Month of Love
February is upon us and with it Valentines day. I'm - perhaps foolishly - not a big Valentines person. I know that's probably a cardinal sin as a business, I see so many valentines products and promo but meh. Not for me! I'm trying to make timeless items, so bowing to whims of various holidays doesn't work.
However, I can appreciate that it's a good time to spread a little love. So this month my posts will be dedicated to all things amour, whether that's people, products or processes. It's a way I can highlight people I think are doing cool things and show my inspirations. So without further ado, let me declare my undying affection!
Robert Trott
I'm going to start close to home with a pal I'm super proud of; one Robert Trott of Top Hat Films. I've known Rob for the best part of a decade and am always amazed and inspired by the work he puts in to pursuing his dream as a film maker. A bunch of that hard work has recently paid off with the inclusion of his first feature film 4:00am on Amazon Prime. His other forays into film include 'The Insecurities of Dill' and the web series I'm still waiting on 'Dole'.
Carved
Also close to home, or at least my previous home is Carved. A purveyor of smoked meaty treats run by the very best worst people you could ever hope to meet. Owner Josh took me on when I was struggling with Loose Lips. I spent two years as part of the Carved fam and saw so much growth in that time. The crowning achievement? They just opened their second location. They're always on the lookout for staff to aid in further domination of the food sector. If you have eclectic musical tastes from hip-hop to musical theatre, love meat and cheese, communicating with management via memes and can face spending hours staring at Susan, Welcome home. Still not sold?, Take them out for a test spin via their Podcast.
Future of Retro
Browsing on Instagram I came across an awesome leather jacket. I clicked the profile and found even more awesome leather jackets. In a rare fit of confidence I decided to drop the account owner a message saying I'd really like to collaborate. I could not anticipate the enthusiasm I would be met with. Team Future of Retro firmly has my back. Endless encouragement and support, combined with a powerhouse of creativity. They sent me the most beautiful jacket to work with and I cannot stress enough the quality of their pieces. I couldn't have known what a gift that initial message would bestow upon me and am excited for all our future endeavours.
Sasha Velour
Far from my home but close to my heart! Sasha Velour is one of my favourite artists in existence. Whether it's killer lip-syncs like those that earned her the season 9 crown on RuPaul's Drag Race or graphic design, there is this indomitable spark that fires up my imagination and gets me motivated. Perhaps most striking, is her ability to connect with people and develop such strong creative and collaborative relationships. I have lost count of the amazing accounts she has lead me to. It's a dream to one day connect with her personally, although that could backfire! Such a genuine and humble soul, I was on the verge of tears seeing her live like a big ole mess so meeting could cause a complete meltdown! Still, I'd risk it.
Last Podcast on the Left
The Pit Master Taste Wizard himself recommended I give this a listen, my only regret? I waited so long. These boys get me through even the dullest of days. Whether it's true crime, conspiracy theories, alien abductions or hauntings. Marcus Parks - meticulous in his research- is joined by Henry Zebrowski in fervent pursuit of THE TRUTH and Ben Kissel; the dulcet toned giant who always finds the 'kinda fun'.
Satoshi Kon
Sadly no longer with us, Satoshi Kon is responsible for some of my favourite animated works with perhaps the most well known being Perfect Blue. He drew with an obsessive eye for detail and zealously guarded his role in all parts of the production process. As a result one of his biggest regrets in passing was that his final work would likely remain unfinished. No-one but him knew how it should fit together and thus so many people's hard work would go unseen. His works explore the boundaries between reality and dreams, memory, film and group consciousness. He inspired Darren Aronofsky of 'Requiem for a Dream' and 'Black Swan' fame both of which feature scenes almost shot for shot recreated from Perfect Blue. I am forever heartbroken that he is gone from the world, but so glad his artistry remains.
So there we have it, a small selection of my loves in honour of the season. There are many I chose to miss because I could go on forever but I'm sure I'll get to them in time. I hope you enjoyed this wee look at what I like to wear, watch, eat and listen to and maybe you have discovered something you'd like to try for yourself.
If you'd like to have a natter, or drop me a recommendation, come find me on Instagram.
Until then, much love,
Tiffany xo