Jake Davis Blog

Jake Davis Test Shots: Inventory

 

These are the guys behind your new favorite read and this is the launch of my new film series Jake Davis Test Shots. The debut was on T Magazine last week and with some luck I'm going to give you guys at least one film a week right here.

I have two passions in this life, style and film. This is my attempt at giving you guys a little bit of both. I encourage you to share them, embed them, critique them, love them, hate them... Maybe you'll find some inspiration for your own personal style. Share your thoughts in the comment section. This series is as much a work in progress as I am and I'm accepting feedback. Much respect and thanks to all those that made these possible. And I encourage you to click the channel link below where you can see the films in full High Definition.

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Inspiration: Lust For Life

                   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

 

 

 

         

"It's funny when you comin' in first but you hope that you last. You just hope that it last..." - Drake

Drake - Lust For Life

Style: Preppy Sweaters

Another gem from The Official Preppy Handbook is their breakdown of preppy sweaters. All of the classic pieces have their own unique place in our wardrobe. But the standout by far is the Irish fisherman pullover. Better known as the Clan Aran sweater.

"Must be hand knit in the Aran Isles. Heavy, cream-colored wool with distinctive raised patterns. Originally, each family had its own pattern, so when bodies of lost fisherman washed up on the shore they could be identified." 

I love the utility aspect of the sweater and the story behind it. Something which looks so beautiful and luxurious has this incredibly tough and very real heritage.

The Pogues - Love You 'Till The End

Clan Aran Sweater link

Heavy Rotation: Beach House "Teen Dream"

There are a handful of bands I listen to almost everyday. Life soundtracks I never get tired of no matter how many times I listen to them. Beach House is one of those bands. Their drums sound like hip-hop. Their textures sound like Brian Eno. Victoria Legrand's vocals sound like Nico.

Recorded in my hometown of Woodstock, New York, their third studio album, Teen Dream drops Tuesday the 26th and you must buy it. It is the truth. An incredibly beautiful soundtrack to inspire your daily life... I hope you guys like them as much as I do...

Beach House - Norway

Beach House - Walk In The Park

Beach House - Zebra (Them Jeans Remix)

Beach House "Teen Dream" amazon link

Premiere: Jake Davis Test Shots For T Magazine

 

My mom used to always tell me, "Jake, just be who you are and let your audience find you. Don't compromise your vision. If you believe in it then do it. Eventually they'll find you." I've spent the last two days at the clothing trade show (capsule) meeting some amazing people, looking at some beautiful garments, shooting so many inspiring people, and truly being embraced by many of you, which has been incredibly humbling.

I'm now happy to announce the premiere of Jake Davis Test Shots presented by (capsule) exclusively for T Magazine. The films are a collection of my two loves: style and film. This is my attempt at fusing the two worlds I obsess over daily. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating these. Thanks to everyone for making these possible, you know who you are, I am truly grateful. To everyone I shot I really appreciate you taking the time and putting up with my lackluster direction. To those that I didn't get a chance to shoot there's always next time. 

The below link features the first series of eight films. Starting next week you will be able to find these permanently in the T Magazine Video Section. And there are plenty more to come. Consider this the official new place to be seen...

Jake Davis Test Shots presented by (capsule) exclusively for T Magazine link

Heavy Rotation: JJ

If The XX had a make-out session at a Beach House the soundtrack would be provided by Sweden's JJ. I'm really feeling these guys thanks to Mr. Black, who might just have to become my regular music contributor as he is the one lacing us with some really beautiful music as of late.

JJ n° 2 was released back in July but has just found its way to heavy rotation. For your listening pleasure... I hope it inspires you as much as it has me...

JJ - Ecstasy

JJ - My Hopes And Dreams

Announcement: T Magazine x (capsule) x Jake Davis

The very kind people at (capsule) asked me to be a part of their show this season. After having a great talk with the very sweet Minya Quirk of bpmw about downtown NYC, clothing, music, film and of course our culture she asked me what I thought of working with T Magazine on a film series. Sounds cool... Let me come up with something that makes sense. I think we have something really special we're all excited about.

I'm not going to say too much about the project but I'm hoping it will be a bridge between what you see here everyday and my directing work... Next Tuesday, the 19th will be the series launch exclusively on T Magazine. I will be filming at (capsule) in NYC the 18th and 19th. So if you plan on going wear your best kit, as I might just ask you to be a part of the film series. If you hadn't planned on going you should. If you want to say what's up I'll be there. It would be fantastic to meet some of you...

Jay-Z - Public Service Announcement (The Grey Album Version)

Attend (capsule) link

T Magazine link

Signature Look Giveaway: Dickies California Selvage Denim

   

No we don't work on the railroad but that doesn't mean we don't want our denim to last long and hold up. A lot of people felt sorry for me and my blown out crotch as I've since received some amazing denim. The standout of the bunch is from Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Co. A really incredible pair of exclusive premium California Selvage Denim I was sent by way of the U.K. A proper straight leg cut, Zimbabwean cotton, original Dickies union labels, in beautiful raw denim. They are so nice I feel too guilty keeping them for myself. These are currently not available, and might not be sold in the U.S. at all, but I would imagine they will be released this year in Europe.

Once again here's your chance to get a signature Jake Davis look. The pant size is 32x32. All you have to do is tell me what city you work in and use your active e-mail address in the comments section or on Twitter @JakeDavisFilms and a winner will be chosen randomly. Thanks for coming through. And thanks so much to everyone that sent me denim, especially Glenn for these...

RJD2 - Work

Inspiration: Where It All Starts

                 

Handshakes become friendships, flirtation becomes lifelong love, ideas become businesses, dreams become reality... Everything starts somewhere... 

Vampire Weekend - I Think Ur A Contra

Dark And Stormy Or North Of Moore

“The artist never entirely knows. We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark.” - Agnes De Mille

Mattalini2 Quilt Jacket | Post Overalls Royal Cruz2 Quilt Vest | Post Overalls EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera | Canon Heavyweight Denim Workshirt | Studio D' Artisan 1945 One Wash - Sugar Cane Jeans Sage Waxed Cotton Hunting Cap | Barbour Wax Thornproof Dressing | Barbour 9153 Wabasha Boot | Red Wing

Paul McCartney - Darkroom

Style: Color Palette

I would imagine color palettes as a director of film are just as important for a clothing designer. We tell a story through color combinations. Sitting in the coloring session is one of my favorite parts of the filmmaking process. As a director choosing what colors to accent, which ones to tone down... you're literally painting a canvas. And with all the new technology at your fingertips today, it's almost paint by numbers.

The same goes for clothing whether it's a monochromatic all black everything look or the preppiest color combination of pink and green, you're telling a story, expressing yourself, identifying your character. I'd love to hear some of your favorite color combinations in the comments section with text, pictures, or links. Follow me on Twitter @JakeDavisFilms for my favorites.

The National - Pretty In Pink

Take Note: Kapital

  

 

 

 

 
 
 

 
 

 

 

 

I really love the aesthetic of Kapital. It's wild, adventurous, maybe sometimes too out there and embellished... But their mix of military, navy, and athletic wear is unprecedented. I can't find anything like it here in New York City. It's truly a unique look I'd love to mix with some of my more basic standbys. 

Either I have to take a trip to Japan or maybe some American designers can get a little more adventurous with their interpretations of heritage. Would the American public take the jump and embrace a line like this? Or is it too forward?

Friendly Fires - Jump In The Pool