Christian Louboutin speaks to my materialistic side. When I'm fitted with a red sole pump, I feel like a walking piece of art. There is nothing in the world that can possibly bring me down or anything that can stand in my way. It's euphoric magic. Louboutin's self proclaimed goal is to "make shoes that are like jewels" and he has yet to fall short.

I was entranced when I came across a photo shoot that famed photographer Peter Lippman had done for the Louboutin spring/summer 2009 lookbook. Each shoe was impeccably interpreted to emulate classic still life pieces from the 18th century. This campaign proves that each of his designs truly are masterpieces.

Ch-check it out. Do you love it or hate it?

http://www.peterlippmann.com/lippmann3/advertising/still_life,_landscape...

With global warming warnings everyday, we’re all trying to find our way to do our part in becoming more environmentally friendly. For example, the automobile industry is beginning to manufacture more hybrid cars and offering them in varying styles to appeal to a broader audience. Many companies are becoming eco-friendly and promoting energy saving software like AT&T, Intel, Google etc. In a survey conducted by Experience, it seems that recent college and grad students would prefer to work for a more environmentally-friendly company. Even Budweiser drinkers can be assured that Anheuser Busch is going to use renewable fuel in their breweries by the end of 2009.

Contributing to this trend is a movement called ‘Design Can Change’. An initiative which is an effort to bring together the design community and utilize their influence to combat global climate change.

‘Design Can Change’ asks those in the field to sign an eco-friendly pledge. Designers must promise to adopt a “sustainable mind-set” in their own practice as well as educate their clients about alternatives to traditional materials and methods. They must consider their choices carefully and make informed decisions. In return, these designers are listed in a database of like-minded studios which can be found on their website. This allows a buyer of creative services to encourage mindful positive changes by choosing or working with designers who have taken this pledge.

In order to be a part of the movement and sign the pledge; designers are asked to fill out a form including their studio addresses. For the designer, committing to this effort means seeking to understand this issue and how daily changes in their practice can make a difference. It requires the designer to always think green and to share this knowledge to build awareness for sustainability. With their collective strength, designers are uniting to spark this change.