Zilli - "h" Only

No, it's not a mistake.

The Essentialist was hesitant to give this one a "HOT", or even an all-lower-case "hot".

So we decided to give it an "h" only.

Zilli has launched its first communication campaign.

"In the evening, relaxing by an elegant golden pool, the ZILLI man contemplates the Garden of Eden. He belongs to an exceptional world" - so much for the press release.

Golden pools? Golden boys? Gardens of Eden?

This is dangerously bordering on falling on the Kitschside of the Force. Or has it already?

We are leaving the "h" as it is, before we change our minds.

But before we go, small suggestion to the Zilli people: "less blinking, more driving" - you know this one?

Zilli - "h" only

Outnext.com - HOT

This is another website that covers design, gadgets, architecture and more.

Let the passionately curious goldfish guide you through all hows and whys of what cool is out there.

And through another day in the office.

Outnext.com - HOT

Issey Miyake Bilbao Striped Bag - HOT!

You can't go wrong with this one. It may even get you for free into MoMA.

Fused together steel and adjustable leather straps with an interior pocket make this late-night beauty.

And it follows the let's-get-all-metallic trend that we love so much from the current Burberry.

Yes, it's a must. A MUST!

Issey Miyake Bilbao Striped Bag - HOT!

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Chopin Vodka Ads - HOT

Chopin Vodka has taken it to another level.

Slightly faded black and white photography emphasizes the real roots of the brand - you can almost feel Eastern European winds blowing through this image.

The models are pretty but not ordinarily pretty and their wardrobe is stunning.

There is just about a perfect amount of sexiness in the picture.

And on top of that, it's potato vodka, elevating Chopin automatically above 95% of what's out there.



All of this, in times when Pravda-kinds and celebrity-sponsored alcohols are in abundance and on every corner, this fine marriage of tasty tradition and stylish advertising has to be appreciated.

Good job.

Chopin Vodka Ads - HOT

Colnago Ferrari Bicycle - HOT

Kimi won the Championship away from the "golden crane boy" and what better way of celebrating than purchasing this fancy Colnago Ferrari bicycle?

Plus, at only a bit under 8K worthless American dollars, it comes as a real bargain. You'll still have some petty cash left to pay your cable bill to watch the next F1 season.

Colnago Ferrari Bicycle - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

CBGB & OMFUG Apparel - HOT

If by some unexplainable set of circumstances you still don't own a T-Shirt with CBGB logo, then click here now and buy one.

Since John Varvatos has announced to open his boutique in a now-bygones iconic New York punk club, it is likely that sooner or later we will see JV line of clothes featuring the four most recognizable letters in the world of punk.

JV line bought by people whose closest idea of punk comes in the persona of Marilyn Manson or that kid with green hair from the second floor.

Get your CBGB before Johnny gets it.

CBGB & OMFUG Apparel - HOT

Skateboarding and Everything Related - HOT HOT HOT!

The Essentialist is totally about skateboarding!

We're loving it!!!

It's the coolest, greatest sport ever!!! (Honestly, we are very excited when it comes to skateboarding, hence the exclamation marks).

If you want to show the street what's up, get your skateboarding gear together, whether you're fourteen or ninety eight years old and go for it. You won't be forgotten.

Special treatment for The Essentialist readers: check out this SICK video by Richie Jackson from Death Skateboards, by far one of the coolest skateboarding teams nowadays, with some awesome old school slides, grabs and airwalks - come on, how can you not love it?!



Skateboarding and Everything Related - HOT HOT HOT!

Louis Vuitton Ad - HOT

So subtle, yet everyone knows who the target of this one is.

Nice one, Louie.

Louis Vuitton Ad - HOT

Magical Kenya/Virgin Atlantic Ad - NOT HOT

Hahahahahahahahahaha

Hahahahahahahahahaha
Hahahahaha Haahaha Hahahaha

Hahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahah
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

Hahaha

Magical Kenya/Virgin Atlantic Ad - NOT HOT

D&G Light Blue Fragrance Ad - NOT HOT

How in the world can you release to print something that is so hideous and uninspiring?

I don't even know what this ad is about, cause the guy is so into my face that every time I open the magazine I feel that I am licking his balls.

Yeah yeah, click on the image (on your own risk), you'll know what I am talking about.

So now every time we see someone running unexpectedly into the toilet through the office, we know: he just saw the D&G ad.

But his eyes are blue. Light Blue. Hmmm. How shrewd.

D&G Light Blue Fragrance Ad - NOT HOT and pretty disgusting.

PS Almost forgot - the fragrance itself is really lame.

Jumeirah Essex House Hotel Ad - NOT HOT

You can't give The Essentialist bigger satisfaction than to show us an ad that we know from the very first second we are going to slam big time!

It's like giving a lollipop to a 5-year-old.

Even the nice, subtle red reflection of the "Essex House" sign in the car's window cannot spare this ad from our severe judgment.

"Stay Different"?

In a white Lincoln limo?

In New York?

The kind of limo we see by the dozens on the weekends with underage kids puking over the windows and acting like a horde of pigs?

Are you being ridiculous or for real? Does it have Jersey plates?

Sorry, but putting "Stay Different" next to a Lincoln Limo gives us a rush. It's itching.

They could have at least used some solid Silver Spur Rolls or something.

Jumeirah Essex House Hotel Ad - NOT HOT

Diesel Freezy Sneakers - HOT BABY, DANCE BABY!

We like these sneakers A LOT!

White and black, big "Diesel" sign in the front, and "78" number in the back.

And by the way - this is how you sell nowadays. Go YouTube baby. Bravo Diesel!

Diesel Freezy Sneakers - HOT BABY, DANCE BABY:



You can read more about this Diesel Project on a very interesting blog - The Very Chronicles.

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Nike Claw Wandal HI - HOT

If deep at heart you find yourself the offspring of street culture and some highbrow sneakers, then you probably already own a pair of Wandals.

Released October 25th in NYC.

Bearing in mind that it's October 27th today and that New Yorkers take everything that is in limited quantities dead seriously, they are probably all gone by now.

Ah, these New Yorkers.

Nike Claw Wandal HI - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Kia Car & Ad - NOT HOT

Utterly ugly car advertised by an utterly ugly ad.

At least they are consistent.

Kia Car & Ad - NOT HOT

Prada Amber Pour Homme Perfume - HOT

Great scent. Masculine, serious and well dressed.

We strongly recommend it for a Chrismas gift.

Prada Amber Pour Homme Perfume – HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Porsche Design Mobile Phone - HOT

We've already seen a tie by Porsche Design, a toaster by Porsche Design, even a drill (!) by Porsche Design.

There have even been rumors that there will be a special Porsche Design set of baby diapers following a special request from David Beckham.

Before that happens, however, take a look at the new Porsche Design Mobile Phone.

They actually refer to it as "essential" on the website.

One funky feature: it features a fingerprint reader, which reads the finger pad to enter PIN code and secure access to the directory and messages.

Wow.

Check it out gadget junkies.

Porsche Design Mobile Phone – HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Assael Ad - HOT

If you ever looked through a jewelry magazine, you must have come across the same reflection as we always do - jewelry ads are unbearably boring.

It is very hard to find one that conveys any feeling.

Assael ad is sexy and enigmatic. Nice photography accompanied by smart and calculated cropping.

If you look closer, the fact that model's pose is not exactly squared towards the camera adds to the feeling of movement, as if she was leaning back, not allowing to touch her.

The model and pearls work together and the outcome is more than satisfactory.

Assael Ad - HOT

PS And look at her muscles!

Royal Elastics Feilfri Snickers - HOT

So what that it's long after Labor Day?

Here, at The Essentialist, we think that you can still wear white, as long as it's hot.

And we do agree with our own opinion.

Royal Elastics Feilfris definitely pass the "Hot or Not" test.

Actually we think we might be in love with them.

Royal Elastics Feilfri Snickers - HOT

Tods Ad - HOT

This ad isn't really special, yet when you look at it in a magazine, it seems... complete.

There is some very natural warmth about it.

Even the grey, which since being announced one of the trends for the season has become increasingly annoying, isn't bothering us.

The Essentalist doesn't know what it is, but we like it.

That’s perfectly enough to vote it hot.

Tods Ad - you're HOT

Nooka Watches - HOT

If Star Wars is your story and R2-D2 is your kind of guy, than Nooka is your kind of watch.

Or, if you just want to stand out.

Nookas are one of a kind, colorful and ultra cool.

Nooka Watches – HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Partycrasher Blog, New York - HOT

"An event a day keeps the doctor away"

Partycrasher is another blog for those of you New Yorkers who want to get it all.

Sample Sales, Gallery Openings, Exhibitions, Installations and of course - Parties, where you can get absolutely trashed. Or crashed.

Partycrasher knows it all and you should bookmark this web address immediately.

Partycrasher Blog, New York – HOT

Cavalli for H&M Ad - NOT HOT

Not Hot meaning "Nothing Special".

Three models on a red carpet.

Style and glamour, I get it, but can't we all be more inventive? Eh, I guess the folk doesn't care.

The Essentialist does.

In stores November 8th, we'll check it out.

Cavalli for H&M Ad - NOT HOT

St. Morritz, Switzerland - HOT

The best ski resort if you're not into skiing.

If you've ever wondered whether the story about the guy upstairs and creating this whole mess in 6 days is true, I'll tell you my opinion - it's not.

It must have taken 7 days, and on the 7th day he created St. Morritz.

These guys get 300+ days of sun a year, as a result of some mysterious combination of altitude and mountain alignment. Hmm.

Trip over Coco Chanel bag or a custom made pair of Gucci skis on the slope.

Meet Robert de Niro and Claudia Schiffer and the others of the jet-set on your way to breakfast.

Give high five to Kate Moss in one of their nightclubs.

Yup, in winter there's no other place like St. Morritz.

St. Morritz, Switzerland – HOT

Flavorpill.net - HOT

Flavorpill Network is a service that publishes eleven email magazines, covering art, books, music, fashion, world news, and cultural events.

They cover six cities, including New York and London.

Their expertise is terrific and upon subscribing to their service, twice a month you will get information about quality, carefully selected and filtered events in your city.

Subscribe to Flavorpill. You will thank me, seriously.

Flavorpill.net - HOT

Dunhill Rider Gloves - HOT

Another winter is around the corner, which is good for several reasons.

Not only can we finally wear our belowed Moncler jacket, but also put on Dunhill's rider gloves.

If you don't have a pair from last year, get one right away.

True Essentialist style!

Dunhill Rider Gloves - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Ain't Nuthin But A House Party, NYC - HOT

For someone who's never experienced "Ain't Nuthin But A House Party" party in NYC the whole affair might be a little confusing.

It's usually hosted in a place that looks more like a high school canteen than a club venue.

There are balloons all over which looks more like a sweet sixteen party than a hot dancing party.

And in the midst of this there are the best house dancers that you have ever seen in your life, showing moves that only New York has seen - jackin, loftin', it's all happening there big time.

It's a party that happens once a month or so and a one not to be missed! Check it out New York.

Ain't Nuthin But A House Party, NYC – HOT

denimology.co.uk - HOT

I have another website that you have to add to your portfolio, if it's not already there.

If you are into jeans, then denimology.co.uk is your promised land. And if you thought you knew everything about denim then I have to disappoint you.

Aside from jeansopedic frenzy that you will find on denimology, if you look to your right, there is a wonderful listing of blogs.

Well now I blew whatever you promised yourself yesterday at work you'd do today. Anytime.

denimology.co.uk – HOT

Dunhill Ad - HOT (But only the tennis ball)

This ad is about... tennis ball.

That's why it's hot. The tennis ball connects the guy to the dogs.

The dogs connect the guy to hunting on a multi-million-pound estate of some Yorkshire lord.

Multi-million-pound lords in Yorkshire have grandchildren who are likely to wear Dunhill.

Although these grandchildren don't look convincing at all wearing Dunhill, like the guy above. He’s kind of stiff, don't you think?

But we still like the tennis ball idea. Especially for a guy that doesn't seem to have his own.

Dunhill Ad - HOT

PRPS Jeans - HOT

3 main facts about PRPS jeans:

- they are made from African cotton
- they are manufactured in Japan (read: not China) using old-school Levi's (read: better) looms from 1960s
- they seem to be favourite of Mr. David Beckham

You still there? You should be PRPSopping already.

PRPS Jeans - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Myla - HOT

Myla - quite an interesting brand.

Firstly, a brand that offers luxurious and exclusive lingerie. Secondly, a brand that offers more than luxurious and exclusive lingerie, i.e. sex toys (!). Thirdly, a brand that has just landed their first ad campaign.

"If your mother is wearing La Perla, you should be wearing Myla" is pretty much their message. They want to position themselves as "young and sexy".

Their advertising is nice. The products even nicer.

Actually, Kate Moss wears Myla. Just don't remind Pete, will you, he has enough of his problems.

Myla - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Adicolor L Shoe - HOT

How cool are the faded colors on these? 10/10.

Adicolor L Shoe - HOT

SAAB - HOT

128 posts later and still nothing about SAAB. What a misunderstanding.

SAAB is THE ultimate car for The Essentialist. Period. We don't love them. We worship them.

These days we shall see increased Essentialists activity in an around the area of Manhattan SAAB dealership - the new 2008 models have just arrived.

SAAB = HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Christofle Ad - XXX HOT

The Essentialist doesn't really know how to approach this ad.

Although the approach, or rather direction of the approach, seems to be one thing that's out of question in this case. Hm.

After 180 seconds of deliberation we are deciding unanimously - it's HOT. Bearing in mind how boring 95% of jewelry advertising is.

Just don't forget to send your kids to summer camp.

Christofle Ad - XXX HOT

PS I am sure Freud would have a blast figuring out what sits in the heads of people who came up with this creative.

Korean Air Ad - HOT

This is a nice one from Korean Air. I want to fly with them.

Korean Air Ad - HOT

Givenchy Ad - DEFINITELY HOT

The Essentialist couldn't help but allow for this colaboration between the fashion world and black metal world.

But honestly, how can you not think of it after seeing this Givenchy ad?

We honestly support Givenchy and their interest in promoting black metal genre.

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Givenchy ad, French Vogue, October 2007.



Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Nergal, leader of a renown black metal band Behemoth, photo session for "Demigod" Album.

"Givenchied" by The Essentialist.



I'm Lovin' It!!!!

Givenchy Ad - you're HOT

Balkan Beat Box – HOT HOT HOT!

Balkan Beat Box - if you don't know them, your life's about to change for at least few weeks.

Upon purchase of one of their two albums (get both), you might find yourself in yearning for doing things that you'd never expect yourself of yourself.

Like dancing Bulgarian dance in the middle of the street; or wearing jarmulka in the office; or craving for Macedonian soup in the middle of the night (?); or rejoin with Albanian weapon smugglers and sing "ailailailailailai"; or deciding for a gypsy-style wedding in Transylvania instead of Hamptons.



All of this thanks to the mad, ecstatic, and utterly danceable and energizing music created by Tamir Muskat and Orl Kaplan and collaborators from nearly dozen of countries, Bulgaria, Morocco, Spain, Israel among them.

The Essentialist could go on how wonderful BBB is, but why don't YOU - yes, YOU! THE READER OF THIS! - get down to business and buy their album. It's everywhere, including iTunes, because BBB is hot and army of their fanatics is growing dangerously fast.

Go to their website and go Balkan. Ready? Ok, Let's go:



Balkan Beat Box – HOT HOT HOT!

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

PS1 BBB is actually from Brooklyn, and we love love love the fact that there’s a J train on the cover of their first album

PS2 BBB is now on tour, playing December 6th in NYC!!!

GBH.tv, New York - HOT

New York has at least three things that other cities should be jealous of:

1) Central Park
2) Yellow Cabs
3) GBH.tv

GBH has been present in NYC since 1998, when they began a weekly Friday party. Since then the number of parties has grown to 5 regular weekly gatherings, yet these are only a small piece of what GBH brings to your table.

On their website you will find mp3 downloads, music videos, reviews, interviews - loads of good stuff.

Join GBH mailing list and you will be bombarded with invitations to their parties.

GBH.tv - you keep the NYC scene rockin' and thank you for that - YOU'RE HOT!

DJ Oleg Pak - HOT

Oleg Pak is a Russian gem hidden somewhere behind the curtains of St. Petersburg clubs.

You are not likely to find his music out there unless you go to St. Petersburg and dig for a few compilations he put together.

And boy, these are hot. Very few artists know how to put together a CD different than anything else, that will have its own story: beginning, middle and the end.

DJ Oleg Pak is absolutely capable of doing that. His style is smooth and gentle, and you will enjoy it on cold winter evenings. We personally keep going back to his first compilation, "Smooth Operator" - brilliant!

DJ Oleg Pak - HOT

Ps Click HERE to sample some of Pak's music.

Baccarat Chandeliers Campaign - HOT

What would you do if you had a Baccarat Chandelier and a few bucks to spend?

Whatever you'd do, you couldn't do much better than folks at Baccarat - they hired Ellen von Unwerth who shot a campaign at the Philippe Starck-designed Baccarat mansion in Paris (ah, Philippe again).

That's the way to celebrate Fall 2007, Baccarat!

Result? Another black and white campaign that is joyful for the eye.

Baccarat Chandeliers Campaign - HOT

Capresso Ad featuring R. Federer - NOT HOT

It will always remain a question - shall one blow most of the campaign budget on someone so recognizable like Roger Federer and be left with 100 bucks for creative arrangements.

The chances are you will end up with something so unbearably boring like this one above.

Wow, even his shirt has a coffee-like color. How shrewd.

The question remains, but this ad is lame.

Capresso Ad featuring R. Federer - NOT HOT

Domenico Vacca Clothing & Campaign - HOT

Domenico Vacca clothing, as well as his campaign, reflect what Domenico Vacca is all about - pure style.

There is no room for anything else.

And it's definitely not for everyone.

There are very few tailors that can proclaim themselves "the finest in the world". Domenico Vacca has this right.

Domenico Vacca Suites & Campaign - HOT

PS The Essentialist's scanner got itself so forgotten while looking at the jacket that it accidentally cropped the image. You have to understand.

Old Metallica T-Shirts - HOT

That's what's up!

You can go down to the basement and then straight to the laundry with your 20-year-old collection of Metallica T-Shirts.

Not only Metallica, but also other bands are being remembered by the recent trend in what's-hot-what's-not (Anthrax! Iron Maiden! Guns N' Roses!)

But we figured that James, Lars, Kirk and Jason should have their 5 minutes on The Essentialist.

Old Metallica T-Shirts - wear them! They're HOT!

Rado Watches - HOT

If you don't know which fancy watch to get yourself for your next birthday, Rado is always a safe choice.

Sleek. Stylish. Essential.

Rado Watches - HOT

Now Smell This Blog - HOT

If you can't afford your personal perfume adviser, bookmark Now Smell This Blog.

You will find perfume reviews, perfume news, information about perfume creators, perfume houses and loads of other great stuff.

Now Smell This Blog - HOT

Nike Super Blazer - HOT

Color and weight perfect for winter.

Fall 2007 is here, don't fall behind. Get'em.

Nike Super Blazer - HOT

Pravda Vodka Ad - #1 NOT HOT!!!

Hold on to your chair – you are about to see THE STUPIDEST PRINT ADVERT I have ever seen and you may fall down laughing.

Pravda Vodka.

Dear reader of this blog, have you ever wondered, "WHY IS THIS TOP MODEL GIVING HER FRIEND PRAVDA VODKA?"



Well, "THE TOP MODEL IS GIVING PRAVDA VODKA BECAUSE SHE'S KNOWLEDGEABLE. SHE HAS READ THE RESULTS OF TASTE COMPETITIONS".



Well, I hope she's not the Miss South Carolina. Are you kidding me?!!! This ad is - excuse my language - dumb as f***.

Who knows the copywriter, I want to kill him, this is absolutely unacceptable.

Who cares about 2004 competitions?! And who believes in a guy who cares what TOP MODEL has read? I don't think I have ever seen anything as ridiculous as this.

Pravda marketing team, I'll help you out, because you seem to spend too much time with top models instead of working on good marketing ideas.

Below please find revised Pravda Vodka ad by The Essentialist:





Pravda Vodka Ad - #1 NOT HOT!!!

Manolo Blahnik Boots Fall 2007 - HOT

The Essentialist doesn't know why we suddenly felt urge to write about Manolo Blahnik's boots.



Maybe because we think they are really hot.



Or perhaps because yesterday we had the first cold day in New York and we feel bad for all the girls that have to run around in open shoes.

To cut the long post short - Manolos are here and they are definitely worth spending a buck. A big buck, as usual, but ladies, we promise to turn our heads on the streets!

Our favourites are Risko and Ritany models, as seen above.

Manolo Blahnik Boots Fall 2007 - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Guess by Dan Marciano Ads - NOT HOT

Guess, refresh yourself!

This campaign is terrible - Abercrombie guy (sic) meets Abercrombie girl (sic), they decide to move out of the little town they are both from, they figure that putting on Guess clothes will make them cool, they leave the town off to a desert where they make out long and happily forever, American style.

Eh?

Guess, you can do better than that.

Guess by Dan Marciano Ads - NOT HOT

PS These models are so smooth it makes me wanna puke.

iPod White Earphones - NOT HOT

Times when white earphones revealed our status as iPod owners (read: revealed we're cool) belong now to prehistory.

The fact is that these earphones are probably the shittiest man has ever made.

- they fart into your ear if you listen at high volume
- people around you can hear what you're listening to at pretty much the same volume you can
- the cable is ridiculously short

So what that they redesigned them, if they still sound like shit?

To sum up, if you are still walking around with the white things, it means that you absolutely don't care about the quality of that favourite 80GB of music of yours. That kind of sucks.

iPod White Earphones - NOT HOT

The Party at Central Park That Doesn't Exist - NOT HOT

This is a post about something that doesn't exist.

Some time ago we wrote about the fun & dancing skater afternoons that happen on sunny weekends in Central Park.

The music is banging and the vibe is better than in 98% of New York clubs.

The asphalt ring is overlooked by this perfectly located grass hill, from where you can watch the skates and listen to the music.

And you also could dance there, but I have never seen anyone doing that.

I always think about this, the spot just seems so perfect, the music is there, the sun, the fun - but it still remains just an empty hill of grass, with some people sitting here and there.



Which is a shame, because it would require only a few people and no effort to organize a nice weekend gathering for fans of dancing and good music.

New York, hopefully next year you can pick up on this idea and create something very cool to the tunes of Central Park Dance Skaters.

We'll remind you!

For now, however - The Party at Central Park That Doesn't Exist - NOT HOT

Camden, London - HOT

Camden is where lost souls, rock stars, drama queens and adventure seekers mingle.

Our dear New Yorkers - imagine throwing into one pot St. Marks Street folks, adding a little bit of Lower Eeast Side flavour, some Union Square and Washington Square characters, quite a few of those ridiculously looking tourists starring at you everyday from double decker buses, and on top of it a solid number of L Train kids.

This is Camden.



And the best sources of information about Camden are: www.camdenlock.net, www.streetsensation.co.uk, and www.camdenguide.co.uk.

Go visit, and you'll feel like home.

Camden, London - HOT

Sean John Unforgivable Woman Brand Image - DESPICABLE

Ever wondered how Sean John is portraying his women fragrance?

Well, CLICK HERE and watch this state of art short movie.

The guy is obviously confused as to his areas of interest. The porn studio is on the opposite side of the street. Is it R.Kelly waving from behind the window?

Fashion World, stay as you are, with all your imperfections, but please, don't allow this worthlessness to get into you. Fashion World, even if you are the same, pretend that you aren't, and keep away from wanna-be designer celebrities.

Luckily, in the world where money is everything, it still can't buy everything.

And ladies, if you want to get a good f***, maybe even by the BIG GUY HIMSELF, run to Macy's and get the fragrance.

Sean John Unforgivable Woman Brand Image - DESPICABLE

Usher Perfumes AD - NOT HOT

Usher Fragrances ad is all full of Usher.

I have a problem with this. Like I have a problem with a huge Sean John billboard in Times Square full of... Sean John.

How about some impeccably dressed gentleman, some good photography, some interesting setting, creative copy?

Nope. We are all gonna be stuck for another season with big Usher into our faces, whether we like it or not.

Some people don't see any diference between music, perfumes, interior design, socks or pencils, as long as they are promoted by the same celebrity individual.

Ok, be that way. But don't expect The Essentialist to embark on this simpleminded journey.

Usher Perfumes AD - NOT HOT

Billy Jealousy Male Grooming Products - HOT

Billy Jealousy is a small company from Dallas that is not so small anymore.

They will deliver some of the best male grooming products to your bathroom.

Their Billy Jealousy Hydroplane has just won The 2007 Esquire Grooming Award for the best shaving cream.

Billy Jealousy Male Grooming Products - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

St. John Fall 2007 Angelina Jolie Images - HOT

To sign with a major celebrity for a campaign could be a blessing as well as a curse.

To sign Angelina Jolie for a conservative brand in 2005 was a bold and risky idea.

The idea has been working fine for 2 years now.

The new Fall 2007 photography confirms that St. John collection is able to successfully cover Jolie's tattooed image and uncover intriguing and inspiring new face of perhaps the most recognizable persona in the showbiz world.

The Essentialist salutes St. John - that's the way to do it.

Enjoy beautiful black and white images on St. John Knits official website.

St. John Fall 2007 Angelina Jolie Images – HOT

Drinking Espresso - HOT

Can drinking espresso be even considered in terms or "hot or not hot"?

Of course it can.

In the era of Starbucks, everything that comes in small quantities and is not drunk from a paper cup should be preserved like The Giant Panda.

Let's say it together: Drinking Espresso - HOT

BONUS: Visit this blog to see a wonderful Espresso cheat sheet by Lokesh Dhakar. The Essentialist is proud of you!

Custom Made T-Shirts - HOT

Many people still underestimate the cool of custom made T-shirts.

Custom made T-shirts have at least three pros and zero cons:

- they are cheap
- you will stand out
- designing your t-shirt when sitting in the office will make your day fly

Tip from The Essentialist: For sophisticated stuff go shopping in the real world. Here you should use simple color combinations and simple fonts. Arial is fine.

If you're looking for a good web address for creating custom apparel, Spreadshirt should be your choice.

Custom Made T-Shirts - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Love (The Club), NYC - HOT

This is the sort of club that tries to keep its underground status, which often results in 13 people coming to a really hot party instead of 300 on a Friday night.

It seems that they are a bit of a victim of their own policy.

But you know what? I don't care. And why?

Because Love has the BEST THUMPING SYSTEM in the area.

If you think your ghetto neighbor has the best subwoofer in their car (shout out to all Essentialists who save on rent and spend on clothes!) - think again.

YOU WILL BE KNOCKED OF YOUR FEET. YOUR HAIR WILL STAND UP OR FALL OUT. THE BAGEL THAT YOU ATE 12 HOURS AGO WILL GO BACK FROM WHERE IT CAME. YOU WILL EXPERIENCE AN ORGASM AND FEAR OF DYING AT THE SAME TIME.

All of this will happen when Love's sound system will hit you in the face. Hurricane Andrew was a summer breeze comparing to this.

And for the sake of that, it's always worth going to Love, even if you'll be there by yourself.

Love (The Club), NYC – HOT

Regalia Miami Ad - (encouraging) NOT HOT

It's so much better than many other real estate ads.

Yet, our first reflection was: it could have been better.

Given the amazing design of the building, the creative possibilities for this print ad scream for more.

The Essentialist's "Not HOT" judgment is like giving a B to a straight-A student. It's an encouraging "Not Hot".

Regalia Miami Ad - encouraging NOT HOT

Tom Ford Black Orchid - HOT

The Essentialist loves it!

Tom Ford is THE guy and Black Orchid is sweet, dense, smoggy and dark. It's no CK One nonsense.

It scares away mosquitos and attracts the females - gentlemen, what else do you need from life?

Tom Ford Black Orchid - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

iTunes Customer Support - HOT

The Essentialist wants to acknowledge that iTunes Customer Support deserves full respect.

These folks are ultra customer friendly. One would imagine that being such a massive audience product, iTunes help mailbox is overloaded as an American birthday cake.

Quite the contrary however, you will be responded within 24 hours! That sounds impossible, but it's true.

Their answers and explanations are friendly, detailed and extensive.

It's just so nice to know that after buying a product the seller is not turning your back on you.

Apple - kudos to you for this one.

iTunes Customer Support - HOT

New Dom Pérignon Œnothèque 1993 Campaign - HOT

Karl Lagerfeld, Claudia Schiffer and the new image of Dom Pérignon Œnothèque 1993.

Ain't No Mountain High Enough.

Enjoy this beautiful campaign here.

New Dom Pérignon Œnothèque 1993 Campaign - HOT

George Gina & Lucy Bags - HOT

George Gina & Lucy bags are so cool I want to be a girl.

Girls - if you still don't have one, get on it. They are sooo hot.

Before & After; Hush Hush; Halfpipe; Paradise Angel; Miss Pefect; Come Masutra - which one are you?

George Gina & Lucy - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Fashionmission.nl - HOT

That's another website for all of you fashion junkies.

And this one is huge. It will get you through at least until Wednesday afternoon in the office. Enjoy!

Fashionmission.nl - HOT

aussieBum - HOT

aussieBum. Underwear for men. It's so sexist it's ridiculous. Which is why you should check it out.

GUYS: just get a pair of wonderjocks, even if you think it's embarassing, no questions asked. Your girlfriend's/boyfriend's reaction will not dissapoint you.

Yes, No, you don't have to be gay. Thanks.

GIRLS/BOYS: just visit their website, you'll have something to chat about with your friends from work for another week.

aussieBum - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Chrome Hearts Sunglasses - HOT

Looking good? - Check
Worn by celebrities? - Check
Not sold by SunglassHut? - Check
Rock elements included? - Check

What else needs to be said? If you want to wear what Lenny Kravitz, Cher, Eddie Murphy, Mischa Barton, Timbaland, Karl Lagerfeld and many other icons do, check out one of their boutiques.

Chrome Hearts Sunglasses - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Ritz-Carlton Club South Beach Ad - VERY HOT

This one is among my absolute favourites.

"On South Beach, the stars don't only come out at night".

Click on the image. I want it framed.

Ritz-Carlton Club South Beach Ad - VERY HOT

Polo Ralph Lauren Gift Packaging - HOT

Another address for great Christmas 2007 gift packaging is Polo Ralph Lauren.

When you buy at RalphLauren.com you may choose your purchase to arrive in a very slick and elegant dark box.

The presentation is outstanding and all your gift packaging headaches will immediately go away.

Also, these boxes are not for sale so there is some uniqueness to it.

Polo Ralph Lauren Gift Packaging - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Burberry Gift-Wrapping - HOT

Are you ready for Christmas shopping sprees yet? Too early?

Well maybe, but before you buy yourself - or someone else - a kick ass gift, don't forget that some stores are exceptionally talented as far as gift wrapping is concerned.

Burberry, for instance, will provide wrapping, which is an absolute Rolls Royce among gift-wrappings.

I once received a Burberry gift and it's still sitting in the closet unwrapped, so beautiful the whole package is. It's been 2 years now.

Sometimes I think they have a wrapping factory in the basement of every store, because it just can't be possible that a regular sales person would be able to do it.

Burberry Gift-Wrapping - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Motherfucker Parties, NYC - HOT

If you happen to be in New York City around one of the big national holidays, don't miss the occasion to see something that you won't get to see anywhere else.

Motherfucker parties have been notorious, but they have earned it: people go crazy, people get naked (yes!), people will do things you've never seen them doing.

You will see faeries, rockers, Harley Davidson lovers, fashionistas, celebrities, drag queens, 70-year-old forget-me-nots and 80 year-old Axel Roses.

While waiting for the next Motherfucker, check out a short document about its godfather - Michael T.



And - be prepared! The next Mofo will be happening around Halloween and it's usually the biggest, the craziest, the funniest.

So... go get your costumes, it's right around the corner! Halloween 2007 Motherfucker Party baby!!

Motherfucker Parties, NYC - HOT baby, HOT

Developing Intrigue Ad - NOT HOT

They didn't even try not to make it look cheap.

The idea is cheap, but hey, sex sells, so the intention was good.

Unfortunately the model looks like an actor from a third rate kung-fu movie (you know, one of those where they make a lot of noise when hitting the bad guy).

On top of that, his pants look cheap, his shirt does too, her heels, whatever hidious thing there is on the floor - everything looks pretty much like a redneck idea of a luxury condominium.

Developing Intrigue Ad - NOT HOT

St. Petersburg, Russia - HOT

St. Petersburg is a place that you should absolutely consider when planning your next European getaway.

Grandiose. Learn this word. G-r-a-n-d-i-o-s-e. If you will understand this word properly, you will understand St. Petersburg.

Everything in St. Petersburg is of a serious size. Streets are wide, squares are like football fields, the rivers are serious, the bridges are solid, the palaces are stunning.

Kind of like an American type of "let's have it bigger than everyone else" thing, but of a better quality. Burger vs caviar sort of.

But, along with this super size me idea, you will get romantic canals, amazing architecture and kind people. You will endure in a trip that will open your heart to art and poetry, as Russians have this fantastic, unique love and respect for everything that is of a true humanistic value.

You will observe white nights. You will observe huge ships and moveable bridges. Suddenly you might want to paint, to write poems.

And when you have had it, you will be drinking Champaign, eating strawberries and chocolate, and listening to some big-name DJ behind your back, in a club so fancy and with girls so beautiful that New York, Paris, or Milan can only dream of such splendor.

If you can get in.

St. Petersburg - a place perfect to get engaged in art, to get engaged in partying, or just to get engaged.

"Pitier", as locals call it - you are HOT and thank you for that!

Buenos Aires - HOT

Ah! Buenos Aires!

The city of dreams, a paradise on earth.

The Essentialist is not exaggerating, but ok, let's get to details.

It's cheap. The people are ultra-nice. The weather is great. The places are hip. The girls are stunning and the boys are hot (Every single one of them taller than Diego Maradona).

The clubs are wicked.

The evenings begin at 8-9 PM when you go with your friends for dinner. Then you chill out, either in the city, or at home, enjoy drinks etc. Only at 2-3 AM you are allowed to hit the club. Nobody will be there earlier anyway. And you return home at 7 AM.

Only to repeat this wonderful itinerary again the next day.

Hot? Of course it's hot! And still underestimated.

Buenos Aires - you're HOT and you know how to party!

Freshnessmag.com - HOT

Freshness is yet another very cool website that all of you The Essentialists should get familiar with, and on a regular basis.

Besides the usual stuff - denim, sneakers, apparel - they also feature some other pretty critical information, like for example SAMPLE SALES (for those shopping crackheads lucky enough to be in New York).

Or about artsy events for those of you who prefer to keep your cultural taste buds up-to-date rather than your closet.
Or about toys for those of you that are or pretend to be forever young.

Anyway, less talking, more clicking.

Click below.

Freshness.net – HOT