STYLE X Today is the debut of SX’s Style X (By) at the Austin Convention Center. Exhibitors include New York-based women’s eyewear company Lumete; Tortoise & Blonde, another eyewear company; streetwear from Fresh.i.am; and women’s line Toxo-philite; as well as local watch manufacturer Tikkr and Helm Handmade Boots. SXSW musicians will be models during the two-day event, which includes a “shop hop” tour for exhibitors to see local boutiques, as well as several panels on fashion.
ASSORTMENTS Christopher Anton, former lead singer of Information Society, played Synth by Southwest held at Hotel Vegas which is Charles Ferraro’s new venue… Frontman Jack White of the White Stripes played a surprise concert, though ostensibly he was here to unveil his mobile record store called Third Man Rolling Records. The real question is: Will he stay at SXSW long enough to perform with Wanda Jackson, whose latest album he produced, when she performs today at Rachael Ray‘s Feedback day party? Pleeease.
RUMORS Rumor has it that Maria Elena, aka Mrs. Buddy Holly, will appear at the Austin Music Awards tomorrow… Moby played at Pure Volume until 5am yesterday to an adoring crowd inside. Outside, evidently, was not so loving, as 600-plus attendees waiting in line for more than two hours were turned away by the Fire Department. Tempers did flare… Yoko Ono seems to be popping up everywhere right now – yeah, Yoko!… MTV darlings Matt & Kim will make the scene with today’s appearance at the MTV Garage.
WARD, WE HAVE TO TALK ABOUT … It must be tricky when you’ve just produced a movie and your major star (a troubled husband and father playing a troubled husband and father) goes bonkers during post-production, threatening the stability of the entire project. Yes, at long last, Jodie Foster‘s latest directorial effort, The Beaver, has debuted, and Foster, who also stars in the film with Mel Gibson, implored the audience beforehand to separate the man from his work. “I just have to ask everybody, can you see a film and appreciate the artist for his work? And if anything, I think anybody who comes to see the film and understands Mel’s extraordinary performance in the movie can’t go away untouched by his humanity.” Because it’s a Jodie Foster project, filmgoers will want to see this, and perhaps because of Mr. Gibson’s obnoxious reputation, they must see it.
SEEN Bachelor Brad Womack and his preselected piece.
FASHION + MUSIC + ART Today is La Famille, featuring high-end fashion, new music, and art in East Austin’s East Village (1200 E. 11th). Beginning at 8pm, 30 models will show off work by Kucoon, Etiquette Vintage Apparel, John Castro with Kastro Kills, Catherine Nicole, René Geneva, René Guest jewelry, and feather extensions by Ferrin DeLoach. Enjoy music by El John Selector of Thievery Corporation, Distance Runner, James Robinson, John Gomi, and Lucas Cook, and works from artists James Robinson, John Resendez with AlethesLogos Photography, and Shawn Findley. The event is free, but $7 will get a wristband with access to sponsor products (aka “swag”). VIP passes, with access to select bars, areas, and gift bags, are $12.
WEAR IT NOW Everybody needs everything now. Why not have an app to get it for you? Wearcast allows you to express any passing thought you might have on a T-shirt. “Share” your request with Wearcast, pay $24.99, and voilà! “We’re trying to capture this unmet need within people. They want to play an active and meaningful role in what they wear,” said co-founder Chad Reynolds.
This article appears in March 18 • 2011.