The M.O.

James Pickett: New Kid On The Block

2014-01-11T15:07:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately not very many people inspire me, which is probably why I'm not posting on here as often as I'd like to, but every so often I'll come across someone's work and feel compelled to share it.

James Pickett, Photographer

Meet James Pickett, a humble NYC Photographer who has the innate ability to capture a moment that invokes a variety of emotions with one snap of his camera. I know, I know, there are a million amazing photographers in the city, so what makes this one so special?

Well, for me it's as though you can actually FEEL the passion of the photographer and the subject materialize. It's that synergy that is (for both a lack of sleep and a better word) MAGNETIZING. And those who know me, know very well that I'm not one to blow smoke up anyone's ass - this guy happens to have "it."

So many of us are fixated on the Terry Richardsons of world and that's cool, but there are a handful of artists like James who deserve to be recognized for their inspiring work as well.

John Mayer, Saratoga Arts Center

Whether he's shooting musicians or models, portraits or action shots, Pickett seems to effortlessly encapsulate the very essence of the subject's soul.

Amadi Brasco, Recording Artist

Jared Funari, Musician

Brett Eidman, Comedian

James is the perfect example of passion + action = magic.

His work is nothing short of extraordinary. I am definitely a fan.

For more information or to contact James click here.

Xx
Sam Jones

Sam Jones Interviews Chef Irvine for Thrillist

2013-10-25T16:30:00.001-04:00

One thing Irvine never fails to find time for: making his muscles even more enormous. Our correspondent Sam Jones, from the only occasionally SFW show At Home With Sam Jones, caught up with him at Northfield, NJ's Island Gym to ask him some deeply probing questions.

T-Project: The Answer To EVERY American Fashion Designer's Prayers

2013-10-08T23:21:00.001-04:00

After spending over ten years in the fashion industry working with designers from Alexander Wang to Zang Toi, I grew to understand the importance of being able to both source material locally and find manufacturers willing to work on smaller minimums without compromising the quality of their craftsmanship. The industry lacked a one stop shop where designers could walk in with an idea and have it brought to fruition all under one roof. Until now.

Introducing T-Project (Tuscany-Project); A New York satellite production and sourcing hub that's developed an innovative, seamless way to provide American designers, both high-end and contemporary, with full access to a network of over 16 artisans and the best craftsmanship Tuscany has to offer. T-Project navigates the production process on behalf of their client's and offers an a la carte menu of services ranging from raw material sourcing, product management, design, operations and manufacturing without ever leaving Manhattan! Hello? This is infuckingcredible!

Never before has the playing field been leveled to such an extent. Designers no longer need to finance costly, exhausting trips spending countless hours walking through fairs trying to decipher what the vendors are saying while attempting to communicate back with some half-assed broken Italian or what I like to call Span-talian; You know... you take the Spanish that you learned in school and add a few more vowels. (Although, in actuality, the vendors don't really care what you're saying as long as you're wearing a low cut blouse. Ciao Bella!)

Aside from the full scale production and manufacturing, T-Project works with highly skilled Tuscan "modellerie" to develop samples, offering brands access to some of the most sought after professional sample makers. Having worked with the best brands in the world, these model makers can render exquisite composites of even the most creative and difficult of designs at surprisingly doable prices.

I visited their showroom on October 1st for the debut of their 2014-2015 'Made in Italy' Trends & Collections Presentation (they'll be showcasing their work until October 30th) and was blown away! I met Gaia, one of T-Project's representatives, who showed me some of the most extraordinary work from some of their affiliate manufacturers along the likes of Altre Mani, Beauty Brass, Calzaturifico Eleven, Cappellificio Memar, Denim Pelle, Enrico Pucci, Galeotti Piume, Giano Gerruzzi, Lartigianabottoni, Most, OBI, Parentesi Quadra and Pelletteria Pratese. Each unique collection was shown in it's entirety, allowing us to see the quality of their samples first hand. I'm talking about feathers, buttons, resin accessories, labels (laser stamped and reverse laser stamped), various trims, all different kinds of material, beautiful custom jewelry, bags, hats, belts... I could go on for days here.

The bottom line is that T-Project bridged the gap between Italy and NYC by launching a turnkey Tuscan operation that gives designers the opportunity to produce high-end articles from accessories and shoes to garments and outerwear without ever having to deal with the headaches and ulcers that come with working overseas. It truly is A ONE STOP SHOP.

P.S. Adam, Gilles, Jill, Lazz, Bibhu, Brandon Sun, and Alvin Valley.... YOU'RE WELCOME! (Now how's about front row next season?)

T-Project:
347 West 36 Street, Suite 1100
Between 8&9th ave
212-334-9060 or info@e-tuscany.com
Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm

Fashion For A Cause: One Man's Mission to take a PINCH out of Cancer one hat at a time...

2013-09-27T14:45:00.000-04:00

With Breast Cancer Awareness month only a few days away, I wanted to share an inspirational story attesting to the fact that “one person can make a difference.” Jason Pinchoff, the founder of PINCH NYC, has overcome extraordinary hardships due to the passing of his mother from breast cancer. However he has come out the other side with a clear purpose.

Most people don’t have the time or money to dedicate to the fight against breast cancer – so how can one person make a difference? Jason was also faced with this dilemma. However he found a solution and is now spearheading a fight against breast cancer through his brand PINCH NYC, an urban hat brand. PINCH NYC’s tagline says it all - “Take a PINCH Out Of Cancer”.

“People assume that the only one affected by breast cancer is the patient, but in truth their family, children, friends, and loved ones are also battling this horrible disease. Everyone is born with a voice, what matters is how you use it. The PINCH NYC hats are giving people, like myself, a way to use their voice in support of their loved ones battling breast cancer” – Jason Pinchoff

This October, the PINCH Group is launching a limited edition breast cancer awareness hat in which 100% of the proceeds go to The Linda B. Pinchoff Foundation’s Waiting Room Project. The Waiting Room Project furthers Jason’s mission to create a way for people like himself to show support and solidarity for their loved ones affected by breast cancer.

Jason’s hope is to give men, women, and children, like him, the opportunity to bring a voice to breast cancer and truly believes that together we can take a PINCH out of breast cancer.

To learn more about PINCH NYC, please visit apinchlife.com or contact A Higher Society @ 646.517.5155 getbusy@ahighersociety.com ahighersociety.com

Converting pain and suffering into fuel to burn on his journey... Jason Pinchoff’s Story:

In 1989, at the young age of 11 Jason saw his mom Linda battle breast cancer. While the cancer went into remission, it returned a few years later just after his father and sister were killed in a tragic automobile accident. She lost her battle and Jason was left a teenager

without his family.

Through his own inner-strength, Pinchoff rose above these tragedies and became a real force in the music industry. As a producer and director, Jason worked with the biggest names in hip hop including: Kanye West, Ice-T, LL Cool J, Chubb Rock, Dana Dane, and many more. With the help of his Hip Hop friends, Pinchoff is setting his sights on a new target – helping the fight against breast cancer through his brand PINCH NYC. Click here to watch Hip Hop legends along the likes of Chubb Rock, Ice T and Dana Dane support Jason's Movement.

About The Waiting Room Project:

The Linda B. Pinchoff Foundation, founded by Jason Pinchoff, is a non-profit organization raising money for The Waiting Room Project. Patients, their family, children, and loved ones spend an enormous amount of time in hospital waiting rooms. Being able to have an environment that is warm and inviting rather than stark and sterile makes a difference. By working with artists and interior designers, these cancer waiting rooms will be transformed into serene areas that will be a comforting force in these individuals’ lives.

They Come in Peace, but They RAISE HELL: We Came In Peace

2012-01-24T15:48:00.004-05:00

We Came In Peace is a creative studio specializing in connective spaces and experiential campaigns owned and operated by creative geniuses, Kim Swift and Andrew Stevens. Their work spans art installations, pop-up shops, branded environments, event design and production. As experiential designers and storytellers, they invite people to participate meaningfully in our worlds, sparing no detail to produce immersive happenings at maximum volume. Their goal is to create unforgettable experiences that bring the imagined to life.

They're practically magicians...



	http://www.wecameinpeace.org

Facebook

Twitter

Kim Swift & Andrew Stevens

Some of Kim and Andrew's work... Check their website out for their entire portfolio.

In Love and Good Fashion: Seville Michelle Anastos

2012-01-18T10:56:00.000-05:00

Celebrity accessories designer Seville Michelle Anastos presents the first in her six part series of short films titled, Mary Had A Little Scam. The series divulges into the world of six women overcoming life's obstacles. Each five minute short captures a private moment of struggle, uncertainty and perseverance. The films feature Seville Michelle's jewelry as a source of power and inspiration. Follow Mary into her lair of precious jewels and take an intimate look into her world.

Seville Michelle's accessories have been featured in Essence , Gotham, Vice, Glamour, Vibe, Redbook, Time Out New York, BlackBook.com, MTV, Daily Candy, and numerous fashion blogs. New York Post's "cool" new designer, her designs are coveted by music royalty. From Nikki Minaj to the Beyonce and everyone in between, Global Grind declared that Seville Michelle is "shaping the way we see and consume fashion." As she continues to take the music world by storm her designs are worn by Monica, Amber Rose and Mary J. Blige. Beloved by Kreayshawn, with a shout out in Billboard magazine, the accessories darling makes celebrities dreams into realities. Lauryn Hill recently snatched up her entire collection for her upcoming European tour. Her custom accessories took center stage at Alicia Keys, Lil’ Wayne and Prince's most recent musical tours.

For media inquires please contact Nicole Vardo at 917.690.1558 or indigo@sevillemichelleanastos.com

Seville With Ricky Powell

Beyonce rockin Seville Michelle's Leather earrings

Mary J. in Seville Michelle's earrings

Nikki in Michelle Seville's Earrings

Olivia in Seville Michelle's new Python earrings... sick!

THE DREAM TEAM.

My Bad: The House Guest From Hell

2012-01-03T13:51:00.010-05:00

Meet "Sweet" Jimmi; an insane architect from the U.K, my Facebook friend for the last four years and um.... THE FUCKING HOUSE GUEST FROM HELL. Check this out:

Jimmi messaged me in the early part of December asking if it would be cool if he crashed at my place for a few days around New Years Eve, as his original plans fell through. I explained that I have roommates but that he was welcome to stay in the living room as long as he didn't smoke (Cigs) or have anyone else inside the apartment while I wasn't home, to which he graciously agreed.

Around midnight on December 27th I opened my door to let Sweet; a skinny, quirky, colorfully dressed Brit who reeked of cheap whiskey and Marlboro's, into my apartment where he was greeted with a hot meal and a couch covered with AWESOME Frette Acquerello 1200 count Sheets. We shot the shit for about an hour, I made him tea, showed him around the apartment and said goodnight. When I left for work the next morning (Thursday), Sweet was sound asleep on the couch.
During the later part of the afternoon I called to check in with him - he answered the phone inebriated! From what I could translate, he was carousing around Brooklyn (alone) going into different bars getting hammered & on a scavenger hunt for his two favorite pastimes, Blow and Pussy. Thankfully, Sweet spent that the night in Williamsburg.

Fast forward to 6pm on Friday: I came home from work to pack my things and told Jimmi that he could stay in my room since I was going away for the long New Years eve weekend. I even made a joke like.. "Don't whack off or do anything inappropriate in my bed"- never thinking for a moment that he'd actually consider doing anything along those lines. I figured that since my roommate and her boyfriend (who had been away for a week visiting their families over Xmas) would be flying back from Seattle VERY early Saturday morning, that it would be best if they didn't walk into some strange dude sleeping in our living room. (I probably should have informed them that I was having a guest stay over for a few days in the first place but, it totally slipped my mind.)

Two joint's of sour diesel and a hot toddy & later my phone started blowing up. It's now like 1am and I'm super relaxed, spending time with the man I'm crazy about, sucking face and listening to Grizzly Bear. The last thing I wanted to do was get up to look at my phone.

.... Two hours later I had 15 missed calls from my roommate, text messages demanding that I call her and a voice mail that went something along the lines of this:

"Sam it's Jo, Kurtis and I just walked into the fucking apartment and there is buck naked fat black chick riding some a skinny white dude bareback on our fucking couch! There are condoms all over the floor & on the coffee table, there's beer bottles and ashtrays everywhere and the whole fucking house stinks like cigarettes. WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE? CALL ME BACK!"................... After I pulled myself together from a 10 minute uncontrollable, hysterical laughing/ crying fit, I called Joanne back.

Apparently she and her boyfriend (who just finished schlepping their heavy luggage up two flights of stairs, finally arriving home after their flight had been delayed for HOURS) opened the door to two strangers screwing in our living room and immediately thought that people had broken into the apartment.

They were screaming "who are you and what the fuck are you doing here" and Sweet answered, "Just a second" while he continued to plow this fat chick in front of my roommates, BUCK-ASS naked on the couch. Joanne and Kurtis started to throw pillows and whatever they could find to get them to move but apparently, Jimmi and his "lady" just got up (naked) and finished their sexcapade in my room! I was told that after Sweet Jimmi was finished screwing, he had the BALLS to walk out of the room in my God Damn robe! Eventually they left but, not with all of his belongings.

"Jimmi are you fucking kidding me man? Besides the fact that you desecrated my home by bringing a stranger into my bed and made a mess of the apartment, YOU had the balls to drape your filthy, disgusting, naked body with my favorite cashmere robe that cost more money then the couch you were banging some fat hooker on? ARE YOU INSANE? You are NO Longer welcome in my home so get your shit, leave my keys on the kitchen counter and BEAT IT!"

He apologized profusely and told me that he would make other sleeping arrangements but, in the meantime, asked if he could leave his luggage in my apartment. I agreed and told him that by the end of the day on the 1st, I wanted ALL of his shit out of my place, to call me when he was ready to pick up his bags. - The next day I got a text message that he took his things and that he was very sorry.

Last night I came back home from my beautiful weekend getaway to find Jimmi the "Douchebag" Sweet drunk as fuck passed out in my bed! I lost it, I started kicking the bed, shaking him, screaming in his ear but the little prick wouldn't budge! Long Shit-Show-Short; I finally woke up my roommate and her boyfriend and they practically threw him out of the apartment.

Suffice it to say, I learned two very important lessons in the early days of 2012:

1) Don't waste good sheets on British house guests.

and

2) Pack or hide my Loro Piana robe when I leave town.

Happy Fucking New Year!

xx,

Sam Jones

Stick N' Move: Adam Dare

2011-12-29T15:22:00.018-05:00

Growing up in Brooklyn during the early 90's (Gritty Brooklyn not hipster Brooklyn) I was able to experience first hand, the evolution of Hip Hop culture. I became fascinated not only with the incredible music and style that was being cultivated but, also with Street Art or Graffiti which if you ask me, evolved right alongside hip hop music.

Graffiti ranged from simple written words to elaborate wall paintings. Back in the day there was no Facebook or Twitter so "getting up" or tagging your name could definitely be considered an early form of branding or self promotion. Sometimes tags contained subtle even cryptic messages, and may have incorporated the artist's crew initials. But a lot of the pieces were just shit talking and "capping" which caused much "beef" between different neighborhoods and different crews around Brooklyn.

I lived in Manhattan beach across the street from (at the time) one of the larger graffiti personalities in New York; Joe WAVE. Very so often around 2am on a school night he'd whistle his bird like call (ca -coo ca-coo) outside of my window and I'd sneak out to go "BOMBING" with him and his gnarly crew. The dress code was specific, a black or gray hoodie (I always rocked Stussy), dark jeans, a backpack (Jansport) and whatever boots or kicks that were comfortable enough to jump down 2+ stories or to simply "JET" from FIVE-O just in case they'd roll up, because more times then not, they'd roll up. I can even remember the smell of those 360 krylon cannons and the rush that I'd get from watching my friends slam their pieces on freshly painted buildings Oh ah.... take the entire side of the 61st prescient for example.

We would drive around looking for "Heaven Spots" in Wave's supped up Honda, with a sound system probably worth more then the car itself, pumping Tribe Called Quest's low end theory or Wu Tang's 36 Chambers (on cassette cause that's how fucking old I am.)

.

Me.

Now, a woman in my mid thirties I'd say that aside from Fashion, Graffiti is probably my favorite form of art.

I've recently started to notice paste ups of crazy bunnies with broken hearts and x'd out eyes popping up around various Manhattan neighborhoods. I've tried on several occasions to steal one off a wall using tools like razor blades and spatulas but, to no avail. (Damn Wheat Paste.)

Turns out that the artist behind these incredibly DOPE pieces is Adam Dare, a NYC native who coincidentally, grew up only a few blocks away from where I did & has been "dressing up" walls around the five boroughs since the late 80's. Born in Flatbush Brooklyn Adam was influenced by the Halcyon days of the late 70s and 80s, a time of sizemic movement in music, art and style. Blending the aesthetics of Graffiti, Hip Hop, infused with punk rock and heavy metal -undercut by all the subcultures that now define Pop Culture. ~ "The times are finally catching up to the movement."

Dare possesses a Beastie Boy steez with a kind-humble-patient demeanor but, make no mistake his eyes and his tats reveal that he's a take NO SHIT kinda guy. (He is after all from Brooklyn.)

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO:ADAM DARE SIZZLE RECUT

Adam's work is highly sought after throughout the underground world of street art connoisseurs & is revered by Hip Hop and Punk Rock music industry heavy hitters.

He continues to remain true to his passion and is (in my opinion) one of New York's most talented street artists period. His pieces can be described as poetic metaphors, a glimpse into the soul of a man that has experienced his share of heartache and darkness but, just like a Master of Alchemy, he transforms that pain into the fuel he needs to burn for his inspiring journey...

ADAM DARE in the LAB

xx,

Sam Jones

Stylish Stimulus

2011-12-22T13:50:00.000-05:00

Recently, a barrage of articles linking fashion trends to the status of the economy have been popping up all over the internet (google fashion + economy or just read the Times). One NY Times article claimed the higher the heel, the worse the economy (someone send that memo to YSL who charges upwards of $700 clams for their sky-high platforms – which by the way I absolutely adore in every single color). Another article noted that nail polish sales have drastically gone up (why pay for a Mani Pedi when you can do it yourself?) as women’s underwear sales decrease (because who needs underwear when you’re in a recession??). While I think these pseudo-researchers have way too much time on their hands, I do suppose there is some truth behind these interesting but useless facts. The term “skyscraper heels” was coined during the Great Depression, where women would find the highest heels they could as a cheap way to “cheer themselves up” according to some experts (hell-looo 6inch Louboutins, you would certainly cheer me up). And lipstick sales were on the rise back then as well (I do agree – the combo of red lipstick and the highest heels possible can turn a crap day fabulous) Anyway, in my humble opinion, the best way to bolster the economy is to support it!

Here are some ways

Christian Louboutin Ballarina Heels (I die for these - if I didn't break my neck first)

YSL Tribtoo Pumps - (net-a-porter.com)

Chanel Lipstick - Rouge Allure (chanel.com)

Eugenia Kim Hat (shopbop.com)

xo - Stephanie D'Andrea

Keeping up with "The Times"....

2011-12-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

I will admit it. The only reason I have the Sunday NY Times delivered is for the “What I Wore” column. Which, I unwittingly learned is not a weekly column. On the off weeks I amuse myself with the wedding announcements, but I live and die for “What I Wore”. “WIW” is the most inspirational of all columns, in my humble opinion. For those of you unfamiliar with the content of my beloved column, I’ll give it to you in a nutshell: A “celebrity” of some sort (actors, well-known hair stylists, journalists and women in NY society) chronicles their week’s activities, detailing exactly what was worn for each event. Usually, it goes something like this: “Monday, 9am – It was a typical NYC winter day so I threw on cream flannel Michael Kors trousers, a cream Gap longsleeved tee and my cream and cocoa Chanel tweed jacket. To keep warm, my chocolate brown, rabbit-lined Givenchy booties and a cashmere Burberry scarf, which I wrapped around my head for extra warmth”. Inevitably they always “throw” stuff on, like it’s no big deal and traipse around NYC in these amazing outfits. Some might have a hard time understanding why THIS is such the inspirational story for me. I, myself am not quite sure. Being a very visual person, reading the detailed descriptions of these often impressive outfits does inspire me to peek into my own closet and see what I can “throw” on for the day. Secretly (or not so secretly) it is a goal to be featured in a NY Times “What I Wore” column. Ahh - maybe 1 day.

What I'd Wear...

Helmut Lang Stretch Leather Skinny Pants (net-a-porter.com)

Kristen Blake Crop Faux Fur Jacket - nordstrom.com

Burberry Crochet Detail Cashmere Cardigan - burberry.com

Christian Louboutin Black Leather Roman 120 Button Detail Booties - bluefly.com

xx - Stephanie D’Andrea

A little gypsy soul, a little downtown chic...

2011-12-15T16:20:00.000-05:00

Who doesn’t love December in NYC? To me – winter time means furry vests and jackets, luxe over-the-knee boots, hats, scarves, shawls and sequins. My favorite way to dress for the cold is simply by layering; pairing textures (my go-to is skinny leather pants, a cashmere boyfriend sweater with a little sequin tank underneath – pair with satin lace-up booties and some fingerless gloves and voila! – brunch attire).

The kids over at Haute Hippie and Libra Leather get it. Last night’s cozy soiree down at the Haute Hippie boutique (co-hosted by HH + Libra Leather) in Nolita was all about the texture and the mood. From the animal skin rugs to the soft fur vests, guests were immediately transported out of the NYC cold into, what I can only describe as a chic African safari tent. An event to promote HH’s new line – Haute Hoodie, party-goers were encouraged to shop for beautiful statement pieces (fur calf-length vests and textured suede pants) as well as take a look at the new Haute Hoodie line for men and women – described basically as easy Sunday attire with style (printed cardigans, oversized knit sweaters, ponchos, scarves all perfect for layering) while sipping cocktails and listening to awesome tunes. Personal styling was available and playing dress-up was encouraged. This party was the perfect blend of downtown cool with a touch of sophistication. Fabulous job Sam Jones and the rest of the Haute Hippie + Libra Leather family!

Some of my favorite pieces from last night...

xx - Stephanie D'Andrea

December's Steez

2011-12-14T11:41:00.000-05:00

xx,
Sam Jones

The New York Times Fashion Week Photo Diary: Eric Ray Davidson

2011-12-12T10:19:00.000-05:00

On December 15, 2011 The Rooftop Sessions at Siren will present The New York Times
Fashion Week Photo Diary by photographer Eric Ray Davidson. These eleven
photographs printed 8 by 12 feet, document New York Fashion Week from a thoughtful
and artistic perspective. Davidson is a monthly contributor to GQ, Details and Elle
Magazine; he is based in both New York and Los Angeles. The exhibit will be hosted by Jessica Joffe.

The New York Times Style Magazine’s Senior Photo Editor, Judith Puckett-Rinella
comments, “Eric Ray Davidson's behind-the-scenes fashion show photographs are
wonderfully compelling, striking a new chord that resonates both with the surreal
nature of the back stage madness and the very business of the pure, raw details that
make it all come together. In the midst of the mayhem, he manages to keep a clear
elegant perspective in which he sheds the most provocatively beautiful light on his
subjects all the while creating a winning body of work that you can’t take your eyes off
of.”

Using only ambient light and his fly-on-the-wall approach, Davidson captures the
ironies, oddities and subtleties of fashion natives in their natural habitat. Works on
view include: Tommy & Stam, a kiss between designer Tommy Hilfiger and model
Jessica Stam. Bagged Model, a peculiar backstage moment. Stress, a model anxiously
trying to find a cab after a show and Kanye Leaving Proenza.
This is Davidson’s third exhibition of this series. Previous shows were held at Los
Angeles Boutique Confederacy, hosted by Eva Mendes, and New York’s Collective
Hardware on Bowery.

Available for sale the night of the event will be a series of signed posters as well as
limited edition art prints All proceeds from sales of the posters will benefit THERAsurf
as well as a portion of proceeds from remaining artworks.

THERAsurf is a diverse collective of parents, professionals, and members of the surf
community. Surfing has been found to be incredibly healing to children with autism and
other special needs. THERAsurf’s goal is to provide these children the opportunity to
benefit from that positive energy by safely getting them into the water, and up on
waves, as well as getting them to be a part of a community.

Music experience powered by Spotify.
Spotify is an award winning digital music service that gives you on demand access to
millions of tracks. Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage and share
music with your friends while making sure that artists get a fair deal. Visit
www.spotify.com for more.

If you're in the LA Area definitely go check it out...

Sam Jones

DATE AND LOCATION INFO:
Thursday, December 15th, 2011 6pm-11pm
Siren Studios
6063 W. Sunset Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028
RSVP@SirenStudios.com
EricRayDavidson.com THERAsurf.org

Haute Hippie & Libra Leather's FASHION BASH: 12.14.11

2011-12-08T12:53:00.000-05:00

The cool kids from NYC's most coveted fashion label; Haute Hippie and the Rock n' Roller Leather Purveyors; Mitch Alfus, Alik Alfus and (myself of cawz); Sam Jones of Libra Leather- have come together to kick off a NOT TO BE MISSED Fashion Party on December 14th from 6:30-9:30pm at Haute Hippie's new Pop up Store "Haute Hoodie."

Rumored to attend are some of the fashion industry's A-List insiders, familiar Music + Entertainment industry faces as well one of the city's favorite street artists, Adam Dare.

Music, food, drinks, a great crowd and shopping? - This is a NO BRAINIER.

Click To RSVP on Facebook

HAUTE HOODIE:

From the founder and creative director of internationally recognized brand Haute Hippie, comes an exciting new line of women’s as well as – for the first time – a curated line for men.

Haute Hoodie is a life (and) style concept that “dresses” a void in the men’s and women’s market for cool, comfortable and well made “Sunday” clothes. Inspired by co-creative director Trish Wescoat Pound “Sunday kind of love”- the line is a true labor of love and an authentic collaboration.

Designed for like minded global nomads everywhere – haute hoodie is about being part of a tribe…wanderlust…a thirst for travel and the unique feeling that is gained when you experience
something for the first time. a tribe that embraces the spirit of the nomad. unbound by convention, type, ethnicity, country or geography. haute hoodie is for people as comfortable in the Andes as they are in the Hamptons.

haute hoodie is : men’s, women’s, and both
a true labor of love
sophisticated, cool and sexy
authentic
all about knits
the art of the layer
designed for, and inspired by, global nomads

styling and layering

since we consider how you style, wear and layer to be as important as what you wear, we will have stylists on hand for both the launch party as well as at certain specialized styling events throughout our residence. educating customers about “the art of the layer” – to create complete, effortlessly cool “looks”.

as part of the styling and layering experience we will also give customers the opportunity to have a Polaroid photoshoot of themselves – fully styled – to act as their own piece of self-styling collateral.

xx,

Sam Jones

SHOE-A-CIDE

2011-09-21T14:42:00.003-04:00

Fall-ing In LUST:

Giuseppe Zanotti

Jimmy Choo

Pedro Garcia

Chloe

Reed Krakoff

Burak Uyan

ETRO

Pierre Hardy

Cobra Society

MCQ

Fiorentini & Baker

Isabel Marant

Belle Sigerson Morrison

Ralph Lauren Collection

Diane von Furstenberg

Rick Owens

Miu Miu

Balmain

VERA WANG LAVENDER LABEL

Rachel Zoe

Candela

XOXO

Sam Jones

Bibhu Mohapatra's Leather Embossed Studded Leather/Fur Jacket

2011-08-04T15:58:00.005-04:00

Bibhu Mohapatra besides being one of the nicest, chillest, honest people I know, he is also one of the MOST TALENTED FASHION DESIGNERS that I'm lucky enough to work with each season.

Mitch & I found this skin in Paris last year and I knew that Bibhu was going to go INSANE when he saw it. The stud embossed nubuck leather/ Fur combo was perfectly executed - Just the right balance of Classic + Biker Chic. It's no surprise that this DOPE piece was just featured in ELLE Mag.

Hopefully I'll sell enough leather to be able to rock one of these bad boys for fall.... (in black of cos!)

xx

Sam Jones

*Fashion designer Bibhu Mohapatra was born in the Indian state of Orissa, June 15, 1972. He earned a masters in economics from Utah State University 1996, then moved to New York City in 1996 to enroll in the Fashion Institute of Technology. In 1997, while still at F.I.T, he was awarded Fashion Institute of Technology's Critic’s Award for Best Evening Wear Designer of the Year.

After F.I.T., Halston hired Mohapatra as an assistant designer. Then in 1999 he was named Design Director of the French furrier, J. Mendel. Over the next ten years, Mohapatra shifted the emphasis of J. Mendel to a more youthful look, at the same time expanding its ready-to-wear collections. His creations were featured regularly in fashion magazines Style.com DNA New York Magazine Wall Street Journal Vogue Vogue Russia and were worn by Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchet, Sienna Miller and other style icons.

Following J. Mendel's Spring 2008 collection, Mohapatra resigned in order to establish his own label: Bibhu Mohapatra. Since then, he has presented several collections of luxury women's ready to wear, rtw, couture and fur , under his own name in New York during Fashion Week. Mr. Mohapatra lives and works in New York.

In June 2010 Mr. Mohapatra was elected a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, CFDA.

*Wikipedia

In My Head: Summer Daze

2011-07-05T17:19:00.003-04:00

Sam Jones.

Tainted Love

2011-05-26T23:57:00.012-04:00

So last night I met up with my new love (lets call him Noah) and some friends for din & cocktails at our regular Soho spot. The weather was beautiful and the place was packed with people who like ourselves, wanted to enjoy their evening dining outside. While in the midst of talking, laughing, and drinking my dinner I notice a gorgeous, young model-looking girl sitting at the bar who kept turning around and looking over at our table. After about the third time she looked over I turned to my guy's best friend and said "Look at that gorgeous chick at the bar man, she's sitting there alone. Go do your thing before some dude sits down and starts talking to her. Without hesitation he walked over to the bar, ordered a drink and started to talk with her as if they knew each other. When I mention to Noah that his boy's a stud he says "No, that's Jennifer, we know her." Ahhhh that explains why they were chit-chatting so effortlessly.

Fast forward an hour — we've finished having dinner and walked over to the bar to drink dessert. After about two minutes I begin to notice that my usually affectionate-loving-only into me no matter how gorgeous the women are around us-boyfriend became detached, aloof and that his body language was not indicative of a man in love who wanted to appear as though he was there with me, exclusively.

First thought that goes through my head: Do I look fat? second thought was Impossible! I'm in my skinny jeans [size 28 by the by) third was; Stop, absorb (particularly more vodka but also the situation), don't jump to conclusions instead, JUST BREATHE. And then... as I turn my head I notice that the Brazilian too short to be a model — but still drop dead gorgeous with her twenty-one year old perky tits and no bra broad was making eye contact with my Noah. WHAT THE FUCK? What happened to the man I've been with for the last few months? The man who has been professing his undying love for me? The man who told me to let go of my tough girl act with him to "allow myself to fall" that he "would catch me?" The man who I've been faithful to, and who I could have seen myself growing old with? Where was the man who made me feel like this relationship was like a flower that was blooming easily and effortlessly & that we were magic?

We're around stunning women regularly and I'm the one who tells him to look at them- "babe look how hot that chick is" or "Her ass is outrageous! I mean I'm not insecure around drop dead beautiful women, I appreciate their beauty as I do fine art and things of that nature FOR GOD SAKES I work in fashion along side famous designers who surround themselves with models! Some of my best friends are high fashion models! This wasn't about her looks. My gut (which has always been dead on) told me that HE KNEW HER - KNEW HER.

Breathe, Breathe, Breathe.... I start the count. Eye contact take 2, 3, 4, 5.... Then he orders a round of drinks, turns to his boy & says:

"Do you think that we should order YOUR FRIEND a drink, she's sitting on the other side of the bar alone," - I keep it all in and after another 15 minutes I opt to go home. He pays the bill, says his goodbyes and we walk out calm cool and collective.

Then... after he notices that I'm not myself, he asks "Baby what's wrong? I feel like your MOJO is off."

UM..... "HELLO? WHAT AM I NEW? Do you think I was made with a finger? Born last night? Not raised in Brooklyn? Why didn't you go sit and keep her company NO-FUCKING-AH? Seeing as though you were so concerned with HER well being and all!

Turns out that they've met once before when he was there a few months ago with his friends after work. She's a 21 year old struggling model and he felt bad for her because she's lost. They had a conversation and that was the extent of it. So.... let me get this straight; No blow job, No make out, not even an exchange of digits? Hmmmmmm.

I should say that he really is a faithful, sweet, loving, caring mate for lifer who was in a committed monogamous relationship for years and NEVER CHEATED. Everyone who knows him knows that he is a GREAT MAN, a STAND UP GUY, someone who would NEVER fuck around. So why then? Why didn't he introduce me as his girlfriend like he does to everyone else? Why did he care so much about her being okay and not give a second thought to the fact that I felt neglected, unloved & undesired by the man who is supposedly as head over heels for me as I am for him?

This relationship had no masks. It was pure, it was real, it was beautiful. It wasn't perfect - I had no expectations of perfection but, I wanted to lay an honest, raw, trustworthy foundation down for the first time in my life. I didn't want to ever feel that spiteful, vindictive feeling of... oh yeah... okay... two can play this GAME-I'm so over the games.

He continues to profess his devoted love to me... He knows that it's me who he wants to be with and that although he understands how I can feel the way I do, he feels that I'm misinterpreting the situation. But how could I be? Regardless of who what where when and why, the point is that the whole fucking scenario was outright disrespectful and uncomfortable.

It all boils down to this; I allowed myself to be vulnerable, open, honest, receptive, selfless and I was let down. Disappointed by someone who I NEVER thought would EVER be the cause of me feeling anything less then a beautiful, strong, confident, LOVED woman.

I plan to just go with the flow and not build roads on uncertain ground but rather return to my own journey, and decorate my own garden.

And just like that.... The dynamic of this once beautiful, pure, loving relationship has now become tainted.

Comes The Dawn...

Author: Veronica A. Shoffstall

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today,
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans,
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong,
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn...
With every goodbye you learn.

xo,

Sam Jones.

RABAB SANA: SAM JONES, LEATHA QUEEN.

2011-05-26T18:00:00.002-04:00

RABAB SANA'S MUSE: SAM JONES THE SELF BRANDED LEATHA QUEEN

I was really excited after reading this blog post... until I scrolled down to the nasty comments.

I am who I am and if you don't like it, BLOW ME.
-xx
Sam Jones

It Don't Mean A Thing if it Ain't got that Spring...

2011-03-22T17:45:00.011-04:00

Okay ladies, we all know what time of year it is - It's CRUNCH time, literally! The hourglass has offically been turned upside down as we've got three months to tone up the tush, the tummy, our thighs and for some of us; those punching bag arms... Yup, I'm all too familiar with the flex and waive so the arms don't jiggle (or as my mother calls them- Grandma's arms.)

I'm crazy for the colors this season! Sophisticated and demure without being overly "Girly." Very 70's Chic indeed.

Spring has sprung...

Daniella Kallmeyer

Diane Von Furstenberg

Gucci

Alice by Temperley

Isabel Marant

Kimberly Ovitz

Robert Rodriguez

Theyskens' for Theory

Shipley & Halmos

Elizabeth & James Textile

ALAE

Loeffler Randall

Michael Kors

Robert Rodriguez

Alexander Wang

Daniella Kallmeyer

Dallin Chase

Camilla Skovgaard

3.1 Phillip Lim

DKNY

Diane Von Furstenberg

Dolce Vita

Graham & Spencer

Haute Hippie

DVF

James Jeans

Nanette Lepore

One by I love Binetti

Rag & Bone

Robert Rodriguez

Rory Beca

Shipley & Halmos

Vince (suede skirt)

Ashaloo

Seville Michelle Anastos

LOVE LOVE LOVE.....

xoxo,
Sam Jones, Leaha Queen

Business as Usual: Katie Holmes & Libra Leather

2011-03-15T16:29:00.011-04:00

So Mitch and I stopped by Barney's today to wish our clients Katie Holmes + Jeanne Yang luck with their recently launched "HOLMES + YANG" Collection. Love their line! All that was missing was .......A little more LEATHA!

So Chic.

Joanna Caldwell
(Design, Sourcing, marketing, production and apparently; shipping)
And I thought I wore many a hat?

We were expecting to see the woman responsible for running their whole operation, Joanna Caldwell but, she was slammed making sure that production was running smoothly... We missed you JO!

Congrats to Jeanne, Katie + Joanna!!!!! -NAILED IT!

P.S.- I'm super jealous of how amazing Katie's body is.... Tracy Anderson perhaps?

To get the latest news on Holmes + Yang follow them on FACEBOOK.

xoxo,

Sam Jones,
Leatha Queen

Whores NOT Wars! Charlie Sheen For President

2011-03-05T12:58:00.002-05:00

PLEASE JOIN FACEBOOK'S GROUP: CHARLIE SHEEN FOR PREZ- LET'S MAKE HISTORY!!!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1199763712#!/home.php?sk=group_192874720745229

IT'S A WIN WIN SCENARIO!

xoxo

Sam Jones

(Leatha Queen)

Marc Gunn interviews the Leather Queen for "People I know".

2010-10-07T17:17:00.002-04:00

http://vimeo.com/channels/peopleiknow

Fall Must Haves

2010-09-20T09:09:00.059-04:00

This fall is all about textures, patterns, and duhh military chic. It is all about mixing the masculine with the feminine and having a tough look with refined chic. It's about putting the classic together with the new and creating a look that is perfectly put together. From parkas and vests to leather shorts and boots I have put together a myriad of amazing stylish key pieces every woman should have AT LEAST one of in her closet this fall. Don't be afraid to mix patterns, colors, and textures- and wear white. This fall is about breaking the rules in a not so rebellious way.

Must Have OUTERWEAR: 1 rockin' leather motorcycle jacket, 1 or 100 fur or faux fur vests, 1 military inspired jacket, and definitely a classic black blazer.

Must Have TOPS: From velvet to zigzags this fall is all about mixing and matching textures and patterns to create a perfectly harmonious ensemble. If you're not feeling so adventurous stick to a palette of muted hues.

Must Have FALL DRESSES: These dresses can take you from day to night and from chilly to brrrrrrr. Pair these dresses with a little leather jacket, or throw on a pair of tights and you're ready to roll. Keep the interest with a subtle pattern, make heads turn with a totally body con Herve Leger. Just because the weather is getting chilly doesn't mean you can't sizzle.

Must Have LEATHER: Who said leather was only meant for jackets? This year the trend continues on. Leather is making headway, and WE LOVE IT. From stretch leather leggings, to who would have thought...LEATHER SHORTS. Wear the leggings alone, or pair the shorts with a some tights, and you're already half way towards a killer ensemble.

Must Have BOOTS: From knee high to lace up this fall is all about the rocker boot. Play with the textures in the leather or the height of the heel, this fall welcomes them all. These are only a couple that caught my eye this season..... there seems to be an incredible selection!

Must Have BLACK BAGS: The classic black bag NEVER goes out of style so why not add some edge with a little bit of fringe or or a spiral notebook hinge? From bucket bags to messengers- anything an everything goes.

Now that I have totally whet my appetite, I think it's time for some shopping!

xx

Jen Moore

NYFW SP11: NATHAN JENDEN

2010-09-16T13:19:00.009-04:00

Gingham and Florals and Stripes OH MY!

Nathan Jenden, former Creative Director for Diane von Furstenberg, turned it out last night with his Wizard of Oz/theme 'fanfare'. Jenden, who held his event at the old Rainbow Club on 11th and 21st, had a yellow brick road for a runway, music from the Wiz playing in the background and each one of his GORGEOUS HIGH - FASHION models wearing red rhinestone platforms to emulate Dorothy's. -Adorable.

His garments were fun, fresh, whimsical and, totally wearable. It was evident that each piece was well made and in following the footsteps of his former boss, he cut to flatter sizes 0-10. Navy, periwinkle, pinks, shades of black, white and grey along with bursts of bright yellows, greens and reds - his color story was "Over The Rainbow". - Well done.

I felt like a celebrity when James Campbell, creative director of Vital Marketing Group, escorted us to the front row along side Diane von Furstenberg, Miss Jay Alexander & Katrina Campins from the apprentice. This was by far the most creative show that I've been to all week.

Nathan Jenden

THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF http://theadventurista.com/

LOVE!!!!!

Sam Jones, Rock et Roule