” He takes us behind the scenes at Fashion Week, to Europe, on shoots and re-shoots, and into closed-door staff meetings, bearing witness to an arduous, entertaining, and sometimes emotionally demanding process.”

We don’t know about you, but we’re already planning how much non-fat popcorn to smuggle in.

This Crystal Castles remix of White Lies‘ newest ‘Death‘ proves to be just a wee bit trippier than say… Tim Burton’s latest pet project?

p.s. Images courtesy of Disney (natch) via The Examiner.

By Nicki Borland

Upon venturing out for a night of artistic and musical delight, one should not only expect and hope for an experience previously unmatched, but most importantly, feel deserving of one. The LA band of experimental racket makers, HEALTH effortlessly displayed just that during their short but spectacular set at The Horseshoe Tavern for Toronto’s NXNE festival. With a compelling mix of seemingly noise derived melodies set to an array of heart-throbbing drum beats, the eerily executed yet calculated musings of lead vocalist, Jake Duzsik, offer solace in what would otherwise be a tangled mess of bodies, instruments and musical pleasure. Each song blends into the next and are together energized but subdued making for an unforgettably haunting performance of which each viewer cannot help but admire.

Whether in awe of each members’ apparent absorption in the very moment they are living or engaging in collective confusion regarding the message or intent of Jupiter Keyes’ Nickleback homage, not one witness can deny that they were bombarded with and intrigued by the unique and particular stylings of this California quartet.

To see HEALTH is an experience indeed for one must recognize that those they are watching are the direct personification of the music they are hearing. The band’s allure resides in their capability to be consistently spontaneous, fluidly experimental and endlessly enticing through talent and originality inherent to each member. Although simply listening to HEALTH is a perfectly enjoyable experience, it seems to be like reading a play: something that was created to be performed should be enjoyed as such.

Thus to truly understand and grasp the experience that is HEALTH, one must delight in the band’s permanently inseparable elements of music and performance as so many did this past Thursday during 26 minutes of sheer musical glee.

Our favorite Montreal designer Clayton Evans of Complex Geometries has teamed up with Toronto blog super power (Jak and Jil)  slash photographer Tommy Ton to create a series of images that are truly beautiful.  Featuring the CG basic tees to create a stunning images of grace, architecture and painfully complex perfection.

Get your Complex fix online, at FAWN and UPC here in Toronto or OAK NYC.

Rip it Rip it Real hard.

Cult label Stolen Girlfriends Club has clearly robbed us of our hearts here at Daily Value.  What started off as a disbanded crap art band has now become New Zeeland’s answer to the grunge revival currently taking over the runways. With their latest winter 09 collection, Pretty Vacant, designers Marc Moore, Luke Harwood and Dan Gosling have managed to create a punk romanticism that is in no way cliché.  Rips, ties, tartan and hearts mix perfectly amongst the safety pins and faux fur.  If Marie Antoinette had found her self in the belly of 70’s punk, surely she’d covet the shredded lace and tartan tutu or perhaps the cobweb leggings and wire knit scarves.  Our current obsession has to be the silk bondage leggings with its peek-a-boo cut outs. We can’t resist its infinite play about potential.  Other favourites include the shredded luxe sweaters, the tartan sweetheart bustier and the men’s asymmetrical leopard print cardigan. The little heart detailing seems to be the running theme through out both the men’s and women’s wear.  These can be seen in the lining of jackets, gigantic appliqués on sweaters, red velvet Pretty Vacant badges and large tartan bags. Because of this we can’t help but wonder if the boys of SGF are wearing their hearts on their sleeves and our asking us to take a part in their little love parade.

I have found my self covered in chain necklaces as of late.  Could it be the Gothic trend of winter riding out its last moments before the blazing rays of summer turn my skin a dark purple-black? Perhaps, but this does not stop my need for purchasing more bodily bedazzlement.  Instead I dream of modern metallic bliss.  Bliss Lau to be more exact.  Her body conscious jewellery promotes lots of sex and danger.  Combined the two are easily my most favourite things.  Despite scandals and unanswered questions, Lau is venturing in to the detailed world of fine jewellery.  I can’t wait to see what she dreams up, but until then I will drool over The Diamond Top and hope that one day my chest and its delicate brass chains will meet in a truly blissful union.

Photos by Cameron Krone

Modern girls love modern basic pieces, and for this reason the  Toronto based clothing line Label have become huge favourites of ours here at Daily Value.  Designers Shawna Robinson and Natalie Sydoruk are a match made in heaven creating pieces that are sexy, fun, polished and flirty.  We also greatly respect the girls’ dedication in creating pieces that are ethical as well as beautiful.  Our favourite Spring/Summer 09 piece has to be the basic tank available in three colors including acid yellow with a chunky zipper detail skimming down the back.  The lovely Daniela Bosco of Chasse Gardee has picked up their entire line.  So be sure to check out the Dovercourt and Queen West hotspot for more Label love.

Primitive techno? Analogue pop? Call them what you like, but we at Daily Value can’t stop listening to Battant.  Signed to super label Kill The DJ, the trio produce music for those seeking a little romance and nostalgia.  Battant have already caused quite the stir in Paris with a dedicated cult following. We have certainly become believers, and come their album release this June you will too.

Sarah Clifford-Rashotte. Making Girls Cry.

“Following the success of I Do More, Change Me Forever marks C-R’s second solo show of drawings with LE Gallery, since graduating from London’s Central Saint Martins. C-R’s new work reflects her fixation with constructed appearances and a reality that can only exist within the space of her drawings. Ongoing, practically constant. Join LE Gallery for the opening and exhibition of Change Me Forever, new works on paper from Sarah Clifford-Rashotte.  A Graduate from the prestigious Central Saint Martins MFA program in England, Clifford-Rashotte’s ability to filter the experience of her generation in highly confessional and reflexive drawings on paper situates her practice within a movement of young, aggressive and culturally astute image makers. Exploring the accelerated culture in which she and other young artists must adjust to, reveals a fluid identity which simultaneously adapts to the shift in art, fashion, and music.” – Courtesy of Le Gallery

ps. You can slash definitely should go check out Sarah’s solo show at Le Gallery May 8th, starting at 7pm (runs to May 31st). I’m in love, I know you will be too. Also check out Sarah’s blog.