We Are So Inspired by Derek Gores

Derek has gained national attention for his collage portrait series, recycling magazines, labels, and found materials to create the works on canvas. The series showcases Gores' contrasting interests in the natural beauty of the figure, the angular design aesthetics of fashion (and machinery), and a fearless sense of play. A successful commercial designer and illustrator for 15 years, clients include ESPN, Lenny Kravitz, Lucasfilm, Kings of Leon, U2, NASCAR, Adidas, Madonna, Harley Davidson, 321 Agency, Van Halen, the National Football League, LiveNation, SEIU, Love Haight Apparel, and JCPenney. More Info via Derek's site.

Nicki Minaj's Interview with XXL Magazine

We know she calls herself a "bad bitch" but after seeing this interview , we think she's a smart "bitch" too.

ALEXANDER WANG COMBAT BOOTS

These Lara Combat boots (named after Tomb Raider's Laura Croft) by Alexander Wang just hit the net. The killer heel and the details make them one of the hottest boots of the fall. You can purchase them here.

Nooka Watch

Nooka released this ZIRC NT edition. The Nooka Zirc features a new display design, also at 35x45x10mm, it is the largest display to date.The 12 dots represent hours and the horizontal row counts minutes. It features an alarm and backlight and not to mention a band that is 22m wide. Get info via Nooka.

YSL Sneaker with "Y" Detail

Check out these men's YSL sneakers. They can be purchased here. Can you say FRESH??!!!

Dead Prez "Summertime"

Rap Revolutionaries Dead Prez released a new video for their single Summertime. We can dig it. It has a feel good vibe to it. Check it out.

Lily Allen for Chanel

UK pop star Lily Allen is the new face of Chanel. According to The Daily Mail, these ads were shot by Karl Lagerfield himself. We love it (bags and all). Its a good look for Lily.

Zero 7- In the Waiting Line

It's a throwback video but we were inspired and wanted to share.

Men's Fall 2009 Trend: Military Wear

Structured jackets with knee high boots are the elements to acheive this look.

Fall Trend: Dark Romance

Fall/Winter 2009 collections are represented by the dark romance. Black lace, bejeweled dresses and black flowy gowns dominates the fashion industry this fall.

Saskia Diez Papier Collection

German industrial designer, Saskia Diez created a collection of papier bags. These bags are made of syntheic paper that is light but sturdy. This collection can be purchased at Saskia Diez.

Celebrity Look of the Week: Rihanna

Rihanna looked effortlessly fab at the UK premier of Inglourious Basterds. She rocked a Alexander McQueen jumpsuit accessorized with lace gloves and multiple layers of pearls.

Silk Printed Cape Dress

This silk printed cape dress drapes the silhouette so beautifully. This dress has a deep V-neck, a flared skirt and a zip at the side to fasten. It's also 100% silk. Available at The Outnet.

Artist Lucy McLauchlan

We love UK artist Lucy McLauchlan. She is all about letting go of her conscious mind when she creates. Her work is influenced by the world around her.

Solange Cuts Hair Off

CAN SHE LIVE?!!! The internet is going nuts over Solange's hair cut. I mean we understand everyone is entitled to their opinion but why do the opinions gotta be so cruel. What about the saying "if you have nothing nice to say don't say nothing at all".

Hotel of the Week: Mondrian South Beach

The Mondrian South Beach is the latest addition to the Morgans Hotel Group (MHG). According to MHG, the visionary style of designer Marcel Wanders is apparent from the moment you pull into the porte-cochere: guests walk through a grand entryway appointed with custom-designed furniture, lighting and accent pieces, evoking Wanders’ design homage of “Sleeping Beauty’s Castle”. Upon entering the soaring lobby, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of Biscayne Bay. Immediately the eye is drawn to the masterpiece of the room–an iconic, signature “floating staircase.” Black and gold patterned furnishings and oversized brass bell shaped lights add a touch of whimsy and welcome guests to sit and socialize or enjoy the view. Next time we are in the MIA, this will be our suite spot.

Jay-Z to Headline All Points West Music and Arts Festival in New Jersey

All Points West Music and Art Festival announced that Jay-Z will headline the 1st night of the festival. Hopefull he will perform some of the songs from his upcoming album, The Blueprint 3 that will drop September 11. Other artists that will perform at the festival will be QTip, Chairlift, MGMT, The Cool Kids, Coldplay, Tool and The Pharcyde.

Central Los Angeles High School #9

Design architect Coop Himmeld(l)au spearheaded the team that built this extraordinary performance arts high school that is nestled in central Los Angeles, CA. Only in LaLa Land will high school be this fly.

Artist Christina Drejenstam

We came across this Swedish Illustrator three times now. We are taking our mutiple encouters with each other as a sign to share. Christina Drejenstam via Christina Drejenstam

Ettore Sottass for Glass Italia

Designer Ettore Sottas teamed up with Glas Italia to create this colorful and geometric glass mirrors. Explore more at Glas Italia.

Lily Allen covers I-D Magazine

Check out British pop star Lily Allen on the cover of this months i-D's magazine.

Porsche's Mobile Phone

Luxury cars isn't the only thing the Porsche manufactures. This year it stepped into the electronic and communications industry and launched a luxury mobile phone. According to Porsche, this phone is solid aluminum with a clear, purist design. Absolutely functional. The scratch proof mineral glass and large display support touchscreen navigation and guarantee maximum quality. The purist design of the P´9522 complements its sophisticated technology: 5.0 mega pixel camera with video function, high-resolution OLED display and sensitive fingerprint sensor. Wireless LAN for unrestricted internet access. The highlight inside: an intelligent GPS navigation for reliable orientation. Well for $800, I hope this phone is worth every penny.

Designer's Spotlight: Baum Und Pfredgarten

Danish Designers Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave launch small fashion house Baum Und Pfredgarten in 1999. According to wikipedia, Baum und Pferdgarten, currently, is available in more than 20 countries worldwide and leading boutiques and department stores offer the collections to women in metropolitans as Copenhagen, London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Their playful, stylish and fashion forward designs represents those who want to separate themselves from the masses, and that is why we love this line. As a matter of fact, their manifesto is to differ from the masses both in design and in process. Check out their website and you will see their decree manifested throughout all of their collections.

Congrats to Maxwell!!!

Congrats are in order, Maxwell tops the Billboard Charts this week. His fourth studio album BLACKsummers night sold 316,000 units in its first week of release. If you don't have go cop it, its a smooth ride.

Christine J. Brandt's Natural Pendents

Christine J. Brandts pendents are contrived from natural elements, such as African Woods and minerals like Vanadinite and Pyromorphite. Christine Brandt who says that her work reflects her environment is establishing her jewelry collection as a favorite on our list.

Pierre Hardy's High Top Sneakers

Pierre Hardy's high top sneakers were inspired by the Op Art paintings of Victor Vasarely. These shoes are so fly that Mr. Hardy is only issuing 500 pairs of these sneakers. I mean what can we say, fashion and art is always a good look.

VOGUE ITALIA GOES BLACK....BARBIE STYLE

With the success of last year's Vogue Italia's first All Black Issue, they decided to do another all black issue, this time celebrating the black barbie. Franca Sozzani, Editor-in-Chief of Italian Vogue explains,

“Barbie has been an icon for whole generations which is why I really wanted to give a strong sign in step with the times, and dedicate this issue to Black Barbie.”

Jay-Z Covers Billboard Magazine

Jay-Z covers Billboard's July/August issue. With his September 11th release of The Blueprint 3, we are all excited for this newly independent artist. Because we, here at BRICKS, pride ourselves on being the soucre for your information and inspiration, we thought we end this post with a food for thought from the interview.

"I still owed an album to Def Jam, but I wanted to have it back for a number of reasons, the most important being that it wasn't consistent with the type of business I planned for me or where I was positioning myself. Everything in my life I had taken charge of, but yet I was still an artist signed to a label. It seemed a little archaic in my plans," he says. "I've always prided myself on being a principled person. It was more so the principle than the amount of money. It was about owning my own masters and owning my own companies, but you have to pay for the privilege, and that comes at a premium."

Can't Knock Teedra's Hustle

Even though we all have been waiting for her new album to drop for three years now, Teedra Moses is still hustling and on the grind. With all of her concerts, photoshoots and appearances you would think that she is promoting a new album that is about to drop (hopefully she is). While we are patiently waiting, check out this new track from our favorite underground R&B lioness.

Artist Mikelene Thomas

New York native Mickelene Thomas' paintings are like a breathe of fresh air. Her 1970s infused pieces reminds you of the era of Pam Grier and the disco queens. Vivid color, strong women and wood paneling seem to be the common denominator in Thomas' work. Her pieces are so reminiscent that it seems as if it were created 3 decades ago. Put her on your radar because we know you will hear her name more often.

Karl Lagerfield for Atelier Ruby

Mr. Lagerfield teamed up with Atleier Ruby to create a luxury mobility accessory. The tweed helmet is not only fly but functional, as it has a place for your ipod. If you are a biker this is a must have.

Karen Walker Eyewear

Original, fresh, funky, stylish and sleek are just a few words that describe Karen Walker's 2009 Eyewear Collection. Ms. Walker has definitely has our stamp of approval. Don't believe us? Check it out for yourself and visit her site.

Objects of our Affection: Royal Elastics

The Royal Elastics brand gets our stamp of approval. These shoes are so fresh because they have that sleek, clean, minimal look to it and not to mention no laces. Cop a pair, we can guarantee you are gonna get many complements.

BRICKS IT LIST: Louis Vuitton's Lock and Chain Necklace

LV's Ready-to-Wear Fall 09/10 collection proves why LV is one of the vital organs in the body of fashion. One of our favorite jewelry pieces from the collection is the Lock and Chain necklace. This half gold necklace emphasized with pearls and a lock is so versatile. It can be worn to accent an outfit or it can be the outfit. It is, now, available for pre-order at Louis Vuitton.

PAPERMONSTER

PaperMonster is a stencil graffiti artist based out of New York City. Their peices uses vivid color, stencil and pasting techniques to show the beauty behind the eyes and facial expressions of women. Their work has been showcased at numerous art platforms across the globe. Check out more of from this artist at www.papermonster.org.