« Women in Bubbles over Paris » est une série de photographies réalisée par Melvin Sokolsky en 1963 pour Harper’s Bazaar Bubble Spring Collection. Avec des clichés élégants sans aucune retouche, le mannequin Simone D’Aillencourt a été immortalisée dans une bulle de plexiglas tirée par des ficelles invisibles.
Sixteen songs to get you ready for longer days and warmer nights
As we’ve found out the hard way in NYC, spring can often be an unwelcoming start to summer. Sunny one minute and raining the next, the juggling of temperatures can really drag down any premature warm weather celebrations. So while you’re still deciding on when to pack up your winter wears, we’ve pieced together the following playlist to pay tribute to the ups and downs of the spring season. Starting with Grimes’ catchy ode to new beginnings and rounding out with Sleigh Bells’ solemn salute to what we hope is the end of those dreary winter days, the following 16 songs will have you ready for days in the park and brews on the stoop.
Award winners and near-winners to read this Spring
While the Huffington Post blazed the way for new media winning a Pulitzer Prize on Monday, the literary world was stunned by the board’s refusal to name a Fiction winner for the first time since 1977. They did, however, reveal the three finalists—a posthumously completed novel by David Foster Wallace, 29-year-old Karen Russell’s debut novel and a hardcover re-release of Denis Johnson’s 2002 novella. In the spirit of fostering a rich community of conflicting ideas, we’re taking advantage of their indecision to stockpile our spring reads. Here, Pulitzer’s uncrowned picks along with three titles that did snag some prestigious awards in 2011 to get you through the season.
The Fiction Pulitzer is designated “for distinguished fiction by an American author, preferably dealing with American life”, and the committee notes Foster Wallace’s last work as a story “animated by grand ambition, that explores boredom and bureaucracy in the American workplace.” Published more than two years after the author’s suicide in 2008, “The Pale King“—which is actually a compilation of unfinished pages and notes pulled together by his editor Michael Pietsch—tells a deeply sad story of stagnant mundanity in a Midwest I.R.S. office, jumping to the other end of the spectrum from the pleasure bender of “Infinite Jest”. Those un-annointed in Foster Wallace’s singular prose will benefit from diving into his repertoire from here.
Unfolding the wild Florida Everglades world behind the short story Zoetrope published in 2006, “Ava Wrestles the Alligator”, “Swamplandia!” marks Russell’s enchanting first go at a full-fledged novel. Between her masterful grip on protagonist Ava’s teenage narration of her life on her family’s swamp-set theme park and a commanding knack for presenting environmental, economic and societal issues against a lovably dysfunctional family dynamic, Russell is off to a resoundingly strong start.
In just 116 pages—the expanse of one quiet afternoon, perhaps—Johnson shares the life of Robert Grainier, whom the Pulitzer committee describes as “a day laborer in the old American West, bearing witness to terrors and glories with compassionate, heartbreaking calm.” As we chart today’s uncertain path of everyday life on the brink of another kind of new frontier, it’s comforting to follow Grainier through “Train Dreams” as he faces Johnson’s beautifully drawn world with courage and vulnerability.
With the 2011 National Book Award emblazoned on its cover, Ward’s second novel represents literature’s most respected contribution for the year. The story, chosen from 315 nominees and five finalists, spans the 12 days leading up to Hurricane Katrina as seen by a pregnant 14-year-old girl, Esch Batiste. Zeroing in on the tiny moments threading through mostly tragic lives, Ward has established the lyrical, powerful voice of a master storyteller in “Salvage the Bones“.
Beyond the popular buzz it garnered, “The Tiger’s Wife” established credibility with Obreht’s selection as one of the National Book Awards’ 5 Under 35 in 2010 and NBA Finalist in 2011—the first author to earn such a distinction. Written primarily during her college years, the book follows a Balkan family (their exact country is never specified) through the region’s conflicts from the present day and stretching back to WWII. Conveying wisdom in her rich narrative, Obreht’s first novel promises a bright future from the prodigal writer.
The well-established author of various story collections drove her point home with the success of her latest collection, which continues with her expert ability to weave significant feeling and cultural statements into a series of beautifully captured narratives about being Jewish after WWII. Score one for independent publishers, too—”Binocular Vision” was the first volume published by Lookout Books, christening the house by going on to earn NBA Finalist status and then winning the National Book Critics Circle Award.
Contributions by Ami Kealoha and Kelly O’Reilly
Seasoned food writer Nigel Slater presents an ode to fruit
In follow-up to “Tender“, his dedicated volume on vegetables, London-based food writer Nigel Slater turns to the fruit section of his garden in “Ripe“. The beautifully photographed tome serves as a comprehensive primer on 23 types of fruit and a collection of more than 300 recipes, but most importantly, reads like an alphabetically organized love letter to each and every variety, from apples and apricots to gooseberries, damsons and elderflower.
Overseeing a 40-foot terrace garden off his London flat, Slater extolls his devotion to fruit, which despite their secondary role in the importance of his growing efforts, fill him with an unparalleled sense of joy and wonder season after season. “I always knew that if ever I found a space in which to grow a few knobbly vegetables of my own, some of it would be set aside for fruit,” says Slater in an introduction that walks the reader through each row and past each bush and tree of his small city garden. “Their pleasures are brief, and yes, there is always a struggle to get there before the birds and the squirrels,” he continues. “But it is hard to find a mulberry more exquisite than the one you have grown for yourself, a strawberry more sweet, or a fig more seductive.”
Slater’s prose will delight fellow gardeners and offer indispensable instructions for the uninitiated. You may be inspired to start growing yourself, or at the very least, find a new appreciation for those who provide us with such sweet bounty at the market each week. Each fruit’s section comes prefaced with Slater’s deeply personal and highly informative analysis. “Without heat,” he says, “there is little point to the black currant. He goes on to pay homage to what he calls the “cook’s fruit” with concise recipe for making jelly—a hobby he picked up much to his amusement.
Each fruit he outlines by their behavior in the garden and purpose in the kitchen, listing details on their many varieties and offering proper pairings among different herbs spices and other ingredients. Throughout the practical introductions Slater reiterates the pleasure he derives from fruit, likening a bag of cherries to “a bag of happiness” because “their appearance, in deepest summer, comes when life is often at its most untroubled.”
Recipes are simple and thrilling. “When the oven has been on for a roast, I sometimes sneak in a dish of baked fruit,” offers Slater, as an intro to a recipe for baked pears with marsala. From lamb with quinces to classic applesauce and gooseberry fool, dishes represent rustic delicacies from several different cultures while sticking to Slater’s essential unfussy but still very passionate attitude toward his ingredients. Despite the collection’s creative range, the author reassures us “you should find nothing to raise an eyebrow…no flights of fancy, no strawberry sauce with chicken to upset the family at suppertime.”
All the sweetness of fruit shines through in their thorough explanation and simple imagery throughout this thick new book. “Ripe” drops 10 April 2012 and is currently available for pre-order through Ten Speed Press and Amazon.
Seven bright picks channel the coming season
With Spring dawning in half the world—including at CH HQ in NYC—we’ve been inspired to brighten up our warmer weather attire to the match the early blossoms. After searching for Spring-ready neckwear, we have gathered together a selection of ties and bow ties that best convey the renewed energy of the season.
Using Thomas Mason’s coveted fabrics, the “Cameron Bow” ($62) accurately captures the ethos of spring and summer sun. Microcord cotton adds texture and natural striping to this New York-made accessory.
For a something cheerful but still subdued, this pastel striped tie ($58) hits all the right notes. Made by Monitaly, the cotton construction is cut for a slim silhouette and is casual enough to wear without a jacket.
You can’t go wrong with a traditional rep tie. Ernest Alexander’s version ($72) uses micro-stripes to break up the green and blue dominance, and lines the silk exterior with a somewhat sturdier and more laid-back chambray.
Fit for the office and sunday brunch alike, this brightly hued royal twill tie (£95) is screen-printed by hand in England. The luxe brand’s simple polka dot design injects a sense of fun into a look that can still pass as conservative enough.
The “Artist Jacquard” ($98) from Shipley & Halmos balances the dominant pink with a navy that comes through in the furrows. Printed across the silk are renditions of a painter hard at work, for a thoughtful and humanizing little riff on the critter motif.
The bold hues of this knitted silk tie ($190) fall in line with the Italian brand’s trademark mastery of prints, but in a slightly unexpected form. The squared end stands out, and lines of tan anchor the colorful spectrum against a formal ensemble.
Part schoolboy geek, part retro badass, this cotton check tie ($88) is made from vintage 1960s fabric. Plus, the ultra-limited run of 12 ties comes lined with a charming shamrock pattern on the underside.
Pink seersucker serves as the cornerstone to any spring tie collection. Hand-sewn from woven English cotton, the texture of Alexander Olch’s take ($140) softens the shirt-and-tie look with casual preppy spirit.
The newest models from a line of shades “designed by some kids in California”
“Wild sunglasses for wild people,” Crap Eyewear exudes the Southern California beach bum lifestyle with plenty of personality to go with it. What started as a side project among friends several years ago has developed into a complete collection of frames, sported by everyone from fellow surfers to hip-hop collective Odd Future and Lil’ Wayne.
New for 2011 are tons of new colorways and two new frame styles, the Hollywood Lawns and the Lo Max. Dropping next week, the Hollywood Lawns (named for Warhol superstar Holly Woodlawn) have an appropriately glam feel, especially if you opt for gradient lenses. Already snapped up by more than one CH editor, these puppies deliver a clean mix of design without taking themselves too seriously, fitting right at home alongside their current lineup of frames.
The Lo Max, launched last month, is a big and bold unisex frame available in a flashy reddish tortoise shell. Like several Crap styles, the Lo works best for those with larger noggins or unafraid to rock an attention-getting accessory.
Made using industry-standard polycarbonate injection molds and CR-39 lenses (as opposed to acetate and other more costly materials found in pricier brands), Crap keeps the line affordable without sacrificing style and quality—we particularly like the matte finish on several pairs. Each model also comes with a microfiber-lined case, padded and screen-printed with one of two rad graphics, to protect your investment while not on your face.
Crap Eyewear sells from their online store and from numerous retailers across California, Australia and Japan for only $54. Snag yourself a pair and go raise some hell.
Versatile scarves meld Japanese fabric and American ingenuity
For a contemporary spin on the traditional wrap scarf, check out Los Angeles label Symmetry. Function balanced with quality make up this emerging accessory brand’s latest collection.
Drawing on their shared affinity for scarves, the husband-and-wife design duo first launched their accessory brand in 2010. After a well-received first run, Symmetry has kept it simple, continuing to focus on premium textiles and usefulness.
High-quality Japanese fabrics (some organically produced) are cut and sewn in L.A., which gives the scarves a nicely handcrafted feel. Symmetry plays on the innate versatility of scarves by adding supple leather strips that connect by clasp to leather-backed grommets, allowing the user to their own imagination in wearing the piece. Possibly the most versatile piece in the Spring 2011 collection is the Dixon, which, like the Japanese all-purpose fabric Furoshiki, easily turns from a scarf to a large tote bag.
New for Spring 2011, the collection has grown to include some small leather goods as well. Each are made by hand and feature custom-cast brass hardware. For a better look and to get your own check out Symmetry’s online shop. Prices start at $155.
Eight new khakis improve on the classic pant
Whether you’re more obsessed with the color (khaki literally translates from Persian as “dusty”) or the breeziness of chino fabric, the simple versatility of the tan cotton pant makes it an enduring staple. Like many menswear classics, the utilitarian appeal goes back to military history—the current popularity of flat-fronted looks with a slightly tapered leg references a style resulting from fabric-rationing measures during WWII.
From the fashion-forward to the traditional with a twist, we put the following pairs to the test with an eye for function, fit and details. Dressed up with oxfords or down with boat shoes, they’re all guaranteed to work as a daily go-to while still setting you apart from the salarymen. (For another recent high-tech option designed for cyclists, check out Nike’s latest chinos.)
Longtime New England style purveyors Gant raised some eyebrows with their latest patchwork chino (above left) by Michael Bastian. But keeping it monochromatic balances the look, and going with a slim fit as well as a nice summer-weight fabric makes them an unconventionally breezy pick for the season. Available at Bloomingdale’s or Gant stores and soon online for $224.
Putting a literal twist on the traditional khaki, Steven Alan’s spring twisted seam pant (above right) makes for a nice fit while adding unexpected style. Available in Steven Alan stores and online for $200, they also come in green and grey.
Gap, no stranger to classic American style, unsurprisingly made one of our top picks with the twill slim fit khakis (above left). Setting these apart is the wash, available in a variety of great warm colors (grass, brick, etc.), which uses the same “dye and wash” technique as their denim to create subtle fading. Note, although named “slim fit,” they’re actually a more generous cut. Head to any Gap store to pick up a pair for yourself for $60 or get them online.
Dockers’ slim fit tapered khaki (above right) is an instant classic. With a modern, skinnier cut and in six strong colors, this pant will fit with anything already in your closet, and are hands-down the best at this price point. See for yourself on the Dockers site, where you can also buy them for $75.
Italian brand Closed proves that Europeans know how to do khaki too with their new slim urban chino (above left). Neither too skinny nor too baggy, these fall right in the middle with a pared-down design and with a short run only available in select US stores, it’s unlikely you’ll see anyone else sporting them. Jump online to snag a pair for €139 or check Ron Herman and Bloomingdale’s where we recently spied them.
Outlier’s 60/30 chino, lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant, is an overall superior pant. By taking advantage of the durability and elasticity of micro-denier nylon, the 60/30 is as classic and comfortable as the rest while remaining technologically superior. You can find these movement-friendly Khakis in select cycling shops and online for $200.
Newcomers to the fashion world, The West is Dead bring a great durable new chino (above left) to the table. They’re constructed entirely in America with off-seam pockets and a fit that’s like a slim pair of jeans, helping to avoid the sag that often comes with chinos. Built strong enough to withstand a hard day’s work and available in multiple colors, look out for them in The West is Dead online shop soon.
After five years of hand repurposing Japanese denim at their NY spot, Jean Shop has learned a thing or two. Their twill rocker is a mid-rise straight leg khaki, made with 100% japanese cotton twill selvedge that gives the pant a familiar thick feel of denim, and jean-cut too. Shop online or at one of their NYC stores to get a pair of your own for $280.
Go from skateboarding to boardrooms in Nike Sportswear’s new articulated-knee pants
Turning a working-stiff staple into a highly-technical pant, Nike’s new forward-thinking chino reminds us why Nike remains a benchmark for everyday athletic wear. Ever improving on current designs, this latest rendition of Nike Sportswear‘s previously released Selvedge Chino introduces simple but gainful updates like articulated knees, two hidden seam pockets and reflective inseam tape under their Athletics Far East label.
By subtly pronouncing the knee area with monotone stitching, wearers gain flexibility and a slightly sportier look. But ditching the large taped seam pocket from the previous Selvedge model for two smaller pockets helps keep the appearance more muted.
A stash pocket hidden along the upper belt line is great for storing a house key, a few dollars or anything else you need to keep on the DL. And when you want to get noticed, rolling up a cuff reveals reflective inseam tape on the interior seams of each leg to increase wearer visibility while bike riding at night.
As part of the Spring/Summer 2011 AFE collection, the pants will be in short supply. Dropping mid-April, a very limited run will sell exclusively at NSW’s stand-alone 21 Mercer store in NYC for $170.
If you dig these, keep an eye out for our full look at the top chinos for spring later this week.
An assortment of city bikes suited to commuting or cruising
There is no better way to celebrate warm weather than with a bike so we pulled together an assortment of this season’s top commuters and cruisers, all well suited to riding to work or taking a casual spin through the park.
Traitor Cycles’ Luggernaut 3spd is the ideal bike for running around town. The beauty of a classically lugged track frame combined with a 3-speed internal hub gives this urban commuter a sleek look and the ability to tackle everything from city flats to rural hills. The generous Seattle, WA-based company delivers all this plus a lifetime “crash warranty” for only $505.
Best known for his stunning track and road bike builds, Portland’s Jordan Hufnagel is shifting focus to developing the ultimate city commuter. Designed strictly for having a good time ripping around the city, this San Francisco “hill bomber” is a minimal commuter inspired by the classic Swhinns of the 1940s. With a complete custom build ranging from $5,000-10,000, Hufnagel hits a higher price point, but deservedly so.
New for 2011, Raleigh’s Alley Way is a comfortable hybrid that appeals to almost everyone. The standout implementation of a belt drivetrain rather than a traditional chain gives the crank a smoother run while leaving less room for breakdown. At $1,475 the Alley Way looks great and rides even better.
Gary Fisher may have originated the mountain bike but he also knows a thing or two about cruising. The Simple City is a great women’s step-thru you can ride home from the bike shop. Full aluminum fenders help with spring showers and a Swiss-made double-legged kickstand holds this beauty clean and steady when not in motion. With the choice of a 3- (pictured above) or 8-speed internal hub, the Simple City runs between $600-970.
Hand-built by Boston-based ANT bikes, the Boston Roadster strep-thru is gorgeously functional. Designed to your exact specs and available in any range of custom colors makes this roadster an absolute perfect fit with a unique design. The Boston Roadster comes “fully equipped” as well, meaning all the enticing accessories are standard. The custom cruiser sells for around $2,700.
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