LYRA MAG.

Text, Vivian G. Kelly, with contribution by Richard Spiegel Images from www.deitch.com www.welovespouse.com Image of Deborah Harry from art.com Image of Keith Haring from wwwseymour.k12.wi.us, by Jack Mitchell Images of exterior of Soho, NYC Vuitton store, VGK FASHION/POP CULTURE If you came of age in the eighties and went out in NYC, you knew whom Steven Sprouse was. You also knew who Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Blondie/Deborah Harry were and maybe even rubbed elbows with them at the Mud Club. They were much more than mere of –the- moment celebrities; they were possessed of a unique brand of talent that lives on even though Haring, Basquiat, and Sprouse are no longer alive. THE PRESENT The January issue of Harper’s Bazaar put Steven Sprouse squarely back on our radar screen. It was nearly impossible to miss or ignore a naked Marc Jacobs covered in Sprouse graffiti painted all over his body – just like on the handbags currently available at the Soho Vuitton store. THE...

Text, Vivian G. Kelly Portrait of Rolando Aedo, Richard Spiegel Images of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Ad campaign, www.miamiandbeaches.com Time/Place: Mercedes-Benz Miami Swim Week, at the Raleigh lobby lounge MEETING WITH ROLANDO AEDO, SR VP Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau We used this opportunity to ask some questions that were on our mind since the shows started, Thursday evening. LYRA MAG: How long have you been with the bureau in this position? ROLANDO AEDO: I've been with the organization for over 12 years, & in this position for the past year. LYRA : Who do you report to? R. AEDO: Bill [William B. Talbert ], the President. LYRA: Is this show week [Mercedes-Benz Swim/Cruise 2009] helping Miami? R. AEDO: We were instrumental in bringing the shows down 5 years ago. We actually hired IMG out of Cleveland to help us with our branding, to identify the major ways to make some money in what’s a slower time for us in Miami. Turkel branding...