November 30th, 2009
I ducked down a stairwell on Greene St. in SoHo because the window on the door was adorned by a oil painting on the glass of the Venice de Milo. As I descended into the unknown sub level of an NYC building I knew I was in for a treat. Firstly, the whole room floor, ceiling and floor was covered in street art from cutouts to straight up graphs. Secondly I had landed in vintage wonderland, The Garment Room, where it was clear quality overrode quantity. I quickly struck up a conversation with Patrick, the sociable vendor, about the awesome layout, the previous life of vintage clothing and his self proclaimed unparalleled section of expensive vintage rock t-shirts. I proudly told him of my Swedish mauser belt, whereupon he produced a similar, though battered, one from behind the counter. We discussed Australia, traveling and unique 1970’s van The Last Unicorn. As the discussion flowed, Jess and I made the acquaintance of Miles, the resident artist, who was installing a moulding in an open room from which to hang his art. As Jess and I admired his work, Patrick commented that with a pair of sunnies Miles would be the spitting image of the una-bomber to which Miles retorted by saying with the right ink adornment Patrick could easily resemble the notorious Charlie Manson. And so, the four of us chatted and I found my self strangely comfortable among these murderous look likes.
November 29th, 2009
While trawling the streets of New York for finds and wares, I stumbled upon a veritable gold mine of men’s fashion on Mulberry St. The second annual Pop Up Flea a bona fide treasure trove of bespoke tailoring, Leather working, American antiquities and hand made trinket jewelry. Each booth was more amazing than the next, It was like a crash course in mens fashion from the immaculate tailoring Farinelli’s booth to the meticulous craftsmanship of Digby & Iona. The selection offered had me considering the monetary value of at least one of my kidneys. As I was admiring the trinkets at the Digby & Iona pop up shop, an antique pocket compass caught my eye. As I paid for my newly acquired and much ought after key chain I started chatting to the charismatic man behind the trestle table. I soon ascertained that Aaron Ruff was Digby & Iona. We talked about his workmanship, his art(fore there is no doubt that his work is art), and just conversed as two men do. Jess fell in love with an amazing sterling silver ring of two bears and a cognac diamond. As we all continued talking we graciously accepted an invitation to visit his workshop in Brooklyn. As we shook hands I told him I’d bring the beer.
November 26th, 2009
Three days ago, after 27 hours and 10 time zones, I landed at JFK with two goals for my stay. Firstly to reconnect with family and friends which has so far has fantastic and secondly to rediscover NYC. While pioneering through the city I’ve discovered all walks of life but one individual has stood out among the rest. As I strolled up Broadway just south of Union Square on a brisk Sunday evening I ran into a true New York Legend. This month marks the 50 anniversary for Mr. Luis Mendes and his Roloflex.
He started off photographing patrons in a nightclub with the camera and running into the makeshift dark room to quickly develop the photos for the price of 2 dollars a shot. On his first night he was able to earn back the cost of the camera $150 at the time 3 weeks wages. This day set forth a career in street photography here in New York but also through out the continental U.S.A. wherever Roloflex took him.
As I stood in the biting cold, warmed by Luis’ invigorating tales of photography through out the last 5 decades. I learned of his annual moves down to New Orleans for a particular college football game, and world renowned jazz festival and shooting every December night at Rockerfeller earning $1500 at $20 a shot. I couldn’t resist having Luis fix me in his Roloflex’s sites as a token of our encounter and in turn asked if I could reciprocate to which he happily agreed, even giving me a couple pointers along the way. My chance encounter was the perfect New York home coming.
November 17th, 2009
Top image courtesy of Whippsy
I found this Swedish Mauser ammunition belt in a thrift shop in Greenwich village but opted not to buy because it was too expensive, only hours later I regretted my decision. Just the other day I hit up a local Antique center with my girlfriend and found it hanging on a solid wood hatrack along with a decrepit marionette that looked like it should be haunting some child’s nap time. I like that the rustic simplicity of the distressed leather, khaki canvas and brass buckle make this genuine piece of history. Most importantly I like that it’s the perfect riding bandolier and that has nothing to do with a sombrero, tequila, a six shooter or the mexican hat dance. It does have to do with going for a ride with my phone, wallet, keys, and a point and shoot with out stuffing my pockets or having to wear a bag in the smouldering summer heat. It’s turned into a bit of a permanent fixture when I ride now, the perfect balance of form and function. Most imporantly though, it’s the perfect riding accessory letting me carry what i need without hindering movement.
November 5th, 2009
Today is a grave day, a day that will live in drudgery not quite infamy but still not good. I have hung up my riding shoes, a two year old pair ofGrace UBIQs, black leather/black patent leather. And personally i believe this particular pair were made of the stuff of shoe legends the like Mercury’s winged talaria. Jesus’ sandal, or Diamond Encrusted Nike AF1 “So Cals”. Two years ago i strolled in APTMNT and promptly proceeded to wear them to death, I cold heartedly committed pre-meditated shoe murder. But, this isn;t about me or neglectful actions, but rather about this haiku i wrote as a eulogy, entitled:
Ode to my Ubiqs
dopest ubiq shoes
you served me well all these years
you fit like a glove
I should have unplugged them from the life support ages ago but against my better judgement and shirking off the condemning glares much to the embarrassment of myself and others. And short of performing some ungodly Dr. Frankenstein-esque stitching resurrecting it as a Snandle (SNeaker/sANDLE; patent pending), which clearly I’ve considered. I have to let them go. and so. good bye UBIQs.
But Seriously though, these shoes were stellar they were sleek and stylish and most important resilient. They were so comfortable they were quickly promoted to riding shoes which on the other hand drastically shortened their shelf life. Ideally i would love to get my hands on NOS 2007 season but seeing that as unlikely i may have to settle for the new all patent version. I tried digging up some information on this elusive Japanese footwear brand but much like Bruce Wayne they keep their personal affairs in the dark which is fine by me as long as they keep spitting out quality kicks.
