The In-Between

Alexander McQueen Scrimshaw Gallion Mens Boot

2010-11-14T23:14:00.000-08:00

Scrimshaw tan leather boot with carved gallion depiction on toe and heel. Full leather interior and sole with waxed laces and degradé colour shading.

"Be big and small."

2010-11-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

"Be big in your work but small, simple and modest in your life."

Alber Elbaz talking about his heritage in Lanvin and the legacy of his mother.

Hermès Fingerskate

2010-11-14T19:06:00.000-08:00

Amazing product placement and display all incorporated within a cool and young context. Seems like the company is appealing to a younger audience while trying desperately to keep its traditions alive. Rider & Director: Alexis Milant.

Fitz & the Tantrums

2010-11-12T09:39:00.000-08:00

New music obsession. Get the full album here.

"When I make a gunpowder drawing, it's very much like making love."

2010-11-11T16:10:00.000-08:00

"First, I lay the Japanese hemp paper on the floor. It’s very much like how you prepare the bedsheets. Then I’ll spread the gunpowder around, put pressure on it—sometimes I’ll add more weight on top of certain spots. It’s a bit like foreplay. The spontaneity and lack of control in gunpowder entices me. As I make my drawings, I sometimes can’t wait to ignite the fuse, but I have to hold off. Finally I light it, the fuse goes “sssss,” and then “pop,” but before the explosion there’s always a pause—the fuse is gathering enough energy to ignite all the gunpowder. With these explosion projects, I am often anticipating the explosion. It has an orgasmic sensation, like making waves."

Chine artist Cai Guo-Qiang on his process making art. Read the whole article here.

Iris by Barnaby Roper

2010-10-25T22:26:00.001-07:00

Fave Spring '11 Looks for Men

2010-10-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

The hipster from Topman.

Belted pants from Rag & Bone.

Turtleneck for Spring? Why not? by Michael Kors.

Love the color mix. Richard Chai.

All-tan look from Patrik Ervell. Should've made it into a jumpsuit. Still cool, though.

One of my favorite collections by N. Hoolywood. Inspired by convicts and prisoners.

Me by Michael Kors.

Head-to-toe cream look by Marc by Marc Jacobs.

The manly leopard print by Michael Bastian.

The grey suit from Gant by Michael Bastian.

Billy Reid mastering the train conductor look.

Leah

2010-10-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

At Lacoste...

Almost famous? Love the (unintentional) tear-drop shape of the glasses.

At Le Marais, wearing my denim jacket with her own twist (upside-down).

Such an inspiration, a muse, a nurturing and irreplaceable friend.

Inspainration

2010-10-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

Kenzo Spring 2011. Inca Princess. Our Lady of Guadalupe. Penélope Cruz. Frida Kahlo. Javier Silva-Meinel. Las compañeras. Spanish conquistadors. Aztec woman. Human sacrifice.

10 Corso Como, Milan

2010-09-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt, one of my favorite places to sit down, drink, and people-watch in Milan.

The place is conceived from the vision of Carla Sozzani, sister of Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia. The whole place feels like an escape, right from the moment you first step into the store. Actually, it's not just a store. It's like a little community, literally tucked in the Corso Como palazzo. Great drinks, great clothes and art, very fashionable and friendly (and influential) people, all into one.

Did I also mention the rooftop garden, overlooking the city? Check out their cool website for more.

Vanves Sunday Flea Market, Paris

2010-09-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

MILANO!

2010-09-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

Got into Milan during Fashion Week and saw these two men amid a crowd just standing on the corner talking. Me and my friend looked at each other and we both knew I had to take a picture. So I tried to sneak in a good angle without giving myself away but I couldn't, and finally just thought I'd ask them if I could take their picture. Without missing a beat, right when I pointed to my camera and said the word "photo," they immediately posed for a picture. Maybe it's because it's fashion week, but it just shows how camera-ready the Milanos are.

P.S. Love the navy shoes paired with the green suit.

Just an Ordinary Breakfast at Citadines, Paris

2010-09-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

This was basically what I was waking up to every morning in our Paris hotel. Every morning, a little after dawn, the light and that feeling in the morning is unlike any other place I've been. And this will probably be one of the things I'll remember most about the trip.

That, and all the pain au chocolats.

At Rue de Montmartre, Paris

2010-09-17T16:07:00.000-07:00

Blue doors, je t'aime.

Paris, Finally

2010-09-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

After about 10 1/2 hours of flight, insane boredom, restlessness and general silliness in the plane cabin, I finally arrived in Paris (gay Paris, as my mom calls it). So far the day consisted of eating (a lot) and presenting our initial product designs to our mentors. A lot of things going on moving forward and I'll try to make it sound as wonderful as they really are (with pictures, hopefully, if I can get just one photo that ISN'T blurry). It's barely 6 a.m. right now, couldn't sleep, and had a sip of espresso and my brain is running at 150 mph (or kmph).

Anyway, one thing I'm really looking for (this is going to sound insanely corny and cliche, brace yourselves), but I hope I find in this trip, is magic. Big expectations, I know. But, hey, it's Paris. I can't help myself.

Men In Fashion

2010-09-08T23:49:00.000-07:00

Here are just some of the men that are driving forces in today's fashion industry (and also some that inspire me).

Milan Vukmirovic, Creative director of Trussardi 1911 and Miami store The Webster; editor-in-chief of L'Officiel Hommes

Luca Rubinacci

Guerre, street style photographer

Robert Rabensteiner, stylist/fashion editor of L'uomo Vogue

Nick Wooster, mens fashion director of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman

Adam Kelly, mens buyer for Selfridges

Angelo Flaccavento, freelance Italian fashion journalist

Francesco Cominelli, fashion editor for Vogue Hommes International

and yes, he's worth two pictures.

Photo Credit to: Tommy Ton, The Sartorialist, and Garance Dore

I just died.

2010-09-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

September 9th 2010. The womenswear collection will reportedly encompass 30 garments and 15 accessories, while the menswear will include 25 garments and about 10 accessories. Oh my god.

In stores November 20th.

Furry Friend

2010-08-27T23:51:00.000-07:00

Vogue US September 2010. Costumes by Nick Cave. Photographed by Raymond Meier. Editor Elissa Santisi.

J. Crew Fall Catalog

2010-08-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

J. Crew has been really stepping it up lately. The fall collection looks more luxe and more expensive (mongolian lamb jackets?!), but it still keeps in tune with J. Crew's aesthetic of classic and timeless with a twist of cool modernity.

Camel, camel, camel. (Sidenote: This woman is gorgeous. Anyone know who she is?)

Boys at play.

Lace pointelle socks!

Tao Okamoto. Lovin' the pants.

Reminds me of a modern-day Jesus.

Pan-Am Bags for Everyone!

2010-08-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of vintage items; from clothing and accessories to books and photography. I like the whole "treasure hunt" aspect of vintage shopping, and that sense of "discovery" is pretty rewarding. The occasional cheap price tag is an added bonus, of course. But I think the most important aspect of it for me personally is the item's own sense of uniqueness, that one-of-a-kind aspect of it. So when I learned the truth behind the Pan-Am bags, I was a little confused but mostly disheartened.

I've always admired those blue leather square messenger bags from a distance; once in a vintage store and the other from a co-worker's shoulders. I've kind of thought of getting one and when I do, it's going to be unique and different and it's going to say something about me - worldly, cultured or maybe even jaunty. I just loved the idea of having this iconic piece of history hanging over my body. The fact that they're the last of their kind was a pretty big deal. Or so I thought.

Turns out, Pan-Am has been spitting out the same bags season after season since 1998. Apparently, the company, while it couldn't quite compete with major airlines, decided to switch gears and move from the airline industry to the fashion industry. They realized that while their customer "only wanted to pay $49 for an airline ticket, they didn't mind paying $150 for a bag." So while I was admiring that sole bag, perched atop a shelf in Pop Killer, looking at it as if it was calling my name, five other hipsters are wearing the exact same thing down the street somewhere, for a cheaper price no less.

So I guess that's why they call it "Pan-Am", it's for all Americans. This might be my inner snob talking, but knowing this, I'm not sure I'm going to be toting a bag from them anytime soon. I just feel that that the new, mass-produced stuff doesn't carry that same history and vintage appeal as a used, worn-in bag would. But I know what you're thinking, "Jon, you silly boy, why don't you just buy a new bag and worn it in yourself?" And my answer to that would be, "It's not the same." The new bag would feel sterile, empty, and lifeless compared to a used, distressed one. To me, the latter speaks character and integrity while the former only reads as any other ordinary bag would. (I was going to talk about the whole idea of democratizing fashion vs. exclusivity, but I feel that's an entirely different post. So I'll stop here.)

But of course don't take my word for it, check it out yourself. Here's their website.

Scenes from Russia (1909-1912)

2010-08-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

Source

René Lalique

2010-08-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

Behind the Scenes

2010-08-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

"This film documents the entire process behind Gareth Pugh's trademark slashed and fettered [technique].The entire process of creation was recorded and broadcast live to a global audience, while Pugh's final dress was modelled by Raquel Zimmermann."

2010-08-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

I read this article from the Wall Street Journal about the fast-fashion Barcelona-based retailer Mango coming to JCPenney's. Since I'm working indirectly with JCPenney for my third year program, it is such a breath of fresh air to see that such a young, hip and fashion-forward brand will be staking a piece of the JCPenney floor, right across the Missy/Contemporary department. I personally think this is a smart move on JCPenney's part because they need a serious upheaval on their brand image, especially on their women's department. People don't necessarily associate "high-fashion", or even "fashionable", when they think of JCPenney, and putting Mango just might change that.

The move is supposed to happen Aug. 18th, which is right around the corner, and I can't wait to get a taste of Mango.

The Man with the Pearl Necklace

2010-08-02T20:39:00.001-07:00

Giambattista Valli.

I love the idea of men taking inspiration from things you normally associate with women, instead of the other way around. I guess there's a fine line and not a lot of guys I know can pull this off. It doesn't hurt that Mr. Vallli here has such a strong, stolid face.

At least take a cue from Marc Jacobs, guys, and start getting those airy-looking kilts.

Laver's Law of Fashion

2010-07-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

"James Laver was a museum curator for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London from the ‘30s through the ‘50s. He was also a fashion theorist and historian who conceived Laver’s Law — an attempt to make sense of the fashion trend lifecycle."

via Signal vs. Noise

The Problem with Tradition

2010-07-19T17:53:00.000-07:00

Just when you think everything's fine and dandy, that's when shit comes raining down on you. It's that moment when you think nothing can go wrong that things go to where you least want them to go to. After having a good talk with them about 4 months ago, I thought my parents have accepted the fact that I'm gay. In fact, they told me they did. Right after I came out to my parents, I asked my dad if he was disappointed, and his exact words were, "No, I'm not disappointed. That's who you are, my son."

All of a sudden, they bring it up again, practically out of nowhere. We were having breakfast and having a nice conversation about tension and drama on my father's side of the family, and how it's causing a big division within, to the point where people actually can't stand to be in the same room with certain other people. (Apparently, the whole thing started over a dance.) Anyway, soon enough, the conversation turned to the subject of my future and what I plan to do with my life, my goals and whatnot, which I'm totally fine talking about. I told them that after I'm done with my international study program, I plan on moving out as soon as I get a stable job and then maybe, when I have enough money, go back to school and get my Bachelor's degree (which my mom always wanted me to get), after which I might decide to move to New York, since there might be more fashion-related opportunities there for me. Unfortunately, when my dad said "future" he actually meant, "When are you going to get over this phase in your life and snap back to reality and start a family?"

I was caught off-guard, to say the least. First of all, he pointed out that I needed to work on my body. He kept on going on about when I was young and how I apparently had a better physique, which is totally ludicrous because all I remember when I was young is having cheeks the size of melons suffocating my face, to the point where they were making my eyes look even smaller because my enormous cheeks took over my whole head, having hair that looked like a deformed afro (if you saw an old picture you'd think I was a Chia pet), and a gut so huge that when I was about 8 or 9 years old the button on my pants actually popped and flew off across the room while I was putting them on. I was a cartoon, at best. If anything I would actually say I'm much healthier now. But apparently, according to my father, my body looks "weak," "too slim," "feminine," and basically ugly.

The funny thing is, he has a theory. He believes that the reason I'm not with a woman is because of my feminine body. No girl wants to fuck that, obviously. So, his advice, along with my mother's (which I'm a little bit surprised that she was in on it as well), is that I bulk up and gain more muscle, that way I would become more macho and be more attractive to the ladies, which is ironic because that's what half the gay guys look like!

I told him that that of course has nothing to do with my sexuality and the fact that I like men is not something I have control over; it's not a choice. He then says that he's just worried about my future and my happiness. He thinks that all the men that I'm going to meet will just end up "using me," that I will never be totally happy unless I have a family (a traditional one, anyway). I asked him if he thinks two men can start a family and he replied, saying that,"You don't know where these adopted kids come from. They are unwanted kids and they all come from bad genes."

I repeated myself so many times, telling them that I wasn't happy before. I was "straight" for the first 17 years of my life, I wasn't comfortable to admit that I like guys until I was 19, and I didn't feel secure and mature enough to admit to them that I was gay until 4 months ago. I told them that I didn't want to go back to that, that that actually wouldn't make me happy. But, somehow, it was as if the words came into one ear and immediately came out the other because right after I said that, they told me to try. Try and change that part of you. Try and be straight. Because, according to them, that is the only way for me to be truly happy. All I could do was drop my jaw; I was in total disbelief that these words were actually coming out of their mouths.

I felt betrayed, lied to and deceived. All this time I was feeling this high, that my parents knew exactly who I was and they accepted me for who I am. That they loved me no matter what and they were able to put everything behind them and see me as I am and accept what they see, maybe not fully, but still accept it without question, even if it wasn't what they planned on. But, as it turns out, they already had a preconceived image of me and what I'm supposed to be, who I'm supposed to be with (which doesn't include another man), and I'm supposed to be just a good little Filipino boy and fulfill their vision of me so that I will be happy, which, by doing so, actually just does the exact opposite.

I probably sound like a cliché. You've all probably heard this story before. This is nothing special, other guys have went through worse and I probably sound like just another post-adolescent guy going through some shit. And you're right. It's just that it's frustrating for me having to go over the same thing again and again, explaining the same thing over and over, convincing them time and time again that there's nothing wrong with me being with another man. It's like I'm coming out for the first time all over again.

Funnily enough, I understand where they're coming from. It's what they're taught: Being gay is not ok. My mom is in her early 50s and my dad is almost in his mid-60s. They're pretty old-fashioned. I don't know if I'm ever going to convince them that I'm never going to end up with a woman, or if they're ever going to fully accept me as their gay son. I feel that they will always have that thought, hanging in the back of their heads, "If only he tried harder..."

Love/Hate

2010-07-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

M.I.A.'s new album, Maya, is so good that I actually hate her more for cancelling the Hard L.A. concert last Saturday.

Let Loose

2010-07-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just gotta dance...

A Sunday Kind of Love

2010-07-15T00:47:00.000-07:00

Beth Rowley - "A Sunday Kind of Love"

The Cutest Guy In the World

2010-07-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

Rough translation: " Hello, everyone! I'm Rafael Bartholomew and this is my book, my very first book in the world, and it's about basketball in the Philippines and it's called Pacific Rims. I'm the writer. I love the Philippines and basketball there because the passion of the Filipinos is the biggest in the whole world. I have a reading in Barnes & Noble, an upcoming reading, in June 16th at 7 PM, and many, hopefully, many people come, or plan on coming. Who? Maybe the former players of the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), many Filipinos here in New York, various writers here in the city, and after the reading and book signing, we'll ALL go to Cafe 81. This is like my second home, because I'm always here. Um..hopefully all of you will join. It's going to be a great time. Thank you. Thank you very much to all of you."

And then I melt...

via BBJesus

Nude Study

2010-07-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

Female Nude, watercolors. 2005.

Inspired by the previous post, I wanted to share some of my previous work that I did back in high school. The quality is off because these were taken from scanned slides because both originals are no longer in my possession. But seeing my old work definitely brought back nostalgic feelings and I'm definitely inspired to do more, preferably with live models.

Nude Study, charcoal. 2005.

Tell me what you guys think.

Cedric Rivrain

2010-07-11T01:10:00.000-07:00

Kate in McQueen, 2007.

As someone who has dabbled in life drawing, fashion illustration is really starting to spark my interest. I was intrigued by Rivrain because he manages to combine fashion illustration with realism. Fashion and realism seem like contradictions, but his pictures have a sense of vulnerability in them (in the way he draws the models' expressions) that kind of reaches that middle ground between fantasy and reality.

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, 2008.

Sasha in Lanvin, 2008. Gorgeous.

Andrea denuded in Givenchy, 2007.

Kate in Louis Vuitton, 2007.

See more of his work here.

On Wisdom

2010-07-07T03:04:00.000-07:00

"Experience is not what happens to a man, but what a man does with what happens to him." -Aldous Huxley

I ♥ Miharayasuhiro

2010-07-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

Nobody does vintage Americana better than a Japanese.

Ok, it may not all be American-inspired (which is a good thing) but his play on proportion, mix of color, and artful detailing and styling all play a part on why I love this man (or rather, his clothes and design aesthetic). But I think he's mostly known for his sense of humor; the way he uses illusion on his clothes to kind of surprise the viewer, which usually gets a positive response. Recently, he has been using a camouflage pattern out of flowers, print images that are actually woven in the fabric (that he himself apparently invented) but I think my personal favorite are the trompe l'oeil shirts knotted around the waist of his shorts.

With Yasuhiro, what you see is definitely not what you get. You actually get more.

*By the way, I just realized that the images don't do his clothes any justice whatsoever, so you can go here to see them better.

Life Lessons

2010-07-04T23:22:00.000-07:00

I've been having these questions about myself lately, mostly on the aspect of happiness, what would make me happy and what it takes to get it. I'm not completely sure what I want, but there's definitely something missing, something lacking, in my life. I want to say love, but that seems too easy. Then again, maybe it's not. What do I know? I've never been in love. All I know about love is what I hear from friends who've experienced it, books that romanticize it, movies that simplify it, and songs that endlessly glorify it. From what I've heard though, it seems too much for one person to handle.

I want to say that I got close to being in love, or something like it, but I'm ashamed to say I got scared. I was almost sure that that intense feeling will come, like the one they warn you about, and I was afraid that it will not be returned. So, I ran.

Did I make the right decision? We'll see. Was it even love? I'm not sure.

Maybe it was the fact that I've never had that kind of connection with another person before. Maybe I got caught up with this guy who treats me with respect and maturity. Somebody smart and considerate, no playing games, just plain honesty. So I got attached, fast. I held on tight (and it seems like he did, too). Granted, it wasn't a physical relationship but definitely an emotional and intellectual one. I definitely feel like the time spent wasn't a waste because I learned and got something out of it, but, at the same time, it felt like it had an expiration date on it. Almost as if it was doomed from the beginning.

Was it worth it? Yes. Would I do it again? Absolutely.

Is that what I really want though? Love? A relationship? Or was I just lonely? As I'm writing this, I miss it: the eagerness, the interest in me, the effort. Was it love that I was looking for or was it just companionship? I liked the fact that he had a genuine interest in getting to know me, as fast as he could, right from the morning when I wake up, up until at night, when I can barely keep my eyes open. I liked that he felt comfortable enough to tell me his story, which seems so private and intimate, something only reserved to a select few. I like that he's always present, physically and mentally, and would always try to make me feel at ease. But I think what I like most was when he would hold me when we're together, and whenever I tried to run, he'd hold me tighter.

All I know for sure is that whatever it was, it felt good and I want more of it. That's what I want.

"To hope is to escape."

2010-07-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Face your fears. Live your life honestly and accept things for what they are. Don't make excuses. No more delusions.

Kaze Wo Atsumete

2010-07-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

Happy End - "Kaze Wo Atsumete"*

*Gather the wind (under my wings)

Genius!

2010-07-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

'Nuff said.

via See Steele Blog.

Scintillation

2010-06-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

from Xavier Chassaing: "This is an experimental film made up of over 35,000 photographs. It combines an innovative mix of stop motion and live projection mapping techniques."

via spookyjookie

Let It Fall

2010-06-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

Lykke Li - "Let It Fall"

Summer Fling

2010-06-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

It's nice to be "flung" once in a while. Even if you end up upside-down coming out of it. Thanks for the good times.

Mio Ragazzo Milano

2010-06-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

If I had an Italian boyfriend, this would be his wardrobe.

We would stroll the streets of Milan, gelato on hand, him with his linen newsboy cap (á la Dolce & Gabbana) and unbuttoned shirt, (nothing vulgar, just the right amount of skin with maybe a little chest hair peeking through) and me with a super-cool and breezy 3-pocket shirt (also from Dolce & Gabbana) and my burgundy pleated puffed shorts and leather sandals (courtesy of Bottega Veneta). All while toting the new Gucci leather messenger bag he got me for our 2 month anniversary. (He shouldn't have. But he did.)

And then, at a moment's notice, we would go to a beach in Sicily where we would find ourselves in a secluded cove, just the two of us. Me wearing a D&G floral board short and him in a sheer, ultra-breezy Etro button-down. White sand all around, so beautiful, but I take off my BR Asher penny loafers 'cause I didn't want to get any sand in it. (Funny how sometimes two beautiful things don't go well together.) We lay there for hours, just talking, occasionally looking at the darkening sky.

We get up, hours later, still on the beach. I crave pizza ('cause I'm a simple guy) and he gets up, all of a sudden, and says, "I know just the place!" Minutes later, we arrive at his villa in Tuscany (it's that close), the sun still setting as we walk up the marble steps up to his door. I sit at his chair, anxiously waiting for him to come out of the kitchen (A man who cooks, what could be better?). He comes out, finally, a basil and tomato pizza in one hand (my favorite!), and a box on the other. I open the box furiously, ribbons and tissue paper flying everywhere, and out comes a Missoni cardigan, smiling at me, with the multicolor zig-zag pattern the brand's known for. I ask him, "What's the occasion?" He says, "Just 'cause."

Euphoric, I take a bite of the pizza (heaven on earth) and then we kiss. È amore!

Bookends

2010-06-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

"Falling Bookends" by Art Ori

"Halve Glass Bookends" from Satinbox

Hamlet

2010-06-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

"To thine own self be true." -Polonius

Would it be too cheesy to get that tattooed?

All Eyes on Sarah

2010-06-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

This is the first menswear collection for Alexander McQueen under the creative direction of Sarah Burton. In it, she draws inspiration from the "DNA of the house and its archive," combining the England of Alexander McQueen with "cutting-edge design and innovative fabric technology."

I see the collection as sort of like a greatest hits album — a compilation of McQueen's top hits and most memorable pieces. It's definitely less theatrical than your typical McQueen collection but Burton managed to stand on her own, able to get her point of view across while infusing that undeniable McQueen essence.

Some looks that stood out to me personally were the dual-collar trench in waxed lightweight nylon(?) paired with the burgundy/wine pants, (Burgundy is such a sexy color, don't you think?) the waist-cinching safari jacket, morbid-hued ivory/dark blue dyed shirt with the upturned tuxedo collar, the loose-fitting sweater with a destroyed neckline paired with the band collar shirt with the pirate cuffs (copyright), and the degradé 2-button suit jacket.

"Herfra Hvor vi Står"

2010-06-21T23:48:00.000-07:00

Quadron - "Herfra Hvor vi Står"

So sweet, yet so haunting. I may not understand but I feel so much.

via a+di

Cole W. Moss

2010-06-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

Poster Series

A friend of a friend. Barely know the guy, but his work speaks a great deal about himself.

Words of Wisdom

Christmas Card

Check out his "Unicorn Being a Jerk" illustrations. (It's cute. And kinda creepy.)

Source

You Make Me Feel Like Dancing

2010-06-21T19:59:00.001-07:00

Leo Sayer - "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing"

Lord of War (and Leather?)

2010-06-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

Military is obviously a constant inspiration for Burberry. But leather? FOR SPRING? Unheard of. Enter Christopher Bailey. (Dramatic music plays.) (People gasp.) (Dog pees.)

First impression? A little underwhelming. A lot of olive. Sheer, mesh/crochet knit fabrics still going strong. On the fence with the leather jackets/vests/pants. In fact, the collection feels more fall than spring. Seems like an extension of his outerwear-heavy fall 2010 collection (which I loved!). Gladiator sandals reminded me of war, so did the Chinese dynasty Terra Cotta warrior-inspired armor vest.

Color by Jil Sander

2010-06-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Nothing says spring like bold, electric, in-your-face pastel colors. Raf Simons, in my humble opinion, put out a more wearable collection, aimed at a younger audience. It feels more commercial, but exciting and relevant at the same time. It borders on techno-hipster, but pieces like the short-sleeved flower print shirt and his fantastic use of color mix shows his restraint and sophistication. Very first collection I saw for Spring 2011. Off to a great start!

D.I.Y. Fashion

2010-06-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

A pair of fabric scissors + oversized shirt + scorching heat + restlessness + need for an arm tan = tank top

There's Something About You

2010-06-15T01:24:00.001-07:00

Something About Us

2010-06-15T01:23:00.000-07:00

Daft Punk - "Something About Us"

Alain Delon On Movies

2010-06-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

"People go to see the movies to dream, not to see actors with faces like their plumber."

Camelot?

2010-06-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

Time magazine describes newly-elected Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, the Philippines' 15th president, as an "abashed computer nerd" with an "air of almost Gandhian simplicity and uprightness."

People's hopes seem to be at an all-time high, filled with thoughts of the old glory days when his parents were in power. His plans to expand the country's middle class with microcredit programs, to boost industry, universalize health care, fix education and shake up the judiciary all seem good and well but it all sounds like a familiar tune. Change for the better or more of the same? We shall see.

The Quest for the Perfect Cupcake

2010-06-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

So it begins...

101 Things I Learned From Fashion School

2010-06-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Seeing as how I'm graduating soon, I thought I might do a post on what I've learned from school à la Alfredo Cabrera, 'cause (a) it will prove that there's actually a reason that I spent a fortune on my education (101 reasons, to be exact), (b) I have nothing else to do, and (c) it's fun! Let's begin:

1. Parking in downtown is a scam.

2. F.I.D.M. students are not rich, privileged, bitchy snobs. (for the most part.)

3. The teachers know what they're talking about.

4. Cotton is a fiber, not a fabric.

5. It's fun to drape fabric. (I'm suprisingly good at it.)

6. I like to make theme board collages.

7. Sometimes being the only boy in class is a good thing.

8. I hate patternmaking. (With a passion.)

9. I can sew a skirt. (Though half of it is inside out. That's right, half of it.)

10. I can't sew for shit.

11. I realized there's people who you can pay to sew for you.

12. A buyer's job is basically to shop for clothes for a living. Amazing.

13. It's ok to be trendy once in a while.

14. Skinny jeans are not my best friend.

15. Fabric testing is not my cup of tea.

16. Wool smells like dead BBQ'd raccoon when you burn it. Emphasize on the dead.

17. Fashion is a little like taking the good in with the bad.

18. The fashion industry is cut-throat.

19. The fashion industry is not as glamorous as they say.

20. In reality, the fashion industry can make you feel expendable.

21. Leggings are not for everyone.

22. Girls wearing heels is not a "fashion trend." Guys wearing heels, on the other hand...

23. Fashion math exists. (And I kick ass in it.)

24. I love the sound muslin makes when you rip it.

25. There's a lot of fashionable people in L.A. - and most of them don't go to fashion school.

26. Taco trucks + a free period = Great lunch

27. My school has the entire American Vogue archive in its library.

28. My library is not good for researching anything else but fashion.

29. It takes 2 hours to print one tabloid design page in the annex.

30. I am NOT a model.

31. Adobe Creative Suite is my BFF.

32. Never have a USB drive hanging by itself.

33. Back up your files.

34. Back up your files for a second time.

35. It's hard to look effortless. It's an art.

36. The A/V woman is the most stylish person I have ever seen. (I wish I knew her name.)

37. Project Runway is the fashion industry's answer to the Super Bowl.

38. I heart Tim Gunn.

39. Downtown L.A. is California's fashion epicenter. (Whether you like it or not.)

40. The fashion industry is responsible for over hundreds of thousands of jobs.

41. Child labor is still rampant not only in developing countries, but stateside as well.

42. As a company, you need to be proactive and more involved in finding out what happens in your production chain.

43. Our school museum has great costume exhibits.

44. Downtown L.A. has historical beauty.

45. Monique Lhuillier graduated from my school. (She's half-Filipino!)

46. Juicy Couture is not actually couture.

47. The author for the book "9 Heads," which is the industry standard for fashion illustration, teaches at F.I.D.M.

48. N.A.F.T.A. isn't all it's cracked up to be.

49. F.O.B. doesn't just mean "fresh off the boat."

50. My favorite designer is Lucas Ossendrijver of Lanvin.

51. My favorite American designer is Ralph Lauren.

52. Tom Ford is sex.

53. Terry Richardson looks like a child molester. Or someone's perverted uncle.

54. Isaac Mizrahi deserves a second chance.

55. Andre Leon Talley could use some humble pie.

56. Karl Lagerfeld isn't very good at menswear.

57. Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler is hot as hell.

58. Alexander McQueen was one in a million. No, trillion.

59. Alber Elbaz is adorable. And fucking talented.

60. Seeing a straight guy in school is a lot like meeting a straight guy in a gay club.

61. A garment's silhouette is key to the overall fit of the garment.

62. A princess seamline looks flattering for both sexes, imho.

63. If a garment doesn't fit well, it's not going to sell.

64. Fit models are opinionated and full of attitude. (And that's the kind you want.)

65. There's actually a reason why you pay over $200 for premium jeans.

66. Fashion trend predictive services are way too overpriced. (average is $27,000/yr.!)

67. Wal-Mart will take over the world.

68. Los Angeles is the denim, surfwear, and skatewear capital of the U.S.

69. Homeless people are very stylish - soon I hope to make a blog completely devoted to homeless style.

70. No matter how much you love menswear, you need a women's line for a company to stay afloat.

71. Skinny is beautiful. So is plus-size.

72. Only change yourself if it's what you want. Not because others tell you to.

73. Individuality is your most defining asset.

74. I have poor negotiating skills.

75. I'm not as bad as I thought in public speaking.

76. I have a small curiosity for fashion journalism and editing.

77. Grace Coddington is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G and a continuing inspiration for me.

78. L'Uomo Vogue makes me want to learn Italian.

79. I want to own a suit in Super 120's wool or higher.

80. Looking effortless is hard, but being original is next to impossible.

81. Sourcing fabric is a lot like treasure hunting.

82. Santee Alley is not what I pictured it to be.

83. Counterfeit products ruin everything. No to piracy.

84. I love the hustle and bustle of Market Week.

85. I need to see Savile Row before I die.

86. Abercrombie & Fitch used to be respectable.

87. I understand the designer's hatred for fast-fashion stores like H&M and Zara.

88. Children are a pain to design for.

89. I hate and love the confines of menswear design.

90. Designers from foreign lands get an unfair bias, in that they're automatically perceived as more sophisticated than American designers simply because of where they're from.

91. I'm continually impressed at designers who are able to create 5-8 collections each year, each one more beautiful than the next.

92. I think Mickey Drexler is the Steve Jobs of the fashion industry.

93. I think it's genius how Marc Jacobs is able to sell quality products for less than $10 and still maintain his brand image of luxury and high-end sophistication.

94. Sales associates who think they're hot shit for working in designer stores are nothing but cold diarrhea.

95. I've met some pretty amazing people in fashion school - most of whom I know I'll still be in touch with even after school.

96. The people you meet in school are potentially your co-workers, employers, employees or business partners.

97. Inspiration is lurking at every corner and it comes at you at the most unexpected of times.

98. Keep your eyes open at all times.

99. Fashion is what I'm supposed to be doing in life.

100. I don't regret spending as much as I did for school.

101. I'm a menswear designer. Period.

One Cool Cat

2010-06-12T01:35:00.001-07:00

Robert Redford, circa 1976

I think when Yves Saint Laurent said, "Fashion fades, but style is eternal," this is what he meant.

The Morning After

2010-06-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

It's still there!

"Fashion is a commentary."

2010-06-10T15:36:00.001-07:00

A response to the current state of things. A reaction, whether it be bold or subdued, to the status quo (but a reaction, nonetheless). It is ephemeral and always mutating, at the same time it's a glimpse to the wearer's character and individuality. It is subjective yet it is important, because it is a point of view. What we wear now, and how we present ourselves, says a great deal about who we are as a generation and as an individual.

Allez Donc Vous Faire Bronzer

2010-06-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

Sacha Distel - "Allez Donc Vous Faire Bronzer"

"Les cravats par Hermès" competition

2010-06-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

"Victimes tréshique" by Sergio Studer.

Designer's own words:

"(...) expressing the values of french brand Hermès - tradition and know on one hand, modern and futuristic scenarios / designs on the other. The pattern of 'victimes -trèshique' consists of high complex rasters that indicate icons of the sixties. the distance is important for impact."

Marcello Mastroianni, actor

Source

When You Feel Like Shit

2010-06-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

Interviewer: If life is so purposeless, do you feel that it's worth living?

Kubrick: Yes, for those of us who manage somehow to cope with our mortality. The very meaninglessness of life forces man to create his own meaning. Children, of course, begin life with an untarnished sense of wonder, a capacity to experience total joy at something as simple as the greenness of a leaf; but as they grow older, the awareness of death and decay begins to impinge on their consciousness and subtly erode their joie de vivre, their idealism - and their assumption of immortality. As a child matures, he sees death and pain everywhere about him, and begins to lose faith in the ultimate goodness of man. But if he's reasonably strong - and lucky - he can emerge from this twilight of the soul into a rebirth of life's élan. Both because of and in spite of his awareness of the meaninglessness of life, he can forge a fresh sense of purpose and affirmation. He may not recapture the same pure sense of wonder he was born with, but he can shape something far more enduring and sustaining. The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent; but if we can come to terms with the indifference and accept the challenges of life within the boundaries of death - however mutable man may be able to make them - our existence as a species can have genuine meaning and fulfillment. However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light.

Come Softly To Me

2010-06-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

The Fleetwoods - "Come Softly To Me"

Octagons

2010-06-06T20:42:00.001-07:00

"Venez comme vous êtes."

2010-06-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

McDonald's France says, "Come as you are."

I appreciate the fact that they chose to portray a gay teenager who does not seem to struggle with his sexual identity. And I recognize their efforts of being more inclusive. But the release of this ad seems to beg the question, was this really necessary? I mean, did gay people in France feel as though they weren't welcome to a McDonald's to begin with?

Andreas Feininger

2010-06-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

Raindrops on lens

Solarized nude

Static on negative

"They're not going to get it."

2010-06-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

That's kind of the whole point, isn't it?

The Simple Things

2010-06-05T13:19:00.001-07:00

Never has folding fabric been so sensual.

A Quiet Revolution?

2010-06-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

Crystal Renn in Chanel's Cruise 2010 Collection.

Recently, she's also been seen in French Vogue, i-D, Italian Elle, V Magazine, German Vogue and has walked for Jean Paul Gaultier for his 2006 Spring/Summer collection. Hurray for plus-size!

Hemlock 82

2010-06-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

"Hemlock 82" by Bryan Nash Gill

After preparing the cross section of the Hemlock tree into a print block, "ink is rolled out and a piece of washi paper is placed over the print block. Pressing little by little with his fingertips, Bryan imprints the texture of the wood onto the surface of the paper."

It just seems to me that every piece would be one-of-a-kind since he has to apply the ink and do the imprinting all by hand. Either way, it would look lovely on my walls.

P.S. I can't help but think this is his 82nd attempt to make this print.

Source

Spring Wrap-Up

2010-06-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

Went to see the stars...

Snail shell + Ilan Hall = my pet Cecile

Bon voyage to my Aussie friend

That's what friends are for...

Sunset on Sunset

"Sacrifices, But No Compromises"

2010-05-31T22:40:00.000-07:00

Great design aesthetic? Yes. Realistic? Hmm...

I Want You, You, And You

2010-04-05T22:49:00.001-07:00

Lion's Head Ring / Topman / $15

Han Cholo Silver Knuckle Bracelet / Urban Outfitters / $49

Karl Lagerfeld Broach / Yazbukey / $122

To Market, To Market

2010-03-21T22:14:00.000-07:00

This past week was Market Week in Los Angeles, which means buyers from all over flock to the downtown showrooms to see what each brand has to offer this upcoming fall season. Besides all the foreigners that it attracts (I had the most international elevator ride -- from Japan to Spain to Germany), the part I love most about Market Week is not only the fact that the streets of downtown L.A. gets filled with some fashionable people (cuffed jeans with patent leather heels, so chic!), but the fact that you get to show off in front of them. It sounds so self-indulgent but being able to catch their attention, and possibly even impressing them, with what you're wearing feels gratifying. There's a certain sense of camaraderie that you feel when you're dressed for the occasion and you feel those glances of approval and even admiration coming from some of the most influential people in the industry. Suddenly you are not just walking on the sidewalk anymore, but you find yourself strutting down your very own catwalk to the beat of that really good music from that runway show you saw online. Anyway, that's as close as being a model as I'll ever get. But that's just between you and me.

From the Front Row...The Debut Show 2010

2010-03-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

Going into the event, I didn't expect to be seated anywhere close to the runway. Even though I was told that scholarship recipients get seated in a "VIP Section", I thought my seat would at least be a few rows back. But as luck would have it, I'm right smack in the front. A good few feet away from the models - so close, in fact, that I could actually see the fibers from the clothes floating away as the models stomped down the catwalk.

This is my first fashion show where I actually felt the rush and the intensity of the whole show. Being there, in the front of it all, is really the only way to watch a fashion show. It's the best way to see how the clothes move, the only way to see the detail and craftsmanship of each piece (unless you go backstage), and really, it's the only way to experience the whole thing.

Out of all the collections, I really enjoyed Dominique David's Japanese-inspired collection the most (photo below). It was clean, sophisticated, on trend and very wearable. All of the designers had their own point of view, but in my opinion, David's was the most inspired and cohesive collection out of all ten.

In the end, I felt so energized and craving for more. I loved being in the front - it felt like I mattered in the oft-shaded eyes of the industry. Everybody wants to be where I was, and the fact that I actually got to sit in that seat in the front row, across the industry's most important people, only made me realize that I'm right where I should be.

A Meryl Fixation

2010-03-07T23:36:00.000-08:00

Somehow, watching awards shows always makes me think of Meryl Streep. It's probably because she is the epitome of awards shows. With all her accomplishments, it won't be long until they change the name of the award after her. ("And the Meryl goes to...Meryl Streep!")

Just you watch. It'll catch on.

I think my very first Meryl Streep movie was the 2004 remake of The Manchurian Candidate. As the manipulative and controlling mother, she, of course, stole the show. Looking further back, I do remember seeing my parents watching The Bridges of Madison County, but I was about 8 or 9 years old at the time, so you can't really blame me for not being interested in a movie about bridges. However, it wasn't until I saw that insanely chic hairstyle (that inspired several copycats) on The Devil Wears Prada did I really start paying attention to her career.

Soon enough, I watched Out of Africa, The Deer Hunter, and Sophie's Choice. As sad a movie as Sophie's Choice was, the even sadder part about it is that I never got to finish the last two movies and to be honest, watching Out of Africa felt less satisfying as I'd hoped. However, I did like watching Kramer vs. Kramer, although if you think about it, it was really more of a Dustin Hoffman movie than Streep's.

I did like her chilling performance in Doubt. (Nuns scare the bejeezus outta me.) And she was the spitting image of Julia Child in Julie & Julia. (I kinda feel a lot like Julie Powell right now.) And I heard a lot of people really liked It's Complicated. (Although I can't help but imagine Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin in bed together.)

Anyway, the point is she's fabulous and she can do no wrong. And that includes Mamma Mia!.

To Lee

2010-02-26T11:20:00.000-08:00

You were an amazing designer and a brilliant artist. One of the few who were truly original, inspiring, and innovative. Because of that, you were a crucial part of fashion. It's hard to imagine someone so influential and so prolific simply gone, almost in an instant. It's a tragedy that it had to come to this - that you felt so defeated and helpless as to have seen this as your only option. Obviously, I don't know the whole story and it sounds incredibly arrogant of me to assume or even imply that this was an easy way out. Sometimes I forget that you, and other designers like you, who are famous icons and celebrities, can have lives as broken and imperfect as ours. All I can say now is that I hope, wherever you are, you found what you were looking for.

Rest in peace, Mr. McQueen.

Winter Wardrobe Inspiration - Moncler Gamme Blue F/W 2010-11

2010-01-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

With every day passing by with pouring rain and heavy winds, my desire for a slim-cut puffer jacket increases. You could say I'm in desperate need of a jacket to brave the elements, otherwise the next time you'll see me I'll be flying off the ground and be stuck on the top of one of those electric line posts because of these hurricane-like winds. This video taken from HighSnobiety.com, shows just how it should be done, courtesy of suit-centric designer Thom Browne.

I love the whole set-up of this show; I think Mr. Browne injected some of his own personal whimsy not only on the clothes but also to the fashion show, which makes his message clear and his clothes more appealing. Then again, I'm always a sucker for anything inspired by American Prep.

An Ode to Wasteland

2010-01-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

Oh Wasteland, Wasteland, how I love thee,

No matter how often I go,

There's always hidden treasure,

From Lanvin shirts to jeans by Acne,

Every visit is sure to be an adventure.

You're like a thrift shop but better,

Much better selection and you don't smell like old man fart,

You're fitting rooms are clean and your racks are organized,

So much easier for me to search and take apart.

How I wish all stores are like you

With discount prices and friendly people

Forget Zara, H&M, or Urban Outfitters!

Retail prices are only for losers.

Oh Wasteland, Wasteland how I adore thee,

Not only do you sell clothes,

But you also buy clothes from me

Now I have money,

To spend on those pants by A.P.C.

Oh Wasteland, Wasteland, if only you were nearer

I would live inside of your fitting room forever.

There's Always Something..

2010-01-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

Why is it that even though we have great, exciting things happening in our lives that are cause enough to make us happy, there's always that one aspect we haven't quite achieved, no matter how small, that makes us question ourselves?

For instance, I just had the most mature and cathartic discussion with my parents, involving my coming out of the closet. It felt really good that when I told them I was gay, they accepted me, wholly, for the first time, for who I really am. As great a cause for celebration as this should be, I have to say that it's tainted, almost overshadowed, by that feeling in the back of my head, that knowing that someone out there (two, in fact) harbor adverse feelings toward me. One of them is a stranger with no sense of humor and the other, a close friend, who chooses to hold on to a petty grudge.

As of this moment, I have mixed feelings about myself. On the one hand, I feel validated and loved by my parents who chose me over their beliefs and principles. On the other, I feel lacking and inadequate because of the strong words of a complete stranger and because of the absence of words from a friend.

I read a quote once that said something like, "Life is a work-in-progress. The moment we stop struggling is the moment we stop having a reason to keep going." If I chose to live by this quote, it would be natural then to have these small battles going on inside of me constantly. But is it wrong for me to aspire to have everything working for me? To have everything that I ever wanted? Is true happiness that hard to obtain? Or is it even attainable at all?

Winter Wardrobe Inspiration - Rodarte's Spidery Knitwear

2010-01-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

L.A. based designers Kate & Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte (Ro-dart-tay), who usually only do womenswear, recently sewn up four hand-knit pieces for men (which led to retailer & sole distributor Opening Ceremony to rename the brand Brodarte), using their signature intricate, "cobwebby" technique, which intentionally leaves loopy yarns and holes on a very open-weave fabric, in this case made out of a combination of mohair, alpaca, wool, nylon, rayon and silk fibers, creating a very delicate and sinuous design.

Retailing for $2,760 and only available in size Small & Medium in Opening Ceremony as a final sale, these beautiful pieces are obviously not for any ordinary man. I, on the other hand, would gladly wear the black/tan cardigan in a second, providing someone would be generous enough to cover the price tag. In return, I would give you the privilege of being seen with me wearing said cardigan. (whether you like it or not!)

Remember, they're a perfect present on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, which is just around the corner. ;)

UPDATE: Got a chance to drop by Opening Ceremony and actually try the blue sweater on. Sleeves were a little long but other than that, great fit! Not at all itchy and some pretty cute salesmen. ;p

Feel Good Video #7: Passion Pit - Sleepyhead

2010-01-05T18:50:00.000-08:00

Passion Pit's Sleepyhead alternative video by Barker Gerard. So creative and such good use of archival footage. I daresay it's better than the original.

Here's the original, so you can compare:

Actually, if you play them both at the same time, it's kinda trippy.

New Year = New You?

2010-01-01T13:11:00.001-08:00

I'm starting to dislike the fact that just because we add a "1" at the beginning of each year, we suddenly are expected to change our old ways. It seems unnecessary and impractical. It almost seems that we are setting ourselves up for failure. You hear those resolutions about people promising themselves to quit long-time habits and it just seems to me that if they had really wanted to quit, they would have done it before and not wait until the ball has dropped to do so. What is it about the New Year that forces the best of us to evaluate ourselves and reassess our life choices?

White Christmas

2009-12-23T15:28:00.000-08:00

As an Angeleno and a bona fide native of the Philippines, I have never seen snow. Of course, if you count the many romantic comedies I've seen where snow seems like the other supporting actress or the falling styrofoam/cotton imitation that they produce on parties, theatres or the mall, you might as well say that snow and I are common acquaintances. But, of course, watching snow on the tv screen or feeling the dry, small fake stuff falling onto your forehead is not quite the same as seeing the real thing. Well, as of last weekend, I am proud to say that I have not only seen snow, but touched, thrown, slipped, sledded and fell on the elusive white stuff.

First of all, I have to say that it seems unnatural to me that there can be snow in California. It's just weird. When I think of California, beaches, organic food and the sweltering heat are the first things that come to my mind. Snow and California just doesn't seem to belong in the same category. It's like seeing a fat guy wear a fitted tee and suede Ugg boots in Best Buy. It's just not right.

Me & Lil Frosty

Even weirder was the fact that we were in the desert. The whole time I felt like we were in a different state. Anyway, seeing snow was great. Although I just wished I didn't slip on it as much as I did. Well, that's all I have to say about snow. Have a safe holiday everyone! Don't eat yellow snow!

Winter Wardrobe Inspiration - Oversized Knit Beanies

2009-12-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

As a big fan of anything that covers my hair (be it hats, caps, turbans, or the occasional towel), I'm always, and I mean always, on the look out for THE knit beanie. I already have about 5 in my possession, but I never really wear most of them unless as a last resort. (My head ends up shaped like a watermelon with some of them.) So far I've had luck with a black lambswool cap from the Gap, which looks very outdoorsy yet cool.

This one though, worn by Michael Stipe, looks fun and very warm, possibly made out of cashmere. I love the gigantic pompom on the top and the grey color, although I probably wouldn't want it in cashmere because I still do live in L.A. and although it seems lavish, it just doesn't seem practical.

Any thoughts where to get one?

It's Like My Opinion Matters

2009-11-30T19:44:00.000-08:00

I recently got interviewed by FashionClub.com Daily, a web blog by FIDM. They e-mailed me out of nowhere asking whether or not I'd be interested in contributing something to their website. But, just to be sure, they asked me several questions about myself and my background. Anyway, you can read the interview here.

Looking back, I should've chosen a better picture. Oh, and I totally regret not putting Lucas Ossendrijver of Lanvin as one of my favorite designers. I'm sorry, Lucas! I hope the fact that I did a project on your brand will make up for it.

Anyway, nothing's finalized yet and I'll let you guys know whether something exciting comes out of this (or not).

My Peanut & Me

2009-11-22T22:30:00.000-08:00

I recently got a puppy from a friend and she is such a cutie. Her name is Peanut and she's a Cocker Spaniel mix but she kind of reminds me of a cross between a rodent and a deer. (We almost named her Bambi.)

By the way, just to let you all know, this dog is pampered. She is one spoiled bitch. My sister, who just loves her, goes to three different PETCO stores for this dog at least twice a week to get her special pre-cooked food and so far has spent more than $400 since we got her. But my sister doesn't mind.

Also, Peanut is very high-maintenance. If you ever leave the room without her, she will whine and whimper until you come back. In a way, it's sweet but when it's 3 a.m., there's a limit to how cute she can be, you know?

Anyway, here she is watching a very suspenseful drama with my sister:

Atop the Pegasus

2009-11-02T22:13:00.000-08:00

My friend, Kiran, invited me up to her place in the Pegasus Apartment Building in Downtown L.A. last week. We went up to the rooftop where the view of the city was amazing - such a different feel than on street level. Somehow richer, more romantic, more profound... I had to take it all in black and white just so you can see what I'm talking about.

Their apartment had also a lot of interesting things to shoot. A lot of artwork and fashion photography. My kind of inspiration. :)

And by the way, that rack had some of the coolest clothes I've seen done by a FIDM student. I'm blown away at how they do it. Really, just amazing.

But, in my opinion, my friend was by far the most interesting subject. This was not even a posed shot. I wasn't even looking at the viewfinder. I just clicked.

Isn't she a natural?

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

Took this photo from a friend's apartment. So shocked at the results just from putting flash on my camera.

Without flash:

With flash:

And just like that, she turned from sweet and flirty girl next-door to the devil woman who's going to kill you with her eyes. And I love how even the color of the wall changed.

Me & Scott R BFFs

2009-10-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

So last Thursday, I got a chance to finally meet Scott Schuman, a.k.a. the Sartorialist, at the mall, of all places. The day leading up to the book signing was fairly uneventful and I was pretty much focused on what I was gonna wear so as to impress, maybe even inspire (ha!), Scott. In the end, I decided to go for comfort rather than fashion and ended up wearing my Steven Alan slacks and my trusty denim jacket and a very questionable purple cotton scarf from Zara, which I couldn't decide whether to keep on or off. In fact, by the time, we got in line to get our books signed, I must've pulled off (and put back on) that scarf at least 5 times.

Anyway, the signing took place in the Beverly Center atop the rooftop terrace. As expected, a lot of fashionable people came and they threw a little party with a few drinks, some rice krispies treats (yum!) and cotton candy. A sucker for sweets, I took about 3 rice krispies treats (and still wanted more) and a cotton candy in a cone. Little did I know, that cotton candy was going to be more critical to me being close to Scott than some stupid scarf.

After waiting for about an hour, we finally got to Scott, who looked a bit isolated from the crowd, and a little uncomfortable. But, before we could see him, some woman snapped at us saying, "Scott is just signing now and won't be taking any pictures or writing down personal notes. Sorry." That caught us off-guard, and me and my friend were still taken aback by that. And I was thinking, "What? Seriously?" So, basically, when I first met Scott Schuman, I was speechless. This is how it went: (Keep in mind that I was wearing the scarf.)

Him: "Hi! My name is Scott."

Me: "Hey."

Him: "Is that cotton candy? That looks good!"

Me: "Yeah."

Him: "You know, they don't feed me anything here!"

Me: "Really?"

Him: "Yeah..." (starts signing the book)

Me: "Where's Garance?" (his girlfriend)

Him: "Oh, she's in Paris."

I am an idiot. A complete idiot. The more I type and re-enact the whole situation, the more I'm embarrassed at myself for being such a doofus. He probably thought that I wasn't interested (or interesting) and honestly I don't blame him, especially with my one-word responses. He was very friendly and actually put in some effort to strike up a conversation and all I could do was think about my stupid scarf and what that lady said and how we couldn't take a picture. I don't even know why I decided to follow what that silly woman said since there were flashes going off every which way. Anyway, right after I got my book signed, I saw a flash and I looked away. Turns out, it was my friend taking the picture.

And that was it. Scott, if you're reading this, next time we meet I promise, it will be much more different. For one, I would be wearing a much better scarf.

*First photo from HiStyley.

Am I A Hipster?

2009-10-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

When one hears the word, "hipster," (hĭp'stər) as a term to describe a person, you immediately think along the lines of douchebag, prick, or asshole (see photo). You see them, practically everywhere: as the twentysomething girl in that party who came dressed with a vintage tee, a pair of American Apparel sequined leggings, nonprescription glasses and an inappropriately warm wool coat, or the skinny guy with the even skinnier jeans, a neon shirt, perfectly imperfect hair, with his horn-rimmed Wayfarers and toting his worn, lo-fi camera by his side. On the flip side, people have also used the term loosely to describe someone who knows about the coolest, trendiest, most coveted things to have or the person who always seem to know the best places to shop in, eat in, and most importantly, be seen in.

Obviously, no matter how many hipsters there are, nobody wants to admit they are one. Whether it's the way they act or the way they look like, the word is used more in a derogatory term rather than complimentary. In any case, I couldn't help but notice the possibility that I might be. So am I in denial or am I just paranoid? Here are the signs:

1.) According to The Hipster Manifesto, being a hipster means "constantly looking for the new 'it'". They religiously search for the next latest trend before, of course, it becomes too trendy. Essentially, if every one else is doing it, it's not cool (or hip, or "deck", apparently).

Defense: This is a big sign for me. I do subscribe to several blogs that keep me up-to-date with the current trends, whether it be in fashion, food, art, or music. And I have a tendency to prefer things that nobody else likes (or has heard of...yet). However, in my defense, I still have my own personal tastes and preferences. I pick and choose what I like, according to my own taste and style and I don't believe the majority of my choices are dictated by anybody but my own.

2.) Douglas Haddow, author of Hipster: The Dead End of Western Civilization, talks about how hipsters are constantly connected to a number of social networking sites and usually blog about their daily exploits in life, and how they push forth an agenda of "fashion-informed aesthetics."

Defense: Ok this is spot on. On the one hand, I do feel that I do talk a lot about fashion. But I feel that it is justified since it not only is going to be part of my livelihood, it's also one of my passions in life. And with regards to the whole social networking sites, that practically includes everyone. If you're not connected through those sites, you might as well live under a rock.

3.) Haddow adds that hipsters carry a cursory and highly stylized lifestyle with no principles or beliefs to "defend, uphold or embrace."

Defense: Ok. That, I know, isn't me. I may not be as in-tune with things that other people might deem as important (news, politics, etc.) but I am aware and conscious of what's happening. Maybe not all the time but I do try to be more well-rounded. More importantly, I have my positions on issues that matter and I have opinions and my own takes on several important matters.

The main reason I guess that's bothering me is becuase people see hipsters as nothing more than shallow, privileged, selfish poseurs who are, according to Haddow, motivated solely on superficiality and "faux individuality." While words likes the "assassins of cool" have been used to describe hipsters, some have even gone as far as dubbing them as "the end of Western civilization." I guess the main reason as to why hipsters, or even the term itself, are loathed is because they bring nothing new to the table. "While previous youth movements have challenged the dysfunction and decadence of their elders, today we have the 'hipster' – a youth subculture that mirrors the doomed shallowness of mainstream society." Haddow adds that while the post-war era saw the crushing of social standards and the status quo, the challenging of authority and the actual process of important intellectual and creative output (as evidenced by the hippies, punks, beatniks and flappers), today's generation fails to give or contribute any new meaning to society, and instead, only focuses on themselves which, according to Haddow, is detrimental to the progress of Western civilization.

So is that me? Am I just nitpicking or am I just too self-involved to notice the signs?

Alexander McQueen S/S 2010 Live Stream Review

2009-10-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

You can imagine my excitement yesterday upon waiting for the start of the Alexander McQueen show. I was at my laptop strictly at 11:10 a.m., patiently waiting for Safari to connect to the live stream, shrewdly considering the slight miscalculation I might have made in regards to the time difference between L.A. and Paris.

11:17 a.m.: I got to the page where I'm supposed to be. All I saw was a blank page. Seconds later, the site's template started to emerge, but with no video. :{

11:28 a.m.: I was starting to worry. It has been almost 18 minutes and Safari is giving me nothing. I check McQueen's and ShowStudio's twitter feeds. It said: "Almost ready to begin." I was almost ready to pee my pajamas. Where is the video?!

11:43 a.m.: After about 8 attempts of trying to load the page with no success, I started cursing to the top of my lungs. "This is b*&$@!" Later, I hear the dog next door howling. >:(

11:45 a.m.: I realized that I should try the Firefox browser. Minutes later, I see McQueen in a gingham shirt being interviewed. Success! Only problem, does the interview come before or after the fashion show?

12:05 p.m.: Enjoying the interview, for the most part. Wished that there were subtitles. Hard to understand proper English.

12:10 p.m.: Got my homemade lunch and juice and am ready for the show to begin. Seconds later, the interview fades out and I see black and blue. It's Plato's Atlantis! :D Hurray!~

So the show was terrific; the stage was set with these robotic machines that sort of glided through each individual model with the image of Raquel Zimmerman's naked body being writhed by snakes on the screen as the backdrop. The clothes were great, as expected. A lot of digitally-printed animal skins (from snakes to insects, and I think I saw an owl, at one point.) The hair was out of this world, almost literally. (Think Princess Leia in a wind tunnel.) With that, the models were looking very alienesque, for the second half of the show, with shoes that Style.com describes as "grotesque shoes that looked like the armored heads of a fantastical breed of antediluvian sea monster." (I could not have agreed more!) Here's a photo:

I wanted to enjoy it more, but as it turns out, Lady GaGa leaked to her twitter followers (which, apparently, is more than millions) that her new single, "Bad Romance," will be premiering on this particular fashion show. Before you know it, the show started lagging every 2 seconds (literally, I was counting the seconds)! Apparently, her fans started tuning in and the server crashed. And then, when it almost came to the finale, the feed just stopped completely.

***{{{ Damn You, Lady GaGa!!! }}}***

Obviously, this wasn't the kind of experience I was hoping for. But I figured, it was only normal that this is what was going to happen. It's definitely funny and ironic. Here I was, feeling at the top of the fashion totem pole, watching the Alexander McQueen show, along with the likes of Carine Roitfeld, Mario Testino, and Patrick Demarchelier. Then all of a sudden, I was brought back down to reality, dragged down the mud by Lady GaGa's die-hard fans, and back to my home in the valley. Le sigh....

P.S. Lady Gaga, if you're reading this, I forgive you.

A Romantic Reality

2009-10-02T13:22:00.001-07:00

It's Friday afternoon and I've been overcome with a mix of feelings: guilt, loneliness, and romance. (Most importantly, romance.) Maybe it's because I've recently seen Annie Hall, or it's that I've been listening to Leona Naess, who I might add can make you feel emotional in an instant, (If you haven't heard of her, be sure to start with Lazy Days, Shiny on the Inside, and Sunny Sunday.) or maybe it's the gloomy weather that's bringing up these emotions to the surface, (or maybe the combination of the three) but somehow, I just needed to get away from it all.

Here's Leona Naess new upcoming single, Heavy Like Sunday. You should listen to it and maybe you'll start to feel what I'm talking about:

After watching way too much trashy American t.v., (as Leona puts it) I chose to hide away in my bedroom, windows shut and covered in blankets. Some might say this is a pathetic way to live, shutting yourself off from the world by going into hiding in your room, but to me, it's not only comfortable, I feel it's very well-deserved. I'm less than a third on reading/looking at Scott Schuman's book and he said something that had an effect on me: "Reality rarely lives up to the romance." Sad, but true. Life is hard, sometimes excruciating. I think it's only natural that sometimes we willingly choose to cut ourselves off from the sad, exhausting reality that is life. In fact, I don't even know why I'm trying to justify this, because it's perfectly normal. Since I can't pause life, all I basically did was change the channel. Everyone does this. Everyone gets sick of life, at some point in their lives. Why else do we blog?

I remember one scene in Annie Hall, where Alvy (Allen) has a flashback of his childhood home in Coney Island in New York (which is where I would like to be right now), and he tells how he lived right smack in the middle of a roller coaster. I mean, imagine that for a second. Living with fantasy all the time, suspended from reality (sometimes literally) 24/7? I mean, in retrospect, that's probably partially the reason why he ended up being such a neurotic and pessimistic character, but having that immense playground to yourself whenever you want, being detached from reality and not having a care in the world?

I know I've blogged before about how I'm so glad about finally being an adult and grown-up and mature. It's just that I guess when things don't go a certain way, when people disappoint you, when you're just sick of it all, you just want to cover yourself up and somehow, underneath those covers, you hope, that once you put the covers down, it'll all be better. It's like that peek-a-boo game that you play when you were a kid, you don't know it's gonna be the same face behind those hands, but somehow, you hope, once those hands are down, it'll all get better.

I guess this is just another bump in the road, and we all have our own ways of dealing with them. Some people choose to face it head on, some decide to shy away from it, I, on the other hand, chose to live on my own terms, and pretend it never happened.

Jack Knows Best...Allegedly

2009-09-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

J. Crew recently launched a new campaign called "Jack Knows Best" as a way for clueless, fashionably-challenged men to gain help and insight on how to dress well, develop their personal style, and basically look good. Here is there promotional video:

Looks fun, right? Well, I decided to try the free service out, thinking I could always use help in that department. I just believe that when you start being arrogant about knowing everything there is to know about fashion and style, or in any subject for that matter, you start missing out on amazing, and possibly inspiring, things that other people can offer.

So, I told Jack a few things about me and I asked him tips on how to find a good tailor and on how to get my jeans altered. Less than two days later, here is what he suggested:

"Hi Jon,

Thanks for the email. The first time you use a tailor, I recommend

bringing something that you are comfortable experimenting with.

Also, you should bring in something that fits perfectly

so the tailor can get a sense of how you like your clothes to fit.

As for jeans, you should ask your tailor to shorten the jeans,

while keeping the original hem.

Hope this helps.

-Jack"

Great tip, right? I didn't know that you could ask the tailor to keep the original hem on your jeans. I have about 2 to 3 pants that I wish could have had a better hem because now they ended up looking just folded in and not as professionally altered as I wanted them to look. I wish I knew that before. Thanks Jack! I guess he really does know his stuff.

So if you have any sartorial questions, try Jack out. E-mail him and tell me how it went!

The Next Best Thing

2009-09-29T12:04:00.001-07:00

Not having been invited to any fashion weeks whatsoever, I currently am lost and somewhat confused as to where the major fashion shows are currently happening. (Last time I checked, it was Milan.) In any case, I checked my e-mail today and I was pleasantly surprised to have been invited to watch the Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Show. Sadly, I wouldn't be in Paris where the show is actually happening (I'm busy that day, anyway!) but I, along with several thousands of fashionistas (that's you!), will be able to watch the show live as it happens by streaming it in McQueen's website. Here's the invite and all the info:

Judging by the title, "Plato's Atlantis," I expect to see a lot of draping and less form-fitting garments. Maybe some lighter shades of blues and greens? But then again, that might be too predictable for McQueen.

*By the way, Paris is 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles, so you'll be able to see it October 6th at 11:30 am. I put it also on the sidebar as a reminder. :D

I appreciate how most fashion houses have become more accessible lately. I know that Christopher Bailey of Burberry Prorsum decided to stream his spring fashion show live as well, which I'm regretting to type because I missed it. And recently, Stefano and Demenico of Dolce & Gabbana invited four bloggers to the front row of their fashion show, along with four laptops, so they can immediately blog about it. (Now that's real-time news!) With the economy still shaky as it is, you really start seeing which companies are adapting to the changes and actually listening to the needs and demands of their new and growing market. Now, if I can somehow just get invited to the Balenciaga show...

Nicolas Ghesquière, I'm coming for you!

*Here's the link to McQueen's site.

I'm Jon Rosario and I Am A People Person

2009-09-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

Getting yelled at by a deaf person is a bizarre, daunting, and very scary experience. Of course, it's pretty intimidating being yelled at by any person because you feel so small and insignificant, but with a person with a hearing disability, the experience takes on a whole different level.

First of all, you try to be polite because you feel obligated to. You try to be respectful of their condition and try your best not to draw attention to the fact that they can't hear you. If you're anything like me, and you were also confronted with the same situation, you would immediately apologize and admit fault and try as best you can not to make a public scene. Unfortunately for me, in spite of my efforts, my experience went to a different direction.

It was about 5 minutes to 7 o'clock at the time and the store was about to close. My department was short on staff and as a result, our area looked disastrous, to say the least. My manager told me to return the clothes that didn't belong to our area and give them back to their respective departments. As I wheeled the rolling rack chock-full of clothes to the department next to ours, the girl working there, upon seeing me, immediately warned me (the yellee) that Eva (the yeller) was not in a good mood. In fact, she told me that Eva threw down a rolling rack, which was the size of an average coffee table, to the floor. Right off the bat, I knew I had it coming. Keep in mind that there was still a customer on the floor when all this happened.

So when Eva came back to the department, seeing me with the clothes, she was not a happy camper. Her cheeks blushed (not in a good way) and her eyes grew beady within an instant. She started gesturing sharply with her hands repeatedly pointing to her watch, indicating that it was 7 o'clock and that it was closing time. That much I understood. What I didn't get was the other 15 to 20 things that she tried saying to me, which the more I think about it, the more scary it gets. With an average person, you know what they have to say and you can understand them. With Eva, there's more to it than that. The fact that you don't know what they're saying and you try to be as helpful as you can to try and appease them and try to guess what they're trying to tell you, all while she's yelling at your face, makes you feel like a helpless little child. You can't help it. Unless in the five minutes that she's yelling at you, you magically learn sign language, you're pretty much in a lose-lose situation.

After some sincere apologetic gestures (and my puppy dog eyes), she finally decided to let me off the hook and she took the clothes of my hands. A few minutes later, after I told everyone in my department what happened, my manager realized that there were still some clothes left for Eva's department. Being the newbie, I went ahead and did it. I figured that it's not an easy thing to do but it's still part of the job to do it, and being deaf has nothing to do with it. Like it or not, Eva doesn't get entitled to any special treatment. She has to pull her own weight just as much as anyone else on the floor. As soon as I held the clothes in my hand, I knew I was coming back with them.

True to form, Eva was pissed. In fact, she was livid. When I got there, she practically blocked the fitting room and just stood there, still with her short, abrupt words and her beady eyes. After about 15 seconds, I knew I wasn't going to win so I went back to my manager, defeated and beaten down. Seeing my expression, she laughed and said that it's normal. Everybody's been there. After that, she welcomed me to the Macy's team.

Feel Good Video #6: "The Longest Way" Travel Diary

2009-09-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

Cute guy walks all over China for a year all while letting his hair grow out. Great video ("strictly not a '1 pic a day' video"), great music and a fun, lighthearted story. Kind of like the slower version of a better-looking Forrest Gump.

Talks Like A Flake, Walks Likes A Flake, Acts Like a Flake...

2009-08-31T20:48:00.000-07:00

There's nothing worse than planning something, say an outing or a meeting, about two weeks ahead of time, and it's really an exciting event that both you and the person you're planning said event with are excited about, only to realize, come the day you've been waiting for, that the other person who planned it with you, all of a sudden, can't fulfill his or her end of the bargain.

"Something came up. I'm sorry," or "I can't go out today. My mom wont let me," or "Uhh..I'm too hung over to go to your birthday party. Let's reschedule."

There's endless ways of saying it. There's pretty much only one or two ways to actually say it without having to appear like a prick. But still, time and time again, most people still end up disappointing me. Even pissing me off.

What infuriates me more is not the fact that you cannot go. I understand that. Things do come up. Life comes up with the craziest things and I understand that there are circumstances where you simply have to be at that place at that time, meaning you have to cancel and do your own thing and I accept that. What I don't understand is why you couldn't call me ahead of time. Why do you wait until the very last minute, when I actually call you, to tell me that you are "unavoidably detained." That's not just a flaky move, that's what you call an asshole.

To some people, promises don't mean anything. To me, it means a lot. So, when somebody says that they'll get back to you or tells you that they'll call you in 30 minutes, it's fair to assume that you'll get a call within the next half-hour, right? And if you don't, it's only right that I call you back to see if everything's alright. And if you still don't reply, you leave a message or a voicemail, asking what happened. Next thing you know, you're a stalker trying to get in contact with that person through all available channels, whether through phone, e-mail, or Facebook, furiously wondering and slowly getting irritated as to why that person can't muster enough strength and courage to pick up the phone and tell you where he was or what he was doing. Of course, like I said before, there are things where you simply can't avoid. But at the very least, if you're going to cancel, after I've confirmed with you several times, own up to it. Say you went to that party you didn't invite me to, or say that you can't go because I just don't want to hang out with you anymore, I don't care! Just own up to it. Because if you don't, now, not only are you an asshole and a flake, but you are also a pussy.

I mean, isn't it widely understood in our society that it's common decency and common sense, that if you're going to blow someone off, you owe it to them to at least call or notify them in some form or manner that you're blowing them off? I mean how hard can it be?

I try to think that I'm an optimistic person. I truly do believe in the goodness of the people around me. But when they pull shit like this, your faith in people gets rattled. Not only that, it really gets your blood boiling. What's makes my anger justified is when you see the effect it has on people; when you get used to people flaking on you and immediately start to expect these kinds of last-minute letdowns to happen, even as soon as the moment you planned it. I don't want to be that person; the one who is so pessimistic and has such low expectations of people and so skeptical of their hollow promises that they end up not expecting anything from anybody just so they won't have to deal with the pain and anger that follows after being disappointed. I think that's such a sad existence. I like planning things, the anticipation and the excitement that comes with it is such a rush. Plus, there's nothing like a planned event to cheer you up after a hard and stressful day. It gives you a reason to look forward to.

So please, try not to disappoint me again. And if you do, do it right. CALL ME FIRST.

P.S. This post is not addressed specifically to anyone. Well, maybe to all the flakers out there. Hopefully, you've learned something today.