Cities of Love

New York, I Love You, the second film in a series that began with Paris, je t’aime in 2006, just finished filming for a release date in the U.S. later this year. New York, I Love You is a collection of ten short films each about ten minutes long. Similar to the first film, the shorts presented together do not specifically relate but all tie into the theme of looking for love.

The cast includes Shia LaBeouf, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Blake Lively, Orlando Bloom, Andy Garcia, Christina Ricci, Robin Wright Penn, Ethan Hawke and Rachel Bilson. The film premiered at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival. The idea of each film is to bring top directors and actors together for an anthology.

The producers announced that they have two more films in the works for what they are referring to as the “Cities of Love franchise.” Shanghai, I Love You is the next film in the series and will debut at the 2010 World Expo. The fourth film will take place in Jerusalem with a release date in 2011 or 2012.

Coppola Directs Miss Dior Cherie

The imagery in the Miss Dior Cherie print ads is so soft and pretty. The Sophia Coppola-directed ad for French television is just as charming. Coppola, born in New York, now lives in Paris. Click here to watch!

In April of this year, Sufjan Stevens released a song about her that you can listen to here.

Ascot: Repurposed

I wish my college dorm had looked something like this! These are images from Maximilian Sinsteden’s dorm room, a college senior at Drew University. Moving in, he sent the school-issued dorm furniture into storage and replaced it with finds from tag sales, thrift and consignment shops. Having no formal design training, he does have an impressive internship with Charlotte Moss under his belt. The curtain tie-back is actually an ascot. I really love the layering of the rugs on the floor. See the full article here.

ASSOULINE Opens at Sotheby’s Headquarters

ASSOULINE Publishing is a luxury brand in the world of beautifully designed books that has used its publications as medium. With an original graphic concept, they are works of art in themselves that are known for their chic design and limited editions dedicated to culture, fashion, photography, art and design.

It was announced today that Sotheby’s entered into a partnership with ASSOULINE. They will now have their own shop in the public street-level lobby in the auction house’s headquarters on 72nd and York Avenue. The shop will sell a revolving selection of their original publications that tie into the auction calendar as well as an exclusive line of gift items. Looking forward to snatching up this one.

Mad Men Style

Although I work in the advertising industry, I’ll admit it took me a little while to get hooked on this show. Mad Men is set during the 1960s on Manhattan’s Madison Avenue, following the day-to-day of execs at the fictional Sterling Cooper agency. 

Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant has an interesting way of highlighting each character’s individual style, showcasing their distinct personalities and roles through what they wear. And I can’t help but wish for a wardrobe like Betty Draper’s.

Style seems to surround this series. Not only does Matt Weiner, the creator of Mad Men, have a trend-setting show, his eight-year-old son Arlo Weiner is on the same path. Check out his panache here. 

Tautou Channels Chanel

The irresistible Audrey Tautou is now starring as Coco Chanel in the Anne Fontaine directed film Coco Avant Chanel. It's a biopic on Chanel’s childhood and life before her fashion career. Apparently, Fontaine would only go forward with the film if Tautou was involved. Not only does the film feature dresses from the Chanel collection, Karl Lagerfeld supervised the re-creation of some of the costumes.

As I’m anxiously awaiting this project, the U.S. release date has not yet been confirmed. Coco Avant Chanel opened in France on 22 April, 2009. See the (French!) trailer here.

More Than Just a Tweet

After a short-lived fling with Twitter, I've realized there is much more to say than what can fit in a 140 character box. Soon to follow: everything to love in design, interiors, art, style, music and trends.