Off to Los Angeles tomorrow... Sun, fun, good times and good people... Just like Mr. McQueen above pictured here in Hollywood. Today would have been "The King of Cool's" 79th birthday. Will have lots of new posts from LA style (There are still classy looks and places out there, laid back styles and all) to visits with retailers such as South Willard, The Monocle Shop, American Rag and more. Stay tuned for posts from the beach!
Los Angeles Trip
Off to Los Angeles tomorrow... Sun, fun, good times and good people... Just like Mr. McQueen above pictured here in Hollywood. Today would have been "The King of Cool's" 79th birthday. Will have lots of new posts from LA style (There are still classy looks and places out there, laid back styles and all) to visits with retailers such as South Willard, The Monocle Shop, American Rag and more. Stay tuned for posts from the beach!
Thom Browne: The Septemberists
For those who never saw this, it's a film depiction for Thom Browne's SS/07 collection, directed by Anthony Goicolea. Pretty brilliant and show's why the man has been celebrated globally for his contributions to menswear.
Dubarry of Ireland: Shamrock Boots
Looking for a rain boot a little different than a Wellington? Mix it up with Dubarry of Ireland's Shamrock boots. They also make great boat shoes in red, blue and other great nautical colors. Check them out at Dubarry of Ireland.
American Icon: Kurt Cobain
The chucks, the jeans, the flannels, the cardigans, the angst... No one became more of a symbol of Generation X and the early 1990's than Kurt Cobain. He's left an indelible mark on fashion and style since his untimely death... Just look at brands from Converse by John Varvatos to the style of magazines like NYLON and many more figures of popular culture. It's a shame that in his death his name and image has been used to profit so much from a sector of the world he wanted nothing to be a part of. Interesting how fame and stardom and popularity can too often become too much for some to cope with.
Men.Style.Com : Tyler and Josh: Tips SS09
Everything from sunglasses to skinny jeans, a shout to Umit Benan, Haversack and more. Enjoy!
Today's "A Fresh Take"...
Today at "A Fresh Take" the scene was 1957 Cape Cod utilizing brands that have been pulling off the classic nautical and American looks lately such as A.P.C. and J.Crew. Take a peak: A Fresh Take. Yesterday was Montana '73 complete with blanket and Pink Floyd soundtrack. Enjoy the looks and get hip to the brands. There's a story told in every look and more where that's coming from.
Classic Film Friday: Taxi Driver
It's said that the opening scene from this film with the taxi cab coming out of the steamy New York streets is said to depict coming out of hell. True to many in the 1970's especially the black out of '77, or the Punk scene on the Bowery, New York was hell on earth. Then again that can also be hypocritical if you think of the excessive parties like Studio 54, Plato's retreat and the many indulgence's of the decade. Whatever ones perception of the times were I guess you could compare it to the famous line from Dickens "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness" from "A Tale of Two Cities". Almost makes me think of today, although I know the scale of things now could only be comparable by certain analogies.
Either way if you study the lonely and chillingly cold look of Travis Bickle. The M65 military jacket, the veteran bomber jacket at the start, the jungle boots, the Mohawk towards the end, the psychopath. Classic New York in the '70's, Times Square, the peep shows, the mood of the streets. It's all too cool and yet too horrifying. It's shocking and at times it's sympathetic, it's life. Which is in part what makes Scorsese's auterism and Paul Schrader's screenwriting here pure genius. Enjoy and don't try too hard to think about it. Then again maybe you should.
"He's a prophet and a pusher, partly truth, partly fiction - a walking contradiction." - Kris Kristofferson
BEAM PLUS Original Bags
Give it the Japanese to recreate select vintage bags from the 1970's and 80's. One the Beams Plus "It" items this season. Original bags, from the nylon tote to the fanny pack. I'm seeing a huge trend here from the Jansport remixes to the slew of other very American retro vintage bags and more. These bags would be perfectly suited with your Burkman Bros. and L.L. Beans this spring summer in the woods of Maine or the mountains of Colorado. Go to Beams Plus for a peak and see if you can figure out how to convert your dollars to Yen. Americanism, it's back in a brand new way!
Je' Taime... Moi Non Plus
A near spring day with the rain like today's has made me bring to mind Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin. He made French erotic ballads, she made it look even sexier and was coined with the Birkin bag via Hermes. You could not make it look cooler and more nonchalant than these two. Pop on "Je' Taime... Moi Non Plus"... Make love in bed with rain drops on your window sill, have an Americano at a cafe and keep these two in mind.
This album cover could almost be an ad for the women's denim line Current Elliot.
Spring Suit: Classic Grey and Tan
With all this talk of the spring "Mackintosh" raincoat lately, I couldn't help but think of the perfect Spring suit. Two styles stand out if you're going classy this spring yet not too far off the radar. The first is the Tan Suit... Classic and easy. You signify a playful look yet not too ostentatious like the seersucker. Think of Byran Ferry below when pulling off a stylish look. Try some saddle shoes coming back this spring and perhaps match a nice plaid or striped slim tie and make it happen. Throw in a slim navy tie with polka dots if you're going for it... They're being seen more and more lately. Think of brands such as Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren, Black Fleece, Band of Outsiders perhaps J.Crew and more to name a few.
The English dandy himself.
The other suit for Spring brings to mind Carey Grant, one the 20th centuries most classy and stylish men. A legend of the old Hollywood set. His films like "North by Northwest" helped to push the gray suit into new sphere's in making every gentleman in his day suitable for the look. Grey and black work perfectly and most of the brands I named above carry a well fitting Grey suit. All depend on your price range. I've even seen slim one and two button Grey suits at Uniqlo for Spring if your pockets scream "recession". Add a nice pair of black wing tips and you'll be looking "Mad Men" all spring.
The Classic Carey Grant.
The English dandy himself.
The other suit for Spring brings to mind Carey Grant, one the 20th centuries most classy and stylish men. A legend of the old Hollywood set. His films like "North by Northwest" helped to push the gray suit into new sphere's in making every gentleman in his day suitable for the look. Grey and black work perfectly and most of the brands I named above carry a well fitting Grey suit. All depend on your price range. I've even seen slim one and two button Grey suits at Uniqlo for Spring if your pockets scream "recession". Add a nice pair of black wing tips and you'll be looking "Mad Men" all spring.
The Classic Carey Grant.
Adam Christopher | New York: Logos
Working on the logos over here. Here's a couple in the works along with new plans for the sites... Both Adam Christopher | New York and A Fresh Take. Stay tuned for more to come. Logos and branding courtesy of my main man Mr. Greg Mike.
Yesterday's "The Selvedge Yard" Post
Reading the post from "The Selvedge Yard" yesterday was chilling at how realistic it was. The analogy to the classic 70's film "Network" , the note from the friend in the same industry and in the same boat. As someone in a similar position and feeling it along the same lines, I could not agree more. Please go to "The Selvedge Yard" and see for yourself. This is a truth that we're all feeling right now. CHANGE is needed and things could not be more clear given the times.
New York Icons: Robert Mapplethorpe & Patti Smith
How dangerous yet sexy does Patti Smith look in this photo.
Something about Robert Mapplethorpe here reminds me of Hedi Slimane's recent photography in Japanese Vogue. He looks very "Outsiders" here too... "Pony Boy" would be proud.
New York fire escapes... Looks like the East Village from this photo.
Rock n Roll, Punk, Chic... Patti Smith.
Future Best Emerging Menswear Designer
While it's too early to say and he has just begun getting his personal collections underway, Antonio Azzuolo is currently one of my picks for best new emerging menswear designer. Or at least he will be in the coming years if he keeps up his collections filled with classy charm, quirk and modern sophistication. I can never have an exact favorite although his recent fall collection was my pretty much my favorite style and look to a "T".
The looks seen by Azzuolo not only cross captured one of Parisian and European elegance but also one of American tradition. There's a combined element that is pulled off beautifully in his collection. This is apparently evident in Azzuolo's past.
He served as design director for Ralph Lauren purple and black label and he also spent 10 years in Paris with fashion houses Hermes and Kenzo. It's no wonder these styles blend so elegantly in is AW09 collection seen recently here in New York. A bit of preppy inspiration with a continental elegance would be my taste exactly, which is why Azzuolo is my favorite to date. The fabrics at times brightly calculated and capturing as well as the usage of sharply detailed tailoring were definitely on display. The fact that he based the collection off of the Rolling Stones and primarily Mick Jagger's many looks in the mid-60's helped to add to his brilliance in conceptual design, which was one of his strong points at Ralph Lauren. Look for only bigger and better things to come from Antonio Azzuolo. See his personal website here a.a.
CFDA Best Emerging Menswear Designer
Tim Hamilton, Patrick Ervell, and Robert Geller. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Bobby G has got this one... All 3 are amazing and Ervell is actually one of my faves with his reversible outerwear this past fall... I just see Robert Geller as the strongest of the three and with the momentum of his recent GQ award he's on a roll.
Menswear CFDA Award Nominees 2009
Scott Sternberg
Band of Outsiders
Michael Bastian
Michael Bastian
Italo Zucchelli
Calvin Klein
Of the three outstanding nominees for best menswear designer 2009 by the CFDA all stand out as great candidates. Italo Zucchelli has revamped Calvin Klein into a sleek and futuristic menswear brand. One with new life and wings in a great direction, he obviously understood the brands roots in minimalist American fashion. That in itself has been great. Michael Bastian, has not only helped renew and fuel the classic American man but he's also added a new take on preppy and conservative also know as traditional aka "Trad" looks. Through new styled layering and certainly some grand merchandising he's come a long way with his Walt Whitman influenced shows and more. It's obvious when you look at his collection on where his career stemmed prior to his breakout into design. Scott Sternberg is another bright star who has been catching wind for some time now. First as an emerging menswear winner in 2008 and now up for menswear as a veteran. His quirky and sometimes original take derived from pop culture, books like "The Catcher in the Rye", French New Wave cinema infused with classic preppy menswear pieces and "boy suits" has been attracting many for some time now. This will be interesting to see who wins the award. Guess we'll have to stay tuned and let the discussions begin, until June 15th.
Band of Outsiders
Michael Bastian
Michael Bastian
Italo Zucchelli
Calvin Klein
Of the three outstanding nominees for best menswear designer 2009 by the CFDA all stand out as great candidates. Italo Zucchelli has revamped Calvin Klein into a sleek and futuristic menswear brand. One with new life and wings in a great direction, he obviously understood the brands roots in minimalist American fashion. That in itself has been great. Michael Bastian, has not only helped renew and fuel the classic American man but he's also added a new take on preppy and conservative also know as traditional aka "Trad" looks. Through new styled layering and certainly some grand merchandising he's come a long way with his Walt Whitman influenced shows and more. It's obvious when you look at his collection on where his career stemmed prior to his breakout into design. Scott Sternberg is another bright star who has been catching wind for some time now. First as an emerging menswear winner in 2008 and now up for menswear as a veteran. His quirky and sometimes original take derived from pop culture, books like "The Catcher in the Rye", French New Wave cinema infused with classic preppy menswear pieces and "boy suits" has been attracting many for some time now. This will be interesting to see who wins the award. Guess we'll have to stay tuned and let the discussions begin, until June 15th.
S/S 2010 Retro SoCal meets Rio Outlaw
Looking for inspiration on S/S 2010?
Look no further than the cult classic foreign film "City of God".
For those looking for a cool retro look sort of Venice Beach Dogtown and Z Boys meets Rio De Janeiro in the 60's and 70's look to films such as "City of God". This could be used for any collection with the appeal to consumers in the surf/skate arena and beyond. Could be an interesting look to throw into the mix. Short shorts, bright retro colors, slim silhouettes and stripes to name a few of the influential styles. I know brands such as Warriors of Radness and a few others already give a similar vibe however maybe create something similar to this:
A couple looks which remind me of "City of God" in some ways from Raf Simons for Fred Perry S/S09.
Combine the bad ass Rio ghetto look with the classic southern California look and perhaps create a whole new vibe of cool. Who knows have at it and enjoy the endless possibilities of differentiating styles and looks.
Look no further than the cult classic foreign film "City of God".
For those looking for a cool retro look sort of Venice Beach Dogtown and Z Boys meets Rio De Janeiro in the 60's and 70's look to films such as "City of God". This could be used for any collection with the appeal to consumers in the surf/skate arena and beyond. Could be an interesting look to throw into the mix. Short shorts, bright retro colors, slim silhouettes and stripes to name a few of the influential styles. I know brands such as Warriors of Radness and a few others already give a similar vibe however maybe create something similar to this:
A couple looks which remind me of "City of God" in some ways from Raf Simons for Fred Perry S/S09.
Combine the bad ass Rio ghetto look with the classic southern California look and perhaps create a whole new vibe of cool. Who knows have at it and enjoy the endless possibilities of differentiating styles and looks.
Toggles, Preppy Boho Street Art Chic, and the Impact of Jean-Michel Basquiat
There's no doubt about the influence of Jean-Michel Basquiat, whether in pop culture or in fashion and beyond. recently many looks showcasing this fall '09 at fashion week in New York City reflected an influence on his style. Whether with Band of Outsiders using a toggle clasp coat he wore pretty much directly or with looks from brands such as Libertine with a strong influence stemming from the art world and bohemian culture. Adam Kimmel's collection is pretty much entirely derived from, influenced by, and for the art world.
While these collections are a reflection culminating a wide array of trends and cultural fads from traditional attire and preppy looks from the 1950's all the way through the 1980's and more there's also a huge influence from Basquiat himself.
These looks are quasi-bohemian, non-conformist, pop culture infused, and pretty much a leftist take on classic staples of menswear. Done in a way reflecting the dissent of conservatism and sending a message with art world style and grace while remaining quirky and unique. There's many contributions to these looks and I think the style of Basquiat is evident as a trend put into this growing look amongst many people not only in New York but around the world.
To me it's amazing to see the reinterpretation of world views, politics, and art through fashion. The message is clear. There's no specific one way to wear a classic look and in an attempt for self salvation designers are inventing the new while taking from the old. Cool style always elevates whatever look one is going for, it's the way the look is done that makes it convey whatever the message is.
If you ask me a little bit of Basquiat's style and artistic sensibility can never hurt.
Band of Outsider AW09 look...
Jean-Michel Basquiat in his studio with pretty much the same coat.
A still frame from the film about Basquiat's life. Looks very similar to a lot of the looks from Libertine AW09. Or reminds me of each other at least.
Libertine AW09 shown above.
The "Style Guy" himself Glenn O'Brien in a look from Adam Kimmel AW09. Interesting note Glenn O'Brien not only used to hang with Basquiat but he also produced and wrote "Downtown 81" a film which starred Jean Michel Basquiat.
A-Ron the Don in Adam Kimmel... A cool artsy take on menswear complete with Davey Crockett hat and all.
Another look from Adam Kimmel AW09
While these collections are a reflection culminating a wide array of trends and cultural fads from traditional attire and preppy looks from the 1950's all the way through the 1980's and more there's also a huge influence from Basquiat himself.
These looks are quasi-bohemian, non-conformist, pop culture infused, and pretty much a leftist take on classic staples of menswear. Done in a way reflecting the dissent of conservatism and sending a message with art world style and grace while remaining quirky and unique. There's many contributions to these looks and I think the style of Basquiat is evident as a trend put into this growing look amongst many people not only in New York but around the world.
To me it's amazing to see the reinterpretation of world views, politics, and art through fashion. The message is clear. There's no specific one way to wear a classic look and in an attempt for self salvation designers are inventing the new while taking from the old. Cool style always elevates whatever look one is going for, it's the way the look is done that makes it convey whatever the message is.
If you ask me a little bit of Basquiat's style and artistic sensibility can never hurt.
Band of Outsider AW09 look...
Jean-Michel Basquiat in his studio with pretty much the same coat.
A still frame from the film about Basquiat's life. Looks very similar to a lot of the looks from Libertine AW09. Or reminds me of each other at least.
Libertine AW09 shown above.
The "Style Guy" himself Glenn O'Brien in a look from Adam Kimmel AW09. Interesting note Glenn O'Brien not only used to hang with Basquiat but he also produced and wrote "Downtown 81" a film which starred Jean Michel Basquiat.
A-Ron the Don in Adam Kimmel... A cool artsy take on menswear complete with Davey Crockett hat and all.
Another look from Adam Kimmel AW09
NORMAN ROCKWELL: Classic Americana
Norman Rockwell's paintings not only personify the post war "Flags of Our Father's" era but they also capture the look of a time becoming very familiar recently on the streets and in more and more collections and brands lately. If you're going for a classic American look that's becoming more and more of a trend lately, just view a few painting's from Norman Rockwell. There's tons of inspiration and history to be taken from his work.
Imagine A World of Optimists
"If I'd lived in Roman times, I'd have lived in Rome. Where else? Today America is the Roman Empire and New York is Rome itself." - John Lennon
With all this crazy economy talk and people's down turn views on the global recession and more. Let's hope New York's empire doesn't corrode like Rome's did. John Lennon was more than a musician, he was an iconic figure who stood for world change, peace and whole lot more. He never compromised himself or his views which is in part why he is a legend.
In terms of John Lennon's quote... It's true. New York City is still the jump off for the world. Things change, it's inevitable, that's life, let's just hope in these times that the next change is one for the greater good of our society and world as a whole.
Spring Fever... Get Laced... Or Not!
With spring just around the corner and summer on it's way... You can't go wrong this season with some espadrilles. This is a cooler version from Hermes for this season. For those who can't afford brands like Hermes I recommend checking out Toms or going online to certain retailers selling them this season such as Zappos. The espadrille is a classy way to stay comfortable near the beach... Don't sleep!
Friday the 13th
I figured I would share some great classic horror movie posters in honor of today being Friday the 13th. Some of these are pretty dope and could be used to inspire all types of things such as Halloween party flyers, maybe even a dark Gothic inspired clothing line, t-shirt campaign who knows have at it. Imagination sparks the idea and it's what you do with the idea that makes all the difference. Enjoy!
Here's the one that started it all.
This poster just makes me laugh... I could definitely see some kids on St. Marks purchasing this in the form of a t-shirt.
Frankenstein... One of the originals.
This poster could actually be used in reference to the recent scare in the retail world right now as hilarious as it is.
One of my favorites... This just screams instant Halloween party flyer.
A cult classic!
Here's the one that started it all.
This poster just makes me laugh... I could definitely see some kids on St. Marks purchasing this in the form of a t-shirt.
Frankenstein... One of the originals.
This poster could actually be used in reference to the recent scare in the retail world right now as hilarious as it is.
One of my favorites... This just screams instant Halloween party flyer.
A cult classic!
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