Categories
Fashion Music Technology

It Sounds Perfect!

During IFA 2017 I had an audiophile experience that boarded on life changing.  I had the opportunity to listen to the Bang and Olufsen Beosound Shape,  amazing, another dimension to sound quality.

The Black and Paper interview with Petros Belimpasaksi, head of Sound Category and Platform for Bang and Olufsen.

What is the history of the artwork influence of the Beosound Shape

Inspiration for the concept came from the designer’s experiences with poor room acoustics in an open space environment, something which is becoming increasingly problematic as a consequence of the breaking down of walls between e.g. kitchen and living rooms, where more people are in the same room, but doing different things at the same time. This is also often seen in hotel lobbys, airports and other large open spaces where a lot of things happen simultaneously.

If you need to adjust the room acoustics you need something that breaks up the large surfaces, you have to avoid straight surfaces and get the sound to bounce in different directions. A snow landscape with mountain tops inspired the design, when you see how light on snow is reflected differently and creating different colours of white when you look across the landscape.

We are working with basic mathematical shapes and the hexagonal shape was chosen because it is a great form for creating large volume efficiently and by combining it with the cube and the square, you get enough volume and an interesting shape, you can repeat and extend in all directions.   In this case, even the negative space – where there are no tiles – is an important part of the design. It has a very strong decorative element and at the same time it improves the ‘auditive climate’ of the room.

Besides making sound systems, this system has the benefit of not only making great sound, it can also make great silence. A speaker system that creates a great atmosphere in the home, by its mere presence, especially if you have a lot of hard surfaces such as wooden floors, large concrete walls or glass surfaces.

The modularity and thereby the flexibility of this concept is an essential part of BeoSound Shape  – by creating hexagonal tiles in different fabric and colour options, you get the possibility to create your very own shape or pattern using different colours and surfaces, and over time renew your look, size and performance as you please.

If fashion or your interior decoration change, it is merely a question of selecting a new colour or fabric tile and click the new cover onto the existing grid. New colour options will be introduced on an annual basis.

Describe the systems parts and specifications

Here are the main components:

On top of those, in every BeoSound Shape there is a “BeoSound Core”. BeoSound Core (http://www.bang-olufsen.com/core) is the connectivity hub that provides all the streaming technologies from the product (eg.  WiFi, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay, DLNA, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, etc)

If you would like to get the detailed spec for each component (e.g. power of amplifiers, size of speaker drivers, etc), I would recommend to simply visit the http://www.bang-olufsen.com/shape and scroll all the way to the end, at the “Technical Specification”.

We also have a great short video that explains all those details:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blg2WM7qkx8

Is this a product for only series Audiophiles?

No, on the contrary. The way people live with sound is not necessarily the same or the same for one person at all times. Therefore “one size does not fit all”.

BeoSound Shape is a unique product for people that live with sound, even if in the background. They enjoy music, but it takes a less visual and prominent part of there lives.

They want to Balance technology in their lives to a greater extend. Having technology there, but more in the background. Design and customization is key.  Many have multi-functional environments, where the traditional division between rooms disappear and rooms are becoming true living spaces for eating, working, relaxing and playing.

They also use music as a mood setter. And that is what music is most often for – setting a mood.  And this in not only true in the privacy of the home, but is actually relevant for many public and business environments too. Music can make people slow down, relax, be mindful, in a party mode or a pace setter at the gym. Therefore it is also used in the professional scene in hotel lobbys, at work or restaurants and the like.

Is this device an investment or a purchase?

You could call it an investment, but not in the terms of financial investment. It is an investment that would allow you, your family and your friends to get most of enjoying time together. Enriching your daily life with music, enhancing your mood as well as improving your room acoustics and interior. So, all in all, improve in general your well being, as good lightning or good air quality do.

At the same time, the product has been designed to be a very long lasting product. You can easily change colors and fabrics, when you redecorate your home. Or, scale it up in size (or sound performance) if you move home and want something larger. Even with the fast moving technology, the “BeoSound Core” connectivity hub can easily be changed and upgraded, as technology updates come in the future (updates that cannot be delivered just with software updates). So indeed this is a product where the customer’s investment is respected and long lasting. That is compared to a world of “fast consumer electronics” and “consumable goods”.

To convince Black and Paper readers , what album would you recommend they try on the system?

Everything sounds great on the BeoSound Shape, especially as it is upmixed with out unique patented algorithm called “Band on the wall”, which gives a great spatial experience. If I was to recommend my personal favorite tracks, those would be: “Hey Laura” by Gregory Porter and “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars.

Categories
Fashion

Don’t Walk, Look Fabulous!

Indulgence can be a good thing.  These boots are not meant for walking but for looking FABULOUS!  While in Paris I walked past the Chanel Boutique, saw them in window and said, “WOW!”

Categories
Technology

Bang & Olufsen

Coming Soon: The complete exclusive interview on the Beosound Shape Sound System from Bang and Olufsen.

Categories
Editor Fashion

Brice Hardelin at W Hotel Paris

https://www.facebook.com/1544948045/videos/10213792997769548/

Read the Black and Paper exclusive interview Coming soon.

Categories
Cinema

Grace Jones Preview

A Black and Paper Recommendation

To say that Grace Jones has been a force of nature for over 40 years would be an understatement. Original. Iconic. Stunning.    How does the 69 year old artist do it?  Sophie Fiennes’ documentary film explores the singer, model, and actress life and influences from her roots in Jamaica to her stage sensational presence.

Check local listings

Categories
Technology

May The Force Be With Us

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away.  To say we are having fun testing the new Tie Fighter Star Wars War Drone would be an understatement.  Everything about it is an experience from the packaging to the first flight.

Stay tuned for the review.

Categories
Fashion Feature Interview TV

Yves Saint Laurent Museum Opens

 

Categories
Feature

Romance Not Needed

Is there a price difference between a Homosexual Date and Heterosexual Date?  I learned there is on some levels.  While having a pleasant conversation regarding relationships and dating with a straight friend the chatter took a turn dating and investments.  Dating for straight men is like an investment.  Women like to be wooed,,, romanced.  Straight men have to play Romeos to get the Juliet’s.

My friend told me he has to pull out the credit card for dinner, cocktails, and cab service if he thinks he will get to first base or perhaps a homerun.  My friend is a red blooded straight man who went through moments of being undersexed.

Imagine his reaction when I told him for homosexual men the investment was cheap.   There was a location not far from where we were standing, for only 7 pounds including a free drink; oral sex was like a handshake.  His face froze in bewilderment.  The moment of disbelief broke once I said I may go there in 2 hours. I asked if he wanted to join but that was a case of too much, too soon.

Bringing our talk back to a reality he would understand, along with the fact I think he a bit jealous.  I told him romance is not in the equation when men are prowling for sex with other men.  It is physical, a release.  No names are involved, no conversation, just gestures, sounds of relief at the end and then all parties go in their respective directions.



 

Categories
Cinema

The Sunset Inspirational Festival

Black and Paper exclusive interview with Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival Creative Director Sandra Seeling.

Would you say filmgoers are looking for different stories and narratives? 

Festival Entry Even Lovers

In my experience as a festival programmer, filmgoers want to be surprised and inspired. They want to be taken out of their daily routines and experience new adventures and new point of views.

As a woman, why do you think there are so many challenges for women to direct films?

Women do not get the same opportunities as men. As a woman, we are instantly thought of as less capable, emotional and not as efficient. Unfortunately those attributes are deeply imbedded into the male think pattern (not only in the film industry) and make it harder for women to even get the chance to prove themselves. The challenge also lies in the century long history of the film industry. We as women have to simply keep pushing forward, to do an exceptional job, stand together, and support each other.

Producer, Director, Writer Paul Higgis

Why did you choose Paul Haggis this year as an honoree?

Paul is an incredible social justice advocate and his vision fits really well with EMIFF’s mission; BRIDGING CULTURES – BRIDGING PEOPLE. His work as a filmmaker and humanitarian makes him the perfect recipient for the Evolution Vision award, an award given to a filmmaker with an active vision to encourage unity and peace on our planet.

Isabelle Huppert is one of the greatest actresses of modern screen; her latest film has been submitted for the Academy Award for Foreign Film but “Barrage” seems dark for a festival on an idyllic island.  Why did you decide to screen this film?

“Barrage” tells the story of three generations of women. Isabelle plays Elisabeth who is raising her granddaughter while her own daughter Cathrine is busy exploring the world. When Cathrine returns, she kidnaps her daughter from her mother and the story takes a dark turn into very emotional territory. I love the way director Laura Schroeder tells this fragile story of three women, all different ages but connected by the simple fact that they are family. They mirror each other, at the end of the day they are more similar than they like to admit. EMIFF wants to promote young new filmmakers who have a unique vision. Laura’s work in “Barrage” is all that and more.

How do you envision the festival in five years? 

An inspiring Mallorca Sunset

In five years I see EMIFF as a year long event with Evolution LAB’s (Workshops and conventions) in the summer and a solid festival in the fall. I want the festival to be known as “The Mediterranean Sundance” and want everyone to know our mission is “Bridging Cultures, Bridging People”. I hope to continue to grow our audience and attract more international filmmakers to come and enjoy our island, inspiring films and great networking.

You meet filmmakers from all over the world.  What is your opinion on the general state of global cinema? 

My sense is that the world is our playground. Globalization creates endless possibilities for filmmakers to connect, interact and create together even when being on different continents. On the other hand, I think filmmakers still appreciate nothing more than a real face to face conversation, round table or discussion panel or Q&A. Connecting virtually is a great possibility but real connections is what sparks new ideas and fuels new stories and films.

Festival Head Sandra Seeling

Sandra Seeling is the founder and director of the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.  She is an actress, director, and producer.

 

 

The 6th  annual The Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival starts on October 26 until November 4th.  For more information go to: http://www.evolutionfilmfestival.com/

 

Categories
Fashion

One Last Time

During Pars Fashion Week I decided to go to Colette one last time.  How sad I was, the legendary boutique of style is closing at the end of the year.  The usual electric atmosphere of shoppers looking over every item from basic reader glasses to designer sneakers.

Japanese designer Sacai was the brand of the week on the second floor.

I had a café latte then a sandwich in the Colette Lounge before sitting down at the smoking area in front of the store window for a bit of people watching where I met the creative director of a major entertainment company.  We chatted about the store and what we bought.  I am going to miss this place.