universKA

ELLA MANOR for Bloomingdale's and Elle

2010-09-09T02:03:00.000-07:00

It's official, summer's over : ( ... We hope that you all had amazing adventures - took in the sun, spent time with your loved ones, tried something different, met new friends, explored new lands and are feeling a sense of calm and anticipation for this New Work Year. Over the holidays, though our blog was also on break - the members of the UNIVERSKA KOLLECTIVE have been as busy as ever.

Enter ELLA MANOR, our New York-based fashion, bordering fine-art photographer--and guess what, she paints too.

Two iconic brands: Elle and Bloomingdale's are hosting a night of art and style at an exclusive opening party. In celebration of Bloomingdale's 'ON THE GO' fall fashion campaign, the two have commissioned 8 artists to create art work of out of traditional travel trunks.

Ella gives us this sneak peak of her trunk. It makes me want to pack up and go on holiday all over again. Just dreamy.

If you happen to be in New York September 14th, check out her FB invitation page for details and stop by.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111366705587323

www.ellamanor.com

Voyage de la Vie

2010-06-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

Last night we had an inspiring conversation with Kollective member STEPHANE CHOINIERE in Singapore. That's right - he's on the other side of the world working on a very special project titled Voyage de la Vie - the country's most ambitious theatre project to date and one that unites visionaries such as Mark Fisher (set designer for Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, U2, Tina Turner, Robbie Williams and the opening and closing ceremonies for Torino and Beijing Olympic Games) - Stephane's role? Resident Director. 'Nuf said! Opening night is this Sunday -

Congratulations on your success Stéphan!

http://www.rwsentosa.com/EntertainmentNightlife/VoyagedelaVie

Educating the Masses - One Square At A Time

2010-06-23T01:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the second world première of Wild Wonders of Europe was unveiled in Prague to great fanfair as well as speeches by the Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment for the Czech Republic. This outdoor exhibition is the second of its kind designed by Franck Minthe and the architect and exhibition designer's 24th exhibition design of his career.

The exhibition is free to the public and open all summer long.

www.franckminthe.com

Bravissima!!

2010-06-23T00:55:00.000-07:00

Eccola!

ERIKA LEMAY continues to seduce - This time, as the guest of honour for Sfilato d'Amore e Moda. The show features Italian celebrities and is dedicated to fashion. The broadcast will occur Thursday, July 24th at 21.00 on Retequattro and will later be available online.

This marks the 10 year anniversary of the show.

www.sfilatadamoreemoda.com

For the Dreamers

2010-06-14T13:33:00.001-07:00

Artwork signed by illustrator ALEXANDRE HONORE.

Spatial Landings

2010-06-14T13:30:00.001-07:00

We want to dress like this on our next trip to the Great North. Pieces signed KAT MARKS.

Meet TINKO

2010-06-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

The newest member to our Photography portfolio - meet TINKO CZERTWERTYNSKI. With clients from Brazil to Kuwait, Tinko's photography of people and places will transport you to another world. The Central Saint Martins grad transforms ordinary, every day moments into the extraordinary and the unique. We love!

Iranian Delight

2010-06-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful portrait illustration by ROYA SHAJI.

Introducing ROMINA ALVAREZ

2010-06-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Introducing one of our newest members ROMINA ALVAREZ - interactive art director extraordinaire. She's worked with only the best (Yves Rocher, Gala, Ritz, Dior to name a few) - and was awarded the title of 3rd Best Art Director in the field of interactive media in 2005.

On Tour

2010-06-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

Guess who's performing for the Leona Lewis tour in London? Our very own ALEXANDRA APJAROVA. After being a part of the Michael Jackson's This Is It tour, we can't say we're surprised.

Raw Patrick Luu

2010-06-14T12:37:00.001-07:00

Gorgeous new artwork from PATRICK LUU. Divine.

WE'RE BACK!

2010-06-14T12:31:00.001-07:00

Ok - we admit, we have been away for faaar too long... but it's been all for a good reason - to be unveiled very soon! In the meantime, enjoy a bombardment of BEAUTY as we bring you up to date with the members of the Kollective and their happenings from around the world.

North Star

2010-04-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

Canadian photographer, Renata Kaveh (third from right) is featured on FASHION TELEVISION for her recent honour at Women X Women, named for the second consecutive year as one of Canada's top female photographers during Toronto LG Fashion Week -
Renata is gearing up for three new shoots in the City of Lights early May. To meet with Renata during her stay in Paris April 28th - May 10th, contact caterina@universka.com

http://watch.fashiontelevision.com/toronto-fashion-week/fall-winter-2010/wxw/#clip291523

Fire + Ice

2010-04-20T12:06:00.001-07:00

Think your eyes are playing tricks on you? Think again. This is 'light painting' - the work of Patrick Rochon, styled by Anita Bombita and featuring universKA Kollective's

Asa Sokol-Kubiak. Purpose? Michael Bublé's upcoming tour during which the images will be featured and frankly we can't think of a more beautiful woman to inspire his fans.

Asa, is currently in Japan gearing up for her première performance of CORTEO touring with Cirque du Soleil. Wednesday night, she hits the stage.

Asa: 幸運を祈ります xxx

Objet de Désir

2010-04-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

Ok - we admit we've been on a bit of an Erika Lemay high for the past few weeks. But can you blame us? She's beautiful, sexy, bold - and has the body of a lithe model coupled with the strength of a panther. Photographer Douglas Kirkland is also someone who knows models - and he was so inspired by Erika that he made this hommage to her. Pour yourself a glass of Italian red wine and enjoy.

Welcoming ROYA SHAJI to the Kollective

2010-04-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

All illustrators have different styles, some obviously overlap others - but we feel that

Roya Shaji's intimate illustrations are completely unique. We are proud to introduce the newest member of the universKA Kollective - an artist whose work leaves us lingering over each sketch, as we hold a silent conversation with her artwork.

Please see her complete portfolio on:

http://www.universka.com/www.universka.com/Roya_Shaji/Roya_Shaji.html

Casablanca Casbah

2010-04-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

For its 50th anniversary, CGI, Morocco's most prominent real estate company, offered their guests a very special performance by world renowned artist, ERIKA LEMAY. The principal guest artist wowed the elite crowd with her performance of Dance on Hands. To see more, visit http://www.erikalemay.com/newsletters/casablanca-basel-and-quebec-city/

Bottom photo credit - Douglas Kirkland

Not Just Another Coffee Table Book

2010-04-05T23:21:00.000-07:00

universKA loves books - but we get really excited when it is not just the written word that intrigues us, but the feel, texture, and overall art design of a book. That's why we got all gooey-eyed when we were introduced to Paris-based EDITION LN and its founder, Lorraine Escarfail-Cojot. Each of her publishing houses' masterpieces generally comes in a limited edition and often includes a piece of artwork from the artist. For more information, visit www.edition-ln.com or your favourite high-end bookstore.

Easter Wishes From ELLA

2010-04-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

NYC-based photographer ELLA MANOR just sent us these yummy pictures for Easter.

We love them and we love her.

More eye candy awaits you at www.ellamanor.com

All Eyes On RENATA

2010-04-01T02:17:00.001-07:00

For the second consecutive year, RENATA KAVEH, (www.renatakaveh.com) is chosen as a top 'female fashion photographer to watch' for the Women X Women event taking place tomorrow at the close of Toronto LG Fashion Week. For more information visit:

www.womenxwomen.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55bZ2cnelG8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fzSf08XeGo

Pictures are some of our favourite shots of Renata Kaveh.

Hommage Beauté.

Painting by Roya Shaji.

Simply Stunning

2010-03-31T01:37:00.001-07:00

The incomparable universKA Kollective member ERIKA LEMAY has a new website online - www.erikalemay.com. Get news, see clips of her performances and become mesmerized.

Photos copyright Douglas Kirkland.

Kat Marks, Granfalloon

2010-03-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

Presenting GRANFALOON, a video by Kat Marks and videographer Paul Bates. Also available for view at www.katmarks.com

"The harness is made from 3 mm Perspex and ox-blood vegan cow hide. The Perspex is cut using a laser cutter and sanded to a smooth finish by hand. Heat and pressure are used to create the 3D curves and the harness is then formed around the mannequin. The leather is treated with various layers of varnish and wax. The edges are beveled and finished with bees wax. The girdle is designed by Kat Marks and crafted by Steven Diaper. The piece was designed, crafted and shot for film over a period of 3 months. "

Art Direction/Producer: Kat Marks
Director, DOP/Edit: Paul Bates
Sound Design: Goran Boskovic
Hair: Shinya Fukami
Make Up: Julia Wilson
Model: Ashleigh Halliburton
Styling: Kalina Pulit
Jacket: Rory Parnell-Mooney
Girdle: Kat Marks

Rendez-vous with REENTKO

2010-03-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

March is turning out to be quite the month for virtuoso guitarist Reentko Dirks. With six live concerts throughout Germany including a televised performance - the Salzburger Stier prizewinner is on a roll. Go to www.reentko.com for sample audio clips, and visit the universKA Calendars for a detailed list of his performances.

"..a distinctive blend of unorthodox, self-developed percussive playing techniques that cover a wide range of styles. He is one of the few guitarists who can claim to be every bit as much in demand in the classical world as in the pop and world music scenes."

Move over Alice in Wonderland...

2010-03-17T16:03:00.001-07:00

...and make way for Jennifer Allison. Dream designer extraordinaire, Jennifer's dresses are featured in the April issue of Flare magazine. Behind the scene footage can be seen here: http://www.flare.com/videos/22736. Her collection will be showing at Toronto LG Fashion Week on March 29th. For more information, visit

www.jenniferallisondesign.com.

Visit UNFAIR at ART DUBAI

2010-03-17T06:45:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the little pictures! But hopefully they will inspire to come visit the UNFAIR stand at ART DUBAI. Come by, pick up a magazine, and get some postcards and posters from our art photoshoots.

TSUYU designs for Le Bon Marché Paris

2010-03-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

Installation artist TSUYU's beautiful installation art will be on display at the high-end department store Le Bon Marché, Paris in the Papetry Library until the beginning of April. The works are created using strands of lustrous Japananese Ito thread and pieces of origami made of mulberry trees fiber.

For more information visit www.tsuyusite.com

Stéphan Choinière in Singapore for Theatrical Rock Circus Extravaganza

2010-03-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

Aerial straps act designer, trainer, associate choreographer and Resident Director for the 90 minute show Voyage de la Vie. A multi-million dollar theatrical rock circus spectacular.

Produced by the Resorts World Sentosa Entertainment team with The Generating Company (UK), Voyage de la Vie is the creation of an international team led by Creative Producer Mark Fisher, best known for his design of visually spectacular shows such as Cirque du Soleil's Ka, U2’s 360 World Tour and the Beijing 2008 Olympics, and co-conceived by Director Philip Wm. McKinley and Designer Ray Winkler.

Patrick Luu, Art Director

2010-03-12T11:13:00.001-08:00

Patrick Luu, a recent member of the Kollective, bowls us of over with these striking "CLONE" images: Strong, sexually-charged, masculine and warrior-like, the beautiful gladiator crouches, ready to pounce. Fierce.

Asa Sokol-Kubiak for Cirque du Soleil

2010-03-10T06:26:00.001-08:00

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Miss Asa Sokol-Kubiak will be leaving Cirque du Soleil headquarters on Monday for Japan to tour with the world-renowned CDS production of CORTEO. Asa, one of the Kollective's founding members, has been selected to perform aerial acrobatics on a giant, spinning chandelier, 30 feet in the air. We wish you the very best on this exciting journey and hope to see you again soon - perhaps when the tour heads to Russia? xxx Asa.

UNFAIR magazine FUTURE issue out now!

2010-03-10T06:16:00.001-08:00

The wait is over. Issue Two of UNFAIR magazine is out. Distribution across the Middle East, Paris, London and Paris - with the Feature article, 5 Unfair Visionaries; Art Do Buy (art fair), Influential Traffic (bloggers vs. editors), and Green Streets (architecture) written by yours truly, Unfair Copy & Features Editor and founder of universKA,

Caterina Lo Mascolo.

Andrea Legg for Robert Lepage DER RING DES NIBELUNGEN

2010-03-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

Andrea Legg, contemporary dancer and aerialist has been selected to work with the research and creation team for Der Ring des Nibelungen by Robert Wagner, an opera production created and produced by Robert Lepage for the New York Metropolitan Opera. Robert Lepage is one of Canada's most celebrated playwrights and theatre directors and this newest production is set for release in 2010. This well-deserved honour follows Andrea's critically acclaimed production of Surface by her aerial company, Floating Seed.

UNFAIR magazine on stands next week!

2010-03-05T04:55:00.001-08:00

UNFAIR magazine hits shelves during the second week of March. Distributed in Paris, London, New York City and all throughout the Middle East.

Caterina Lo Mascolo - Copy & Features Editor for UNFAIR.

Franck Minthe for Wild Wonders of Europe

2010-03-04T03:46:00.000-08:00

universKA is thrilled to announce that architect and scenographer Franck Minthe has been chosen to design the upcoming exhibitions for Wild Wonders of Europe - with the first exhibition to be unveiled in May in the Hague, Netherlands.

Wild Wonders of Europe is a unique media initiative which features 68 of Europe's best nature photographers and their work from 118 missions to 48 European countries. The exhibitions featuring 100 photographs are produced by Life Exhibitions, are free to the public, and are expected to be showcased in some of the most beautiful squares around the world.

Franck Minthe has previously designed the exhibitions for Earth From Above and Horses by Yann Arthus Bertrand, Spirit of the Wild by Steve Bloom, and 100 Places to Remember Before They Disappear by Co-Life.

For more information about this captivating exhibition, please visit www.wild-wonders.com.

Above picture copyright Frank Krahmer.

universKA Kalendars

2010-03-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

The universKA Kalendars are up for the month of March. Check out the Kollective's events as well as the arts and cultural happenings in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Toronto and Paris. **Don't forget it's fashion week in Paris - find all the schedules on the Kalendar.

http://www.universka.com/www.universka.com/Calendar.html

OLYMPIC FINALE FOR SCRAPARTSMUSIC

2010-02-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled during the closing ceremonies of the Vancouver Olympics Sunday - ScrapArtsMusic will be performing during the Grand Finale bringing the celebrations to an intense and exciting climax!

More information here:

http://www.universka.com/www.universka.com/ScrapArtsMusic/ScrapArtsMusic.html

Benvenuto Robert Marchand!

2010-02-23T12:14:00.000-08:00

Composer, music arranger and producer ROBERT MARCHAND joins the universKA Kollective. He has composed music for adverts, film, television, CDs and special events - notably the highly celebrated music for the 5th annual Dubai Film Festival.

His numerous accolades include a nomation for a Prix Génie, two platinum albums and collaborations with artists such as Céline Dion, Judi Richards, Luce Dufault, Sylvain Cossette and Julie Masse.

More information here: http://universka.com/www.universka.com/Composition.html

24 Preludes for Chopin

2010-02-23T03:44:00.000-08:00

The National Ballet of Canada presents 24 PRELUDES FOR CHOPIN from March 3rd-7th, 2010 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. For more information see the universKA Kalendars on www.universka.com

We Belong In Hea7en

2010-02-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

Photographer Renata Kaveh for HEA7EN Magazine, Paris.

Une Pause pour la Beauté

2010-02-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

Two special members of the Kollective: Stéphan Choinière and Alexandra Apjarova. Photographed by Lois Greenfield.

Through Ella's Eyes

2010-02-06T06:24:00.000-08:00

Photographer Ella Manor.
Feeling uneasy?

Café With M. Wouters

2010-02-02T00:13:00.000-08:00

Hommage to my friend and Kollective member M. Jean Claude Wouters. - Sometimes, "par hazard" a special person just walks into your life. JCW and I met in Dubai, and I was immediately charmed by his natural elegance and pensive demeanour. Photographer, dancer, filmmaker - he has collaborated with everyone from Fellini to Marc Jacobs to La Rossellini. Having just moved to LA - I'm on the list of people awaiting his next stopover in Paris for a stroll through Place des Voges. Here, a peak of his work:

Dream Weaver

2010-01-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

Introducing British costume designer Amy Jackson to the Kollective

Dolls in Death Valley

2010-01-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

Photographer Renata Kaveh having a laugh on her photo shoot in California's Death Valley Desert.

Paper or Plastic?

2010-01-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

Kat Marks, London

2010-01-22T09:54:00.001-08:00

Check out the creation by fashion designer Kat Marks - breast plate meets bib meets the out of this world.

New Beginnings from Paris

2010-01-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

A New Year = a Fresh Start.

universKA is launching a new blog to celebrate the members of the universKA Kollective and who better to set it in motion than our muse, photographer Renata Kaveh. Fierce, fun and one hell of a hard worker - Renata embodies the spirit of the Kollective. So here's to 2010 and here's to you.