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You can also visit my new site Gallery Gurls dedicated solely to art and culture. 

Art Southampton last weekend

Last weekend I trekked it out to the Hamptons again for the inaugural edition of Art Southampton, presented by the same  organizers behind Art Miami. It was such a pleasure to see spectacular works spread out in an expansive space with room to breathe. The works shown were a stellar array of both US and international galleries. There was one corner with stunning sculptures by the late John Chamberlain in metallic slick shades of red and blue. The works along with the premiere of the new documentary 'Heaartbeat', directed by his stepdaughter Alexandra Fairweather, are to benefit the Ross School Chamberlain-Fairweather Scholarship Fund For The Arts.

White Party at New Museum

Last week I attended the annual White Party at the New Museum. On display is the current show 'Ghosts in the Machine' which included stimulating light installations and the  iconic vacuum pieces by Jeff Koons. Fellow members and guests rubbed elbows wearing summery white frocks while sipping on tranparent Bulldog vodka cocktails. For the review on the show click here

Art Hamptons last weekend

I visited Art Hamptons last weekend, which is the premier art fair for the Hamptons. Now in it's fifth year it was in full swing with a diverse selection of international galleries. Simultaneously,  Jackson Pollock's  centennial  was being celebrated, where one could bid on a Jackson Pollock portrait by Peter Max. One standout gallery was the Mark Borghi gallery, who had two booths at the fair.  One booth had charming  images of a young Obama during his freshman year at Occidental College by photographer Lisa Jack. At their other booth they showcased work by veteran abstract painter Ed Moses. After the fair I stopped by Moses' opening being held at Borghi's Bridgehampton gallery.

Yayoi Kusama at The Whitney

I attended the Yayoi Kusama opening at The Whitney, showcasing the Japanese pop artist's prolific work. The show spans several decades of her paintings and sculptures that exude both explosive color and vibrancy. I personally loved her later paintings, located where you first enter into the show, which are uplifting and utterly hypnotizing.  Kusama left her native Japan, first setting in Seattle and later making her mark in New York City in the1960s. A contemporary to Warhol and semi rival as well, Kusama challenged the mostly male dominated art scene with her defiant and sexually charged artworks.  She fell from prominence in the 1970s and returned to Japan, where she has since lived and worked out of a mental hospital. Kusama is now enjoying  a newfound resurgence, just having had a major retrospective at the Tate Modern and a new fashion collaboration with Louis Vuitton. The show runs till Sept 30, for more info click here

Keith Haring in BKLYN

Keith Haring, one of my personal art heroes, currently has a show at The Brooklyn Museum. Titled 'Keith Haring 1978-1982' this show encompasses his early years- from his college days at SVA, to performance art collaborations with fellow artists at 80s hotspots like the The Mudd Club and Club 57, to the emerging grafitti aesthetic that was  popping up all over NYC streets and subways. Definitely a nostalgic route for those who lived in that heyday and an eye opener for new a generation of a New York  that no longer exists. Click here for more info

2 must see shows during my stay in Paris

I leave for Paris next week and I'm simply ecstatic to return to this splendid city. On my agenda are many cultural adventures, specifically these two shows at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs - Jean Paul Goude and Louis Vuitton.  Currently running till March 18th,  the retrospective 'Goudemalion' spans decades of his daring fashion photography and stimulating imagery.  The latter exhibit opening March 9th, 'Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs', draws on the parallels both designers share. Vuitton and Jacobs, whose careers are a century apart, have served as creative innovators defining tastes in our time.

Isabel Toledo's Roots of Style, new fashion memoir

I simply can't wait to pick up Isabel Toledo's new book, 'Roots of Style'. Here Toledo chronicles her rise in the business, and features various illustrations from her artistic partner Ruben Toledo. Another coffetable gem to add to my ever growing collection of books. Also check out this insightful interview on T

Whitney, I still miss you....

  When The Night Knows (Whitney Houston x Chromeo) by jasminmira1980

Joan Smalls in new Chanel spring 2012 ad campaign

Joan Smalls and Saskia De Brauw both appear in the new spring ads shot by Karl Lagerfeld. Posing in frilly frocks, the girls playfully dangle off swings and trapezes at the Hôtel du Cap Eden Roc.

Deana Lawson: Provocative Portraiture

I was mesmerized by the images on display at MOMA's New Photography 2011 show which included Lawson's work. With traces of Rineke Dijkstra infused in her work, Lawson portrays her mostly African American subjects in brutally honest poses and stances. The participants are set in seedy settings yet long for glamour in their sad lives. Stunning photos, click here for more info

Almodóvar's sexy, slightly creepy new film due out Oct 14

V73 Heroes Issue: Anais Mali as Dame Liz Taylor

Loving that six months after her death her fashion influence is still being felt.

H By Halston Fall 2011 Campaign by David Roemer

 Loving Sessilee Lopez's Grace Jonesesque 70s vibe.

Madonna 90s Throwback: Bedtime Story

Madge in a disheveled, sexy bedhead look.

  Madonna - Bedtime Story (AJ's DX Remix) by AJ.30

EL Museo Del Barrio: Biennial 2011

Always a pleasure to see what new emerging Latino artists are making their mark in the art world. Electic, diverse and amusing.

Aaliyah: More Than A Woman

It's hard to believe we lost this precious artist ten years ago today. In my heart of hearts she would've been one of the most iconic artists that ever lived. This is an ode to her legacy.

  Aaliyah - One In A Million - Raoul Kahn Remix by raoulkahn

Vintage Versace

Heading back to a hedonistic, extravagant more fantastical time in fashion. When excess and all things gilt ruled, it was all about rich prints and satin curvaceousness. The one and only Gianni Versace.

Can't get enough of my.....

Rochelle Wiseman, one fifth of the UK girl group The Saturdays,  loves her Fendi 'Twins' red leather tote bag. She is seen carrying it frequently to dinners, shopping excursions and running errands. I personally adore the bright pop of color, it's functionality and classic shape.

Essence Sept 2011 Black Stylistas

Here is a behind the scenes video of a fashion shoot from the Sept 2011 issue of Essence. It profiles gorgeous, confident women of color who are currently shaping the fashion industry. Shot by one of my fave photogs Henry Leutwyler.