The Brilliance!

HTTP://WWW.THEBRILLIANCE.COM

We’re really internet and we’re really back. A website about things Benjamin , Chuck , Virgil , and various friends & guests think are interesting. Little-to-no specific focus, a bit odd, speling errors, and incredibly culturally relevant.

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Goyard!!

Ben and I were introduced to this incredibly intriguing brand by Alex from Neverstop while we were in Seattle recently. What’s up Alex! Anyways - Alex had a Goyard wallet which I was immediatlely impressed by, because the raw attention to detail was really just beautiful. Hand painted with any initials you choose, the signature ‘3D’ Goyard pattern on all of its luggage, wallets, billfolds, purses, and more is really just about perfect. Available in the states at Barney’s Beverly Hills and NYC, and globally in Paris, Tokyo, and a few other spots, it might be hard to get your hands on it, but it would be well worth the effort. I honestly think Goyard is a better look than LV, but that’s just me. Anyways, check eBay too…And keep a close eye on this brand. Before you know it, Lindsay Lohan will be toting around a purse and middle aged moms everywhere will be buying fakes on Canal Street and putting the LV fakes in the closet. ***I must say, Chuck did a great post, but I wanted to post this first, so I’m a little salty, Benjamin.

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Kanye’s GOOD t-shirts!

I’m late, cause Chuck already has one of these… Whatever though. I like these shirts, and I like Kanye. I don’t think these are part of Kanye’s rumored ‘Mascot’ clothing line that has yet to come out…but they are private labeled, limited edition, gold-foil printed, cool t-shirts. They are for the promotion of his new ‘GOOD Music’ record label. What a fresh name, really, I like it. I also really like the cherub on this shirt. I have been liking the whole Victorian cherub vibe lately, just something I’m feeling. They are for sale for $30 a pop at the link below. Check it.

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W)taps!

Wtaps, w)taps, double taps, etc… Not sure the exact pronunciation of this brand. Either way, this brand has always been a bit difficult to get a hold of state-side which is too bad. It’s a pretty fresh brand. It also has that oddly mysterious feel to it that most of the niche Japanese street wear brands seem to have. While I’m not a huge fan of their past seasons heavy use of tiger-camo, I can say that some of their new stuff is quite nice. I recently picked-up a hoody at Recon while in San Francisco this past weekend… Great fit, great attention to detail and honestly really good craftsmanship. Good stuff… I know this isn’t hot off the press info, but check W)taps when you/if you get a chance. It’s quite nice. There is no website for it, so, check Recon below… Or give them a call. (Sorry for my lack of posts… Was on vacation!)

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Inka Essenhigh!

I first discovered Inka Essenhigh’s work in a book called Vitamin P, a book published by Phaidon Press about modern painting, which is seriously one of the best books I own. I highly recommend grabbing a copy. Anyways, Inka’s work stood out from the rest in the book, which is a lot to say considering she was alongside people like Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, and many others. I personally enjoy her older work more, check out “Images” then 2000 on the site. Abstract and objective at the same time, I’d hesitantly call her style a more modernized Dali…But on any note, it’s original and beautiful to say the least. If anyone has contact information for Inka, please send it my way at nopattern@nopattern.com. Inka’s work is currently being exhibited at the Victoria Miro Gallery in London.

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AlifeNYC RTFT Argyle!

These just went for sale yesterday - Alife RTFT Argyle Slip-ons. Sick. I wear Vans Originals slip-ons and have several custom pairs I treasure quite a bit, but none as wild as rainbow argyle. I’ll have to head to Barney’s sometime soon…really love these. You got to match it right though, no flanel jackets or polka dot sweaters with these, ya heard!?

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Pharrell in Fashion Wire Daily!

Pharrell is really just an all-around icon. The music, the fashion, the style, the collaborations…everything. It’s pretty inspiring to see what moves he makes and what he has to say, whether you agree or not, or like him or not, you can’t argue that he’s done some pretty impactful things in his career. Tom Julian from Fashion Wire caught up with Pharrell about Louis Vuitton, the collaborative sunglasses they did together, shopping in Milan and France, and more. You know, all the really important and meaningful things in life….. But seriously, it’s an interesting read and like I said, it’s always fun to watch what his next move is going to be…

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Kareem Black update!!

Kareem is one of my favorites. Dude is so nice and so talented. He just updated his site with a slight design overhaul, new photos, and a bunch of sick signed polaroids by celebrities and people he has shot in the past. Very nice and very inspiring. And he links NoPattern and The Brilliance in his links section so, you know…Got to return some love!

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Nigo Cover on Interview Magzine!

I haven’t read this magazine yet, but I can only imagine how interesting it will be. This is really solidifying Nigo and Bape’s presence in the United States. Regardless if you like Nigo or not, he will be getting a ton of press once people start to ‘get’ what he’s doing and more importantly what he has done. Either way, check this magazine when it drops… The interview is done by Pharrell and the cover is…interesting. ***UPDATE: Chuck and I agree, the article/interview itself is a bit lack-luster. Seemed a little too short. I think THE BRILLIANCE! needs to connect with Nigo for a real interview. Whoa!

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Hov x Atlantic City x 40/40!

Put me anywhere on God’s green earth and I’ll triple my worth. Jay-Z is doing his thing… Again. Apparently the 40/40 club has been quite successful. Successful to the point where not only is he (and investors) opening another 40/40 club in Atlantic City but they are also looking at franchising the high-end, super-chic sports bar. This one will have a steakhouse, sports bar, and nightclub… New additions will be the private suites and private rooms said to be similar to skyboxes at sports stadiums. Clever. Kind of makes that super-cool sneaker store you want to open with your ‘buddies’ look kind of lame doesn’t it?

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Motion Tactics!!

Seattle is an incredible city, like Ben said. We’re back from there and full of new ideas and a new group of friends. But more on that later. Timothy from 13thWitness has just launched Motion Tactics which is similar to his photo journal at 13th, but this time with video. Very cool…Definitely check out that Kid Koala steez! So good! Anyways - much respect to Timothy for doing his thing, really worth the download/wait time to see these clips on the site…Check it.