For those of you who follow me on twitter or facebook, you know I have been going back and forth on the idea of producing a snapback cap- well, now I am pleased to say that I have finally made up my mind…there will be an Essential Man snapback.

More results coming soon.

The other day while on Abbot Kinney I stopped by Milkmade to check out their fall inventory, and I must say they have some amazing stuff coming in. Since I had my camera with me, I asked Brandon (store manager) if we could take some impromptu shots of some of the standout pieces (at least to me) in this week’s delivery- and of course he obliged.  In fact this will mark the first installment of “Essential Picks ❘ Retail Edition“.  Things should get better from here- just stay tuned.

- Shirt by Garbstore (SA Mechanics Shirt)

The detailing on this shirt is impeccable.  Made with Japanese selvage chambray cloth.

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Q&A: Teron Stevenson Interview by: Lorenzo Diggins Jr.

Name: Teron Stevenson Company: The Forecast TV / BLVCK SCVLE Position: Executive Producer/Creator of TheForecast.tv and International Sales Manager/Creative Director of BLVCK SCVLE What is the story behind the company/brand?: Theforecast.tv is a video content site the profiles indie fashion designers, brands, and boutiques around the world. Theforecast.tv fills a void. Where there are several blogs that cover indie fashion I don’t believe people get all the information they’re seeking from these outlets. I felt creating a video based site would give people more insight. We also wanted to give a high production quality to the site. So we treat it as if we’re shooting for TV. Where do you go for inspiration?: Outside, the world is full of amazing people, sites, and sounds. What inspires you?: I’m inspired by the future and humans. When I was a kid it was all about the future, the next which was exciting. So I still think that way. Now everything is retro which is absolutely uninspiring. Further more as much as humans terrorize this planet and discredit ourselves for our mistakes. We’ve invented, created, and accomplished some pretty amazing feats. Therefore I watch a lot of documentaries. Is there anything special about the product? (materials, the process, etc.): Theforecast.tv is special because your not getting this type of consistent quality video content about Indie fashion anywhere else. What are 3 words you would use to describe your company?: The Argot Co. (that’s our production company) Personal Style Questions Blackberry or iPhone?: Blackberry Socks or No Socks?: SOCKS! I love socks. Necktie or Bow-tie?: Necktie Chuck Taylor’s or Jack Purcell’s?: That’s soooo tough but I’m going Chucks Denim or Chino’s?: Both What denim/chino brand are you wearing now?: Denim: Iron Heart 21 oz. Chino: Deep in my closet I found a pair of Gap brown houndstooth pants and another pair of steal grey herringbone pants also Gap. I bought them almost 10 years ago so they were a bit baggy. I got them tailored and now I rock them all the time. Do you carry some type of bag (tote, messenger, etc.)? If so, what can we always find in it?: I generally carry my Supreme back pack. You’ll find my Mac in there with some random papers, bills, and a charger. What’s one thing you think every man should own? Condoms What are your 5 essential pieces?: A hat, My Helmut Lang denim jacket, giles & bros. bracelet, seeplus lego earrings, and spectacles

For more information on Teron, click the links below:
theforecast.tv
black-scale.com
twitter.com/​BleuCollar

A couple of weeks ago while I was hanging with Teron at the Black Scale Store/Office, I had the opportunity to conduct a short-interview to learn (and share) more about him as a creative.  Since today is his birthday I figured it was the perfect time to introduce the new Q&A section.  Some of the question may be familiar to some of you who have been with me since day one.

Click here for the interview.

Available this Fall.

Man…its been a minute since I’ve done this type of post but since I’m up doing everything but sleeping I figure I’d share my inspiration with you guys.  Since i’ve been working on some new design projects here lately I find myself up late (I have a SERIOUS case of insomnia) in the wee hours of the night looking everywhere for inspiration.  Well tonight’s inspiration comes from this amazingly cool (< extra emphasis) image of Muhammad Ali I spotted on my friends tumblr.  Muhammad Ali has to be one of my all-time favorite people- and this picture adds to my unwritten list of “all time” favorite photographs.  As soon as I get an office of my OWN this will also be one of the many pictures on the wall!

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
-Muhammad Ali

A couple of years ago I was exposed to the “tailored performance” brand OUTLIER by an old colleague of mine who was an avid cyclist.  At the time I couldn’t quite relate to his enthusiasm of the brand because I wasn’t a cyclist myself (and I’m still not for this matter) but after educating myself on the brand- I began to understand the true significance of the OUTLIER. Though I’m still not cyclist, I have managed to continue to follow OUTLIER and admire them from a distance. They have honestly evolved tremendously as a brand since the two years when I was first exposed to them.

Since this is a lifestyle blog, and because I have a lot of friends who actually prefer to use their bike as their main source of transportation, I felt it was necessary to feature OUTLIER in the next installment of “Essential Picks”, specifically their 4Season OG Pant.  So I enlisted my friend Jeff (you may remember him from this post) to assist me with the visuals and also provide his honest words from a cyclist perspective (he rides his bike almost on a daily basis).  Thank you to Venice, California for providing me with perfect backdrop.

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Sean Knibb
Founder & Creative Director of Knibb Design (Venice, CA)

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to spend some time with Sean Knibb of Knibb Design at his house and design studio in Venice, California.  It was a few months ago when I first met him, we were both getting food from a truck on Abbot Kinney, and I complimented him on his style (he seriously only wears Dior Homme pants)- and at that very moment I knew he was a guy to know…and I was right!  Within my two hours of hanging with Sean, I had learned so much, we talked about everything from traveling to Paris to pursuing dreams to Lanvin sneakers (in which he has a really nice collection) to landscaping to relationships to even to what’s “essential” in our lifestyles.  He’s definitely the epitome of a lifestyle visionary- such impeccable taste. But when it’s all said and done, it just feels good to know such talented and kind-hearted person like Sean.

Check out that what he had to say below.

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Yesterday was a good day- I had the opportunity to visit the Black Scale Store/Office here in Los Angeles (which is pretty amazing, and their upcoming projects is going to change “the game”) to meet up with with my good friend Teron Stevenson (you should be familiar with the name already here) for lunch.  He’s honestly one for the most genuine individuals (extra emphasis on individual) I know…since I’ve met him about 5 years ago, he has remained consistent and has always been supportive of me and my endeavors.  Just an around good guy.

During my time at the office, we talked about everything from hip-hop to fatherhood to what’s “essential” in his life.  Check out that what he had to say below.

For more information on The Essential Men Project click here.