Art of music

The artist-collective "Friends With You" (you must check out their parade at Miami Art Basel 2006 ) launched a CD with their signature kawaii art work. The sound matches the art perfectly - irony is the essence of both. 

Whereas some girly girls just scream "Cute!" when seeing the FWY-pieces, there is much more behind the smiling faces. Playing with the symbols of "feeling happy", it almost too happy - it gets frightening and showing that a certain level of happiness is just unreal. On the other side, their art is a form of easy entertainment that does, at all, make you feel good. Of course it needs a lot of humor to like (and maybe understand) this. What is great about the collective: Its very authentic, I it when I was at their store in Miami Beach - even the salesperson is a piece of art (and really friendly).

The music itself is questionable - but having Otto von Schirach on the compilation is promising - I have seen him performing in Hamburgs Golden Pudel Club a couple of time - quite experimental. 

Well, this is art.

Best of beauty

Clear coolness - simplicity is the key.

Some perfect beauty products.

"Shimmer Palette" by ck Calvin Klein

The first impression might not be special, but it's worth a second gaze: The four brown-gold tones blend gently - the contrast comes from the black frame. The transparent coverage let it almost appear like a framed picture with a passepartout. It's about the details. This is an absolutely glamorous product (golden powder) in a super simple packing - what a great contrast.

Nivea Creme

The ultimate classic, filled in a tube, not the regular round box. The super strong brand makes it easy: You know from the first glace what's inside this tube. There is nothing decorative, nothing superfluous, just the brand name - Nivea - and what's inside - Creme. Here in Germany it was sold with a blue cap that I find even more perfect. 

Fragrance "Amazing Grace" by Philosophy

A very classic bottle  that doesn't appear male or female itself. Yet it immediatley gives an impression of femininity and softness - a proof for the power of words and typography. The word "Grace" written in a classic typo says it all: A fragrance for women who want to smell elegant, but without overpowering it. So how do you think will it smell? It's floral with a hint of musk, which suits the design perfectly - the clarity of the liquid underlines the freshness.

YSL "Sweet Lipmarker" Lipstick

I think this lipstick isn't sold anymore. Which is a shame. I love the idea behind this: Transforming a normal, essential everyday product that is already reduced to its function - like a pen or marker is - into a high-fashion beauty product. Using a pen as a lipstick is so obvious that no one adapted it before. So the design influences also the use - a true innovation with a fine design.

Which beauty-designs do you like?

This is about beautiful, stunning, cool and creative things.

From art to design - your eyes (and brain) will love it.