BRVTAL WOMAN - ZANA BAYNE F/W 2014

If you haven’t noticed, leather is a favorite material here at The Brvtalist. Nothing is better at straddling the line between hard-wearing utility and fine luxury. I always like to feature handcrafted brands with a great aesthetic and Zana Bayne hits all the right notes. Based in NYC, Bayne has a BFA in Conceptual Art from San Francisco Art Institute and also spent some time in Berlin before relocating to New York. All of these play a big role in her designs and her sharp, minimal harnesses and leather accessories have a distinct quality with a dark, devious edge. These are perfect as full ensembles or as individual pieces that can work from the art gallery to the dungeon. She’s even branched out with some great bags and even some men’s accessories. Definitely one to know about. 

For more information click here. 

-JRS

MANHUNTER - Trailer - (1986) - HQ

#brvtalMann

The Keep - Trailer

#brvtalMann

Michael Mann Appreciation Week

What started off as simple admiration has become full blown obsession. While there are many filmmakers who have left their mark on me, I’m not sure there is one whose influence is more profound than Michael Mann. His early 80’s neo-noir crime dramas capture the essence of what I love most about the best decade. From his slow burning plots to the classic fever dream visuals and aesthetic, no detail was ever over looked. I also don’t think there was any TV show that captivated me more than Miami Vice and Heat remains arguably one of the best LA crime movies ever. Mann’s legacy continues to live on in movies like Drive and Beyond the Black Rainbow and I’m excited to see more films in this vein coming out. This week on the Brvtalist, we salute Michael Mann. 

-JRS 

Chapter - A/W 2014

It’s still August and it’s still 90 degrees, but the time has come to prepare for Fall fashions. “Pre-Fall” collections have arrived and sun-drenched, poolside imagery has given way to bleak, overcast skies and midnight moods. One label that has captured the transition quite well is Los Angeles based Chapter. Their A/W 2014 collection features clean monochromatic draping with luxurious finishes, evident in the outerwear and accessories. Chapter’s campaigns always focus on visceral responses and evocative settings. I particularly like this collection as it channels the brand’s ethos while staying on the pulse by implementing current trends (see 90’s). It also just feels good to see some multi-layering and decaying structures, which seems to be a theme for me this week. 

For more information on Chapter and to view the entire look book click here.

-JRS

Soviet Ghosts by Rebecca Bathory

This week’s reading selection comes in the photographic medium. While artful photographs of decaying architecture is certainly nothing new (see all things Detroit), no one does it quite like the Soviets. Fine art photographer Rebecca Bathory was struck by the now decaying Brutalist structures of the Soviet Union and its satellite states in the former the Eastern Bloc. Everything from schools, housing, hospitals to death camps are represented in Litchfield’s stunning images. Not only do the photos represent an in depth view of the people and society the structures once supported, but it’s a chilling reminder of the Cold War era and its byproducts that still linger to this day. 

For more information please visit here.

-JRS

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LuxFit Shoes For Fall 

Going into Fall (or any season really), quality sneakers are essential. LuxFit, as I like to call it, is a seamless mix between luxury and functionality (my favorite combination). Something that’s just as home on the street as in the fitness studio. These are some of the best options out right now. 

From Top: 

Y-3 Qasa Racer Trainer (At LN-CC) 

Rick Owens x Adidas Tech Runner (At LN-CC) 

Adidas ZX Flux (At Solestruck) 

Givenchy x Nike Air Force 1 (At Mr. Porter) 

Volta STRD Pista Black (At Volta Footwear) 

-JRS

Samuel Kerridge - Deficit of Wonder EP

Since his debut on Downwards in 2012, Samuel Kerridge has established himself as an expert in dark, dystopian techno and athmospherics all within the post-punk and industrial paradigm. His latest EP, out on Blueprint, further expounds on his strengths and this release is some of his best work yet. I love the opening track, “Operation Neptune”, with its pitched down air raid sirens and haunting mood. It sets the tone perfectly for other standouts such as “Paint it Black”. This is definitely for fans of Downwards material and dark, industrial techno and noise. Really looking forward to more material from Kerridge.

For more info and pre-order check out Boomkat.

-JRS

SURFACE TO AIR - FALL 2014/2015

Out now in stores and online, French favorite Surface to Air releases an excellent collection for the upcoming fall season. Keeping with a nice, dark color palate, S2A unveils some great new leather jackets (love the gold zippers) and a bomber with real down inside to keep you warm without the bulk. As always, the accessories are also looking good with hats and bags adorned with the brand’s trademark sigil. I know it’s still hot outside, but thrilled to see the fall collections starting to roll in. 

-JRS