High Fashion Protection

Diddo Velema made these Designer Gas Masks (for gallery purposes only).

But you know that there are some crazies out there dying for one!

His message:

"We are in a state of perpetual war – with ourselves and with the eco-system that sustains us. Perpetual war breeds perpetual fear. In the present context, this fear stems from our extreme desire for authenticity and manifests itself in our collectively insatiable culture of consumption.

Deep down, we are afraid we may never be satisfied. An expanding archive of branded myths and icons feeds this fear. Designer Gas Masks is an attempt to visualize this state of mind. Because it is only by first acknowledging and then challenging fear that we will all be able to breathe a little easier."

If it really came down to the point where I actually needed a gas mask, rest assure that I would try to find the sexiest one out there...along with the other crazies.

It sounds crazy, but is it really? I don't see it any differently than designer sunglasses--they're functional items that simply look better with an artistic edge.

Daily dose of art

Fafi, with whom M.A.C. cosmetics has just collaborated. Check out her Paris-meets-anime looks and we'll be reviewing the makeup quite soon (although the colors look bright but not overwhelming, and the packaging is fun but not too terribly young). Currently in stores.

Daily dose of art

The above apparently goes both ways: Clearly, Ziggy switched it up by shopping in the ladies' department.

How sweet is that silver jacket?

Functional Art

Here's the hottest item on the '07 elite wish list: a urethane-rubber bearskin rug by Eelko Moorer, price upon request. It's certainly interesting and unique to contemplate.



Here's my pick; a wine rack designed by Dennis Lin that looks like an intricate sculpture, yet functions as basic storage.


Available at Panik-Design.

Daily dose of art

From Austin's 666 Photography. So incredible. Don't you wish that was you?

It went to a good home

Our favorite guitar, by artist Shanny Lott, went to a wonderful home last night at the Gibson Austin GuitarTown Auction Gala. Gorgeous guitars/art abounded, and the artists were on hand, too. The event raised over half a million dollars for Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, Austin Museum of Art, American Youthworks and Austin Children's Museum.

I couldn't resist taking a pic of Dallas-based artist Johnny Edwards, who airbrushed his suit to match the guitar he did.


Gotta love any man who just goes for it like that!

Lynn & Will Meredith bought another of my favorites, by artist Dianne Sonnenberg.


And let's not forget Evan Voyles' (below) fine neon sculpture, which some lucky bidder got at a fab price!

Tribeza gets it very right

A supremely well-executed photo/fashion spread can be found in Tribeza's September issue. Inspired! (By Randal Ford and Lauren Smith Ford.)

(The other fashion spread in that issue? Same old.)

Also, don't forget about the big fashion to-do next week, with Tribeza's boutique crawl and fashion show, featuring lovely local boutiques and complimentary food. Buy tix at tribeza.com ($75/$100/$125). Plus it's at the Blanton.

I'm all for art meeting fashion, but...

Which one of these new art pieces is just not right?

Top: Kate Moss by Chuck Close
Bottom (and I do mean bottom): Kate Moss Sphinx by Marc Quinn, standing nearly 10 feet tall.

I don't think either of these sculptures capture her beauty. Wait a minute, the top one looks like a photograph. Marc Quinn's piece is beautiful, but why this angel? I love how the arms connect with her legs, it's interesting to look at, but the major crotch shot just bothers me.

Chuck Close is called a "photorealist" painter. He's incredibly interesting and talented; a quadreplegic who painted with a brush between his teeth but now is able to use his hand.

Ang for St John

Just a few of the stunners for the new St John campaign.

Sigh...Why does she have to be so lovely and perfect? I love her, I want to be her.

Put anyone else in these: UNDERWHELMING.
Put Angelina: STUNNING, as you said!

Of course now I want to wear St. John. Lol.