J'adore un peut de Debussy!

I have a secret admiration for classical music... well not that secret. I played piano for a long time and was lucky enough to learn quiet a bit about our musical forefathers.



I have a selected few favourites… One of which being Claude Debussy.
As we are approaching the New Year (and quiet frankly I have too much time on my hands at the moment) I have been planning all sorts of cultural activities for myself… which range from a mad treasure-hunt/ squat-party/ exhibition to classical concerts all over London. So I am especially excited to be able to hear some Debussy early on in 2009 and it is cheap as chips. So for anyone who wants to indulge in some genius music, here are a couple of dates to check out.

10.01.09, Wigmore Hall, Amandine Savary

07.02.09, St. Pauls Church, Knightsbridge Chamber Orchestra

22.02.09, West London Synagogue

05.06.09, South Bank Royal Festival Hall, London Philharmonic Orchestra (my personal favourite and one can listen a taster on www.lpo.co.uk)

25.06.09, Barbican Hall, showing Exotiques: Ravel & Debussy

If your not interested, ignore this but you’re missing out on some essential culture me thinks.

So stay out of trouble, at least till New Years Eve.

Ghost World

In the current fading christmas spirit... I might be able to help to re-live some of the warm fuzzy feelings people tend to get around this time a year.

Ghost World is a great movie... and I like this movie.. not sure why but I must have seen it at least a hundred times and I am still not bored of it. I think it is the soundtrack, the random conversations, and the fact that nothing actually happens... oh, and the acting, and directing is pretty descent, too. The biginning of the film features a sixites indian pop song. It has a fun up-beat feel and the video is hilarious.
This music video has possibly become the quickest way to make me smile and dance.
So I'll share the love, hope you like it as much as I do and if not, too bad:

The life of TroubleT, artistique quel'un?

So I have lots of time now...yay. I can't say that I have been having enough of that in the past, but either way one is never happy. I am currently on a self-finding path to see which direction I will go next, artist, or hard-line business, or maybe even nomad traveller/reporter. Who knows? So I have decided due to lack of funds I will try and combine a few of the above and report on 'artistique' events, exhibitions, designers, and entrepreneurs in London. I have about 1 month to run around and pack my schedule, also including interviews and photo docs. Blag my way into vernisages, and forbidden places. So please stay tuned for more... I will also lay the smack down on a few things I will not agree with. So kind of opinionated and you are free to shout back. But first of all TroubleT will deliver notions... This is part of a project I am currently running so wish me luck that my vision won't be crushed.
P.S: If there is anything you guys would like me to cover, sneak into or chat to someone you were burning to ask a question, drop me a note and I will do my best to deliver all info and get into all sorts of trouble to quench your curiosity.

Be good as always and stay out of Trouble.

Sex on the wall!

So I'm bored this Christmas. Luckily for me Christmas is not happening this year, but I have a lot of work to do. I am researching companies for different reasons and have become a specialist in distracting myself by reading my friends weekly (actually it’s published twice a week) sex column.
So coincidently I have come across this Design Agency that produces amazing work on commission... looking through their portfolio I read "Paper Voyeur" and I remember:
This online mag my friend is writing for, featured Paper Voyeur for Sexy Wallpaper. So I had a closer look and damn this is tasteful

Here is a visual taster...





I like the idea of having something sexy, naked, voyeurism on the wall, but even though I'm quiet in tune with the visual of my naked self, I don't think I would want my gran to see my arse on the wall when she comes round. But there is something that really tickles me about having such things on the wall in your house, leaving your guests saying, ‘oh that’s nice dear’ as they choke on their tea at the surprise of seeing nipples in the kitchen! Hehe

So the agency, Design Studio DEDass have created PaperVoyeur, a decadent range of erotic wallpaper that they describe as ‘European eroticism with a sprinkling of English reserve’.

The wallpaper tastefully incorporates subtle outlines of female nudity into vintage-looking floral patterns resulting in romantic yet slightly burlesque wallpaper. Paper Voyeur is like Agent Provocateur for your home, and would look great on a feature wall in a bedroom, or even a living room if you’re feeling wild!

The wallpaper is available from the Paper Voyeur website for £59 per roll. I definitely want some...

I wish I wish there were more fish!

Yesterday, Spinvox unveiled the wishing well in Covent Garden. A 21st Century wishing well... kinda cool. My friend is in the circles of Spinvox and anyone, one needs to know in the social media and digital revolution world...So we had a little outing to this wishing well. It is just plain amazing, reading peoples most intimate but also silly wishes all round this massive triangular cone in the middle of London. The downside to this digital monstrum is, that one gets neckpain while staring at all the wishes... I kinda fell into a trance while reading the ever changing messages... very much the christmas spirit, and at the moment one of the most amazing places to waste time at, in London.

The concept is as simple as genius:

All throughout December (and a little bit into Januray) we’re inviting you to come call the dedicated local number 0207 818 0880 (or if you’re overseas +44 207 818 0880 - intl rates apply) and share your wishes for Christmas, New Year and beyond…

Once you’ve spoken your wish, SpinVox will convert it into text and project it across the inner walls of the structure you see above!

And, each new wish will heralded with an array of many different sounds and voices, filling Covent Garden’s East Piazza with a ‘dramatic soundscape’ unlike anything you’ll have ever heard before!

Advertising Winter Craze!

So we were all pretty amazed by AMV BBDO's work for Guiness. The record breaking ad which was so simple in it's idea and sooo expensive in it's execution and soo genius in representing the slogan of "Good things come to those who wait". Yeah so it's been nice and quiet on the advertising front... with all the finance craze ad spent has dropped (forcasted to drop about 14bn pounds in Uk alone for 2009). Voila somehow this depression in advertising has brought back the creativity and the competitive efficiency amongst agencies.
So in the past few months we had some genius ads:

The top agencies in London seem to all have dug into their creative repertoire and assesed the clients they have and in the christmas spirit, decorated their ad-reps by releasing pretty images, tv-ads, and genius concepts.

so the top runners in agencies who have again outdone themselves are:

Fallon - Sony Bravia "Kaka motion"-ad
AMV BBDO - Guiness Viral campaigns (naughty stuff) and the National Lottery
Lowe London - John Lewis Christmas ad. (love it)
Grey london - Toshiba ad (me likes alot)

The new Sony Bravia ad which had been shot last night in some little Italo viallage in Turin looks promising. It broke the Guiness record for building the largest device for an ad. The move from "Colour like no other" (which got kinda boring after the silly bunnies in New York, which dissapointed the series) to "Motion like no other", where footballer Kaka will be showing off his skills, which are photographed on 64 images which are set in motion by a giant zeotrope. (image below explains what I'm trying to say)






So for anyone who wants to read the article in full go to :
http://www.brandrepublic.com/Campaign/News/867642/Sony-Bravia-ditches-colour-no-other-new-Kaka-ad/

John Lewis' Christmas ad has been all the craze on Brandrepublic, Marketing Week and has been praised by most creative bulletins for its simplicity in message and execution. The clear imagery and the lovely little lullaby in the background are pushing all the right buttons. Well done Lowe London.

here have look:



Something for the senses. AMV BBDO did a little viral thing. Obviously only accessible online. But this saucy little ad is the next in line to express Guiness' fun factor. So here is a little video for the ones who like a little naughtyness:



Last in line is one of the recently most discussed ads; Toshiba's Television ad "Time Sclupture". Grey has done very well with this one. There is a whole making off on Youtube. But anywho, using the effects, which were introduced by the Matrix is nothing new but still pretty... the choice of song (Chrystal Castles) is questionable, but then again I am very picky in all things music and don't have to agree with everything. Most people like the music.The message is surely ridiculously oblique to most viewers, it confuses us: "Clearer Sharper...HUH?" it is slightly ambiguous, but the pretty imagery makes up for all the confusion. It still took me a while to realise what it was banging on about, upscaling with all the stuff about 'what we watch constantly redefining itself. Not sure it should be left to the URL to explain the ad to me...

Have a look:



Enough of this, I need to check out new online technology now. Lets see if there is anything worth writing about. Later x

Frozen Economic Assets! Power to the East!

So I'm reading the Financial Times. Trying to keep up with this viscous financial mess we are trapped in at the moment. So, I always knew the Russians have kept themselves at a political distance to the rest of the world for reasons, which we, the western backstabbing business people, are not able to completely follow. There is always the speculation that the Russians are still entertaining the idea of Gulag's which are responsible for keeping their economy going and the gap between their social classes steep. So this is the western man's view. The man who has all over again induced a global financial crisis, to overcome oil quarrels and brush toxic investments under the carpet. The man, who has let 23 year old hot blooded traders onto the finance floor and let them sell air,. (Kinda digressing here). Still FYI the Russians are actually blaming the Yanks for the crisis... hmm. (again digressing)

So the Russians, not so stupid and no Gulags. But what they have is extortionate amounts of raw materials which the rest of the world would love to get their greedy little fingers on. People underestimate the size of this country and its vast amounts of vegetation and undiscovered nature. So here the The Financial Times are reporting on a new World economy, which will include a lot more Russian Exports and therefore Power. The reason for that is this vast nation has a lot to offer:

- Russians have an estimated 1,669,000bn cubic feet of natural gases (it is also said it is the country with the world's largest reserve)

- Russia holds the world’s largest Nickel reserve. (Doesn’t tell the general end consumer a lot but believe me Nickel is power)

- Not the mention it is now the worlds largest diamond country producing 33 bn carats, leaving Botswana behind who is second with 29bn carats....hmmm.

- Also its vast Caviar production makes it very attractive (believe me that stuff is being traded at high Dollars)

- It also has quiet a lot of Krude Oil, supplying most of Europe with its vast amounts of Oil, it has become a secret superpower, almost like China.

- Russia entertains one of the world’s largest Telecom companies who also produce energy (???)

The list goes on and on.

One last thing the Russians seem to produce en-mass are billionaires. The "new-rich". No manners, mostly with military background and therefore well connected men who drink a ridiculous amount of vodka. Did I mention that the average Russian consumes about 15.2 liters PURE Alcohol per year? (believe me we don’t, it says so in the Economist) (Digressing again...)

Underestimating such power is almost rude and foolish but the green-eared Western trader is particularly good at it. Instead of seeking alliances, we condemn them for their economic decisions and political actions. Their government works on manly, more capitalist fundamentals then most other governments. It is a first-come first-serve methodology, which allows anyone with a bit of gut to make some money and have a piece of the big Russian pie.

So the FT has included a little magazine which reports on a few global facts which will influence the way markets and economies will change. It also tries to factor in, which countries will be pioneering in green-economies. Our previously communist comrades, Russia and China, are right at the top.

Finding out that close to the North Pole (Russian Territory) has vast amounts of Oil doesn't surprise us, but now they are planning on harvesting this oil in the most green way possible. So a lot of American and European engineers are offering their skills to find a way to pump this oil out of their reserves without the usual pollution that comes with the rigs.

These kind of "frozen assests" have appeared over the past 20 years (among with the list I have provided above) and secured Russia's place in the world economy. It is on the move towards the top, mostly battling it out with China. Soon the world language will change from English to Mandarin or Russian and we will all become alcoholics who are trying to do the Barynya instead of shaking hands. So all I can say is "Budem zdorovy"!

JCDC, love this badboy!

Jean Charles de Castelbajac. This man in known to people involved in fashion and for good reason. He is one of the few designers, in my eyes, that seem to have dabbled into Alice's Wonderland, and created timeless play and fun for all colour loving fashion victims. One of my friends has been working for this genius and looking at her creations, been quiet influenced by his creativity. JC has left his marks in fashion history when dressing the likes of Andy Warhol, the Pope Jean-Paul II, Sarah Fawcett, LIO, Vivienne Reed, Madonna, Helena Christensen... oh yeah and Sarah Jessica Parker for Sex and the City (not that that would be his biggest milestone in his career...looking at his Bio). His talents didn't stop there. He also designs pretty furniture, which I would love to showcase in my flat sometime soon.(I'm still coming to terms with big black hole this kind of purchase will burn into any kind of account I have, but it would be worth it.)
Also to mention one last thing which makes me like this man's work so much, is his little shtick for giving his fashion shows the most insane titles. It's kind of fun. More like a title for a new book-chapter. To a certain extent his shows are life-chapters in his own book, but the sheer playfulness makes me smile and take life a little less seriously.

So a little BIO for anyone who is interested:

He was born in 1949 in Casablanca as son of Louis and Jeanne - Blanche de Castlebajac.

1967: He met Roul Haussmann from the Dada movement at Limoges. Get his first photographic Art. Cut a jacket in his boarding blanket. First bike BMW 500.

1968: First collection for Ko & CO, company created at Limoges by his mother Jeanne-Blanche de Castlebajac.

1969: First show. Use of indirect fabrics: floor cloths, sponges, oilskin cloths, camouflage cloths...
Hired by Kenzo and Ko&CO
Concert of Led Zeppelin and the Olympia/ Jimmy Page, double Gibson and Archet.

1970: Creates costumes for Marc O': " Le triangle frappe encore au TNP." and for Dany at the Alcazar.
First "Elle" Cover
First sparkly red Harley Davidson Duo Glide (1956)

1973: Joined the group "Createurs et Industriels"
Futurism show and protection manifesto: bandages, protection nylons and Micka visors.
First page of the Women Wear Daily
Show at Galliera Palace.

1974: Show at Bourse du Commerce: first Teddy bear coat (he is kind of famous for that), and poncho for two.
First concept store in Paris.
He encounters Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren in London.
Contemporary art collection debut.

1976: He joined forces with Iceberg in Italy and created "destructured and pop knitwear".
He designed the Sportmax line for Max Mara
and joined (also designed for) a little gig of the Sex Pistols at the "Chalet du Lac".

1977: Opened his first shop in Tokyo, Japan, with a big fashion show.
Designed for "Charlie's Angels" and Annie Hall and Purdy for "The Avengers".


1979: He leaves the group "Createurs et Industriels" to create his own brand.

1982: Made his "painted Dresses" with Jean-Charles Blais, Loulou Picasso, Annette Messager, Herve Di Rosa and Miquel Barcelo.

1983: He made his famous "Tribute" dresses from Mickey Mouse to Louis XVI.
He meets Keith Haring and Jean Michel Basquiat.

1984: Made his tribute dresses to "Andy Warhol" and introduced the concept of oversized clothing "Gulliver"coat.

1985: His work is exhibited at the Modern Art Museum of Troyes.
Collaborated with Snoopy Inc.
Adds Accessories to his lines.

1986: Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York.

1987: Designs more outfits for American Movies (Prince of New York, etc...)

1988: His Teddy bear Coat is part of the Anti Koerper Exhibition in Vienna

1989: Opens his second store in Paris where he also sells furniture and fabrics.

1991: Part of Exhibition "The world by the Designers".

(...apologies for leaving a few years out, but the next milestone is kind of too cool to wait for)

1997: Designs liturgical clothes for Pope Jean-Paul II and 5500 clergymen for the XIIth Worldwide Youth Days in Paris.

1999: Opening of a concept store in Paris.
Also opens a shop called "Assistants", where literally the work of his assistants is presented.

2000: Presents his first unique Haute Couture Collection "Bellinteligentzia"
Goes back to Menswear

2002: Collection "Physical Graffiti", tribute to Guy Peelleart.
Costumes for Alize and Chicks on Speed.
And costumes for the musical "Le petit Prince" (One has to mention that he loves that book and has always seen the story as a metaphor for his own life, told ya, the whole dabbling into Alice's Wonderland thing)

2003: He dresses up Sarah Jessica Parker for Sex and the City.

2004: Installs new studio and Concept store in paris.
He aslo filmed his first short movie "Hotel Kittyfornia" with Mareve Galanter (who he is now engaged to)
Fashion show "Working Class Hero"

2006: Propaganda Exhibition at the V&A in London "The fashion style of JC de Castlebajac"

2007: Show "Elektrocute". Gallierock, retrospective of his 40 of design at the Fashion Museum of Paris.


Anywho enough chit chat, it's time for the visuals.






OH YES HE DID! So i puchased the following...but at first the mini collection.



and here follows my new addition...



little more fashion madness:


little furnishings.. which I need to have for my flat. Even though the functional items have been purchased, i think i can dump them for somthing new and shiny like these:




Enough prettyness for now... Later x

Just a quick one...

As riding bikes is so good and eco friendly just like, recycling, vintage, eco-dating, and reducing energy waste at home, I have found the bike I'll be riding when in Hong Kong.
I promise this blog will not be entirely focussed on my plans to move but this bike is china-tastic:

HONG KONG BABY!

Recently I have been toying with the idea of going to Hong Kong for a little while. Emphasizing on my Nomad lifestyle, it is about time. I have been in London for 4 years now and think it is time for a change. I started to toy with the idea of literally "moving-on" about 1 year ago, but there are usually a lot of ties that bind someone to a place and the motivation needs to be exciting enough to take the plunge into a new culture, country and everything that comes with it. I've done this a few times, and nothing will ever be able to prepare you for it. So my main tip for anyone who thinks of migrating, is to be excited about the unknown, so that you don't even want to think about all the things that can go wrong.
So in this case my undivided attention has been captured by HONG KONG and its shiny lights. I think that the idea of a sea of neon lighting, combined with the smell of whatever it is they cook on the streets of Hong Kong, and the people running around on those streets (or riding bikes I guess) is excitement enough. I shall be off around April 2009 for about 6 months... (But you never know how long it really takes ;))

So check out these pictures which represent what I am looking forward to. At later stage I will also include some of the colourful photos which show the crazy styles of chinese youth but I have too many on my laptop and cant decide which to share...
So these will do for now:

Ils sont foux les Francais! Blocks and Games!

When I was a child I spent a lot of time in my Grandparents labs (at the university where they taught) back in Germany. This may sound a little Frankenstein-esque, but believe me not all Germans are crazy scientists who think of taking over the world.
So the lab: My grandparents conducted experiments due to being Maths, Physics and Chemistry Professors at a University. Us kids used to play with some of the Physics projects they had built to explain the studies of light and sound more clearly to their students. So about this time last year I was sick in bed and spent too much time on YouTube. So now I have this blog I thought commemorate my findings online. It’s kind of a childhood memory gone wild in the music industry.

I wouldn’t mind having one of those in my living room. It would mean endless hours of fun, and I might come up with some genius tracks. So for nostalgia and the child within all of us check this out:

JOIN THE BATTLEFRONT

I have been spending a lot of time online researching various online societies within London. I wasn’t looking for specific groups and thus found a range of interesting people, ideas, networks and ideals, which people have joined and helped grow it to sizable ‘organisations’ and ‘societies’. One of them has recently been featured in Channel 4’s Battlefront program. Currently living in London the following issue is something that can affect us all.

Battlefront is the name of a C4 series which allows youths to campaign against anything that they feel is destroying our ‘youth culture’. Alex Rose is one of the campaigners. I met this guy a little while back in the summer when he was spreading ‘the word’ for his campaign. I remember having a brief chat and leaving the discussion impressed by his determination. He has made quiet an impact to date; having been featured on channel 4 and having met Archbishop Tutu, who also is a Nobel peace prize winner, has given him the final backing to create a charity. So spread the word. Check out Battlefront. Show some support where you can.

Battlefront — Alex Rose — South Thames College from Battlefronters on Vimeo.