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Last night’s performance by the extraordinary multi-national DJ duo N.A.S.A. (North America/ South America) was, to put it simply, out of this world. And if you’re not into predictable puns I would suggest you stop reading this post right now and just check out the pictures.

I must admit, I was at first unimpressed by opener Hollywood Holt, whose set seemed more like a sound check slash mediocre stand up gig, although he did have a few solid one liners. If nothing else, Hollywood was confidently self-aware of his rep: “How many people in here know who I am?,” he asked, and after a brief headcount he gratefully concluded “nine mothafuckas” were aware of his greatness. The highlight of Hollywood’s set in my opinion was a little ditty that began with “nigga, shut the fuck up about my outfit.” I’m not sure of the real title, but you get the idea. Then there was something about “ballin’ ass Versace shades” and a brief lesson in “jukin” before the man clad in “love-suspenders” introduced our main act.

N.A.S.A. is the musical brainchild of Squeak E. Clean (Sam Spiegel) and DJ Zegon (Ze Gonzales) “conceived in a crowded party in Sao Paulo and nurtured by a shared love of vintage Brazilian soul and funk records.” Artists including but certainly not limited to Method Man, Karen O, Tom Waits, and Spank Rock all contributed to the project, and the results really speak for themselves. I had no idea what to expect from these two live.

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What if you could make a political statement with your underwear? Jeff Denby and Jason Kibbey wondered the same thing. And did something about it. The result? PACT, an online underwear company that blends design and sustainability, which launched earlier this week.

The company was launched with three original premium organic cotton underwear collections each supporting different social and environmental organizations. The fashion activists met in grad school and conceptualized the initial idea and a few prototypes back in 2007. The tenacity and foresight of the young duo caught the eye of famed sustainable designer Yves Behar, founder of the San Francisco based Fuseproject and designer of the One Laptop per Child “XO” laptop.

“We looked at underwear through the lens of 360-degree design. Having Fuseproject as an equity partner illuminates the fundamental importance of design to the PACT brand,” says Denby of the key collaboration. The 360-degree approach goes beyond the playful prints conceived by Behar but more importantly into every step of the manufacturing process. PACT’s products are all made in Turkey with all processes from the cotton growth to finished product conducted within an 100-mile radius. Every part of the supply chain is certified in the highest social and environmental standards. The underwear is then shipped to customers in bright green compostable shipping bags keeping to a bare minimum its carbon footprint.

Customers can shop by cause or print when visiting the online store. The inaugural prints support three different powerful organizations: ForestEthics, a non-profit founded in 2000 to protect endangered forests and wildlife around the world; 826 National, a nonprofit tutoring group dedicated to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of young writers; and Oceana, the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation.

Sustainability, style and social consciousness -- all in a pair of briefs.

Pictured above: PACT boxers $28 in 826 National and Oceana prints. For more information please visit www.wearpact.com.

It was hot hot hot last night at Zach Hyman's opening for his show "Decent Exposures" at the Chair and the Maiden Gallery. And I ain't talking about the humidity, but rather the hotness of photographer Zach who went shirtless at one point. Wow.

1) Alan Palomo (the man behind VEGA and Neon Indian) has set up a PayPal for donations to help replace his stolen equipment in time for his Pool Party gig with Grizzly Bear next week.

2) San Francisco chef Nate Appelman has teamed up with Keith McNally for the forthcoming Pulino's Bar and Pizzeria on the Bowery. (via Grub Street)

3) One day only: Jimmy Guterman, editor of the MIT Sloan Management Review, is giving away high-quality mp3s of the Sandinista Project, the song-by-song tribute to the Clash's longest record.

4) Hungry? Head to one of this weekend's outdoor barbecues.

5) Instructions on using Spotify from the US. (via Gawker)

6) Come November, the 52 albums Miles Davis recorded for Columbia will be available in one $369.98 box. (via Pitchfork )

Thursday night in New York is always the best, young, hottest party night, and last night, at the launch of Charlotte Ronson's new "I Heart Ronson" line for JCPenney, there was nothing amiss. To the right was Charlotte Ronson with her seemingly effortless super-cool swinging young designs. To the left were equally talented/hot/cool family members Samantha Ronson, Mark Ronson, Annabelle Dexter-Jones and mom, Ann Dexter-Jones. And somewhere in the middle of this were Hilary Duff, Sean Lennon, Zoe Kravitz, Mischa Barton and Sophie Bush. In its own way, this party equaled the excitement at the MoMA on Tuesday. Vogue vs. JCPenney -- could it be a tie?

The cutest pair at Artwalk's summer benefit for the Coalition for the Homeless? Brother and sister team Peter Smith and Bettina Prentice, who hosted the benefit at their house in Sagaponack. I was a co-host along with Kipton Cronkite and Liam McMullan. Held outside by the pool and under a summer-fun white big top tent, the event raised $6,742. I saw so many people I adore, like Jamie Prentice (Bettina's hot husband), Casey Fremont, my sis Minnie Mortimer and husband Stephen Gaghan, Douglas Marshall, Bob Kelty, Michael Musto, Georgia Tapert, William Heath and Dalia Oberlander, Sam Bolton, Dee Dee Sides, Alan Rish, Jamie Korey, Jeremiah Evarts, Lesley Schulhof, Timo Weiland, Kristian Laliberte, Louis Sarmiento, Scott Buccheit, Naeem Delbridge and Tatiana Sotirou to name a few. "My brother Peter so perfectly set the tone of the party, walking around barefoot in the grass with his jeans rolled up, beer in hand and a big smile for everyone walking through the door," Bettina tells me. I really wanted the evening to be fun and no-fuss but the hostess is always chasing the caterer or something. Seeing him so relaxed really helped me remember to have a good time."

Hello girls, ladies and women of all shapes and sizes...
Zeus is my name, I make no compromises.
Wet lips, sweet face and full-figure thighses...
C'mon li'l girl it's time for surprises.

I'm the O.G RamaMojo
In my Yohji Yamamotos.
Boxers this sick?
You might get bit.

I see you lovin' my Feiyue kicks,
The Shangai-Paris company's name means
"Fly and Go Through."
Ha Style Fiend.. I got 'em...not you.

Silver camera necklace by
Mihara Yasuhiro and Husam El-Odeh.
Plus my Toy Watch Jelly,
I work it all the way.

N. Hoolywood-Compile Line
Obscuro tee,
Chess inspired...
Obviously.

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Imagine this: it's been a long day in the office with an equally long night ahead (mercifully, there will be Mojitos involved). You have two hours until your event and desperately need to wash and style your hair for the evening (mercifully, there might be a man involved.) The issue here? Well, it's 8 p.m and just about every salon in the city of New York is closed. Every one that is, except Red Market.

The breathtaking salon, tucked in the heart of the Meatpacking District, is the first in New York to open exclusively in the evening. From 2 p.m until midnight, clients can stop by at their leisure and sip chilled wine and sparkling water while a handful of the leading stylists in the borough cut, color and coif. At first thought, the concept of a late night space which does double duty as a salon and a lounge makes perfect sense for this city, but it never happened until owners David Cotteblanche and Reynald Ricard put their plans into motion.

The duo met in 1992 while interviewing for stylists positions with a Paris-based, multinational salon. They immediately hit it off as friends, and immediately went their separate paths after being hired: Cotteblanche to Miami, and Riccard to Casablanca. It wasn't until years later, when they met again as stylists at Frederic Fekkai salon in New York, that the friends decided to strike out on their own.

They debuted Red Market in 2004 to a strong reception. Since then, the duo continue to attract an ever growing cult following. It could be the convenient location, (Gansevoort), the convenient hours, or the uber cool staff. After visiting the space on a recent summer's day, I'm going to have to chalk it up to, Cotteblanche and Riccard's good looks, laid back vibe, and monster talent. Visit soon to decide for yourself.

Red Market, 32 Gansevoort St., 4th floor; (212) 929-9600; www.redmarketnyc.com.

Forty years ago this month the psychedelic ‘60s came to a screeching finale with the Manson Family massacre of Sharon Tate and friends. Isn’t it time for a tasteless musical exploitation of that love decade-shattering event? Playwright/songwriter Travis Stewart (a.k.a. Trav S D) and the Piper McKenzie Theater Company thought so. Their 13-cast member satirical spoof, abetted by an onstage band, The Electric Mess, promises “acid freak-outs, gratuitous nudity and excessive gore." You might call it the anti-Hair musical. I interviewed Stewart, the well-known downtown author (he wrote a scholarly, informative book about vaudeville called “No Applause, Just Throw Money”) and all-around entertainer/producer/raconteur.

Hi Travis. What zaniness are you up to now?
It’s kind of like a Mad Magazine version of Helter Skelter. It goes through the well-known Manson story that you’d find in a trashy true-crime book or a TV movie.

By "Helter Skelter", you’re referring to the title of the book about the case, written by the prosecuting District Attorney, Vincent Bugliosi; which shared its name with the Beatle’s song that was Manson’s code name for the murders, right?
Musically, we’re working with the Beatles’ White Album.

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Get ready to bookmark the NYC edition of PinkMemo.com, which E!'s chic and sexy The Daily Ten correspondent Katrina Szish is now re-vamping as the site's new Editor in Chief. "If it's fashionable, fabulous and worth knowing about, you'll find it in PinkMemo New York," Szish promises me. "PinkMemo is a virtual playground filled with all things luxe; even better, subscribers receive free weekly memos with style news, exclusive invitations and shopping perks." Szish has already tapped Schooled author Anisha Lakhani to cover the Manhattan social swirl. The Szish-ified NYC PinkMemo launches officially this September.

Gentleman of Leisure is writer, erstwhile lecturer and notionally overeducated Martin Marks's PAPERMAG column on the things he likes and why.

When an affordable 8 mm camera came onto the market in the 1980s, Francis Ford Coppola predicted, “one day, some little fat girl in Ohio is going to be the new Mozart.” Little did he know that with the advent of inexpensive digital cameras, social networking sites, and blogs, that little fat girl from Ohio would turn out to be a puckish Korean gentleman named Hanuk.

Hanuk –- though please feel free to call him by his American name, Hank Williams -– started taking black and white photographs while he was a student at Parsons Paris. Several years later, Hanuk bought his first point-and-click digital camera, which he began using to document his nighttime excursions on the streets of New York. With the Mac.com revolution came Hanuk’s self-made website. Soon, his friends started checking this online visual journal to see where they’d been and who they’d drunkenly accosted/flirted with/insulted/wept-on-the-shoulder-of the night before.

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Billed as one of the most exclusive fashion events of the year with a veritable who's who of ''chicsters'' to attend, the premiere of the Vogue documentary The September Issue was held last night at the MoMA. While New York was still busy cleaning up the ''war zone'' of downed trees in Central Park from the storm on Tuesday, Wednesday was all about summery frills and florals and cheery colored frocks. When "the" limo pulled up, Bee Shaffer, Anna Wintour's lovely daughter, was the first to step out, and knowingly posed perfectly for a few seconds before moving on in careful choreography NOT to spoil the thunder that belonged to MOM!

That took place when Sienna Miller arrived simultaneously with Anna. Responding to the screams of adoring papparazzi and gathered fans, Sienna flitted about, posing with Anna amid many a request to pose alone. Her fear was visible.

P. Diddy arrived in a Lamborghini, and even paused to pose sitting provocatively on its hood. His rumored squeeze Cassie arrived separately with a partially shaved head reminiscent and looking like of Annabelle Lwin, the lead singer of Bow Wow Wow (that's a good thing!).

New York's recently-opened Ace Hotel enlisted over 60 artists to contribute work throughout the building, and among them was NYC local Chris Rubino. The Brooklyn-based art director and illustrator made four original pieces for the hotel (you can find them in guest rooms 214 and 523) and just finished a short film that follows their creation. His work brings the wow, so click here to watch how it all came together...

The word "tigerlily" has roots as a character in the kid (or cult) classic, Peter Pan; the title of Natalie Merchant's 1995 album and a song by La Roux on their self-titled 2009 album. My favorite incarnation of the word though happens to be a very sexy one: a clothing collection. Tigerlily, an eclectic and extensive line of swimwear and apparel was founded in Australia by Aussie model Jodhi Meares. The stunning brunette (who was rocking a fierce pair of Louis Vuitton Spring 2009 sandals when I met her) launched the label as a swimsuit collection in 2000 with a very radical mission statement which remains on their website to this day: " We see the world in bikini coloured glasses, a piece of Gaudi architecture, or an 18th century armchair, even Picasso and Monet aren’t safe –- all things translate to the bikini." It wasn't long before fans demanded that they take their concept further, and their clothing collection was born. Their apparel, from figure hugging jeans, to structured dresses, and thigh skimming shorts carry the same sophistication and spirit as the swimwear line. Now with designer Amelia Stanley on board and surf brand Billabong backing them, they are poised to enter the U.S. market and take over. Prices range from $80 for bikinis to $300 apparel. Log on to www.tigerlily-usa.com.

1) Japanese researchers have calculated pi to the 2.5 trillionth decimal place. (via Animal New York)

2) The Very Best's new Esau Mwamwaya-Ezra Koenig duet, "Warm Heart of Africa," is now available as a limited-edition vinyl 7" and as an unlimited mp3.

3) Deejay Diplo and Knick Nate Robinson have both been twittering their arrests.

4) We got a taste of representative Barney Frank's (D-MA) wit when he spoke at our school last year. For the rest of you, there's this interview:

5) Watch the Rolling Stones' out-of-print documentary Cocksucker Blues before Mick Jagger's lawyer finds out. (Dangerous Minds, via The Daily Swarm)

6) In honor of our trip to Citi Field last night, and our gig at Shea Stadium tomorrow night, here's Mets third-base coach Razor Shines, who told us not to bother with a seventh item. (via Daily Intel)

If you missed this in the theaters don't miss the DVD release of, Surveillance. Jennifer Lynch proves more of a chip off her father’s (David Lynch) block with this twisty, twisted, psycho-killer mystery about two oddly affectionate Federal Officers (Bill Pullman, Julia Ormand, both fabulous) who arrive at a police station to take over video interviews with three different witnesses to a nefarious serial killing spree. Most are lying before the camera. One is crooked policeman (Kent Harper), who used to shake down motorists after shooting out their tires with his slimy partner (French Stewart). There’s a drug-addled girl (Pell James), who conveniently colors her testimony to protect her crimes. The only one telling the truth is a small, incredibly observant young girl (Ryan Simpkins) traumatized by her family’s massacre. Right from the beginning everything is slightly off-kilter and engagingly bizarre. You either give over to it and enjoy as the rug is sardonically pulled from beneath your feet. But I was consistently entertained with the film’s weirdness and daring.

Recession got you down? Wish you could escape for a brief holiday across the pond? Well wish no more! Thirty boutiques in the Lower East Side have banded together to create the ultimate exchange program: Wish You Were Here. The three week-long event gives the Lower East Side a taste of England, specifically the Newburgh Quarter. From tasting British fare to a fashion show featuring London labels like Fred Perry and Twenty8Twelve, this cross-cultural party offers it all. Festivities begin this Saturday, August 22 and end September 13th. The whole shebang them moves to London where the Brits will experience a slice of the Big Apple from October 1st to the 18th. Log on to www.wishyouwerehere.com for a look at the complete schedule.

Let's face it, Fall is fast approaching, and along with an updated wardrobe comes a brand spankin' new season of hot, primetime television. And in our little city, perhaps no premiere is more highly anticipated than that of the one and only masterpiece that is Gossip Girl. Here at PAPERMAG we're still shaking from our little shout out (holler at Agyness in season two's "Pret-a-Poor J"), and although the CW has only released a 30 second promo, I have to admit I'm already anxious that my DVR will, in a freak accident, tragically malfunction and not record the show's new time, 9 (NINE) PM.

Any true fan will admit that everything and anything GG-related can and should be analyzed down to the model and make of Blair's characteristic headbands, and thus I've done just that with this brief albeit action-packed Youtube teaser. View and read, my pretties, view and read.

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An exclusive invitation last night to former PAPER cover girl Kelis's birthday party was what "About Last Night" is all about! Kelis looked sharp and showed us all photos of her adorable newborn Knight, who is almost a month old. The party was held at the underground labyrinth that is the mysterious Hotel Griffou, in a room that is peppered with murals of gigantic wolves and monks (the religious kind, not a nickname for an animal) on bikes. One of Kelis's friends caused quite a stir by gifting the birthday girl a copy of Taschen's The Big Penis Book!

Tom Ford has never ceased to impress his loyal following, from his days reinvigorating the design empire at Gucci to the launch of his eponymous, luxury line for gents. His keen eye for beauty, in its sexiest and most enticing incarnation, has been widely celebrated in endless risqué ad campaigns and through his mysterious film noir persona. This fall, the creative force takes his talent further, venturing into the world of cinema. On September 11th his 99-minute film, A Single Man, is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival. This marks Ford directorial debut and those in the know are already considering the feature a strong contender for the silver screen’s sacred Lion d’Or.

A Single Man is based on Christopher Isherwood’s 1964 novel, then praised for its artistry and denounced for its subject matter, narrating a day in the life of a gay British professor struggling with the untimely death of his partner. Shot in Los Angeles and Pasadena, the film features a stellar and talented cast composed of heavyweights Colin Firth, Julianne Moore and Matthew Goode. Between the creative talents of the director, the intriguing subject matter and the brilliant cast, it is clear that Tom Ford has found a new passion for the seventh art form.

In honor of Das Racist's appearance at the Bell House tonight and the duo's wonderful semi-rap, "Combination Pizza Hut & Taco Bell," we at PAPERMAG have assembled a list of our favorite songs about fast food. This list is anything but comprehensive, so feel free to mention overlooked tunes in the comments section.

Robert Johnson, "They're Red Hot" (recorded 1936)

Blues moaner turns up the tempo and the heat for tamale-fueled innuendo.
Sample lyric: "Hot tamales and they're red hot/Yes, she got 'em for sale!"

Ramones, "Oh Oh I Love Her So," Leave Home (1977) and "I'm Against It," Road to Ruin (1978)

Forest Hills punks find love at the Burger King. Two years later, things must not have worked out, as the chain join Joey's list of unexplained gripes.
Sample lyrics: "I met her at the Burger King/We fell in love by the soda machine."
"I don't like Burger King/I don't like anything!"

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Yesterday, I headed to a press preview to check out Rodarte's new fab collection for Target. Afterwards, I snuck to the back to see Kate Mulleavy being interviewed by her new BFF, Tavi, the 13-year-old fashion enthusiast, aka the world's youngest style blogger. She was CUTE. She met the Rodarte girls in L.A. a while ago and came out to see them unveil their upcoming line for Target to the press. (It hits stores this December) The clothes were SO fun of course but I'm trying to be a good editor and not spill the beans before the embargo is lifted. Sorry folks, but its verboten. So instead, I'll show you the snap I took of Kate and Tavi....

Inglourious Basterds, Quentin Tarantino’s meta-war film that opens this Friday, is a glorious, violently entertaining, pop fable that may be one of the best films of this year. Considering the source -- Enzo G. Castellari’s 1978 pulp action movie rip-off of The Dirty Dozen -- Tarantino’s film is neither a send up of Italian exploitation nor a fan boy potpourri, but almost a hallucinatory comic book of what war movies could be. Beginning with “Once Upon A Time In Nazi-Occupied France” and set in five chapters, the film alternates between several storylines. One is about a scalp-hungry commando team of Nazi killers led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) and his dedicated crew (including a exuberantly witty turn by Hostel director Eli Roth). The other is about Shosanna (Melanie Laurent) who escaped death as a young girl at the hands of notorious “Jew Hunter” Col. Hans Landa (the astonishing Christoph Waltz) to reinvent herself as the owner of a movie palace who plots to trap and kill Nazi big wigs planning a premiere at her theater. The film features brilliant turns by Michael Fassbender as a David Niven-like British spy, former film critic, Til Schweiger, as a feared German cut-throat, and Diane Kruger as a Mata Hari-like movie star. The fiery action-packed pay-off at the end is wildly outrageous, cinematically dazzling and ludicrously satisfying.

The much-awaited Ron Arad retrospective that debuted earlier this month at The Museum of Modern Art showcases 140 individual works of his -- ranging from his well-known design objects to videos showcasing the complex production processes conceived by one of the most influential designers of our time. This marks the first major retrospective of his work, which might be surprising to design darlings. Arad’s unparalleled approach to form, structure and technology make him one of the most dynamic architect-designer-artist hybrids. Arad’s experimentation with materials -- as varied as his body of work -- and his radical reinterpretation of archetypes in furniture have certainly established the Israeli designer on the forefront of contemporary design.

The 127-feet-long "Cage sans Frontière (Cage without Borders)," made to display Arad's pieces, is impressive and itself well-worth the admission fee. Monitors, installed throughout the structure, showcase various videos, including a time-lapse short on the construction of the cage itself. Other objects on display celebrating Arad’s unusual spirit are the Rover Chair, the Concrete Stereo and the more recent PizzaKobra lamp.

Lucky for those who are never quite satisfied with just viewing beautiful objects, the MoMa Design Store is cleverly carrying a small selection of creations by the iconic designer. Of the home items, the simplicity of the Infinity Wine Rack and the unforgettable form of the Well Tempered Chair caught my attention, but the fascinating fluidity of the Martian-like PizzaKobra Lamp (pictured above) definitely warranted a little Amex action. This lamp is entirely flexible and one can adjust the coiled steel into any position. To top it off, the lamp lights its six LED bulbs with a simple touch on its shiny chrome-plated finish. Add a little modernity to your pad.

PizzaKobra Lamp ($1,995) available at www.momastore.org. "Ron Arad: No Discipline" runs through October 19th.

Because we care about your wardrobe: here's a little style-boosting, budget-saving tip: Matthew Williamson is having the sample sale to end all sample sales, and it is taking place right now. The sale started this a.m and goes on until tomorrow afternoon. Goodies from his current season (Spring/Summer 2009 and Pre-Spring 2009) are starting at 80 prercent off. Do you know what that means? It means accessories which were $300 are now $75, cocktail dresses which were $2000 are now $400 and motorcycle pants which would set you back $800 are now $160. If this isn't a stimulus plan, I don't know what is. The festivities are happening now at Williamson's newly opened boutique in the Meatpacking District and RSVP is mandatory for entry. See all relevant details below. Oh, and run -- don't walk -- to this one.

Matthew Williamson Boutique
415 W. 14th St.
RSVP to info@matthewwilliamson.com.

1) Bia Garden will start serving its Vietnamese beer and bites this Friday at 154 Orchard Street. (via Grub Street)

2) Weezer have titled their new album, out 10/27, Raditude.

3) Unzipped magazine is negotiating a nude photo shoot with Palin baby daddy Levi Johnston. (via Gawker)

4) Maytag is looking into a stove that was unintentionally activated by a Brooklyn man's cell phone. (via Gothamist)

5) The Times investigates sidewalk bike repairmen in the East Village.

6) Providence noise duo Lightning Bolt will play the Brooklyn Backyard on August 30. (via Brooklyn Vegan)

7) Motown arranger David Van De Pitte has died at 67. (via The Daily Swarm)

Society HAE, a website catered towards indie art/music/fashion enthusiasts, and metroPCS are the latest to jump on the pop-up train. BK PoP, according to its organizers, is "part of an ongoing series of traveling 'PoP Up Experience Shops' whereby participants use their background in art and design to transform an unconventional space into a fashion, art and music house for one day." A DUMBO loft is the locale for this shindig, which will feature designers such as Deka Heartz, Vintage Blvd, Harriet’s Alter Ego and the Peralta Project, as well as artists like Jay Howell, Goldi Gold, and Aki Baker. Still not sold? Rotating sets by DJs The Ahficionados and Soundproof International, complimentary appetizers (!!!) courtesy of Panla.com, and live painting will top off the afternoon's affairs, so get it poppin' this Sunday and head on down to DUMBO for some fresh, arty fun.

The DUMBO Loft at 155 Water Street (cross st. Pearl)
August 23
2-7 p.m.
Admission is Free.
Click here to RSVP

Friendly Fires lead singer Ed Macfarlane has a way with words. Near the end of the set their second night in New York at The Music Hall of Williamsburg, my favorite frontman mesmerized the entire room with a few simple sentences: “Every time I keep coming back to New York, I keep having a better time. I’ll be honest with you, the first time I came here, I didn’t get New York. But now I get fucking New York! Now I get New York.” The audience ate it up, staring up in awe and cheering the entire time. His sincere delivery and humble demeanor make him more than just another British pop-synth sensation, though he is that too.

Enamored doesn’t even come close to the way I feel about Friendly Fires and their ridiculously amazing music. By now hopefully you’ve heard of them, but, if not, click here to peep their imaginative, minimalist masterpiece of a music video for “Skeleton Boy,” an addictive, danceable ditty that leaves no ass still. The threesome puddle-jumped to tour the U.S. and headlined here two nights last week; Wednesday at Le Poisson Rouge and Thursday at Music Hall of Williamsburg. You can bet I was at both.

Of the two, the latter performance proved more impressive. I wouldn’t go so far as to turn my nose up at LPR, but the venue’s super low stage makes it tough for midgets like me to see. Also, in terms of timing, the UK kids didn’t get going until well after midnight. The group I was with spent ample time mingling at the bar, imbibing overpriced cocktails and shuddering at the sounds emerging from the opening band. The quality catch-up was stellar, but, seeing as it was a school night, might have been nice to head home before 1 a.m. Call me old fashioned. Night numero dos simply yielded a calmer, less stressful experience, complete with space to breathe and a sweat-free spot from which to watch.

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Please consider this a Public Service Announcement: Raphael Young is good for your wardrobe. The Korean-born, French-raised designer has been quietly taking the fashion world by storm since debuting two years ago. His woman isn't the sultry seductress of Christian Louboutin or the cool sophisticate of Jimmy Choo. No, she is a bold, urban glamazon who is not scared to stalk the sidewalks of New York or Paris with towering, metallic, sculpted works of art which duplicate as shoes. If his collection looks like no other, it's because Young's path to shoe designer was an roundabout one to say the least. To please his parents, Young attempted to be a mathematician, naval officer and even considered construction before succumbing to his true calling. If his parents didn't take joy in Young's final destination, his uncle Alexandre Narcy must have. Narcy was Yves Saint Laurent's shoe designer, and worked closely with the fashion icon for the entirety of his career. With talent, training and pedigree behind him, it's safe to say that Young's innovative designs are only the beginning of what is sure to be a long and legendary career. Meaning it's prime time for the savvy fashionista to stock up on a few of his pieces now. Consider yourselves warned.

Learn more about Raphael at www.raphaelyoung.com. His shoes are available at Eva and Seven in New York City and H. Lorenzo in Los Angeles.

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One must-own DVD, out this week is >Icons Of Sci-Fi: Toho Collection. Three great Japanese sci-fi movies from the 1960s are given their proper due in this excellent DVD collection. The H Man (1958) is a gangster movie about radioactive green slime that melts others and roams the sewers. The original title translates as Beautiful Women And The Hydrogen Man.

In Battle In Outer Space (1959), the nations pull together to fight an invasion from outer space which is using the moon as its base of operation. There is mind control, battles on the surface of the moon, not to mention pint size aliens in cute space suits.

Mothra (1962) is about a team of scientists investigating radioactive “Infant Island” who find two tiny princesses who rule over the natives. The tiny fairies are kidnapped by greedy businessmen who make a big stage show out of them but the princesses’ song awakens a dormant egg on the island freeing a prehistoric flying beast to come to their rescue. The girls are played by Emi and Yumi Ito, who were also a pop sensation at the time called The Peanuts. Each disc has the longer Japanese version (subtitled) and also the dubbed Americanized one, but they all look fantastic and are all a blast.

Mr. Mickey has always had a little thing for the Princely family of Liechtenstein. Here's a shot of Hereditary Prince Alois with his wife, the former Duchess Sophie in Bavaria (yes it's IN Bavaria not OF Bavaria. Long story). They were at the National celebration for the birthday of Prince Alois' father Hans-Adam. Also at the soiree were the Hereditary couple's children. MM isn't sure which prince is which but it's probably Prince Georg, Prince Nikolaus and Princess Marie-Caroline. The oldest son Prince Joseph Wenzel is 14 and these lil nippers look more like 9 or 10. Marie-Caroline will be 13 in October and is already a super cutie.

Photos from Royal Blog News.

WeAreTheSuperlativeConspiracy, otherwise known as WeSC, is a street fashion brand for the intelligent and bohemian urbanite. The company, founded in 2000 by avid boarders of the skate and snow persuasion, has taken its cue from city-dwellers who follow their own rules and establish their own trends. In nine years, the brand has seen tremendous growth and is now available in more than 20 countries worldwide -- targeting fashion savvies outside of the skater community. The Swedish company has gained much fame and recognition through its celebrity sponsors and supporters including American actor Jason Lee and Swedish underground rock sensation Millencolin. Since music has always been one of WeSC's key sources of inspiration, it is no surprise that WeSC has developed an array of slick headphones to accessorize their lines.

This summer marks the latest addition to the WeSC range of style-forward cans. The Maraca is a retro-inspired sound accessory that resembles the days when vinyl was king. These stylish headphones are light and incredibly cool. The sound quality is phenomenal. This pair will be available in both seasonal and non-seasonal colors.

WeSC Maraca Headphones, $64, are available at www.wesc.com and www.karmaloop.com.

1) The five finalists for 2009 Vendy awards are Biryani Cart, the King of Falafel, Rickshaw Dumpling, Jamaican Dutchy, and Country Boys Taco Truck.

2) A new study shows that 90 percent of American currency is contaminated with cocaine.

3) Dan Humphreys's favorite band, Sonic Youth, will play Terminal 5 with Dinosaur Jr. on November 21.

4) Radiohead have officially released a new song, "These Are My Twisted Words."

5) Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay will join Macy Gray and Kelly Osbourne on the next season of Dancing With the Stars.

6) Jim Dickinson, producer of Big Star and the Replacements and father of two North Mississippi All-Stars, has died at 67.

WHO: Travis Hon
AGE: 20
OCCUPATION: Waiter at Latitude 41 Bar and Grill
HOMETOWN: Des Moines, Iowa
SHOT IN: Des Moines, Iowa
FAVORITE DES MOINES HANG SPOT: Des Moines East Side Skate Park. I have a passion for riding bikes and the skate park is where I go to learn new things and hang out with some friends and family.

WHO: Seth Pearce
AGE: 20
OCCUPATION: I detail cars at a local car dealership. Haven't had much schooling for them, but I really enjoy computers and other tech stuff. I have some small time hobbies like photography, drawing, reading geeky books, sewing together old band shirts, and small mechanical stuff, that I do once in a blue moon.
HOMETOWN: Myrtle Beach, SC
SHOT IN: Iowa City, Iowa
FAVORITE IOWA HANG SPOT: My favorite hangout would have to be Village Inn. One of those "serves breakfast all day" kinda places. I could go alone or with as many friends as possible and still enjoy myself. Anywhere where my friends are; whether that be at someones' apartment or the park. I love going to local shows and seeing the bands really blast away the place. Last but certainly not least is my room.

Commitment -- across all categories -- has always been a personal challenge. My favorite fashion designers? Depends on the sample sale. My favorite movie? Depends on what's out. My favorite restaurant? Depends on who is paying. Now, I've finally found a favorite which remains so no matter my mood, memory or budget: Dermalogica. Specifically, Dermalogica in SoHo. Since stumbling upon this haven, nestled between boutiques like Ted Baker, Vivienne Tam and Kate Spade, I've morphed into a faithful client. My monthly appointments are never missed and always supplemented by a quick stop to grab cleansers and toners in between.

So what transformed this commitment-phobe to a commitment freak? Great skin. Period.Their signature Face Mapping technique ensures that your custom facial will trump any you've ever had. The in-house products used by Dermalogica's licensed professionals incorporate only the best ingredients and are thoroughly researched before hitting stores.

But don't take my word for it. You are welcom to pop in yourself at any point for complimentary Face Mapping where the technicians examine your skin to craft a dedicated beauty cleansing regime based on your skin's type and history. Armed with this new knowledge, you can settle into a spa chair for a quick 20 minute service to tackle anything from dry skin to parched lips. The services cater to both men and women and can extend to an hour for Dermalogica's exclusive core facial. No matter which option you choose, you will emerge with renewed skin -- and a new long term relationship with a spa.

Log on to www.dermalogicainsoho.com to learn more or call (212) 219-9800 to schedule an appointment.

East Hamptonites, I beg you briefly tear yourselves away from your Ralph Lauren linens and Barefoot Contessa dinner soirees, for one daughter-of-a-former-Beatle slash British fashion designer has landed in Long Island. The one and only Stella McCartney plans to open a temporary pop-up shop August 22 through 24 in the confines of good old 11937. Head over to The Fireplace Project for a chance to snag some of her fall/winter 2009 pieces and selections from the resort 2010 collection. A percentage of the proceeds from this rather short engagement will benefit the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, so in the name of abstract expressionism, buy buy buy!

August 22, 11 AM - 7 PM; August 23 & 24, 11 AM - 4 PM.
The Fireplace Project
851 Springs Fireplace Road (corner of Talmage Farm Lane)
East Hampton, NY 11937
(631) 324-4666

Joan Juliet Buck has always had a peripatetic life, but MM was nonetheless surprised to see JJB pop up in the film Julia & Julia. Buck is the former editor-in-chief of French Vogue and currently writes for American Vogue. She's also an author having written a charming novel Daughter of the the Swan. In Julie & Julia, Buck plays the evil and snotty Madame Brassart of the Cordon Bleu cooking school where Julia Child learns to become a French chef. She makes Madame Bressart delightful despicable! The film is very sweet and made MM long for Paris! The scene where Julia goes home in the afternoon to make her husband lunch and have sex with him made MM realize that is the French look in a nutshell. Everyone in Paris looks like they had sex at lunch time!!!! Here's a photo of JJB at the premiere.

Photo from Meetthefamous.com

The wait is over for fans of the wonderfully grisly Showtime sensation, Dexter -- the third season is finally out on DVD. This season the audacious series about a crime-lab blood-spatter analyst/serial killer Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) matches wits with his new friend Miguel Prado (Jimmy Smits), the ruthless assistant District Attorney for the city of Miami. Meeting on a crime scene and becoming weird fast friends opens up a troubling chapter in Dexter’s life as he lets down his guard and shows his true colors to his new buddy -- with disastrous results. The brilliantly acted fireworks between Michael C. Hall and Jimmy Smits are why you should own a television. This season was blood-splattered badness at its best. Just thrilling from beginning to nail-biting finish.