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The forthcoming collaboration between designer Amélie Pichard and Pamela Anderson is one of celebration. From technological advancements innovating alternative, animal-free textiles to challenging traditional feminine stereotypes through ironic design features, the partnership highlights a progressive shift in the modern accessories industry. This celebration, of course, requires a celebration, which is exactly what took place at our Opening Ceremony LA store last night.

Notable names such as Ellen von Unwerth (who recently shot Anderson for the last nude issue of Playboy) and photographer David LaChapelle (Anderson’s longtime collaborator and the natural choice to photograph the collection’s campaign) accompanied Pichard, Anderson, and other notable guests to sip cocktails and peruse an exclusive preview of the collection’s styles. Even Anderson’s son Brandon Lee stopped by, making this launch seem like even more of a family occasion. “It’s just been a real family affair and they knew I wanted to do something vegan, sexy, and good for the environment,” says Anderson. “[Amélie] had a long history of creating lines inspired by me, so I thought, What a great opportunity to work with her on this line. I’m really proud of this collection and really supportive of her; she’s an amazing designer.”

Guests also got down to the sounds of DJ Myles Hendrik while sipping on Chandon and taking selfies in front of the footwear set-up and suggestive lip installation. But the real stars of the show were the shoes: a new line of sexy vegan selections featuring denim patch booties, plexiglass heels, and platform slip-ons with “Pamela” printed across the top. With all of these Pam-centric moments throughout the collection, we couldn’t resist asking designer Pichard what her favorite Anderson moment was. “When she runs on the beach on Baywatch,” says Pichard.

That’s as classic as these wardrobe staples will become in your closet.

Click here to be notified when the Amélie Pichard x Pamela Anderson collection is available to be purchased in January 2016

Read more about the collection here

Amélie Pichard and Pamela Anderson. Photos by Jeremy Renault and Getty Images

Ellen Von Unwerth and Pamela Anderson

Sophe Roche Conti with guests

Amélie Pichard, Pamela Anderson, and Brandon Lee

Amélie Pichard, Mickey Ashmore, Anlam Arslanoglu, and Lucie Soriano

Amélie Pichard and Moby

Andy Lu, Jessica Robin Trent, and Rich Miller

Spencer C

Opening Ceremony’s relationship with Vans has been a fruitful one, to say the least. With a history of partnerships season after season after season, OC’s innovative spin on some of Vans’ most iconic skate styles has become a mainstay in our sneaker department. “The Vans Vault LX series has become a classic item for our stores,” says OC Men’s Buyer Jesse Hudnutt. “We love the iconic silhouettes, like the Old Skool and Sk8 Hi in clean high-quality leathers so much that we partnered with Vans to add some additional options to the familiar classic white and classic black styles.”

That’s right, we’ve expanded our already vast Vans for Opening Ceremony lineup to include exclusive new colorways, like tonal beige and pure white with a gum sole. Using the same luxe leathers as the classic sneakers’ black and white counterparts, this natural palette offers a fresh take on the same quality you have come to expect. These pairs join the ever-growing Vans lineup sold at OC, including classic Vans Vault styles, Vault by Vans x The North Face, and printed slip on and lace up styles. As always, when Vans and OC put their heads together, great things are bound to happen.

Shop all Vans here

Old Skool Leather Sneakers in white, Vans SK8-Hi Sneakers in beige, Vans Old Skool Sneakers in beige, Vans SK8-Hi Sneakers in white, Old Skool Leather Sneakers in white

Vans Classic Slip-Ons in fig/blanc de blanc, Vans Classic Slip-Ons in bayberry blanc,

This past weekend, our 33 Howard Street location was transformed into James Merry’s embroidery garden. While the artist normally prefers to embroider at his home on the edge of a mountain in Iceland, he stepped out of his comfort zone to expose shoppers to the intense work and extreme detail that goes into embroidering each of his upcycled sportswear pieces.

As part of the launch of the custom James Merry for Opening Ceremony collection that launched in our store on December 10, Merry hosted a pop-in session where he live embroidered his signature nature-centric works onto throwback vintage pieces. While in-store on Thursday through Sunday, Merry hand-embroidered a special red FILA sweatshirt for Opening Ceremony co-founder Humberto Leon, adding a trail of moss and mushrooms to the classic letters while shoppers and bystanders on the street watched the process from start to finish.

As an added surprise to center around the three-day live embroidery event, Opening Ceremony and Merry worked together to put on our own #SportiCulture contest, where Instagram and Twitter followers submitted photos of their favorite throwback item for the chance to have James embroider it for free in-store. James hand selected winner Sophia Wilson, a 15-year-old high school photographer who entered the contest with her own vintage Wilson t-shirt. James was happy with his pick, seeing as Wilson’s shirt had a special backstory (the sporting brand shares her last name). “Over the years, my dad has bought a lot of Wilson shirts and gear,” says Wilson. “He gave [this one] to me recently and I thought it would match the James Merry for Opening Ceremony vibe.”

James spent the remainder of the weekend embroidering Wilson’s Wilson t-shirt, and the end result features a delicate flower growing out of the logo printed across the shirt. “I love all of the colors and the story behind each of the pieces,” says Wilson. “I also love all of the flowers and how [James] embroiders new work on top of older clothing pieces.”

Shop the James Merry for Opening Ceremony collection at our Opening Ceremony New York location.

James Merry live embroidering at our 33 Howard street location. Photos by Matthew Kelly

Merry and Humberto Leon

Merry and a happy customer

Merry and #SportiCulture winner Sophia Wilson

The last two weeks before Christmas Day can sometimes seem like pure and utter chaos when it comes to shopping trips. Luckily for you, our Opening Ceremony co-founders Carol Lim and Humberto Leon are making your holiday shopping way easier by picking their top gift-worthy picks for the season.

Whether it’s the gifts they’re planning on giving (or ones they want for themselves), Carol and Humberto share everything that should be under your tree this season—from Universal Isaac pottery to Kenzo bags and Opening Ceremony-branded electronics. First up, Carol shares her own personal gift guide, where quirky pots and MICA bracelets make an appearance.

Read more on each of Carol’s gift picks below and shop the full gift guide here.

Check back on our blog next week, where Humberto Leon shares his gift picks.

Universal Isaac Upside Down Straight Face Pot
“I love plants and pottery, and I think a lot of other people do too. There’s nothing better than giving something you want to buy yourself.”

Happy Socks by Opening Ceremony OC-Exclusive Happy Socks 4-Pair Box Set
“If you have to get socks, these would be the ones to get. You get to wear this season's details on an area of your body that only you know about!”

Opening Ceremony for Samsung Printed 5200 mAH Battery Pack
“I like the fact that for an item that is extremely functional, you can have something that feels more like an object.”

Opening Ceremony and Intel MICA
“I love that this is not only something beautiful to wear, but has the added bonus of having features to keep you up-to-date and in-the-know.”

Kenzo Gommato Leather Mini Kalifornia Tote Bag
“I think the bright color and functionality make this a perfect bag for all-day use!”

Birkenstock Madrid Shearling-Lined Sandals
“You might already own Birkenstocks.... but not ones lined in blue shearling. That fact makes these sandals a must-have.”

Minnetonka for Opening Ceremony Infant Booties
“Your child might already own Minnetonkas....but not ones lined in comfy shearling!”

As anyone with the tradition of watching Kevin McCallister check into the Plaza Hotel each holiday season knows, New York City hotels are full of enchantment—whether you’re a visiting tourist or simply in need of a staycation. Having the opportunity to spend a weekend in the city—particularly at the Ace Hotel—during the holidays makes New York and all the dreams that come with it, that much more romantic. From the moment that one hops out of that bright yellow taxi cab (or Uber) and onto the bustling streets of the Flatiron District, one can easily be seduced by the sounds, the flashing lights, and the energy of the hotel.

Walking into the Ace Hotel is like entering a speakeasy of sorts. Even though the lobby is open to the public, the mood inside is one that feels exclusively cool, as if this is a place that only a select group of people know about and have the privilege of entering. At the same time, that stigma can easily be written off thanks to the hotel staff’s friendly demeanor. From check-in to check-out, the entire Ace Hotel staff is warm and welcoming, and the fellow occupants tend to be quite friendly.This amiable mentality carries through to the numerous shops that inhabit the hotel. Waking up in the morning doesn’t have to feel rough with the aid of Stumptown Coffee Roasters. A little mid-day lounging in an Ace suite is made all the more relaxing with beautiful views of the city (and the Opening Ceremony x Coca-Cola softwear collection, of course). And that apéritif at the Ace’s bar before hitting the town is just the cocktail you need before starting your night.

Once in the rooms, it’s easy to escape into whichever mood or character you wish to explore. Whether you’re cozying up with a good book, watching a film you just purchased from Opening Ceremony at Ace’s Criterion collection, or getting ready for a night out, the amenities at Ace Hotel make it easy to stay indoors, even with the entire city to explore.

Sure, we’re seasoned New Yorkers here at OC, but even we aren’t jaded enough to pass on the nostalgic joys of Christmas in the city.

Click through the photo journal in the slideshow above to see our outfit picks that evoke those special “holiday in NYC” feelings.

Simon wears the Our Legacy Cotton Zip Shirt Jacket, Our Legacy Cotton 2 Pocket Shirt Coat, Opening Ceremony The Spike Printed Tee, Want Les Essentials De La Vie Hartsfield Weekender Tote, Acne Studios Jeans, and Opening Ceremony Vans Old Skool Sneakers. Tayne wears the Opening Ceremony

Artist James Evans has always had a fascination with New York City when it comes to his work. Whether he’s curating group shows that focus on identity in the landscape of the city or creating graphics for Alex Vadukul’s NYC-centric food column, his focus on the Big Apple is as dedicated as the citizens who inhabit it.

That NY focus has carried over into his ongoing New Yorkers I Saw Today series, where he recreates typical city folk that you see on the streets of different boroughs. “The idea for this [series] actually came while absent-mindedly drinking coffee one morning and staring at a New Yorker issue laying on the table,” says James. “I started thinking it would be interesting to reinterpret the iconic New Yorker caricature into everyday scenarios and shape it into the people I see daily around the city.”

This holiday season, a group of these New Yorkers come together to form a limited print that is available exclusively at our OC at Ace location. From “Bodega Cat” to “Showtime Subway Dancer,” each of James’ signature illustrations make an appearance on the New Yorkers I Saw Today print. “Everyday you’re confronted with all sorts of people, products, and ideas,” says James. “These can be strange and new and sometimes familiar; it can be a rather jarring amount of stimuli.”

Shop James Evans’ New Yorkers I Saw Today print at Opening Ceremony at Ace Hotel.

James Evans’ New Yorker print is now available exclusively at Opening Ceremony at Ace Hotel. Above photo by David Loring-Lee

The audience at Jacquemus’ Spring/Summer 2016 runway show might have been too caught up in the conjoined twin suiting pairs and performance piece featuring a giant ball of red yarn to notice the collection’s most significant addition to the brand. Peer closer at some of the hands of the models on the circus-themed runway and you will the brand’s first-ever foray into the world of handbags.

With asymmetrical shapes and unexpected primary colors, the bags reflect the innovative design techniques present in the corresponding collection’s Ready-To-Wear pieces. The red leather Haricot bag, sold exclusively at Opening Ceremony, tauts a paint palette-esque shape and an exaggerated, wide shoulder strap. While some brands take years to master the handbag game, Jacquemus’ Spring/Summer 2016 lineup manages to seamlessly adapt the brand’s identity into the accessories in a way that will reveal the bag’s brand origins before one ever catches a glimpse of the logo embossed on the side.

Shop all Jacquemus here

OC Exclusive Haricot Handbag in red

Games and giving are two very important facets of the holiday season, and a combination of the two is always a hit. From Dirty Santa to White Elephant, any activity with the spirit of gifting in mind is sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit. With this in mind, we here at OC would like to extend an invitation for you to be a part of our own gift-centric game.

Starting today, you can sign up for our newsletter and enter for a chance to win prizes like $100 or $500 gift cards, Opening Ceremony varsity jackets, and special discount codes. Already a loyal member of our mailing list? Not to fret, you can still play too. Simply re-submit your email for a chance to win. We will be randomly selecting one winner each day through Saturday, December 19, so keep checking your email each day for more chances to score. Click here to enter now.

Read the sweepstakes rules here
Shop the Opening Ceremony gift guide here

The 12 days of Christmas countdown has nothing on the the adidas YEEZY BOOST 750 waiting game. The all-black version of Kanye West’s first signature sneaker with adidas launches on December 19, and it’s back in an all black colorway that will leave that special someone (aka yourself) feeling lucky after unwrapping the minimal cardboard shoe box.

Like every single Yeezy drop in the past, you’ll want to pay close attention, because getting your own pair of YEEZY BOOST 750s isn’t going to be easy, especially because the only Opening Ceremony location offering these kicks is our OCNY Soho store. To enter, please follow the entry guideline details below.

Please note, due to high demand, we cannot guarantee your purchase of a pair of YEEZY BOOST 750s. Thank you for understanding!

adidas Originals YEEZY BOOST 350 In-Store Raffle to Purchase

—Register for raffle at our OCNY store location
—Raffle begins on Thursday, December 17 at 11:00 AM EST
—Raffle ends on Thursday, December 17 at 2:00 PM EST
—Raffle entries are restricted to one entry per person
—No phone, email, or online entries will be taken. All registrations must be made in person
—Must have valid form of ID to enter
—Must be at least 10 years old
—We will contact winners via phone by 7:00 PM Friday, December 18
—If a winner does not pick up their phone and their voicemail is full or isn’t set up, they will be disqualified
—Winners can pick up and purchase on Saturday, December 19 between 10:00 AM — 10:45 AM
—If a winner does not purchase his/her pair in-stores by 10:45AM he/she will forfeit the right to purchase
—Any unclaimed units will be sold in-store at our OCNY location on a first come, first serve basis
—Winners must bring valid photo ID to complete purchase
—Winners will be escorted by a security guard to car/cab/train (Note: we do not recommend taking any public transportation)

The YEEZY BOOST 750

The holidays a time to binge eat, sit uncomfortably through awkward family disputes, and secretly hoard enough leftover mac and cheese to last for weeks. Grandma’s homemade pie, Tyler Perry-style drama, and a tastefully pertruding belly, what else could you possibly want out of a holiday weekend? Well, if you're anything like me, a slice of Margherita pizza from a tiny restaurant in Rome and a slew of selfies posed in front of Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Batllo in Barcelona, are a few things that come to mind. For seven days during the Thanksgiving holiday I ditched my family, my responsibilities, and half of my college textbooks to embark on my first European journey with one of my childhood BBFs, Jamie.

In late November, I disembarked from a 7 hour flight as a blank slate; I had no expectations and furthermore, no set itinerary. Within hours of touching down, I found myself sitting at Brunch & Cake, a quaint little cafe in the L'Eixample district, staring at a plastic syringe full of guacamole that I used to dress my nacho sandwich. Somehow, I realized this was the norm as I was the only one taking photos of my meal (which, as Jamie pointed out, was very American of me).

As if my atypical Thanksgiving Eve brunch wasn’t enough, the stroll through Park Güell that followed was as surreal as it was visually delicious. When I first walked into the park, I felt like I was finally reaping the benefits of winning all of those games of Candy Land as a child. The gingerbread-like houses were mounted by colorful mosaic tiled roofs, of which I imagined probably taste like Jolly Ranchers. The ensuing beach sunset at Barcelona Beach, followed by a traditional Spanish meal featuring an assortment of tapas, eagerly made me want to surrender my American passport just 10 hours in.

Over the next several days in Barcelona, it was extremely difficult to avoid the majesticity of Passeig De Gracia, a retail heaven (similar to Rodeo Drive) that stretches miles long with European luxury and impeccably dressed women each accessorized with an equally as stylish European dog. For me, it was especially hard to ignore the street’s allure, as Jamie’s apartment rested on a neighboring block officially making Gucci and La Perla her neighbors.

Despite the monetary loss that occurred within 48 hours of touching down (in my defense that's a pretty long time to hold out), I also gained an even further appreciation for the architecture and culture of Barcelona. Located on the same block were Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, famed architect Antoni Gaudi’s most famous creations equally as captivating in their cryptically designed shapes and robust colors and patterns.

By the time the weekend approached, I was headed to Rome, where I would spend exactly 48 hours consuming enough carbs and gelato for three lifetimes. Jamie and I were housed at a small bed and breakfast in Trastevere, a neighborhood about 10 minutes from the city center. Down the street from our temporary residence, I took full advantage of the local Italian pub that served the best pasta I have ever unnaturally inhaled.

Erotic food porn aside, our two day journey was spent roaming inside the Vatican asking guards every five minutes if we’d reached the Sistine chapel yet, only to finally reach the Sistine chapel an hour later (those signs are incredibly deceiving). In true Lizzie McGuire fashion, I made my wish at the Trevi Fountain and in true Amira fashion brought my wish to fruition almost immediately when I purchased two handmade Italian pieces blocks from the fountain.

On my last day in Rome I walked around the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia, stopped for two separate helpings of Margherita pizza, and enjoyed a lively street performance, which happens to be a rarity in Europe. Looking back on it, I’m not sure if I would classify my trip as a traditi

Sure, the holiday season is a time for Christmas joy, moments with loved ones, and giving (slash receiving) gifts. But it’s also the season for letting that partying freak flag you’ve been waiting to wave all year finally fly. From corporate holiday parties to semi-sober family gatherings, it’s officially time to turn down the Mariah Carey Christmas album and turn up the Drake songs that took a brief hiatus from blaring out of our car speakers this past month. From spiked eggnog-induced renditions of the “Nae Nae” to the classic “Twist,” it’s time to polish those dancing shoes (or heels...or sneakers) and bust a move.

Not inclined to hit the dance floor? Luckily for you, our Opening Ceremony staffers know a thing or two about getting down. From OC’s Sakinah Bashir channeling her inner ‘70s diva with “The Hustle,” to Terry Long bringing it all the way back to 2006 by “Walking it out,” to Amira Rasool’s own version of the “Cooking Dance” that looks so delish, we know a Lil’ B curse won’t be placed upon her, these dancers take to the floor in our latest photo journal... in 3D.

To capture these staffer’s moves, we enlisted the help of Super A-OK, a creative agency and experimental technology studio that has been working with Emperor Go! on special creative projects with their A-1 Array 3D Camera created from scratch. The camera consists of a series of lenses that take one single shot to create the 3D image. “It’s like The Matrix, but less Keanu Reeves,” says Super A-OK co-founder Chris Parker. “It’s an array of cameras that take photos at the exact same time, and our software instantly processes those photos into an animated gif.”

So imagine Neo dodging shade thrown from twerking competitors during a dance battle as opposed to slow-mo bullets. The Super A-OK crew also consists of co-founders Peter Simon and Rich Watts, who were also on set during the shoot to oversee the dance moves in action. “We’ve been making films and building weird camera gear for a few years now,” says Parker. “In the process of working on a camera array project, we thought it would be interesting to make a version that’s mobile and automated because, hey, why not?”

While the trio have been working as a team together for years, they only recently partnered with the Emperor Go! production company on a creative series featuring artists like Allan Kingdom, YACHT, and Kool Keith. “For Emperor Go!, I wanted to create a company that went back to my roots in film production,” Emperor Go!’s Marc Santo says of his company. “Today, [Emperor Go!] makes all kinds of documentaries, music videos, and content that explores unique people and ideas.”

And let’s not forget that the company partners with Super A-OK and Opening Ceremony to produce 3D editorials where staffers whip out their best holiday party dance moves.

Now watch them whip... Click through the slideshow above to see more 3D imagery of Opening Ceremony staffers showcasing their preferred holiday dance moves.

“Who doesn't love Drake? Seeing as I’m obsessed with hair parts right now, I figured it was the appropriate dance to do!” —Terry getting down to “Hotline Bling,” wearing the Patrik Ervell Flight Nylon Insulated Parka, Patrik Ervell Cotton Rib Mockneck Long-Sleeve,

If you watched our Photos by Spike video that premiered this fall, then you’re certainly familiar with the classic antics that take place when creating a video directed by Spike Jonze. In the vid, models sport pieces from the Opening Ceremony Fall/Winter 2015 collection while jumping and falling in front of blown-up imagery of Spike’s archival prints, all while Spike and OC co-founder Humberto Leon provide insight on the collection via their friendly nostalgic voiceover. But what really goes into making a Spike-directed short video that's this close-knit?

Hint: numerous trampolines, daring models, and lots of laughs.

Shop all Opening Ceremony men’s and women’s

Watch our behind-the-scenes video above and see for yourself.

Special thanks to Milk, Exile, Squeak E Clean, Silva Artist Management, Coloredge, Bumble and bumble, NARS, and Sweetgreen.

They say that patience is a virtue, so if you’ve been holding off on that perfect Shrimps coat or the Our Legacy trousers of your dreams, your hard work is about to pay off. We just bumped our sale up to a whopping 70 percent off and have included all of the brands one’s heart could desire. From adidas Originals to Acne Studios to Marques’Almeida, there’s an array of options to reward yourself for retail responsibility.

Remember, patience and apathy are two very different things. Our suggestion is to grab your dream piece—or pieces—as quickly as you can. When the price is this right, don’t expect them to stick around for too long.

Shop all Sale here

*Sale prices are not applicable to previous purchases or open to price adjustment. Discounts are valid online while stocks last. All sale merchandise is Final Sale.

Enjoy free ground shipping on orders over $100 pre-tax with UPS Ground Shipping method selected. Offer is valid within the contiguous United States only.

Shop all Sale here

We all have that moment where Friday night rolls around and a Netflix binge is the primary “event” option. In order to cure your major case of FOMO, we’ve teamed up with The Mirror Cube, a happenings site that features events recommended by artists. With their expert panel of visual artists, actors, writers, and directors, The Mirror Cube brings you the lowdown on what shows, screenings, and exhibits you should check out each week in New York and Los Angeles.

NY: Arabian Nights at Film Society of Lincoln Center
December 19-20
Picked by: Brady Corbet
What: This six-hour opus by Portuguese filmmaker Miguel Gomes (Tabu) has its exclusive New York run.

Why Go: The trilogy was a hit with audiences on the festival circuit, and the Film Society will be screening all three volumes—The Restless One, The Desolate One, and The Enchanted One—for two days only. The Village Voice called Arabian Nights "a masterpiece" and "a film of abundant wit and generous heart."

NY: Squeeze (Acoustic) at PlayStation Theater
December 17 and 18 at 8 PM
Picked by: Soko
What: The co-founders of the South London band Squeeze perform a special acoustic set as part of their "The At Odds Couple" tour.

Why Go: Squeeze songwriters and frontmen Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook were once heralded in the music press as the “new Lennon and McCartney," and while that might sound like hyperbole to the uninitiated, they're responsible for such indelible pop songs as "Tempted," "Up the Junction," and "Cool for Cats."

NY: Berlin Metropolis: 1918-1933 at Neue Galerie
October 1, 2015-January 4, 2016
What: Neue Galerie on the Upper East Side presents an exhibition focusing on Berlin during the Weimar period.

Why Go: Berlin in the first third of the twentieth century was a wellspring of unchecked creativity, and this fertile environment led to the creation of myriad masterworks before the Third Reich rose to power and outlawed many of the artists and their work during this time as "degenerate."

LA: Girlpool at the Echoplex
December 18 at 8 PM
Picked by: Jena Malone
What: The LA-based folk punk duo return to Los Angeles for a show with guest opener French Vanilla and a DJ set by Blink 182's Mark Hoppus.

Why Go: Though only a duo, Girlpool produce a surprisingly large and affecting sound live. Pitchfork said of their debut album, Before the World Was Big, that it "brims with a mysterious power, a charged and palpable sense of hope and awe." There will be a holiday canned food drive at the door--so be sure to bring food to donate to families in need.

LA:

Every close family has an arsenal of beloved recipes created and passed down by its most culinary-savvy members. With The OC Cookbook, we do just that. Tapping into our notable foodie and chef friends, we compile exclusive recipes that can be cherished not only by our family, but yours too. For this installment, we tackle the 2015 holiday season, and all of the food-based festivities surrounding it.

The gathering of families or friend groups under one roof during the holidays is difficult enough with the mid-dinner political debates and prying personal questions, but factor in each person’s specific food preferences and you have a real battle on your hands. And while we can’t promise it’ll prevent any skeletons coming out of the closet, , these NYC chefs can at least alleviate your food-based woes with crowd-pleasing holiday recipes—and maybe a cocktail or two.

In this installment, Lee Desrosiers at Brooklyn's Achilles Heel gives traditional gravy a surf-n-turf remix.

OAK LAOKWANSATHITAYA: What makes this dish one of your favorites during the holiday season?
LEE DESROSIERS: I've always loved eating oysters with turkey. The brininess of wellfleet oysters harvested in november compliment the bird well.

Why do you personally feel that this dish kills the competition when it comes to holiday potlucks?

Gravy is the rug that ties the room together. It is the vehicle for all of the concentrated turkey juices that drip into the roasting pan over hours of cooking. It can save an overcooked turkey breast or dry stuffings. It is the unsung hero of the dinner plate.

Lee's Smoked Oyster Gravy

Ingredients:
1 dozen shucked oysters (with liquor)
3 tablespoon good quality soy sauce
1 cup turkey pan drippings
1 cup chicken or turkey stock (unseasoned)
4 sweet onions (carmelized)
2 tablespoons butter
1 bay leaf
1 small bunch sage

Preparation:
Step 1. Dice onion, cook over medium/low heat in a pot with butter, bay leaf and sage. season with pinch of salt and black pepper. stir often, scraping up any bits that stick to the pan. Cook until carmelized.
Step 2. Shuck oysters and place meats and liquor into a shallow, heat safe bowl.
Step 3. Light a fire in a barrel with hard wood. Soak a handful of fruit wood chips or alder wood. When the fire burns down to coals, place the damp wood chips on the hot coals and place the bowl of oysters in the barrel. Cover and let smoke for 20 minutes, or until oysters have taken on a good amount of smoke. If you want to skip this step, just add a slab of rendered bacon, and blend with the other ingredients.
Step 4. Place smoked oysters in a pot, with soy sauce and lightly cook over low heat for 5 minutes or until the oyster meats tighten and shrink a little.
Step 5. Place oysters and onions into a blender, with the stock and pan drippings. Blend until smooth. You can adjust the thickness by adding more stock to thin it out. Season to taste.

Lee's Smoked Oyster Gravy

The two weeks before Christmas Day are pure chaos when it comes to last-minute shopping trips. Luckily for you, our Opening Ceremony co-founders Carol Lim and Humberto Leon are making your holiday shopping way easier by picking their top gift-worthy picks for the season.

Whether it’s the gifts they’re planning on giving (or ones they want for themselves), Carol and Humberto share everything that should be under your tree this season—from Kenzo weekender bags to Coca-Cola bears and Master & Dynamic Headphones. This time around, Humberto shares his personal gift guide, where travel-ready gear and the perfect gloves to make a perfect snowman are included.

Read more on each of Humberto’s gift picks below and shop the full gift guide here.

Opening Ceremony x Coca-Cola OC Exclusive Varsity Bear Sweatshirt
"Coca Cola's polar bears are so iconic and nostalgic, so nothing gets me in the holiday spirit quite like when I see those bears."

Kenzo Kanvas Weekender
"I travel quite a bit throughout the holiday season, so it's important that I have a bag that's great for those last minute trips."

Aesop Perseus
"The Aesop gift set has everything you need all in one package. Plus, it’s perfect for traveling "

Opening Ceremony OC Collegiate Gloves
"OC gloves are the perfect tool to make the perfect snowman.”

Happy Socks by Opening Ceremony Athletic Box Set
"I'm always down to show some flare on my ankles.”

Master & Dynamic Logan Real Edition Headphones
"One of the best parts of the holidays is the fact that Mariah Carey Christmas classics take over the radio (and my playlists). You need headphones that can match Mariah's voice, and these Master & Dynamic headphones do."

Opening Ceremony x Rains OC Exclusive Bucket Hat
“This is

Considering the Opening Ceremony Fall/Winter 2015 NYFW presentation was the first time that Spike Jonze saw some of his own archival 35mm photographs that inspired this season’s collection, we’ve also been excited to hear his personal recollection of the imagery. “When I walked into the gallery where the show was, I was seeing some of those photos for the first time since I’d shot them,” says Spike. “It was pretty trippy.”

But what has yet to be revealed is Spike’s own personal stories behind some of the images that were translated into digital prints this season. Up until now, Spike’s photos have been worth a thousand of his own words. But with the recent release of Photos by Spike, his self-directed video that showcases some of the photographs that were included in the presentation and collection, Spike caught up with Opening Ceremony co-founder Humberto Leon to touch on the photographs that inspired the collection.

Below, we provide the full interview from the video interview, where Spike and Humberto get together to talk about the first time they met, the nostalgia of Kodak boxes, and Spike’s favorite photo from the show.

Click through the slideshow above to see behind-the-scenes images from the Photos by Spike video shoot.

Shop all Opening Ceremony men’s and women’s

How did you guys meet?
HUMBERTO LEON: We met at a Christmas party!
SPIKE JONZE: I was wearing an Opening Ceremony jacket. It was like a Han Solo in Empire Strikes Back navy blue number. I was like, “I’m wearing your jacket!”
HL: We were introduced by our friend.
SJ: My cousin.
HL: That was about eight years ago.

How did this collection come about?
HL: I went to visit Spike once as he started working on his archives.
SJ: I think you wanted to see my photos and I said, “Yeah,” but they were in a massive mess. Last year, we started organizing them, to scan and archive them and such. Humberto came out right at the beginning and started sorting them all and labeling them. There’s about 24,000 negatives.
HL: Obviously I’ve been a huge fan of everything that Spike has done. I knew that he always shot photographs, so I asked if I could one day see his archives. Finally, he mentioned in passing that he was organizing it. So I spent two or three days, sometimes just by myself, unraveling all of these slides and I asked if I could make a collection inspired by these.
SJ: And I said, “What? What does that even mean?”
HL: Very abstract. This collection was partially based on the actual photographs, so we made prints with the skate photos, BMX photos, and a lot of the behind-the-scenes images of the music videos and some of the movies. We also took the context of what was happening in the photographs, which inspired a lot of the clothing in the collection.
SJ: Like the way people were wearing the clothes?
HL: Yeah! I like the way a lot of the skaters were belting their pants. It was a combination between the way they wore it and your amazing photo shoots themselves.

What was working together on the

BYOB by KARA is a (build your own bag) pattern series designed by the NYC-based handbag label. In each feature, designer Sarah Law sits down with creatives both Opening Ceremony and KARA are obsessed with to design a unique bag based on necessity, inspiration, and, of course, personality. The pattern and instructions are then shared via WeTransfer to provide others the opportunity to create the bag at home. All materials should be something you can buy yourself, and if not we’ll provide alternative recommendations. And oh yeah, we strongly encourage adding your own personal touch.

I first came across images of Jenna Bouma’s work a couple years back on social media, a platform that has undoubtedly worked well for her. I was immediately drawn in by her simple yet stirring hand poked tattoos of cats, women and cacti, figures constructed from bold black lines with understated yet unifying personalities.

Jenna was born in Canada and based out of Vancouver, moving to New York just earlier this year. When Jenna isn’t traveling (something she does an enviable amount of), she works out of the warm, inviting East River Tattoo in Greenpoint. East River is a shop filled with some of the city's more talented tattoo artists, a healthy abundance of taxidermy animals and an adorable shop dog named Willie Nelson.

Generally speaking, people can have a perception of hand pokes as crude, DIY tattoos, as if they are all simple stick and pokes done on a whim or out of convenience. While this perception tends to negate the art and history of hand poking, it does highlight the personal dynamic of the craft. The DIY, primitive aspect of hand poking is a crucial element. Jenna herself got into hand poking through the punk scene growing up, and a smattering of tattoos with knives and skulls and ‘fuck cops’ exhibit that this edge is still present in her work.

That being said, her talent at hand poking and her influences range well beyond this DIY connotation. In fact, people are generally somewhat shocked when they find out that one of my pieces from her is done by hand. She is quick to cite Tebori and other intricate hand poking traditions as big influences on her work. Her drawings are deliberate and consistent, and her current interests center more on ambitious, larger scale pieces.

The combination of a DIY frame of mind and ambitious design goals is what made Jenna a perfect candidate for KARA’s BYOB series. After designing the illustrations in KARA’s annual holiday calendar this year, the next logical step was putting hers and KARA’s DIY chops together to create the perfect (no sew!) bottle holder to tote to your next holiday party.

Below, we sit down with Jenna and KARA founder Sarah Law to discuss Janne’s path as an artist, her involvement with Kara, and her thoughts on New York as a whole.

Shop all KARA bags here

JAMES EVANS: What is it about hand poking that initially got you into it?
JENNA BOUMA: To be really honest, when I first got started after moving out at 18, I really wanted to tattoo, but was really apprehensive to be the kind of person that just buys a tattoo gun and starts tattooing their friends. I was interested in more primitive forms of tattooing, but as an 18-year-old in Vanco

Procrastination is the biggest enemy to holiday-based success. From making travel plans to buying gifts, the habit is always lurking around the corner, telling you to put off your obligations and face potentially disastrous results. Without a doubt, there is one holiday custom that falls victim to laziness above all others: sending out holiday greeting cards.

The thing is though, no one can deny that sending and receiving a handwritten note to friends and family is super f’ing thoughtful… even if you did cut it close. So, f you’re one of the millions of people spending next Monday or Tuesday rushing to buy and mail cards, Deer Dana (and the post office’s increased holiday staff) is about to make your day. We teamed up with the snarky illustrator to give you one last chance to get on track and appear like you bought cards before all the good ones were purchased.

Featuring exclusive, all new illustrations of Fetty Wap, Grimes, Run-DMC, and David Bowie, we have compiled our Deer Dana holiday cards in an easily printable template pack that you can make at home on any desktop printer. Print them out, write your best holiday wishes, and send your cards on their merry way, on time and in style. Oh and don’t forget to thank us for saving your ass again.

Now, if only you could bring yourself to buy stamps…

Shop all Deer Dana here

Download here

"I couldn't figure out what Fetty's face tatt on his forehead said so I replaced it with Merry Christmas. I feel very thankful for Fetty this year, he's blessed us with multiple bangers. #1738" - Dana

Christmas in Hollis by Run DMC is one of my favorite Christmas songs. The video is also so good. Lyrics include: "When I seen a man chilling with his dog at the park /I approached them very slowly with my heart full of fear / Looked at his dog, oh my God, a illin' reindeer"

"Ziggy Stardust is Bowie's alter ego who is a a bisexual alien rock superstar. He is a great inspiration for New Year's Eve looks. "

"Don't you want Grimes ornament / miniature version of her to carry around all the time? I do. She is so cute and weird. And she could sing you to sleep!"

Every close family has an arsenal of beloved recipes created and passed down by its most culinary-savvy members. With The OC Cookbook, we do just that. Tapping into our notable foodie and chef friends, we compile exclusive recipes that can be cherished not only by our family, but yours too. For this installment, we tackle the 2015 holiday season, and all of the food-based festivities surrounding it.

The gathering of families or friend groups under one roof during the holidays is difficult enough with the mid-dinner political debates and prying personal questions, but factor in each person’s specific food preferences and you have a real battle on your hands. And while we can’t promise it’ll prevent any skeletons coming out of the closet, , these NYC chefs can at least alleviate your food-based woes with crowd-pleasing holiday recipes—and maybe a cocktail or two.

In this installment, chef Katy Peetz helps us embrace our inner imperfect baker.

OAK LAOKWANSATHITAYA: What makes this dish one of your favorites during the holiday season?
KATY PEETZ: The dough and filling can be made in advance, so it's easy assembling the day of. And, I love Thanksgiving dinner so much that moderation flies out the window after a couple (ok, a few) glasses of wine. This galette offers some solace with turmeric's and ginger's magical medicinal properties (Anti-inflammatory! Aids digestion!). Their bitter and herbal flavors also pair beautifully with persimmons and cranberries, all wrapped in sweet and buttery dough.

Why do you personally feel that this dish kills the competition when it comes to holiday potlucks?

Can you see this? It's stunning! Embrace your inner imperfect baker for the whole "rustic" look. The colors pop and the flavors live up to its image. Usually at least one person will have no idea what a persimmon is, so it creates intrigue and people will want to try it.

Katy Peetz' Persimmon Cranberry Galette

Crust Ingredients:
1¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
2 tsp sugar
½ tsp salt
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into ½-inch cubes
¼ cup ice water
1 Tbsp cider vinegar

Preparation:
Step 1. Whisk together the flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl and cut in the butter using a pastry cutter (or hands) until crumbly.
Step 2. Add the cider vinegar to the ice water and pour over the flour, 2 tablespoons at a time, simultaneously mixing with your fingers.
Step 3. Add enough liquid until a shaggy dough, then gather into a loose ball and wrap in plastic wrap, using the plastic as an aid to tuck and seal the dough into a smooth 4-inch disc.
Step 4. Chill in the fridge minimum 1 hour, maximum 3days, or freeze up to 1 month.

Filling Ingredients:
4 fuyu persimmons, ends trimmed, peeled, and thinly sliced into rounds
¾ cup sugar, plus more for dusting
12-oz bag cranberries (about 3 cups)
1, 2-inch piece ginger, peeled and finely grated
1, 1-inch piece turmeric, peeled and finely grated
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon salt

Preparation:
Step 1. Set aside 15 or so pretty persimmon slices and chop up the rest to yield 1 cup chopped persimmons. Combine in a medium saucepan with the sugar, cranberries, ginger and turmeric.
Step 2. Add ¼ cup water, give a stir, cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, 5 minutes.
Step 3. Uncover and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until a jam-like c

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