I would be lying if I told you that I was always hip to the Denim Debate, in fact, to be perfectly honest with you it wasn’t until recently (a few months ago) that I discovered it for myself.  After spending a few hours navigating through the site for the first time, by time I was finished I made it a personal goal to one day become a contributor for Denim Debate…well guess what?  I am pleased to say…that day has come!  I will will be documenting my whole experience in my new oneculture PULSAR’s. (Talking about a great way to end the year!)

Follow the pursuit.

Thank you Mark (oneculture) and Ryan (Denim Debate) for the opportunity!

Goodmorning everyone…I hope you all had a pleasant Christmas- I know I did!  So the other day I peeped (< excuse my poor choice of word) this picture of Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie on my boy, Ontario (Armstrong & Wilson), BBM icon pic and I immediately hit him up to ask him to email it to me.  I don’t know exactly what it is, but it is something about this pictures that brings me so much inspiration; perhaps because it is an example of  another emotionally “contagious” photograph? Whatever the case maybe, I have another picture to add to the walls of my future office!

“I don’t know what other people are doing – I just know about me.” – Thelonious Monk

A couple of days ago my girlfriend and I went to Disneyland to celebrate her graduating from college, and after only getting two hours of sleep the night before…I made it through the day (well almost)!

Now this is a good candid shot! #lovethyself

Since my post regarding “my new denim jeans” everyone has been asking me about them…well this is the answer to all of your questions.  A few months ago while looking at Denim Debate, I was exposed to an up and coming denim brand by the name of oneculture, and since I was unfamiliar with the brand I decided to do my own research- which ultimately led to my new found love for the company.  To fast forward to a few months later (now) it’s only right that oneculture is the brand for my next denim experiment. Just to give you a little background information, oneculture is an independently run San Francisco Bay Area based denim brand that offers a fresh, thoughtful perspective on raw denim. The jeans are a stylishly eccentric mix of Mark’s (owner/designer) 1970’s childhood nostalgia, architecture and Bay Area home town pride- with a pinch of denim geek.

(more…)

Good morning everyone (or good afternoon for some).  I want to share something with you that should put you in good spirits for the holidays!  Last night I received a message from my buddy and fellow Essential Man, Ruben Hughes of Two Inch Cuffs informing me that the new “Holiday Edition has just been released.”  So I immediately went to (my computer) check it out, and to my surprise there was a new addition to their traditional photo editorials; this time around they included a video which is simply amazing.  In my humble opinion, Two Inch Cuffs is on a real fast pace to being a leading lifestyle visionary (I’m coining that phrase) of our time…conceptually they are going to change the game.  Pay close attention to what they have in store for the upcoming year!

Click here to more on Two Inch Cuffs.

Great job Ruben…this editorial was curated to perfection.

I’m sure you all have had an ensemble (outfit) that you are really proud of…well this is one of my many lol!  This outfit is a collective of some of my favorite purchases (come ups) of the year, especially the GANT Rugger denim jean jacket and the Shades of Grey multi-pocket pants (with red/white plaid lining).

The Essential Man: H.D. Buttercup (Los Angeles, CA)

Spectacles- Tom Ford (Jack)-Black

Shirt- GAP Red Chambray Shirt  Jacket- Gant Rugger Jean Jacket

Pants- Shades of Grey multi-pocket pants

Footwear- Banana Republic

-LD-

Man…it feels good to be back! (<) Which happens to be my exact sentiments towards me being a designer (surprise…surprise).  It’s been so long since I actually sat down and sketched something, but these last few nights (early mornings) I have been controlled by creativity.  Can’t wait to see the finished product from this.  Stay tuned!

#TEM2011

-LD-

Two of my favorite things combined…stationery and gadgets!  Man this Christmas is going to be good!

Moleskine Tablet Cover & Volant Notebook (iPad)

-LD-

Every year I get myself a Christmas gift (lol I know I’m not the only one) and this year is no different; but this time around there isn’t that many things that I really want- especially since I managed to get the main things throughout the year.  However the one thing (well two things) that I really want as of now are the hi-top CdG PLAY x Converse (both colors); back in April when I got the low-tops I really wanted them then (couldn’t afford all four pair) and by time I was able to get the them, they were sold out.  I promised myself if they were ever re-released I would get them…well tis’ is the season to keep my promise, they were re-released!

What’s on your Christmas list? (please share)

-LD-

Initially this post was intended for “The Underdog” section of my blog, but since I am a few weeks late with posting this (should have had this posted about a month ago) Vanishing Elephant is no longer the underdog because they just recently won the “Fashion Designer of the Year” award for GQ Magazine: Men of the Year 2010 (Australia).  *Standing Ovation*

To be honest with you, I really wanted to save this post for the new layout (oops the secret is out) but I’m afraid to wait any longer.  I have been following the Australian based brand for sometime now, and it’s amazing to see them finally start to receive some of the accolades they rightfully deserve.  In my humble opinion, Vanishing Elephant raises the bar on ALL levels, from their fine Italian leather footwear to their tailored suits they continue to provide men with classic essential pieces.  I was able to get in touch (via email) with the three founders of the brand and ask them a few questions regarding Vanishing Elephant, check out their answers below.

Name: Huw Bennett, Felix Chan & Arran Russell

Company: Vanishing Elephant

Position: All Founders

What is the story behind the brand?:
3-year-old menswear label by 3 friends making nice colourful classic pieces.

Is there anything special about the product? (materials, the process, etc.):
It’s all pretty special to us and hopefully to others as well.

What are the design principles in every piece?:
Functionality, form and handle – everything is made to be worn comfortably.

What are 3 words you would use to describe your company?:
Cool, Cooler, Coolest!

*click on image to enlarge*

These are some of my favorite looks/pieces from their upcoming Winter 11 collection (fyi their (Australia) seasons are opposite from ours).

Since this blog is “MY take on life and how it is translated though style” whenever I can get the chance to learn the influences of other Essential Men I am all ears (or eyes for this matter), which is why I extended my questions to learn more about Huw, Felix and Arran.

Vanishing Elephant (L-R): Felix, Huw, and Arran

Blackberry or iPhone?: 2 Blackberry, 1 iPhone

Socks or No Socks?: Usually let the weather dictate this one.  At the moment, no socks. But we have produced some fine socks for the coming season.

Desert Boots or Boat Shoes?: Desert boots

Do you carry a tote bag? If so, what can we always find in it?:
There are many varieties of man bags in our office, you’re likely to find loads of note books, ipods, replacement sunglasses and if you look in Felix’s bag you will find half his bank balance in coins..

What denim brand are you wearing now?: Bassike

Raw or washed denim?: Washed for Australian summer.

And last but not least, what are your 5 essential pieces?:
White Oxfords, comfortable jeans, nike free shoes, chambray shirt and clean underpants.

Thanks again Steve for linking everything together!

-LD-