Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Metro Needs Your Input For The Westside


"Over the past 30 years, tremendous population and employment growth, worsening congestion, changing land uses and traffic patterns, as well as Metro’s challenge to meet transit demand, have led to the need to improve mobility in what is now known as the Westside Corridor." - Metro.net

That said, a $5 Billion plan is finally underway to create a mass transit system underground for the Westside. Although the entire process will take about 9 years, within a 5 years (2013) a subway of some kind will be in effect...probably the 'Subway to the Sea' will open the first phase of its route to the public.

The area of interest for Metro will extend from the existing Metro Rail Hollywood/Highland and Wilshire/Western Stations to the Pacific Ocean. The northern boundary will follow the base of the Santa Monica Mountains along Hollywood, Sunset and San Vicente Boulevards. The southern boundary follows Pico Boulevard. The overall area will be approximately 38 square miles.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, Metro hopes to see the public over the next week at their three public meetings. As Angelinos, this is our time to speak up and have a say about the subway system we've all been waiting for.

Let's not forget, the transit sytem will directly effect Real Estate values all around town!

Metro will hold public update meetings on "Metro Westside Extension Transit Corridor Study" as follows:

Thursday, January 31: Los Angeles County Museum of Art-West, 6-8 p.m., LACMA-West Terrace Room, 5th Floor, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, Metro Service provided on Lines 20, 720, 920, 217 & 780. Validated parking is available in the lot on the southeast corner of Wilshire & Spaulding.

Tuesday, February 5: Westwood Presbyterian Church, 6- 8 p.m., 10822 Wilshire Boulevard (at Malcolm Avenue), Los Angeles, CA. Metro Service provided on Line 20, 720 & 920.Free parking available at the location

Wednesday, February 6: Plummer Park, 6-8 p.m., 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Plummer Place), West Hollywood, CA, Metro service provided on Line 4. Free parking available at the location.

Metro Needs Your Input For The Westside


"Over the past 30 years, tremendous population and employment growth, worsening congestion, changing land uses and traffic patterns, as well as Metro’s challenge to meet transit demand, have led to the need to improve mobility in what is now known as the Westside Corridor." - Metro.net

That said, a $5 Billion plan is finally underway to create a mass transit system underground for the Westside. Although the entire process will take about 9 years, within a 5 years (2013) a subway of some kind will be in effect...probably the 'Subway to the Sea' will open the first phase of its route to the public.

The area of interest for Metro will extend from the existing Metro Rail Hollywood/Highland and Wilshire/Western Stations to the Pacific Ocean. The northern boundary will follow the base of the Santa Monica Mountains along Hollywood, Sunset and San Vicente Boulevards. The southern boundary follows Pico Boulevard. The overall area will be approximately 38 square miles.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, Metro hopes to see the public over the next week at their three public meetings. As Angelinos, this is our time to speak up and have a say about the subway system we've all been waiting for.

Let's not forget, the transit sytem will directly effect Real Estate values all around town!

Metro will hold public update meetings on "Metro Westside Extension Transit Corridor Study" as follows:

Thursday, January 31: Los Angeles County Museum of Art-West, 6-8 p.m., LACMA-West Terrace Room, 5th Floor, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, Metro Service provided on Lines 20, 720, 920, 217 & 780. Validated parking is available in the lot on the southeast corner of Wilshire & Spaulding.

Tuesday, February 5: Westwood Presbyterian Church, 6- 8 p.m., 10822 Wilshire Boulevard (at Malcolm Avenue), Los Angeles, CA. Metro Service provided on Line 20, 720 & 920.Free parking available at the location

Wednesday, February 6: Plummer Park, 6-8 p.m., 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Plummer Place), West Hollywood, CA, Metro service provided on Line 4. Free parking available at the location.

Monday, January 28, 2008

A Facelift for Santa Monica Place


Originally & surprisingly designed by Frank Gehry, Santa Monica Place opened in 1980.

After two renovations in 1990 and 1996, this 557,000 square foot mall will officially close its doors on the 31st of January.

THE PLAN: Santa Monica Place will undergo a drastic transformation to become an outdoor shopping area. The space will be converted to an outdoor mall in order to better connect with shoppers on the adjacent Third Street Promenade. In addition to taking advantage of the area’s ocean views, the design will better reflect the interests of this unique community, as well as create a dynamic environment that makes the most of the urban, beachside setting.

I've heard plans for condos in the Santa Monica Place redevelopement, but nothing has been confirmed on the official website.

I've also heard that that the new shops will be geared toward that of designers and high end luxury brands. The mall will be very upscale.

The renderings for the new Santa Monica Place look amazing... check out the link below for a complete visual tour:

http://www.santamonicaplace.com/redevelopment/santamonicaplace/index3.html

-S

A Facelift for Santa Monica Place


Originally & surprisingly designed by Frank Gehry, Santa Monica Place opened in 1980.

After two renovations in 1990 and 1996, this 557,000 square foot mall will officially close its doors on the 31st of January.

THE PLAN: Santa Monica Place will undergo a drastic transformation to become an outdoor shopping area. The space will be converted to an outdoor mall in order to better connect with shoppers on the adjacent Third Street Promenade. In addition to taking advantage of the area’s ocean views, the design will better reflect the interests of this unique community, as well as create a dynamic environment that makes the most of the urban, beachside setting.

I've heard plans for condos in the Santa Monica Place redevelopement, but nothing has been confirmed on the official website.

I've also heard that that the new shops will be geared toward that of designers and high end luxury brands. The mall will be very upscale.

The renderings for the new Santa Monica Place look amazing... check out the link below for a complete visual tour:

http://www.santamonicaplace.com/redevelopment/santamonicaplace/index3.html

-S

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Marmol-Radziner PREFAB



Marmol-Radziner has listed their prototype for Marmol-Radziner's new Prefab Division which is located in Desert Hot Springs.

The list price is $1,850,000.

If you're looking for a summer home in the desert, this new collection of Prefab homes is the way to go.

Check out the Marmol-Radzinger Prefab website for the extra extra

http://www.marmolradzinerprefab.com

-S

Marmol-Radziner PREFAB



Marmol-Radziner has listed their prototype for Marmol-Radziner's new Prefab Division which is located in Desert Hot Springs.

The list price is $1,850,000.

If you're looking for a summer home in the desert, this new collection of Prefab homes is the way to go.

Check out the Marmol-Radzinger Prefab website for the extra extra

http://www.marmolradzinerprefab.com

-S

Friday, January 25, 2008

"The Family Brand"



One Big Family.
One Small House.
One Ambitious Dream of Urban Domestic Bliss.

From what I have heard, the story goes like this: The Alan's chose Architect Neil M. Denari to remodel their L.A. home after being inspired by what the architect did with the L.A. Eyeworks showroom on Beverly Blvd.

The concept for the redesign & 1000 sqft. addition of the Alan house is nothing short of INNOVATIVE: "Every Family Is A Unique Brand."

The result is a house that is not only aesthetically pleasing to the Alan's, but more importantly meets the unique needs of the family by focusing on family-brand attributes, strategy, and tactics. The Alan house is the perfect marriage of design forwardness + a sensitivity to family dynamics.

Check out the Alan House website @ http://web.mac.com/ericalan/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html ...I've never seen a website like this before, especially for a residential home.

-S

"The Family Brand"



One Big Family.
One Small House.
One Ambitious Dream of Urban Domestic Bliss.

From what I have heard, the story goes like this: The Alan's chose Architect Neil M. Denari to remodel their L.A. home after being inspired by what the architect did with the L.A. Eyeworks showroom on Beverly Blvd.

The concept for the redesign & 1000 sqft. addition of the Alan house is nothing short of INNOVATIVE: "Every Family Is A Unique Brand."

The result is a house that is not only aesthetically pleasing to the Alan's, but more importantly meets the unique needs of the family by focusing on family-brand attributes, strategy, and tactics. The Alan house is the perfect marriage of design forwardness + a sensitivity to family dynamics.

Check out the Alan House website @ http://web.mac.com/ericalan/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html ...I've never seen a website like this before, especially for a residential home.

-S

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Flip & Tumble Bags






The "PLASTIC BAG BACKLASH" has offcially begun.

In the search for the perfect reusable bag, I found the 24-7 FLIP & TUMBLE BAG.

Designed to be that one bag you carry with you all the time, the 24-7 bag lives in your messenger bag, purse, backpack, or car cupholder so that it’s always there when you need it.

What I love about the Flip & Tumble company is their philosophy:

"We are about finding those little moments to bring some joy into the mundane. We are commited to finding clever solutions that make the everyday just a little less so. We think our lives are complicated enough, so our products won’t be. Why flip & tumble? Well, that’s kind of how our bags work. Flip a couple of panels and you’ve got a bag ready to tumble along wherever you go."

flipandtumble.com

-S

Flip & Tumble Bags






The "PLASTIC BAG BACKLASH" has offcially begun.

In the search for the perfect reusable bag, I found the 24-7 FLIP & TUMBLE BAG.

Designed to be that one bag you carry with you all the time, the 24-7 bag lives in your messenger bag, purse, backpack, or car cupholder so that it’s always there when you need it.

What I love about the Flip & Tumble company is their philosophy:

"We are about finding those little moments to bring some joy into the mundane. We are commited to finding clever solutions that make the everyday just a little less so. We think our lives are complicated enough, so our products won’t be. Why flip & tumble? Well, that’s kind of how our bags work. Flip a couple of panels and you’ve got a bag ready to tumble along wherever you go."

flipandtumble.com

-S

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Andy Warhol Smells

Andy Warhol once said his favorite smell was "the first smell of spring in New York".

Called "Andy Warhol Union Square", The perfumer Bond No. 9's has created a Warhol-inspired frangrance for a limited addition collection.

The bottle design is inspired by Warhol's "Flowers" silkscreens and by Union Square, which was the second location of his Factory.

And the smell itself? It has a cool silver cloud musk and amber base, with lily of the valley top notes and a sweet blue freesia and white birchwood heart. " It is complex and quirky but does not cross the line into the land of strange for strangeness's sake. It is rich with amber, but not overwhelming. Incense-heavy, but not churchy. Sweet but not syrupy." - (perfumesmellinthings.com)

Yum,

-S

Andy Warhol Smells

Andy Warhol once said his favorite smell was "the first smell of spring in New York".

Called "Andy Warhol Union Square", The perfumer Bond No. 9's has created a Warhol-inspired frangrance for a limited addition collection.

The bottle design is inspired by Warhol's "Flowers" silkscreens and by Union Square, which was the second location of his Factory.

And the smell itself? It has a cool silver cloud musk and amber base, with lily of the valley top notes and a sweet blue freesia and white birchwood heart. " It is complex and quirky but does not cross the line into the land of strange for strangeness's sake. It is rich with amber, but not overwhelming. Incense-heavy, but not churchy. Sweet but not syrupy." - (perfumesmellinthings.com)

Yum,

-S

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Artist: Siggi Eggertsson




Siggi Eggertsson is an illustrator from Iceland. Born in 1984, this young artist has already worked for an impressive clientele including HM, Coca-Cola, Nike, and Stussy.

What I love about Siggi is that most of his graphic designs have a patchwork style to them. The quilt-like quality of his works are the perfect juxtaposition of new and old.

I just love seeing young, succesfull artists with an authentic point of view.

If you wanna check out more of Siggi's works, an extensive collection of Siggi's colorful works can be found @ his website: www.vanillusaft.com

-S

Artist: Siggi Eggertsson




Siggi Eggertsson is an illustrator from Iceland. Born in 1984, this young artist has already worked for an impressive clientele including HM, Coca-Cola, Nike, and Stussy.

What I love about Siggi is that most of his graphic designs have a patchwork style to them. The quilt-like quality of his works are the perfect juxtaposition of new and old.

I just love seeing young, succesfull artists with an authentic point of view.

If you wanna check out more of Siggi's works, an extensive collection of Siggi's colorful works can be found @ his website: www.vanillusaft.com

-S

Monday, January 21, 2008

BCAM Opens In February


You are cordially invited to the opening of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) at LACMA.

LACMA Free Community Weekend Sponsored by Target
February 16–18


Join LACMA for the opening of Transformation Phase I featuring the Broad Contemporary Art Museum, BP Grand Entrance, and outdoor works by Chris Burden, Robert Irwin, Jeff Koons, and Charles Ray. Bring family and friends for a free weekend of celebration including performances by the Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company • found sound by Alan Nakagawa and musical guests • live music and DJs • artists' workshops • free photo booth.
February 16–18 11 am–8 pm Free tickets required

You must reserve free tickets ahead of time. Tickets are dated and timed. You may reserve your tickets by visiting online ticketing and selecting "Exhibitions" on the left hand side of the ticketing page. You may also visit the LACMA box office, or call the box office at 323 857-6010.

NEW ART @ BCAM
John Baldessari
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Ross Bleckner
Chris Burden
Eric Fischl
Jack Goldstein
Leon Golub
Damien Hirst
Jenny Holzer
Jasper Johns
Mike Kelley
Ellsworth Kelly
Jeff Koons
Barbara Kruger
Roy Lichtenstein
Robert Longo
Robert Rauschenberg
Charles Ray
Susan Rothenberg
Edward Ruscha
David Salle
Julian Schnabel
Richard Serra
Cindy Sherman
Philip Taaffe
Mark Tansey
Robert Therrien
Cy Twombly
Andy Warhol
Christopher Wool

BCAM Opens In February


You are cordially invited to the opening of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) at LACMA.

LACMA Free Community Weekend Sponsored by Target
February 16–18


Join LACMA for the opening of Transformation Phase I featuring the Broad Contemporary Art Museum, BP Grand Entrance, and outdoor works by Chris Burden, Robert Irwin, Jeff Koons, and Charles Ray. Bring family and friends for a free weekend of celebration including performances by the Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company • found sound by Alan Nakagawa and musical guests • live music and DJs • artists' workshops • free photo booth.
February 16–18 11 am–8 pm Free tickets required

You must reserve free tickets ahead of time. Tickets are dated and timed. You may reserve your tickets by visiting online ticketing and selecting "Exhibitions" on the left hand side of the ticketing page. You may also visit the LACMA box office, or call the box office at 323 857-6010.

NEW ART @ BCAM
John Baldessari
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Ross Bleckner
Chris Burden
Eric Fischl
Jack Goldstein
Leon Golub
Damien Hirst
Jenny Holzer
Jasper Johns
Mike Kelley
Ellsworth Kelly
Jeff Koons
Barbara Kruger
Roy Lichtenstein
Robert Longo
Robert Rauschenberg
Charles Ray
Susan Rothenberg
Edward Ruscha
David Salle
Julian Schnabel
Richard Serra
Cindy Sherman
Philip Taaffe
Mark Tansey
Robert Therrien
Cy Twombly
Andy Warhol
Christopher Wool

Saturday, January 19, 2008

M.I.A. for Marc Jacobs


Have you seen the new Marc Jacobs ads? Marc's latest ad campaign (spring/summer 08) features my favorite Sri Lankin diva, M.I.A.

I'm happy to see her branch out in this way...Some might say that's she's on her way to selling out, but I think she's more importantly representing for an ethnic minority rarely seen in western fashion mags. Plus, the whole androgynous thing never gets old with me.

Love it!

-S

SYI: Favorite M.I.A. track right now: "Jimmy"

M.I.A. for Marc Jacobs


Have you seen the new Marc Jacobs ads? Marc's latest ad campaign (spring/summer 08) features my favorite Sri Lankin diva, M.I.A.

I'm happy to see her branch out in this way...Some might say that's she's on her way to selling out, but I think she's more importantly representing for an ethnic minority rarely seen in western fashion mags. Plus, the whole androgynous thing never gets old with me.

Love it!

-S

SYI: Favorite M.I.A. track right now: "Jimmy"

Friday, January 18, 2008

An Homage to Alexander Girard


Alexander Girard Print (for matchbook covers) @ La Fonda Del Sol Restaurant -1961

Alexander Girard Pillows -2007


Jeff Canham Print for Roxy Clothing -2007

Jonathan Adler Sun Ornament -2007

Alexander Girard is probably the least well-known of the great designers associated with mid-century modern design. Many in the design world have said that Girard was the greatest colorist and textile designer of modern time, yet many outside of the design world are completely unaware of Girard's work.

Lately, I've been noticing that Alexander Girard's work has gained some mainstream appeal in todays design market... this is most evident when one compares Girard's body of work to that of Jonathan Adler's design empire (www.jonathanadler.com), or that of artist Jeff Canham (www.jeffcanham.com). In my opinion, It's clear that both artists have been greatly influenced by Girard's use of vibrant color palettes and folk inspired textiles.

For those of you who are/were not familiar with Alexander Girard, I hope that you will find his work as inspiring to your life as it has been to mine. It's a bit of fun an whimsy that can make the space around you a wonderful land of lala. I'm a true believer that a playful space will provoke a playful life, and that is what I'm offering you today.

To revel in girards art, go to
www.alexandergirard.com

-S

SYI: Girard: "Art is only art when it is synonymous with living.”

An Homage to Alexander Girard


Alexander Girard Print (for matchbook covers) @ La Fonda Del Sol Restaurant -1961

Alexander Girard Pillows -2007


Jeff Canham Print for Roxy Clothing -2007

Jonathan Adler Sun Ornament -2007

Alexander Girard is probably the least well-known of the great designers associated with mid-century modern design. Many in the design world have said that Girard was the greatest colorist and textile designer of modern time, yet many outside of the design world are completely unaware of Girard's work.

Lately, I've been noticing that Alexander Girard's work has gained some mainstream appeal in todays design market... this is most evident when one compares Girard's body of work to that of Jonathan Adler's design empire (www.jonathanadler.com), or that of artist Jeff Canham (www.jeffcanham.com). In my opinion, It's clear that both artists have been greatly influenced by Girard's use of vibrant color palettes and folk inspired textiles.

For those of you who are/were not familiar with Alexander Girard, I hope that you will find his work as inspiring to your life as it has been to mine. It's a bit of fun an whimsy that can make the space around you a wonderful land of lala. I'm a true believer that a playful space will provoke a playful life, and that is what I'm offering you today.

To revel in girards art, go to
www.alexandergirard.com

-S

SYI: Girard: "Art is only art when it is synonymous with living.”

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Bright House!


Introducing: Jessica Gehring & Bright House Events!

Recently launched, Bright House Events is a full-service event production and environment design company by my dear friend Jessica Gehring. From Hollywood to New York, Dallas to Chicago, and Las Vegas to Dubai, Jessica has lit up legendary events around the globe.

Over the past six years, she has earned her bars and stripes within event production alongside gold star companies such as Best Events, Epiphany and MMA Group; giving her and Bright House Events the industry edge on the fast track to producing high-level, successful events.

Jessica's client list ranges from USHER to MOTOROLA, encompassing a savvy mix of A-List celebrities, alpha social groups, big name brands and the trends that love them. Perfecting the fine art of communicating style - with meaning and integrity in tact - takes a clever and crafty combination of talent, imagination and drive... in walks Jessica with Bright House Events, always seeking new challenges and an opportunity to raise the bar higher

Bright House events range from corporate to social, runway shows to movie premieres, weddings to bar/bat mitzvahs, and any other event where remembrance is desired. With sharp focus and detailed attentiveness to her clients, Jessica never ceases to surprise and surpass expectations - sidestepping the ordinary and making a beeline for the magic.

Check out Bright House Events online for photos & the complete list of Jessica's clientele.

Bright House!


Introducing: Jessica Gehring & Bright House Events!

Recently launched, Bright House Events is a full-service event production and environment design company by my dear friend Jessica Gehring. From Hollywood to New York, Dallas to Chicago, and Las Vegas to Dubai, Jessica has lit up legendary events around the globe.

Over the past six years, she has earned her bars and stripes within event production alongside gold star companies such as Best Events, Epiphany and MMA Group; giving her and Bright House Events the industry edge on the fast track to producing high-level, successful events.

Jessica's client list ranges from USHER to MOTOROLA, encompassing a savvy mix of A-List celebrities, alpha social groups, big name brands and the trends that love them. Perfecting the fine art of communicating style - with meaning and integrity in tact - takes a clever and crafty combination of talent, imagination and drive... in walks Jessica with Bright House Events, always seeking new challenges and an opportunity to raise the bar higher

Bright House events range from corporate to social, runway shows to movie premieres, weddings to bar/bat mitzvahs, and any other event where remembrance is desired. With sharp focus and detailed attentiveness to her clients, Jessica never ceases to surprise and surpass expectations - sidestepping the ordinary and making a beeline for the magic.

Check out Bright House Events online for photos & the complete list of Jessica's clientele.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

PLAN59

Revel in ads from the 50's & 60's @ www.plan59.com... a website celebrating "the commercial art of
mid-century America."

*The "Decor" section is my personal favorite... Truly inspirational, and suprisingly relevant to current modern design.

-S

www.plan59.com

PLAN59

Revel in ads from the 50's & 60's @ www.plan59.com... a website celebrating "the commercial art of
mid-century America."

*The "Decor" section is my personal favorite... Truly inspirational, and suprisingly relevant to current modern design.

-S

www.plan59.com

Monday, January 14, 2008

LAMILL: Silver Lake



Just opened on January 11th, LAMILL (LA MILL) is a gourmet café from the Alhambra based beanery which supplies everyone from Katsuya to Bastide.

Designed after a mid-century, upscale clubhouse (vintage club chairs, 1800s brass chandelier), this gourmet café offers Silverlakeians a cool new place to have a cup-o'-joe, or more.

The company is open about their coffee obssesion. LAMILL is committed to sourcing the Earth in an effort to produce the world’s best cup of coffee. They only use coffee beans that are grown between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. For those of you, who slept through geography, "imagine a wide band around the Earth’s equator. Known as the Bean Belt, it boasts rich soil and mild temperatures with plenty of rain and shaded sun - an ideal climate for growing coffee." Also interesting, their espresso's are served at an exact 165 degrees.

LAMILL opens at 6am with pastries, and starts slinging full breakfast at 8.

LAMILL
1636 Silverlake Blvd, Silverlake
323.663.444

LAMILLCOFFEE.COM

-S

SYI: check out speacialty drink "Coffee and a Cigarette" ... the drink features tobacco-infused whipped cream!

LAMILL: Silver Lake



Just opened on January 11th, LAMILL (LA MILL) is a gourmet café from the Alhambra based beanery which supplies everyone from Katsuya to Bastide.

Designed after a mid-century, upscale clubhouse (vintage club chairs, 1800s brass chandelier), this gourmet café offers Silverlakeians a cool new place to have a cup-o'-joe, or more.

The company is open about their coffee obssesion. LAMILL is committed to sourcing the Earth in an effort to produce the world’s best cup of coffee. They only use coffee beans that are grown between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. For those of you, who slept through geography, "imagine a wide band around the Earth’s equator. Known as the Bean Belt, it boasts rich soil and mild temperatures with plenty of rain and shaded sun - an ideal climate for growing coffee." Also interesting, their espresso's are served at an exact 165 degrees.

LAMILL opens at 6am with pastries, and starts slinging full breakfast at 8.

LAMILL
1636 Silverlake Blvd, Silverlake
323.663.444

LAMILLCOFFEE.COM

-S

SYI: check out speacialty drink "Coffee and a Cigarette" ... the drink features tobacco-infused whipped cream!

Friday, January 11, 2008

Design On A Dime


"MISS K" by PHILIPPE STARCK for FLOS



"LAMPAN" TABLE LAMP by IKEA

$325 or $5 Bucks? Tough decision, huh.

-S

Design On A Dime


"MISS K" by PHILIPPE STARCK for FLOS



"LAMPAN" TABLE LAMP by IKEA

$325 or $5 Bucks? Tough decision, huh.

-S