Souvenir Jacket/Skazan/Sukajan No. 1

Japanese Traditional Vintage souvenir jacket, J.Crew tee and chinos, Burberry Prorsum loafers, Ugo Cacciatori and Enrique Muthuan rings

Hello, everyone!  I am excited to share the first souvenir jacket in my collection.  After months of hunting them down here in New York, I had no luck finding ANYTHING.  It was in Seoul that I was finally able to acquire a few pieces.  This isn't the first one I bought but I definitely used it the most when I amassed my starter set.  They come in the most beautiful colors and fabrics, and they are delicate so scoring vintage ones in great condition is quite hard.  

For those who don't already know, souvenir jackets originated in Asian countries when occupying forces would visit local artisans to embroider traditional motifs onto their jackets as souvenirs while stationed abroad.  This originated in Japan in Yokosuka, and the jackets came to be known as "Yokosuka Jumpers," or Sukajyan for short.  In Korea, they are known as Skazan.  The jackets are normally reversible with one side being more intricately adorned.  Each design is embroidered directly into the silk, rayon, or polyester that is regularly used to build the garment.

Of course the first one I choose to show you is one sided and a XXXL, but it is the only non-reversible souvenir jacket I own so far.  I love how big this one is.  It is a great shape that reminds me of Juun. J, or even a boyfriend jacket.  The off-the-shoulder thing comes pretty natural because of the size, but it is also nice to shrug off when it gets hot but you don't want to put such a stain-magnet down at a bar or club.  And apparently I was really into the Mr. Peanut while shooting this so ignore my crossed legs.

As loud as these jackets can get, I am happy I was able to find one in more neutral hues.  The embroidery is so detailed.  When I saw the dragons on the sleeves and the back, I had to have it.  These bad boys can cost a pretty penny, but I was able to grab this one for around $60 USD after bartering with the shop people.  I love that you can bring down prices in Hongdae vintage shops.  That is a steal for this kind of jacket, in this condition, that is made in Japan.  More to come soon!

- jerome

Shut the Front Door

Burberry Prorsum shirt, Enrique Muthuan Ring, ph by La-La Land

I have an excellent talent for making derp faces for street style bloggers.  For whatever reason, I am constantly mid-sentence, more specifically mid-curse.  Here is a very good photo of me about to drop an F bomb.  This phenomenon gets even worse when I know the camera is about to go off.  I can see them adjust their focus, but then I have no idea what to do with my hands or my neck and I end up just looking at my phone.  Oh well.

- jerome

New York State of Mind

Hermès Shawl and bracelets, Mr. Business "Louvre" Trench, H&M x Comme des Garçons Shirt and Socks, J. Crew Pants, Burberry Prorsum Shoes 

Hello everyone, and happy new year!  I know it has been a while since I last blogged.  Moving to New York changed my life dramatically, and major changes in my schedule, life, and relationships made it a little difficult to document everything.  However, I am happy to report things are all positive and I am writing again!  My photography set-up still isn't in place (I haven't found a spot in my apartment that was quite as perfect as in San Francisco), but I will try and share some looks the best I can.  A special thank you to my talented friend Anthony Amadeo for shooting this.  My friends named Anthony are both coincidentally incredible photographers!  The day we shot this, I had on plenty of new inventory to share.

This gorgeous blue trench was a godsend from the Amacord Vintage Fashion SoHo store here in NYC.  It was produced by an Italian brand called Mr. Business some time during the 1970's-1980's (I think).  The jacket was deadstock when I purchased it with the original hang tags still attached.  What luck to be able to grab it in the original condition!  Vintage finds like this make me wonder what other beautiful gems can be found locked away somewhere untouched.  The color of the denim is still the original shocking blue it was decades ago, and the shape of the collar holds well because of the fabrication.  Bonus: the hang tag says the coat is called the "Louvre."  

Rabbit Ring by Kasukobo Japan, Sea Urchin Ring by Ugo Cacciatori, 

Pendant Rings by Enrique Muthuan

My love affair with Hermès continues with their hand rolled cashmere and silk shawls.  The blend of these fibers makes them soft and comfortable to wear in different temperatures.  There are so many great options for colors and prints on each 56" x 56" canvas.  The color way of this particular shawl called "Couvertures et Tenues de Jour" was a very popular edition, selling out instantly because it was featured in the collection's catalogue.  When I saw it on eBay at the end of the season, I pounced (over paying just a little...).  Regrettably my sales associate called me a few hours later to tell me they had received the last one in the country and my head exploded.  Upon reflection, it was worth every penny to secure the piece.  I bought it just before moving to New York, and it has kept me warm in this new, frosty climate.

There are new editions to my ring collection including another gorgeous creation by Ugo Cacciatori.  The design is based on a sea urchin, another example of his re-occurring ocean theme.  Intricate details make me appreciate how much work went into the casting process.  The two pendant rings are by the Brooklyn based, Argentinian-lawyer-turned-designer Enrique Muthuan.  I first discovered him by chance at a fashion week party 2 years ago.  Tobias Sorensen was sporting some major jewels and I asked him where he got them.  Fast forward to Christmas 2012 when I was wandering the Holiday Market in Union Square, and there was Enrique with his own booth and an impressive spread of his inspiring work.  These two pendant rings spoke to me immediately.  The Virgin Mary is one of my favorite icons in any culture or language in which she manifests.  I think the other ring is Joan of Arc.  I have to confirm this with Enrique, but there is a soldier riding on a horse, so it is a fair assumption.  He has so many more pieces but I am so critically broke and I cannot choose!  Check out Enrique Muthuan's website for more information and his online store!  I love anything in solid 925.

I will try and post new things as they come along, but being the unpaid intern that I am, it will not be much.   As Anthony A. was shooting me in front of the Flatiron building, there was a busload of toursits unloading around us - which is probably why the best full shot of me was during a derp face.  Hopefully I find the right set up in a more private space like before, but OMG YOU GUYS I LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY.  It's been too long, I missed you.

- jerome