Jake Davis Blog

Style: Tom Waits

The smell of morning coffee and cigarettes. The clanking of that old fashioned typewriter. And that fucking raspy voice. Most kids want to wake to cartoons and sugary cereal. I got Rain Dogs reverbing from a turntable in smokey hallways. God did I hate it. But as we get older our tastes evolve and somehow the influence of our parents has way more power than we would ever imagine.

Tom Waits' influence goes further than just his music. His style is unique and will forever be relevant. His pork-pie style hats look just as good today as they did then. Still Life has you covered if you're down. I've seen a lot of you young gunners with this timeless cool look on a downtown train... 

Still Life Popeye Hat link

On Set: U.S. Royalty "Every Summer"

U.S. Royalty and Jake Davis on location in Maryland on the set of "Every Summer" photographed by Jim Larer

I just got sent this photograph and absolutely love it. Nothing like a bunch of grown men in the middle of nowhere playing with fire. We actually went back to the woods where the guys initially recorded the song, "Every Summer." I think we conjured up something special in the deep forrest... Pause... Hopefully a great video. 

At about 3am the rain came down. That's when things got really interesting. Shout to John, Paul, Jake, Luke, and Chris. I'll keep you posted on the premiere. Also the guys are playing Mercury Lounge in New York on June 3rd if you haven't checked them out yet... 

U.S. Royalty myspace link

Legendary: Out And About

1994 was the year. Larry Clark's Kids was the film. Jazz basslines and cut choruses dominated hip-hop. Supreme became the home of New York City street culture. Years from now this time will be documented/recreated on the big screen. For now we have Ari Marcopoulos' amazing photography of the time. A moment of innocence in all its rebeliousness. Word... Life...

Out And About amazon link

Cut-Off Denim Shorts

 

I've seen women killing this look in New York for a few seasons with just a simple rolled and popped flannel shirt and heels... A summer brunch type of vibe. So I was wondering how this look would work on a guy. It's definitely something that can go wrong really fast. But done right is complete murder. Here are the variables: length of short and fit, shirt, and shoe. 

The shorts should be cut just above the knee and slightly loose fitting, boxy fit oxford or flannel shirt, and white canvas sneakers. With what could be a "feminine" look it's good to go with a more masculine fit, as in not too tight. If you're game I would just cut those old pair of A.P.C.'s. Another option are these pre-cut Levi's in either wash...

Levi's 511 Men's Cut-Off Shorts link

Passion Pit "Manners"

Heavy rotation... This is my ish right now... Officially on the bandwagon. This one is called Swimming in the Flood... Such a dope title for a song...

Passion Pit myspace link

Driving Gloves

I've always been heavy in the way driving gloves looked on the street. And was always consistently made fun of for wearing them without having any intentions of driving a car. But once I heard the story of how Ralph Lauren used to get made fun of by his peers for wearing cowboy boots on the subway I didn't care anymore. Now actually having a car I can see why the gloves were designed in the first place. 

J.Press and Dunhill both have beautiful pairs in that amazing tan luggage leather. For those that drive a car everyday, rent one for a weekend getaway or just like the way they look, either one of these are a must have...

J.Press link

Dunhill link

Style: Three Days Of The Condor

"I don't remember yesterday. Today it rained."

- Joe Turner

Three Days of the Condor is one of my favorite films of all time. Once again it isn't just the incredible narrative, acting, and direction but the element of style. Robert Redford's sartorial confidence as Joe Turner in either a popped collar peacoat or tweed jacket and jeans running through the streets of New York is amazing. And the chemistry between him and Faye Dunaway's Kathy Hale is electrifying. It's worth watching just for their dialogue exchanges. Take notes on cool because there's plenty of it...

Three Days of the Condor link

Shot: Master Shortie "Dead End"

On the heels of our adventure in D.C. with U.S. Royalty we were back in New York shooting in the streets of some of my favorite neighborhoods with one of U.K.'s hottest new talents, Master Shortie. My first foray in the hip-hop music video genre was a lot of fun. Even though I've directed documentaries and shows with some of the game's biggest stars like Kanye, 50 Cent, T.I., Snoop, and Nelly this was my first time directing a music video. I've been a pop and rock guy up to this point.

I approached the genre just how I would approach any film genre. There's certain elements one expects like beautiful, scantily dressed models, dope fashion, and bravado-esque rapping to camera. I wanted to make sure I achieved all of that but also do my own thing with it. 

I had incredible styling from Damian Collins (designer of Silver Spoon Attire with clients including Ciara and Rihanna.) You may remember him for designing the sickest pair of sweatpants to date. Yes, they make a cameo in the video. My director of photography, Jim Larer shot some of the most exquisite beauty I've seen. Jordan Silver came through with some extremely rare vintage sunglasses and his store Silver Lining Opticians made it into the video. Master Shortie delivered the goods in front of the camera. And my Executive Producer, Kerri Kleiner brought it all together. Special thanks to my entire cast and crew. I would describe the video as a Victoria's Secret commercial on a cocaine binge. Look for it in the next couple of weeks... For more info check Master Shortie's site...

Master Shortie link

Making The Rounds

   

  

Here's a compilation of the best pieces I've seen this month. Really impressive stuff from some of my favorite designers. J.Crew made a beautiful linen-cotton toggle sweater with a shawl collar. R by 45rpm has a jacket in the most amazing indigo seer sucker fabric I've ever seen. Yes, the price point is high but the fabric is unreal. Polo recreated a vintage canvas sneaker that is just simple enough. They offer them in green as well if you're feeling lucky. My guys at Supreme dropped some of the coolest frames this season, the MX. All three colorways are wicked. I was on the hunt for red chambray. RRL made one that sold out in a day. I'm grateful my peoples there were able to find me one out of state. But for those of you that can't make it to a RRL store Studio D'Artisan has you covered at Blue In Green. Lastly, my boy Dukes, who runs The Full Clip has been working with legendary designer Milton Glaser. Definitely worth a look...

And my people those are the rounds. Feel free to share yours...

Linen-Cotton Toggle Sweater | J.Crew

Indigo Seersucker Jacket | R by 45rpm

Pedros Canvas Sneaker | Polo Ralph Lauren

MX Sunglasses | Supreme

Red Chambray Shirt | Studio D'Artisan

Milton Glaser Works | Milton Glaser

Supreme x Malcolm McLaren x Jake Davis

 

The new video I directed for Supreme dropped today featuring the legendary Malcolm McLaren. One of the most stylish and eccentric men I've ever had the opportunity to work with. Supreme has done a really unique job of collaborating with him and incorporating the time period into the clothing and accessories. 

The sneakers, t-shirts, hoodies, and hats all capture the amazing spirit of the man, the era, and absolutely feel right for the Summer. For a history lesson on what he's responsible for within the culture please check the link below for our video. There are two parts... He's kinda done a lot...

Supreme Malcolm McLaren Video link

U.S. Royalty & Jake Davis x Valet Magazine

... And we're back... You know when you haven't seen your girl in a while or a close friend and when you finally do, things feel just a little different than before because you've changed and they've changed. Strangely that's kinda how this feels. I've never been sure what to do here or what people are really interested in reading so I've always just done me. Hopefully that's what keeps you coming back. And apologies for the vacation but I've always been the kind of guy that takes breaks unannounced.

The last week was a whirlwind. It started in D.C. and ended in the streets of New York's L.E.S. directing videos for artists on polar opposites of the spectrum. The amazing Editor in Chief of Valet Magazine, Cory Ohlendorf caught up with the kid and U.S. Royalty during the D.C. part of the week for a first look on the set of our music video for "Every Summer." He was great. The band was great. My crew was great. It was an amazing adventure. The first of many with the support of the Ford Fiesta Movement. Check the link below for a closer look...

On Set Valet Magazine link

Booked: U.S. Royalty "Every Summer"

U.S. Royalty is arguably the most stylish band out and they have the sound to back it up. With only a self-titled EP out these guys are the truth. The hottest band coming out of SXSW. And if you don't believe me just ask my brethren, Mr. ACL. He was right about Vampire Weekend and U.S. Royalty is no exception. 

With the support of Ford I'm driving down with the guys to their hometown of Washington, D.C. following their show at Mercury Lounge tonight in New York City to direct a music video for "Every Summer" over the next three days. I'm super psyched for my crew to kick it with their crew, check the local scene, and as always make an amazing video. You will definitely hear and see more about this adventure in the coming weeks. For those of you unfamiliar with the band here's a great introduction to their music and style...

U.S. Royalty myspace link