One of my highlights of my New York trip thus far was getting a chance to meet one on one with Richard Haines aka Designer Man. I connected with Richard via email a few months ago from reading his blog – “What I Saw Today.” Think The Sartorialist but Richard takes it one step further by applying his God given talent of illustration. I think there is so much more that comes out when you’re drawing a subject then simply taking a photograph, don’t get me wrong, I very much love The Sartorialist but I think what Richard does is on another level. It was great to hear his story about working in fashion design and how his blog has now caused a great deal of commotion. I hope to collaborate with Richard this year on some project. Let’s see…

It hailed a bit in the morning. Nothing beats an overcast day then snow in New York.

Finally had a chance to catch up with Robert Hamada and Hunter (Seed Gives Life). Robert just got back from Paris and he’s been busy hustling in NY. I saw his new book and the new shots looks amazing. I think moving to New York was a good look for him. Hunter I knew from a distance in LA but it seems he’s also deep in the mix working on several projects. It was great enjoying some whiskey and having deep conversations about pop culture that later led into a conspiracy theory angle. Trust me it all makes sense.

Oh and afterwards Robert challenged us all to a game of Big Buck Hunter. Naturally he won.

Yeah we know that these days everyone seems to have their own agency. Yet the difference is some get work, others get real work. I connected with Dan Ravine again at his SakissianMason office. Everything about this place spoke to me. From the layout of its offices to its conference room to its waiting area. Everything was designed and precise. Dan of course looked dapper wearing Thom Browne from head to toe. He is Chief Strategic Officer at SarkissianMason and he knows a thing or two about world trends in all facets of our culture.  I had a very good conversation with Dan and it gave me a fresh perspective in regards to what I need to do in my career path.

Rolled out to Kid Robot HQ with Josh and connected with Brennan and Chad. Kid Robot is a force to reckon with. They really created a niche for themselves in the American market and they continue to collaborate with artists in creating collectible art. I got a kick out of the waiting sofar chairs. Recently Kid Robot has been working in the high fashion realm, working with Visionaire on creating designer end toys. Peep the Gucci. It’s legit.

I now officially have 1,111 friends. I guess I won’t be posting about facebook for a minute until I reach 2,222 friends…ha! Ok add me if ya want. Let’s connect!

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Rolled out to Lil Frankie’s and met up with Suchin, Josh and Sky. Funny thing is Angelo was telling us about Lil Frankie’s earlier today. The food was really good. Everything here was on point. Josh had a lot of stories to tell and Suchin was relentless with her jabs and sly remarks. It’s great having dinner where sometimes the content of the conversation is equal if not better than the meal. In tonight’s case, it was on par on both elements. New York is a great city.

I’m back in New York. It’s not as cold as I thought it would be. Met up with Angelo (Supreme) and grabbed some lunch. Always good swapping stories and hearing whats been going on in the city.

While in Pittsburgh, I had a chance to visit the Andy Warhol Museum. Who would’ve known that Andy was born in Steel town. In many ways it all makes sense, with constraint comes great creativity. To see Warhol’s work in the context of being in the city and being surrounded by its inhabitants brought new light and an intense new respect for the man. I didn’t know the full expanse of Warhol’s work until today. I learned all sorts of interesting factoids. The fact that Warhol was making $50,000 dollars in 1958, an income that is heard of at that time. Warhol also left $220,000,000.00 when he died in 1987. He was a genius when it came to business.

One of my favorite exhibits was a room of Silver Clouds. Interacting with these objects was an experience in itself.

One can observe what Warhol did in the past and you still see his influence. Care for monoflauge anyone? A tip of the hat to Warhol from Murakami and Louis V, maybe a not so original afterall. The Keith Haring elephant was an amazing piece as well. Warhol was a true visionary. This was a treat of a lifetime!

Pittsburgh loves their Steelers. LIke a religious ceremony, the crowd was bustling in yellow and black, they walked in droves toward the ferry that would give them passage to their stadium. I was still hurting from last night. So I did what most people would do…I drank some more.

Christian and Aaron were there, their family came out in full effect. This was one tailgate party for the records books. You could really feel the sense of community in this town, Pittsburghers love their town and their team. This city really represents the backbone of what America is all about, good folks with open hearts and a willingness to thoroughly enjoy their life. I went to Pittsburgh not knowing what to expect and I left with a part of my heart in that dear city. Thank you again Pittsburgh! You have a new fan.