Thursday, July 21, 2011

Samsara completed

Posted by Dan | Posted on 20-07-2011

Our friends over at Samsara have been developing their mens oriented silver accessories line over the last year or so.  We’ve been privileged to have been privy to that process and so we’re all the more delighted now that the first phase of the Samsara collection is complete.  Each piece is inspired by a different element of Asian philosophy (whether it be a money clip that attracts wealth and abundance, or a pendant that promotes wisdom).
Friends and fans already  include Russell Brand, Deepak Chopra, Danny Trejo and Slash.  Take a look here for a gift that is more than just a timeless, treasurable, wearable work of art.
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Diddy Dirty Money

Posted by Dan | Posted on 09-06-2011

Everyone, at some time or another, thinks about starting a magazine.  The thing is, those that do, quickly find that it ain’t that easy.  However, when you put Diddy and Warren Noronha together, you get something a bit, well, special.
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This is a very slick magazine that gives a real insight into who Diddy, and this group really are. You probably wouldn’t have guessed Glam rock superstar David Bowie was one of Diddy’s idols, contrastingly so was Frank Sinatra.  He goes on to describe his Rat Pack as ‘me, Jay-z, Ashton Kutcher and Beyonce!’   Good for Kutcher.
Refreshingly we hear from Dawn Richard and Kalenna Harper who chose an edgy Alexander McQueen spread from Flaunt Magazine and some other rather unexpected pieces that change the way I look at the rap group.
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Saying I was surprised how much I enjoyed this magazine would probably be an understatement; it is cool, well-made, and makes me wish every celebrity followed suit and showed me a side of them that I didn’t know about before.  It really wasn’t what I expected at all.
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Think you know Diddy?  Think you know all about Diddy Dirty Money?
You could do worse than to pick up a MYMAG to find out what you didn’t know.
Diddy Dirty Money MYMAG is available at mymag.com, amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and select news stands nationwide.
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Open Rankin

Posted by Dan | Posted on 30-05-2011

The official opening of Rankin’s new Gallery in Los Angeles, hot on the heels of one of his best ever shows in New York at Milk Gallery, was another great night for the creative worlds of Los Angeles to collide in one place.   The film, music, fashion and art communities headed off the holidays with a stop in at LA’s latest gallery opening.
And what an opening it was.
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Firstly, due to kinda crazy (well crazy in my eyes at least) Fire Dept. regulations on capacities.  Rankin opened up the whole building and the car park in the back for the 500+ invited guests for the show on Thursday night.
It mattered not that the Fire Dept. sat at the corner of the street with a clicker counting people in and out, as everyone seemed to understand Rankin’s intensions for this space:  A little bit more than just a gallery, with a bit of private members club vibes thrown in.
Even the celebrity guests and good times (thanks Belvedere and Perrier) couldn’t outshine the work though.  One can forget just what an extraordinary body of work Rankin has, and Open Rankin celebrated just a tiny fraction of it.  If you already haven’t invested in a Rankin, now would be a good time.
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If this is how things are going to play out, then a lot of people are going to be very happy that Rankin’s here, with us, in Los Angeles.  I’m first on that list.
Visit Rankin’s website here

Ben Sherman VIP - Own a piece of music history

Posted by Dan | Posted on 29-05-2011

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It is such a pleasure when you work with great people at a great brand for a worthy cause.  This is such an occasion.  Please visit this site and bid on a signed plectrum (or guitar pick for everyone stateside).  All proceeds go to charity.
Click here to visit the site or go straight to the auction… http://www.ebay.co.uk/benshermanvip
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P.S.   You could go down to the Ben Sherman Store in the Beverly Center this weekend for more cool stuff (spend $200 & get $50 off and a free tote bag with a donation to LifeBeat).

Roark

Posted by Dan | Posted on 10-05-2011

The Roark family is a collective of designers and filmmakers who work and live together in a huge mad downtown LA space called, Hunter Street Studios.  They’re part of a resurgence of creativity that is emerging from downtown Los Angeles, which is generating much interest both here and internationally.
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What is most interesting about them is the fact that they are the most uncompromising and talented design led company that I have come across in LA.  As a brit, it is refreshing when I find something that reminds me, stylistically, of something that might have come from London or even Berlin, and Roark really, truly have that effect on me.
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“ This collection is really a study into the evolution of ones self.  Learning to take the natural and combine it with the technological.  It’s about finding the balance”. Chris Allison, Designer.
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Roark is also surrounded by some pretty influential supporters who have managed to ensure that the brand is already making waves on the international show circuit (including White and Tranois).
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Roark sees in the fall/ winter season with a progressive collection of functional pieces in soft, light woven fabrics such as cashmere knits, fleece pants, hooded jackets and woolen overcoats that envelope and drape on the body.  The look is effortless yet the design ethic is conceptual, merging together utility and style.
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Outerwear includes larger, structured proportions like the heavy hooded overcoats, creating the illusion of a protective exoskeleton - an outer shell or body armor necessary to survive harsh outdoor conditions.  Joints bend with the strategic use of ribbing that help improve mobility; these garments are durable unique pieces which blend with the environment but look equally at home on the runway.
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Overall, this is an impressive design company.  They’re winging their way across the U.S. and Europe over the next few months, but they have given us the permission to present a sneak peak of their Fall’11 collection.
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For further info…  click here.

Who’s afraid of Ai Weiwei?

Posted by Dan | Posted on 04-05-2011

Saw this… Hong Kong stencil.  275879016

God save BritWeek!

Posted by Dan | Posted on 29-04-2011

What a week for the Brits eh?  We do love a good wedding.
Well, not to be outdone (okay, maybe outdone just a little bit, but you get the idea), Los Angeles is celebrating BritWeek for the next month (I know, slightly misleading title, but a fantastic month of events never the less).  BritWeek is SoCal’s celebration of all things… you guessed it… British.
It includes an amazing program of events that span across the entire spectrum of the arts, from concerts with (coincidentally) our good friends Echo & The Bunnymen and Dirty Vegas, to the display of the Magna Carta at LACMA.  LAX is even changing the colors of the lights on those pole things to Red, White and Blue too.
Ben Sherman are in the thick of it all, as official fashion partners with BritWeek on the Art Program in association with LA Art Machine and The British Council.  Anyone interested should be hanging around the Ben Sherman store in the Beverly Center, as we hear that they might have a few exclusive tickets for these VIP events.
Art Highlights include:
Beyond Time - William Turnbull (film by Alex Turnbull and Pete Stern),  Speed Dreaming - Marcos Lutyens, Pomp and Ceremony - Tobias Keene, Recognition - Matt Small, and of course Rankin’s Rubbish by Rankin (see last post)
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Go to BritWeek’s website for further details.
God Save The Queen.

Rankin’s Rubbish.

Posted by Dan | Posted on 29-04-2011

Legendary British Photographer - Rankin, who is perhaps best know in certain rather  topical circles as the photographer who made Queen Elizabeth II look 30 years younger by using photoshop to adjust her image, and also for his incredible career as a portrait and fashion photographer, is presenting a new show at his soon to be open space on Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles.
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Queen Elizabeth II by Rankin
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With ‘Rankin’s Rubbish’, Rankin instead turns his lens to rendering more beautiful the detritus of everyday life.
“I have always wanted to call an exhibition ‘Rankin’s Rubbish.’ I love the humour in the title – it’s not what people expect, especially as the opening show to a new venture. I always approach my work with a sense of fun. I want to amuse people with my photographs, and I try never to take myself too seriously. This is a very British character trait and, in this sense, this is a very British show! I was very inspired by Irving Penn’s still life images of cigarette butts and other discarded items; his images are beautiful. He elevates the mundane to almost become objects to admire. I’ve always been obsessed by minute detail, and the patterns that emerge when you look at something so closely. I see faces in everything.” Rankin
The private opening reception of ‘Rankin’s Rubbish’ is May 3rd, from 6:30-10:30pm at the Rankin Gallery located at 8070 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046. The event is a special preview of the new gallery, in honor of BritWeek 2011. The gallery officially opens on the 26th of May.
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Photographer and director, Rankin, lives and works in North London. Over the last 22 years he has earned a reputation for his exceptional portraiture and commissions for global advertising campaigns, editorial features, with his work exhibited in galleries around the world. As a director, he frequently shoots music videos, commercials and documentaries as well as directing anaward-winning feature film, The Lives of the Saints.
The opening is in association with Britweek, Ben Sherman, LA Art Machine and Belvedere Vodka.

The Muddy Reds

Posted by Dan | Posted on 25-03-2011

These guys are going to turn up in your near future.  You might be surprised where and when.

The Family Silver

Posted by Dan | Posted on 14-03-2011

Western Glove Works have been making workwear since 1921.  Last time I checked, there was only one other company making workwear longer… but their name escapes me.  Anyway, WGW’s flagship brand - Silver Jeans Co. is about to shoot the FW’11 campaign.  Last time we took off to shoot in Big Sur (see movie below).  This time we prefer to be somewhere that we can order from a pizza restaurant that doesn’t have squirrel as a topping option (I’m nearly vegan for goodness sake) and where we can show just a little more of the edgier side of SJC.  I’m hoping it will be equally as much fun though, and as we’ve worked with these guys for a while now, something tells me it will be.

Rankin by Jarvis (or is it the other way around?)

Bachelor’s Ball 2011

Posted by Dan | Posted on 01-03-2011

The Bachelor’s Ball has been going on for over 100 years.  What’s for certain is that this year’s ball was as good as anything that could have gone on before.  Why?  Well apart from the fact that Warren Noronha and I were there, it had to be the most unreal group of fancy dressed crazy assed individuals this side of… well… Wonderland.
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Guess which one is me...
That was the ’secret’ theme you see… Alice in Wonderland.  What was rather odd was the fact that Sameer, our friend who was the member of this elite group of bachelors, without knowing, also got each of his 32 guests to dress as a character from the very same surreal book/movie.  Coincidence?  Well…aparently yes, but what a coincidence it was!
As Sameer owns a tea company, he, of course, went as The Mad Hatter, whereas I was the rabbit and Warren, the Cheshire (pronounced Cheshuh!) Cat.
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How was the night?  Well, I don’t remember so much, but I do know that I can’t remember a better sight than 1000 people dressed in every outfit you could imagine going crazy to Billy Jean played live by the amazing house band.
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And it is always the sign of a good night when it is light when I got home.  ’You’re very late’, said me missus (who herself had been at the Diesel/Purple party).
I was indeed very late.  But I was the rabbit after all.
Thanks to Sameer and the ‘32′.  You’re all top drawer!!!!!

Tyler The Creator

You probably know him by now but…

Crocodiles & Heaven Up Here

Posted by Dan | Posted on 30-01-2011


At long last, here are the North America tour dates for Echo & The Bunnymen performing Crocodiles & Heaven Up Here.
9th May Boston – Paradise Club
11th May Washington – 9.30 club
12th May Philadelphia – Trocadero
13th May New York – Irving Plaza
16th May Toronto – Phoenix Theatre
17th May Chicago – Vic Theatre
19th May San Francisco – Warfield Theatre
20th May Las Vegas – Red Rock Casino
21st May L.A. – Club Nokia Theatre
22nd May Anaheim – House Of Blues



Jack White, Wanda Jackson, and Bob Dylan-What Else Do You Need?

Posted by Dan | Posted on 19-01-2011

When you combine Jack White, Wanda Jackson, and Bob Dylan, you can’t really go wrong. That said, Jackson and White have been working on a cover of Dylan’s “Thunder on the Mountain.”
The video for the song features the Third Man House Band, with White on lead guitar looking phenomenal in Ben Sherman!

Alan Aldridge launches new site

Posted by Dan | Posted on 17-01-2011


If you ever wondered what taking acid is like, don’t bother hanging around college dorms hoping to score from some dumb-ass student (you’ll only get yourself arrested for being a weirdo).  Instead, just visit Alan Aldridge’s new website.  ’The world’s greatest living illustrator’ a.k.a ‘The Man with Kaleidoscope Eyes’ will take you on the trip of a lifetime.  You can also buy ltd. edition prints of his extraordinary work from the site.
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If you visit the NSA blog regularly, then you’ll know all about Alan.  If you are into illustration and art, then you will too.  If you’re still in the dark, then click here to visit the site.
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Daft Punk Denies Links to The Third Twin

Posted by Dan | Posted on 17-01-2011


There have been recent rumors going around about Daft Punk releasing songs through the name “The Third Twin,” but according to NME Magazine and Daft Punk’s management, this is not true. However, according to a press release from the Spanish festival Arenal Sound Festival, it was implied that The Third Twin were in fact Daft Punk.
Daft Punk’s management released this statement:
“It has been brought to the attention of Daft Punk’s management that the promoters for the Arenal Sound Festival in Spain have recently issued a press release in which they claim that a band called The Third Twin is ‘directly connected’ to Daft Punk.”This is completely untrue. Recent press reports are based on rumours instead of facts. Daft Punk is in no way associated with The Third Twin and the promoters for the Arenal Sound Festival are promoting the show under false pretences.”
Daft Punk’s last album ‘Tron: Legacy‘, which was the soundtrack for the film of the same name, was released in December 2010. Regardless of the statement from Daft Punk’s management, The Third Twin are still scheduled to play Arenal Sound Festival, which takes place from August 4-7.

Flaunt goes Olivia Wilde

Posted by Dan | Posted on 16-01-2011

Flaunt Magazine get lost in the, um, Wildeness with one of the sexiest women in the world.
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Photography by Yu Tsai
For more of Olivia Wilde from Flaunt Magazine click here

Jamie From The XX Remixes Gil Scott-Heron

Posted by Dan | Posted on 14-01-2011

Through all of the touring and mixing, Jamie of The XX managed to make time for a solo project of sorts  by remixing thirteen tracks from Gil Scott-Heron’s most recent album , I’m New Here, (originally produced by XL Recordings head Richard Russell) and calling the remixed album, We’re New Here. There’s a CD edition, and a vinyl box set edition, which includes the album on pink heavyweight vinyl, a green instrumental version on green heavyweight vinyl, CDs of both, and limited edition prints. Both of these will be available February 21st!
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If you can’t wait until then check out the mini-site for it: www.werenewhere.com/

Better Than Your Average Rocker Tee

Posted by Dan | Posted on 06-01-2011


It’s quite easy to get your hands on a generic rocker tee with an iconic band image, as plenty of brands produce them, but it’s time for something new. Archive 1887 T-shirt brand has added a little twist of their own. When you buy a shirt you are also buying a little history lesson. Each shirt comes with a code that, when entered, takes you to a streaming playlist of the artist or bands’ music as well as a historical background on the image you are wearing, including the photographer that took and where it was taken. The collection includes some of the greatest photos ever taken and one of my favorite rock photographers, Mick Rock, was included in it. Mick has snapped world-famous photos of some of the greats like Queen, David Bowie, Motley Crue, and more.
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The shirts are also very affordable ranging from $52-$84.
Pick up one today at www.archive1887.com and learn a little something about the artists you admire.

No Doubt it’s Sir Paul.

Posted by Dan | Posted on 04-01-2011

Great pic of No Doubt (with the whole band wearing super sharp Ben Sherman suits) with Sir Paul.
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Samsara - Silver of the moment

Posted by Dan | Posted on 12-12-2010

When we started working with Samsara we saw the gap in the market for a mens silver accessories line that is up to the challenge of becoming the ‘new Chrome Hearts’.  But the guys at Samsara don’t see it that way.  They don’t want to be the ‘new’ anything.  They are Samsara, and by the looks of things, they are here to stay.
Not officially launching until 2011 (although there is pre-availability on-line now through www.samsaraworkshop.com), Samsara is already ticking off the list of ‘how to’ become the next big thing in the world of men’s oriented silver accessories.
Firstly, enter Russell Brand, sporting Samsara on The Ellen DeGeneres Show a few weeks ago (see previous post), then there was the mutually embraced support and launch of a MYMAG with none other than spiritual guru - Deepak Chopra (for a collection based on eastern and asian philosophies, could there be a better endorsement?) and now, Flaunt Magazine have picked up the brand as one of the hottest new collections (soon to be) on the market.
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So celebrities, one of the world’s coolest style mags and, um, spiritual gurus are already working with this brand?  Well, in which case, I could be wrong, but I think that Samsara, ‘the wheel of life’ (Google it baby), just might be taking on a life of its very own.
Now I’m going to go and meditate my ass off.

MYMAG - Hottest launch of the year.

Posted by Dan | Posted on 12-12-2010

Congratulations to everyone at MYMAG for winning the prestigious Media Industry News award for Hottest Magazine launch of the year.

Here’s what they said:

#1 Hottest Launch of the Year

MYMAG

Publishing Company: MYMAG, LLC
Frequency: Periodically
Copy Price: $14.75
Subscription Price: N/A
Publisher: Magnus Greaves
Editor: Varies issue to issue
When digital and social media meet print, MYMAG comes to mind. It’s the perfect example of what some believe to be the future of print: creating a (well-produced) product for a specific audience, using the newsmakers’ Web sites and social media links. MYMAG brings the newsmakers’ mindset into the mailboxes of the groupies and followers of mainstream news. This is a glimpse of the future—targeted magazines, focusing on targeted subjects, with targeted audiences willing to pay the price for good content. ● —SH
I couldn’t have put it better myself.
Watch out world MYMAG is on fire baby!
Visit mymag by clicking here

Conversing with Missoni

Posted by Dan | Posted on 02-12-2010


These are  Missoni/Converse sneakers.  They only made 150 pairs.   All I can say is… thanks Helena!



Deepak Chopra launches his MYMAG

Posted by Dan | Posted on 13-11-2010

The Thompson Beverly Hills hotel was the location for the launch of Deepak Chopra’s MYMAG magazine last night and NSA stepped in to assist in the event production.
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The rooftop, with an unrivalled backdrop with 360 degree views of Los Angeles, was transformed by the 30′ projections of the mag.  It was a genuine privilege to be present to hear Dr Chopra speak about his friendships and his life, and to hear some of his extraordinary recitals (including a poem that he wrote with Michael Jackson and a song he wrote with George Harrison), whilst his friends including Camora Lee Simmons and Rick Ruben (with his barmy beard) listened on admiringly.
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Our good friend and the world’s greatest living illustrator Alan Aldridge, who designed the cover of the magazine was on hand to sign copies of the limited edition publication alongside Deepak for his adoring fans.
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The beautiful and intimate event was supported by Samsara, the awesome new men’s accessories line and the world’s most delicious cocktails were poured by H.Wood Tea and Veev Vodka.
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Order your copy of this amazing ltd. edition magazine here

Sonic Youth at the Bowl

Posted by Dan | Posted on 06-11-2010

Last Thursday the legendary band Sonic Youth performed at the infamous Hollywood Bowl. We were fortunate enough to be in attendance and I must say they have still got it. The band played a phenomenal set and rocked out (while sporting some Ben Sherman) on stage. sy2
The bowl was packed full of fans of old and young, and the band, legends that they are, proved that their global appeal has not waned .

Russell Brand in Samsara

Posted by Dan | Posted on 25-10-2010

Check Russell Brand out wearing Samsara rings on Ellen last week.  Samsara is the new brand on the block tipped for greatness in  the mens luxury siver accessories market.  Watch out Chrome Hearts!!  More info coming soon…
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Ben Sherman On the Cover of H!

Check out this month’s H Magazine with Steve-o on the cover looking great in some Ben Sherman!
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Rankin Live!

Posted by Dan | Posted on 20-10-2010

NSA is proud to be a partner in one of the most unique exhibitions ever produced, Rankin Live!  Rankin is a renowned British photographer who has captured and created images of everyone from the Queen to Kate Moss. Rankin is also the co-founder of Dazed & Confused Magazine and has over 15 published books showing his photography. exhibit will be held in Mexico later this week.
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Photos courtesy of Rankin Photography Ltd.
http://rankin.co.uk/

MyMag at Casa Magazines!

Posted by Dan | Posted on 18-10-2010


Casa Magazines in the West Village is widely known for their vast array of magazine selections and this month MyMag had a premiere spot!
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Band of Horses Week!

Posted by Dan | Posted on 30-09-2010


For those of you that caught the Jimmy Kimmel show you probably enjoyed Band of Horses last Wednesday. Not only is that show fantastic, but Band of Horses is one of my favorite bands and they were wearing Ben Sherman! I also caught their show at the Greek this weekend and they looked and sounded amazing as always.securedownload1

DIOYY & Kele of Bloc Party @ The Music Box

Posted by Dan | Posted on 24-09-2010

Tuesday night tons of Does It Offend You, Yeah? and Kele (of Bloc Party) fans swamped the Henry Fonda Music Box on Hollywood Blvd. DIOYY kicked off the night with some great songs and had the crowd going while sporting some fantastic looking Ben Sherman on stage. Along with the boys in the band loving the Ben Sherman, the fans were too as they all came to the Ben Sherman photo station to get their picture taken! Check out the boys in the band and some photo booth pics below and at www.bensherman.com!dioyybs2
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Apparel Insiders

Posted by Dan | Posted on 21-09-2010

So I was interviewed by Gus at Project for his awesome new fashion website.  Here is the interview.  For the life of me I can’t understand why I can’t speak and stand still at the same time.

http://vimeo.com/14999411

Fashion’s Night Out (asight!)

Posted by Dan | Posted on 21-09-2010


Last Friday was Vogue Fashion’s night out and Kill City on Melrose was going off. With professional skateboarder Patrick Melcher spinning, the DIY photo shoot (which could possibly be used for an upcoming advertisement), and the amazing clothes, it was the makes for a fun, successful night. Not to mention the free drinks!
What you might not know is that two of the hot girls in this pic are NSA’s very own Meryl and Rio.   More info on FNOLA at The Beverly Center coming soon…
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Dancin Down South Gets Wet n Wild

Posted by Dan | Posted on 21-09-2010

This weekend I attended the Pacific Music Festival down south in the OC. Needless to say it was a blast with Steve Aoki and The Sounds headlining the crowd got wild, and very very sweaty. Now, every time I go south of LA I seem to have horrible luck in way way or another, and of course the tradition carries on by me losing my phone within the first hour. Even with that happening though, the music and high spirits made up for it and I had a great time. Not only was the music great, but Steve Aoki had his MyMags there which he helped put together himself by working with MyMag to produce a great magazine.The weekend was full of crazy kids dancing their asses off and probably exceeding their alcohol intake level, but that always makes for a fantastic time. Other than my phone mysteriously vanishing, I had an amazing time and a Labor Day weekend I will never forget.soundssoundsguy2