We’re not talking about some kid who missed to become a pubescent brat, no! Already an Institution, the annual Life Ball is about to kick off on the 26th of May in front and inside Vienna’s City Hall under the theme “fairytale”.

History and Facts
Some 15 years ago,
Lifeball Daddy Gery Keszler took a break after producing a fashion show in L.A which was part of an Aids Charity concepted by designer Thierry Mugler. Keszler was fascinated by the solidarity towards affected within the usually quite self-drawn fashion world. As relaxing on the beach, the idea to create an Aids Charity event in Vienna with Muglers fashion on the catwalk was born.

The fundament to realize his dream was founding the Organisation Aids Life in 1992 together with Torgom Petrosian. The Event is the main income source of the organisations tasks: to earn money for HIV positive and people who suffer from AIDS. Thierry Mugler held word and presented his fashion at the first Life Ball in Vienna in 1993.

As for the past years, the event itself will be carefully created not only to give people from all over the world an unforgettable evening and to raise as much money as possible to fight the pandemic but also to raise the solidarity, tolerance and awareness towards HIV and AIDS within our society. The money will partly be distributed to Austrian programs and through a cooperation with the American Foundation for Aids Research amfAR) it will reach the people in the areas of our world which need it the most.

Celebrity factor
The Life Ball is a magnet for celebrities! In the past years, Gery Keszler invited Stars such as Sir Elton John, Sharon Stone, Anastacia, Catherine Deneuve, Heidi Klum, Naomi Campbell, Kool & The Gang, Simon Webbe, Dita von Teese, Liza Minnelli and many more to actively support the evening program of the Charity. Main part of the opening ceremony is a fashion show – so far Thierry Mugler, John Galliano, Paco Rabanne, Vivienne Westwood, Roberto Cavalli, Moschino, Missoni, Gianfranco Ferré, Donatella Versace and the Italian Label Diesel elated the crowd. The Designers present a profile of their life’s work. Top models and celebs can both be seen on the catwalk.

The NYC based designer duo The Heatherette’s will show their fashion up to estimated 40.000 people in front of the city hall, the festivities inside will only be amenable for 4.000 lucky cardholders!

Main music act will be the NYC Pop musicians the Scissor Sisters.

Check out this years “fairytale” fashion rules at www.stylebible.org

MORE INFO ON THE LIFEBALL

EDWIN USHIRO SOLO EXHIBITION: FEATURING NEW & ORIGINAL ART.

Edwin Ushiro obtained his BFA in Illustration with Honors from the Art Center College of Design. Upon graduating, Ushiro worked as a Storyboard Artist in the film industry. He currently works as a Freelance Art Director and Artist in Los Angeles.

Originally from Maui, Ushiro draws intensely on his youth, ghost stories and love.

This will be Ushiro’s first solo exhibition.

READ THE FMCS INTERVIEW WITH EDWIN USHIRO RIGHT HERE…

EDWIN USHIRO SOLO EXHIBITION: FEATURING NEW & ORIGINAL ART
AT NUCLEUS GALLERY
30 WEST MAIN ST.
ALHAMBRA, CA 91801

OPENING RECEPTION: JUNE 2, 2007 7PM-11PM

THIS EXHIBITION WILL CONTINUE UNTIL JUNE 23.

THE EDWIN USHIRO WEBSITE
THE NUCLEUS GALLERY

The D&AD Global Awards 2007 Nominations Exhibition launches Congress Week Two on 21 May at Old Billingsgate, London.

The packed week of events includes free Insight Sessions for professionals, students, lecturers and anyone with a passion for creativity. A member of each jury will provide audiences with a rare perspective about what makes nominated work stand out from the rest.

Two President’s Lectures will feature icons of creativity to audiences of over 1000 each night. Dan Wieden and David Kennedy will provide an insight into how they, as founders, grew what is today one of the only truly independent creatively-led global agency networks. A panel of Pentagram partners from their 7 offices around the world will discuss their unique place in design history.

The D&AD Global Awards 2007 Ceremony & Dinner ends the week, when Yellow and Black Pencil winners are announced. Nominees attending will hope to be up on stage, Pencil in hand, by the end of the night.

Viral and Graphic Design categories had a fantastic showing on the list of nominations with 16 and 11 pieces of work, respectively. Advertising agencies leading the pack of nominees include TBWA, Lowe and Bartle Bogle Hegarty. Peeterman Artois and Nike are the most nominated brands.

“This week we are celebrating the best creative work and people from around the world with the exhibition and lectures,’ said D&AD President Tony Davidson. “We’re stripping away the mystique with Insight Sessions – a chance to learn more about what it takes to rise above the rest at D&AD.”

Nominations can be viewed online at NOMINATIONS

Information regarding all Congress Week Two events can be found at CONGRESS WEEK INFO