Googlenomics

Not to totally bite the title off of the latest wired article highlighting the company that has seemingly taken over the internet forever, it just seemed appropriate. I'm sure some of you have seen a preview of the new google application Wave, if not google it. It would look to be a networking tool that will seamlessly connect all of our social networks, while allowing to communicate with our friends at the same time via instant message. All in which I thought was very interesting as I have been having trouble as of late figuring how to marry my 3 blogs, Twitter and Facebook along with all of the other online content I keep track of via feeds. Not to mention my email address's (yes plural), I know its a problem. Wave could perhaps be the first step in bringing our online world together. I also found this interesting because of the data sets that google will be able to compile. Imagine the trend topics, personal preferences and algorithms this tailor cut 'wave' of information can withhold. Google did over 30 billion in ad revenue last year and it definitely doesn't look like they are slowing down anytime soon.

Would I would like to see developed is a space that compiles all of my published content seamlessly, including my social web - plugging all of my 'blogs' back into the communities that I'm offering up the content to. While also including my 'favorite' blogs, websites, and news outlets. Tumblr has come close, my incredible attention deficit has not yet allow me to find anything that brings the whole world of it together. Until then I guess I'll be waiting to catch the next wave or solution to bringing all of my content together in one application, forum, and place.

P.S. - For developers this is an amazing open source opportunity, Google is smart for allowing them to create products and applications while Wave readies for release. Almost in the same way that the iPhone has a million and one applications, the possibilities are endless which is exactly the way they like it.

Check it out

Brooks Brothers

Wow it's been minute since i've posted here, actually two months to the day. I actually recently started a Tumblr log which has been nice, but it doesn't seem to have the full posting capacity of blogger. Tumblr's more so if you want just a log of content such as video, pictures, links, music and even quotes. You can check out mine here, its been a nice seamless experience thus far.

As for this blog, I don't know if anyone actually reads it, haha. Either or I thought I would entertain myself with a little write up about my first Brooks Brothers experience. I am in a wedding this weekend, which required all of the groomsman to purchase a tuxedo, shoes and tuxedo shirt. While we are wearing a nice one button Marc By Marc Jacobs tuxedo, we decided to go very proper and traditional with Brooks Brothers pleated tuxedo shirt. I must say I love that store, as soon as you walk in you can feel the tradition and heritage of the brand. For me, that classic tradition holds the main selling point of the brand. You feel like you're buying more than just an article of clothing, but a piece that has a story behind it one that some of my "cooler" friends probably disagree with. Nonetheless, being measured and fitted for a proper tuxedo shirt at one of the most classic mens wear stores still standing was a really dope experience. I can't help but draw from it and want to recreate something of its liking for myself, with my own story, isn't that what it's all about.

All in all definitely looking forward to this wedding, going to be one for the ages. I'll have a slew of footage after this weekend.

In Wisconsin...

Whew, been a minute since the last post. Just coming off of a long weekend in Madison, Wisconsin for a bachelor party for my homie Virgil. All in all there was a lot of drinking of course, but it was nice to get away from the city into the college atmosphere for a little nostalgia and some rowdiness. Me and a couple of the guys - specifically Ben from The Brilliance and Virgils good friend Collin talked a lot about cycling, riding fixed gears and our overall love for being on a bike. Which lead us in to talking about Lance Armstrong and how dope he is. Pulled a couple of these videos for a little inspiration. Can't wait to get on the bike and get to work this summer - that's what its all about.

In Due Time...

A Virtue.

"In this there is no measuring with time, a year doesn't matter, and ten years are nothing. Being an artist means: not numbering and counting, but ripening like a tree, which doesn't force its sap, and stands confidently in the storms of spring, not afraid that afterward summer may not come. It does come. But it comes only to those who are patient, who are there as if eternity lay before them, so unconcernedly silent and vast. I learn it every day of my life, learn it with pain I am grateful for: patience is everything!" - "Letters to A Young Poet" Rainer Marie Rilke

Remember When

Def poetry was cool, when writing something for someone was accepted, when words inspired you. I definitely remember. Word.

Grinding!

Wow, what a good start to the year it has been. We're finally starting to shape things up for our first ever clothing release. It's an exciting time, as it has definitely been a long time coming. As we really start to pick up steam I will keep up with the updates. But I definitely have a good feeling about this year, tis going to be good. CHEERS!

Black Fleece Store Opens.

Brooks Brothers, Black Fleece store has finally arrived after much anticipation. This has been the trend in menswear for some of the larger "fashion houses" as of late. Specialized niche boutiques that focus on a particular client base. We have seen the same from J. Crew in recent months. Brooks Brothers newest edition comes complete with Thom Browne designed spring collection, although as Men.Style reports the shop is more Brooks than Browne. Jump over to Men.Style and take a look.

Brook Brothers Black Fleece.

Oh no Bynum!

Ok, I know being a Lakers fan is quite cliche but I mean why not. They have one of the best players in the league, one of the best coaches ever and have one of the most storied franchises in league history. Nonetheless I'm a fan of the Lakers, and Bynum going down might hurt the Lakers championship run. If he can get back and be healthy by playoff time that might help, I guess we won't know until his return. Either or if Kobe keeps dropping 61, we'll be all good.

Full story here.

Getting Better.

A short guide.

Inspiration

Yes Please And Thank You.

“Over all, I think the main thing a musician would like to do is give a picture to the listener of the many wonderful things that he knows of and senses in the universe... That’s what I would like to do. I think that’s one of the greatest things you can do in life and we all try to do it in some way. The musician’s is through his music.”
- John Coltrane

“The well dressed man is he whose clothes you never notice”

-William Somerset Maugham

Great Googly

(from: New York Times)

I'm sure you have seen this by now, if not its a satellite shot of the mall in Washington, DC for the Inauguration. Is it just me or does it look like a multitude of ants.

Wow.

What up FRANK!

Yo shouts to Dave C. over at Frank 151 for holding us down with Frank books every month! I remember when I would scour all of Chicago to find these little books. When the Chop Shop first opened in New York I just happened to be in town and stopped by for a razor line up. Mike Malbon, one of the co-founders of Frank was standing out front smoking a cigarette. We got to raping about Chicago and how he hadn't been there before, and found we knew a few of the same people as I was trying to throw a party with Frank and Alife at the time (which nonetheless never happened). He ended up taking me into the back office and blessing me with a whole bunch of old Frank's to hold down the collection. We've been building ever since. Good look!

What's To Come...

Found this article over at We Are The Market today. They (BPMW/We Are The Market) are in the midst of covering Capsule, Paris - which I imagine is a great show taking place right now in the city of love. I had the pleasure of attending the New York show last fall and was very pleased with the level of brands BPMW curates for the Capsule show.

As for the article, which was inspired by this post from Bruce Pask, menswear editor of the New York Times blog The Moment. I think the turn of "cool" into more trad wear was ushered in by the likes of Hiroshi Fujiwara the "father" of street wear, when he started Uniform Experiment. Considering that young Japanese trendsetters tend to have a major influence on their western counterparts here in the US. I.e. Bape, street wear, the sneaker craze etc. Perhaps this is why I found this article interesting, as it is a tale of what's happening right now in the "cooler realms" of menswear. I'm not talking about Milan and the runway or Paris and fashion week. I'm talking about hte people who set those "trends" before those looks hit the runway. Nonetheless we shall continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be Fre$h and Proper, indeed.

Amber.Rae.

My home girl Amber's blog always has some great dissertation on the world of branding. We normally kick it over tea, discussing the du jour of blogging, branding and anything else that comes to mind. It's always a dope experience and we both step away inspired. I normally leave the conversations wanting to get things done. Check her out.

Out a Jobs.

Jobs out until June, wow. Still I have a feeling it will only affect Apples stock, not much more. AAPL selling at $85.33 and down $2.38 for the day.


Times Article.

Desktop

What does your desktop look like? I can't close anything, a new browser is like a train of thought for me. Is this a problem, or is it just visual ADD.

Umm Yes please, and Thank You.

WWD x J. Crew

Another great article in Woman's Wear Daily this morning, as more CEO's begin to discuss the layout for 2009 and the affects the recession had on the holiday season. I particularly appreciated some of the things Millard "Mickey" Drexler had to say about J. Crew and the way they've positioned themselves in the market place - “The world is not about overpriced designer [goods] anymore,” [adding] “The days of $800 to $900 shoes are over. We [J. Crew] have adjusted prices and are going after [luxury] businesses that have grown hugely” - the article quoted. All of which I think is true, but in correlation with yesterdays article I also believe that people still have the money to spend, its just a matter of what they choose to spend it on.

Remember consumers are no longer frivolously spending, and consumers won't be as conspicuous with what they want to spend on. Which means you have to find innovative ways to know your market, and you have to be very involved with them. Whether that's looking at the blogs they are involved with, or inviting them for free beer and good conversation about everything else BUT your product, no matter what you must understand them. Which I think J. Crew has done, especially as of late with their new retail opening The Liquor Store in New York (previously mentioned here). It is very reminiscent of the Earnest Sewn, and Rogues Gallery aesthetic, while sticking to their brands original message and style.

Perhaps that's the reason I appreciated this article. Because coming from the CEO down, you can see how they've positioned themselves in the marketplace, how they understand who there client is and how that tailored message is clearly communicated from the top down, from the CEO to the client. Another good example of understanding your client and clearly communicating the message they want from top down.

Enjoy.

iT WORKS!

I just downloaded iWork 09' the 30 day trial free version. I will more than likely end up purchasing it as well. Things like this help creative people like me work more efficiently. Thank you apple.

Building A Giant.

I'm sitting here sifting through the internet, determining what's on my list of things to do, over some warm tea and MGMT Electric feel playing in the background. Trying to sift any gold nuggets of information to add to the business plan we're building right now. It's amazing to go through this process and start to put things together. It's also fresh when you start to seek information and how sometimes it becomes readily available to you. I like to save the mornings and early afternoon for reading blogs, news papers or any other pertinent information, I also like to utilize this time to write because my minds more active.

In reading this morning I came across THIS article over at WWD online. It's a very interesting article about the state of the financial times, and the "new mindset of the consumer." They specifically reference H. Lee Scott, the CEO of Walmart and his outlook on the economy after this past holiday season and the upcoming Recession issues of 09'. He thinks consumers have adopted a new mind set - “People still have money. It’s very targeted to the thing they want. If you don’t have what they want, if you’re off by 1/30th of an inch, forget it. You’d better understand your customer and inventory and open-to-buy. How much depth of assortment you have will determine your profitability” so says Scott.

I thought this was very interesting as we begin to build our business. Going through the executive summary, building the numbers, and building our client base, understanding your market is essential to each step of this process. That's one of the first things your taught as a marketer - know your market. But as he said you have to know them very well, you can't be off by even the smallest degree. The mind set doesn't allow for conspicuous spending, nor does it allow for mistakes. If you don't have exactly what it is your clients want, it could be the death of your business.

With that being said, building a business in an economy rife with recession you have to have some understanding of what the consumer mindset is going to be we when the recession ends. "The recession will create a very different economy when we come out of it - than the one we had when we went in it" says Carl Steidtmann Chief Economist at Deloitte. As we build we are thinking of things that can give us an advantage in the midst of the recession, but also particular goods and services we can offer our particular clients once the recession is over, once the spending power and the want to spend is back in the consumers mind-set. Steidtmann furthers this point with, "Real Wages are up 6 percent since July. Consumers have the means to spend, they just don't have the will." I would add to that by saying with the job markets tightening up, and the credit market at almost a stand still its obviously hard for consumers to spend widely on a various amount of things, the are spending on exactly what is they want nothing else. So no more than ever you must use every resource imaginable to understand your market. Social networking sites such as Facebook, and the now popular Twitter, furthered with a vast array of blogs and online zines. You should know what music he likes, what magazines he reads, where he shops for clothing, etc. The more detailed and refined your information is the better chance you have for success.


With all this being said, we will add a lot of these types of things into our business model. Control inventory and liquidity, know our clients well because we are involved with them on a day to day basis. We'll do things like create communities behind the culture we're involved in and give them outlets and a place to communicate. I can't tell you everything we're going to do because that just wouldn't be fair. But from this you can see where we're headed and hopefully see its going to be a good ride.

Get Smart.

A great site for inspiration, learning and quick snippets of information. I'm all about learning like this. If you're able to apply information like this to whatever it is your doing it can help make what you do better.

YO!!!

I've been around, at work right now. Feel bad about not staying up to date wit the bloggin. More coming soon, I promise. I've been inspired a lot lately. Stay tuned you little bums.