A l’occasion de la mise en ligne de leur nouveau site officiel, voici le showreel de l’agence et du studio B-Reel et B-Reel Films initialement basé à Stockholm. Un best-of très dynamique de leurs derniers projets numériques et productions vidéos. A découvrir en images dans la suite.
Sweden’s neo-burlesque celebration of pasty-twirling, glitter and skin
With winter clipping at the heels of the Northern Hemisphere, what better way to celebrate being indoors than by seductively disrobing? Opening 27 October 2010, the first-annual Stockholm Burlesque Festival invites striptease fans and performers alike for four days of pasty twirling, fan shaking and coquettish pouting in the appropriately faded glory of the Berns Salonger. Alongside Scandinavia’s finest burlesque artists—including The Amazing Knicker Kittens, Miss Lilly Deluxe, Bettie Blackheart and the world’s quickest showgirl, Kiki Hawaiji—the event heats the city up with some of the scene’s top performers from around the globe, including Miss Indigo Blue, Trixie Little, World Famous *BOB* (the incredible female-female impersonator) and holder of Mister Exotic World 2010, The Evil Hate Monkey .
Lending support to the Pink Ribbon Campaign for breast cancer relief, the cleverly-named Octbooberfest showcases amateur talent with the Tassel Twirling Championship, open to anyone with ta-tas who wants to shake them.
Saturday’s events include the world’s most seasoned burlesque stars, who will stun the crowd with their ingenuity, experience and innovation. The fantastic lineup includes The Evil Hate Monkey, World Famous *BOB*, Miss Indigo Blue and Trixie Little performing all strands of this genre of performance.
Sunday finishes the weekend with a more civilized schedule inviting guests to dine well with afternoon tea and buffet while enjoying yet more sumptuous delights of the Amazing Knicker Kittens—a perfect way to wind down before rejoining the realm of the clothed.
As well as the evening (and afternoon) entertainment, Stockholm’s Burlesque Festival has organized a series of workshops led by some of the evening’s star performers. Choose from learning about The Art of the Tease or Tassel Twirling for the Twenty First Century, both led by Miss Indigo Blue, and World Famous *BOB* will be divulging tips for confidence building in her own special way, as well as leading a workshop on stage beauty techniques.
Considering this is the premiere for this event, organizers have set the bar high for what promises to be one of the future highlights of the European burlesque calendar.
Stockholm’s Färgfabriken Gallery is currently playing host to one of the most playful and interesting conceptual exhibitions in recent memory. Entitled “Building Blocks,” the show takes a look at the intriguing relationship between client and architect, but does so with a fantastical twist—the clients were kids from around the world.
Investigating and illuminates the differences between the thought process of an adult and that of a child, the exhibit showcases the startling results that vary between magnificent flights of fancy and some very practical solutions to architectural problems.
While the solutions are far from average, the process itself was conducted as it typically would be to give the scenario full context. Children spanning ages six to 16 were invited to develop a brief for a selected architecture firm. From this brief the architects created a proposal incorporating the kids’ list of demands and needs. (One child insisted that a “pooping owl” be prominent on one wall—their demands were met!).
Once the clients were satisfied, the buildings were erected; some as models with viewing portals, others as semi-full-scale buildings to be explored by the viewer. Multiple floors, secret rooms, football and bowling alleys, a disco, rooftop observatories, a suspended bath, a climbing wall, a fireman’s pole, and fully-customizable wall decoration all feature in the nine different builds.
“Building Blocks” forces the architects (within the context of the exhibition) to think, “Actually, why not?” Indeed, the show really opens up the debate on whether our sometimes dull surroundings are the result of goalless and unambitious architectural practices or clients themselves. While the mind of a child may lack a framework of references for their designs, the limitless imagination more than makes up for that.
“Building Blocks” is the result of a solid year of development, reminiscent of the 1971 Tate show “Bodyspacemotionthings,” which encouraged viewers to get involved and explore the artifacts on show (although that show quickly fell apart—literally).
“Buildings Blocks” differs in that the buildings themselves look substantial enough to withstand the months of exploration they are likely to have before it closes its doors this September. However, there is no doubt that it is one of the most intelligent, well-crafted and entertaining exhibitions currently on show today, inspiring the notion that having a child on a retainer at every architect’s office is not a bad idea.
“Building Blocks” runs through 12 September 2010.
Emerging like edgy first blooms, a slew of new sunglasses from Stockholm are challenging other fashion capitals known for quality, stylish accessories. Both fashion forward frames and reconceived classics pop as the main styles, but three brands in particular have us excited for blues skies ahead.
Whyred (above) introduced handmade tortoiseshell frames with a sophisticated retro aesthetic. Taking their inspiration from The Who manager Pete Meaden, the look fits right in with the brand’s modern collections abiding by the motto “clean living under difficult circumstances.” The unisex sunglasses sell online for $340.
The Scandinavian staple Cheap Monday leaves nothing to chance with a ride range of styles and colors. (See more in the gallery below.) Putting their spin on the classic Wayfarer, the label adds wire arms in place of plastic while leaving the main shape intact. Rounded edges and cat eye frames in pastels make a more feminine choice, while stylish dark blue plastic rims and gun metal wire aviators bring a harder edge. Pick them up from their store in Copenhagen and online from Urban Outfitters or Tobi for around $40.
The Local Firm continues to reinvent the standard plastic sunglasses—last year, by squaring out the frame and oversizing it slightly. Now they’re even bigger with a more obvious block shape inspired by 3D glasses and ’80s electronica. The dark gray frames of its two models (Shadow or Dust) will sit nicely on the tanned and buff as well as the more pasty-faced. Both styles sell online for kr 995.
Following the recent success of locally-built bikes, like Pharrell-endorsed Brooklyn Machine Works
to the simple offerings from London’s Brick Lane Bikes or the exciting 14 Bike Co, this year Stockholm’s Sson introduces a Scandinavian option to the mix with its first fixed-gear bike, the 028. With whiffs of legendary Scandinavian qualities, the design features lean welds, neat lugs and minimal decals. At present it’s also only available in white, making a good blank canvas for easy customization.
Rather than picking something off the conveyor belt of a Far East frame factory, Sson spent lots of time making the frame to their exact standards. Their site shows how they developed the angles to create a balanced bike as comfortable on the streets as it is on the track. Highlights include a custom-brake bridge, with or without mounts.
While the bike looks and rides really tight, Sson also gives some attention to the packaging. Taking a peek out back of any average bike shop shows how much wasted cardboard and bubble wrap comes with the average bike today. Sson decided to make its packaging usable beyond basic shipping, so it doubles as a simple bike crate to make traveling with your 028 nice and easy. The brand sees the average user keenly assembling the bike straight from arrivals before setting off to explore the new destination.
Interesting as a foil to other fixed options out there, the Sson 028 is sympathetic to the roots of the track bike—slick, well built, not too shouty—just pure cycling. The 028 can be pre-ordered for €850 from Sson.
Eschewing traditional tailoring techniques and materials, Bea Szenfeld’s creates the layered paillettes and sharply-creased geometric forms of her remarkable garments out of paper. In the Poland-born artist’s latest collection, “Sur la Plage,” currently on view at Stockholm’s Design Galleriet, Szenfeld mixes a range of inspirations. Fusing silhouettes from ’50s burlesque, her high-waisted, structured shapes enhance the feminine form with a vision of the future referencing tribalism, architecture and religious iconography.
The perfect foil for her fantastical compositions, stiff cardboard provides Szenfeld with incredible options for creating structure. “In the exhibition,” the press release reads, “one will see creations that resemble the oceanic demons of Jules Verne and mythical folklore of the sea.”
Known for her savvy eye and keen ability to blend commercial with personal projects, over the past ten years Szenfeld has built a client list as extensive as it is diverse, having worked with Hello Kitty, Swarovski Crystal, Tommy Hilfiger and Stella McCartney, in addition to frequently lecturing around the globe.
Sur la Plage, a lesson in modern thinking and material reinvention, underlines not only a highly creative mind but also the importance of balancing artistic integrity with that all important bottom-line. See more images in the slide show below and catch the exhibition on view through 30 April 2010 at Design Galleriet.
Un nouveau film en stop-motion créé pour le cabinet marketing “Snask” installé à Stockholm. Un travail réussi du jeune étudiant Michael Crozier actuellement à Leeds, avec l’utilisation de près de 1846 photos. A découvrir en vidéo dans la suite de l’article.
Portfolio de Michael Crozier
Stockholm’s first and only members bar, the recently-opened Safiren Apt 606 serves up Bombay Sapphire-based drinks. Hidden within Stockholm’s stylish Story Hotel, Apt 606 offers members an urban retreat that even guests aren’t privy to.
A gin heavily focused on quality both in taste and design (the brand has its own award for glass design), Bombay compliments the club’s smooth aesthetic well. Members can choose from a variety of top-notch cocktails including the tempting Bombay Sapphire Rose, the classic Dry Martini (favored by the late Queen Mother), and a take on Robert De Niro’s tipple of choice, the Bramble—with all the recipes published (with downloadble PDFs) on the Apt 606 site.
The bar itself, a low-key affair, mixes vintage curiosity items with modern luxury for a casually sophisticated feel, accented by fabrics in rich tones of oxblood, maroons and deep turquoise.
In keeping with the air of secrecy surrounding most bars of its ilk, Apt 606 doesn’t take applications. Instead, selected members receive a key to access the private bar. Tucked away from the main drinking space of the hotel, the slightly protracted entry process only makes for an even greater feeling of seclusion and privilege.
With one successful collaboration already under their belt, two of fashion’s most loved luxury brands recently teamed up again for another winning collection. First lady fave Lanvin and modern multi-disciplinarians Acne this time came up with lightweight, well-cut silhouettes referencing classic looks from both brands. Acne’s strength shows in the use of quality Japanese denim over typical wide-shuttle woven alternatives, while the resulting inventive glamour of the dresses, skirts and tops comes from the signature drapes and flourishes of Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz.
Touches of ruffles and ruching, positioned slightly below the hip or nestling on the collar bone, draw the eye to all the right places. While the color scheme mostly tones it all down with shades of black and blue, a jet-black tunic intricately studded with silver and crystals pushes it in a tribal direction with a breastplate design.
As yet there’s no menswear, but if the past two collections are anything to go by, it won’t be long. With perfect spring looks and an abundance of style, we wouldn’t be surprised if it was a perennial thing. Prices start at $900 and it’s all available from
Acne’s online shop.
A serene retreat in the heart of Stockholm with modern Scandinavian style, the recently-opened Hotel Skeppsholmen makes a welcome addition to the more glitzy and bustling options in the area. Its tiny island location lends the 81-room spot its name, along with views of the water, a park-like setting, neighboring museums, and just enough distance from the city center to feel calm but not isolated. Combined with spare decor, warm service, and plenty of little luxuries where they count, the boutique hotel throws off a casually elegant vibe as appealing to business travelers as it is to those visiting purely for fun.
In lieu of a grand lobby (it’s housed in former Marine barracks built in 1699), a spacious room offers a lounge area on one end and airy café-style seating on the other (pictured above right), with windows looking out over trees and the occasional passing boat. Breakfast there—a delicious take on the smorgasbord with treats like blueberry-cardamom granola, traditional Swedish buns, and heartier fare—has charming touches like linen napkins, is included in the room rate, and not to be missed.
Rooms themselves feature the clean lines of contemporary Scandinavian design in a palette of marine blues, grays and whites that designers Claesson Koivisto Rune call “Fog”—complimenting the setting and adding to the peaceful tone. While some of the more “high design” fixtures presented minor functional issues, most of the furnishing choices marry tasteful minimalism (starting with the gorgeously restored antique floors) with playful surprises like a bright yellow splash of a side table. And, though Skeppsholmen may lack the wall-to-wall opulence that some look for in a hotel, comforts like quality linens and toiletries by the popular Swedish brand Byredo, left me wanting for nothing.
Lighting in particular, like the rubbery texture of what I call the Spy v. Spy lamp (pictured below left), stands out for how it subtly and thoughtfully delights guests. Hallway light installations (below right), one night turned the mundane trek back to our rooms into a giggly impromptu photo shoot. The building’s layout (Swedes call it the “Long Row”) does mean that the short walk from reception sometimes psychologically feels like more of a trek than it is, but also lends to the off-the-beaten path feel.
With amenities that include a small gym, alternate dining rooms, meeting rooms, free WiFi, flat screen TVs with DVD players, minibars, and a variety of services—from Concierge to laundry—graciously fulfilled by the efficiently attentive staff, Skeppsholmen represents welcome new version of Scandinavian hospitality. Rack rates hover around $1,314 SEK (about $185). Book through Skeppsholmen.
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
