Dolce Vita X Target Collaboration

July 28th, 2010

Special thanks to nitro:licious, Refinery29 Racked, and everyone else for covering the collab! Check out a few pictures below, and keep checking the site for more info to come.

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- New York

Upcoming: Fashion’s Night Out 2010

July 28th, 2010

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After the success of last year’s Fashion’s Night Out, this years’ event promise to hold even more stars, duds, and free cocktails. So far fashion website  Fashionista has put together some of the intended highlights of FNO 2010, but keep your eyes peeled for more news in the coming month. So far on the docket, Vogue will be staging “the biggest fashion show ever” on September 7,  with additional media coverage by way of  a CBS special on the 14th of September, and a FNO-themed Gossip Girl episode on the 20. While no one’s plans are 100% as of  yet, a few companies have already started sounding the alarms. In NYC it’s rumored the Olsen twins will be in attendance at Barneys NYC while Proenza Schouler and Simon Doonan judge an in-store karaoke contest. If you’re looking for more of a workout, you can challenge the designers of Rag & Bone, Rogan, and Shipley & Halmos to a ping pong tournament. Further uptown, it’s expected  Daphne Guinness will be signing perfume bottles, and Andrew Yang will be exhibiting a collection of about 50 rag doll replicas of runway looks. At Bergdorf Goodman, it’s been whispered that there will be a cook-off with the FDNY and a cabaret with Isaac Mizrahi , and the  launch of a line of exclusive New York-inspired products. In Berlin, concept store The Corner Shop will be launching a new Isabella Blow book by Thames & Hudson, while Galeries Lafayette Berlin will present Michael Kors‘ new Ready To Wear collection. In London, UK’s FNO promises designers and models will mingle along with, “expert styling from the Vogue team,” and “superstar” appearances, while in Paris Avenue Montaigne (LVMH teritory) will be ground zero for Paris’ main FNO activities.In Los Angeles Beverly Center mall will host a runway show and provide a trolley to various shopping destinations throughout the city (there also might even be a ferris wheel on Rodeo Drive).

Stay tuned to find out more about Fashion’s Night Out, as well as any Dolce Vita planners cooking on the burner…

- New York

reRun Theater in DUMBO

July 27th, 2010

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Newly opened reRun Theater has it all. Located in chic Brooklyn hotspot DUMBO, it’s a movie theater, bar, and gastropub all rolled into one. Housed in one of the area’s best bars reRun, the space is made up of 60 + seats recycled from discarded minivans, and serves a plethora of  craft beers and organic wines, in addition to gourmet bites from the snack bar. On special nights there will be also be a live DJs , replete with  kitschy drive-in themed drinks on hand. In addition, not just any films will be played- these gems will be new independent films without national distribution, shown at the likes of  South by Southwest, Cannes, Sundance, and others. In short, not your usual dinner and a movie.

reRun Theater, 147 Front St., DUMBO, Brooklyn, (718) 797-2322

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- New York

Friday Afternoon Dance Track

July 23rd, 2010

Nothing says “Dolce Vita” and “end of the week” quite like an Italo disco gem from the vaults. This week’s classic is Baltimora’s 1985 hit Tarzan Boy. Check out the amazing video and 80’s fashion in their video below.

- New York

DV Designer Spotlight: Ivy

July 23rd, 2010

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Earlier this week we checked in on Tovah and Gillian’s essentials, so we thought we’d ask head designer Ivy Kirzhner a few who, what, when, were, whys, and everything in between. Check out some of Ivy’s creative answers below:

What image best describes how you feel about the past year? A golden holy memoir incinerating in a fiery blaze and turning each page into delicate sullen ashes. All remains is the gilded cover and binding, with edges gently charred like glowing embers… a perfect canvas to transcribe a new leaf and era.
What or who currently inspires your designs? Those we aspire and only dream of becoming.
What’s on your desk (or design table) right now? Chaos and excitement.
Who would be your dream date (dead or alive) to an office holiday party? Jesus. He would be inspiring with lots of good stories to tell.
What is the best gift you’ve ever gotten? The ability and strength to pursue all creative endeavors.
What’s one piece of clothing you couldn’t live without? Anything that does not restrict movement, speed, agility and fierceness.
What is the most played song (or album) on your itunes/ipod of the last year? The Xx
What would you say is your “spirit” animal? A 7-headed dragon, each representing a pursuit and endeavor.
What fictional character would you want to be your sidekick? Well, fictional or not — I want a legion of angels.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now? Proudly made in the Philippines. Now residing in New York City.
What made you want to go into design? Love and passion for aesthetic.
What is one thing you’d want fans of Dolce Vita to know about you? I am like a pocket knife. I have several facets and tools. Design is just one of them.

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You can catch more of Ivy’s musings on her blog, Saint and Libertine, and as always- her designs here at shopdolcevita.com

- New York

Concerts: 77 BOA DRUM trailer

July 22nd, 2010

77 BOA DRUM trailer from Thrill Jockey Records on Vimeo.

Directed by Jun Kawaguchi.

There are some concerts that are so epic, you regret missing them for years to come. Such happened on July 7th, 2007 at 7:07PM, when Japanese group Boredoms orchestrated a mass performance by 77 drummers at the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park in Brooklyn, NY. According to those in attendance, the din and clamor was a near spiritual experience. Now, three years later, the show is watchable on DVD for the first time. 77 Boa Drum is the official live performance documentary of the event, with behind the scenes rehearsal footage, interviews, and of course, lots of footage of the actual performance. With shots this close, just consider yourself the “78th drummer”.

The event was filmed by Jun Kawaguchi, who in the past has shot for web-TV sites like VBS TV, Viva-Radio, and several others. Kawaguchi, perhaps one of the biggest Boredoms fan of all time, spent a decade recording the band’s live performances. You can catch a trailer of the video below, and the full DVD will be released in the US on Thrill Jockey Records September 7th, and come with a series of photo postcards.

- New York

Dolce Vita On Refinery29: Printed Dresses Big For Fall

July 21st, 2010

According to online fashion bible Refinery29, pretty, printed dresses are going to continue to be a major closet staple this fall. Among their suggestions? The Dolce Vita Selma Dress (below).
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Above, from left: Dolce Vita Selma Dress, $187, available at Urban Outfitters; Cameo Chiffon Dress, $198, available at Dear Fieldbinder; Acne Liberte Print Dress, $680, available at Acne Studios and Net-A-Porter.
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If you’re searching for something similar, another great look to try is matching a DV Annika dress with a pair of Lolas or Jezabels, for something equal parts edgy and girlie. When the weather gets cooler, you can also slip some wool tights underneath and enjoy a little late summer way into the autumn- leaf season.

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- New York

Bruce High Quality Foundation Presents: FIELD OF DREAMS

July 21st, 2010

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Looking for some a little strange, and totally unique, to do this weekend? This Saturday, producer/artist Andres Levin, in collaboration with artist collective the Bruce High Quality Foundation (of Whitney Biennial fame), are presenting FIELD OF DREAMS–a one-day-only epic outdoor art and music festival taking place at Prospect Park Bandshell, BK. The project comes as part of the annual Celebrate Brooklyn festival , which every year brings crowds of thousands to the borough. How would we describe this celebration of all things DIY? According to their site, “Think World Fair ‘39 meets Summer of ‘69 in the recession of ‘09.” If you’re curious, check out the slightly racy, slightly goofball promo video below:

FIELD OF DREAMS (UN MUNDO NUEVO)
JULY 24, 2010 3 p.m. – 10:29 p.m.
PROSPECT PARK BANDSHELL

- New York

DV Designers Jillian And Tovah’s Essentials

July 15th, 2010

Traveling, designing, being a creative on the move- all these things involve serious urban artillery and often a handbag full of necessities for getting through the day. That’s why we asked DV designers Jillian Shatken and Tovah Gordon to share with us some of the things they simply can’t live without.

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Jillian

17 oz Vita Cocos (the 11 oz just no longer cuts it), fruit stands, my metrocard, flea markets- I think if I only had those 4 things, I still could survive. I also absolutely need my white cutoffs (of Uniqlo origins) and my Dolce Vita Pelas – we can’t even keep them in stores long enough for me to buy more colors! Another essential is the Dolce Vita Betty dress for going out, which looks amazing with my vintage Moschino belt . Also, my $5 vintage Rayban wayfarers, rescued from a flea market bin and lovingly restored by the amazingly sweet gentleman at Sol Moscot, free of charge.  My maxi jersey tank dress from Oak, works in the city and at the beach, and was my smartest/easiest purchase of the summer by far.

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Tovah

1)Vintage Shopping- I love mixing contemporary looks with vintage items.  I like finding a balance between the new and the old to develop my own personal style.  Vintage shopping is a fun excursion, and it can also be less expensive.  Some of my favorite pieces were given to me from my mother.

2)Clinique Pore Minimizer Oil Blotting Sheets- I am totally addicted to these things, especially in the summertime heat.  It blots off any excess oil on your face but doesn’t remove your makeup in the process.  The tiny packs are neat and so easy to carry around in my handbag.

3)Essence Magazine- I’ve read this magazine ever since I was young tot. It’s a magazine with well-written inspirational and educational content.  I love it because it’s a classy lifestyle magazine that celebrates women of color and is relevant to all women from all walks of life.

4)Phone Calls Home- I always take time out of my busy schedule to talk to the most inspiring and supportive people in my life.  My parents live in a different state, so I don’t get to see them as often as I would like.  I phone home to make sure everything is ok.  I also cherish our conversations because they motivate me to keep pushing to be the best that I can be.

5)Black Soap- In my years on this planet I never found a face wash that worked well on my face. None.  Then I tried black soap, and I won’t use anything else. The look of it sometimes intimidates my houseguests, but it works great.  It evens my skin tone, refines my pores, and clears up any blemishes almost instantly.  The best thing is that it never dries out my skin.

6)Dance- Dance has always been a part of my life.  It’s a great way to de-stress and express yourself without the use of words.  Anyone can do it. You don’t have to have rhythm. I break into a random weird dance in my apartment probably daily.  Then I laugh at myself and keep it moving.

7)Vaseline Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil- I use this right after my shower, while my skin is still wet.  It locks in moisture and keeps my skin smooth all day long.  Smells good too.

8)Mini Sketch Book- I first invested in one when I was taking courses at FIT.   I carry it with me while I’m on-the-go, in case I get inspired and need to sketch out an idea quickly.  I also use it to jot down daily notes and reminders.

9)Ipod- I absolutely love music and have my Ipod on me at all times.  Your Ipod has the soundtrack to whatever is going on in your life at the moment.  It’s a reflection of your mood.  It’s also the best way to block out some of the unwanted noise of the city.

10)Kinky Curly Curling Custard- This is my low maintenance way of defining my curls.  One application lasts several days, so I use it about twice a week, and on the other days I just spray my hair with water and conditioner, then I shake and go.

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- New York

This Looks Like That

July 13th, 2010

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We were skeptical at first, but now we’ve got to say- this muuto basket certainly does look alot like the Pela !

via This & That

- New York