YAY! SITE SANTA FE

Todd had a blast as the Honorary Chairman for SITE Santa Fe's Summer Benefit & Auction this year. Jenny Holzer was the Artist Honoree and Marlene Nathan Meyerson was a truly honored guest. Above are a few pics taken by Annie Elliott whom helped Todd install and produce the design of the event. Check out the bossy color blog for more info!

ANIMAL SPIRIT

Todd has really been summonsing the animal spirits lately. First, he inspired OTIS Fashion Design students to create a rip-roaring show for their annual benefit; and soon after, we presented the new Todd Oldham Designs Durkan collection - Animal Attractions - at the HD Expo 2009. Get wild and check it out!

JENNY HOLZER: PROTECT PROTECT

PROTECT PROTECT is the name of Jenny Holzer's most recent exhibition at The Whitney Museum of American Art. The show centers on Holzer's work since the 1990s and is the artist's most comprehensive exhibition in the United States in more than fifteen years.

Uh, and it's closing this weekend - don't miss it!!

WAYNE WEEK ! ! !

It's really exciting around here this week! The Wayne White book is here! Mister White has a solo show opening on Thursday at Mireille Mosler! And we want YOU to celebrate with us! Please come by the gallery or check out Todd and Wayne signing books at the Book Expo on Friday @ 1:30pm at the Javits Center!

AMY BROWNE @ THE CURIOSITY SHOPPE

Amy is a San Francisco-based artist who has been making amazing collages for the past 15 years. Her work is near impossible to find on the interwebs and too exquisite to be missed, so please head over to The Curiosity Shoppe gallery on Friday May 29th, from 6-8pm if you're in the area!

WALLPAPER PROJECTS

Our extraordinary friends Lauren + Derek over at the Curiosity Shoppe have done it again, folks! This time they've stitched together a gorgeously styled, easy-to-follow, and endlessly inventive book on more than 50 ways to roll out design's comeback kid - wallpaper. "Wallpaper Projects" shows us how the bold medium can be seamlessly integrated into our homes, while still making a cause for applause. Be it gift tags, accordion window shades, or faux headboards, wallpaper is officially a must-have.

Available April 8. Pre-order here!

PS - If you're in north Brooklyn over the next few weeks, please keep your eyes peeled for wallpaper art installed on the streets of Greenpoint & Williamsburg by artist Dan Funderburgh. By affecting this unnatural environment, Dan aims to restore a sense of ownership and habitat over the neglected flat surfaces of the place he calls 'home.'

QUEENS RULES

Queens International 4
January 24 – April 26, 2009

Queens International 4 is an incredible show currently on view at the Queens Museum of Art featuring the artistic achievements of the NYC borough of Queens. The exhibition includes contemporary works from 42 artists, collaborations and collectives from 18 countries working in a broad range of traditional and unorthodox media. Among the stellar list of Queens artists is our friend Ryan Humphrey, whom pulled off an ambitious project fully utilizing the huge space that is the QMA galleries with an installation of BMX ramps, paintings, sculpture and a 10' x 120' custom carpet backdrop provided by Durkan. On opening night Ryan honored one of his longtime heros, Dizz Hicks, of BMX freestyling fame ! ! ! More here.

We are huge fans of Ryan, QMA and Durkan for making this happen. Check it out if you can!

WASTE NOT, WE STILL WANT

Todd brought this beautiful book into the studio by photographer Jake Chessum . The book is called Rubbish and is just that - photos of trash from all over the world. In NYC its difficult NOT to notice the garbage, so seeing it anew is more than welcomed. Thanks for the tip Michele!




See what I mean? Here's some rubbish we could not POSSIBLY ignore in our old hood. Photos by Tony Longoria.

SPRING FOR M-I-A-M-I

If you ever get the chance to experience Art Basel Miami, you must take it. Its the perfect way to soak in what's happening in contemporary art in one fell swoop, while admiring the gorgeous architecture and people of M-i-a-m-i. Don't forget to check out the many other art fairs that coincide with Art Basel like Aqua and NADA. AMMO Books had a booth at Aqua showing one of our favorite artists Wayne White, along with info on the artist monograph we created which will be available soon! Its so fun it weighs a ton, as Team Black sees it.

HURRAY FOR HANDMADE!

Congratulations Faythe Levine on your new film (and book) Handmade Nation! Hurray for all the crafters/makers/doers & lovers of handmade! And looooong live craft culture!

More info on the film and the beautiful movement it documents, here.

FOR YOUR SWEETHEART

Its great to hand make something for your honey especially for Valentine's Day. This is our arrangement from our FTD collection, but you can make it yourself by finding a white vase and using art markers to create your own designs. One of our favorite parts of designing flowers is that the boxes they come in can be turned inside-out and used as a storage chest.

For other great heart-shaped ideas, check out The Discerning Brute where Todd and Joshua Katcher demonstrate how to make a vegan cake and reuse your pan to make another easy peasy (non-lemon squeezy) homemade gift - a floral arrangement using supermarket flowers! Totally sweet.

PLACE SPACE IN DWELL MAGAZINE

HOT TODDY // READYMADE #38

HOT TODDY // READYMADE #37

SEDARIS CLEANS UP

Inspired by the definitive women's health resource, Our Bodies Ourselves, Amy has once again opened our eyes and cracked open our minds with her appearance on Chelsea Handler's show last week.



Buy Amy's book full of other important tips here.

WELCOME TO PLACE SPACE!

Place Space, a ‘magazine monograph’ if you will, is a new design series that explores innovative, brilliant, singular places and the uncommonly devoted people that create them, one book at a time. Fantastical rooms, surreal landscapes, and new ideas are presented cleanly with all of the written details hiding in the fold out poster that doubles as a dust jacket! Join us in celebrating unabashed creativity at its finest — welcome!

We created an online PLACE SPACE for you to learn more and download lots of pics to enjoy or share. Check it out HERE + tell yo' friends!

DEAR NYC, XO TODD

What is your dream NYC address?
If I could, I would create a house in Central Park. It would look like a tree and be invisible to passersby. And, yes, I recognize what a selfish gesture it would be.

What was your craziest night out in NYC?
My actual craziest night I would never tell you about! But back in the '80s, I was at [the club] AM/PM sometime in the a.m., and although it was dark, there was a light behind one of the bartenders as he served me. Years later, I realized it had been Bruce Willis. I remembered his face instantly.

If you could have a dish named after you, what would it be and at which restaurant would it be served?
I'd put my lettuce risotto on the menu at Gobo on Sixth Avenue. I like it there because I like fake meat things and they have great fake meat.

If you were mayor of NYC, what would you do or change?
I would set up arts grants to bring the artists back. I miss the freedom that artists brought to the city before [Mayor Rudy] Giuliani. So many have left. Brooklyn is more interesting than Manhattan now.

What advice would you give a tourist coming to NYC?
Keep it moving. You're welcome here, but please—just keep it moving.

See more of Todd's talk with NYC Mag Page Six here.

OLD NAVY MAKES "THE CUT"

How will you decorate your locker this year? NY Magazine's Amy Odell shares in our excitement over Old Navy's fall looks. Check it out here.

NEW FTD (KEEP IT LIKE A SECRET)

More news in the land of poppies, lilies and other gifts not just for the ladies...Todd and FTD have developed new vases that are so cute you'll want to keep them!

More details on FTD.com

HOT TODDY // READYMADE #36

NEW YORK MAG BEST BET

Todd Oldham for FTD's "Might Oak" was featured on NY Magazine's Best Bets Daily!

"A gift of flowers is nice, but let’s face it, flowers die. Trees, on the other hand, will outlive most of us (barring unforeseen tragedies). Todd Oldham teamed up with FTD for the “Mighty Oak” program, which makes it easy to send the oak tree best suited for the area where the recipient lives. There are 60 varieties available, just enter the Zip Code and FTD will pick the appropriate tree. Each kit comes in cute packaging and with growing directions. Best of all, it's a lot cheaper than the average bouquet."

Look at the tree and other Todd Oldham Flowers + Plants for FTD here.

HOT TODDY // READYMADE #35

TODD OLDHAM STUDIO

We are proud to present a new series of carpet designs developed by our friends at Durkan, a division of The Mohawk Group. TODD: Todd Oldham Designs Durkan, launched at the Hospitality Design Expo 2008 in Las Vegas this month. Check out videos of Todd in conversation with Michael Adams, Editor in Chief of Hospitality Design Magazine and in interview with Products Editor, Jana Schiowitz, here!




In the Haberdashery Collection, I wanted to pay tribute to enduring styles of menswear. Fashion trends come and go, but there are certain design elements that will never go out of style. With Haberdashery, we turn these designs on their ears to create a new, unexpected grouping of styles to dress a space.

Taking on the role of haberdasher-a term defining a merchant of men's clothing-we looked at what would work best on the floor in hospitality settings. We simply updated such classics as argyle, corduroy, plaid, herringbone, houndstooth, tie and checks with contemporary colors and pattern directions in a collection that forms the basis for a complete hospitality wardrobe.





Whether specifying for a flashy Las Vegas casino or a smaller quaint luxury hotel, designers can find just the right accessory in the Facets Collection.

To create Facets' dazzling line, I was inspired by two elements of charm: jewels and chains. Jewels add an element of luxury. One of the large jewel patterns could serve as a stunning centerpiece in a ballroom or entranceway, while a floated jewel pattern could grace a casino floor. In another pattern, I've created a striking floral look using jewel face designs. Chains bring distinction while also serving as a cohesive component to link the patterns of the Collection. In some patterns, we've layered chain designs on top of one another for added depth. Facets also experiments with ghosted patterns where we subtly highlight the designs with texture or shades of color. These accents effectively and cost-efficiently bring an added richness and dimension to the designs that might have previously only been achieved in woven carpet.





With its classic, clean style, the concentric square motif resonates with many hospitality audiences. Experimenting with scale and turning the design elements in different angles, I wanted to take concentric squares in a new direction that can be appreciated and enjoyed by designers looking to achieve any style-from modern contemporary to rustic.

Durability was top of mind in the creation of the Concentrics Collection as I worked with the Durkan design team, and sought to create a carpet that would last as long as its concentric-inspired designs. Often when you're working with clean lines, the pattern can start to appear worn over time. By adding ghosted patterns and shadows behind the concentric squares, we give them a slightly distressed look. The result is a design that maintains its beauty year after year.

Durkan

ADD TODD OLDHAM TO YOUR iGOOGLE HOMEPAGE

Todd Oldham launched the iGoogle artist themes project alongside nearly 70 other international artists on April 29th! iGoogle artist themes is a collection of themes that provides iGoogle users with a diverse selection of artwork to frame their homepage and reflect their personal style.

Add Todd's theme and gadgets to your iGoogle homepage!

1. Go to iGoogle.
2. Sign-in in the upper right hand corner with your google or gmail account.
3. Look for the artist's palette icon on the right and "Get artist themes."
4. Scroll down to Todd Oldham and "Add it now."
5. Then, follow the direct links provided below to add Todd Oldham Clock, Blog and Notepad Gadgets.


Add the Todd Oldham Clock gadget here.


Add the Todd Oldham Blog gadget here.


Add the Todd Oldham Notepad gadget here.

PLACE SPACE 1ST PLACE

The Place Space series has been selected as Wallpaper Magazine's #1 2008 Design Masterpieces to Treasure! May issue, on stands now.

**NEW BOOK SERIES**

Place Space by Todd Oldham is an innovative new design series that explores brilliant, singular places and the uncommonly devoted people that create them. Inspired by the playful, whirlwind life of periodicals and the cultured, calm, defined status of books -- Place Space offers to compliment the two while existing between the boundaries.

Each volume of Place Space is 11 x 8.5 inch soft cover wrapped in an unconventional origami-like dust jacket. Unifying the series is its dust jackets that open wide to a gigantic poster that contains essays by Todd Oldham and special guest essayist and visual index enhanced with Todd's anecdotes and experiences while visiting these magical environments.

Open the book to discover each location presented in vast, full bleed photographs that create a lush visual experience of each extraordinary space. A collectable treat of hand colored postcards displaying places visited are tabbed into each book. Cut apart the postcards and send off to friends or keep together and decorate your home.

Priced affordably, each Place Space volume lovingly appeals to those of us overflowing with youthful exuberance but perhaps a little empty on cash. Four distinct volumes published per year.

Published by AMMO Books, available June 2008, $20 ea.

LICENSING REPRESENTATION OF THE ESTATE OF AMERICAN ARTIST CHARLEY HARPER

The Todd Oldham Studio is proud to be the exclusive licensing agency for The Estate of Charley Harper. All inquiries regarding possible licensing of images created by Charley Harper and owned by the Estate should be directed to info@toddoldhamstudio.com.

Any use of images created by Charley Harper and owned by the Estate without a license agreement is strictly prohibited.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HEIM

Todd Oldham's technicolor home in the hills of Pennsylvania has been swept up and plopped into the land of Deutsch this spring thanks to German Elle Decoration. Dank!

SHOW US YOUR DIY VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE!

Todd hangs out at one of his favorite places for inspiration, The Curiosity Shoppe in San Francisco, and invites you to the first official YouTube holiday celebration! Shoot a short video and send it to Todd at YouTube as soon as you can. He will review your responses and select the 12 most exciting videos to be posted on YouTube's homepage!

Happy Crafting + Happy Holidays!

TRAVEL INSTYLE

Todd Oldham's travel + organizing bags for Mobi can be found in InStyle Home's Fall/Winter 2007 issue and here at Mobi USA. The first of Mobi's Designer series combo packs, inculdes six quart size bags in three complementary designs by Todd Oldham. The back of each box comes with a step-by-step DIY project reusing the bags.

A donation will be made to the Natural Resources Defense Council, one of Todd's favorite environmental organizations with purchase.

I.D. PLEASE

Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life edited and designed by Todd Oldham/published by AMMO Books is featured in this month's I.D. Magazine. Luckily, it's an all ages show.

GAP INC. NAMES TODD OLDHAM DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR FOR OLD NAVY

Press Release

Visionary Fashion Designer Will Drive Merchandise Creative Direction for Old Navy

SAN FRANCISCO – September 21, 2007 -- Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) announced today that Todd Oldham will team with Old Navy to serve as the brand’s Design Creative Director, effective October 1. Mr. Oldham will divide his time between New York City and San Francisco and play a key role in developing and implementing the merchandise creative direction at Old Navy across all divisions.

Todd will also develop and launch a line of merchandise under the Todd Oldham name to be sold exclusively at Old Navy stores in the future.

“Todd’s successful career in fashion and design has distinguished him as an innovative creative thinker who also understands how to appeal to a broad audience,” said Dawn Robertson, President, Old Navy. “We believe he understands and appreciates Old Navy’s new positioning and fashion potential and will help elevate and evolve Old Navy.”

“Old Navy is one of the largest apparel retailers in the US and Canada, and Todd’s appointment will help us strengthen our focus on creativity and innovation to inspire and excite our customers.” Todd will partner with our EVP Product, Doug Howe, and the creative team to deliver a fashion viewpoint at value that will set Old Navy apart from its competitors.”

"I'm thrilled to be working with the Old Navy team and am so looking forward to help guide the creative direction of such an esteemed brand that means so much to literally millions of customers each week,” said Mr. Oldham. “It is very exciting for me to step back into fashion with such a far reaching and forward leaning company as Old Navy."

Todd will begin his engagement with Old Navy on October 1.

About Todd Oldham
Todd is a well-known designer whose career spans more than 20 years. Distinguished as an innovator of accessible design, Todd Oldham is the founder of Todd Oldham Studio, a multifaceted, full-service design studio.

Originally a New York fashion designer, and the host of "Todd Time" on MTV's House of Style, Todd's career has evolved to include all areas of design, from interior design, film and photography, to furniture, graphic art, and a collection of floral designs for FTD.com. Todd is the author of Hand Made Modern, and has hosted HGTV's "Hand Made Modern" series of specials. In 2002 and 2003 Todd designed his own line of dorm room furnishings for Target.

Todd makes regular appearances on NBC's Today Show and is currently the host of Top Design, Bravo's newest reality competition series spotlighting interior design. He designed The Hotel in South Beach as well as The Fairfax Hotel, to open in South Beach in 2008. Other projects include a 400 page monograph on the life's work of artist Charley Harper published by AMMO BOOKS.

About Gap Inc. and Old Navy
Gap Inc. is a leading international specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Piperlime brand names. Fiscal 2006 sales were $15.9 billion. Gap Inc. operates more than 3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Ireland and Japan. In addition, Gap inc. is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements for Gap and Banana Republic in Asia and the Middle East.

Since 1994, Old Navy has brought customers on-trend apparel and accessories at amazing prices, all in a fun, energizing shopping environment. From graphic tees and cargos to the latest styles and washes in denim, Old Navy delivers fashion moments for women, men, kids and babies.

For more information, please visit gapinc.com.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHARLES!

As featured in Interior Design Magazine, September 2007, Herman Miller celebrated Charles Eames's 100th birthday by challenging designers and manufacturers to reup, remake, or reinterpret the 1945 plywood "potato chip" chair in honor of one of its designers, Charles Eames. His co-designer and wife, Ray, was 5 yrs his junior. The design duo's film Kaleidescope Jazz Chair inspired Todd's op art woodgrain application.

CINCINNATI ART MONTH

I’ve just returned from Cincinnati, Ohio, home of my hero Charley Harper. I was on book tour there in support of the gigantic monograph that was just published by AMMO Books on Charley’s 65+ career called Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life. I had the pleasure of spending the last 5 years working on the book with Charley and it has been among the most fun projects I’ve ever worked on. We very sadly lost Charley on June 10th this year and this lovely book helps to remind people of Charley’s graceful genius.


Last Saturday marked the opening of Minimal Realism: Charley and Edie Harper, 1940–1960 at the Cincinnati Art Museum, contrasting the synergistic art made from 1940 to 1960 of the wildly prolific couple. The show is beautifully designed and features many unseen paintings, drawings and fantastic copper enameling. Across town at the brilliant Contemporary Arts Center a second show of Edie Harper's work is mounted alongside drawings and paintings by enchanting New York artist, ELLEN BERKENBLIT, and the eccentric Cincinnatian, Maybelle Stamper. What a treat to see 2 separate Harper shows, both brilliant, in 2 separate important museums.

Cincinnati is rather sophisticated with a lot of history in the art world. From the beautiful ceramics of Rockwood from early last century to the director of the CAC being jailed for showing Robert Mapplethorpe photos in the 1990’s.

One of the most anticipated new galleries in town is opening in the fall called Country Club Gallery. The effort of former CAC curator, Matt Distel, and Christian Strike of Iconoclast will indeed be worth keeping up with. Check out the Iconoclast site for a preview.

Also of note in Cincinnati is the former train station extravaganza that houses the Museum of Natural History & Science and an amazing full size miniature model of Cincinnati. The giant clamshell shaped building is clad in some of the most vivid mosaic tiles ever seen. Amazing! Happy Ohio! Todd

Ps: After a full art day, rejuvenate with the decadent Graeter's ice cream. I think if you eat it while standing the calories don’t count. You can even ship Graeter's anywhere in the states and it arrives very frozen so you can enjoy that instant fantastic sugar coma no matter where you are.

Pps: I certainly appreciate that our world is made up of lots of different points of view and this was never in stronger evidence during my trip to the Creation Museum located 7 miles from the airport in Cincinnati. Far be it for me to pass judgments on people’s beliefs, but this place was mind blowing. It’s dead serious with all of the sensorial manipulations necessary to drive their unscientific point of view home. As the cashier told me at Gold Star Chili [try the Veggie Chili 3-Way] up the road from the museum, “it presents what WE believe, and what scientists believe.” Oh my.