BERNHARD WILLHELM
I've lost my mind...Just a little bit. I mean come on. How could you not fall deeply in love with this?
-Shot by Christopher Salguero
Say what you want, but you gotta love everything about this. Let's practice it with of course a nice outfit.lol
Props for Thee Mark capturing this from his crackberry (which explains that picture quality). I just think this picture is so dope, and this probably is the best picture to describe how I feel right now.
Paper Cha$er Video Teaser
Jensen Kirk "Jay.K" ft. Big Sean
It is finally here! I was discussing with Jay.k a couple of days ago, that this might be one video people will definitely be anticipating for. I truly believe so; well, what do you guys think?
THEGALAXYRIDERS (LA-A.L.I.E.N)
I was reminded of the old missions we had with the ALIEN team, it never ended. Thanks to miss Angela Boyias for reminding me of this majestic image and time.
Talk about Epic! We helped co-style my dear Jay.K's "Paper Cha$er" video and I mean, it's not like an artist like him needs any "medicine" with his craft especially with his "sick" style, but we just had to add a little Passe touch!
Stay tuned for the video because it is truly amazing and a lot of work was put in to it! And keep your ears and eyes open for his mixtape dropping soon! "Starting from the Finishline."
Visit him here folks!
A couple of weeks ago we were given the privilege to sit down and have a grand evening/interview with Mr. Kaleka, one half of the Costume Dept. duo.
Meeting was set to 6 p.m. but, I don't know if it's our Filipino timing stepping in but traffic was quite hectic so it ended up being about 30 minutes late, terrible we know. West Hollywood, London Hotel, we drive up to the valet---looking too dapper might I add. We step out the car preparing the camera and thinking of proper wordings.(I mean we got to appear "cool" right? kidding.) Anyway we step in and get directed to the table with a man looking ever soo composed sitting and waiting. As we walk up there's a charming man with a big smile, shakes our hand---we take a seat.
Name: Shawn Kaleka
R&R: To those who don't know Shawn Kaleka, who is he?
SK: Determined, Courageous, Free Spirited, Hard Working...went from studying medicine in Europe to creating and running a fashion line in LA "It was no walk in the park...lol"
*Sips the warm Jasmine tea with a sugar cube.
R&R: So let's get to business, speak about Costume Dept.; What's the history of the name? How did the duo form?
SK: The name was something we thought a lot about, when we did finally decide it just sort of stuck and felt right...I think it has come to be interpreted as the way a fashionista feels about getting dressed in his/her closet and on shopping as a whole---*takes a pause to gather his thoughts* I moved to LA, with an MD that I knew I would never utilize, I was very interested in pursuing a business venture outside of what I was groomed for---I met Shaun through mutual friends, we became fast friends and business partners, and the rest as they say is history.
R&R: What can we expect in the future?
SK: I expect to see a steady increase in accounts...we were weaned with health in the Great Recession, so things will only get better for us. I would like to have more domestic accounts (being that majority of his accounts are International and mostly in Japan) it can be a bit of a challenge as we are not for the everyday person; I think our designs are for people who really appreciate fashion.
R&R: 5-10 years???
SK: Growth, more growth...*taps his busy blackberry*
R&R: What is the everyday life for Shawn?
SK: Work, always on the move *as my sister and I laugh with such comparison*--- stylists coming in and out, meetings with my Japanese distributors and middlemen, Photo shoots, overlooking production, emailing constantly..."Everyday is WORK". I enjoy the chaos.
R&R: Then what happens when there's time to rest?
SK: On such rare occasion, I like to unwind over a movie and take out, preferably sushi, alone might I add! *laughs*
Then we went on to discuss about the business and politics within the whole Fashion System. Talent and popularity. The importance of networking yourself and "street" education.
SK: "talent always triumphs"---a lot of people falsely assume it's 'who you know' or 'how much money you have', those things might help you get your foot in the door, but I have seen that there is no longevity in such cases. If you don't have the talent to back yourself up -you won't go far, no matter how popular you are.
I referenced about a friend of mine once asking me to teach him how to draw---it's the same as in Fashion/Style
R&R: Success? What are your views?
SK: I think it's really relative...I have found some success pretty early and I do feel fortunate and grateful, but I still have a long ways to go...I am the type of person who is never content...I am ambitious by nature and always want and seek more.
R&R: How would you describe your personal style?
SK:It changes as I change...I often wear black, mostly designer.
R&R: What do you think of P:PASSE(RHU & RHO)?
SK: *He pauses with a sincerity and smile* Very inspirational, very inspired, You guys will go very far;very impressive. You guys appear to have your feet cemented to the ground and it's very rare to find that in people at your age.
As he explains the reason why he had given us the opportunity to be able to sit down and enjoy---share a few words of wisdom. Personally I felt inspired as if my heart was about to jump out of my body and start dancing, but of course I had to keep my composure.
I sip champagne when I'm thirst'a -Shawn Kaleka
Wisdom of Wabi Sabi:Nothing is perfect, nothing is complete, nothing lasts.
Sorry for the delay on the Shawn Kaleka(Costume Dept.) feature, we will get onto it very soon. Keep your eyes and hearts open!
ARENA HOMME S/S 2009-2010
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