STUDIO83

MUSIC
I’m all for having serious conversations about the mournful symphonies on
The Cure’s “Disintegration”, or discussing the use of reverb on the Jesus
and Mary Chain’s “Psychocandy”, but right now I’m more into the amazing new music around.  Here are just a few of the bands/artists that are doing it for me at the moment.

Oh Land

This ballerina turned indie singer has been making a name for herself. Drawing influence from both classical and experimental arts. Imagine Abba fronting an amalgamation of Kaskade and Florence + the machine. With her eponymous follow-up album produced by, and featuring, the great Pharell Williams, and a live sound more visceral than anything else around, this year should rightfully be hers.                                                      http://www.myspace.com/ohlandmusic

Sedrique D’Juan

I heard his mixtape, “Robots &Puppets”, through a girlfriend via twitter and after a thorough listening session I fell in love.  The first thing you notice about this upbeat yet philosophical rapper is his eclectic, anti-trend sense of style. The next thing you can’t help but love is his raw psyche, which makes his sound so delectable.  If his EP’s as good as the mixtape, we should all be hearing a lot more about the talented Mr. D’Juan in the coming years. http://www.mediafire.com/?gm532azwhwsjo2l

The Dig

They’ve been around for a while but haven’t fully picked up steam yet. Now working on their sophomore album, The Dig has leaked their new single “For All Your Sins”. Showcasing a sad, melancholy side to the band, it actually comes as no surprise that the piece was featured on Gossip Girl- not just because their ready to be teen heartthrobs, but Gossip Girl actually has some great music on it (Following in the footsteps of The OC). http://www.myspace.com/thedigisup

 

Mick Stillz

I have a serious crush on this boy. He’s got a gut-wrenchingly hot, tattooed body, sounds like he knew the Tupac and Jay Z lyrics by heart by the time he was two, and writes music that will stay in your head for weeks, tripping off your tongue like a fuzzed-out, garage pop smoothie. (I’m so sprung!) And as if his baby faced good looks and beastly rap skills weren’t enough, his personal style will impress you too. Europe has already embraced him.  Time for the rest of us to follow.                                                                                                   http://www.mickstillz.com

FASHION

 
Most people who know me know I don’t follow fashion. I hate stars who look totally overstyled, like Victoria Beckham; give me Amber Rose, with her bald head and ripped fishnet tights, any day.  For me, fashion is about pushing boundaries.  Patricia Field once told me that people who aren’t creative or have no love for art don’t dress up, I asked her why people should and she replied simply, “Because it’s fun”. Sage advice.  Here are some trends I’m looking forward to in the coming winter season.

Brogues

People seem to be moving toward the more practical side of fashion and you
can’t get more reliable and all-purpose than a pair of leather brogues.  Check out the brogues with heels—yes, that’s right, with a three-inch heel!  Special!

Baggy Sweaters

Grunge is not going anywhere anytime soon.  These are comfortable, cozy, and you can take one right off your man’s back.  Pair one with the black tights and heeled ankle boots.

Animal Prints

As opposed to the more sedate dots and stripes. I like to imagine an entire Nelson Mandela Square overflowing with clothes made out of animal prints like leopard, snake and even zebra. Baggy Sweaters
Grunge is not going anywhere anytime soon.  These are comfortable, cozy, and you can take one right off your man’s back.  Pair one with the black tights and heeled ankle boots.

Camel Tones

Instead of stark monochrome or new rave fluoro, I think 2011 will see people
dressing in shades of grey and beige, more toned down and less outlandish.

Patterned Tights

Patterned tights are a simple and inexpensive way to spice up your wardrobe. If you buy patterned tights, take a cue from me and go all out. Select a strong pattern (geometric ones really pack a punch) and don’t be afraid to mix and match with other patterns and textures in your ensemble. 

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Simone