SPRING 2016
THE MINIMALIST ISSUE NO.1 CONCRETE
THE MINIMALIST ISSUE NO.1
C O N CRETE
CONCRETE editor in chief sarah therrien
social media editor ryan white katherine bernhardt
creative director mary whitten warner
CONTRIBUTORS
fashion editor mikenna rase
WARD ROBERTS, SAMSON CHOI,LONG XU, ALEXANDRA NAM, SEMAJ BRYANT, JOSEPH SINGH, FAUSTINE STEINMETZ, JOHNNY JOHANSSON, MARTA GRABOWSKA, MIKENNA RASE, MARSHA GOLEMAC, BROOKE HOLM W O R K B O O K , MAURICE SCHELTENS, LIESBETH ABBENES, SUSAN MORRIS, ELS MARTENS, ANDREA INDINI, GARY KUEHN, HENRIK SPOHLER, MARY WHITTEN WA R N E R , M I C H A E L JOHANSSON, ELEEN H A LVO R S E N , L I N A MICHAL, BRIAN SUTER, SARAH THERRIEN, CONRAD JON GODLY, CHRIS ROUND, CHERYL ANN THOMAS, J E N N Y B R I L L H A R T, MARIE STOCKHILL
accessories editor caroline newell features editor mikenna rase beauty editor sarah therrien photography editors jacob sousa piers atkinson photo research mary whitten warner gloria gersh contributing editors grayden carter eleanor phillips copy editor susan drake senior writers leslie edmonds patricia parker alex corben
12
13
Contents The Districts of Manhattan 26 Ones to Watch 40 The Allure of Lush 52 Resist the Urge 60
18
19
Editor’s Note
At the root of any pursuit is the foundation from which it starts. Much like the concrete slabs that establish the melting pot of the Western Hemisphere, the recognition and appreciation of rising artists and designers throughout NYC is becoming the fundamental bridge between art and fashion. As the industry morphs and changes in response to the demands of society, it’s crucial that we remain not only current but involved in providing platforms for new artists that are making their way in a permanently shifting realm. With each new face comes a new perspective and in a city of innovation, it’s only appropriate that we bring to light the many facets of art and fashion taking the stage as we speak.
Sarah Thierrien
22
23
The Districts of Manhattan mary whitten warner
HÔTEL AMERICANO- THE INDUSTRIAL-CHIC HOTEL OVERLOOKING THE HIGH LINE.
518 WEST 27TH STREET, CHELSEA, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10001, USA 2 1 2 . 2 1 6 0 0 0 0 W W W . H O T E L - A M E R I C A N O . C O M
HÔTEL AMERICANO
ABC KITCHEN- THE PLACE TO GO FOR FRESH, LOCALLY SOURCED, ORGANIC INGREDIENTS.
45 E 18TH STREET, FLATIRON, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10003, USA 2 1 2 . 4 7 5 . 5 8 2 9 W W W . A B C K I T C H E N N Y C . C O M
GALLOW GREEN- CHELSEA’S ROOFTOP OASIS. THE HIGH LINE
542 WEST 27TH STREET, CHELSEA, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10001, USA 2 1 2 9 0 4 1 8 8 3 W W W.MCK I T T RICK HOT EL .COM/G ALLOW- GREEN/#MCKI T T RICK
PORTS 1961- THE ITALIAN-MADE WOMENSWEAR BRANDS NY FLAGSHIP THAT ALSO HOUSES A GALLERY SPACE AND DESIGN STUDIO. 3 9TH AVENUE, CHELSEA, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10014, USA 2 1 2 . 4 1 4 . 1 0 5 0 W W W . P O R T S 1 9 6 1 . C O M
C H E L S E A FLATIRON
GALL OW G
REEN
ABC
KITC
HEN
PORT S
1961
THE HIGH LINE- WHERE NATURE AND DESIGN COME TOGETHER. 10TH AVENUE, FROM GANSEVOORT STREET TO 34TH STREET, CHELSEA, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10011, USA 2 1 2 . 2 0 6 . 9 9 2 2 W W W . T H E H I G H L I N E . O R G
31
SOHO| N O H O
TOTOKAELO
THE MERCER HOTEL
BALT
THE MERCER HOTEL- HOTEST PLACE TO SLEEP IN SOHO.
R
HAZA
147 MERCER STREET, SOHO, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10012, USA 2 1 2 . 9 6 6 . 6 0 6 0 W W W . M E R C E R H O T E L . C O M
TOTOKAELO- SOHO’S SHOP FOR ESTABLISHED + UPCOMING MINIMALIST DESIGNERS.
ET M
MEL
54 CROSBY STREET, SOHO, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10013, USA 2 0 6 . 6 2 3 . 3 5 8 2 W W W . T O T O K A E L O . C O M
NT ERCA
BALTHAZAR- THE PLACE TO SUNDAY BRUNCH.
ILE
80 SPRING STREET, SOHO, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10012, USA 2 1 2 . 9 6 5 . 1 4 1 4 W W W . B A L T H A Z A R N Y . C O M
MELET MERCANTILE- SOHO’S BEST KEPT SECRET.
WNS
E DO ACM
84 WOOSTER STREET #205, SOHO, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10012, USA 2 1 2 . 9 2 5 . 8 3 5 3 W W W . M E L E T M E R C A N T I L E . C O M
S TAIR
ACME DOWNSTAIRS- THE PLACE TO PLAY IN NOHO.
9 GREAT JONES STREET, NOHO, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10012, USA 2 1 2 . 2 0 3 . 2 1 2 1 W W W . A C M E N Y C . C O M
32
’S JACK A FRED WIFE
JADE THE EL
HOT
THE JADE HOTEL- THE MODERN, YET ECLECTIC, BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN THE HEART OF GREENWICH VILLAGE.
THE JANE BALLROOM- HOTTEST PLACE TO PARTY IN THE WEST VILLAGE.
113 JANE STREET, WEST VILLAGE, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10014, USA 2 1 2 9 2 4 6 7 0 0 W W W . T H E J A N E N Y C . C O M
A.P.C.- THE MINIMALIST WEST VILLAGE FLAGSHIP OF ONE OF OUR FAVORITE FRENCH BRANDS.
92 PERRY STREET, WEST VILLAGE, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10014, USA 6 4 6 3 7 1 9 2 9 2 W W W . A P C . F R
PARSONS- WHERE TO CHANNEL YOUR INSPIRATION.
66 5TH AVENUE, GREENWICH VILLAGE, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10011, USA 2 1 2 . 2 2 9 . 8 9 0 0 W W W . N E W S C H O O L . E D U / P A R S O N S
GREENWICH.VILLAGE
NS
224 LAFAYETTE STREET, WEST VILLAGE, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10012, USA 2 1 2 5 1 0 8 5 5 0 W W W . J A C K S W I F E F R E D A . C O M
O PARS
JACK’S WIFE FREDA- BRUNCH WITH A MEDITERRANEAN EDGE.
WEST
52 WEST 13TH STREET, GREENWICH VILLAGE, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10011, U S A 2 1 2 . 3 7 5 . 1 3 0 0 T H E J A D E N Y C . C O M
A.P.C.
THE JANE BALLROOM
O ICH H ENW GRE THE
T THE AR A
B RCH
TEL
CHU YH ROX
THE GREENWICH HOTEL- THE PLACE TO STAY FOR AN ARTISTIC RETREAT FOR DESIGN-CONSCIOUS VISITORS.
OTEL
377 GREENWICH STREET, TRIBECA, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10013, USA 2 1 2 . 9 4 1 . 8 9 0 0 W W W . T H E G R E E N W I C H H O T E L . C O M
ON PATR
BUBBY’S- WEEKEND BRUNCH HOTSPOT IN TRIBECA.
HE N
OF T
120 HUDSON STREET, TRIBECA, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10013, USA 2 1 2 . 2 1 9 . 0 6 6 6 W W W . B U B B Y S . C O M
EW
CHURCH BAR AT THE ROXY HOTEL- TRIBECA’S INTIMATE HANGOUT BY DAY AND A LIVELY DESTINATION BY NIGHT.
2 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, TRIBECA, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10013, USA 2 1 2 . 9 6 5 . 3 5 6 5 W W W . R O X Y H O T E L N Y C . C O M
PATRON OF THE NEW- THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE THAT CATERS TO BOTH FASHION ECCENTRICS AND QUALITY-CONSCIOUS CUSTOMERS.
151 FRANKLIN STREET, TRIBECA, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10013, USA 2 1 2 . 9 6 6 . 7 1 4 4 W W W . P A T R O N O F T H E N E W . U S
BUBBY’S
AIRE ANCIENT BATHS- THE NEW TAKE ON THE TRADITIONAL SPA EXPERIENCE.
88 FRANKLIN STREET, TRIBECA, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10013, USA 2 1 2 . 2 7 4 . 3 7 7 7 W W W . A N C I E N T B A T H S N Y . C O M
AIRE ANCIENT BATHS
TRIBECA 37
ONES TO WATCH
Up close and personal with New York’s latest style set Mikenna Rase
42
43
LONGXUSTUDIO
44
Chinese born womenswear designer Long Xu creates exuberance and air in her Parsona MFA showcase. Inspired by ancient Japanese, African and Southeast Asian weaving techniques, Xu plays with color, texture and movement in an impossibly modern way. We expect to see this H&M Design Award ďŹ nalist continue making waves as she transitions into post graduate life.
ALEXANDRANAM
Challenge your perception of space and time with Nam’s latest collection aptly titled Contour. The New York City transplant channels her love of graphic elements into a line of dynamic pieces sure to give your wardrobe a much needed boost.
46
47
SEMAJBRYANT 48
Take a walk on the white side with Bryant’s latest take on modern minimalism. Her airy, yet voluminous silhouettes will transport you in to a cocoon like environment where space and light become one. Expect to see what we’er naming cozy conceptual pop up on the streets like wild fire this spring.
JOSEPHSINGH Hold a funeral for the sartorial past; the future is here. Singh translates emotion in to garment for his latest collection Dissapation. Utilizing advancements in laser cutting and pleating, his work sheds the old school techniques of decades past and ushers in a new downtown cool.
Let light transport you
50
the Allure of Lush Sarah Therrien
“We believe words like ‘fresh’ and ‘organic’ have an honest meaning beyond marketing.” Conscientiousness: A single word lines and celebrity speeches. They’re one of many popularizing brands that solely embodies and explains all topics that call upon viewers to that has taken the initiative to not the shifts we have recently seen act based on social responsibility. only combat animal testing in the in the fashion industry and in These ideals have caught a wave production of cosmetics but also consumerism as a whole. It lies of popularity and are trending particular causes that they believe at the very core of change - the for what looks like will be longer in supporting as an organization. wish to do right by something, to than just one season. Although Believe it or not, considering become an empathetic advocate for this may sound like a call for these values may lead you to a it. Global warming, animal testing, action in order to benefit a remote healthier, more quality skincare pollution reduction, sustainability element of the world in which we regime with a fresher perspective and globally ethical workplaces live, in reality the resolution of
on beauty and the environment
are overriding themes constantly these issues are meant to result around you.
But what exactly
appearing in articles, social media in the benefit of the consumer about it makes it so attractive? channels, films, political punch and the contributor alike. Lush is
54
55
It’s all about taking a moment. The brand embodies the idea
was once considered a superficial form of business, to a
a product that inherently gives back through the simple act to consider the lifestyle you lead outside of your Instagram
behind taking the time to consider. Consider what you
proactive proponent of crucial issues mainly concerning
of purchasing the item. Each purchase from Lush supports feed. It’s time to research and learn not only what is
put on your skin, what it’s made of, where it comes from
environmental factors. The basis of everything they do is
the prevention of unnecessary animal testing. It supports naturally best for your skin but also for the world in which
and who/what it affects in the process of its existence. supported by the value of their beliefs. In fact, therein lies
their endeavors to use less packaging in order to limit you live. Consider which companies you choose to endorse
In the paradox society in which we live, it seems that
their mission statement: “We believe in making effective
excess waste and it supports a way of life that considers and what they’re contributing. Lush is offering beauty
we have become so consumed with acquisition that we
products, we believe in happy people and ultimately we
more than just the visual performance of the product. It’s products that are proposing much more than a cosmetics
have completely forgotten ramification. We’ve ignored
believe words like ‘fresh’ and ‘organic’ have an honest
a detail oriented effort to make sure each choice made for trend. They’re proposing that healthy, satisfied customers
the world around us in the name of convenience and
meaning beyond marketing.” Although they wish to
each product is one that has the best impact possible on both
efficiency. Combating this perspective, Lush has taken the
make a profit just as any other business would, they use
the consumer and the environment. Companies like Lush that might bring about positive change in our world.
initiative to change the way in which beauty products are
that platform for more than just their bottom line. They
are essentialists that are simply calling for contemplation.
advertised, produced and packaged in order to make what
have initially created a system that allows people to buy
With an industry full of lifestyle brands, perhaps it’s time
56
will in turn wish to bestow those benefits on other factors
57
FROM THE CUSTOMER: Why did you choose to begin using Lush products? I was inspired by their adamant passion to have a positive impact on everything their company touches but primarily the way they pass that attitude on to their customers. What did Lush do for you skin/beauty regime? Lush taught me how to take how to love my skin both in the way I treat it and for the way it looks. Their Fresh Face Mask of Magnaminty works wonders for all skin types and allowed me to feel better about the selective impact I was having when purchasing the products. Do you feel the results are worth the price you pay? Absolutely. Some people may think I’m crazy for spending $18 on mascara but in reality Sephora is going to sell me something for $25 that won’t last as long and doesn’t provide nutrients to my lashes each time I apply it. It’s about choosing where to place your means having the knowledge to make a well informed decision about what’s best truly best for you. What are your essentials? My essentials consist of Eau Roma Water which tones and soothes my skin and their Mint Julips Lip Scrub that keeps my lips from chapping during the winter months. What suggestions would you make for a potential customer? Go to a store. Ask about the product. The employees exclude genuineness and love to explain the items and find what’s best for you.
58
59
A LEISURELY AFFAIR Mikenna Rase
RESIST THE URGE
5 RESISTANCE BAND EXERCISES TO KEEP YOU ACTIVE IN THE OFFICE 1
1
SEATED ABDUCTION
4
STANDING BICEP CURLS
2
SEATED ROWS
5
LATERAL BAND WALKS
3
FRONT SQUATS
IT’S OFFICIAL: LEGGINGS ARE PANTS. ATHLEISURE IS THE LATEST WORD TO OFFICIALLY BECOME INDUCTED INTO MIRIAM WEBSTER’S IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF MILLENIAL ADDITIONS. THE ALLURE OF THIS UNDENIABLY COMFORTABLE TREND IS HARD FOR EVEN THE MOST DEVOUT HIGH HEEL FAN TO RESIST. EVEN VICTORIA BECKHAM, THE UNOFFICIAL QUEEN OF STILLETTOS, HAS TRADED HER LOUBOUTINS FOR AIR MAX ONES. WHILE WE THINK THIS WAS A NECCESSARY MOVE FOR THE DESIGNER ANYWAYS (HER OFFICE DESK IS A WALKING TREADMILL AFTERALL), WE’RE STARTING TO SEE WOMEN EVERYWHERE EMBRACE COMFORT IN THEIR PERSONAL STYLE. STREET STYLE BLOGGERS SUCH AS LILLE HOANG OF GIGGLES AND DIMPLES SHOWS US HOW TO INCORPORATE ONE OF THE EASIEST TRENDS OF THE DECADE INTO YOUR POST GYM LIFE. LOOK FOR HIGH QUALITY LEATHER OR BRETHABLE FABRICS IN SIMPLE, STREAMLINED FINSIHES THAT PLAY WELL WITH YOUR EXISTING CLOSET STAPLES. AND IF YOU MUST WEAR LEGGINGS, MAKE SURE TO GIVE THEM AN UPGRADE WITH COOL VERSIONS THAT FEATURE MESH CUTOUTS, MOTO RIBBINGS AND SLEEK STRIPES. ACHEIVING THE ‘I WOKE UP LIKE THIS’ VIBE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER.
63