Aspen Art Museum Moves Forward
This week in the New York Times, Robin Pogrebin reported that The Aspen Art Museum is proceeding with the purchase of land in downtown Aspen for the construction of a new building designed by the architect Shigeru Ban, pictured above. They’ve made public the design concept and preliminary model of the 30,000-square-foot wood-and-glass structure. The museum also announced that the new building will include 12,500 square feet of exhibition space, a roof-deck sculpture garden, a classroom, museum shops, cafe, offices and storage.
The Aspen Art Museum has some less-than-inspiring images of the proposed project. For a visual arts institution you might expect something a little more sexy. In any case, I’m a little confused… the project was announced back in 2008 and when you head directly to Shigeru Ban’s site you see what must have been the original proposal (?) when the project began. Two similar but different looking designs, but no mention of the changes anywhere in the press.
Apolis Activism Market Bag
Yes, it’s certainly more expensive than your average reusable bag… especially those stylish versions you’ll find convieniently located near the checkout counter of your local Safeway, King Soopers or Whole Foods. You know the bags: subtly branded with the grocery store’s name and logo. More is more.
Why settle for a bag designed for the “unwashed masses” when you can get your hands on some golden jute fiber harvested in Bangladesh. It’s way more distinctive. The Apolis Activism Market Bag ($60) features a waterproof lining, vegetable-dyed leather straps with antique nickel rivets, a 6×7 in. interior pocket, and over 7.5 gallons of storage room.
Started by three brothers from Santa Barbara, Apolis Activism has re-designed the way fashion works from the ground up by connecting it with the global community. They anchored this vision in the word Apolis, which roughly translates as a cityless or countryless — where there are no borders. Apolis started making garments in 2004 and began embroidering a trademark red stitch on each piece. The sign of relief and an icon for all global citizens committed to quality and change. Apolis Activism applies contemporary design, premium fabrics, and an opportunity to share the value of trade.
Wednesday Links
- According to the New York Times, “Summertime is tote time.” However, the DOD boys know that anytime, not just summertime, is tote time. The Hetrick-Martin Institute, in collaboration with Polo Ralph Lauren produced the totes pictured above. Proceeds benefit the institute, the nation’s oldest social service organization supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. More here.
- There’s been a variety of local and national criticism (both good and bad) regarding Santiago Calatrava’s recently unveiled designs (with architects of record Gensler) for the Denver International Airport. I’m not quite sure where I stand, but I’m sure that just like the Clyfford Still Museum, which recently released images of the final design, Calatrava’s proposal will also change over time.
- I’m not a fan of flip -flops. Yes, King Tut wore them, but I’d prefer that you didn’t… unless we’re at the beach, by the pool, or they’re made entirely out of gold. Just saying. As if you needed another reason to avoid flip-flops CNN recently aired a story regarding researchers who found that wearing thong-style flip-flops resulted in pain in the ankles, legs, feet… and some people’s eyes. Yes, I did.
- Do you work in downtown Denver? Well, you may have heard that it’s Downtown Denver Partnership Employee Appreciation Week. There are numerous events, freebies, discounts at downtown restaurants and other activities, including free ice cream, today at 12:30 pm at Skyline Park (16th & Arapahoe).
- An exclusive and rather handsome collection of “built-to-last” men’s apparel and accessories –a collaboration between Levi’s and Filson– is now available in select retail stores, as well as on www.levi.com and www.filson.com.
- Gary Hustwit, the filmaker responsibile for the documentary, Helvetica, which looked at the worlds of typography and graphic design, and their impact on our visual environment and Objectified, which focused on industrial design and product design, and our relationship with the manufactured objects that surround us, is now working on his third film, Urbanized. The last of Hustwit’s design trilogy, Urbanized looks at the issues and strategies behind urban design, featuring some of the world’s foremost architects, planners, policymakers, builders, and thinkers.
The Paradox of Plenty
It’s no secret… I’ve had a long–standing crush on Christopher Bailey, the creative director of Burberry who began his career as a womenswear designer at Donna Karan, after attending the Royal College of Art, in London. I still have my September 2009 issue of the New Yorker featuring a profile of Bailey close by.
In any case, enjoy this Profile in Style | Christopher Bailey courtesy of the New York Times Style Magazine.
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs
I’m quickly becoming a big, big fan of Palm Springs… And it has nothing to do with the clothing-optional resorts, Blake. I love the weather (even in the dead of summer…“it’s a dry heat”), the mid-century modern architecture, and the louche lifestyle. And my stays at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club have been a major factor in my Palm Springs good times.
The Portland-based hoteliers have really created a unique brand for themselves concentrating on understated design choices that feel comfortable and accessible while still maintaining a modern atmosphere. The sprawling complex—five barracks-like, two-story structures built on the site of a 1965 Howard Johnson hotel—features an indoor-outdoor spa, two Swim Club pools, and an old Denny’s restaurant, now King’s Highway and the Amigo Room.
Not least among the reasons I enjoy the Ace is their commitment to offering a number of rooms for under $100. I spent the first two nights with the Goldsteins in a King lounge that had a faux animal-skin rug on the dark cork floor… We swear it was a poodle in its previous life. The remaining days were spent in my own standard King that was somewhere around $55 a night (plus a $20 per day resort fee). The rooms were filled with vintage furniture, denim headboards, kaftans instead of bathrobes, and amenities from Rudy’s Barbershop. Off-white canvas covered one wall with French doors to an adjacent small private patio in the King lounge. Two additional walls of horizontal white wooden slats had pictures from old National Geographics hanging from S-hooks. In short, there was nothing to dislike.
The brightly lighted King’s Highway served up basic, but satisfying dishes, such as a chicken club sandwich with homemade mayo and roasted tomatoes on rustic bread. They have great weekday lunch specials for under $10, including a hearty BLT. I added avocado. They also make the food that’s served poolside, including a watermelon, heirloom tomato & burrata salad and a couscous salad with roasted pistachios, arugula, preserved lemon, carrots and chicken. The service poolside on the weekends is slow (understandably as the party atmosphere rises on Saturday and Sundays), otherwise no complaints.
What really creates the Ace-like charm in my eyes are the many interesting details: chalk board signs, pool lounge chairs constructed with flexible rope and beige furniture that perfectly blends with the surrounding mountains, hammocks, a giant macramé elephant head that adorned the wall above our brown leather booth one late morning in King’s Highway, and the field journal style menus written with old school typewriter font. Other guest perks include free bikes which we took out for a spin or two.
PR: Gretchen wins again
I also watched Project Runway last night. And before I discuss the actual competition, let me address what seems to be a significant change in the format. Yes, it’s now 1.5 hours and we’re all excited (though not about the many, many commercials that one must either watch or fast forward through). But what has happened to the model competition? What about any focus at all on the models? I understand that they have decided to eliminate MotR, but have they just permanently assigned models to designers? Will there be no choice of model by designer at all? Where is Heidi’s velvet bag? Where are the silk slips? What of model-designer friendship and loyalty? It is possible that, abiding by the silly conceit of last night’s show that the season had only really begun once there were 16 designers, next week’s episode will begin with the model choice. I do hope so, not only because I like the model drama, but because eliminated designer Nicholas D’Aurizio’s model is stunning and I don’t want to see her go.
On to the drama of last night:
I do hope that little Mondo can make some friends. I’d be happy to be his Denver gal pal when he returns to the Mile High City, but in the meantime he needs someone in New York with whom to kvetch and giggle.
My Gentleman Friend and I don’t understand how Christopher Collins, who is certainly cute but not exactly stunning, has emerged as some sort of supermodel on this season. Heidi commented on it in Episode One and one of his flatmates referred to him as “the hot one” last night. Cuter than the rest, to be sure. Hot, we think not.
The clothes: How did A.J.’s yellow creation not land him in the bottom three? I take it that his collapse meant he recognized he should have been there. Maybe this will make him see sense. Ivy’s little gray dress was well tailored but so nondescript as to be forgettable. Also a candidate for elimination in the near future? I thought Michael’s shiny, short, and flouncy number was pretty hideous.
Mondo and his model
Overall, I have to say that I wasn’t so impressed. Was Gretchen’s jumpsuit cute? Sure, but it wasn’t thrilling. Ditto for Valerie’s little red dress. Mondo’s creation was at least more interesting and I’m pleased that he garnered some recognition for it. I was delighted to see Heidi follow through on her threat to eliminate more than one designer. That said, I sort of feel like Peach should have been accompanying Jason up to the workroom instead of Nicholas. I fear that may soon be her fate…
Top Chef: Tiffany Kicks Ass
So I am generally of the opinion that Top Chef is the poor man’s Project Runway, but I watch it anyway. It’s just hard to know what to think because of course I can’t taste any of the food. That said, the format is totally fun and I have a serious crush on Gail Simmons that I find somewhat difficult to explain. (I’m very excited for her “Just Desserts.”)
Tiffany Derry cooks away
I’ve been watching this season, albeit sometimes a little behind schedule, and last night I caught Wednesday’s episode. I could not be happier! Tiffany Derry nabbed not only the quickfire but also the elimination challenge. This makes me happy for at least three reasons.
1. Tiffany is funny and enthusiastic and ebullient and I like her.
2. This show is almost always dominated by straight white men. It pains me when woman after woman gets eliminated. Thus far the winners have included one white woman and one Asian American man. All other winners and most finalists have been straight white men. (My heart still bleeds for Carla Hall.)
3. It is difficult for me to decide whether or not I was more pleased that Tiffany won or that Angelo lost. Twice. Just the look of pain on his face after her quickfire victory was enough to make the episode for me. Suck it, Angelo.
Project Runway, Season 8
The Cast of Season Eight
Needless to say, we here at DOD are super excited for the beginning of Season Eight of Project Runway. I was galavanting around the East Coast on premiere night so only caught it upon my return. It looks like we could have a whole lot of fun this time around. I’m not thoroughly convinced that they are all super-talented, but I’m certainly ready to be surprised. At this point there are so many of them and their clothes come down the runway so rapidly that it’s a little difficult to keep things straight in my head. A few thoughts:
Where is Models of the Runway?!? It is difficult to figure out what’s going on from MyLifetime.com, but the new 90-minute format of PR and the lack of MotR this first week suggest that it is a thing of the past. I have to admit, and though it took me a little while to get used to, I actually really liked MotR. I’m going to miss it. And there is no way that it can be replaced by On the Road with Austin and Santino. You could not pay me to watch that.
There are definitely some cute boys, chief among them Christopher Collins and A.J. Thouvenot. And girls; I like that Sarah Trost.
Jason Troisi would be cute if he never, ever, actually opened his mouth. Not just to speak but because his cuteish face is ruined by something that happens when he smiles. Or, of course, talks. Because he is apt to emphasize his love of breasts or his 100% pure Italian heritage or his penchant for hats that will intimidate others.
Peach Carr may be out of her league but I really hope she lasts. Yes, she tends to overemphasize her age, but she’s also pretty funny. And her name is Peach.
While I loved the convo en espanol con la Garcia, Casanova’s dress (!?!) was horrible. Selma Blair (I heart Selma Blair) was particularly funny about it, saying it could be sold in a store at the mall called Razzle Dazzle that specialized in dresses and wigs. His lack of a first name is foolish.
Mondo Guerra is from Denver!
Nicholas D’Aurizio is going to be a cryer, and it’s not going to be pretty. His model, however, is gorgeous.
There was some pretty ugly clothing sent down that runway, which makes me even more irritated with Heidi for threatening to send home more than one person and almost never actually following through on it. I was perfectly comfortable losing McKell, but I would not have had a problem seeing any of those in the bottom going: it was all pretty bad. And Nina’s face let you know what she thought about every single one of the disasters.
Gretchen Jones may be a bit of a serious Susie (as my Gentleman Friend put it) but her dress was pretty and well made, if a bit on the boring side. Does she have it in her to take it all? We shall see…
East Coat Adventures
While Alastair was soaking up the sun in Palm Springs – are you staying at a clothing-optional resort, Alastair? Enquiring minds want to know – I was having an East Coast adventure. It all began with a work trip last weekend to Rochester, New York; continued with four days at a friend’s cabin in the Adirondacks; then a night in New York City. I then joined some of my best gal pals from college for a road trip to West Virginia. For a gay wedding. I kid you not. Then back to New York, and finally back home. Some observations about my ten days on the road:
Pandora Boxx
Gay bars in Rochester are fun! Not only did we see Pandora Boxx, one-time star of RuPaul’s Drag Race perform live at the Tilt Nightclub and Ultralounge (more than a lounge, an ultra lounge), but we also hung out at Rochester’s Leather and Levi Bar, Bachelor Forum (a little lite on the leather and levi, it must be said, not that I’m complaining; they also have what can only be described as a gay sculpture garden out front), and the most fun was had at 140 Alex: karaoke, drag shows, great music, strong drinks. Best of all, it was as mixed as can be: people of all shades and hues, ladies and gents, butch and femme, even straight people! This is what seems to happen in small towns: less queer self-segregation. DOD approves.
The Garbage Plate at Nick Tahou's in Rochester
Rochester is known for something called the “garbage plate”: macaroni, beans, red hots (apparently some sort of spicy miniature hot dog), beef, and a variety of other delicious elements. Health.com has named the garbage plate the fattiest food in New York State. Needless to say, I did not partake, though I did have sushi. In Rochester. At a restaurant that “specialized” in the food of at least 5 Asian nations. And it wasn’t half bad. The rust belt surprises every once in a while.
The Adirondacks are lovely in July. Highs in the low 80s and overnights in the 60s. My gal pals and I swam, we boated, we ran, we ate ice cream at a stand called Northern Lights in a quaint lakeside town sitting on a bench. One of us (not me) prepared a delicious bourbon marinated (though he said marinaaaded) pork loin on the barbecue. We even hiked. In short, it was rather all-American. And that was not actually unpleasant.
I love New York City. Sometimes I miss it like I might miss an absent limb. I used to feel like my life continued on there even while I was physically in Denver. I am pretty much convinced that it is the center of the universe. That said, it is a foul disgusting humid pit of a city at the height of the summer. The nights were actually reasonable but during the day I was a sweaty mess and found myself missing the very dry heat of Denver, which doesn’t leave a boy feeling quite so unkempt. That said, I must have lost about three and a half pounds in water weight just walking around in one afternoon.
The Hillbrook Inn near Charles Town, WV
West Virginia is beautiful! I was a wee bit scared that four gay boys on a road trip to WV might well have difficulty making it out of the state alive, and while we definitely got a couple strange looks at a rest stop, we also had a fantastic time. We were staying at the Hillbrook Inn, a beautiful 1920s Tudor mansion converted to a bed and breakfast and the site was idyllic. Manicured lawns, patios and porches, and a stream running through the property all made it the ideal spot to lounge around with good friends for a weekend. They even provide quilts for that very lounging on the lawns. The wedding party had the whole place to itself and it turns out that the grooms’ other friends were lots of fun as well. We also ate well and drank ourselves silly. In short, it was all a wedding weekend should be, and this is coming from someone who objects to marriage.
Now, alas, back to work…
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