Jake Davis Blog

Jake Davis Test Shots: Andy Spade & Anthony Sperduti

Andy Spade and Anthony Sperduti are Partners & Spade, which is a storefront and studio down the block from me on Great Jones Street in NoHo. After a visit it's hard not to be inspired by the shear creative force behind it. 

Andy and Anthony also happen to be a couple of really stylish guys. If you know Andy then you know Jack Spade. I've never seen Andy not wearing a pair of beat to hell Desert boots while looking perfectly crispy (brah) at the same time. And Anthony has an equally journeyed pair of K-Swiss tennis sneakers. Both look amazing in their own right... If you're in the neighborhood stop by and you might just catch them outside brainstorming their next big idea...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Style: Breton Shirt

The last time I highlighted a classic style shirt was well over a year ago. Now I see chambray everywhere, which is kind of amazing. It has almost become the new oxford in New York City. I'm not really sure how or why that happens. I'm just happy to see people wearing something I've loved since I was a kid. I'll leave the science of it to Gladwell. And just tell you what I'm feeling right now... The Breton shirt... 

James Dean, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Joey Ramone, Coco Chanel, Jean Seberg in Breathless, John Thornley in his Test Shot (I had to mention it)... The list is endless of icons, male and female, who've sported the unisex nautical striped shirt. Born officially as part of the French sailors uniform to easily identify them if they fell overboard. The original shirt featured 21 stripes, one for each of Napoleon's victories.

What's even more fascinating is when I liked something I used to have to wait for it. Now it seems all my favorite shops offer a variation on this classic shirt. Here are some links to some I've seen around town. Too many to choose from. Let me know your favorite or if you have any insight into this classic look or changing times...

Arcade Fire - We Used To Wait

The Original Breton Shirt Company link

A.P.C. Sailor Shirt link

J.Crew Indigo Stripe Crewneck Tee link

Saint James Nautical T-Shirt Meridien II link

Gant Breton Striped T-Shirt link

J.Press Long Sleeve Sailor Boat Neck Border link

Exclusive Look: Engineered Garments x Golden Bear

Engineered Garments never disappoints and their new collection manufactured by Golden Bear is no exception. Golden Bear did the original production for a lot of great companies like Banana Republic, L.L.Bean, New Republic and they're still producing in San Francisco. 

Started in 1922, Golden Bear created leather jackets for longshoremen who carried cargo on their back. They gained fame during World War II when pilots of the Flying Tigers, The P-38's, Hellcats, and the Flying Fortresses wore their jackets. In the 50's it was varsity jackets among the teen set and in the 60's they made the dockwear jackets the beats and rockers loved.

With all that history and quality it's no surprise Daiki enlisted them to produce this well inspired line for Spring 2011. You have some time till the line drops but for now enjoy the first look at the pictures and sketches. I always love seeing a bit of the creative process.

Engineered Garments link

Premiere: Details First Annual Blog Awards Film

 

"I done played the underdog my whole career, I've been a very good sport haven't I this year? They say he goin' crazy and we've seen this before, but I'm doing pretty good as far as geniuses go..."

I'm truly humbled by the nomination. Just thought I'd have a little fun with it and give some love to this hilarious video. Not sure who made it but I love it. I always tell people I'm a director that happens to have a style blog. But when people take the time to give you some shine you have to graciously accept and make a satirical video... Well... Maybe not, but that's what I did. 

So thank you Details so much and the rest of the nominees. I love you guys. Williams is the godfather of this blog shit no doubt but I believe in upsets... And really thank you to each and every lover and hater that stops by. Like my man Oliver says, "Love me or hate me... Just don't be in the middle... Cause then I'm not doing my job..."

Details Fashion Blog Awards Official link

Heavy Rotation: The Hood Internet "Trillwave"

We all love a good remix especially when it combines great artists on opposite ends of the sonic spectrum. For us it's all about good music, no matter what the genre. And nobody breaks down the music boundaries better than The Hood Internet.

Mishka presents their soundtrack to this summer's official party after the afterparty... Trillwave... I like that... This is that 4am sunrise music... While most are sleeping some of us are at our most creative. The whole album is outstanding but here are a few of my highlights...

Phoenix x Why? - Shoeing Horses in 1901

Jay-Z x Phoenix - And the Definitive Winner is...

Drake x Beach House - Walk In the Park is Over

The Hood Internet Trillwave download link

Polo Ralph Lauren Elias Sun-Washed Denim Sneaker

 
 

Okay I get it. You want me to post more clothing... To be honest I haven't seen anything all that inspiring. Everyone's riding the classic Americana dick a little too hard.

But there are the usual brands that seem to never disappoint. I've been fiending for denim sneakers since I slept on the bleached denim Supreme Vans that sold out in like a minute. These Polo Ralph Lauren Elias Sun-Washed Sneakers are really special. They were actually washed and laid in the sun for a timeworn look. They're available in a few other colors I had to pick up... White and pink scarlet sunfade cotton canvas. They come with a matching sack as well for storage or travel or to sit in your shoebox. Act now as they're on sale and won't last much longer...

Polo Ralph Lauren Elias Sun-Washed Sneaker link

Jake Davis Test Shots: Hannah Ware

Sometimes it rains even when it's sunny outside... These Test Shots have kind of taken on a life of their own. There are several reasons why I create them beyond style. As creative people we don't have much choice in the matter, it's what we have to do, right? Let whatever's inside of us out... Like my boy Drizzy says, "I gotta feel alive, even if it kills me. Promise to always give you me, the real me."

Hannah and I had been trying to shoot for a while now. Both our schedules finally cleared and she came over to vibe. The weather was perfect so we decided to shoot right then. We kinda just stumbled upon a really special location. Hannah looks amazing in just about anything. Her clothing is pretty simple here. Flannel and denim shorts... It's the emotion that's complex. I hope you find some daily inspiration... And maybe a little sunshine even when it's raining outside...

Jake Davis Test Shot Channel link

Fashionista link

RRL Red Oxblood Selvedge Denim Jeans

 
 
  

It was red chambray about a year ago now it's red selvedge denim jeans from RRL. In a market saturated with chambray and selvedge these are a beautiful standout... Like a tough pair of Nantucket Reds... I can't wait for them to age.

Unfortunately, these aren't available online. You have to stop by a RRL store to cop. Well worth the trip as they got all the details right from the chain stitch hem to the weight and fit. Click on the photos for more details. And for those that care they are made in the U.S.A.

Jake Davis Test Shots: John Thornley

My friend John was one of the original inspirations for my Test Shots series. Everytime he comes to New York for a show he has the most unique style. Last Winter he came over my apartment and I was thinking, "man I wish I could film you so others could see what you're wearing." But I wanted to contribute in my own way. Instead of just a snapshot on my iPhone I wanted to create something special to share with all of you. Something that not only captured the outfit but the emotion and energy of the people that inspire me... 

So much has changed and evolved since then... But John still has such cool and free style. I think we were walking back from Le Bain as the sun was about to come up... "John, we should shoot your Test Shot this weekend. It's gonna be like 100 degrees. Its been almost a year since we shot "Every Summer." Absolutely. Let's do it. For your daily inspiration, frontman of U.S. Royalty and my good friend, the truly free spirit John Thornley...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Premiere: Southern Hospitality With Billy Reid

Billy is one of the warmest and sincerest guys I've met in a long time. I love everything about his style, design, clothing, store, and staff. I recently sat down with him at his boutique a couple blocks from my home in downtown New York to discuss all things Billy Reid. The result is the third installment in my series on the theme of classic for K-Swiss.

Earlier in the week I gave you his Test Shot. Now you get to take a look into his beautiful store and mind. He's an amazing guy that knows a great deal about the subjects we love. Billy, thanks for taking the time to sit down with me. Megan, I really appreciate you orchestrating everything for us. Ryan, thanks again for the creative freedom and putting it all together. And for those that are curious those are Billy's personal vintage K-Swiss from the eighties. I hope you all enjoy Billy's Southern Hospitality...

Billy Reid 54 Bond Street New York, NY 10012 (212) 598-9355