Inquiringmind & The City of Angels aka LA
It’s been a minute since we went on a trip with the team and its been a minute since we made our way to LA (last time was Summer ‘06). A lot has changed since then, but after constant back and forth regarding the West Coast and a few road bumps along they way, we finally made it. We decided to go to Los Angeles in June (although nobody warned us about the weather and the self titled ‘June Gloom’) and pack up the schedule while we were out there. So from that Friday up until we left the following Thursday, we were ready to handle our biznass.
It’s the beginning of Summer and it is shortly before midnight. Although Toronto was fog induced that night, we were still ready to roll on our road trip to Buffalo Airport.
If we are located in Toronto, why fly out of Buffalo? Simple:
YYZ to LAX - $520.00 or BNIA to LAX - $220.00
If you didn’t know, Toronto’s YYZ is one of, if not the most expensive airport surpassing even Tokyo, New York and London. But for us, it does not hurt being less than 2 hours away from the very affordable Buffalo Airport.
Just before we hit the US border, we had to make a quick pit-stop at the Duty Free. When you got bottles of Whiskey, Rum and Scotch at prices starting from $14.00, why not? Gotta keep it toasty while we’re out there.
Ad for Jetblue.com?
Greg Washington aka Jeedub aka Best Canadian Designer aka Stand UP!
Friday. Buffalo International Airport @ 3:30 am. Is it just me or is BNIA airport nicer than JFK?
Meet Paolo, he came on board late ‘07 as Greg’s intern and has steadily worked hard to become our Jr. Designer. Hard working kid whose work you will see more of in the coming months. He enjoys photography - both film and digital - design, type fonts and he believes almost everything you tell him. Hang out with him sometime and you’ll get a good laugh, he got jokes!
4:45 am and we’re waiting to board our flight to Philadelphia and then to LAX.
Waiting…
There are a few things one would need while on a flight: Freshly stocked iPod/iPhone/iTouch, a Blackberry for some note taking on the go and of course, some good, old fashion reading material.
Keeping it busy. 8:00 am calls on the airport shuttle bus. 8 minute call = $ 10.80 Thank you Rogers Wireless, you are officially the devil.
Tints provided by Mosely Tribes.
PHL connecting to LAX.
Post Production while 10,000 feet in the air.
Los Angeles, California - good to see you again.
Paolo was a last minute addition to the trip so we had to wait until his flight arrived. In the meantime we decided to have a ‘USA mini breakfast’ - mini burgers @ Burger King with a Coke and Fries to spare.
Google Phone? Check. Cell Phone? Check. Blackberry? Check. In his back pocket you can find his laptop, power bar and some bootleg DVD’s hot off the press from Spadina (Chinatown Toronto).
Plug in cue: Line up courtesy of one of the hardest working barber in the game. J-Mac of Get Faded.
Meet Ric aka Erth1 aka Secret Empire aka Inqmnd LA/US affiliate. Been working with him the past few months but it was only until our trip where we had the first ‘in person’ meet and greet. Weird how emails, aim and convos over the phone help bridge the gap nowadays.
Our first stop over was at Alpinestars, a big player in the motocross industry. Our friend, Chris Hull formerly of Freshjive reached out to us to pass by the office and touch base on a few things. We have worked with Chris and Freshjive dating all the way back to the Spring ‘07 Buyble. Recently he left FJ and has planted his feet at Alpinestars to help bridge their action sport market with our lifestyle market.
The Apex Initiative is the new division that Chris will be heading up @ AS. Its purpose is to help infuse a lifestyle “niche” within the Alpinestars brand. Debuting recently at the Agenda Tradeshow, it sounds like there will be a lot to expect from Chris and his camp. We’ll definitely be on the lookout with what’s to come. Thank you for having us Chris!
Chris bringing us up to speed with the Research and Development behind the brand as well as showcasing the quality within its current product line. Very impressive.
After our meeting, we headed down Hollywood to settle in and un-pack the bags. We’ve officially been up for more than 24 hours, so this part was highly anticipated. Juuust a little.
Something to take note: Along the way we probably heard this track blasted in at least 6 cars. Whose the artist? I think you heard of him. On another note, I wonder who made the decision to exclude a certain somebody off this here cover. Ouch! Playing ‘Magazine Cover Nostradamus’ is always tough. A lot of times, it leads to proclamations such as this. Never a good look. Ha.
Saturday. Day One. We checked our good friend, Sir Matt George aka United Front aka Pastelle aka El Presidente. He graciously whipped us up some breakfast at his pad on Sunset Blvd. I know, right? Looks gangster. After taking over the footwear and apparel game in Canada and now flexing his muscles in the US of A (pause), look out for ‘Sir Matt George Breakfast & Dining’ franchises to open up in LA, Chicago and very soon ATL. From Retail to Culinary. Game Over. Follow him on twitter for an announcement soon. Ha!
The view from MG’s driveway / downward hill.
Location # 1. On sight at our first photo shoot and interview 10am on Encino Blvd.
Location # 2. Follow the leader.
Take a wild guess.
Inquiringmind.
Man of the hour and his whip.
First meal of the day before location # 3. Ric took us to Casa Vega for some Mexican food. First Hollywood sighting: Sat across Vivica A. Fox and Avril Lavgine as we munched on some Nachos and Salsa. Ha.
Being from the East Coast and comparing it to the West Coast, one thing we took notice is how laid back and nonchalant it is, especially on the road. Driver’s are not in a hurry in comparison to Toronto where you will find driver’s bobbing and weaving through traffic. Maybe it’s because of the sun and palm trees? Who would want to rush through that sight? Beats snow, slush and smog all day.
Location # 3. Hollywood High. Waiting patiently, ready to go.
Rolling with the LA homies, Ric and DJ Mike Danger (far right). You remember him, don’t you? If not, refresh your memory.
Doing what we do best. Speak to the ‘Chi.
You know times are tough when you will do almost anything to make a dollar.
While driving in downtown, we came across a block which had “the biggest sale in the world”.
After we wrapped up our biznass, we decided to catch a drink at the rooftop of Standard Hotel. “A henny and sprite, please?”
Sunday. Day 2. Stuntin’ on Hollywood Hills before we make our way.
Location # 4. We met up with the very talented Mr. Dave Kinsey (good looking out Ace!) where he showed us around his studio and the work he is currently working on.
Thank you for having us sir.
Catfish and Chips. Gangster. One of the best we ever had. Sorry Vancouver.
Headed back to Downtown LA for our next interview and ’shoot.
Location # 5. We met with an individual who has, in our opinion, helped fuse Hip Hop together with mainstream advertising. We’re not talking about Hip Hop in advertising in 2009 (which is already a given), we’re talking about Hip Hop in advertising more than 15 years ago. One of the most insightful conversations we had in our short history. This one is going to be a treat.
Monday. Day # 3. Los Angeles Chinatown.
Folks, meet Garmin. She was the sole reason why we did not get lost in this mess called ‘LA traffic’. Almost like the girlfriend we never had, never late and always on time, minus the arguments. We’ll never forget you. Ha!
What!?!?
Mexican Breakfast ‘Ma.
Hit the road en route to San Diego to meet an old friend to talk shop.
Axio HQ.
Location # 6. We went to Axio where Bob Haro and Company hosted us for the afternoon to chop it up and show us what they got coming up in the pipeline. Good looking out, Bob, Markham and Julius!
This is historic folks. Bob Haro showcased his FIRST BMX bike, ever!
Back to Downtown, LA.
Tuesday. Day # 4. Downtown LA to Hollywood.
Why can’t people in Toronto sell cherry’s on the side of the road during hot summer days?
Location # 7. We passed by the Stussy Design offices to check out their quarters and at the same time, we sat down with Paul Mittleman of Stussy.
We had a small window of opportunity to check out the shops and walk around the city before our next ’shoot and interview.
Location # 8. The Last Laugh.
Location # 9. Pastelle, Head office.
MTL to Hollywood Hills. He plays a big part with what comes out of a certain camp.
Wanted an In-N-Out burger (PAUSE!) while we were out there, but shit, they didn’t wear any gloves while making the food?!?! The dude in the production line was sweating it out breaking up the lettuce with his bear hands, then wiping the grease on the counter, back to breaking up the lettuce. All within 12 seconds. Nah b, we ain’t having that.
Location # 10. As the week wore on, our day’s got busier as we worked from AM to PM. One of the gift and the curses of doing interview and photo shoots off the fly is when the sun goes down, once that happens, we are left with few choices where to ’shoot. Thankfully, Ric spotted a location where there it was well lit. Ain’t hard to tell who this individual is, but beyond his music, he had some insightful words to throw in the mix.
Wednesday. Day 5 . Final Day. Location # 11. One of the most straight up and good people we have met in this industry is Dennis Calvero of Crooks and Castles. We have been working with him since ‘05 back during our HTML days. Its nice to see good things happen to good people. Here we are at C&C newest shop on Sunset Boulvard. Believe you me, their camp is keeping it busy. From meetings, to new shops, to the next line (which was 3-4 racks deep, if I’m not mistaken?) it’s looking good for the crew from Cerritos, CA. Congrats to Dennis, Emil and the entire crew!
Can’t Stop the Crooks.
Location # 12. Just around the corner from the Sunset Blvd. C&C shop, we were invited to The Mosely Tribes offices, where we touched base with Patrick who is the creative director of the sunglasses company. He showed us some of the new product line, the office and brought us up to speed with what they have on their plate. We’re excited to work together in the near future!
Location # 13. On our final stop of the trip, we made our way down to Venice Beach for our last ’shoot and interview before we had to head back to Toronto. We were excited about this one, but when we met them, these two gentlemen surpassed our expectations with their commitment to bringing USA heritage back to the forefront. Very passionate and enthusiastic with what they do.
Good looking out RG, MP and MC. Look out for this one folks, it’s gonna be a good one.
Overall, it was a pretty good experience for our camp seeing the West Coast. It would have dope if the entire team could have made it out, but another time we’ll all roll crew thick. Another road trip at some point? Hmm…
But regardless, we always walk away from a trip with an outlook for more and promising opportunities that are presented to us in the short time allowed. We would have liked to meet and politic with a lot more individuals but schedule’s always eat away at the reality clock. Never the less, it was a successful trip and we look forward to not only sharing their stories with you, our readers, but to connect the dots with the individuals we may or may not have missed. All in due time. Some of the best stuff is yet to come…
Day 7. Friday. Toronto. Home, Sweet Home.
Photos by Greg Washington and Paolo Azarraga.
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