Sunday, May 31, 2009

RAZ MOST WANTED: TRIBAL TEXTILES

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS SUZANI FROM UZBEKISTAN
WEDDING BLANKETS FROM MOROCCO


INDIGO MUD CLOTH FROM AFRICA

BLACK & WHITE MUD CLOTH FROM AFRICA


A BEAUTIFUL INDIGO IKAT FROM INDONESIA
TRADITIONAL WEAVE FROM SUMBA ISLAND, INDONESIA
LOVING THIS GORGEOUS SARONG DESIGN
A WEAVER ON SUMBA ISLAND

F R E S H

THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE COMBINATION OF WHITE, SILVER & GRAY...
SO CHIC...SO NOW!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

BODY OF EVIDENCE






Body decoration, whether permanent (e.g. tattooing or scarification) or temporary (e.g. body painting or hair adornment), is a system of communication not only of aesthetic principles but also of fundamental values and beliefs. In this book by Victoria Ebin, body modification provides a means of establishing or enhancing status among tribal peoples and of expressing social, ritual and religious values throughout Africa, Americas, Asia and Oceania from the eighteenth century to present day. A look into the methods and purpose of this madness...that only cultural belief systems can explain. Referencing this book as I was researching for my 'La Isla' series, it explained the particulars of such modifications. Quite fascinating and inspirational indeed.

NYC CIRCA 2004

photos & collage by shiraz ansari
art direction by pierre cortes
EXCLUSIVE! Just dug this up from the archives....Backstage photo collage of models, celebrities, performers and guests at Heatherette Fall/Winter 2004....Yes it was quite a circus...literally! Its special star of the night was legendary Anna Nicole Smith (RIP) and a time when Boy George was still allowed in the States! This was one of their best shows...loved the hair by Laurent P. Miss those NYC days...

NEXT BOOKS: LUXURY SERIES



 TOTAL INDULGENCE! 
GORGEOUS PHOTOGRAPHY 
ASTONISHING WORLD WIDE LOCATIONS 
BREATHTAKING AND SO INSPIRATIONAL!!! 

R E L A X


I am loving the relaxed and effortless looks of these living rooms. Low to the ground, paired down and oh so cozy...

Friday, May 29, 2009

COLD AS ICE

BJORK LANDS THE COVER BY INEZ/VINOODH
JUNE/JULY COVER OF INTERVIEW '09

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

DOMINIQUE

another la isla preview photo shiraz ansari

INVEST

You can never have enough original artwork...

LEGEND: ESTEVAN ORIOL








I was first introduced to Estevan Oriol more than 10 years ago, when I was interning for Rose Cefalu at Visages (a photo rep agency) in L.A. Rose was the former photo editor for DETOUR magazine and was at that time Oriol's first photo agent. I immediately loved Oriol's work, which not only reminds me of my L.A days, but also a gritty and exclusive look into street life there. Since then Estevan Oriol has quickly established himself has the GRAND-granddaddy of lowrider, gang, tattoo, hip-hop, and everything underground culture. His work has appeared in numerous magazines, galleries, advertising campaigns, clothing and accessory lines, and has recently branched into music videos and movies. I adore his realness, his portraits, and his stories. See more at www.estevanoriol.com

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

LUKE SMALLEY R I P

1955-2009 
One of RAZ fave photographer passes away...

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

R I P OCTAVIA



90'S


SUZANNE, RU 
& MICHAEL (alig+musto) 
LIVING!

EAU D'WHORE!

DIP INTO THIS!

The NYC store at 377 Bleeker Street
Founded in 1961, by three friends into design, Diptyque opened their first boutique in boulevard Saint Germain in Paris. Thanks to their candles (available since 1963) and their fragrances (available since 1968), Diptyque has known a growth that seemed unprecedented for such a small project and they have created a dedicated following for those who are in the know. My trip-hopping around the city led me to their charming little boutique in the West Village. Designed by Benjamin Noriega Ortiz, the store features the complete Diptyque line of candles and perfume as well as the newly launched L'Art Du Soin, a range of sensual body care products. Each of these joyous cremes, lotions, oils and body washes is an olfactory journey from the Mediterranean to the gates of the far East. From the sublime to the exotic of picturesque cites like Cordoba, Florence, and Alexandria, these products give one heavenly experience. My favorite is the "Huiles Precieuses" body oil, which combines almond, argan and macadamia nut oils with the sensual touches of Iris, Cedar and Vetiver. As for favorite candle, it has to be "Cedre" and I am loving the scents of  "Tam Dao" (rosewood/cypress/ambergriss/sandalwood) and "L' Eau de Neroli" (verbena/tarragon/neroli/geranium/cedar). The common denominator of all these products are their intoxicating scents, which are somehow assertive but never overpowering. GORGE!   www.diptyqueparis.com

BLUE IS BEAUTIFUL




Loving this look from a booth at NYC ICFF this week. Immediately the very talented Aboubakar Fofana of Mali came to mind, as we sell some of his textile creations at ABC HOME. Being a major fan of neutrals and metallics, the blue tonal range of the color spectrum has been my new color of choice lately. Its soothing, relaxing and grounding nature is always welcome. Aboubakar's creations are more than just gorgeous indigos, but works of textile arts. Visit his site and all the other beautiful things he creates at aboubakar-fofana.com

Sunday, May 17, 2009

A I R



The element of air is so important in any home, especially as we approach warmer days. Besides practical reasons, such as circulating fresh air and eliminating household odors, the sensuality of a drift instantly brings on a calm ease throughout a home. As illustrated in these photos, a wind of change can bring about an invisible guest that surely is well invited...