đź‘–
The world is full of so many brilliant people who are compelled to make very specific, very special things with their hands, and if you are the type of person who can sense that certain objects have souls, I think it’s rewarding to seek out the small-scale visionaries among us. Jason Ross is one of them. His thing is belts. He makes the most weird and wonderful belts, with thick straps and hand-forged buckles. I first saw his work on set at a Keanu Reeves shoot for GQ in 2019 that George Cortina was styling. Find Artemas Quibble on IG and DM Jason and beg him to make you something. It’ll probably take a second. (And do as Isaac says: pay him whatever he asks.)
Feb 27, 2024
Related Recs
recently stumbled across this lil shop run by a couple with a bajillion leather belts of all types. you can custom and have a lovely conversation as opposed to shop for same products in big, souless corporations like zara or urban outfitters. these type of shops exist for pretty much everything, just look for it. It makes the act of purchasing so much more interesting as there's a story attached to the person who sold it to you. I've also found it to be cheaper/ same price but the quality obviously better. Big big rec
May 28, 2024
đźš©
I heard of William Ellery through a Van Neistat youtube video (which honestly sub-rec, I’ve been pretty into his youtube recently, as someone trying to get better at being “handy”). According to William Ellery’s brand info page, a main goal is to advance the ideal that “it is vital to preserve the instinct to explore”. This comes through in a manner of really creative and interesting ways. There are “keepsake hats” with nylon mesh strapped over the logo (using a fisherman’s knot) providing a little strap-in area for keepsakes, “seatpack chairs “ fashioned out of what seems to be an inflatable dinghy, and of course the legendary wool socks, to be worn year-round. The design feels like an evolution beyond Tom Sachs, where the founder worked as a lead designer, with an oft hand-drawn logo and utilitarian materials everywhere. Each item feels very imaginitive and super cohesive, like they’re all a prop in some sequel to moonrise kingdom.
Jan 5, 2023
đź‘”
Sometimes you’re lucky enough to stumble upon something great entirely by accident and at exactly the right time. This is how I feel about Tony Shirtmakers. Tony is a one man powerhouse who designs and makes (mostly custom) shirts & shirt jackets out of his home / studio in Maine. I am impatiently awaiting a beautiful brown-olive shirt jacket I commissioned a few weeks ago that should arrive right around the time this newsletter drops. Tony also just launched a small collection ready-to-wear at No Man Walks Alone — grab a top before they’re all gone!
Aug 19, 2021
Top Recs from @will-welch
đź§
Many years ago my friend Nico and I used to watch these videos Isaac Mizrahi made where he'd answer fans’ questions. A lady in the Midwest was like, “I live in a small town where nothing stylish ever happens, and I need a new look.” Isaac was like, “Here’s what you’re gonna do. You’re gonna find the most expensive hairdresser in your town, you’re gonna give him all your money, and you’re gonna let him do whatever he wants to you.” I think that is the best advice I’ve ever heard. It has really stuck with me even though I’m not a lady, I’m not from the Midwest, and I don’t need a new look.
Feb 27, 2024
đź“˝
I’ll watch anything by Werner Herzog and his documentaries are especially great. But this feature starring Klaus Kinski is my favorite thing he’s ever made, and one of my favorite movies period. Like most Herzog the whole project is seriously demented and there’s an *Apocalypse-Now-*like doubling thing going on, where the making of the film was almost as insane as the story he was dramatizing. I just saw Herzog has a new memoir out called Every Man for Himself and God Against All. I mean come on, I can’t wait to read that.
Feb 27, 2024
đź‘ž
This morning my friend Camilla texted a photo of me wearing sneakers to dinner last night and I was just like aw man ugh. I looked like a dork. I think it’s because, now that I’m in my 40’s, wearing “dad sneakers” isn’t a style move. They’re just sneakers. Please delete that photo, Camilla. I will wear my real shoes next time.
Feb 27, 2024