BLACKCANVAS

NEW HOME FOR INFORM INTERIORS SEATTLE

2009-07-31T17:56:00.001-07:00

VISIT THE NEW SEATTLE SHOWROOM BETTER THAN THE REST

5PREVIEW @ IDLM

2009-07-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

NEW FROM I DONT LIKE MONDAYS

S/S KRIS VAN ASSCHE

2009-07-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

SEATTLE STAYS HOT!

2009-07-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

BUT SOME MAKE IT LOOK GOOD IN THIS HEAT LIKE PAOLO ANCHISI BY HEDI

SECONDS BY ROBERT GELLER

2009-07-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

NEW:STOLEN GIRLFRIENDS CLUB @ IDLM

2009-07-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

RIP MJ

2009-06-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

HIGH LINE IS NOW OPEN!

2009-06-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

COME VISIT THE HIGH LINE, MANHATTAN'S NEW PARK. ONCE WAS A FREIGHT TRAFFIC CARRIER IS NOW A GETAWAY IN THE BUSY WEST SIDE.

NEW AT IDLM

2009-05-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

SAVANT

VAGUE PAPER ISSUE #6

2009-05-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

DO YOU READ ME?!

SCOUT

2009-04-15T23:07:00.000-07:00

SCOUT S/S 09 COLLECTION AT IDLM

FERIDE USLU FOR NIKE

2009-04-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER TO THOSE WHO PURCHASED THIS WONDERFUL AND EXCLUSIVE PAIR YESTERDAY FROM COLETTE FOR PARIS.

COMMON & SENSE

2009-04-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

REQUEST MODELS PABLO CONTRERAS + RYAN SCHIRA BY KARIM SADLI FOR COMMON AND SENSE

EGGO HOUSE BY A69 ARCHITECTS

2009-04-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

SEE MORE AT CONTEMPORIST

RICHARD BOX

2009-04-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

SEE MORE ABOUT RICHARD BOX HERE

F/W 09 TIM HAMILTON

2009-04-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THIS COLLECTION AND IF MY FORMER FRIEND AND I WERE BETTER BUSINESS PARTNERS THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN OUR TIME TO SHINE. THANK YOU TIM FOR YOUR CREATIVITY. VISIT WWW.TIMHAMILTON.COM FOR HIS PAST AND CURRENT COLLECTIONS.

THOM BROWNE

2009-04-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

TUXEDO ONESIE S/S 09 THOME BROWNE

DANIEL @ LIVING DEAD

2009-04-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

DANIEL IS A PARTNER AND MY COUSIN WITH ONE OF THE FEW GOOD TATTOO SHOPS IN LAS VEGAS. CHECK OUT LIVING DEAD TATTOO

What are the mistakes people make when wanting a tattoo?
There's so many mistakes that people make when wanting or getting a tattoo, from not researching different artist to not browsing through portfolios or even checking the cleanliness of the shop. For some reason there's one mistake that sticks out in my mind, and its the whole money issue. Everyone knows that tattoos aren't cheap, so if you're planning on getting one then be prepared to pay the price. We have customers that come in, tell us their ideas and we'll give them a quote and grumble about the price. That's not only our shop but I'm pretty sure many others. That customer will probably go call a friend and get a house tattoo done for like $20 from someone that probably has a homemade machine and get a shitty tattoo... next thing you know that customer will come back to have us fix or cover up the tattoo...

I know that you work as a tattoo artist but have many creative facets naming graffiti as one. What would you like to do if not for putting ink on skin?
Graffiti has been a passion of mine since the 6th grade. I've many tattoo artists that have graffiti in their background just as I do, however, if I hadn't chosen tattooing, I'd probably be a photographer or even selling art in different mediums, Definitely something with art.

Describe what/who inspires your art?
Well, I guess it depends what mood I'm in. In general, I get a lot of inspiration through a number of Graffiti artist. I like to just browse magazines, books, and the internet. I feel that if you admire an artist too much, then your art will eventually become like theirs. However, I've looked up to SLICK lately and what he has accomplished with graffiti. He's done a lot, especially with his clothing line DISSIZIT.

Your shop resides in the outskirts of the Las Vegas Strip. Currently your city has a 30 percent decline in housing, and a 12 percent decline in tourism shopping and gaming. How does your work adapt to the fashions of our economy?
I ask myself that question everyday, and for some reason I don't understand how our economy is so messed up and unemployment is at such a high percentage, that people still have money for tattoos. I'm not complaining though, just as long as my bills are paid then I'm happy with business. I guess you can look it as people don't have money to eat fine dining restaurants but have enough for fast food. So maybe people can't go on vacations but use the little money that they have for tattoos. I don't know maybe!!!

COS A/W 09 PREVIEW

2009-04-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

VIEW PREVIEW @ SELECTISM

HEDI SLIMANE LONDON ROCK DIARY MARCH 09

2009-04-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

SCUM ESSER BIG PUNK ROMANCE O CHILDREN

GEIL MAGAZINE

2009-04-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

GEIL IS A GERMAN BASED FASHION MAGAZINE/COVER BRUNO STAUB

THE SOUNDS OF FASHION

2009-03-31T15:41:00.000-07:00

SOUNDTRACK LIST @ THE MEN'S + WOMEN'S S/S/F/W 09 AND 10 COUTURE SHOWS FROM NY TO MILAN

SHIN MURAYAMA FOR IDLM

2009-03-30T22:40:00.000-07:00

VISIT I DON'T LIKE MONDAYS GALLERY FOR SHIN MURAYAMA'S VALHALLA
PROCEEDS GO TO DESIGNERS AGAINST AIDS

JOHN @ GEMS

2009-03-30T11:54:00.001-07:00

GEMS A SHOWROOM DEDICATED TO SHOES HIDDEN IN THE HIP ALLEY OF PIONEER SQUARE SHOWCASES DESIGNS FROM PENFIELD AND BENCH TO COLLABORATIVE WORK BY ALEXANDER MCQUEEN AND PUMA. PIONEER SQUARE IS KNOWN FOR ITS ART SCENE BUT DESIGNERS MARKED THEIR TERRITORY IN THE BRICK SATURATED BLOCK OF WESTERN AVE. COME FIND YOUR JEWEL AT GEMS:)

Your store has a feeling of exclusivity while many of your brands are part of a collaborative collection. tell me why you wanted to represent these designers in your store and how they differ from other name brand shoe stores.
All of the designers and styles in GEMS Sneakershop have been carefully researched and selected for the Urban-Professional Seattle Man. While I believe that GEMS does in fact carry some brands that are not widely distributed throughout Seattle (The Generic Man, The Timberland Boot Company, Clae Russell), we chose to not just showcase the product, but to tell the story. The story of the designers, their original influences, their acclimation to the changes within fashion are as important as the product themselves as they are key to product knowledge about the craftsmanship of the shoes.
We proudly partner with many of the small business owned fashion stores in Seattle, but we feel that we all have a different market and niche. I think our key difference is the GEMS Signature Cove Wall which is the 20 foot build out that truly showcases the shoes. With use of lighting on both the top and bottom shelving and mirrors, our shoes really are “on display”.

I understand that your store functions not only as a sneaker shop but a lifestyle store. can you explain how your space interacts with the lifestyle of Pioneer Square.
Pioneer Square was the place where GEMS could call "home." After touring Seattle and diving into every inch of each community, we picked Pioneer Square because of the people.  We are sitting next to six stories of artist working lofts. The lofts host the inspirations and artistry of the "starving artist" to "one of the most influential people (artists) in Seattle."  GEMS sits next to the best venues for music. It isn't the selling out of seats that make it to Pioneer Square, it is the raw talent of Seattle music scene that rock out in this 'hood. We are bringing our own talent to the music scene as one of the best local producers Bean One keeps us going through each of our in-store events. We get lucky enough to bring in others who are out on the scene like Topspin and Supreme!  GEMS gets the sports fans. . . We salute the masses of loyal fans that come to Pioneer Square for the free Sunday (football) parking and through the rain and snow, keep the bar stools warm and are smiling regardless of another _________ season. (Yes--you fill in the blanks!)  GEMS outfits the beautiful nightlife of Seattle. We got great bars and clubs in this 'hood. While the ladies stream the town on any given weekend night in their stilettos, we have the right look for all the guys. We got styles that truly dress to impress. Your ride. . . Well you are on your own.  

How do you see your company 5 years from now?
I would be lying if I gave you that “inspiring” answer like, “The future is unlimited” or “We can do anything we set our minds to.” Do you think a bank would give me a loan for that answer?! Of course I have a plan. . .a five year, a ten year and the retirement plan. The answer however will reveal itself as it becomes the history in the cobblestones of Pioneer Square.   I want to see GEMS Sneakershop continually be BETTER then today, but I want to retain some of the things we are best known for: 
-Individuality-We bring in the brands that we believe are really “IT” in the fashion, and footwear world of trends. Some you want to get because you see them in a magazine, in bigger cities, but we also bring in the New Kid on the Block Brand so you can investigate your own individual style and pick a style that works FOR YOU and not anyone else.
-Experience- I want to be “HERE” in five years. Now, this doesn’t mean I can’t change or expand, but this I am committed that this will never change. When you come in now, you are a friend. I love the people here. . .they come eat their lunch at GEMS on break, come get some hot music downloads for me, talk about the latest trends or fashion scenes. I want you to buy what works for YOU not what works for me.

What designers/brands have you been following for this year and why?
I have been following designers and brands who are adding pages to their history and making major movements in Fashion to promote individuality, function and style-
Alexander McQueen-We are so lucky to carry the PUMA Blackstation collaboration with Alexander McQueen in the store. He continually finds way to change the game in men’s fashion and truly become a leader in his field.
Arbitrage-“ At the heart of the Arbitrage philosophy is the belief that a man must capitalize on opportunities and take calculated risks in order to be successful.” This New York company showcases the works of Alan Chen. He was the first to come up with the hooded button-down dress shirt and is creating a special cut and sew for GEMS coming soon!
Penfield-Since 1975, they have been creating the authentic outdoor apparel out of Hudson Massachusetts. The clothing is engineered to with stand the climate in New England, but the brand was on hiatus for about 10 years but came back in Europe. Since the “return” in 2005 in Europe and 2007-2008 in the states, they are getting back to what they are known for~unique collaborations and quality.
Cause-Hiroaki Masuda is bringing a new twist on the classic silhouette. They had a huge 2008, but I am waiting to see what they do in 2009 in terms of acclimating to the changes in fashion and the business.

WWW.GEMSSNEAKERSHOP.COM

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN VEGAS?

2009-03-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

NOTHING. IN FACT, THE RECESSION HIT HARD IN THE CITY OF SIN; I FOUND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SPEND MONEY ON 15 DOLLAR DRINKS AND 20 DOLLAR COVERS. I FOUND OUT THAT PEOPLE ARE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES WHEN WALKING OUT OF GUCCI WITH A PURCHASE. I FOUND OUT THAT HAVING A 4 BEDROOM TRACK HOME DEVELOPED IN A DRIED UP VALLEY IS NOT REALLY A HAPPY INVESTMENT. I FOUND OUT THAT MY COUSIN'S NEIGHBOR FORECLOSED THEIR PROPERTY AND THE CUL-DE-SAC COMMUNITY BECAME SCAVENGERS. IT ALWAYS TAKES 50 MINUTES TO GET TO ANYWHERE YOU WANT BECAUSE THE CITY'S FREEWAY SYSTEM DOES NOT ACTUALLY INTERSECT THE CITY BUT RUNS AROUND IT. I FOUND OUT THAT IT IS STILL OKAY TO PURCHASE AN SUV FOR LOOKS WHILE STRUGGLING TO PAY FOR EXPENSES BY WORKING 3 JOBS. I FOUND IT HARD TO FIND A RADIO STATION THAT DOESN'T PLAY THE SAME HIP HOP SONG 4 TIMES IN ONE HOUR. I REALIZED THAT MY COUSIN'S DAUGHTER'S FRIEND JULIA IS A RACIST AND HER PARENTS TAUGHT HER THAT A BLACK MAN SHOULD NOT BE IN THE WHITE HOUSE BECAUSE IT IS A WHITE HOUSE.
WHY DID I NOT TAKE A BUTT LOAD OF PICTURES?

COLIN @ IDLM

2009-03-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

I DONT LIKE MONDAYS IS AN ONLINE FASHION BOUTIQUE, BORN IN A WAREHOUSE LOFT IN NEW YORK CITY. FOUNDED BY COLIN TALBOT AND DEAN RODGERS, BOTH WITH A BACKGROUND IN FASHION AND VISUAL ARTS, THE COMPANY BEGAN AS AN IDEA TO CREATE & SELL HANDMADE GRAPHIC T-SHIRTS. JOINED BY RIKA FUKUSHIMA, IDLM HAS EVOVLED INTO A PLATFORM TO SHOWCASE UP-AND-COMING FASHION DESIGNERS OF TODAY TO AN INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A SUCCESSFUL COMPANY?
YOU HAVE TO HAVE A GOOD GUT INSTINCT, BECAUSE YOU NEED TO TAKE RISKS BUT ALSO KNOW WHEN TO PLAY SAFE. DEFINITELY DON’T SPEND BEYOND YOUR MEANS. AND REALIZE IT’S ALWAYS A BALANCING ACT BETWEEN GETTING ENOUGH EXPOSURE TO KEEP THE CASH COMING IN BUT TO ALSO MAINTAIN SOMEWHAT “UNDERGROUND” SO AS NOT TO BECOME OVER SATURATED AND QUICKLY PASSÉ.

WHICH DESIGNERS DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?
I’M CURRENTLY VIBING ON MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA! HIS PLAY ON PROPORTIONS AND STRUCTURAL CONCEPTS WERE OUTSTANDING FOR FALL 09. JOHN GALLIANO WAS ALSO TOP NOTCH. HE MAKES MENSWEAR MASCULINE YET PLAYFUL AND HIS RUNWAY LOOKS ARE ALWAYS SO IMPECCABLY STYLED, THEY SEEM LIKE CHARACTERS FROM A FANTASY BUT IF YOU SEPARATE THE PIECES YOU’LL FIND EACH INCREDIBLY WEARABLE.

WHAT FASHION MAGAZINES INFLUENCES YOUR COMPANY?
METAL, PURPLE, LOVE, DAZED & CONFUSED, BUTT, U MAG, THE LAST MAGAZINE, ETC.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO OTHER SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS THAT CAN HELP SUSTAIN THEIR COMPANY DURING AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN?
LIKE I SAID ABOVE, DON’T SPEND BEYOND YOUR MEANS, BE METICULOUS WITH YOUR ACCOUNTING RECORDS, BE PREPARED TO WORK VERY HARD FOR VERY LITTLE PAY, AND PUT YOUR SOCIAL LIFE ON HOLD. BUT IF YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO, NONE OF THIS SHOULD BE VERY HARD TO STICK TO.

VIEW I DONT LIKE MONDAYS @ IDONTLIKEMONDAYS.US FOR NEW ARRIVALS FROM DESIGNERS SUCH AS ALEXANDER WANG, MELISSA, AND OTHERS

CASEY CURRAN @ IMA GALLERY

2009-03-02T22:13:00.000-08:00

CASEY CURRAN SEA LIFE SERIES MIXED MEDIA/WIRE

Q + A
YOUR KINETIC SCULPTURES ALLOW YOUR VIEWERS TO INTERACT PHYSICALLY. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK. HOW DOES YOU CONCEPT RELATE TO YOUR AUDIENCE?

WHAT RECENT MOVEMENTS HAVE YOU BEEN FOLLOWING?

AS A SCULPTOR, WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST AMBITION?

WHAT DO YOU HATE ABOUT BEING AN ARTIST?

SERIES IS NOW ON DISPLAY @
GALLERY IMA
123 SOUTH JACKSON STREET
SEATTLE WASHINGTON 98104