Semi-conspicuous consumption

JEAN-PHILIPPE DELHOMME is more than an illustrator--he's a trenchant commentator on the foibles of contemporary culturati. His work appears monthly in GQ and in this month's Interview (see Martha Stout, page 48). His latest book is The Cultivated Life (Rizzoli), which collects work from three previous volumes published in France, dealing with, as the subtitle notes, Artistic, Literary, and Decorating Dramas. In fact, I wrote the book's introduction, which says, and I quote, "He's a tourist on Earth. Even in Paris his eye is that of an amused alien, endlessly delighted by the elaborate follies enacted daily, as if staged for his entertainment." More info at rizzoliusa.com --GLENN O'BRIEN

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BALLSY

In Adventureland, director Greg Mottola's new followup to Superbad (2007), newcomer MATT BUSH plays a character who spends the majority of his screen time punching his childhood friend James (Jesse Eisenberg) in the nuts. The rest of his time is spent plotting ways to do it again. The characters here are a little older than those in Superbad, and the truths a little harder-earned, but there's still plenty of pure lewd, immature comedy. Look for the 23-year-old Bush later this year in Kenneth Lonergan's drama, Margaret. And, in the meantime, try not to worry about getting whacked in the nuts by people you're supposed to trust. More info at miramax.com--FZ

VISIONARY

Sometimes the simplicity of an accessory says volumes about one's style--especially when the accessory doing the talking is perched on the bridge ofyour nose. Luckily, JIL SANDER is now fashioning its own eyewear. The collections of sunglasses and specs were designed by the brand's creative director, Raf Simons, in collaboration with Marchon, so the results are--unsurprisingly--clean, pure, and modern. It's the kind of sober sightseeing we expect from Raf. More info at filsander.com--LM