Sunday Six 7/30/23

Labels of Empire: For as long as I can remember, I’ve saved packaging and labels from both favorite haunts and random spots I’ve visited on my travels.  I am a sucker for good packaging and typography, and I appreciate the attention to detail and thoughtfulness behind each.  I have always been fascinated with the illustrated paper labels known as “shipper’s tickets,” made during the time of the Raj when the British textile industry was at its most prosperous, producing cotton for export to India. This new book by the great Susan Seller is so captivating and is both visually and mentally enriching.  

45RPM Vintage: A big part of my youth revolved around skateboarding and it will forever remain a major influence on my life.  I love how Joel Gomez, founder of Sessions, built his business dedicated to snowboarding, skateboarding, and rock & roll.  I especially love that he continues to drive it full force. I’ve spent a good amount of time on the IG feed, 45RPM Vintage, the brand he created of limited-edition t-shirts featuring iconic designs of board sports and music from the 70s to 90s. I go for the old skate photos and stay for the music vids.

Sarajo Frieden: I have been following the work of Los Angeles artist Sarajo Frieden for a few years and am always blown away by its exuberance.  Her paintings combine pattern and color to create an exploding collage of jubilant movement that feels perfectly psychedelic.  

Geremia Design for Adelphi: My good friend Lauren Geremia collaborated with the incredible Adelphi Paper Hangings on a collection of wallpapers and I’m madly in love.  Lauren developed new colorways for five of Adelphi’s traditional wallpapers that were derived from French and American designs spanning the years 1800-1930.  The Blanchard Ashlar, a French paper circa 1810-1825, is my absolute favorite.  

Mowgli Surf Shop: There’s a new surf shop in town and it’s legit.  Mowgli, located in the neighborhood of Elysian Park in Los Angeles, carries all the goods including Schroff boards, Mokoyubi accessories, an epic selection of vintage tees and denim, and some truly amazing boards painted by the legendary Starman from Laguna Beach.  

Kneeland Co. Playlist:  It screams SUMMER.