Meets Obsession Magazine | Paper for The Fashion & Culture Obsessed - Meets Obsession Magazine | Paper for The Fashion & Culture Obsessed

This is Your Hair. This is Your Hair on Crack. And Guess What? It’s Gorgeous!

Susan Linney — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:06:10 +0000

Crack is wack. We (and Whitney Houston) know this.

But what if, instead of a being one of the most addictive, life-sucking street drugs in the world, it was a wonderfully reparative, mane-saving hair product? Still addictive, but rather than hurting your body (or in this case, your hair) it helped it—strengthening strands, repairing damaged follicles, and eliminating frizz, while leaving hair healthy, smooth, and wonderfully shiny?

That’s the idea behind Crack Leave-In Hair Cream, a lightweight smoothing lotion that contains micro proteins and peptides to penetrate the hair cuticle and promote healing from the inside out. It also contains soothing acai extract and silk proteins, and claims to increase elasticity, block the effects of humidity, and provide a protective shield from the sun, chlorine, and other environmental and chemical stressors.

This stuff is addictive, and in a good way.

I only had the chance to try out a small sample, but already I want more. A little went a long way, and I have to say I loved the instant softness it gave my coarse, frizzy ‘fro (the weather Gods were not with me that day). It tamed my flyaways almost instantly, and just a pea-sized amount loosened my tightly wound, unruly curls. Image, I thought, what this stuff could do if I were using an entire bottle at home!

So now I feel the need to buy a true tube, and isn’t that the first sign of addiction?

Check out this great video on the many ways you can use the styling cream, and if you are not convinced, or find a store that will let you try a sample, as I did. You can also read the comments on Folica.com, the majority of which are very positive.

Quite literally, when you put this styling lotion on, you are a crack head. In a good, very different way than one would normally think.

Just remember the immortal words of Rick James, “Cocaine is a hell of a drug.” Also consider my words, ones I hope you’ll agree with if you give this stuff a try: “Crack Hair Cream is one hell of a product.”

Photo Diary: Elles By Gilles Bensimon Opening at the Sofitel Hotel in Washington D.C.

Meets Obsession Magazine — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:38:38 +0000

An occasion fit for DC’s fashion finest, the Sofitel Hotel hosted the opening of the “Elles By Gilles Bensimon” exhibit in Washington DC.

Known for his work with Elle magazine, and his reputation for being one of the greatest and most-respected fashion photographers of his generation, Bensimon’s exhibit featured never-before-displayed photographs of some of the most notable and beautiful women in entertainment, such as Catherine Deneuve, Audrey Hepburn, Charlize Theron, Cindy Crawford, Beyoncé, Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Lopez.

Playing host to the anticipated opening, the pretty-in-pink-decorated Sofitel Hotel greeted guests—who walked down a pink carpet entrance—with champagne, a dessert bar as well as a too-cute-for-words macaroon garden that had edible (and delicious) macaroon trees and flowers which stood among grass blades.

As beautiful as the decorated Hotel Sofitel was (and indeed, it was), the real gem of the evening was the black-and-white visually striking Bensimon-photographed prints, which had guests’ full attention as they formed small crowds among Bensimon’s masterpieces while carefully studying each photograph.

The traveling exhibit is currently open to the public and can viewed at DC’s Hotel Sofitel from now until June, 2013, when it will tour to Sofitel in Chicago and Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Photos by Reginald Campbell.

Photo Diary: DC Love Festival at the Washington D.C. Convention Center

Meets Obsession Magazine — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:31:09 +0000

We attended DC’s Love Festival, a one-night celebration of music and art at the Convention Center in downtown Washington D.C. last weekend.

The event, produced by A & A Productions, Kane Entertainment, and Tonesetters Marketing Agency, featured Washington DC-based bands and musical acts such as Black Alley, Lysette Titi from Nicki Minaj/Backyard camps, John Michael, B. Blunt, Kyonte, and many more. See our best photos from the night. Photography by Reginald Campbell for Meets Obsession magazine.

Vivienne Westwood Brings Back 1970s DIY Punk Designs with New Chaos Collection

Meets Obsession Magazine — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:30:04 +0000

In a true punk tribute, Vivienne Westwood is releasing a collection that features some of her punk designs made popular at the beginning of the mid ‘70s punk movement.

Although it’s been debatable as to how punk (or “un-fun” ) the Met’s “PUNK: Chaos to Couture” exhibit really was, one thing is for certain, the part of the exhibit which featured Vivienne Westwood’s “430 King’s Road Period Room” was as authentic as it gets.

Starting her SEX boutique in 1974 with Sex Pistols’ Manager Malcolm Mclaren, punk rockers flocked to the 430 King’s Road shop in London to score the latest bondage gear, as well as clothing designed by the duo. Having styled punk bands like the Sex Pistols and The New York Dolls, Westwood and Mclaren were at the forefront of the DIY punk fashion movement.

Westwood’s aptly named Chaos collection includes a range of plaid and splatter-dyed separates as well as Westwood’s more popular and controversial t-shirts, such as the “Longhorns – Dance” illustration by artist Jim French, which features two naked cowboys facing each other and bearing their genitals, and McLaren’s famous “tits” tee.

The Chaos collection also features jewelry and accessories from Westwood’s archives, like the penis pin, which was originally created for the Anglomania Autumn/Winter 1993-94 Catwalk Show.

You can view Vivienne Westwood’s Chaos collection in its entirety here

Hot Links – Pop Culture Edition: Diddy Does Downtown Abbey, Tobias Funke’s Sizzle Reel and The Stoner Diet

Caroline Cullen — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:07:11 +0000

At a surprise concert in NYC, Kanye West was caught monologue-ing like a crazy person again, this time about how he hates being famous (Ya, OK). Highlights include: “I ain’t kissing nobody’s [expletive] babies. I’ll drop your baby and you’ll [expletive] sue me…” He’s just glowing with the promise of fatherhood. ( via Gawker)

While Ye did that, Diddy put on his tails and joined the cast of Downton Abbey, where he is inserted into scenes yelling at stuffy white people, plugging Ciroc, and telling evil characters that they “ain’t shit” (via Just Jared)

Speaking of inserting actors into scenes, Arrested Development’s Tobias Funke has released a sizzle reel which is an invitation for Ron Howard to add Dr. Funke into his films. He says, “Insert Me Anywhere,” we say “I just blue myself.” (via UPROXX)

You may not sizzle like Tobias, but if you’re looking to pull off cutoff jean shorts like he does this Memorial Day, try the Stoner Diet.

Basically, your get-skinny-plan involves: 1. ) Smoke in large groups to induce anxiety and cool hunger, 2.)Munch on a whole back of grapes rather than a whole bag of Fritos Twists, and 3.) Fall asleep – the easiest and most efficient way to stop eating (via Jezebel)

Or, you could just smoke weed and watch this: The Ultimate SuperCut of Animals Sneezing: being enjoyed by high audiences everywhere. (via tastefully offensive)

Fashion Watch: Nigel Barker to Launch Beauty Line, Rihanna Sues Topshop and Ben Affleck Designs for TOMS

Meets Obsession Magazine — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:11:42 +0000

You can now add shoe designer to Ben Affleck’s ever-growing resume (via InStyle)

Nigel Barker, former “America’s Next Top Model” judge and current “The Face” host, will launch two beauty lines (via WWD)

Rihanna is Disturbia’ed by Topshop’s tank and sues the retail chain (via Racked)

Cate Blanchett is the new face of Giorgio Armani Parfums (via WWD)

A fashion exhibition featuring Peter Pilotto, Giles and Roksanda Illincic, launches today (via Elle UK)

Photo Diary: Passport to Paris, Pamplona and Beyond: Adventures in Hemingway’s Cocktails at The Kennedy Center

Meets Obsession Magazine — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:09:26 +0000

In an effort to celebrate the Septime Webre-directed Washington Ballet adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 novel, “The Sun Also Rises,” ballet enthusiasts and cocktail afficiandos came together for Passport to Paris, Pamplona & Beyond — Adventures in Hemingway’s Cocktails at the Kennedy Center Roof Terrace Restaurant.

Hosted by Phillip Greene, MOTAC co-founder and author of the book, “To Have and Have Another – A Hemingway Cocktail Companion,” the evening paid homage to the jazz-era Paris and the life and adventures of author Ernest Hemingway.

Taking a page out of Woody Allen’s film, “Midnight in Paris,” guests were served Hemingway’s favorite cocktails, such as the Jack Rose, the Daiquiri, the Martini, the Americano, and the Sidecar while the Hot Club of D.C performed ‘20s Paris jazz standards. Photos by Reginald Campbell.

Fashion Rocks: Cher’s Style Revisited

Kat Hernandez-Linares — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:35:08 +0000

In the ’60s, Cher reigned supreme as a bohemian maven and as one half of Sonny & Cher, the most famous musical duo of the decade.

Since then, she’s managed to have a career that’s spanned 40 years and shows no sign of stopping. She was also one of the first superstars to be recognized by a single name and she’s delved into several platforms, acting one of them. Who can forget her incredible performance in “Mermaids”?

Cher’s trailblazing style has been a huge influence and elements of her bohemian style is incredibly relevant today just as much as it was in the 1960s. Her long locks paired with flowy dresses and far-out prints were her signatures. For a new take on her classic style, we’ve infused bohemian elements into an outfit that we’re certain Cher would approve of.

Theyskens’ Theory Jinhas wide-legged jeans offer a nod to the 60′s while still being fresh and modern. A 3.1 Phillip Lim silky blouse adds a feminine touch and a subtle print that isn’t too far out.

What better way to accessorize an outfit inspired by Cher than with fringe? We love Winter Kate’s Gypsy Rose Vest and Ralph Lauren’s suede crossbody in a deep jewel tone. Topshop Espadrille’s are the perfect wedge to balance out this outfit and Illesteva Leonard sunglasses add another rich dose of color.

THE LINKS

Ariel Gordon Spike Pendant Necklace

Ralph Lauren Collection Fringed Flat Suede Crossbody Bag

3.1 Phillip Lim floral print blouse

Topshop WARNER Espadrille Wedges

Theyskens’ Theory ‘Pinhas’ jeans

Winter Kate Gypsy Rose Vest in Ivory

Illesteva Leonard 2 round-frame acetate sunglasses

Photo Diary: Fairfax Academy’s Fashion Design Program’s “Fashion In Motion” Student Showcase

Meets Obsession Magazine — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:11:07 +0000

Often times, an interest in fashion begins at a young age– and such was the case with 8 Fairfax high school students, whose fashion enthusiasm and design talents were undeniable this past weekend, when we attended the Fairfax Academy’s Fashion Design Program’s “Fashion In Motion” showcase.

The event featured the collections of second year Fashion Design students: Kyana Hallacher, Cassidy Metts, Thomas Tonapi, Sarah Dowell, Elise Kinsey, Kendall Dishek, Chloe Ye, Rachel Baker and Ayush Bayarsaikhan, all who “designed and illustrated their collections, created their patterns from scratch, and constructed all of the garments presented on the runway,” according to the Academy.

While all of the students’ work proved impressive, well-constructed standouts included a peplum white top with black knit shorts (Cassidy Metts for her collection inspired by Breakfast at Tiffany’s), grey peg pants paired with a snakeskin top (Cassidy Metts for her collection inspired by Breakfast at Tiffany’s) and a lime green dress with a tailored contrast sleeve jacket (Kyana Hallacher for her Rebelle Noir collection), all of which we could easily see incorporated in our spring and summer wardrobes.

The future certainly looks bright for Fairfax’s fashion students. Photos by Darque Room images.

Terry Richardson (And His Hand) Tapped for New Valentino Accessories Campaign

Bridget Marowski — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:10:17 +0000

Courtesy Photo

When you think of Terry Richardson what word comes to mind? For us, its sex.

Long known for his scandalous images of naked models, Terry Richardson has been chosen by Valentino to shoot and star in their latest accessories campaign for Fall 2013.

This proves to be an unexpected choice for the Italian fashion house, who usually opts for fantasy-like, glossy imagery versus the gritty, high contrast, raw style of Richardson.

Not only did creative directors Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri choose Richardson to shoot the images, but his arm is also featured in them. His masculine sleeve tattoos juxtaposed against delicate, feminine studded shoes and lady-like bags bring a certain rock and roll quality to the brand.

Bring on the flash bulb, Terry.

Terry Richardson (And His Hand) Tapped for New Valentino Accessories Campaign | Terry Richardson (And His Hand) Tapped for New Valentino Accessories Campaign | Terry Richardson (And His Hand) Tapped for New Valentino Accessories Campaign | Terry Richardson (And His Hand) Tapped for New Valentino Accessories Campaign |

Photo Diary: Juicy J’s “Stay Trippy” Tour with A$AP Ferg at Howard Theatre

Meets Obsession Magazine — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:39:29 +0000

This past weekend, along with other diehard crunk style rap fans, we made a detour to the historic Howard Theatre to see Academy Award-winning songwriter and rapper Juicy J perform as part of his “Stay Trippy” Tour.

Opening up for Juicy J, A$AP Ferg gave a raw, energetic performance that left the audience in a hip-hop frenzy. After the opening act, replete with gold chains and a Shepard Fairey OBEY t-shirt, Juicy J took the stage and performed to packed audience. Photos by Rachard Wolf for Meets Obsession magazine.

Photo Diary: EU Embassies’ Open House Day in Washington D.C.

Meets Obsession Magazine — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:15:31 +0000

One perk (among many) about living in DC is that you’re in the presence of all the great Embassies that represent exotic countries from around the world.

If you’ve ever been inside a country’s embassy, you’ll know that visiting one is like being immersed into that countries’ cultural heritage. From the language, to the architecture, to the etiquette and food, the second best thing from visiting a country, is visiting that country’s Embassy within the US.

And that’s why we made certain to attend the EU Embassies’ Open House, an annual one-day event organized by Cultural Tourism as part of Passport DC where all the European embassies open their doors to the public for family fun, food, culture and more.

For more information on the next EU open house, please visit: http://www.euopenhouse.org/

In the meantime, check out all the photos from our international DC excursion. *Photos by Elise Vu and David DeMaria for Meets Obsession Magazine*

E.U. Open House Tour: Latvian and Romanian Embassies | E.U. Open House Tour: Latvian and Romanian Embassies |

The Beauty Bitch: I Love the Look of Cream Blush—But Can My Oily, Acne-Prone Skin Handle It?

Susan Linney — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:25:11 +0000

Dear Beauty Bitch:

I have oily, blemished skin that’s quite prone to clogging. Because of the humid environment in New York City (especially during the summer), I avoid a full face of make up whenever I can. I usually get by with spot concealer, pressed powder blush, and translucent powder to absorb oil and set the concealer.

But I’m very curious to try cream blushes. I love the natural flush of color that they give cheeks, and I wonder if the color would hold up better and last longer than powder blush. But I’m worried that they might clog my pores, or that any spot concealer I put on before hand would be rubbed away when blending in the blush.

I’m getting married next summer and I’d really appreciate any help in figuring out if this kind of product is right for me.

Thanks!
Tex G., NYC

Dear Tex:

Congrats on your upcoming nuptials! And thanks for writing in. Unfortunately, it appears that your fears are not at all unfounded. “For oily, acne-prone skin, cream blush can be tough,” says Dallas-based makeup artist and beauty expert Penny Sadler. “The color won’t hold up better than a powder—in fact, it will wear away very quickly on oily skin. And it also will remove any spot concealer that’s applied before it’s blended in.”

Our other expert, celebrity makeup artist Marina Gravani, agrees: “If you are having congestion on the cheeks,” she says, “a powder blush is really the better option to ensure a clear complexion.”

So essentially, your initial makeup instincts were right on the money, Tex.

It’s not impossible to make a cream blush work for your skin type, Penny concedes, but you’d need to consult a makeup artist armed with insider tips and tricks to apply it properly. If you really want to wear it for your wedding, for instance, definitely hire a professional. But for everyday wear, cream blushes are not the ideal product for you.

According to both Penny and Marina, cream blushes are best for normal, dry or mature skin that can use and absorb the extra moisture. From what you’ve indicated, extra moisture is something your skin would definitely not benefit from.

However, all is not lost. You can absolutely achieve that natural, flushed look you love without cream blush. “There are many natural looking powder blushes that can give your cheeks the soft, dewy looking hue of a cream,” says Marina. “I really like to use a loose powder blush in a rosy tone, such as Make Up Forever Super Matte Loose Powder in Apricot Beige.”

The key is to use a loose powder—rather than pressed—that’s translucent, lightweight, and sheer. It should be a blush meant for adding subtle color to the cheeks rather a deeply pigmented product designed to contour and target specific areas of the face.

So try this out: After you applying your makeup, (including your setting powder and concealer), use a blush brush and tap into your loose powder (try Marina’s Make Up Forever Suggestion, or FACE Stockholm’s Loose Powder in #4 or #5).

Shake off excess, and apply in a circular motion around your cheeks, being very careful not to go below the mouth. Repeat if you want more color, then make a fist and use the area of the fingers between your joints and nails to very lightly blend (being mindful of the concealer you’ve already applied).

Another option suggested by Penny is to try a light stain, such as Tarte’s Cheek Stain (perhaps in “Blushing Bride”?), which is a water-based, oil-free gel that’s less likely to clog pores. I also like Tarte’s Maracuja Blush & Glow, which is really more like an illuminizer than a blush.

We hope this info was helpful. Play around a little, and hopefully you’ll find a dewy hue you love that won’t cause serious disruption to your skin. And congrats again on your upcoming wedding!

Five Under $50: Ebony and Ivory In Perfect Harmony

Meets Obsession Magazine — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:47:20 +0000

Perhaps Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder got it right when they created the 1982-released song “Ebony and Ivory.”

One thing is for sure, these two colors definitely live together in perfect harmony, especially in fashion.

There’s nothing quite like the contrasting result of a bright, crisp white paired with a dark, brooding, and often dramatic, black. The result is bold and inimitable by any other color combination.

And that’s why for today’s Five Under Fifty we’re making a strong statement, in clear black and white. To start the summer off right, we picked out 5 of our most-wanted, always under $50, ebony and ivory faves.

THE LINKS

Nine West Panto Shoe | $44

Forever 21 Square Colorblocked Skirt | $9

Zara Leather Shopper With Pocket | $50

Casual Couture Half-Sleeve Peplum Top, Ivory/Black | $34

Viva Vena! ‘Lady Town’ Curved Yoke Tap Shorts | $32

Photo Diary: The Phillips Collection Gala After Party at The Italian Embassy

Meets Obsession Magazine — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:58:57 +0000

If there were ever a party not to be missed in the District, it would be The Phillips Collection Annual Gala after party.

Last weekend, the museum held their exclusive and much-talked-about annual Reception and Dinner Gala at the 21st Street museum.

In an effort to support Phillips’s award-winning K‒12 education programs, guests that included art enthusiasts, diplomats, politicians and DC’s elite mingled and dined among the masterpieces currently housed at The Phillips Collection Museum.

Afterwards, the party continued at The Italian Embassy, where guests let loose in a celebration of La Dolce Vita, which included delicious Italian desserts (that we couldn’t get enough of) and dancing.

To learn more about The Phillips collection, please visit their website at www.phillipscollection.org

Photos by Simply Arlie for Meets Obsession magazine.

Hot Links – Pop Culture Edition: Bluth’s Frozen Banana Goes Global, Gwyneth Paltrow’s Met Letdown, and a Crazy Troll Doll Obsession

Caroline Cullen — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:08:14 +0000

This is your brain. This is your brain on ice cream: A baby tries ice cream for the first time and flips the ef out, expressing what we feel inside bypassing the froyo place and going straight to Ben & Jerry’s for some straight up cookie dough with rainbow sprinkles. (via Jezebel)

But if you’re not an ice cream person, maybe you’d prefer a Bluth’s Frozen Banana. To promote the upcoming 4th season of “Arrested Development” on Netflix, the Bluth Banana Stand is going global. (via Mashable)

Just like a Banana Stand, there’s always money in a George Clooney movie, especially one where he plays an astronaut. But in this one, he and Sandra Bullock are floating around and panicking in space sans ship, which leads us to believe that “Gravity” might be his first mistake–and that Sandy should have just done “Speed 3.” (via EW)

Speaking of mistakes, Gwyneth Paltrow said on her blog, “GOOP,” that she hated going to the Met Gala and called it “un-fun.” Really? We think you’re un-fun. So do Jay-Z and Beyonce. Watch your back Gwen, Anne Hathaway’s looking better and better with every botch you make (via Gothamist)

Going to a gala with Gwyneth? Nah, we’d rather hang out with this lunatic on TLC’s #MyCrazyObsession who owns 3,000 Troll dolls that live in the crevices of her house, plotting and watching her every move. (via Jezebel)

Photo Diary: ART BASH! featuring CRITIQUE THE CRITICS! at Arlington Arts Center

Meets Obsession Magazine — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:03:32 +0000

Each year, The Arlington Arts Center, a private, nonprofit contemporary visual arts center dedicated to presenting and supporting new work by regional artists in the mid-Atlantic States, presents its annual ART BASH fundraiser.

This year’s “ART BASH! featuring Critique the Critics” event put a fun twist on the artist/critic relationship by turning the tables on the critics.

Journalists and local personalities, such as Jason Andelman, Artisan Confections; “Camilla the Hun,” DC Rollergirls; Jen Chaney, Pop Culture Writer and Film Critic on WETA’s Around Town; Jonathan Fischer, Washington City Paper; Matthew Lesko, that “Question Mark Guy”; Mark Longo, The Arlington Commission for the Arts; Lisa Markuson, Philanthropist and Contributor to The Pink Line Project; Michael McCarthy, DC Magazine Editor–in-Chief; Kathy Park, Reporter and Weekend Morning Anchor for ABC 7 & News Channel 8; and Tom Petty, Clarendon Alliance, were judged in a live art competition, at which they battled out their art skills using tools found in a child’s crayon box.

Not only did guests have the opportunity to judge the critics, but they were also treated to signature cocktails, yummy (and elegant) hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, as well as WPA’s “OPTIONS 2013” exhibition.

To learn more about the Arlington Arts Center, please visit them online at www.arlingtonartscenter.org. Photos by Simply Arlie for Meets Obsession magazine.

High Fashion Meets Fast Fashion In Target and 3.1 Phillip Lim Collaboration

Natalia Sieukaran — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:43:31 +0000

Courtesy photo.

Target continues to grace the masses with another high fashion collab. This time, the mass retailer has its target on 3.1 Phillip Lim for a 100+ collection that packages Lim’s minimalist aesthetic at that oh-so-affordable retail price that we’ve come to love from these high fashion and fast fashion retail collaborations.

In a press release issued by Target, Lim elaborates on the collection, saying, “Since an early age, I’ve been intrigued by the idea of design evolution.”

“One of the reasons I wanted to collaborate with Target is because I felt that together we could create a collection that would inspire – one that is cool and chic, but still very accessible.”

With a strong nod to the accessibility of street fashion, Lim’s Target collection will focus on the modern woman who is always on the go, which is perfect for Lim’s clientele that consists more of the indie bloggersphere as opposed to the red carpet glitterati.

The limited-edition lifestyle collection will be comprised of both menswear and womenswear separates that feature easy-to-transition basics made of chiffon, real leather, jersey and French terry, outerwear ( trenches and moto jackets), accessories such as shoes and handbags, and other lifestyle pieces, like travel accessories—all themed around fall-like neutral tones and prints.

It’s important to note that the announcement of the collaboration comes at an interesting time, when fast fashion retailers are under major fire amidst the controversy surrounding the recent clothing factory fire in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection, ranging from $19.99 to $299.99 for apparel, and $19.99 to $59.99 for accessories, will debut just in time for Fashion Week in Target stores and online on September 15.

Photo Diary: Black Whiskey Grand Opening & Cult Fiction Exhibition in Washington D.C.

Meets Obsession Magazine — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:46:39 +0000

This past weekend, invited guests flocked to the 14th Street corridor to celebrate the much-anticipated opening of Black Whiskey, DC’s newest eatery/performance space and whiskey bar.

In a successful marriage of whiskey, punk rock and art, Transformer DC and Black Whiskey came together to launch the opening of Black Whiskey, as well as present the restaurant’s first art exhibition.

From 7 – 9pm, Transformer gallery presented “Cult Fiction,” a large-scale mixed media installation by artists Zach Storm and Cheyenne Seeley. The exhibit will continue to run from now until July 28th at Black Whiskey (by appointment only).

In true punk fashion (unlike this year’s Met Ball), the event featured a special performance by Deathfix, with Brendan Canty (Fugazi), Rich Morel (formerly of Bob Mould’s band), Devin Ocampo and Mark Cisneros of Medications & The Make Up. DJ Kid Congo Powers, legendary guitarist for bands such as The Cramps and Nick Cave and the Badseeds, and DJ Ian Svenonius played their favorite punk tunes throughout the evening,

The bar provided a selection of over 60 American and Irish whiskeys and snacks were provided by Black Whiskey Carvery and the Kushi-Moto Food Truck.

Photos by Tatiana Gulenkina for Meets Obsession magazine.

FILM: An Entertaining Broadcast of Money, Status and Popularity in Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby”

Israel Daramola — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:01:29 +0000

In a lot of ways, Baz Luhrmann (“Romeo + Juliet,” “Moulin Rouge!”) is the perfect person to bring the decadent, extravagant, yet ultimately meaningless life of rich excess portrayed in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary classic to life.

In his latest “classic tale with a modern twist” or “classic tale but with Jay-Z music in the background,” Luhrmann breathes life into everyone’s favorite ninth grade book report: “The Great Gatsby.”

The film focuses on the story of a doe-eyed writer-turned-broker, Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) living life in the go-go 1920s as he gets swept up in an unlikely friendship with playboy billionaire Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), who tries to win back the only true love of his life, Nick’s cousin and wife of another billionaire, Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan).

Tobey Maguire (left) Leonardo DiCaprio (right) in Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby”

As one of my first “favorite books,” it is wonderful to see the characters brought to life—however over-the-top it may be—not to mention, the world of austerity and decadence that only a theatrical showman like Luhrmann can bring to life (and bring to life he does!).

With its oversized characters, brightly colored sheen, reckless abandon and a mansion that looks straight out of the magic kingdom, “The Great Gatsby” truly does prevail by being an entertaining broadcast of the love of money, status and popularity.

Unfortunately, for the film and its wonderful cast, that’s all it succeeds at. As hard as the script tries, it doesn’t really give much of a reason to care about these characters.

There is a tragedy to being Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway that is never really explored, and while the film goes to great (and overt) lengths to make us understand how Gatsby thinks, it doesn’t really do that good of a job at making the audience empathetic to his character. It’s only when you can ignore the deeper story behind Jay Gatsby, you’ll find yourself enjoying the cinematic circus. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though, it’s the summer movie season, and sometimes all a movie needs to be is a lot of fun; and even empty fun is still fun.

Grade: B-

“The Great Gatsby” opens today in theaters nationwide. Click here for showtimes.

Meets Obsession Magazine | Paper for The Fashion & Culture Obsessed - Meets Obsession Magazine | Paper for The Fashion & Culture Obsessed

This is Your Hair. This is Your Hair on Crack. And Guess What? It’s Gorgeous!

Photo Diary: Elles By Gilles Bensimon Opening at the Sofitel Hotel in Washington D.C.

Photo Diary: DC Love Festival at the Washington D.C. Convention Center

Vivienne Westwood Brings Back 1970s DIY Punk Designs with New Chaos Collection

Hot Links – Pop Culture Edition: Diddy Does Downtown Abbey, Tobias Funke’s Sizzle Reel and The Stoner Diet

Fashion Watch: Nigel Barker to Launch Beauty Line, Rihanna Sues Topshop and Ben Affleck Designs for TOMS

Photo Diary: Passport to Paris, Pamplona and Beyond: Adventures in Hemingway’s Cocktails at The Kennedy Center

Fashion Rocks: Cher’s Style Revisited

THE LINKS

Photo Diary: Fairfax Academy’s Fashion Design Program’s “Fashion In Motion” Student Showcase

Terry Richardson (And His Hand) Tapped for New Valentino Accessories Campaign

Photo Diary: Juicy J’s “Stay Trippy” Tour with A$AP Ferg at Howard Theatre

Photo Diary: EU Embassies’ Open House Day in Washington D.C.

The Beauty Bitch: I Love the Look of Cream Blush—But Can My Oily, Acne-Prone Skin Handle It?

Dear Beauty Bitch:

I’m getting married next summer and I’d really appreciate any help in figuring out if this kind of product is right for me.

Thanks! Tex G., NYC

Five Under $50: Ebony and Ivory In Perfect Harmony

THE LINKS

Photo Diary: The Phillips Collection Gala After Party at The Italian Embassy

Hot Links – Pop Culture Edition: Bluth’s Frozen Banana Goes Global, Gwyneth Paltrow’s Met Letdown, and a Crazy Troll Doll Obsession

Photo Diary: ART BASH! featuring CRITIQUE THE CRITICS! at Arlington Arts Center

High Fashion Meets Fast Fashion In Target and 3.1 Phillip Lim Collaboration

Photo Diary: Black Whiskey Grand Opening & Cult Fiction Exhibition in Washington D.C.

FILM: An Entertaining Broadcast of Money, Status and Popularity in Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby”

Grade: B-

Thanks!
Tex G., NYC