The importance of living a well-balanced life can not be underscored. Wherever you live, you have to leave. It's the only way to get perspective. It's the only way to really live. Happy Memorial Day!
Shot by Sean Hotchkiss
I'll probably never be your typical connoisseur of fine men's watches. I'm practically the definition of jewelry redux. But, I do have my phases. Brera Orologi has always been a favorite of mine. I discovered the brand walking the floors of Barney's and then picked up the brand for Saks.com when I was working that corporate life. Now, I'm writing about them and wearing them during my watch phases.
As I'm sure all the style blogs are telling you, during the summer opt for a ribbon strap. Blah blah blah. And they are right. You could enjoy one of these very nice and durable stock kits, or you can pop off the leather or vulcanized rubber for some ribbon lovin'. Either way, you're going to get a dope style bump when you're rocking a Brera. I'm currently enjoying the 3rd watch - the black-on-black Classico K1 - with pride and with drape.
I met Alex, what feels like ions ago, when I worked at Saks. His daytime hustle is hocking bags and accessories for Jack Spade's wholesale business. We've since hung out a couple times and he told me about his music. Up until last night, I had only heard it via headphones and an iPhone.
Alex invited me out to photograph his show at Mercury Lounge and I have to say, he crushed it. I knew he had been playing there for awhile, but it was always hard to make it out on a Monday night when I had an office job. Anyway, from the minute he started set up to the encore, you can tell he's really starting to own the crowd and hone his energy. The music was great, and it was cool that he covered Daft Punk's new hit "Get Lucky." Stay tuned, because I think this kid has potential. You can check out his web site at AlexanderHowardMusic.com.
Name: Monika Borowska | Agency: Fusion
Name: Monika Borowska | Origin: Poland | Agency: Fusion
Monika was such a pleasure to work with. Some times I walk into a test not knowing how to proceed. She was one of the few models that made it easy. I'm convinced she could probably wear just about anything and make it look cool and trendy. I tried three different looks on her and these were my favorite images. I also had a little chat with her about her favorite coffee, foods, and modeling.
Styling Credits
Look 1: Schott NY leather jacket, Back-zip dress by Mandy Coon | Look 2: Obesity & Speed "Anarchy" Overalls
Tucked: What types of modeling do you enjoy the most?
Monika: I like editorial because you get to be a different character every time. But, I like runway too; there's this adrenaline you get when you get out there.
Tucked: How would you describe your personal style?
Monika: I like really comfortable clothes no matter what I wear. Easy going, simple stuff, nothing too crazy. I love black skinny jeans, but at some times, I like the boyfriend fit.
Tucked: Do you have some favorite brands?
Monika: I like all the cool stuff. I like BLK DNM, Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Marc Jacobs.
Tucked: Was there an editorial or job you were on that you wanted to steal all the clothing?
Monika: There's a lot of that. Every season you find yourself wanting everything. I just wish the prices were more affordable for all of us. I'm not sure I can even give one example. It's always a few pieces from each collection.
Tucked: What do you do for fun in NYC?
Monika: I enjoy my time with my friends. Chill at home, watching a movie, going out...my favorite neighborhood is West Village.
Tucked: Do you have a favorite restaurant or coffee shop in West Village?
Monika: I love the Saturday's coffee, and I like Westville.
Tucked: Coffee or tea?
Monika: Coffee. I like regular coffee with milk and sugar, but I also like iced caramel macchiato. I love the La Colombe blend at Saturday's, but I guess Starbucks is the easiest.
Tucked: Favorite food or dish?
Monika: I like all kinds, but especially Chinese and Thai. Pad Thai, chicken red curry, and dumplings are some of my favorite.
Tucked: Is there anything you would change about modeling?
Monika: I'd like to be in more control of my time. As it is now, someone can call tomorrow and say you need to get on a plane. But it's not a bad thing, it's part of the excitement. I have so many places I love now... Australia, Thailand, Japan, London, Spain.
Today is the day of stylish group shots I suppose. I really have loved the way Trunzo has evolved his style as he's progressed from one career to another. This is one guy who understands how to update his wardrobe with seasonal shifts and really nails his fit to a "T". It also makes him one of the few guys I know personally that can exercise the use of a double-breasted jacket with no agita.
If you ever just want an example of how you should look day-to-day any time of the year, just swing by his store, Carson Street Clothiers.
Absolutely loved this guy's look. Slightly oversized wrap coat with workman's boots and upturned trousers - money. He's also covering up his hand tattoos which are a cool touch.
Duh...we out!
I hope you don't get tired seeing more pictures from San Francisco. I took a lot, and there are a bunch I want to share. Today, Four-Pins released an exclusive photo essay I shot for them called "Spatial + Closeness" which covers my trip and abstract experience while I was on my working vacation.
This pictures wasn't included, but it is super special to me. I get to see Chung quite a bit, less in action. For 30 minutes, on Mount Tam, I felt like we were two photographers really taking in the scene in a surreal way. It's funny, because I have this weird thing with Chung in my head. I think he's an amazing photographer, and in many ways I look up to him, but while I'm out there sharing a scene it felt like he was so much older than me. Sort of, student-teacher. He wasn't teaching, and he wasn't telling me I sucked or anything, but I was on his home turf, and you know what, he is a pro at interpreting situational lighting. It was weird but awesome to see him roam the places that he has called home his entire life.
I thought this picture sort of summed up what I mean when I'm describing him "owning" the situation.
Had a chance to stop by the Unionmade store in San Francisco this past weekend. There are tons of menswear stores cropping up around the nation, but Unionmade is what you would call an "OG." And walking in, I think it lived up to all the good things I've heard.
Ample selection, stylish gents, and a great store aesthetic, Unionmade really does seem like the tenured professor among its competitors. I guess that's why they are doing so well. If you happen to be in the SF area, or you live there and haven't checked it out yet (which I don't even understand how that is possible if you read this blog) then make sure you pay them a visit.
I love this shot! Literally 30 minutes after touching down in San Fran, the dudes got together for grilled cheese at Tartine. Justin Chung snatched my camera and took this shot. Also, loving how my new favorite watch is looking among the darkness that is my wardrobe. Feel free to peep it,...it's by Brera Orologi (as you know I'm a big fan of the brand).
Meet Laetitia Loffredo. A girl with one of the biggest hearts I've ever met. I snapped a quick shot over her during our shoot a couple weekends ago. Oh, and she can probably drink you under the table... (1/2 Italian).
Back from travels to San Francisco... sorry I've been away, but no wifi means no love on the blog. But I'm back in business so stay tuned!
A documentary of fashion, of style, and of life.
