October 7, 2009 | Video | by Kira Heuer |

Life is filled with many hidden delights that keep us warm on those days when the world seems confused and expended. One of my favorite delights is finding that new song that you play over and over again. Repeat, repeat, dancing around in your room, acting a complete fool and enjoying every moment of it. Lovers Electric is the new sound to kick off my day and keep me smiling.

September 23, 2009 | Video | by Kira Heuer |

Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era. When I read about historical icons I tend to glamorize them. Their lives seemed so vividly validated, pioneers creating new ground, having the courage to speak an alternative language full of questions and tinged adversity. Mark Twain’s quote, ‘I have never let my schooling interfere with my education’, somehow puts me back in my place, reminding me to write my own way. Artists Miso and Ghostpatrol organically sketch their way to inspiring street art that holds dear to frontierland. Together their momentum clears uncommon ground.

Cool Websites / We Are Coo

August 27, 2009 | Cool Websites | by Kira Heuer |

Los Angeles sister communicates with New York sister — texts, e-mails, conference calls, BBMs, IMs, Skype — using divine imagery to inspire a thought, memory or whatever resonates with the moment in time. Surging their way into our purpose-filled lives, this site offers a refreshing delight. A conversation without words could be considered a lost art, and when you combine that with two sisters lending their daily thoughts to each other, a smile resides. Not to mention that the images are fantastic.

New Trends / Artfarm, where all tattooed pigs live

June 15, 2009 | New Trends | by Kira Heuer |

I wonder if these piggies understand what is going on? They’re a part of Artfarm, a collective of swine and tattoo ink. The Belgian artist Wim Delvoye worked with The Foundation Cartier on this recent project. Hmmm, it seems more like Artharm. Or should that be Artham? Read more

New Illustration / Say Hello To My Little Friends

May 27, 2009 | New Illustration | by Kira Heuer |

Finding inspiration from his childhood doodles, artist Loren Kreiss brings his new solo show Say Hello to My Little Friends to New York’s Fuller Building on May 28. I not only want to say Hello, I want to meet these evolved beasts. I treasure the moment when I see the direct relationship between artist and art work and recognize the defining moment when the artist let’s the pieces go to create a life of their own. The sense of humor behind Kriess’ work is such clever wit: each name is an ode to pop culture and playful minion-making. Selfishly, I am partial to The Allegra Twins, as this is my middle name, and smirk in the knowledge that these jovial gals are up to no good.

New Fashion / Chunk streetwear

May 27, 2009 | New Fashion | by Kira Heuer |

In 2007, a group of New York boys brought bike polo over to London’s Brick Lane and it’s been taking a life of its own ever since. Historically, this hardcourt sport began in 1891 and even got a start at the 1908 Olympics. As it re-emerges onto the scene, Chunk, a London-based street wear label drives the sport forward with their line of wear, as well as sponsoring the 2009 European Bike Polo Championship, and the London based team, BRBPC. History meets innovation, preppy meets urban. Read more

New Design / Conquer Gear t shirt designs

May 25, 2009 | New Design | by Kira Heuer |

Heavily influenced by music and film, the design team at Conquer Gear showcases their tees not as clothes, but indubitably as limited edition art pieces. That said, I wonder what film or music piece inspired Mr. Owl picture t shirt [below]? Led Zeppelin came to mind, but then so did Joni Mitchell!. As for film inspirations, Clockwork Orange, Lord of the Rings and Out of Africa. Hmmm, maybe I’m not so good at this afterall. Read more

New Products / Zadig and Voltaire’s Tome I La Pureté

May 6, 2009 | New Products | by Kira Heuer |

I always knew it was going to be a good day when I woke up to the aroma of maple syrup and the tunes of Fleetwood Mac. Happy times in the kitchen with Dad were to follow. Bringing his mastery to the pancake world, he would whip up shapes of Micky Mouse, hearts, and even spell out my name. No matter where I am, when a get a whiff of that candied smell of enchantment, I smile in memory of Papa’s Pancakes and a time of pure innocence. Alas, a new smell arrived under my nose the other day. It was one that exuded the mystery of a place far from earth, mixed with milky blends to bring you a genuine sense of comfort. Read more

New Illustration / Francesco D’Isa

May 5, 2009 | New Illustration | by Kira Heuer |

Francesco D’Isa studied philosophy at Università degli Studi di Firenze and has a deep passion for porn, calling himself a ‘pornpope’ after, of course, ‘artist’ and ‘curator’ on his Facebook profile. When I came across his work, I thought it was a combination of Frida Kahlo and Gustav Klimt, if the two legends spent an afternoon together discussing life, politics, war, spirituality and the demise of the spirit. This image is titled Eden, from Francesco’s most recent series of works.

April 14, 2009 | New Trends | by Kira Heuer |

There’s a new rhythm rumbling around the world called Zizek and it’s calling a very eclectic crowd to its tribe. From cowboy wearing Texans to Colombian beauties, it’s representing an international language, where the deep pumping sounds remind us that there is fire within us all. It’s raw and alive.

New Art / Natasha Law’s illustrated ladies

April 13, 2009 | New Art | by Kira Heuer |

Body and movement have always been an interesting subject matter to me. Body language can speak such an intimate, potent language. Using gestures of form, a person can share what lies underneath their exterior and in one small movement you have the power to make someone feel at ease or a tiny twitch can be cause for an offensive type of energy, shooing a person away. I feel deeply for the body language in Natasha Law’s ladies. Read more

New Fashion / Mover ski wear

April 13, 2009 | New Fashion | by Kira Heuer |

I’ve been completely deprived this snow season. Trips this year seem to be passing me by and my only relationship to the flurry is dinner with friends who have just arrived back from Whistler, Verbier, and Mammoth. Showing off their iPhone picture albums, I respond cheerfully, all the while wondering how dusty my skis and snowboard are, and if my snow clothes are collecting mold at this point. But all hope is not lost. I recently came across Mover and it has become the perfect compromise: ‘If I’m not able to see the snow this time around, next year I’ll treat myself to a fantastic trip and be back fully equipped with ALL the Mover products. ‘Dressed head to glove, I’ll swish down the slopes, just me, the powder and Mover goodies!’ Read more

New Fashion / JT Handbags

March 26, 2009 | New Fashion | by Kira Heuer |

Lucy and Ricky, Abbot and Costello, Gilbert and Sullivan, the list goes on. We can now add Jeffrey and Tony of JT Handbags to the previous significant artists of their time. After collaborations with Giorgio Armani Privé, Swarovski, Derek Lam, Juicy Couture, and others, the boys launched their own handbag line in 2007. Draped in the windows of Bendels and Harvey Nicols, these luxury liners are seriously coveted. I first laid eyes on them six months ago and have not parted with my Hobo bag since. A splurge, yes, a regret, no! This is artistry at its finest.

New Design / Maria Holmer Dahlgren’s London-themed dishcloths

March 26, 2009 | New Design | by Kira Heuer |

Swedish graphic designer Maria Holmer Dahlgren comes to the hot plate with her new London inspired dishcloths. Made with vegetable dye and natural cellulose, they even adhere to the Eco God’s request for compostable goods. Raining Cats and Dogs seem to be an appropriate theme for London-town. Living here, one does become all too familiar with raindrops. But my favorite part of this lovely little dish dryer is its reminder of Rene Magritte’s Painting, Son of Man. Funnily enough, Magritte worked as an assistant designer in a wallpaper factory and was a poster and advertisement designer until 1926. A quirky little coincidence?

New Products / Kitty Wigs

March 19, 2009 | New Products | by Kira Heuer |

This is just what everyone has been missing in their lives: wigs for their Kitty Cats. I immediately ran down my list of friends who have cats, creating a scenario that involved my lady friends inviting me over for afternoon tea while Kasha, the master cat, Kiki, the chic Siamese wonder, Honey, the little darling, and, of course, Sugar, who really couldn’t be bothered with anything, were in attendance. As we sip our Darjeeling and enjoy cream filled canapes, the kitties peruse the grounds with their wigs attached as if it were just another afternoon for sipping tea. Its so Marie Antoinette circa 2009. Right before I tip my judgment hat, I can’t help but smile and think we need a little more playfulness in our lives and this really has no reason to be denied. It’s too funny.