Every once in a while, we’re presented with individuals that are the risk takers that society needs to watch. Those individuals don’t follow what the masses do, in fact they do the complete opposite. Those individuals are important to the culture, whether it’s fashion, music or art. We need rebels. Le Messie and Amanda Scully found FALSE, a brand that stands as one of the early purveyors of independent fashion anarchism. I got up with Le Messie for our long over due chat on what’s behind False, his tats and his relationship with Lupe Fiasco.
What’s the meaning of FALSE?
It’s the questionnaires question, the counter cultures counter, the rebels subconscious, the modern anarchist way of thought and the lefter side of the leftfield. Continue reading “Q&A: Le Messie of FALSE” »
Twitter actually might serve a purpose now. Rickey Kim (popularly known as Mr. Kim) worked with Vans on their OTW collection and I found out via his twitter account. My curiosity lead me to find out more of what was going on with his involvement. Vans OTW is the latest collection from the Vans empire. Vans has always remained a staple in the footwear market and youth culture. With their new collection, they invited Ako & Atiba Jefferson aka The Blackouts, Dimitri Coste and Eric Elms to take part as advocates.
Mr. Kim sat down with graphic designer Eric Elms for this exclusive Q&A. Check it out.
In the life of Eric Elms, how do you usually start out a typical day?
Wake up, Shower, Tea, Walk to work, Deli coffee, Check email. That is pretty much standard everyday. After that it depends on what projects I got going on. Continue reading “Vans OTW Profile: Eric Elms” »
What’s behind the company named ‘The KeyStone Design Union’?
We build businesses and brands. In 2003/04, I was experiencing the day-to-day realities of leading a large corporate organization and not having fun. I had strong opinions on how things could change but was faced with the internal politics and many selfish agendas – so I walked away. In doing so, I wanted to create something personal and rooted in beliefs that you typically don’t see in corporate systems. I wanted to build something that would naturally and organically evolve depending on the trends and demands of the age. This might sound like a obtuse way of answering, but it is better than saying I started another network and consulting firm, sure they are the foundation of the group, but they happened organically as a result of believing in the idea of bringing the best people together will result in something unique and special. Continue reading “Q&A: The KDU” »
If you know anything about streetwear and design, then you should immediately know these two gents. Jeff Staple, creative mind behind Staple Design and Reed Space sits down for his fifth installment on his Q&A series “1-2-1 w/jeffstaple” with graffiti and design icon Leonard McGurr better known as Futura. The two discuss topics from the current state of streetwear, its future and how Futura would like to be remembered as a artist. Take 10 minutes out of your life and listen.
Jetsetter: one of the in-crowd, one of the beautiful people, one of the glitterati, trendsetter, person about town, member of café society, social climber. That definition appropriately fits Mik Jagga, former creative director to Greedy Genius and now his very own footwear brand; Passport Collective. I caught up with Mik and chatted about his experience designing on both coast and the manifesto of Passport Collective. Enjoy!
Who is Mik Jagga?
A collector of things fashionable and rare, a liver of life, a lover of culture and a skilled designer
Since you’ve been given that nickname, do you feel any pressure to live up to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Mick Jagger?
Ha! My man Dao Yi from ( Public School/ Black Apple ), gave me that nickname like 10yrs ago, it just seemed to stick, As for the pressure, nah! My whole team is made up of Rock Stars in our own right, seems like we are constantly blessed to do things that make history! Funny enough, I partied hard at Santos last summer and was fortunate to meet the real Mick Jagger, cool as hell, I hope to have that type of kick when I’m his age, word! Continue reading “Q&A: Mik Jagga” »
Check out this video interview with Mark Mothersbaugh (of Devo). He speaks about his DIY approach to making all forms of art and about the making of his video piece “Bora Bora Manta Ray” which can be seen as part of Scion’s Installation 6: Video – national art tour. Scion launched the sixth edition of its successful art tour, “Installation 6: Video” in January at its own 4,200 square foot Installation L.A. Space gallery in Culver City. Having visited Austin, TX in February, the tour now moves on to Wichita, Kansas, a brand new market for Installation. The show opens at Tangent Lab, 143 N. Rock Island, 3rd floor, Wichita, KS 67202 on March 26th with a reception from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. The exhibit will run until April 10th. Continue reading “Mark Mothersbaugh Video Interview – “Scion Installation 6: Video”” »
In retrospect to all that’s occurred in Jay-Z lifetime, he continues to knock down barriers with collaborations and sponsorships deals to let you know that dealing with the big boys may not always be that bad, but then he is the reigning king of Hip Hop so what brand wouldn’t want to work with him. Absolut Vodka presents this short film by director Danny Clinch to pay tribute to the Big Apple in this black and white short film with Jay-Z.
“NEW YORK (March 22, 2010) – Today, as part of an ongoing creative collaboration with JAY-Z and Madison Square Garden (MSG), ABSOLUT® VODKA introduces “NY-Z” – a 14-minute short film featuring JAY-Z and directed by popular music and culture photographer Danny Clinch. Featuring exclusive footage of JAY-Z and John Mayer as they prepare for the September 11 benefit concert at MSG, NY-Z offers a rare glimpse into the life of native New Yorker Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter as he discusses his hometown and what it means for an artist to “arrive” with a performance at the world’s most famous arena. The short film is available for viewing at facebook.com/ABSOLUT. Continue reading “NY-Z: An ABSOLUT Collaboration with Jay-Z” »
I recently watched a documentary on BBC about women with large breasts and how they cope with them. The documentary follow three women who feel uncomfortably defined by their naturally large bust size. So I decided to do my own experiment and find out from women that I know how they truly feel about their cup sizes; how they appreciate, love, hate, and handle their breasts.
I started to show signs of my lovely lady lumps around the age of 11. While everyone was still swinging from monkey bars, I had to go shopping for training bars. I figured it was as much considering everyone in my family is pretty well endowed. They had mentioned early on that I would be “blessed”. Yeah thanks!
What was your childhood like with above-average breast?
It was alright, I mean boys were perverts as usual. There was only one other Desiree at my junior high besides myself and whenever they would reference me they would say, “Oh I mean Desiree with the huge boobs”. So since I was young, I had already had boobs coincide with my name. I guess I’m not as offended or shy when people call me ‘Desboobs’ or ‘Destitties’ or just plainly boobs. I do remember this though, the one thing that pissed me off was the fact that boys thought it was hysterical to snap my bra. I had those annoying and ugly minimizer keep your big breasts in check bras and whenever they snapped it, it was not pleasant. I basically wanted to punch anyone in the face who decided to go for it. This was daily. Continue reading “Q&A: Me and My Breast” »
Throughout our journeys in life, we meet individuals that give off a certain energy and you immediately know that this person embodies a force that will impact culture and lifestyle. One of the many people I’ve met on my journey happens to be Alexis Mincolla, after meeting Alexis last summer at our mutual friend’s office (David Gensler of The KDU) and talking about his latest venture, Prometheus Spring, I knew he was onto something big. I recently spoke with Alexis to find out what’s the ‘Overthrow‘ is all about and what void he plans to fill with Prometheus Spring.
Please introduce yourself for those not familiar:
My full name is Alexis Van Ess Mincolla and I’m a 27 year old artist and serial entrepreneur.
Where are you originally from?
Well, I was a natural birth in the South Shore of Boston on a place very dear to my heart called Nantasket Beach. From there grew up in the New England boarding school system and then went off to do my university in Rome, Italy. Continue reading “Q&A: Alexis Mincolla” »
Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders is a riveting documentary following four volunteer doctors serving in post-war Liberia and Congo. This is the first time Medecins Sans Frontiers/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has allowed uncensored access to its field operations. The result is a real look at day-to-day operations in a field clinic with no overly romantic notions of the good that MSF does and overt clarity that MSF cannot solve every medical issue in the regions it serves.
Dr. Divinder Gill is 26 years old, serving in his first mission with MSF, and is stationed in a remote clinic where he is the only expatriate. Dr. Tom Krueger is a veteran surgeon who closed his 20-year-old private practice to serve his first mission with MSF. Dr. Kiara Lepora is a veteran MSF volunteer and is the head of mission in Monrovia, while Dr. Chris Brasher has worked for MSF for 9 years and reached his burnout period. Each of their stories is revealed with honesty and care as the doctors share their candid views on the importance of their work and the frustrations of the tough choices they must make, given the limits of available technology, supplies, and their own abilities. Continue reading “Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders” »
