Molding Fashion Into Art: WMATY

WHAT’S MORE ALIVE THAN YOU™ is an incredible Italian shoe/bag/accessory manufacturer that involves both male and female designers from all over the world in the creation of its varying collections, spreading culture and life through creativity. The aim of WMATY products are to appeal to those of us who want our fashionable selves to have a unique, one-of-a-kind look (that also tells a story).

The design pictured above is a creation from Swedish designer Liza Fredrika Åslund (of the project's first selection class). Known as "Recycle Shoes," the ergonomically shaped pumps were hand-made from recycled wood and sheepskin and were worn by Best New Artist Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding (below) at this year's award ceremony.

Photography Spotlight: Vs Magazine

We're jumping into the archives a bit here to highlight this 2009 photoshoot, conducted by Ellen von Unwerth, from Vs Magazine. The pics are just too gorgeous and fun not to share (and gush). You can check out the entire spread in the mag's gallery HERE or see our faves below.

Crazy or Cool?

We'll let you be the judge of that.

Self-taught photographer Mariel Clayton creates all her work with a 35mm camera...using Barbie as a subject.

That's right: Barbie.

But not just ordinary Barbie, psychopathic Barbie (to be fair, sometimes Barbie doesn't look all that psycho in Clayton's work). Despite finding this art a little bit odd, we couldn't stop flipping through the site to see what Barbie would be doing next. After all, she was our favorite toy as a child.



Anyway, thoughts?

Photography Spotlight: Interview Magazine

In November (2010), Steve Carell interviewed Ryan Gosling for Interview Magazine. Though the interview itself is fabulous, Mikael Jansson's photography is what really caught our eye. Check out the delicious photos below.

Photography Spotlight: Best Performances of 2010

We've already established that we just love W Mag's photography and they've done it again with their "Best Performances of 2010" spread in the newest issue. We've featured a few of our favorites below.



For the complete gallery click HERE.

Take a Shot...On Art

Of all the ways to hear about a cool, new trend, a family member of one of ours received a BevShot as a Christmas gift.

BevShots are extremely colorful, posh prints of alcoholic beverages taken through a microscopic lens. The funky images are so fun and out there that they can add a fabulous pop to any room, creating a modern, abstract décor look.

If that isn't enough, the makers of BevShots have included a section on their website dedicated to helping customers find their perfect artistic match through tips from actual interior designers. Interested? Click here.

Art Made From...Chewing Gum?

Not just any type of chewing gum either, used chewing gum.

The artist: Jason Kronenwald (Canada)
The method: Molds chewed gum into portraits, no artificial coloring is used
The subject(s): Generally blonde, famous women.

The above photos are none other than Ms. Britney Spears and Audrey Hepburn.

Check out the website for the full gallery.

Wall Art: Niagara Detroit

If you are looking to decorate your new residence hall room, apartment or house, look no further than Niagara Detroit.

Launched by former rocker and Motor City native, Niagara, this passionate artist's prints of the Pop art variety are to die for. Anything vintage is right up our alley and all of Niagara's designs scream vintage (and often comic book) - in a good way!

Happy decorating.

Package Design: An Art Form

The prevalence of package design cannot go unnoticed. With the consistent incline of graphic design, the addition of typographic elements has allowed packaging to continue to expand as an art. The possibilities are seemingly endless with this form of design, and let's face it, in some instances, packaging can make or break a purchase. Through the use of vibrant color palettes, textures, and patterns can appeal to the consumer in the most unexpected and delightful manners. Here is a look at some of our favorite, most innovative approaches to packaging.