

"Valentina: American Couture and the Cult of Celebrity," currently at the Museum of the City of New York, is the first exhibition to showcase the rare gowns, accessories, photographs and printed materials of the legendary couturier. To commemorate the event, design historian and curator Kohle Yohannan authored a book under the same title.

During this subdued period in fashion, legendary couturier Valentina Sanina Schlee’s perspective seems timely—"Fit the century, forget the year." Known only by her first name, Valentina outfitted Katherine Hepburn, Greta Garbo and the cast of the Broadway musical, "The Philadelphia Story," in her day.

A Russian immigrant of Ukrainian lineage, hers is a true rags-to-riches story. She became one of the most influential designers and A-list socialites on the New York scene in the '30s, '40s and '50s, elevating the stature of American designers to international prominence. Lush with striking imagery of legendary actresses and Valentina herself, clad in long, flowing gowns, extravagant capes and an array of imaginative head wraps, the book is an engaging examination of an emerging icon in the making.

Valentina's philosophy is interwoven in introspective text and eloquent, bold quotes such as, "No matter how broke you are, always travel first class—otherwise you'll never meet the right kind of people." In addition to her story, entire sections of the book are devoted to Garbo and her ascent into high society.

The exhibit includes pieces from the Valentina family, and coveted museum collections, while Yohannon's book deconstructs the mystique and spectacle that made Valentina a catalyst for spectacle in the desirable couture and her flare for making a grand entrance.

The book is available from Amazon or Powell's.

Valentina: American Couture and the Cult of Celebrity
Through 17 May 2009
Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10029 map
tel. +1 212 534 1672

Illustrator Edward Kwong

by Lost At E Minor

Vancouver-based artist Edward Kwong makes quasi-retro, noir-ish illustrations that reference old comic books, art deco, and other classic looking aesthetics. Full of angular, expressive figures, high-impact typography and often sepia-infused colors, Kwong’s work captures entire narratives in single, meticulously-rendered images.