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.

Starry-Eyed

© Bill Connor

Peace, Love & Charity: Ms. de Meer's Fall 2011 Forecast

Style Seeker, Charity de Meer shares her thoughts on fall trends:

BG: Now that it's fall, what's new with you? How's the Fur Salon at Saks? I'm feeling the need to get cozy. What do we have in store when the temps drop?

CdM: So many cute things. Very fashion forward. Not your mother's furs!

BG: What was your take on fashion week in NYC?


CdM: Fashion is anything goes now. There's so much of everything. I love the new freedom.

YAY or NAY:

 
Geek Chic: YES! LOVE MY BIG GLASSES.

Fascinators: A LITTLE COSTUME, BUT DEPENDS ON THE OCCASION.
Depression Era Dresses: FAB, ESPECIALLY WHEN WORN GRUNGY LIKE MARC JACOBS IN THE 90s!
90s Tribal Redux: NOT INTO THIS ONE. IT'S A BIT TRENDY.
Missoni for Target: DO NOT LIKE THIS PATTERN. IT LOOKS CHEAP. THE HOMEWARES WERE NICE THOUGH.
Bow-ties: VERY CUTE. ALSO A MAN'S TIE UNTIED DRAPED AROUND YOUR NECK. I SAW THIS ON A JAPANESE GIRL (OF COURSE!)
Graphic Eyeliner: LOVE IT. JUST KEEP THE REST OF YOUR MAKEUP SUPER SIMPLE.

• Must-Have Accessory: FUR ANYTHING!
• Must-Have Outerwear:  BRIGHT COAT
• Must-Have Shoe: BIG WEDGE
• Must-Have Sock or Stocking:  FUNKY THIGH-HIGHS SLOUCHED DOWN  

• Silhouette du Jour:  BELL SKIRT
• Icon of the Moment:  ASHLEY & MARY KATE, STILL ...THROWN-TOGETHER CHIC!

BG: So, you've spent the whole summer working on that tan. Fade out naturally or

gradually via spray tan?
CdM: Naturally. White's allll right!

BG: When's the best time to get department store discounts on fall items?

CdM: November. But if you love it, don't wait! It might sell out. 

 THX, Charity! XO

Borrowing Phrases From Ronald Reagan

“Tell me, Jodi," began the dealer, "what interests you?”

I’d imagined this question many times and had rehearsed the list of important artists and sculptural works, works that inspired me. Works like “Guitar” and “The Palace at 4 AM” – hardly considered figurative – the opposite of figurative, nonetheless those that taught me about the conception of space, the body and its wants. But just as I was about to open my mouth, I realized what a pretentious fool that would make me sound. 

     “You’re not from New York, are you?"

     “Connecticut. It’s morning everywhere in America though.”

Thank god for the black El Camino

One month had passed since Monika abandoned me to the sprawl of the city. Outside, a lone truck carrying fresh bread trolled the avenue below. Thank god for the truck driver, the hardened kind, the kind who takes night shifts, who rolls down the window to holler at pretty young things. Thank god for the black El Camino blasting Brazilian disco, the queen inside, cruising. Even for drunk models, dumbfounded at how they wound up all the way down in yellow town. Thank god for rows of apartment windows, figures inside dancing to Dizzy Gillespie, their bodies illuminated in mysterious twilight. 

So kinetic was this city, it was famous for rejecting the basic need of sleep. I wasn’t sleeping because I had real problems. Monika had left months of unpaid utility bills, but I didn’t know this until the power got turned off.

Style Seeker, Charity de Meer's Summer 2011 Picks

Fashion photographer, blogger, and stylist Charity de Meer shares tips for a gal's summer looks:

  

BG: What's new with you?

CdM: I'm now working at Saks as a Fur Specialist in the Fur Salon and shooting for the Jcrew blog. Also I've been shooting tons of weddings.

BG: I guess it's summer. Speaking of, what's your top summer style tip?

CdM: Since you can't wear as many layers, you have to convey your look with fewer signature pieces. If you're wearing neutrals, do bright shoes or a big print on one item of clothing. I keep it spare with a top, bottom and shoes, that's it! Keep jewelry to a minimum, such as one big cuff.

BG: How short is too short? (Skirts, dresses, shorts)

CdM: Fingertip rule! hold your hands down by your side, your skirt or shorts should not be shorter than the end of your fingertips. That was an old school rule but I still follow it, mostly because I'm getting older!

BG: I'm a boot fanatic. How can I wear boots in the summer?

CdM: Boots with shorts or minis is SO New York!

BG: Sunglasses. SO ESSENTIAL! Your shape of the season is:

CdM: I'm still loving the large Jackie O or Olsen Twins glasses. But I can dig on some aviators too.

BG: I've got amazing sandals, but they pinch my feet.

CdM: Buy a shoe stretcher. They sell them at Target for only $8-9. Stretch your sandal overnight, spray alcohol on area. Works great! Also Foot Petals for rubbing areas.

BG: Flip-flops on city streets, a little grimy.

CdM: I love sandals. I just deal with the dirty feet. Take more showers!

BG: Urban turbans or scarves?

CdM: No likee scarves!

BG: Bronzer. Yay or nay?

CdM: No, just a bit of pink blush on the apples.

BG: How to leave the house with wet hair:

CdM: Slick back, low ponytail

BG: Fabric of the season:

CdM: Gauze

BG: Print of the season:

CdM: Fruit

BG: Your standout designer piece:

CdM: Christopher Kane neon yellow sandals

BG: Your standout cheap-y:

CdM: H&M tanks

BG: Go-to accessory (designer):

CdM: Nancy Gonzalez croc handbag in teal

BG: Go-to designer (cheap-y):

CdM: Duane Reade nail polishes

BG: What's on your fall wish list?

CdM: Dying for Marc Jacobs Peplum dress and St. Kilda scorpion ring with sapphire!

Sunglasses + lipstick shade = Aviators with bright orange; big black Jackie O shades with  purple-red 

Hat + Jewelry = Big floppy sunhat and bold necklace

Handbag + Nail color = I love my teal croc bag with Cloud, which is a pale lavender from Revlon

Featuring from top left: Charity de Meer, Jen Brill, Erin Wasson, January Jones (and John and Yoko)

Misplaced my face and dropped my eyes and feeling somewhat empty

©Debra Hampton,

Suddenly, there wasn’t much to talk about. He got out of bed and the sheet fell from his body. His flaccid penis stuck out like a pink worm between his legs. His sack just hung. He found his shorts and put them on. I stood there smoking and sobering up. He asked me to hand him his pants. I took my time about it. He put those on and opened his wallet. I stubbed out my smoke and let him hold me close. We rubbed up against each other touching and sniffing like a couple of animals. Then he stuffed a bill into my back pocket and told me to be careful out there, and to be sure to take a cab.

Of course I kept the money, walked three blocks to the subway, where I went underground and bought a token for a buck.

There were actually a couple normal-looking people on board. I sat down next to a black lady who was robustly eating a coffee cake bite by bite from a brown paper bag. She had her hair tied up like Aunt Jemima but didn’t have Aunt Jemima’s friendly, fawning smile. I wondered what she was so angry about. She was really letting that coffee cake have it.

A trail of white powdered crumbs littered the front of her jacket and she didn’t even care to brush them off. The subway hissed and swayed. I could see through the little window into the last car where a posse of club kids held court. Their colored afros and chain links bobbed and clinked. I wondered where the party was.

Did everyone feel so empty after sex or was it just me? Orgasms were great, but after they were over, you were left alone with fifty bucks and not much else but the memory of being fucked.

            The kids with the colored afros and gold links were walking through the cars, getting closer. Even in the darkness, I could tell they were an eclectic bunch. I picked out a Mexican with a red bandana around his neck, and sweaty arms that bulged out of a cut-up jean jacket. His hair was slicked back and greasy. As he got closer, I noticed he wore a patch over one eye. I imagined he was a passionate lay. I pictured him grabbing me by the hair and shoving his cock in from behind. His friend wasn’t bad-looking either. He carried a boom box on his shoulders but it must’ve been busted or something because it wasn’t playing any music. Still, the kids had a pulse to their step and they were singing their own songs. The girl of the bunch twirled a feather boa and laughed and laughed. What did it mean to have fantasies of orgies and rape? 

Something's Fishy

The one that had been shot, his body had been thrown from the plane. The news never gave details, like where and how the body had landed. I wondered if such a fall to earth would leave the body intact, or if it resulted in gruesome dismemberment, with legs and arms spontaneously turning up in Greek maritime towns.

I kept coming back to that one hostage in the Beirut hijacking. He had died, but the rest, they went on living.

Honey, you said to make you feel like a woman ...

There were plenty of weird ones too. This one guy, he got off on being dominated. He’d dress up in ladies' lingerie and heels and tell me to make him feel like a woman. I told him to shut the fuck up, give me all his money. He got insulted, wanted to call the whole thing off, and I was like, honey, you said to make you feel like a woman.

SK8 or DIE V 100 Boards/100 Artists ATL, GA

 100 artists/100 boards. Silent auction starting at $100

Prints by Wolfbat Dennis McNett

Owl Board/Bowl ©Rich Arbitelle

Even though they're still running "Sk8 or Die," this past weekend's opening party/silent auction at YOUNG BLOOD gallery and boutique was the talk of A-town. Collectors and art board aficionados, here's what went down:

Local color

DJ Fari

Jill Di Donato and Rich Arbitelle

I liked skater David Clark's rocket ship. Photographer Ryan Flynn snagged it

This mermaid also caught my attention. It reminds me of Gonz stuff. ©Julie Newton and Raymondo

Oops!  I got distracted ... and lost my bid

But I had my eyes on a piece by Rich Arbitelle. This was a two-for-one. He cut the nose and tail off the board and fashioned them into a bowl, which he hand spray painted. The 

piece also includes a hand painted checkerboard - which was the deck. The night was young ... I placed my bid and thought I had it on lock.

 

Owl Board/Bowl ©Rich Arbitelle

Rising Star: Vandal Expressionism Creator, Joseph Meloy

Inspired by the Abstract Expressionists of the 1940s and 50s, as well as the 80s graffiti he encountered as a kid growing up on NYC's LES ("In grade school I was obsessed with Cost and Revs,"); the posters he'd tear down as a Bronx Science teen in the 90s artist Joseph Meloy coined Vandal Expressionism, his understanding of defacement and re-appropriation as a hieroglyphic and often cryptic language "of scribbles." 

"Tic-Tac-Toe Paskettios" ©2011 Joseph Meloy

"Being in the 90s on the Lower East Side, I always had my eye on something in the street. I was 16, 17, doing my thing, and graffiti or posters or even just the natural habitat of life in the street would catch my eye," explains Meloy (cue soundtrack to the movie The Wackness.)  Amidst the angst teens growing up in NYC's odd transition from 80s grittiness to 90s sanitation, Meloy was still attracted to the dopeness. 

"Back then," he says, "I didn't exactly know the meaning of everything I saw, I just knew I wanted something to do with it. I didn't just want to collect these posters, stickers, and shit, I wanted to make them."

Vandal Expressionist, Joseph Meloy, photo courtesy of www.thelodownny.com 

A decade later, he favors “l' écriture automatique” — a Surrealist technique that's "not as pretentious as it sounds." Meloy's work is automatic and highly associative — including Biblical, historical, political, as well as pop signifiers. "When I consider the element of 'pop' in Vandal Expressionism, it's more of a sensibility of wanting to make art as a commodity that appeals to a wider swath of the population. All that l' écriture automatique stuff just means I use a loose unconscious method to conjure up my line-work and subject matter." He shows me. We're packed in tight at the bar in Epstein's, but he picks up a pen and snatches my Moleskine. "See?"

"Cosmo"  ©2011 Joseph Meloy

"Untitled (Gorilla Face)" ©2011 Joseph Meloy

He hands me back my notebook and says, "You don't mind right? I mean things that are used, destroyed, scratched or scribbled on make up a language of their own."


Word. 

"Invasion" ©2011 Joseph Meloy

He's one of those dudes that takes his shit really seriously in an earnest more than hispster kind of way. He's even got a manifesto: i.e. 

Vandal Expressionism is intrigued by toying with sense of scale.

Vandal Expressionism lets the seams show.

"My paintings are only so big because my apartment is only so big. I need space. I could make my paintings huge if I had more space."
 

CLOSING PARTY

Wednesday, March 30, 2011 8-11 PM

Le Salon D'Art 90 Stanton Street, NYC

Art and paraphernalia for sale. 10% of proceeds from art sale directly benefits Japanese Tsunami Relief Fund.