Sunday, February 27, 2011

Lady Gaga Monster Tour 2011/HBO Special


NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2011 – Lady Gaga, five-time Grammy winner, will headline her first solo HBO concert event on SATURDAY, MAY 7, it was announced Sue Naegle, president, HBO Entertainment.  “Lady Gaga is the single most exciting music talent on the scene today,” noted Naegle.  “We’re especially thrilled that she’ll be creating unique new elements for the special that will make the show an even more memorable experience for our viewers.”



LADY GAGA PRESENTS THE MONSTER BALL TOUR AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN will be directed by Lauriann Gibson, who has choreographed most of Lady Gaga’s videos, including “Poker Face,” “Paparazzi,” “Telephone,” “Alejandro” and “Bad Romance.”  The special will be produced by Lady Gaga, Troy Carter, Vincent Herbert and Jimmy Iovine.  


The special was taped Feb. 21 and 22 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, LADY GAGA PRESENTS THE MONSTER BALL TOUR AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN will spotlight the pop sensation on her sold-out world tour, accompanied by a ten-piece band and ten backup dancers.


TOUR DATES
February 2011
22 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden Arena
24 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center
26 - Pittsburgh, PA - Consol Energy Center
28 - Chicago, IL - United Center

March 2011
  1 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
  3 - Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre
  4 - Buffalo, NY - HSBC Arena
  6 - Ottawa, Ontario - Scotiabank Place
  8 - Boston, MA - TD Garden
10 - Columbus, OH - Schottenstein Center
12 - Louisville, KY - KFC Yum! Center
14 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
15 - San Antonio, TX - AT&T Center
17 - Omaha, NE - Qwest Center
19 - Salt Lake City, UT - EnergySolutions Arena
22 - Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena
23 - Sacramento, CA - Arco Arena
25 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena
28 - Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center
29 - San Diego, CA - Viejas Arena
31 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center

April 2011
  6 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center
  8 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
  9 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena
12 - Sunrise, FL - BankAtlantic Center
13 - Miami, FL - AmericanAirlines Arena
18 - Duluth, GA - The Arena at Gwinnett Center
19 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena
22 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center
23 - Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum

May 2011
  3 - Guadalajara, Mexico - Estadio 3 de Marzo Stadium
  5, 6 - Mexico City, Mexico - Foro Sol

Nicola Formichetti

Alsdair McLellean photographer


Creative Director Thierry Mugler
Fashion Director Lady Gaga
Fashion Director Vogue Hommes Japan
Fashion Director Uniqlo

Nicola Formichetti -born in Japan in 1977 to an Italian father and a Japanese mother, his unique style is a result of his upbringing: internationally eclectic; modern and traditional; Eastern and European.

On March 2, stylist Nicola Formichetti's first women's collection for Mugler debuts at Paris Fashion Week. To hype the show, the brand is releasing one "official inspiration image" per day, which began on February 23rd. The show is called Anatomy of Change continuing the theme created for Formichetti's debut Mugler collection at Paris Men's Fashion Week which came with the premiere of a Lady Gaga track.

In the past, Nicola has worked as a fashion editor of several fashion magazines such as V Magazine, Dazed, Another, all of which he was closely involved with throughout the entire process; When not busy actualizing stories for these publications, he spent time as a consultant for a number of leading fashion brands including; Alexander McQueen,Prada, D&G, Missoni, Adidas, Nike,Levis, and MAC.

His most current notable contribution in the world of Editorial is that of Fashion Director of Vogue Hommes Japan, where he oversees each issue's production, features, and styling from start to finish.

As the stylist of musical artist Lady Gaga, Nicola has created some of the most memorable outfits and moments in recent pop culture history. As the nucleus of Haus of Gaga he is at the helm of red carpet creations, album covers, videos, and tours.

His work in creative direction now finds him at Uniqlo, and most recently he has signed on as creative director of the legendary house of Thierry Mugler.

Nicola is currently living between New York, London, Paris and Tokyo

Natalie Portman Best Female Lead: Independent Film Spirit Awards

Biography

Hailed as a child prodigy for her uncommonly skilled performances in Luc Besson's The Professional (1994) and Michael Mann's Heat (1995), Natalie Portman dodged the "child star curse" bullet to become a major big screen draw in her twenties. Even as a teen, Portman's talent for portraying sensitive old souls reflected her own grounded, emotionally evolved persona, as well as her ability to plan her career and choose roles wisely. She offered a Golden Globe-nominated performance as the level-headed daughter of flighty single mom Susan Sarandon in Anywhere But Here (1999), before transforming into a sci-fi pin-up as regal queen Padme Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy (1999, 2002, 2005). Her foray into mega blockbuster territory - including "V for Vendetta" (2006) - proved Portman's screen appeal as an empowered, intelligent and irresistibly cute screen star. Throughout her career Portman maintained "acclaimed actress" status with a Golden Globe-winning turn in Mike Nichols' Closer (2004) and returned regularly to independent films like Garden State" (2004), where her charm, emotional accessibility and increasing dramatic range made her one of the most bankable young females on the big screen.

http://www.spiritawards.com/nomination/natalie-portman?cat=

Black Swan: Perfect at Film Independent Spirit Awards


Black Swan, which by the way was my favorite film of 2010, won all four Spirit Awards awards that it had been nominated for including Best Feature and Best Female Lead.

Best Feature: Black Swan
Best Female Lead: Natalie Portman
Best Director: Darren Aronofsky    
Best Cinematography: Matthew Libatique (Cinematographer)

Credits

DIRECTOR Darren Aronofsky        
WRITERS  Mark Heyman and Andres Heinz and John J. McLaughlin
PRODUCERS Mike Medavoy, Arnold Messer, Brian Oliver, Scott Franklin

Synopsis

A psychological thriller set in the world of New York City ballet, BLACK SWAN stars Natalie Portman as Nina, a featured dancer who finds herself locked in a web of competitive intrigue with a new rival at the company (Mila Kunis).  A Fox Searchlight Pictures release by visionary director Darren Aronofsky (THE WRESTLER), BLACK SWAN takes a thrilling and at times terrifying journey through the psyche of a young ballerina whose starring role as the duplicitous swan queen turns out to be a part for which she becomes frighteningly perfect.

BLACK SWAN follows the story of Nina (Portman), a ballerina in a New York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession, is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her retired ballerina mother Erica (Barbara Hershey) who zealously supports her daughter’s professional ambition. When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Winona Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice.  But Nina has competition: a new dancer, Lily (Kunis), who impresses Leroy as well.  Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who  represents guile and sensuality.  Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side with a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.

http://www.spiritawards.com/film/black-swan
 

Best Documentry: Film Independent Spirit Awards 2011

Exit Through The Gift Shop Best Documentary

Credits

DIRECTOR Banksy
PRODUCER Jaimie D'Cruz

Biography

Banksy (Director)



Banksy, British graffiti artist, painter, political activist and more recently filmmaker.
Banksy first emerged out of the Bristol underground scene in the late 1980’s.  This early work included many collaborations between artists and musicians as Banksy perfected his early style on the streets of the City.

The artist moved on to his now iconic style of stenciling which has featured on many streets and walls across the world.

http://www.spiritawards.com/

Exit Through the Gift Shop:

  
Is it an elaborate Oscar campaign for his documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop?" A subversive statement on Hollywood's biggest night? Both? Either way, Los Angeles has been waking up lately to new pieces by the controversial street artist who goes by Banksy. He doesn't grant interviews and no one knows what he looks like. But the works that have been springing up around town have all of his witty hallmarks. - ABC News






"Exit Through the Gift Shop" is a film directed by Banksy that tells the story of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles, and his obsession with street art. The film charts Guetta's constant documenting of his every waking moment on film, from a chance encounter with his cousin, the artist Invader, to his introduction to a host of street artists with a focus on Shepard Fairey and Banksy, whose anonymity is preserved by obscuring his face and altering his voice, to Guetta's eventual fame as a street artist himself. 


"Exit Through the Gift Shop" is up against the war chronicle "Restrepo" by Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger; financial meltdown expose "Inside Job" by Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs; environmental odyssey "Gasland" by Josh Fox and Trish Adlesic; and garbage dump art project "Waste Land" by Lucy Walker and Angus Aynsley.  -  Derrik J. Lang, AP Entertainment Writer
  
The film premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival on 24 January, 2010. It is narrated by Rhys Ifans. The music is by Geoff Barrow. It includes Richard Hawley's "Tonight The Streets Are Ours."  

 

Monday, February 14, 2011

Lady Gaga: Queen of Pop


Lady Gaga reaffirmed her reign as the Queen of Pop last night winning Grammys for female pop vocal and short form video, both for Bad Romance, and pop vocal album for The Fame Monster.  Lady Gaga was tied with Lady Antebellum for the second most nominations with six including Album of the Year. Eminem went in with the most nominations, 10.



While it was disappointing that Lady Gaga didn't win Album of the Year for Fame Monster, she can take solace in that she has won 13 Billboard Music Awards during the past two years including Artist of the Year along with eight MTV Music Video Awards in 2010. Gaga was also 2010's "runaway hit at the newsstand" according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations and WWD.


Her July 8 Rolling Stone cover was the magazine's top-selling issue of the year; her April cover for Cosmopolitan fronted that magazine's top selling issue through the end of October; her September Vanity Fair cover was the title's second best-selling issue of the year (behind Angelina Jolie's); and her January Elle cover marked the magazine's third best-seller of the year through October.

Her new single Born This Way topped the download charts in 21 countries simultaneously, becoming the world's first download number one. The song reached number one in all of the countries, including Britain, Germany and France, within hours of being released.  Lady Gaga performed the single last night at the Grammys






Sunday, February 13, 2011

Grammy Showdown: Best New Artist

Best New Artist

Nominees:
 
Justin Bieber









 












Drake






















Florence and the Machine





 









Mumford and Sons


















Esperanza Spalding

















Vegas Odds Favor:
Justin Bieber
, 1-to-2

 

Rolling Stone feels that Drake, Weezy's Canadian protégé, ruled radio with some of the catchiest, angsty-est hits of the year. 

Seriously, Vegas Beiber!. Granted he is a Youtube phenomenon, but an artist, I think not. This is a difficult one for me. I love both Florence and the Machine and Esperanza Spalding. Completely different sounds but both excellent artists. I would love to see a jazz/classical artist win artist of the year. Jazz musicians are so under appreciated.

Grammy Showndown: Best Alternative Album

Best Alternative Album

Nominees:

Arcade Fire, The Suburbs




















Band of Horses, Infinite Arms


 


















The Black Keys, Brothers




















Broken Bells, Broken Bells





















Vampire Weekend, Contra























Vegas Odds Favor:
Arcade Fire, 2-to-5


Rolling Stone is tossing its pick in the direction of the Black Keys stating that the two-piece went down to Muscle Shoals and came back with one of the year's truly great albums.

Let's hope that Rolling Stone has it right.  I tend not to bet against the odds but the Black Keys album is simply awesome.

Grammy Showdown: Album of the Year

Album of the Year 
Nominees:

Arcade Fire, The Suburbs




















 Emimem, Recovery




















Lady Antebellum, I Need You Now




















Lady Gaga, The Fame Monster 





















 Katy Perry, Teenage Dream 


Vegas Odds Favor:
Lady Gaga, 9-to-5

Rolling Stone feels that Arcade Fire should be given the award stating that the world’s most ambitious young band stepped it up – and scored a Number One hit.  However if the Vegas odds makers are correct the win for Lady Gaga would be icing on the cake, so to speak, giving that she was Billboard's Artist of the year and was  2010's "runaway hit at the newsstand." according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations and WWD


Saturday, February 12, 2011

Red: Color as an Aphodisiac


Miss Mosh: Fetish and Alternative Model


Masha Federova, better known by her online name of Mosh or Miss Mosh, is a fetish and alternative, model. She chose Mosh as her nickname after "Masha" was taken on the modeling network site modelmayhem, where she made her debut.


She was born (August 21, 1989) in Russia to parents who were part of the national gymnastics team. After the collapse of the Soviet Union they moved to Florida in the United States to work as coaches, and later to Maryland.


If life had been different, Mosh might have been somersaulting around the world as a professional gymnast. Mosh started professional gymnastics when she was five and trained for 10 years. She then moved to acrobatics and dislocated her elbow which destroyed her right arm, so she had to quit.                                       


 

Gymnastics’ loss is the alt scene’s gain. Like other career-minded model and Jane Doe Latex owner Nina Kate, or determined Torture Garden muse Viktoria, Mosh has achieved a great deal in a short space of time.

 

The headstrong 21-year-old has carved out a niche, working with photographers such as Lithium Picnic, occupying the pages of Marquis magazine and working with designers such as Antiseptic.




Mosh has a passion, and a genuine love, for fetish fashion. She speaks of it like a star-crossed lover extolling the virtues of a soul mate:



“Fetish is a beautiful thing and has inspired me to do so much,” she says. “To some it’s just sexual pleasure, but to me it’s more – it’s an art form and I feel it’s my duty to help the fetish scene to grow. I find it so incredibly inspiring and beautiful, and I hope others can feel the same.” (Bizarre Magazine: Cover Girl  Interview Dec 2010)
 


Mosh currently resides in Los Angeles, CA and run her own website, themoshroom.com

Miss Mosh: Black Lace Redux

Here is the first set from the Black Lace series that Sito Alvina shoot with Miss Mosh along with designers Artifice Clothing ( Black See-through Lace ) / Doghead & Flintock ( headpiece accessories)









You can find the rest of these sets on themoshroom.com !