MICHAEL WARD
FASHION ILLUSTRATOR
We first stumbled upon Michael Ward’s colorful fashion illustrations on Instagram.
FASHION ILLUSTRATOR
We first stumbled upon Michael Ward’s colorful fashion illustrations on Instagram.
We at Ponyboy have long been fans of David Hart. In fact, we must confess that Hart is our favorite menswear designer that is shown during men’s fashion week.
Ponyboy has long been a lover of vintage silk ties. And we’ve collected more than our fair share over the years
At the very apex of David Bowie’s spectacular rise to rock ‘n’ roll fame and glory, photographer Steve Schapiro seized a rare invitation from Bowie’s manager for a private photo session with the pop star in Los Angeles in 1974.
“Tattoo flash” is the term for the printed or hand-drawn tattoo designs found on the walls and binders of tattoo shops that walk-in customers can select from.
From the imagination of co-founders and creative directors Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki, Maison Kitsuné pays homage to its Japanese heritage this Fall-Winter 2016 season.
Our men’s vintage sweater editorial was inspired by the cool and casual style of John F. Kennedy. JFK spent his down time at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port sailing and playing touch football with family members. His style was always traditional and effortless. We booked male model Dutty Wruck from Adam Models NY to play our East Coast bred Kennedy. Dutty has the classic good looks to fit the bill. Our stylist Xina Giatas put Dutty in vintage sweaters, preppy loafers with no socks, and the necessary Ray Ban sunglasses. Men’s groomer Walton Nunez gave Dutty a traditional pompadour, and we let it fall in the wind for a just jumped off the sailboat look.
Peter Som, the modern American sportswear designer, showed his Pop Art inspired Spring/Summer 2015 collection at Milk Studios in New York City. Som has always stayed true to his chic and timeless looks. And this season was no different. Both the rose print and the graphic floral print he used were a decided nod to Andy Warhol’s flowers and printing techniques. Indeed, there were so many elements to this collection. The bold, oversized horizontal stripes proved quite striking and dramatic. We saw an abundance of white tailored men’s shirts, our favorite being a long dramatic shirt dress, as well as aprons, rubber macs, and gold lame. An a-line top with flower appliques worn with a long, full black skirt was very reminiscent of vintage Paris couture. And, although the elements were varied, the outcome was a very refreshing, appealing and elegant collection. Photography ALEXANDER THOMPSON.
High tech 80’s interiors was the inspiration for Patrik Ervell’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection shown at New York City’s Milk Studios. Ervell’s models walked the runway and then posed in front of a moody back lit set with venetian blinds. The designer stated he watched a lot of 80’s Michael Mann films and the hi-tech interiors caught his eye. So, this season he used sturdy textiles that are usually meant for commercial interior design. We favored the macintosh trenches he created in bright red and blue with very exaggerated venting and pockets. The transparent rubber pieces are very futuristic and prove a bold statement on any modern man. Metallic track pants and shorts added a pop of color in polyurethane fabric. And, vibrant watercolor print silk pieces lent a great Spring touch to a very industrial collection. We were crazy for the big teased Ian McCulloch/Echo and The Bunnymen hair designed by the talented Holli Smith. Photography Alexander Thompson.
The Duckie Brown menswear collection for Spring/Summer 2015 was all about pastels, plaids, stripes…and a bit of blue glitter thrown into the mix. Daniel Silver and Steven Cox, the duo behind the New York based label, had their Manchester roots immersed throughout this collection. The Verve and Stone Roses blasted at Industria Studios, as models walked the runway, draped in the Duckie Brown fusion of quirky meets conventional. We are crazy for anything plaid and the designers clashed plaids with pastels. Trousers were cut high waisted and we admired the 50’s style camp shirts. Models wore white Jack Purcell sneakers, the quintessential choice for a young gentleman. A standout piece that charmed us was the terrific oversized white hooded trench. And, we love that they threw in a blue glam glitter jacket! Our love affair with Duckie Brown menswear always keeps our wandering eye at bay! Photography Alexander Thompson.
Menswear designer Kerby Jean-Raymond was clearly inspired by 90’s futuristic, sci-fi films when he designed his Pyer Moss Spring/Summer 2015 menswear collection, which was shown at Milk Studios in Manhattan. Movies such as Terminator ll and Total Recall were among his favorites. The luxury sportswear line included modern silhouettes, geometrics, black & white color-blocking with a touch of red, the use of high tech fabrics and lots and lots of layering for effect. This is contemporary men’s sportswear at it’s best. Photography Alexander Thompson.
Jeremy Scott’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection, shown at Milk Studios in New York City, paid homage to the “Summer of Love.” Scott sent models down the runway in tie-dyes and psychedelic creations, a mix of Woodstock and Malibu Barbie. The entire collection seemed inspired by a fun-filled day at a music festival. We loved the bubblegum pink fur with daisies, reminiscent of the 60’s Vogue cover of Twiggy. Very colorful floral baby doll dresses, crop tops paired with capri pants and patchwork galore screamed a groovy Marsha Brady. These fashions paired well with pop star Miley Cyrus’ kooky, fun art/accessories. The eclectic jewelry collection she designed for Scott, dubbed “Dirty Hippie,” was essentially a jumble of plastic toys and beads. See you at Coachella next year! Photography Alexander Thompson.
Belgian designer Tim Coppens Spring/Summer 2015 runway collection was all about sleek, high-tech sportswear with clean lines and zipper detailing. The designer sent his mannequins down the catwalk with wet-looking, matted down hair paired with shiny glowing skin, as if having been out all night at the clubs. Signature elements were color blocking, splashes of a “jungle” print, and the obligatory black mesh thrown in. We absolutely loved the men’s super modern bombers in white. The designer’s sixth season, this collection also brought the introduction of his highly anticipated womenswear line. Far from being unisex, the women’s line takes on a more fitted, tailored construction than the men’s. As always, Tim Coppens succeeds in presenting a very modern and youthful, forward vision of dressing for men. And this now includes women. Photography Alexander Thompson.
Laurence Chandler and Joshua Cooper, the designers behind the menswear line Rochambeau, had their models hit the sea for Spring/Summer 2015. The duo’s presentation at New York City’s Milk Studios resembled a dock on the ocean, which fit well with the overall theme of their collection. Featured on UK supermodel Benjamin Jarvis, the fisherman sweater with matching shorts was a fresh take on a classic. There were some intriguing hoodies, a super fashionable purple rain slicker, a photo print of ocean waves and some little touches that lent to the nautical effect, like the fishing net vest on model Adam Kaszewski and some classic beach accessories like visors, wooden beaded necklaces, espadrilles and even submarine goggles. In fact, this show made us dream for summer again, just as the fall has begun. Photography Alexander Thompson.
The Martin Keehn Spring/Summer menswear collection 2015 was shown on the Lower East Side of New York City. When first entering the space, we noticed many of the male models were muscular, which is a much different look than the boyish, svelte men that we usually see walking during fashion week. Some of the models sported outrageous blow-dried 80’s style pompadours, created by hair guru Jimmy Paul. There was also the heavily sprayed-on tans by make-up artist Marc Carrasquillo, using Evolution Man products. The aura of the space was definitely downtown 80’s New York. This was enhanced by a trash can filled with tall boy beers, as well as a big harsh hot light used to illuminate models on the runway. There were some kinks with the sound system, but models still walked and it really lent to that D.I.Y. house party feel. There was no stopping the Martin Keehn man! Brilliant pieces ranged from safari/military khakis to a 50’s style “pajama” set. Most of the looks had an athletic inspired touch for the New York City man on-the-go. The designer used mesh leather fabric for shirts and tank tops, as well as a “Gucci” horse bit buckle on a few shirts. Lastly, we won’t forget to mention the beer holder attached to men’s belts, which is every man’s dream! Photography Alexander Thompson.
Classic is not a term that is usually associated with The Blonds. However, this over-the-top collection presented at Milk Studios in New York was “Classic Blonds” in every way. Phillipe and David Blond, the extremely creative design duo behind the collection, channeled a harem of Chola girls for Spring/Summer 2015. It was pure bad girl beauty including their signature over-the-top jewel encrusted bodices and jumpsuits, as well as sheer harem pants, tattoo bodysuits, and silk roses galore! Our best loved piece would have to be the mind blowing, religiously inspired “candle-dripped” corset. Can you say Catholic Couture? The styling was on the mark as well, including insane nails, gigantic blonde Rapunzel style braids and enormous gold door-knocker banji earrings. The teardrop tattoo on upper cheek was a genius and crucial touch created by make-up wizard Kabuki. The Blonds held true to their twisted, glamorous style as the couturiers of the pop star set. So, lookout for their spectacular creations on upcoming tours all over the world! And on a final note, besides all of the fabulous night club personalities attending the show, we truly enjoyed an impromptu whirl and twirl on the runway by The Lady Bunny herself, in her classic psychedelic micro mini and gargantuan wig. Photography Alexander Thompson.
“Effortless French” was the name for Parisian fashion house Maison Kitsune’s Spring/Summer 2015 debut collection, presented at The Standard in New York City. Creative duo and founders Gildas Loaec & Masaya Kuroki gave us cute, classic basics which paid tribute to a playful Parisian Lifestyle. The label has been making quite the splash in the fashion world with their take on timeless fashions fused with street inspired style. Youthful, clean-cut styles were shown on both male and female models standing in front of large postcards of Paris, while Kitsune’s latest mix tape played to onlookers. We fancied the red 50’s style letterman jacket, striped t-shirts and the checkered suit. Also notable were the charming silver mini dress with black lace shirt, as well as the whimsical French icons (Eiffel Towers, croissants, etc.) printed dress and tees. Photography Alexander Thompson.
For our latest menswear editorial, we booked newcomer Mike Winchester from the Fusion Agency New York. Mike’s classic looks fit incredibly well with the 1950’s rockabilly style vintage clothing selected by stylist Xina Giatas, who matched the colorful carnival setting with vivid and bold pieces. For a trouser, she went with classic Levi’s 501 button up jeans. This traditional piece embodies the 1950’s time period perfectly. And groomer Walton Nunez not only lent his terrific men’s styling skills, but his keen eye for scouting locations and creative art direction.
Under The B.Q.E. is Ponyboy’s latest menswear editorial starring Justin Taylor from Adam Models NY. We took our crew to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the center of everything cool, to photograph exceptional menswear. In fact, our location was directly under the B.Q.E., which New Yorkers know as the abbreviation for the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Our stylist, Samantha Granados, mixed some of our favorite menswear labels on Justin including Diesel, ODD and Rochambeau. And, of course, we loved working with groomer Walton Nunez, who took great care of our model with his incredible styling techniques.
Designers Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra, the design duo behind New York label Costello Tagliapietra, sent sleek ladylike dresses down the runway for Spring/Summer 2015. Shown at Milk Studios in New York City, beautiful signature items included a chic 70’s inspired olive silk jumpsuit, as well as a floaty green jersey shouldered dress. An interesting ombre yellow patterned windbreaker fabric was used for select pieces, most notably a wrap dress with gold zippers on the arms. The duo really knows how to make a woman’s body look magnificent with their expert draping. We really appreciated the straight forwardness of the collection–a collection based on simple elegance without too much gimmick, in opposition to so many other collections this season. Photography Alexander Thompson.
At this season’s Cushnie et Ochs Spring/Summer 2015 runway show, designers Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs went further than their usual skintight creations. The talented design duo gave the crowd their usual sleek and sexy looks, but this season had a more sophisticated, lady-like edge. Their signature cut-out shapes took over the runway and silhouettes were more relaxed and loose. Interesting details on dresses included fringed hemlines, ruffles, gold grommets and one-shouldered designs, reminiscent of 70’s Halston. We loved the b&w stripe pop-art dresses. Chic, sleek ponytails added an elegant touch, as did the gold disc-shaped earrings and arm cuffs by Jennifer Fisher Jewelry. The collection was strong, clean, minimal and modern. Photography Alexander Thompson.
Architecture was the key word for the Spring/Summer 2015 collection designed by Becca McCharen for the New York label Chromat. A former architect, the designer showed her powerful line at New York City’s Standard Hotel. The designs were all sexy, futuristic bondage with cage dresses, revealing bodysuits, gorgeous swimsuits and even face masks. The entire collection was stark black and white–very graphic, which was emphasized through her use of cut-outs. From close observation, the construction of the clothing looks beautifully crafted. This sci-fi vision was complimented by hair styling genius Chuck Amos, giving the Chromat models clean topknots and cornrows. We loved how she closed the show with her space-age “bride” in an all white cage dress and hat, just like the couture shows in Paris. It’s no wonder that pop stars like Beyonce, Madonna and Iggy Azalea all favor her high-tech creations. The future looks very bright for Chromat. Photography Alexander Thompson.