"World's Most Stylist Cities" according to Forbes

Here's a piece of an article written in Forbes detailing the world's most stylist cities. (Los Angeles was deemed #6.)

"Why the rush of talent flowing out of Los Angeles? The same could be said of all the other cities on the list, actually. Style-conscious cities, in general, benefit from the disruptive innovation a financial downturn often conjures. While the recession has undoubtedly hurt all of these cities' economies, it's also allowed creative types to take chances and chase their dreams simply because there's less to lose.

What's bad for the economy, it seems, is good for style. And every city on the list--whether it's geared more toward architecture, fashion, or product design--has something the Parisians understand better than anyone: je ne sais quoi."

This falls in line with the idea behind 'creative as savior' that I mention in "Detroit, the new Brooklyn?". Creative-type/Creator creates Something where there once was nothing. Artist conceives design that attracts attention, attention begets buzz, buzz generates revenue, revenue attracts other artists, and the process continues and evolves, constantly filling vacuums.

If a void (absence of money, restrictions, occupation) paradoxically creates space for Creation, this is good news for our economy. If artists are the creators who renew society and generate intellectual and economic momentum, then there is all the more reason to fund the Arts.

Here's the complete list:

10. Barcelona

9. San Francisco

8. Madrid

7. Tokyo

6. Los Angeles

5. Rome

4. London

3. New York

2. Milan

1. Paris

Detroit, the new Brooklyn?

Now, some people compare downtown Los Angeles and even Venice Beach to various cities in Brooklyn, and I dislike the patronizing insinuation that L.A. is only a lesser version of New York. However, I can appreciate the notion that somewhat dodgy towns can re-invent themselves with the arrival of avant garde (or, perhaps more accurately - struggling artist) inhabitants. Both Downtown and Venice have been re-born in this manner, and both boast an increasinly rich variety of culinary and cultural offerings. (Of the two, I prefer Downtown).

The latest broken-down city to herald the emergence of broke, young artists is none other than Detroit, Michigan. What a tremendous boon for the city who has seen nothing but turmoil, unraveling hopes and bankruptcy the last few years. With the Kresge Foundation's grant of $450,000 to 18 visual artists, it appears a similar renaissance could be on the horizon for Motor City, as well. See Flavorwire for more info.

On a selfish level, I like to think of the young, poor and creative as the saviors of society. With little in the way of responsibility, and few materials to tinker with, these are the ones who dare to think outside the established order. Few distractions and even fewer restrictions in the presence of a burning desire to survive spark some of the world's best ideas. Desperation can also be debilitating, so keep it coming, Patrons of the Arts.

(Note to L.A.'s resident billionaires - Grab a clue from Eli Broad (the man knows a thing or two about smart investments) and support your city's art scene! MOCA, LACMA & others are more than storehouses of pretty crap - they fuel dreams and inspire revolutions. Duh.)

Photograph by Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre

Bring on the Euphoria

So, thanks to my handy-dandy ads to the right of my blog, I am the newest holder of concert tickets to see Kings of Leon in San Diego and L.A. in August!!!

I have purchased in the past from Ticketmaster and then realized the good seats are all on Stub Hub, but then I realized (thanks to a helpful ad on my own page) that Ticket Tango is the same deal as Stub Hub, but since it's seemingly less well known, the "cheap" tickets don't go as fast.

So - check there first for your concert needs.

Anyway, I'm excited about seeing KOL back to back.... first in SD then LA. They are FANTASTIC live.

For any KOL fans out there, here's a video from their concert at MSG on January 28th. It was so cool to be there for what felt like a homecoming of sorts. Until this latest album came out, they didn't have much of an American fan base, though certainly they had pockets of devoted followers. MSG seemed like the first time they felt some recognition on their home turf, and it was touching to hear Caleb (who is the only one who really talks during concerts, and really, doesn't say much at all) express his appreciation. I was in the pit up close, so I could tell from his expression that he was deeply moved, seeing the sold out Garden. He always seems so open and honest, and it's refreshing to hear him speak.

Anyway, they finished up with some of their big rockers, and "Trani" is one of my favorites. Hope you enjoy! Check them out if they tour near you.

Fashionably Late

I love wearing hats, I love this pretty pink color and I totally dig the notion of a house coat! Right on!

I don't follow fashion, except, of course, to notice the spreads in the various fashion magazines I occasionally peruse. I love fashion, but I don't keep up with trends, and I try not to follow them. I am more of an appreciator of creativity and proportion and flattering colors. (I'm sure on some very real level I'm influenced by trends, but I don't pay attention to "rules"... I do what makes me happy.)

Apparently I am pretty out of the loop, though, because I saw photos of Jason Wu's spring and fall 09 collections and really, really adored some of his pieces! Little did I know he is the designer du jour, what with his frocking ladies of the moment - Michelle Obama and Freida Pinto.

So, damn.

These are my favorite pieces. To be honest, I don't really like any of the others much because I think some of the hemlines and waistlines obscure the figure too much and look a little frumpy. These, though, are spectacular!

Killer shoes all around. (Plus, these models don't look ill, which is always a good thing.)