Categories
Beauty Health

Pisterzi: Cutting Through the Chaff

Pisterzi Italian Grooming Art changes the way New York men look at grooming with a unique approach to the barbershop experience.

  

An unlikely shelter hides in the heart of downtown. Freezing winds, erratic snows, and city stress fall away in Pisterzi Italian Grooming Art’s latest Atelier, an authentic Italian barbershop in SOHO that brings new levels to the barbershop experience. Italian Master Barber Gian Antonio Pisterzi, the company’s founder, created Pisterzi Italian Grooming Art to make his own mark with an Italian style unique to the city with locations in Milan and NYC. His newest location, at 367 W Broadway, is the first to match with the colors and textures of his brand, a space that he can claim as his own. The new space embraces an intimate boutique feel of a sanctuary, which Pisterzi aims to enhance with the shop’s two private rooms where clients can enjoy one-on-one services and get pampered by the expert hands of Pisterzi barbers. Pisterzi wants to create a bubble that lets both parties focus on the barbershop experience, and to let all else fall to the wayside. 

“The grooming market has grown in the past years” says Gian Antonio Pisterzi. “More men are now taking time for themselves and do not look for a simple haircut anymore. Throughout my experience, I came to know and understand better the desires and needs of customers and I have been trying to translate them into the services we provide at the ateliers. Opening a second location in the Big Apple was a step that I was longing to take, and doing it in the energetic heart of New York, felt like the right choice to make.”

Pisterzi Italian Grooming Art has also launched a new line of high-end products, which includes gels, serums, conditioners for beard and hair, cosmetics with multiple functions, and more specific treatments. The launch will also include three fragrances entirely created and produced in Italy. Born within an elegant and sophisticated Italian lifestyle, the products will also be sustainable: they will use 100% recycled paper, post-consumer aluminum, and will have reusable, refillable containers. 

Pisterzi is a graduate of the prestigious Steiner Academy in London and a beholder of extensive experience as an international Master Barber in luxury brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and Acqua di Parma. Just recently, he added to his board Andrea Pirlo, the Internationally renowned soccer champion. Pirlo, who is a big aficionado of cosmetic products for personal care and well-being, faces this new challenge with enthusiasm: “I had the pleasure of personally meeting Gian Antonio Pisterzi in New York and I was struck by the culture expressed by his know-how and unique care that Barberia Pisterzi offers to its customers. I immediately wished I could be the protagonist of this enterprise which, today, evolves through a range of high-level products and a restyling of the barbershops in a sustainable way.”

Pisterzi’s other NYC atelier is located at Cipriani Club 55 in Wall Street. Check out their website for more.

Categories
Featured NYC

The Best Mother’s Day Gifts from Downtown

If there is anything that this pandemic has taught us, it’s to reach out to those we love, more often.

Human life does not exist without Mother. This year let’s make sure that we pay extra special attention to our mothers and grandmothers.

Whether you buy something already gift-wrapped from her special shop, and have it sent directly to her, or opt for a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or take the time to thoughtfully purchase a present yourself, our editors have found Mother’s Day ideas that are bound to show her how important she is, even if you can’t be there to celebrate in person.

 

LINNEA candles offer three distinctive collections designed to invoke precious memories and transport you to faraway places. Our editors cannot get enough of Linnea scented candles. While each collection (Classic, Spring, and Herbal) has an assortment to choose from, we picked these three as perfect gifts for Mother’s Day.

Wood House (Classic Collection): Create a customized sensorial experience that suits your mood with  The Classic Collection or enjoy each fragrance on its own. Mom will enjoy the warm and woodsy scents of Wood House, a blend of bergamot, violet, and sandalwood.

Freesia (Season Collection): Highlight the Spring season and Mother’s Day with thoughtful blends to stir and awaken the senses. Freesia’s aroma of Anjou pear, freesia, and vetiver is like a subtle spring breeze.

White Sage  (Herbal Collection):  Our favorite scent for spring, clean and fresh. Inspired by rich soil between our fingers, the Herbal Collection is a homage to Mother Nature herself.  Inspired by sage smudge sticks and culinary herb gardens, White Sage features notes of Petitgrain, white sage, cardamon cedar, and black pepper.

 

 

Harbour Island Gingham Long-Sleeve One-Piece Suit, this irresistible, comfortable, and eye-catching. Seriously, it’s about time we see a suit that looks this glamorous and fits like a glove. Tommy Bahama’s apparel and beach gear collections offer built-in sun protection using fabrics with 30-50 UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), mom will love this feature. Women’s sportswear and most beach gear feature UPF30 while women’s swimwear features UPF50, which blocks 98% of the sun’s rays. This is the perfect gift for Mom, she will have everyone asking where she purchased this elegant swimsuit.

 

 

 

 

“Every time I wear the jacket I’m stopped and ask where I got it from.” This is the jacket to have in your wardrobe this season. While shopping for Mom, be sure to order this comfortable, Harbour Island Gingham Long-Sleeve Rash Guard. Our team is in love with all of Tommy Bahama’s 2021 beautifully bright, seasonal colors, just the perfect fit and Mom will ready for anything.

 

 

Pre Mother’s day purchase, order today, so that Mom is ready for anything, with this Linen-Blend Off-The-Shoulder Classic style meets comfort, Mom will thank you for sure, this year you hit the mark!

 

 

 

One of our best finds in 2020 STAX. We love this brand of activewear, it is the most comfortable brand, ever. You do not feel poured into them, never uncomfortable and they look FAB! This fashion-focused, figure-flattering premium sports-luxe activewear for both performance and lifestyle, created by Founder and Creative Director Don Robertson alongside Co-Owner and Brand Manager Matilda Murray. Prioritizing high quality whilst demonstrating luxury at affordable prices, STAX. blends a perfect mix of both fitness and fashion, dressing every person at every size, STAX.

 

Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face

 

 

 

 

TOUAREG DRESS 2CM PINK DEGRADED STRIPE 

Launched in 2013 by New York fashion photographer Randall Bachner, Marrakshi Life embraces comfort and craftsmanship. Taking key style elements from the traditional Moroccan wardrobe, an in-house team of local artisans helps create original, contemporary, and wearable design pieces. Randall describes his atelier in Marrakech as a community rather than a factory. He uses sustainable, low-impact production methods with garments, mom will be proud to wear.

 

 

 

Swimming is my go-to sport, you have likely seen grandmothers enjoying water aerobics in a Florida gated community and laughed silently as they attempted to exercise “elder style.” This is probably what you picture if someone says, “water workout.”

Not so fast…Fluid Running is a serious aquatic high-tech workout developed by certified trainer Jennifer Conroyd after she was injured and needed to rehab to run a marathon. Fluid running workout uses a flotation belt and Bluetooth, with a pair of waterproof headphones that connect with the Fluid Running app. Listening to music-backed workouts. You will enjoy, beginner to extremely advanced workouts led by Jennifer. Don’t worry about your phone’s safety as it will stay dry in your bag. Remember, these workouts are performed in deep water such as a pool, lake, or bay. Swimming and water exercise are some of the best and safest ways to stay in shape. Give the gift of health to Mom this Mother’s Day!

 

 

Do your feet hurt at the end of each day? Many of us spend most of the day on our feet.  We can definitely appreciate this new dpl® Slipper Foot Pain Light Therapy. FDA-approved OTC device eases foot pain while finally relaxing around the house. Medically proven to relax muscles and relieve muscle pain. Now this is a gift for mom!

 

 

No more running to the store to get your mom’s favorite carbonated beverage. Drinkmate,  carbonated beverages, not only cut back on trips to the store but also on plastic, and aluminum waste. Can you say recycle? Drinkmate, soda maker with a patented Fizz Infuser can carbonate virtually any beverage. The perfect gift for the carbonated mother!

 

To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.

 

 

The FDA cleared SONIQUÉ MINI is a facial cleansing breakthrough that combines the soothing, restorative treatment of red, infrared red and amber LED light therapy trusted and recommended by skin care professionals, making it the ultimate skincare cleanser. Red infrared light therapy stimulates natural collagen and elastin for the reversal of fine lines and wrinkles. Improves skin’s overall texture. Sonic vibrations will massage the skin and open pores for a deeper cleanse and the waterproof design makes it easy to incorporate into mom’s daily routine.

 

 

 

Bushwick Kitchen’s gift sets Threes Knees Spicy Trio including their best-selling Spicy Honey, Gochujang Sriracha, and Spicy Maple, will have mom saying thank you for this Mother’s Day.

 

 

 

 

 

Seeds of Wellness SOW® is truly a delicious line of chia-based products that help to incorporate the nutritional properties of seeds in various types of preparations. Trust us, we were leery at first but then once sampling these delicious chia milk and pasts, we were blown away. Easy, delicious, and healthy. SOW’s methodology “from the field to your plate” they are sure to control the entire process, from the chia to the plant and how it’s cleaned, and processed. Even how their products are packaged and distributed. The benefits of SOW products they are ideal to help your Mom balance both her’s and your daily diet. Give Mom a healthy choice, this Mothers Day!

 

Motherhood is the exquisite inconvenience of being another person’s everything

 

Virginskin anti-aging cream 

One of our all-time favorites has been rebranded and back out for consumers. Dr. Lefkovits created Virginskin through his deep knowledge of botanical actives and their benefits in treating skin. By working with multiple botanicals over time, he developed a cream that not only soothed post-treatment, but could also firm, plump, and smooth the skin to the highest standards that he and his patients demanded. His formula was a breakthrough and essential to the skin health of his patients, who loved the new glow in their skin. Today, Dr. Lefkovits’ legacy is carried on proudly and passionately by his daughter-in-law Andrea Lefkovits. Natural ingredients such as acacia flower extract, Centella Asiatica, jojoba, Mimosa Tenuiflora bark extract, Sheabutter, and Squalane, Virginskin is a nourishing cream that feels luxuriously smoothing. 

 

 

 

ReGen De Peau Platinum is an innovative, natural skincare backed by science that disrupts the way you age with powerful treatments of healing, lifting, and wrinkle reduction. One product… One application… One minute. Two times daily! It is made up of four-ingredient complexes, MDI complex, UGL Complex, BMPX Complex, and the organic Japanese Blue Lotus flower extract, known to be a miraculous turnaround in anti-aging. Apply a dime-size portion directly onto your skin, each to the forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck with a firm tapping motion to expedite penetration and energy into the outer layer of your skin. Mom will experience a cooling, tingling sensation for a few seconds. Give mom the gift of anti-aging.

 

Everything I am, you helped me to be

 

 

 

When you think of Ladurée, you think delicious macarons, pastries, and oh their delicious Club Ladurée, think again!

La DoubleJ and the Parisian la Maison Ladurée are excited to announce an exclusive collaboration launching in time for Mother’s Day. The 12-piece collection brings the Milanese lifestyle brand’s happy maximalist homeware together with Ladurée’s delectable sweets.

Reinforcing La DoubleJ’s commitment to celebrating women and wellness, the collaboration draws upon the deeply personal and spiritual practice of the brand’s founder, J.J. Martin, and dives into themes of motherhood, fertility, and the spiritual concept of the sacred feminine. This is realized through the Tree Of Life print, a verdant La DoubleJ artwork, designed in-house in honor of the ancient Tree Of Life archetype, a symbol of fertility, renewal, life cycles, and all types of motherhood for everyone.

Framed by the soft pink and pistachio green shades of Ladurée’s world-renowned macarons, the collaboration ranges from La DoubleJ’s first-ever Teapot, an exclusive design crafted in fine porcelain by Italian manufacturers Ancap, to cotton twill Aprons and a new porcelain Goodie Jar, perfectly shaped to stash macarons. Sets of seven and 13 macarons will be housed in La DoubleJ printed confection boxes, available exclusively at Ladurée stores. This is calling your mother’s name this Mother’s Day.

 

 

 

Downtown is crazy about their afternoon tea. Perfect timing for This Ultimate Gift Set with the ultimate tea experience for two. Featuring a Tea Tasting Assortment Tea Chest of 20 blends, forty signature silken pyramid infusers in all, is our most expansive selection of premium gourmet teas. Also includes are two signature Café Cup presentations: two lidded porcelain Café Cups, two bamboo oval serving trays, two orchid white Tea Trays, and two porcelain Sugar & Creamer Set. This gift set is presented in a keepsake slate grey gift box with elegant gold foil Tea Forté lettering, with your Moms name on it!

 

 

 

 

The perfect introduction to the Tea Forté experience. Beautifully packaged and always appreciated, this curated tea collection is a most welcome presentation of the world’s most extraordinary teas. The Tea Tasting Assortment Presentation Box contains 20 pyramid infusers, two each of the following 10 blends: African Solstice (herbal tea), Black Currant (black tea), Chamomile Citron (herbal tea), Earl Grey (black tea), Ginger Lemongrass (herbal tea), Green Mango Peach (green tea), Jasmine Green (green tea), Raspberry Nectar (herbal tea), White Ambrosia (white tea), and White Ginger Pear (white tea). The open lid reveals a detailed tasting menu.

 

 

 

Give Mom a chance to relax, restore and revitalize her mind and body with this wellness-focused tea collection, inspired by the elegance and holistic knowledge of fine luxury spas. Organic green tea blends and herbal tisanes come together to support a glowing complexion, enlivened spirit, fortified defenses, calm state of mind, and purified sense of tranquility. The Wellbeing Presentation Box contains 20 pyramid infusers, four each of the following blends: Defense (green tea), Invigorate (green tea), Purify (herbal tea), Radiance (herbal tea), and Serenity (herbal tea). The open lid reveals a detailed tasting menu. All teas in this collection are USDA Organic and Kosher Certified.

 

 

Take Mom out for a delicious meal at one of our new favorites Charlie Palmer New York City

 

 

 

Charlie Palmer Collective grew out of Aureole, American cuisine pioneer Charlie Palmer’s landmark restaurant. For 30 years it has been one of New York City’s most celebrated restaurants, garnering 13 Michelin stars and two James Beard awards. Traveling, no problem you can find coast-to-coast locations by Charlie Palmer award-winning restaurants and luxurious boutique hotels in beautiful significant historical locations and each designed with distinctive personalities to provide unique experiences. If you have not been to Charlie Palmer’s it’s time, take mom out for Mother’s Day this year!

 

There is no role in life that is more essential than that of motherhood

 

 

 

 

 

You might just want to give Mom a break from grocery shopping. You can find everything you want and more at Eataly Downtown. Think about it, fresh Italian cheese, pasta, fruit, meats, seafood all delivered right to your door. Want to make mom dinner but you’re still learning, no problem, contact Eataly they will provide you with just the right supplies to make a delicious home-cooked meal. Or order in, Eataly will be sure to deliver the same quality meals from their chefs. Here we chose bundles, we like to stock our pantry so that we are ready for one or more guests. Now that’s Italian!

 

Help Mom’s cravings with Chocolate Lover, combat stress with Golden Mellow, and help her sneak in a full serving of veggies with Super Green. These delicious healthy choices include a full serving of our best-selling superfood mixes, absolutely no fillers or additives, and 100% organic ingredients. Now you can take the power of superfoods anywhere with Super Bars and we at Downtown do just that!

 

 

Book Mom the perfect getaway, she does everything for you, now it’s time to pamper her. Whisk Mom off to the heart of Ibiza, to this luxury boutique hotel Cas Gasi offering exclusive accommodation in Ibiza to those looking for a peaceful haven within easy reach of the island’s delights.

 

 

Our bags are packed for this beautifully restored country home is set on four hectares of the picturesque Mediterranean landscape of pine forests, orange and olive groves, almond, fig, and carob trees plus organic vegetable plots. A relaxing hideaway in pure surroundings. I don’t know about you but my bags are packed just in case my daughter decides to give me this much-needed vaca for Mother’s Day!

 

 

 

 

Making memories, just got fun! Polaroid unveils the newest, and the tiniest member to join their family. The Polaroid Go camera. Just 4.1 inches long, 3.3 inches wide, and 2.4 inches tall, the Polaroid Go is the smallest analog instant camera in the world. Polaroid’s greatest, and most exciting new launch in decades. Designed as a wearable creative companion, the pocket-sized Go camera leans on Polaroid’s iconic heritage of design while simultaneously creating a new format of instant cameras for a new generation. Features include a newly developed selfie mirror, self-timer, long-lasting battery, dynamic flash, double exposure, and travel-friendly accessories – making it easier for anyone to capture memories wherever creativity takes them. Accompanying, their launch is the Go film, reimagining Polaroid’s classic square format in the smallest analog film the brand has ever produced. Give mom this new polaroid and watch the magic happen, on film!

 

 

 

We believe! The dpl® Joint Wrap Pain Relief Light Therapy is the most versatile joint pain relief device that’s both medically proven and clinically tested. Unlike a heating pad, infrared light therapy works below the skin’s surface-reaching deep tissues. stimulating cells and increasing circulation to target pain at the source. Powerful pain relief LED lights using IR (infrared) and red wavelengths, the dpl] Joint Wrap Therapy promotes circulation, accelerates healing,  and reduces inflammation. Used by professionals, athletes, and physicians, it benefits pain resulting from arthritis, joint injury, tendinitis, muscle pain, and more. Plus, it’s a safe, natural solution for all skin types with no side effects. Mom will thank you for this new device this Mother’s Day!

 

The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation

 

 

 

One of our team’s favorite sweets! A limited release 16 piece Mother’s Day collection is a flavorful display of your love and gratitude for everything mothers do. Beautifully handcrafted and infused with layers of delicate flavors, this collection displays admiration for the most important woman in your life, your Mom. Enrobed in buttery white chocolate, our Lemon curd apricot truffle is a blend of intense citrus balanced with the golden sweet flavor of apricot at the center. This Raspberry rose petal truffle is infused with aromatic notes of rose petals and sweetened with raspberries that gently unfold onto your palate, all wrapped in creamy milk chocolate. A decadent box filled with florals, fruit, and intricate flavors, this special collection recognizes all the care and dedication mothers put forth for their families every day. Trust us our entire office can attest to these delectable bites, we cannot get enough and neither will you mom this Mother’s Day!

 

 

 

Together with the master gardeners at the New York Botanical Garden and renowned perfumer Laurent Le Guernec, Caswell-Massey’s NYBG Living Florals Collection brings the experience of the garden to your home and is the ideal Mother’s Day gift. Available in three single-note fragrances Lilac, Gardenia, and Honeysuckle, plus two premium rose fragrances—Beatrix Rose and RÒS—and two orchid fragrances—Orchid and VIC—that represent the complexities found in the garden’s most prized florals. Give a gift that gives back to mom, this Mother’s Day, because a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these products will support the New York Botanical Garden’s work in plant research and conservation, horticulture, and education. What could be better than giving and then your gift, giving?

 

 

For the sensitive tummy mother, we have a new brand just for you. These did not last long in our office. Raised Gluten Free is a women-owned business bringing to market the ultimate comfort food for those with food allergies. Sweet and savory pies, and yes we sampled almost all of them! Made in small batches at a dedicated, certified gluten-free bakery in Northern California, the plant-based offerings are not just gluten-free, not just vegan, they’re both and more. The artisan products deliver indulgence that’s also free of dairy, eggs, and peanuts, Kosher Pareve, and Non-GMO Project Verified.

 

 

 

Eataly has unique gifts for Mom. Calvisius begins within the small town of Calvisano, situated between Venezia and Milano. There, you will find Agroittica Lombarda, the most prolific caviar farm in the world, producing 25 tons of eggs per year. This project of farming endangered fish in freshwater began in collaboration with the University of California: Davis and a Pacific species of White Sturgeon. This four-pack of caviar comprises Royal, Classic, Tradition, and Siberian caviar, all sourced according to sustainable methods from the Caspian Sea to the Pacific Coast.

 

 

 

Mom will be in savory bliss with this ultimate turkey burger from Pederson Farms. Seriously it’s delicious and with zero sugar, nitrite-free, uncured pork bacon making this the best turkey burger she will ever taste. These ultimate burgers are freezer to grill ready. It’s your turn to make mom dinner, easy to make but not to forget.

 

 

 

 

“Being a mother is the greatest gift, yet it is sometimes the most under-appreciated role. It’s hard to find that balance between supporting and defending without overstepping that fine line. Every mother thinks they got it wrong at one time or another, but the truth is, no matter what mistakes we may make, we still get it right. We bring life into this world, and the lives we give will go on to become extraordinary individuals. They will remember who taught them to tie their shoelaces, button their shirts, and comb their hair. We glow with pride and smile when we witness our children living their lives, because hopefully, we have given them the tools to succeed.” Grace A. Capobianco

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Categories
Art Lifestyle

Jewelry That Rocks: Men’s Diamond Watches As Perfect Gift For Gentlemen

It’s true what people say that jewelry can speak when you can’t have the word. And sometimes, a person’s impression of you can be based on the piece of jewelry you wear. Further, pieces of jewelry are not only for aesthetic purposes but also for investment. Indeed, it is a wise investment as it appreciates over time.

But most importantly, jewelry preserves memories. It is certainly lasting, especially when gifted to you since you will surely feel valued and significant. These are the types of gifts that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Therefore, if you want your friends or loved ones to feel special or treasured, you may gift them with these three pieces of jewelry. For sure, they won’t forget you within their lifetime.

Customized Necklace

It’s one of the perfect gifts as jewelry because there’s some personal touch involved. You may have the necklace customized with the nickname of your giftee or the initials of his name. 

Further, you can also choose a more elegant font for the name if your giftee exudes elegance and sophistication. If the necklace’s recipient is a bit wackier, you may opt to make the font look comical or artsy. It depends on you. The only important thing is that the customized necklace represents your giftee’s personality.

Diamond Wrist Watch

While the more common adage on diamonds is that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” it can also be said that “diamond wrist watches are a man’s best buddy.” Undeniably, men love wristwatches as a present to themselves and, more so, as gifts from others especially, when they are diamonds.

For instance, a diamond bezel wristwatch is timeless, classic, and elegant. It perfectly suits men who have high regard for formality and class. Thus, you’ll never go wrong with gifting a man close to you with this one.

Gemstone Ring

Typically, gold-filled rings are the ones given as keepsakes. But some appreciate the beauty of gems. Such that they love colored gemstone rings ranging from subtle pastels to bursting brights. The gemstone ring is another remarkable gift because of its uniqueness and rarity. Further, the colors of the gems make the ring more attractive and stunning.

In Conclusion

These pieces of jewelry hold the memories you and your gift recipient have. Jewelry as a present will surely last as it is one of the most precious pieces one can ever receive within his lifetime. It’s not only pretty to look at, but it also symbolizes bond, affection, and one’s worth.

 

Categories
Culture Fashion Featured Music NYC

Rebel Rebel

In John Varvatos’s world, music and fashion combine to create a lifestyle brand for those about to rock.

by Deborah L. Martin photography by Andrew Matusik

 

JOHN VARVATOS IS A ROCK AND ROLL guy, and he arrives at his Bowery flagship store
for our 8 am call time looking the part: skinny jeans, leather jacket, stone-cold stare. It’s clear that he hasn’t been in the store in a while and he busies himself with his team, doing some merchandising. “I don’t want these shirts like this. People don’t shop this way.” He’s walking around the store doing something that people who know retail understand. He is shaking things up. When we sit down to talk, I nd that this is a phrase he uses often, and it’s something he is proud of. “In my company, we hire a lot of young people, in the design studio, in sales, in the stores. It’s inspiring to be around. I’m someone who loves change and I’m so in there with them. I just want to shake shit up. I say it all the time, it’s in my DNA.”

 

Rebel Rebel
John Varvatos by Andrew Matusik

 

As it turns out, the stone-cold stare is the public face, and behind that is a warm, funny guy who is a bit verklempt, and grateful, for the way his life has turned out.

John Varvatos the brand, and John Varvatos the man are both known for their rock and roll edge—from the musicians who have appeared in his ad campaigns to the New York flagship location in the former home of CBGBs, Varvatos has managed to weave his passions together in a way that eschews the normal ebb and ow of “fashion.” He says, “Music was my energy force as a young kid growing up in Detroit, in a 900-square-foot home with seven people. My escape was to put my headphones on—it transported me someplace else.” That love of music is the baseline for everything he does.

“I don’t really use the word fashion,” he says. “I talk about style. Our designs are inspired by my sense of rebelliousness and toughness, which is what rock and roll stands for.” He knows his customer. “Our guys range from Wall Street and business people to music artists, but they all have that creative bone.” He continues, “We don’t think about fashion of the moment. For me, style is more timeless. Our customer doesn’t need something obvious. They are the anti-obvious.”

And what about those musicians?

“They are probably the smallest part of our business, but thank goodness we have them, because they add a cool vibe.” Varvatos has called on some of those rockers to star in his ad campaigns. “All those people have become friends. They do it because they want to be associated with the brand. There’s no real money of any consequence attached to it, but they like the association, they like me, and we have a relationship. Like anything else, it has to be good for everyone. and it is good for them, as well.”

 

Rebel Rebel
John Varvatos by Andrew Matusik

 

The list of names who have appeared reads like a list of inductees at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ziggy Marley, Ringo Starr, Kiss, Iggy Pop, Chris Cornell, Alice Cooper, Dave Matthews, Questlove, ZZ Top, Jimmy Page—the star-studded roster goes on and on. Varvatos says, “The guys from Kiss invited me to their farewell tour, and it’s the friendship that’s important. The thing I’m proudest and most humble about is that they consider me one of their own, and not just some fashion guy that’s trying to get rock stars to be in his ads.”Varvatos isn’t just “some fashion guy.” He started in Midwest sales for Ralph Lauren in 1983, and moved his way up the ladder, eventually taking a design post in New York. In 1990, he joined Calvin Klein, where he launched the menswear collection, the cK brand, and the hugely successful underwear line, in the process gifting the world with Mark Wahlberg in boxer briefs (which he invented by cutting the legs o long johns). After a short stint at London Fog, he rejoined Ralph Lauren as vice president in charge of men’s design for all Polo Ralph Lauren brands. In 1998 he joined Nautica Enterprises, who agreed to back his own brand, which launched in 1999

“These were great learning places for me.

I’m still close with Ralph and Calvin, and they respect what I do. When your mentors give you cred, it’s a humbling thing.” He chokes up a little when he says, “My wife ran into Ralph in the park and he told her, ‘I’m so proud of John, he really did what he said he was going to do.’”

He views the brand as a culture, and the Bowery store—once the site of one of the most infamous clubs in music history, CBGB & OMFUG—is a big part of that culture. “We are really thrilled with the people who come to visit the store because of its history. They want to come in and hang out and it’s all about the culture. That’s why we do concerts in the space. We clear out all of the clothes and turn it into a club again.”

 

Rebel Rebel
John Varvatos by Andrew Matusik location WTC 3

 

In addition to the clothing, there is also the punk documentary produced with Iggy Pop, a music label, the annual Love Rocks concert for Gods Love We Deliver, relationships with AMFAR and Stuart House in LA, and a brand new tequila launch with friend, Nick Jonas. “I started the music label about four years ago, with Universal and Republic records. We signed the Zac Brown Band, and we had a multi-platinum album right out of the gate.” After leaving Universal, Varvatos teamed up with Scott Borchetta and created Big Machine John Varvatos Records. The label’s first band is a young group called Bad ower. Varvatos says, “They are one of the most incredible bands I’ve heard over the last 10 years. I was in LA in the spring and the kids were lining up for four hours before the show because they wanted to get the best place in the theater. When I saw that I had goosebumps. For me, it’s about helping young artists and their voice.” The label has just added another band out of Wales called Pretty vicious.

Varvatos friendship with Nick Jonas goes back to a dinner party where they were seated together.

“We realized we had a lot in common, including a love of tequila. The next day he called me and said ‘I’m in the recording studio and I’d like to play you some of the new music.’ When I got to the studio, there was a bottle of tequila sitting on the soundboard. For the next few hours, we drank tequila and talked about life.” The friendship developed into a fashion and fragrance collaboration and just this summer, villa One tequila was born. Varvatos says, “I’m proud of it, and of my friendship with Nick. He’s half my age but he has the heart and soul of someone who is much older.”

 

Rebel Rebel
John Varvatos

 

The success of the brand, and his passion for music have taken him on a wild ride. “To quote the Grateful Dead, it’s been a long strange trip. It was never a plan.
I wanted to be a musician but I wasn’t a good musician, I didn’t have a great voice. But I lived through the music and organically this happened.” He continues, “We didn’t even talk about rock and roll when we started the brand. And then suddenly Jimmy Page is calling and telling me he’s coming to New York and says he loves my stuff and wants to meet up. These people become friends because we have a similar core ethos.”

Varvatos is at the top of his game, enjoying the adventure, challenging himself and his brand. “Success isn’t just about the product. It’s about what you do that’s different from the rest. If you don’t do something different, there’s no reason for being. I am so blessed. I get to do all of these cool things that I never could have dreamed of as a kid. I’m so blessed.”

 

 

https://www.dtm.wix2wp.site/easy-rider-celeb…-city-music-hall/

Categories
Design Living

Holiday Shopping? Visit The Citizenry at The Bunkhouse!

As holiday shopping kicks into full gear, it’s high time to call out one of our favorite places to engage in retail therapy, The Citizenry. A seriously chic home design shop, The Citizenry began when two young globetrotting entrepreneurs decided to make it their mission to bring handmade artisan wares from around the world to our doorsteps. With the overall goal to provide fair wages to artisan communities around the globe while shining a light on the incredible work they each put forth, it’s shopping with a conscience.

But I digress! This year, the holiday pop-up, The Citizenry at The Bunkhouse, is back through December 29th at 379 Bleecker Street in New York! When it comes to gift-giving, we tend to lean towards buying from the companies that give back while offering exceptionally beautiful designs that are meant to last. From stocking stuffers to blankets, bedding, and more—this is one shop that will not disappoint. Below are a few of our favorite new and returning loves from our foray into this den of beauty.

The Japan Collection

Every few months, The Citizenry introduces a new collection inspired by their travels and collaborations with artisans from countries around the world. The latest, the Japan Collection, was inspired by the art of slow living with a focus on hinoki furniture and indigo pillows. One of the biggest hits of the collection is their waffle weave towels. Not only are they ultra-chic, but they are lightweight, absorbent, quick to dry, and get softer with every wash. Of note: The Citizenry partnered with a fourth-generation mill in Imbari, Japan that has spent a century perfecting the art of towel making. It shows!

Puebla Marble Serving Board

Handcrafted in Mexico by Herrera Marble Workshop, the board features a matte black marble with meticulously hand-carved angles. A beautiful white veining defines each piece, though no two are alike.

Arala Bed Set

There are few bed sets I consistently dream of owning. The Arala Bed Set is one of them. Handmade in Mali and ethically crafted by master artisans, the set includes an Arala Indigo Bed Blanket, a Baya Lumbar Pillow, and a Lumbar Pillow Insert. The blanket, showcased in a rich indigo hue, is dyed in Mali using natural dyes. The Baya Lumbar Pillow is intricately woven by artisans in Oaxaca, Mexico. The overall appeal of the set is through the roof cool.

Paso Lumbar Pillow

At the risk of being repetitive, the Paso Lumbar Pillow had to be called out as well (all of them are quite wonderful and cater to different aesthetics). Featuring an ancient Zapotec design, the oversized lumbar pillow was handwoven with sheep’s wool by a women-led cooperative in Oaxaca, Mexico. Every color showcased, from the deep crimson to the rich indigo, is natural dye stemming from plant extracts from Mexico.

Engobe Vessels, Set of Two

This charming terracotta duo is handcrafted in Mexico from layered clay and stoneware by a family-run workshop, the Manos of Occidente, in Mexico City. Each vessel takes a week to complete.

Stonewashed Linen Bed Bundle – Sundown Series

This incredible set, which includes one sheet set in light grey (one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillow cases), one duvet in blush, and two extra pillow cases in blush, not only looks light and airy but is incredibly soft to the touch. Woven in Portugal by the Machado Linen Mill, the mix of soft blush and grey earth tones infuses any space with a serene feel.

AZAD Leather Coasters

Handcrafted by artisans of Gurgaon in India, these modern leather coasters each feature a unique, stamped design for one artful appeal. In addition, the coasters are created using scraps from the Azad Leather Storage Bins (another item to pine after), in which the leather is ethically sourced from Kolkata. Available in a set of eight.

Diamante Alpaca Throw – Blush

Handwoven in Peru by the Weavers of Huancavelica, each baby alpaca throw is hand-loomed using an old-world technique of concentric diamond patterns. Each throw is also hypoallergenic and available in a variety of colors.

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Categories
Featured Lifestyle Living Technology

Downtown’s Holiday Gift Guide 2019 For Him

How many times have you heard, “I have everything that I need” only to find out that they really don’t? Rather than ask again, this year our editors have collected cool, on-trend unique, gifts for him, just in time for you to say thank you for all that you do!

Daniel Patrick’s collections draw a number of inspirations that are true to who Daniel is and this identity become more and more poignant from collection to collection. We have chosen this brilliant DP backpack.

STOW has disrupted the world of travel accessories. Their contemporary, colorful and practical designs are meticulously hand-crafted for a lifetime of use. We have chosen this stunning leather tech case for that special someone.

 

 ARRAW Spider-Man Watch
RJ Spider-Man Watch Collection, time will tell with this technically innovative collection, created in partnership with Disney and MARVEL, the ARRAW Spider-Man Tourbillon and the new skeletonized ARRAW Spider-Man mechanical timepiece.

 

Eastern Standard Provisions Gift Box

We are all in love with this Boston-based brand, their deep roots throughout New England, is fiercely passionate in their pursuit of making the best soft pretzels on the planet, and our entire team agrees!

Oceano Chardonnay Wine

Oceano Wines is a joint venture between Rachel Martin and Kurt Deutsch. Together they decided to make wine from a very specific place, Spanish Springs Vineyard, on the coast of San Luis Obispo, California. We stumbled across this refreshing and truly delicious chardonnay, a must for this holiday season.

 

Lasvit Fine Collection of Mouth-Blown Glasses

The fine collection of mouth-blown table glasses is composed of individual pieces, all handcrafted by traditional artisan glassmakers. Lasvit offers this flexible copper mold that allows the fluid glass to form its distinct shape of free-flowing circles. Every piece is one of a kind, for him.

Speedster Capsule Heritage Leather Jacket

Speedster Capsule Collection Heritage Motocross Leather Jacket, drawing inspiration from the legendary Porsche Speedster automobile, practical with sporty details. Keep him warm this holiday season.

 

ROAM Luggage

ROAM Luggage, the first brand that allows you to fully customize your suitcase to match your personality. When two founders were building the TUMI brand, they were propelled by a desire to create the best luggage in the world. That quest for the extraordinary has always been what drives this unique brand.

 

 

Downtown's Holiday Gift Guide 2019 For Him
Men’s Wool Felt Slippers

Step into a pair of handcrafted men’s wool felt slippers and step into something good. Made by Nepalese women with natural wool from New Zealand sheep and Himayalan buffalo leather soles, the simple slip-on slippers keep feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

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Downtown’s Holiday Gift Guide 2019

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