Some New Kids on the Block Blow Up in Technicolor: Chiddy Bang

From the "wild thing" creeping in the background to the kids street-dancing and balling, we think Chiddy Bang's "Truth" video is like an awesomely cool-kids version of "Empire State of Mind," without the glitz, without the "see me now" elements...except of course for the "I'm gettin' shows booked" proclamation. But, what would young rap be without the I'm-blowin'-up, angsty moments like Chiddy "Proto" Anamege's facial expression when he proclaims himself a "ladies' man?" If Jay is the new Sinatra, Proto is the new Bowie. Inner city kids never made Passion Pit's "Better Things" look so fun.



"Periodically, I'm in my element. Phosphorus."

Look for new album out 8/24.

CAN'T MISS: Site-Specific Dance Performance from Noémie Lafrance, 8/19

Another amazing dance performance is coming to NYC from site-specific choreographer and artistic director of Sens Production Noémie Lafrance. 'Melt' will begin Thursday, August 19, and run through Sunday, August 29. Ms. Lafrance's work, including  Feist's "1, 2, 3, 4" music video, which you should view here, has gained her accolades from The NYTimes, Time Out New York, TIME Magazine, and Dance Magazine calls her a “site-specific wizard” in their “25 choreographers to watch.” Below is a look at one of her previous pieces of work, 'Descent,' which transforms the staircase of the NYC Court Building Clock Tower into a eerie kaleidoscope of bodies and movement.

Sens Production describes 'Melt' as a work in which the dancers will be "slowly melting away, progressing in euphoria and exhaustion as if approaching the sun, melting until their souls escape their ephemeral bodies and disintegrate into light." So, it's a really light piece sure to take the edge off! Have no doubt though; her work will make you dread the stage.

Reminder: Matisse Exhibit Starts Tomorrow

"Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913–1917" running until October 11, begins tomorrow at the MoMA! More info here. Be chic, be there.

Stella for 2012!

Stella McCartney was just announced as the designer of the UK's 2012 Olympics uniforms! We thought you'd like to get as excited as we are to tune in... a few years down the road. Below, a look from her resort 2011 collection.

photo courtesy of style.com

"Girl-Scout Camp Military" Meets Fall 2010 Couture

Straight from J. Crew's Creative Director Jenna Lyons, we can look forward to "Edie-Beale-goes-to-summer-camp" fall 2010 catalogues and a softer military look that's balanced by sequins, pearls and bright lip colors like "Funny Face" by NARS. Stills from the fall 2010 catalogue shoots:

photos courtesy of J. Crew

How does this style agenda fit into the couture frontier we're beginning to see in Paris right now? Well, lots of frills, lace, floral-inspired designs and feminine shapes. Floral look below from Dior, a Balmain-esque design from Givenchy, and a gorgeous, neutral floor-grazer from Elie Saab.

   

photos courtesy of style.com

Finally, another look from Dior, left, that pays homage to a Fendi oldie-but-goodie of Spring 2009 RTW, right:

photos courtesy of style.com

Videos to Pore Over: Jeff Scher

Filmmaker, animator and painter Jeff Scher recently released his newest video 'Summer Hours,' an effervescent and discursive music video evocative of summer memories and daydreams. He tells BRM how it all began: "I used to love the montage scenes in movies when people stopped talking and you had to communicate a certain arc of visuals in the story." At these moments, you don't need to define what is meant because as Scher says, "you feel what it means." This particular montage, 'Summer Hours,' stems out of Scher's view of past summers. He tells us:

"Vacations are the whole idea of getting away from it all, and what happens when you get away from it all is that you see it with perspective. Vacations and perspective are really interlocked. That’s why so many people get so drunk on vacation, I think."

photo courtesy of Jeff Scher

Scher shares with us his perspective on style:

"Style is that thing that attracts the mate. Style in a bluejay is really blue feathers and a loud voice, and it’s the same thing with people."

Scher's work is featured in the MoMA's permanent collection and screened at film festivals around the world. He recently created Bob Dylan's 'Little Drummer Boy' video, and Vook just released his "Best of Times," which you can access here. View 'Summer Hours' and read more from Scher about the film here. And, here is a look at one of his previous dazy, summer films, 'L'eau Life':

Major thanks to Mr. Scher for sharing his exclusive thoughts and art with Back Row Mafia.

NBT: Roberta Roller Rabbit

We say get your hands on these adorable coverups this summer before some have them in summer '11 and everyone has them in summer '12. Roberta Roller Rabbit by Roberta Freymann has been cropping up on the hottest beach-goers we know. Don't wait to be one of them.

  

photos courtesy of robertarollerrabbit.com

So an Hermès Scarf Walks into a Coffee House and Sits on the Table

Thames & Hudson just released a new book worth gracing your coffee table. The Hermès Scarf: History & Mystique by Nadine Coleno features nearly 300 pages of beautiful Hermès prints through the 80+ years since the scarf was first created. You can read more and purchase the book here.

photo courtesy of amazon.com

Reminder: Met Exhibit Starts Tomorrow.

"Between Here and There: Passages in Contemporary Photography" running until February 13, begins tomorrow at The Met! More info here. Don't miss it.