I was surprised seeing rope in the Forever 21 window. The display was still in the Michigan Ave. location, so I captured another photo. However, when approaching, I noticed that though the rope was still around the mannequin's neck, it no longer hung from above. It was draped around the arm and dangled to the floor. The window display must have been altered. Perhaps due to its raw nature?

A rope hung around the neck and draped along the above wall. Imagine passing this scene on Michigan Ave. on your way to a movie. That was me last weekend, strolling to River East AMC to see 3-D "Avatar," only the rope was surrounding a mannequin, as if posing as a necklace, in the Forever 21 window display. Unfortunately, the photos were deleted from my camera, so just imagine a mannequin amid a suicide attempt, clad in really great fashions. Retailers are sure trying anything to drive attention. I guess that's one way to stay "Forever 21."

I was recently at "The Chicago Collection" holiday party at The Golden Triangle--an antique Asian furniture store that's brimming with charm. Many treats were available such as sushi, duck and BBQ pork. But the coolest of them all was the Ketel One ice luge.

Simply pour the alcoholic mixture into the top of the ice sculpture--bam!--a cold drink. Then sprinkle in a garnish like cranberries or a lemon and lime slice. It's a perfect party element that your guests will lust over.

I worked the press desk at SOFA Chicago 2009, the Sculptural Objects & Functional Art Fair. Artists from all around the globe journeyed to Navy Pier's Festival Hall to display their diverse creations. The most, ah, interesting?






Art inspired by disease: tumor shaped jewelry and photos glamorizing ailments like jeweled, golden lips based on herpes (pictured)






Lauren Kalman
Lip Adornment, 2008
Represented by Sienna Gallery, Lenox, MA

Jewelry made to look like internal organs












Iris Eichenberg
Naked Necklace, 2009









Gold leafed snow blower, table saw (pictured) and chainsaw (framed and mounted on red velvet)












Jeff Forsythe

(mitrebox) We Don't Need Another Hero, 2008
Represented by Perimeter Gallery, Chicago, IL


 






Wheel chair with gun shaped armrests





OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

          -Clear glass purse with visible gun and bullet enclosed (great for traveling?)
          -Graffiti crack pipe sculpture
          -Porcelain men and women from the 18th Century in compromising positions

*Note: I work for a PR firm that represents this show.

I crafted the story If the Choo Fits in the November issue of CS, on stands now and online. Check out this RADAR piece about the Jimmy Choo collection at H&M, out November 14. Enjoy!