I'm DJing an NYE party tonight and I have a feeling that this will be the track I play at midnight -- it just might be the ultimate party jam. The irony of playing an anthem to New York while celebrating in Toronto is not lost on me ... but hey, we'll forget all about that and just have a good time.
Hi guys ... things have been a bit hectic around here lately, so I haven't been able to post much in the last few days. Rest assured that I shall take the new year with a vengeance, but in the meantime, enjoy yourselves and see you in 2010!
A pocket knife is one of those things that you never really know you need until you have one. A friend was nice enough to bring me back a classic Opinel from Paris recently (although giving a knife as a present is something you're never supposed to do, it's apparently a bad omen ... but don't worry, I bought him a pint in return and the curse was broken) and I've found a use for it almost every day since.
I'm not one to make predictions about what's going to rule and what's not, but I have to say, if "Ambling Alp" is any indication, Yeasayer's new album is going to be killer.
In 1959 Bruce Davidson published Brooklyn Gang, a photographic study of a gang of teenagers called The Jokers. It's amazing how contemporary -- and yes, stylish -- these photos still look.
The story of "Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues, my favourite Christmas song. Nothing says "happy holidays" quite like Shane McGowan's busted up mug.
In a world where we're forced to suffer through the indignity of things like LA Ink, upscale tattoo boutiques and garish hoodies, it's nice to know that there are still some shining lights out there representing the classic tattoo shop. Focusing on solid, traditional craftsmanship, Smith Street Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn is definitely such.
With world class artists Steve Boltz (who I'm lucky enough to have a piece by), Bert Krak, Eli Quinters and most recently Daniel Santoro (along with guest spots from the likes of Todd Noble), it's mind blowing to think that you can still get a walk-in appointment.
This video, a Fall/Winter preview from The Windmill Club has been making the rounds lately, quite justifiably. The clothes look solid and it's beautifully shot -- I can hardly wait to see the line in person.
Vanity Fair (there's been about three different publications, unrelated, with the same name) was a weekly magazine that ran in England from 1868 to 1914. One of the features was a full page lithographic caricature of important folks of the time. Carlo Pellegrini, working under the pseudonym "Ape" was one of the main artists responsible for these caricatures and in many ways defined the style of them. These are not humourous carictures, but instead border on the grotesque. How flattering it must have been for the subjects!
I have a small collection of these lithographs from the late 1800s. When I got my first couple I wrongly assumed that they had come from a tailor's shop and were used as a reference point by the customers to point out the kind of suit they wanted. Knowing what they are now, I like them even more. Sadly, the prices have started to creep upwards recently ... but I've never let that kind of thing stop me before.
I saw this on [you_have_broken_the_internet] this morning, and wow -- it's great! The title is quite apt, as this isn't just a story about a tailor, but a real chance to learn something about life from a well spoken man of another generation.
Alden has done a number of collaborations with retailers this year, but, for me, their work with Blackbird has stood out the most. From shoes for milkmen to shoes for airmen, they conjure up the feeling of an old family snapshot, a sort of wearable nostalgia.
Looks like Fantastic Man has started a Youtube channel. I'm curious to see what they do with it. For now they just have this one video of a guy getting dressed, but it's done with a pretty neat two camera, split screen effect.
99.9% of the media's depictions of tattooing are downright embarrassing. Leave it to VBS to actually produce something watchable, intelligent and insightful. I guess it didn't hurt that they went to one of the best tattooists working today, Chris O'Donnell.
Hearing about that two year waiting list really bummed me out though.
In addition to being a totally rad band, Fever Ray make some of the creepiest videos this side of really freaking creepy. Watch, enjoy ... and maybe leave the lights on.
As I've mentioned before, Close Up & Private has to be one of the best men's style sites out there. Full of absolutely fantastic photography that highlights details and individual elements, it offers a unique viewpoint that I find completely inspirational.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Dry Goods & Assorted Sundries made it into the newsletter this month, getting it's own fancy pull quote (see above) and everything. Even better was finding out that there will be daily updates to the site! This is where I'll be heading with my morning coffee from now on.
Posts
