Writing, reviews, interviews, photography.

Posts by A. Frankel

Natural Process: A Study in Worn Denim

Posted on November 27, 2011

I’d like to announce that with the help of my friends April Nett and Elysa DiMauro, I will be curating a show opening in Philadelphia in January called Natural Process. The show is a highlight of denim after it’s been ravaged by it’s owner, whether jackets or shorts or jeans, filled with holes, patches, stitching repairs, and dirt. We’re very excited about all of the pairs we’ll have on display for the month of January along with some leather goods we’ve created specifically for the show. Each pair of jeans will be accompanied by the owners name, location, and the story behind their pants. The whole thing will be happening at Elixr Coffee in Center City Philadelphia which is half of the reason the show’s called Natural Process. An unwashed, or natural processed coffee, is left in the sun to dry and for the elements to take care of the first steps in becoming the roasted beans we all enjoy. We incorporated this name with the natural process of ruthlessly beating the indigo out of ones jeans after years of use and abuse and it seemed like a good fit.

Some pairs we’re really excited about come from all over including pairs from the guys at Tellason Denim, Roy Denim, American ex-pats in Spain, artists from the eastern seaboard, middle-aged construction workers, and more. The leather goods were designed and made by us using what’s left of Mt. Vernon Book Co.’s stock as well as some other procurements and we’re very excited to present these starting very soon to get them to everyone interested before the holidays are over.

We’re still working out a date for the opening reception but it will likely be in the middle of January and wrapping up in the middle of February. The deadline we’ve set for ourselves is closing in quickly but if you have a pair of jeans you’d like to have displayed, don’t hesitate to get in touch as quickly as possible. We’ve got room for one or two more pairs and would be glad to take yours on. Pictured below are a few key fobs fresh off the production line of our kitchen table. We’ll also have a few wallets, card cases, and more for sale. Stay tuned and we’ll have them available for purchase soon.∗

For all further questions, please get in touch with me here.

Elixr Coffee is located at: 207 S. 15th Street Philadelphia, PA 19102

Update: I’d also like to point out that Steve Streisguth is doing all of our design and photo work of this show. You should check out his site.

Categories: Announcements

The Standard Relay: Makers in the Modern Era, Vintage Camera Nightlights, Aether Apparel’s Airstream, Geoff Watts of Intelligentsia Coffee, and more.

Posted on November 23, 2011

 



Makers in the Modern Era catalog: 

Basically a great photo set of Portland-based artisans working in their shops. The professions cover a host of walks of life so there’s a little something for everyone here. (via Cool Hunting).



Vintage Camera Nightlights: 

Exactly what it sounds like. Vintage camera night lights. They look neat and will match your Instagram/Hipstamatic app oh-so-perfectly. (via Curated Magazine).

Aether Apparel's Airstream Trailer:

I don’t know why this isn’t being done by every medium-sized apparel company in the U.S., probably because this ain’t exactly high season for taking a road trip. Regardless, check out some of the photos from Aether apparel’s airstream trailer that’s meandering it’s way around the U.S. (sort of) (via Cool Hunting).



Cool Hunting's Gift Guide:

Cool Hunting has put together a seriously extensive list of shit you need to buy for someone you love (or hate). It’s big, it’ll take a while to get through it, but I guarantee you will not be disappointed. If you don’t find something worth purchasing for someone else, maybe you’ll find something you like for yourself. Check it out.

Thermochromic Furnishings:

Seriously can’t believe this hasn’t existed before but this is exactly why designers are out there. Take something so simple and so great looking and make you feel like it’s something you could have done (but deep down you know you couldn’t). The pictures speak for themselves but check out the link to read up on it a little bit more (via Cool Hunting).

 

Sort the Criterion Collection by themes: 

The Criterion Collection now allows you to explore their massive trove of films by theme. And it’s well designed. Give it a little look before you rent that next movie on iTunes (via Gear Patrol).

 

An Interview with Geoff Watts of Intelligentsia Coffee:

Having worked in and around the coffee industry for nearly ten years, I always jump on little bits like this especially when a big blog I follow picks up someone I respect for an interview. Geoff Watts of Intelligentsia Coffee (based out of Chicago and Los Angeles) did an interview with Cool Hunting and it’s worth a look. If you don’t know anything about coffee or how it gets to your cup, it’s time to get learned.

Happy Thanksgiving to all you American readers!

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Categories: The Standard Relay

Pop Up Flea; NYC

Posted on November 17, 2011

It’s probably worth noting that I’ll be in New York City on December 3rd for the Pop Up Flea curated by Michael Williams of ACL & Co. and presented by A Continuous Goldberg. While the full vendor list is not out yet, I’m sure it will do nothing short of impress as last years really blew me away. Who all’s going? Any readers? If so, get in touch via the comments. Maybe we can do a meet up or something. Just a thought.∗

159 Bleecker Street (at Thompson Street)

NYC, NY 10012

Categories: Announcements

The Standard Relay: Monocle 24, Tanner Goods x Tellason, the Criterion Collection, & more.

Posted on November 9, 2011

 

Monocle Magazine Radio (24):

Monocle’s a great publication, no doubt about it. Their decision to not allow their publication in the iPad market can either be viewed as foolish or an act of brand preservation. However they’ve recently launched their “M 24” radio service, a round the clock streaming internet radio show featuring a whole host of different programs ranging from talk shows on cooking and international headlines to blocks of music and briefings for your morning. This particular service is available both online and as an iPhone/iPad app. Certainly check it out online before you decide to buy the app but I think it’s a worthy investment especially if you spend much time in the car. As a side note, I’d like to point out that This American Life has an app out where you can listen to any episode they’ve ever done. This is absolutely insane and I insist you purchase it immediately. Blew my mind when I found out about it; sorry if I’m late to the party.

 

Tanner Goods Roll Tote Collaboration w/ Tellason:

Tanner Goods does damn good work and so does Tellason so their collaboration naturally must be a stroke of genius. It might be a bit short of that but it still looks sharp and is very functional and these days that’s about all we can ask for. They’ve released a little writeup and some photos in their blog which you can read here.

 

Criterion Collection on iTunes:

The Criterion Collection has made it’s way to iTunes. The collection contains some of the most incredible films of all time in their most natural form which is a beautiful thing in the age of hyper digitalization and shit movies. Maybe it cuts out the physical aspect of getting some of their incredible liner notes for each film but it certainly makes renting/buying this stuff a whole lot easier. [via MacRumors].

 

The Killspencer Weekender:

I’d say this little film is about a minute too long but it certainly makes you want to go buy one, grab the girl, and head out to some desert retreat. Check it out, looks real sharp. [via Another Something & Company].

Nick Veasey x The Macallan:

Maybe this caught my eye because I’ve been drinking a healthy amount of The Macallan, Lagavulin, and The Balvenie lately but the collaboration is a pretty cool idea both from the photographer and the classic scotch brand itself. Mr. Veasey used x-ray imaging to redesign a few boxes for The Macallan. The entire article is worth a look over here. [via Cool Hunting].

Categories: The Standard Relay

Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City

Posted on November 7, 2011

The past few weeks have been laden with new projects starting and old projects coming to fruition, this past weekend bringing a two-year process to a close (or a start depending upon how you look at it). I play in a group called Matermathu (MAY-ter-muh-THOO) and we just put out our debut record titled “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City” on iTunes, the release show for which was on Saturday at the North Star Bar in Philadelphia. We had a more than pleasing turnout and played through the entire record plus a few songs which made us very happy and hopefully, if you were there, did the same for you.∗

You can now purchase the record from iTunes or pick it up for a few dollars cheaper here. You can also stream two of the tracks from the album from Soundcloud. Thanks for listening. New posts coming soon.

Categories: Announcements