Veilhan Versailles exhibition
14 September 2009
For the past few months I’ve been working on the identity of a major exhibition by the artist Xavier Veilhan at the Chateau de Versailles. Xavier is a good friend, but somehow we’d never worked together, so I was extremely pleased when he asked me to collaborate on this.
I created a specific font, chose a strong blue to clearly mark the exhibition in the immensity of Versailles and its gardens, and did all the signage, invitations, posters, etc…
Yesterday was the opening, and it was spectacular. If you are in Paris in the next three months, don’t miss it!
I ran out of batteries so could only photograph the first piece you see when entering the Chateau + some of the signage:
I’ll go back and shoot some more soon, but in the meantime here is the website.
Ryan McGinley show in London
11 September 2009
Last night I passed by the opening of Ryan McGinley’s first solo show in London, at The Alison Jacques Gallery. Beautiful exhibition, with a stunning selection of Ryan’s shots of caves and grottos sparcely populated by young naked humans. On my poor shots you can try to spot the models in each of the prints, but I strongly suggest seeing them in real…
There is a book about this body of work too.
Kamel Mennour 10 years
10 September 2009
I’ve known Kamel Mennour for almost 10 years, and used to work sporadically for his gallery in the beginning. In the past 2 years we’ve established a more steady relationship, and I’ve designed his new logo and applied a new identity for the gallery to coincide with his move to a new, bigger space in Paris.
Yesterday night he celebrated his first 10 years with a lavish party at L’Hotel De La Monnaie, with Busy P and his crew playing, amongst others.
I have endless admiration for Kamel and his unstoppable ascent throught the notoriously tough world of contemporary art, and last night was a proper demonstration of his generosity and contagious enthusiasm.
Here are a few shots from the current group show at the gallery – worth a visit!
Vans store opening in paris
10 September 2009
Yesterday I passed by the Vans store opening in Paris.
mmm what is this new Vans product?
ooh waffles – OK I see the pun (Vans has a famous sole pattern called the waffle)
But who is this manning the waffle stand?? Steve Van Doren! Son of Paul Van Doren, founder of Vans…
Driven: Infiniti G37 Coupe
7 September 2009
I just came back from a short week away in Greece, and as every year, I did that road trip from Paris in the best possible manner: in a fast car, with no pre-determined route, and with a sexy good co-driver. There is no better way to enjoy Europe, and we had a blast on the (still police-free) highways of Italy and mountain roads of Greece. Our vehicle of choice was the Infiniti G37 Coupe, a 320bhp rear-wheel drive marvel.
I was familiar with its Nissan cousin, the 370Z, and with the G37 Sedan version, so wasn’t too surprised to see that the coupe sat more or less in between them. More luxurious and comfy than the 370Z, and more sporty and dynamic than the G37 Sedan, yet still seating 4 adults. We crossed Greece from west to east at blistering speed, in total air-conditioned comfort on the highway sections, and with the traction control off on the curvy roads:
Infiniti being a new brand in Europe (we only saw one other Infiniti during our 3000+ km trip), the design of the car turned more than a few heads. I especially love the view from the rear:
And the LED taillights:
We event went surfing (yes Greece has waves – I’ve been surfing there for 25 years!):
Amazing Bose sound system somewhere in here:
Oh and I taught my girlfriend how to do donuts:
Beach Beach + Wood Wood
5 September 2009
On my annual trip to my fatherland – Greece – so not much blogging.
But making the most of my WoodWood swimming shorts…
Paris-Greece by car
27 August 2009
Off to Greece tonight.
Purple trousers: check
Blue leather shoes: check
Blue Infiniti G37 Coupe: check
Friends and their wheels / pt.15: Ragdan El-Akabi
24 August 2009
One of the great things about London is the fact that one meets a wide variety of people from all over the world, from the mildly original to the wildly eccentric. Nowhere else in the world could I have encountered Ragdan El-Akabi.
Dressed like Rudolf Valentino on holidays in Havana, Ragdan is a flamenco guitar-playing-gentleman, vintage car racer, tango teacher, German art collector, Iraki and international business man, and general bon vivant bordering on the hedonistic.
Here he is with some of his toys…
1939 BMW R Sidecar:
1972 Ducati Scrambler:
1969 Ducati Silver Shotgun:
1966 Porsche 911R Short Wheel Base:
With a 1973 Porsche 911 RS Lightweight:
Nice sponsor:
1999 Ferrari Maranello 550:
And a 1973 Porsche 911 RS:
Mark Eley and I did a world tour on the Gumball rally in that car a few years back – thanks to Ragdan:
Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance – Pt.8
18 August 2009
OK final post I promise – but these were simply too good to ignore…
A transparent steering wheel!!
And a steering wheel made of some marble-looking bakelite:
We wake, we work, we share ideas and nurture friendships, and at some point in the day we find ourselves moving with a rush and a push.
commonwealthstacks.com
