Lacoste Ad Spring/Summer 2009 - NOT HOT

Oh no. They're jumping again .

There is a new element however - a fan. Babysteps?

Lacoste Ad - NOT HOT

Pringle of Scotland 2009 Ad feat. Lydia Hearst - HOT

I like, but please, give her some cornflakes, at least.

Pringle of Scotland 2009 Ad feat. Lydia Hearst - HOT

Jil Sander 2009 Spring/Summer Ads - HOT

Stunning. Can't wait to see this campaign out in the magazines.

Natasha Poly and Doug Jewell for Jil Sander, 2009. Love it.

Jil Sander 2009 Spring/Summer Ads - HOT

Yoga @ MoMA - HOT HOT HOT!

It's tomorrow, and sorry for posting so late about this.

We have our yoga on Times Sq., now it's time for MoMA. Sweet.

For more info click here .

Yoga @ MoMA - HOT HOT HOT!

Armani Jeans Spring/Summer 2009 Ad - HOT

Good old Armani.

Armani Jeans Spring/Summer 2009 Ad - HOT

Calvin Klein Jeans Uncensored Commercial 2009 - NOT HOT

I don't know why particularly this ad and commercial piss me off. Am I just having a bad day? I mean, they're all out there, shown naked and making out almost all the time.

Maybe it's because just recently I wrote about two models that are featured in this commercial - Anna Selezneva and Anna Jagodzinska.



I really think they are doing some beautiful ads this season. Selezneva is stunning for CK and Jagodzinska is a true cameleon in her S/S 2009 campaigns.

And this one above... It just seems so primitive. So dull. So diminishing. I am surprised Meisel shot it.

I so don't like it.

Calvin Klein Jeans Uncensored Commercial 2009 - NOT HOT

Popissue - HOT

If you ever wonder how to measure the "coolness" of the brand, here's a good one:

If you see that all those anorectic kids from around the corner, you know, the ones with tattoos, skinny jeans and black hair, that look like David Bowie's grandchildren and are at least ten years younger than you (and ten times cooler), if you see them wearing the brand you're not sure about - then yes, it's a hot name.

Apparently this is the case with Australian Popissue. Apparently young and happening Australian bands worship Popissue clothes, or so I hear.

Sounds good enough for me, because nowadays Australia is really happening in terms of fashion and apparel.

Check them out.

Popissue - HOT

Agent Provocateur Virgin Ads 2009 - BURNING HOT

My laptop is on fire. Jeez louise.....

Agent Provocateur Virgin Ads 2009 - BURNING HOT

Eton of Sweden $40,000 Shirt - HOT

Eton of Sweden has opened its first US store at the New York Plaza Hotel (swanky enough).

Then they threw a party, where they introduced "the world's most expensive shirt".

"Encased in a hand-carved black oak box, the Eton Diamond Shirt is a traditional dress shirt constructed from the most exclusive Egyptian cotton that sports diamond studs of different colors set in black enamel borders" - or so I read in WWD.

Quiet, you, recession.

Eton of Sweden $40,000 Shirt - HOT

Prada Men's Ads, Spring/Summer 2009 - HOT

Absolutely love this.

Prada Men's Ads, Spring/Summer 2009 - HOT

Chloé Ad S/S 2009 - HOT

I like how the tone of her dress plays with the background.

One of TWELVE campaigns that Polish model Anna Jagodzinska landed for the 2009 Spring/Summer season.

No recession for her I guess.

Chloé Ad S/S 2009 - HOT

Iceberg 2009 S/S Ad (Men) - HOT

This is only a continuation of this .

But what a fine continuation this is.

Iceberg 2009 S/S Ad (Men) - HOT

Tom Ford $990 Jeans - HOT

Announcing 1K jeans in the time of recession is nothing less of showing a middle finger to the world.

I am loving it.

Now, where are they? Can I have a pair? Can I?

Tom Ford $990 Jeans - HOT

De Beers Ad - HOT

Nice corporate message.

De Beers Ad - HOT

Calvin Klein Ads, Spring 2009 - HOT

I seem to be posting a lot of Calvin Klein ads lately - here are the images for Spring 2009 campaign.

Calvin Klein Ads, Spring 2009 - HOT

Yves Saint Laurent, La Nuit De L'Homme Ad feat. Vincent Cassel - HOT

This is awesome. Dark, devilish, sexy. Great use of Cassel's features.

Yves Saint Laurent, La Nuit De L'Homme Ad feat. Vincent Cassel - HOT

Calvin Klein, Secret Obsession Fragrance Ad feat. Eva Mendes - HOT, BORING

Hot, boring.

Calvin Klein, Secret Obsession Fragrance Ad, feat. Eva Mendes - HOT, BORING

Diesel , Only The Brave Ad - HOT

I actually like this ad. They tried to make it more elegant than usual Diesel print work, while preserving Diesel attitude. I think one can argue they achieved it.

But what the hell is going on between his fingers?!

Diesel , Only The Brave Ad - HOT

Missoni Ad, Spring/Summer 2009 - HOT

Amazing patterns.

MissoniAd, Spring/Summer 2009 - HOT

Louis Vuitton Ad feat. Sean Connery - HOT

LV don't stop.

Louis Vuitton Ad feat. Sean Connery - HOT

Pepe Jeans Ad, Spring/Summer 2009 - NOT HOT

I am sick of seeing back-bent models.

Pepe Jeans Ad - NOT HOT

13th Witness vs Jay-Z Photoshoot - HOT

I don't usually write about art projects - there is too many out there that deserve recommendation.

The thing with 13th Witness is different though. The man behind the camera, Timothy McGurr, creates images that serve many angles. For me they are a perfect street style art example, capable of serving variety of functions.



The above image for instance - place any streetwear logo in the upper left corner and you have an awesome print ad.

13th Witness vs Jay-Z Photoshoot - HOT

Dior - 1985

Drinking Moët Chandon, wearing Christian Dior robe. Priceless.

Burberry - 1985

Photographed by royal photographer Lord Lichfield.

SirMitchell T-Shirts and Prints - HOT

I absolutely love this. You can wear it, or hang it on the wall. Awesome stuff.

SirMitchell T-Shirts and Prints - HOT

Iceberg 2009 S/S Ad - HOT

This is awesome. Amber Valletta at her best.

Iceberg 2009 S/S Ad - HOT

DSquared Ad feat. Naomi - HOT

I really don't like DSquared, but I really like this ad.

It's good to know that when Naomi is not kicking other people, she's still kicking.

DSquared Ad feat. Naomi - HOT

PS The scan is by Versustito from TFS, found @ models.com

Giorgio Armani - 1998

I love the film noir quality of this ad.

Prada Phone by LG Ad - NOT HOT

So they woke up and had this great, profound idea about entrapping beauty in technology or vice versa, whatever, but at the end of the day they created an ad where the model looks like an inmate.

If they had used only that small shot of the phone and her in it that we see towards the bottom of the ad, this would have been very good.

But it's not.

Prada Phone by LG Ad - NOT HOT

Wheels & Doll Baby - HOT

Wheels & Doll Baby may be 20-years-old but rock artists still flock Melanie Greensmith's label to get their gear before embarking on a world tour.

If you ever wondered how hot these wheels can get, then let me just tell you that one of the first celebrity customers was Michael Jackson, wanting a customized leather jacket for his "Bad" tour.

Check out their gigantic online store to get your five minutes of fame.

Wheels & Doll Baby - HOT

TRKFLD Bags - HOT

I love Track+Field bags. They're like a breath of fresh air, a celebration of joie de vivre in the spirit of color and cool.

Plus I really enjoy their brand identity, and how well they have put to use that timeless Helvetica font. Good stuff.

TRKFLD Bags - HOT

Fornarina Ad feat. Lindsay Lohan - NOT HOT

The kind of ad I forget the moment I turn the page.

Fornarina Ad feat. Lindsay Lohan - NOT HOT

Marc Jacobs Cosmetics Ads - HOT

Cute and recession-proof (read:cheap).

Marc Jacobs Cosmetics Ads - HOT

Levi's - 1985

Look at the amount of copy. Crazy.

Raf Simons & Fred Perry S/S 2009 - HOT

Love the colors.

Raf Simons & Fred Perry S/S 2009 - HOT

Lanvin - 1986

What a beautiful ad. Click to enlarge.

Lacoste Ad - HOT

It's either me imagining things, or I am actually seeing a Lacoste ad without any jumping people. Wow.

Lacoste Ad - HOT

Schott Ad - HOT

How would you make an awful outfit look nice in an ad?

You would make a brilliant model choice.

Schott Ad - HOT

Lucky Brand Ad - NOT HOT

The Essentialist is a big fan of tattoos. But only in terms of real artwork, not a childish scribble.

This dude here, a supposed-to-be-ultimate-symbol-of-relaxed-masculinity type, has an 80-dollar-pussy-like-cheap-local-kansas-studio-tattoo.

Repulsive.

Lucky Brand Ad - NOT HOT

Miu Miu Ad feat. Katie Holmes- WHAT THE... ?

There's a hilarious discussion on the web as to what the fire is supposed to mean in the new Miu Miu campaign featuring Katie Holmes.

Here's some of the suggestions:

Are you sure this is an ad for Miu Miu? Maybe it's really an ad for Scientology...

She looks like a masochist having an orgasm.

Hot tranny mess. Can we make some s'mores while she burns??

The ad seems to portray that minimalist clothing is conducive to controlling accidental self-immolation, so you only burn a little bit of yourself.

Miu Miu Ad feat. Katie Holmes- WHAT THE... ?

American Apparel Ad - HOT

If you ever wondered why American Apparel has a 20-million-dollar insurance against lawsuits, including those related to sexual harassment, now you know.

This is mad dirty.

American Apparel Ad - HOT

Kenzo Ad - HOT

This is amazing. I am absolutely loving playing around with impositions and opacity.

Kenzo Ad - HOT

Marciano - 1985

I just can't believe it.

Burberry, The Beat Fragrance Ad - HOT

This is nice. Probably every one of us took a similar shot with our friends. There's a lot of youth and refined energy in this one. Bravo Burberry.

Burberry The Beat Fragrance Ad - HOT

New York State Tourism Ad - HOT

I absolutely love this one.

Do you remember that old picture surfing around the web, where you had to count the green faces?



Just click the New York State ad and enjoy the detail.

New York State Tourism Ad - HOT

Daffy's Ad - HOT

This ad is so goofy it's actually cool.

Daffy's Ad - HOT

Mogul Foot Care Ad - NOT HOT

Is it only me, or do you also think that this looks somewhat spooky?

Mogul Foot Care Ad - NOT HOT

Northside Piers Ad - NOT HOT

This is when I see that the crisis has really kicked in. Small budgets SUCK.

Northside Piers Ad - NOT HOT

Calvin Klein 2009 S/S Ads - AMAZING

This is AWESOME. Amazing work by Anna Selezneva and Fabien Baron.

Calvin Klein 2009 S/S Ads - AMAZING

Leonardo diCaprio for Tag Heuer - HOT

Beginning in 2009, Leonardo diCaprio will be the new ambassador of Tag Heuer's Carrera piece, as the company's contract with Brad Pitt has recently expired.



Remembering Leo's adventure with endorsing Disney watches in his early years, the actor shouldn't have any difficulties working with the LVHM's giant.

Leonardo di Caprio for Tag Heuer - HOT

Bread & Butter 2009 - DON'T FORGET

It's next week.

Bread & Butter 2009 - DON'T FORGET

Emporio Armani feat. Victoria Beckham 2009 Ads - HOT

This is VERY nice. Look for the first insertions in February.

Emporio Armani vs Vistoria Beckham 2009 Ads - HOT

Calvin Klein - 1985

TSE AD - HOT

Same shit, different DJ.

But he knows his skills.

TSE AD - HOT

David Barton Gym Ad - HOT

David doesn't want to stop.

Here's another one in anticipation to the new Astor Place location.

David Barton Gym Ad - HOT

American Apparel - HOT

In the midst of the crisis, there is one brand out there that is doing well. While others report decline in sales or close entirely, AA is still able to pull off numbers that stay on the plus side.

And open over 80 stores worldwide last year.

Check out the description that Mr Charney himself gave of what he thinks his customer's profile is:

“American Apparel is dealing with metropolitan adults. Our customers are educated, sophisticated, creative types who adapt to economic dislocation. They don’t own cars. They don’t own stocks. They probably don’t have a lot of dependents. They don’t have a lot of savings, but they probably don’t have a lot of debt, either.”

Hmm... doesn't it just sound like a... young, cool but sometimes struggling New Yorker?

Understanding your target is key to success. Mr Charney definitely knows his business.

American Apparel - HOT

The Sartorialist New Book - HOT HOT HOT

The Sartorialist has officially announced that a book with his images will be published out due in September 2009.

The Sartorialist has been our long time favorite, back from the days when he wasn't on everyone's tongues, and just had his little New York website and was stopping random people in the street, like us....

It was a sunny spring day of 2006 in East Village when this guy took a picture of The Essentialist and then scribbled on a small piece of paper "The Sartorialist", while adding enthusiastically: "Just google THE SARTORIALIST! You'll find me!"

And look where he is now. What a wonderful story.

We can't wait for the publication and will surely be one of the first to get it. Congratulations!

The Sartorialist New Book - HOT HOT HOT

Saks Fifth Avenue Spring 2009 Campaign - HOT

Obama is not the only winner for 2009.

Shepard Fairey, author of the official unofficial Obama's poster during the campaign, has been elevated to another level, and among many projects he's involved in he was also hired by Saks to create their new "Want It" campaign.

I really admire guys at Saks Fifth Avenue. Sticking each year with the same "Want It" phrase, everything that they can rely on is a new graphic concept.

That proves at least two things: they're bold and they aren't lazy (because trust me, it's a loooot of work to get a new campaign going every year).

Above is the latest by Fairey, and below a few previous "Want It" designs.

Saks Fifth Avenue Spring 2009 Campaign - HOT

WANT IT 2008



WANT IT 2007



WANT IT 2006

Louis Vuitton vs Stephen Sprouse - HOT or NOT HOT

Because Marc says: "You’re either going to love it or you’re going to hate it. I’m fine with either reaction".

Now available at LV stores.

Louis Vuitton vs Stephen Sprouse - HOT or NOT HOT

HIV Campaign Banana Ad - HOT

Not an ad per se, but a very smart concept.

Click the image to see more.

"Pretty on the outside."

HIV Campaign Banana Ad - HOT

Bang & Olufsen Banana Ad - NOT HOT

So dull and imitative, as if I was looking at a Panasonic or a Sony ad, not B&O.

Bang & Olufsen Banana Ad - NOT HOT

Harlot San Francisco - NOT HOT

This color would be appropriate only if they were advertising red lobster.

Harlot San Francisco - NOT HOT

SLS Hotel Ad - NOT HOT

A word "Paradigm" in the ad? Have they lost their mind?

And besides, what is this concept supposed to mean? Lindsay Lohan in wonderland?

SLS Hotel Ad - NOT HOT

Tribeca Grand Hotel Ad - HOT

I liked the old campaign better, but still it's different. And it's from New York.

Tribeca Grand Hotel Ad - HOT

Antwerp Ad - NOT HOT

Generally I like ads that promote cities, but graphically this one is a mess.

Antwerp Ad - NOT HOT

Camper Ad - NOT HOT

Why would you endorse wearing a shoe box over your head that later explodes with colorful shit?

Camper Ad - NOT HOT

Trojan Evolve Ad - HOT

Brilliant.

Judging by the swine's behavior, the beach is located in Italy.

Trojan Evolve Ad - HOT

Buffalo Jeans Ad - NOT HOT

I just puked my lungs out.

Buffalo Jeans Ad - NOT HOT

Privacywear Ad - NOT HOT

Can someone explain to me what is this ad attempting to show?

Three ordinary chicks?
Three pairs of ordinary jeans?

The choice of accessories for the three models is nothing short of hilarious.

Also, look at the terrible retouching around the blue frame.

Privacywear Ad - NOT HOT

True Religion Jeans Ad - NOT HOT

To think that a brand which used to be the IT brand in the world of jeans nowadays serves this sort of advertising crap - sad.

True Religion Jeans Ad - NOT HOT

Vans Ad - NOT HOT

Technically not bad, but too much of a rip off from American Apparel.

Vans Ad - NOT HOT

Audio-Technica Ad - HOT

Non-invasive ad, and I like Audio-Technica.

Audio-Technica Ad - HOT

Oscar Of Sweden Ad - HOT

I just love all these little brands that put so much attention in creating their image.

Oscar Of Sweden is one of them. The name, the typeface, the photography, the advertising, nothing here comes by accident.

The essence of fashion advertising lies in ads like this one.

Oscar Of Sweden Ad - HOT

Kenzo Power Fragrance Ad - NOT HOT

How can you possibly name your fragrance "Power" and build its image around a flimsy flower?

He looks like a 14-year-old about to have his first kiss. Bleeh.

Kenzo Power Fragrance Ad - NOT HOT

J.Lindereg Ad - HOT

This ad is precisely what J.Lindeberg is: dapper and skinny.

J.Lindeberg Ad - HOT

Lacoste Ad - NOT HOT

I am officially tired of "jumping" ads by Lacoste. Year after year they're all the same.

Is their brand strategy department too lazy or too much of a pussy to change things just a tad, or both?

It will hit them back big time at some point. Yes, sticking with tradition is absolutely crucial, especially in light of times of crisis, but there has to be some common sense to everything, for Christ's sake.

Lacoste Ad - NOT HOT

Sky Team Ad - HOT

With a creative idea like this one, you have to get it all right at the retouching/production stage. Otherwise it's a disaster.

They made no mistakes. Great execution.

Sky Team Ad - HOT

Pineda Hair Ad - HOT

The Bald Look Isn't For Everyone.

Brilliant ad from Philippines.

Pineda Hair Ad - HOT

Circulo Verde Ad - HOT

What a brilliant example of how to use the color to draw attention.

After going through the entire magazine the above ad was the only one I actually remembered.

Circulo Verde Ad - HOT

Onitsuka Tigers Ad - HOT

If NYC's Times Square could get laid by Tokyo's Shibuya, that's how their child would look like.

Onitsuka Tigers Ad - HOT

The Empire Hotel & Country Club Ad - HOT

You thought you knew luxury? Think again. Plus: sorry for the quality of the ad, the magazine got drenched in Borneo...

The Empire Hotel & Country Club Ad - HOT

Etiqueta Negra - HOT

Etiqueta Negra has opened in New York.

I know them back from Buenos Aires, where they seemed to be THE choice when it came to men's shopping.

Go for the blazers and t-shirts.

Etiqueta Negra - HOT

Naoshima Island, Japan - HOT

Naoshima is a place like nothing else.

Located in the Seto Inland Sea, it is not only an oasis of natural peace and beauty, but also home to some extraordinary contemporary art projects.

The best thing about this small island is that it still doesn't host as many visitors as it should and if you're lucky, you may have it entirely for yourself.





One of the biggest draws is Benesse House, a hotel and art site. I mean, I love nature, but I love it even more when there is some nicely designed piece of concrete around it.

The other mandatory stop is the amazing Chichu Art Museum, designed by Japan's national treasure Tadao Ando, which features installations by James Turrell, Walter De Maria and Paintings by Claude Monet.



Yet another site is the Art House Project, where traditional houses are remodeled in contemporary fashion by Japanese architects.

Naoshima is one of these treasures that many of travelers are hoping to discover. It is the kind of place that makes me want to wander the world, hoping that there is another Naoshima somewhere out there.





Naoshima Island, Japan - HOT

Benesse House Website
Chichu Art Museum Website

Phi Pre-Spring 2009 Collection - HOT

When it comes to brands/designs/ideas that come from NYC, I am seriously lacking objectivity.

In my twisted little brain, NYC equals THE BEST. Period.

Thankfully there are plenty of brands in this wonderful city that justify my bigotry. Phi is one of them.







The pre-spring 2009 collection features razor sharp designs and bold, but wearable cuts. The colors remain classic, but far from dull. The shoes are butt ugly, but then the model is goddess-like.

Phi Pre-Spring 2009 Collection - HOT

Acne & Lanvin Summer 2009 Collection - HOT

The moment it was announced that hip and sexy Acne and much celebrated Albert Elbaz from Lanvin would join forces in creating a new denim line, it was obvious something good was about to emerge from the partnership.

And it did.



The clothes are a wonderful mix of Lanvin's elegant experience and Acne's streetwear feeling.

In New York available at Barneys and Bergdorf.

Acne & Lanvin Summer 2009 Collection - HOT

Bea Valdes - HOT

Bea Valdes is a must have these days.



Sophistication of her products would indicate that she's spent the last twenty years in Soho, watching over the shoulders of more experienced and famous designers.



Instead, she lives in Manilla and is totally fresh to the scene.

And creates trully beautiful stuff, that nowadays, when craftsmanship is everything, has been resonating throughout the fashion world.

Bea Valdes- HOT

TheEssentialist is BACK!!! + Moncler: HOT (Yet Again)

TheEssentialist had a fairly eventful recent few months.

I climbed an active volcano in Guatemala.
I ate shrimps while watching huge Panamax tankers crossing Panama Canal.
I got into a fight with a taxi driver in Nicaragua.
I was paragliding in Chile.
I danced the night away more than a dozen times in Buenos Aires.
I drank a bottle of whiskey with some random guy in La Paz who later turned out to be one of the most prominent businessmen in the country.
I drove through salt desert in Bolivia.
I flew over Nazca lines.
I swam across lake Titicaca.
I had monkeys jumping over my head in South American pampas.
I met world's best tattoo artists.
I walked around Mount Fuji.
I enjoyed amazing setting and art on the Japanese island of Naoshima.
I was ecstatic in Tokyo.
I was silent in Hiroshima.
I was partying like a rock star in Singapore.
I met members of the jury of the World Pole Dance Championship Finals in Manilla.
I met powerboat racing drivers in Malaysia.
I got drenched in Borneo.
I travelled roughly 40,000 kilometres and visited nearly 20 countries.

Yet, none of the above prompted definite urge of bringing back The Essentialist Blog from the state of deliberate coma to the state of full awakening.

Nothing until the day when I was walking around Omotesandō in Tokyo and saw this:



And instantly I thought: life is good. Traveling is good. Being on the road, spending nights in dirty hostels, eating food from street stalls, carrying only four t-shirts and two pairs of shorts over the course of 6 months: it's good. Meeting other travelers: it's good. Detouching from the real world - it's good.



But when I saw three fake puppies wearing Moncler outfits and starring at me from a Japanese window display, I realized it's time to go back.

How can you be out there, traveling, watching sunsets, climb waterfalls and so on, when THIS sort of stuff is happening in the real world?! You simply cannot!

Therefore, it is now official: THE ESSENTIALIST IS BACK. Today from Amsterdam, tomorrow from London, next week from Madrid. Digesting what's out there.

HAVE A GREAT YEAR OF 2009 EVERYONE!

THE ESSENTIALIST - IT'S BACK
THE LIFE - IS BETTER THAN EVER
and MONCLER- IT'S STILL HOT