WEEKDAY WATCHING - Industrie Magazine

All those interested in the little billion-dollar-a-year industry that is fashion should pick up the second issue of Industrie magazine. Focusing on the real movers and shakers, Industrie manages to create a glossy devoid of celebrity stories (outside of fashion) and shopping guides, and full of informative articles and interesting profiles on the people, places, and things behind the scenes of the "garmento" business. Enjoy this quick flip through of the magazine to get an idea for what it's all about.

WEEKDAY WATCHING - Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2011 Video ft. Scott Campbell

Scott Campbell, the famed New York City skin and multimedia artist, is the star of this promotional video by Louis Vuitton to showcase their Spring/Summer 2011 collection, to which Campbell lent his vision. As I mentioned in my review of the collection a few months back, while some of the wears bordered on "Ed Hardy-esque" with Campbell's tattoo inspired etchings spilled across them, his group of accessories were stunning. In this video we are able to examine more closely the fine detailing and design that goes into a Louis Vuitton product. Enjoy.

WEEKEND WATCHING - Proenza Schouler PS1 Video

Doesn't this remind you of that old footage of UFO sightings you watched on the News as a kid? Pretty eerie.

If you don't know Proenza Schouler (pronouced Pro-enza Scoo-ler) by now then this must be the only blog you read because they are everywhere. The little fashion house that could with contemporaries like Alexander Wang and Jason Wu, the duo known as Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have taken the women's fashion world by storm with their killer wears and even better accessories (one of which, the new patent leather PS1 bag, is the subject of this video). Pick one up for your significant other this holiday season and I guarantee they won't be disappointed.

DISCLAIMER: I know I've been doing a lot of videos lately, but it certainly isn't by accident. The fashion industry has really been embracing film as a new medium to communicate their vision, whether it be through live streamed fashion shows, product videos (like this one), designer interviews (like the Dolce & Gabbana video I posted from a while back), or behind the scenes material. Personally, I love seeing these houses express their unique viewpoint through video and hope you guys enjoy it too cause this won't be the last!

WEEKDAY WATCHING - "Meet the Hilfigers" Ad

I may not be a fan of the new TOMMY collection (see below), but this ad is pure genius.

WEEKDAY WATCHING - Suzy Menkes: Cyber Craft

WEEKEND WATCHING - Kanye West "Runaway"

Weather you think Kanye West is a visionary or an asshole, his new music video is worth a watch. Clocking in at 34:32 minutes, I would classify this work as more of a musical short film than a "music video." When I think of a rap music video, I usually envision big guys in baggy clothing and tiny girls in little clothing dancing provocatively to some nonsensical lyrics, usually while money and alcohol are thrown around in some sort of display of wealth and status. While there is dancing involved, the "Runaway" video seems to include the exact opposite of what I would expect.

While Kanye West certainly likes to show off, there is no doubt that their is more to this film than girls and money. West tackles issues of race, relationships, love, lust, innocence, and power in a slew of dramatic and elegantly staged scenes with a collection of exciting new songs. And lest I forget to mention his amazing wardrobe, the likes of which we could all stand to learn something from when it comes to pulling off a great tux.

Though his acting chops could use a little work, and the story is a little outlandish, I like the idea of a music video epic. Why not make one film that encompasses every song on an album to set a tone for the record by telling a real story? So far I'm intrigued by Mr. West's little experiment and will look forward to his upcoming album and future videos.

WEEKEND WATCHING - Rye Rye "Sunshine"

After seeing Rye Rye (right) perform at Barneys for Alexander Wang on Fashion's Night Out I am eagerly anticipating her new album, Go! Pop! Bang! This new single, "Sunshine," features M.I.A. (as do a few other of her songs), and has a sick music video to remind you of those warm summer days. Enjoy.

WEEKDAY WATCHING - Hermés' "J'aime Mon Carre" Website

I present the latest attempt at social media from a luxury company (Burberry pioneered the format earlier this year with their "Art of the Trench" website): "J' aime Mon Carre," or, "I love my scarf." For me, it's just nice to see a gaggle of stylish woman in both photos and videos, running around with Hermés scarves worn every which way. If that's not your thing (and it may very well not be), then you can at least appreciate the design and construction of this marketing machine.

Whenever I see one of these developing ideas from a luxury company I try to imagine what their endgame is. In this case I'm guessing it's something along the lines of: A) Attract a younger, hipper, audience; B) Make the Hermés scarf fun (again?); C) Acquire press by developing an interactive, online marketing tool. Damn these people are smart.

WEEKEND WATCHING - The Kooks Music Videos

Rocker chic meets home movie in The Kooks' music videos. After watching them all, I feel like I really get this band. They're laid back, stylish, rock & roll kids in every sense. If they aren't truly that way in person, so be it, but I'm content with living in their fantasy world where you get to wear effortless clothes, sing in abandoned lofts overlooking the river, and bounce around the globe holding auditions and meeting girls.

WEEKDAY WATCHING - CNN Revealed, Dolce & Gabbana

20 years in the menswear business ain't no joke, and neither are Dolce & Gabbana. Likewise, their brand, after two decades, has truly established itself as a juggernaut in the men's market. Though that may seem intimidating to the average customer - sorry, luxury customer - judging from this video of the two in action, they are nothing but sweet, welcoming people genuinely enamored with their work in design. Enjoy the video from CNN's Revealed series and make sure to check out their beautiful Spring 2011 collection.

MID-WEEK WATCHING - Rodarte Video Collaborations

Rodarte's clothes lend themselves extremely well to this apocalyptic view of the future, "Soliloquy 88," the Mulleavy sisters latest video collaboration, direced by Jason Last. Their earlier video, entitled "Aanteni" and directed by Todd Cole, was equally dark and visually stunning. Enjoy both.

WEEKEND WATCHING - Lady GaGa "Alejandro"

Like millions, I too have viewed Lady GaGa's new video for "Alejandro." Personally, I think it's her best yet, lightyears beyond the shitty telephone that just looked like someone took E and raided a bad vintage store. I also appreciated that the song didn't start and stop to "tell a story," yet there was definitely a message there. Not quite sure what it is just yet, but I did read a quote from Steven Klein explaining that when she eats the rosary it is supposed to represent “the desire to take in the holy.” Well anyway, God bless and have a good weekend everyone!

Watch it here.