RUFSKIN Newsletter March 2013

RUFSKINMONTHLY MARCH 2013

YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO ALL THINGS RUFSKIN.

Rufskin is More Than a Brand, It’s a Lifestyle Live it. Love it. Ruf it.

By It’s Trenz ourPruca pleasure

to introduce RUFSKIN Monthly, your passport to all things that are RUFSKIN approved. Our monthly newsletter will serve as your guide to what’s new with RUFSKIN, our partners, and the things we love.

In this premier issue, we dedicate our focus to the new 2013 Swim Line and RUFSKIN NY’s First Year Anniversary.

First we explore our 2013 collection inspired by the Catalonia region in Southern France and Spain and home of our head designer Hubert Pierre Pouches. The region is no stranger to creative spirits and has born artists such as Salvador Dali, Miro,

Picasso and our very own Hubert.

Drawing from the sights, sounds, and smells of the magical Mediterranean fishing village of Cadaques, Hubert effortlessly translates the Catalonian aesthetic to swimwear. The colors and styles created for the 2013 Swim Line mix classic RUFSKIN swimwear with new innovations.

RUFSKIN NY is quickly becoming the flagship location for the brand and is making it’s presence known in the city that never sleeps and General Manager Paul Abrantes tells us why.

An issue on RUFSKIN’s 2013 Swim Line would not be complete

without the face of the collection, Logan Sweicki-Taylor. RUFSKIN President Douglas Coats catches up with Logan and asks him 13 questions about all things Logan.

Also featured are RUFSKIN locations in San Diego and Amsterdam.

Finally, get a taste of Ruftalk, our blog, which highlights our event partners in the celebration of RUFSKIN NY which include The Rootstein Showroom, amfAR Generation Cure, the Tourism Board of Puerto Vallarta, Stolichnaya Vodka, ADON Magazine and eCityofStyle.com. www.rufskin.com/blog

RUFSKINMONTHLY March2013

Rufskin Studio Swim 2013, Inspired by Cadaques, Made in America

By Trenz Pruca

“There is no straight

or gay, no ghetto; you can put everything together & if it’s well done and with good taste, it’s will always work.”

Hubert Pierre Pouches

Hubert Pierre Pouches is a classic futuristic designer who possesses a visceral knowing for what feels right and creative determination to breathe life into the vision. After creating Rufskin over 10 years ago with his partner Douglas Coats, the team has built a brand known for it’s unique cuts, outstanding quality and innovation in mens fashion.

As lead Hubert Pierre Pouches designer for Rufskin, Hubert is always pushing forward, mixing function, tradition, and daring into his creations that cater to the male form, redefining masculinity. Resisting definitions and conventions Hubert’s passion for creating in the moment, without restrictions, has made Rufskin a stand out brand that does not follow the standard fashion seasons. As Rufskin, enters it’s 11th year and it’s 8th season creating swimwear, excitement is in the air with the new 2013 Spring/Summer collection. Hubert tells us how the journey unfolded.

What was the inspiration for the 2013 collection?

“Back to my roots baby. I am from Catalonia, I grew up there going to dance in clubs in Cadaques and Ibiza. After traveling all around, I realized that the part of the world that I come from is pretty awesome.

Everything that was inspiring me was everything was coming together time wise for the collection. We are now a more settled brand, and this collection is about where you come from and what you really like, an affirmation of what we are all about. The traveling we do. All the elements came together quickly and then we went for it. From there to swim we took everything around Catalonia.

What’s new about the 2013 Swim Line?

We always work around a theme. We never really work in collections or seasons, it’s always summers somewhere. So sometimes people have a hard time following us. It’s almost like a telenovela, you never know what will happen, but for the first time we are focusing more on that moment. This time is more like telling a story through the line.

The logo for this collection is different, what else did you change for this collection?

When you think of Dali, Miro, Picasso, they represent a very strong artistic part of the world. It’s very French and Spanish, with thick blooded people, bright colors, yellow and red, and strong Catalonia culture. The logo is a homage of these great artists. We decided to go kind with an artsy Daliesque feel and the crown is one the symbols of Dali so it just Scenes from Catalonia

came into place. Overall the collection is upgraded, more fancy, the logo is subtle, there is a new lining inside suits.

What was your favorite swimsuit?

I don’t like to play favorites... So many pieces were successful. I love the Baroque with the 60s, gaudy Hermes, Gucci, tacky prints, the Folk grew on me. I’m big on colors, so the color blocks are some of my favorites. As I cut, I love the Lligat is a new way of dressing the body, none of the lines are straight, they are all diagonal so it’s a bit more creative for me.

The cut is something that sets Rufskin apart. Tell us about the Rufskin cut.

Guys didn’t have a choice when it came to sexy cuts, some were shopping at women’s stores. At Rufskin we still follow the construction of a male body because this is what we work on. There is away for you to cut that is going to amplify the physique of the guy. After 10 years we have mastered these tricks for the line.

Why was Logan chosen as the face of Rufskin?

Logan is the body of Rufskin. He has very classic but at the same time very exotic look. His body is incredibly proportioned, he’s muscular, but he’s not steroids, which is important to me. Models are like a canvas that push you to create something above what you were thinking. When I started working with Logan about a year ago it was for some editorial work. Since then, I did pretty much the whole line on Logan because he is the perfect chameleon, he can look Italian, Spanish, and has a Greek physique. At one point you need to figure out somebody who can embody your visions. Lucky for me, Logan was here at the right moment, so he’s a big part of what I’m doing right now.

What do you want people to feel when they wear Rufskin?

Doesn’t matter what the trend is or what your circle wears, you have to find the right cut and colors. Bikini, if it is your style, go for it. It’s up to each one of us to wear something that makes us feel good, sexy, and comfortable. Fashion doesn’t mold you, you use fashion as a media to express you. I’m not here to reinvent the wheel. I make good basic pieces with a little twist on the cut.

For too long it was the girls showing off. Guys can also show what they have and be sexy without being overly vulgar. I hope whatever we do, we will never cross that border of vulgarity. Especially in the gay community, there is a fine line in being sexy and keeping good taste. Be who you are, dress according to your mood. We want to break a little bit of the mold, to show something different. Pieces that anyone can wear. There is no straight or gay, no ghetto; you can put everything together & if it’s well done and with good taste, it will always work.

- Marcy S. DePina

RUFSKINMONTHLY March 2013

“Our New York City Store is quickly becoming the hub of the brand. Centered in the neighborhood of Chelsea, RS NY is keeping its finger on the pulse of the fashion world, street trends and NYC nightlife culture.”

Paul Abrantes

Rufskin New York Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple

By Paul Abrantes

March is a milestone month here at RUFSKIN New York as we mark our one year anniversary. During this time, we reflect on how we got here, who we are, and what pieces of our history are the most important now…

We have been embraced by the New York City fashion industry and have gained a loyal customer base. This is the city that never sleeps and we are on trend with that philosophy. We thrive on New York City fashion and nightlife and incorporate that aesthetic into our store. In our boutique we offer a very personalized shopping experience and pride ourselves on our customer service. There is nothing more satisfying to me than watching the boost of confidence our clients feel when they wear our clothing.

In keeping with attention to quality and promoting customer engagement, we are introducing a consignment program to make things more convenient for our clients. Program details can be provided by contacting the store. The ingredients that make this brand so special to me are the owners, followed by the quality, and fit of the product. The love and passion translates down to the staff whom embrace the RUFSKIN lifestyle.

I recently took an inspirational trip to San Diego to get a sense of the inner workings of RUFSKIN HQ. While there, we shot the new collection. I walked away feeling like once you are comfortable in your own skin you are free to live. It really is true we get confidence from so many things we do but clothing really adds that extra boost…when you look good you feel good. What you put on is an expression of who you are and how well you know yourself. I`m proud to be sharing in the vision that is RUFSKIN. Live let live and if you feel anything less than confident, paint it white.

We have also been very fortunate to meet some great partners who share our philosophy. In the later part of last year John Thompson (owner of the New York City store) and I set forth to find a philanthropic cause that we believed in. After meeting with amfAR Generation Cure there was no doubt for us that we loved and embraced the cause. We had met a fearless, dedicated team of people that believe in something for the greater good of humanity.

As we embark on our second year in New York City, we look forward to hosting exciting in-store events, expanding our partnerships, and personalizing your experience. Oh, and we have some tricks up our sleeve and a few surprises; but for that, you’ll have to wait.

RUFSKINMONTHLY March 2013

Logan Swiecki-Taylor The face and body of Rufskin

“Shooting for Rufskin is an experience unlike most. Hubert has an eye for beauty and it really comes through with his work. The styling, clothes, locations, "studio" work, and the subject or model all come together in perfect harmony when he gets behind the lens... the result isn't always what one would expect but always leaves you slack jawed. Simply put shooting for Rufskin is nothing shy of astonishing.”

Questions by Douglas Coats

Where were you born?

Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

If you were a comic book character or any cartoon character which one would it be?

Logan Swiecki-Taylor

Based off my current favorite cartoon I would want to be Finn from Adventure Time With Finn & Jake. He’s a righteous kid who goes on adventures and protects “people” from evil.

What was the most traumatic experience to happen in your personal life?

The summer before I started High School, I was in a bad BMX accident, where I ate my handlebars. I was at a BMX park with a friend and his mother (she drove us there) and I was jumping a gap and passed out as soon as I hit the ground. I came to in a kids arms asking me “where are your parents?”

Next thing I knew, I was being rushed to the hospital (over an hour away because the hospital closest denied me treatment for whatever reason)… long story short over the next 8 years, I would be in and out of many dentists, surgeons, dental specialists, orthodontists, etc. to get my smile back.

What is the last book you read?

The Hunger Games Trilogy, amazing books that everyone should read.

What was the last movie you went to see?

Django “The ‘D’ is silent” What is your favorite (song)?

Impossible question. I love every bit of music (except for Country). Depending on what I’m doing, I could be listening to anything from classical to metal or techno to hip-hop.

What school did you go to? Degree?

I graduated from Indiana State University with a Degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition.

What advice would you give to people trying to get into shape? Now that you have the body that you have aren’t you done?

Never give up. Its not about just getting to where you want to be its about getting there and maintaining it. Being “fit” isn’t just something one does or doesn’t do, it’s a lifestyle. It’s not hard once you figure it out.

There is a lot of information out there, not all of it is good, and not all of it is bad. Ask questions, try everything, and figure out what

works best for you. A fitness plan is like a fingerprint; what works for one person may not work for the next. Again NEVER GIVE UP and always strive to be better. “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” - Plato

perfect harmony when he gets behind the lens... the result isn't always what one would expect but always leaves you slack jawed.

Simply put shooting for Rufskin is nothing shy of astonishing.

If you could train anyone in the world living or dead who would it be?

Well, I was born in Florida and have lived all over the United States due to my parents both being in the Navy, so I was always coastal until my father retired and we moved to Indiana. Ever since we moved to Indiana I have wanted to get away (no offense to Indiana). I’m drawn to the coast. So when Rufskin had a job offer for me in San Diego, everything that I could hope for started coming together; living by the ocean and having a career out of college. My parents wanted me to follow my heart and support me in all my endeavors so it made moving to California very easy.

I would train the most stubborn overweight person who wanted to change their lifestyle, but didn’t have the means or “know how” to do so. I would also love to train kids since they are our future and starting them out healthy while their young will help to shape who they become.

You were chosen to model for the brand Rufskin this year, what do you think it takes to be a Rufskin model?

To sum it all up, confidence, belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities if you can convey confidence in the way you model nothing can stop you.

What country or destination would you like to visit next?

Ever since I was a little boy, I have always wanted to visit Australia and New Zealand.

My family almost moved to Australia after my father retired from the Navy. I love the ocean and nature and I feel that those two countries have some of the best destinations for both.

How would you describe your experience while shooting for Rufskin?

Shooting for Rufskin is an experience unlike most. Hubert has an eye for beauty and it really comes through with his work. The styling, clothes, locations, "studio" work, and the subject or model all come together in

What was your best reason for moving out to California?

What was one thing you found difficult growing up?

Other than having to make new friends every time we moved, I would say struggling with borderline ADHD. It made it hard for me to be challenged in school and really focus. I served a lot of hours in detention for being disruptive in class, not because I was a bad kid, but just because I didn’t know how to channel my energy. Finding things that kept me interested and focused was the key to my success, that and lots of extra curricular activities from sports to arts and even meditation. Again my parents were my biggest allies and always helped me succeed.

RUFSKINMONTHLY March 2013

Our Partners amfAR generationCURE Rufskin NY has partnered up with amfAR generationCURE, a group of young professionals in the fields of finance, art, and entertainment, in support of the committee’s efforts to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS research. Our events benefit amfAR’s mission to end the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research. http://www.amfar.org/

ROOTSTEIN DISPLAY MANNEQUINS Continuing Adel Rootstein’s philosophy of constant innovation and boundless creativity, we at Rootstein create mannequins which embrace and translate the spirit of fashion for a commercial audience, providing the key visual merchandising tools for truly inspirational visual theatre. Rufskin is honored to have it’s 2013 Swim Line featured in the New York City Rootstein showroom.

RUFSKINMONTHLY March 2013

RUFSKIN Amsterdam Located in the old city center of one of Europe's most vibrant cities, RUFSKIN Amsterdam is our European headquarters bringing Rufskin’s signature style to the streets of the Netherlands http://rufskinamsterdam.nl

RUFSKIN San Diego Rufskin San Diego is located in the heart of the hip and trendy North Park Neighborhood. The first Rufskin store and location of their headquarters, San Diego is a great place to visit as well as shop due to the killer weather, laid back lifestyle and beaches. You will also be able to understand the brand’s design esthetics on warm weather clothing and design.

RUFSKIN is made in California, U.S.A. http://www.rufskin.com

RUFSKINMONTHLY March2013

“Puerto Vallarta is a destination where unique meets boutique. From luxury hotels to intimate resorts, Puerto Vallarta meets all your expectations for holiday fun in the sun.”

Discover Puerto Vallarta Your ticket to paradise - Tourism Board of Puerto Vallarta

Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, is one of North America’s premiere destinations because of its great diversity in adventure, gastronomy and culture. Puerto Vallarta’s iconic Malecón consists of almost 6,000 feet of safe pedestrian public space.

Featuring a Mosaic pavement inspired by Huichol mankind’s origins myth, the boardwalk was conceived for local residents and tourists to leisurely spend time shopping, watching live performances under spectacular sunsets, and enjoying a gourmet meal at a wide range of award winning restaurants which have made Puerto Vallarta a world renowned culinary destination.

This picturesque city is a popular destination for the adventurous as it provides multi generational families a wide array of outdoor activities.

Have a thrilling adventure in the sun by kayaking, horseback riding, racing in a 4x4 or scuba diving year-round. Alternatively, try Puerto

Stoli Gimlet 3 parts Stoli 1 part fresh lime juice 1 part simple syrup (or agave nectar) Shake and pour into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with several limes.

Stoli® Salted Karamel™ Appletini SAVOR STOLI RESPONSIBLY. STOLICHNAYA® premium vodka. 40% Alc./Vol. Distilled from grain. William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY. © 2013 Spirits International, B.V.

1 part Stoli® Salted Karamel™ 1 part apple juice Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass.

Stoli® Chocolat Kokonut Breeze 1 part Stoli® Chocolat Kokonut 1 part pineapple juice Splash of soda Build in an ice-filled highball glass

Vallarta’s “Extreme Adventure”, a multi-activity tour which includes Mexico’s longest and fastest zip line at 4,000 ft in length and reaching speeds of 60 mph. Puerto Vallarta is also a leader in ecotourism.

Opened earlier this year, El Salado is an urban santuary dedicated to the ecological rehabilitation, research and protection of the area’s ecosystem. El Salado consists of mangrove and marsh vegetation, semideciduous and thorn forests. Sitting on a protected area of nearly 330 acres, El Salado is home to more than one hundred species of birds, 29 species of amphibians and reptiles, along with ten species of mammals.

El Salado offers expert trainings in wild crocodile handling and guided tours on pangas (small canoe) through the mangrove canals.

Win a trip to Puerto Vallarta, visit www.winatriptopuertovallarta.com/adventure