Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Field Report : J. Crew, Fall '11 Preview.


Last evening, J. Crew presented their Fall '11 collections at the wonderfully chosen Industria Studios on Washington. The first time presenting both men's and women's together, it was yet another home run for the J Crew team. While I loved the women's looks(as usual, wonderfully put together), here, we'll have a good look at the men's side of the room.


Thursday, March 17, 2011

Case Study : Common Thread / Apolis.


Shot by New York based film maker Jeff Taylor for Lonelyleap Films, the short focuses in on the connectivity that's so central to the Apolis ethos. In a short three minutes, the film moves from the Parton's hometown of Santa Barbara to LA, through some of the production facilities Apolis has partnered with out to Madison, WI, home to Context. It's a great look at the value on relationships that Raan and Shea hold closely and what makes Apolis the close knit unit it is.

Happy St. Pat's Day.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Nirvana, '88.



On the Radar : W Brand Durable Goods, Ft. Worth, TX.




While poking around Etsy, came across these duffels, satchels, zipper pouches and wallets(even a log carrier) by W Brand Durable Goods. Sturdy, classic designs. Well-priced. Hand-made in Texas using a variety of re-purposed 30 oz. military canvas, webbing and zippers, waxed canvas and leather, they make for a durable and handsome option for your weekend excursions and/or adventures. Custom orders are welcome. Now get packing.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Moving Pictures : The Ghosts, A Teenage Fever Dream.


I received an email from Eddie O'Keefe some weeks ago and somehow, it slipped through the cracks. By now you've maybe seen his short, 'The Ghosts' elsewhere(click the link to watch larger). And that's a good thing. 'Cause it's good. A touch rough and unpolished. Nostalgic and wry. It's a love letter to teenage rebellion. In Eric's words, "I shot this film last July back home in the suburbs of Chicago. Its cast and crew are mostly people I grew up with and went to high school with. It was shot over the course of three and a half weeks. The music was provided by some of my friends as well. The theme that plays at the beginning and the end was written by my girlfriend Greta who plays in the band Gold Motel. Going to film school as an undergraduate I saw a lot of really slick looking, professional student films that were shot immaculately and had perfect sound and yet were totally soulless. The lighting was great but they had zero life and energy. With The Ghosts I kind of set out to create a movie that would be the antithesis of those kind of films. I wanted to make a movie with a garage rock sensibility that embraced amateurism and had attitude and verve and could be loud. I wanted it to feel like a rock n roll song." I'd say mission accomplished Eric.

Agenda : Nepenthes Relief Effort Sample Sale.


In the wake of the catastrophic events in Japan, the good people at Nepenthes have put together a sample sale from which 100% of the proceeds will go to the ongoing relief efforts there.
If you are in New York and so inclined, head over tomorrow and spend some money there.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Dirty Old Man : Charles Bukowski.




"Great art is horseshit, buy tacos."
Bukowski, died 17 years ago today.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Agenda : US Open, Stratton Mtn, VT.


This coming week, March 7th-13th, marks the 29th annual US Open at Stratton in Winhall, Vermont. A relatively easy 3 1/2 hours from the city, if you're at all inclined, make the trip. Aside from the Spring-like conditions, it's a hell of a time and a great way to close out your season. (Pour a little Long Trail out at the Griz for me.)

Friday, March 4, 2011

Wednesday, March 2, 2011