SEASON OF CHANGE: SPRING 2007 MENS FASHION PREVIEW

SEASON OF CHANGE: SPRING 2007 WOMENS SWIMWEAR PREVIEW

DESIGN ON THE MIND: Clever Things Designed By & For Clever People & World Travelers

Simon Woodroffe's inspiration for YOTEL came from British Airways first class and Japanese capsule hotels.
We believe it is one of the world's most radical hotel concepts and will offer a solution to expensive and boring hotels around the globe.

Cabins will be bookable in a four hour block (with extension by the hour thereafter) enabling delayed and transfer passengers to relax privately in a hotel environment. In addition, passengers leaving on those early morning flights can stay the night before to catch some extras hours sleep in the morning and check in online from the comfort of their rooms safe in the knowledge that they are just a casual stroll for their next morning’s departure. Early arriving passengers may also check-in for a few hours before going to a meeting.



Designed by Priestman Goode, who has helped Airbus define the double deck aircraft of the future, the 10.5m² rooms feature

Premium Cabin
Techno wall with universal port for your i-pod or MP3 player
Workstation
Flat screen LCD TV with surround sound speaker system
Free internet access - wired and wi-fi
On demand' blockbuster and classic movies
Over 80 music stations
Comfort cooling
Double beds for one or two
Hand sprung mattress
Luxury bedding
Interactive mood lighting
Luxury bathroom fittings including rain shower
Bespoke toiletries
Eat in 'Grazing' menu with cabin service
Great coffee
Automated check in / out
On line booking
Internal window
Plenty of storage space
Standard Cabin
Techno wall with universal port for your i-pod or MP3 player
Workstation
Flat screen LCD TV
Free internet access - wired and wi-fi
On demand' blockbuster and classic movies
Over 80 music stations
Comfort cooling
Cosy beds for 1 or 2
Hand sprung mattress
Luxury bedding
Interactive mood lighting
Luxury bathroom fittings
Bespoke toiletries
Eat in 'Grazing' menu with cabin service
Great coffee
Automated check in / out
On line booking
Internal window
Aircraft cabin mood lighting
Luggage storage
However, the truly revolutionary element of YOTEL is its windows, which are internal rather than external. This will allow YOTEL to open in tricky central city locations, airports, rail hubs and even underground. Reduced land costs add to YOTEL’s ability to provide affordable prices.




This is utterly amazing! This will change the world. And it will also allow us westerners an opportunity to see how the Japanese solved their population growth issues a long time ago. This is some 5th Element type ish.


Review:LB2~
Contact:turpmagazine@gmail.com

IT GIRL: (Or In This Case Woman) French Vogue's Editor In Chief, Carine Roitfeld

The Fashion Muse With Alll The Clues



This lady is sooo F I R E !!!! She is sexy. She got crazy style and she is the Editor In Chief of French Vogue. Thee most important fashion magazine on the planet earth. And That is just what she does on the surface. Below the radar Carine Roitfeld has been influencing you and your style conscious for 10 years. She has contributed to the images of Gucci, Missoni, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, and Calvin Klein.




At 18, Roitfeld began modeling, having been scouted on the street in Paris by a British photographer's assistant. "I wasn't a star," she says. "I was just booked for junior magazines."She became a writer and then a stylist for French Elle. While she was working as a freelance stylist, her daughter, Julia, was in a children's fashion shoot for Italian Vogue Bambini in 1986, photographed by Mario Testino. Roitfeld and Testino soon after began working as a team, doing advertising work as well as shoots for American and French Vogue. Roitfeld went on to work as a consultant and muse for Tom Ford at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent for six years. She is What it is.... Check with you dude Tom.

He even hired her daughter Julia to be the spokesmodel for his new fragrance Tom Ford's Black Orchids.



Following her mother's footsteps, Julia has a ways to go to catch her ma-dukes. At 51, Carine Roitfeld is hotter than most young girls. I mean she french. She' got style off the meter, and she is experienced.....You can't argue with that.

As a matter of fact, I hearby declare older women the new HOT, HOT! Over 40 women are "IT" right now. And Carine Roitfeld is the Head Mistress. Quite frankly nothing is hotter than an older experienced woman. As Carine states about being older "Oh this is horrible, the fifties. Oh,' she shudders. 'I am quite lucky. I have the same body when I was 20 years old. But when you are getting older, you have to find some new tricks." I know that's right......


Review:LB2~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

K.I.M. (Keeping It Moving): Modes Of Transportation And Other Evidence That the Future Is Now

Nissan's rolling science lab in an SUV-sized package, the Terranaut, ready to give Land Rover an run for the money.






Still considered concept but not for long. Apparently the focus groups and market research proves that they can cash in on this science project. Coming in 2008!




Review:LB2~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

THE TURP TRAVELER: PLACES TO GO WHEN ON THE ROAD: Paris, France

On October 12, Louis Vuitton reopened the doors to its "house" at 101 avenue des Champs-Elysées after more than two years of renovation.



With a retail space of 1,800 square meters, the new Louis Vuitton store is the world's largest luxury boutique. In it, the women's and men's collections of leather goods, ready-to-wear, shoes, jewelry and writing tools are on offer, enhanced by the all-new collection of Louis Vuitton eyewear. A mini line of leather items, shoes, watches and jewelry products has also been created exclusively for the reopening of 101 Champs-Elysées.



Ok, you missed the opening and all the beautiful models are gone from the display. But you still gotta see this amazing landmark and trick some cash too!!!



As it was impossible to change the stores art-deco faÁade, since it is part of Franceís Historical monument heritage, Louis Vuitton used a Monogram mesh. This metal layover wraps the building in the same way that Louis Vuitton covers its bags and trunks in canvas, like a metallic second skin. This overlay featuring the emblematic Monogram flower is encrusted with wood, leather, crystal or porcelain and is also used to separate the various shopping spaces.



The interior design is the work of architect Peter Marino. He uses only noble materials, such as wood, leather and stainless steel. His finishes are perfect and illustrate the Houseís long tradition of craftsmanship and excellence. The Champs-ElysÈes store also displays some of the Louis Vuitton presentation concepts, such as the luggage lounge or bag bar above which hang vintage trunks, where visitors can sit and choose the bag that best suits them.



Louis Vuitton did not open its glitzy new Paris flagship last October for the two million Parisians that are a mere minority in the City of Light, but for the approximately 25 million tourists who mob the French capital annually. Though the mega-emporium happens to be situated on the Champs-Elysées at the corner of the chic Avenue George V—a five-minute stroll from the Arc de Triomphe—its real location is a pricey piece of real estate in the imaginations of people worldwide for whom Paris is first and foremost a shopping destination.




Review:LB2~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

DESIGN ON THE MIND: Clever Things Designed By & For Clever People & World Travelers

Designer Mr. Charles Harrison




The Viewmaster. The portable hair dryer. The riding lawn mower. The see-through measuring cup. The first garbage can that didn't dent, break or go clang in the night.

These and countless other icons of Americana unobtrusively yet radically reshaped the contours of 20th Century life -- millions can say they have one of these or fondly remember one of those. Yet few if any can say that they knew that the genius behind these and those originated from one prolific source: a dyslexic kid from rural Louisiana.



A Life's Design chronicles the life, career and the emergent philosophy of Charles "Chuck" Harrison, one the most prolific and respected industrial designers of his time, an influencer on style and design today, and a pioneer as the first African American executive ever hired by Sears Roebuck & Company.




"The range of design projects that Harrison completed in his career was quite remarkable," writes Professor Noel Mayo, Department of Design at Ohio State University. "This book will be very helpful to designers, historians, design educators and students around the world."

When I discovered this book I was floored! First because I had never heard of this man. And secondly because of the depth of his amazing work.

Mr. Harrison has in one way or another made all our lives better, and a little easier.

In the world of industrial design today he would be consider a rock star! To all of us at TURP MAGAZINE he is a living legend and a treasured icon. We celebrate him. We honor him. We lift him up. And we hold him in high regard.

For more on Mr. Charles Harrison and the book "A LIFE'S DESIGN" or to add this book to your collection and have a great coffee table piece, click on the link below.

"A LIFE'S DESIGN"

Review:LB~
info@theurbanrenewal.net

URBAN RENEWAL RENAISSANCE: Whenever, Wherever, Whatever

Stuart Matthewman aka Cottonbelly





Grammy-winning songwriter/musician/producer Stuart Matthewman is a vital part of Sade. The multi-instrumentalist can be heard on sax, guitar, keyboard, and MIDI programming. He has appeared on all five of Sade's albums, all of which went triple platinum in the U.S. and have totaled sales over 50 million albums worldwide. All five albums were digitally remastered and reissued in November, 2000, to coincide with the release of Sade's first album of the 21st century, Sade's Lovers Rock. Their other releases are the EP Remix Deluxe and a 1994 concert video. He has also written and produced songs for Maxwell, his own band Sweetback, and the movie soundtrack Twin Falls Idaho



Born August 18, 1960, in Hull, North Yorkshire, England, Matthewman started playing clarinet as a child. During his teens, he picked up sax and began playing guitar. . In 1982, Matthewman relocated to London. Joining Latin funk band Pride, he met singer/songwriter Sade Adu. They began writing songs together. Teaming with bandmate Paul S. Denman and keyboardist Andrew Hale, they formed the band Sade.

Signing with Epic Records' U.K. division in 1984 and working with producer Robin Millar and engineer/producer Mike Pela, Sade's debut Diamond Life began a long string of hits. In 1995, Matthewman met singer Maxwell through percussionist Karl Vanden Bossche. Matthewman wrote and produced "Welcome," "Lonely's the Only," and "Whenever Wherever Whatever" and played sax and guitar on Maxwell's multi-platinum 1996 Columbia debut album Urban Hang Suite. With Sade bandmates Andrew Hale and Paul S. Denman, Matthewman recorded the self-titled debut of Sweetback. The CD was an attractive mix of ambient dub, trip-hop, retro soul, and acid jazz.



X Amounts of Niceness is Stuart Matthewman'’s long-awaited debut solo album a limited edition of which (made solely for his friends) ended up selling on eBay for over $250 recently. It is a sonic journey into Matthewman'’s distinctly warm and accessible sound and a groove exploration deep into post-dub territory.


Musically Stuart Matthewman is really giant steps, head and shoulders above the current crop and obvious list of namebrand producers and songwriters. Highly capable of setting it off and clockin crazy papes in the pop music genre.
Mr. Cottonbelly has still and all been able to "Do Him" stay true to what he believes and just leaves it to us to decide weather or not we like it. And like it we do.

Since the begin, when the phenomenom that became Sade blew up all of our spot, he has not looked back since. Never really compromising and still "making a decent living". You can't be mad at him.

This is the basic concept and foundation that TURP MAGAZINE was built on. We believe and support artist and people that march to the beat of a different drummer. This is our "get dowm".

I first met Stuart & Sade when I was hanging around London back in the 80's. We have been friends ever since. I have learned alot from Stuart. And more than anything he has inspired me in ways that he knows not. Remember he just does his thing and leaves it to us to desern if we like it or not.

Stuart is also a really cool cat. Never really playing the high post celebrity game. He keeps it down to earth. And as the say in Jamaica, "It's nice to be important. But it's important to be nice" And when it comes to my dude Cottonbelly it's "X-Amounts of Niceness"

Review:LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

PLAY ON PLAYER:PLAYBOY TURNS 50!!!

PLAYBOY MAGAZINE TURNS 50!!!
Playboy Magazine is 50 years old. As american as apple pie and baseball. Playboy is and forever will be an american institution. Hugh Hefner the poster boy for Viarga is still hitting it hard. On the business tip that is. His is still maxing his brand and doing big pimping.

Playboy Enterprises, Inc. is the company founded by Hugh Hefner to manage the Playboy magazine empire. It was created in 1953 as the HMH Publishing Co., Inc. for the purpose of publishing the Playboy Magazine. The business quickly expanded beyond the magazine and began to develop and distribute a wider range of adult entertainment. It eventually went public under the current name in 1971. Christie Hefner, the daughter of Hugh Hefner, has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Playboy Enterprises since 1981.
Today, Playboy Enterprises, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the development and distribution of adult entertainment including some of the most hardcore video content available in the market today. Via its CJI unit, the company is one of the nation's largest producers of hardcore adult film. The Playboy brand is one of the most widely recognized and popular brands in the world. The Company's is structured with three business segments: Publishing, Entertainment, and Licensing.

At its peak, Playboy sold more than 1,200,000 issues each month. Hefner's concept exploded as a variety of different avenues opened up. A late-night television program, "Playboy's Penthouse," premiered; conversation among urbane guests its main selling point. In addition, the show featured prominent African-American performers. These singers and musicians, as well as comedians such as Lenny Bruce and Dick Gregory made the show a unique viewing experience.
The first Playboy Jazz Festival took place in the state of Rhode Island in 1959 and has become a staple for the most prominent musicians in the field.



Pamela Anderson. MILF Supreme. Iconic Dream. And has been on the cover more than anyone in history. Hugh clearly feels her and let's face it, she looks great for 40 and she sells magazines.

The Playboy Clubs were a chain of nightclubs owned and operated by Playboy Enterprises until 1991 with the first club opening at 116 E. Walton in downtown Chicago on February 29, 1960. The clubs were essentially bars with entertainment featuring Playboy Bunnies serving drinks to keyholders and performances by some big names in entertainment.

Playboy recently opened a new Playboy Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new club at the palms hotel with its very noticleable neon bunny head has casinos, bars, and a bathroom with pictures of playmates all over the walls to give detail and pleasure all through their visit. Annual Revenue $338.15 million USD.

Hugh Hefner and the Playboy Brand is the foundation and the blueprint for us and a true source of inspiration. As we grow and expand we only hope to acheive a fraction of what this giant of magazine publishing has accomplished.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PLAYBOY!!!
We Salute You on a job well done and wish you another 50 years of the same...
Review: LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

MOVIES THAT MOVE ME: Indy Film & Documentaries

Afro-Punk, a 66-minute documentary, explores race identity within the punk scene. More than your everyday, Behind the Music or typical "black history month" documentary this film tackles the hard questions, such as issues of loneliness, exile, inter-racial dating and black power. We follow the lives of four people who have dedicated themselves to the punk rock lifestyle. They find themselves in conflicting situations, living the dual life of a person of color in a mostly white community.

The style of the documentary inter-cuts interviews from scores of black punk rockers from all over the nation with scenes from our four protagonists' lives. They come from different regions, generations, genders, and sexual preferences but their stories are amazingly similar.




Afro-Punk features performances by Bad Brains, Tamar Kali, Cipher, and Ten Grand. It also contains exclusive interviews by members of Fishbone, 247- spyz, Dead Kennedys, Candiria, Orange 9mm and TV on the Radio to name a few.


For more info on the director James Spooner and the film go to http://www.afropunk.com/

Review: LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

JUST FOR THE RECORD:Designer Music

DJ KARL
Karl Lagerfeld: Les Musiques Que J'aime



Karl Lagerfeld's aural obsession is almost as well-known as his aesthetic one—he owns upwards of 70 iPods and needs every gigabyte to hold his collection of over 60,000 CDs. Now the designer is sharing a portion of the wealth with Karl Lagerfeld: Les Musiques Que J'aime [My favorite songs], a two disc set that is divided into an “at home” mix (anything from Black Mountain to LCD Soundsystem) and an equally eclectic selection of “fashion show” tracks (from Stravinsky to Stereolab)

MAC ADDICT: All Things MAC and The People Who Love It!

MAC is the new Crack!!!
And their ish is smoooookin.... You can't argue these guys. They got you in smash. And got your block on lock. If you read an earlier post of MAC ADDICT then you're in the loop. What I am gonna do is curb serve you up some readies that will have you beaming up Scotty for a cool minute.

The new next, iSIGHT
iSight is a state-of-the-art video camera that's the easiest way to video conference with your colleagues, friends and family over broadband. Featuring an autofocusing autoexposure F/2.8 lens which captures high-quality pictures even in low lighting, iSight also includes a dual-element microphone in its stylish compact aluminum body.



Crystal clear sound
iSight includes a built-in, dual element noise-suppressing microphone that delivers crystal clear audio. The microphone takes in the sound from both microphone elements, then determines which sounds are essential to the conversation with an algorithm that filters out extraneous noise.

You’ll look marvelous
But iSight doesn’t just look good, it makes you look good, with the highest quality video of any chatting solution. A custom-designed, three-part lens consists of two aspherical elements that focus on a 1/4-inch CCD sensor with 640x480 (VGA) resolution. The camera’s lens aperture is a wide F/2.8, allowing it to collect more light than most web cams. iSight also offers a far wider range of shutter speeds than most other cameras. Put it all together and iSight delivers smooth, top-quality, full-motion video at 30 frames per second in 24-bit color.

This is VITAL. You can handle you business in the daytime. And Handle your grown folks business in the night time! Ya feel me???



My dude Javier Leber, somewhere between handling his daytime and nitetime grownman
ish....



The result is that whether it’s in a poorly lit hotel room or a bright sunny kitchen, iSight will provide true color reproduction and a crisp image. The camera also sports a small green “on air” light that lets you know that you are participating in a live video chat session. One simple twist of the lens cap turns off iSight, ensuring your privacy and letting your buddies know you’re no longer available for video and audio chatting.




Seamless integration:
One simple FireWire connection provides audio, video and power. Just plug in iSight and iChat AV automatically launches and gets you chatting in seconds.

Ultra portable: iSight is made out of the same aluminum alloy as the new PowerBooks, which makes it incredibly durable while keeping it extremely lightweight (weighs just 2.3 ounces). Just pop it into the included carrying case and you can stay in touch no matter where you go.

List Price:$149 US
Such a minimal price for something that will change the game and move you whole B.I. into the next galaxy...
Beam me up Scotty!!!

Review: LB~
info@theurebanrenewalproject.net

SEASON OF CHANGE: Fall/Winter 2006-07 Fashion Trend Forecast

First let's look at the newest latest greatest. Ankle Boots. This is where we seperate the girls from the real GIRLZ!! You know how I feel about high heels. So quit playing. Click on the pic to get a good view of these firestarters. It's not a game!

I am feeling thigh highs and knee highs too but quite frankly Ankle Boots are the joint!! watch these... And if it ain't Hot Pants, the get your skinny jeans out..... And don't stop! Get it, Get it!!!

ART OF THE MATTER: Artist That Matter

Jackson Pollock ($140,000,000US)

Unconfirmed rumors now buzzing the art world now place this painting at the top of the list, at least temporarily. If true, the $140 million price tag would be the highest ever for a painting, besting the $135 million paid for the Gustav Klimt painting Portrait of Adele Block Bauer in June 2006.

Painted by expressionist Jackson Pollock in his trademark "drip" style, the 4' x 8' painting is said to have been purchased by entertainment mogul David Geffen in November 2006.

SEASON OF CHANGE: Fall/Winter 2006-07 Fashion Trend Forecast

HOT PANTS!!! "Makes You Sure Of Yourself"-James Brown (G.F.O.S.)

Shorts in the summer is a given. But Hot Pants In The Winter?!?!?!?
Yup, Yup! That is where we are heading.....



Style mavens, Hot tamales and all the bad B****** will be doing the damn thang. Please believe it. Don't be the last on your block to jump in or wait til they selling them at the GAP..




Do it now. Kelis know's the time. High heels and all. Try them with some tights or some leggings and run it!
If you can wear a mini skirt, you can wear Hot Pants.



My Momma and my auntie and them used to give it to 'em when I was a little boy back in the 70's with a wedge or a high boot and tiiiiip! Btw, I am gonna hit you with the boot post in the next few......Stay tuned and don't forget to like the song says, "Walk like, you got the only lovin left".

Review:LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

SEASON OF CHANGE: Fall/Winter 2006-07 Designer Profile KOSHIN SATOH

Japanese Fashion Designers have always been regarded as talented artist and craftsmen. Their designs are always creative made with fine fabrics with attention to details. Also very high-end.

Designers like Yoji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garcons, Issey Miyake, Kenzo, Hanae Mori and legends like Kansai all have reputations as being the epitome of high fashion.

One other Japanese designer who holds such similar notoriety in Japan but not here in the States is Koshin Satoh for Arrston Volaju.

Koshin is considered by some to be the Gaultier or the "enfant terrible" of Japanese Fashion. He is a legend in the art circles and a favorite amongst the nite life status quo. Like Oswald Boateng, Koshin is well know in Europe and Asia and also a darling amongst the celebrity clientele. He has the distinction of having a fashion show in New York City back in the 80's that used celebrity models to grace the catwalk. Two being the legendary Miles Davis and the one and only Andy Warhol!!!!!

Towards the end of my short lived modeling career, I had the pleasure of doing his show in Japan and became friends with Koshin Satoh. His was the first and only Ferrari I ever drove in. I visited his aesthetically correct modern designed home. And met his beautiful young wife. He even showed me his art collection which included rare paintings by Miles Davis.

Koshin Satoh designed the blueprint for the lifestyle Nigo(Bape) and other young fashion designers/artist are living at the moment. His lifestyle was definitely not the norm in Japan.You know, livin like a Rockstar.

His fashions are really designed for rockstars. His use of leather, suede, furs and skins has always been his thing. The detail and craftsmanship is painstaking. And then look is HIGH FASHION ROCKSTAR!!!! The more style you have and over the top you are, the more you are gonna love his fashions. He has style and the club kids love him. Think Lenny Kravitz, Marilyn Manson, Tommy Lee & Lono Brazil!





I am looking to reconnect with my friend Koshin in hopes of getting my hands on some of these amazing pieces or maybe even work to help bring his fashion to stores on these shores. I will keep you posted.

In the meantime checkout the complete collection and past shows of his official website


http://www.kohshinsatoh.jp


Review:LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

IT GIRL: DONYALE LUNA. The World's First Real Super Model.

Donyale Luna (1 January 1945 - 17 May 1979) was the first notable African American fashion model and the first black cover girl. She also appeared in several films, most notably as the title role in Salome.

She was born Peggy Anne Freeman in Detroit, Michigan. Despite the parentage stated on her birth certificate, she insisted that her biological father was a man with the surname Luna and that her mother was Mexican. According to the model, one of her grandmothers was reportedly an Irishwoman who married a black interior decorator.

Whether any of this background is true is uncertain. In the mid 1960s, a relative described Luna as being "a very weird child, even from birth, living in a wonderland, a dream."



She became the first African American model to appear on the cover of Vogue (March 1966); earlier, she appeared on the cover of Harper's Bazaar (January 1965). For several years, she was under exclusive contract to the photographer Richard Avedon.

In 1967, the mannequin manufacturer Adel Rootstein created a mannequin in Luna's image, a follow-up to his famous Twiggy mannequin of 1966.


During the late sixties and early seventies, Luna appeared in several films produced by Andy Warhol (including "Camp") and Federico Fellini ("Fellini Satyricon"). She also appeared in "The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus," the Otto Preminger comedy "Skidoo" (in which she was featured as the mistress of God, who was portrayed by Groucho Marx), and the British documentary "Tonite Let's All Make Love in London". Salvador Dali considered her one of his favorite models.




In the late 1960s, in an interview, she expressed her fondness for LSD: "I think it's great. I learned that I like to live, I like to make love, I really do love somebody, I love flowers, I love the sky, I like bright colors, I like animals. [LSD] also showed me unhappy things -- that I was stubborn, selfish, unreasonable, mean, that I hurt other people."

Luna died in Rome, Italy, in a clinic, after a drug overdose.

Review:LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

SEASON OF CHANGE:GIVE THEM THE BOOT(KICK ROCKS ETC)

Men's Fall/Winter 2006 Footwear Forecast:

Boots have been a fashion staple for fashion consious males since forever. Especially those of us from the midwest, eastcoast and Europe . They were more or less a necessity. But foul weather should not be the only reason you head over to Neiman's looking to get those corns and bunyons covered with some above the ankle footwork.



The truth is your T.U.R.P. E.I.C. has been rocking boots all year round from back in the short pants days. And with the current High-Casualization trend in fashion, boots work exceptionally well with Pret-a-Porte.

Here are some random styles to give you an idea on what type of flavors are out there. Take note that most of these selections are leaning towards the rugged side which is the direction we are going in at the moment. Not to mention some of you need to put a little more butch flavor in your steez.













And if some of you will only do luxe refinement when it comes to your footwork, then I threw in this pair of sick PRADA side zipped, winged-tips in black for you to catch the vapors on.....


"Can you feel it?" Nothing can save yah!"......


And since I love women soooo much, girls, get a load of these Cynthia Vincent "Ceylon" Wedge Boots for $650.00US. Ohhhh Baby! Ohhhh Baby....Now pick up your jaw off the ground!!!!



I will add a full fall women's boot post in a few. But I could not resist giving you ladies a preview of what's to come. Check back with me cause it is gonna be something special.

Review:LB
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

LIGHT THE FUSE: Who's About To Blow!!!!!

HEAT ROCK (Or incase you have been living under one)



Five rings away from taking MJ's spot as the greatest ever. 2006 NBA Champion Miami Heat MVP point guard Dwayne Wade is slowly becoming the poster boy and resident sex symbol of the NBA. Far more marketable and wholesome looking than most of the thuged-out, corn-rowed, tattooed, gun toting, accused rapist, b-ballers that currently fill the rosters of the NBA. D-Wade (as he is commonly referred to) has begun to walk down that road to superstardom. With a little advice from the real Billionare Boys Club President, Tiger Woods. D-Wade could take this shit!

He was passed over for LeBron James, Darko Milicic and Carmelo Anthony, but the fifth pick in the 2003 NBA draft might be the most popular player in the NBA today. Dwyane Wade will top the league's best-selling jersey list when it is released Thursday. The list includes sales from the NBA store in Manhattan and on NBA.com from the last three months. Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson ranks second and James ranks third.



The fact that he graces the cover of style bible GQ, the offical middle of the road, all-American guide to men's style.(nevermind the fact that most in the fashion and style business consider it a closet gay rag) It is a signal that you have arrived and are now an American icon. I predict the NIKE will offer him an unprecedented shoe deal that will make him one of the riches athletes in the history of sports and that will just be the beginning. (He is currently signed to CONVERSE)




A word of advice to DW; lose the goofy oversized basball cap, the doo-rag and all the ice get suited up and head straight to the bank!!!!!

SEASON OF CHANGE: Fall Fashion Forecast 2006 (GREY IS THE NEW BLACK)

GREY IS THE NEW BLACK!!!!!
GET INTO IT. IT'S HERE. IT'S HOT & IT IS RIGHT NOW!!!

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
Adjustable Cable Knit Cardigan






Charcoal ankle length cable knit cardigan with a shawl collar, woven button fastenings and a ribbed hem and cuffs. Alexander McQueen cardigan has armholes at hem to allow cardigan to be pulled up and worn as a cropped cardigan with a layered effect. THIS SCREAMS STYLE!!!









Women's Burberry Trench Coat












VANESSA BRUNO ATHE
Kimono Sleeve Sweater








Jil Sander Men's Grey Wool Overcoat




Ernest Sewn Men's Grey Jean


Black has been the epitome of style and a standard for fashionista's since forever. But fall 2006 marks the end to all black as a standard. GREY IS THE NEW BLACK!!!

Review:LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

SAY SOMETHIN':-Words To Live By

"Fashions fade, style is eternal." -Yves Saint Laurent

KNOW THE LEDGE, WISE THE DOME: Books And Media

1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die


The book is a chronological survey covering the best cinematic dramas, comedies, westerns, musicals, suspense and horror films, gangster classics, films noir, sci-fi epics, documentaries, and adaptations of novels and stage plays. The listings are dramatically augmented with memorable photos, both in color and black and white. For students of cinema, for discerning film buffs, for general moviegoers, and for readers who enjoy reminiscing over unforgettable lines of dialogue, here's the best place to start.

ISBN: 0764157019
Published in: 2004
Pages: 960
Size: 6.5 x 8.5"
Item# 58319
$35.00

To get this book and browse other fine publications, click on the MoMA icon link below and go check out their amazing collection of items that are designed to enhance your life and lifestyle.






Review:LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

DESIGN ON THE MIND: Clever Things Designed By & For Clever People & World Travelers

The Wonder-Full World of WONDERWALL




Masamichi Katayama & Wonderwall
After completing his education and working for several years in design offices, Masamichi Katayama went independent as an interior designer in 1990. He formed H. Design Associates with Tsutomu Kurokawa in 1992, and launched his own office, Wonderwall, eight years later in 2000. His design projects have since spread beyond shop interiors to various other products, including furniture and lighting.



Wonderwall Masamichi Katayama Projects, a compilation of Katayama's works, was published collaboratively in 2003 by Frame Publishers of the Netherlands and Birkhauser of Switzerland. The compilation was the first volume in Frame's internationally known MONOGRAPH series to feature the works of a Japanese creator.

He is also a co-colaborator with your man Nigo on the BAPE retail series. Great design concept and use of space. I feel the whole draw to Nigo's brand is the design concept. (More on Nigo later as I will post a piece on him exclusively in the very near future). The retail outlets are loke museums. Very well thought out and exciting shopping expriences.

BAPE STORE Tokyo, Japan




"Busy Workshop" Hong Kong



Review:LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

K.I.M. (Keeping It Moving): Modes Of Transportation And Other Evidence That the Future Is Now

The ENV bike is fully-functioning and has been engineered and purpose-built (based around Intelligent Energy’s world-beating Core fuel cell) from the ground up, demonstrating the real, everyday applicability of fuel cell technology. The Core, which is completely detachable from the bike, is a radically compact and efficient fuel cell, capable of powering anything from a motorboat to a small domestic property.



ENV is lightweight, streamlined and aerodynamic. It boasts a performance that outreaches any existing electrical bike. In an urban or off-road environment, it can reach speeds of 50 mph.

It is also virtually silent (with noise equivalent to an everyday home computer) and its emissions are almost completely clean.

On a full tank, the ENV bike could be used continually for up to four hours without any need for re-fuelling. The bike can also be used by riders of any skill level with simple controls, via a throttle directly linked to the applied power. The bike has no gears and is strictly defined as a motorbike, although it feels to riders more like a very quick and responsive mountain bike. ‘ENV is light, fast and fun’, commented Seymourpowell director Nick Talbot. ‘It has good ground clearance, great off-road suspension travel and a very carefully considered power to weight ratio. I have ridden motorbikes for years’, he added, ‘ and, in the process of designing the bike, I have become a convert to fuel cell technology. The bike is usable, useful and great-looking. It was important on this project to demonstrate that new technologies don’t have to be wrapped up in a dull product – engaging public imagination and enthusiasm is key.’

ENV has been produced in two monochromatic colourways: black supergloss and iridescent white. ‘This was to express the bike’s parallel natures’, explained Nick Talbot. ‘On the one hand, it expresses a utopian future vision of 'clean power, anywhere’ - and on the other, it’s an exciting, hard-edged bike and fun to ride.'

The bike's primary frame and swinging arm are made from hollow-cast aircraft grade aluminium.
At its heart is a fully-integrated 1kW fuel cell generator providing power on demand directly to the drive-train.
To enhance performance during peak power demand (ie when accelerating), the fuel cell is hybridised with a battery pack to provide a 6kW peak load to the motor. The result is a balanced hybrid concept which combines the main advantages of Intelligent Energy’s Core fuel cell, hydrogen storage and battery technology.

Take a look at their new microsite for the story of ENV www.envbike.com

Review: LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

MODERN ROMANCE: Designers, Artist and Objects With That Classic Modern Style Perspective

The Barcelona Pavilion, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, was the German Pavilion for the 1929 World's Fair in Barcelona. It was an important building in the history of modern architecture, known for its simple form and extravagant materials, such as marble and travertine. And also the place where the "Barcelona Chair" was born.





The Barcelona Chair story all started with a man called Ludwig Mies Van de Rohe way back in 1929. Mies, a man of German origin, was born in 1886 and became one of the leading modernist architects of his time. Mies served for a short time in the 1930s as the director of the world-renowned school of design in Germany, the Bauhaus. Like many architects he understood the importance of using the correct furniture to complement the purpose of the building if there was to be harmony in design. Thus Mies’s work in architecture effectively led him into furniture design. We think of the Barcelona chair as Modernist. With this chair, Mies van der Rohe made an important artistic statement. He showed how negative space could be used to transform a functional item into sculpture.The Barcelona Chair concept can be compared to the modern day I Mac in the computer World, they are both pieces of designer sculpture, without hiding their true function.

Mies van der Rhoe used exposed steel structure and glass to enclose and define space, striving for an architecture with a minimal framework of structural order balanced against the implied freedom of open space. He called his buildings "skin and bones" architecture. He sought to create a rational approach that would guide the creative process of architectural design, and is known for his use of the aphorisms “less is more” and "God is in the details".

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe began his career working in his father's stonemasonry business. After an apprenticeship with furniture designer Bruno Paul in Berlin, he joined the office of architect Peter Behrens, whose work presaged the modern movement. In 1912, Mies established his own office in Berlin, and later became a member of the Deutscher Werkbund and Director of the Bauhaus. He immigrated to the United States in 1938, setting up a practice in Chicago. His buildings include the German Pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona Exposition, the Tugendhat Villa in Brno, Czechoslovakia, the Seagram Building, designed with Philip Johnson, a cluster of residential towers along Chicago’s Lakeshore Drive in Chicago, and the Illinois Institute of Technology campus, where he was the director of architecture.

IIT Chicago, IL.



Review:LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

WELL HUNG, OR SOON TO BE: Artist On The Rise In The Art World.

Chinese Artist Zhang Xiaogang's Bloodline Series

When one think's about Asian art what comes to mind? Ming vases? Delicate ancient scrolls? Ink-brush nature paintings? All are commonly associated with Chinese art.

But the images that have been turning heads in the international art market are avant-garde art from an ancient culture where recent political, economic and social changes have inspired a creative re-awakening.

"Chinese artists are discovering things we in the West take for granted," said Julia Colman, an art historian and co owner of Chinese Contemporary Gallery in London. "They've really been coming into their own in the past decade, working with ideas that are universal but expressing them from the perspective of being from a very closed society. Artists in China live in a constant state of stress--which may not make for great living, but does make for great art."

At Sotheby's first New York auction of contemporary Asian art,held late last month, Chinese figurative painter Zhang Xiaogang's Bloodline Series: Comrade No 120 (see below) sold for US$979,200, more than twice the auction house's high estimate of $350,000. Like Mr. Zhang's works, much of the art being sought and sold has a politically charged overtone, with references to Mao Zedong, Tiananmen Square, globalization and consumer culture.



Zhang Xiaogang’s works may all appear the same to the uninitiated but there are continual and constant changes throughout his oeuvre. These changes, subtle though they may be, move with the changes in Chinese society.

DESIGN ON THE MIND: Clever Things Designed By & For Clever People & World Travelers

WALLPAPER TURNS 10!!!!
Wallpaper* is the world's only truly international design and lifestyle magazine for urban modernists and global navigators alike.

Today, design has become deliriously mainstream: minimalism sells in shopping malls; architects hang out with pop singers; interior designers date soccer stars; budget airlines fly to Eastern Europe; and teddy-bear chairs by the Campana brothers sell at SothebyÂ’s for $66,000.

And yet there is still so much more to discover, invent and admire. With design now a global obsession, there is a wealth of new talent from around the world to hunt down, architectural treasures to be unearthed in countries whose borders have only recently been opened, and ideas that flicker from screen to screen and community to community as they develop into something even more exciting and extraordinary than at first imagined. Creativity and technology are running at breakneck speeds, and yet still managing to embrace an increasing respect for the environment and our future.

All of this is the fuel that powers the engine that is WALLPAPER* Considered the bible to the TURP* E.I.C. and our core audience, we wait with a collective baited breath to do the knowledge every month inanticipationn of the next issue.

The fact that WALLPAPER* has survived for 10 years in the wake of rags of all kinds are dropping like bombs over Bagdad, is in of itself a miracle. Not to mention readership is down across the board as internet destination (like ours here) have become the entree of choice for hungry masses starved for information.

But like the HOLY BIBLE, it would be sacrilegious for christians not to have a bible. And hold it in their hand no less when it's time to get thier gospel on! Well, the same holds true for the congregation of the church of design on the mind. And WALLPAPER* is our "Good Book". You gotta touch to feel it. Know what I mean?

The articles are great. The photography amazing. And the design well, that goes without saying. Not to mention is looks hot and very sophisticated on your coffee table (that you bought because you saw it in WALLPAPER*) when guest come by or in the lobby of your firm when clients are waiting to meet with you. They will know they are in the right place!

So Joyeux Anniversaire ! WALPAPER* Merci.....
Review:LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

URBAN RENEWAL RENAISSANCE: Future Primeval

Look up the word Renaissance Man and it translates to the word polymath. And a polymath (from the Greek polymaths, meaning "knowing, understanding, or having learnt in quantity," compounded from "much, many," and the root-, meaning "learning, understanding") is a person who excels in multiple fields, particularly in both arts and sciences.

As informally used in contemporary discussion, a "polymath" is someone known to be skillful or to excel in a broad range of intellectual fields. "Polymath" is not synonymous with "philomath," a seeker of knowledge; a polymath is someone who is already in possession of great knowledge.

The other most common term for this phenomenon is Renaissance man, but also in use are Homo universalis and Uomo universale, which in Latin and Italian, respectively, translate as "universal person" or "universal man".


Many notable polymaths lived during the European Renaissance period, and a rounded approach to education was typical of the ideals of the humanists of the time. A gentleman or courtier of that era was expected to speak several languages, play a musical instrument, write poetry and so on, thus fulfilling the Renaissance ideal. During the Renaissance, Baldassare Castiglione, in his The Book of the Courtier, wrote a guide to being a polymath.

Taking Leonardo da Vinci or Goethe as prime examples, and requiring a universality of approach. A polymath may not necessarily be classed as a genius, which is a related classification; and certainly a genius may not display the breadth of knowledge to qualify as a polymath.

So in the section we will profile people we classify as polymath or quite simply, a true modern day renaissance Man & Woman. It is an attempt to expose the urban audience to a broader perception on what it means to be "Urban" and expose to you those persons who effectively demonstrate such.


Kahil El' Zabar


Indeed El'Zabar is a true "Renaissance Man," with a musical style and content that flows from ancient Africa to the modern world. In his own words, "The spirit of one's approach comes first before the technical. All the facility in the world with nothing that comes from the heart doesn't make good music. The basis of the strength of any artistic evolution has come from ethnicity."

Profound verbage from a man that is truly a profound individual.

Growing up in the 70's (on the southside of Chicago like El'Zabar) Bro. El'Zabar was one of those type of cats that myself and my collegues would pattern ourselves after. He represented an alternative personality to your average street cat i.e. hustler, pimp, gangster etc.

A positive role model with a style and flair that was rare in the hood. And being culturally aware, sealed the deal for us. We were ready to discover or uncover the truth about who we were as a people. And use our creativity as a tool to accomplish that audious task!

The concept of cultural awareness in music was then and still is rare amongst popular music offerings. Back then we had to really seek out and find sources of inspiration. Rarely are true artist given any credit or airtime on TV or radio. And equality rare and difilcult was it for an artist of the caliber of Kahil El' Zabar to touch and reach a younger and less traditional audience. And create a link from past to to future.

El'Zabar has served as an associate professor at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has been on the boards of several organizations, including serving as the chairman of The Sun Drummer, an African American drum society, the National Campaign for Freedom of Expression, the National Task Force of Arts Presenting in Education, Campaign for Freedom of Expression, Forum for the Evolution of Progressive Arts, Chicago Blues Museum and the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund. He has also served as a panelist for the NEA's Commissioning and Interdisciplinary Programs. This is a heavy cat!!!! But such is the life of a true Renaissance Man.

Music holds no boundaries for El'Zabar, who has not only played alongside a myriad of jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie and Cannonball Adderly, but was in the bands of Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone. During the early 1970s, El'Zabar formed his own musical group, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, and later another group, the Ritual Trio, with both of which he still performs to this day!

For over twenty years the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble has succeeded in overcoming a dilemma that all great musicians confront; the ability to be remain innovative and unique while maintaining musical integrity. This ensemble which features world renowned musicians Joseph Bowie on trombone, Ernest "Khabeer" Dawkins on alto and tenor saxophone, and the ubiquitous Kahil El'Zabar, on drums, percussion, and African thumb piano, succeeds in creating unique musical textures while maintaing a high level of musicianship.



Not to be slept on is the "Deeper Soul Remix Project". Built from the drum up, the Deeper Soul Remix Project is truly a work of passion; this is the sound of modern electronic genius manipulating the chords of ancient jazz, from the streets of Chicago to the soil of Africa, the roots of modern music have just stretched deeper.

Not to deprive the listener of the musicÂ’s roots, the second CD features the original Ethnic Heritage Ensemble tunes, two of which are previously unreleased.

This is a quality offering from Deeper Soul Recordings. Bro. El'Zabar has bridged the gap in a real way. Remixes by the likes of Osunlade, Henrik Schwarz , Daz-I-Cue, Djinji Brown, Kemit Sources and more, blending of styles here and merging of the music past and present. In the words of El'Zabar "Ancient To The Future, Let The Power Suit You"......

Kahil El'Zabar has also released a book of prose and poetry back in 1993 called "Mis'Taken Brilliance," and scored two feature films, "Mo' Money"(Columbia Pictures) and "How U Like Me Now"(Universal Pictures). Confirming his title as a true "Renaissance Man


Review: LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net

NEXT TO GODLINESS: The Art Of Grooming & Skincare

Is it me or does it seem like summer is already over? Sept. 3, 2006 is officially the end of summer on the eastcoast. That was FAST!!!! Seems like summer just started. It used to last way longer. Weird right?

But it is, what it is. So I am getting ready for fall/winter in more ways than one. Most importantly skincare. All that lying out trying to get my tan right tore my skin up. The sun is brutal these days. I guess Al Gore is right. That global warming thing is real cause I got sunburn from the first 3 hours I got to Miami and I wasn't laying out yet!

Anyway, I have investigated some new or new to me, skincare products that are designed to make you look younger and healthier. And isn't that what it all about?!?!?

First up is a product form a guy named Dr. Sebagh. Serum Repair. I have used serum before and it can work wonders. Check this out.



Dr Sebagh
Serum Repair
A highly concentrated formulation containing patented technology to ensure the rapid absorption of collagen, to nourish, repair and plump the skin while you sleep. Apply a thin layer under your usual night cream before bed and wake up to smoother, softer and younger looking skin.

key benefits:
~contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin
~immediately plumps and tightens the skin
~perfect as a pre party treat

Dr Sebagh has long been regarded as one of Europe's most prestigious aesthetic doctors. With a client list which ranges from celebrities to royalty, his line of high-tech, advanced formulations have achieved the same recognition. Using patented technology in many of the products, his aim is to deliver high concentrations of vitamins and minerals direct to the epidermis, leaving the skin instantly brighter, softer and looking visibly younger.

I like the simple packaging. Very Japanese. Anti-packaging and with a name like Dr. Sebagh, I'll try it!!!

Next up. MANSCIENCE. Great name and from what I hear, A great product line.




Our dermatological-grade formula, with its invisible matte finish, reduces the appearance of dark areas ("age spots"), which can result from sun damage or aging. This unique blend, developed specifically for men's skin, helps control abnormal pigment production and eliminates superficial darkened cells.
Benefits
~Visibly fades dark spots (lentigines or "age spots")
~ Restores a healthy-looking and natural skin tone
~ Helps dissolve damaged, darkened skin patches, exposing new unblemished cells
~ Softens, soothes, and aids the repair process

Sounds like I need to run to Barney's New York and get some of this immediately if not sooner. And all you professional tastemakers need to quit playing and take your skincare regime serious and up to speed with your fashion game. And like always eat heathly and drink plenty of water. It works wonders... And BTW, tell Diddy he can keep his Pro-Active! LOL!!!

Review: LB~
info@theurbanrenewalproject.net