We're pleased to announce the opening of a brand new Authentic Shop in Boston. Situated on the city's unique and vibrant Newbury Street, the shop sits on the first floor of a traditional Boston townhouse and makes use of original features including rich red oak flooring and exposed fireplaces.

Fixtures have been created using salvaged steel and iron from disused railway tracks, showcasing men's and women's Authentic collections. The Boston Authentic Shop is our first outside New York, open just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

Fred Perry Authentic Shop, 301 Newbury Street, Boston, MA. The shop will be open 11am-7pm Monday to Saturday, and 12pm (noon) - 6pm on Sundays. For more information and directions, visit our Shop Finder.

Having seen Madness whip the Coachella crowd into a frenzy over the past two weekends, we thought we'd take a look at some of the other opportunities to see some of the best ska bands perform in the States. Step forward Viva Ska Vegas, an all-day event taking place on Saturday 28th April at the Henderson Events Plaza, Nevada. The line-up features headline spots from the legendary Skatalites, The Aquabats and the Voodoo Glow Skulls, alongside a selection of other new and established acts.

The event has been organised by SMASH magazine, a free local music publication available in the Las Vegas and San Diego area. Tickets for the event are just $22, which includes entry to the afterparty at the nearby Goldmine Tavern. Looks like one not to be missed if you're lucky enough to be in the area.

www.vivaskavegas.com 

The Creative Collaboration Between Rudi Gernreich, Peggy Moffitt and William Claxton

The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, is currently playing host to a selection of photographs and films that explore the role of 60s icon Peggy Moffitt as a muse for fashion designer Rudi Gernreich and her late husband, the photographer William Claxon. Whilst London and Italy are often credited as the birthplace of Mod, California born Moffitt established herself as 'the American Twiggy' with her Vidal Sassoon asymmetric haircut and kabuki-inspired heavy eye make-up and false lashes.

Peggy Moffitt modelling a Rudi Gernreich design,1968, photo by William Claxton

The designer Rudi Gernreich became well known for his futuristic and boundary pushing modernist designs, and lived by the motto “fashion will go out of fashion”. Together with Moffitt and William Claxon, the trio became central figures on the Los Angeles art scene in the 1960s and ‘70s and were well known for their friendships and collaborations with other key influencers. For a short period of time Gernreich extended his talents to mainstream sportswear and swimwear manufacturers, and received recognition and awards for new innovations such as the knitted tube dress and the first unconstructed swimsuit. After a while the designer grew tired of the commercial compromises he was forced to make and, never one to shy away from controversy, Gernreich caused a media frenzy in 1964 when he presented Moffitt wearing the very first ‘topless swimsuit’.

 Peggy Moffitt modelling a Rudi Gernreich design, 1971, photo by William Claxton

William Claxton started out as one of America’s most famous Jazz photographers, who also became known for his celebrity portraits and album cover designs. After shooting Gernreich's designs in 1957, Claxton went on to marry his muse and create what was is deemed as many as the first fashion film: Basic Black: William Claxton w/ Peggy Moffitt (1967). The exhibition explores how these three creatives independently and collectively made their mark on the world of fashion, film and photography. Christopher Claxton, the son of Moffitt and Claxton and Director of the Claxton Archive has helped coordinate the presentation of photographs and films alongside curator Cameron Silver, assisted by Ethel Seno and Jhordan Dahl.

The Total Look: The Collaboration Between Rudi Gernrich, Peggy Moffitt and William Claxton is open now until 27th May 2012, at the MOCA Pacific Design Centre. For more information, including ticket prices and directions, click HERE.

The Museum of Contemporary Art, 250 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012

www.moca.org