VISIONS of VISIONARIES

Staple’s gives his beliefs of the importance of publication, and it being able to withhold information, in contrast to the advancements of such news websites, and blogs.

The guy really speaks to the heart and mind. Speaking on his multiple mental reservations, such as the need for so many different clothing options and brands and the access to such. Questioning the need for fashions profusion.

All of this coming from a designer should leave everyone wondering the same thing. I know I do...

About two years ago, I adopted the idea that life is my job, and my attire is nothing more than my uniform. I wear what I want, when I want. I started buying only things that I wanted to wear everyday, and I did/do, until I don’t feel it anymore. Why acquire ten pairs of jeans and five jackets, When you have a favorite of both?

Minimalism is good when it’s something great. 

One pair of great jeans is a good thing. ㋡

Levi's Made & Crafted 2011 Spring Collection

My name is Quest St. Jacobs, and I’m a MADE & CRAFTED junkie. I’ve been hooked for almost a year now, and it has become impossible for me to replace what I have found in their denim collection. There’s nothing like finding a pair of jeans that fit exactly the way you’d like them to. LEVI'S MADE & CRAFTED has accomplished this, and taken it to another level with high quality fabrics, hidden details, and keeping it classic with the signature curved pockets.

It’s not easy to notice they are Levi’s, because of the stitch on the back pocket to symbolize the logo is hidden on the inside. The extra touches make the line much more impressive, and addicting.

It started strong in the area of denim, and has moved into all areas of attire. And the excellence hasn’t skipped a beat.

The line is available at barney’s.

Trust me… you need this.

Meister's Ambassador Collection

You ever find something so fresh, you had keep it to yourself. Well I've kept this secret for far too long. Gotta let it out the bag.
This champagne gold Ambassador is a nice touch by the watch maker, Meister, which has a face design reminiscent of Hublot, with a screw bezel similar to a Cartier, and the classic Rolex band, and casing like a IWC or Breitling. The watch looks tastefully done with the best feature stolen from the best watches and re-mastered and targeted for a different tax bracket. Not many people are familiar with any of the original designs, so the watches original appeal can still look like a million bucks without the hefty price tag. ㋡ Cee-Lo ft. Curt@!n$ - Bodies Big Sean - Fat Raps (RMX)

Kill Switch Bill

On June 19, 2010, Senator Joe Lieberman introduced a bill called “Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010.” The bill was designed to protect against “significant” cyber threats before they cause damage, and had bipartisan support. The media called it the Kill Switch Bill. Other portions of the bill were based around the establishment of an Office of Cyberspace Policy and on its missions. The bill was quickly rejected due to granting the president excessive power, much like the communist nation of China. That being said, it caused enough controversy to kill the Kill Switch. But it was re-introduced to the senate on Friday. Strangely, the same day the Egyptians faced an Internet blackout.

It leaves a strong sense of dominance between the powers and its people when they try to control something as powerful as the Internet. It is the largest revolutionary tool of the people. The attempt to censor our biggest voice in any sense is absurd, and the reasons therefore are haphazard. I cannot think of one reason any form of government needs to manage the Internet besides for manipulation, and this is a cause for mistrust.

The timing of when the legislation would be re-introduced was not immediately clear, because they’re working out the kinks. No longer presented to blanket all of the internet, instead it would authorize the president to demand turning off access to so-called “critical infrastructure” where necessary. For example, “the system that controls the floodgates to the Hoover dam” to cut its connection to the net if the government detected an imminent cyber attack. What’s unclear, however, is how the government would have any idea when a cyber attack was imminent or why the operator wouldn’t secure itself if it detected a threatening attack. 

This reminds me of wiretapping…

SCHOOLBOY Q's SETBACKS Album

Schoolboy Q – Setbacks 

[DOWNLOAD]
Curren$y - Audio Dope

THE SARTORIALIST: On the Street in Savona, Milan

   

The details on the jacket in the middle are crazy.

Italian made black leather hoodie is apart of every great collection.

Each person’s style is his own, yet they still compliment one another. Nothing better than the whole clique lookin fresh.

Hoodie Allen - Words of Wisdom These cats are doin it ㋡

Big Sean - Supa Dupa (Lemonade) Freestyle

Premium ✖ Started Studded Chucks

 

Some dope product from the last of the John Varvatos x Converse collaboration. No matter… he’s just a name. All the designers are staying the same. So that means, no more paying for the copyright which = cheaper products with a similar quality. I’m juiced up about it.

The JV Painted Flag and Studded Chuck Taylor All Star shoes take a DIY approach to classic stars and bars. In true punk Americana style, the Painted Flag Chuck Taylor All Star Hi is reinvented this season in monotone colors with a paint overlay application and finished with studs. The signature painted canvas Chuck Taylor All Star Hi is intricately embellished with pyramid studs around the ankle, creating the ultimate rock ‘n roll statement. Look for both of these via Converse by John Varvatos accounts.

The rest of Spring 2011 for Converse is looking just as good with the premium Chucks. Three options are seen here, each featuring a burnished leather upper, waxed laces, a washed canvas flag lining and split leather sock-liner that gives them that perfect antique look. All can be found via finer Converse retail accounts nationwide. Bambu - Seven Months

 

“Where we are going, we won’t need roads…”

Last night, President Obama delivered his yearly address. Mo Jobs.. a lil War talk.. some Bipartisanshit. Awkward clapping, because the old Conservative senators didn’t agree with half of what they were hearing, so they were counting sheep. But the majority of the speech was based around where America is headed in the future of technology. Math. Science. Internet this. Internet that. FACEBOOK!! …nerd talk. 98% of the U.S. with high-speed internet access is a good thing.

"Within the next five years, we will make it possible for business to deploy the next generation of high-speed wireless coverage to 98% of all Americans. This isn't just about a faster internet and fewer dropped calls. It's about connecting every part of America to the digital age. It's about a rural community in Iowa or Alabama where farmers and small business owners will be able to sell their products all over the world. It's about a firefighter who can download the design of a burning building onto a hand-held device; a student who can take classes with a digital textbook; or a patient who can have face-to-face video chats with her doctor."

As a conspiracy theorist, I’m always apprehensive when advancements move closer and closer toward (1984). Face-to-face video chats with my doctor are unnecessary. Email me. Text me. CALL me. But it seems like everyday THEY try to make you feel more and more comfortable with face-to-face communication. Cameras installed on large screens that you centrally place in EVERY room of your home, which are easily  accessible to any tech-savy bloke. A company like Cisco which offer endless amounts of technology, have increased their marketing campaign and spent the majority of the budget on one thing… face to face interaction via your television. Cameras in my home and on my cell phone. GPS in EVERYTHING. “Hello-oooh.”

Anyway, I just liked the Obama artwork and wanted to post it, and fell into a rant. Excuse me. 

✖KAWS✖ Standard Hotel present the LE Light Bulb

Calling all KAWS fans! The Standard is proud to announce a Limited Edition series of light bulbs (yes, you read correctly, light bulbs). This is the first time KAWS has created an item so unique compared to his existing body of work which includes the highly coveted toys, shoes, T-shirts, wallets, etc.

“I love The Standard and the different projects they have been doing” shares KAWS, “when invited to create something I wanted to redesign something basic that could be found in every hotel room in the world so we decided to make a light bulb.”

KAWS has quickly become a strong brand, which is revolutionary for an artist. With nonconformity, and originality, it’s no surprise behind the buzz for a set of $65 light bulb. Kendrick Lamar - She Needs Me (RMX)

nano universe

Many have come to terms with the end of Number (N)ine which was undoubtedly alleviated by the fact that founder Takahiro Miyashita was quick to move onto TheSoloIst. However, retro releases have largely continued on through the n(n) range as nano universe look into the archives to unveil a denim shirt. Originally seen in 2007, the 10.5 oz denim shirt features heavy distressing and wear effects.

Now on pre-order. When i find this definitive shirt, i promise to wear it every other day of spring, regardless of the venue, no matter the weather. ㋡ 

Jake Davis' Test Shots

I don’t understand the rep for K.Swiss, but I need not understand everything. Nice work Jake. My favorite thus far ㋡

SLAP CHOP ✖ JAMIACA

Afrodisiac

"Its a RASCLAT Secret Weapon!"

Off the Bone... Off the Chain... same thang same thang ㋡

★★★★

Can’t say I’ve ever been introduced to anyone who claims to dislike BBQ. So everyone can appreciate THIS. Not Dickey’s or Spring Creek (no diss), those aren’t places I frequent. Personally, I seek non-commercial BBQ where I can find pork fat being used in traditional ways, heavy in spices, cakes being made by someones “memaw,” and where everybody knooows your name... With that said, I fell off in Off the Bone one late evening to be pleasantly surprised by great BBQ served in remarkable ways. Not only can you get an amazing half rack of ribs… but if you are facing a drunk’n dilemma and need BBQ AND TACOS, they can serve ANY of their delectable meats in a grilled tortilla which goes perfectly with the Blue Cheese Cole Slaw. “and that f*n CAKE!" 
can’t wait until the next time I’m under the influence and find myself on the south side of town.

BBC SKINS ✖ MTV SKINS

★★

Imagine watching a less funny, and much more sexual, and serious Super Bad and that is what BBC America has created, The raciest teenage drama I’ve ever seen with true to age teenagers acting out sexual scenarios and dabbling in controlled substances that are realistically far beyond their age, Yet this can hardly be described as “child pornography.” The extent of sexuality expressed in every episode is quite outlandish, but I can verify to never actually seeing anything pornographic. Immoral? Lewd? Perverted? Yes, in plurals. So I can assume the MTV version is just as lurid. GM, Wrigley, and Subway are businesses simply trying to market themselves, so I can’t help but agree with the companies for pulling their advertisements from MTV. I don’t understand why Taco Bell did… it’s not like they care about people or their product with all the gruel they shovel out with taco shells. Aren't they being sued right now for deceiving their customers. "WHERE'S THE BEEF?" Not in their tacos.

I have yet to watch an episode on MTV, but I can imagine they show merely a fraction of the indecency from the original uncut series. But I plan to check it out, because the U.S. tends to do a pretty good job of ripping off BBC television and making it their own.

NINA SKY。

their new indie ep
“the other side.”

Come to Dallas
㋡ 

Mastermind JAPAN

For t.shirts starting at 3 bills and going as high as 9-hun’ed checkout mastermind Japan. This is definitely one of my favorite Japanese brands. In the States, you can find a store in Chi.town, ATL, Malibu, and of course NYC & LA. They specialize in everything from one.of.a.kind denim, to  luggage and its all decked-out with them skull-n-bones and lots of dark colors. Their strategy is to provide quality, with limited quantity.
The cult Japanese label will cease operations as of 2013. For founder Honma Masaaki, 2013 will represent the brand’s 15th anniversary and in doing so signal the end of a successful era.

SATURDAY @ TREES in DEEP ELLUM

INFLUENCERS In-Depth Series

I first saw this documentary back in October and I was captivated by the question “who are INFLUENCERS & why?” ⇣This is the trailer⇣ but you can see the prelude to the series [HERE] in full.

INFLUENCERS is a short documentary that explores what it means to be an influencer and how trends and creativity become contagious today in music, fashion and entertainment.

The film attempts to understand the essence of influence, what makes a person influential without taking a statistical or metric approach.

Written and Directed by Paul Rojanathara and Davis Johnson, the film is a Polaroid snapshot of New York influential creatives (advertising, design, fashion and entertainment) who are shaping today's pop culture.

INFLUENCERS In-depth Series features Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of Translation, a brand management firm that arranges strategic partnerships between Pop Culture icons (Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Lebron James, Justin Timberlake, etc.) and Fortune 500 companies.

In this episode, Steve Stoute discusses the concept of cool, how new cultural codes are redefining traditional corporation communication. He also talks about creating successful collaborations between Artists and Brands.

Named one of the Fortune's 40 under 40 list and inducted into the American Advertising Hall of Achievement (2009), Steve Stoute is one of today's most influential forces in entertainment marketing.
His client roster includes companies such as Samsung, State Farm, Mc Donald's, Target, Wrigley's, HP, P&G and artists such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna (management).

C.BROWN ✖ B!G SEAN ✖ TYGA ⇔ Talk About Style

Young cats with an ingenuous style. Definitely worth listening to, and stealing from. Never duplicate an entire character. Simply steal the best of the look, and make it your own by playing it into your favorite trends.

“Good artists borrow. Great artists steal.” ㋡

1950s Housewife in LSD Experiment: “FOCUS ON SANITY”

Rare video of housewife in LSD experiment found by Don Lattin (author, freelance, Journalist) while doing research for his book “The Harvard Psychedelic Club.” The study takes place in a VA hospital. Because this experiment was done in the 50s, taking LSD was legal.

Obviously this woman has an enlightening experience. She makes several references to a sort of ‘true reality.’ After watching one experience such a movement, you can’t help but feel curious. But 2011 LSD is not 1950s LSD. And this woman’s high cannot be expected from all who choose to try the drug. Her high is an expression of her mental state, her feelings,  her [HEART] and maybe an extension of her beliefs.

“I wish I could talk in techni-color.”

GENOGRAFFIC ✏ Art Exhibition

ROSS / AKARD GALLERY

Genograffic is an art exhibition featuring the artwork of Hatziel, Jeru, and Ray Albarez. Inspired by the graffiti and urban landscapes, these three artists have fused their past experiences and present surroundings to bring to you their own interpretation of Art's future. The spontaneity and sometimes-premeditated process of their artwork have led them through different routes to further evolve their art and find their meaning...

 

Ultimately, Genograffic is a collection of artwork that brings each artists own style and purpose for you to view, construe, debate, and repute.

☂

[HATZIEL]

☟ 

ART.TAKE.OVER

Video ➜ FREELANCE WHALES "ENZYMES"

★★★★

Freelance Whales is an indie band from Queens, who all met through craig’s-list ads… “drummer needed” etc. “Enzymes” is the first single off of their second album (First album was “Weathervanes”). I’m familiar with the band from a song they did with Gilbere Forte “1st Floor.”

This video is visually ba-na-nas. They used a Weisscam HS-2 to shoot at 2000fps for the rain, flower explosion and fuse shots to get that effect. The only artificial visual effects are the obvious ones; the face explosion, bubble transformation and smoke to body bag transformation.

CURT@!N$ "BODIES" ☜ VIDEO ↴

[DOWNLOAD]

★★★★ 

Featured on Curt@!n$’ “Killer Mixtape” this freestyle over Cee-Lo Green’s “Bodies” which is from his lastest album “The Lady Killer”
I'm a big fan of Curt@!n$. He has a strong, aggressive delivery that makes you listen. you realize his lyrics go deeper than entertainment. He's telling a real story that exceeds a fictitious lifestyle made of 'dope boy' stories. I need more than reckless metaphors over luxurious beats. At times i get hungry and need food for thought. Curt@!n$ feeds me.    

⬇ Derrick Rose ⬇

“I wanna go hiiigherr!”

Everyone loves the underdog. The guy grinding and hustling game after game but just not getting the expected appreciation. in my opinion DERRICK ROSE is that guy. He is the leagues most under-rated point guard. A young leader playing a big role for a small man's position. And doing it very boldly. 

This Bud's for D.Rose ㋡

“ANOTHER CHILL IN THE AIR"

 

Kadeem J.

21 yrs old

student/freelance Photographer 

BX, NY

Kadeem is doing his thing from the coat with the large collar, to the burgundy beenie which matches the eye-catching socks. Well balanced color scheme and nothings over the top.

The cold was created for outerwear. And i wait ever year for outerwear season so i can layer-up. There's nothing better to me and no greater time to get fancy than in the cold. So many options with too many ways to put it together. Long coats over sweaters that are fitted on slim-cut tailored shirts with the entire ensemble set off with wool accessories. There's just nothing like stepping out in the cold in something well put together. 

Stay warm my friends.

2011 DUCATI 1198 SP

Been patiently saving my pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, because I’ll need to come up with more than $5K in spare change to move up from the base 1198 to the higher-spec Ducati 1198 SP. But then, the SP is a lot of motorcycle. For starters, it’s fitted with an aluminum gas tank, a slipper clutch and fully adjustable Öhlins suspension rather than the Showa components used on the standard model. Ducati’s Quick Shift and multi-level traction control, known as DTC, are also part of the performance package.
I personally don't believe the average rider needs this amount of power. This bike is for a collector or someone has the ability and  access to a  ride on a track. The feature that have been added are strictly for improved performance on the race track. But that does not take away from the bike. It only narrows the demographic of the rider.

One sexy machine. ㋡

KICKSTARTER-DOT-COM

Launched in May 2009 as “a new way to fund ideas and endeavors,” Kickstarter is not unlike a fundraising drive for one of the world’s ailments: there’s a cause, a target dollar amount, and a ticking time limit. But Kickstarter’s campaigns are less about saving the world and more about individualistic goals, like “Get me to Venice!” or “Help me get new monitor speakers for my turntables!” campaigns.

As Kickstarter’s 33-year-old co-founder [PERRY CHEN] and CEO points out, “We’re not trying to build a system that’s based on philanthropy. Altruism is an important part of the system, but the projects offer rewards. If you give Allison $15, you get the CD, if you give her $100, she’ll play a song for you over the phone.”

Currently, the ability to post your dream is by invitation only and free, which will change in early Fall. the entries will be open to the public with a just listing fee. Peep, and a dreamer off a buck while you’re there.

Watch This ➙ "EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP"

Videographer, Thierry Guetta, sets off to capture the underground world and culture of street art.  After years of tagging along with different artist, Guetta finally meets the illustrious and in(famous) Banksy, who is merely a pseudonym. Banksy is said Bristol’s, and one of the world’s most famous stencil artist. But his identity is a mystery. He seems to be everywhere and nowhere, but Banksy allows Guetta to follow him and document their activity.

[full length movie]

The documentary takes a complete turn that will have you questioning everything you saw before the change when Thierry Guetta turn's into ✩Mr. BrainWash✩ and steps from behind the camera to play his hand at this thing they refer to as “Street Art.” Whether you’re into art or not,  watch this movie and ask yourself, “What is art?” I recommend this film, because as an appreciator of art, I’ve found that I don’t like all “Great art.” For example, I am not a fan of Basquiat. I am merely interested in his story and who he was, because of the influence and impression he has left behind.

[Banksy’s intro for The Simpson’s from October.]

GET RICH OR DIE TWEETIN

On Monday night @50cent broke the law via tweeter. Giving stock advice which was financially beneficial to himself, being a partial owner of the company behind his new SLEEK Head Phones. This is a deal breaker within the S.E.C. H & H Imports Inc.'s stock rose 200%, making @50cent almost 10 million dollars richer and adding 50 million to the company's mkt cap revenue. 

·  “HNHI is the stock symbol for TVG sleek by50 is one of the 15 products this year. If you get in technically I work for you. BIG MONEY”

·  “TVG’s stock went from 5cent to 10 in one day. You can double your money right now. Just get what you can afford.”

·  “HNHI is the stock symbol for TVG there launching 15 different products. they are no joke get in now.”

Logically and economically it was intelligent and a great marketing move. His company name has now been plastered all-over business and finance news. People now know the company and the product. IF this wasn't apart of the plan it still works in his advantage. Once again, 'FIDDY' has put the higher ups in (check).

Being a penny stock, and HIGHLY  volatile, it's very risky. Penny stocks rise and FALL dramatically. But i'd bet on 50, and i believe in the product. I'm all in. ㋡

♚KENDRICK LAMAR x CURT@!N$ x SCHOOLBOY Q: "LIVE AGAIN"♚

★★★★★

Jason Krugman's version of a Lite Brite

Brooklyn artist Jason Kruman is stepping into the public eye. Known for his large-scale, LED-based public art installations. in installation art-work they tend to have some sort of loose background in carpentry, and with the heavy use of circuit boards, wires, and handcrafted LED light fixture, he’s definitely an experienced engineer. WRONG!! He quit Wall St. to try his hand as an artist.  He has assembled a body of work based around kinetic sculptures and responsive-lighting installations, such as his “Firefly” installation.

The Firefly Wind Light System revolves around a proprietary switch for sensing the wind. Picture an electrified wind chime; as the wind blows the metal chime into contact with the metal gong, it closes a circuit. Firefly's LED/switch pairs do the same thing, except on a much smaller scale. When the wind blows on their pendulum switch, they light up.

Mister x Imperium x Dearly Departed "Finisher" Bomber Jacket

Aesthetically drawn to pieces I can wear day after day. Items that can stand on their own, and also adapt to whatever else I’m wearing. Understated accents of quality grab my attention, because it exemplifies the preeminence without being gaudy. The embroidery and stitch work is a perfect example of said subtle styling.

This all black tonal colorway on a satin bomber is a casual classic. If I could find some camo-pants (non-cargo) or grab some khaki 5-elevens… #DoneDeal. Unlike most bombers, this jacket has almost a tailored cut to it, so it won’t appear oversized and too short at the same time; which is Reason #1 that I’ve never purchased a bomber. Cheers to  Mister for getting this right.

The Sartorialist: The Man Behind The Camera

A short documentary on Scott Schuman: freelance photographer and blogger of the well known sartorialist (EST. 2005.) representing street photography from a fashion perspective. His philosophy: “I thought I could shoot people on the street the way designers looked at people, and get and give inspiration to lots of people in the process. My only strategy when I began The Sartorialist was to try and shoot style in a way that I knew most designers hunted for inspiration.” 

INSPIRED BY: jacques-henri lartigue. stunt'n in the 20's.

Sony ALPHA NEX-5

 

Sony’s digital compact camera with an 18-55mm interchangable lens. Image quality of a dslr’s full size 14.2 mp aps-c sensor, in about half the size and weight of a dslr. it has a 3” tilt lcd screen to view your hd-video recording w/ continuous auto focus. plus, you can capture photos in 3d w/ the 3d sweep panorama mod.

Not as visual stimulating as the air jordan III inspired olympus pen e-pl2, but still clean, And very competively priced for its class and capabilities. i choose you nex-5.

Kanye West & Jay-Z: "H.A.M."

FIRST SINGLE FROM THE ALBUM WATCH THE THRONE, WHICH IS AN collaboration UNDERTAKEN BY BOTH KANYE WEST & JAY-Z. EXERT FROM aN interview magazine, article: "THIS WHOLE ALBUM, WATCH THE THRONE (WHICH IS SET FOR A RELEASE DATE OF MARCH 1ST), IS GOING TO BE VERY DARK AND SEXY. LIKE VERY COUTURE HIP-HOP. BECAUSE SINCE ME AND JAY HAVE ALREADY HAD BIG RECORDS AND OVER-THE-TOP JOINTS, WE'RE JUST GOING TO MAKE SOME REAL DIRTY, FUCKED-UP, HARDCORE STUFF. BUT IT'S ALSO LUXE AND DEFINITELY HIGH-CLASS." ㋡

★★★