Issue No. 24 | Wanderlust
20 March 2010 1:23am PST
20 March 2010 1:23am PST
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Mr. Kim 
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Op-Ed: The State of Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles is a place that has been left desolate and abandoned. It is a place where the nature of human beings are put fully to the the test, both from those who permit certain people to remain in pain, and for those who are left on the wayside of poverty. This is Los Angeles at it’s worst, and in some strange way, at its best.
17 February 2010 12:32am | 2
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| Op-Ed: The Curse of Mr. Browne
Thirony of it all.
Thom Browne, leader of the current charge in bespoke tailoring in American menswear, is sure to be fuming, or at least a tad bit amused if he indeed has a sense of humor. Bequeathed the title of “Designer of the Year” from GQ in 2008, Mr. Browne’s signature and now ubiquitous ’shrunken suit’ has influenced every single high end fashion from Gucci to Comme des Garcons.
Yet of all brands to influence would be the lower more affordable platitudes of retail, the kind of places for everyday college kids and diligent nine to fivers would shop, the fashion mall. Yes you would be surprised wouldn’t you. But the fashion mall has very much become the new hotbed for buying great suits. Where do you say? No, not J.Crew (although I certainly have been impressed with their latest offerings), might I recommend Club Monaco. Yes of all places Club Monaco will deliver you the kind of suit that Mr. Browne has been offering in the last several years at huge discounted rates. Whereas a typical suit from Thom Browne ranges from $3,500 to $5,000, Club Monaco has done a very good job in providing a similar “Browne-ish” cut for under $500.00!
What I find to be utterly fascinating about this entire exchange is that the reason for Club Monaco’s sudden new brand direction and aesthetic touch is the fact that Club Monaco’s newest installment is Creative Director Timothy Farrah, a designer who worked under Thom Browne for his Black Fleece collection for Brooks Brothers. It is undeniable that Mr. Farrah took liberal cues in designing the current Club Monaco suit range; and for this, I am actually excited that this fashion forward silhouette is now available for those who can’t afford a Thom Browne original. What is more interesting is that Mr. Browne himself used to helm the Club Monaco position as its Creative Director several years ago, before he made a name for himself!
Let’s get this straight, so you too can join me in my laughter and open amusement: Thom Browne once works for Club Monaco as its Creative Director, he leaves and launches his own namesake label, years later a designer under his wing goes back to Mr. Browne’s original roost to only create a ‘tributary’ collection inside the very halls of Club Monaco. Now if that isn’t a more perfect and classic example of how the fashion industry works! So where does this leave us for the end-consumer? Well….the economy is tanking and last I checked $5,000 dollars for a grey shrunken designer suit is kind of rad if you’re trying to make that statement, but knocking off a zero and getting the same effect sounds kind of like a deal, no? Mr. Browne, I love your work and I have the utmost respect for your craft, but in some ways I cannot forgo the product and its price, which beckons me…yes, at my local mall.
- Mr. Kim
The irony of it all.
Thom Browne, leader of the current charge in bespoke tailoring in American menswear, is sure to be fuming, or at least a tad bit amused if he indeed has a sense of humor. Bequeathed the title of “Designer of the Year” from GQ in 2008, Mr. Browne’s signature and now ubiquitous ’shrunken suit’ has influenced every single high end fashion from Gucci to Comme des Garcons. →
13 January 2010 2:13am | 1 |
| Ms. Priscilla Ahn
A new talent from Blue Note Records, Ms. Priscilla Ahn. Take a keen listen. →
29 December 2009 7:09am | |
| SENA NYC
SENA is a new line from Sena Yang, a dear friend of mine yet a talented designer in her own right. Sena has proven her design chops working at La Rok, Alexander McQueen, Catherine Malandrino, and Sue Stemp. SENA is debuting their 2010 collection entitled as “Urban Promenade” with an emphasis on knits offered in a wide range of →
14 October 2009 9:26pm | |
| The Process – Profile: Eddie Cruz
As you guys know, Maestro and I have been busy the last several months working on a video series called “The Process.” The idea came about from sharing stories about the small nuances and tidbits that I gain each and every time I meet people that inspire me. Most of you guys now know who Maestro is, his show, “Maestro Knows” has become an internet hit sensation. I met Maestro before all this was happening but I had a sense that this kid could shoot and he had an innate skill to frame a story. Collaborating with Maestro on this project came as →
12 October 2009 9:16am | 3 |
| A Conversation with Sky
Meet Sky Gellatly. One of my closest friends that I’ve been fortunate to have met working in the fashion industry. Whenever I visit New York, I end up staying at his pad. And of course whenever he is in town in LA, I return the favor. We’ve known each other for over close to five years. Working with your friends is always a blessing. I wouldn’t be friends with Sky if it wasn’t for his off kilter sense of humor. Say hello to Mr. G!
9 October 2009 6:28pm | 1 |
| A Conversation with Toks
Echo Park is one of the last vestiges of a town-like setting in Los Angeles. Echo Park originally found as Edendale used to be the movie capital of Los Angeles. In fact most silent films featuring Charlie Chaplin were filmed in Echo Park lake. Recently an influx of hipsters/hippies into Echo Park has created an economic and cultural shift in the city. This is a candid interview with one of Echo Park’s inhabitants. Meet Toks, he possesses an old soul and he shares some interesting words on life in the good ol’ EP.
30 September 2009 12:25am | |
| Amp Energy for Evil Monito
A couple of months ago I was asked by Bee Nguyen to participate in a video interview to promote the new AMP Energy drink. I was kinda hesitant but when he mentioned the fine roster of folks who were involved, I relented. I was really psyched on collaborating with Guy Logan who did an excellent job in filming. I was sick at the time →
31 August 2009 10:36am | 2 |
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