Jake Davis Blog

Exclusive Look: Ten C At Union

 

 

 
 

 

In my humble opinion every man should own at least three pieces of military outerwear. An M-65, an Anorak, and a Fishtail Parka. Union has the U.S. exclusive of one of the best brands to do them if you're not going surplus. 

Ten C is designed by two ex-pats from Stone Island. They've researched and developed a knit nylon fabric from convertible car covers with specialists in Japan that's both breathable and waterproof (that's a mouthful)... For the record nylon is never knit it's always woven. The material basically gets better over time as a beautiful patina develops. 

Needless to say it's pretty special. My favorite out of the bunch is the Fishtail Parka. I really love the way Chris adds a splash of color to accentuate the look of it. This might become his signature as we've seen it before in his Test Shot. All the coats come in olive drab (pictured above) and navy.

Official Union link

Jake Davis Test Shots: James Jean

If you've seen The Black Ivy then you've seen the very stylish James Jean. I recently met him through Joshua of Street Etiquette. They came over the apartment and we had a really great conversation about style, NYC, films, music, blogs... you know the usual bullshit we pay too much attention to... 

We finished the dialogue at Le Bain and I decided he was definitely somebody to shoot. James' personal style really impressed me... He's a smooth dude and I'm really into what him and his crew are up to. For your daily inspiration the beautiful culture clash of James Jean...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Intrigued: J.L. Powell Autumn 2010

 

Intrigued would be an understatement. Under the radar would be another one. Prior to receiving their lookbook I had never heard of J.L. Powell but I have to say I really love what they're doing this Fall. Their recently launched lifestyle video is beautifully done. They have a selection of incredible pieces that really speak to the zeitgeist. 

From the Quoddy-esque moccasins to the ostrich leather Sorels, I'd expect to hear a lot more from them in the future. I've highlighted some of my gems above. If you haven't checked out their products please do. It's real serious...

J.L. Powell Official link

Jake Davis Test Shots: Tanaya Henry

We secretly love it when women wear our clothing. And the classic heather grey pullover hoodie is no exception. Whether she grabbed it off your floor or back there's not a sexier sight in the morning. And Tanaya knows just how to rock it. 

My great friend and innovative creative director of Supreme, Brendon Babenzien has designed an amazing capsule collection for K-Swiss. Inspired by the beautiful women in our lives that spent some time on the courts whether they were watching us or playing us. Even though Tanaya Henry is from the mean streets of Minnesota, she's bad and encapsulates the energy that Brendon was channeling. 

FYI the California Collections series is exclusive to Beams in Japan this Fall with its first installment simply called California Tennis. In the meantime enjoy the natural allure of one Tanaya Henry...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Jake Davis Test Shots: James Wilson Of Secret Forts

It's the ones that talk the least that often have the most to say. If you understand that paradox then you understand the world of of Secret Forts. I've wanted to shoot my buddy and creator James Wilson for a while now. Kindred if you will, like most of us who are searching for that perfect object, word, or moving image to capture our emotions. As we look for an explanation of the things we know, love, and can't seem to live without his playground is always a destination of discovery.

I'm excited to show you James in the Test Shot style. A great subtlety in his wardrobe and speech. I also love his color combination of blue and tan. Here's a look at the Undefeated x K-Swiss collabos in the final tan colorway. And you know I had to highlight the infamous blown out crotch. Please enjoy some daily inspiration courtesy of our homie James Wilson...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Jake Davis Test Shots: Joshua Kissi

 

"Style is like a language certain people speak with each other. That's how I like to look at it." Me too, Josh. When he puts together an outfit he always starts with a color. In this case all blue everything. A lot of really great textures and shades going on here.

Josh is a great source of inspiration in his words and wardrobe. Use them and do your own thing with it. And yeah those are the blue canvas Undefeated x K-Swiss collabos that haven't been released. Really proud of what my man is up to... For your daily inspiration Joshua Kissi of Street Etiquette...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Fashion's Night Out: The Impossible Project Party Photos

 

 

 

Good times the other night... Eclectic mix of artists, musicians, photographers, designers, fashion editors, models, filmmakers, stylists, scenesters and downtown dirtbags. Thanks so much to all that came out. Great music, cool people, good vibes. All the photos were taken with a vintage Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1 camera using all different types of film stock.

A few partygoers and I took flicks including the incredibly talented Mikael Kennedy, who shoots really beautiful photographs. Each person signed their polaroid giving it a really personal feel. Thanks again to The Impossible Project, Gant Rugger, Fashion's Night Out, and Mr. Black... Let's have a toast...

Kanye West feat. Pusha T - Runaway

Premiere: U.S. Royalty "Equestrian"

 

 
I first linked up with U.S. Royalty to direct their music video "Every Summer." I really love what these guys do. They recently played me some of their tracks off the new album and it sounds so good. I'm really psyched to see what's in store for their very bright future. And really look forward to making another video with them.

After Gant Rugger gave you a sample of U.S. Royalty's "Equestrian" in their Fall/Winter 2010 campaign film me and the guys and Mr. Black thought it was appropriate to share the entire song with you ahead of schedule. You can now stream it below and download it on USRoyaltyMusic.com.

Also check out the interview with John Thornley above from the Gant Rugger lookbook...

U.S. Royalty - Equestrian

Jake Davis Test Shots: Street Etiquette For Sebago

It's still pretty hot here in New York City. The heat always makes it challenging for men to really do their thing stylistically. Travis from Street Etiquette keeps it minimal. Subtle color combinations and fit are the standouts.

I love his Tom Ford eyewear and of course the Tassel Moccasins they recently designed courtesy of the Sebago Nexus Project. I believe this is the first time we're seeing them. They're like a dressier version of the Minnetonkas I love. It all works in its cool simplicity. For your daily inspiration Street Etiquette's Travis Gumbs...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Giveaway: Take Ivy x Jack Spade x K-Swiss

The first time I heard about Take Ivy was from my friend Mr. Williams over at ACL. It's amazing to see the influence since he posted images from the classic book. In the last year, with Michael leading the way, it's been incredible to see how the internet world has transfused to the real world.

My guy Ryan from K-Swiss has put together one of the better collaborations I've seen in a while. As part of the English reprint of the book K-Swiss has partnered with Jack Spade and made a classic heather grey sweatshirt with blaze orange silkscreened elbow patches. As much as I like my elbow patches to be functional you have to commend the humor and cleverness in the concept. If that wasn't enough it comes wrapped in a beautiful bridle leather belt book strap.

Even though K-Swiss is a client, I believe strongly in what they're doing. And that my friends is called buying in, not selling out. From time to time I giveaway some of the more interesting, nearly impossible to get products I see in the marketplace. This is no exception. Retail value is $245 for the very limited edition Take Ivy Kit. You know the routine... Hit me with your name and active e-mail in the comments section. Follow me on Twitter @JakeDavisFilms and if you don't want to risk it, you can cop at Jack Spade now.

Jake Davis Test Shots: Arianna Margulis

I met Arianna at Melet Mercantile through a good friend of mine (who I mention way too much here so I'll keep him out of this). For those that don't know, Melet is the insider's mecca for vintage clothing in Soho. Designers, stylists, merchandisers, and the like frequent it for its impeccably curated, hard to find selection. The place is truly amazing. I could spend days in there.

Arianna is really into wearing men's clothing, which she pulls off so well. There's something incredibly classic about a white dress shirt, chinos, and white tennis shoes. It's chic, sexy, cool. I also love her military rucksack, which I might have to pick up for myself. For your daily inspiration the natural beauty of Arianna Margulis...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link