Last week New York City hosted the 64^th annual Met Gala and saw an influx of some of the World’s most stylish and talented fashion icons. The theme of the evening was based on a factitious conversation between Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada inspired by Miguel Covarrubias’s “Impossible Conversations” from Vanity Fair during the 30’s. The Event showcased a mock conversation between the two designers, directed by Baz Luhrmann, and displayed a number of pieces from each designer between seven themed galleries.

Schiaparelli and Prada have drawn inspiration from very different time periods and have designed under different cultural norms; surrealism and postmodernism respectfully. Many of the world’s fashion elite came out in outfits inspired by the theme and their understanding of the sensational conversation.

Beyoncé

This Givenchy gown is very much in line with the gala’s theme; representing the thirties through cut and the 21^st century through colour and materials.

Rihanna

Although Rihanna has been known to really bring the glam to the red carpet, she toned it down this year in a black Tom Ford crocodile dress. Again we see the use of a vintage silhouette and very modern materials.

Kirsten Dunst

Kristen went more literal and wore a Rodarte 30’s inspired suit dress but kept it very modern with the colour choice.

Jessica Biel

The length and detailing of Jessica’s Prada dress is very reminiscent of the 30’s, but she keeps it very clean fresh and modern.

Claire Danes

Claire’s effortless chic J. Mandel dress was a perfect combination of vintage glam and modern simplicity.

Cameron Diaz

Although this style has been seen in every red-carpet event all year, the Stella McCartney dress embodies the events theme.

The red-carpet may be over, the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations exhibit will be at the Metropolitan Museum of Art until August 19^th 2012.

Please accept my apologies for the total lack of presence on my lovely blog as of late. My absence hasn’t been without reason… I’ve got interesting projects coming at me from all directions, which is super exciting and always fun (no complaints, really!) but hasn’t been leaving me with much time to eat or sleep the past few weeks.

However, I will quickly share with you a short slice of life that my camera captured last weekend during Paris’ annual Béret Baguette ride. Each year hundreds take part in the bike ride around Paris. There a few rules that participants must adhere to, including dressing for the occasion. That means vintage 40′s inspired clothing, bikes, shoes…

I teamed up with the lovely Lucille of Dernier Cri Vintage to make a short mood video of the massive picnic that ensued post-ride. The 800 participants (apparently a record number this year!) enjoyed baguette, saucisson and copious amounts of red wine at Paris’ majestic Parc Vincennes.

(As always, best viewed in HD)

Mother’s Day weekend was the Dot & Lil Open House/Spring Tea Party/Mother’s Day Shopping event. We headed to the plateau for a look at their handmade bath and body products (and admittedly, some last minute Mother’s Day shopping). Up Avenue de Gaspe, off the beaten track, on the nth floor of an inconspicuous building, the hallway opened up into a bright loft-type space and we were welcomed into Dot & Lil’s very own studio – where the magic happens, so to speak.

Dot & Lil is named after early-20th-century silent film stars and sisters, Dorothy and Lillian Gish. The name was chosen as meaningful by the two sisters who started the brand. Currently, one of the sisters, Anne, is the owner and operator. Though they’ve been at it for four years, Dot & Lil began occupying their current space – which doubles as a small showroom for products – in October.

Of the creative process, Anne says it’s mostly about trying to differentiate their butters, salts, balms, sprays and soaps from those of other companies. The range of goodies, which are currently stocked in 25 stores, is made mostly of materials from Quebec, or at least Canada. Now that they have a showroom, they’re undoubtedly planning to host similar events to the Open House, and to expand business even more, so be on the lookout for more great bath and body products from them.

Check out the catalog at the Dot & Lil website, as well as a list of retailers that stock their products.

Last week, mid-vinyasa, my yoga instructor started spreading the good word about healthy life choices. Yada yada yada, I’ve heard it all before. We generally know what is beneficial to our bodies and what can be “not so good.” As far as I was concerned, girl was preaching to the choir. But then she crossed the line and did the unthinkable – she started trash talking my one true love, my most consoling compadre, my dependable and reliable friend, my cheap movie date and my late-night study buddy…. MY HUMMUS.

Apparently, store bought hummus is chock-full of preservatives and other “dangerous” additives. In the spirit of health-conscious living, she herself has “committed to a week-long liquid detox diet” and encouraged us to consider doing the same, or at the very least, make conscious healthy life choices. And with a tut-tut-tut wave of her finger, hummus was to be the first banished snack.

OOOOhhhmmmmmmmmm

OOOOOOOHHHHHMMMMM

OOOOOOOHHHHMMMMMMMMMygod what are you saying about my hummussss??????????

Rather than focus on centering my chakras (WHO CAN BREATHE AT A TIME LIKE THIS?!) all I could do was obsess about chickpeas and give her my best stink-eye. Now, there aren’t many things I like as much as eating (especially greasy comfort food), but let me tell you – I will never turn down a challenge. And that is exactly what her proposal sounded like to me. So, instead of cutting all ties with my secret lover – which would devastate the poor veggies in my fridge- I marched straight home with a different plan: I will make him better, tastier, healthier… it’s MAKEOVERRRRR time!

What I love about my new and improved hummus is that it’s still a crowd-pleaser, perfect finger food for a get together but it’s absolutely guilt free (yes, I realize using tahini ups the calorie count, but it is essential to get that sesame flavor and these are “healthy” fats – if that makes sense). Two unexpected bonuses: this recipe makes double the amount you would buy for the same price and you control the consistency, so consider leaving small chunks; it’ll make your dip more interesting than the norm.

I also decided to go all out and make a healthy version of my preferred guilty pleasure: Stacy’s Dolly’s pita chips. So easy, so good, soooooooo caught the bf (a.k.a. Mr. Sour-cream-and-onion Ruffles) sneakily eating A ZIPLOCK BAG FULL of these!  So the moral of this story is that you CAN have your cake (or hummus or whatever) and eat it too. Happy munching!

Hummus - makes about 2 cups

Ingredients:

1 15oz can of chickpeas (drained) + 3 tablespoons of the liquid reserved

1 small garlic clove, smashed

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup tahini (hint: it’s in the peanut butter aisle!!)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt

- In a food processor (I use my trusty emulsion blender for everything), combine the chickpeas with the liquid, garlic, lemon juice and tahini and puree to a chunky paste.

- Scrape down the side of the bowl and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and paprika and puree until desired smoothness (if it’s too thick just add a little warm water).

- Season with salt, mix, drizzle with olive oil.

Pita chips

2 large pita rounds

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons granulated garlic

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt to taste

Method:

Tried and tested, it’s messy but absolutely necessary !!

- Preheat the oven to Broil.

- Use scissors to cut pitas into 2 inch pieces.  Put pieces in a large bowl.

- Use a brush to spread a generous about of olive oil over the top layer of pitas then use your free hand to turn the pitas over, spreading the oil amongst the pieces, keep repeating until all are lightly “oil kissed”.

- Add garlic, paprika and salt.

- Mix again with hands making sure that the seasoning is evenly dispersed.

- Lay the pieces on a aluminum foil covered baking sheet, taking care that they don’t over lap (you may need to work in batches).

- Broil for a few minutes – you’ve got to keep your eye on them, they burn quickly.

- Flip over half way through if you like ‘em extra crispy.

Louboutin will be teaming up with Batallure Beauty to help develop products and ensure that Louboutin’s signature red soles translate into a fabulous range of cosmetics. Bataloure is a New York based creative development team that has partnered with celebrities like Madonna, Justin Beiber and even shoe ‘frenemy’ Jimmy Choo to create perfumes and cosmetics.

The venture, simply named Christian Louboutin Beauté, is anticipated with extremely high expectations, expessially with Louboutin’s amazing footwear-industry. takeover during his 20 year career. With Louboutin’s glamorous following and celebrity enterage, his cosmetics are sure to make a huge splash in both cosmetic and fashion industries.

Louboutin has not yet unvailed his direction nor where his line will be available. Although the exact range expected is unclear one thing is for sure; ladies everywhere will be painting the town red.

Holy sneakers, Batman! Check out what Leslie WRG got in the mail this week.

This week I received a pair of Red Puma Suedes. The gift courtesy of my good friend and cultural influencer Marcus Troy.

As part of this project, I hit the streets with my suede brush and a camera to capture my outfit in these coveted sneakers. Here’s the result, you can go checkout the whole site and see all those who participated as well as my personal entry.

I also captured the unboxing of the sneakers and the great packaging in which they came. Thanks to Puma and MT for the love.

Pardon my lateness but it doesn’t really matter when shit is just good. Times Neue Roman drops this leaned out joint “Sade is in my Tape Deck”. Great video too. Hit that play button!

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, anxiety levels around this time of year are at an all-time high. There are only so many throw blankets and candle baskets you can buy before she’ll begin questioning your undying love and affection. Allow me to share a little secret – one that only took me 25 years to figure out: thoughtfulness > materialism.

The perfect way to show your adoration for the #1 woman in your life is to roll up those sleeves and put in the work. Create something that she can enjoy with her morning coffee, while reading a book before bed or a treat she can present to weekend guests and proudly proclaim: “my kid made them for me.” And let me tell you, there is nothing more impressive than scones. It’s a cut above the customary muffins or cookies. The aromatics of these little babies alone will bring an instant smile to her face. Sophisticated, comforting and beautiful to look at – just like your mum.

This is your opportunity to be creative and incorporate ingredients or flavours you know she loves. I intended on two kinds: the classic choco-chip and raspberry (Mama Haze’s ultimate favorite) but my plan was derailed when I came across white chocolate-covered raspberries in the frozen food section of my grocery store. Normally, I would go for gorgeous fresh fruit, but these just sounded too good to pass up! The result, however was a little bit of a let down. The raspberries were too big, so I ended up with gigantic scones filled with only two exploding berries that leaked right out. The flavours were awesome but rather sparse. Next time around, I’ll wrap a smaller amount of the dough around a single chocolate-covered raspberry which will prevent bursting, be a better fruit-to-scone ratio and produce smaller two-bite scones. GENIUS! The chocolate chip version, on the other hand, were heavenly; a nice crusty exterior with a soft fluffy buttery interior, absolutely divine!

Other ingredients that are delish scone enhancers:  lemon-poppy seed, blueberries, cranberry, maple-pecan, marmalade, apple-cinnamon raisin, cheese (in this case, don’t use lemon) – possibilities = endless…

Scones have also proven to be excellent pick-me-ups for sick friends, first impression makers with your SO’s rents, deal closers for an open house and a sweet alternative for potluck brunches.

Scones - Makes 6

Ingredients:

2 cups of all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon of grated lemon (from approx 1 lemon)
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
3/4 cup chilled buttermilk
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup chocolate chips
or 3/4 cup raspberries
or whatever you choose!

- Preheat oven at 400F. Butter and flour baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add lemon and butter (cut into pieces). Work the dry mixture with your hands until the butter is grainy.
- In a small bowl whisk together buttermilk, egg yolk, vanilla. Fold in chocolate chips or fruit.
- Batter will be very sticky let it sit just for a few minutes to swell up, then scoop onto the baking sheet.
- Bake about 20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Ever wanted to watch your dinner rap lyrics about food? No? Really? Well for those of you who did, you’re dreams are now reality.

L-R-G has just released this stop motion video of what could be your dinner rapping about, well, itself.

Thanks to Damnitness for the link.

Thylane Loubry Blondeau in French Vogue

Since 2006 a growing number of publications and designers have been ridiculed for perpetuating an unrealistic body image. Madrid fashion week has previously banned the use overly thin models placing minimum B.M.I requirements on all models on the catwalk. Although Vogue’s recent ban does not require designers to follow any of the requirements outlined, many critiques of the industry’s obsession with thin models hope Vogue’s influence over the industry will pressure other industry leaders to follow similar guidelines.

Carmen Dell’Orefice has headlined many fashion shows throughout her amazing career.

Several auxiliary industries have attempted using ‘healthy’ models in advertisements, and some companies, like Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty, have developed viral advertisements showing consumers that power of editing. Although the fashion industry is slow to catch on this trend, Vogue’s recent ban will hopefully achieve a greater influx of healthy and age appropriate models in the industry.

Stills for the Dove ‘Real Beauty’ campaign

Conde Nast International family does include several other fashion publications that are not required to follow the ban but will be encouraged to do so. The ban’s follows a six-point pact that will be released in the upcoming June issue of Vogue.

Hip-hop music has old icons still making music, and of course making money. Hell, with the Tupac hologram, even dead rappers are getting back into the game. All that aside, hip-hop has always been a young man’s game. Year after year a new artists rises to fame in the genre. A young artist making his move to that position now is Casey Veggies.

Living in Vancouver means a weird form of excitement before a hip-hop show. The feeling is from wondering if the artist will make it across the border into Canada. Luckily for me, and his fans, Casey made it through customs. We popped into one of Vancouver’s top clothing shops, Livestock, to chat about his tour. “It took a few hours. Luckily, my record is clean,” joked Casey about troubles at the border. “We flew in, so I think that is a bit easier than rolling up to the border in a tour bus.”

This isn’t the first time Casey has been up to Canada, though. But this time around, he has allowed for more time in the cities on tour. “My first tour it was just crazy. I was here for like two hours and it has always been a city I wanted to come back to,” said Casey. While we were chatting fans kept coming in and giving Casey some love. “Now its different. I’m getting a chance to see the cities and meet the people. Meet my fans and make some new ones while I’m here. That’s what this tour is really about for me.”

Doing our interview in a clothing store seemed quite fitting. Casey Veggies has been dividing his time with his music and his growing clothing company Peas & Carrots. “It’s me, my homie Anwar, and Josh. This is one of our shirts right here, actually [see image]. We have a lot of focus on solid line work on the tees. We are working on some jeans now, too. We are in a few stores; Golf Wang Odd Future store in LA and one shop in Japan.”

With his mind focusing on his music, and on his clothing line Peas and Carrots, Casey Veggies is a busy man these days. All of these projects are heating up leading into the summer. 2012 has already been a busy year for Casey, and it is showing no signs of slowing down. You can keep up to date on all of his projects via his Facebook page or his website. There, you can find links to the Peas & Carrots online store and his Twitter feed, downloads of his mixtapes, and news on his hectic touring schedule.