Jake Davis Blog

Jake Davis Test Shots: Billy Reid

Phew... It's been a while since I shot a man for my Test Shots series. Sorry if I was boring you with all the women... I'm so fortunate to have filmed a true southern gentleman in Billy Reid again. Since we last got together he won GQ/CFDA Best New Menswear Designer. What an amazing guy he is. I love everything about the clothing he makes and wears. I especially love his vintage K-Swiss white canvas tennis shoes that have about as much character as the man himself.

If you happen to be in New York City I highly recommend visiting his beautiful store on Bond St. It's truly a work of art with great guys to help you find exactly what you're looking for. I hope you get some daily inspiration not only in Billy's style but his incredible and infectious energy that permeates the lens...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Thank You Now

This past weekend we were up in Toronto for the MuchMusic Awards. We won both awards I was up for... Hip-Hop Video of the Year and Cinematography of the Year for Drake & Trey Songz "Successful." The whole experience was completely surreal and amazing. But I couldn't help feel guilty when the graphic on the monitor came up and it only had the artist and director name. Music videos take a small army to pull off. So I thought this would be a cool time to thank all of the people that made the video possible...

Huge thanks to MuchMusic, the city of Toronto, Drizzy (all we have are moments right now), Trey (push-ups before every set-up made the difference) Oliver (thanks for believing and pushing every step), 40 (craziest beat of the year), and the rest of the Red Wing Boot Gang. Love you guys. 

Executive Producer Kerri Kleiner, U.S. Producer Karen Lin, Canadian Producer Cherie Sinclair of The Field, DP Samy Inayeh and his entire team, PM Collin Wiancko, 1st AD Nick Edwards, and the entire crew. My rep Tommy Labuda, Commissioners Manny and Chaka...

My New York team that's with me even when I'm not... Jim Larer, Max Edward, Anthony Hernandez and Mike Berlin. Everybody that visited the edit and gave a little inspiration. My Supreme fam and my real fam Mom, Dad, Mama, Rachel, and my broken angel. 

Success really is a motherfucker and the people that come and go along with it... "I want the money, money and the cars, cars and the clothes, the hoes, I suppose..." I especially thank all of you for the daily support. Many more to come... It's all love...

Inventory Magazine Sneaker Diary x Jake Davis

  

I picked up a couple copies of Inventory Magazine number 02 at Nomad over the weekend. I'm really proud to be a part of this issue. I truly think it's one of the better magazines out right now for us. Very tastefully done from the photography to design layout.

I think we all love sneakers... More specifically white tennis shoes. I have so many favorites from Chucks to Classics. I'm not sure why the Vintage Rod Laver stands out the most. I think it's my connection to tennis and my childhood idols. Anyway I hope you enjoy the article... And if you're fiending J.Crew now has the vintage Rod Laver available online...

Inventory Magazine link

Vintage Rod Laver J.Crew link

Nomad link

Unboxing: Luke Meier For Syndicate Vans Zero Lo

 
 
   
 
I absolutely love the collaboration between my friend Luke Meier and Vans. Luke has a really sophisticated eye for detail. The way he's combined "street" and "luxury" style is really interesting. The materials feel great and the tan color combinations work so well together. You have three lace options... White, tan, and brown... All really subtle beautiful colors.

Thanks so much for sending these over. You did a terrific job, man. I look forward to more design work from you... Congratulations. So dope...

Giveaway: Done To Death Dennis Hopper T-Shirt

In honor of a true rebel icon Done To Death has created a limited edition Dennis Hopper T-Shirt. I'm giving away one t-shirt to one of you guys. But if you don't want to risk not winning one they're available for purchase by clicking here.

If ever an artist should be celebrated it's the legend Mr. Dennis Hopper. An amazing combination of style and substance, Hopper wasn't just a beautiful actor but his art is a huge inspiration. I'm always fascinated by those that find new ways to create till the end. 

You know the routine... Hit me with your name and active e-mail in the comments section. Follow me on Twitter @JakeDavisFilms and remember no matter what always tell the truth...

Jake Davis Twitter link

Done To Death Dennis Hopper T-Shirt link

Jake Davis Test Shots: Hayley Phelan

Another "It Girl" courtesy of Fashionista. In my opinion you can't go wrong in a vintage military surplus jacket. This one is from Canada and one of my favorties. Hayley has incredible style the way she mixes items you wouldn't think could go together but they do.

It's that really cool combination of hard and soft that feels just right. Thanks to Fashionista and Hayley Phelan for your daily inspiration...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Fashionista link

Trailer: The Sebago Nexus Project

I have such admiration and reverence for designers and style so when I was asked to not only direct a video for Sebago but also reconstruct my own shoes I jumped at the chance. The shoes will be released later this Summer.

Thanks to Ronnie Fieg for putting the project together and introducing me to an interesting group of young bloggers I would have never met. It was a ton of fun going down to the Dominican Republic to direct and design at the same time. I have a new found appreciation for not only the designers but the craftsmen who literally put Sebago shoes together by hand. Here's a short trailer of what's to come this Summer... I hope you enjoy...

Jake Davis Test Shots: Katharine Elkington

When I see a white T-shirt paired with a pair of blue jeans and a black leather motorcycle jacket I instantly think of Brando in The Wild One. Katharine's interpretation of rebellious and iconic American style is brought up to speed with an Alexander Wang pocket T and Opening Ceremony Levi's. But nonetheless to me it's timeless cool.

The white beat up skippies are a nice touch instead of a boot for the warmer weather. This Test Shot is part of my series for Fashionista. Again, women pulling off menswear so much better than we can. Enjoy some daily inspiration from my friend, up-and-coming model and actress Katharine Elkington...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Fashionista link

Premiere: Above The Clouds At Silver Lining Opticians

Sunglasses are one of the most expressive pieces of style we have. I love watching classic films and looking at old iconic photos to check out the frames the guys were wearing. Now that summer is approaching an essential part of our wardrobe is a great pair of sunglasses. There's only one place I go to for eyewear and that's Silver Lining Opticians. 

My friends Jordan Silver and Erik Sacher are two of the coolest guys in eyewear. If you've ever seen an amazing pair of shades on the likes of Jay-Z to Daniel Day-Lewis, odds are they came from their store Silver Lining Opticians. Their knowledge and expertise inspires me every time I walk into their Soho boutique. Not only do I love checking out the frames and decor but Jordan always tells the most amazing stories about the history of eyewear, technically and culturally. So much so that I had to get it on film to share with all of you. I sat down with Jordan to talk about classic eyewear for the second installment in my series on the theme of classic for K-Swiss. Thanks again to Ryan for the opportunity. Please enjoy and if you're searching for that perfect pair of glasses look no further...

Silver Lining Opticians 100 Thompson St. New York, NY 10012 (212) 274-9191