Jake Davis Blog

Jake Davis Test Shots: Gay Talese

Gilt MANual and I have teamed up to present Jake Davis Test Shots: The Legends. Call them dapper, distinguished, or proper; these men inspire us everyday. They're incredibly sharp and have laid down the groundwork for the modern man.

First up is Amercian author Gay Talese who helped define literary journalism. The man also knows a thing or two about style. It was an absolute honor to direct him. I've been shooting these Test Shots for over a year now and I've never seen so many women give as many compliments on the street as they did to Mr. Talese. Special thanks to Tyler Thoreson of Gilt MANual and Mr. Noir for putting it all together. For your daily inspiration the properly distinguished gentleman, Gay Talese...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Gilt MANual link

Jake Davis Test Shots: Mackintosh x Converse Jack Purcell

 

Not much more to say about my homie Chris Gibbs that I haven't already said. Even though he was born in Ottawa and resides in Los Angeles there's something so New York about him. So when I was asked to shoot him again my one condition was the location has to be Soho.

For those that don't know, Chris scored my first student film, At Low Resolution so it's fitting that he produced the music for his Test Shot this time around. He's also wearing the new Mackintosh x Converse Jack Purcell which will be available exclusively at his shop Union Los Angeles. Enjoy some daily inspiration from my brother, the layer king, Chris Gibbs...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Revisited: Rockers Style

In 2001 a book was published predominantly for the Japanese market consisting of 500 35mm slides taken during the filming of Rockers in 1977. Much like hip-hop has a golden era of the late 80's early 90's, reggae too has a golden age of the 70's. The antithesis coming in 1979 with the premiere of Rockers at the Cannes Film Festival. I think what makes golden eras so special is that nothing is contrived. It all feels so new, fresh, and innovative.

Here are a few beautiful images from the incredibly rare Rockers Style by Cherry Kaoru Hulsey, wife of the film's producer Patrick Hulsey. So much great inspiration in these photographs. A huge thanks to Rest Store for having the only available copies I've seen in America.

Junior Murvin - Police & Thieves

Rest Store Official link

Premiere: New Balance Custom US574 Film

 

I've always been fascinated with process... I think it was ever since watching Mister Rogers as a youth. I recently had the opportunity to direct a film for New Balance highlighting its made in the USA customization process for the 574. The result is something between a Wes Anderson directed factory film and A Tribe Called Quest's Midnight Marauders. Super quirky, light, and probably a little off the beaten path of what you'd expect from me.

I have to commend New Balance for being the only athletic company that still produces a portion of their sneakers in America. Special thanks to the incredibly kind people over there especially Erin and Lou. Shout to Sean Sullivan for his still photography on the project, David Feinberg on the cut, and Chris Black for putting it all together. This is how people make sneakers...

Official New Balance Custom US574 link

Heavy Rotation: Anika "Anika"

It's always a cop out to describe music by comparing it with familiar artists but imagine Nico was remixed by Portishead and you'd have the self-titled debut from Anika. An incredibly raw mix of sounds and emotions. With influence spanning punk, dub, and 60's girl groups, the sonic spectrum is wide and refreshing. 

The singer's history in political journalism and music promotion seems fitting. At times Anika is politically charged, at others it's just really beautiful stripped down melodic tunes from Portishead's Geoff Barrow. For the most part it's "uneasy easy listening..." that is startling good...

Anika - Masters of War

Anika - I Go to Sleep

Anika Official link

Exclusive Look: K-Swiss x Billy Reid

Besides having an affinity for white canvas sneakers I also have great respect for classic American menswear designer Billy Reid. Last year we brought you some films from K-Swiss spotlighting him. Now we bring you the result of their collaboration.

Take a look at Billy's vintage pair from his personal collection here in his Test Shot. I also had to take a picture with my iPhone since I thought they were incredible! The subtle changes he made to the original like rope laces and lining are really nice. The wooden box is handmade in Alabama and will be used for a special mailing prior to the release on April 19th. Two additional colorways of grey and navy will also be available.

Billy Reid Official link

K-Swiss Official link