Mykita x Maison Martin Margiela

Just released, the collaboration between Berlin’s Mykita Eyewear and Paris’ Maison Martin Margiela is as good as one could hope for. When you think of these two brands, similar words probably pop into your mind- conceptual, technological, forward-thinking. That is exactly what this collaboration brings. 

Divided into two categories, there are stainless steel designs which use Mykita’s amazingly lightweight materials. The shapes are inspired by historical designs and coated to produce a monochrome body which envelopes the wearer’s face. They are also outfitted with matching lenses and come in 6 unisex styles and 4 colorways. 

The second category is called “Dual”. These pairs are made of all acetate and have a striking two-tone appearance. The more rounded designs definitely have two identities and they come in 4 unisex styles and 5 colorways. 

With Spring finally upon us, now is the time to invest in quality sun protection and these limited sunglasses are a fail safe choice. Mykita has risen through the eyewear ranks in recent years and is known for their high design and unrivaled quality. Throw in a Margiela touch and you have something you will never want to take off. 

More information here. 

-JRS 

Under The Skin Sountrack

After seeing Under the Skin this past weekend, I quickly fell in love with the incredible soundtrack. Mica Levi (of Miccachu and the Shapes) was approached by director Johnathan Glazer and his team to come up with music that appropriately suited the dark, otherwordly film. Levi used inspiration the likes of John Cale and euphoric dance to create not just a soundtrack, but a haunting accompaniment that is absolutely vital to the film. She wrote the music and played most of it on a viola in spaces ranging from a studio in a storage facility to a more traditional recording venue. 

This is the first soundtrack in quite some time that I quickly went out and bought. The soundscapes are a perfect match for the film and capture the quiet, moodiness of Johansson’s alien character.  To top things off, this was the best sci-fi film I have seen in years and I’m looking forward to many repeat viewings. 

Download it here. 

-JRS 

Is It Fall Yet? Junya Watanabe F/W 2014

The 90 degree heat in Los Angeles today is brvtal and oppressive. I had to give in and wear shorts, which I HATE doing. The blazing weather is just a reminder of how much we love the fall, cold weather outfits and of course, everything black. Last month in Paris, Junya Watanabe presented a stunning collection that was both conceptual and technologically advanced. Mixed fabrics, multiple layers and artful drapes created absolutely striking looks that are not for the timid. The best part? It was all in the perfect color palatte. See you soon, October. 

-JRS 

Lucifer Rising - The Lost Film

On April 17, 2014, Cinespia presents “Lucifer Rising”, the lost film collaboration between Jimmy Paige and Kenneth Anger at the UA Theater at the Ace Hotel DTLA. Thought to have been lost, Cinespia has uncovered this gem with the legendary Kenneth Anger is person! This is not to be missed.

More information at Cinespia. 

Über - A WWII Comic

Last month saw the release of Über Vol. 1, a comic series written by British author Kieron Gillen (of Invincible Iron Man and Uncanny X-Men acclaim) and illustrated by Canaan White. The story follows the Third Reich’s development of superhuman Nazi soldiers which allows them to avoid defeat and change the tide of the second great war. The allied forces then have to develop super soldiers of their own or the world will fall under Hitler’s rule. Gillen did years of research and uses factual circumstances and historical figures throughout the series.  Über  is incredibly dark and hyper violent, making it a comic not for the faint of heart. Its brutality and historical portrayal of people like Hitler and Churchill is incredible and White’s illustrations capture everything perfectly. To be honest, I haven’t picked up a comic in a long time, but this is something that will appeal to many different types of readers. The 1940’s war aesthetic is spot on and the writing is both serious and witty. Those looking for a bleak, gory read that is also ridiculously fun should pick this up. 

Released by Avatar Comics. 

Hilma af Klint x Acne Studios

Leave it to Stockholm’s Acne Studios to mine a forgotten abstract art pioneer and re-interpret her works into wearable, modern fashion. Hilma af Klint was born in Sweden in 1862 and while forgotten for generations, she is now credited as creating some of the very first works of abstract art. She was a painter and dedicated mystic who was very influenced by spirituality and philosophy. 

From Acne Studios: 

Inspired by new spirituality of the late 19th century, and with an interest in esoteric and the occult, Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) created a complex collection of artwork. She wanted to create a higher union between the opposites of the polarized world, such as male and female, light and darkness, striving for reconciliation of contradiction, for unity and totality. Af Klint thought that her art was meant for humanity in the future and stipulated that it should not be shown until 20 years after her death. But it even took a few more decades before her extensive body of work was discovered by the art world. In early 2013, the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm, unveiled the largest af Klint exhibition to date and “Hilma af Kint: A Pioneer of Abstraction” was published. 

To view and shop the full men’s and women’s capsule collection and purchase the book, please visit Acne Studios. 

Minor Science – Noble Gas EP (TTT018).

Out now on Trilogy Tapes, Minor Science provides sophisticated Dutch house and techno from a London-bred producer. Perfect to the get the weekend going.

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Bunkers, Brutalism and Bloodymindedness: Concrete Poetry Episode 1 

Part one of the new BBC documentary exploring the merits of my favorite architectural movement, Brutalism. Visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. 

-JRS

Paris Fashion Week: Ann Demeulemeester A/W 2014

Miss Demeulemeester has long been a favorite of the Brvtalist. When she announced her departure from her namesake line last year, I was a little saddened, but still quite hopeful for the future of the brand. This season in Paris marks the first time the company’s founder was not at the helm of the collection. While I was a bit nervous at first, after seeing the line roll out, I knew I could rest easy once again. 

With a mix of both men’s and women’s, the line is a nice nod to the woman who started it all. Beautiful drapes and asymmetric cuts definitely hit to the core of the brand, and I was happy to see it stayed more than true to the ethos. Mostly black with some off white and bursts of gold, if I didn’t know Miss. Demeulemeester left I would have just assumed this was her line - and that is a very good thing. Excited to see more from the new designers. 

-JRS