Games Beginning

Come prepared!
More athleticism, urban feel and sporty goods to come in fashion
photo: Tommy Ton

Style disciples from our shores (Manila) know pretty well that Preview magazine, one of the most revered fashion publications in the Philippines will be holding their annual Best Dressed Ball in some weeks, with one of their better (for me) themes in the years I've followed them: Athletic Chic. Having checked Spring 2013 so far, it's evident that athleticism and sporty clothes will be staying as one of the more exciting trends for fashion. Street style blogs the world over have those pops of Nikes competing for the many Pins that old school wingtips, boat shoes and monks currently have in spades. 

And yes, I have blogged days ago about the whole sporty thing going on for me and for some cool people I know as well like the Mike Concepcion and super friend Bryle Penamante, hey guys! Aside from the fact that Sporty is no more of a joke for the stylish set, it's a look at what the world of fashion and our culture is going through. I still don't know what it is exactly that summarizes the reason why this is happening, but I am liking it. So it's pretty obvious I am having a sweating style fest here, nursing a really bad hang over for things athletic.

Since I am obsessed about it as of the moment, I bring you some of the best athletic-inspired street style photos by famous street style blogs we know of. Check out the many appearances of Nike, the subtle yet strong presence of sneakers, beautiful ladies in chic, court-ready clothes and more. 

It seems like fashion is no longer sitting pretty on the benches and is, finally, going strong on the field. Fashion says let the games begin!

Old Times

The best period editorial I've seen in a while.
VOGUE Turkey, shows you how it should look like at a shoot.

Always liked the old times. After picking up my favorite novel, The Great Gatsby, I've been caught and trapped under its spell. It might have been Fitzgerald's delicious writing---that I keep as my touchstone for everything I write, or the knowledge that afforded me after all I've read that just made me love the 20s and the 30s. And then I went on to the 50s and all the legends and icons of those days... And it was then that I realized how much of a romantic I am.

These were the times when my 80 something year old grandmother was having a whiff of first love and times when long-gone relatives have lived stories that we only get to read now...Through literature, movies, art, music and fashion, I've seen only what has been and have never had the slightest idea of how it really was back in the "good old days". But there was something about the lack of all happy, poppy color, or the subtlety of color that I find pretty interesting, something I've deduced from looking at old photos and watching old movies. To me it all seemed as if things were all too fine, too poised for the ladies and for the gents, too smooth yet masculine. Suddenly it's as if you could smell airplane gasoline, something cold, old perfume, cigarettes and liquor in the air...Somehow, it felt simpler, but still overwhelmingly dramatic and inspiring. 

I still have a so-so idea why the past lures people in. Usually, the expectations from people who love to read and write is that they know why people drop anchor to the past. I, only have an idea: If you could cut the entire population to romantics and futurists (if there is such a thing), you've got half for each.. Most of us look back at what has been and call it inspiring, the rest look forward, dreaming up things and call that inspiring. Personally, I think the past is all so hypnotic because it has a sense of rawness to it, something untouched and important. Now I feel like things are so conveniently gelled together, less pure and that the world is looking smaller that there's only so little room for more. But of course, that's a sickness I suffer from. I am, anyway a romantic and am guilty of being foolish to want to live at a time I'm not meant to be in. So here is a tribute to the old times, when, in the eyes of present past-lovers such as myself, is all how time should be: all inspiring, a pinch magical and incredibly beautiful.

State of Mind

Here is a look inside my state of mind as of the moment. Taken from some of this month's best photos, magazines, websites and stories, I realized that at times to give some sense into a cluttered, busy mind, all it takes is a few good photos and great people that make these possible...And then somehow, it'll make sense, whatever it is I need to wrap my head around. 

Cate Blanchett

The photographers at Theysken's Theory, shot by Thomas Prior

Kinga Rajzak photographed by Evan Sung backstage at Vera Wang NYFW 2012

At LACOSTE NYFW 2012, photographed by Victoria Will

Behind the scenes at W Korea Magazine's anniversary issue

Liam Hemsworth for DETAILS magazine. By Norman Jean Roy

The Goddess for VOGUE March 2012. Adele by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott

Tarik Lakehal by Steeve  Beckouet for Essential Homme

Garrett shot by Yu Tsai for Contributor Magazine

Photo Book

Mercy
Anna de Rijk by Sofia Sanchez and Mauro Mongiello

The Watch
Andres Velelncoso Segura by Hunter & Gatti

A photo tells you a story without even making any literal sound or any slant of a letter. And that's why vision and photography are incredibly powerful channels of story-telling, of life. A bad photo, you see, has almost zero saving grace for someone like me, and to think I'm pretty optimistic when it comes to things. A good photo however will burn itself onto your memory and if it's that good, you'll never, ever forget it.

Here are some of the best fashion photos (courtesy of models.com) I'm just mad about now, with of course a few little captioning done by yours truly...Enjoy.

OH, and if you get to see a trend here (since they're all so randomly selected and all based on "Wow, that looks great") by all means share it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Fitting the Bill

Before Scott Schuman was The Sartorialist, before Tommy Ton fetched Jak & Jil and before my team of talented, amazing photographers and spotters for The Institution of Style  went snapping photos of UA&P's stylish, there was Bill Cunningham.

It's definitely possible to say that Bill Cunningham started the whole thing. We owe much to the man and I feel ashamed that the only time I learned of him, was after getting Scott Schuman's book. It's a pity for me, really. Anyway, this is definitely worth your time. This whole craze over real people and real style, photography, fashion, culture and making celebrities out of stylish people is deeply rooted here. Imagine Anna Wintour saying that whenever Bill Cunningham ignores you, it's something like dying?

Here's a legend alright and I'm watching this documentary this week, even when I'm already working (God I love saying it).

- Gerard

A Calm Kind of Excitement

Got this off of Tumblr (from a follower/followee (?) Wild-West) and just cause I'm ultimately bored right this minute, it would be a great read (and write, if that's applicable at all) to do this. So, here I go!

If I were a month, I'd be October
If I were a day of the week, I'd be Sunday
If I were a time of day, I'd be 8 in the morning
If I were a planet, I'd be Saturn
If I were a sea animal, I'd be a Manta Ray
If I were a direction, I'd be East
If I were a piece of furniture, I'd be a coffee table

Ain't you handsome?

Through Jules'---It's definitely short: A Salt Exclusive

Long overdue, and I tell you, it's been baking in my inbox for over a month now but I'm still proud to bring you the sweet, (really) short interview I got with up-and-coming model/photographer/blogger Julian "Jules" Schratter...Uhuh, that's him of throughjuleslens.

A self-portrait. Julian "Jules" Schratter

He's been making a handsome name for himself not just in modeling, but by chronicling the great-looking crowd of both fashion and his circle of friends and families. A visit to his blog would make you want to have fun, care so little about tomorrow and just enjoy being young and free (not to mention smoke more...Sorry, but it's true)

Read on about why kids make him feel young again, what he's bound to tell Garrett Neff  (he didn't promise, but hey, I tried) and the famous celebrity he'd dream of shooting chugging down a beer...For a short and simple interview, it's actually more interesting.


Gerard: What is it about photography that you like?
Julian: All of it

G: Your blog is really attractive because for me, it feels like it's incredibly telling of who you are. In percentage, how much of you do you put into your blog?
J: Depends on the moment...If I'm sitting down at the computer, it's 100% of me...If I'm doing something else then that's my 100%

G: You write well, and music's obviously part of your interests? Ever written a song before? If ever how would your songs be like?
J: Some of those lyrics I post are mine... That's what it would be like

G: Your five favorite photos and why you like them.
J: IMPOSSIBLE!

G: If there was one female model you'd take a photo of over and over again, who would it be and why?
J: I haven't shot enough female models to know my favorite. But there are a few on my list. :)

G: You like kids too, I could tell. What is it about them that you find very captivating?
J:  There emotions are so raw and true to who they are...When I'm hanging out with kids, I am a kid again. Simple as that.

One of his famous subjects left (super cute) and the photographer/blogger/super cool personality Jules Schratter

G: In a photo, the funnest night you've had.

G: How could you tell the Davenport twins from each other? (Most of his entries show you one---or both, of the Davenport boys, and sometimes I couldn't tell which one is Brian and/or Travis)
J: They are very much alike, but much more different.

Not really sure if this is Brian or Travis Davenport. Jules could tell

G: Garrett Neff is my favorite model (just saying) and if it's possible, could you tell him?
J: I'll let him know.

G: Your "drinking", "smoking" and "tattoo" shots are the best. Who would be your dream "drinking", "smoking" and "tattoo" subjects? (Ones you haven't taken photos of yet)
J: Drinking- Charlie Sheen, Smoking- Lil Wayne, Bob Marley, Tattoo- all of Brooklyn

More great photos (personal favorites) from Jules' blog.

Ever saw the sky this blue?

Be careful Chico, you don't want to bite that...Francisco Lachowski

What you dancing to Ryan Kennedy? 

A little princess

One of Jules' most beautiful subjects. Her hair, good God, is just perfect

Arthur, does it ever happen to you that you never look good? Amazing.

Terron Wood and his confusing...ummm....pose

Admit it, a lot of Sean O'pry's best photos are by him

Check out those wheels. Awesome colors.

Hands down, my favorite photo of him. BEAUTIFUL

Please follow him on Tumblr and also on Blogspot, I promise you you'll be hooked!

To Jules, thanks a lot...And I'm grateful you squeezed in some time to answer my questions, I'm really happy and humbled.

Surely, he'll go far, far, far places. I'm seeing an exhibit real soon and it won't be long before he takes up all those ads (if not shooting them). Such a cool guy.

(And he even apologizes for the short answers. I'm like, YOU SERIOUS?! this is all I need and more. :)))) )

ALL PHOTOS YOU SEE HERE ARE OWNED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIAN "JULES" SCHRATTER...Links are provided for sources.

P.S. Jules, if you're reading this, I'm still hoping on that Garrett Neff greet. I'm watching you. ;)


- Gerard

The Urges and the Taboos

The boys at Milan Fashion Week so far, thanks to Tommy Ton's absolute work for GQ

"Fashion is as profound and critical a part of the social life of man as sex, and is made up of the same ambivalent mixture of irresistible urges and inevitable taboos." ---- Rene Konig

To Aaron "McDreamy" Articulo & Lesley "Le Sizzle" Choa, these photos would serve as the latest challenge for you two....

-Gerard