CITYist

New Yorkers are fiercely protective and proud of their city—and their borough. So it’s only natural that artists would capitalize on this built-in market with city-centric prints. Enter pop artist Jim Datz, whose quirky, cartoonish posters pay homage to important spots with bright, bubbly pop personality. Pick up a poster at Three Potato Four for $48 and where your pride on your wall.

Via The Cut.

Cynthia Rowley has been so busy with all her side projects and collaborations that its easy to forget the brilliant ready-to-wear collection she sent down the runway for fall. One feature we’re loving in particular is the use of feathers, which crop up on jewel-toned minis, sassy flapper dresses and funky accessories. While the use of color and texture does give off a certain modern vibe (à la Proenza Schouler), we can’t shake the 20s influence. This may be partially due to our near hysteria over HBO’s upcoming Board Walk Empire (Atlantic City in the jazz age? amazing), but mostly we’re just feeling the “looking backward in order to look forward” aesthetic, to reference Oscar de la Renta’s recent pearl of wisdom dispensed on (where else?) The Rachel Zoe Project.

If you’re the type who not only avoids eating animals, but wearing them too (yes, that includes leather), then you’ve probably already heard of pioneer vegan accessory brand Matt & Nat. But for the rest of us, recognition might be less forthcoming. Even if you’re a red-blooded, fur-wearing carnivore, however, there’s something to be desired here: style, plain and simple. With handbags and wallets made with no animal by products, Matt & Nat’s trendy, zipper and stud-adorned goods look like the real deal, without the guilt. So you can rock that “leather” chain-strap shoulder bag and spout environmental gospel at the same time. We’re already converted.

The idea of the holidays in California seems rather nonsensical—what with the palm trees, lush greenery and abundant sunshine. Nevertheless, pure California-bred line Odylyne has debuted a look book video for its holiday collection, featuring lace, sequins and a whole lot of virginal white. While certain instances appear unintentionally laughable (the evil woodland fairies come to mind), the video is overall a visual dreamland, complete with Big Sur forest views, Pacific ocean vistas and nymphs dressed in suitably nymph attire.

Collage artist Mark Weaver combines art deco landscapes with retro illustrations and photographs for a bizarre, Twilight Zone meets Mad Men effect. With clients including the The New York Times, Wired and Paste, it’s clear Weaver has the professional chops, and with prints of a gun featuring a woman’s face (very James Bond) with the words “BANG BANG” it’s clear he’s got a sense of postmodern cool. We’d certainly like to hang one of these in our living room.

The latest in the Keds’ collaborations are the “French Edition” pairs for Opening Ceremony. The kicks feature two quintessentially French patterns, the sailor boat stripe and the landscape-strewn “Toile de Jouy,” updated with playful twists. The wide-striped navy and cream boat shoe features bright red laces, while artist Richard Saja took an unconventional approach with the other pattern, the Marie Antoinette-esque 1700s print generally reserved for pillows and curtains.

Every day, more amazing, sartorially star-studded events for Fashion’s Night Out on September 10th keep cropping up. We reviewed a selection of the night’s hot events before, but we managed to overlook the total genius of the 3.1 Phillip Lim and Rag & Bone block party. The two will be taking over Mercer Street with music by Matt Creed, burgers by BLT Go truck and ice cream by Van Leeuwen. Inside the store, My Gold Mask will offer the musical stylings, while Phillip Lim will also be on hand to offer the fashion stylings.

The paint is drying and it’s nearly finished. Check out the final product (essentially) of CITY’s Soho mural on Crosby and Broome! More pictures after the jump.

Have You Heard? is our weekly roundup of items we may have previously missed (or would like to remind you of again). So as you plan the week ahead, take a look at our cherry-picked selections of what’s hot in art, music, film and fashion right now.

It’s now officially day three, and look how far the mural has come since this morning! Check it out at Crosby and Broome.

We’ve found the official clothing line for bibliophiles (or hipsters who like ironic T-shirts). Out of Print takes famous (and usually out of print) book covers and screens them onto tees, so you can literally wear your favorite novel on your sleeve (read on to see our favorites). Even better, for every shirt sold, the brand donates one book to Books for Africa, so everyone can have access to these iconic tomes. The only question is, are you a Catcher in the Rye person or a Lolita person?

What’s better than gazing at Jeff Koons’ giant balloon dog and heart sculptures? Owning a car by the famed pop artist, that’s what. Koons has adapted James Bond’s ride of choice, the Aston Martin Black DBS, with an all-over psychedelic print. The colors are designed to deflect light, while the interior is outfitted in black leather with silver stitching. We’d imagine arriving to a party in this pop mobile would certainly make a statement.

We’ve talked a lot about Wavves this summer, mostly because we think their California lo-fi punk sound is quintessential summer tunage. And now, they’ve released a fittingly juvenile SoCal video to go along with it. Watch as the Wavves guys, ensconced in suburban boredom, meet an alien who shows them how to party in the video for “Post Acid.” It’s the perfect way to start your weekend.

Amazing news: CITY is getting its very own mural over at the intersection of Crosby and Broome in Soho. Don’t let your eyes fool you, this isn’t an ad for Bushmills. If you squint, you can make out the lines spelling out CITY (hey, these pics are from yesterday, and it was only day two). Advertisement in the form of art? Sounds good to us. We’ll keep you posted on the progress (and look for more photos after the jump).

They’re among the most recognizable in the world, so it only makes sense they’d get their own book. Manhattan Skyscrapers by Eric P. Nash (coming out in October by Princeton Architectural Press), is the ultimate guide for architecture nerds and lovers of the city in general. From the Empire State Building to the Standard Hotel, the book examines the stories behind these multi-storied behemoths. Take a look at some of our favorites after the jump.

Summer is still kicking, but it’s definitely on its way out. That’s why there’s even more reason than ever to take advantage of citrusy summer cocktails. The liquor of choice? Tequila, of course. With dashes of agave nectar, lime juice, watermelon and mint, we’ve got three Corzo-infused libations that are sure to liven up your end of summer fête.

When your former business was something called the Subterranean Shoe Room, we’d imagine you’ve have some insight into what people like to put on their feet. Austin-based coffee roaster Joshua Bingaman figured that as well, which is why he founded Helm, a brand of unisex boots and shoes with all the flair and none of the discomfort. The collection is truly a global effort, designed in Austin and handmade in Istanbul with leather from the Netherlands and Australia and soles from Italy and France.

While women swoon over J. Crew’s cardigans, layered, embellished hardware necklaces and classic coats, the menswear is often overlooked. Usually delegated to the back (or lower level) of most J. Crew stores, the preppy-infused modern men’s looks have finally found their own home at 1040 Madison Avenue. This is the fourth Men’s Shop for J. Crew, but undoubtedly its most expansive. At this Upper East Side outpost, men can revel in all the classic suiting, cargo jackets and Italian leather shoes they want, in surroundings inspired by a Swiss Alps farm house (think: pine planks and carved moldings made from reclaimed wood).

It’s finally here: the Martin Scorcese-directed Chanel film. For its new Bleu de Chanel men’s fragrance, the iconic brand tapped an iconic director to direct French actor Gaspard Ulliel in the ultra-stylized commercial (link after the jump). Ulliel plays an actor catapulted into fame and celebrity with a strong distaste for being in the public eye—until he runs into a lover from his past. The film unfolds against the backdrop of The Rolling Stone’s 1965 song “She Said Yeah” on the streets of New York. As for the fragrance, it’s said to include notes of citrusy grapefruit, dry cedar and labdanum (but we’re sure the video is a bit more interesting).

When Jay-Z and Beyonce give their blessing to a pair of hardcore headphones, then you know they’ve got to be good. Co-designed by Jay himself, these Roc Nation/Skullcandy “aviators” come in minimal white, black and brown with heavy padding to keep city street noise out and music in. Buy a pair online (for $149.95) or pick them up at your local Apple store for what Jay-Z calls “the best way for people to experience the soundtrack of their lives.”

From turquoise to candy apple red, PUMA’s new super sporty watches are the perfect accessories for athletic types. With features like heart rate monitors, alarms and even calculators, the timepieces will work equally as well as the splashy addition to your gym attire or a handy tool in the office. But mostly, the bright colors and action movie gadget features make them a playful (and cheap—prices range from $50 to $170) option in the world of serious and sturdy watches.

Cheap Monday showed off its latest denim last week at Stockholm’s fashion week, and for this spring, the inspirations are threefold: “Latin denim fashion, Italian diamonté and LA celebrity taste.” From washed-out patches that look like spray paint to shimmery zebra stripes and sequined knee patches, the jeans are nothing if not flashy. But the best part? Denim fanatics won’t have to wait until next year to slip into a sparkly, embellished pair. The Swedish brand has already released five select styles this month, for those that prefer their fashion straight off the runway.

Have You Heard? is our weekly roundup of items we may have previously missed (or would like to remind you of again). So as you plan the week ahead, take a look at our cherry-picked selections of what’s hot in art, music, film and fashion right now.

If you’re at all familiar with Chanel nail polish, then you’re familiar with the near-rabid reactions that accompany the release of its latest must-have colors. And if bright and bold isn’t your thing (see: MAC’s vibrant fall collection), then Chanel’s khaki hues will do just the trick. Somehow, we have the feeling that the autumn military trend is going to be accompanied by many an army-green nail. The line also includes khaki brun and khaki rose, one a neutral brown and the other a dusty pink-taupe. Pick up the shades ($25) starting September 10th at Chanel makeup counters and boutiques, but be prepared for them to sell out early.

If you’ve been following the latest food trend, then you know it arrives on four wheels. Food trucks are shedding their bad rap with organic ingredients, celebrity chefs and instant gourmet fare, from killer taco trucks to locally made ice cream. Here’s a first, however: authentic Indian food. Desi Food Truck offers up Indian classics like chicken tikka masala and flakey kati rolls (ranging from $4 to $8). With free wi-fi available for those in its vicinity and a TV streaming Indian music built into the side, it’s safe to say this isn’t your average sausage stand. Plus, the Indo-Pak artwork adorning the foodie-mobile (read on for more pictures, and where to find it) makes it the prettiest food truck out there.