'The Goob' Might Just Be The Best (And Weirdest) Film To Premiere At SXSW

March 18, 2015, 9:00 pm

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Welcome to the weirdness of The Goob, an atmospheric trip through the wacky world of Britain’s Norfolk badlands. Like a fairy tale from the crust-punk countryside, this film makes a faraway place endearing and relatable, taking viewers through a coming-of-age adventure with newcomer Liam Walpole, a.k.a. “the Goob.”

Walpole’s skeletal frame and countryside cool guide this tale's wandering camera through a rarely featured landscape of rural Britain. When we met the actor at SXSW in Austin, he was fresh off the set of a modeling gig that may signal the coming of a new multihyphenate It Boy. Not a bad year for a first-time actor.

Below, we chat with Walpole and The Goob director Guy Myhill at the film’s North American premiere.

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WILLIAM NIXON: How did you two find each other and come to make this film?
GUY MYHILL: It was 2 o’clock in the afternoon and [Liam] had just woken up when he stumbled into someone from our casting crew. We were getting close to the wire before making the film, with teams of people going out into these market towns in the area where The Goob takes place. We saw his face and it was this mixture of Bowie and Spock from Star Trek, with this wonderful otherworldly quality that just seemed great. He had never acted before. We were blessed with his physicality.

LIAM WALPOLE: The only stuff I’d done prior to this was in school—like middle school, Christmas plays. To prepare, I would take a few moments to myself between each scene, brace myself, [and] read through my lines. Just think it through beforehand.

What is the weirdest thing that happened on set?
GM: [One time Liam] legged it off—he ran off. We had to chase him over the fields. I think he owed money to some travelers or gypsies. Anyway, it’s kind of difficult because where we were filming you can’t really drive, so we had people sprinting round tryin’a block him off. He got to a McDonald’s and he was hiding out there.

Dazed compared the film to Gummo.
GM: I’m not sure about the comparison. I love Gummo; I think it’s terrific. Maybe it’s just our world having a similar kind of atmosphere. But I think really The Goob leans more to the atmosphere of The Last Picture Show or Two-Lane Blacktop. When I was a kid my dad would sit down with me and we’d watch these things that I probably didn’t grasp at the time, but it sits in your psyche. I think it owes more to that—with probably a bit of [Terrence] Malick thrown in—than it does to Gummo.

Who are some visual artists who’ve influenced you as a filmmaker?
GM: Visual art was my first love as a kid. Big influences were people like Bob Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, and on through to Warhol and that whole movement. Certainly when I was a little kid and I’d be picking out art books in the school library, it’d be those boys and pop art and that culture of consumerism. In college I specialized in printmaking and drama. I collect stuff and stay aware of keeping art in my life.

As for favorite films, you could ask me my top five right now and then ask me again at half past four and get another five films. It’s not like your favorite soccer team. That will always remain the same, but films are fluid.

Liam, when you first read the script, did your character of “the Goob” remind you of any other characters?

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Game, Set, Match: Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony

March 18, 2015, 9:00 pm

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Kiko Mizuhara knows that the concept of the “bad girl” takes on many forms. The singer-actress-model-fashion icon’s previous collaborations with Opening Ceremony have found the archetype in everything from ‘90s grunge to the Pink Ladies to disco party girls, not to mention pepperoni pizza leggings.

This season, Kiko’s sukeban—the Japanese term for “delinquent girl”—hits the tennis courts of bourgeois country clubs and private school gym classes. With its sporty separates, crisp sweaters, and micro-minis, Kiko’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection is the perfect wardrobe for a preppy high-school queen bee. And let’s face it: deep down, we all want to be that girl.

Shop all Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony here, and watch Kiko model her latest collection in the video below. 

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Click through to view Kiko Mizuhara's latest OC collaboration. Gingham Cropped Camisole and Gingham Belted Skirt in yellow Nylon Mesh Blouson in white Sleeveless Gingham Collared Dress in sax blue Tailored Stripe Jacket in navy blue and KIKO x OC Pleated Mesh Skirt in white KIKO x OC Soft Rib Bra and KIKO x OC Soft Rib Underwear in white Nylon Mesh Hooded Blouson in pink and Front Flap Stripe Shorts in navy Kiko x Opening Ceremony Tricot Pants in black

Brand New OC x Birkenstock

March 19, 2015, 9:00 pm

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The unity of comfort and aesthetics is rare. But as always, OC has you covered, this time with a new collaboration with Birkenstock. Your toes, however, will frolic in the open air: these are, after all, the Guam criss-cross sandals and Zurich slip-ons by the company that invented shoe comfort.

These are not your typical "dad-sandals”: Following in the footsteps of Opening Ceremony & Magritte, which included Birkenstocks inspired by the surrealist artist’s works, this spring’s collaboration comes in exclusive patterns and colors. Taken straight from our resort runway, the azure and pelagic blue prints were inspired by jungle flora and fauna—though they’ll look great at a neighborhood pool, too.

Each pair of sandals is modeled with a Birkenstock cork sole, making them easy on the feet as well as the eyes. And for nippy spring days, don't be afraid to go all out and rock the controversial sock-n-sandal combo.

Exclusive Birkenstock Guam Sandals in cerulean, worn with Opening Ceremony Painted Leaves Slim Fit 7-Pocket Jeans in pelagic blue, and Exclusive Birkenstock Zurich Sandals in pelagic blue   Exclusive Birkenstock Zurich Sandals in pelagic blue   Exclusive Birkenstock Guam Sandals in cerulean

Love NY? Show It With Your Shirt

March 19, 2015, 9:00 pm

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Opening Ceremony’s long-standing collaboration with Gitman Brothers has seen its fair share of prints that make us want to travel: tropical bananas and lemons, for instance, or shirts with all-over mini Mount Fujis. For Spring/Summer 2015, Gitman Brothers takes us on what has long been a dream vacation: New York and Hawaii. At the same damn time.

Keeping with its signature slim button-down cut, this season is full of enough trippy patterns to get spring started. The Aloha Reverse Short-Sleeve Button-Down gives Hawaiian print a psychedelic edge (particularly when paired with the Rainbow Spiral Shorts). Meanwhile, other button-downs are printed with repeating “I Heart NY” logos in varying colors of white and indigo.

Whether you’re more of a city guy or craving tropical beaches (and a piña colada to match), Gitman Brothers for OC takes you to both destination spots. No flight required—just a closet.


Shop all Gitman Brothers for Opening Ceremony here I Heart Ny Elbow Patch Button-Down in white Trippy Check Long-Sleeve Button-Down in blue Aloha Reverse Print Button-Down in navy/white and Aloha Reverse Print Shorts in navy/white Aloha Short-Sleeve Reverse Button-Down in green/yellow Colorful Oxford Short-Sleeve Button-Down in pink and Colorful Oxford Shorts in pink

The Dark Diggity at Cedar Local

March 19, 2015, 9:00 pm

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Last summer, OC got you Tipsy and Tan. Now, we're just getting you tipsy. Meet Fridays at Five, our cocktail series where mixologists at New York City’s white-hot new restaurants create OC-exclusive drinks for our readers. Drinking on the job? Don't mind if we do...

Is it just us, or is Wall Street actually happening? Leonardo DiCaprio made banker parties seem sexy (the coke and sexism, though, not so much), Condé Nast now lives in the Freedom Tower, and even Hood By Air moved its show down to 23 Wall Street during the most recent NYFW.

When it comes to post-work drinks, then, it’s not surprising that Wall Street has major game. The latest FiDi digs? Cedar Local, where “Old Money” drinks (negronis, Old Fashioneds) mingle alongside “New Money” concoctions like the warm sipper, the Rum Diggity. For your early-spring shenanigans, bartender John D. McCarthy created a variation on the house drink.
 

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Name: John D. McCarthy

If this drink had a soundtrack, what would it be? "No Diggity” by Blackstreet

Drink of choice: I’m shots. Shots and a beer guy, except I don’t drink beer because I’m allergic to it, so I’m a shot and a cider.

Hangover cure: Ice cold Coca-Cola. If you just chug an ice-cold Coca Cola to where the CO2 burns your throat, it hurts so good. I don’t know if it’s because I was raised Catholic. And then mimosas. You just slam it down, and it hurts a little bit, but you slam it down and move on.

Best date advice: Be on time. I remember one time this guy was waiting forever by himself, and this woman shows up 45 minutes late, and she’s one of those girls where it’s, like, supposed to be okay. I wanted to be like, bro, move on. She’s 45 minutes late she couldn’t give a shit about you. So yeah, be on time, on both sides. And if you’re there first, have two glasses of something with bubbles to start off the date. And dude, pay the bill! She makes 70 cents to every dollar of yours. Pay the bill, bro.

Worst pick-up: This is when I was at Highlands, and my very beautiful, blond blue eyed cousin came to visit me. And this guy, who thought he was the smoothest dude around, comes up and starts whispering in her ear, right in front of me. She was kinda like, go away, and I look at her and she looks at me, and I see him put his hand on the small of her back. So I yell, “Hey! Get your hands off my cousin!” And he was shocked, he’s like “Dude, it’s cool, I know Andre.” and I was like “You still have your hand on my cousin!” Like, keep your hands to yourself, buddy. Like if you don’t know them? Don’t touch.

What not to do to your bartender: Do not try to have us make a recipe on your smart phone that you’ve had at some place. They’re not having a conversation with me. Dude, just make a conversation with me and we’ll make something together. But when they just hand me a recipe on the phone, it’s like being treated like a waiter. I’m a bartender, goddammit.

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Exclusive Recipe: The Dark Diggity
OC Alcohol Scale*: 10 
“It’s all booze.”

½ oz. Bacardí Añejo rum
½ oz Highland Park Dark Origins whisky
2 dashes Angostura bitters
¼ oz. wa

10 Getaway Bags To Help Cure Your Spring Break FOMO

March 22, 2015, 9:00 pm

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If you really think about it, there’s not much to miss about college. With its smelly dorms, all-nighters, and fear of scurvy from the steady diet of grilled cheeses and ramen noodles, the downsides to collegiate life make it hard to imagine wanting to go back. There is one perk, however, that causes envy in heart of every working person on the planet: Spring Break. We mean honestly, who doesn’t want a week or so off every year just to go on boozy vacays and chill?

Because the US Government—for reasons unknown—has yet to make Spring Break a national holiday, it’s up to you to battle the college-kid FOMO. So scroll through Airbnb, throw your toothbrush and a change of underwear into one of our new totes or backpacks, and get away from the grind for the weekend. You’ll look a lot chicer than your underage counterparts in a Bao Bao tote or a Proenza Schouler backpack, and have just as much fun. It’s spring, and you’re taking a break. Close enough. Opening Ceremony Millie Large Tote Bag in black multi Proenza Schouler PS Double Sided Courier Backpack in black Kenzo Medium Kalifornia Rubber Tote Bag in anthracite Bao Bao Prism Mirror Finish Large Tote in silver Moschino Printed Backpack in fantasy print black J.W. Anderson Large Moon Bag in black Haerfest F1 Backpack in black Alexander Wang Mini Marti Iridescent Backpack in black Niels Peeraer Double Bow Buckle Tote Backpack M in white KARA Pebble Leather Reflective Backpack in black

BadBadNotGood Does SXSW Right

March 22, 2015, 9:00 pm

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Precocious and ferocious, Toronto-based beat squad BadBadNotGood set the trails of Texas ablaze in an onslaught of ill performances—many of them alongside collaborator Ghostface Killah—at South by Southwest this past week. Dropping jaws at local gems like The Mohawk, Bungalow, and South by’s annual FADER Fort, the crew was even joined on stage by surprise guest Raekwon. We posted up at a South Austin juice truck to sip on soups and smoothies while swapping tales of sound and style.

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WILLIAM NIXON: Tell me a little about BadBadNotGood and Ghostface Killah—your history, collaborations, and time together at SXSW.
CHESTER HANSEN: One of our best friends, Frank Dukes, is a producer/beatmaker [whom] we met about three years ago at our first show, actually. We ended up doing some sessions with him… [Then] in 2012, he asked us to come to New York and work in a studio [where] he was recording. He was doing stuff with the Menahan Street Band and all the Daptone Records guys, ‘cause he actually sampled Menahan for a song. That started him working with live bands and musicians and I guess we were some people he wanted to work with, so he called us down. We ended up recording like, 13 beats in a few days. With the hopes of getting Ghostface on all of them. Now, through a three year process of redoing things and opening our own studio with [Frank] and getting Ghost’s verses, our album Sour Soul is finally out there.
ALEX SOWINSKI: Frank knew that Ghost was gonna be on it—Ghost had been rapping [on] a lot of beats of his at that time. Frank talked to his manager and they were like, “Oh, maybe we should do a full-length or something.”
CH: He had toured with Ghost as Ghost’s DJ.
AS: Yeah—so they had a strong relationship from that and Frank had an idea for an album in his brain. We tried to let it out a little bit.

How would you describe the Toronto music scene right now? How do your sounds fit into that puzzle?
AS: The Toronto scene is pretty bumping in terms of hip-hop and rap—obviously, Drake’s a pretty strong front. There are so many amazing beatmakers and producers. Actually, Frank Dukes had three tracks on a Drake mixtape. He and Chester did “0 to 100” together. Toronto is kind of killing it. All these producers are creating a sound that I feel is so different than a lot of the Atlanta producers or stuff coming out of New York. Kind of every day I find out about some new rock shit that I’ve never heard about. Yeah, there’s lots of crazy good music coming out. Really cool to see it progressing.

What ‘90s iconography inspired you growing up?
MATTHEW TAVARES: Blink-182. Zelda, for sure. N64 in general for all of us.
AS: Fuckin’ Sesame Street and Art Attack.
MT: A lot of Canadian shit… and Bananas in Pyjamas.
AS: Arthur and shit.

How would you describe your style as middle schoolers?
CH: I had an older brother who was super into crazy hip-hop clothing, so he’d get like 4XL tees and Eckō, wild stuff like that. I would take all his clothes he didn’t want. I’d be rolling around in size-36 Phat Farm jeans and crazy shit.
MT: I went to private school so my style was non-existent whe

Melissa Forde Remakes The Bucket Hat

March 22, 2015, 9:00 pm

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Each star has her signature accessory. Where would Lana Del Rey be without those painted claws at the ends of her fingers, or Kim Kardashian without an iPhone in hand? The signature accessory of Melissa Forde—or as she’s popularly known on social media, @mdollas11—happens to be the dressed-down bucket hat. The only problem? Forde felt that her go-to hats weren’t being manufactured in the proper fit, fabrics, or prints that suited her tastes. The solution? Teaming up with rapper Wale’s hat line Wrkng Title to create a custom range of bucket hats sold exclusively at Opening Ceremony.

Forde’s new hats come in three styles: the Black Beauty, featuring a sturdy black mesh perfect for warmer months, the Rastaprint, featuring an ikat graphic in shades of yellow, green, and magenta, and the Pink Pineapple, adorned with a fruit print atop a bubblegum background.

While Forde is already known as an accomplished photographer and social media personality (seriously, check out the #mtfphotography hashtag), this checks off a new talent in her book. She photographed the images for her lookbook, too, which showcases her eye for attention-stealing angles and colors.

Photographer, Creative Director, designer—is there anything Melissa Forde can’t do? We dare you to test her.


M$$ x Wrkng Title is available exclusively at Opening Ceremony starting March 31Photos by Melissa Forde 

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69 Proves Big Is Back

March 23, 2015, 9:00 pm

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California-based label 69 takes androgynous clothing to new heights this season—or should we say widths? For Spring/Summer 2015, bigger is better: Onesies are cut into cartoonishly oversized silhouettes, while large kangaroo pockets provide alternative solutions to purses. And yes, all this is for girls, guys, and anyone in between.

69 is only as ambiguous as its creator, the enigmatic A. Halford. As he (or she) told us in 2014, 69 allows "people [to] interpret what they want [the brand] to be" without prejudice. The 69 Crossover Alls are certainly open to interpretation: cut into large everything—pockets, straps, and legs—their excess fabric creates effortless draping, allowing the piece to suit any body type. Draping is also featured in the Basketball Shirt, a sports-inspired piece with a wavy hemline.

Classic silhouettes are given the Edward Scissorhands treatment this season—take the Tank Dress, for example, which features dramatic all-over shredding. Traditional Straight Leg Jeans are thrown off-center with this unique fraying technique, and include slanted pockets concealed beneath the layers of denim. Pair these with the Denim Bikini top to complete the throwback Kelly Rowland in “Survivor” look.

Oversized shapes not only accommodate comfort, but also functionality. The stand-out Everything Storage Dress is exactly as it sounds—a structured cotton T-shirt dress complete with a massive back storage pocket. Who needs a bag when you can toss your phone, keys, and wallet over your shoulder?


Shop all 69 hereClick through to shop through 69's latest collection. Shredded Loose Tank Dress in medium stonewash Everything Storage Dress in white/black Denim Bikini in medium stonewash

Grown Up But Still Grunge: Marques'Almeida Spring/Summer 2015

March 24, 2015, 9:00 pm

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If Marques’Almeida designs with a specific guy and girl in mind, Spring/Summer 2015 was the season they landed a cool job, signed a lease on a swanky new apartment, and showed the world they meant business. This season, the lovechild of Central Saint Martins alums Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida opted for a darker color palette, cleaner lines, and even luxe, Swarovski-encrusted chiffon.

Fans of the brand’s signature denim, fret not. The frayed, deconstructed goodness you have grown to love and expect is still very much present in this collection, but it too has taken a turn for the chic. Shiny black and crisp white denim make up this collection’s apron-esque halters and asymmetrical minis. The iconic grunge vibes that made Marques’Almeida what it is, sharpened and refined to perfection. We guess this is growing up.

Shop Marques'Almeida mens and womens hereClick through to view Marques'Almeida's Spring/Summer 2015 collection. Long Asymmetrical Hem Embellished Top in black Patch Pocket Oversized Denim Shirt and Frayed Hem Tracksuit Long Denim Shorts in baby blue Front Slit Turtleneck Sweater in red and High-Cuffed Boyfriend Jeans in baby blue Frayed Patch Pocket Macintosh Jacket and Frayed Hem Strap Detail Long Shorts in black/white Denim Frayed Edge Cap-Sleeve Top

If Eddie Huang Ruled The World...

March 23, 2015, 9:00 pm

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Eddie Huang is a man who wears many Kangol hats. When the chef/TV personality isn't running his celebrated East Village restaurant Baohaus or eating fritas with Bangbus stars for his Vice series Huang's World, he's chilling in Jamaica simply living the life you probably wish you were.

Oh yeah. He also recently took on the role of producer and turned his debut autobiography, Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir, into an ABC sitcom, reopening much-needed discussions about race on television. Which begs the question: what have you done this past year?

But don’t get it twisted: just because Huang hit the big leagues doesn’t mean he left his jokes behind. Best believe we fell victim to the prankster during our recent photo shoot at OC Ace Hotel where Huang convinced an OC manager to let him, well, be the store manager. Amidst manning the phones, Huang straight up catfished another associate via Gchat ("Eddie Huang arrived to set with herpes on his face,” read one Gchat from Huang. “The shits are BIG; dude went Hollywood!”). We took the bait.

Huang’s excellent sense of humor doesn’t check-in at Ace and stay there. We caught up with Huang to talk shoe game, working hard, and the accomplished task of doing laundry this week.

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CHLOE DEWBERRY: You're involved with so many different projects—whether it's running your own restaurant, hosting your show, or producing a series. How do you manage to balance it all?
EDDIE HUANG: I think it's important to do the work when you're inspired to do it. I'm pretty good about telling my editor or producer if my heart isn't in it at the moment and we need to move dates. If I want to cook, it's the same thing: I just cancel everything and work on food. It's also really important that I have people around me that know I'm a psycho and trust me to come back with the record.

What sets each role that you have apart? Is hosting a show the same sort of stress as running a restaurant?
Hmm… my stress has all kind of just morphed into a singular fucking albatross so I can't really parse it. I run into a lot of the same shit, but it's cool. The first few years, I was on some “Woe is me, life is hard” shit, but now I just own it. Nothing in life is easy; it's supposed to be hard and the only reward for good work is more work so you either want it or you don't.

You've been pretty outspoken when it comes to your own critiques of your show Fresh Off the Boat. How did you find the strength to go against the grain and speak out?
Man, I have trouble not saying shit so it was never the strength to say it, it was the strength to say it in a measured and reasonable way that was actually true to how I felt. I have a tendency to be emotional or absolutist and I really try to hedge against it, center myself, and be surgical with my responses these days. I look back at things I've written at times and it's cool to see the energy I had three years ago or the belief in the things I said, but I'm a different person.

I look back on Fresh Off the Boat now and I'm glad I wrote it years ago because it was real to me then. It captures that energy someone has that has been silenced and rejected for so long. That book has the ILL chip on its shoulder and it's written in that context, but being

This Is What Figure Drawing With Jiraiya Looks Like

March 24, 2015, 9:00 pm

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Have you ever been in a room full of people drinking and sketching large, scantily clad men? If so, you must have gone to Jiraiya’s Drink & Draw event at This n’ That in Williamsburg last night (or, you know, gone to a really good art school party).

The event kicked off with a talk by the elusive artist himself. Among the topics discussed were his reference images (from bodybuilding magazines, wrestling magazines, and Tumblr), artistic influences (Gustav Klimt, Akira creator Katsuhiro Otomo, and assorted gay manga), and his taste in men: “The more they look like they can kill me, the more I’m like, ‘Ugh, he’s so cute!’”, says Jiraiya. After a brief Q&A with guests, two live models took the stage to pose as the audience began its sketches. Jiraiya even joined in on the festivities, drawing some super cute sketches of those in attendance and signing MASSIVE merchandise. We might have even watched a few MASSIVE for Opening Ceremony duds get adorned with the artist’s signature.

The Drink & Draw kicked off the NYC leg of Jiraiya's first ever US Tour, which will culminate with an exclusive print show—entitled Larger than Life—at our very own 33 Howard Street store this Saturday, March 28 from 6 to 7 PM.Photos courtesy of Massive

House Music Inspired By The 'X-Files'?

March 24, 2015, 9:00 pm

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Sequels often don’t live up to the originals, but Dutch producer Kai Hugo—who recently relaunched himself as Palmbomen II—is an exception. His first LP under this new moniker is a weird, nostalgic masterpiece, with each track named for an X-Files character and accompanied by an eerie short film series that mimics the lost world of ‘80s public service announcements.

Hugo, whom fashion kids may remember for the Kitsuné-featured track “Moon Children,” had us hooked with 2013’s LP Night Flight Europa. Naturally, we were eager to inquire what inspired his metamorphosis from Palmbomen to Palmbomen II. The new soundscape suggests laid-back ‘70s porn, a comic book read on the beach (“palmbomen” means "palm trees" in Dutch), or a DIY venue on Saturn’s equator. Compared to Palmbomen, it’s also distinctly more House and drips out like the build of a wacky retro film score. Think the last scene of Scarface with no violence and good vibes.

Hugo’s rebranding brings him both exciting new relevance and analogue nostalgia. We sat down with him in the Austin Convention Center amidst SXSW’s swarming tribe of musicians and filmmakers to talk Chicago House, the X-Files, and LA malls.

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WILLIAM NIXON: Tell us about your transition from Palmbomen to Palmbomen II and what that signifies.
KAI HUGO: I played Palmbomen where I mixed my band side [with] my electronic side—playing drums and guitar with friends plus synthesizers and drum machines. It’s nice to do it in the studio when you’re free, but playing it live was always a bitch. We toured all year with the setup but it was really complicated—we couldn’t fly with it. It was too big, too messy. So I decided I’m going to split it up: my band side is going to be Palmbomen where I only play with a band—drums, guitar, bass, traditional setup, keyboards—and my other side (which I’m doing now) is Palmbomen II. I want to have no bullshit around it—just my setup where I make my songs and can recreate them.

Are you directly referencing any influences with your new stuff?
I’m influenced visually, always. For me a movie is perfect to just look at. That is my atmosphere. The setup, which [includes] my limitations, is more influenced by the way people in the ‘80s used to work. It was a pre-computer era where people recorded straight to tape with everything live. There was nothing in between, [which] made it really spontaneous. The whole early Chicago scene did it, from Mr. Fingers to DJ International. Those influences are really rough and quick. So I limited myself: I [forced myself] to start a song and finish it in one day. That’s it. [The rule is] it has to be live and rough and that’s how it’s recorded. I have to be able to play it live exactly the same way.

The whole new album is of songs each created in one day?
Just one day. And I have to record it directly to tape. I can’t change anything [after]. It’s just done. It feels really fresh because you’re not tweaking endlessly.

Tell me about the awesome video series that has been coming out with the new LP.
I binge-watched X-Files but it’s WAY MORE than just X-Files. For me, movies are the most important thing for getting an atmospher

Backpacks Fit For A Speedboat Escape

March 25, 2015, 9:00 pm

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What’s next for a sneaker brand that’s conquered the world? According to EYTYS, bags. The Swedish masters of expertly constructed, insanely comfortable, and highly sought-after footwear are behind VOID, a new line of backpacks, clutches, and totes. Like the shoes, they’re unisex and designed to get you where you need to go, whether it’s by foot, subway, or speedboat (as one of EYTYS’ co-founders prefers).

Seeking the best, most durable materials for its bags, EYTYS went to work in an unlikely location: a factory specializing in outdoor gear from inflatable rafts to tents. The result are super-sleek totes double-coated in high-performance polyurethane. They’re completely waterproof, too: pieced together with Radio Frequency welding, the seams are sealed electromagnetically. Durable, sleek, and no-nonsense. It’s the EYTYS we know and love.

Shop all EYTYS hereClick through to view the brand new series of EYTYS bags. Void Backpack in black Void Case in black Void Tote in black

Sneaker Madness Game 3: Adrienne Vs. Alex

March 25, 2015, 9:00 pm

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Today marks the start of the NCAA March Madness Sweet Sixteen tournament matches. While we’ll admit we don't truly understand what that means (and pretend we don't automatically associate it with a certain MTV guilty pleasure), the game must go on.

Game 2 of our Sneaker Madness series saw a close win, with OC staffers competing for the title in New Balance W990 Running Shoes. Game 3 of our series happens to not only fall on the start of the Sweet Sixteen, but another important date: Air Max Day.

While you're selfie-ing and #AirMaxDay hashtagging away, OC's Adrienne Pratt and Alex Lee are both sporting the Nike Air Max 95 Sneaker in obsidian, competing to fall in your good graces—but whose Air Max game is more on point? While the tension is in the air for the Kentucky vs. West Virginia game tonight, the real competition lies on the Opening Ceremony Instagram.

Head over to vote for your favorite look and find out who comes out on top.


Shop all Nike hereAdrienne wears the Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony Cropped Tee in white, J.W. Anderson Knot Jersey Skirt in white, and Nike Air Max 95 Sneakers in obsidian. Alex wears the Fanmail Denim Spring Jacket in natural, Walter Van Beirendonck Animal Big Mesh T-Shirt in red, XXBC OC-Exclusive Carpenter Pants in blue/yellow, and Nike Air Max 95 Sneakers in obsidian(all items not linked available in stores and online soon). Photos by Dave HerronAlex wears the Fanmail Denim Spring Jacket in natural, Walter Van Beirendonck Animal Big Mesh T-Shirt in red, XXBC OC-Exclusive Carpenter Pants in blue/yellow, and Nike Air Max

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The Artist Whose Work You’ll Want To Regram Over & Over

March 25, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Come Have A MASSIVE-ly Good Time With Us Tomorrow

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I’ll never forget the moment when I first discovered Justin Hager’s smartass artwork on my Instagram feed. In the midst of foodporn and selfies was a drawing titled Gwen and Stimpy, featuring my fave blonde bombshell and a raunchy cartoon cat in the same setting. Just like Gwen and her Egyptian cotton, I was instantly hooked.

In recent months, Hager’s illustrations have become synonymous with celebrity riffs. Whether it’s Mike Tyson art-food blend in Rothko Chicken & Waffle or “Guinness Rodman” giving face, Hager’s clever paintings have the ability to make you LOL while wondering, “How the hell did he think of that?”

It doesn’t hurt that the San Francisco transplant is just as cool as some of the people featured in his work. Ahead of Hager’s solo exhibition at Kinfolk 90, Gangstas Paradise, we caught up with the artist to talk about creating his own worlds and why the ‘80s and ‘90s are sources of inspiration.


Check out exclusive images of his paintings The Blood Brothers, I’m In Love With The Coco, and Extra Tizzestrial in our slideshow above.

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CHLOE DEWBERRY: How did you get started creating these cultural mash-up paintings?
JUSTIN HAGER: About ten years ago, I started doing the play on words stuff. When I first started, I would do them as fast as I could with a Bic pen as an inside joke with my friends. After I started showing them to the public, I tried to do them better with each show—like I was in a competition with myself. It’s been a natural progression. I kind of went to my own art school by practicing everyday.

How do you go about creating each of these? Do you flesh out a whole concept or do you just watch an episode of Dog the Bounty Hunter and figure it would be cool if he were playing cards with Bow Wow?
At this point, it’s almost all I think about. I like to incorporate people I’m a fan of or who I simply think are ridiculous. With each drawing or painting, I try to create my own world, like imagining them in a scene that has never happened but would be funny if it did. I have a continuous list of ideas that I add to almost everyday; it has like, 500 ideas on it.

Do you know if any of the celebrities/cultural figures you've used in the pieces have ever seen or encountered your work about them? Maybe you've gotten a #regram from one of your subjects?
It’s great when that happens; it makes me happy knowing that the celebrities don't take offense to it, because sometimes I draw them kind of crudely. James Franco reposted the Rick James Franco drawing I did of him, Ghostface reposted the Wu the Right Tang drawing, and T-Boz posted the ET Boz drawing.

There are SO MANY music/movie/food references in your work. If you had to narrow it all down, what do you feel inspires you the most?
Mostly music and nostalgia. I like recalling special things from the ‘80s and ‘90s when things were more innocent and real. A lot of stuff now is kind of cheap and not special.

You're debuting some new work at your exhibit tonight—such as The Blood Brothers, I’m In Lov

Come Have A MASSIVE-ly Good Time With Us Tomorrow

March 26, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: The Crimson Fix at Dear Irving

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Over the past year, OC’s relationship with MASSIVE—and its artistic powerhouse, Jiraiya—has spawned one of the most popular collaborations in our company’s history. From tees to sweatshirts to sex toys, Jiraiya’s erotic illustrations of husky, gay males have not only found a home on our merchandise, but a dedicated cult following in the states.

Here’s the thing—we don’t exactly know who Jiraiya is.

Jiraiya—a pseudonym which translates to “child of thunder”—has spent his entire career out of the public eye, never revealing his true identity. It is, then, an honor to announce that Jiraiya will finally be changing that, all under OC’s roof. Ending his first-ever US tour in style, Jiraiya will host an intimate, exclusive print show tomorrow, March 28 from 6 to 7 PM at our 33 Howard Street location. The show, entitled Larger Than Life, features four 36x24" large-format prints of Jiraiya's work, available in super limited-editions of ten each, all signed and numbered by the artist. Also available—in super limited edition—is the wildly popular MASSIVE Anthology Book, a rare comic by Jiraiya titled Caveman Guu, and 8x12" prints and tank tops featuring the artist’s work.

If this doesn’t entice you, perhaps the prospect of meeting a highly secretive artist will. Just remember: there are no photographs, so you’ll have to commit his face to memory (or sketch a comic of your own).


Jiraiya will host his Larger Than Life show at the Opening Ceremony 33 Howard Street location on Saturday, March 28 from 6-7PMJiraiya 36x24" giclée printJiraiya 36x24" giclée printJiraiya 36x24" giclée printMASSIVE for Opening Ceremony tank top MASSIVE Anthology BookCaveman Guu comic8x12" Jiraiya print8x12" Jiraiya print

The Crimson Fix at Dear Irving

March 26, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Your Favorite ‘90s Heartthrob Hits The Art Museum

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Last summer, OC got you Tipsy and Tan. Now, we're just getting you tipsy. Meet Fridays at Five, our cocktail series where mixologists at New York City’s white-hot new restaurants create OC-exclusive drinks for our readers. Drinking on the job? Don't mind if we do...

While lots of nights start at a dive bar and end… at a dive bar, some weekends, we need a little old-school glamour. On such nights, we grab a booking at Dear Irving, an unmarked lounge in Gramercy Park where curtains are made of crystals, Marie Antoinette quotes hang on the wall, and plush chairs are filled with the well-heeled.

For your similarly classy shindigs at home, bartender Meaghan Dorman created a dangerously drinkable concoction, combining the season’s ruby-hued blood oranges with gin, Aperol, and a hint of sweet lemon. Serve over crushed ice, pair with bling.
 

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Name: Meaghan Dorman

If this drink had a soundtrack, what would it be? "“Shake it Off” by Florence and the Machine. It’s a great first cocktail to shake off the day.

Drink of choice: Dark ‘n Stormy at Attaboy

Hangover cure: A grilled cheese and Pepsi in a can

Best date advice: Be on time!

Worst pick-up: Once a guy was trying to pick up girls at the bar by buying them drinks while his fiancée was 20 feet away at a table. Awkward! Especially when she came up to catch him out.

What not to do to your bartender: Wave us down desperately for attention when it’s busy, and then ask everyone you’re with what they are having. Come prepared!

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Exclusive Recipe: Crimson Fix
OC Alcohol Scale*: 5 
“The gin gives it a nice backbone.”

3 slices blood orange
½ oz. lemon juice
½ oz. simple syrup
½ oz Aperol
1 ½ oz. London dry gin

Muddle blood orange slices, add all ingredients, and shake briefly with ice. Strain into an empty rocks glass and top with crushed ice. Garnish with a blood orange slice.


*OC's Alcohol Scale ranges from 1 ("like sippin' from a juice box") to 10 ("take me home—right now") The Crimson Fix. Photos by Jessica ChouOur ingredients.Mussle the blood orange slices.Add the booze.Strain over ice. Easy, right?

Your Favorite ‘90s Heartthrob Hits The Art Museum

March 26, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: New Group Show Brings The Summer Vacay Vibes

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Korean label Wooyoungmi has an obvious penchant for referencing art in its designs. Last season, designer Woo Young Mi drew upon abstract and modernist movements, and this season she cites visionaries like Roy Lichtenstein and Carlos Cruz-Diez. Although artistic in feel, the garments have a very ‘90s quality—think Freddie Prinze, Jr. in She's All That. Cropped jackets, low-slung trousers, and textural fabrics all allude to this vintage bad-boy vibe—and we're all about it.

With her first season on board as co-creative director, Young Mi's daughter Katie Chung rejuvenates the decade-old brand, and gives it an effortless yet refined direction. Comfortable spring staples dominate the collection. Take the Drawstring Pants, which combine the relaxed appeal of a sweatpant with the refined look of a dress-pant. Dress it up with a color-blocked shirt featuring starkly colored panels, available in dark blue or grey.

We can see a throwback Josh Hartnett rocking the eccentric Slim Fit Jacket in light blue, or even the sleek suede Jacket with abstract slanted front pockets. The Spring/Summer 2015 Wooyoungmi guy is our new sartorial crush, as well as a total heartbreaker.

Shop all Wooyoungmi hereClick through to peep Wooyoungmi's newest duds. Slim-Fit Jacket in light blue Jacket in grey Drawstring Pants in navy Shirt in grey Shirt in dark blue Pa

New Group Show Brings The Summer Vacay Vibes

March 26, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Sneaker Madness Game 4: Fernando Vs. Sabrina

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In the midst of yesterday’s cloudy and rainy weather, it seemed fitting that the Joshua Liner Gallery presented an exhibit with enough summer vacay vibes (and Whitney Houston cassette tapes) to transport guests to the sandy beaches of Florida—or the streets of Los Angeles—with one walk around the gallery.

That’s My Trip, curated by Andrew Schoultz, filters a wide range of artists’ styles and visions through the lens of travel. Artists including Michel Tabori, Ryan Travis Christian, and Timothy Bergstrom brought their individual styles together for a group show that’s more like a family road-trip. Schoultz got the idea for the show after having dozens of conversations with artists about their works that always ended in the same phrase—“So, that’s my trip.” “I found this an interesting phrase to explain yourself to someone,” Schoultz noted in a press release.

Berkeley-based artist Libby Black created a series of paper works and oil paintings for the exhibit. Her installation, Taking a Trip, Not Taking a Trip, explores the possessions that informed Black’s family trips to Florida as a child. Gucci flip-flops and starfish in one installation? We can already feel the sand between our toes.

Patrick Martinez showcased mixed-media painting and sculpture that incorporated his signature neon lighting, referencing urban influences from his upbringing in Los Angeles. In the painting Bougainvillea Stash Spot, a bird is perched on a branch amid leaves, flowers, a knife, and a bag of Hot Cheetos. It’s this juxtaposition of mediums and subjects that runs through the entire exhibit, managing to blend the separate artists and their work together.

We’re in need of a vacay, and That’s My Trip just convinced us that it’s probably time to start booking that flight.


That’s My Trip runs through May 2

Joshua Liner Gallery
540 West 28th Street
New York, NY 10001
MAPTaking a Trip, Not Taking a Trip by Libby Black Bad Trip by Timothy Bergstrom Theopolis Brown and Book Shelf by Hilary PecisBringing Home The MotherLoad by Ryan Travis Bourgainvillea Stash Spot by Patrick MartinezYou Are Trippin by Patrick MartinezThe Thrill That Coursed Through Her by Michel TaboriTripping On Wire (Crossed Wires) by Andrew Schoultz