Cityist Blog

FALLING - The new single release from Katya Lee

On November 18th, the long awaited single from Russian pop sensation Katya Lee finally dropped. The ethereal sounding FALLING single can be heard in all music platforms like Spotify and can be purchased on iTunes. The highly inventive and creative music video, shot and directed by the talented creative force Man Sumarni can be viewed on Youtube by clicking this link or by clicking on the image above. Katya planned to timed the release of songs from her upcoming EP by dropping one single per month throughout the Winter season. Look out for the second music video from the single called Goosebumps that she collaborated on with Creative Director Man Sumarni to drop in the upcoming months.

House of Gucci

Movie, New Release- Image courtesy of Bron

The Gucci family saga was surprisingly unknown to anyone who live outside the European Continent and not a fan of fashion. This movie further dramatized the already-notorious life of the Gucci family with the help of top notch acting talents like Al Pacino, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Adam Driver and last but not least Lady GaGa herself, playing the titular character Patrizia Reggiani, whose insertion into the Gucci clan cause the unraveling of the tight knit Gucci clan that resulted in the catastrophic destruction of their lives.
This movie plods in a slow pace to build the back story of how Patrizia methodically seduced and snared Maurizio Gucci as the entrance into the famous Gucci clan. The tempo of the movie picked up slightly when Maurizio become half of the stakeholder of the Gucci family. From that point on, the movie become exciting to watch but it took a good hour and a half before we get to that point. Did I mention that this movie is over two and a half hour long? If you are a fan of fashion, or a big fan of the Gucci brand, this movie might worth your time.

Art Expo New York

Event, Fine Art

The annual Art Expo New York is taking place right now until tomorrow at Pier 90 (Across from 50th street, on the west side highway). Each booth is represented by artists and galleries from all over the globe, exhibiting and selling pieces from landscape photographs to big mural paintings and sculptures. Pretty much all the pieces are available for sale. Prices range from very affordable to the six figures. This is a perfect place to stroll around and enrich yourself visually with the contemporary pieces from talented artists that have assembled here from the world over. Go to the ARTEXPO link to find out more about opening hours and admission prices.

Suspiria 2018 - A creepy movie that left you with many questions

Movie, New Release - Image courtesy of FilmNation Entertainment

If you are going to watch Suspiria, you need to know that there is an extra scene after the credit roll ends. It sets up for a possible sequel, or prequel. It is understandable because the original Suspiria was part of a trilogy, albeit rather unrelated series of movies that deal with disturbing subject matters. This movie pay tribute to the early 70s Italian cinema by shooting the scenes in stuffily decorated rooms and venues with moody cinematography. The movie was plodding along slowly until it hits the 40 or so minute mark and take a turn into the suspense territory. Although early on, audiences were treated to a very disturbing and macabre scene to set the tone in what is to come. Dakota Johnson, Mia Goth, and Tilda Swinton are terrific in this movie. Top fashion models like Malgosia Bela and Alek Wek also appeared as supporting characters in this movie. The story move along with foreboding certainty that a big, terrifying climax awaits at the end. And your instinct will be correct. But you are here to fully expect to be shown something terrifying, so your wish granted. This is not the kind of James Wan type of horror movie you are getting used to nowadays. This is more like an indie art house horror movies that they made back in the late '70s and early '80s. Full of symbolism and abstract images. Does this make it a superior horror film than it's current popular, money making counterparts? Afraid not, but I enjoyed it nonetheless despite having tons of unanswered questions after watching the movie. Questions that if you are desperate enough to find answers to, which could be found with simply googling them.

Bohemian Rhapsody - Watch this at cinema with amazing surround sound or regret it

Movie, New release - Image courtesy of 21st Century Fox

First, let's get one thing out of the way. This is a music biopic, so I highly recommend watching it at a IMAX cinema, a Dolby Surround cinema, or any cinema near you with an awesome surround sound system because the songs will make you want to sing along and bop your head to. If you are a big Queen fan, this movie will take you down a roller coaster memory lane because the songs are basically book marks in the events taking place throughout your life. If you just discover Queen from watching this movie, it will be the best intro to Queen's music. But don't expect historical accuracy like most critics who review this movie were anticipating. This is a story of Freddie and Queen as an entertainment motion picture, not a documentary. The film makers retain creative liberty to the timeline and Freddie's life events for dramatic purposes. The one thing everyone unanimously agreed on is Remi Malek's incredible portrayal as Freddie Mercury. He wholly transformed himself into Freddie and it's not small feat because he had to mimic the swagger and mannerism of the rock star to perfection. The shot by shot re-enactment of the climax Live Aid performance is the crowning performance in this movie for the whole cast, especially Remi Malek. This is also when the sound play the most important part in the movie as another supporting character, to remind us that Queen songs have been present throughout our lives since we could consciously recall.

First Reform - The dark and hypnotic new movie which lead character Ethan Hawke is born to play

Movie, New release - Image courtesy of Fibbonacci Films

A slow burn movie filled with dark, sarcastic humor that ignited into a bornfire at the end of the movie. I don't recommend reading the review of this movie at all. Just go see it and be in awe when you walked out of the cinema. The movie was beautifully shot with first class cinematography and top notch color grading. Ethan Hawke's acting was Oscar caliber. Where the story take you though, is something else entirely. Don't give up on the film because it was very slow in the first half hour and seemed like the movie was filled with idle conversation and there would be no pay off in the end. If you sit through it, you will be taken to a remarkable journey that will shock and awe you. This movie is another example that you don't need big budget to create a great film. First Reformed was shot for a meager $2 million and completed in just 20 days. Shot in square format by director Paul Schrader, who wrote Deniro's classic Taxi Driver, this is a lean, mean independent filmmaking at it's best. In art house cinemas near you on May 18th.

6 Questions With Artist Jason Laurits

Fashion, Design, Artist

Born and raised in the state of Delaware, artist Jason Laurits' artistic impulses had taken him to far flung places of the world.
Our creative director caught up with Jason during his trip in Australia and managed to get some tidbit about the throught process that goes into his art...
More on Jason Laurits→

The alluring and hypnotic Phantom Thread

Movie, New release - Image courtesy of Focus Features

I was intrigue by this film based on the fact that Paul Thomas Anderson is the director and his re-teaming with Daniel Day-Lewis, who is very picky about the movie he choose to work in. Turned out this movie is another masterpiece in Paul Thomas Anderson's portfolio of filmography. This also happened to be Daniel Day-Lewis' last film because he announced that he is retiring from the movie industry. I guess this mean I will be seeing him more around my neighborhood because he literally live on the next street from where I live. This movie was shot in a slow and hypnotic pace and never really quite pick up the pace but that's a very good thing. What started as a cinematic portrait of an aging couture designer who is living alone at the twilight of his life gradually unfold into a very interesting and unusual love story.

Fine Art Print Week New York Exhibition at the Javitz Center

Event, Fine Art

Taking place from now until October 29th at the Javitz Center, the Fine Art Print Week has been organized by the IFPDA since 2001, bringing together New York City galleries, museums, auction houses, and alternative spaces, and offers lectures and symposia related to prints every fall. You can see works by the old masters like Gauguin, Rembrandt, Picasso, all the way to their modern contemporaries such as Alex Katz, Chuck Close, and Damien Hirst. The IFPDA defines an original print as a work of art on paper, which has been conceived by the artist to be realized as a print, rather than as a reproduction of a work in another medium. The International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFPDA) is the authority on fine art prints and their connoisseurship and collection. As the leading non-profit organization of international art dealers, galleries, and publishers, the IFPDA is dedicated to increasing the appreciation for works on paper among collectors and the general public through exhibitions, programs, art fairs, and the IFPDA Book Award. Through its network, online presence, and public programs, the IFPDA fosters understanding and growth within a global art community interested in prints.

Hundson Jeans Event hosted by Kaia Gerber and NYCult

Launch event, Fashion

We attended the festive Hudson Jean event in Soho that's hosted by Kaia Gerber last Friday. The interior of this massive venue was decorated with gigantic wall photos of Kaia and multiple live projections of the Hudson Jean runway collection images. Guests were mobbing the bar (as usual) and lining up in front of the Samsung VR 360 selfie booth. Elle D was minding the DJ deck in the basement to keep the crowd turnt up. The Hudson Jean merchandise were tastefully hung on mannequins under spotlights. Our girl of the hour showed up, pose in front of her big wall picture, took some selfie and pose with fans and promptly ghost out of the venue without most of the guests knowing because they are too busy having a good time. Yet another stellar and professional event put together by Tommy Saleh and his NYCult team.

Another Ryan Gosling's modern classic - Blade Runner 2049 is a visual feast

Sci Fi, movie - Image courtesy of Alcon Entertainment, Columbia Pictures

Another excellent movie from Denis Vileaneuve, my favorite director du jour. Admittedly in the slow side, this movie build itself up towards the big reveal, then blindside you with a twist near the end of the third act. The costume and set design of this movie will inspire the fashion community and blogosphere for years to come. I suggest watching it on the big screen to experience it's full effect and bask in it's visual glory.

If You Still Have Not Seen La La Land Yet...

Musical, movie - Image courtesy of Summit Entertainment

Run to your nearest cineplex to see this amazing movie before it dissapear. However, it seems like La La Land will have a long screening engagement in movie houses near you judging from the box office take, the seven Golden Globes win, and 14 Oscar nominations. Many loves it and few hated it, but the one thing no one can deny is that this movie not only serves you with visual wonders and beautifully crafted long-take dance sequences to gorgeous songs, it also make you FEEL. Not many other movies in recent years can claim to do that to their audiences. The charismatic pull and undeniable chemistry between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling rounded up everything into one perfect movie that entertain and dazzle your senses.

CHOCHENG presents its AW16 collection

Scene, Fashion

A New York designer, CHOCHENG launched his womenswear label in 2005 after graduating from the Parsons School of Design, and opened his NY flagship shop on Madison Avenue in 2009.
More on CHOCHENG→

Savannah Travels

Scene, Travel

Savannah has to be the most beautiful, chicest city I have ever been to. It feels like Brooklyn's upscale genteel sibling. Obviously, the architecture is incredible. The Spanish moss draped trees are breathtaking and the abundance of little squares, inspiring. In addition to all of the historic eye candy, I have a feeling the Savannah College of Art and Design plays a huge role in setting the fun and cool tone of the city.
More on Savannah Travels→

The Balance of Opposites with RVCA

fashion, launch

RVCA is rolling out a slate of new design from it's fall line. Through it's ethos of "The Balance of Opposites"...
More on RVCA FALL COLLECTION→

Jet Set Candy charms

accessory, event

I have two obsessions in life: travel and accessories. Jet Set Candy has found a way to combine the two with their whimsical charms and line of jewelry.
More on Jet Set Candy →

Sofia Z changes the game and Ecco personify summer comfort

footwear, event

Sofia Z, conceived by Usha Patel, has stepped in to change the shoe game while Ecco footwear is helping the cause by producing comfortable footwear perfect for help one "dress normal".
More on Sofia Z →
More on Ecco →

ARROJO HAIR BRINGS STELLAR REPUTATION ACROSS THE WATER THIS SPRING

beauty, event

Building upon 13 years of unparalleled success, world-class hair salon ARROJO is thrilled to open their new Williamsburg salon – the first of two locations that opens this Spring.
The Williamsburg salon has joined ARROJO's original flagship in SoHo located at 180 Varick Street, and precedes a second opening in TriBeCa at 200 Hudson Street in May.
Continue reading →

PHILIP-LORCA DICORCIA East of Eden Exhibit

New York – An exhibiton of large-scale photographs from Philip-Lorca diCorcia's ongoing East of Eden series will be shown at David Zwirner on April 2 – May 2, 2015.
On view at 525 West 19th Street in New York, the exhibition marks the United States debut of the series, which was first shown in 2013 at David Zwirner, London.
Opening reception: Thursday, April 2, 6 – 8 PM

Dr. Martens new STAND FOR SOMETHING campaign

product, event, Launch

Dr. Martens #STANDFORSOMETHING campaign continues to celebrate these free-thinking individuals; from the first timers to those who have been with us forever.
These are authentic characters who stand for something. Featuring a diverse cast, the campaign represents people of different ages, backgrounds, occupations and personalities. They all have one thing in common - they wear Dr. Martens boots and shoes with pride and passion, an empowering mark of something worth standing for.
Continue reading →

PETER LINDBERGH BOOK SIGNING EVENT

photography, event

New York – The Gagosian Gallery was conducting a book signing event with Peter Lindbergh and appearance by Uma Thurman to celebrate the release of Peter's new book: IMAGES OF WOMEN II: 2005 - 2014 last Friday, March 27th, from 6-8pm at the Gagosian Shop.
Continue reading →

WILLIAM KLEIN + BROOKLYN

New York – WILLIAM KLEIN + BROOKLYN, an exhibition of new color photographs by one of the leading photographers of the 20th century, will be on view at Howard Greenberg Gallery from March 19 – May 2, 2015.
The exhibition presents nearly 50 images from the summer of 2013 is accompanied by a book BROOKLYN + KLEIN (Contrasto, Spring 2015). An opening reception with the artist will be held on Thursday, March 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.

SPERRY & GRAY MALIN COLLABORATION

Colabboration, Product, Launch

Sperry has tapped cool photographer, Gray Malin, to use his prints on their newest footwear collection. Known for his breathtaking, aerial views of beaches around the world the prints blend seamlessly with Sperry's casual sneaker designs.
Continue reading →

RVCA TAKES NYC WITH AN AXIS CLOSING PARTY & POP-UP SHOP LAUNCH PARTY

Party, Product, Launch

AXIS and RVCA closed out the tradeshow with an official closing party, hosted by RVCA babe Ashley Smith.
Continue reading →