Saturday, October 1, 2011

NYC Men of Style: Episode I

NYC isn't only renowned for beautiful women. It's arguable the fellows here are unlike any others in the world. More than swagger, style in this city is constantly evolving, with men and women taking it to the next level.  Here are five of my favorite NYC men ... men whose style always stood out to me. They  share nuggets of personality, aesthetic reflections, and let us peek into their wardrobes and/or suitcase.  Feast your eyes ... Know a NYC man of style? Message me. Episode II is in the works with some super cool men who've already signed on. I smell a calendar coming on ... it's a hard job, but someone's got to do it. XO BG


Chris Daish: Model/Philanthropist

 

BG: You're a Ford and Wilhelmina model. How did you break into the industry?

CD: Before heading off to the States for college I was in a sex shop in Kings Cross (Red Light district of Sydney) having a booze- infused argument with my then partner. I left the store to get some air, and the sales assistant turned out to be a scout, and suggested to my girl that I get into modeling. Reluctantly, my girl gave me his card the next morning and encouraged me to give it a shot. After a couple of weeks I called him, and started shooting in the few months before leaving for college. Cast forward a few years, I got scouted along my travels to NYC and London and decided it was meant to be. Modeling has provided a great opportunity to travel and compliments my other career pursuits in life. I was signed with Ford from 2002-2009 in NYC, then moved over to Wilhelmina in 2010.

BG: Who do you admire as a designer? As a muse? What's your favorite designer-muse combo?

CD: In all honesty, my fashion savvy is close to zero. The roaring 20s was such an elegant period, permeated by social decadence with the appearance of a woman's knee due to shorter skirts. For men, the classic suit cuts of the debonair gentleman were pretty cool. Chanel's vision of the Breton stripe conceived from the uniforms of sailors and fishermen of the time makes perfect sense to me. As for today, any young designer who has a social conscience by honoring local producers and eco-friendly products, and has the guts to create something entirely new and innovative, for me, that’s inspiring. My favorite muse of all times has to be Edie Sedgwick. Andy and the Factory days created a visual evolution with a continuum of dialogue between bohos and intellectuals, and was just plain cool. So Warhol/Sedgwick is my combo!

BG: Female models are criticized for their weight, skin, hair and nails. Are male models under the same physical pressure?

CD: I guess the young runway/editorial guys feel the pressure to stay unrealistically thin, but being a seasoned clean cut catalogue guy, my personal pressures are limited. I grew up playing sport and living in the ocean and feel best when I have meat on my bones. Working out of Germany, Australia and South Africa is ideal because there is a large market for bigger blokes … so my daily dose of Ritta Sport dark chocolate in Hamburg is an asset. After living in a library and drinking Red Bull for two weeks for my finals at Berkeley, I worked in LA for a couple of months. My agent there told me immediately to get a tan and go to the gym (she was on the money). Other than that, the only criticisms have probably come after I've left the building. Ha!

BG: In addition to modeling, you're an active philanthropist. Tell me about your philanthropic work.

CD: I spent a period throughout college volunteering in the kitchen of Glide Church, which is a radically inclusive non-denominational church offering services to the homeless people of San Francisco. Through Housing Works, I worked as a volunteer outdoor therapist in East NY, coordinating and leading weekly cultural and leisure activities throughout NYC. The idea was to get my clients out of their comfort zones and expose them to a multitude of possibilities and experiences.  I’m a freelance consultant to Seeds of Africa where I help develop and put together fund raising events. Every holiday possible, I volunteer at the local church or do my own food runs around Manhattan, because not every person is in the mental or physical state to make it to the shelters/churches to get fed or embrace another loving human being. I myself am a long way from my family and know how it feels to be alone on these special days.

BG: In a city like New York, where self-indulgence is pretty much unavoidable, what motivates you to stay involved in humanitarian work?

CD: I hail from Australia, a relatively functional social democracy, and since moving to America at the age of 20, I’ve had every possible opportunity a person could have bestowed upon him. I’ve had amazing people come into my life and, consequently, have never felt truly alone over here. At the end of the day, I have two arms, two legs, and can manage an uninhibited smile (most days). There are too many glaring discrepancies within the education and health care systems in the U.S., and too many homeless and disenfranchised citizens to ignore. It’s my duty where possible to help those in need and be part of the solution.  

BG: Favorite spot to EAT/DRINK/RELAX:

CD: Blue Ribbon Bistro, (still the best!) ... oysters at the bar at Balthazar, coffee at Blue Bird or Mud Café. To relax: a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge to powerHouse Bookstore in DUMBO and some sun in that little park. A trip to the New York Public library at Bryant Park to research an artist or something entirely new to me. Writing poetry in Central Park and skyscraper gazing.

BG: Describe your personal look:

CD: Repetitive. Old jeans, block color t-shirt, my Nikes or Converse. I’m a creature of habit; was given a Saint Christopher necklace by my best friend as I’d just endured a rough patch. I’m not a jewelry guy, but wearing it diligently. Let's see just how saintly this guy really is!




BG: You're always traveling. What's in your suitcase?

CD: Shoe bomb, box cutters, plastic explosives … you know. I travel light. Stuff that I can part ways with if I see the heat coming around the corner. Always some reading material. The New Yorker and a good book. Four undies, four socks, two jeans, three t-shirts, a nice suit. One sweater. One pair trousers. One pair dress shoes. Minimal toiletries. Chocolate. Very military indeed.

BG: Asides from beauty, you've got brains – Berkeley-educated brains. What's the last thing you read?

CD: Cormac McCarthy’s The Border Trilogy (for the third time).

BG: What will you be wearing Fall/Winter 2011?

CD: I’m currently based out of Newport Beach, CA, so if I decide to stick around, flip flops, a t-shirt and a pair of jeans … got to love So Cal! My beloved NYC how I love thee … but maybe my skin just ain’t thick enough for your brutal ways this winter round (insert - walking down Broadway in the dead of February).

BG: What's one item a woman can rock to look sexy as hell?

CD: I like girls who have their own sense of style. Elegance and grace cannot be discounted. A girl with compassion, a head on her shoulders who can look good wearing a potato sack is my kind of gal.  

BG: Would your mom approve of your look?

CD: More like my lack thereof … yes, my MUM (I’m Australian and we do things differently down there) would love me any way, shape, or form without restraint …  and would love to see me for that matter; it's been a while.

Two non-profits Chris is involved with are Seeds of Africa and Housing Works.

NYC Men of Style: Episode I

NYC isn't only renowned for beautiful women. It's arguable the fellows here are unlike any others in the world. More than swagger, style in this city is constantly evolving, with men and women taking it to the next level.  Here are five of my favorite NYC men ... men whose style always stood out to me. They  share nuggets of personality, aesthetic reflections, and let us peek into their wardrobes and/or suitcase.  Feast your eyes ... Know a NYC man of style? Message me. Episode II is in the works with some super cool men who've already signed on. I smell a calendar coming on ... it's a hard job, but someone's got to do it. XO BG


Alex Corporan: Marketing Consultant/Editor/Photographer
Photo Credit: Peter Pabon



BG: You're a marketing consultant for several urban and skate brands including 5boro, Chrome X-Large, and Etnies. *P.S. I just heard about this amazing X-Girl shoot and I’m really excited for the new stuff. Back in the day I was obsessed, but I think that’s because I had a huge crush on Kevin who used to work at the shop on Avenue A ... but I digress. What's a marketing consultant exactly?

AC: It’s someone who helps brings direction and recognition to a brand. It’s someone who cultivates relationships and seeds out product to tastemakers and influencers for different brands. The list could go on forever; there are so many variations of this title.

BG: Last fall, through the amazing powerHouse Books, you published FULL BLEED a collection of NYC skate photography that got rave reviews from skaters and art folk for being raw and legit. Tell me about your involvement in the process and how you made it happen? It's hard to get a book deal these days!
 

AC: It came from the one question that people who don’t know much about skateboarding always ask me, which is, “Where do you skate in NY?” One day, the idea just popped into my head; why don’t I show people by doing a book of photography? The idea is that NYC as a whole is our skate park, especially because we never had proper skate parks back in the day. So, I started calling photographers I’d known from 25 years of being in the skate industry. It was a four-year project, and by the third year, I realized that I needed help; the project had become bigger than I’d imagined. So I teamed up with my partners, Ivory Serra and Andre Razo, and they helped me knock it out. The next step was to get it published. We had a list of publishers to meet with, and the first one in line was VICE. We showed it to them and, instant connection. We didn’t even bother going to the other publishers because it just felt like a perfect partnership. Little did VICE know it’d take 19 versions of FULL BLEED before the final version went to print! It was hard to pick through thousands of photos and get it right, but I believe we did it.  VICE/powerHouse has been extremely supportive, promoting FULL BLEED to its fullest.
 
BG: Do you think in terms of fashion, anyway, skateboarding has changed over the past decade, and if so, how? 

AC: It has changed a lot throughout the years. It went from super vibrant and baggy in the 80s to even more baggy and colorful in the 90s. In the mid-90s the colors turned more earthy, and the form got more fitted. In the last decade, I don’t know what the hell happened with guys skating in their girlfriends’ jeans. But currently, I see it going to form-fitting work wear clothing with neutral colors.

BG: What other projects do you have in the mix-up?

AC: Recently, I helped put together a pocket-sized magazine called Wrenched: NYC issue. It's the second installment of the Wrenched magazines. I'm also working on a project with my personal photo archives, which span the last two decades. I have a couple things up my sleeve. They will surface soon enough ...

Photo Credit: Peter Pabon
 
 
BG: For men, Fall/Winter 2011, what's the look to go for?

AC: Form-fitting military look and stylish suits.

BG: And For men on-the-go like you, how do you combine practicality with style?

AC: I just know what would look good together depending on the day.

BG: What's the one essential item all dudes should rock?

AC: Belts.

BG: Favorite place to eat:

AC: My two favorite restaurants are Ideya and Mekong

BG: Tell me about some of your style influences.

AC: For casual wear, I’m a fan of Ben Sherman and Marc Jacobs tops and jackets. Most of their stuff is not too loud and fits really well.

BG: What’s one item that a woman can rock to look sexy as hell?

AC: Altered men’s t-shirt

BG: You'd never rock:

AC: Spandex jeans. “YIKES.”

BG: Greatest vice.

AC: Anything fried.

BG: To sum up NYC fashion in a phrase or two you'd say:

AC: There’s never a dull day in NYC fashion; everyday is a surprise.

BG: Would your mom approve of your style?

AC: She should; my style is pretty clean cut.

Check out Alex’s blog, Peanut Gallery and his book, FULL BLEED.




NYC Men of Style: Episode I

NYC isn't only renowned for beautiful women. It's arguable the fellows here are unlike any others in the world. More than swagger, style in this city is constantly evolving, with men and women taking it to the next level.  Here are five of my favorite NYC men ... men whose style always stood out to me. They  share nuggets of personality, aesthetic reflections, and let us peek into their wardrobes and/or suitcase.  Feast your eyes ... Know a NYC man of style? Message me. Episode II is in the works with some super cool men who've already signed on. I smell a calendar coming on ... it's a hard job, but someone's got to do it. XO BG

Gabriel Urist: Jeweler



BG: Describe what you make.

GU: Jewelry. It's often sports-related.

BG: Can you elaborate?

GU: I'm a jeweler. A customizer. I'm a therapist. I help people have things they want; get the things they want made. I like to make things from ideas.

BG: What's the inspiration for your current line?

GU: It's not so much about the season of the fashion cycle, but more about the individual. I do have collections and lines; many of them are based around basketball because I love making things for basketball fanatics. Basketball is my favorite art form; I want to offer fans something a little more sentimental than a foam hand or a jersey. 
 
BG: Describe your latest project:

GU: Peach pit rings, which tie into my affinity for basketball. Dr. James Naismith invented the game of basketball in 1891, when he took peach baskets from his farm and put them up on a pole to give the boys something to do when it was cold outside. So I’m making rings out of peach pits because peach pits are a really cool material to carve. It’s something new and I’m working with a lot of local farmers.

BG: You’re also an accomplished metal-smith. That sounds so Chaucer. But you’re a pretty modern boy.

GU: I’ve used silver, gold, platinum, titanium, palladium, stainless steel, aluminum, wood, canvas, photographs, plastic, vinyl; all different types of materials, mixed mediums.

BG: You’ve collaborated with Altoids, Alife, Converse, Futura 2000Haze, New Era, Supreme Wu-Tang, and then there’s your relationship with the MLB and NBA. What’s your favorite collaboration?

GU: I don’t want to give anyone more shine than anyone else.

BG: Fair enough. As for your jewelry, you’re renowned for your impeccable logo-likeness and sick detailing.

GU:  I’m good with my hands.

BG: Describe your personal look:

GU: I love my eyes. Some of my favorite features are my legs. I was playing basketball and someone broke my pinky finger, so that's jacked up. 

BG: What influenced your style growing up?

GU: The Fab Five, skaters, graffiti writers, music makers and the freaks.

BG: And now? What kind of look do your rock, clothing-wise?

GU: All my clothes have been given to me. As long as it's new I like it. Old stuff is stupid.

BG: And accessories for the urban, athletic man?

GU: Nothing goes better with team apparel than bling.

Gabe at work in his studio, wearing Gucci protective eye wear.


To view Gabe’s collected works, visit his website, Gabriel Urist Jewelry

NYC Men of Style: Episode I

NYC isn't only renowned for beautiful women. It's arguable the fellows here are unlike any others in the world. More than swagger, style in this city is constantly evolving, with men and women taking it to the next level.  Here are five of my favorite NYC men ... men whose style always stood out to me. They  share nuggets of personality, aesthetic reflections, and let us peek into their wardrobes and/or suitcase.  Feast your eyes ... Know a NYC man of style? Message me. Episode II is in the works with some super cool men who've already signed on. I smell a calendar coming on ... it's a hard job, but someone's got to do it. XO BG

Jon Newport: Skateboarder/Lower MGMT/Radio Personality/Slumerican

BG: Describe your personal look:

JN: Skateboarder, hip-hop, redneck.

BG: You’re originally from Georgia. What are some southern influences on your style?

JN: Chilling at a BBQ.

BG: Aside from your wardrobe, you’re known for having crazy ‘dos. This year you’ve rocked a Pantera, the Bud Bundy mushroom, frosted tips, and some-kind-a-blue. What’s up?

JN: Jenna Perry is my personal hair stylist. She takes care of all my hair-cuttery.
BG: Back in the 90s I read an interview where Mike D said he was all about taking fly fashion risks. What’s a Jon Newport fly fashion risk?

JN: I don’t consider anything I do a risk. I just wear clothes. 



BG: What were your fashion influences as a kid?

JN: In skateboarding, Plan B and the skate video “20 Shot Sequence” and in music, Hieroglyphics, Outkast, Native Tongues.

BG: Describe a typical day.

JN: That depends on if it’s my day or a Yela day. If it’s my day, I wake up, shower, hit the streets and go to a cafĂ© for Americano. I’ll skate past dark, have a cocktail with dinner, then hit the streets again and go out all night. If it’s a Yela day and I’m on tour, like this summer’s VANS WARP TOUR, I’d wake up from the hotel and repack the van, get food, drive who-knows-how-many-hours to the next city …

BG: You drive?

JN: I sit in the back. Bad kids sit in back. Then it’s off to sound-check, the show, after-party, bottles, you know. As “lower management,” I have to make sure we all make it to the next hotel, the next city, next show.

BG: Favorite city:

JN: Barcelona.

BG: Besides skate, what do you do to stay in shape?

JN: Work at Lil’ Frankies, running dishes and glassware up and down stairs all night.

BG: Catch phrase of 2011:

JN: Yer killin it kiddiee kahhhh.

BG: Favorite brands:

JN: Polo, Sperry, Fruit of the Loom.
 
BG: Favorite spot to SHOP/EAT/DRINK/RELAX:

JN: Walmart. Fox Brothers BBQ in AtlantaDown by the river and down by the river.

BG: Accessory of choice:

JN: Snapback hat or beanie.

BG: What’s a special skill no one knows about?

JN: I’m an undercover chef.

BG: Biggest vice:

JN: Drinking. Is that a vice? What’s really a vice? That’s a subjective question.

BG: Last thing you read:


BG: Would your mom approve of your style?

JN: No.

Check out Newport on Ballers Eve Radio, every Wednesday from 10-12 PM, EST and stay tuned for more from this Slumerican.  









NYC Men of Style: Episode I

NYC isn't only renowned for beautiful women. It's arguable the fellows here are unlike any others in the world. More than swagger, style in this city is constantly evolving, with men and women taking it to the next level.  Here are five of my favorite NYC men ... men whose style always stood out to me. They  share nuggets of personality, aesthetic reflections, and let us peek into their wardrobes and/or suitcase.  Feast your eyes ... Know a NYC man of style? Message me. Episode II is in the works with some super cool men who've already signed on. I smell a calendar coming on ... it's a hard job, but someone's got to do it. XO BG

Dave Ortiz: Owner/Founder Dave's WEAR House/Photographer/80s BMX-er  

BG: Congrats on Dave’s WEAR House. The shop looks great. I love that you have a shredder for a suggestion box in your office. The store seems more of a multi-media art space with this viral television show studio you’ve got going on here.

DO: “Daytimes with Crazee Dave” is my random TV show where I interview people who represent New York. But Dave’s WEAR House is a shop that’s based on practicality in the sense that everything in here is something you’d use. It’s not based on fashion or style but more on things that kids, – skaters and BMX-ers – need. And can get all in one place. For example, we carry Dickie’s where before you’d have to go to a military surplus store.

BG: So it’s a retail spot for skaters and BMX-ers? That’s kind of different for NYC; I thought there was some kind of beef between skaters and BMX-ers.

DO: I always rode a BMX. But Dave’s WEAR House carries every skate brand company and skate shoes all of the hard good skateboarding needs as well as exclusive boards. The old beef between skaters and BMX-ers comes from the fact that the pegs on the BMX would break the ledges for the skaters.

BG: Who’s your ideal client?

DO: My ideal customer is someone who buys something. Being that we’re in Chinatown, the bootleg capital of the world, we see a lot of foot traffic. While mom is off buying her fake Gucci bag, lil’ Johnny is waiting in here. A lot of people in the neighborhood are really excited about a store that isn't an Asian herbal foot massage spot. Now they don't have to go to Soho to get gear. It’s a perfect spot for the local kids who go to the skate park under the Manhattan Bridge.

BG: What’s hot for Fall/Winter 2011?

DO: Columbia outerwear Columbia is a brand that's really good. It’s super technical but doesn’t get a lot of play because it’s mass-sold. But it's dope stuff and affordable. With North Face, you're buying the name.

BG: What’s one of your favorite Dave’s WEAR House items?

DO: Zig-Zag shoes. Every skate company has knocked off the The Zig-Zag Whino,
but the original can't be beat because these shoes are so cheap. Usually when you buy a bootleg it costs less – but in this case you can buy the real deal for $20. 

BG: You've been around the NYC skate scene for a while. How has it changed over the past 10 years?

DO: A lot of people have grown up – stopped doing drugs, drinking, have gone through the trials of doing business – opened up businesses. Downtown is not like it used to be. There are more button-up shirts going to our dirty sleazy, sweaty bars. I call them Joey’s and Stacey’s. We're losing something when you go to Max Fish and I’m getting carded by some dude. I've been here before you've been here. The whole neighborhood went bonkers: condos going up and rich people coming in. But you got to figure something out. Evolve or dissolve.

BG: Where do you see the NYC skate scene going?

DO: Good places because of the money big corporation companies are putting into skate parks. When we were kids, we had shit. These days, kids become skate athletes and skating is treated like more of a sport. There are more kids in skate parks than ball parks. The Chelsea Park is fantastic, Tribeca park is dope; Nike just put $400K into renovating the Manhattan Bridge park. It’s slated to re-open in November. This is all good for skateboarding
 
BG: What’s the one essential item all dudes should rock?

DO: Pants.

BG: You do a lot of collaborations with other companies and/or individuals. Tell me about the collab process and why it's important to your style vision.

DO: It’s important because as an artist you want to work and get your work out there. A big company gets your name that much further in the industry. It’s really important to keep going. When a shop does a collab with a big brand, it gives you clout. We’ve done stuff with Air max 90, Oakley, Converse Project Red, Fox Racing Dirtpaw My photographs were on the front and back covers of the Ace Hotel book. It’s about being more than a shop.

BG: Favorite spot to EAT/DRINK/RELAX:
DO: Frank. Epstein's. Home.

BG: Tell me about some of your influences:

DO: Keith Haring – love him to death. Bob Dylan, Freddie Mercury, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Robert Mappelthorpe, Michael Halsband, Mark Gonzalez. 
 
BG: What’s one item that a woman can rock to look sexy as hell?

DO: Stockings.

BG: You’d never rock:

DO: Ed Hardy.

BG: Biggest vice:

DO: Beer.


 Dave’s WEAR House: 123 Baxter Street off Canal, Chinatown, NYC.