Henrik Vibskov Boutique

Agency V is hosting a party tonight to celebrate the opening of the Henrik Vibksov boutique in Soho with music by Mr V, Hess and DFA Records and Justin Miller. Vibskov, a Central Saint Martins trained mens- and womenswear designer, also has stores in Cophenhagen and Oslo. Worth stopping by for a drink, and if you’re lucky, you can pick up a zig-zag plaid knit chaircover on your way out.

456 Broome Street

Ai Weiwei

Media coverage surrounding Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei’s detainment by the Chinese government has been mounting recently in the month leading up to the scheduled unveiling on May 2 of his sculpture to be displayed at the Pulitzer Fountain (outside of the Plaza Hotel at 59th Street and Fifth Ave), titled ‘Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads.’ The sculpture, a collection of 12 bronze animal heads, evokes an imperial 18th century fountain clock that was pillaged in 1860 by French and British troops. Only seven of the 12 original heads have been recovered—protests in China ensued in 2009 when two of the original heads were put up for sale at Christie’s as part of Yves Saint Laurent’s estate—so the piece evokes a complex relationship and history between East and West. Whether or not Weiwei will be present in NYC for the opening is as of yet unclear. Members of the international arts community have called for Weiwei’s release in an online petition to the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China. But as of today a Hong Kong newspaper under Beijing control reported charges against Weiwei of tax evasion and denunciation by his sister. Whether he is released or not, these tactics and circumstances are shedding increasing light on the significance of Weiwei’s work in China and abroad.

Mia Wasikowska

I thought she was a showstopper on the cover of W magazine’s April issue in white Max Mara (and inside fencing Michael Fassbender in Alexander McQueen!), but Mia’s well story in May’s issue, styled by Alexandra White and photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, is the real winner.

Stephen Starr at Puck Building

I have a certain unwarranted pride in entities that, like myself, migrate from the Philadelphia region to NYC. So it is in this spirit—and also a fondness for his empire—that I find myself extremely excited about Stephen Starr’s newest restaurant set to open in Manhattan. Grub Street reports today that Starr’s restaurant group has applied for a liquor license at the Puck building at 295 Lafayette St, one of my favorite buildings downtown and an NYC landmark that began construction in 1885 now owned by Kushner properties. Starr has a knack for optimizing kitsch, so it will be interesting to see his interpretation of this unique location.

If China builds it, I will come.

Helsinki based Eriksson Architects has completed a design for Mentougou Eco Valley, an urban design that incorporates the natural valley landscape as well as innovative technology and materials, and is now awaiting approval from the Chinese government. Located sixty kilometers away from Beijing, the Mentougou valley project would accommodate a minimum of 50,000 people in an environment free of the hustle and stress of urban life and the toxins emitted from those environs.

Luncheon of the Boating Party.. In Times Square?

While it’s hard to imagine that Spring weather is just around the corner, if memory serves me at all correct, by August I’ll be going simply mad from the heat. So for the time being I’ll take advantage of the fact that the subways aren’t sweltering and that there are all kinds of reasons to look forward to the next few months. One trend to be on the look out for is outdoor dining (taking a hint from What Happens When’s latest incarnation?) The Times Square alliance is taking proposals from vendors eager to sell drinks + snacks in the pedestrian plaza. As is Friends of the High Line, which is seeking partners to create interesting collaborations that will enhance the experience of the High Line park. Until then just remember that April showers bring flowers in May, and hold tight to your umbrella!