Dior Homme unveils the B22 sneaker, a prototype armed with retro-futuristic form. Featuring a rubber sole combined with smooth leather and technical fabrics, the ’90s-influenced chunky-chic model is the perfect combination of style and substance. Available in red, white, black, and fluorescent color options, the sneakers also come equipped with an exaggerated sole unit, and a Dior Homme badge on the side of the shoe, rendering it versatile for a relaxed or sharp fit.
A marriage of two New York icons, Calvin Klein announced a partnership with the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, pledging to support the foundation’s endowment in return for private access to Warhol’s works. A brand credited with the rise of minimalism in fashion merging with an artist who revolutionized Pop Art sparks sartorial fireworks. For the Spring 2018 collection, chief creative officer Raf Simons presented a dynamic synergy of Warhol’s work with his own bold renderings. Noting that Warhol “captured all sides of the American experience, including sometimes its darker sides,” Simons seems intent on taking the Calvin Klein brand to new creative frontiers, referencing a friendship between figures whose influence remains as relevant as ever.
$280—$2,400, available at Calvin Klein store 654 Madison Ave and CalvinKlein.com.
Bottega Veneta takes over Madison Avenue this spring with its most expansive maison to date. Spanning 15,000 square-feet—in a triad of century townhouses boasting a modern façade with 20th century-inspired architecture—the new store carries the Italian brand’s signature intrecciato woven leather goods, menswear, accessories, and an intimate living space concept floor of home furnishings. Inspired by his “love and admiration for New York City,” creative director Tomas Maier incorporated brushed brass ceilings and metal display cubes to reflect the city’s skyline, neutrals to evoke the bustling streets, and teal hues to evoke the surrounding waters. “Icons of New York,” an exclusive capsule collection of leather goods to commemorate the opening, is sure to lure visitors in droves. Additionally the new store is the site of the brand’s first personalization program, allowing customers to have their initials monogrammed on their merchandise for total customization.
Bottega Veneta is open now at 740 Madison Avenue, New York, NY.
For some, it might come as a shock that earlier this year pop musician Jesse McCartney celebrated a decade in show business. Achieving his first break at the of age 12 in the short-lived tween boy band, Dream Street, the star capitalized on his all-American good looks and undeniable charisma. But it only took a short while for the precocious entertainer to leave the group, setting out to carve a credible career solo. Readers from a certain decade of growing-pains should readily recall the memorable 2004 smash “Beautiful Soul,” the consummate pop record in which the pre-pubescent teen crooned his way into the hearts of hormonal teens across America. Four years later, 2008 welcomed even more success for McCartney with the release of his solid hit, “Leavin’,” as well as co-writing the international best selling song of the year, “Bleeding Love” with uber-producer Ryan Tedder for British songstress Leona Lewis. Today McCartney describes his career trajectory so far as “a slow climb, almost like painting a picture instead of throwing the paint at the wall all at once.”
After a short musical hibernation, McCartney released “In Technicolor” this summer, a retro-inspired album in a bid to cement his transformation from teen idol to legitimate adult star. During the self-imposed hiatus, he took on acting projects, including a role on Lifetime’s “Army Wives,” meanwhile quietly orchestrating a blueprint for his musical comeback, and turning to the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s for “research that I had to do to make this kind of record,” says McCartney. Citing the musical oeuvres of legends such as Prince, Michael Jackson, and Earth Wind & Fire as influences, the artist set out to create a project “that people could listen to for years.” The self-assured 27-year-old points out that the maturation process “was just an evolution, but for people who haven’t seen or heard from me in several years, to them it’s probably like a reinvention.”
“Superbad,” the lead single off the record is already sonically more refined, showcasing mature—and even sexual lyrical content. The accompanying music video reflects a decidedly fashion-forward direction inspired by cinematic cultural references. A homage to stylish 1960s gangster films, with McCartney convincingly playing the role of a charming playboy cavorting with a “Sharon Stone-esque” beauty, the video presents a never-before-seen side of the entertainer. “With a song like ‘Superbad,’ it would have been very easy to get gimmicky,” says McCartney. “I didn’t want it to be something people watched and chuckled at…I wanted it to be sexy.”
In a day and age where credibility is sought out by engaging in club brawls and parading around with one’s derrière fully exposed, McCartney has gracefully avoided the pitfalls of celebrity. Steering clear of public fiascos and melt-downs, he surrounds himself with a team willing to put their foot down if need be. “I’m the face of this operation. It’s my name on the masthead but it couldn’t be possible without an amazing team behind me,” says McCartney. “Having people in my life that say no.” He hopes the future will bring more musical and acting ventures such as his most recent stint on the ABC family hit comedy, “Young & Hungry.” With his feet set firmly in the ground, anything is possible for McCartney, who seems to be hitting his stride into adulthood.
In the competitive world of American design, Hellman-Chang reflects the principles of modern furniture with an alluring combination of style and substance. At the helm of this expanding brand are Daniel Hellman and Eric Chang, two lifelong friends that moved to Brooklyn, New York because it was the only place that allowed them the space to build furniture on their nights and weekends while working day jobs at the same time. Embracing the handmade culture of the area, the tenacious entrepreneurs used their new locale to turn a childhood dream into reality.
Image: Hellman-Chang.
Since its official inception in 2006, Hellman-Chang has developed a reputation for artisanal craftsmanship, offering a range of contemporary solid wood essentials. Each piece is romantic and functional at the same time—the seductive arcs of the Avery Chair, the striking Swarovski crystals hidden within the Crystal Omni Side Table, and the elegant Anora Lamp.
Image: Hellman-Chang.
The Z Pedestal Table reflects the duo’s intent to produce heritage-based pieces, while the Hayden Bed comes equipped with a distinctive leaning headboard, showcasing the brand’s streamlined yet luxurious approach. Principles of light and shadow are explored with the Parker Dining Table, using a low-profile circuit of glass within the surfboard shape top and hand-carved pedestal base.
Image: Hellman-Chang.
Establishing a solid design brand has allowed Hellman-Chang to cater to a diversified clientele. Starting with residential properties, the savvy team has had pieces featured in renowned hotels including The Waldorf Astoria, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and The Four Seasons. The ripple effect soon had Hollywood beckoning with lucrative offers. The Z Side Table and the Z Round Table, both in deep sapele high polish, were featured in “Sex and the City 2.” T.V. shows, Gossip Girl and The Tudors were also keen to highlight the brand’s offerings. Partnering with Italian menswear brand Canali for its Fall 2013 advertising campaign, the duo can be seen elegantly dressed in formal suits while operating old-world hand-tools. This “men at work” approach effectively captured both their personal style and custom building sensibility.
Image: Hellman-Chang.
Visiting the Hellman-Chang studio in Brooklyn today, the special bond between this self-made duo becomes quite apparent. The synergy of their partnership is captured by the 13-foot dining table designed with Piero Lissoni, conveniently used as an office desk. From there, Hellman (technical designer) and Chang (creative director) balance the feat of managing the business side of the brand along with collaborating one-on-one with their team. This hands-on approach seems to be a tenet practiced in all facets of the business. Walking through the impressive 11,000-square-foot space, a labyrinth of designated spaces and specialized tools, one immediately realizes that this is unquestionably a labor of love. The term “design as you go” is palpable as both Hellman and Chang thrive on an organic relationship with their team – remarking on technical progressions, manually adding their own ideas, and assessing finishing touches.
As Hellman-Chang strengthens their brand association with style, fashion, and pop culture, they remain steadfastly loyal to their beginnings. Having outlasted a bevy of competitors through the years, the self-made duo credits their steady trajectory to old-fashioned perseverance. With their design roots firmly established in Brooklyn, Chang stresses the importance of their humble beginnings, “We had cut our teeth in Brooklyn and learned from the other artisans, woodworkers, cabinetmakers and sculptors that we shared our shop space with. Early in our career, it helped us identify who we were as designers, and as craftsmen, and what we stood for.”
