The Retrospective

One of my favorite brands in New York right now is 3sixteen. With the economy the way it is and the already oversaturated retail market, I feel like it’s important to support good independent brands.  I like brands that are not afraid of just doing their own thing. The brand is the creation of Andrew Chen and Johan Lam. While initially starting out as a T-shirt line in 2003, 3sixteen took a hiatus regrouped and returned as a diverse brand with well crafted garments. The pieces range from structured ties, high quality denim and still some great Tee’s. Personally I’m really into their take on the Utility shirt silhouette.  Here are a couple videos released by 3sixteen, one featuring there Fall 2009 Photoshoot and “A Day with 3sixteen”, enjoy:

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Tags: Art · Fashion · New YorkNo Comments.

Jelsen Innocent (aka Jelsen Jargon) is a Brooklyn-based graphic artist whose work is playful, and could even be described as visually compelling. I first discovered Jelsen’s work purely by accident. What really drew me in is that, he almost exclusively hand draws custom typefaces for his projects. Crafted with a loving subtle detail. I decided to shoot him an email and we met up for a chat and lunch in Manhattan. We had interesting conversation about his work, inspiration and our mutual love of type. Here is a quick Q & A and some pieces of his work.

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Tags: Design5 Comments

Jeff Staple as far as we are concerned is one of the most interesting entrepreneur and figures in street wear and street wear culture. He has always maintained a steadfast commitment to follow his vision despite the fickleness of the industry. While other brands were eager to cash in on whatever trends were popular, Staple Design stood by their commitment to creating simple, intelligent design pieces. I think its really important for people to understand the history behind both the brand he has created and his design studio. I find his ideas and the execution of said ideas are a case study in both building and maintaining a interesting brand.

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Tags: Culture · Design · Fashion · Marketing3 Comments

I met up with a few friends in the west end to have a few cocktails. Its sort of our low key spot, my favorite bartender introduced me to the joys of elderflower liqueur; namely St-Germain. I’m not that into designer liqueur, nor am I really that well versed in them, but I was impressed. Its made from elder-flowers from the foothills of the French Alps. Its hard to really describe the flavor, its like a lychee and citrus fruit combined. The elder-flowers are handpicked and are delicately distilled to preserve flavor. Its officially now my signature drink; its a little pricey though but well worth it. The only thing is, I can’t seem to find it locally. I’ve only seen it at a couple places and I haven’t seen it in stores. I’m trying to find some for the holidays coming up. In the right hands this brand could be huge. Anyway, if your lucky enough to find it, definitely check it out.

Image courtesy of: Spoonlicker

Tags: food1 Comment

I’m not sure when I first discovered Nooka, but they are a Life Style and Accessory design company headed by Mathew Waldman. They make really interesting design pieces working with different design systems. They are mostly known for their interesting take on time pieces, mainly watches. They redefine the standard analog or digital “interface” and focus mainly on a more intuitive and abstract visual illustration of time. My girl bought me the “Zoo MR” for my birthday and I was really impressed. They have so many different pieces that there is something for everyone and ultimately all the  pieces have a unique visual illustration. I’m definitely going to try and pick up a couple more pieces. I really like the philosophy behind the brand and they are planning on expanding their design ideas to different types of accessories. Check them out.

Tags: Art · Design · FashionNo Comments.

While searching for a Saul Williams interview a couple of years ago I stumbled upon a site called Evil Monito. I had no idea what it was at the time; After reading the interview and going through the archives I found several interesting essays ranging from identity politics to capitalist consumption. As I browsed through the site some more I discovered that Ricky Kim was the man behind Evil Monito. As founder, Kim and his crew critique and dissect pop culture. Not only was it one of the most in depth articles I’ve ever read about Saul Williams but it tackled profound questions raised about his work. Fast forward 3 years later and the Evil Monito title includes online magazine and catalyst for Ricky Kim as well as marketing and PR firm based in Echo Park, CA. Kim also collaborates with such brands as Kangol, CreativeRecreation, and Logan Hicks. According to Mr.Kim, Evil Monito provides a behind the scences look at his hustle of the two worlds. Gitamba conducted an interview with Mr. Kim via email a couple weeks ago, I think its pretty interesting, check it out.

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Tags: Art · Culture · Design · Fashion5 Comments