MEDIUM COOL
August 30, 2008
With the 2008 Democratic National Convention just behind us, and a newly unified and stronger-than-ever Democratic Party rallying behind the charisma and inspiring voice of Barack Obama, we are wholly embracing the urgent message of change. Haskell Wexler’s 1969 film Medium Cool, set in the summer of 1968 and leading up to that year’s tumultuous Democratic Convention, depicts a conflicted nation where issues of race, gender, war and political violence are thrust to the forefront in a collision of the generations. Old guard versus new vision, and the battle of myth and reality in a race for the securing of the American Dream—either of the past, or the future. We’re banking on the future! Yes you can, with this blue tartan blazer by Alexander McQueen (Browns), William Rast vintage jeans (Bergdorf Goodman), slim fit polka dot shirt by John Anthony (www.john-anthony.com), vegan faux suede oxfords crafted in Portugal (via mooshoes.com), and Band of Outsiders navy and white bow tie (www.exluxury.com). Check out the original trailer for Medium Cool at YouTube and secure your own piece of American history by ordering your own copy here.
MILK PLUS SOMETHING ELSE
August 16, 2008
Post Ludovico technique: your nights sipping moloko plus at the Korova Milkbar with droogies Pete and Georgie are all over. These days, you’ve traded your tower block fascist dystopia for a comfy modular Shangri-La, whiling away the hours listening to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and exercising your free will with clean lines and geometric liberty. In an act of aesthetic violence, slaughter the streets with a Stanley Kubric tee and Dick Day red sneakers (via Freudian Kicks), white fatigue-style trousers (A.P.C.) and Andrea Bronzi “Out Time” Alessi watch in red (nova68.com).
THE PATAPHYSICIAN
August 9, 2008
We’d like our library to be filled with only volumes as fascinating and finely crafted as those from Exact Change. Musicians and publishers Damon & Naomi always bring intelligence and elegance to all things they do, and the Exact Change repertoire is no exception. A culmination of the dreamiest (and almost lost!) works of modern literature (both thoughtful in their translations and design) these titles are truly treasures. We’re inspired by the drawing rooms, cafés, salons and saloons many of these works surely must have been written in, as well as the men and women of imagination who wrote them. Chambray White Cuff Button Down Shirt by Giacometti (www.bblessing.com), Black Dress Pants by Mr. Olive (via http://shop.atsuitokyo.com), Carpe Diem linen over leather boots (www.ateliernewyork.com), and Gary Graham-designed Damon & Naomi Map Tote Bag in Olive (order via damonandnaomi.com). To set the tone for the beautiful and melancholy nights ahead, be sure to pre-order your copy of Damon & Naomi’s seminal More Sad Hits, just reissued on vinyl and available September 1 (order via damonandnaomi.com). And, don’t forget to check out Exploits & Opinions of Dr. Faustroll, Pataphysician (www.exactchange.com) by the original pataphysician–Alfred Jarry!
I, CLAUDIUS
July 27, 2008
Some said you were an unlikely man to become emperor, but you knew better all along. Where previous fools saw affliction, now shines beauty and strength. Since your abominable cousin Caligula’s assasination, you have honorably expanded the empire and your recorded histories will preserve Rome through your deification and into the Modern age. Brian Lichtenberg draped top (www.brianlichtenberg.com), Alexandre Herchcovitch Bermuda shorts, Phillip Lim Zeus Maya crisscross sandal (eluxury.com), Ancient Pegasus of Corinth pendant–crafted from an authentic ancient coin! (www.ancientassets.com) and a Janus Films canvas tote featuring the mythological Janus logo (http://store.criterion.com). While we love HBO’s Rome, we recommend the original series on Ancient Rome–the BBC’s 1977 I, Claudius, starring Derek Jacobi as Emperor Claudius.
DARK AGE AHEAD
July 20, 2008
With major political shifts of power just months away, times certainly call for optimism. Yet, we’ve actually grown accustomed to this bleak age…at least in an aesthetic sense. The darkness outside can lead to inner retreat and mystical catechism, and in turn, great beauty! The oracle within will radiate outward, illuminating the midnight path through these medieval nights, and we will, with patience, virtue and honor, find our way. Step into the light. Step into the night. Black, cutout top by Gaspard Yurkievich (www.gaspardyurkievich.com), Henrik Vibskov blousy shorts (www.kronkron.com), Quoddy ring boots (www.southwillard.com), and a medieval headband as seen in the Spring 2009 Gaspard Yurkievich collection (courtesy of Jargol.com–fashion your own). Criterion Collection’s Joan of Arc (the best one on film) will set the tone for your dark age ahead.
DAYS OF BEING WILD
July 13, 2008
We’re spending our summer in San Francisco, but if you’ve ever heard the infamous Mark Twain quote about summers in the Bay Area, then you know why we’re longing for at least a few sweltering days out of town. For now, we’ll make do with the sultry, seductive environs of a Wong Kar-wai film. While we didn’t care much for the States-side My Blueberry Nights, the 1991 Days of Being Wild still makes us pine for vintage nights in steamy Hong Kong and days of yore in jungle-hideaways in the Philippines. We take our cue from the dapper Leslie Cheung and indulge in dreamy days of being young, in love, and wild! Keep your cool with these Lanvin cotton trousers (Browns) and an old-fashioned blue linen shirt (UNIQLO). We admire these classic derbies from A.P.C., but you can also pair this ensemble with some vintage penny loafers (via ebay or your local thrifter). This New Era hat in white (John Anthony) will keep you looking your sharpest, and an Alviero Martini map wallet will remind you that you are indeed, a man of the world. Complete the look with your shiniest pomade (Nancy Boy) and keep every hair in its handsome place with a handmade tortoise shell pocket comb (via Taylor of Old Bond Street). And, to add some magic to your summer, be sure to check out Days of Being Wild.
HOUSTON & BOWERY, 1982
July 12, 2008
2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the life and work of Keith Haring. If in New York over the summer, pay homage to this 20th century art titan by checking out the re-creation of Haring’s famed 1982 mural at Houston Street and Bowery. This iconic work put the official graphic stamp on New York’s flourishing 1980s Downtown scene. And, it’s currently doing it all over again. Pay your respects this summer by looking your best downtown sporty and radiantly colorful. Green Ripstop hooded jacket (Topman), invisible-stripe shorts by Marc by Marc Jacobs (eluxury.com), fitted cotton ringer tee in crimson (Banana Republic), Nike Dunk High Premium sneakers (Urban Outfitters), and for your sexiest afterhours, stripe calf socks and gold baby rib briefs via American Apparel. To read more about Keith Haring, we recommend the soon-to-be released book Keith Haring by Jeffrey Deitch–order your copy via powells.com. To find out more about the mural at Houston Street & Bowery, check out www.deitch.com.
HEAD IN THE CLOUDS
July 8, 2008
With the harsh realities of global warming and an impending oil crisis, the future of transportation is anyone’s guess. We admire the dreamers and forward thinkers addressing these environmental issues of global proportions. French architect Jean-Marie Massaud’s whale-shaped floating hotel Manned Cloud is slated to be the ultimate in efficiency and luxury. Whoever thought those two adjectives could be used to describe the same thing? Keep your head in the clouds and your feet firmly planted on unspoiled soil: 100% bamboo tee by Shirts of Bamboo, Martin Margiela zigzag pinstripe scarf (eluxury.com), Paul Smith two button dinner jacket (at Sarah Coggles), Urban Outfitter’s Jitney canvas weekender, and Crockett and Jones Bagshot Monk Boot in black (available at Barneys New York). More on the future of dirigibles here.
AMERICAN GOTHIC
July 4, 2008
Charleston, South Carolina. Under dark skies with only the ocassional flickering of shadows of palmetto trees cast by the cascading spectacle of pyrotechnics, is where you’ll find yourself this Fourth of July. On a Battery mansion balcony, overlooking an heirloom sea, you’ll sip gracious cocktails with wildly eccentric relatives and channel the ghosts of lowcountry lore. If life in the colonies were this handsome, who would’ve wanted to stir the Rebellion! You’ll epitomize the southern gent in a John Varvatos star tee (via Bergdorf Goodman), Vivienne Westwood white summer weight trousers (available from Sarah Coggles), Band of Outsiders two-tone classic boat shoes (via eluxury.com), a white linen pocket square (from J. Crew), and a dapper Bailey Lamont straw fedora (villagehatshop.com). An Alexander McQueen skull key fob will hint at all the skeletons in your ancestral closet and Brunton gentleman’s pocket compass will guide you into the future, that is, should you ever really want to leave the past! For a touch of sombre, haunted elegance, The Boatman’s Call by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds will provide the score.
À LA PLAGE
July 3, 2008
An unassuming blousy pullover, almost-quaint striped espadrilles, your best rolled shorts and a fashionable tote seem innocent enough, but for the young and French, summer at the beach always spells trouble. Pull on your shades and you’re the star of your own Eric Rohmer film. This summer’s tale has just begun. Cashmere pullover by Filippa K, Surface to Air shorts and colorblock tote via oaknyc.com, striped espadrilles via brittanyboutique.com, and Ksubi Bayliss sunglasses via tobi.com. And for inspiration, be sure to watch any of Rohmer’s scintillating tales from the French seacoast: Conte d’été (A Summer’s Tale), Rayon Vert (Summer), and Pauline at the Beach.