Some of you might already know about my relentless quest for a good women’s magazine. This time, I found something I can actually read. From an interview with Phoebe Philo of Céline, features with architect Kazuyo Sejima of SANAA, artist Jenny Holzer, winemaker Sara Pérezand DJ Princess Julia, here is just a peak inside of Fantastic Man’s sister magazine Gentlewoman. The debut issue are now on the newsstands worldwide.

“The Gentlewoman is a biannual style magazine for a new decade. Featuring inspirational, international women, it pairs ambitious journalism with a sartorial and intelligent perspective on fashion that is focused on personal style – the way women actually look, think and dress.” – Gentlewoman Magazine

via: Selectism

By Kenya Hara, Art Director of Muji.

I never find myself looking for design books, but somehow I stumbled upon this one. Designing Design comprises a series of Kenya Hara’s writings and design work spanning through several years. He tackles issues such as sustainability, technology, the definition of design, and attempts to explain how he see’s the world through his work. In this book, he describes his philosophy of balance and consuming only what is needed which plays a part in his views on sustainability, and is also obviously embedded in the MUJI brand.

“Creativity is to discover a question that has never been asked. If one brings up an idiosyncratic question, the answer he gives will necessarily be unique as well.” – Kenya Hara, Designing Design.

Via: Designer Review of Books

Edwin just launched their second EDZINE, a visual and written journal from the dark corners of the strange minds associated with Edwin. Here is a look of some spreads from EDZINE Issue 2.

via: Edwin

School has me pilling up the books. Let me tell you this last semester wont be an easy one. With all that going on, I somehow find the time to read Dance Dance Dance by Haruki Murakami. The novel follows the misadventures of the protagonist who makes a living as a commercial writer. He begins to experience weird dreams that lead him to uncover two mysteries.
“Murakami’s is able to capture the spiritual emptiness of his generation and explore the negative effects of Japan’s work-dominated mentality. His writing criticizes the decline in human values and a loss of connection among people in Japan’s society.”

Paul needs no introduction. He’s known for his great works: Bully and All City. Probably one of my favorite photographers, storyteller, and friend in the city. How many people do you know that has written a book?
His latest photos, Photographs inspired by the rap music that once inspired me. is being exhibited at 184 Rideau Street. Be sure to check it out.

Read more on/from Paul here.

Photos: Shots To Give

Vogue Japan was given to me as a gift in reponse to my previous post about Lula Magazine. 20 pounds, 3 magazines, and about 30$ later I found out that this November Issue was MADE for me. I can’t read any of the articles, so the images do all the story telling.
From cover to cover (reading it backwards of course) Japan schools me on different boy meets girl looks and styles: a masculine look for a woman’s silhouette. Perfect.

A few months ago, I stumbled upon British magazine Lula. It caught the corner of my eye from the array of magazines on the newsstand, mostly because of how intriguing I found their cover page to be. I opened the paper book too see an interview with A.P.C. Madra co-designer Jessica Ogden. A fashion shoot with Comme Des Garcons and Acne in the mix of things. Sold.
I find it such a struggle trying to find a fashion magazine for a gal like me. Those Haute-Couture Magazine’s don’t really do anything for me. Don’t get me wrong, from Vogue to Elle are all fantastic reading material. You know what to expect from mainstay like these. Each of them have their own personality, a different culture of sharing relevant information. However, it’s not Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2010 fashion that hits home for me.
From cover to cover Lula exhibits what goes on behind the curtains of the fashion industry. It is filled with interviews and articles on Models, art directors, fashion designers, actresses, and artist.
Alright so now there is Lula in life. Lets find me a women’s equivalent of Japan’s HUgE Magazine. That’s what I am looking for.

Creative Director Faker from Clark Magazine, sent me a copy of Issue 39 featuring Takashi Murakami. Thank you Laurent! I will have to force myself to read in French. Bisous xo

I know he posted it first, but I got mine mine too. Note: Not my hand.

To: Me, Alessio, Vincent, Johnny, and Jk
From: Me

My Visvim’s were waiting for me when I got back home.