Most Wanted: OC Slip-On Platform Sneakers

June 25, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Petra Cortright, Net Artist-Turned-World Cup Commentator

≪ Previous: Inside The Hypermasculine Mind Of Jiraiya

"Most Wanted" presents our favorite and most coveted items available at OC.

Watch your step this summer with OC's Slip-on Platform Sneakers in cobalt or Checkered. Sleek, comfy, and equipped with a 1.75-inch platform for a little extra height, no matter where you go, a very stylish footprint will be left behind.

Shop all Opening Ceremony Collection HERE

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Petra Cortright, Net Artist-Turned-World Cup Commentator

June 25, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Inspired By Belgium, Opening Ceremony Pre-Fall 2014

≪ Previous: Most Wanted: OC Slip-On Platform Sneakers

When the World Cup started, my Twitter feed went aflame with chatter about the games, but no one was quite so impassioned as artist PETRA CORTRIGHT. “How do you not finish that,” she tweeted after a botched attack by Iran, followed by, “THESE ECUADORIAN FANS COMING DOWN FROM THEIR CLOUD FOREST TO SHOW SUPPORT,” during the Ecuador game.

Cortright is one of Los Angeles’ most quickly ascending emerging artists. She crashed the scene a few years ago with a series of selfie-style VIDEOS on YouTube that used new video editing technologies. Lately, in addition to her continued video practice, she’s started making paintings in Photoshop and printing them on aluminum, as well as a series of flags made from low-resolution images sourced online. Her show at Steve Turner Contemporary last year was spot on, and a video of her juggling a soccer ball was included in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s show Fútbol: The Beautiful Game, curated by Franklin Sirmans.

Which is to say, she loves soccer enough to include it in her art. Today was a big day for Cortright. The USA was taking on Germany in a critical match in the morning, and Cortright was getting ready for a screening at the MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, Los Angeles in the evening, where she’ll be showing a bunch of her celebrated web videos, as well as premiering an exclusive video she did with MOCAtv.

A lot of Cortright’s tweets include a fluent use of emoji, so it only made sense to do the interview by text message, where we could nimbly air it out about the US squad’s chances in the knockout round, as well as her own playing days. These are the screen grabs.

Petra Cortright’s Tags for Likes premieres Thursday, June 26 at 7PM

MOCA Grand Avenue
250 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
MAP

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Inspired By Belgium, Opening Ceremony Pre-Fall 2014

June 26, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Simon Says: 'Never Knowingly Underdress'

≪ Previous: Petra Cortright, Net Artist-Turned-World Cup Commentator

Opening Ceremony collections are inspired by the wanderlust that keep us country-hopping. This season, we've landed in the trop chic country of Belgium, the land of innovative designers and striking ancient architecture.

The city of Antwerp is known for its waterways, with several canals and the river Scheldt running through it, serving as a prominent source of inspiration for the collection's hems and shapes. Undulating edges and wraparound panels are seen on minimal dresses and boxy jackets, mimicking waves. Hemlines gently slope towards the front, often cropped in the back to create a liquid look, all while maintaining the crisp cleanliness of the collection's silhouettes, with curved cutaways producing trompe-l'oeil effects.

Prints and patterns are abundant, inspired by the country's cityscapes to in-demand Belgian marble. (Fun fact: Wallonia-sourced marble is typically a grey or red, which became a colorful reference in the "Terazzo" print.) Inspired by the construction method of using marble chips to create a speckled wall or floor, our print was made by layering recycled paper shreds of gold, red, and grey, accented by strokes of blue, black, and white paint. A dazzling mirrorball pattern was inspired by '80s dance clubs (which Raf Simons once told Humberto about), while the map-like, "Broken Stripes" jacquard winks to Antwerp's urban topography and canals.

Of course, no ode to Belgium would be complete without a waffle reference, which appears in this collection as a subtle, delicious texture on oversized dresses and tops.

The overall vibe is one of unfussy dressing, keeping in mind the classic-but-progressive, effortless-but-precise fashions at hand. The color palette is diverse enough for universal appeal, with neutral, gritty tones softened by aqua and lavender, but maintains a consistency that lets you mix and match pieces. When there are so many frites to eat and museums to see, you want comfortable looks, and OC pre-Fall has just that.

Shop all Opening Ceremony Collection here

SIRO STRIPE INSERT SLEEVELESS TOP in navy multi

Jagged Lines Zip Bomber in white multi and skirt

Techno Tubular Jacquard Wrap Dress in bone multi

Jagged Lines Sleeveless Dress in lavender multi

Theroux Two-Layer Dress in black

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Simon Says: 'Never Knowingly Underdress'

June 26, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Juun.J Spring/Summer 2015 At Paris Men's Fashion Week

≪ Previous: Inspired By Belgium, Opening Ceremony Pre-Fall 2014

Here at OC, we are struck by how often we end up in everyday conundrums. The ones that land you in the thick of semi (or full-blown) awkwardness, or maybe, the doghouse.

So, we turned to Simon Collins, the dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons. Collins recently penned a TOME that explores how and why people get to be so dang successful. To glean a bit of that for ourselves, we're launching the weekly series Simon Says, in which Collins lends tongue-in-cheek, Brit-bloke advice to our pain-point questions and social entanglements.

Q: Is it better to be under- or overdressed?

Never knowingly underdress.

The thing is, if you arrive at a less formal party and you’re wearing a correct evening costume, you can simply remove the tie, undo a couple of buttons on the shirt, and roll up your sleeves. Easy. And, if everyone else is wearing suits, they will have just the faintest concern that they didn’t read the invitation and maybe you’ve got it right. Or, they’ll think you’re off to a smarter party afterwards. (If, however, it’s black tie and you show up in jeans, you will be handed a broom and instructed to pick up the crumbs that a correctly attired guest just dropped.)

It’s easy to lighten the formality of your outfit with a few minor adjustments, but it’s very difficult to turn the formality up. And, your outfit is your armor. Until you speak it is your personality and the means by which people will judge you. It might be all they have to go on if you don’t get a chance to chat, so what image do you want to portray?

For the fairer sex—and those of us who prefer to dress like them—it’s pretty easy to smarten up that fabulous black dress by restyling your shawl, switching your flats for Blahniks, and redoing your lippy.

Or vice versa if it’s the walk of shame. Easy.

If your parents were right about one (itsy-bitsy) thing in life, what would it be?

It was said by someone very clever, that as a teenager, his father knew practically nothing; however, by his twenties, his father had learned an enormous amount. The point being that you’re not supposed to agree with your parents when you’re a child. Then, you spend your adult life both realizing they were too often right and trying not to turn into them yourself. Oscar Wilde said that all women become their mothers (that is their tragedy) and no men do (that is theirs). So boys, listen to your mums, and girls, listen to your dads. [Editor's Note: Really?! Isn't this a John Mayer lyric?]

In my case, my mum was a saint and my dad, a secondhand car dealer. Both taught me to smile no matter what, and to live each day as though it were my last. I do both, because one day it will be.

Simon Collins

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Juun.J Spring/Summer 2015 At Paris Men's Fashion Week

June 26, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Playin' For Keeps: The OC Varsity Jacket

≪ Previous: Simon Says: 'Never Knowingly Underdress'

Seoul native JUUN.J is the guy who takes things apart and puts them back together better than ever. “[Spring/Summer 2015] started from toppling the boundary between classical suits and sports,” says the designer, who is calling this street tailoring “Neo Sportism.”

Androgynous models with swan-like necks, gelled-down hair, and bug-eyed sunglasses came out in tennis white, black, pigeon gray, space-blanket silver, and pinstripes that evoked classical baseball uniforms. The oversized button-downs, coats, and pullovers trended toward V-neck and kimono sleeves, while the pants took after the wide, elastic waists of basketball shorts—staple pieces that carried a sense of dignity but were livable to boot.

Sportswear looks great when it's all dressed up. Even the legendary Adidas Superstar saw itself restyled in low-cut and high-top models. Its iconic troika of strips moved around like a tuned-up race car ready to go even faster.

Favorites included an opalescent pullover, and a puffy, sharp trench coat in the deepest sapphire. Ending the show came a series of tees at nightshirt length—sometimes collared—that billowed like bed sheets. Some were printed with handwritten verses and graphics of cityscapes, midnight skies with moons, and birds in flight by London-based paper cutter Rob Ryan.

“Improvements, improvements!” I overheard a nearby journalist saying aloud.

There’s a scene in Sleeping Beauty when the good fairies try to make Aurora a dress without the use of magic––and it doesn't go well. “Oh, I improved it,” the fairy Flora says. "But perhaps if I added a few more ruffles... What do you think?”

Juun.J is the anti-Flora. Each classic shape that he takes––the baseball uniform, the Adidas sneaker, the trench coat––he improves, no ruffles needed.

E-MAIL US to be notified once the Spring/Summer 2015 collection hits OC!

Photos by Karl Hab

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Playin' For Keeps: The OC Varsity Jacket

June 26, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Coperni And Gauchère: French Minimalism To The Max

≪ Previous: Juun.J Spring/Summer 2015 At Paris Men's Fashion Week

Matching jackets have been a long-standing tradition of high school movies, from the Pink Ladies' bombers in Grease to the shoulder-padded blazers in Heathers. But, none are as iconic as the varsity jacket, especially our in-demand, snap-button version here at Opening Ceremony. Of course, you won't get another chance at high school, but we're giving you one more shot with some of our most popular color combos—from all-black to a vivid purple/green/yellow combo. Now that's how you earn high marks.

Shop all Opening Ceremony Varsity Jackets HERE

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Coperni And Gauchère: French Minimalism To The Max

June 26, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Finally, A (MASSIVE) Party Worthy Of Pride

≪ Previous: Playin' For Keeps: The OC Varsity Jacket

The French are famous for excess (think wine, cheese, cigarettes), but two of OC's new Paris-based fall designers are going the way of minimalism. Gauchère and Coperni both experiment with simple tailoring, fresh pleats, and a certain precision that is more ballet than Rococo. With swanlike silhouettes and perfect detailing, it’s no wonder both are finalists for the First Collection Prize in the prestigious ANDAM award in Paris. Gauchère takes a cue from menswear (which you can see in the layered suits) and Coperni has an architectural influence (the white pleated skirt, for instance). Both are quietly, breathtakingly beautiful. On July 3, the winners will be announced, and you know who we’re rooting for! Keep an eye out for these two subtle superstars when they hit OC stores in the fall.

Coperni's Patchwork Sleeveless Coat in light grey

Coperni's Cut Out Mini Skirt and Cut Out Short Sleeve Top

Coperni's Classic Suit

Gauchère's Eleanora Dress

Gauchère's Estee Coat in yellow

Gauchère's Eloise Dress

Gauchère's Ernest Top in black

Gauchère's Eloise Dress and Edmond Collar

Gauchère's Elhiot Pants and Ernest Top

Gauchère's Emilie Coat

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Finally, A (MASSIVE) Party Worthy Of Pride

June 26, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Week In Haiku: June 23

≪ Previous: Coperni And Gauchère: French Minimalism To The Max

"Really ripped guys are my type," the Japanese artist Jiraiya told Opening Ceremony in an interview this week. And, at last night's MASSIVE for Opening Ceremony launch event, hosted by OC and Tenga, there were plenty of husky, hairy honeys who looked like they came straight out of Jiraiya's celebrated mangas. But, in the spirit of NYC Pride week, the crowd ran the gamut in diversity: models from the MASSIVE editorial mixed with DJ Mazurbate, designer Adam Selman, Anne Ishii and Graham Kolbeins of MASSIVE, and OC friends and fam over Tiger Beer and TY KU sake, while DJ Anthony Dicap spun tracks. Check out pics below!

Shop MASSIVE for Opening Ceremony MEN'S and WOMEN'S

MASSIVE's Graham Kolbeins and Anne Ishii and OC's Jacky. Photos by Matthew Kelly

Adam Selman (right) and Jarrod

MASSIVE for Opening Ceremony towels and Tenga

MASSIVE for Opening Ceremony Shinjuku Tee

James Garland (left) and friend

Naomi Yasuda of Naomi Nails (far right) and friends

Karley Sciortino

Paolo Solarte

Heron Preston and Ruth Gruca

DJ Anthony Dicap

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Week In Haiku: June 23

June 26, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Kenzo Spring/Summer 2015 At Paris Men's Fashion Week

≪ Previous: Finally, A (MASSIVE) Party Worthy Of Pride

WEEK IN HAIKU is a week in review for the well-dressed––and the well-versed.

Artist Lauren May
drew this helpful soccer chart:
What Country Are You?

In a space once owned
by a railroad, Building Block
makes beautiful bags.

How to bum on the
beach and go dancing 'til dawn
all in one outfit.

Tee, towel, sex toy
with manly illustrations?
Massive for OC.

Life lessons learned by
Simon: never underdress
and listen to dad.

Clockwise, from top left: From Beach to Bar: The Lazy Girl's Guide to Looking Good; Simon Says: Never Knowingly Underdress'; Inside the HyperMasculine Mind of Jiraiya; in the studio with building block

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Kenzo Spring/Summer 2015 At Paris Men's Fashion Week

June 27, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Remember Magic Eye? Rose Pilkington's Art Is Even Cooler

≪ Previous: Week In Haiku: June 23

In the hours before Kenzo's Spring/Summer 2015 men's show in Paris this morning, many hands were busying themselves draping ponchos on models, handing out Evian and jambon-et-fromage sandwiches, and squeegeeing the runway. It was, in classic Paris style, drizzling––yet the forecast only seemed to heighten the chic, quirky, and very French atmosphere of the show, presented on the banks of the Seine.

Guests were seated on a baby chartreuse stage along the Rive Droite like a crop of translucent daisies (with Kenzo-provided umbrellas). Just south of the set-up, the Pont Alexandre III, the richest bridge in the city, spanned the Seine with its candelabra-like lampposts and bacchanal sculptures of nymphs and cherubim that seemed to strain to watch Carol and Humberto's show just like all the other press.

The models marched picturesquely across the bridge, sporting squared but loose shapes. We wanted to ask them for their coats. “Scooter culture is never more evident than in the exaggerated parka, a functional prerequisite many riders have adopted to offset the sporadic bad weather,” read the prophetic release.

Next season’s parkas in heavy cotton twills, melon-size polka dots (navy on white, red on pink), and a rebooted Breton stripe (thickened, disorientated, and multicolored) were just the thing over motorbike pants and short shorts. Textured knitwear tanks and sweaters—some with an Eiffel Tower jacquard—were useful and smart.

While Cosette of Les Misérables appeared on a tank or two, the show-stealer by far was our favorite French expat, the Statue of Liberty, who was embroidered in multiple denims on the back of a jean jacket. One model wore it with denim pants, thereby giving the “Canadian tux” a new lease on life. So-called “French cyclist” tennis shoes, wayward Americana baseball caps, and ultra-slim men’s bags completed the scene.

Carol and Humberto's collection was conceived from the perspective of observant Americans in Paris. It is “an homage,” the release explained, “to the millions of Parisian men whose way of dressing has, over time, inspired the masses to borrow and assimilate key codes and rites of their wardrobe.”

E-MAIL US to be notified once the Spring/Summer 2015 collection hits OC!

Photos by Karl Hab

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Remember Magic Eye? Rose Pilkington's Art Is Even Cooler

June 29, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: From Beach To Bar: A Guy's Guide To Summer Dressing

≪ Previous: Kenzo Spring/Summer 2015 At Paris Men's Fashion Week

Last week, the prolific remixer and producer Jamie xx released a new single, “All Under One Roof Raving," from his forthcoming album. Like the music maven’s most recent singles, “Girl” and “Sleep Sound,” the song was released via a now-characteristic minimal video that animates his logo (the lower left arm of the letter x)—except this time it’s rendered in 3-D, exploding, quivering, and perpetually pulsating to the beat. Since its release, many have sung their praises for the song and its trippy video visuals, but have overlooked the hue-obsessed graphic designer behind it: 25-year-old Rose Pilkington.

Having just graduated from Central Saint Martins, the tech-savvy Londoner is a rising star in a new guard of graphic designers: those who specialize in the moving image and multiple dimensions. “I try to make everything as playful and enticing as possible, and that’s usually through the use of color,” she says. From animated GIFs to mind-boggling autostereograms––2-D grapics that look like they’re made in 3-D, like the Magic Eye books––Pilkington has a penchant for all things shiny and pattern-heavy. So far, it's landed her work for MTV, Dazed & Confused, and Studio Moross, the latter for which Pilkington created live visuals for a DJ set (“I got to animate palm trees and spinning crystals!”).

When Pilkington moved to London at age 17, one of the first friends she made was Romy Madley Croft, who founded The xx with Oliver Sim (and later recruited Jamie xx to join). She watched as her pals grew as a band, and got hooked on Jamie xx’s artwork. The song, the first Rose has worked on with the artist, samples sound bytes from Mark Leckey’s 1999 FILM Fiorucci Made Me Hardcore, which consists of found footage of London raves, blended with steel drum synths, garage band riffs, and a roller coaster of a baseline. “The track is heavily centered around British rave culture, and is about Jamie’s missing of home and London whilst on tour,” Pilkington explains. She decided on the theme of breaking up his logo into the shape of the Union Jack, where the shards are smashed and separated in sync with the song. The result, a color-morphing mass of faceted shapes, is as hypnotizing as the track itself.

Growing up, Pilkington was always taken by visuals, never words. Her fate was crystallized during a foundation course assignment at Central Saint Martins, where students were asked to make a piece of work that created its own, or random, outcome. Using her flat’s bathroom as a makeshift studio, Pilkington opted to pour bleach over old photographs, and watched in awe as her experiment unfolded. “As soon as the bleach hit the ink, every single color imaginable started to appear like magic in nebula formations, then would slowly deteriorate and drip away altogether,” she says. Wanting to capture the reaction live, she filmed it with her dad’s Handycam on maximum zoom. “I put it all together on iMovie and handed in a three-minute video accompanied by a Brian Eno instrumental,” she says. Two years later, she re-filmed the entire process with a macro lens on a Canon 7D camera.

Pilkington pushes her mastery of the moving image further by bringing it out of the digital realm and into the physical. Over the past year, she’s funneled much of her energy into a more design-based practice, where she produces images digitally then trans

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From Beach To Bar: A Guy's Guide To Summer Dressing

June 29, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Hats Off To New Era

≪ Previous: Remember Magic Eye? Rose Pilkington's Art Is Even Cooler

Are you seriously going to wear that faded American flag tee again this Fourth of July? Okay, so maybe we can't talk you out of it, but at least allow us to present some alternatives. Our best men's pieces for summer, like that precious T-shirt, are comfortable enough to wear to the beach while classy enough to keep on for a night out. Because really, come summer, who has time to go home and fashion a venue-appropriate look? From Independence to Labor Day and all the bars, barbecues, and bashes in between, this is your one-stop shop.

See our summer picks for girls HERE

Who says men can't wear florals? With Thierry Boutemy for Opening Ceremony's Royal Composition Mesh Tank, you can show off your arms and pecs in tandem with blossoming bliss.

MASSIVE for Opening Ceremony's Signature Muscle Tee, featuring one of artist Jiraiya's skimpily-clad muscle men, is the next best thing to being shirtless.

Mickey Mouse / Opening Ceremony's Steamboat Willie Face Off New Era Bucket Hat will protect your eyes from the sun and spread a bit of nostalgic cheer.

Modernize your look with Larose's refined version of the straw hat—the TOILE DE JUTE 5 PANEL CAP.

If shorts aren't your forte, opt for a cropped pant. Perfect for the transition to evening, undecorated MAN's FIELD SLASH PANTS in moss green are spot on!

Hawaiian prints will always remain a summer classic. Monitaly's Flat Front Shorts are vibrant enough for a sun-drenched beach, yet the subdued blues render them casual enough for a night out.

Give your summer look a chic throwback moment with illesteva's Leonard Sky Mirrored Sunglasses.

Outdoor Products' Double Handed Large Tote can hold everything you'll need for the day, from an outfit change to sunscreen.

Combat the heat of the sand with Opening Ceremony x Teva's OC-Exclusive

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Hats Off To New Era

June 29, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: An American In Germany: The World Cup Version

≪ Previous: From Beach To Bar: A Guy's Guide To Summer Dressing

Collaborating with everyone from Jeremy Scott to Juun.J, the headwear experts at New Era specialize in creating custom hats with a unique focus on fit and form. The legendary cap connoisseurs have been masters of their craft since the 1920s, adapting the aesthetics of Mickey Mouse, Kenzo, and more recently Thierry Boutemy to their signature bucket hats and snap-backs. This summer, finesse that perfect outfit with the athletic vibes of an Opening Ceremony or Kidda! By Christopher Shannon fitted!

Juun.J Global Pop Up Can't Knock The Hustle New Era Cap in black

Thierry Boutemy for Opening Ceremony Royal Composition New Era 59Fifty Hat in royal multi

Thierry Boutemy for Opening Ceremony Royal Collage New Era 9Fifty Snapback in white multi

Opening Ceremony Water Print New Era 59Fifty Hat in peony blue multi

Mickey Mouse / Opening Ceremony Scrapbook Steamboat Willie New Era 59Fifty Hat in aqua multi

Kenzo Writing Print New Era 59Fifty Hat in black

Kidda! by Christopher Shannon Kidda x New Era Paisley Cap in red

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An American In Germany: The World Cup Version

June 29, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Did You Try It? Vegan Foie Gras

≪ Previous: Hats Off To New Era

Among the things I love, travel, skateboarding, soccer, eating, and drinking rank high on the list. I am a glutton for satisfaction in all of these areas. With the World Cup in full swing, I managed to indulge in my all favorite things on one quick detour to Berlin, before I made my way to OC London.

I was extra excited that Germany would be playing the US on the last day of the group stage. I chuckled to myself as I imagined being the lone, loud-mouth American screaming in the pub at any US success while surrounded by angry German fans. I couldn't wait.

In a stunning moment of irony, however, the lefty/philosopher/political-activist friend I was visiting took me to a bar filled with similar types. What's more, this watering hole didn't allow any national symbols. No T-shirts, face paint, or anything with flags. Half the Germans were even rooting for the USA! My asshole American dreams were crushed. Still, the space was great, the weather was good, and the beer and brats were exactly what I needed to have a great time. And, as you probably know now, Germany ended up winning the game 1-0, which sent both teams through to the round of 16.

Whether it's having a few drinks on a canal-crossing bridge, partying until way past the sunrise at Berghain, eating some currywurst, or just chilling in one of many parks, Berlin is a city of leisure. Life is cheap and easy here, and I had a memorable holiday. Check out a few quick pics I took while exploring the city.

Riding a skateboard is one of the most freeing things I've ever experienced, so I figured a wall ride was in order.

A section of the East Side Gallery, a 1.3 km strip of the Berlin Wall that remains as a memorial to freedom.

My friend's room is huge by New York standards. He pays €330 a month, lives three blocks from the train, and is right in the middle of the cool neighborhood of Kreuzberg. What will $450 get you in New York?

These are shots from the backyard of About Blank bar, where we watched the Germany vs. USA game.

After trying to get the right shot of my bratwurst and the scene in front of me, it promptly rolled off the bread and onto the ground. I picked it up, ate it, and ordered another.

This is a view of the Molecule Man sculpture in the Spree river from the Oberbaum Bridge, which was part of the border between East and West Berlin.

Tempelhofer Feld is the largest park in Berlin and is home to a monolithic skatepark. It was a very Stonehenge-like approach and atmosphere.

You can live on this quaint street in Kreuzberg for €330 a month.

Good pizza from Il Casolare in Kreuzberg. I ordered this pizza thinking the four toppings would all be mixed together on the pie. My local friends laughed at me and said, "It's Berlin, completely appropriate," when I told them they were separated.

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Did You Try It? Vegan Foie Gras

June 29, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: The Look: Little Dragon

≪ Previous: An American In Germany: The World Cup Version

A new blog series, in which OC staff procures the wackiest, most buzzed about junk-slash-fad food on the global market, then conducts highly professional taste tests.

NOT RECOMMENDED

The Regal Vegan Faux Gras
Price: $7.99 at The Real Vegan or a local Whole Foods
Quantity: 8-ounce tub
Origin: Brooklyn, New York
Color: Brown
Smell: Nutty, like aged hummus

If real foie gras, banned in a state like California, is pegged as a five-star delicacy, Regal Vegan's Faux Gras would be the "normcore version." A blend of toasted walnuts, lentils, miso, and caramelized onions, this spread is touted by the company's website as "not just good for you, but good for everyone." False advertising could be at play, here. While one reviewer did say that it's "actually pretty good if you ignore what it's supposed to be imitating," most tasters politely declined "the brown stuff" and wondered, "Is it sorta like, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter?"

Those game to try it spread the most miniscule smear onto their crackers, only to lament of the "weird aftertaste" and "the beany, near-malty texture." "It doesn't taste like the kind you get at Fortnum & Mason," someone sniffed, "but if you're going for a more savory version of hummus, this is it." "It screams vegan," a staffer concluded. Which is to say, no one asked for seconds.

Photo by Jessica Chou

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The Look: Little Dragon

June 29, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Hello Moto: D.TT.K. Pre-Fall 2014

≪ Previous: Did You Try It? Vegan Foie Gras

In THE LOOK, OC friends drop by to try on our favorite new arrivals and tell us about their wardrobe preferences past and present. This week, OC's Kyle Wukasch hangs with artist Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon.

The industry standards for female pop vocalists are exacting: From a never-ending change of looks, to constantly maintaining personality in the public eye, these expectations can often cause musicians to collapse before ever making into the limelight. But for Yukimi Nagano, frontwoman for the band Little Dragon, rewriting these rules and standards her way is the only way to go.

Known for her soulful sound and whimsical look, comparable to that of a young Sade, Nagano possesses the more unassuming characteristics of your typical lead singer. Never one to exalt herself over the rest of band, Nagano does an exemplary job at balancing appearance with content—an attribute that some musicians quickly forget. It’s this sort of quality in a lead singer that keeps a band on track and propels it forward. And such is the case with Little Dragon. With the recent release of their fourth studio album, Nabuma Rubberband, the band continues to be in high demand in the festival circuit while etching their way at what appears to be the prospect of one day having a chart-topping single. We’re pulling for you guys!

We had the pleasure of welcoming Little Dragon’s frontwoman to the studio for this week’s version of The Look.

Name: Yukimi Eleanora Nagano
Hometown: Gothenburg [Sweden]
When did you start song-writing? Around 13
What “look” were you into in high school? I was coming off a gothic moment. I was a big thrift-store junkie and would just mix and match.
Most regrettable fashion moment? Probably that gothic phase right before high school. It makes me cringe and laugh when I see pictures from that time. Me and my friends used to dress up every day for school. Dr. Martens, ripped stockings, weird-ass makeup, and a lot of Depeche Mode.
Your three wardrobe essentials? Bright-colored sneakers, cozy pants, and fancy pants
Most prized piece in your wardrobe? My mom’s old handmade turquoise dress. It reminds me so much of my childhood and of her.
Can you tell us about your first gig, or one close to it? I was eight years old, and had a solo for the last day of school. I was very nervous and I recall my voice being extremely shaky.
Who are some musicians—past or present—that inspire your style? Definitely David Bowie; he wore some sick pieces in the late ‘70s and ‘80s. Early Prince, just because he could wear underwear on stage, not give a fuck, and still be such an amazing performer. [And] Grace Jones, of course.
There exists a strong relationship between fashion and music. From a musician’s perspective, what are some pros and cons to this relationship? There is no doubt fashion strengthens the whole experience. People listen both with their ears and eyes somehow. There are so many platforms to express yourself as an artist these days beyond just the music. Clothes can help you get lost and fantasize. I guess the cons are that there are those times an image of an artist becomes their career; you see someone who looks amazing with music that sucks.
Your band just played two sold out shows at Terminal 5. What's going through your head before you hit the stage? I get pumped up. Excited that all those people have bought tickets to come and see us play! It’s a dream.
What are so

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Hello Moto: D.TT.K. Pre-Fall 2014

June 30, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Belgian Slang Dictionary - Mottig

≪ Previous: The Look: Little Dragon

Pure sport, rush, and adrenaline come to mind at the sight of D.TT.K's pre-Fall collection. The Tokyo-based brand, forrmed in 2012 by Detto Kazuma (aka DETTOK), celebrates cutural touchpoints like music and cinematography, and of course, bang-up street style.

This season, we're getting a moto-reminiscent line of sportswear and accessories: a wearable, hyper-sporty aesthetic with the use of softer materials, seen here in the SWEAT SHIRT and PANTS with ridged piping down the sides. What's more, the TACTICAL VEST reminds one of a chilled-out, bulletproof vest (but this one comes with a well-placed zipper, to carry necessities like an iPhone and gum).

Shop all D.TT.K here

TACTICAL VEST in white/black

Mountain Shell Jacket in black/white

MOUNTAIN SHELL JACKET, with zip-detachable sleeves at the elbows

Moto Team Logo Long-Sleeve Tee in white/black

Sweat Shirt and SWEAT PANTS in aqua

PROTECTOR CAP in black/white

Team Cap in white

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Belgian Slang Dictionary - Mottig

July 1, 2014, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Step Inside: Opening Ceremony Men's Shoes Spring/Summer 2015

≪ Previous: Hello Moto: D.TT.K. Pre-Fall 2014

Sure, you can order a pommes-frites with curry ketchup and pronounce Dries Van Noten's name without a hitch. But can you really get by in Belgium? Our Slang Dictionary will make sure of it.

You know how clothes in storage can get all moldy and moth-eaten? Well, in Flanders, they figured this would be the perfect metaphor to describe both what it feels like to be nauseous or unwell, and when something or someone is not too easy on the eyes… So, when you start imbibing too much of those delicious Belgian beers, make sure you don’t go home with the mottige guy or girl in the bar, and drink enough water so you don’t feel too mottig the next day!

Example sentences:
1. Make sure you don’t go home with that mottige dude. / Zorg maar dat ge niet naar huis gaat met die mottige gast!
2. I shouldn’t have had that much beer; I feel really mottig today. / Ik had niet zoveel pinten moeten drinken, ik voel mij echt mottig vandaag.

We'll be rolling out more Belgian slang throughout the summer! Submit your own words to WEBSTORE@OPENINGCEREMONY.US with the subject line "Belgian Slang".

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Step Inside: Opening Ceremony Men's Shoes Spring/Summer 2015

June 29, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: This Ice Cream Will Get You Carded...

≪ Previous: Belgian Slang Dictionary - Mottig

No laces, no problem: To complement OC's oceanic-inspired Spring/Summer 2015 men's COLLECTION are accessories that tell an easy, directional story. In particular, the footwear, complete with soft leathers and suedes, and the newly iconic palm fronds—in custom-printed leather—translates the brand’s calling card of being bold and luxuriously quirky.

Noticeably absent from the season's shoes are laces. Aesthetically, the designers were aiming to amplify functionality while increasing ease of access. "We were looking to simplify all shoes by removing laces," said accessories designer Zoe Wendel, noting the updates to classics shoes such as the Arrow, which has been refined with an elastic strap closure, or the M1, which will now feature a Velcro closure. This “closure tactic” was also extended into new, workman-like boots, which feature stark resemblance to the first edition OC & Timberland collaboration. "We loved the strong graphic nature of the elastic criss-crossing on the boot, as well as cut-out shape made on the Velcro sneaker," added Zoe.

Finally, to complete this stylish re-introduction, engraved on the end chip of each strap is the new OC logo, adding a bit of refined iconography.

Opening Ceremony Men's Spring/Summer 2015 shoes, coming early next year

A look back at our men's presentation last month

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This Ice Cream Will Get You Carded...

June 30, 2014, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: 8 Summer Hats With Next-Level Swagger

≪ Previous: Step Inside: Opening Ceremony Men's Shoes Spring/Summer 2015

It’s hot out there, are we right? So go on and treat yo'self. And, because TODAY is the all-too-important wacky holiday of National Creative Flavor Ice Cream Day, we asked CoolHaus, the Picasso of ice cream trucks, for one of its infamous sammie recipes. What we got was the spoon-lickin' good "Whiskey Lucky Charms." It combines the best parts of being a kid (sugar cereal) with the best parts of being an adult (alcohol). If there’s one thing we learned from being a six-year-old, it’s that you save the best—the rainbow marshmallows—for last.

Whiskey Lucky Charms Ice Cream
Makes about: 11⁄2 quarts | Active time: 15 to 20 minutes

Plain Custard Base*
1⁄4 cup Bushmills or Jameson Irish whiskey
3⁄4 cup Lucky Charms cereal

1. Process base in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions. Add whiskey during last 2 minutes of churning.
2. Transfer to a bowl and fold in cereal.
3. Scrape into an airtight storage container. Freeze for a minimum of 2 hours before serving.

*Plain Custard Base Recipe
Makes about: 11⁄2 quarts | Active time: 10 to 15 minutes

Use the freshest eggs available for best results. If possible, refrigerate the base for a full 24 hours—the longer, the better. We like to chill our bases in plastic or stainless-steel pitchers with airtight lids for easy pouring into the ice cream maker after chilling.

2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
11⁄4 cups granulated sugar
8 large egg yolks

1. In a 4-quart saucepan, combine milk, cream, and half of sugar. Set over high heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a boil, about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk yolks and remaining sugar until smooth, heavy, and pale yellow, about 30 seconds.
3. When cream mixture just comes to a boil, whisk, remove from heat, and, in a slow stream, pour half of cream mixture over yolk sugar mixture, whisking constantly until blended.
4. Return pan to stove top over low heat. Whisking constantly, stream yolk-cream mixture back into pan.
5. With a wooden spoon, continue stirring until mixture registers 165 to 180 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 2 minutes. Do not heat above 180 degrees, or eggs in base will scramble. Mixture should be slightly thickened and coat back of spoon, with steam rising, but not boiling. (If you blow on the back of the spoon and the mixture ripples, you’ve got the right consistency.)
6. Pour base into a clean, airtight container and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours before using.
7. Use base within 3 to 5 days.

Suggested cookie here is a maple flapjack. Photo courtesy of Coolhaus

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