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 New Arrivals: T by Alexander WangEnd your quest for the perfect white t-shirt: shop Alexander Wang's impeccably tweaked basics collection, T Alexander Wang, at SSENSE. Photos from Alexander Wang.
 Soft FocusPhotographer Aneta Bartos shoots only on film to create haunting, painterly portraits with a distinctive ethereal style.
 HangupsThe recyclable, biodegradable Green Hanger finally provides an eco-friendly alternative to standard wire.
A Single ManTom Ford trades the drawing board for the director's chair with "A Single Man," an upcoming drama directed, co-written and co-produced by the former Gucci and YSL head. The "most personal thing" Ford has ever done, the film stars Colin Firth as a British college professor struggling to remake his life in 1960's Los Angeles after the death of his longtime partner. "A thing of heart-stopping beauty... Tom Ford is the real deal." Opening worldwide December 11th.
 Behind the ScenesFashion photographer Anne Combaz captures the reality of runway prep in up-close-and-personal portraits of models backstage before fashion shows.
 New arrivals: DRKSHDWTear the last page off your countdown calendar, obsessively refresh the New Arrivals for a final time and shop the latest from Rick Owens DRKSHDW at SSENSE.
 CompositionWe love: quietly stunning photography by Brazilian Marcio Simnch.
 Gemma Ward Calls It Quits22 year old Australian supermodel Gemma Ward announced her official departure from modeling this week. The New York based model was romantically linked to Heath Ledger and disappeared from the fashion industry shortly following his death in 2008. As one of the world's top earning supermodels, Ward's fawnlike beauty will be missed.
 Soundsuits"Wearable art" becomes literal with Soundsuits, a collection of Chicago textile artist Nick Cave's body-concealing sculpture pieces. The suits incorporate hair, sticks, sequins, plastic flowers, cloth, toys and other unexpected found materials to stunning visual effect. Equally reminiscent of African ceremonial costumes and the famous Yves Saint Laurent coccoon dress, Cave's Soundsuits are a virtuosic blend of sculpture and haute couture. At UCLA's Fowler Museum starting January 2010.
 Plugged InThe must-have accessory for traveling during fashion week? The, new, innovative UK plug, of course. Redesigned by Royal College of Art graduate Min-Kyu Choi. the slim and sleek folding and rotating elements reduce the standard-sized plug to a slender ten millimeters, the width of a MacBook Air.
 Introducing: Erin Wasson x RVCAChic grunge looks are the focus in Erin Wasson's latest collection for California streetwear label RVCA. The Texan supermodel's legendary low-key style is the inspiration for this versatile collection of boyfriend jeans, denim vests, distressed tees and other wardrobe staples - and the creative force giving them that crucial extra punch of attitude. New at SSENSE!
 Sunday Drive"Sunday Drive," the final project of the late fashion photographer Luke Smalley, arrives at New York's ClampArt gallery. The lavishly photographed narrative series tells the story of three young women getting dressed to go see their boyfriends at the state penitentiary. Smalley juxtaposes the boys' dire situation with the girls' preoccupation over one of life's eternal questions: what to wear? At ClampArt through December 19th.
 Damien Hirst x LivestrongSport and art world all-stars Lance Armstrong and Damien Hirst teamed up on a bicycle that raised $500,000 at auction for Armstrong's Livestrong charity last Sunday. The Madone Trek bike, rode by Armstrong in the last leg of this year's Tour de France, was customized with Hirst's signature real butterflies. How do we recommend the buyer accessorize? With a pair of Alexander Wang bike shorts, of course.
 Cycle ChicAmid flack from skeptics, Alexander Wang defends the $395 price tag of his FW 09 bike shorts: "People look at that and go 'Oh, those are biker shorts.' But the yarn we use is from Italy, the technique is digital weaving, there's a lot that goes into product development that the consumer doesn't necessarily always understand. And for the people that do understand it, they do get into it, they buy it, and those are the people I'm speaking to. And there will always be people that don't understand what you're doing, but I'm not here to satisfy everyone." We know what we'll be wearing on the bike path this spring: Shop Alexander Wang.
 TheatricsMarc Jacobs breaks the fourth wall with a dramatically inspired Spring collection. "If last season was a trip back in time to the eighties," says Jacobs, "this was a trip to the theater, the ballet, the opera." Inflections of kabuki, Broadway and classic pantomime make for a truly spectacular effect. Get into character at SSENSE.
 Shoes or No Shoes?Shoe junkies in need of reassurance should pay a visit to Shoes Or No Shoes?, a footwear museum and archive that will make anyone's Louboutin habit look reasonable in comparison. The Belgian-housed collection includes more than 2,700 pairs of tribal and ethnological shoes, 1,200 pairs of conceptual "is it a shoe?" shoes, and a sprawling assortment of Blahniks, Ferragamos and other iconic designer styles.
 Catwalk CatsCollections, campaigns, creativity and catfights: we love "Catwalk Cats," a feline-themed diary of drawings and photographs from high fashion power couple Grace Coddington and Didier Malige. The creative director of U.S. Vogue and the noted hair stylist retell twenty years of insider gossip from the perspective of their five cats, Henri, Coco, Baby, Puff and Bart. Coddington's drawings and Malige's photographs are a delightful tribute to family, felines, love and fashion. steidville.com
 DysfashionalThere will be no clothes on display at Dysfashional, an exhibition devoted to the imaginations - but not the collections! - of the fashion world's top designers. Martin Margiela, Hussein Chalayan, Raf Simons, Bless and other fashion heavyweights create installations that highlight the "dysfunctional" aspects of their visions: conceptual identities that extend beyond the literal confines of clothes and accessories. On exhibit at the Passage du Désir, Paris, until November 29th.
 Hot LightsUp-and-coming Canadian photo talent takes center stage in "Hot Lights," a limited edition art book released for Toronto Fashion Week. Caitlin Cronenberg, Mackenzie Duncan, Francisco Garcia, Lily & Lilac and Troy Moth put our home country on the map at hotlightstoronto.com
 Dance coutureHussein Chalayan takes the sculptural padded acetate of his AW09 collection off the runway and onto the stage with exclusive costumes designed for "Faun," a new contemporary ballet piece from London's Sadler's Wells company. Practice your pliés and shop Chalayan's signature structured looks at SSENSE. Photos by Diego
 Fashion 2.0Australian photographer Darren McDonald brings fashion photography into the information age with his latest shoot: an editorial of model Caitlin Lomax conducted entirely over Skype. Because why just shop in your underwear when you can shoot someone else in theirs?
 The dream walking societyThe Dream Walking Society is a tumblr page where contributers (among others are fashion bloggers Cat Khan and Danny Roberts) post photographs that have a dream like quality to them. A great source for beautiful photos of angelic girls and ethereal landscapes. dreamwalking.tumblr.com
 BookwormDon?t bring him to the library: Atlanta-based artist Brian Dettmer?s ?book autopsy? sculptures turn books and encyclopedias into striking 3-D found art objects. Using surgical tools, the artist seals the edes of used volumes and slowly carves away sections to reveal and recontextualize the images contained within. Playing on ideas of obsolesence and permanence, Dettmer?s pieces are a truly original take on a familiar medium. briandettmer.com
 Star SearchScientists kick the search for extraterrestrial life into warp speed with the Allen Telescope Array, a grouping of of 350 20-foot dish antennas in California?s Cascade Mountains that are striking pieces of sculpture as well as technological marvels. The dishes function as a single super-telescope that scans the skies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to produce a digital image of the universe 17 times larger than the previous record holder?s. With plans to check out a million nearby star systems in the next two dozen years, the Allen Telescope Array should finally be giving us some answers. seti.org/ata/
 Guido van der WerveDutch video artist Guido van der Werve arrives at Montreal?s DHC Gallery as part of the exhibition ?Survivre au Temps.? Equal parts Bas Jan Ader and Caspar David Friedrich, van der Werve?s featured films depict the artist in characteristically grand settings: walking in front of an icebreaker in the Gulf of Bothnia or standing on the geographic North Pole for 24 hours and turning in the opposite direction of the earth. A sublime synthesis of Romantic expressiveness and conceptual vigor. On exhibit October 16th to November 22nd. dhc-art.org/
 Flashdrive SunglassesCalvin Klein's 4GB flashdrive sunglasses are just another option in the long list of innovative ways to carry your data around with you
Chelsea on the rocksFor the last 50 years, the Chelsea Hotel has been a refuge for artists, writers and musicians. Janis Joplin, Patti Smith and Madonna partied there, Arthur C.Clarke and Jack Kerouac wrote there, Jasper Johns painted there, Charles Jackson and Nancy Spungen died there. The documentary, by Abel Ferrera, focuses on the famous hotel visitors and residents of the past decades.
Maison Martin Margiela - the bookRizzoli's forthcoming "Maison Martin Margiela" is the first book to document the work, from fashion and art to design and performance, of the Paris-based Belgian couturier. Designed exclusively by Margiela himself, the luxurious volume features metallic inks, lush paper, ribbon markers and interior booklets. A behind-the-scenes look at twenty years of design and craftsmanship from one of the world's most singular, enigmatic designers. Available in late October. rizzoliusa.com
 SPA ScandinaveScandinave Les Bain Old Montréal provides a regenerating experience, using ancient techniques and traditions of thermal waters, widely recognized for their energizing and relaxing effects. The spa offers a Finnish sauna or Norwegian steam bath followed by a cold plunge and a Swedish massage. thecoolhunter.net
 GrungePhotographer Michael Lavine's latest book GRUNGE contains 160 black and white photographs taken between 1983-1993 with text by Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth. Michael Lavine's iconic photographs of musicians and kids in the grunge and alternative rock scene have been influencing fashion for years, especially the last few seasons where grunge revival has been all over the runways and the streets.
 Drink DieselNow available to the public: limited-edition wines from Diesel founder Renzo Rosso's private estate. Born out of Rosso's passion for quality wine and affection for the traditions of his home region, the Diesel Farm collection offers Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pino Nero as well as Grappa and olive oil - all grown and processed on Rosso's six-hectare estate in Marostica, Vincenza, Italy. A perfect pairing for any Diesel outfit. dieselfarm.it.
 Natural WonderJust released by the Criterion Collection: sublime nature cinema by Jean Painlevé's. The scientist/filmmaker/inventor's depictions of seahorses, jellyfish, and other animals are dreamy aesthetic marvels. Frequently compared to "Fantasia," Painlevé's documentaries and Surrealist collaborations are pioneering works of scientific-poetic cinema. Watch excerpts from his collected works at Criterion criterion.com/films/1286
 Cutting EdgeNew York-based NEWWORK magazine showcases exclusive works from the most boundary-pushing figures in fine art, design, high fashion, culture and politics. Featuring bold custom typefaces and an innovative revival of the traditional newspaper format, NEWWORK turns each page into pure art. In the latest issue Albert Watson, Wolfgang Weingart and Robert Longo take on the themes of contrast and dynamic dualism. newworkmag.com
 Twist & ShoutJonathan Cassidy’s Twist and Shout project chronicles trends with edgy collage. The ongoing work embellishes found fashion photography with original illustration and eye-catching patterned backgrounds. An irreverent take on contemporary fashion, informed by timeless rock n’ roll nostalgia. twistandshout.us.
 WHERE THE WILD THINGS AREThe much aniticipated film adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's picture book is due out October 16th. Spike Jonze delivers a visual feast with fantastical imagery of Max and the creatures of the wild forest. Where the Wild Things Are brings back childhood memories to people of all ages, and this film is sure to warm hearts. imdb.com
 The New BlackOn her: Hat, stylists own. Helmut Lang Shadow jacket, Elizabeth & James chain fringe necklace, Superfine dress, Belle Sigerson Morrison boots.
 Designers Down UnderAustralia is stepping into the fashion forefront these days turning out designers that give an urban edge to the island continent's laid back, bohemian beach style. Brands on our radar include Denim & Thread, Sass & Bide, coming soon to SSENSE. We also love Claude Maus, the newest Aussie to grab out attention.
 POP-UP EATSMove over Dover Street Market - Parisian brothers Pascal and Laurent Grasso have upped the ante on the pop-up shop and opened Nomiya, a temporary pop-up restaurant perched on the roof of Paris's Palais de Tokyo museum. The eighteen-meter glass structure seats twelve for lunch or dinner and offers stunning panoramic views of the Seine and Eiffel Tower. It's only open for one year, so make your reservations now!
 Sinuous linesBrisbane-based photographer Chih-Han Hsu crafts stunning nudes and portraits out of the bare minimum: just a few white lines. The former digital character artist projects thin lines of light onto his models and photographs them in near darkness. The resulting images are deft, haunting explorations of 3D space - a striking, tactile approach to light and darkness. unsignedworks.blogspot.com
 House PartyThe newest Hollywood hotspot from David Judaken and Tony Daly (of Crimson, Mood and Opera) brings clubbing home - literally. MyHouse, the two-storey lounge designed by Dodd Mitchell, is inspired by great nights in, rather than out. The interior has all the trappings of a lavish Los Angeles home, including a fully stocked kitchen, bedroom and bath. The only sign this is not your ordinary house party? An air-tight guest list. Why go out if you can get in? myhousehollywood.com
 cfda nominee: wayne leeUp-and-coming designer Wayne Lee brings strong competition to this year's prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund awards with her self-titled women's wear collection, WAYNE (past winners include SSENSE favorites Alexander Wang and Rogan). Wayne's intelligent and subtly playful reinterpretations of tailored classics definitely get our vote. Coming soon to SSENSE!
 subversively supremeModeling agency Supreme challenges industry boundaries with their SS10 show collection. The severe styling and rhetoric of provocative, powerful images is the antithesis of pretty but looks just about perfect. Photographed by Hanna Liden and styled by Sally Lyndley.
 alexander mcqueen moves onRumor has it that Alexander McQueen's East London home is up for sale. The 2,957 sq.ft, four-storey design by architect David Adjaye is minimalist and light, boasting an incredible rooftop terrace and private garden. Listed at $2.87 million dollars. Looks like McQueen is moving on up.
 some/things magazineThe 304 page, hand-bound premiere edition of Some/Things Magazine features imaginative content and vision with a depth more lasting and personal than your average fashion glossy. Showcasing industry leaders and legends from Rick Owens, Paul Celan, Ann Demeulemeester to Dostoyevsky, this bi-annual publication of art, fashion, prose and photography presents a stunning, forward aesthetic that finally makes you think. Some/Things Magazine debuts this September in select bookstores and concept boutiques. www.someslashthings.com
lina scheyniusself-taught photographer and swedish native lina sheynius exposes all in her touching and ethereal photo diaries. the intimate self-portraits and images of close personal friends are bathed in natural light and rarely retouched. a published author of two beautifully composed photo compliations, we can't wait for scheynius's next chapter. www.linascheynius.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St-uO2jxK8A
 diorhommeGetting "back-to-basics" has been the unofficial mantra of countless designers recently though few pull it off as flawlessly as Kris Van Assche for Dior Homme. the spring 2010 collection, defined by ultra-tight tailoring, translucency andmonochromatic tones, is sure to be an instant classic. Rumors of Van Asshe's departure from the label leave us wondering what's next for the design Mecca - and racing to collect his versatile, timeless designs.
 givenchy reduxGivenchy Creative Director Ricardo Tisci knows how to stay ahead of trends - in fashion and economics. His new capsule collection, Redux, is based on signature stables from the timeless French label but at a more affordable price. Highlights include a take on the original Bettina blouse, leathers and footwear. The line is set to hit stores in October.
 viktor vauthierIn a world where glossy, retouched images dominate, Viktor Vauthier is bringing fashion photography back to reality. Armed with a 35 mm camera and no retouching, his photos capture a raw sensuality bordering on voyeuristic. Often shooting friends in their apartments, his photo diary life into fashion photography. www.viktorvautier.blogspot.com is packed with rooftop parties, sexy babes and fashion-savvy friends, bonus: a touch of nudity every so often. photo: viktorvautier.blogspot.com
 coco avant chanelAnne Fontaine's biopic, "Coco Avant Chanel", brings the life of legendary fashion couturier and icon Coco Chanel to the silver screen. Starring the elegant French actress Audrey Tatou as Coco, the film spans from her provincial childhood through her rise in the Parisian fashion world. The American release is set for Septemer 25th. Photo: imdb.com
 the selbyNew York-based photographer, Todd Selby, shoots artists, actors, designers, models, writers and fashionable people in their natural habitat:THEIR private homes. His website glimpses into the everyday life of style-setters, exposing their personal vision and influence, EXPLORING their residences, offices, studios and MORE. Leaving nothing out-of-bounds, The Selby is a source of inspiration for anyone interested in design and décor with the added guilty pleasure of seeing celebrities' at home. Photo: theselby.com
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