Image by Howard Cao

With the closing of our M.I.S.S. Paper Dolls show at Upper Playground’s Fifty24LA gallery, we are excited to bring you a closer look at San Francisco based artist Kelly Tunstall, who we were lucky enough to have be a part of the show.

We’ve been following Kelly’s work for a many years now…and when we say following, we mean it literally!

Yep, we followed Kelly and fellow artist—and now husband—Ferris Plock to Scion’s 5th installment of the “Exprescion” art show at Alcatraz in 2007, where they painted along side a group of other SF-based heavyweights.

The first time I saw Kelly’s work, I was captivated by the eyes of her doll-like figures. Even when she’s not using gold-leaf or soft colors, there’s a a glow to her work and viewing it, you feel a natural pull.

Today we honor a woman, not because she was a part of an elite few that can say they painted on “The Rock,” we honor her because she’s just as magical as her art.

More on Kelly Tunstall from her official bio below:

The strength and assurance of femininity, in both a sarcastic and reverent sense, are the driving force behind Kelly Tunstall’s body of work.

Working in acrylic, collage, spraypaint, pencil, pen and ink, gold leaf and some secret sauce, the experimental, yet classically grounded works live somewhat comfortably in a space between graphic expression, stylized representation, surrealism, and sketch. The simplicity of the messages are enhanced by the underlying vitality and complex layering within the work.

In her studied portraits, Tunstall renders stylized, leggy female figures and their pets, prey, powers, dreams and. Their physical forms and accompanying exteriors represent and mirror internal thought processes and turmoil. For instance, frequent themes such as mermaids, twins, or extra limbs concede a desire, a reliance, an adaptation, or more simply, an aspiration to something greater than being a painting.

In the ever more frequent collaborations between Tunstall and her husband, Ferris Plock, two worlds collide as Plock’s intensely insinctual monsters threaten, challenge, consume and adore the girls, as they inhabit the constructed enviroments and nests built of painted boards and drawn nails.

Also working in illustration, installation, and multimedia projects, Tunstall plays with the contrast between the formality of defined forms and the revelation of method. The patina of age and calligraphic drawing methods lend further depth to her story-filled worlds.

Common themes reflect the contrasting dualities of Tunstall’s imagined ladies: interior and exterior realms; innocence and mischief; concrete reality and the dreamscapes of the supernatural. The resulting body of work is a comprehensive study of the modern and sometimes not so modern woman.

Before we get into the Q&A, let’s jump into some fun with Kelly vs. our M.I.S.S. survey:

M.I.S.S.: What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?

Martha Stewart.

M.I.S.S.: How did you get your start?

I had a great high school art education, but I started selling work off streetcorners during Portland’s First Thursday art openings, Chris at Nemo Design bought some work and I went in for an interview the next morning. I’ve been given many opportunities to explore. I’m very lucky to have parents that were supportive of whatever I wanted to do-and still are.

M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve created?

There was a recent collaboration piece that I did with Ferris that I just adore called Sea of Love – Cross Town Traffic [below].

I made it while 8 months pregnant. It’s our biggest piece to date-120 inches wide- it just envelops you.

M.I.S.S.: Who do you want to work with in the future?

I hope to do something with Gwen Stefani someday.

M.I.S.S.: What part of your work process is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?

I hate revisions. Going back and reworking sucks. Of course it’s a necessary evil.

M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career path similar to yours?

I heard a good cheesy saying the other day… Success is spelled persistence… or something like that. It’s true. I’ve been at this for 12 years now, I’ve been able to do things I never dreamed possible.

Learn contract law. Have a contract made. Be careful. Check references for galleries or people that want to represent you- it takes five minutes to send someone a message on facebook to get some background. Invest your time. Yes, this means doing things for free or very little. Just make sure these are things that help you in some way, or fulfill you artistically. Make sure you love your work. Support your community. Be humble. Develop your own style. It’s ok to rip someone off to study how they did something, just move on afterward.

M.I.S.S.: Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Ferris and I are collaborating with EightyFour Films—exciting new project in the works!

The Seafarers – Sea of Love from Eighty Four Films on Vimeo.

M.I.S.S.: Thanks so much, Kelly!

Last week, art & culture website Fecalface.com did a studio visit with Kelly and although it wasn’t up by the time this feature was published, we’ll update you when it posts via our Art Radar column (Thursdays).

Upcoming shows:

FTC Tokyo June 15, 2010
Giant Robot September 4, 2010

Studio Visit on Fecal Face

Links:

Flickr stream: www.flickr.com/photos/ferrisandkelly/
Website: www.kellytunstall.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kellytunstall
Twitter: twitter.com/kellyleigh

The warmer months are creeping up on us and with a new wardrobe comes new accessories. The new summer range from Harajuku Lovers has released their new collection and it’s as cute as ever, featuring multi-pocketed handbags, weekend bags and backpacks.

In the brands true style, the bags are bursting with colour, feature cheeky japanese style prints and are finished with a gorgeous little Harajuku Lover key ring. Set for a late March/early April drop in stores, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for these cute little pieces perfect to finish off your spring/summer look.

London Fashion Week is in full swing and who better to spotlight this week than the Dame of British Fashion, Vivienne Westwood. Or simply, Queen Viv.

Over the years 430 Kings Road in London has been remodeled and renamed five times. It happened four times in the ’70’s alone; results of Dame Vivienne Westwood and partner, Malcolm McLaren’s wild new ideas. In 1971, McLaren, opened the storefront, Let It Rock, the shop specialized in second-hand clothing, ’50’s rock & roll records, and Teddy Boy fashions which Westwood designed.

Just one year later, the store changed direction and re-opened as Too Fast To Live, Too Young To Die. For two years the store stocked ’60’s “rocker” clothing, Zoot suits, and records. They closed the store again to reappear in 1974, rebranding itself as the now iconic, SEX boutique. It was here, a store with unmistakeable hot pink plastic letters above the doorway, that Vivienne Westwood introduced London to her outrageous “anti-fashions” and went on to define the punk movement in the UK. SEX boutique was known for its fetish and bondage wear, slashed-up subversive t-shirts, and clothing riddled with safety pins. It was like no other place in the world. The interior was covered in graffiti and rubber curtains were draped on the walls. English musician, Adam Ant, called it “one of the all-time greatest shops in history.”

McLaren, a savvy purveyor of talent at the right moment, wanted to create a rock & roll act that would embody the spirit of the store. Part-time SEX employee, Glen Matlock was already in a band with Paul Cook and Steve Jones. He let McLaren know that they were looking for a singer. Johnny Lydon was a crude character that would hang around the SEX store jukebox. Lydon, who never sung before, was invited to audition and snagged the role as lead singer. The Sex Pistols were formed. Shortly thereafter, Matlock left to join a different band and John Richie (Sid Vicious) came in to replace him.

Even though the Sex Pistols produced only four singles and one studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, they are regarded as one of the most influential bands in the history of music. The Bromley Contingent was a name, given by a journalist, of the fans who would follow the Sex Pistols and helped popularize the fashions. This included Billy Idol, Siouxsie Sioux, and Adam Ant. They inspired rebel bands of the ’70’s like the Clash, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Buzzcocks, and X-Ray Spex.

Sid Vicious, Pretender’s singer Chrissie Hynde, and punk fashion pioneer, Jordan, worked as a shop assistants.

In 1976 the store changed it’s name to Seditionaries. During this time Vivienne began to work with tartan prints, pin-stripes, and corduroy. Parachute shirts and bondage suits were among the designs that Westwood began to produce. The store faltered after the demise of the short-lived Sex Pistols. Seditionaries closed in the autumn of 1978 and remained closed until 1980.

In 1980, 430 Kings Road went from being on the “wrong end” of the street outfitting some of the most audacious figures in music to the World’s End. Today, the facade of World’s End includes a giant clock with arms that spin backwards. The space was intended to resemble a curiosity shop and an 18th century galleon. The store carries a limited collection of specialty items, one offs, show samples, and accessories from one of the most influential fashion designers.

Vivienne Westwood was designing for a niche market in the ’70’s but proved her technical skill with her 1981 ‘Pirate’ collection, her first runway show in London. Although her work was featured in magazines and street style sections the world over, Westwood has yet to receive mainstream recognition. Soon after the success of the ‘Pirate’ collection and the subsequent Savage (s/s 1982), Buffalo (a/w 1982-3), and Punkature (s/s 1983). A deal with Giorgio Armani was announced. That along with significant financial backing the Westwood label was ready for global marketing and branding.

Today the Vivienne Westwood brand umbrella covers her Gold Label (couture), Red Label (ready-to-wear), Vivienne Westwood Men, and Anglomania collections.

The Westwood signature style mixes unconformity with historicism and experimentation. Tartans, pin stripes, and heavy draping are mainstays in her collections, proving that the punk roots are still there. Over the years they have been parlayed into couture-worthy garments. Westwood  is considered the Designers Fashion Designer and continues to outfit the fashion forward of the music industry. Singer turned designer, Gwen Stefani, fittingly sang “I’d buy everything/Clean out Vivienne Westwood/In my Galliano gown,” in the ‘04 hit song “Rich Girl.”

Westwood’s Manifesto, ACTIVE RESISTANCE, encourages all intellectuals in the fight against propaganda, an issue that Westwood addresses regularly on her AR website.

Listen to a mp3 audio clip of an interview Westwood did with The Guardian in which she discusses concern for the contemporary art and culture.

Check out Queen Viv representing in good form at last night’s AW 2010 runway show in London.

Fun Fact: Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren’s son, Joesph Corre is the co-founder of luxury lingerie brand, Agent Provocateur.

L.A.M.B. RTW Fall 2010

The good people over at M·A·C were kind enough to share their facecharts from the Fall 2010 shows during New York Fashion Week. Today’s facecharts include L.A.M.B. and Vena Cava, whose shows took place on Thursday, February 11th at Milk Studios.

M·A·C artist, Charlotte Tilbury describes this look as, “1930’s prostitute-trampy, smokey eye, deep “rougeoir” lips, and beautiful pale skin. Face and Body Foundation was applied all over for a “doll-like” glow. For glossy, sultry cat eyes, Tilbury used M·A·C Fluidline in Blacktrack and Eye Kohl in Smolder. Lip treatment was dabbed over the top to create a wet look. Staying true to the designer’s most favored and signature look (when have we NOT seen Gwen Stefani rocking a red mouth?), lips were heavily painted on using M·A·C Burgundy lip pencil and Lipmix in Crimson.

Vena Cava RTW Fall 2010

M·A·C artist, Lloyd Simmonds created a bronzy, bright lipped look for Vena Cava. At the request of the designers,  models “looked like they spent the day skiing and horseback riding- fresh, flushed, but tanned.” For the face, Simmonds applied M·A·C  Select Cover-Up Concealer (used as foundation). Pro Cream Colour Base in Bronze and Mid-Tone Sepia were swept across forehead and cheekbones for a windblown appearance. M·A·C Pro Shine Wax was dabbed over the Cream Colour Base across the bridge of the nose for a fresh, dewy finish. Eyes were kept neutral using M·A·C Pro Powder Blush in Taupe, Eye Shadow in Style Predator, Pro Lash Mascara in Black (applied to top lashes only), finally topped off with a layer of Pro Shine Wax. For a sophisticated, matte mouth, Simmonds used M·A·C Lipmix in Red and followed the natural outline of the lips.

The morning after! Music’s biggest award show brought out all of the stars to celebrate the industry. The Grammy’s were a bit more entertaining as musicians will be a bit more daring with their fashion than actors.  Here we featured some of our favorite looks along with, ya know, those other ones.

Lady Gaga obviously killed it with her Armani Privé custom crystal dazzler. She did it right! Ladies, wear couture to awards shows – come on!  Check out Nicola Formichetti’s blog for complete coverage of each outfit she wore during the show. How did she know yellow was my favorite color, her hair looks amazing with the yellow added in.

Pink looked incredible. Wearing a haute couture gown she would certainly not have to worry about showing up in the same dress as someone else.  She looked exceptionally  lady like for a musician that is proud to not be like those other girls.  She definitely worked it well – though her performance outfit was a bit TMI.

Katy Perry recently was engaged to Russell Brand during a trip to India but I think she took her South Asian inspiration a bit too far.  The elephant purse was a bit much and the Bindi was a bit Gwen Stefani circa the 90s.

As far as trends for the night, sparkles and shine ruled (they are “stars” aren’t they?) and colors remained pretty neutral – mostly blacks, whites and neutrals like beige.

This show was definitely more entertaining than the Globes (fashion-wise) but still not what I would expect – all out glamour!  I can’t wait for the Oscars – I hope the celebrities don’t disappoint!

For those of you who love the finer things in life, but can’t quite afford them… you’re in luck!

Upper Echelon Shoes, the blossoming kicks company we produced a calendar with back in May, is already a hit with celebs such as Drew Barrymore, Fergie and Gwen Stefani, who favor the brand’s combination of classic kick with a high-end aesthetic. Combining the average sneaker with18-karat chains designed by Gabriel Urist ( we brought you an exclusive look at the designs when we visited the UES showroom not too long ago) was what apparently caught Steve Madden’s eyes. The footwear tycoon will be teaming up with designers Seth Campbell and Nicholas Cohen to expand the Upper Echelon Shoe line and give it a greater range of availability–and hopefully knock a few dollars off that price tag!

The Fashion Meets Music column is a new addition to the M.I.S.S website. We compile a list of style icons; Modernists, Eccentrics, Classics, It Girls, Rebels, etc., who impress us with their panache and decide on a weekly feature. The collision of fashion and music has always enamored me because the complete package of sound and style can elevate a live experience and inspire you to dazzle in an outfit. We even included two of the most desirable men alive; David Bowie and Pharrell Williams. However, I think its safe to say that 2009 was undeniably the year of the Avant Garde with Lady GaGa serving as its commander-in-chief. Thankfully, her stylist, Nicola Formichetti kept us faithful followers up-to-date with her performances and the genius designers behind the daring stage/everyday combinations that have caught the international fashion press abuzz as well as notable designers. The woman met  Queen Elizabeth!

Pants were left behind and exaggerated shapes pushed forward. Especially in the sharp angular tailoring in the shoulders of jackets courtesy of Christophe Decarnin at Balmain, whose muse was 80’s luminary; the late Michael Jackson. Fashion in the Pop star world definitely became more tough and quite glittery. Accessories mirrored the look of body armor or came studded. Sparkly biker jackets and shiny micro-minis were all over red carpets and fashion editorials. Pink known for her edgy approach to, well, everything, and earthy Colombian songstress, Shakira both arrived at the MTV Video Music Awards in the same diamond chain embellished Balmain leather dress! Even the ladylike and mild mannered Beyonce transformed into Sasha Fierce dripping in Thierry Mugler and Alexander McQueen. Rihanna definitely stepped up her Pop star status with her daring outfits mixing well known designers pieces like Rodarte’s leather diamond laser cut leggings with independent designers like A-Morir by Kerin Rose’s Barracuda sunglasses in the “Run This Town” video. What do you think of her new video? I was feelin’ it until she jumped on a hot pink tank and straddled the cannon in a Mickey Mouse helmet. Oh RiRi.

I was raised by a SoCal mother who would escape to Mexico on the weekends, listened to Led Zepplin, and has the backstage passes in our photo albums to prove it. I’m a rocker at heart. I don’t think I was more excited than the mega return of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Karen O. Hands down the best show I attended this year; opened by Philly’s darling with the dirty mouth and M.I.S.S favorite, Amanda Blank. Karen O’s costume designer, Christian Joy created the visual splendor that she paraded in with her yoga-like stretches while belting out hits like “Heads Will Roll” and  ”Y Control” compelling me to ‘dance until I was dead’ Oh! Too easy. The giant eyeball bouncing about the stage reminded me of the Mishka “Keep Watch” leggings I was rockin’ this year which got just as much fanfare as completely appalled/disgusted looks. Other women who rock that we featured were, The Gossip’s lead singer Beth Ditto, 60’s French Ye Ye Girl Francoise Hardy, artist/fashion designer/Sonic Youth’s lead bassist and singer Kim Gordon, the adorable Katy Perry, and my personal favorite (whom I would probably have a Wayne and Garth “we’re not worthy” moment with if i ever met) Gwen Stefani.

Then there are the musician/designer collabos that set the internetz on fire. Kanye West and Louis Vuitton put out a few version’s of a high priced sneaker. Miley Cyrus and Wal-Mart recently teamed up for a capsule collection. The Kings of Leon (swoon) teamed up with the Paris-based creative collective, Surface to Air, on a flannel heavy collection of mountain-man staples. Kim Gordon came out with the Mirror/Dash collection at Urban Outfitters. The most enduring style stars that have developed their global brands the best have to be, Pharrell Williams at Billionaire Boys Club and Gwen Stefani at L.A.M.B. What were some of your favorite collaborations? And did you purchase anything?

I hope everyone has a fabulous New Year donning their prettiest sparklers, even if your in your PJ’s! Carrie Bradshaw killed it with her sequin hat a la the Sex And The City movie. So looking forward to the next one! And looking forward to discussing more of our fashion inspirations. Peace out 2009!

With Christmas and a new year right around the corner, those of us in the holiday spirit are finding ourselves looking back on a year that’s past, remembering all the good, bad, and ugly moments it brought us. Forget that.  If you’re anything like me, you’re looking forward to a new exciting and exhilarating year one in which the fashion will be out of this world amazing. Spring 2010 is happening now, if you’re going by the clock the fashion world uses. Catwalks have been walked, look books dissected, and for me those spring summer months couldn’t come quick enough, especially after tasting what Matiko Shoes has in store for us.

Founded in 2003 by young designer Jesse Howard, Matiko Shoes has been making waves providing comfortable footwear, not only worn by stars such as Rihanna, Fergie, Rachel Bilson, and Gwen Stefani, but is affordable enough for you and I to wear also. This summer Matiko is giving our lovely feet something to be happy about with a collection encompassing footwear that can take you from day to night. Studs seem to be a theme for this collection with the accessory showing up on several shoes including the wedged sandal Blondie, the gladiator sandal Gem, and transforming an otherwise subtle flat Tipper. Matiko also has a few pairs of shoes I can definitely see myself in during a nice summer night on the town, specifically Sloane, the cut out wedge sandal, Sidney and Krista, a pair of open toed heels that make my heart melt, and Nessa the multicolored low heeled wedge coming in a plethora of colors including hot pink/brown, your basic black, and tan/brown to name a few.

Overall the Matiko Shoes collection makes me excited for this summer, but there’s just one shoe that makes me want summer here NOW. This shoe, being the lovely, wonderful, amazing, jaw dropping, terrific, spectacular, did I say amazing, KAT! This shoe is not your average gladiator sandal my friend. It’s WAY BETTER. Knee high with buckles galore and a impressive wedge heel, this is gladiator sandal of the future. I can’t wait to get my greedy little hands on these goods, and come summer 2010 I know I’ll have a least a few pairs in my overflowing closet. If you love what you see as much as I do, check out Matiko Shoes at their home on the web. With wide varieties, extremely affordable prices, and retailers such as Overstock.com, Karmaloop, Revolve Clothing, Bluefly, making Matiko goodies available to all, what’s not to love about these shoes.

To put it simply: I CAN’T WAIT FOR SUMMER!

L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers just announced via press release that they are expanding with a new collection of accessories for personal electronics for Apple. Oy va voy, more ways to spend the money I don’t have! Although I’ve been a fan of L.A.M.B. since Stefani’s debut line with LeSportSac (and I still have some pieces, what!), I can also appreciate the younger demographic she is targeting with her Harajuku Lovers line. In fact, her fragrances for HL are sold in a little hat box of four this holiday season, and the gift collection is set up to look like a dollhouse! But there I go, digressing again.

The new electronics collection includes iPhone clutches, MacBook sleeves, gadget pouches, backpacks with built-in laptop compartments and a laptop tote, among other styles.

The L.A.M.B. collection, with retail prices ranging from $50.00 to $400.00, is available in the coated canvas Signature Collection and the embroidered leather Ultraviolet Collection, both of which coordinate with the handbag collections of the same names. The L.A.M.B. Ultraviolet collection will be available only at the Apple Online Store and select Apple retail stores. The L.A.M.B. Signature collection will be sold through Apple as well as Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.

And for the younger (or cheaper) set, the Harajuku Lovers collection is made of satin-weave nylon and prices range from $30.00 to $100.00 at retail. The Harajuku Lovers collection will be available through Apple, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.