Nylon Blogs

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s….Julia Roberts?

If you’re in L.A., you’ve probably seen the actress’s shiny smile grinning down at you from the corner of Venice and La Cienega Boulevards.

The image comes courtesy of New York artist Nate Lowman, who created the piece (aptly titled “The 30 Million Dollar Smile”) as part of a city-wide public art display.

He’s the first of eight artists who will be displaying their work in that intersection within the next few months.

Well, that’s definitely one way to make rush hour a little more bearable…

Patti Smith has already displayed some of her photos in her 2010 memoir Just Kids and in private showings, but she’s never had an official museum exhibition until now.

Currently showcased at Hartford’s Wadsworth Antheneum, Camera Solo is Smith’s collection of Polaroid photographs taken over the years.

These 70-plus images capture everything from Eiffel Tower to Robert Mapplethorp’s shoes to the beds of Keats, Woolf, and Hugo.

They’re quiet, thoughtful, and the perfect antidote to her rockstar alter-ego.

You can see the pieces in person until February 2012.

But just in case you can’t make it, get a secondhand look here.

Have you been to American Apparel’s website recently?

Did you know about all the  awesomely random products in their “Multibrand” collection?

We sure didn’t.

From 3D stickers and origami sets, to the mysterious “Shampoo Brush” at left, the LA-based “American” company is now offering tons of stuff from all over the world.

But before you run over there to snag them all, beware that most of the international trinkets are sold exclusively online.

In other words, stay put and click here.

Over the years, it can become hard to remember all those places you’ve visited on family vacations, school trips, and weekend getaways with friends.

Luckily, this map from Fred Flare keeps track for you.

Beginning as a map of the world, you can scratch off the different locations you’ve been.

Plus, the back side even has space to mark your flight paths you’ve taken.

So whenever your next bout of wanderlust hits, whip out this map and pick someplace new to explore.

Buy it here.

Warning: this video from Aussie director Nick Thompson will make you want to stop whatever you’re doing and start a color war….immediately.

It took us a while to figure out what exactly it’s for, but it turns out it’s an awesomely creative way to build hype for the Australian music festival, Summadayze.

Um…can we go?

(P.S. Thanks to NotCot for the link!)

Keds has just released the latest style in its Road Trip series, the oiled canvas style of “Bloomington” Champion sneaks (bottom left).

But how does it live up to the other cities?

Clockwise from upper left: Champion Boulder, Champion Philly, Champion Bloomington, Champion LA.

5 cities down, 4 more to go….

U.K. magazine TEST is known for their visually striking images in both their magazine and on their website (watch this trippy and completely awesome video mash-up here).

And now, they’re giving you a taste of where their inspiration comes from with TEST Presents, a fashion film club that screens movies with just as much eye candy as the magazine itself.

This month’s showing is the 1972 German film The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant, which chronicles the love affairs of a self-involved fashion designer and displays some pretty incredible looks along the way.

London-based artist Julie Verhoeven will also be on hand at the screening to discuss the impact the film has had on her work.

If you’re in the London area next Thursday, make sure to check it out.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, so get them here!

–JULIE KOSIN

You love travel, right?

You love photography, yes?

Boy, do we have a proposal for you.

Leica Camera, the legendary camera manufacturer has collaborated with popular travel publishers The Lonely Planet to benefit you.

From July, they’ll be offering you the chance to visit and discover 5 of America’s greatest cities, including San Francisco, L.A and New Orleans.

Staying well off the well-beaten tourist track, prepare to explore the hidden gems, the unknown sites and the rural dwellings- camera in hand, of course.

With excursions customized by Lonely Planet authors, and tips taught from Leica professionals, you can even score the chance for your photos to be used in the next guidebook.

How’s that for Photography 101?

Register here!

–ALICE TATE

There are some people who say grilling the perfect burger is an art form.

Burgerac agrees.

This self proclaimed “burger detective” scopes out all the best hamburger joints in NYC and London and reports back to the masses on the eponymous blog.

But on June 27, all the London locals can get in on the foodie action together with the first annual Burgerac Show.

This art exhibit-slash- pop up dinner will feature a three course meal (with burgers, obviously) that you eat on placemats designed by 24 illustrators like Crispin Finn and The Lazy Oaf’s Gemma Shiel.

And the best part is, you can take them home.

Click here to find out how you can have your burger and your art, too!

We’ve been obsessing over Cheap Monday ever since the Swedish brand first hit America in a sea of skinny jeans.

And now those living in the U.K. can get in on the action as well.

Cheap Monday is opening its first outpost in London, on the first floor of Selfridges on Oxford Street.

Deemed “The Concession Store,” this new shop will feature the company’s menswear line as well as the unisex pants.

Even though the pop-up space is located within a bigger store, it still has all the Cheap Monday vibe we know and love- think raw materials like chian link fences and broken boards designed by the Swedish group uglycute (the creative geniuses behind the Copenhagen and Stockholm locations).

Mark your calendars for the grand opening August 15.

Until then, start clearing room in your closet.