David: Moral Fibers Photo Shoot (Clothing)

Homepage Photo for Moral Fibers (Click the photo to continue onto the website)

A few weeks ago photographer Sarah Kjelleren, model Amy Douglas, and myself went down to NYC to shoot and model for the Moral Fibers 2011 Summer Lookbook. Moral Fibers is a new company based out of Montreal owned by co-founders Matt and Martin. The t-shirts are designed by Haitian artists and have a smart phone QR code printed on the back for potential buyers to scan and check out the shirts on their phones. If the person scanning the shirt decides to buy one, the person wearing the shirt makes money from the purchase. An idea that makes this company extremely unique from the rest. Click the photos for more information and be sure to buy a shirt as well!

Summer Lookbook 2011 Cover (Click the photo to view the full lookbook)

http://moralfibers.co/
https://twitter.com/MoralFibers

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Gray: Crap Eyewear!

Recently I have been losing everything in the midst of some very sober evenings... My cell phone went missing last Thursday, probably have lost my LMU one card 3 times last week, and my Sabre Heartbreakers are no where to be found. Luckily I have awesome friends with extra verizon phones so thats taken care of, but the sunglasses issue still needs to be resolved. A homie right down the hall from me was talking about how his brother helped start some company that makes shades weezy rocks, so I was down to check these out. It is kind of a mix between the heartbreakers and wayfarers, but half the cost. The company is called Crap Eyewear, and have been making shades low key for years. It wasn't until 2009 when they put up a website and started shipping these things all over the place, and really started to get noticed. They have 4 frames out right now, including the Beach Party, the Nudie Mag, the Human Fly, and the Juan Jovi. The thing about this company is its not big enough to where you see these all over the place, but dope enough for weezy to be rocking them on the cover of his new mixtape, I Am Not A Human Being. Check these shades out, and support a local southern Californian company!

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David: Spain Trip - Day 2

Monastery in Madrid

Day 2 in Spain was another relaxed day for the most part. We started off with breakfast at the hotel and drove about 30 minutes to a monastery a little outside the city. Unfortunately it was another location where we couldn't take pictures inside so I wasn't able to get much, but our tour guide took us around and told us about the history and the significant events that happened within the monastery. One of the most magnificent rooms was the Pantheon of Kings located just below the church. The whole room was covered in marble and gold with tombs surrounding the walls of different Kings and Queens of Spain.

Library in the Monastery

Afterwards we went to the Prado Museum where we saw paintings from some of the most famous and well known artists including Francisco Goya and Diego Valázquez. Again we weren't allowed to take pictures, but I did sneak a few just for you guys so please excuse the bad angles because I was trying to hide my actions.

Las Meninas by Diego Valázquez (1656. Oil on canvas)
This is one of the most famous paintings of all time

Once we finished touring the Prado Museum we went into the center of Madrid, went shopping, and got dinner. I didn't really want to buy anything so I stuck to trying to makeover some of my friends, which it worked out pretty well with one of them. Cleaner fit for the win, guys get off that baggy look you should be off that by now. 

Kilometer 0 (the center of Madrid)

After shopping we went to dinner, which I started off with a three cheese salad, then a steak with a spicy dressing, and finished it with cream puffs for dessert. Day two in Spain done, a lot more to go!

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David: Those DeLaLuz Online Store Opening at Midnight!

Click the picture to head to their store

Recenlty we've been in contact with the girls from Those DeLaLuz talking about and getting ready for their online store to officially open tomorrow (1/14) at midnight. The store will feature several of their signature releases including the Signature Crewneck, the Peru Beanie, and Glow Button. Everything will be released in limited quantities, so while quickness on the web isn't required it may be desired!

Signature Crewneck
I'm digging the elbow pads on this. Adds a nice touch.

Peru Beanie
I'm definitely going to need one of these!

Shouts to Those DeLaLuz. Can't wait to see everything that's to come when the shop opens up!

Head over to their site at midnight to start shopping! http://www.thosedelaluz.com

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David: ChristianFGY x UNDFTD Pre-New Year's Party

Above is ChristianFGY's footage of UNDFTD's Pre New Year's Party in Las Vegas. Check it out!
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Gray: Got My Vans On...

So first semester I was stupid when it came to kicks. Rockin' my J's to parties, then being too wasted to do anything about the scuffs when I stumble back into my room. Jordans rarely make an appearance anymore anyway, since I skate to class, and I sure as hell am not skating in Jordans... and when I am not in class its either studying or partying, so you get the picture. The first time I was out in LA with David, he told me to look out for the Vans fetish this city has, and since I have been living out there, the truth behind David's words only became more apparent. Vans are cheap, comfortable, and they are fresh. I never ended up getting a pair out there, but i found a couple pair under my tree this year. I feel a collection about to begin...

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David: GARSEEYUHtv x UNICO x Elite Soles (Teaser)

Below is a video the homie Elvin Roman of The Unico 1990 sent me today. Little teaser for all you TKFV readers. Support and watch the video below:



"The UNICO 1990 and F*ck the Rest"
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David: Rage! The Surprise Kid Cudi NYC Performance!

Gabriel Acevedo of the ninGa tuRdels sent this over to me after I met up with him at the Bape store last week in New York City. Below is the surprise Kid Cudi NYC show in celebration of his new album and the release of his very own exclusive T-Shirt in collaboration with Japanese brand A Bathing Ape.



Man On The Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager available now!

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David: Buy One NoLabel Watch Get One Free Sale!

Today and today only till 9pm, NoLabel Watches is having a buy one get one free sale. So if you have a few extra bucks to spend and want to get two new watches for the price of one, head over to their website now and check out the special offer! I'm sure plenty of you have been seeing me sporting the new red NoLabel Watch I got in New York City as well! So definitely get up on these guys. Huge support from TKFV!

Head over to http://www.nolabelwatches.com/

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David: Cavi Sport x No Label Watches (Skate Video)

Above is a skate video featuring Cavi Sport and NoLabel Watches by Arif Syed Film Design. The homie Nes from NoLabel Watches sent this over to us last night to check out. Gray and myself being big fans of both fashion and sports thought the visuals for the project turned out dope so we had to post it here for everyone on TKFV to see. Check it out up top!

http://www.nolabelwatches.com/

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Gray: Sealed4Freshness Products are In!

Homies Alex Herko and Max Bailey are getting things going with their first batch of S4F tees. After trying out a few different types of shirts and different printing companies, they got a sample they were stoked on. For their first shirt available for purchase, they have the yellow Sealed4Freshness North American "Coast to Coast" logo on the blue T. Simple yet dope, one of these will be added to my wardrobe for sure. You can purchase these in sizes S-XL HERE. Show your support, these guys are homies with a good eye.

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David: Create Build Destroy 2011 Spring/Summer Lookbook

Click images to enlarge

"Cradled and nestled within a womb reeking of urban decay, Children of a Lesser God is a figurative and explorative search seeking to uproot and manifest a sensibility of polarized extremes in consciousness and dogma. Adhering to a regimen founded upon rather scattered principles, the story begins with a budding dream sequence, following the wearer into an encapsulated and fragmented vision, each piece revolving around around a greater search–that which isolates the god complex within each and everyone of us.”

If you were paying attention a few months ago I posted the 2011 Spring/Summer Lookbook for Create Build Destroy Clothing called, Children of a Lesser God. I had to take it down because of the timing, but now I'm throwing it back up for good so everyone can check it out again. CBD is family to TKFV and we're very close to the people behind the project. So you know there's nothing but love coming from us every single time something new comes out. Most of our TKFV photo shoots even feature nothing but CBD clothing (Up top photo: Gray is wearing the Pencey Prep sweatshirt and I'm wearing the Isis Rising tee, though you can't see it under my jean jacket). So as you can probably guess, we're very excited for the 2011 Spring/Summer season to drop! Here's a look at what is to come:

Models
JP & Alex

Photographs
Maurice Chalfin, Alaia Ortega, Jesse Zorski

Contact
US Sales & Press: Jordan@createbuilddestroy.com
International Sales & Press: Chiara@247showroom.it

Website
http://createbuilddestroy.com/

Shouts out to Jordan Boyea, Alex Hollender, and Jesse Zorski at CBD!

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David: TKFV Introduction - Jordan Boyea (Interview)

Jordan Boyea. Photo taken by Zack Griswald

I'd like to introduce one of the most important people I have ever met in my entire life, Jordan Boyea, to the readers here at TKFV. I've known this guy ever since I started DJing about 4 years ago, and honestly without him I doubt I would be the person I am today. This dude right here has motivated me to continue to do what I do and do it the best I can. It's good to have someone to look up to.

Just last week we sat down together for TKFV's very first interview, and I'm glad it was him. Get ready though because this is only the first! Get to know Jordan Boyea below:

D: Could you tell us a little about yourself?

J: My name’s Jordan Boyea. I’m 29 years old, and I run a small clothing boutique on Church Street in Burlington, Vermont. I’ve been doing this for about 8 years and I’m also a part of a men’s contemporary clothing brand based out of New York City and Vermont called Create Build Destroy. I do public relations, marketing, and production for the brand.

D: What got you into fashion?

J: There wasn’t really one specific thing that got me into fashion. It wasn’t like I went to school for it. In high school I was an art major but I was very mediocre at art. I was more into the ascetics of music and fashion, and I think that’s what got me started. When I was living on the west coast in California I got introduced to a brand that was up and coming at the time. When I moved back east, I brought the brand back with me and figured I could start a store in Burlington where there wasn’t that genre of clothing in the area. So I decided to open up a store here in Vermont and that’s how I got my start.

D: When was Steez founded and what got you involved in creating this company?

J: Steez was founded in 1997. Then it was only my current business partner’s, Fattie B’s, online business, selling T-shirts and artwork. I didn’t move to Vermont until late 2002. When he saw that I was in touch with these clothing brands that were only available in California, we came together and decided that we’d do art and clothing together in one store. At the time it wasn’t really called “street wear,” but that’s what it’s called now. We kept the name Steez because Fattie already had it incorporated before.

Steez Clothing on 104 Church Street Suite 2A, Burlington, Vermont

D: Tell us a little about Create Build Destroy clothing.

J: Create Build Destroy was a brand that my partner, Alex Hollender, and his cousin started as Create Clothing. They started their company when both were in high school, selling their products locally. They came to me a few seasons into its existence, and pitched this idea to me about how they wanted to expand the business, and change the name to Create Build Destroy. I thought the whole idea behind their business plan was cool, and something I could relate to. I really felt that there was a market here for their clothes, as fashion was changing at that point. They brought me onboard around 2007. We started working together and getting their clothes into magazines, blogs, and some of the best street wear stores in the United States and across the globe. It took off from there and we came to a point where we stopped everything and changed directions and went more in the direction that we all really wanted to go in, which was more contemporary high end fashion. That’s been going on for the last year and it’s doing really well. Right now we have a show room in Italy that shows our stuff with brands like Henry Vibskov, Opening Ceremony, Surface to Air, etcetera. We’re also working with a show room in Scandinavia, selling all over Europe, Japan, and now we’re starting our conquest of the U.S.

D: Why was Create Build Destroy chosen as the name?

J: Within the foundation of an idea lie the seed of its destruction. In order for a creative progression of ideas to occur, one must be able to destroy the laws and codes previously built upon, and create something new. That’s the whole meaning behind Create Build Destroy.

D: What are some of your favorite trends in fashion today and some of your least favorite?

J: I’m not really much for the trends as much as what is appealing at the time and what’s going on both in our society, in music and art, and in different places in the world. Some of my favorite fashions came out of the rise of the dance hall, from 1970’s Jamaican culture, to the emergence of Acid Rock, Punk Rock in the late 1960’s and 70’s, the 1980’s in New York City, to California in the mid 1990’s. That’s where I take from, for it allows me to really gain respect for where fashion has come from in the past, which helps me to be successful at doing it in the future.

D: Where do you see fashion in the future?

J: I would like to see it keep evolving and keep with the idea that it’s not about catching on to the next trend that you see on TV or on some celebrity in a paparazzi shot. I want to get past that and do stuff that has a classic feel. Something that when I’m 45 years old or 50 years old I can look back and say I wasn’t looking like a complete idiot, like what was I doing. Like most people do, you know they look at their pictures from the 80’s or when they were younger and say what was I wearing? I think that’s kind of the appeal for any brand that’s trying to emerge right now in the place we are in history.

D: What’s one of your most memorable moments and/or accomplishments within the fashion industry?

J: Everyday is kind of like a blessing to be able to do what I’m doing. Working for myself, working with likeminded people of all different age groups, and really just surviving off of that in some form of success and the idea that from day to day I help run these two businesses that are both very much respected and a lot of people enjoy what we do and that’s one of the most rewarding parts about this. I don’t really have one specific moment or accomplishment, it’s just cool the people I’ve been able to meet and rub elbows with.

Alex Hollender (Create Build Destroy) and Jordan Boyea. This photo was taken by Gordon Von Steiner and was featured in GQ Magazine's "International Men of Style."

D: What advice would you give young people who are interested in going into fashion?

J: For any young person that’s going into fashion just do what you’re passionate about and truly believe is not just something that’s marketable to the masses. Like don’t go in trying to create the next Tommy Hilfiger or anything like that. Just do what you love and do it to the utmost potential that you can and the success will come with it as long as it’s what you truly love doing. I think there are a lot of people that come out and start T-shirt and clothing brands to catch that trend because it’s what’s considered cool. And there are thousands of clothing companies out there that do hoodies, tee shirts, sweatshirts, and put a little saying on the tee shirt or do a little graphic with headphones and it’s real hit or miss. I think you just have to stay true to what you really love.

D: What have you learned that you can pass on?

J: It’s an industry that you really have to know how to remove yourself from because there’s a hint of this “cool guy” ego that exists in this industry and if you can’t step away from it and come into some form of reality and realize that not everyone is a part of that idea you might get trapped. If you’re going to do it, definitely be ready because it’s very much an “I scratch your back, you scratch mine” kind of business. If you want something done to help promote your brand you have to do 7 or 8 favors in hopes that you get that favor back. Especially when you’re just getting started.

D: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

J: I hope I’m still doing what I love. I really try to focus on the day to day and pray that I’m doing the right thing. I always want to make sure that I’m a good business man and I want to make sure that I’m not cutting throats or doing people dirty by any means. As long as I stay focused on the direction I have chosen in my life at the age that I am, I hope that it really pans out and keeps me successful in the future.

D: Any last words before we end this discussion?

J: Growing up I used to always hear people saying, “This is how you’re going to live your life and if you don’t do it you won’t be successful.” And I got this feeling in the bottom of my stomach saying, “Not only do I not agree with you, but I’m going to prove you wrong.” Money was never the issue for me; I never cared about being a millionaire. I just wanted to do what I loved and was passionate about and do it how I saw fit. Like I said I was a very mediocre artist, I can’t play music, I can’t DJ, definitely can’t sing, never tried to rap, never tried to be in a band, like that just wasn’t me. But I wanted to be the spokesperson for that culture and show people that mine wasn’t just some antisocial outcast behavior where you say, “I don’t care what you told me, I’m going to do this, I don’t care, and I’m going to be someone who doesn’t contribute to society.” And I think that was one of the greatest parts about opening Steez because I remember thinking that I wanted to have a TV in here, some sofas and a chair, maybe a PlayStation, and just make it a place where kids can come. I have more to say, if you’d like.

D: Please, continue. I know there are many young people who want to hear what you have to say.

J: OK. Like there is the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club, but Fattie B. and I wanted it for “this” culture. For the kids that loved punk rock, skateboarding, hip hop, crazy art, traveling, and just living day to day. We wanted to build something and look how it panned out. All these young kids that are really amazing, intelligent, talented, and driven come to the store, and don’t hold these attitudes saying, “Well this person over here is disrespectful towards me, telling me that what I’m doing is dumb.” They do what they like to do and do it very well. We were happy to attract that so when these kids came here and felt comfortable and felt like Steez was a place they could call their own. We wanted to reach out to this next generation of kids that are going to be setting these precedents in our society and feed off their energy and feed off of what they are doing and seeing how they’re evolving from young kids to adults.
I believe that the generation of kids today are going to make a difference and not settle on being “ordinary” or contributing to the world in the way you’re “supposed” to be doing it, but really push it to the next level. And it’s inspiring for someone like me because I see a lot of people in my generation that just settled. That sat back and said, “Well I’m going to have some kids and I’m going to get married,” and those are all great things, but they tapped out to the world and to their dreams and said, “This is what I really wanted to do, but unfortunately it didn’t work out so I’m just going to give up.” I don’t see that in the generation of kids today. I don’t think they’re going to concede, they’re not going to give up, they’re going to keep pushing until what they’re passionate about is going to come to fruition and look at it and think this is what I created for myself and not only for myself, but for that next generation.
Just like what we were trying to do with Steez. You’re going to inspire and you’re going to drive people to do the same thing and not give up on your dreams. Why do we have to give up on our dreams? I don’t want to be 45 and act like a 45 year old. I want to be 45 and very much in touch with the pulse of our society and these cultures and these ideas that are being formulated everyday. In the reality of it in terms of why did we do Steez and why am I doing Create Build Destroy, I mean it’s definitely not for the money. I survive, but I will always take this with me whether it lasts for another 8 years or shuts down tomorrow and I have to move in another direction. I will always take this with me and the people that I have met, worked with, and consider family, and just keep building. So, finally, what I can say from my experiences and from my outlook on life as an adult is don’t give up on your dream no matter what it is. If you have a passion, perfect that passion and do it to the fullest potential you can and love it at the same time.

D: Thanks for your time!

J: For sure!

http://createbuilddestroy.com/
http://greetingsfromtheoutside.tumblr.com/
Create.Build.Destroy. Facebook Fanpage
Steez Fanpage

This post will also be featured in my school's paper in November (SBHS Rebel Word)

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Gray: Sealed 4 Freshness

I hear kids all the time talking about t shirt designs, company ideas, and what it takes to make it in the fashion industry. The talk usually goes on for a bit, dies down, and life usually takes over and those are ideas of the past. A good friend of mine, Alex Herko, did something about it. He took those ideas, those dreams, and is starting to turn those into a reality. With the website up and running, Sealed4Freshness is a company you should all write down now, because I have a good feeling about this one. The ideas behind each T are gold, its just going to take some looking around to find that print job that will make the ideas look fresh on the cloth. Alex is a kid that won't give up after being shut down, and thats the attitude it will take for this to become something real. TKFV backs this 100%, and I personally give my best luck for this up and coming company. New designs and samples will be up soon, so keep an eye out! I will for sure be rockin this out in LA! Also, check out their new blog !
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David: nonnative Fall/Winter 2010 Collection x Yeti Hunting Club (Video)

I thought this was an interesting video put together by Japanese brand, nonnative, for their Fall/Winter 2010 'Yeti Hunting Club' Collection. Watch it above!

Visit Oki-Ni for those not based in Japan to shop nonnative.

For a closer look into nonnative's new collection hit the jump.

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Gray: Stone Island Bomber Jacket

One of the most notable pieces from this season of Stone Island Shadow product is the brand’s Zip Bomber Jacket. Equipped with Tiger-skin overprint, the piece features 2.5 layer construction with a Wind-Tex® membrane meaning its waterproof and windproof, a fully removable interior liner for added versatility and a multi-pocketing system. Surely a winner for Fall/Winter. The jacket is now available via HAVEN. I like this jacket because it's not too army, but it definitely has that feel.

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David: Yves Saint Laurent x 2011 Fall/Winter Footwear (Video)

Here's a look into Yves Saint Laurent's upcoming 2011 Fall/Winter footwear. Currently these are releasing in stores now and so far I like what I see. This video showcases some of YSL's new sneaker styles, from high top inspired luxury sneakers to more minimal chukka styles. Check it out above!
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David: Moncler V Lookbook

One of my favorite French luxury sports brands, Moncler, just released their Moncler V lookbook on their website. The lookbook is revolved around a Fall/Winter theme and features everything from outerwear, to knits, trousers, and accessories. They also show their collaboration with widely popular Japanese label visvim on a pair of classic Serra boots. Check it out below:

To see more simply go to Moncler's website.

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