[ Happy Birthday Edit Mag ]

I've talked about Edit Mag before. They throw the original Edit Hours events every now and then (by the way, the next one will be on December 2nd), an opportunity for the fans and staff to get together in a relaxed environment, talk for a bit, and above all, have great fun!

This post is actually way overdue, considering they celebrated their first birthday on September 30th! Well, I'm tired of saying how crazy these past few months have been, so I wont say it again, and I guess it's better late than never...

So, about the party: like the magazine itself it was superbly organized and original. Francisco really took advantage of the venue, placing the fashion show in the overhead windows...

... and of course, the beautiful people having a great time...

... the Hotel da Estrela at it's best, with the lighting fixtures giving it a cool abstract look...

... and above all, a huge funny night to remember.

Happy Birthday Edit Mag!

[ Tattoo ]

This was a decision I took three years ago when I met Sonia. Nothing made more sense. Finally, after all this time, the day came when love and happiness became a tattoo. Here it is, first hand.

[ Paris, people and places ]

Someone asked me why in the world, of all places, should Paris be my favorite one. Just two simple reasons:

the people...

... and the places...

[ Madame Godard ]

 

While taking a look at FNAC in Norteshopping, Porto, I heard this amazing drum riff jamming from the FNAC Café. It was the perfect excuse to hang around for a while and listen to the 20 minute presentation Madame Godard made of their album Galapagos.

I really can't describe it well enough. Their from Viana do Castelo, they have the most original sound I've heard for a while, and an amazing live performance power. Their version of "Spanish bombs" by The Clash is extraordinary, the originals are ear catching, an overall quality and enthusiasm, and the pleasure of hearing the horn, the violin, the organ, but above all, a world class drummer by the name José Ribeiro.

Juvenal, the lead singer, assured me they'll be in iTunes asap, but in the meanwhile you can find them in FNAC at a nice green price. I was listening to them all the way from Porto to Paris yesterday, and I just can't stop! I'm really looking forward to the work this promising young band has ahead of them.

Better than looking at them is obviously hearing them, so here is "Love is Poker" video straight from their MySpace page, but you can also follow them in Facebook. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

"Love is Poker" Official Video from madame godard on Vimeo.

[ Edit Hours ]

Here are some photos from last wednesday's Edit Hours, courtesy of Edit Mag, a cool new magazine with a very unique editorial placement.

It took place at the very heart of Lisbon, in the Café Bairro Alto. Francisco and Claudia from Edit were the graceful hosts - thanks a lot for having us there, and for the great fun we had. The place was packed, the DJ was inspired, and apparently, only cute people allowed.

My name isn't 'Mr. Jones', but I do admit I was 'staring at this yellow head girl'... and she was staring back... Love you Sonia.

[ Gotan ]

Yesterday was the Gotan Project concert in the Coliseu do Porto, bringing back memories of the unforgettable first time I saw and heard Gotan "en amoureux". The theater is one of a kind, so is the show, and the company... well, don't even get me started...

This is, without a doubt, my favorite band of all times. The perfect mix between beat and melody put together in a visual show that really unusual to see. Paris, Buenos Aires, the feel of being in a night club listening and dancing the tango, all the sensuality of this classic music with a contemporary flavor...

I could go on and on trying to describe it, but the best thing is to see and listen to it. "Tango 3.0" is the name of the third original album, and a great offspring of "La Revancha del Tango" and "Lunatico".

[ Storm II ]

Remember the [ Storm ] post? Some people find them exciting, some people find them frightening, but no one remains indifferent to an event like this.

This little girl screamed in excitement watching the wall of water rise several meters above her, while her grandfather, an obvious Porto sea wolf told her calmly "don't worry shorty, the sea wont harm you unless you turn your back to it...". That is true in so many ways.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” M. Robinson

I just love the ending I'm working for.

[ Where is my love? ]

Maria Bethânia is a 63 year old brazilian singer, youngest sister of the mythical composer Caetano Veloso, and one of the most charismatic singers I've ever had the chance see perform... Her figure, her barefoot catlike pose, the heart that she puts in to her songs and poems sweep you away during any of her shows.

These ones were taken in a magical night in Lisbon, on March 5th 2009, and once again, straight off the camera...

Can't help to share the translated lyrics of one of my favorite songs from this magnificent artist. Only one who knows what true, deep and passionate love is, can write and sing something like this...

Since this night will end And the sun will shine again I am thinking about you... Where is my love? Is he awake like I am? Is he calling out like I am? Is he asking about me? Where is my love? If the night voice answers Where am I, where are you We are here inside us Alone... Where is my love? If the night voice silences A sun ray will take me A sun ray will bring him Where is my love?

[ Godspeed ]

Some might say that fashion is a superficial thing, that people shouldn't be judged by the way they look, but by their character. I truly believe that a persons character is the most important thing, much more than the looks, but fashion is for me a form of visually expressing your taste, it's the way you light up a room when you enter, the way that you show people what you love and who you are.

The world is darker today, with the passing of Lee McQueen.

I wont dare to post one of my photos, all of them pale compared to the brightness of this designer so, I leave you the post I wrote for the SG Representations blog, some photos of this artist and his work.

"No words can describe what we felt when we received the news of Lee McQueen's, founder and designer of Alexander McQueen brand. We respect the family's wishes, mentioning only that, with only 40 years of age, Lee McQueen is unanimously considered a genius, a visionary in the fashion world, and personally, one of our favorite designers of all times... Where ever you are, our thoughts and profound sadness are with you, and we know that the world is less colorful now that you have chosen to leave us. Your work remains, and it will be spoken of long after all of us are just a memory. Wherever your trip is taking you, we just say: Godspeed Alexander McQueen."

[ Tiger ]

Meet Tiger. Even though [ Golden Heart ] makes much more sense today, this should probably be my profile picture...

Why Tiger? Well, I just learned that there is a chinese legend that says that when someone is born, a red string is tied by the gods on his foot, and the other end is tied on the foot of their soulmate. Along their lives, the string can tangle, or can stretch, but it will never break, and all you have to do is follow that string...

I describe it in a different way... I truly believe that the world is made of soul mates, perfect couples that were scattered across an imperfect world by a God that to me is a bit of a spoiled brat. And when one of these couples meets, when a Tiger meets a Princess, a miracle takes place, and all that's left is the wonderfull light that blinds us, guides us, and makes us one again...

Well this Tiger loves to linger in the sun, loves to write his thoughts on little black notebooks, loves to travel the world, loves design, loves fashion, loves gourmet meals, and above all, loves a Princess, and Princess, I just can't take my eyes off you...

[ Holding hands ]

The road trip day to Lisbon last week, was filled with gorgeous heart filling sunlight. Even though I captured some nice photos from details and landmarks, my eye got caught by the people enjoying the cool sunny day.

Having a nice coup of coffee in the sun is a perfect way to start the day... or you could maybe take a break and read the newspaper on a garden bench... or taking some photos on a visit to a foreign city with your friends... but for me, it was the old couple holding hands that really brought a smile to my face, especially when he took the time waiting to cross the street to give her a cuddle. Love knows no boundaries, no ages, and holding hands always makes a difference...

[ Friendship ]

Meet Paulo, the author of the famous words "love and a hut is enough... if the hut is Chanel...".

Mahatma Gandhi once said “Whatever you do is insignificant, but it is very important that you do it!”. No one can walk the path you are about start, and even though it's really insignificant, this is my way of telling you that no matter what, I'm going to be here for you.

Godspeed my friend.