Greetings! I want to take this opportunity to thank all who have been following AlmostBranded. It is out my a pure love of fashion and the arts that I contribute to this site and by sheer luck it has become an entrepreneural effort. I am currently working with Programmers and Designers to build a webpage that will function as a brand source for consumers and a strategic marketing partner for many of the labels featured here. I am looking forward to the re-launch and hope that you will continue to support Almost Branded. Feel free to search and browse to become more familiar with the blog and I would love to hear any input from you as this is a work in progress that will only become better with your help. You can reach me at r.itier@gmail.com THANK YOU!
PARDON MY MESS
Tagged with: los angeles, New York City, Rodney Itier, Almost Branded
FADE IN: Wes Anderson
Tagged with: Writer, director, Wes Anderson, jason schwartzman, Rushmore
Artist in Focus: Slater Bradley
"As is typical for a Bradley exhibition, however, there are works which will destabilize a closed reading — mysterious elements, unplaceable. Included, for example, is a single four-channel video of sea foam formed by gently lapping waves. There are also a few photographs of models that are meant to represent emotional states, such as loneliness and longing. These pieces move the show away from a Joy Division centered nostalgia and towards a more open tale of remorse." -TeamGallery
BRAND SOURCE OF THE WEEK
I once told myself, "making money isn't hard to do but it's just hard enough to elude those who refuse to work for it." Dan Otero, a wunderkind media architect and brand strategist at Launch Collective has teamed up with Refinery29 and Inven.tory, the off price, contemporary style lounge situated on the bordering edge of Soho and Nolita, engineered by Michael Townsend, to deliver his second installment for SAVE FASHION! Never an event to miss for the chic inclined. TONIGHT marks the launch of the 7 Day shopaganza sure to make a big splash and quite possibly supplant the notion that anything is in need of saving..
Tagged with: Inven.tory, refinery29, Almost Branded, Save Fashion, Launch Collective, Dan Otero, Michael Townsend, Lafayette St.
FEATURED DESIGNER: Khirma Eliazov
It sometimes happens, though not often is the case when a designer/brand pops up seemingly out of nowhere. I stumbled upon Khirma (pronounced Erma) Eliazov slung across the arm of Los Angeles style contemplate, Keira Guez and immediately demanded to hear more about "who" she was rockin. It came as little surprise that she, herself along with Erma Eliazov, a refined yet steadily progressive artisan with a keen eye, had joined forces to deliver a pace setting 2010 collection. Take two steps forward and one giant leap beyond the fray with the "Oversized Cha Cha" featured here in Navy.
Tagged with: WWD, henri bendel, Buyer's Favorite, Khirma Eliazov, Paul Guez, Keira Guez
Photographer: Dustin Humphrey
Renowned surf enthusiast and world traveler, Dustin Humphrey has a sweet life. When not earning his way behind the lens for SURFING Magazine, you might very well find Dustin in the far outreaches of some remote locale taking in the spirit of life. His images don't simply tell a story. That would be a gross understatement. It's more like virtual teleportation but I won't spoil all the fun by over bending your ear. Take a look for yourself. If you are in the city and want to get up close and personal, his work is currently exhibiting at the Murphy and Dine Gallery in Chelsea.
Tagged with: Murphy and Dine Gallery, Dustin Humphrey, Surfer Magazine, Bali resident
Photographic Spotlight: Alexandra Nataf
I spent a lot of time over the past few weeks with Alexandra Nataf. Usually when I kick it with fellow photographers the conversation seems to always come back to work, our clients and how to survive in an industry where magazines are a dying breed. With Alex, I find myself where I started, before it became my job. I find myself secure in reacting to those moments when the light is cast upon a reflective gaze, almost as if the universe had planted me (and Alex) where all the good shots happened to be.
Tagged with: Alex Nataf, Robins Jeans, Elite Fashion Tights, Return to Freedom
New York Photographer: Ben Ritter
This reminds of those archive TIME magazine shots that used to run throughout the 1950's and 60's. There is something industrious about this image taken by a young and extremely talented photographer named Ben Ritter. New York's Grand Central Station, a slice of controlled madness just before the pitch of night falls upon the gallows of transport.
R.I.P. Adam Goldstein (DJ AM)
Affectionately known as DJ AM. I've known Adam since before the "techniques" tattoos and before the limelight shined deservingly upon him. He was always genuine and probably one of the most passionate music fans in the world. There was never a time where he let fame allow him to forget the people who were there when he was just a chubby kid who liked to rock the party. As I and many others followed him up and through the Hollywood rank and file it was clear, he was destined to be one of the great ones. As times changed, he too, adapted with what seemed to be an effortless style. Forever stayed was his commitment to excellence, truly a bright star has faded on this day. Rest in peace....
Photographer: Rodney Williams Itier
Malibu 'loco' and pro surfer, Pascal Stansfield just before he dropped in to shred Big Dume on that infamous day during the Summer of 2006. Rock the flock on!
Tagged with: celebrity-photos, Rodney Itier, X-Games, Silver Platter, Almost Branded
Photographer: Edgar Martin
Now, more than ever, we could benefit from perspective. Edgar Martin's "The Accidental Theriorist". Feast.
Photographer: Atiba Jefferson
There are very few people who turn out to be as genuine as their work. Atiba Jefferson walks the walk one frame at a time.
FUTURA 2000
He needs no introduction. There are no words to describe his work. RESPECT!
Artist in Focus: Anne Finkelstein
A native New Yorker, Anne Finkelstein has seen the transformation of this city. From it's rough and tumble moments in the eighties, into the metamorphosis that took place throughout the early nineties. For her, New York is a multi-dimensional collage of symmetry. Each layer allows for an intimate revelation but only if you create a context for it. Discovery can sometimes be the ultimate payoff.
Visual / Characiture Artist: Paul Chan
There are many things I don't know about Paul Chan. He creates some amazing video art and it is clear (at least in this offering) that he has a furtive imagination for and extreme attachment to mixing things up.
Tagged with: contemporary art, Paul Chan, Political Activist, Greene Naftali Gallery
Urban Illustrator: Jim Mahfood
You may recognize his work from the Colt 45 billboard ad campaign or not... If this is your first sighting of work by Jim Mahfood aka Food One, it's about time. He has been tapped by Marvel Comics, Kevin Smith and Sarah Silverman (not that any of this matters) to hoist artful musings and for more than a decade he's been working as an illustrator for various clients. The word on the street is his work will soon tour the gallery sect but I'm hoping you'll touch him up for a piece before the world takes further notice...
Fine Artist: Jamie Kirkland
Only recently have I begun to appreciate landscapes and most often the medium preferred was photography. That was until I discovered this (and others) oil painting by Jamie Kirkland. Flatlands stretching away into infinitum across some splotch of the Midwest is fascinating and haunting at the same time.