Fashion

Artist Paul Chan Revisits One of the 20th Century’s Greatest Thinkers in Playful New Drawings

Each drawing relates to one of the 5,968 words in Ludwig Wittgenstein’s “Wörterbuch für Volksschulen,” ranging from die Amsel, a solitary blackbird, to das Abendmahl, or “Last Supper,” a dozen festive figures dining on pizza….

Who knew that the 20th-century philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein wrote a textbook for children? Paul Chan did. Chan is an artist and the founder of Badlands Unlimited, which has just brought out Word Book, the first English-language edition of Wittgenstein’s Wörterbuch für Volksschulen (Dictionary for Elementary Schools) from 1926. Chan also provided the illustrations—ink drawings made with his non-dominant (left) hand—which manage somewhat miraculously to convey both child-like playfulness and sophisticated meaning. Each drawing relates to one of the 5,968 words in Wittgenstein’s lexicon, ranging from die Amsel, a solitary blackbird, to das Abendmahl, or “Last Supper,” a dozen festive figures dining on pizza. A lot more drawings are on view in Chan’s current exhibition at Greene Naftali Gallery, many of them very large—twelve feet high or wide.

Wittgenstein, who came from one of the richest families in Austria, had already published his game-changing Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus—a metaphysical inquiry into the workings of language—when he decided to give away all his money, and teach the fourth-to-sixth grade children of farmers and factory workers in rural communities from 1920 to 1926. Since the only two dictionaries available to them were either too expensive or inadequate, he wrote one himself.

“Word Book to me is a testament to how a mind changes, if one is willing to learn from others, especially kids, and if one is willing to let go of a certain idea about who one happens to be,” Chan tells me. “After his time teaching in rural Austria, Wittgenstein slowly realized his philosophy was fundamentally wrong. He spent the rest of his life re-writing his thoughts, and in the process, changing his life and mind. Stories about what it means to change are always meaningful to me. This is why I published this book, and why I’m publishing it now.”

Below, Chan discusses Word Book with an apt critic—his young daughter, Ruby.

Publisher’s note: The following interview took place on November 2, 2020, between Ruby Chan (the publisher’s nine-year-old daughter, a fourth grader and the same age as Wittgenstein’s youngest students) and the publisher, posing in an online chat as Ludwig Wittgenstein.

Wittgenstein: Dear Ms. Ruby Chan, I am very pleased that you have agreed to talk to me about my book.

Ruby: My dad said if I did this he would let me watch my iPad.

Wittgenstein: Have you read the book?

Ruby: It’s a dictionary.

Wittgenstein: Have you opened it at least?

Ruby: Yeah, it’s pretty. I like the red cover and the drawings. They’re funny and weird. Kinda like my dad.

Wittgenstein: What about the words, what do you think of the words?

Ruby: I like them. Did your students have to memorize all the words?

Wittgenstein: No, just the ones I thought they each needed.

Ruby: My dad said you are a philosopher.

Wittgenstein: People say that.

Ruby: Why is the word “philosophy” not in the book?

Wittgenstein: Why do you care about philosophy?

Ruby: I don’t. It’s really boring. But dad likes it. He has fun reading it. I don’t understand why.

Wittgenstein: Do you like reading?

Ruby: I love it sooooo much! Percy Jackson, Keeper of the Lost Cities, Harry Potter….

Wittgenstein: What does it feel like when you read?

Ruby: It feels so fun and cool. I see pictures in my mind. Also “ships.”

Wittgenstein: Words draw pictures of worlds for us in our minds, don’t they?

Ruby: That’s literally what I just said.

Wittgenstein: That’s why I wrote the book: to give my students bigger worlds to find themselves in.

Ruby: That’s cool. Who’s Bettina?

Wittgenstein: She translated the book from the language I originally wrote the book in into English.

Ruby: Dad said I had to read her essay before I talked to you.

Wittgenstein: What did you think of her translator’s preface?

Ruby: I liked it. I like that she’s a mom. She wrote being a mom helped her translate the book.

Wittgenstein: It’s interesting, this idea, isn’t it?

Ruby: What does the Hundred Year’s War mean?

Wittgenstein: Ask your dad.

Ruby: Nah, I’ll google it.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Fashion

Hailey Bieber’s Pregnancy Glow at Paris Fashion Week

When Hailey Bieber showed up at Paris Fashion Week, she effortlessly drew the attention of fashion lovers and industry insiders. Her beautiful pregnancy glow made her appearance even more special, which highlighted her radiant skin and confidence, paired with her unique style that has become her trademark. This year, Hailey’s maternity outfits at this famous fashion event showcased her talent for mixing classy with trendy, challenging traditional ideas about how pregnant women should dress.

Typically, people expect pregnancy fashion to be more conservative and focused on comfort. However, Hailey used this opportunity to change the game. With her thoughtfully chosen outfits, she made bold fashion statements throughout Paris Fashion Week, showing that pregnant women can embrace high-fashion trends while celebrating their bodies.

Check out this article: Hailey Bieber Reveals The Moisturizing Eye Masks She Uses To Look So Bright-Eyed

One of the standout features of Hailey’s style was her daring choice of bold shapes. Instead of wearing typical flowing dresses or loose outfits, she chose structured clothing that highlighted her figure and made a statement. Oversized blazers became a key part of her wardrobe, often paired with tailored pants or skirts. These blazers had unique designs with big shoulders or sharp lines, adding a modern twist to her looks.

She combined a sleek, oversized blazer with high-waisted trousers and a sheer lace top in one of her most memorable outfits, giving a chic and daring spin to classic fashion. The mix of strong styles with soft, feminine touches like lace showed her ability to balance powerful dressing with grace, proving that pregnancy fashion can be stylish and flattering.

Another exciting part of Hailey’s pregnancy style was her love for bold fabrics like sheer lace and sequins, often not seen in maternity wear. In one outfit that caught everyone’s eye, she wore a sheer lace ensemble that offered a glimpse of her baby bump while still keeping an air of sophistication. Layered with a sequined bralette underneath, this outfit struck a perfect balance between edgy and elegant. The sequins sparkled under the light, adding a touch of glamour to her black and white outfit and highlighting her confidence in embracing her pregnant body.

Accessories played a big role in enhancing her looks at Paris Fashion Week. Hailey didn’t hold back when adding glamorous jewelry and stylish bags to her ensembles. Oversized earrings and chunky necklaces brought a luxurious feel to her outfits, elevating them even further. She paired her outfits with high-end handbags and chic shoes that added to the overall elegance, showcasing that every detail mattered. Her stylish sunglasses, especially her beloved aviators, added a cool, confident vibe, blending her relaxed California roots with the high-fashion setting in Paris.

Also check this: Future & Lil Baby Just Dropped the Hardest Collab of this year 2025

Hailey Bieber’s appearance at Paris Fashion Week marked a significant moment for maternity fashion. Pregnant women were often pushed toward baggy dresses and comfortable shoes for years. While comfort is important, her choices demonstrated that pregnant women can feel powerful and stylish. She redefined maternity fashion by showing that pregnancy can be a time to celebrate one’s style. Her presence at the event also inspired many who might have felt pressured to tone down their fashion during pregnancy, encouraging them to embrace their style and confidence.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Business

Kanye West’s Yeezy Brand Boosts Net Worth to $1.2 Billion

Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, is a well-known artist and entrepreneur who has recently reclaimed his status as a billionaire, with a net worth estimated at $1.2 billion. Much of his wealth comes from his music, but the biggest boost has come from his brand, Yeezy, which has changed the sneaker and fashion landscape. His journey from a famous rapper to a major player in the fashion world showcases his business talent and unique ability to connect with culture, allowing him to create a brand that holds significant financial value.

1. The Rise of Yeezy

Kanye started the Yeezy brand in 2009 through a partnership with Adidas. Over the years, it has become one of the most desirable and trendy sneaker and streetwear brands globally. What sets Yeezy apart is Kanye’s choice to take full ownership of the brand, allowing him to direct its creative vision completely. Unlike many other celebrities who collaborate with existing brands, he aimed to build something new that challenges the fashion industry’s norms.

Yeezy’s designs are noted for their simple yet modern look, and items like the Yeezy Boost 350, Yeezy 700, and Yeezy Foam Runner are now considered iconic. The brand’s success can be attributed to its scarcity, limited releases, and Kanye’s powerful presence on social media. These elements have helped Yeezy reach mainstream popularity, turning it into a symbol of luxury and style.

Check out this article: Kanye West Wants “Wizards Only” For His Yeezy AI Team

2. The Financial Growth of Yeezy

Kanye has achieved a net worth of $1.2 billion mainly because of Yeezy’s impressive profits. After teaming up with Adidas, Kanye struck a deal that allowed him to keep a large slice of the profits, a rare arrangement in celebrity collaborations. As Yeezy has thrived, so has Kanye’s wealth.

In recent years, Yeezy has been valued at around $3 billion, and Kanye is believed to own anywhere from 80% to 100% of the brand. His decision to end his partnership with Adidas solidified his control, ensuring that all profits from Yeezy’s sales go directly to him. The brand’s global popularity, high prices, and limited releases have helped Yeezy dominate the sneaker market and attract wealthy customers.

Yeezy’s shoe collection brings in hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and the clothing line, including oversized jackets and sweatshirts, adds even more value. Fans of the brand, including many celebrities, keep demand high for these stylish and premium-priced items. Yeezy’s success has caught the eye of not just fashion fans but also investors and market experts. Despite some controversies surrounding Kanye’s behavior, Yeezy has consistently generated large amounts of revenue, making it a key part of his wealth.

Check out this article: Kim Kardashian Reportedly Weighing Legal Action to Strip Kanye West of Joint Custody

3. Other Sources of Wealth

While Yeezy is the main contributor to Kanye’s fortune, it’s not his only source of income. His music catalog, which includes influential albums, also plays a significant role. He earns money through licensing deals, royalties from his music, and live performances, providing him with a steady income that complements his profits from Yeezy and other ventures.

Kanye has also invested in real estate and technology, adding to his financial portfolio. Other business projects, like his Donda brand and his earlier work with Gap, have contributed to his wealth, although they haven’t been as successful as Yeezy. His ventures into technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital media, could also provide substantial returns in the future.

4. The Power of Kanye’s Personal Brand

A vital aspect of Kanye West’s financial success is the strength of his brand. Known for his bold creativity, outspoken personality, and often controversial statements, he has created an image that resonates with many supporters and critics. This unique presence has only enhanced his cultural influence, making him an important figure in music and fashion.