Kuboraum Eyewear

Accessories are the one thing that can change your whole look and eyewear is perhaps the most distinguishing because it’s often the first thing people see. If you are looking for something unique, avant garde and almost evil at times, then Kuboraum is the brand to know. “Dreamed” in Berlin and made in Italy, these frames are striking and for the forward thinker. In materials like thick horn, acetate and even precious metals, it’s all in the details. I love the new Julius collaboration that has an inset chain around the frame. Further, the Berlin flagship store is like no other eyewear boutique you’ve ever seen. These are some of the most Brvtal designs out there and they range from raw and industrial to refined and sophisticated. Definitely one to add to your repertoire. 

More info here. Purchase here and here. 

-JRS

Dino Ignani - Dark Portraits Rome 1982-1985

The early 1980’s was a very particular time in the world. The personal computer boom, Reganism and pop music were all shaping the cultural landscape in ways we can still feel today. However, one movement, which was more underground, particularly thrived. Italian fine art photographer, Dino Ignani, refers to this subculture as the “Dark Movement”.  You may know it more as post-punk, new wave, goth and probably a whole host of other labels. No matter how you categorize it, you know when you see it and the movement holds a very special place in all of our hearts. 

"Dark Portraits" is a book of photographs taken in Rome between 1982 and 1985 mainly in clubs and video-bars during musical and theatrical events that the guests attending would refer to as "dark". This is made abundantly clear throughout the book. There are no descriptions or labels but each photograph carries its own story and the candidness of the works are incredible. This is an amazing time capsule of an era long gone, but the culture has proven resilient throughout the years. Whether for nostalgia, inspiration or fashion guidelines, this book holds many purposes. Fans of any "dark" movement will be proud to have it in their collection. 

For more information click here and here. 

-JRS

Brvtalist Theater - “Begotten” (1990) 

Happy Halloween Week everyone! On this edition of Brvtalist Theater we are screening perhaps one of the most brvtal films ever made - E Elias Merhige’s experimental horror film, “Begotten”. With no dialogue and essentially no soundtrack (except the crickets and sound effects), Begotten shocked underground audiences upon its release and continues to do so to this day. The story is a gloriously brvtal re-telling of Genesis creationism and the film is filled with harsh images of suffering and pain. Merhige would go on to be know to mainstream audiences for his work on “Shadow of the Vampire” and “Suspect Zero” but “Begotten remains a tour de force of film making. Experimental, conceptual and horrific, “Begotten” is perhaps the perfect pick to set the tone for All Hallow’s Eve. 

-JRS

Undercover A/W 2014 - "Cold Blood"

Japanese designer Jun Takahashi’s label, Undercover, is no stranger to high concept meets high fashion. The Tokyo label began showing in Paris in the 90’s and has become synonymous with avant garde themes and looks. The A/W 2014 collection is no exception as Takahashi presents “Cold Blood”, a men’s and women’s collection that is literally layered in moods and references. On the women’s side a more decadent, romantic approach that has a feeling of royalty with a dark thirst for something more. The men’s is more pared back with some nice minimalism, mix of fabrics and Takahashi’s punk influences. I already liked what I saw from his S/S 2015 collection entitled “Pretty Hate Bird” and always look forward to more. 

For more information click here. 

-JRS

Brvtalist "Bug Out Bag"

One term that always comes up (and is debated) among survivalists is the “Bug Out Bag”. This is essentially a bag that contains enough supplies to survive for a 72-hour period in case of any sort of disaster, natural or otherwise. The bag is designed to be picked up, put on and put to use. You want something that is light enough to carry and versatile enough to withstand the elements. The contents of the bag can be debated endlessly but there are a few items that I believe are universal and essential to every bag.  It is imperative that you do your own research and evaluate your own needs, which include your local terrain, weather conditions, shelter options, etc. and determine which items are the most essential for your bag. 

I’ve enlisted the help of FEMA and Solkoa Survival Systems to help with the list. 

Food: Maintain enough nonperishable food for each person for at least 72 hours. Pro Tip: Many survivalists advocate Cliff bars. They are packed with nutrients, easy to carry and give the user a jolt of energy. 

Water: Store enough so each person has a gallon a day for 72 hours, preferably for one week. Store in airtight containers and replace it every six months. Store disinfectants such as iodine tablets or chlorine bleach, eight drops per gallon, to purify water if necessary. Pro Tip: Datrex Water Packets are a smart use of space and convenience. They take up less room and have a 5 year shelf life. 

First aid kit: Make sure it is well stocked, especially with bandages and disinfectants.

Rain Gear: Two ways to stay dry- Poncho or jacket in addition to tent or shelter. 

Fire: You need not one, but multiple ways to start a fire. Matches, lighter/firestarter, firesteel and scraper. 

Flashlights: Always with extra batteries. I like the Protac Tactical Streamlight, which has a variety of settings in a compact package. 

Cooking: A small pot to boil water. The Stainless Space Saver Cup from Survival Resources is a good option that doesn’t take up a lot of room. 

Knife: This is one of the most important items and we could go on for days on the topic. Ultimately it might be wise to carry multiple knives for multiple purposes. However, here’s a couple options survivalists can all agree on: 

Cold Steel SRK - Survival/Rescue operations demand a     versatile knife able to withstand the most extreme abuse.  The SRK® (Survival Rescue Knife) was designed specifically with this in mind. The blade is    finished with a rich Teflon® coat which helps to protect the AUS 8A Stainless steel from the elements. It  features a tremendously strong clip point that’s fine enough for delicate work, yet possesses enough belly     for efficient cutting, slashing and skinning strokes as well. At 3/16 of an inch thick, the Survival Rescue Knife® offers the sturdiest possible point and edge configuration, without sacrificing sharpness. The SRK’s® handle sports a single quillon finger guard and a deeply checkered Kraton® grip. 

KA-BAR Becker Survival Knife -   The Becker Companion by KA-BAR knives really lives up to its name: bring this bad boy along with you on your next hunting or camping trip, and you’ll be calling it your BFF in no time. Its well-balanced Grivory handle maintains your grip stability as you put this knife to work skinning wild game, slicing meat, and chopping down small trees. Like a reliable camping buddy, this knife doesn’t need a whole lot of maintenance: it’s rust-proof and needs minimal sharpening and touch-ups. Includes a custom glass-filled nylon sheath.

(Cold Steel SRK) 

Clothing: Pack extra underwear, socks even even boots if there’s room in case what you’re wearing needs a change. 

Weapon: Again, another topic worthy of endless discussion and debate. To cut to the chase, many like the Glock 19 for its versatility and resistance to torture. It’s also a great concealed carry weapon. 

Bag: Now you just need something to put everything in. There’s obviously a ton of different options here and it all depends on the user. For the purist, perhaps a more traditional military styled bag from Sandpiper of California. The Black Bug out Bag is a flagship product with over 1 million units sold. 

          For those with a more considered, sartorial approach, might I suggest the Lanvin Nylon and Leather Bag. Designed in a streamlined shape, topped with a buckle-fastening flap and reinforced with sleek leather trims, this attractively made carryall is framed by adjustable webbing straps that allow you to compress or expand it as needed. It’s an especially smart choice if you cycle or walk to work, as the slick fabrication is well-suited to withstand bad weather.

(Sandpiper Bug out Bag)

(Lanvin Nylon and Leather Bag)

Remember, these are just basic guidelines and the items listed here are only my opinions, which I have developed through extensive independent research. Every bag will probably be different and you are encouraged to take the time to conduct your own evaluations while preparing your bag. 

Good luck. 

-JRS

FILTH MIX FEATURING GODLESH, NAPALM DEATH, WHITEHOUSE, COIL, FLATS, SWANS AND MORE…

Cameron - Songs For The Witch Woman

Now on view at The Pacific Design Center, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles presents a very dark and intriguing exhibition focusing on one of L.A.’s underground occult artists. Cameron arrived in Hollywood after WWII and began working in Pasadena, where she met Jack Parsons, founder of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, noted occultist and follower of Aleister Crowley. The two would eventually marry and Cameron’s art would be forever influenced. 

This is her first solo exhibition since her passing in 1995 and the surrealist, mythical and esoteric works show how vital her role was in L.A.’s counterculture.

On view until January 11, 2015. More information at MOCA.

The Brvtalist Fall Survival Guide

Fall is here, but more importantly harsh weather conditions are approaching. With the continuing extreme patterns in climate, one must be prepared for anything and everything. We are always just one disaster away from civil unrest or full societal collapse. With that being said, it is of the utmost importance to choose your wardrobe wisely. I believe in both luxury and high performance. I’ve put together a list that will help you through the next storm or extinction level event. 

The Bellstaff Alderney Waxed Cotton Poncho is ready for anything. It has fully functioning storm flaps, a detachable hood and constructed in Italy of the finest cotton. You can always count on the Bellstaff mark of quality. Available here. 

Diesel Steel Toe Combat Boot - Rugged, raw and ready for the elements. These boots are preworn and even have a ripped toe to reveal the steel cap that might come in handy in a variety of situations. At ssense. 

Luminox Blackout Special Ops - If it’s good enough for the Navy Seals, it’s probably good enough for you. At Amazon. 

The KillSpencer Daypack is a great functional bag. It has swiss made “Aquazip” water resistant zippers, a flame retardant interior casing for your laptop and mil-spec buckles to keep everything secure. All in a beautiful black naked leather. At Killspencer. 

Alexander Plokhov Leather Holster - You always need extra storage for items that are easy to grab. This is the perfect belt. At SSENSE. 

Not only do you need protection from the sun, but your eyes also need to be guarded against any other elements that come your way. Go full protection with this exquisitely made Mykita x Bernhard Willhelm shield. At Mykita. 

The Tool Logic Firestarter is the ultimate blade. A serrated knife, high volume whistle and most importantly a firestarter function when you’re left out in the cold. Don’t leave home without it. At Tool Logic. 

Oak Funnel Neck - Layering is inevitable so give yourself some durability with full neck coverage as well. At Oak NYC. 

High quality jeans are essential and these Acne Max Coated denim gives you an added, yet subtle layer of protection. At SSENSE. 

The finishing touches are just as important and the new Alexander Wang Survival Objects hit the mark. Water bottles, key rings, flasks and more will be imperative to transporting those valuable liquids. At Alexander Wang. 

Happy Fall and good luck. 

-JRS