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October 23, 2005
Hairy Hat
Darain Housen has not taken off his hat for the last 20 years. He bathes, he sleeps and does everything possible in it. It's a perfect fit. But unlike other hats, his is not made of cloth but from the very hair on his head which is why it cannot be removed.
Housen has been sporting his 'natural hat' hairstyle for the last 20 years. The 40-year-old barber who lives in Somerset, St. Thomas (Jamaica) said he came up with the idea after some of his friends decided to wear hats to a party but he could not find one to wear.
"Mi an dem fi go a di party but di three of them had caps an' mi had none so mi get two mirror one behind mi and di other in front of mi an' mi trim mi hair like a cap an' go a di dance," said Housen.
Housen said his hairstyle created such a stir that he received a crate of beer to share between he and his friends.
"Dem did love it," he said smiling. "Mi friends an' some of the girls said I win di hairstyle contest and buy mi a box a Guinness," he said.
Housen said the morning after the dance he clipped the rough edges and then for six months he kept growing the 'peak' but since then he has not made major changes to his 'hat'.
This is awesome, imagine the endless possibilities of cool haircuts in all sort of shapes!
Posted by at 8:41 PM | Permalink
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October 14, 2005
The Speed Of 45rpm
This is a secret . . . okay, not really a secret as I'm sure some of you may know of this brand and it's beautiful store. When I say secret, I mean its one of those things I keep guarded to myself for one reason or another - I don't know why. I'm sure you have something you love but don't share with everyone.
I'm talking about 45rpm; a Japanese clothing brand that is slowly making in-roads with two stores in New York and one store in Paris. The clothing is beautiful, natural, scientific and most importantly so damn comfortable. For men, I challenge you to find anything Diesel, Seven, True Religion or any other clothing label with denim that is as comfortable. I kid you not, it is so incredibly soft, your nuts feel like they're laying on silk. YES I SAID NUTS.
One of my favorite items from their store is the basic black long sleeve shirt. Like all of their products, it just keeps looking better as it's washed and worn more often. It's not just the quality of the materials, but also the science behind it which they keep very guarded.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 11:15 PM | Permalink
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Tom Ford in W
A beautiful man in thought and design. Awesome photos. Kudo's to Steven Klein for the photography. Look out for this photo spread in W magazine.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 10:51 PM | Permalink
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October 13, 2005
A Philippe Starck Apprentice
Now that's the kind of reality show I would like to see, but I digress - Jerome Olivet is a Frenchman who worked with Philippe Starck for three years and is now going it alone with his own line of amazingly beautiful and functional products. His latest works involve the study of gesture and movement. The fruition is this stark (no pun intended) and beautiful backpack.
The backpack has a clever twist in the straps to rest your thumbs and hands in. Anyone who regularly wears a heavy ass backpack knows how we tend to hold on to the straps to relieve some of the weight, often leaving us with sore-clenched hands. This backpack eliminates that thru its innovative strap design.
Currently sold here for only $165 $220. Somebody buy me one please!
Posted by tranism at 10:57 AM | Permalink
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October 8, 2005
There's A Project In Alabama
And it's called Project Alabama. Another true American success - this time in the world of fashion. Not all great fashion comes from one of the world fashion capitals and this proves it.
Project Alabama's story starts in 2000 with just $20,000. Heading to a party one night, Natalie Chanin (PA's designer) hand sewed a t-shirt and instantly fell in love with the process. With her background in costume design, she eventually joined forces with PA's other half, businessman Enrico Marone. As they made small strides in the New York fashion scene, they found it difficult to find a manufacturer that would do the handwork required because you see, Chanin makes everything by hand.
It wasn't until Chanin returned to her roots in Alabama and began to find "quilting circles" that could lend her a hand. Together she and her team make some of the most beautiful clothes. That's what makes Project Alabama stand out. The designs looked like they were quilted together. Not only do they experiment with new materials but also recycle old ones. Remember, this all started with a recycled hand sewn t-shirt. Each season, the collection exudes an air of elegance while staying incredibly comfortable to wear and in ways, avant garde.
The duo are now married and their latest collection is ever more beautiful. I have a few pieces I'm going to buy. My favorite is the hand quilted duffle bag.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 4:48 PM | Permalink
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October 3, 2005
Tom Ford Keeps It Real
The man responsible for the revival of the ailing italian fashion house of Gucci recently came out of the shadows and spoke about how the fashion industry is wrong. He believes the constant demand for change is leaving customers bewildered and many have simply given up on trying to wear the latest and greatest and instead have retreated to a world of casual clothing.
"Fashion would be more appealing to consumers if it didn't change too quickly. The demand for change has put an enormous strain on the business and caused artificial changes in styles and that is why so many people have rejected fashion and walk around in t-shirts and comfortable pants."
His comments have amazed and shocked the fashion world, many of whom believe the pace of fashion is precisely what drives the industry.
For the uninitiated, Tom Ford ruled Gucci for 10 years until one day he abruptly announced he was leaving. He reinvigorated the profits of the Gucci Group so many were left wondering why he would leave during the height of his rein. He later explains that during the last few years, board members had become concerned over the pull and influence he had within the company and attempted to usurp his power. Ford announced he was leaving because of "contractual disagreements."
Ironically Gucci hasn't had a run-a-way "hit" since. Although the group isn't floundering, it is fast becoming just another luxury label in a sea infested with competitors.
Regarding Tom's comments, I agree with him to a certain extent. Fashion does move too fast. Although the pace of "change" is what excites me about it, perhaps that speed is just "too fast" for the modern man and woman. Our daily lives demand that we dress and live comfortably. However if fashion were more accessible then it wouldn't really be "fashion". Part of fashion's lure is it's inaccessibility to the masses and the adoption by trendsetters before it reaches others. There is a cycle in the fashion industry of how trends birth and penetrate the markets. I think Tom was speaking more on how in fashion's efforts to stay ahead, it sometimes comes up with gimmicks as trends. If this were to continue, we'll never have another fashion revolution such as the woman wearing pants, or Dior's new look. It's been awhile and long over due. Besides, any man that can pose like that with two naked male models has got to be right.
Posted by tranism at 2:36 PM | Permalink
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October 2, 2005
Ultimate Bag For The Creative Professional
Adobe in collaboration with the Medium Design Group created a multipurpose messenger bag that can transform into a soft briefcase for the creative professional on the go.
Large interior pockets store sketchbooks and cables, while object specific thermoformed pockets organize a laptop computer, MP3 player and cell phone. An oversized strap dissipates pressure from a heavy load while the unique roll-top closure system ensures that precious expensive cargo remains inside. Crafted from high-denier nylon for strength and supple full grain leather for sleekness, there's even a deployment hood to protect the bag and everything inside from the elements.
Only $250 people, when you buy one for yourself please be kind and buy one for me too. :)
Posted by tranism at 5:15 PM | Permalink
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