Tag Archives: The Blog Cycle

Video Drop | Eric Sung and Josh Penner

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Oak and Oar

Lots of cool videos popping up this week with ties to the brand. The first is from our homie Eric, who has been instrumental with the growth of the brand over the last 10 months. Eric documented his summer pretty thoroughly which included a few weekends at the lake and our Summer Pop-Up shop. Summer 2012 from Eric Sung on Vimeo. The second from our homie Josh who is setting out to make a name for himself in the world of Freestyle riding. He also is a solid ambassador of the brand. Big things to come. Check out the video shot and edited by Carson Wiebe. You can catch the former Provincial Motocross Champ lining up at this weekends ISOC Snowcross National in Fargo, MN.

Andy Oliver’s 100 Favorite Sneakers of 2012

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Oak and Oar

Sneaker aficionado and complex contributor, Andy Oliver, put together an impressive list of his picks for the top 100 sneakers from this past year. From the Ball and Buck x New Balance 574 Camo to the Ronnie Fieg x ASICS Gel Saga Neptune the founder of KicksDeals does not mess around, laying out some gems from the past 12 months. “This was an incredible year for sneakers. When I started to mentally comprise my top top 10 sneakers of 2012, my head got so clouded with leather and rubber that I had to start writing it down. Very quickly, 10 turned to 25…which then turned to 50. I soon realized that 50 wasn’t even going to cut it, and so begins my 100 favorite shoes of 2012. If nothing else, this list is a testament to the sheer number of great shoes that released this calendar year.” Check out the list in its entirety on Andy’s blog over on the Kith NYC site to see who he crowned as this years best sneaker.  

The Blog Cycle | Always A Fire – Chad Jones Documentary

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Oak and Oar

Always A Fire | Chad Jones Documentary from Union HZ on Vimeo. Been watching a lot of vimeo lately… “ALWAYS A FIRE is a short documentary film on former New York Giant CHAD JONES—a star athlete from LSU whose promising professional career was put on hold by a tragic car accident before it even had a chance to begin. The film details Chad’s incredible rehabilitation and recovery from the horrific accident that nearly cost him his life. Comprised of intimate interviews with Chad and his trainers, as well as never-before-seen footage of his long road to recovery, the film provides an unflinching view of an elite athlete facing unimaginable tragedy and refusing to submit.”

TRAILER | WHERE THE TRAIL ENDS

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Oak and Oar

Red Bull and company are at it again. Where the Trail Ends is slated to come out in early September. The film features Darren Berrecloth, Cameron Zink, Kurtis Sorge, James Doerfling and Andreu Lacondeguy as the set out to conquer some of the World’s most breath-taking locations. The film looks to be a very progressive and an ambitious undertaking, that is sure to take mountain biking to the next level. “Where the Trail Ends…” is a film following the worlds’ top freeride mountain bikers as they search for un-ridden terrain around the globe, ultimately shaping the future of big mountain freeriding. This unparalleled story documents man’s challenge of mother nature and himself showcased through a cast of colorful characters. This is the most progressive and ambitious mountain biking ever attempted resulting in an entertainment adventure unlike anything experienced before.” Check it out.

THE BLOG CYCLE | HOW TO MAKE IT: 10 RULES FOR SUCCESS FROM FASHION INDUSTRY INSIDERS

Posted on June 20, 2012 by Oak and Oar

A few years back I was looking for an opportunity to gain some experience in the industry. Through a series of fortunate events I met Andrew and Johan, owners of 3sixteen and now co-owners of Self Edge LA and Self Edge NY. After meeting at Project and grabbing a bite at the MGM Grand Buffet they offered me the opportunity to join the team for a 6 month stint in New York. During my time I learned a lot about business, retail, design and the ins and outs of the industry – but more importantly, maintaining your integrity in an industry often flawed by inconsistency, smoke and mirrors. Complex magazine ran a feature called How To Make It: 10 Rules For Success From Fashion Industry Insiders that featured advice from the the likes of Eunice Lee (UNIS), Chris Gibbs (Union), Mark McNairy (New Amsterdam/Woolrich Woolen Mills) and Andrew Chen (3sixteen/SENY/SELA/Chapter & Verse Agency). Andrews Advice – Transparency Is Key. “Whether you’re running a business alone or with partners, it’s important to be open and honest with everything you do. If you’re going to be a little late in paying your manufacturer, let them know. If you need an advance on your paycheck because you’ve got some personal stuff to handle, say something to your partner. All company owners should have open access to the books at all times. I experienced this firsthand when some bad stuff went down with a former business partner. In retrospect, it was my fault too because I didn’t put my foot down with having access to the information, and because of that it gave an avenue for dishonesty. Transparency is paramount in running a successful business.” Something to chew on. Follow @andrew3sixteen and @johanlam

CABIN DECOR | STEPHEN KENN FURNITURE

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Oak and Oar

A few years back, while living in the Big Apple, I was introduced to a brand called Temple Bags. The company, a project of one Steve Opperman, was an America-made bag and luggage company that sourced and produced everything in Los Angeles, California. The materials, primarily pieces of WWII canvas, were hand selected during countless hours searching through dusty warehouses. Though the inspiration remained, Steve continued on to a different project. Following along the same journey of hand-selecting the best vintage military fabrics Steve and his wife Rebecca started a new furniture company in Los Angeles called Stephen Kenn. This furniture is amazing and I can only imagine the story that not only goes into the production but into the parachutes, jackets and packs that survived WWII. The first sampling of the collection is the above steel frame couches with repurposed WWII military fabric pillows and cushions. I love everything about this project, the story, the process and the dedication. These fabrics, that began with the intentions of withstanding the elements and combat would make an amazing set up inside at the cottage, in the loft above the boathouse or out around the campfire. (via. ajchen)

FAIR BALL | FROM CANADA TO UGANDA

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Oak and Oar

I’m a sucker for a good documentary especially when it comes to sport. If you were to check my PVR, you would find a folder packed with E:60 episodes. Sportsnet and Producer/Director Paul Sidhu documented a game played between Team Canada and Uganda under unique circumstances. To set the stage for this 30 min documentary “Team Canada’s first game at the 2011 Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA was scheduled to be against Team Uganda. But just before last summer’s tournament, the African nation’s teenaged players were denied entry-visas into the United States. The injustice didn’t sit well with the Canadian contigent from Langley, B.C. and with the help of Right to Play, they set out to make their way to Uganda to right a terrible wrong.” Check out part one above and the remaining two parts below. Part 2 | Part 3

TEDxVancouver | Nardwuar

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Oak and Oar

Every year some of the best features from SXSW are those with Vancouver based radio show personality Nardwuar the Human Serviette (John Ruskin). Narwuar began his media career on the University of British Columbia’s radio station CITR 101.9 FM in Vancouver. Since 1987 his show has frequented the 101.9 FM waves. Love him or hate him, he has put together some of the most entertaining interviews to show up on the internet. His unique style and uncandid research ensure the interviewee dishes out some unexpected responses. Head over to his site to check out some of the pieces from this years SXSW including A$AP Rocky, Big Krit, Kendrick Lamar, Danny Brown and Machine Gun Kelly.

WINGS + HORNS TALKING TO SERIES | JESAR GABINO

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Oak and Oar

This week Canadian brand Wings + Horns debuted an interview series entitled ‘Talking To’ over on their blog. The first in the series catches up with one of our favourite designers and former Winnipegger Jesar Gabino. Jesar has held all types of titles from Senior Designer at Goodfoot, Creative Director / Designer Ransom Holding Co and Owner/Creative Director and Buyer at Nomad. name: jesar gabino twitter: @jesargabino store: nomad role: buyer/creative director/ owner hometown: winnipeg, MB current city: toronto drink: pineapple juice vice: cigarettes what is your favorite thing about the city you live in…. best about toronto? variety. people always talk about how canada is multicultural but toronto is really the place where this is most evident. i’ve been & lived in a few canadian cities & for the most part toronto really holds true to that. food, people, neighborhoods, culture, city vibe… it’s all a mixture of cultures. toronto always gets the bad rap of being “the center of the universe” in terms of how other canadians look at toronto but it has stepped up in terms of being that place for canada. our little shop is a microcosm of that, we get all types of guys shopping at nomad… young &old, grimy & clean cut & guys of all shapes & sizes. when you’re not in the shop where can we find you… i’m usually roaming taking in this fine city of ours or seated at one of our fine restaurants in the city. more likely than not i’m roaming for food to eat or make at home. i also love being at home. i’m lucky where my better half & i have a great place with a fantastic piece of backyard in the city that is off a private lane. feels like the country back there … Continue reading →