Tastemaker Tag Sale: Matt Albiani

I know it's a little late notice but photographer Matt Albiani is part of today's Tastemaker Tag Sale on One Kings Lane. As you can see from his summer home in Montauk and his West Village one bedroom, Matt loves anything nautical so I hope some of these treasures as well as his hunky lifeguard portraits might be up for grabs. Not sure about the sailfish though! Happy Shopping!

Photos by Matt Albiani

Bon Weekend!

It's the weekend and you know what that means...lots of fun summer activities. I'm not sure if it's going to be a good beach weekend but if you happen to be out in the Hamptons, you should definitely try to attend Matt Albiani's book signing event for Lifeguard on Duty at T.B.D., a fab new men's store in Southampton (67a Jobs Lane) on Saturday, July 25th from 5:00-8:00pm. They carry Unis and Save Khaki, lines so cool I've never even heard of them! If you're a guy, you can pick up some clothes and a buy book. If you are a girl, you can buy a book and pick up a guy! And you both can buy a photograph from the book since they will also be up for sale. I can't guarantee any lifeguards will be there but since it's on dry land there's no way you can fake drowning for the mouth to mouth anyway.

If you're planning a staycation in the city, I highly recommend the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibition From Within Outward at the Guggenheim Museum. It's the 50th anniversary of the Guggenheim and what better way to celebrate that with an exhibit dedicated to it's architect. I attended a preview before it opened and really enjoyed seeing all the beautiful hand renderings and newly created three dimensional models of his designs including some that were actually built and others that never saw the light of day. I grew up close to Fallingwater so when I think of Wright, I picture his more linear buildings but toward the end of his career, his designs became more cylindrical. One that was never built looked like a spaceship that had just landed a top a hill! I think kids would really enjoy this show too...just make sure they don't touch anything! They break it, you bought it!

After the museum, you can head down to 54th Street for drinks and dinner at the newly renovated Monkey Bar. Unlike Graydon Carter's uber-exclusive Waverly Inn, the Monkey Bar actually has a listed phone number. Whether they actually pick up is another story but you probably have a better chance of getting in while all the beautiful people are in the Hamptons. Of course, that means you might be there with all the un-beautiful people but it's worth it for the fries. Just hope they didn't change those!

What could be better than dinner and a movie?! I have been hearing good things about The Ugly Truth and might have to take in a showing this weekend. I could use a little help in the dating department and besides that, Gerard Butler's not too bad to look at either. Nuff said.

After you've gorged yourself on popcorn and Jujubes at the movies, you may be need of a workout and I am excited to announce that Physique 57 is now selling DVD versions of their famous workouts! Kelly Ripa is a devotee and you've seen her arms. They give Michelle Obama's a run for their money so you know it's gotta be good. After Physique 57, you'll be ready for the beach! Bon Weekend!

The Lifeguard: Part Deux

Photographer Matt Albiani and fashion designer Michael Bastian are friends who just happened to both have lifeguards on their mind recently. (And thanks to Matt's photos in my last post, I think we all do now!) Michael's spring 2009 menswear line was inspired by the 1975 move The Lifeguard which I had never even heard of but I hope Netflix has because I think it's going to be very popular very soon! More importantly, he was inspired by the ease and sexiness of the lifeguard lifestyle. Aren't we all!

I checked out the collection at the Bergdorf's men's store recently and wished I had a boyfriend to shop for because the clothes are preppy but slim fitting and sexy. A perfect combination! Matt and Michael were also a perfect combination. Michael hosted Matt's book party for Lifeguard on Duty at Bergdorf's and you can ogle the photos on display in Michael's section until the book comes out in June. Too bad it's not summer now! Bon Weekend!

It's Raining Men!

I am so bummed that I am going to miss the book launch party at Bergdorf's for my friend Matt Albiani's new book Lifeguard on Duty. It would have been nice to congratulate him in person but more importantly, I will be missing seeing all the hot lifeguards off duty! I might have to figure out what beaches they work at so I can fake drowning just so they can give me mouth to mouth. (Did I just say that out loud?!) You know you were thinking it too!

I have a feeling Matt's book is going to be very popular this summer. When you buy one for yourself, make sure you pick up one for you beach house host/hostess. If you do, they might ignore the fact that you left your towels on the floor. Heck, they probably won't even notice you're there at all since they will be too busy looking at the photos!

Oh, Matt was kind enough to answer some questions about the book. Make sure you go back and read them after you stop drooling!

HC: I know you've had a love affair with the beach for years but how did the idea for the book about lifeguards come about?
MA: I was a lifeguard for five years in college, and have always been inspired by the spirit and culture of an ocean guard.

HC: You traveled to beaches across the US for four years to get the shots. Was it more fun to shoot photos for your own project?
MB: This is definitely more satisfying because it is such a personal project, and one that comes completely inspired from my experiences.

HC: Is there one US beach that has the hottest lifeguards?
MA: All of them are such terrific guys. The girls though all seem to go crazy for guys from the jersey shore, though.

HC: Do you have a favorite photo in the book?
MA: I shot for a few days under a pier at a lifeguard competition, where all the guards were hiding from the august heat, and those images under the pier are some of my favorite, because at that time, they were the ones being protected.

HC: How excited are you to see the final product of all your hard work?
MA: It is very very satisfying to see my work come to fruition.

HC: Any plans for another book? What are you working on now?
MA: I just shot the cover of the Jonas Brothers new album, which was a crazy departure for me, and have begun work on my next book, on college rowers. I can't wait!

Photos by Matt Albiani