South 2 West 8

Perhaps my favorite combination in fashion is luxury, utility and minimalism. Sounds easy, but not many can pull it off successfully. The Swedes are great at it and so are the Japanese. This combination is more than evident in Tokyo’s South 2 West 8 label. They craft outdoor ready bags using the highest quality materials like ballistic nylon and beautiful calf leather. The only markings are the excellent deer skull logo and I am also impressed with their haute rugged branding. To top things off the price point is extremely reasonable for a bag of this quality. Definitely one to keep an eye on. 

-JRS 

Helmut Newton & Alice Springs - "Us and Them"

June 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin, DE. The first exhibitions presented at the museum were “Us and Them”, a collaborative photography project between Mr. Newton and his wife Alice Springs, and Newton’s solo endeavor, “Sex and Landscapes”. To commemorate the milestone, foundation director June Newton (aka Alice Springs) has decided to revive the same two exhibitions.

Opening on June 4, 2014, “Us and Them” is a personal look into the lives of Newton and Springs. Self portraits, photographs of famous friends and other intimate shots give a never before seen look into the private life of what was perhaps the world’s most glamorous and provocative photographer. “Sex and Landscapes” is classic Newtown. Stunning large format nudes and landscapes all in black and white and all shot between 1974 and 2001. 

This is sure to be a can’t miss exhibition for any fan of art and photography. Newton has always been heavily influential for me and I would love to make it out to Berlin for this. 

More information here. 

-JRS 

World Goth Day

May 22nd is officially World Goth Day. Celebrate your love of the sub-culture and all things black. 

When you combine two of our favorite artists, good things usually happen. That is exactly the case with this new Silent Servant remix of Lust for Youth’s “International”. Out on June 10th on Sacred Bones Records, this is a chilling, melodic gem that will be included as a bonus with the upcoming LP. Also be sure to check out Lust for Youth at the Church on York in L.A. on May 17th. Taken from the International Remixes EP out 6/10/14

Cassette version only available with purchase of limited edition LP directly from Sacred Bones Records webstore.

Mp3’s available with digital deluxe version of International

Nathalie du Pasquier for American Apparel

Memphis Group co-founder and post modern painter, Nathalie du Pasquier, has teamed up with L.A.-based American Apparel to create a capsule collection of Memphis inspired clothing and accessories. French born and Milan based du Pasquier is an originator of the Memphis design movement, which was an Italian collective of artists and architects who rose to prominence in the 1980’s. Famous for their color patterns, geometric shapes and avant garde forms, this collaboration actually makes a lot of sense. 

Du Pasquier has not worked in fashion for quite some time and didn’t even know what American Apparel was up until a year and a half ago. With all that aside, her designs look great on the AA silhouettes and the collection is a refreshing take on what has become a rather boring solid color lineup of basics. All of the products were designed by du Pasquier in Milan and made here in downtown L.A.. I really like the baby doll dresses for women and the casual black and white button ups for men. Also the tote bags and throws are must haves. Here’s hoping for more innovative collaborations. 

View the entire collection and the video here. 

-JRS

Godflesh Live

After seeing Godflesh crush last night at the Fond Theater in Hollywood, I felt it necessary to revisit again this morning. Great show. 

Mykita x Maison Martin Margiela

Just released, the collaboration between Berlin’s Mykita Eyewear and Paris’ Maison Martin Margiela is as good as one could hope for. When you think of these two brands, similar words probably pop into your mind- conceptual, technological, forward-thinking. That is exactly what this collaboration brings. 

Divided into two categories, there are stainless steel designs which use Mykita’s amazingly lightweight materials. The shapes are inspired by historical designs and coated to produce a monochrome body which envelopes the wearer’s face. They are also outfitted with matching lenses and come in 6 unisex styles and 4 colorways. 

The second category is called “Dual”. These pairs are made of all acetate and have a striking two-tone appearance. The more rounded designs definitely have two identities and they come in 4 unisex styles and 5 colorways. 

With Spring finally upon us, now is the time to invest in quality sun protection and these limited sunglasses are a fail safe choice. Mykita has risen through the eyewear ranks in recent years and is known for their high design and unrivaled quality. Throw in a Margiela touch and you have something you will never want to take off. 

More information here. 

-JRS 

Under The Skin Sountrack

After seeing Under the Skin this past weekend, I quickly fell in love with the incredible soundtrack. Mica Levi (of Miccachu and the Shapes) was approached by director Johnathan Glazer and his team to come up with music that appropriately suited the dark, otherwordly film. Levi used inspiration the likes of John Cale and euphoric dance to create not just a soundtrack, but a haunting accompaniment that is absolutely vital to the film. She wrote the music and played most of it on a viola in spaces ranging from a studio in a storage facility to a more traditional recording venue. 

This is the first soundtrack in quite some time that I quickly went out and bought. The soundscapes are a perfect match for the film and capture the quiet, moodiness of Johansson’s alien character.  To top things off, this was the best sci-fi film I have seen in years and I’m looking forward to many repeat viewings. 

Download it here. 

-JRS 

Is It Fall Yet? Junya Watanabe F/W 2014

The 90 degree heat in Los Angeles today is brvtal and oppressive. I had to give in and wear shorts, which I HATE doing. The blazing weather is just a reminder of how much we love the fall, cold weather outfits and of course, everything black. Last month in Paris, Junya Watanabe presented a stunning collection that was both conceptual and technologically advanced. Mixed fabrics, multiple layers and artful drapes created absolutely striking looks that are not for the timid. The best part? It was all in the perfect color palatte. See you soon, October. 

-JRS 

Lucifer Rising - The Lost Film

On April 17, 2014, Cinespia presents “Lucifer Rising”, the lost film collaboration between Jimmy Paige and Kenneth Anger at the UA Theater at the Ace Hotel DTLA. Thought to have been lost, Cinespia has uncovered this gem with the legendary Kenneth Anger is person! This is not to be missed.

More information at Cinespia.