Jake Davis Blog

Jake Davis Test Shots: Angelo Baque

 

Jake Davis Test Shots are back and I had to return strong. Angelo Baque is one of my oldest and dearest friends. They say Harlem invented swag but Angelo gives a tough argument for Queens. The multi-talented art director of Supreme has had a huge influence on me and downtown NYC for over a decade.

A Tribe Called Quest meets Woody Allen in his Test Shot as he wears the most coveted piece from the current Supreme collection as well as Junya, Adidas, and New Era, only the way he can rock it. Central Park is his backyard so it only makes sense we shot there. For your daily inspiration, a true original, Angelo Baque...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Jake Davis #ScreenTests: Eddie Huang

 

You haven't eaten till you've had a meal with my buddy Eddie Huang. Up until now there hasn't been a chef personality that truly represented my generation. Whether you enjoy his show, book, or restaurant; Eddie gives you something of himself in all arenas. The way A$AP Rocky defines this generation in style and music, Eddie has a similar presence in food. It's in your face, eye grabbing excitement. 

His style of cuisine is about entertainment... Part hip-hop, part heritage, all street. So of course I had to give you guys his Warholesque #ScreenTest eating his classic Chairman Bao™. And if you have a problem with his Star of David pinky ring you can take it up with Emile. Hahaha. Eddie's book Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir comes out drops tomorrow, January 29th. Shout to Chris Black for inspiring this one for the Tumblrs. For your daily inspiration Mr. Eddie Huang...

FiveStory x Jake Davis Featuring Adrianne Ho

For those of you who haven't visited FiveStory yet, it's an incredible retail shop uptown. They carry high end goods for both men and women. On the men's side they highlight the likes of Visvim, Ten C, and Comme des Garçons. I was asked to direct a short visual "Dark Paradise" for them with Adrianne Ho exclusively featuring some great women's designers and scored by Emile Haynie.

Somewhere in between a Test Shot and campaign film, the short is a nice departure for me that hopefully keeps you wanting more. If you like what you see visit FiveStory this Thursday November 8th for a trunk show featuring designers Lois London, Jessica Robinson and Shayla Cox. Five percent of all proceeds will go to The American Red Cross to help victims of hurricane Sandy.

FiveStory Official link

Music Video Premiere: Vanessa Carlton "Hear The Bells"

 

I haven't directed that many music videos this year because I've been struggling with what I can contribute to the genre. I've passed on almost everything that's been sent to me. If I make something, I want it to be special. I want to touch people. I want to take people on an emotional ride. When Vanessa played me her album, "Hear The Bells" stood out as a record that really touched me. When she asked me to create something visual for it I was really excited because I thought maybe I could make something different for the song.

I tried to create a fragmented beautiful dream of memories instead of a music video for my friend. A huge thank you to my team who helps my dreams come true everyday, especially Mr. Black, Kerri Kleiner, Tracey Moulton, Kellen Dengler, Mike Berlin and John McSwain. I hope you enjoy...

Premiere: The Deluxe Influence Of Bedwin

 

The fourth and final film on my series with K-Swiss Japan on classic style features Jey Perie. He is the marketing and public relations director of DLX, which houses Bedwin & The Heartbreakers and Deluxe. I think the final film really explores the ethos that's happening in America, Europe, and subsequently Japan.

It's a fantastic metaphor for life. Basically the way I see it. Sometimes we're so deeply involved and used to something we take it for granted. We think it's always going to be there and can't see how amazing it truly is. I've always said the moment you don't care about something (a belonging, job, relationship) god has a funny way of taking it away from you. That's what this film touches on. I feel very privileged to have become friends with all the subjects in these films. Japan was a beautiful time. I hope you find something in them as well. For your daily inspiration The Deluxe Influence of Bedwin. Enjoy...

Premiere: Say Hello To Bonjour Records

 

For my third film in a four part series for K-Swiss Japan on classic style, we visited Masatoshi Uemura of Bonjour Records. Masatoshi is an incredible DJ and buyer for the culturally influential shop. Bonjour has an incredibly curated selection of CDs, DVDs, art books, clothing, gadgets, accessories, and fresh coffee.

His taste in music, both old and new is a reflection of Masatoshi's own classic personal style. Special thank you to Ryan and Matoi, as well as Mimi for the translation. For your daily inspiration Say Hello To Bonjour Records. Enjoy...

Jake Davis Test Shots: Nick Wooster

 

I've been shooting Test Shots for a little over two years. Somewhere in between that time I put together a shortlist of New York's Most Stylish Men. Since that time a funny thing happened, I've shot almost everyone on that list. I didn't know the poster boy of #menswear Nick at the time, just of him as the guy who brought Visvim to Bergdorf. A few meals and a couple projects together later, I'm happy to call him a friend. And that seems to be the way things work out with Test Shots.

I usually don't break down what people are wearing but this is one of my favorite Test Shots outfits, so here it goes... The jacket is by Paul Harnden Shoemakers from IF. The shirt is vintage Gitman. The white denim jeans are Levi's Made & Crafted. The boots are Augusta. The polka dot scarf is Engineered Garments. The sunglasses are Sol Moscot. The socks are Brooks Brothers. The ring is Maison Martin Margiela. And the watch is Universal Geneva taken from a dead Nazi. Gotta love that. A special thanks to Park & Bond and Tyler Thoreson for making this one happen. For your daily inspiration, a toast to the god, Nick Wooster...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Jake Davis Test Shots: Shelly Colvin

 

When I saw Shelly in her kaftan I knew I had to shoot her. Then I met her dog, Emmylou, and had to shoot her as well. Women and their pets could be an entire series. Shelly is a fantastic musician with incredible style. To be honest I don't know all that much about Emmylou but I think we can agree she is a bonafide star as well.

So let's recap: beautiful woman - check, cute dog - check, flowing waterfountain - check, amazing kaftan - check, classic trainers - check. What else could you ask for? And if you happen to be dying for those Billy Reid for K-Swiss sneakers J.Crew now has them available now. For your daily inspiration the incredible beauty of Shelly Colvin and her EmmyLou...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel link

Premiere: Life Is Bear Pond Espresso

For my second film in a four part series for K-Swiss Japan on classic style, we visited Katsuyuki Tanaka. Katsu is a world renowned barista and owner of arguably the best espresso shop in the world, Bear Pond. His philosophies about life and their relationship to espresso are fascinating. An ad guy turned artisan his passion for his craft is truly inspiring.

This was a great departure for me from commercials, music videos, and fashion campaigns. Instead the focus is on the concept of classic, traditional style and how that applies to something that seems as simple or maybe complex as preparing a cup of espresso. Even though we're not talking about music or fashion what remains the same is the thematics of classic and why certain things stand the test of time. For your daily inspiration Life Is Bear Pond Espresso. Enjoy...

Jake Davis Test Shots: Matthew Williams

Kerouac said it best, "The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.”

That's Matty... A fellow creative, mad genius, and good friend. I see a lot of myself in him. His energetic spirit is infectious. He's worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. He helped build the Haus of Gaga as creative director with his last project being the Gaga x Supreme campaign. He's currently art directing for Kanye West. With his own unique sense of style and taste, for your daily inspiration, Matthew Williams...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel Link

Jake Davis Test Shots: Sid Mashburn

In life it's so important to do what you love. After that everything just has a way of falling into place. From spending the afternoon with Sid it's very clear how much he loves, not just designing clothes, but the people that wear his clothing. And they love him right back. It was nearly impossible to shoot on the bridge behind his store without someone stopping to say, "hello."

Chris Black, Decatur Dan, and I flew into Atlanta after a commerical shoot in Georgia just for Sid. I don't know if I enjoyed our game of table tennis or shooting Sid more. For the record Sid whooped my ass. Regardless, I had an amazing time and wish everybody has the opportunity to visit his beautiful store. Great guy. Great clothes. What more can you ask for? For your daily inspiration the mayor of menswear, Sid Mashburn...

Jake Davis Test Shots Channel Link

The World Of Globe Specs With Tetsuya Okada

For my first film in a four part series for K-Swiss Japan on classic style, we visited Tetsuya Okada of Globe Specs. Established in 1998 his Shibuya flagship store is one of the most interesting eyewear boutiques in Tokyo. An optician and eyewear connoisseur, Tetsuya has incredible insight and knowledge.

We sat down to discuss the classic worldly influences that have shaped his brand and Japanese style culture in general. With a great eye for taste, Tetsuya has merchandised his store with amazing brands and goods, with a clear emphasis on classic American style. Special thanks to Ryan Babenzien and Eva Soroken. Enjoy...