The Sandman Chronicles

Zaha indeed

2012-01-26T15:56:00.000+02:00

The Iranian architect Zaha Hadid is an infamous figure, talked about both for her innovative, uncompromising work, and the fact that she is the only famous woman architect in an art still dominated by men. Her buildings are symbols of both talent and technological developments, causing both positive and negative comments. Which makes one realise that she has never gone for a typical project.

The Riverside Museum in Glasgow would not be an exception. Built to replace the old Museum of Transport on the banks of the city's river, Clive, it attracts the passers-by with the lines, the zigzag roof and its incredible curves. The metal construction lined with sheets of zinc, was designed to resemble sheds that house trains, buses, planes - namely those which it will host inside. The wavy curves allow the frame to support the whole structure without many internal columns, leaving plenty of space for exhibits.

Open from two sides, towards the river and the city, it manages to attract the public and emphasises the relationship of the building with the city and the environment. It unites the river with the city, forming a link that, depending on the configuration of internal partitions, may be more open or closed. The zigzag of the plan forces the showroom to be clearer towards the visitor. The unusual lime green colour of the interior walls helps achieve this, selected by Hadid in collaboration with the company Event Communication Ltd. who developed and studied the museum's permanent exhibition.

Beyond its 7500 sq.m. exhibition space, the museum also has a real sailing ship moored at a special pier in front of it: the Tall Ship Glenlee. The cafe of the museum has excellent views over the River Clyde and the Kelvin, which joins the Clyde just below the site. Thus Glasgow acquires a museum that is expected to attract numerous visitors from around the world for its architectural value - the wonderful exhibits (trains, planes, cars etc.) are the icing on the proverbial cake.

Article originally written in Greek for The 6 Million Dollar Story magazine.

Interior design workshop in Athens

2012-01-07T18:43:00.000+02:00

It's humanity's nature not only using and shaping it's surrounding space but also fill it with beauty and meaning. By using the term interior design we describe that group of projects that are about transforming an interior space into an effective environment for the spectrum of human activities taking place there.

Designers and interior architects have defined the relationship of humans and their environment based on psychological and natural parameters, with the purpose of improving their quality of life. This procedure delivers economic, functional, aesthetic and social advantages and in that way provides strategic thought, which aims into the multifaceted performance of an investment.

The first ESO, a workshop dedicated to interior design, wants to gather the creative society of these designers so as to introduce their work to us and also their dynamic, their thoughts and perspectives. We will be able to see the way in which it develops and draw conclusions about its place in Greek reality.

The speakers panel for ESO, which will take place at the Onassis Cultural Centre on the 7th of February is:

- Maria Vafeiadis (mkv design) Key Note Speaker
- Zeppos - Georgiadi (zege)
- Babis Ioannou (ISV)
- Dimitris Karampatakis (k-studio)
- Memos Philippidis (mplusm)

Presenting: Giannis Douridas, Architect | Pecha Kucha Athens

Distinguished graphic designers will take part in the workshop with short intervening presentations. They will examine the relationship between graphic and interior design.

The art direction and design of the ESO communication is by Stage Design Office. Soon there will be more information. Due to the limited number of seats, please reserve your seat soon here.

The workshop is organized by the magazine +design in collaboration with ARCHISEARCH.gr

Best wishes for a happy holiday season!

2011-12-24T18:56:00.000+02:00

Adieu Monsieur Lesage

2011-12-01T20:49:00.001+02:00

Francois Lesage is one of the people that influenced my taste in fashion very much. When one hears the word "embroidery" it usually conjures images of tacky wedding outfits or traditional household items our grandmothers made ages ago. On the other end of the style spectrum, it is one of the cornerstones of Haute Couture and its creativity.

Christy Turlington in YSL Braque hommage, 1988

The house Lesage (for not only fashion designers have "houses") was created by Lesage's father, when he bought the Michonet embroidery house in 1924, suppliers of the court of Napoleon III and the first couturier Charles Worth. It went on to become a cornerstone of Paris fashion making, having clients such as Madeleine Vionnet or Elsa Schiaparelli. Coco Chanel was herself avoiding them, mainly because her main opponent, Schiaparelli, was their client. Later on, with Monsieur Lagerfeld at the helm, that would change to the point that Chanel as a company acquired the Lesage firm to help it maintain the high standards of their craft and continue an almost lost art into the 21st century.

Christy Turlington in Chanel 1990

Francois Lesage was born in 1929 and he said, "never had any doubt as to what I was to do in life, given I was born into a pile of beads and sequins" . When he took over the atelier, he became one of the icons of the Parisian Couture pantheon. Always elegant in dark impeccably tailored suits, one could see him sitting at the front row of the fashion shows of esteemed couture houses he had worked for. He later was awarded the Chevalier D'Honneur distinction from the Legion D'Honneur.

Christy Turlington in Christian Lacroix 1990

During the 20th century, the number of experts in embroidery kept declining in Paris, but Lesage, with their exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail kept on the forefront of couture. When Francois took over, he managed to lure clients such as Dior, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Yves Saint-Laurent and Christian Lacroix. He did not just translate into embroidery the designs but helped the fashion designers find inspiration. Some just had to utter a word like "India" "peacock" or "Byzantium" to get Lesage to procure samples of intricate work for them to transform into ethereal creations. he was a creator like them indeed.

Linda Evangelista in Lanvin by Montana, 1993

The house keeps an incredible archive of the work they have done for fashion designers over the years. Monsieur Lesage was always worried about the continuation of the craft, of educating young people to keep the tradition alive and evolve it alongside haute couture, keeping the same high standards. Quite a difficult task, one which seems to have been secured with the Chanel take-over and the foundation of the Lesage Embroidery School inside the atelier in Paris' 12th arrondissement.

Schiaparelli, 1938

The atelier employees around a dozen people, with reinforcements added during overload periods such as the couture seasons. It can take from 20 hours up to 500 hours to painstakingly make the embroidery for a fashion outfit, depending on the design and the materials used. It is an art that speaks of a long lost era of hand-crafted beauty, elegance and flourish that tries to find its way into the modern era. Let us hope his demise does not signal the end of it all.

YSL - the famous Van Gogh jackets, 1988

The book dedicate to Lesage by Editions Assouline

The famous embroidery imitation of a leopard skin, for Gaultier Couture, 1998

Schiaparelli, 1937

Katoucha wearing one of the Braque 1988 gowns, from the 2002 final YSL show

Elena Kountoura in YSL Van Gogh jacket, 1988

Detail of the YSL Van Gogh jacket

Francois Lesage in his atelier

Bernard Kesselring, designer of our memories

2011-11-26T19:13:00.001+02:00

Bernard Kesselring was born in Auvernier (Neuchâtel) in 1934. He grew up in Switzerland and France and studied at the Agricultural School of Bordeaux, in France, leaving after graduation for a sojourn in Scandinavia, working as a lumberjack and miner. That surely does not fit with what he did next: he enrolled at the Zurich college of Applied Arts, where he studied graphic, industrial and interior design, getting a bachelor in design. He then launched into a career in design, working as a freelancer in Zurich, mostly around industrial and graphic design but also doing lots of exhibition design. He also did a bit of modelling, as his looks were a magnet for photographers and got cast in many ads.

From a photo session for an advertisement, Bernard Kesselring is the man standing at the back looking at us. Mad Men art director would have a field day with this photo!

From an advertising photo session.

Bernard as a drummer

In 1963 he arrived in Athens, working for various advertising agencies such as Kousentos and Delta Delta Dimou. He also dabbled in interior design, collaborating with architect George Vallatas. In 1967 he became Creative Director of the advertising department of detergent and soap manufacture F. Steinfels A.G., in Zurich. There he was responsible for new product development, its packaging design, everything that had to do with the marketing, advertising campaigns and television advertisement production for Steinfels products. He created Bio (from bio-degradable, bio-friendly), the little guy you see above (in b&w) and below (in 3D colour), to advertise their products, as well as Softy (Bio's wife and the face of a fabric softener), another cartoon character.

After a stint as Creative Director with the Norman, Craig & Kummel Advertising Agency in Zurich, and some years as freelancer, he returned to Athens, first working as the Creative Director of Olympic-Euro advertising agency, then setting up his own company, Swissdesign and later Swissad. He designed some of the most memorable logos of my childhood, logos that we kept seeing everyday in front of us, either on household products or in print and TV advertisements: Ouzo 12 (which became an international Greek brand identity - the logo was used as he designed it for 30 years, but they recently changed the font, using a dreadful serif one), AVA dish-washing liquid, ELCO-Vagionis, Varanghis, Miss Pat, Balco/Orca, Molokotos yarns, ROLI detergent packaging and others. He also devised the ROL detergent slogan: "Greece loves white. Greece loves ROL" which was a mainstay of their ad campaigns for years, as was his other successful slogan, for PRODERM products: "tender care and Proderm" which still defines a generation in Greece and is used in Greek slang to denote tenderness either in earnest or in irony.

The AVA logo is still used as he designed it, ingenious idea to put the liquid drop at the middle of the letter V

In the early 80s he became associate Creative Director at Ikon/BBDO Advertising in Athens, then started working as a freelance designer. He later moved to Crete, where he still works as a designer, builds hand-made wooden furniture and renovates traditional stone-built houses. I consider myself really lucky to have as a friend his wonderful and very talented daughter Eva, who turned me on to this stuff and gave me the opportunity to present them to you. It made me relive part of my childhood - happy memories indeed. Thank you Mr. Kesselring.

Tribute to Loulou De La Falaise, one of the most elegant women in the world

2011-11-05T17:32:00.001+02:00

What can one write about a woman christened with a bottle of Sciaparelli's Shocking perfume instead of holy water? An unconventional personality, always chic in her own, inimitable way, the personification of what French chic means to the world, Loulou De La Falaise was the eternal Yves Saint-Laurent muse, his good friend and collaborator. And one of my very favourite and loved women in fashion.

Loulou (full name: Louise Vava Lucia Henriette de Le Bailly de la Falaise) was born in 1948, into one of France's most artistic and bohemian families: daughter of Alain, Count Le Bailly De La Falaise, writer, translator and heir to the Henessy cognac fortune, and Maxime Birley, English beauty and model (Beaton said she was "the only true chic Englishwoman"), she had quite a formidable clan to inspire her. Her maternal grandfather was painter Sir Oswald Birley, her uncle Mark Birley (of Annabel's fame), a great uncle, director Henri De La Falaise (3rd husband of Gloria Swanson), brother Alexis, an interior designer, niece Lucie (a model and also muse for YSL) and nephew Daniel (a chef and model). She also married into art: her 2nd husband was artist Thadée Klossowski de Rola, a son of the famous French painter Balthus. They had a daughter, Anna. What a pack!

Expelled from three boarding schools, she went to New York, where Diana Vreeland put her into modelling. She hated the job and returned to London, where she worked as a fashion editor for Queens. In 1968, she met Yves Saint-Laurent. She started working with him in 1972 and stayed with him in YSL for thirty years, until he retired. She helped with jewellery and accessories design, also becoming his right hand at work. Her incredible sense of styling inspired him. She however disiked the "muse" label: "I used to get very irritated by that term. For me, a muse is someone who looks glamorous but is quite passive, whereas I was very hard-working. I worked from 9am to sometimes 9pm, or even 2am. I certainly wasn't passive. I worked on jewellery and knitwear, on the in-between collections. Now that it's all over, I like to think there's a bit of my soul in the clothes that were designed when I was there because I was supposed to be a source of inspiration." After Saint-Laurent retired, she created her own brand of jewellery and accessories.

Loulou was the gupsy influence, the over the top look for Yves, while Betty Catroux was his inspiration for the more masculine styles. The formidable trio created a unique look and feel for the French label, cementing what for many is still considered the epitome of Parisian style. Her trademark style: pants most of the time - made of velvet, shantung or silk - paired with satin tops in bright colours, chiffon blouses, simple black sweaters, printed or brocade jackets. She loved combining different patterns, for example striped pants and a Madras blazer with a classic white shirt. And of course the jewellery: bracelets and necklaces, often multi-stranded and made of semiprecious stones, with a multi-ethnic vibe. It remained constant but never dated, throughout her life: "I never think much of my age, I just get dressed and wear things that suit me at the moment."

She died on the 5th of November, after a long illness according to a press release by the Pierre Berge - Yves Saint-Laurent Foundation. She will always be an inspiration and influence.

Design tribute to Steve Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011)

2011-10-07T22:59:00.000+03:00

As a tribute to Steve Jobs I decided, instead of writing one more thing among the many written about him, to just make a visual design tribute to him, through the things he was instrumental into bringing to the world, affecting many people, in the way they live their everyday lives but also their aesthetics.

Thessaloniki Metro stand at 76th International Fair, by Tetragon Ltd.

2011-09-16T20:09:00.002+03:00

This is the third time Tetragon design the stand of Thessaloniki Metro. Winning the tender of the particular competition is not easy, as all major competitor companies from Greece vie for it. The reason is not only the relatively high budget of the project, but mainly the chance to deliver a modern, sophisticated design with elements usually not found in other exhibits featured in Thessaloniki International Fair.

This time the concept was more ambitious then before: first of all there is a clear separation of the stand space, by colour blocking, into two distinct areas: the reception and media area, in anthracite grey and the display area, all in white. All these are framed by a hanging L-shaped ceiling element, with recessed lighting. The result is surprisingly minimal but imposing.

The map of the main Metro line, as well as the future expansions, is always the main display of the stand. This year it was put on a reclining table, emerging from the floor as if being peeled away, revealing the ground below it, a direct reference to the excavations of the Metro taking place throughout the city. Lava pellets were used instead of soil, giving a brilliant earthen colour. Through it, three 17" screens emerge, projecting slide-shows of ancient artefacts discovered in the excavations. The map itself is printed on backlit canvas. On its left a literature holder contains the company's brochure.

The main attraction of the stand is the display behind the map. A geometric simulation of the two distinct tunnels of the main line (one for each direction) becomes a double back projection of a film made in the real tunnels (footage was shot by me, the editing done by Icon 4D), giving a chance to the public to catch a glimpse of what is going on under their feet. One can see the TBM at work as well, an imposing spectacle indeed (and one of the best experiences this work has ever given me). The "tunnels" are set on a wall featuring inclined white beams, with a printed soil section photo set between them, giving a sense of them being actually underground.

To complete the media onslaught, a set of 2X2 seamless LED screens feature a small video showing footage with various works in three different stations of the main line, Railway Station, University Station and Euclides Station. I was lucky enough to visit all three and film footage for the video there. In this area, the reception is located, right across the stand from the screens, with a display featuring the lava pellets and the miniature safety helmets of the Metro workers, given as a memento at the stand.

The graphics are simple: there is a huge print of the city's grid plan in black and white that starts from the front of the stand and goes on covering part of the back walls. On this plan, another map, a simple geometric layout of the main line and expansions is featured, as well as a sign with the parent company's (Attiko Metro) name on it. A similar background is used for the back side canvas cover, made at the last minute, when we found out that it would remain empty as no other stand would be erected behind it. Three backlit columns frame the right side of the stand, featuring photos at various work-sites of the Thessaloniki Metro. I designed these, making a jagged line to separate the photos, alluding to the letter "M" of the Metro but also giving a hint of a pulse sign, alluding to the activity of the sites.

The stand was designed by architect Ilias Papadopoulos, one of the three Tetragon Ltd. partners. The stand was constructed by Tetragon Ltd. Film footage for the stand media, slideshow production and graphics by Stratos Bacalis for Tetragon Ltd. Video editing and production by Icon 4D. Audiovisual equipment by M-Spirit. Graphics printed and placed by Whale Graphics. Stand photos courtesy of Stratos Bacalis.

Historical Museum of Alexandroupolis

2011-07-09T11:10:00.000+03:00

Alexandroupolis is one of the newest cities of Greece. Created in late 19th century from the settlements of French and Turks employees of their respective railroad companies. It was first known as Dedeagatch based on a local tradition of a wise dervish having spent much of his time in the shade of a local tree and being eventually buried beside it.

The city went through a varied and tumultuous history, renamed Alexandroupolis in honour of King Alexander I of Greece in 1920 (not Alexander the Great of course). A port and the last Greek city before the Turkish borders, situated near the Evros river delta, it is a city filled with life. Tetragon has special ties to it, having already had lots of projects done there (the Natural History Museum in the delta, the Lighthouse square) and was picked to design and construct the city's history museum, established through a local association of history buffs and collectors.

The Historical Museum of Alexandroupolis' permanent exhibit takes up a whole floor of the building in which the museum is housed. It guides the visitor through the area's and city's history, from ancient times till now. With the help of interactive displays, audiovisual equipment and the incredible archive it houses, it helps one learn many things about the city and its history, particularly learn about its people.

The museum is situated on the city's main street, right across the city hall. I am proud to have taken part into making its main exhibit a reality. (Photos courtesy of Stratos Bacalis)

Dimitris Petrou - Theros (or how I met one of the best Greek designers out there)

2011-06-06T21:20:00.000+03:00

You must remember my previous post about the talented Dimitris Petrou, if not, freshen up your memory here before reading on. When I was in Athens last April, my dear Margarita (another extremely talented person who I am so lucky to have met) arranged for me to visit Dimitris in his atelier in Kolonaki, Athens and see his newest collection, Theros (means Summer in Greek) first-hand. I must say I approached the atelier with a little trepidation. Kolonaki is a very haute-bourgeois quarter and fashion people are notorious for their huge egos and condescending approach to anyone outside their cocooned world. Boy, was I in for a huge and pleasant surprise.

Dimitris welcomed me in the atelier himself. He was alone, waiting for me, and even though I was a bit late (I will be late for my own funeral just like Liz Taylor, trust me) he welcomed me with a warm smile and seemed genuinely happy to have me there. Extremely well mannered and polite, he offered me a cup of coffee (in a vintage cup just like one my mother used to have ages ago) and we sat on one of the minimalist white sofas (in Le Corbusier style) that make up the few furniture of the atelier, matching the lovely 3D effect wallpaper on one of the walls. The whole place is painted in grey and white and decorated (sparingly) accordingly, in line with the winter collection. We talked a bit about how he wanted to change that and bring some colour in, to match the latest offerings and the theme, Theros - also his summer mood I must add. In no time we were talking like old friends (I found out he is from Northern Greece as well, Naoussa to be exact) and I felt really at home.

He had a fitting before I arrived there, with a Greek singer named Tamta for her new show opening the week after, and earlier in the day a couple of magazine editors were there for interviews and the new collection. He told me business was going well and the new clothes were greeted very positively from the Greek press and fashion people. I must remind you that his work is sur mesure - so you can find these exquisite pieces only in the atelier at 32 Kanari St, Kolonaki, Athens.

As enjoyable as our conversation was, it was time to look at the clothes as well. Contrary to the winter collection, the summer one seems infused with colour, even though in reality he is using only three: a caramel/copper brown, a dark navy blue and a lighter blue on denim that looks really old and washed but very uniformly. His fabrics are gorgeous to feel and exquisitely cut while his idea of using a huge batch of silk scarves to make up whole items or part of clothes was brilliantly used and informed rather than dominated the collection. I got to see his incredibly textured knits up close, where he uses 3 or 4 materials knitted together in one piece that looks delicate and feels airy to touch (and wear as well). The denim he uses in this collection has a bit of stretch in it of course; he cut it into a most beautiful evening gown that must surely become one of this season's hits (see last photo of the post). As for his leather, it is soft as fresh butter and even the details made with it on some outfits are meticulously stitched and cut, adding an edge to them.

I loved the fact that again men and women's outfits are equal in the collection - Dimitris does not focus on one part more than the other, while some pieces can be worn by both men and women alike. Some details of course are mostly for the catwalk effect or a client mostly interested in stage clothes than every day (like the heavily embroidered cuffs and collar on a male shirt or the long almost transparent sleeveless knit top shown on male models but being on the women's rack in the atelier). I absolutely adore the shorts and I definitely would have gotten one if I had the time to do the fittings (the prices are really good and very very very affordable). I promised myself I will get something from the next winter collection instead.

Dimitris told me he is working a lot with couples getting married. I loved the idea of a bride and groom getting something made for them in the atelier by Dimitris and recommend it wholeheartedly. Plus it will be something you will surely want to wear again and again and not let it hidden in the back of the closet.

I must also point out that the accessories are designed by Dimitris as well: brilliant belts and gorgeous bags were there, in matching colours to the clothing, while he told me of his bespoke service too. There are two bag designs in two sizes each, where a client can pick the colours she wants for it from a palette and it will be made for her in two weeks. This service is also available in Thessaloniki, at the boutique of Anna Kapsali, Stylefax at 19 Proxnou Koromila St.

After checking out all the clothes of the summer (and last winter's too) collection, it was unfortunately time to go. I promised my self to visit again when in Athens, and said goodbye to Dimitris, wishing him all the best - he really deserves it. If you find yourself in Athens, go and check the clothes - I bet you will not be able to resist getting a piece of the collection. And it is a keeper. Promise.

Photographer :Yiorgos Kaplanidis
Fashion editor: Manos Jojos
Make up artist: Christina Agatha
Hair stylist: Dimitris Sarantou
Models:Idan - vn models, Kelvin - d models
Graphic Design : Angelo Pantelidis.

A few words about the show (which took place ten days before Easter, in April) at Thision theatre, with about 150 special guests, due to the size f the venue (Dimitris always shows his collections during their proper season and not earlier as the clothes are made to measure and there is no sense in making them 6 months before). The show started with a dance, choreographed by Apostolia Papadamaki and performed by Ioannis Emmanouilidis and Maria Lambropoulou, dressed of course in Dimitris' clothes, bringing to life the painting by Michael Tsakounti, made especially for the collection and featured on the invitation cover (designed by Aggelos Pantelidis). Then the proper fashion show began with 30 models parading like an army of modern reapers, with music by Amateur Boyz and video art by Thanassis Tsimbinis.

The make-up was done by the talented make up artist Yiannis Marketakis with MAX FACTOR products. Hair was designed by Dimitris Sarantou and fashion direction by Manos Jojos.

Sofia Alexiadou took care of lighting (alluding to summer light) while the twin 2D gave a sense of a field of wheat on stage under the direction of scenographer George Asimakopoulos. The art direction was by George Nanouris. And of course Margarita Gourgourini was helping organize the whole thing. So much talent together!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T13:50:00.000+03:00

Tetragon brochure in Russian

2011-01-21T16:21:00.000+02:00

My first real brochure design for Tetragon is one in Russian, made to be distributed in an exhibition in Moscow. It is a fourfold and was printed in 200 gr velvet paper.

Best wishes for great holidays and a happy and healthy 2011

2010-12-24T18:51:00.000+02:00

Dictatorship 1967-1974: the print resistance

2010-12-14T10:00:00.002+02:00

The exhibition of documents titled "Dictatorship 1967-1974: the print resistance", organized by the Cultural Foundation of Journalists' Union of Macedonia and Thrace Daily Newspapers is being transferred to Athens. In collaboration with the National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation (ΜΙΕΤ) the more than 120 publications printed during the Junta period and circulated in illegal or nearly so circumstances, within Greece and abroad, along with the complete visual environment that was installed last year in the Cultural Foundation of Journalists' Union of Macedonia and Thrace Daily Newspapers, will be hosted from the 16th of December 2010 until the 30th of January 2011 at the National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation - Eynard Mansion, in Athens (20 Agiou Konstantinou St.).

It is the first time such a big number of printed documents of anti-dictatorship action has been gathered in an effort to systematically document this material and representatively reflect its big dispersion geographically and the wide political spectrum they represent.

A volume of the same name as the exhibition will be published at the same time with it's opening. In it, the Cultural Foundation of Journalists' Union of Macedonia and Thrace Daily Newspapers has gathered all the informational and visual material of the exhibition along with the minutes of the workshop organized last February with the same theme.

The full list of the exhibition contributors and the archives from which the exhibits come from is as follows:

Co-organized by

National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation (MIET)

Cultural Foundation of Journalists' Union of Macedonia and Thrace Daily Newspapers (ESIEMTH)

Organizing Committee ,

Christos Zaphiris, Ilias Koutsoukos,

Dimitra Kehagia, Giannis Kotsifos,

Scientific Editor - Texts

Vaggelis Karamanolakis (Historian, University of Athens)

Graphic Design

Thanassis Georgiou

Overseer - Co-ordinator

Christos Zaphiris

Museological and Museographical Design and Construction

TETRAGON Ltd.: Eleni Vretzaki

The documents and objects exhibited are from the archives and collections of the following organizations and persons:

Archives of Contemporary Social History

Company of Rescuing Historical Archives 1940-1974 Central And Western Macedonia

Greek Literary Historical Archive

Greek Parliament's Library

Association of Imprisoned and Exiled Resistance Members 1967-1974

Company for Studyind the History of Left Youth

Christos Zaphiris

Manolis Kandylakis

Vasileios Nikolitsios

Kostas Pyrzas

Photographed by Dinos Michail in 2009 at the first exhibition in Thessaloniki.

To Lee, With Love, Nick

2010-12-10T09:17:00.000+02:00

Credits

Direction: Nick Knight

Edit: Ruth Hogben

Performance: Ajak, Anais, Flaviana, Jeneil, Joan Smalls, Kinee, Quack, Rose, Sedene, Trissan

Music: Bjork

Styling: Edward Enninful

Hair: Martin Cullen

Make-Up: Inge Grognard

Manicure: Marian Newman

Director of Photography: Daniel Landin

Casting: Jess Hallett

Production: Gainsbury and Whiting

Production Design: Joseph Bennett

Thanks to VMI, Kinetic, Machine Shop, Kirby AFX, Pirate, Park Royal Studios, Souvenir and Simon Kenny

Special thanks to the team at Alexander McQueen and the British Fashion Council

from SHOWstudio

How the past inspires the future - Vogue and Asian models

2010-12-09T01:15:00.001+02:00

Asian models are not a common occurence in US Vogue. We rarely see them in major editorials, let alone a cover. Yet the trend of more and more Asian beauties making their catwalk runs for many major fashion houses forced the magazine to dedicate a whole article to them, with Steven Meisel mimicking the famous Cecil Beaton photograph of Charles James gowns, this time using only Asian models and Oscar De La Renta being the couturier of choice.

The result is breathtaking, the models looking gorgeous despite the (unnecessary for me) faux Mohawks (American fashion editors still think a punk hairdo makes a layout edgy). I would have preferred having Julien d'Ys do some of his incredible pile ups on these girls. Or Thanos Samaras for that matter. Check the original photo below. Meisel may be very skilled but he missed the atmosphere completely, going instead for a very flat lighting. Gone are the masterful chiaroscuro effects and sculptural details of the Beaton shoot. Pity.

Thessaloniki Graphic Design 1980-2009

2010-12-08T11:10:00.002+02:00

Click on the image to see the details of this extraordinary show

For non-Greek speakers:

Tonight, at the Centre for Contemporary Art of Thessaloniki, Red Creative presents their book about Thessaloniki's graphic design history from 1980 - 2009, as a reminder of their 20 year anniversary. The event begins a 19.30

There will be a seminar dedicated to it on Saturday 11th of December, from 11:00-15:00 at the Centre. Speakers are Dr. of Typography and Graphic Communication Klimis Mastoridis, designer and typogrpher Aggelos Bakas and publisher Manolis Savvidis.

Tomorrow, 9th of December, a poster show accompanying the edition opens at the Centre, lasting only 4 days (closes on Sunday 12th of December). The show is curated by the Centre's director, Syrago Tsiara.

Why I think iPhone 4 is a major design failure

2010-11-24T21:43:00.000+02:00

I am one of those who gush and oooh and aaah over most of the stuff Jonathan Ives designs for Apple. I already own an iPhone 3G and work in an office full of various Mac computers (from Power G5 to all shorts of iMacs to a MacBook Pro). But the current iPhone never did it for me. From the beginning, seeing the leaked device, up to now that I have handled the device, played with it, talked with many users and read a lot about it, I still don't like it.

First of all the design of the first three iPhones (2S, 3G, 3GS) was brilliant. Curvy, thin, elegant, different than anything else in the market. And they still look different than all other smart-phones out there. Instantly recognizable. Easy to hold. The feel of that backside curve in your palm is absolute perfection. Than the flat design for iPhone 4 comes along, with its beveled corners. Just like all the rest of the competition. Gone is the curve that made it so nice to hold.

Glass - back and front. Great idea, aesthetically perfect. But why make a device that is supposed to be handled a bit rough, one that usually lies on the back side, have glass there too? How ergonomic is that? How many fingerprints can one handle? (On the plus side, it does make for easier protective membrane application. But still). And the metal edge all around to hold that glass into place (among other things)? I don't need an iMac in my pocket, I have it on my desktop, thank you very much.

After many months, apple finally had to remove all traces of a white iPhone from their website. They cannot manufacture it because the white back surface with the glass diffuses the flash light of the camera so it ruins the photos you take (or try to). How can a big company such as this, with an incredible industrial design record, announce a product, much less take pre-orders for it, before testing it to see if it works properly? Latest news do seem to indicate it might be released next year. We'll have to wait and see.

I would be interested to find out your thoughts about this, so please feel free to add them in the comments.

Vinyl cut out clocks by Pavel Sidorenko

2010-11-02T18:30:00.000+02:00

Last night I was at a small bar in my hometown listening to a friend DJ (Narita playing a great DJ gig as usual), when I spotted a clock made from an old vinyl record on the wall next to the DJ booth. I immediately thought that it was a great idea for a DJ gift but poorly executed (i.e. how about making clock hands like record player arms instead?) . Today, thanks to a Design Sponge post about Pavel Sidorenko, I found out how much better this idea can become.

Pavel Sidorenko is an Estonian designer, born in 1980 in Tallinn. He studied industrial design at the Estonian Academy of Arts, graduating in 2006. His aim is to create functional and playful products that retain their simplicity, interacting with the space and the user, creating not only incorporate pragmatic necessity, but also transmitting an emotional quality within the everyday environment. he received the 1st prize in the Massimo Martini Design Awards, in Milan's Macef show while his latest exhibition participation was in this year's Ambiente show in Frankfurt, as part of the EDL stand.

The clocks are made by laser-cutting the old vinyl records in various shapes. It is a fun idea, reminding me a lot of paper-cutting stuff other people do - the choice of material here is key and fresh. I would not mind having one of these on my wall!

Dimitris Petrou - How to wear ice grey

2010-10-23T11:48:00.000+03:00

Dimitris Petrou is a young and very talented Greek fashion designer. A few days ago he opened his showroom in Athens, at 23 Kanari St. in Kolonaki, where most Greek fashion houses are located and has a multitude of big-name designer boutiques from all over the world. He launched the showroom with a fashion show where he showed his winter 2010-2011 collection, called "Sur Mesure" (made to measure) for women and men. The photographs accompanying this post are from this collection.

His designs are all in ice grey, a totally monochromatic collection, toying with how the colour looks in different fabrics and textures. The results are spectacular. The way he plays with fabric is incredible, either in the way he cuts the clothes or the way he treats fabric, cutting it into small pieces which then he sews back together or cutting patterns with holes into the fabric to make a futuristic lace effect. And every woman outfit in the collection has it's male counterpart - although I would not suggest matching dressing up for a couple - avoid at all costs!

Every piece in this collection can be ordered sur mesure from his atelier - so it's like getting a couture piece for you in a fraction of the price. So go to the atelier and get yourself a piece of this collection. It's worth it.

Photos : Yiorgos Kaplanidis
Fashion Direction : Manos Jojos
Creative Supervisor :Antonis Kozakidis
Hair : Dimitris Sarantou
Make Up : MAC
Models : Rossana , Panayiotis at VN Models

Video Art - Director: Tina Sardelas
Hair : George Marascas
Make-up : Tzeni Toumazatou
Models : Haley , Christos at VN Models
Creative Supervision : Antonis Kozakidis
Styling Advisor : Manos Jojos

Afu Custom Furniture

2010-10-22T15:49:00.000+03:00

The Afu shop in Kolonaki, Athens

Knot series

Dimitris Tsigos is a very talented Greek architect. His latest venture is Afu Custom Furniture and he send us a letter for it:

In our latest enterprise, our objective
was to introduce to the public the results of our ongoing research in
the fields of advanced geometries and modern CAD/CAM methodologies.

Therefore we have opened up a concept store in Athens, Greece where we exhibit furniture pieces and objects designed by us.

To get a better idea of the concept and see all the designs, we are glad to present you with the following options:

1) Visit the afu store!

8 Haritos St. Kolonaki
Athens, Greece, 10675

2) Visit the afu website:

www.afu.gr

3) Visit the afu facebook page, by clicking on the link.

For all comments – enquiries please don’t hesitate to contact us:

info@afu.gr
T +30 210 7210148

Best regards,

Dimitrios Tsigos
Chief designer

Another Afu shop view

The finished products look incredible - Usus series

Tractus series in the shop

Fluctus series

Green Design Festival 2010 in Athens

2010-09-24T02:37:00.000+03:00

Green Design Festival, is back in Athens, two years after its first successful show. From the 23rd of September until the 10th of October, an original, open space and open to the public action will take place, under the auspice of the Municipality of Athens and the Ministry of Environment, sponsored by the Post Bank and has 150 designers from all aspects of design collaborating along with architects, curators and volunteers.

Its aim is to speak about a modern way of live, environmentally friendly, thorugh design and its applications and produce environmental behaviour through its themes and proposals.

Green Design Festival is organised by Brainlab, an independant non-profit and non-govermental organization. The ceter of activities is again Syntagma Square in Athens at the Eco Museum, an environmentally friendly recyclable construction which will house exhibitions, actions, events and educational programs. At the same time, architectural exhibitis will be at seven more central points in Athens, inviting the people to see their city in a different way.

During the Green Design Festival, the city is transformed into a live interactive space of ideas and suggestions, through new technologies, of image and design. Through the various aspects of design and with a strong emphasis on the templates of sustainability (in environmental as well as in a social level), the festival speaks about the consequences of climate change, uses renewable and alternative energy sources, explores the relationship between ecological conscience and economy and focuses on an environmentallyf riendly "re-design"of our everyday life.

Flos Wall Piercing Light

2010-08-27T17:19:00.000+03:00

Flos always makes lighting fixtures that engage you with their fine design and attention to detail. It could not be any different with their latest effort, Soft Architecture Wall Piercing Light. It has a great number of possible set ups on any wall and can make one a discussion piece or an art installation - the limit is in your imagination!

via DesignMilk

24th World Congress of the International Union of Architects, Tokyo 2011

2010-08-23T13:44:00.001+03:00

The next world congress of the International Union of Architects will be held inTokyo, Japan, from 25 to 29 September 2011. The academic programme covers research papers and design works, realised or planned, on the overall congress theme: DESIGN 2050. This theme is the opportunity for designers to express and present their visions of architecture and ideal cities and to imagine the tendancies of urban architecture prefiguring the world in 2050.

UIA TOKYO 2011 invites architects, engineers, researchers and students all over the world to express their opinions on the main theme DESIGN 2050 according to the three sub-themes: Environment, Cultural Exchange, Life. The authors of contributions that have been accepted by the selection committee will have the opportunity of presenting them during the congress between the 26 and 28 September 2011. They will also be published on the congress web site and on a DVD.

The deadline for the submission of abstracts is 31October 2010. Full details concerning contributions may be downloaded on the congress web site:

http://www.uia2011tokyo.com/en/callfor/

Contributions will be submitted exclusively on-line via the congress web site and will be in English .

Read more about the congress
www.uia2011tokyo.com/en
24th UIA CONGRESS

Summer mobile for the veranda

2010-07-04T23:53:00.000+03:00

Since Summer is well under way, with hot weather and holidays around the corner, here is an idea for decorating a big space - especially for the veranda of your summer home or your balcony. Take a nice piece of driftwood, hang from it small bottles of ouzo (or tsipouro) or whatever coloured pieces of rounded glass you can find and you have a lovely mobile. And yes, if you drink them all, you got yourself a nasty hangover coming up!

Photo taken by me in Alonissos in 2008

6th Biennale for Young Greek Architects - September 2010

2010-06-22T12:09:00.000+03:00

The committee for choosing the works of young Greek Architects to participate in the 6th Biennale for Young Greek Architects, organised by the Hellenic Institute of Architecture and held this September at Benaki Museum in Athens has picked unanimously 75 works out of 368 submissions, the most works ever picked for the show. The criteria were their high design and construction quality but also their originality. The selections also cover a wide variety of categories.

Half of the projects chosen are already constructed, while the rest are still only at the design phase. The fact that many of the submitted projects have already received other architectural awards, some of them international, is very encouraging for the future of Greek Architecture.

The selection of the proposals on display was carried out by architects Nikos Kalogirou, Lois Papadopoulos, Dimitris Papalexopoulos and Elias Konstantopoulos.

The exhibition of the 75 projects will be held at the Benaki Museum at Pireus St., from the 16th of September to the 17th of October.

Dressed with success

2010-06-21T15:36:00.000+03:00

These days the fashion calendar is showing Milan. The menswear collections for 2010 are under full sway and the usual protagonists jostle for their place in the sun. The image that caught my eye among hundreds of photos covering the event in various websites and blogs is the one above, from the master of the fashion photo, Mr. Sartorialist himself, Scott Schuman. The restrained elegance and minimalism of Prada is paired with small details that make this look fresh and coveted. This is the way to go, no gimmicks, no frills. And you can duplicate it at home without paying an arm and a leg.

The mysteriously beautiful lamps of Roger Borg

2010-06-20T18:28:00.001+03:00

Roger Borg is an American designer, who specializes mainly in designing lamps but also extends his work to include sculpture and paintings. His lamp designs are of course very sculptural and unique, mainly influenced by the source of light used and transofrming that into shapes. A very characteristic example of this is his Split Stack series.

Here he uses neon light as the lamps sole material, transforming it into a minimal chandelier shape. In his words:

"this lamp focuses on the conflicting nature of the three dimensional cylinder and its transition into a two dimensional plane. the further its arms extend outward from the center, the more accentuated this dichotomy becomes. As to the name, it is a twofold reference to its split personality vacillating between flatness and three dimensionality, as well as relating to its form, which traces the separation of a single line into two, and then the subsequent cleaving of those branches."

Find more about Roger and his work in his website (thanks to designspotter).

The Design Shop wins Gold European Design Award!

2010-06-03T16:45:00.001+03:00

What better way to return to posting in my design blog after a long hiatus (sorry to all readers for this) than to celebrate the Gold European Design Award - Single Poster Design category that The Design Shop won in Rotterdam this year for the poster they designed for Design Walk 2009! Kudos to all involved and I am so happy to see Dionysis Livanis smiling as he receives the award! They also got a silver award for brand logo design (for Arca)! Congratulations and let's hope that more awards will be coming for Greek designers everywhere!

Container - art, activities, space, now opening in Thessaloniki

2010-03-15T14:14:00.000+02:00

Container is a new art space at Nikiforou Foka Str. 8 in downtown Thessaloniki. The opening will take place on the 23rd of March with a group exhibition in which contemporary artists will participate with paintings, sculpture, instalaltions, performances etc. This show will last until the 10th of May.

Apart from an exhibition space, Container's ambition is to develop as an active nucleus in the art world and as a point of reference for art events, establishing a more direct contact and communication between artists and the public, with special thematic evenings and hommages organized in collaboration with other entities. Their interest is also focused into other art forms like video, theatre, music, dance, photography, publications etc. They intend to present them in every given opportunity because "art in every form serves the same agony". They are open to suggestions and ideas and wish that Container becomes a space for anyone interested to communicate with the public through art.

The participating artists are: Christos Venetis, Nikos Evangelopoulos, Katerina Iordanidou, Nikos Kokkalis, Vassiliki Koskiniotou, Valentino Marengo, Evangelia Bantiaka, Vassilis Botoulas, Dimitris Notaras, Theofanis Nouskas, Iordanis Roumeliotis, Eri Skyrgianni, Anneta Spanoudaki, Iordanis Stylidis, Pavlos Hampidis.

Music finds a new place: The Music Chronicles

2010-02-24T21:50:00.000+02:00

Since music always takes some space over design here ( and it should not), I decided to give it a new home: from now on, everything that has something to do with music and me will be posted in The Music Chronicles. I have already transferred all the posts regarding my Poplie radio shows there (and the download links too) and will keep it informed with album reviews I will be writing for a free press monthly and presenting music that I like from time to time, concert reviews etc. So join me there if you like music and want to see what I like about it!

Mirό of Majorca

2010-02-22T22:03:00.000+02:00

The exhibition Mirό of Majorca was hosted from the 9th of June 2009 till the 7th of February 2010 at the Teloglion Foundation of Art in Thessaloniki, Greece. It is now moving to Athens, where it will be exhibited at the Hellenic Cosmos "Theatron", Ismini Hall, from today, February 22nd, till the 30th of May 2010.

I went to see this show while it was still here in Thessaloniki. I was surprised by the bad design of the exhibition itself. I did not expect to see, in 2010, in a renowned Art Foundation of our country, such a significant artist exhibited in such an elementary way.His works were simply put on display grouped in periods, without text to accompany them showing what each period meant to the artist and connecting it to contemporary art and history.

The signs with the information for each work of art were placed on the ground, making every visitor taller than 1,50m (i.e. most of us) struggle to read it. The fact that they were made of transparent plexiglass did not help of course.

The lighting was bad, non descript. The sculptures suffered particularly of this, arranged in the middle of the biggest room and simply spot lighted without any thought of how the shadows would play both on the sculpture and around it.

A series of works were about sketches and drawings the artist made about various large scale works, either paintings or sculpture, prominently displayed in various parts of the world, most of them orders by municipalities, countries, rich individuals, companies. What struck me is that not a single photograph of the finished art was displayed, for any of the above.

There was a room dedicated to the work Miro did inspired by the theatre play Roi Yby. They had a single opportunity to make a very theatrical room to inspire and guide people to why he was so connected to this piece of theatre. They missed. The show also missed how his art influenced and came to represent the national identity of Spain.

A very positive aspect of the show was the exhibition of special copies of some of the paintings made for blind people - I had never seen that in a major show in Greece and was pleasantly surprised. And another interesting set up was the exhibition of some artefacts, small furniture and stuff from his studio, on a stage with a panoramic photo of the actual place as a background - but then again, it remained a plain and simple display of objects, not engaging the visitor in any way.

The graphic design of the exhibition's brochure and posters were excellent: they were done by Rooster Design, a great and much lauded graphic design studio from Thessaloniki. The exhibition is organized by Teloglion Art Foundation in cooperation with the Pilar i Joan Miro Foundation of Majorka - all of the artwork comes from there.

Tribute to Alexander McQueen

2010-02-11T19:57:00.030+02:00

My all-time favourite McQueen gown, Oyster Dress, Spring Summer 2003

It is in the Metropolitan Museum of New York

Alexander McQueen with his mother

Gorgeous gown, Autumn/Winter 2006

I cannot believe I am writing this post. My favourite designer is dead. Alexander McQueen, 40 years old, was found dead at his home in London today, 9 days after the death of his beloved mother. McQueen always seemed so in control and defiant of everyone, it makes it even harder to believe he is simply gone.

Shalom Harlow being sprayed by two car painting robots

Alexander with Isabella Blow

Escher inspired print at his recycled runway, Autumn/Winter 2009-2010 show

Spring/Summer 2007 show - one of my very favourite dresses

An incredible talent, he made his way through the turbulent waters of the fashion world, always on the rise; seemingly nothing could stop him. He was born in 1969, the youngest of six in Hackney, London, in 1969; dad was a taxi driver, mom a teacher. He became interested in fashion as a child and very soon he was a young apprentice at the Saville Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard, then Gieves & Hawkes. There he made suits for the Prince of Wales amongst others (legend has it he wrote "I am a cunt" with a ballpoint pen in the lining of one of the Prince's suits). He did a small stint at Koji Tatsuno at Paris before going to Milan to work at Romeo Gigli.

Back in England in 1994, he applied for work at Central St. Martins but was encouraged to enroll as a student. His graduation collection was bought by fashion legend Isabella Blow, who was to become his friend, mentor and muse.

A selection from his work throughout the years

His infamous "Highland rape" collection in 1995 drew the fashion world's attention. The result of his theatrical but exquisitely tailord concoctions was a much coveted position at the helm of the Givenchy fashion house, right after John Galliano left for Dior. The tenure was not without problems: he called Hybert De Givenchy, one of the most revered and gentle men in Haute Couture "irrelevant", his first collection there was a failure. But he build his reputation slowly, managing to outsmart his critics.

German Vogue photo shoot

Nick Knight photo shoot for British Vogue

One of his quirky handbags

Givenchy Spring/Summer 2000 Haute Couture - in Vogue

Bjork "Homogenic" album cover, photo by Nick Knight

From his men's collection

Tilda Swinton in his dress for Narnia

Futuristic editorial

Comparing editorial to runway

Never happy with the management, he left for the Gucci group and his own label in 2001, where he enjoyed critical and financial success, opening boutiques across the world, releasing his perfume and accessories line. His oeuvre, dark and romantic yet thoroughly steeped in the modern, grimy world, enchanted people and made him popular to all. Even Puma and MAC cosmetics approached him for designing collections for them.

Men's collection

The Los Angeles boutique, designed by Pentagram

Stage for one of his shows

His first perfume, Kingdom

Nick Knight photograph

His chess-board fashion show, Spring/Summer 2005

Luggage designed for Samsonite

December 2008 Vogue US editorial with Roberto Bolle as Romeo and Coco Rocha as Juliet,

shot by Annie Leibovitz

Bjork, photographed by Nick Knight

Designed for Puma

Givenchy Autumn/Winter 1999/2000 Haute Couture leather corset

Daria Werbovy in Vogue US editorial, May 2009

I love his clothes: his collections were the ones I anticipated the most during fashion week. The outfits, dark and looking like stepping a fine line between fairy tales and science fiction, yet somehow, one could always find very wearable tailored pieces in his collections. His evening dresses were fantastic mash-ups of a variety of influences, with most prominent his love for victorianna and a morbid fascination with death - taxidermied animals, bones, whole skeletons, sculls etc, were always present in his collections.

You can read about my favourite collection of his in another post I made. His loss is a great one, not only for his family and friends, but for fashion lovers and people who appreciated his talents. He had lots more to give and I believe we had not seen the best of him yet. He will be sorely missed.

Bye bye Lee

A call for Greek designers

2010-02-09T10:58:00.004+02:00

A few days ago I received this great e-mail from the well known in Greece CARTECO company, inviting the Greek designers from every section to sell their products through a dedicated website. I think it is a great opportunity so I post their "invitation" here:

CARTECO addresses an invite to GREEK industrial designers, graphic artists and artistic groups, who produce their products in small or large scale, manufactured, handmade or not, to a limited number or to order, and have a given business policy, to submit product details and information such as pictures etc. for sale in Greece and abroad through the new on-line store CARTECOSHOP.GR, which is under construction and will be soon on line.

The deadline is the end of February. It is not mandatory for participants to have a comprehensive collection or refined presentation, but certainly this will help. What interests us is for them to be able to guarantee quality and good design of the product and be consistent with our company and consumers. Be careful, we do not want to experiment with your ideas for the first time. We want ideas that are implemented and ready to fall in the market and become known to consumers. The product categories are general, i.e. objects, lighting, furniture, artwork, gifts, jewelry, silk screens, posters, textiles, etc. There is no restriction. Just be sure to get us all the necessary information quickly and to make us understand in as few words as possible exactly what it is that you do. The sales agreement for your projects through our website and our network is NOT exclusive and is not binding for any reason without any written agreement. Failure to accept the sale of products through our e-shop does not mean anything about the quality or the level of your work. We just cannot accept all the proposals or to cooperate with everyone. The products will be delivered to us finished, ready to pack for sale. Our company does not intend to enter a process of production, research and development of your project. If you are interested in selling or promote your products through our network, send us by e-mail to vpbartz@gmail.com the following:

Black and white photograph of the designer or group
Name and surname of the designer and the team
Contact details, telephone, email, website or blog, Address.
Small biography, information about previous activities, projects
Products that are likely to be released or sold in our market or other shops. Up to 10 photos for each product that we propose for sale in our online store at the required resolution. Variations of the product. Potential variety of colors, versions, designs, etc. Product description, dimensions, materials. Delivery time by order of the day and whether there is a minimum order. Method of payment to you, your team or manufacturer.
Sample if available (if in the end you are picked for the shop, you will be asked for one)
Category sales and use, eg Artwork, sculpture, gift, furniture, etc
Jpeg low resolution images (for web) in 2 sizes: 114X114 pix and 222X222 pix
Text (in 2 languages): 250-300 words (1500-2000 characters including spaces)

Once selected, we will contact you to discuss the details of our cooperation and to require additional material to be posted on the website. Thank you very much for your attention and interest in cooperation.

Design Walk 2010 ends today!

2010-02-07T14:48:00.005+02:00

Today is the last day of Design Walk 2010: The Design Walk consists of studios opening their doors to visitors, inviting them to follow a walk that brings them closer to the most functional and everyday applied art. The initiative was started by a small team of graphic designers that spotted the opportunity to trigger a profound dialogue between the graphic design studios of that particular neighborhood and the public. The Design Walk is in conjunction with the Greek Graphic Designers Association. The walk now attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Bios

The walk takes place in the vibrant area of the city next to the Acropolis, leading the visitor between cult shops and hip bars to discover works by award-winning graphic designers, in one of the most inspiring neighbourhoods in Europe, where ancient Greece, West, East, yesterday and tomorrow meet. For the 2010 walk, double decker, the London-based curating agency, is challenging 13 Graphic Design Studios to create a piece of work inspired by the contradictions / oppositions with which every designer has to deal, and which arise from fundamental questions in design methodology. The resulting exhibition, POLES APART, will give a unique visual insight into the creative process – as well as its curious contradictions.

Participating designers will create a piece of work based on the following dichotomies:

1. Void vs. fullness 2. Noise vs. silence 3. Beauty vs. Ugliness 4. Interesting vs. boring 5. Thin vs. bold 6. Word vs. image 7. Symbolic vs. literal 8. Landscape vs. portrait 9. Positive vs. negative 10. Anarchy vs. order 11. Digital vs. analogue 12. Foreground vs. background 13. Original vs. copy

I AM Design

Instead of settling for just one side of the dichotomy, the designers will incorporate both into their work and use them as creative fuel, with no restrictions on medium or scale. Visitors will be further engaged by talks, screenings and educational activities.

Unfortunately I could not be there this year but will have photographs and a report in the next days!

Participating designers: 3 in a Box, Bios, Designpark, Indyvisuals, g, I am Design etc., Mums Design, Pi6, Geometry, Poor Designers, Sereal Designers, The Design Shop, The Switch Place Identity

One Man Show's promo kit arrives - and it looks smashing

2010-02-04T15:17:00.005+02:00

One Man Show, or better known to me and his friends as Tassos Papaioannou, is a very talented illustrator/graphic designer/decoration designer/comic artist/comic publisher/radio producer/DJ (phew what a list!). He is one of the few Greek illustrators included in Taschen's yearly edition "Illustration Now! Vol.2". His work has been featured in many prominent greek newspapers and magazines, he has designed logos and graphics for many greek companies, done studio sets for MAD TV channel and has been the man behing Giganto Books comics publishing house (as well as an established comic artist himself).

He is working freelance now and send me his promotional package, which you see in his photos. It features a series of cards in various sizes, printed with illustrations that he has done over the years, accompanied by various favourite quotes. All of this is enclosed in a silver foil semi-transparent envelope. I love his work and I hope you will like it too! You can contact him here and read his blog here.

Photos are by OneManShow

Partytime: Poplie is having a party tomorrow and invites you all!

2010-01-29T17:02:00.003+02:00

Tomorrow night at Higgs bar in Athens, Poplie radio is having a party celebrating six months of broadcasting on the Internet - some of the station's DJs will be handling the music of course! Do not miss this if you are in Athens!

Poplie radio show, 17th of January 2010

2010-01-17T16:29:00.004+02:00

Travelling again to Vienna meant spending some time with the local music scene artists - what more natural than featuring them on our Poplie radio show? Trouble Over Tokyo, Paper Bird, Chris and The Other Girls (also a graphic designer) and Across The Delta have two tracks each in the playlist. Download the show as usual from the right side of this blog.

Poplie radio show, 10th of January 2010

2010-01-10T15:18:00.000+02:00

This Sunday's show was, in contrast to the previous dance-electronic one, more acoustic pop. You can download it from the right side of the blog. Enjoy!

Photo by Brock Davis.

Poplie radio show, 3rd of January 2010

2010-01-03T14:52:00.003+02:00

Happy 2010! - first show on Poplie starts with dance songs! It is available for download as usual on the right side.

Graphic by Michael Paulkner

Poplie radio show, 27th of December 2009

2009-12-27T14:45:00.005+02:00

Last radio show at Poplie radio for 2009. Lucky enough I have finished already with the year's review and countdown, so I felt free to play anything! An eclectic mix then, ranging from eastern melodies to trip-hop and dubstep. I hope you enjoy the show and see you on the next one on the 3rd of January! Feel free to download the show from the right hand column of the blog!

Background illustration by JACK

Season's greetings!

2009-12-24T00:29:00.006+02:00

It's this time of the year again to be with friends and loved ones and family and enjoy the warmth of love and steal a bit of well deserved rest to enter the new year with a renewed energy and zest! I wish all of you, my readers, a happy and healthy new year, full of love and joy and many many fulfilled desires!

(Jason Wu's Androgyny Avantguard doll dressed in Mel Odom's Gene Criss Cross gown - check my doll blog for more details)

Top 20 Countdown for albums of the decade - final list

2009-12-22T16:27:00.004+02:00

As promised, here is the comprehensive top-20 list voted by 77 Greek bloggers.

No.20. Last Shadow Puppers – The Age Of The Understatement - 2008 (160 points – 12 bloggers) - my no.7

No.19. P.J. Harvey – Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea - 2000 (175 points – 15 bloggers)

No.18. Daft Punk – Discovery - 2001 (181 points – 14 bloggers) - my no.8

No.17. Sufjan Stevens – Illinoise - 2005 (200 points – 16 bloggers)

No.16. Κόρε Ύδρο – Φτηνή Ποπ Για Την Ελίτ - 2006 (216 points – 13 bloggers)

No.15. White Stripes – Elephant - 2003 (210 points – 12 bloggers)

No.14. Primal Scream – XTRMNTR - 2000 (226 points – 18 bloggers)

No.13. Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots - 2002 (229 points – 13 bloggers)

No.12. Portishead – Third - 2008 (256 points – 15 bloggers)

No.11. Radiohead – In Rainbows - 2007 (258 points – 15 bloggers) - my no.13

No.10. Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven - 2000 (268 points – 17 bloggers)

No.09. Burial – Untrue - 2007 (324 points – 20 bloggers) - my no.2

No.08. LCD Soundsystem – Sound Of Silver - 2007 (341 points – 21 bloggers)

No.07. Antony & The Johnsons – I Am A Bird Now - 2005 (358 points – 15 bloggers)

No.06. Franz Ferdinand – Franz Ferdinand - 2004 (365 points – 27 bloggers)

No.05. Sigur Ros – Agaetis Bujurn - 2000 (UK) (366 points – 19 bloggers)

No.04. Interpol – Turn On The Bright Lights - 2002 (479 points – 18 bloggers)

No.03. Radiohead – Kid A - 2000 (524 points – 25 bloggers)

No.02. Strokes – Is This It - 2001 (669 points – 37 bloggers)

No.01. Arcade Fire – Funeral - 2004 (987 points – 38 bloggers)

I had four albums in the top-20 (and two more in the 40-21 list), I did not expect to coincide more with my fellow bloggers! Enjoy the music!

Top 20 Countdown for albums of the year - final list

2009-12-22T14:00:00.004+02:00

If you have been following my blog album countdown this month, here is the final list as compiled by Gone4sure from the votes of 73 Greek bloggers:

40. Editors – In This Light And In This Morning (99 points - 7 bloggers)

39. Black Heart Possession – Six (101 points – 8 bloggers)

38. Muse – Resistance (103 points – 7 bloggers)

37. Soap & Skin – Lovetune For Vacuum (103 points – 8 bloggers)

36. Passion Pit – Manners (104 points - 9 bloggers)

35. JJ – JJ2 (109 points – 11 bloggers)

34. Bibio – Ambivalence Avenue (110 points – 10 bloggers)

33. Dead Weather – Horehound (112 points – 7 bloggers)

32. Big Pink – A Brief History Of Love (114 points – 14 bloggers)

31. Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You (115 points – 8 bloggers)

30. Memory Tapes – Seek Magic (116 points – 8 bloggers)

29. Dead Man’s Bones – Dead Man’s Bones (116 points – 10 bloggers)

28. Broken Records – Until The Earth Begins To Part (121 points – 6 bloggers)

27. Archive – Controlling Crowds (123 points – 10 bloggers)

26. Κόρε Ύδρο – Όλη Η Αλήθεια Για Τα Παιδιά του ‘78 (125 points – 7 bloggers)

25. Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse (140 points – 9 bloggers)

24. Sonic Youth – Eternal (154 points – 12 bloggers)

23. Kasabian – Wesr Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum (161 points – 9 bloggers)

22. Atlas Sound – Logos (171 points – 14 bloggers)

21. Royksopp – Junior (173 points – 14 bloggers) - my no.10

20. Florence & The Machine – Lungs (176 points – 15 bloggers) - my no.19

19. Antony & The Johnsons – The Crying Light (177 points – 13 bloggers)

18. Fever Ray – Fever Ray (177 p[oints – 15 bloggers)

17. Jack Peñate – Everything Is New (184 points – 15 bloggers) - my no.5

16. Antlers – Hospice (191 points – 12 bloggers)

15. White Lies – To Lose Myself (191 points – 16 bloggers)

14. Wild Beasts – Two Dancers (232 points – 15 bloggers)

13. Girls – Album (245 points – 21 bloggers)

=. Fuck Buttons – Tarrot Spot (253 points – 17 bloggers)

11. Arctic Monkeys – Humbug (253 points – 17 bloggers)

10. Boy – Please Make Me Dance (281 points – 16 bloggers)

09. Bat For Lashes – Two Suns (305 points – 28 bloggers) - my no.1

08. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz (320 points – 24 bloggers) - my no.12

07. A Place To Bury Strangers – Exploding Head (337 points – 23 bloggers)

06. Flaming Lips – Embryonic (408 points – 27 bloggers)

05. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest (414 points – 25 bloggers)

04. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – S/T (421 points – 30 bloggers)

03. The Horrors – Primary Colours (432 points – 30 bloggers)

02. The XX’s – XX (611 points – 34 bloggers) - my no.6

01. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavillion (784 points – 37 bloggers)

I did not like the no.1 album but that is not the point! Had a great time doing this and will do it again next year! And I hope you got some ideas about new music this year. On another post, the best albums of the decade.

My Best Comics Of The Decade list

2009-12-22T00:08:00.008+02:00

I promised Manolis that I would participate in his top-20 comics of the decade bloggers vote. I am a day late (last minute extension granted!) so here it is (and I must say I am not the avid comic reader I used to be), from 20 to 1:

20. Phonogram/The Singles Club - written by Kieron Gillen, illustrated by Jamie McKelvie

19. DC - The New Frontier - Darwyn Cooke

18. Ring Of The Nibelung - Pencils & Inks by P Craig Russell, colours by Lovern Kindzierski - based on Wagner's opera opus

17. Civil War - Script by Mark Millar, pencils by Steve McNiven, inks by Dexter Vines, colouring by Morry Hollowell, lettering by Chris Eliopoulos

16. Harlequin Valentine - written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by John Bolton

15. Fables, 1001 Nights Of Snowfall - written by Bill Willingham, illustrated by: Charles Vess, Brian Bolland, John Bolton, Michael Wm. Kaluta, James Jean, Tara McPherson, Derek Kirk Kim, Esao Andrews, Mark Buckingham, Mark Wheatley, Jill Thompson

14. Dark Knight Starts Again - written, pencilled and inked by Frank Miller, coloroued by Lynn Varley, lettered by Todd Klein

13. Death: at Death's Door - Jill Thompson

12. Blankets - Craig Thompson

11. Eternals - written by Neil Gaiman, pencils by John Romita Jr, inks by Danny Miki & Tim Townsend, colours by Matt Hollingsworth, Dean White & Paul Mounts, lettered by Todd Klein

10. Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader? - written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Andy Kubert

09. Transmetropolitan - The New Scum written by Warren Ellis and illustrated by Darick Robertson

08. Manifesto - by Ilias Kyriazis

07. Logicomix - Written by Apostolos Doxiadis and Christos Papadimitriou, pencils by Alecos Papadatos, inks by Dimitris Karatzaferis and Thodoris Paraskevas, lettered by Anne Bardy, coloured by Annie Di Donna

06. Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi

05. Marvel 1602 - written by Neil Gaiman, pencilled and inked by Andy Kubert, coloured by Richard Isanove, lettered by Todd Klein

04. Astro City - written by Kurt Busiek, pencilled by Brent Eric Anderson, inked by Will Blyberg, coloured by Sinclair, lettered by Comicraft

03. Murder Mysteries - Written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by P. Craig Russel, coloured by Lovern Kindzierski, lettered by Galen Showman

02. The Sandman: Endless Nights - Written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean, P. Craig Russell, Milo Manara, Miguelanxo Prado, Barron Storey, Bill Sienkiewicz, Glenn Fabry, Frank Quitely, lettered by Todd Klein

01. Phonogram/Rue Brittania - written by Kieron Gillen, illustrated by Jamie McKelvie

Poplie radio show, 20th of December 2009

2009-12-21T02:44:00.004+02:00

This time around I had my full top-20 album of the year countdown on the show, from no.20 up to no.1. There was enough time to include my top-10 albums of the decade also. The bonus track: as a 2010 harbinger, Groove Armada's I Won't Kneel. I did not queue the track from my no.6 album of the year though (XX's self titled début) so you will not hear Intro at all. The radio show is available to download on the right of this blog.

Top 20 Countdown - no.1

2009-12-20T14:03:00.004+02:00

For 2009

No.1 - Bat For Lashes - Two Suns

I said it all before... she's amazing!

For the 00's

No.1 - Feist - The Reminder

Incredible album, incredible artist. Feist is someone I cannot get enough of. I had picked this one as best of the year back in 2007 - I must say it ages like good wine.

Top 20 Countdown - no.2

2009-12-19T11:33:00.005+02:00

For 2009

No.2 - Tori Amos - Abnormally Attracted To Sin

Her best album for quite a while. See my post about it in the top-20 for the decade. She is in top form again - if only someone can tell her that she does not have to fill all the available cd space.

For the 00's

No.2 - Burial - Untrue

The soundtrack of our times, the sound of the decade, otherworldly music but yet so urban, so close to being the music that plays all the time in our minds, in the air, everywhere. And an archangel behind me at all times.

Top 20 Countdown - no.3

2009-12-18T19:17:00.004+02:00

For 2009

No.3 - Kleerup - Kleerup

Released last year in his native Sweden, but only this year everywhere else, Kleerup's self-titled debut album is clearly one of the best albums of the year. An intoxicating mix of electronic instrumentation and great vocals (by the usual suspects: Robyn, Lykke Li, Titiyo, Marit Bergman and Linda Sundblad), it is full of gorgeous songs that stick to your mind and heart no moatter what. He raised the bar quite high.

For the 00's

No. 3 - Kate Bush - Aerial

"The witch is back". Indeed Kate returned with a vengeance, back in 2005, after a 12 year hiatus, to assure us that, mmm yes, she is indeed alive and kicking and in top form. Offering us a masterpiece that few artists can reach, in a way that is inimitably Kate. I hope she does not take that long again for the next one.

Top 20 Countdown - no.4

2009-12-17T20:06:00.003+02:00

For 2009

No.4 - Wild Beasts - Two Dancers

This English group releases it's second album (last year's incredible Limbo, Panto is their debut) and managed to outdo themselves. The two singers of the group manage to convey a myriad of emotions infused with rock and funk in a unique way. More!

For the 00's

No.4 - Muse - Absolution

This is their masterpiece. So much beautiful music here, it drives you nuts. And yes, if they have done an album like this one, I can forgive them this year's unimaginative release.

Top 20 Countdown - no.5

2009-12-16T23:12:00.006+02:00

For 2009

No.5 - Jack Peñate - Everything Is New

Jack manages to make a brilliant album, with more influences than one can count. Much better than his début, this one finds him at his best, weaving magical rhythms and melodies that keep you wanting for more. I'd love to see him live!

Jack Penate |MTV Music

For the 00's

No.5 - Mark Ronson - Version

Who could have thought that one could release an album of re-recorded old hits from various decades and make a work so original and coherent as this album. Mark Ronson hit the jackpot and became one of the most celebrated producers of the decade.

Poplie radio show, 13th of December 2009

2009-12-16T22:24:00.003+02:00

This past Sunday on my radio show I continued with the top-20 album countdown for 2009 and the decade (see relative posts in the blog every day) up until no.8. The second hour of the show was dedicated to Sade, who released their new song, Soldier of Love last week. Their new album won;t be out till February of 2010, so for the show's last hour I played many Sade favourites and ended it with Soldier Of Love. As always you can find the show on the right column of the blog, if you want to listen to it again.

Top 20 Countdown - no.6

2009-12-15T23:06:00.003+02:00

For 2009

No.6 - The XX - XX

Great album from this incredible group - from the Intro their music grabs you and does not let you go until the very last track. Playing this over and over without getting tired of it. Dream pop mixed with indie rock to maximum effect.

For the 00's

No.6 Amy Winehouse - Back To Black

The seminal album for a whole generation, it brought back old-fashioned good singing to a music industry harangued by flashy fame addicts and the hunt of the next big thing. If she manages to escape her own addictions, we will have a living legend to listen to for the next years - looking forward to it.

Top 20 Countdown - no.7

2009-12-14T23:59:00.005+02:00

For 2009

No.7 - Scott Matthew - There Is An Ocean That Divides

Scott does it again: a heart wrenching album, full of eloquent, elegiac songs that do not want to leave your mind and your heart. And that voice.

For the 00's

No.7 - The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age Of The Understatement

Best album of 2008, one of the best of the decade. These guys sure know how to make great music and pick great producers. And that cover.

What about the covers? - no.8

2009-12-13T23:38:00.005+02:00

For 2009 - no.8 - Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream

In line with their pastiche styling and kitschy outfits, the cover gathers from so many places that it is useless to try and discern them. Awarded an Aria for cover art, the studio Debaser is the culprit of this album sleeve. According to the duo's label's website, the painting of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore that comprises the album artwork was based on the iconic movie posters for Indiana Jones and Star Wars. And here is what the Debaser team says:

So, as the rollercoaster that is ‘Empire Of The Sun’ gathers momentum, team Debaser have been hard at work illustrating and creating a veritable plethora of crazy new images. Trawling the minds of Nick & Luke has been enlightening, terrifying, hilarious and mind-bending.... usually all at once. But, geez, it’s a lot of fun. We’ve had our illustrations appear as double page and full page spreads in a number of illustrious international mags such as Dazed & Confused, NME, Spin, MixMag, UK Fly, Rolling Stone and a bunch of others. Hell, we’re even the profiled contributors in none other than Dazed & Confused. Check the photo – we look like a couple of thugs, so watch yourself. Keep up the Empire love, we wanna do some more drawings......

The photos of the inner sleeve are from here.

For the 00's - no.8 - Daft Punk - Discovery

The image on the cover keeps up with the "tradition" of the group using their logo in alternate forms on the covers of their albums. This time, it is in liquid, mercurial form, with a rainbow of colours underneath it as shadows of a disco floor ready to burst. The album art direction credits go to Daniel Vangarde (father of Thomas Bangalter, one of the two Daft Punk members, also credited for the art as his bandmate Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo), Pedro Winter (their manager up to last year)and A-Lex, but most famously to Gildas Loaëc, longtime collaborator and founder of Kitsuné fashion and music label. Kumiko Izumiya and Alexandre Courtes (video director) did the logo design and contributed to the art of the album. Photography by Luis Sanchiz & Mitchell Feinberg.

Top 20 Countdown - no.8

2009-12-13T18:11:00.004+02:00

For 2009

no.8 - Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream

Weird band this one, one of the two founding members does not even go touring with them! Even if it lasts only for this album though, it is sure one of the best this year, full of catchy, dance and pop tunes. Endless fun!

For the 00's

no.8 - Daft Punk - Discovery

The album that changed dance music in the past decade, the group that launched a thousand imitators. French do it best - mais oui!

Panorama Design 12th & 13th of December 2009

2009-12-12T14:34:00.003+02:00

The sixth edition of Panorama Design, is organized by bi-monthly magazine +design at the Art Centre (Garyttou 53, Chalandri, Athens) on the 12th & 13th of December 2009. This is the most successful institution of its kind in Greece. Tickets for previous years were sold out days before the start of the two-day conference. It's success is due to the quality of all events organized by +design magazine and to it's simple yet complete concept: Creative people of every stature and dynamic (from the multinational ad agency to the lonely freelancer), from across the spectrum of visual communication (advertising, publications, branding, Internet, illustration, multimedia, etc.) in Greece. And apart from getting together, they talk, do presentations of their work and post their thoughts about the market's reality.

This year's event includes as usual two important foreign speakers, an element that completes in the best possible way the look of a "full schedule". Furthermore, on Sunday, before the start of the regular programme, a meeting will be held with themes of informative and practical content for the creative community.

What about the covers? no.9

2009-12-12T13:05:00.006+02:00

For 2009 - Mika - The Boy Who Knew Too Much

Richard Hogg, Zuleika Penniman(Mika's sister) Da Wack(his other sister, Yasmine) Claire Bushe and Sophie Blackall did some the illustrations again for Mika's 2nd album. But the main one responsible for the look of it is of course Mika himself. While I do like the style, it does not distinguish it from the previous one at all; in fact, when I first saw it, I thought I was seeing the old one. So no originality there, but instead, I like that he is so creative he does his covers as well. Here is what he has to say about the packaging of his album:Speaking of packaging, I write to you from my paper laden desk that I have not allowed anyone to clean for over 7 weeks. Its covered in bits of art, drawings, cut outs, samples... all prep work for the new album art. Its being done much the same way as last time, by my sister DaWack, Richard Hogg and I. As many of you know, over the past few months I have been purging visual references from children's picture books, from the 40s to the 70s. There's something dark and magic about a good picture book. The way those characters never leave you and attach themselves to a particular time of your life. The only thing I can compare it to is smells. I was once nearly kicked in the balls on the street for asking a complete stranger what perfume she was wearing. When she asked me why I cared, I told her it reminded me of this bitch at school's mum who told on me after I was caught stealing her

daughter's stationary when I was 7.

The new artwork, is well, odd, rather amazing but gloriously weird. Suffice to say I'm rather excited about it. We will be adding new babies to our family. Hairy babies. Ha!

For the 00's - Bat For Lashes - Two Suns

Another artist who does her own covers! Art direction and concept for the album is by Natasha, as well as the booklet artwork. The cover was photographed by David Benjamin Sherry and the sets were designed by Tony Hornecker (he does amazing sets and has done Kylie's X album photo shoot sets among others). Graphic design is by Andrew Murabito (he has done almost EVERYONE) and the photographic production was done by Dan Sanders. The digipack version (above) is the best. The whole affair conjures an otherworldly atmosphere, perfectly expressing the concept of Natasha's music.

Top 20 Countdown - no.9

2009-12-12T12:14:00.006+02:00

For 2009

No.9 - Mika - The Boy Who Knew Too Much

He does indeed know too much! This guy is amazing! He managed to release an album much better than his first one, full of feel-good tunes that keep you humming and feet-tapping for ever! Let it Rain then!

For the 00's

no.9 - Bat For Lashes - Two Suns

Natasha Khan released her second album this year. It speaks to the heart and the mind with equal strength to the point of possession. I am certain we will be listening to even greater stuff from this lady.

What about the covers? no 10

2009-12-11T23:25:00.007+02:00

For 2009 - no.10 - Röyksopp - Junior

The last sketch is unused art from Leslie David

Well, the photo on the cover is by Stian Andersen, who has done quite a bit of album cover photography in Scandinavia (A-ha anyone?). The rest of the photographs are from Jan Alsaker, Paul Wesley Griggs and Samantha Rapp. But the star here is Leslie David, the graphic designer behind the whole thing. His work is reminiscent of the 80's but with a contemporary vibe. And he is one of the artists that still puts pencil to paper and that counts a lot for me.

For the 00's - no.10 - Morrissey - You Are The Quarry

First of all I think this is the first time Moz appears dressed in a suit on an album cover. Secondly the title is not in quotation marks for the very first time in one of his albums. He looks like an American mob member, brandishing a Thompson sub machine gun, which is the typical weapon of everyone in the prohibition era, also known as the Tommy Gun. The logo of the record company (Moz's own) is the same gun, black on pink except on the cover. The photo is taken by the famous photographer Greg Gorman. Gorman prefers working in black and white so it is a bit of a departure for him. There is a version with grey instead of pink background used for the Deluxe Edition of the CD.

Apart from the cover though there is not anything worth mentioning from the rest of the album design - there is none. Simple lettering and colours (yellow inside, pink outside). The design credit goes to Morrissey along with Scott King (who did Roisin's "Overpowered"). They probably got tired after doing the cover and called it quits. Shame.

Top 20 Countdown - no.10

2009-12-11T22:43:00.004+02:00

For 2009

No.10 Röyksopp - Junior

Röyksopp's "Junior" is not the best electropop album of the year (that honour goes to another one later on the list) but very very close to it. Brilliantly combining elements of their previous work and with the perfectly fitting voices of Robyn, Lykke Li, Karin Dreijer Andersson and Anneli Drecker, they move forward by making their sound fuller, more upbeat and precise than ever before.

For the 00's

no.10 - Morrissey - You Are The Quarry

Moz has been productive since 2004 in this decade, releasing a string of albums that keeps affirming his exalted status in music. This one though is the best of the bunch. And it contains some of his best songs, like I'm So Sorry, Let Me Kiss you, First Of The Gang to Die... absolute genius.

The Archive, Episode 3: Supersurfaces

2009-12-10T23:12:00.006+02:00

Episode 03: SUPERSURFACES

Opening: Friday 11th of December 2009 at 20:00 Free entrance

From the 12th of December 2009 until the 17th of January 2010 the entrance will be allowed only to members.

Episodes curators: Katerina Kotzia, Korina Filoksenidou

Catering Supporter: LES LAZARISTES, Domotel

The third architectural event to be hosted in The Archive space takes us through a journey to the endless world of supersurfaces. They are compositions derived from folding and transforming a single surface of paper or other flexible material.

The initiative and part of the show's material comes from the research work of the Special composition laboratory Supersurfaces taught by architect Sofia Vyzoviti at the Architecture department of the University Of Thessaly. An installation that is combined with the special characteristics of the space will be presented at The Archive.

The opening of the show mark one more creative meeting of The Archive members. Carteco, the company behind this original space and supporter of the Episodes is bound to regularly renew these rendez vous by hosting architectural events worthy of our attention.

What about the covers? no 11

2009-12-10T22:21:00.006+02:00

For 2009 - Montt Mardié - Skaizerkite

Patrik Berg designed this one. The title means a person suffering from hybris and was also the name of a New York gang from the 40's (aka Sharp Boys). Both definitions fit with Monty's image of course. The design is simple and minimal, with the photograph of the front cover standing out. The packaging is a gatefold carton.

For the 00's - No.11 - The Organ - Grab That Gun

This cover reminds me a lot of Piet Mondrian paintings. The graphic design is by Randy Iwata, Jenny Smyth (group member-organ), Mo Salemy, a Vancouver-based artist and David Cuesta, a Canadian designer.

Top 20 Countdown - no.11

2009-12-10T21:58:00.005+02:00

For 2009

No.11 - Montt Mardié - Skaizerkite

Unfortunately his best and most coherent album to date is his last as a solo artist. Montt Mardié (aka David Pagmar) will be a member of the group Monty from now on. But that does not stop me from enjoying this precious collection of gems. He's Swedish of course.

For the 00's

No.11 - The Organ - Grab That Gun

They made only one album and then called it quits. But what an album! Brash, combining pop and new wave elements with modern music sensibilities, it manages to sound superb despite a seemingly monotonous palette of strong guitars and droning organ sounds. Canadians...

What about the covers? no 12

2009-12-09T23:49:00.003+02:00

For 2009 - No.12 - Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz!

vinyl sleeve art front/back

vinyl inner sleeve art

AllMusic in it's review of the album says "It's Blitz!'s images of a woman's hand bursting an egg and fleshy tomatoes and mushrooms spread across an otherwise empty pizza box are surprising, immediate, and strangely sensual, and that goes double for the actual music". Indeed. The photography by David Belisle is what makes this album cover stand out from the rest this year, probably making it cover of the year. And by spot-varnishing the egg splash, they make it stand out even more! The inside of the album looks like a pizza box with the cd itself being the pizza and the band member's heads replacing mushrooms and stuff on it. There are also some photos by Autumn DeWilde and Eric Uhlir. Art direction is by Seb Marling and Karen O.

For the 00's - no.12 - Underworld - Oblivion With Bells

inner concertina Japan

inner concertina USA

inner concertina UK

John Warwicker is the art director on Oblivion. His company, tomato, is responsible for some of the most inspiring design around us today (check their projects and you will understand what i 'm talking about). The inner sleeve is a concertina which had different inner images according to the country of issue (europe, japan, us). The whole feel is perfectly co-ordinated with the music inside the cd, urban, atmospheric, modern. The tomato team also does Underworld's video clips.

Top 20 Countdown - no.12

2009-12-09T23:48:00.004+02:00

For 2009

No.12 - Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It's Blitz

Karen O and her group deliver their poppiest album to date and hit gold. Keeping everything that is Yeah Yeah Yeahs and infusing it with pure pop with a twist of dance in it, they make an album that is at the same time familiar yet new and unknown.

For the 00's

No.12 - Underworld - Oblivion With Bells

The emperors of electronica returned with a vengeance with this one, putting to rest any doubt about their creative streak being strong. It is a record I have danced with many times and will keep on dancing with it for years to come.

What about the covers? no 13

2009-12-08T21:00:00.006+02:00

For 2009 - No.13 - Morrissey - Years Of Refusal

Design practice No Allegiances is responsible for the design and packaging. Mexican folk art and vintage California drove the art direction of Years of Refusal. Working around a photograph taken by Jake Walters of Moz holding a plump, drooling baby, they echoed the subtle Mexican sounds in the music by using typography inspired by José Guadalupe Posada, one of Mexico’s most famous illustrators and printmakers to give everything a kitschy frontier feel. To accentuate the chiaroscuro of the cover image and painting, the LP and special CD / DVD versions were run on fabric-textured stock which makes the record feel like an oil painting hanging in the Louvre that you shouldn’t have just touched. The CD / DVD version comes in a mini LP gatefold and was again made by London Fancy Box who did a fantastic job of putting together a solid, high quality package.

Band photography by Travis Shinn. Bodegon Con Jarra de Vino, 1914 (oil on canvas) by A. Fuentes, photography by Arturo Osorno / INBA / The Bridgeman Art Library

The adorable baby, with its cheeky little expression so at odds with Morrissey’s stern gaze, is the son of Charlie Brown, Morrissey’s assistant tour manager. Anticipating speculation about his latest cover, Moz had already drafted a response on the sleeve notes to The Years of Refusal:

“If you ask why the new album has the title it has (‘Years of Refusal’) and why on the cover he is holding the baby, after holding on previous covers the violin and the gun, because after all people will want to know, or more rumours will spill into the world and its voracious, agitated internet shadow, the sigh will almost crack into real annoyance. If you sail close to the gale force wind and bring up the sticky situations he finds himself in when he talks of his mythical old England, its disappearance and/or cultural and commercial conversion, and heretically flirts with the flag, and faces expulsion from the entertainment scene, then the sigh and the awkwardness will know no bounds.”

For the 00's - No.13 - Radiohead - In Rainbows

The artwork is by Stanley Donwood, who has worked with Yorke in designing all album artwork since 1994. For this one, Donwood experimented with a photographic etching technique, putting prints into acid baths with various results. During the recording of the album, Donwood regularly put up images in the studio and on the studio computer, letting the band interact directly and comment on them. He also posted images daily on the band's website, though none of the images were used in the final album artwork. Describing the album cover, he said "it's very colourful—I've finally embraced colour! It's a rainbow but it is very toxic, it's more like the sort of one you'd see in a puddle." The band decided not to release the cover for the digital release of the album, preferring to hold it back for the physical release. The "discbox" release of the album includes a lyric booklet, containing additional artwork by Donwood.