Jake Davis Blog

Adrianne Ho For Unis Exclusively From GQ

         

photography by Ryan Kibler

I had the pleasure of directing an editorial spread for GQ featuring Unis. The first time you were introduced to Adrianne Ho was in her Test Shot last year. From spending a lot of time with Adrianne, I came to realize her as the new "it girl." I'm seeing a shift in the cultural climate. The modern New York City girl is militant in her health, diet, and exercise... The anti-heroin chic model.

This woman represents power, independence, and sexuality with a connection to the city in a whole new adventurous way. It's a new lifestyle, whether she's wearing a man's jacket after her workout or as a blanket. Working with up-and-coming photographer, Ryan Kibler was amazing, as well as the rest of our team. For your daily inspiration Adrianne Ho for GQ featuring Unis, "The New Her..."

Direction: Jake Davis

Photography: Ryan Kibler

Model: Adrianne Ho for Ford

Hair: Kiyo Igarashi

Makeup: Rie Hirabayahi

Producer: Sean Hotchkiss for GQ

Exec. Producer: Chris Black

Featured: Unis "Charlie" Jacket

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...

Happy Mother's Day

Dear Mom,

Most of the time I wish there was a manual to this life. The same way I'm sure raising me, you wished there was a manual. Is this the way it is supposed to be? The way every misstep of mine might have felt like a failure of yours. Raising a child I would imagine being a series of acceptance of your child's failures in a quest to teach right from wrong, good from bad, success from failure.

Most nights I'm so sad it's embarrassing. I think about a past life that failed. I think about what was supposed to be. I think about the way failure is a miserable part of this everyday life. I don't talk to you or anyone about these nights. I stare off into them instead. I hope they surface in my work instead. I let go of them instead. Occasionally they consume me... Creating distance. Creating insecurity. But most importantly... creating what this beautiful life really is. 

The most important thing you taught me is how to love with a real genuine care for people. The kind of caring that has nothing to do with what another person can do for me... The selfless kind. The sacrificial kind. The unsexy kind. The kind of love that sees no separation. I have to tell you, it hasn't been easy being this selfless with my love. Deciding who to give it to, how much, and when... But again, it's what makes this beautiful life what it is. Mom, I want you to know I have no fear of these failures. I do most of what I do to hopefully bring a smile and sometimes a tear to your face because that's really living.

I want to thank you for this beautiful life, with all its failures, missteps, and selfless love... It's me. And I want you to be proud of that. Because what's me is you and I get to share that with the world. And I know not many do. I love you.

Occasionally from a distance,

Jake

P.S. If I have any style at all it's because of you.

Unis 2012 Spring/Summer Lookbook

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I had so much fun creative directing the new 2012 Spring/Summer lookbook for Unis. Eunice designed some great classic staples that every man should have in their wardrobe. What's cool is how the individual can put his own spin on the piece to make it his own. I really enjoyed putting these looks together with her and seeing them come to life on Pierre.

I especially love the white Davis single pleated chinos, the Charlie tiger camo military jacket, the suede bomber jacket and the Tai Chi shoes. Special shouts to Chris Black, as always and Justin Chung for the photography. All looks are currently available in store at Unis New York and Los Angeles, as well as online.

Unis Official link

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...

Jake Davis #ScreenTests: A$AP Rocky

 

I've always been interested in what makes an icon. Superstars can do pretty much anything in front of the camera and we stay intrigued. Andy Warhol's Screen Tests are a true example of that. I've wanted to do a modern take on them since the success of Test Shots. So when my good friend, one of the most creative people I know, Matty Williams was photographing A$AP Rocky for Vogue Homme Japan and asked if I'd be interested in directing a collaborative film with Rocky as the subject, I thought Warhol's Screen Tests would be a great starting point. I knew Rocky and Matty would get it and add all the right little accents. With styling from Simonez Wolf I thought we could definitely capture a pivotal moment in Rocky's career as well as the culture.

There's one film in particular of Lou Reed drinking a Coca-Cola in a glass bottle that really encapsulates the series for me. The execution is very simple but it's the symbols, details, and iconism of the subject that make it classic. Matty and Rocky have so much energy on set I was so happy to be invited to the show. I hope you enjoy the new series #ScreenTests featuring the most exciting and electric rapper to come out of New York in a very long time... This one if for the Tumblrs... Live. Love. A$AP...