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The Craft: Sean Woolsey

2013-04-26T13:01:11Z

We had the privilege of filming Sean Woolsey for an episode of The Craft. Sean is a woodworker and artist from Costa Mesa, CA. He recently started making large art pieces using sheet metal. He uses a variety of substances to create a chemical reaction with the metal, resulting in different colors and textures. We visited Sean as he finished one of his art pieces.

Of Dapper Rebels & Woolsey

2013-03-02T16:07:52Z

We've been a little quiet here lately, but we've been working on a few projects behind-the-scenes.

First up, the guys over at Venture & Virtue invited Damien to join them in their Dapper Rebels project. You can check out the full project at their site, but here's a little movie they created to spark your interest:

Meanwhile, I went off and met with artist/woodworker Sean Woolsey to film him creating one of his pieces for an episode of The Craft. We're still in the editing process but stay tuned in the next week or two for the post:

Xetum Watches

2013-02-02T19:40:47Z

When discussing well designed, precision watchmaking, California usually isn't the place that comes to mind. Then, a watch company like Xetum comes along and really messes with your head. Founder Jeff Kuo and the San Francisco-based brand have put together a collection of watches that are both modern and classic in terms of style. Swiss automatic movement, a well-executed design philosophy and eco-friendly production methods make Xetum right at home in the land of sunshine and clean living. We urge you to check them out.

Apolis + Peruvian Co-op Alpaca Beanie

2012-12-18T15:52:54Z

If you're looking for a last minute stocking stuffer these might be it. SoCal brand Apolis whose continued mission of apparel with a cause presents these beautiful alpaca knit beanies for the season. Made by hand in partnership with a Peruvian co-op they are sure to get you feeling warm on the inside and out. Also check out the brand's journal for news on their latest collaborations and activism on the local and global front. Happy Holidays!

Ink&Paper - Aardvark Letterpress and McManus Morgan Paper

2012-11-28T15:26:00Z

We have a soft spot at Cultivated for the little guy. Small businesses run by people with a passion for what they do are the subject of a lot of our posts. So when we came across this short film about two such independent Los Angeles businesses, we couldn't resist sharing it.

Aardvark Letterpress and McManus Morgan Paper are neighboring businesses that are the last of their kind in the city of Los Angeles. (Editor's note: there are similar businesses in the LA region, but these are the last in the city limits.) Both are run by men who love what they do, even if they have to struggle to do it. Director Ben Proudfoot shot a beautiful short film that tells their story:

Store Visit: Threads & Needles

2012-11-16T12:00:24Z

Cultivated had the pleasure of visiting Threads & Needles, a small boutique in Torrance Ca, just outside Los Angeles. The store is run by Richard Nishitani and Peter Lam who have created a small, intimate space stocked with a well-curated selection of goods for men and women.

Richard does the buying for the store and buys what he likes, which results in a nice mix of big brands like Levis Vintage Collection and Red Wing alongside specialty labels like Engineered Garments, Yuketen, and Diemme. Below: Peter Lam (left) and Richard Nishitani talk shop
It's apparent that both men are passionate about clothing and offering a great retail experience by how they present their wares and focus on quality service.

For more info about the store's latest arrivals and inspirations check out their Tumblr page.

Threads & Needles
1305 Sartori Avenue
Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 320-0101

Rogue Territory - Dark Stanton Jeans

2012-09-25T11:00:17Z

Fall is upon us although it still feels like summer here on the West Coast. It might be time to start planning your fall wardrobe which will likely include a pair of your favorite denim. Popular LA based denim brand Rogue Territory provides us with a walk through one of their newest incarnations, The Dark Stanton. Dark indigo, japanese selvedge goodness with all the bells and whistles that make all denim enthusiasts salivate. We'll let them explain. Enjoy!

Canvas Shop Seal Beach

2012-08-24T13:00:00Z

Seal Beach is an anomaly among beach towns in Southern California. While a lot of beach cities are overrun with chain stores, Seal Beach has managed to keep a small town vibe. Yes, the chains are there, but there is also some independent retail and quality restaurants that keep the town feeling authentic.

Canvas Shop is one of those independent stores. Opened last November by husband and wife Ryan & Tammy Callis, it's part boutique and part art studio. The front half of the space is occupied by a boutique carrying a selection of new and vintage clothing for men and women, accessories, art, home decor, plus skate and surfboards. The new items are primarily from local vendors and they have a nice selection of vinyl records for rent.

The owners love art and wanted to create a community gathering space, which is why the back half of the space is a large art studio. Classes are offered for kids and adults, the studio is available for rent and you can even use their art supplies for an additional fee.

Canvas Shop carries surfboards, apparel and small indie brands like Seea, Citrus Shapes, and Delve. The products and their funky displays add to that "local" vibe that a lot of beach city surf shops seemed to have lost.

As you may have guessed, the store is set up to appeal to both men and women, and does a nice job of it in our opinion. If you are in the area, it's worth checking out.

Canvas Shop
702 Marina Drive
Seal Beach, CA 90740
(562) 493-6563

Panamericana Chair x Industry of All Nations

2012-08-09T13:01:03Z

photo's via IOAN

What do you get when you pair ethical manufacturing with great design? Industry of All Nations has an answer with their beautiful, functional and seasonally appropriate Panamericana Chair. The folding chair is the LA brand's most recent incarnation of a traditional chair found in South American towns. Crafted in Indonesia of plantation teak wood, it possesses both an exotic and modern aesthetic. We think it makes the perfect Summer lounger. Add cool beverage, sit and enjoy!

Launch LA Recap

2012-07-31T14:00:00Z

The first annual Launch LA breezed it's way through sunny Santa Monica's Barker Hanger last week and just like the So Cal event's core consumer base, the tradeshow was a laid back and cool affair. Newer independent companies along with veterans in the skate & surf industry turned out to showcase their brands and take part in what we believe is a growing market. Many were broadening there scope beyond "action" sport related apparel and accessories while embracing "lifestyle" with focus on leisure and aesthetic versus performance and function. Cultivated had a chance to meet some of the dedicated people trying to be the next brand on everyone's lips, t-shirt and favorite pair of shorts. Some highlights below...

PROOF - An Idaho-based label offering both wood and cellulose eyewear with a eyeglass case so cool we forgot to photograph it.

Urban Xplorer - a new company out of Sacramento with a line of vintage-inspired, moderately-priced bags

B:SCOTT - Designer Brandon Scott and his growing California line.

FEIYUE - They make men's and women's shoes, but these kids sneakers were too adorable not to photograph.

SOLUDOS - the popular espradille brand showcased their line

WELLEN - the surf lifestyle brand had a huge booth.

Topo Designs - the Colorado-based line of USA-made outdoor gear had a popular booth. Quality stuff.

&WORK - A workwear brand that adds a little twist to their pieces, melding classic looks with the modern age.

Launch has the makings of an ongoing destination for emerging, inventive, and stylish West Coast brands and we wish them much success.