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It’s, like, reaaaallllyyy pleasant outside, and all around New Yorkers are beginning The Great Molting of 2015. The puffy down jackets, thick wool sweaters, and three layers of tights that helped us all navigate the frozen terrain of the past few months are finally being left at home. And what better way to celebrate such a momentous occasion than to remind the world that this entire time there were actual human legs hiding under those thermals that your aunt got you for Christmas? (That you pretended you were never going to wear but who were you kidding?) So take a look at our new skirt offerings above, shave your legs if you’re into it, and go get ’em tiger.

Shop all skirts here

Click through to see our fave (finally) weather-appropriate minis.

Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony Kelley Check Suspender Pleated Skirt in cobalt multi

Kenzo Paper Printed Neoprene Skirt in flamingo pink

Christopher Kane Floral Hem Skirt in black

Adam Selman Sweet Pearl Skirt in red/purple

Opening Ceremony Mallory Twill Utility Mini Skirt in black multi

Mugler Back Zipper Silver Detail Mini Skirt in off white

Alexander Wang Rayon Spandex Pencil Skirt in black

Moschino Moschino Text Fitted Skirt in lime green

The mid-week hump is worse than usual this Wednesday—and it’s only a foothill on the way to more mountainous planetary aspects to come. Today, Mars, the planet of action, meets up with Uranus, the planet of sudden change. Meanwhile, accident-prone energy in the feisty sign of Aries creates the potential for very exciting events. Every day will be a winding road this week, but be kind to your Cardinal sign sisters (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn), who will be feeling the cosmic energy more intensely than the rest of us. The moon in Scorpio today will make everyone feel more emotional, bringing out our jealous, possessive sides. A little change would do you good. If you can manage to lay back and enjoy the show, the universe will make sure you're feeling fine after all is said and done.

Aries
(March 21 - April 20)

Your instinct will be to respond with force to any provocation you receive today. Instead of launching into action, spend a moment meditating on the most logical course. Holding onto the past for the sake of stability will only make it harder to go with the flow of the future.

Taurus
(April 21 - May 20)

For all the love you give, the return will be multiplied by the power of two. You may not see the energy come back to you right away, but I promise it will! Don't let the tense energy today get the best of you—you might have to wait while you relate.

Gemini
(May 21 - June 20)

Embrace new friends and the shifting dynamics in your social sphere while Mars and Uranus take the scene next week. Attend all the events on your schedule, but take time to chill out and relax. The intense energy coming from others could be exhausting, even if it is exciting.

Cancer
(June 21 - July 22)

There's a lot of cosmic drama that will try to reel you in this week. Remember that if it's not your problem, there's no need to stress out. After March 16, all the stress around you will be relieved, so just take it easy in the meantime!

Leo
(July 23 - August 22)

This week will be a wild ride, but you will enjoy the adventurous vibes. With Jupiter, planet of good luck, positively placed in Leo, you'll have help from cosmic forces that will smooth out any bumps in the road ahead.

Virgo
(August 23 - September 22)

This week could be hectic, but you're more likely to feel like an observer than a participant. Don't let the stress of others get to you. Big news will come late next week around the solar eclipse in Pisces on March 21, and you might be getting a premonition about what that will entail. Hint: it's probably love-related.

Libra
(September 23 - October 22)

Are you feeling iffy about a current relationship or possible partnership? The universe wants you to make the decision ASAP, and the deadline is Monday, March 16. Don't be afraid to make the first move and take charge of this situation.

Scorpio
(October 23 - November 22)

While the moon is in Scorpio tonight, you might be feeling a little bit low-energy, so give yourself a moment of peace and serenity. Take care of your bod all week long—while the planets have everyone stressing out, you should be relaxing.

Sagittarius
(November 23 - December 21)

Spring is almost here, and it's totally

Following in Kenzo Takada’s etrangèr footsteps, Carol and Humberto are arguably living the dream as Americans in Paris—even creating a Kenzo collection dedicated to the phenomenon. But in spite of the baguettes de campagne, vegetable markets on every corner, and abundance of delicious, cheap wine, homesickness—particularly, food homesickness—is real. Mercifully, the cosmopolitan city is not as culinarily uniform as many would claim. The proof? The bounty of (non-French) comfort foods, wooing tourists, expatriates, and French nationals alike. Below, Carol and Humberto’s picks.

1. Juice It, 8 rue la Vrillière, 75001
The juice craze is officially overseas. For a jumpstart on crazy mornings, Juice It makes serious cold-press beverages with 100 percent organic juices that kick up your green intake without adding too much sugar.

2. Minh Chau, 10 rue de la Verrerie, 75004
An unassuming spot in the Marais, Minh Chau attracts lunch-hour lines for its authentic Vietnamese fare. The best part? A complete meal costs less than 10 euros.

3. Maison Burger, 6 rue Grégoire de Tours, 75006
Uncomplicated and downright tasty, Maison Burger delivers American-style burgers (read: big enough to eat with your hands) redressed in French specialties: local bread and sauces to die for. Even the cheese-smothered fries are crisped to perfection, calling to mind good diner eats.

4. Shang Palace, 10 avenue d’Iéna, 75116
In one of the world’s must-see hotels, the Shangri-La’s Shang Palace is as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. The Michelin-starred resto serves enough hot and cold dim sum to satiate Hemingway-esque hunger pangs—and all on white tablecloths and roomy tables, unlike many Paris establishments. The Beast, 27 rue Meslay, 75003 The Beast is the first of its kind in Paris. Not only is there serious Texas-style BBQ, but also big-mouthed Americans schooling French companions on slow-cooked meat, bourbon, and what an XXXL portion really looks like. In short, a taste of home.

5. The Beast, 27 rue Meslay, 75003

The Beast is the first of its kind in Paris. Not only is there serious Texas-style BBQ, but also big-mouthed Americans schooling French companions on slow-cooked meat, bourbon, and what an XXXL portion really looks like. In short, a taste of home.

6. Télescope, 5 rue Villedo, 75001
Contrary to popular belief, Parisian coffee is mediocre. And bitter. (Though the atmosphere and people-watching more than makes up for it.) But Télescope is a true gem, situated in the tourist-friendly first arrondissement near the Palais Royal. From frothy cappuccinos to medium-bodied espressos, the bilingual baristas brew with a smile—perhaps the real benefit for jet-lagged anglophones who didn’t pass French 101.

7. Chez Miki, 5 rue de Louvois, 75002
Between the plethora of Japanese bistros near rue Sainte-Anne in the second arrondissement, Chez Miki is our bento box go-to. All the pre-req’s are there—sashimi, sushi, teri

This spring, the Jacquemus girl can be found reclining on a beach in Marseille, scorching hot sand seeping between her toes. Her carefree sensibility is reflected in her perfectly imperfect wardrobe: loud, candy-colored stripes and exaggerated three-dimensional silhouettes. When you’re sitting under a parasol, you might as well look like one, too.

Stuck holding an umbrella in a rainy city? This collection’s effortless silhouettes and breezy cutouts bring the South of France to you. Last season's La Chaussette Soleil makes a comeback, and pairs perfectly with the slouchy, resort-ready Le Jean Blanc in crisp white, designer Simon Porte Jacquemus’ denim debut.

Ice-cream colors are still a Jacquemus favorite. Consider La Chemise Longue Maillot, a classic poplin shirt cheekily topped with a single strawberry bikini triangle. The look is "sartorial castaway,” and we’re all aboard. Trop magnifique!

Shop all Jacquemus here

La Chemise Longue Maillot in white/pink

La Jupe Plage in yellow/white

La Chaussette Soleil in yellow/white

Le T-Shirt Col Haut in white/electric blue

Le T-Shirt Une Manche in navy

Le Jean Blanc in white

MSGM just can’t seem to quit Toilet Paper. The print-obsessed Italian brand and the surrealist art mag continue their love affair this season with another limited-edition series of phantasmagoric tees and sweats. Last season, the dreamscape featured cosmetics, home objects, and a frog sitting in a hamburger bun. This time, it’s about spring. Yes, there are florals—but with hidden eyes peering out from their centers.

Apples, flowers, and picnic blankets also pass through Toilet Paper’s funhouse mirror. On the Apple Gingham Printed Sweatshirt, the fruit is cut apart and then reconstructed into a distorted shape: think a picnic with Frankenstein. These vibrant images are printed onto MSGM’s butter-soft basics, making the collection not only visually, but physically, irresistible.

Shop all MSGM and Toilet Paper here

Multi Rose Printed T-Shirt in white/pink

Apple Gingham Printed Sweatshirt in purple check

Eye Rose Printed Tank in white/pink

Apple Printed Sweatshirt in grey

Solo eating establishments—the truly great ones—require a precise atmosphere. Some are quiet and discreet. Others are unexpected and lie in plain sight. But they can all be difficult to find in a metropolis. Alex Vadukul presents a new one here on the first week of every month. The latest in our "Eating Solo" series: Ben's, an old-school Garment District deli with a killer pastrami sandwich.

Sitting at the counter of a bustling Midtown kosher delicatessen for lunch, absorbed in a Dr. Brown’s soda and a corned beef sandwich in the company of fellow lone eaters, is a faded New York City tradition.

This counter-culture, once common to lunchtime hours, is disappearing along with delis. Kosher food is expensive these days, and the city’s flagship delicatessens, such as Katz’s and 2nd Avenue Deli, are better known as historic culinary destinations than everyman canteens.

But the solo counter lunch still thrives at Ben’s, a lesser-known stalwart of the city’s delicatessen scene, located in the garment district. Ben’s has a special place in the hearts of kosher purists. It has been around since 1996, when it supplanted the legendary 79-year-old Lou G. Siegel’s, which the New York Times called the “Rick’s Cafe” of the city’s Jewish community. A plaque commemorating the old restaurant’s legacy sits outside the establishment today.

Ben’s exterior marquee reads: “We cure our own corned beef. Our chicken soup cures everything else.” Its interior shuns current design trends and tastes. The loud colorful décor (perhaps in vogue in the ‘90s) might be called gaudy but offers a John Waters-esque sort of charm. Circling the walls is the text of a joke that has not aged well, regarding a Chinese waiter getting duped into speaking Yiddish. Customers tend to be on the older side, having frequented the place for years.

The dining room’s nine-seat bar counter becomes a community of its own at lunch. Customers eat alone, preferably with no one sitting on the stools next to them, creating a dependable sequence of vacancies around the bar. When I visited recently, a businessman, absorbed in his newspaper, broke away from his soup to greet another regular: “How doing?” The other man nodded. They did not communicate again. A small elderly woman, who consumed a chopped liver sandwich as thick as her fist, was asked if she needed a menu. “No,” she replied. She finished the sandwich in 15 minutes and asked for the check.

The bar’s solitude is pure and its quiet efficiency refreshing. Distractions are minimal. The food is hearty enough that you will be preoccupied eating it. Customers inevitably leave behind messy plates heaped with rye bread, liver, or unfinished pastrami, like some cholesterol-laden battlefield. There’s also pleasure to be had observing the customers seated across the dining hall, taking in the din of their conversations.

Aside from the distinction of being the kosher deli that not everyone knows about, Ben’s is also known for having lower prices than its competitors. Their pastrami sandwich is $12.49, while the one at Katz’s is $18.45, and it has excellent fat to marble ratio, and is not unwieldy. The matzoh ball soup, served with noodles, is top-class, with a ball that is firm and substantial. Other classics are also dependable, such as freshly made potato pancakes and brisket with gravy.

If you crave a particular kind of peace, in which solitude

JARS NYC certainly knows how to throw a party. Droves of Downtown NYC’s coolest kids descended on the collective’s show Foreword/Forward at Wallplay, packing the space to the brim to catch a glimpse at the artistic offerings of some seriously talented OC Fam: Rhamier Auguste, Galen Dekemper, Michael Elijah (who directed the video Sequence 12, now on display), and Joshua Michael Paulin. Their works span across all mediums and aesthetics—photography, video, painting, sculpture, you get the picture —but the overarching theme that unites these artists’ work is not only clear to the viewer, but the overall focus of Foreword/Forward itself: the give-and-take of being inspired by while also influencing the downtown New York City art scene.

This theme also spills over into the show’s corresponding pop up shop over at (blank), featuring shoppable fashions from yet another long list of familiar names: Alex Lee, Simon Chung, and James Evans. In an art world that tends to distance itself from the fashion world, JARS NYC’s pop up shop is a breath of fresh air. It’s a statement that the designers involved have just as much to say about the state of NYC’s downtown scene as those working in other mediums, and the platform created through this is certainly put to good use.

You walk away from Foreword/Forward knowing that the show was a labor of love from all involved. Says Alex Lee on the subject, “[As] far as I'm concerned this JARS NYC takeover is one massive cluster of friends supporting friends supporting friends of friends. I think that's how downtown NYC is and should be.” Friendship, support, and inclusion. The state of downtown NYC seems to be in good hands.

Watch an exclusive video directed by Michael Elijah from the Foreword/Forward show above

Foreword/Forward will be on view at Wallplay through March 14. The pop up show will be at (blank) through March 15.

Wallplay

118 Orchard Street

New York, NY 10002

MAP

Sequence 12 directed by Michael Elijah

364 days out of the year, I love my green hair. Sure, my hair has begun to take on the texture of something not organically created by the human body. And yeah, the catcalls I receive are annoying and sometimes make my significant other try to convince me to put on his beanie for a moment of peace. At the end of the day, though, green hair is my “thing” and a couple of minor annoyances won't change that.

Then the 365th day happens. St. Patrick’s Day. The absolute worst holiday ever conceived.

Have you ever had a sweaty bar crawler covered in shamrock beads attempt to kiss you as you walked down the street? I have. Have you ever had a girl wobbling in green heels scream “LOOK, IT’S A LEPRECHAUN!” at you from across a Duane Reade despite the fact that all popular depictions of leprechauns have red hair? I have. It’s not fun for me.

So, if you must contribute to my personal hell today, can you not do it wearing one of those horrific plastic fedoras? We have lots of nice green things to make your St. Patty’s look a lot more classy than the general population’s. Click through the slideshow above and pick yourself out some cute duds that will be sure to help you avoid getting pinched during your not-so-sober festivities. I’ll just be in the comfort of my apartment, shopping for brunette wigs on eBay.

Click through to shop our St. Patty's Day-appropriate duds! Photos by Ben Taylor

Lea Peckre Aphra Mesh Dress w/Bandeau Top in green lichen, Gosha Rubchinskiy Patchwork Back Camo Drill Coat in green camo, and Linda Farrow The Row Wayfarer Sunglasses in bottle green.

Jeremy Scott x Shrek Shrek Plaid Zipper Front Bra in green/brown, Isa Arfen A-Line Zip-Up Skirt in green.

Lea Peckre Sheer Mesh Flame Dress in green lichen (available in stores), Jeremy Scott x Shrek Shrek Plaid Jean Skirt in green/brown.

What Mariah did in a pink crochet bikini top, Chloë Sevigny does in her latest collection for Opening Ceremony. Break hearts, that is. Our latest editorial, “Heartbreaker,” is our attempt at recreating the pit-in-your-stomach longing of teen romance. Chloë’s spring collection—full of flirty hemlines, nostalgic polos, and Heathers-inspired plaids—makes it that much easier.

Photographer David Perez Shadi stole shots between Chloë—the perennial charmer—and a dreamboat beau. Little more than stylist Haley Wollens separated the two. And for a moment, between every pinstripe and ruffle, every school-girl obsession was restored.

View the editorial here | Shop Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony here

Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony Pinstriped Cropped Blouse and Doherty Denim Pants.

It's time to tune up, turn up, and take off today while the Uranus-Pluto square is raising the collective consciousness in a major way. The energy this week is constantly shifting, updating, and exploding towards new levels. Be prepared for anything to happen and don't look back when change confronts you. Major stories in the news and the tabloids could create shock, awe, and possibly amusement this week. Stories that we've been following for months (or even years—like Robert Durst's murder mystery) could come to a rapid conclusion or escalation.

Aries
(March 21 - April 20)

Nothing will be normal today, so just embrace the off-kilter energy and try to go with the flow. If you hold on and resist the change that's on the way you're only postponing fate.

Taurus
(April 21 - May 20)

Was your sleep disrupted by unusual dreams and visions last week? The universe has a message for you, and it’s buried deep in your subconscious. There's one more night of disturbed sleep, and then you can look forward to many restful moments—and hopefully a greater sense of clarity.

Gemini
(May 21 - June 20)

The universe is trolling you today, and it would be wise to stay away from social media to avoid the online drama that's lurking. Be cautious with your communications on all forms of technology—it would be easy for your message to be massively misconstrued.

Cancer
(June 21 - July 22)

The stress you've been feeling for the past week is about to dissipate, but first you will have to massage an aspect of your life that's feeling sore. Get all the knots out of this situation so you can get to work and focus on the professional potential of the next two weeks.

Leo
(July 23 - August 22)

Open your mind and pay attention to the opinions expressed by those around you. You may come to realize that a strongly held belief is actually holding you back from realizing your full potential. Reorganize your thought-waves to include this new frequency.

Virgo
(August 23 - September 22)

It's good to take your creative projects seriously, but don't let your mindset spiral towards a dark aesthetic. The planets are making you feel pretty gothic, but remember your virginal Virgo roots and be true to yourself.

Libra
(September 23 - October 22)

Your closest relationships are all very temperamental at the moment, due to the planetary forces that are stressing everyone out. Give your loved ones extra space today and tomorrow and wait to have important discussions until later in the week when moods elevate.

Scorpio
(October 23 - November 22)

Keep cool today while your ruling planet Pluto is making a hot aspect with unpredictable Uranus. You might feel like speaking up on a matter of discussion at work, but it’s better to give your opinion later in the week when the situation cools down.

Sagittarius
(November 23 - December 21)

Your financial outlook has been bouncing back and forth recently, but the news you get today is likely to even things out for at least the next quarter.

Patrik Ervell has a talent for not overcomplicating things. Season after season, the NYC-based designer of minimalist menswear crafts well-made, practical pieces that manage to be simple but not boring.

Spring/Summer 2015’s monochromatic prints and durable, sporty fabrics—think vinyl and nylon—update the brand’s expertly tailored basics, while also giving them a shelf life far beyond the next few months. This win-win approach to design was, according to Ervell, inspired by an industry based entirely on longevity in style: interior design. “Interiors are designed to last—something to live with rather than wear and discard,” he told us. You wouldn’t grow tired of a new couch after a season or two, why should clothing be any different?

Shop all Patrik Ervell here

Click through to peep Patrik Ervell's SS15 collection!

Coach Jacket in slate blue

All Over Print T-Shirt in black/white

Standard Oxford Shirt in charcoal

Plainweave Short-Sleeve Button-Down in dark navy/navy

Cross Hatch Long-Sleeve Button-Down in ivory/black

All Over Print T-Shirt in terrazo

Vinyl Rain Duffle in transparent

Pocket Sweater in white

Think of Kindness, a.k.a. Adam Bainbridge, as the UN of music and fashion.

Preaching open-minded acceptance, Kindness attracts audiences of all races and sexualities with his R&B-tinged pop and androgynous style. “I’m on this permanent mission to put off anyone with a sort of prejudice,” he tells us in an interview.

The rising singer-producer is also changing the fashion landscape with a signature look: wide-brimmed hats and tailored trousers (sometimes from the women’s section) which are just as cool and effortless as his disco sound. Always carefully planned, his outfits bring concert-goers back to a Motown-era where dressing up for the crowd was considered an essential part of performance.

“I started wearing a lot of suits and men’s tailoring, because I thought it reflected that era when performing onstage was something that was taken deadly seriously,” says Bainbridge.

We caught up with the musician before his performance at Bowery Ballroom last weekend to talk onstage style and his personal mission to “put off meatheads.”

CHLOE DEWBERRY: How would you describe your onstage style? Is it different from the outfits you wear in real life?
ADAM BAINBRIDGE: It’s a mix. The thing about performing onstage for me is that it kind of takes you to a place where you can imagine watching the performers you admire. That could be Prince or Michael Jackson or Beyoncé, or some underground artist. They go beyond the everyday to be onstage. And they do that, not just for themselves, but for the audience. If I could afford the dry-cleaning bill, I might wear a suit everyday.

How do you get into the mindset of performing?
Just being around other musicians, you can sense the energy when the other artists start singing. I can’t really talk about it too much because it might jinx it, but we have a little ritual that we do before going onstage that puts us in the right mindset. Putting on clothes is a big part of it.

When you look out into the audience during one of your shows, what do you notice about the crowd?
I notice that it’s really multi-racial, which I like a lot. My mother is Indian and my father is English and that just makes me happy. I want to see as many different ethnicities at these shows as possible. It’s not favoritism, but if I see Indian kids or the one black kid in somewhere like rural Oregon, I just go, “Yes! This show is for you.” Because that was me in my hometown. The smaller the town, the more it’s dominated by a typical mainstream music culture. I’m just happy to see this whole mix of people. The gender mix is pretty cool too. Everyone represents different sexualities, as well.

It seems like you and your collaborators (Dev Hynes, Kelela, Solange) encourage these multi-culti crowds to come together.
I think about Robyn as a big androgynous gay icon; Dev is kind of getting to that point, too. You shout Kelela’s name at a show and people go crazy because of what she represents. It’s a nice time to exist in music because it’s so chill. You don’t really have to justify any of that stuff, you can just “be.” I’m very vocal about race and sexuality because if anyone has a problem with that, I don’t want them to come to the show. They can stay at home.

The insanity otherwise known as March Madness is officially upon us, and while we’re not necessarily familiar with the NCAA predictions and that whole insane bracket system, we’re always down for a healthy dose of competition.

Which is why we figured, with so many stylish OCers to choose from, why not have our own Sneaker Madness showdown? With so many fresh styles from New Balance to Juun.J x adidas, the opportunity to flex on the street is more opportune now than ever.

For Game 1, OC staffers Will Thompson and Mariah Ruff face off for a sneaker showdown. Both styled looks around Camper Together with Bernhard Willhelm HYPER Camo Print High-Top Sneakers, and it’s up to you to decide whose is the most on-point.

Head over to the Opening Ceremony Instagram to vote for your favorite look and find out who comes out on top. The winner will be announced during the NCAA game tonight, so make sure to have your bets ready.

Shop all Camper Together with Bernhard Willhelm here

Will Thompson wears the Undercover Adventure Embroidered 5-Panel Cap in red, Illesteva Leonard Sunglasses, Calvin Klein Hedner Double Face Technical Hoodie in tangerine/vermillion, Gosha Rubchinskiy Patchwork Back Camo Drill Coat in green camo, Shinya Kozuka Hand Painted Coat in midnight, Nasir Mazhar Jacquard Logo Pocket Shorts in red/white, and Camper Together with Bernhard Willhelm HYPER Camo Print High-Top Sneakers in green/yellow camo. Mariah wears the Thierry Lasry Celebrity Sunglasses in tortoise, Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony Tricot Top in black, Komakino A Embroidered Back MA-1 Jacket in green, Bernhard Willhelm Ball of Fire NEXT Shorts in black, and Camper Together with Bernhard Willhelm HYPER Camo Print High-Top Sneakers in green/yellow camo (items not linked available in stores and online soon). Photos by Dave Herron

Mariah wears the Thierry Lasry Celebrity Sunglasses in tortoise, Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremo

Who said the rave scene died in the noughties? This season, Shanghai-based SANKUANZ brings back memories of candi beads and early-morning debauchery with a collection of layered mesh and rainbow faux-fur. Japanese anime and stick-n-poke tattoo culture were also reference points: It’s no surprise that the boundary-defying designer Shangguan Zhe earned a semi-finalist spot in this year's LVMH prize.

An industrial, Matrix-esque vibe comes through in utilitarian details—like the Mesh Multi Pocket Jacket with notched lapels and all-over snap-button pockets. The Clip Belt Shorts, meanwhile, cinch at the waist to form oversized leg pleats. The graphics are heavily inspired by Russian prison tattoo flash sheets: take the all-over printed Snake 88 T-Shirt, which features minimalist ouroboros illustrations.

Traditional tattoo designs are given an oriental spin in the Long Turtleneck T-Shirt, printed with Chinese and Russian text and juvenile animal sketches. On the elbows sits a cheeky "acid club" emblem: a shoutout to SANKUANZ collaborator Tianzhuo Chen’s psychedelic art installation. One thing’s for sure: if we were going to an acid club, we’d wear the Color Gradient Printed Shorts, which look like what would happen if a rainbow slushy and a Teddy Bear had a baby. In other words, pure perfection.

Shop all SANKUANZ here

Click through to peep the SANKUANZ Spring/Summer 2015 collection!

Bone Printed Elastic Waist Shorts in red

Printed Long Turtleneck T-Shirt in white

Mesh Multi-Pocket Jacket in black

Bear Printed T-Shirt in black

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, a 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 on March 28 from 6 to 7 PM at our 33 Howard Street location. The show, entitled Larger Than Life, features four large-format 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 never-before-sold comic by Jiraiya titled Caveman Guu, and postcards 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 giclée print

MASSIVE for Opening Ceremony tank top

If there’s anyone who can write a heartbreaking song about lost love, and still have it turn into a dance anthem, it’s Twin Shadow, a.k.a. George Lewis Jr. The Dominican Republic-born singer first made waves with his debut album, Forget, in 2010. Thanks to a dreamy, ‘80s-new-wave sound, he managed to up the ante—and rhythms—in 2012’s Confess with tracks like “Five Seconds" and “Golden Light.”

His grandiose, soaring compositions are fully realized in his brand new album, Eclipse, out yesterday. Full of 4 AM croons, staple club songs, and big, bold, almost celebratory anthems about heartbreak, Twin Shadow returns with enough swagger to shake stadiums with fans singing along.

We chatted with George about recording Eclipse in a cemetery (yes, that happened), getting a little girl-crazy, and how he makes those killer remixes (like one of OC favorite Solange).

JESSICA CHOU: I hear you recorded your new album at a cemetery?
GEORGE LEWIS JR.: Recording started inside a chapel at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. We were looking for a place that had 24-hour access and where we could make as much noise as possible and not bother neighbors. A cemetery really is the best place to do it.

Because everyone—
Everyone’s dead. [Laughs] Well, you know, there are the chapels on the far end of the properties, and these huge walls, and it’s in an auto-parts district so there aren’t any residential areas.

Wasn’t it creepy being in the cemetery all alone?
Oh, it was plenty creepy. It was funny; I would go in on my motorcycle to work, and I would get out late at night, at three in the morning, and I’d get on my bike and feel very exposed, like the zombies were going to get me. You could hear everything in the cemetery, every footstep. One night, some kids broke into the cemetery over the wall and it freaked me out. It was usually so empty, but I could hear their footsteps, and I started my motorcycle as fast as I could to get out of there.

Do you think being alone in that space affected the sound of your album?
Not in the way that you would think. The album isn’t creepy, but it’s very open and maybe church-like in the sense that it’s very big. It was more just a cool place to meditate, and it helped me really think about a lot of things in my personal life.

People have described your music as cinematic. Do you see specific scenes or movies when writing?

I wrote the [last song on the album], “Locked and Loaded,” picturing all the times I’ve laid in bed at 4 AM when it’s almost day, and I was waiting for somebody to call me, someone whom I’m really crazy about. As jaded as you get about love and life sometimes, that moment is still very relevant. Where you’re waiting for a text message, and you see that “dot dot dot,” and you know someone has read what you’ve said and they’re not responding and you’re just waiting? That song was very visual to me, because it’s very cinematic. That happens in films all the time.

Are films a large influence on your music?
I used to be obsessed with film. I used to watch two movie

This past weekend, OC’s Terrill Simecki and I hit up New Orleans for a couple of days. Aside from hitting up Terrill’s favorite local NOLA food spots, the highlight of the trip was being able to catch the Mardi Gras Indians’ Super Sunday parade and festival. The origins of the Mardi Gras Indians’ date back to before the Civil War when escaped slaves sought and found safe haven among the many different Native American tribes in the South. The handmade costumes and celebration are an annual homage to these tribes.

We spent most of the afternoon walking up and down Washington Avenue, checking out the parade (which ended up tapering off at A.L. Davis Park). At the event, the participating Mardi Gras Indian tribes, led by their ‘Big Chiefs,’ met other tribes and their ‘Big Chiefs.’ They performed colorful dances, chants, and other rituals. As part of the festival, each tribe’s ‘Big Chief’ tries to outdo one another in friendly competitions.

Above, check some of Sean and Terrill’s highlights from the Super Sunday festival—as well as some of their favorite spots in NOLA to chow down.

Photos by Sean Risley and Terrill Simecki

Hanging out at A.L. Davis Park with my PMW MFG Overlook Leather Flap Camo Backpack (available in stores and online soon).

This is me eating a pastrami ruben sandwich at Cochon Butcher in my Opening Ceremony Palm OC Logo Sweatshirt.

Terrill hanging out in Mid-City in his Opening Ceremony Palm Logo Tee

Terrill hanging out in front of our friend Helen's house in Mid-City

While time is running out to fill out your brackets for the NCAA March Madness tournament, things are just heating up with the Opening Ceremony Sneaker Madness challenge.

Game 1 saw OC staffers Mariah Ruff and Will Thompson face off in Bernhard Willhelm HYPER Camo Print High-Top Sneakers, and the winner was announced on Instagram later that night (apparently, you guys are as into fringe shorts as we are). Now, the show must go on. For Game 2, OC’s Jer Robert Paulin and Chloe Dewberry square off in heritage brand New Balance’s W990 Running Shoes—soft on the eyes and hard on the court.

While it was just revealed that President Barack Obama has picked overall seed Kentucky to come out on top for the actual NCAA national championship, the OC Sneaker Madness challenge is proving a bit more unpredictable.

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

Shop all New Balance here

Jer wears the Kenzo Blue Denim Paris Kenzo Jacket in navy, T By Alexander Wang Short-Sleeve Striped Tee in battleship, Proper Gang Sateen Formal Track Pants in heather charcoal, and New Balance W990 Running Shoes in baby blue. Chloe wears the Lea Peckre Dabbaze Sheer Cropped Tee w/ Bandeau Top in blue, Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony Tricot Top in white, Kiko Mizuhara for Opening Ceremony KIKO x OC Pleated Mesh Skirt in white, Opening Ceremony Finn Denim Cargo Skirt in eclipse blue, and New Balance W990 Running Shoes in baby blue (all items not linked available in stores and online soon). Photos by Dave Herron

Jer wears the Kenzo Blue Denim Paris Kenzo Jacket in navy, T By Alexander Wang

New York’s set to get freaky with it this weekend, with an estimated 5,000 party-goers hitting up a giant warehouse in Brooklyn for The Black Party. A fixture of gay New York nightlife since 1980, the annual blow-out celebrates anything and everything in the world of kinks, from porn star performances to public sex to leather galore (as Robert Mapplethorpe captured all the way back in 1981).

Whether or not two-day fetish parties are "your thing," we think that everyone could use a little more leather and latex in his or her closet. Peruse some of our more, ahem, risqué pieces in the slideshow above and learn to embrace your darker side. We know you have one.

Maria Ke Fisherman Cross Eyelet Patent Leather Top in black

Betony Vernon Ostrich Feathers Leisure Tickler in black

Jean Paul Gaultier Femme Tied-Sides Strapless Dress in black

Fleet Ilya Cut Out Woven Corset in black

Isa Arfen Multi Strap Long Dress in black

Zana Bayne Dorian Garter Belt in black

Mugler Side Strap Detail Mini Skirt in black

Kim Haller Celeste Bodysuit in black

Hood By Air Pleated Apron Dress in black

Anthony Vaccarello x Versus Cut-Out Leather Skirt in black

Atsuko Kudo Cut-Out Cage Paris Cup Bodysuit in black

Inspired by Duilio Barnabé's impressionist artworks, Gauchère's Spring/Summer 2015 collection exudes a ‘60s avant-garde sensibility. The emerging Parisian label is known for drawing upon the traditions of couture fashion houses, with an emphasis on high-quality garments and production. This season is no different: designer Marie-Christine Starz focuses on delicate construction, exquisite pleating, and textural fabrics. The garments’ artistic and abstract feel doesn’t compromise their wearability: Asymmetry and eclectic color-blocking elevate modern shift dresses and A-line silhouettes.

Layering shapes, colors, and fabrics are key this season. The Felicia Sleeveless Dress is central to the modernist-art influence, with curved panels, a clashing palette, and gradient colored pleats at its hem. The conceptual designs continue with the Fabrizia Pleated Skirt, which features crisp micro-pleats in opposing dual-tone colors. Pair with the vintage couture-inspired Gauchère Print T-Shirt for an effortless cool. With new captivating, left-of-center designs each season, it’s no wonder that "Gauchère" literally translates to "left-handed" in French.

Shop all Gauchére here