Inside Artist Serena Mitnik-Miller's California Dream Store

March 31, 2014, 2:30 pm

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With her natural beauty and languid charm, the artist Serena Mitnik-Miller draws immediate comparisons to a classic surfer babe. Which makes sense, since she's spent most of her life near the ocean -- first, as a child raised by two working artists in Hawaii, and later, in her adult life, as a California-based painter and the owner of General Store, a shop where she sells artisan-produced goods with locations in both Ocean Beach (San Francisco) and Venice Beach (Los Angeles).

But it's less the ocean and more the community of artists surrounding her that informs the many facets of Mitnik-Miller's life. General Store, which she opened in 2010 with her husband, the designer Mason St. Peter, is the natural outgrowth of her relationships with fellow painters, sculptors and artisans, with whom she had established a habit of trading works. "I get really inspired when artists I admire want to exchange something with me," she explains. "I like thinking about my work in their homes."

As a result, the store, featuring a carefully curated mixture of furniture, clothing, tools, plants, household items, books, jewelry, cards and small treasures, feels more like Mitnik-Miller's private space, where she lives with the artworks she trades, than a typical boutique.

Dividing her time between painting and curating, the store has provided both inspiration and balance in Mitnik-Miller's life. In 2012 she opened the Venice Beach location with her friends from the POP Studio in L.A., and earlier this year her work -- ordered, meditative, geometric watercolors reminiscent of the washed-out planes of Agnes Martin -- was on display in New York at Joshua Liner Gallery. "I recognize that this is ideal," Mitnik-Miller says of her career. Here's to the California dream.

General Store is located at 4035 Judah St. in San Francisco and 1801 Lincoln Blvd. in Los Angeles.

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If @SeinfeldToday Was Actually On the Air

April 1, 2014, 7:30 am

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Here's what @SeinfeldToday would look like if it were a real show. *Shudders* [via Instagram]

ICYMI: Some dudes made a parody of The Chainsmokers' song "#SELFIE" called "#DICKPIC" and, well, it's totally 15-year-old boy humor but also totally funny. [via Hyper Vocal]

This "Should You Shop at Trader Joe's vs. Whole Foods" flow chart is amazing. "Do you absolutely need Thai chili and lime cashews?" [via Tastefully Offensive]

A question for the ages. [via Knusprig Titten Hitler]

Bathroom of the Year award. [via Humor Train]

YES. [via The Clearly Dope]

Spring Fashion: Four Cool Footwear Collabs You Need to Get On

April 1, 2014, 12:15 pm

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Orla Kiely x Clarks
Go mod this season with the help of Irish designer Orla Kiely's capsule collection for Clarks, which features patent leather Mary Janes, wedges and slingbacks in bold primary hues.


Rachel Comey x Camper
Cool-girl favorite Rachel Comey has teamed up with Spanish footwear brand Camper on a line of sandals that merge the designer's vintage sensibilities (think embroidered raffia flowers and lace-like cutouts) with the comfort of a Camper shoe.


Tim Coppens x Common Projects
Blending leather, cork, metallic threading and textile paneling on both high-top and slip-on models, the new collab between Tim Coppens and Common Projects is enough to make sneakerheads and dandies alike start swooning.

Nike x Riccardo Tisci
Givenchy mastermind/Kanye BFF Riccardo Tisci has put his spin on Nike's iconic Air Force 1s, creating four designs that range from low-cut sneakers to knee-high boots in black and white with bold accents.

Miley's New Single Has NSFW Cover Art (No Doy)

April 1, 2014, 12:30 pm

≫ Next: Icona Pop and Ty Dolla $ign's "It's My Party" Is the Ultimate Springtime Jam

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Here you go: The new cover art for Miley Cyrus' remix of "Adore You," featuring Miley riding a  horse statue, holding a blunt, and rocking her entire right boob out in the open like it's everybody's biz. Remember when it wasn't our biz? Cue Miley doing a soulful acoustic rendition of the Beatles' "In My Life."

[via Jezebel]

Icona Pop and Ty Dolla $ign's "It's My Party" Is the Ultimate Springtime Jam

April 1, 2014, 1:30 pm

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Icona Pop pays homage to Lesley Gore's 1963 catchy tune "It's My Party" with their bass-heavy electronic reincarnation, which features LA rapper Ty Dolla $ign. Their party happens to be a little bit different than the one from the original. Instead of a birthday bash tainted by teen drama, this version features a shitshow grown-up party filled with kush, molly, hook ups, and spray tans.

Well, it must have been an insane night, seeing that Icona Pop didn't recognize Dolla $ign earlier this week. The Swedish pop duo made an Insta-blunder when they posted a picture of themselves with Waka Flocka Flame and confused him for Ty Dolla $ign. But whatever. It's their party, after all.

Dismemberd Limbs, Barfing and More in Girl Talk's Hilarious New Video

April 1, 2014, 2:50 pm

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Sorry to interrupt your April Fools' Day antics, but we have something important to discuss: Girl Talk's first official video.  He's hooked-up with Philly rapper Freeway and Waka Flocka Flame for a track called "Tolerated" from a new EP that's out next week. It is 1) disgusting, 2) hard to watch and 3) features gratuitous violence with blood squirting from an eyeball socket.  The only participant that could possibly enjoy the severed limbs etc. is a vulture.  Where do you rent a vulture?  Anyway, the mad-masher is obviously busy getting prepared for Coachella and when he drops this tune, be sure to puke.  

Conan O'Brien as a Mary K Beauty Consultant Is Excellent

April 2, 2014, 7:30 am

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Conan O'Brien spent the day as a Mary K beauty consultant in Dallas and it's SO good. Conesy is the king of remote segments. [Uproxx]



Here's part 2 of dogs having their minds blown by magic tricks. Wait, what happened? Huhuhhh? Whaaaat? [TastefullyOffensive]

How do we place an order for 50 million of these? [Mlkshk]

New Game of Thrones season 3 posters released. [Mlkshk]

The only forecast that matters. [RatsOff]

Night night, Metallica. [ThisIsNotPorn]
 
So here this Husky was, chilling on the couch, grooming his cat friend, when this Pomeranian comes in and turns the whole thing into a disgusting smut fest. [TastefullyOffensive]

Chef Ryan Angulo On His New Restaurant and Putting a Turtle in His Will

April 2, 2014, 9:00 am

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Chef Angulo (Photo by Daniel Krieger)

Although French Louie on Boerum Hill's boutique-laden Atlantic Avenue is awash in marble and mirrors, it's certainly not a traditional brasserie. At this second lair from Buttermilk Channel's hospitable proprietor Doug Crowell and dreamy chef Ryan Angulo, locals follow up Calvados Old-Fashioneds with lamb steak frites and sherry vinegar caramel-laced profiteroles. Here, Angulo, a Rhode Island native, talks Paris, his pet turtle and how scrubbing pots and pans set his career in motion.

So what was your first brush with the restaurant world?

My mom knew someone at the Pawtucket Country Club down the street, and so the day I turned 16 I started as a dishwasher there. It was the best job of my life.

What made washing dishes so compelling?

It was the first time I worked with adults and I felt a sense of independence. No one treated me like a kid. It was an equalizing atmosphere where I joked around with crazy cooks and smoking was still allowed in the kitchen. It was a funny, weird time and I liked it, but didn't realize it was something I could do for the rest of my life. When I went to Johnson & Wales, I knew it was.

After school you worked all over the country -- New York, San Francisco, Rhode Island, Hawaii -- eventually landing at Stanton Social with Chris Santos. That place so encapsulated the Lower East Side of the mid-2000s. What was that like?

Until then I had either done casual or fine dining and nothing in between, so here I was in this place that was no-holds-barred. Chris's style is that he does whatever he wants so he gave me a lot of freedom. Now it's a party destination.

What inspired you to make the leap to Buttermilk Channel, where you have elevated buttermilk fried chicken with cheddar waffles and Savoy cabbage slaw to cult status?

I had been making small plates for years and ultimately was running the kitchen at Stanton Social, so I thought it was time for an executive chef position. I met Doug through Craigslist and we hit it off. He came to my house for dinner and I made him a bunch of stuff and the restaurant opened a year later.

Buttermilk Channel opened over Thanksgiving, in 2008. How has Brooklyn changed since then?

We opened around the same time that No. 7, Clover Club, Vinegar Hill House and Char No. 4 did. We were all young. It was kind of cool. Brooklyn has completely changed now. When we first opened it was hard to get deliveries because they didn't want to come to Brooklyn. They had all these restrictions. No way were they coming on Saturday or doing a second run. It's a very different attitude now. They deliver six days a week and bend over backwards for the restaurants because the scene has grown so much. Brooklyn is now this weird brand of homemade, and I'm not really sure what it exemplifies.

Do you live in Brooklyn?

Yes, in Bay Ridge.

Awesome neighborhood, and not one I would expect to hear. Do you eat at Tanoreen? One of my favorite restaurants of all time.

I've never eaten anything bad there. They do fun stuff like serve raw kibbeh. I don't know where else to order that -- or where else I would feel comfortable eating it.

Your newest project with Doug Crowell is French Louie. What did you guys want to create here?

Doug and I had both been to Paris a few times in the past couple of years and had thought about a steakhouse, or a French steakhouse or just a weird French place. We wanted something with a French bistro vibe with French bistro food -- whatever version that might be. I read about all these young chefs and new bistros in Paris and I tried them and they were awesome. But I was not expecting exposed brick and light bulbs, communal seating and farm-to-table food like Brooklyn. So I started going to the older bistros and really liked what I ate, but thought, "How could I do this differently?" I had three oil-poached sardines at Le Comptoir du Relais and I don't know if they came out of a can or not, but they came with a slab of butter and half a baguette and I knew I needed to do something with it, which spawned the smoked sardines with dulse seaweed butter and rye toasts at French Louie.

That's emerged as one of your signature dishes. The pan-fried skate with crab "dirty rice" and crab bisque seems to be another.

We have a regular, who comes to Buttermilk Channel, too, and she just hangs out. She announced that the skate was our signature dish and that we couldn't take it off the menu. 'This is your chicken and waffles,' she said.

Speaking of regulars, what was that New Year's Eve like when Beyoncé and Jay-Z bounced in?

It was pretty shocking to see them come in on New Year's Eve at 11 without a reservation. Someone called the restaurant and asked if there was room for two VIPs and Doug said, 'Everyone's a VIP tonight.' No one bothered them. They sat side-by-side facing the room and then they left.

When you're done with these eventful restaurant shifts you head home and in addition to your wife I hear there is a pet turtle waiting for you?

Yes, Boxy, the box turtle. I've had her since I was 9. She traveled cross-country with me to San Francisco, but not to Hawaii because they might have quarantined her. I think I still have her because I never lost her in the backyard. These turtles can get really old. She will probably be in my will.

French Louie, 320 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn

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Justin Vivian Bond's Ode to the "Golden Age of Hustlers"

April 2, 2014, 10:00 am

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Cabaret chanteuse and queer icon Justin Vivian Bond has a new video out today, which we're excited to be premiering on Papermag, featuring the artist performing the song "Golden Age of Hustlers," written by legendary punk transsexual singer Bambi Lake. The song -- and visuals -- revolve around the '70s-era, pre-AIDS epidemic hustling scene in San Francisco's Polk St. thoroughfare. The clip shows Bond singing onstage alongside key players in the NYC LGBTQ scene (including drag queen and Beautiful Person Merrie Cherry and transgender writer Kate Bornstein) while archival footage from the era (including shots of Lake) play in the background. And we'd be remiss not to give a s/o to the amazing costumes and headwear going on (we particularly love the feather-y turban worn by one performer).

The video was co-directed by Silas Howard (of iconic queer punk band Tribe 8) and Erin Greenwell and received consulting and support from filmmaker Rob Epstein (Lovelace, Life and Times of Harvey Milk) and one of our favorite comedians, Margaret Cho. Check it out, above.

London Fashion Sensation Ashish Is Sequin' It Real

April 2, 2014, 11:15 am

≫ Next: Meet the New Leaders of Sweden's Indie Music Movement

≪ Previous: Justin Vivian Bond's Ode to the "Golden Age of Hustlers"

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"I think it's great to have a bit of bad taste," says Indian-born, London-based designer Ashish Gupta, whose eponymous line of hand-embroidered sportswear has redefined luxury fashion since cult London retailer Browns first ordered his sequined jumpers in 2001. "You need to know where to draw the line, but to me, it's more interesting to reference ideas of supposed bad taste than be perfectly coordinated and put together. That's so dull."

Although sequins, tracksuits and chunky white trainers might typically be considered Middle America mall-wear, with Gupta's glamorous and at times cheeky touch, even these corny looks become cool and covetable. "People were afraid to wear sequins so I wanted to make them super wearable, and a tracksuit is so easy," says Gupta, who's gone from underground sensation to Topshop collaborator. (His next collection for the retailer is out in May.) "I love the idea of throwing sequins on. I want it to be where you throw on a pair of sequined track pants, a battered old jumper and some high heels and you look like a million dollars. I think that's a really modern way of dressing."

No matter the precarious edge on which his style references -- Americana, mathletes, party girls -- teeter, Gupta's handcrafted production process and four-figure price tags embody luxury fashion. "It's a really precious process," Gupta says. "Every sequin is sewn on by hand. It's like three grown men working on one dress a week, so we can't make a thousand pieces, which makes it even more special."

For his spring collection, Gupta emblazoned his sequined looks with the iconic Coca-Cola logo -- epitomizing his luxe-meets-pop aesthetic. "There have always been people that completely got it while others took some convincing," Gupta says. "It's a bit like Marmite. You're either going to love it or hate it, and that's fine."

Stylist: Chris Preston
Art Director: Akmal Shaukat
Makeup: Lucy Gibson at Phamous Artists / Hair: Darren Hau at Lovely Management / Manicurist: Sarah Valentine / Shenyue Ding and DJ James with Models1

Meet the New Leaders of Sweden's Indie Music Movement

April 2, 2014, 11:30 am

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From ABBA to Avicii, Robyn to Icona Pop, pop music has long been one of Sweden's best-known exports right behind IKEA. But alongside these Top 40 phenoms has always existed an inventive and colorful indie scene, counting producers, rappers, singers, and bloggers among their members. We talk to the key players behind the country's next DIY wave so you can get to know these Scandis before they take over our iPods and dance floors. 

Rebecca & Fiona, DJs
-->LISTEN<--

When did the two of you start DJing together?

We met at a party a few years ago and became best friends right away. Our mutual interest in music made it inevitable to start DJing and producing together. We were amazed by how our individual styles merged so well together.

What excites you about the music scene in Sweden right now?

All the ladies who are breaking the old rules and standards and taking over the Swedish music scene entirely! The Swedish hip-hop scene is bursting with female talents right now, which is really exciting.

What's your favorite thing about being from Sweden?

It used to be the Swedish welfare state, but since that's currently being demolished we'll have to play the "say something nice (or don't say anything at all)" game and say that spring time in Sweden is really great.

Are there any stereotypes you always encounter when people hear you're from Sweden?

We're often perceived as really reserved compared to Americans and that's true to some extent. Swedes stay inside a lot.

Who are some other Swedish artists we should keep an eye out for?

We really like Planningtorock and Anika!

What are you working on currently?

We're releasing our upcoming album Beauty Is Pain on April 29th, which we're really excited about!

(Photo by Mikael Dahl)

Seinabo Sey, Singer

-->LISTEN<--

When did you first start singing professionally?

I'm not really sure how to define that moment but I guess I started getting paid when I was about 18.

You collaborate with producer Magnus Lidehäll, who is responsible for a lot of great music coming out of Sweden. What's the dynamic like working with him?

Magnus is a total genius. I meet him about two years ago and he's taught me loads about listening to music with an analytical ear. He's a "hip-hop head" like myself and really enjoys the juxtaposition of merging totally different sounds together. Most of the time he will send me some fly beat that I rant over. He then sorts it all out.

What other Swedish artists are you excited about right now?

Definitely Zhala and this group called NONONO that's really brilliant.

Name your three favorite spots to hang out in Stockholm.

Since my favorite thing to do (after singing) is eating, here are my favorite spots to do that:
-Tjoget in Hornstull for great drinks and cute bartenders.
-Jamrock for great music
-The tiny Indian shack next to the subway in Farsta Centrum has the most amazing palak paneer. 

What do you make of stereotypes people have about Swedes?

Most of them are true. Honestly, we have a pretty solitary culture; it can give birth to some pretty interesting art but makes everything else kind of awful.

What's next for your career?

Releasing a second single, plus finishing the greatest album you've ever heard.

Ji Nilsson, Singer
-->LISTEN<--

Tell us about your background in music.

I grew up with a lot of music around me. My father is a composer and pianist, so music has always been very close to me and I've been able to record myself since I was very little. I started to write songs when I was about 7 years old (mostly about mermaids then).

Sweden has been known for its pop music for decades now. Have you noticed anything different about the newest wave of Swedish musicians to make it big overseas?

They're girls! And there's often a Pop/R&B-touch to their music.

What's the best place to check out during a traveler's first trip to Sweden?

I would say the Södermalm area in Stockholm. All the best restaurants, museums, bars and cafés are here, and in summer you can go after partying by the water that surrounds all of Stockholm! I mean it's wonderful to go swimming in the day time as well, but there's something special about seeing the sun come up at 2:00am and just dive into that (sort of) clean water.

What other Swedish artists should we check out?

Julia Spada, Marlene, Beatrice Eli, Noonie Bao, Seinabo Sey, Sabina Ddumba and many more!

Gravity Boys, Rap Collective (Thaiboy Digital, Ecco2k, Bladee, Whitearmor, Yung Sherman)
-->LISTEN<--

What are your thoughts on the Swedish rap scene?

It's not good. Not innovative.

Where are your favorite places to go out in Stockholm?

We stay home.

Where do you see the future of "Gravity Boys?"

Get famous or disappear

Are you working on any exciting upcoming projects?

Bladee is working on his album Rainworld and Thaiboy Digital is dropping his mixtape Tiger in late April. Expect new material from everyone!

Beatrice Eli, Singer
-->Beatrice Eli<--

Who inspires you?

Artists who speak their mind. Be weak, strong, horny, in love, stupid, wise...just put it all out there.

Do you have any favorite Stockholm venues where you've performed?

Berns in Stockholm is pretty sweet. It's one of the city's oldest venues if not the oldest. The décor inside is amazing.

What are some of the biggest differences between music tastes in Sweden versus the U.S.?

I think it's easier to be alternative and still get recognition in Scandinavia. I have a feeling the general taste is more mainstream in the U.S.

What's next for you?

Finishing my album. That's all I think about now.

Anaye, Hip-Hop Duo (L-R: Beastie and May D)
-->LISTEN<--

How did the two of you first meet?

We both went to the same music school and had sort of the same social circles.

What drew you both to hip-hop?

May D: It was the straight-forwardness in the music that attracted me. I've always been a talker, someone with many opinions. In hip-hop, you express and address issues in a way that doesn't exist in other genres.

Beastie: I was a major fan of electro but went to school with the fellas in [rap group] "BA$GRÄND CREW," and I kind of got brainwashed! It developed into an urge to have the talent and technique that it takes to become a great rapper.

What's the field like for Swedish female rappers?

There has been a minor revolution in Swedish hip-hop over the past few years. Several female rappers have been in the public eye [lately] but when we started out the scene was pretty vacant. We're not saying that no Swedish female rappers existed two years ago, it's just that the media climate has changed, which is great! It's nice to know that there are other girls out there doing their thing.

What do you think of the association between female rappers and hyper-sexuality in the U.S.? Is it like that in Sweden, too?

First of all, we think that there's a lot of different ways to be sexy. We feel sexy while being funny, smart, talented, or even wearing sweatpants and eating chips while watching How I Met Your Mother. But we also feel sexy when we're shaking our booties on stage. But we think it's sad that there is this stereotype going on that will only allow a girl to be sexy with her clothes off and her body in a weird position -- when she's acting in a common "sexy manner." If that's something you want to do, just be aware of the social structures in our society giving us that mold to fit into...if you are aware, then go for it! We're down for the diversity.

Where are your favorite places to go out in Stockholm?

Wok Mee Café -- cheap beer and cheesy words of encouragement on the walls. Swedish rapper NÄÄKEN mentions it in a song, and it's a perfectly shabby place to spend your weekday nights.

Julia Pugsi, Gothenburg-Based Nightlife Personality and DJ

Give us a little background on your work in nightlife.

I've been working as a DJ for the last five years and arranging parties at clubs for about four. I also write for one of Sweden's biggest magazines about nightlife. My goal is to encourage club culture to evolve and become more interesting. Right now I think it needs a bit more diversity in Sweden.

Gothenburg and Stockholm have a famous rivalry. How do the club scenes compare to one another?

One thing Gothenburg has that is missing in Stockholm is the underground clubs.The underground clubs are very mixed -- there's everything from raves to parties where only women and trans people are welcome.

What's your favorite weekly or regular party?

I get bored easily but the underground clubs always surprise me. One of my favorite clubs is CAKE, which I help promote. When we started three years ago, we wanted to change the heteronormative hip-hop scene and didn't expect to get all the positive feedback we've been getting. It was something many people had been missing here.

Valerie Kyeyune Backström, Mireya Echeverría Quezada, Judith Kiros, Bloggers of Rummets.se

What topics do you cover on your blog?

Moms, racism, whiteness, hair, suckers, anti-blackness, feminism, class struggle, Twitter, fashion, music, identity, LGBTQ rights, media, and how we are going to take over the world.

What connection, if any, do you believe race has with music in Sweden?

You can tell that there's a connection in the way that the police and society treat rappers, as well as their fans. For example, when rappers (who are of color) do gigs at larger venues, the police presence increases significantly. At the same time, inner city clubs organize hip-hop parties for an almost all white, rich, and privileged audience, at venues where they usually don't let PoC in...Where Miley Cyrus-esque blond chicks with fake cornrows "twerk" for skinny white guys with gold chains and snapbacks...

What's your favorite concert venue in your city?

Every time Ham City in Stockholm books an act it's great!

Erik Hassle and Tinashe's "Innocence Lost" Is Your Sultry Spring Jam

April 2, 2014, 1:00 pm

≫ Next: Lady Gaga, Bill Murray, and David Letterman Took a Selfie Last Night

≪ Previous: Meet the New Leaders of Sweden's Indie Music Movement

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Looks like it's an all-Swedish-music day here at PAPER, so let's pile it on. Check out this cool black and white clip to accompany Erik Hassle's "Innocence Lost" from his latest EP.  The Swedish singer hasn't really caught on over here, but he's got a great voice and style that work well in this noir-ish video shot in LA. He's hooked up with label-mate Tinashe, the California-based singer/actress formerly in a group called the Stunners.  Tinashe is thisclose to completing her debut album and has already been in the studio with everybody from ScHoolboy Q to Canadian DJ Ryan Hemsworth.

Lady Gaga, Bill Murray, and David Letterman Took a Selfie Last Night

April 3, 2014, 7:30 am

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≪ Previous: Erik Hassle and Tinashe's "Innocence Lost" Is Your Sultry Spring Jam

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Lady Gaga, Bill Murray and David Letterman took a selfie last night. Ellen Oscars, schmellen schmoscars. [via Pop Culture Brain]

ESPN's British soccer commentator Ian Darke narrates a first date and it's wonderful and makes us uncomfortable even though it's just actors. [via Hyper Vocal]

H/T to Jezebel for an excellent field guide to the "United States of Bros." One of our favorite lines? Describing a Brooklyn bro's job, they write, "Says he's a 'writer,' is actually in advertising." Truth.

Here's someone doing amazing narration to an old episode of Soul Train. You're doing God's work, son. [via Youtube; S/O Sarah Bessette!]

Having trouble meeting The One? Then perhaps give this online dating site for sociopaths a whirl. [via Funny Or Die]

In his continuing tour of Texas, Conan makes his city slicker, metrosexual, "European-dressing" producer get a cowboy makeover. [via Uproxx]

IT'S ALMOST THE WEEKEND AND IT'S MILDLY WARM ALONG THE EASTERN SEABOARD! [via Coin Farts]

9 Shopping Finds We're Dreaming Of This Month

April 3, 2014, 9:30 am

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Bullseye Arrow keychain by Parabellum Collection.
$185 at parabellumcollection.com

Dizzy Neo Geo Lozenge throw pillow by Jonathan Adler.
$165 at jonathanadler.com

Street Backpack by CHANEL.
$3,400 at select CHANEL boutiques.


Wink "Buggie" wallet by Fendi.
$650 at Fendi, 677 Fifth Ave., New York.


Roar "Wild" Beastie Board by Along NYC x Chidy Wayne.
$2,000 at along.fm

Buggy Khepri ring by Daniela Villegas.
$1,875 at luisaviaroma.com

Pot Plantlife socks by HUF x Wu-Tang Brand.
$14 at hufworldwide.com


Arty Comme des Garçons by by Eric Schedin.
$310 at Dover Street Market, 160 Lexington Ave., New York.

Lady The Classic Logo Bag by Andre Walker.
$535 at Dover Street Market, New York.

Style Assistant: Kevin Breen

Nina Arianda On Driving Getaway Cars Her Fascination With Folie à Deux

April 3, 2014, 9:45 am

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This being our Beautiful People issue, we thought it would be a good time to catch up with Tony award-winning actress and former Beautiful Person Nina Arianda about her starring role in  Rob the Mob, out now. Based on a true story, the film follows Tommy (Michael Pitt) and Rosie Uva (Arianda), a young, madly in love married couple from Queens, as they hold up mob social clubs in 1991. Playing the getaway driver, Arianda, a native New Yorker, found herself behind the wheel for the first time in three years and fascinated by the power of folie à deux.

Are you a good driver? Do you think you could handle driving a getaway car IRL? 

Hell no. It's not a good idea for me to be driving. That was one of the challenges of making this film. They had me practicing in a minivan around the boroughs -- like, really? But I did it, and I actually had a moment where I was proud of myself, which doesn't happen often. So if I had to in real life, I would find a way. It wouldn't be very graceful, but I would do it.

What fascinated you most about Rosie and Tommy's story? 

It was the whole concept of folie à deux. When people are that in love with each other, they share a language inexplicable to anyone else. They were a team and when you're in that frame of mind, everything is a good idea.

Do you consider Rosie and Tommy to be beautiful people? 

I do. It is so rare these days to be committed to someone else and to what you're doing in such a full-bodied way, and I think that makes them very beautiful.

---

Are you going to MIA and Janelle Monae's Hologram Concert Tonight?

April 3, 2014, 9:50 am

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Two PAPER cover superstars, M.I.A. and Janelle Monae, plan to do a couple of duets tonight in New York and LA. The singers will be hooked-up via a live satellite feed and a new hologram technique developed by Vita Motus Design Studios and Obscura Digital. Unfortunately, only a few lucky people who've been invited to the launch of Audi's new A3 car will get to see the show.  M.I.A. will do her set here in NYC while Monae plays out in Los Angeles, but at some point, they'll be beamed across the country for the historic duet.  We also hear that film producer and director Peter Martin, who co-producer of the Vik Muniz documentary Waste Land, is also involved.  This could be more fun than Tupac's Coachella "appearance" in 2012.

Lana Del Rey Turns Into a Disco Princess In New Song, "Meet Me In the Pale Moonlight"

April 3, 2014, 11:00 am

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Ahead of the release of Lana Del Rey's third studio album, Ultraviolence, you can hear a new disco-tinged track by the singer that just got leaked. "Meet Me In The Pale Moonlight," which we hear does not appear on the forthcoming album (but may have been recorded during sessions for it) picks up where Random Access Memories left off with lots of groovy funk guitar and sweeping string sections. LDR's about to head out on tour -- she's playing the Sunday of Coachella -- and though her album was originally expected to drop May 1, we hear it got pushed back and there's still no word on a new official release date.

10 Etsy Finds: The Nice Advice Edition

April 3, 2014, 12:30 pm

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1. YES Banner

A banner for the optimist that sometimes needs a little reminder.

2.  WHATEVER Party Banner

A banner for the realist that knows they are never going to follow through with plans in the first place.

3. Endless Bummer Tote

"I'm completely dissatisfied with my life and all I got was this stupid tote bag."

4. Nice Advice Postcard Set

Keep going. These cards believe in you.

5. Saliva Protective Shield Illustration

Maybe now is not the time to invest in a saliva protective shield. The technology is just not there yet.

6. Eye of the Tiger Print

Is "Advice Tiger" already a meme?

7. Updated Report of Observations Which Somehow Seem To Reflect Abstractly On Life Zine

That "friends" pie chart is too real.

8. Painted Lion Print

Well, that's one option...

9. Andy Warhol Print

Eyebrows over boys, always.

10. Get Shit Done Mini Banner

Go do it!

9 Must-See Art Openings This Weekend in NYC

April 3, 2014, 12:55 pm

≫ Next: Jon Hamm On a '90s Dating Show = Head Explosion

≪ Previous: 10 Etsy Finds: The Nice Advice Edition

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Big Moshpit by Dan Witz

Jonathan LeVine kicks off a big week with the opening of his new space on the ground floor of 557 West 23rd Street on Thursday, April 3rd, 6 to 8 p.m.  The inaugural show, "Old Game New," features new works from the London/Berlin collective Artists Anonymous.  Also on Saturday, April 5th, 6 to 8 p.m., the gallery opens two shows back at 529 West 20th Street including "NY Hardcore" by Dan Witz with large-scale, mosh pit paintings and "American Holy Relics" by the Jersey City-based artist Dylan Egon.

Venus Over Manhattan (980 Madison Avenue) opens a major show of Raymond Pettibon's surfer paintings called "Are Your Motives Pure?" on Thursday, April 3rd, 6 to 8 p.m.  Over 50 works will be on view until May 17th, including several large-scale works by the Venice, California, artist and numerous paintings from the 90s.  Expect a big crowd for this opening.

What better to attend after an opening than a closing. Last chance to check out the Wallplay/IFAC Arts (118 Orchard Street, LES) "Separation Anxiety" show is during their closing party on Thursday, April 3rd, 7 to 10 p.m.

Somewhere in the West Thirties by Marc Yankus.

Also on the 3rd, New York-based artist Michael Kagan opens "Thunder in the Distance" at Joshua Liner Gallery (540 West 28th Street) from 6 to 8 p.m. It's up until May 3rd. And, ClampArt (521 - 531 West 25th Street) has "The Space Between" with works by Marc Yankus.

Above: A photo from the original Real Estate Show. That's the late German artist Joseph Beuys in the hat and fur collar.

James Fuentes (55 Delancey Street) takes a look back at a short-lived exhibition from collective Colab that opened on New Years Eve 1979 and then was shut down and padlocked by the NYC Department of Housing on January 2nd. (You can read more about Colab in our oral history of Max Fish, here.) This version of "The Real Estate Show" opens on April 4th and runs until April 27th, with pieces by Tom Otterness, Jenny Holzer and Walter Robinson among more on display.  Many of the works from the original exhibition will be on view, along with additional documentation etc.

Tokyo, 2009 by Roe Ethridge.

Marlborough Chelsea (545 West 25th Street) opens a group show called "Lone Tree" on Friday, April 4th, 6 to 8 p.m.  The exhibition includes contemporary work inspired by" Romanticism and, in particular, the work of Caspar David Friedrich."  The artists include Dan Colen, Andreas Gursky, Ed Ruscha, Roe Ethridge, Robert Longo, Anselm Kiefer and many more.

If you still haven't gotten over the destruction of "5 Pointz," the graffiti-covered Long Island City building that was painted over in November, head over to Jeffrey Leder Gallery (/) (2137 45th Road, Long Island City) on Saturday, April 5, for the opening of "Whitewash."  The group show "explores strong reactions" to the whitewashing of the building and includes works by nine artists and two photographers.  It's up until June 8th.

For more art shows opening this month and next go here.

Jon Hamm On a '90s Dating Show = Head Explosion

April 4, 2014, 7:25 am

≫ Next: Saint Etienne's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" Video is Still Super Cute

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The internet gods have shined upon us this fine Friday morning, bestowing us with this sparkly, sparkly gem that is Jon Hamm on a '90s dating show called "The Big Date." A date with Jon would mean "starting off with some fabulous food, a little fabulous conversation, ended with a fabulous foot massage, for an evening of total fabulousity." LAME.Don Draper would slap Jon in the mouth for that answer if he had the chance. [Vulture]



An Alternate Gravity scene that will blow your mind. [FYeahDementia]
 
We're still having a hard time accepting that David Letterman will retire next year, so let's pretend like it's not happening and watch this classic 1987 clip of Dave having a tea party with two monkeys who are OVER IT. 

Let it bro, let it brooooo! [Mlkshk]

NPR's April Fool's joke was GENIUS. [Uproxx]

 
And I'll smell their pretty smells FOREVER and EVER. And then I'll eat your face off. [RatsOff]

Hi weekend. [Mlkshk]