Proceeding with its tried and true hallmark of simplicity, sturdiness and elegance, Blue Claw Co. present its Urban collection of bags and accessories.

An edgier take on its classic aesthetic, the collection comprises of a diverse range of styles including a messenger bag, tote, iPad sleeve and the standout piece, a weekender with extensive added features for optimal travel functionality. Available in a palette of navy, tan, black, olive and charcoal gray canvas along with contrasting, signature dark leather, the Urban line offers a wider range of choice in aspects of the exterior while featuring an archetypal Blue Claw Co. blue canvas lining for a cheeky pop of color. 

The clean lines and simple structures of the pieces juxtaposed against the tough fabrics and bold leather accents result in a gentrified take on every day inner city staples. While minimal in design, the bags and accessories have been pristinely crafted with impeccable attention to detail, from the thread stitching to the hard wear used in the buckle and zip closures.

With no details overlooked in the construction of the collection, even the future of the bags and accessories have been predestined in their design. The integration of 15oz water shedding waxed canvas in the line was specifically chosen for the ageing and patina qualities which emerge over time, meaning even after long term wear and countless adventures the bags remain handsome in their appearance while having tales of their own to tell. 

In celebration of the new launch Blue Claw is giving away a few styles of the Urban Collection on Face Book. Please check it out and share!!! Also see a few of my personal favorite styles captured by the ever so talented and handsome Aaron Wenck! 

Of the saturated plethora of decorative body armor, jewels and arm parties around, Smith &Kane is the life and soul.

Established in March 2011, each Smith & Kane bracelet is designed and made by jewelry designer and artesian craftswoman Tysha Ampadu. A seasoned stylist and costume designer for the silver screen, Tysha believes in the authority of accessorizing. Handcrafted and personalized with love in the heart of Brooklyn, the inimitable Smith & Kane spirit embodies the unique energy of New York City.

Shattering  society’s constructed norms of labels the bracelet brings together something which symbolizes differences in culture , race, sexual orientation and class. Not living to someone else’s expectations but a reminder that we design ourselves .

A metal imbued manifestation of Tysha’s urban love affair with NYC, the Smith & Kane collection is created for the street chic, city dwelling individual. A representation of the raw strength and effortless sex appeal synonymous with the ppl who inspire her , New Yorkers. Like the leather incorporated into the bracelets, the I.D. bracelet bearer is tough and resilient yet simultaneously enchanting and unique, just like the personalized touches which include brass embellishments, spikes and Cuban link chains.

The standout pieces of the collection include the double spiked I.D. bracelet that imbues an empowering yet subtle edge and the Cuban link bracelet with leather accents which is unashamedly tough and mean in build and character.  

The beautiful arm accessories are available to purchase online and one of my personal favorite spots Atrium NYC.  The brand has  already been favored by celebrities such as Wiz Khalifa, Kelly Rowland,  and Wale and obviously Mr. roOdles!!! 

-R

If Paris truly is the city of love, it seems befitting that Barque NY is set to unveil its beguiling S/S 13 collection at the capsule trade show in the picturesque French capital at the end of this month.

Defined as creating collections which represent modern interpretations of known classics, the brand restates this essence and spirit of rejuvenation within the handsome, new collection. Creative Director and designer, Gilbert Chen plays with new silhouettes combining laid back cool with luxe in the collection’s statement and on trend madras print double breasted, unconstructed blazer. Each and every item in the collection has been created to revitalize established conventions, a feat achieved by innovatively working an array of textiles into the styles. From colorful yet quintessentially summery seersucker, quirky patchwork shirting, lavish double-faced cotton, Breton stripe jersey and the sumptuous hooded, pull over sweaters,  Barque S/S 13 brings the label’s signature clean cut aesthetic up to date and introduces a new daring degree of vibrancy, fun and attitude.

While the color story remains ever true to Barque’s archetypal palette of beige, blue and navy with pops of orange and shades of grey, key pieces in the new season’s collection embody entirely new interpretations of traditional staples. Japanese denim with nautical inspired dobby takes form in a standout blazer, alongside a unique unconstructed smart jacket in patchwork shirting while button down cardigans are emboldened in drastically contrasting color and heavy jersey henleys are available in a variety of stripes. 

Indulging the elegance of its Parisian influences, from June 29 – July 1, Barque will debut the chic S/S 13 collection at the capsule trade located at Cite de la Mode, 34 Quai d’Austerlitz. Here’s a sneak peek of the Spring 2013 collection!

Meeting Sir Adam Blitzer and the beautiful Jessica Billings was quite the pleasure indeed. The unveiling of his pride & joy Blue Claw Co. was simply grand.

The hand crafted and American made menswear accessories are tailored handsomely and crafted to durable perfection. Much like Adam, the concise collection is strategically designed with re-inforced stitching on sleek leather trims and the water resistant nylon bags are lined with water proof rubber.

As if the classic style and sophistication wasn’t enough, the Worton Weekender, Old Bay Over Night, and Dunnage duffels are consciously sized to fit standard and international carry on compartments. Retailing from $178 - $298 Blue Claw was BRPR’s third addition and has tapped our PR savvy minds to launch Blue Claw 2.0. Details to come soon! 

In the meantime please enjoy some of my favorite styles! 

-R

When I first laid eyes on Bekele (Bee-kelly) I knew she was a euphoric force to be reckoned with. Currently carving out her dreams and honoring the LGBT community, the New York based pop singer is gracing us with a performance for both Queens & Manhattan Pride.

Clad in six inch red patent leather stilettos, a USSR Army cap and a neck full of chains this feisty songstress is unapologetically seizing the limelight. Allthough her fearless brand of empowering music spotlights her individuality, as fierce as she is loving our friendship is one I will cherish always.

Her infectious first single ‘Popstitute’ epitomizes everything about the musical dominatrix, self written and funded I must give snaps to the Columbia graduate on her humbled accomplishments. Brazen in style and attitude, Bekele fancies herself as akin to the love child of Prince and Madonna, given up for adoption and then raised by a drag queen. Needless to say it was love at first sight…

Nothing short of fabulous, the dance floor seductress and BRPR invite you to witness the Popstitute take stage performing her naughty disco dance tracks- dates and info below.

June 3rd (Queens) 12PM: 37th Ave. at 84th in Jackson Heights, NY

June 24th (NYC) 11AM Hudson St. between Abingdon Sq. & West 14th St.

-R

In the mean time please check out Bekele’s debut video Popstitute, and some naughty behind the scenes Harlam Rodriguez and I captured while working it all hours into the night.

Fun Fact: “B is the Behind the Scenes”is the first video ever edited by me!

While the Spring sunshine may be playing quite the tease indeed, I personally have not been kept from flaunting some classic frames from Antonio Donato’s debut eyewear collection.

Available online, the Italian crafted collection includes an array of styles such as the In Flight Pilot line and the quintessentially preppy Reality designs. Imbued with timeless elegance, it is with great pleasure and excitement that we welcome Connecticut based Antonio Donato as the newest addition to the BRPR family!

While the dapper opticals cater to today’s current trends, the more technical designs such as Luck Black and the simply titled Sport styles have become a favorite among the local officers of law.

If outfitting the boys in blue wasn’t enough, the stylish range of eyewear can also be found on celebrities such as Terrance Howard and the handsome Mark Ballas of Dancing With The Stars.

Please check out a few of my personal favorite styles and be sure to follow Antonio Donato Sunglass Designs on Facebook.

-R