ON & BEYOND

The main goal of the trip was….

Probably in the top 3 of my favorite stores of all time…Concepts had it right; great service, amazing brand list and phenomenal merchandising. From Redwings to Visvim and CDG to Clarks originals, the guys really know what they’re doing… Big ups to the big fellow who…strangely, looked like my man dave…
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Our second day in Boston was one of the most epic days of our (Angelo, Maura and I) lives. We woke up early to be able to hit up Bodega as our jaws dropped when we saw Materazzi at the entrance of the boutique (You may know him from such football games as world cup 2006 final), and although seeing him gave me a sour taste on the tongue (long live zizou), I couldn’t deny that this guy was a great player who’s done wonders for Intermilan. Now…Bodega, itself, is probably the most Creatively innovative store I’ve ever step foot into. The idea itself gives me shivers…I’m bummed they didn’t let me snap any shots of the infamous sliding Snapple door…I did, however, meet Leo and Randy who were of exceptional help.

I haven’t had internet or a phone in the passed 4 days, hence the lack of updates on the feed. I was in Boston…a city that is now officially added to my “possible places to move to” list. From the architecture, the people, the jazz, the lobsters; everything was just right.

We went to the Premium outlets…my day summarizes itself with 3 pictures:

By far the dopest Fried Chicken I’ve ever eaten. (Yes I capitalize Fried Chicken, it’s just that important.)

By far the dopest street cat I’ve ever met. According to Lemont (below), we are sitting on Malcom X’s steps and we are in front of the ONLY remaining Jazz bar of the good ole days (Wally’s Cafe). The 62-year-old sliver of a South End bar feels much like a place Louis Armstrong might have played when he was merely another impressive young guy with a trumpet. In fact, Lemont was daring enough to list a few names who’ve passed by the historic joint, including Charlie Parker and Billy Holiday.

Got a few things today that I’m extremely stoked about, first is a pair of veggie mowats that I just HAD to shoot, and I must say they look great in pictures! (ONCE AGAIN, I snapped these product shots…so give cred where it’s due you thieves, I say this because I see my shit around the intrawebs with no source..shame on youz.)

Alex ( Rvca / Altamont / LRG / Freshjive / Etnies / Es / Emerica…list never really ends) came to pick Angelo and I up for a little showroom action at the giant loft building located right next to the canal. Inside of it is 5 stories of spacious lofts with high brick walls which climb up to imposingly beamed wooden ceilings. Perfect for a photoshoot I must admit…hmmm

In case you aren’t convinced, there’s also a restaurant in the building serving a delicious spinach and baby tomato pene with bocconcini and garlic bread..

Here’s a peek at some Spring 10 RVCA gear that caught my eye. (By the way, I took these product shots, so give credit where it is due if you are about to steal these :)

One of my favorite photographers as well as designers, is actually also a dear friend of mine…She left me in 08 to pursue a career far beyond achievable for hopeless artists like myself. Ariane, however, recently designed graphics for Vivienne Westwood‘s limited Pendants, and let me just tell you how proud I am of her. Vivienne Westwood is the reason why Hiroshi Fujiwara is as opposed to isn’t…Arr, I miss ya!

Saw these in the office today and just felt the necessity of shooting them…I remember falling in love with them in 07 on a sidewalk sale on st-laurent when she was wearing them…Dating from 99, the construction of this shoe is just impressive…no excess glue or threads sticking out…