ELLA MANOR for Bloomingdale's and Elle

It's official, summer's over : ( ... We hope that you all had amazing adventures - took in the sun, spent time with your loved ones, tried something different, met new friends, explored new lands and are feeling a sense of calm and anticipation for this New Work Year. Over the holidays, though our blog was also on break - the members of the UNIVERSKA KOLLECTIVE have been as busy as ever.

Enter ELLA MANOR, our New York-based fashion, bordering fine-art photographer--and guess what, she paints too.

Two iconic brands: Elle and Bloomingdale's are hosting a night of art and style at an exclusive opening party. In celebration of Bloomingdale's 'ON THE GO' fall fashion campaign, the two have commissioned 8 artists to create art work of out of traditional travel trunks.

Ella gives us this sneak peak of her trunk. It makes me want to pack up and go on holiday all over again. Just dreamy.

If you happen to be in New York September 14th, check out her FB invitation page for details and stop by.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111366705587323

www.ellamanor.com

Voyage de la Vie

Last night we had an inspiring conversation with Kollective member STEPHANE CHOINIERE in Singapore. That's right - he's on the other side of the world working on a very special project titled Voyage de la Vie - the country's most ambitious theatre project to date and one that unites visionaries such as Mark Fisher (set designer for Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, U2, Tina Turner, Robbie Williams and the opening and closing ceremonies for Torino and Beijing Olympic Games) - Stephane's role? Resident Director. 'Nuf said! Opening night is this Sunday -

Congratulations on your success Stéphan!

http://www.rwsentosa.com/EntertainmentNightlife/VoyagedelaVie

Educating the Masses - One Square At A Time

Yesterday, the second world première of Wild Wonders of Europe was unveiled in Prague to great fanfair as well as speeches by the Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment for the Czech Republic. This outdoor exhibition is the second of its kind designed by Franck Minthe and the architect and exhibition designer's 24th exhibition design of his career.

The exhibition is free to the public and open all summer long.

www.franckminthe.com

Bravissima!!

Eccola!

ERIKA LEMAY continues to seduce - This time, as the guest of honour for Sfilato d'Amore e Moda. The show features Italian celebrities and is dedicated to fashion. The broadcast will occur Thursday, July 24th at 21.00 on Retequattro and will later be available online.

This marks the 10 year anniversary of the show.

www.sfilatadamoreemoda.com

For the Dreamers

Artwork signed by illustrator ALEXANDRE HONORE.

Spatial Landings

We want to dress like this on our next trip to the Great North. Pieces signed KAT MARKS.

Meet TINKO

The newest member to our Photography portfolio - meet TINKO CZERTWERTYNSKI. With clients from Brazil to Kuwait, Tinko's photography of people and places will transport you to another world. The Central Saint Martins grad transforms ordinary, every day moments into the extraordinary and the unique. We love!

Iranian Delight

Another beautiful portrait illustration by ROYA SHAJI.

Introducing ROMINA ALVAREZ

Introducing one of our newest members ROMINA ALVAREZ - interactive art director extraordinaire. She's worked with only the best (Yves Rocher, Gala, Ritz, Dior to name a few) - and was awarded the title of 3rd Best Art Director in the field of interactive media in 2005.

On Tour

Guess who's performing for the Leona Lewis tour in London? Our very own ALEXANDRA APJAROVA. After being a part of the Michael Jackson's This Is It tour, we can't say we're surprised.

Raw Patrick Luu

Gorgeous new artwork from PATRICK LUU. Divine.

WE'RE BACK!

Ok - we admit, we have been away for faaar too long... but it's been all for a good reason - to be unveiled very soon! In the meantime, enjoy a bombardment of BEAUTY as we bring you up to date with the members of the Kollective and their happenings from around the world.

North Star

Canadian photographer, Renata Kaveh (third from right) is featured on FASHION TELEVISION for her recent honour at Women X Women, named for the second consecutive year as one of Canada's top female photographers during Toronto LG Fashion Week -
Renata is gearing up for three new shoots in the City of Lights early May. To meet with Renata during her stay in Paris April 28th - May 10th, contact caterina@universka.com

http://watch.fashiontelevision.com/toronto-fashion-week/fall-winter-2010/wxw/#clip291523

Fire + Ice

Think your eyes are playing tricks on you? Think again. This is 'light painting' - the work of Patrick Rochon, styled by Anita Bombita and featuring universKA Kollective's

Asa Sokol-Kubiak. Purpose? Michael Bublé's upcoming tour during which the images will be featured and frankly we can't think of a more beautiful woman to inspire his fans.

Asa, is currently in Japan gearing up for her première performance of CORTEO touring with Cirque du Soleil. Wednesday night, she hits the stage.

Asa: 幸運を祈ります xxx

Objet de Désir

Ok - we admit we've been on a bit of an Erika Lemay high for the past few weeks. But can you blame us? She's beautiful, sexy, bold - and has the body of a lithe model coupled with the strength of a panther. Photographer Douglas Kirkland is also someone who knows models - and he was so inspired by Erika that he made this hommage to her. Pour yourself a glass of Italian red wine and enjoy.

Welcoming ROYA SHAJI to the Kollective

All illustrators have different styles, some obviously overlap others - but we feel that

Roya Shaji's intimate illustrations are completely unique. We are proud to introduce the newest member of the universKA Kollective - an artist whose work leaves us lingering over each sketch, as we hold a silent conversation with her artwork.

Please see her complete portfolio on:

http://www.universka.com/www.universka.com/Roya_Shaji/Roya_Shaji.html

Casablanca Casbah

For its 50th anniversary, CGI, Morocco's most prominent real estate company, offered their guests a very special performance by world renowned artist, ERIKA LEMAY. The principal guest artist wowed the elite crowd with her performance of Dance on Hands. To see more, visit http://www.erikalemay.com/newsletters/casablanca-basel-and-quebec-city/

Bottom photo credit - Douglas Kirkland

Not Just Another Coffee Table Book

universKA loves books - but we get really excited when it is not just the written word that intrigues us, but the feel, texture, and overall art design of a book. That's why we got all gooey-eyed when we were introduced to Paris-based EDITION LN and its founder, Lorraine Escarfail-Cojot. Each of her publishing houses' masterpieces generally comes in a limited edition and often includes a piece of artwork from the artist. For more information, visit www.edition-ln.com or your favourite high-end bookstore.

Easter Wishes From ELLA

NYC-based photographer ELLA MANOR just sent us these yummy pictures for Easter.

We love them and we love her.

More eye candy awaits you at www.ellamanor.com

All Eyes On RENATA

For the second consecutive year, RENATA KAVEH, (www.renatakaveh.com) is chosen as a top 'female fashion photographer to watch' for the Women X Women event taking place tomorrow at the close of Toronto LG Fashion Week. For more information visit:

www.womenxwomen.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55bZ2cnelG8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fzSf08XeGo

Pictures are some of our favourite shots of Renata Kaveh.

Hommage Beauté.

Painting by Roya Shaji.

Simply Stunning

The incomparable universKA Kollective member ERIKA LEMAY has a new website online - www.erikalemay.com. Get news, see clips of her performances and become mesmerized.

Photos copyright Douglas Kirkland.

Kat Marks, Granfalloon

Presenting GRANFALOON, a video by Kat Marks and videographer Paul Bates. Also available for view at www.katmarks.com

"The harness is made from 3 mm Perspex and ox-blood vegan cow hide. The Perspex is cut using a laser cutter and sanded to a smooth finish by hand. Heat and pressure are used to create the 3D curves and the harness is then formed around the mannequin. The leather is treated with various layers of varnish and wax. The edges are beveled and finished with bees wax. The girdle is designed by Kat Marks and crafted by Steven Diaper. The piece was designed, crafted and shot for film over a period of 3 months. "

Art Direction/Producer: Kat Marks
Director, DOP/Edit: Paul Bates
Sound Design: Goran Boskovic
Hair: Shinya Fukami
Make Up: Julia Wilson
Model: Ashleigh Halliburton
Styling: Kalina Pulit
Jacket: Rory Parnell-Mooney
Girdle: Kat Marks