CASSETTES: The Reunion

CLICK THE PICTURES TO GO TO THE WHOLE SET
"Remember when Thursdays were FUN in SF? Remember when we all packed the Matador on dirty ass Market St. every week in a sweaty mess and got down to top 40 hip hop for hours on end? Remember those nights where it was weird if somebody didn't leave bleeding...if you didn't go around the corner to the alley to slam a Sparks...if somebody didn't get sick on the dancefloor...if some dumb couple didn't get into a screaming match in front of everybody...if some bum didn't harass/threaten every single person smoking outside...if you remembered the name of the person you woke up next to the morning after. Ahhhhhhh the good ole days.

We remember those nights fondly, so much in fact, we are going to do it all again for one time only. That's right, a Cassette's reunion! The same cast of characters in the same bar on the same night getting wild to the same music. Lets relive those glory days for one night.

Hosted by NATE ALWAYS. These assholes throwin down the jams: ST. GABRIEL • MAMA HEN • UGLY NORWEGIAN • ELI GLAD. This jerk documenting it all: JEROME POUR HOMME. Thursday, Oct. 6 @ Showdown. Flier by IAN MYERS"




I left my heart in San Francisco at CASSETTES.



- jerome

Concrete Jungle

So I am back from New York. Returning to San Francisco is always refreshing no matter where I have traveled to, but I feel that the energy in New York keeps calling me back every time I have to leave. This last trip was quite the experience. New York fashion week is quite the marathon of air kissing and taxi hailing, meal forgetting and picture taking, door girls and all-nighters. My past experiences with Milan fashion week prepared me for almost nothing in NYC, or the people and cities themselves are quite different. I also did not have certain advantages that I did in Milan - Asian American Bloggers with cameras and current season runway pieces are apparently not so special in Manhattan. Soon to follow (once I find time away from work to unpack) will be coverage of the shows that I saw during NYFW. For now, enjoy some pictures of my friends at Le Bain at The Standard Hotel on our first night. It has been a while since I watched the sun come up with my best friends in one place.


Going out to clubs in NYC is a little obnoxious. There is always a line to bypass with the usual methods of name dropping, texting, and rolling with the right people. Personally, if I have to wait for more than 20 minutes to get into a party, it is not worth going to. Wasting my time in a line that seems to grow longer in front of me while knowing at the end there is still a power-drunk door bitch waiting to laugh at my RSVP is not my idea of a good time. Fashion week is packed with these kinds of parties. Did I mention I paid $100 for 6 cocktails? It was a little sad to see Brian Lichtenberg physically pushed back by a security guard as he, and other people invited to events, were denied for no reason. The fangirl in me totally freaked out at the sight of fashion celebs, and of course it is fun to be around them. However, I had the most fun roaming the streets and getting drinks with my friends (and friends of friends) at bars where the door girl is only there to check IDs. My biggest gripe is that people in New York (ESPECIALLY THE QUEENS) do not care about being nice. I am too much of a Filipino/California Girl to give a shit about getting in to be seen anywhere, and I hope I never lose that.

- jerome

Party Girl

Photo from Esquire Mag
Tonight is the birthday of an "infamous party girl" in San Francisco. Which happens every month really. The funny thing about the small city of SF is that there are very small degrees of separation. Thus, when party people combine their birthdays into a celebration known as "The Every Mother Fucker You Know Party," it is an inevitable shit show. I just hope no one dies, and I end up on top like Tina Fey in that brilliant editorial for Esquire.

- jerome

The Blind Barber

Shirt by OAK NYC, Pants by Uniqlo, Harness by Zana Bayne AW2011

Here is me looking like I have just been tazed, when really I am just drinking on a Tuesday night and photographed from a very unflattering angle. I love when things are two things at once. The Blind Barber in New York is a barber shop by day, and a pretty sweet bar by night. They have rare tequilas, super smokin' bartenders (but what bars in NYC don't?), and an awesome set list. I had some good times here with Anthony and Ethan. Apparently they do photo booths a little differently. Thanks to Nicky Digital, I had the pleasure of re-living the very little that I can hardly remember from the night in stop motion. Check out the video by clicking any of these screen captures (we are around the 0.40 mark).



I love these pictures. They make me feel like I have a social life again! It was so lovely those warm nights. I wish that it could happen in SF, where I don't need to worry about bringing a jacket with me everywhere. Undoubtedly, we deserve and Indian summer. Stay warm, SF.

- jerome

I Love New York

Here are a few highlights from my trip to New York. I realized that lugging around a camera in the 98-110 degree humidity was not my favorite thing in the world, so I didn't take as many pictures as I really should have. But I did some work while I was there and the final cuts will be posted as soon as they are able to be published. I am going back in September for fashion week, and seriously considering moving. These are a few of my favorite things from this past week (in no particular order):

1. Seeing "Alexander McQueen - Savage Beauty" at The Met with Krse Six and Anthony Deeying 2. 5 Hour rooftop photoshoot in Brooklyn in a record breaking 110 DEGREES!! 3. Catching up with the one and only Zana Bayne 4. Hanging out with Ethan
If you haven't seen the Savage Beauty exhibit at The Met, I highly suggest you go now. The exhibit moved all of us to tears for different reasons; for some it is an overload of genius, and for others it was a deep sadness that no one will ever replace the late, great Alexander McQueen. It was fun to experience it with Krse, the dark heart agent who truly could appreciate the artistry. I had the pleasure of art directing a shoot with Anthony. Unfortunately, it was a bajillion degrees outside and the location was on a rooftop. I did like the heat, but I made sure everyone wore sun block. I pulled exclusively from Zana Bayne, so harness tan lines had to be avoided! Seeing Zana always brings me back to when we were young, running around San Francisco with feathers, eyeliner, and brown bagged bottles of whiskey. She gave me a preview of her new collection, pieces which I couldn't help purchasing. The pentagram harness I am wearing here is a one-of-a-kind piece made from navy leather. I feel so special!! And speaking of old friends, I finally got to have some quality face time with my oldest friend in the world, Ethan. I think I was about 15 or 16 when we first started talking. Over the following decade, Ethan has been a diary of sorts, and vice versa. We did some shopping, had an amazing dinner, and hung out like we have been doing so all our lives. Did I mention it was our first time meeting in person?

(Regrettably) Not pictured are my sweet times with my good friend Ali Cohen, an authentic home-made Puerto Rican feast with the Malave Family in Brooklyn, moving and grooving to a flawless set by SF transplant LXNDR at The Darkroom, shopping with my gaysian Matthew, the giant chalice/cauldron/scorpion punch bowl of alcohol at The Standard, and cocktails at the Blind Barber. I love New York and the old friends that live there. Moving sounds like the next step in my life, and it would be a major life-changing decision to go through with it. Is this what being a grown up feels like?

- jerome

The Last Supper

1. Marcus Leung, Buyer for Acrimony SF 2. Nida Thaingtham, Model 3. Krse Six, Black Plastica 4. Jeremy Forson, Visual Artist 5. Jerome Pour Homme 6. Trevor True, Muse 7. Anthony Deeying, Photographer 8. Erin Frederick, Stylist 9. Ali Cohen, Agent at Ford Models SF
I wanted to celebrate my quarter life crisis 25th birthday by having a small, intimate, interactive dinner. What started out as your typical "I have hella Asian friends and we all love hot pot" dinner became THE LAST SUPPER OF MY EARLY 20s. It was a joke at first, but when we were "cooking" up ideas and locations for the night, we settled on Anthony's studio. A few weeks later the backdrop was set up, dinner was served, and the final product revealed. I was gunning for 12 apostles, but this group of 9 was perfect. I don't know a Judas (Jud-ah-ahs), and I can assure you I am no Jesus. But at least now you can put names to faces :)


Dinner was delicious. Marcus happens to be the master at throwing hot pot dinners. Make sure you host hot pot dinners in a well ventilated room. There was a brief period of spicy air that filled the studio that made our eyes water. Whatever, the smell made my mouth water even more. We had one spicy pot and one regular, with beef, pork, tofu, spinach, mushrooms, and other greens and fungus to cook. I highly recommend it. Aside from the fish balls, even my gluten-free partner Jeremy and friend Erin could eat everything. This was such a fun way to get together and celebrate with friends without going to a bar or the same restaurants.


Also, the Birkin Summit was held at my birthday party. Pictured are my 35cm Bleu de Malt Clemence, Anthony's 40cm Noir Togo, Erin's 40cm Gris Tourterelle Togo, and Ali's 35cm Noir Togo Birkins. DANG. I wish I had taken more pictures of my guests and the food, but we were all having such a good time that we honestly just forgot.

I suppose I am not that old. However, some days later while I was at work it randomly hit me that I am in my mid 20s. I almost fell off a step ladder. Goodbye, early 20s! In your honor, there was a glorious celebration and artistic photographic evidence. Here is to another year of fun, style, and blogging. Something to look forward to: My next birthday is my Magic/Golden birthday (I am turning 26 and was born on the 26th) and I have all year to think of the next photo inspiration... so far I am thinking Botticelli's Birth of Venus??

- jerome

Refinery 29 San Francisco Launch Party

Last night was the Refinery 29 San Francisco Launch party. I am so excited that my beloved city now has its own edition! Refinery 29 is one of my favorite online style sites, keeping me up to date on news and deals. Things just got local :)

Man do the folks at R29 know how to throw a party! It was so much fun I didn't have time to take too many pictures - what with all the dancing and debauchery.


UPDATE: Offical photos from the party HERE.

- jerome

VINCE. and 944 Fall 2010 Preview

OMG Knits! I always know the holidays are upon us when I go to a party straight after work with an umbrella in my bag, worried the rain will come and kicking myself for not going with the trench coat option. Such was the case last night at 944 Magazine's event at the VINCE. store in San Francisco. Just a block away from Union Square, the VINCE. Fall 2010 collection was showcased to a number of private clients in-store. My top pick of the night was the flannel shirt in the same plaid seen on the VINCE. blazer featured in Vogue Hommes Japan (try to spot it in the screen shot here, second model from the left). The blazer I speak of was not there, but it easly could have been behind one of the guests. I am one for knits, separates, and relaxed American sportswear - and open bar and free sushi! I did not know what to expect from the crowd, so it was a delight to spot some great street fashion pieces.

TOP TRENDS OF THE NIGHT: Leopard and Metal


After the party I went to go get greasy Thai food with a fellow Gaysian Fashion Mafia Officer, Anthony, and Bodyguard his personal trainer. I think I will hire him next year to stay on top of my New Year's resolution of getting healthier. But this has not happened yet so I had BBQ Pork fried rice in front of him. With a fried egg on top. We met a few young ladies with hearts of gold along the way. Ironically one of them had a dog named Jerome, which made it really easy for her to jot down my URL. They really reminded me I am searching for a chainmail top and a pair of leopard loafers.



- jerome

p.s. Brands or bands with punctuation at the end of their names are such a nightmare to write about. All caps is enough, dude.

Nasty Looks

CHECK OUT HER LOOKBOOK, ALL OF IT IS NASTY
Online fit gallery LOOKBOOK.nu and vintage purveyor Nasty Gal joined forces to throw one helluva shindig at the Space Gallery in San Francisco. It's been a while since I attended a party where everyone looks like a 10, but when two online fashion super forces put on an event IRL, you better bring your A-Game if you want some props. Literally. Hype stickers simulated the online rating system. Think vintage high fashion in a dark, dirty bar. So San Francisco. Check out both websites for inspiration and shopping. Check out more photos from the party here!! Happy Hyping.

The Nasty Gal Team

The heat is back in San Francisco and I cannot wait to start wearing some shorts!! I went a little overboard with the popsicles today, but I figure boxes of those are always good to have. I have been working like a maniac, which explains my lack of updates, but the beautiful weather means better lighting for photos :) Stay tuned!!


- jerome

One Day, I Met Christopher Bailey

In the fashion world, you deal with A LOT OF PERSONALITY. There are egos to pad, toes to avoid stepping, and plenty of poker-faces to play when you want to speak to the right people. It is easy to develop an attitude when there are crowds of fans whispering your name, eager to meet the famous you... especially when YOU are the chief creative officer for one of the world's largest luxury brands, and the recipient of countless accolades in the fashion industry including the CFDA's International Designer of the Year Award. The average man might have an incredibly inflated self-esteem from such accomplishments. Luckily, Christopher Bailey is an exception to the rule, and one of the most humble people I have ever met.


I met Bailey during the launch party for Burberry Beauty, the first cosmetics line released by the brand. There were samples of foundation, lip gloss, shadows, and the rest of the beauty range, designed to be the finishing touch for the "Burberry girl." The packaging is really fresh: a simple etched check motif decorates the metallic covers and faces of each product.

Burberry Beauty now available Online and at select Nordstrom locations
The intimate event was attended by a choice crowd of socialites and high-profile clients. It was brief but I was satisfied after talking to Christopher (saying that I talked to CB hasn't gotten old yet) if not for the simple fact that there was no shortage of aggressive people seizing the opportunity to speak to the face of Burberry. It was such a relief to meet such a praised powerhouse in the industry who is full of talent and energy, but remains grounded and sincere when speaking to his colleagues and audience. I mean, how am I supposed to respond when CB asks how I'm doing? Apparently, "I'm very well and honored to meet you." I asked him what was next for men's Prorsum, but he said he hasn't begun work on A/W yet. I'm not surprised considering his schedule but I was delighted when he confirmed my suspicions about punk being an influence for the SS2011 collection. As his fierce PR team lead him from person to person I noticed his efforts to give full attention to whomever he was conversing with and obliged all requests for photos. There was a moment when Bailey was pulled aside from the fray to take press shots for the event. He politely excused himself and nervously tried to find his own angles without a jaded bone in his body. He seemed slightly fidgety and self-conscious - AS ANY NORMAL HUMAN BEING WOULD/SHOULD REACT.

Trench by Burberry, Shirt by Uniqlo, Khakis by J.Crew, Bag by Louis Vuitton, Vintage Boots and Sunglasses
Meeting Christopher Bailey was special for me; he is not just a celebrity, but an artist I respect and whose career I have followed with great passion. I still don't know what to expect from Burberry in the future. The brand is a purveyor for apparel, shoes, accessories, and fragrance (for men, women, and children), and now cosmetics. It is a little intimidating (or uplifting depending on how you view it) to see such growth from a fashion house in this economy. Whatever the next move is, I am comfortable with being a faithful client to the brand because I know it is in the hands of one of the good guys.

- jerome

The Seventh Heart is A.OK

San Francisco's finest gathered at twilight to celebrate the opening of a new pop-up store for New York's A.OK. I was surprised and elated to see many faces from the past, reminding me just how fast city life can be no matter what side of the country you're on. I realized that I have met a lot of people through a mutual love for fashion and art and even though communication is sometimes lost, all it takes is one evening to reconnect. There was a wonderful mixture of boys and girls and gays; and as with any fashionable party, a whole lot of black.

The OAK name caught the attention of many fashion insiders but the product seen at The Seventh Heart, the charming host for the East/West collaboration, created a buzz that would allow A.OK to shine out on its own. The defining pieces from the collab collection were the message shirts using the brand's play-on-words namesake to rep both cities. The visual elements of these simple shirts speak clearly to the nature of both graphically driven brands. Other A.OK finds include tees and flannels to keep the SF boy well rounded for Spring.


There was quite a turn out for the event. It was as if someone new had just arrived, right until the very end of the night. The sheer volume of people in attendance was enough to call the night a success, never mind the significant collaboration that was the "guest" of honor. This is the first of multiple A.OK pop-ups across the nation, but I am happy that the first is in the city by the bay.

A huge hug and kiss to The Seventh Heart and A.OK!!
Click here to view more pictures from the opening party, as well as accessory highlights, the product of my leather goods obsession and TTT (Tommy Ton Tendencies).



- jerome