July 14th, 2009
While we were in Venice last month, we had a chance to grab lunch with Micah Cohen, the founder and designer behind L.A.-based menswear label Shades of Greige (pronounced /gr?zh/). Cohen launched the line two years ago, at the age of 26, and Shades has become a must-have staple in stores and closets alike ever since. The clothes are a fresh, modern-take on menswear basics and wardrobe staples: knit cardigans, button-down shirts and tailored jackets made-over with unique details and shapes (One of our favorite shirts this spring was a Shades funnel-neck plaid shirt with extra-long cuffs; and on the day we met him, Cohen was wearing his own Oxford shirt, which we loved for its narrow collar and buttons).
A fashion school graduate, Cohen started the line partly based out of frustration with finding nothing to wear. Tired of graffiti-print tees and over-embellished jeans, he set out to bring back classic, yet contemporary menswear that would outlast the trends while remaining affordable. The result is a collection that’s versatile enough to wear to a summer wedding, or all rolled up for a day at the beach.
In an industry where designers sometimes let their personalities overshadow their clothes, Cohen is the exact opposite — he’s laidback, soft-spoken and genuinely a nice guy. He played gracious host and tour guide after lunch, and even took the afternoon off to hang out with us at our Corduroy photoshoot with Brandon Boyd, who we later found out wore Shades of Greige in his latest music video. It was quite the coincidence. But then again, maybe we shouldn’t have been too surprised. It seems as though everyone is talking about Micah Cohen and Shades of Greige these days. And with his deft eye for menswear and the right attitude to match, it looks like they’ll continue talking — and shopping! — for a long time to come.
Shades of Greige is available in select stores and boutiques, including Revolve Clothing, Urban Outfitters and Oak (New York). And check out more photos of Micah in our gallery.
- TC
(photos by Peter Ash Lee)
Tags: Micah Cohen, Peter Ash Lee, Shades of Greige, Tim Chan
Posted in Fashion, Web Exclusives | 3 Comments »
June 18th, 2009
Oh how quickly they grow up! Just a year and a half after we first profiled them in Corduroy‘s premiere issue, siblings Ivan and Ada (better known as the Tiny Masters of Today) drop their sophomore album this week, entitled “Skeletons.” The album is pure power chords with a tinge of electronica, pop and punk. Though the Brooklyn-based duo is still in their teens (Ivan is 15 and Ada is 13), they sound well beyond their years, with a disc of raucous songs that thrill and excite as it propels towards the finish line. It’s just the kind of brash and bratty rock you’d want blaring from your speakers, albeit from a couple of young teen hipsters who are quickly making their presence known on the music scene. The two will be touring this summer in support of “Skeletons” so make sure to check out their MySpace page for more details and check out our gallery for photos and outtakes from our shoot with Tiny Masters.
- photo by Peter Ash Lee
Tags: Peter Ash Lee, Tiny Masters of Today
Posted in Music | No Comments »
April 23rd, 2009
Check out this spread on Corduroy and our creative director Peter Ash Lee in the latest issue of 2 Magazine — a fashion mag based out of Asia. Peter’s photo was shot by our good friend Bon Duke, and the interview was done by 2 Magazine’s Mitchell McCormack, who is also a dear friend and a great photographer. Click on the image below to enlarge.
Tags: Bon Duke, Peter Ash Lee
Posted in Magazine | No Comments »
April 22nd, 2009
Hemotology Study by Peter Ash Lee
We’re proud to be supporting a unique group show this Saturday here in New York, showcasing the contemporary works of nine different artists in various mediums. Taking place in a vacant apartment in the East Village, it’s the first collaboration from “AD Projects,” a group wishing to explore the different connotations of the phrase “after dark.”
Their choice to stage the show in a vacant apartment is integral to the show as it invites the viewer to interact with the pieces differently than in a conventional gallery setting. Small-scale sculptures are hidden in cabinets and nooks of the apartment, and one can open doors, climb ladders, and ascend staircases in order to experience the various works. The space encourages viewers to examine how art functions within a domestic atmosphere.
The works on view include photography, paintings, sculptures, videos, and installation art, all centered on themes of light versus dark, day versus night, work versus play and dream versus reality. Our very own creative director Peter Ash Lee is showing his suite of photographs that delves into the subculture of tattoo artists. By painting his own blood onto the photographs, Lee evokes the self-inflicted pain and bodily permanence left behind by a tattoo needle.
In addition to existing works on display, a site-specific installation by Aryon Hoselton entitled Island will take place during the evening. In Island Aryon repurposes plastic bags into hammocks which envelop visitors and blend them into the darkened downtown skyline.
If you’re in town, make sure to stop by. The show takes place this Saturday, April 25th from 8-11 pm at 254 East 3rd Street, Apt. #20.
Tags: Peter Ash Lee
Posted in Art, Events | No Comments »
April 13th, 2009
If you’re in New York tomorrow night, make sure to stop by the “Mentors” show at the School of Visual Arts Gallery on West 26th Street. Our very own creative director Peter Ash Lee is one of a number of artists showing their work, inspired from one-on-one “mentorships” with some of the leading creative-types in the city. The opening reception is tomorrow night from 6-8 pm. Check out the flyer for details and for a list of participating artists and mentors.
Tags: Peter Ash Lee, School of Visual Arts
Posted in Art, Events | No Comments »
