Madonna, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Cher, Tina Turner, and a galaxy of other pop culture supernovas owe a flash of their sparkle to the imaginative and provocative costumes and accessories designed by Michael Schmidt. His innovations in craftsmanship and materials—as disparate as plastic Legos, razor blades, Swarovski Elements, and sterling silver links—never cease to amaze.Schmidt made history this spring with the world’s first fully articulated 3D-printed work of fashion. Realized with architect Francis Bitonti and 3D-printing pioneers Shapeways, this sensuous piece of haute technology was created for burlesque icon Dita Von Teese. It was hand-finished with thousands of Swarovski crystals in Schmidt Studios located in downtown Los Angeles and will make its West Coast debut at this program.Schmidt will talk about his nearly three-decade career as artisan, costume designer, and installation artist with Rose Apodaca, pop culture and design writer, curator and consultant. They will discuss the award-winning documentary about Schmidt’s landmark New York nightclub, SqueezeBox; his Emmy-nominated work; his large-scale interior installations for public environs; and his work as special projects designer for Los Angeles-based luxury house Chrome Hearts.

AUS/USA/LAX 2013 showcases the leading edge of Australian design, fashion, food, wine and more. Presented by Australian design collective Quench and American agency Flagship, AUS/USA/LAX will display the breadth, ambition, and creativity of Australia’s producers in a beautiful setting. Participating brands include boutique wineries, Australian delicacies, design objects, bicycles, furniture, and women’s fashion. Presented with the support of the Queensland Government and Wine Australia USA.

Cocktail reception and more. Stay tuned for more information!

Part food event, part summer party, Chinatown Summer Nights presents an exciting hot spot for Angelenos this August. Taste the many culinary offerings of Chinatown and LA’s gourmet food trucks; sample the neighborhood’s wares; watch Chinese chefs perform cooking demonstrations; experience large-scale, outdoor video projections; take part in hands-on, Chinese cultural activities presented by local organizations and museums; sip on Chinese beer and dance in Central Plaza with 89.9 KCRW’s DJ’s!Presented by the Chinatown Business Improvement District, Community Arts Resources (CARS) and KCRW, in association with Los Angeles Chinatown Corporation, and the ChungKing Plaza Association.