heysusy

My Russia Trend

I am not exactly sure why, but I've been thinking a lot about Russia lately in a very vague way. It could be because my mom gave me an amazing slideshow recently of her chromes from a solo 1960's trip there...No, not hippie-60's...we're talkin post 50's, 60's...And her photos were amazing.

What I found unreal was the countryside of Russia, the minute you left the cities, she said, it became totally different- like going back in time. I was struck by the unbelievably decadent, strangely mournful, east/west asthetic.

So, this week when I came across Andrew Moore's photography in a book called RUSSIA I was ecstatic; since, believe it or not, "Find photos of weird parts of Russia" was on my mental to-do list. I was not disappointed. Moore's work really captures that certain something about Russia which so touched me when I looked at my mom's photos...They all have a glow and a space, and a fecundity and a tragic decadence that is something you can almost feel. Both the images I've posted are from this body of work.

Mark my words, Moscow is the next Tokyo is the next Kiev is the next Mexico City. I hope so. For me, it's an asthetic I'm absolutely entranced by.

Other works that spoke to me in a similar way--although in a more disturbing way, so don't click this link unless you really like documentary photography at it's most glaring, are by Ukrainian photographer Boris Mikhailov who showed at the ICA here 2 years ago and taught here at Harvard. His works show the Ukraine in a mysterious, almost inhumane light...a country that is almost unrecognizable for all the scarification of it's troubles. His body of work is fascinating, and Saatchi UK has quite the collection on thier site. So.

Oh, Please.

Is it possible that these are the perfect sweatshirts??
I think so. Most of the fall collection by Mike and Chris a husband and wife team out of Queens, is just about the best thing I have ever seen. My personal favorites thus far are what I've shown here....the white one with the scarf and the one on the lower left...very basic but pretty much the perfect shape. And I love the generous amounts of fabric, big buttons and edging on most of their stuff. Loving the wide pockets on the more traditional hoodies that spans the hips- very flattering. Their site offers a nice collection of leather wear as well...great jackets and bags.

Especially with the sweatshirt on the lower left here...I love the look of cool without trying. Just a sweatshirt and a necklace. There's something so elegant about it when it's done right.

Letter Impressarios

I've been meaning to post about this great letterpress resource for a while. Their name is Peter Kruty Editions and they are based out of Brooklyn.

A while ago, I worked on a friend's wedding invitation, and Peter Kruty printed them for me....I was referred to their shop by a gentleman who does letterpress here in Boston. Anyway, they were so friendly, and so on top of things, that I started recommending them to anyone who was looking for letterpress....

Also, they have a great website-- as far as function and showcasing the work, it's just a whole lot of fun to explore... Some samples are shown below. Looovely.

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Office Space

Whew, have I been busy-- I've started a new job, as creative director of THIS STUDIO. So far, I love it, but I have been working overtime, getting up to speed with all of the projects, which are very diverse. Thus...short on time to contribute to my blog...*sigh*...

Seeing as I have a new environment, I am obsessed with getting new folders. I can't think of anything that would be better than to see all my stuff, neatly organized in these. Color coded and alphebetized, of course....

The Color

Normally I don't get personal on my blog, so I thought I would let a big block of color speak for how I am feeling at the moment rather than going into detail. Yves Klein, if you're listening up there...this one is for you.

For more color fun, check out COLORSTROLOGY. Which is a really cool section of the Pantone site...

Must Display Play

Geoffrey Cottenceau's work rocks my world. I have never seen a better use for the Converse One-Star. View the whole zoo HERE. He should make a little book out of this...it would be so fun to make these costumes (or some like them) with kids (or other adults) at home, and I can totally see inventing my own versions of my favorite animals.

Thinking Helsinki

I am so excited to have found this wonderful website, HEL LOOKS.

The brainchild of Liisa Jokinen and Sampo Karjalainen, of Helsinki, Finland,HEL LOOKS is a beautiful and well-designed compendium of what people are wearing in Helsinki. Similar to the wonderful style blog The Sartorialist

Not only are these great and inspiring finds from a fashion perspective; but the site is beautifullly organized, and the images are absolutely lovely. I really enjoy the focus on the art direction in each of these shots-- and the care taken in the lighting and the portraiture. The clarity, crisp-ness and centering off each subject allows this to feel like a true record--- not only of fashion, but of individuals, of a city, of style, personal expression, and of moments in time. I absolutely adore every inch of this website and it's creative direction. I have a feeling I will be checking HEL LOOKS before I lay out my next morning's outfit on my bed each night.