MY FIRST PUNK MOMENT
It was 1981 and I was 10 years old. Looking back, this is even more punk rock than I remembered.
RAG & BONE GETS DOWN
We're getting this jacket in gray.Support the little guy and pre-order from Blackbird.
email: info@blackbirdballard.com
via Men.Style.com
"This fall, Rag & Bone is introducing a down jacket with zip-off sleeves made in collaboration with the outdoorsy Massachusetts brand Penfield. Designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville have, for the most part, kept the iconic Penfield shape intact and messed instead with the fabrics: The puffer comes in black and gray, and features the same water-resistant and windproof melton Schoeller wool that the duo deployed in their Fall '09 apparel. (It also has the Bemberg lining they use in their suits.) "The reason I approached them initially is that it's very difficult to make down products, and they're great at it," explains Wainwright. He goes on to say that, as longtime Penfield fans, neither he nor Neville saw any particular need to fancy-up the jacket's basic form. "We toned down their Western yoke, and the fit is according to our specs," he says. "There aren't too many really archetypal silhouettes for men, and this is one of them." If it ain't broke...
The Rag & Bone for Penfield jacket, $795, rag-bone.com
MAYA SINGER
Photo: Courtesy of Rag & Bone"
EDITH MACEFIELD
You may have read last week about Edith Macefield here on the Blackbird blog. This week Leo and I (Nicole), along with a handful of Ballardites, elected to tattoo that little house of hers on our bodies. For each of us, Edith, her actions and her house have varied meanings, but what is consistant is that we feel strong enough to carry these meanings with us to our graves. Ballard is not just a neighborhood. It's a place for people like Edith.
Here are some pictures of our tattoo sessions and the final products.
Anchor Tattoo decorum.CHARLES LEO GEBHARDT IV
Step 1.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Step 4.
Step 5.
Beautiful!Nicole Marion Miller
(foot)
Ignoring the awkward pain.
One little house.
PROPERTY OF... SPRING COLLECTION ONLINE
As you may recall from last year, we are only selling Property of... bags and small goods online. Today we were able to load up photos of a dozen or so various Spring items onto BlackbirdBallard.com. Expect more to come in the next few days.
In the meanstime, take a look at what's available now and then ignore that we haven't written descriptions of anything yet.
In the meanstime, take a look at what's available now and then ignore that we haven't written descriptions of anything yet.
Here's a sample:
Property of... - Jackson Tri-Wallet
in brown (comes in black too)
DETAILS: All leather wallet with zip. Loads of of space for cash, cards and coins. This is a great wallet for anyone.
$140
iPHOTO DIARY: LIE STEAL CHEAT AND DECEIT
On January 31st, Ballard retailers busted a thief that had been stealing wallets and purses out of the back rooms of our shops and breaking into some establishments for cash. It was fitting that we caught him on the final day of a crazy/crappy year for retail. We all stood on the corner, high-fived and smiled. I walked away wondering what the new year would bring and if this feeling of empowerment would last. Almost three months later, I'd say it has.
Go Ballard!IN THE CLOSET: KZO MENTION
I truly enjoyed the latest episode of In The Closet. Excellent info for people who wear menswear. Here's my commentary:
1.
Clear framed sunglasses: Love the trend and glad they showed lots of color and opacity options. People could get really messed up thinking it's only about the clear frame when those aren't the easiest to pull off.
2.
Shorter shorts: Very good. If you are older, don't wear the over the knee style of surf trunk. I would like to add that all bodies are different and you should wear what works for you. Bring a friend and ask for feedback.
I'd also like to mention that GQ did some tutorial a while back on which types of shorts looks best on different body types. The stand out was that chubby guys should not wear elastic waist shorts; the flat kind is best as your chub won't hang over. If you are trim, the elastic ones are cool.
One of my rules about men's swimwear is to look for a pair with a liner. I know you think people can't see your junk, but we can.
3.
Skinny jeans: I agree with the "buy jeans that fit" comment. Skinny guys need slim jeans that are cut for their bony legs and thank the gods that there are finally great options on the market (KZO, Wings+Horns). In regards to avoiding denim with stretch. You'd be surprised. I think that's a silly rule to follow.
4.
Brands to watch: I LOVE that KZO was mentioned!!! Joel is talented. Someone needs to help Josh with the pronunciation: it's just K.Z.O.. From what I hear, it was Kazuo which was Joel's grandfather's name. The problem was that in Japan, that name is like Steve and not very exciting. To market to the Japanese, the name was modified.
Great work Tyler and Josh!!!
iPHOTO DIARY: ODYN VOVK NY FASHION WEEK AW2009
Behind the scenes: hair and make-up
Behind the scenes: hair and make-up again
Behind the scenes: Austin (right) working out the final details
Behind the scenes: to FEAR or not to FEAR?
Showtime!
DEATH: Here's a little kangaroo leather face mask so you don't pass your little germs onto little children or little old people. Hard-core, no?
DARKNESS: Super nice kid. One of the few models that behaved.
ATTITUDE: Austin impressed me by using girls in his show. Odyn Vovk is a perfect unisex line in my opinion.
DREAMY: This was my favorite model from the GQ/CFDA presentation and from the Odyn Vovk show. Fun, possitive and authentic goes along way with me.iPHOTO DIARY: CFDA GQ PARTY PRESENTATION THING
GQ did a fine job hosting the CFDA Menswear deal this year/season. I must confess that I can't keep it all straight. Some friends were kind enough to invite me to this charming event in New York last month while I was there for Fashion Week. Here are some candid shots from the evening and a little commentary help the story along.
Let's cut to the chase... After making at least 4 loops around that godforsaken 102 degree room, my pal Dez and I huddled by the AC unit and suicide proof, 4" cracked window for half of the night. Here was our view of the barmaids, models and sweaty fashion biz folks. Free cold beer!
People like these make industry events fun! Here are Kirk and Chris Bray from Billykirk. Real people that work real hard in this business are rare. In addition, these two are a hoot! Be sure to ask them about their uncle whats-his-name from the South with the taxidermy chimpanzee on his porch (or something like that).
The lovely Alex Carleton, designer of Rogues Gallery and our new line Never Sleep
L to R: Halmos & Shipley
Geller!!!
Being a model at one of these things must suck. Remember, it was hot on the ground and they were standing above us, wearing layers of winter clothing. We were sweaty and they were dying as slow death.
Geller stole the show in my opinion.The one magic moment we didn't get a picture of was my friend Dez standing two inches away from Mr. Tommy Hilfiger.
DEAREST ROBERT GELLER SWEATER, PLEASE FIND A YOURSELF A HOME BECAUSE YOU ARE SO GOOD AND NEED TO BE LOVED
Short-sleeve cable knit cardigan. Button closure with detachable belt. Shawl collar. Due to the asymmetrical closure, the front portion creates a partial double layer, resulting in a very warm layering piece. The short sleeves also allow for the cardigan to fit comfortable under a jacket. Made from a thick and heavy 70% wool/30% alpaca blend. Made in Japan.BLOGS: STYLE ROOKIE
I've known about Tavi and her blog Style Rookie for a while. Simply put, I didn't want to share her with you. She's just a kid and in my opinion should be left alone for at least 4 more years to prevent some kind of Olsen twin/Lindsay Lohan tragedy. Read her blog. Maybe buy her t-shirt. Then stand back and wait. She will find us.
"12 year old garden gnome with the brain of a wind-up monkey, posture of a crotchety old hag, and tact of Larry David. I enjoy vulgar thoughts, rapping about Rei Kawakubo, and reenacting scenes from the Lion King with 10-month-old babies. I am not cute. "-Tavi
BIRGITTA: LINEN KIMONO SLEEVE CAPE
Pleasure Principle - Linen Kimono Sleeve Capein black and gray stripe
DETAILS: The dark tendencies of a big oversize cape gets a touch of playfulness with a woven linen striped fabric and buttoned front closure. A great item to play around with during the springtime. This piece is also unisex.
sizes: S or M
$312.00
link
ROGUES GALLERY MADRAS SHIRT
Rogues Gallery - Madras Shirtin Slate Overdye (which means green)
DETAILS: Slim fit short sleeve shirt that can easily be worn tucked in or hanging out. This shirt is too good to pass up.
sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL
$77
click to buy
(seen with Tyler J.'s personal pair of KZO jeans, the hottest jean since Wings+Horns Tiger Fleece tea cozies)
VILLIANS, THEY'RE GOOD GUYS
Alex from Villians paid us a visit the other day and Leo was lucky to capture his image on his digital camera. Hi Alex!LEO ROMERO
Check out the shred power of pro-skater Leo Romero:
Through his sponsorship with RVCA, Leo collaborated in the design of his pro model jean the RVCA Romero. This best selling jean is a basic straight-leg low-rise jean made from a stretch denim and seems to fit just about any guy for $92.
A noteworthy coincidence: According to Wikipedia, Leo Romero shares the same birthday with our own Charles "Leo" Gebhardt (give or take a few years).
HOSTEL SEATTLE
Are you thinking about a visit to Seattle? I've discovered this under-the-radar hostel here in Ballard right by the water. It's called Hostel Seattle and it actually seems like a good thing. Price are currently listed as $70 for a private room and $30 for a mixed dorm situation.On another note, they are hiring for work trade. You can work there 25 hours a week in trade for a place to live. Sounds pretty great to me if I didn't have a job and wanted to move to Seattle for the Summer. Whoa! You could work at Blackbird the rest of the week and have it made!
iPHOTO DIARY: JOEL KNOERNSCHILD of KZO VISITS BLACKBIRD
6:01 pmBeer and Rootbeer Social at Blackbird
Joel took this photo of me. Love the blur.
7:39 pmBeer and Rootbeer Social at Blackbird
L to R: Leo socializes, Tyler J. rings up his pal Jeff and Tyler B. leans.
7:40 pmBeer and Rootbeer Social at Blackbird
Shoot! I should take a picture of Joel's table of KZO joy before it's destroyed by drunks. Ironically, this table was found in a Ballard alley by Joel's pal and KZO collaborator Brett Westfall last year for the Unholy Matrimony installation. Handy!
7:56 pmBeer and Rootbeer Social at Blackbird
L to R: Joel, Tyler Brown and Tyler's super cool friend.
8:15 pm to 10:30 pm
Copper Gate, Ballard Wash
Everyone met up at out local Swedish bar for some Aquavit, Swedish meatballs and cauliflower soup. We drank more than we at and the table was jam packed. The night gets vague after this point.
10:48 pmBilly's House
L to R: Leah Lawrence, Billy Bartels, Leo Gebhardt and Ingmar Gebhardt. I can't recall why we stopped at Billy's, never the less, it was fun.
10:48:47 pmBilly's House
Joel with Growler of beer. We drank out of these big jugs all night. I think there was also a jug of Trader Joe's Ecinacia Lemonade passing around also.
11:00 pm t0 12:30 am
Some illegal club in Seattle
Leo's friends were playing a show at this illegal music venue. It was BYOB so we B our own Gs (growlers). When we arrived, the place was packed and we weaseled our way to the front and sat on the floor at the feet of the lead singer. The crowd was enthralled with there experimental, ethereal rock. It was heavy and sweet. The next band was not as good so we left.
12:48 amTin Hat, Ballard Wash
Joel watches us play Medieval Madness!!!
1:25 amTin Hat, Ballard Wash
Joel, Billy and Leah embrace. Adam Sinding, and Rachel Wianecki, friends of Blackbird meet up with the gang. Meanwhile, I start falling asleep. I'm out!
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