Academy Theater by S. Charles Lee

Academy Theater by S. Charles Lee
3141 West Manchester Blvd
Inglewood, CA 90305

Here is another fine example of the work of notable architect S. Charles Lee, as photographed by modern photographer Julius Shulman. The Academy Theater in Inglewood California was created for Fox in 1939. It is one of the most graceful commercial buildings that was ever created in our opinion. The building has lost some of its glory, it is currently being used as a church. I never thought I would say this, but I wouldn't mind to go to church again once (at this location). Surprisingly, the building still stands with most of its details unchanged including its incredible streamlined tower. Mostly forgotten by fellow modernists, we hope this image will inspire a new generation.

Also visit:
http://www.2719hyperion.com/2008/03/disneys-hollywood-academy-theatre.html

Visalia Theatre by S. Charles Lee

Mid Century Modern Architecture
Visalia Theatre
Visalia, California
Circa 1946-1949

Architect: S. Charles Lee

This amazing rendering for the Visalia Theatre was made by S. Charles Lee (1899-1990). This night view is a simplified design for a one-story building, retaining the downlighting in the lobby area, but eliminating the curved Streamline effects of the daytime view. Here the sign at the corner becomes the principal element of the design. Lee uses a series of recessed frames highlighted by indirect lighting, around the entire entrance, the poster cases, the false windows on the facade, and above the box office as a unifying motif.

S. Charles Lee (1899-1990) graduated from Technical College, Chicago in 1918 and the Armour Institute of Technology in 1921. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1922 where he designed numerous theaters and office buildings (1927-40), developed the Los Angeles International Industrial District (1948) and built several theaters in Mexico City (1942). The Collection contains drawings, renderings, blueprints, photographs, and surveys relating to Lee's professional career including his work as a developer and the most prolific architect of art deco movie palaces in Los Angeles.

Source:
http://www.ucla.com

Standard Station by Edward Ruscha

Standard Station by Edward Ruscha

The epitome of beauty in modern form can be found during the mid 1960's. The Standard Station screenprints by Edward Ruscha have always been our favorite ever since we noticed them at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Edward Ruscha created them in 1966. They are the perfect example of the clean-lined less is more type of modern architecture we adore. They exist in several color variations as well. So stardust modern design has been trying to list most of them on our blog.

If you love this print as much as we do, we suggest to rent the French movie Les Parapluies de Cherbourg by Jacques Demy which stars Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo. You can see the wonderful opening of this movie on youtube. What makes this movie so special is the incredible balance of mind-blowing color throughout the movie. And for the final act in this movie, check out the gas station which resembles the Standard Station by Edward Ruscha with a hint of Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup. All of the above are unique gems of art, Edward Ruscha's Standard Station (1966), Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (1964) and Andy Warhol's Campbells Soup (1962). Somehow, they all came together, one after another within a brief period of 1962-1966. We are pretty sure that Edward Ruscha, Andy Warhol and Jacques Demy never met each other. Yet, Andy Warhol was a fan of Edward Ruscha (he noted in his diary in 1982: "It was a scorcher. Went to the Whitney Museum (admission $4). Saw the Ed Ruscha show, which was interesting." Sure, something must have seriously clicked with Andy Warhol when he saw the Standard Station serries.



Above, check out this orginal Shell station during the early 1950's.
Gas was at 28 cents a gallon and employees served you in all-white uniforms too.

Sources:
http://www.moma.org
http://movies.nytimes.com
http://www.stardust.com

Villa Bio: Modern Residential Architecture

In our quest for minimal modern architecture we recently discovered this master piece in Girona, Spain. Made entirely of reinforced concrete and glass, this is as good as it gets! "Villa Bio" was created by architect Enric Ruiz-Geli who's office is in Barcelona Spain.



His company has a satellite office in New York as well. His work has been featured at MoMA for the exhibition "New Architecture in Spain".

Source:

http://www.ruiz-geli.com/

Artemide Royal Duo Wall Lamp by PD Studio

The Royal Duo Wall Lamp has a diffuser in etched with hand blown glass with the diffuser fasteners in polished stainless steel. The concealed back plate is in white powder coated steel. It's an elegant contemporary designed diffuser.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Illusa Square Wall Lamp by Ron Rezek

The Illusa Square Wall Lamp has a diffuser in spectrum white artisan glass assembled with metal antiqued caning. The mounting plate is in white powder coated steel. It has a very finished look to it because of it's metal antiqued caning.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Facet Clip Wall Lamp by Ron Rezek

The Facet Clip Wall Lamp has a diffuser in sandblasted faceted glass with a back plate in white powder coated steel. The glass retaining clips are in brushed nickel plated steel.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Facet Wall Lamp by Ron Rezek

The Facet Wall Lamp has a diffuser in sandblasted faceted glass or white frosted glass with an optional internal fiberglass diffusing sheet. The back plate is in white powder coated steel.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Dupla Curved Wall Lamp by Ron Rezek

The Dupla Curved Wall Lamp has a body in die-cast aluminum with brushed finish and a diffuser in etched white hand blown glass. This wall lamp has a simple and clean look .

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Doric Wall Lamp by Ron Rezek

The Doric Wall Lamp has a linear exposed fluorescent lamp and a asymmetric body in extruded aluminum with anodized or matte white powder coated finish.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Cylinders Wall Lamp by Ron Rezek

The Cylinders Wall Lamp has a diffuser in etched white hand blown glass available with or without diffuser decorative band. The diffuser decorative band is available in brushed stainless steel or polished steel.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Carola Wall Lamp by Örni Halloween

The Carola Wall Lamp diffuser is in ribbed sanded glass. The diffuser support brackets are in die-cast aluminum with chrome or satin nickel finish.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Basic Strip Wall Lamp by Ron Rezek

The Basic Strip Wall Lamp has a linear exposed fluorescent lamp with a body in aluminum extrusion with natural anodized finish. The end caps are in chrome finish. It's a very slender and sleek looking light.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide 2 Square Strip Wall Lamp by Ron Rezek

The 2 Square Strip Wall Lamp has a diffuser in matte white acrylic with a body in extruded aluminum with anodized aluminum finish. It has die-cast end caps in aluminum powder coated finish.

http://www.stardust.com

Diane von Furstenberg New Collection

The new Diane von Furstenberg collection available now.

We adore the collections by Diane von Furstenberg. Her dazzling collections are as unique as her dazzling name and supergood looks. Diane von Furstenberg first arrived in the fashion world in 1972, and by 1976, had sold millions of her signature Wrap dress, coming to symbolize female power and freedom to an entire generation by encouraging women to "feel like a woman, wear a dress." In 1997, Diane reemerged on the New York fashion scene with the relaunch of the Wrap dress. Today, DVF has expanded to a full, comprehensive line of sportswear, dresses, swimwear, accessories, cosmetics, Diane von Furstenberg by H.Stern fine jewelry, luggage, and a partnership with The Rug Company. DVF is sold in the most exclusive retail stores in over 56 countries and, by January 2008, will have opened 22 free-standing Diane von Furstenberg boutiques worldwide. In addition to her role as designer, Diane is the President of the Council of fashion Designers of America (CFDA), sits on the Board of Directors for IAC and the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA), has partnered with the women's Global Leadership Network Vital Voices, and played a major role-in association with The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation-in saving the historical Highline in New York City.



This wonderful Kaimo printed silk dress is our new favorite. Indochine (orange) palm leaf print. Detachable halter strap; draped sweetheart neckline. Empire waist. Side slash pockets. Polka-dot printed tier at hem. Cotton/silk. It's just fabulous.

Available now through Bergdorf Goodman

Source:
http://www.dvf.com

Herman Miller Eames LCW Chair

You have to love this fine example of modern design, hard to believe it was created more than 50 years ago! This brilliant masterpiece by Charles and Ray Eames combines grace with functionality. The Herman Miller Molded Plywood Lounge Chair LCW by Charles and Ray Eames is comfortable, practical, and lightweight. Molding thin sheets of lightweight veneer into gently curved shapes gives the hard material a soft, inviting appearance. This is a truly comfortable chair that’s suitable for businesses and homes. 

The Charles and Ray Eames molded-plywood chair was their first attempt to create a single shell that would be comfortable without padding and could be quickly mass-produced. Throughout the early 1940s, the Eameses and their colleagues experimented with this concept. Discovering that plywood did not withstand the stresses produced at the intersection of the chair's seat and back, they abandoned the single-shell idea in favor of a two-piece chair with separate molded-plywood panels for the back and seat. The chairs -- plus molded-plywood tables and wall screens -- were unveiled to the public in 1946. Variations of these designs are still in production including this Eames LCW Chair made by Herman Miller and available through stardust.com.

A design critic once said that this extraordinary couple "just wanted to make the world a better place." That they did. They also made it a lot more interesting!

Source:

http://www.stardust.com

New iPod Touch: Sleek Smart and Sexy

What's on our wish list this Holiday Season?  The new iPod Touch with its supercool and functional design, this is the eye candy we love.  With a stunningly thin, contoured stainless steel design, iPod touch feels even better in your hand. And the new volume buttons and built-in speaker give you more to love.  The new iPod Touch can capture millions of songs, thousands of movies and hundreds of games.

Source:
http://www.apple.com

Artemide Dazzle Wall Lamp by Peter Zegers

The Dazzle Wall Lamp has a perforated stainless steel body in brushed finish or white powder coated finish. It has a glass safety shield. It diffuses light into a room like a dazzling reflection.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Alena Shielded Wall Lamp by Rodney Ross

The Alena Shielded Wall Lamp body is constructed of anodized brushed aluminum and steel. The light reflects off the wall and metal creating a rich warm feeling.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Spiral Wall Lamp by Ron Rezek

The Spiral Wall Lamp has a spiral diffuser in matte nickel plated steel.The wall bracket in matte nickel plated steel. The Spiral Wall Lamp gives a contemporary look to a room.

http://www.stardust.com

Viktor & Rolf Spring Summer 2009 Collection

Viktor & Rolf Spring Summer 2009 Collection

Viktor & Rolf unveiled their awaited Spring Summer 2009 collection today online. In the tradition of the great fashion houses during the golden years of couture, the show is held in the grand salon only this time it's a virtual couture salon in the online house of Viktor & Rolf, with not a front row celebrity (nor their catfights for seats) in sight.

Entitled 'Shalom' after the model Shalom Harlow who stars in the show, the collection is inspired by crystals, arising from the collaboration with Swarovski Crystals. Bright crystal colours and oversized facetted stones were the focus, with silhouettes kept simple to emphasise the chunky crystal, juxtaposed with chrystalline geometries and light fabrics. Shiny crystals are contrasted with matte crystals dipped in black paint which were specially developed for Viktor & Rolf. They were named the 'Black Hole' stones as a homage to their A/W 01-02 Black collection. 'The Swarovski crystals used on our special pieces of S/S 2009 collection transform the dresses into wearable kaleidoscopes. We wanted a fairytale effect which really comes to life with three couture mini dresses, each one completely covered in Swarovski crystal', say the designers.

Source:

http://www.viktor-rolf.com

Marlies Dekkers at the Paris Fashion Week

The acclaimed and much anticipated catwalk show of Maries Dekkers at the Paris Fashion Week only took 15 minutes but the stunning effect it had on the audience might last a lifetime.  It was lingerie designer Marlies Dekkers big opening night premiere in Paris, a dream come true, when a large fashion, music and media crowd gathered on Sunday night September 28th at Le Palais de Tokyo do witness her Paris Fashion Week debut.

Marlies Dekkers first came to the attention of the public during her graduation in 1991 from the Saint Joost Academy for Art and Design when her 'bare buttock dress' grabbed the attention of the Dutch national newspapers. In 1997 a solo exhibition of her work was shown in the Kunsthal Rotterdam. Award highlights include ELLE Innovator of the Year Award (2004), Grand Seigneur prize (2005) and in 2007 she was named Businesswoman of the Year by Prix Veuve Clicquot. International pop stars and celebrities are regular customers of her work.

Check out her amazing stores in Antwerp, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Bangkok, Maastricht, Berlin, Cologne and Paris. None yet in the US but you may want to check with Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys or Henri Bendel.  If they didn't pick her up yet, chances are they will be soon...

We applaude Marlies Dekkers for her wonderful design which is evident in both her creations as well as her retail stores which leave everyone breathless. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!

Congratulations Marlies and we will see you next year again in Paris!

Source:

http://www.marliesdekkers.nl/

Artemide Dulcet Half Wall Lamp by Ron Rezek

The Dulcet Half Wall diffuser is in etched white handblown glass with a die-cast end caps in brushed nickel finish or matte white powder coated finish. The mounting plate is in white powder coated steel.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Dulcet Full Wall Lamp by Ron Rezek

The Dulcet Full Wall diffuser is in etched white handblown glass with a die-cast end caps in brushed nickel finish or matte white powder coated finish. The mounting plate in white powder coated steel.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Zirkus Suspension Lamp by Ron Rezek and Guy Bur

The Zirkus Suspension Lamp shade comes in spun anodized aluminum with white powder coated steel interior reflector and is also offered in anodized natural or charcoal aluminum finish.It is available in three sizes: diameters of 11", 14" and 18". The dome shaped diffuser support and ceiling canopy are in chrome plated steel with a black electrical cord. The design is simple and elegant.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Zink Suspension Lamp by Ron Rezek

The Zink Suspension Lamp shade comes in galvanized steel, lacquered polished copper or copper patina finish with white powder coated steel interior reflector. The canopy is in a white powder coated steel and dome shaped cap in brass plated steel with a black electrical cord.

http://www.stardust.com

Artemide Tejido Oval Suspension Lamp by Peclar Nalbandian and Guy Burr

The Tejido oval shaped diffusers are in hand woven galvanized steel mesh, available in three sizes of 6",9" and 11".The ceiling canopy is in silver painted finish and electrical suspension cords are in white or black. The ceiling canopy mounts onto standard junction boxes. The steel mesh gives the room a look of a basket but with a contemporary twist to it.

http://www.stardust.com