denim and leather

I saw these silly bearded boys in concert a while back. I don't know anyone that can rock the denim vest look and make it look this cool. They have tons of energy on stage. A must see next time they roll thru your town. Enjoy the goodness that is Valient Thorr.

Est. 2005

Yes, I like fashion. Not like Project Runway type of fashion, but don't get me wrong, I appreciate the artistic abilities of those contestants as well as those who work in the field on the daily. Those folks have mad skills, beyond the FIDMs and art academies, as in experience coupled with true talent. One could argue that your city defines your fashion sense and that true fashion only comes out of New York, Paris and/or Japan. I am from San Pedro, part of Los Angeles county, but LA is a BIG place. Cavotu is San Pedro. Cavotu is Los Angeles. Southern California culture is what it is.

What do I know about fashion anyway? I can't even sew, well actually I can but not like a dress or pair of slacks. I didn't go to a fancy art school, fancy could easily be replaced with ridiculously expensive. I like to think I have an eye for fashion. I appreciate the thought process, the themes, the color ways and the motivation to create something that people will fall in love with. As an artist, I can't help but watch my world around me. I study this game everyday. I follow the blogs, visit the brick & mortars and ask questions about all the major/minor players. My focus is primarily action sports and the street-wear industry but yesterday I came across a pair of $300 Gucci shades that blew my mind.

The other night I was telling a story about the time I got blood on my kelly green Hurley shirt (circa 98). Now the point of the story had nothing to do with Hurley but it forced me to go back to when the brand began. In 1998, Hurley was formed by dudes from Billabong, it took off from there and now owned by Nike which translates as not cool anymore. One of the cats listening to my story was like "man, how old are you?" I quickly replied "1980 son, 1980..." The year 1998 was not that long ago but to some the brand Hurley seems like it has been around for ages. Hell even Volcom was established in 1991, but I never heard of it until 1994. Timing is everything.

I started this project in 2005 with my blindfold tightly fastened. Five years later I am still here. Amazed at the rise and growth of other 5 year old startups. I took a two year hiatus to focus on my family and now I feel as if I am starting from scratch. Unfortunately I am still working out all the kinks. Taking a chance on new screen printing options as well as branching out from my previous supplier of fresh cotton blends. I am even talking with folks overseas on a special project. As much as I like to keep it made in the USA, I felt I had to test the waters outside of my comfort zone. So far so good. The month of May will be the ultimate challenge.

The devil's playground

I think it is safe to assume that you guys know that I was born and raised in San Pedro (pronounced PEE-DRO for all you out of towners) but in fact I have moved around Cali here and there. In 06'/07' I lived in the LBC aka Strong Beach aka Long Beach. LB is a HUGE city that maintains a blossoming downtown district while still preserving that small neighborhood beach community feeling. Long Beach is definitely a melting pot (I can't help but think of the Bay when I use that phrase but in context LB is not as cool as SF).

Bars are bars. I have done my fair share of boozing in damn near all of them while living in Long Beach. The watering holes that are tucked away off the main drag are usually pretty cool finds. Alex's Bar is a true gem, like stepping into a mini version of hell: red painted walls, cheap drinks, horrible service but live rock and roll almost every night. This weekend Alex is celebrating his 10 year anniversary with a sick lineup of the Adolescents, Mike Watt and Riverboat Gamblers live on stage.

In these tough economic times it's great to hear that the small businessman is still alive and kicking. But then again, recession or economic boom, people will drink regardless. Cheers and I'll see you in the pit!