This weekend got off to an early start for me with the help of one of my favorite [lifestyle brands]. Thursday night, Heineken took a lucky group of us on a boat ride across the East River to a not-so far off location, where we celebrated the new Heineken Star Bottle with endless drinks, good people, and great energy.
Needless to say, green was the color of the night. After the boat docked in my favorite borough, we entered what felt like the Emerald City packed into a warehouse (kinda like this <<< [click here]). The live art exhibits taking place and the energetic performance from fun. only added to the good vibe, making it another night to remember in my favorite city. Heineken’s events always offer a great translation for what “cool” means to them and I love that they share that with their audience so often and so openly. Once again, it was a job well-done from the “guys in green.”
[one of the best parts of the night for me]: This “secret” location just so happened to be in my backyard (quite literally). No late night taxicab confessions for me. I walked outside of the venue in the Navy Yard and was home in less than two minutes. Now, that’s icing on the cake.
So… after this past week, I realized that I’ve been working way too much, both in and out of the office. I’m a huge advocate of hard work, but it’s much more important to take care of yourself and actually [enjoy] the life you live; especially when you’re a 23-year old New Yorker with one of the most amazing cities in the world sitting at your fingertips.
![[the reintroduction] x the no names 1](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/the-reintroduction-x-the-no-names-1.jpg "[the reintroduction] x the no names 1")
Now that Spring has finally decided to show her face, I’m “taking the rest of the month off” and leaving all work strictly between the hours of 9 and 6. I kicked off this little vacation of mine at Santos Party House down in TriBeCa for Twelv Magazine’s Issue #3 Launch Party. The event was co-hosted by Lookbook.nu & Material Wrld and drinks were flowing courtesy of Caorunn Gin & Chang Beer. The naturally eclectic crowd and I were entertained by a number of performers and the chill atmosphere was perfect for clearing my mind. I can’t wait for Issue #4 to drop. I was assured by a “special source” that the next launch party will be even better.
For now, I’m getting back to my vacation. Consider this a postcard from my imaginary paradise. - JRPx
![[the reintroduction] x the no names 2](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/the-reintroduction-x-the-no-names-2.jpg "[the reintroduction] x the no names 2")
![[the reintroduction] x the no names 5](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/the-reintroduction-x-the-no-names-5.jpg "[the reintroduction] x the no names 5")
![[the reintroduction] x the no names 6](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/the-reintroduction-x-the-no-names-6.jpg "[the reintroduction] x the no names 6")
![[the reintroduction] x the no names 7](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/the-reintroduction-x-the-no-names-7.jpg "[the reintroduction] x the no names 7")
![[the reintroduction] x the no names 8](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/the-reintroduction-x-the-no-names-8.jpg "[the reintroduction] x the no names 8")
![[the reintroduction] x the no names 9](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/the-reintroduction-x-the-no-names-9.jpg "[the reintroduction] x the no names 9")
![[the reintroduction] x the no names 10](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/the-reintroduction-x-the-no-names-10.jpg "[the reintroduction] x the no names 10")
Yeah, so it’s been a minute since you’ve heard from me, but I have a valid excuse or two. Having a 9 to 6, a best friend in town visiting for the week, and an agenda filled with this and that keeps you busy. More than just busy; it’ll exhaust you at times. At this point, I’m trying to take the pace down a notch (for the sake of my physical and mental health), but it’s not so easy when you’re used to doing 100mph on the regular. The other day, I tried to “relax” by strolling around SoHo, one of my favorite areas of the city. Maybe I shouldn’t have picked a place with so much going on.
In spite of the frantic energy buzzing left and right, it was a great day. Since the sun was out and the weather was amazing, I dressed light and added a fun dose of color. I’ve been obsessed with [orange] lately and this sweater from Joe Fresh made my week.
Today marks the 23rd year I have been blessed to be apart of such a complex yet beautiful world. These years seem to be speeding by but I am making sure to take advantage of every second. I can honestly say that I appreciate the man that I have grown to become and I am looking forward to the man I will one day be. From the things I have accomplished, to the places I have been and the people I have been lucky enough to connect with, every moment of everyday is one that I cherish.
Mistakes made have become valuable lessons learned and a constant reminder to stay positive, focused and true to myself. Over the years I have realized that happiness starts within and when you understand what you like, don’t like and the kind of things you want out of life, things just seem to come more natural with less stress and greater rewards. Thankful for another second, minute, hour, day. Another year ; the year of twenty-three!
”The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
- Oprah Winfrey
When you work hard and work smart, consistent when doing so and understand the importance of recreating yourself time after time, your personal brand becomes stronger while welcoming a constant flow of opportunities and achievements. A man who I personally look up to and study on the regular is none other than Marc Jacobs. Not only is Mr. Jacobs the head designer for Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs with over 200 retail stores in 80 different countries, he has also been the Creative Director of the popular French design house Louis Vuitton since 1997 and oh yeah- he is also one of the biggest influencers of Pop Culture. Well, his elevator speech just got a bit longer considering he was recently named the Creative Director of Diet Coca-Cola. Thats right, one of the most popular brands in the world now has Marc Jacobs on their team…
To celebrate the world’s #1 selling diet soft drink milestone anniversary campaign ‘sparkling together for 30 years‘, Marc Jacobs has partnered with the brand to develop limited edition cans and bottles, each of which will contain graphics influenced by the rise of female empowerment during the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Its things like this that make me eager and give me hope to continue to do everything I have a passion for and not settle on just one of them because its the easiest of them all or the one that will make the most sense… to everyone else.
Who said you can’t design clothes, influence Pop Culture and design soda cans too? Marc Jacobs is the man and there is no question about it. The next time you say you want to “collab” with someone ask yourself if the timing is right, is it strategic and will the overall project get the people going. The collab of the moment has combined two iconic brands to create something that will become legendary and go down in the history books of Pop Culture. Yeah I said it, Quote me!
Marc Jacobs on becoming Creative Director of Diet Coca-Cola
![[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 1](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/L-MAG-1.jpg "[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 1")
A couple of days ago, I came out of hibernation for a night and made my way to Williamsburg for The L Magazine‘s Entrepreneurship Issue release party (click the link; my buddy and I are the first thing you’ll see!), sponsored by Absolut Vodka. It’s always nice to find yourself immersed in a different crowd every now and then, especially when the winter weather has forced you into solitude.
![[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 2](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/L-MAG-2.jpg "[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 2")
![[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 3](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/L-MAG-3-SMALL.jpg "[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 3")
![[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 4](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/L-MAG-4.jpg "[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 4")
![[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 5](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/L-MAG-5.jpg "[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 5")
![[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 6](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/L-MAG-6.jpg "[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 6")
Keep in mind that I’m a southern boy (Texas-bred) at the end of the day and the freezing conditions up here require a little adjusting to. Thankfully, the wind and snow took a night off and the temperature felt amazing. At this point, I’m getting a little bored from staying in the warmth of my apartment night after night, so I’ll be sure to show my face around the city in the near future (especially since Spring is right around the corner)!
![[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 7](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/L-MAG-7.jpg "[tnn] x LifeSTYLE x L MAG 7")
![[tnn] x overdose on fame 1](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/tnn-x-overdose-on-fame-1.jpg "[tnn] x overdose on fame 1")
Once again, NYFW has passed and the hype is slowly subsiding throughout the city. I didn’t get to do much this season, but what I did get involved with was an experience to remember. Now, I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a model, but I do get offered jobs every now and then. This time around, I participated in my first presentation and it was pretty cool. Presentations are different than a typical show in the sense that the models stand on display, mannequin-style, rather than just walk up and down the runway. Check out a few shots from the event below.
To get a better idea of how presentations work, check out this throwback post from my 2011 Fashion Week internship: No Walking Allowed!
![[tnn] x overdose on fame 2](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/tnn-x-overdose-on-fame-2.jpg "[tnn] x overdose on fame 2")
![[tnn] x overdose on fame 3](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/tnn-x-overdose-on-fame-3.jpg "[tnn] x overdose on fame 3")
Tim B. & Jean Roger (seen below) are the minds behind OverDose On Fame and their first collection is set to drop in April. Between concepting and building the collection and then running around the NYC area to get things in order for the show, I’m glad everything came together for them perfectly.
![[tnn] x overdose on fame 4](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/tnn-x-overdose-on-fame-4.jpg "[tnn] x overdose on fame 4")
The other morning, as I was saying my prayers, I was reminded of the goals that I set for myself after moving out here; goals pertaining to who I want to become, what I want to do, and where I see myself in the coming years. There are so many things that I HAVE to make happen and I realized that, in order to do so, this year needs to be about [expansion]: the expansion of my circles, knowledge base, and taste.
At the end of the day, it’s all about becoming better. You’re as valuable as you [build] yourself to be. You know that old saying about [your network being your net worth]? Yeah, about that… I don’t believe the two things are the same. While it can help open doors of opportunity, your network won’t refine your taste or build your experience for you. You have to actively make that happen for yourself.
With that said, as 2013 continues to move in a great direction, I plan on experiencing new things, learning as much as I can about all things branding, and taking myself to unexplored levels, socially and culturally. I guess it helps that NYC is one of the most amazing cities in the world. Where better to develop yourself than right here?
Your home is one of the key areas worth investing your money into; after all, it’s your escape, your sanctuary. As a new New Yorker, I’m still developing my apartment, piece by piece and day by day, and I must say, I love coming home to a place that’s all mine. I think that, as members of this young, IMPULSIVE generation, we often rush to buy things that other people will admire, which leaves less for us to admire for ourselves. In 2013, I plan on building this apartment into my own personal showroom of amazing decor and creative energy. Needless to say, these items from the Davidelfin Home Collection immediately caught my eye.
![Davidelfin Home Decor x [the no names]](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/davidelfin-duvet-x-tnn.jpg "Davidelfin Home Decor x [the no names]")
As a very visual person, I love color! It excites me and makes me feel alive. The Davidelfin team has made it their goal to add some personality to your room with these special duvet and cushion covers. The decor collection takes me back to the brand’s Spring/Summer 2012 ready-to-wear collection, Katharsis, which they brought to life with fun designs and energetic tints. Take some time to browse through the entire home collection and see more of the sets available. You can check out the items now in the Davidelfin online shop (and hurry, there’s an awesome sale going on!). I have my eye on the Overdose set. Check it out!
With the introduction of a new year comes tons of excitement, usually a bit of partying, and a fresh start. So far, 2013 is looking especially bright and I’m excited to see what it has in store for me, but before heading into the future, I got the chance to revisit some of my past. One of my best friends from back home made his way from sunny Los Angeles to welcome 2013 with me the right way up in New York City.
![Blast from the Past, Run to the Future x [tnn] 1](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/highline-1.jpg "Blast from the Past, Run to the Future x [tnn] 1")
Aside from Kyrell‘s great New Years party, a little shopping, and enjoying the city’s amazing food, we took some time to explore the city a bit. The High Line over in Meatpacking was a worthwhile stop, despite the freezing weather outside. The wind brought tears to our eyes (literally), but it’s a dope little spot in one of the coolest parts of the city. All in all, this has definitely been one of my favorite New Years celebrations. I hope you guys can say the same. Here’s to 2013. It’s going to be a good one.
![[tnn on the road]: brotherly love 1](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/brotherlylove-1.jpg "[tnn on the road]: brotherly love 1")
Yesterday morning, as we prepared to head to an early meeting with two of our colleagues, Kyrell and I got word that their train from Philadelphia into NYC was delayed until further notice. Never allowing unexpected barriers to stop our productivity, we decided to keep our plans in tact and keep the work flowing. We packed our bags, met at Penn Station, and hopped on the first train to them instead. A little over an hour later, we set foot in [The City of Brotherly Love] and got to it.
![[tnn on the road]: brotherly love 2](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/brotherlylove-2.jpg "[tnn on the road]: brotherly love 2")
Even though it was completely business-related, it was nice to get a brief vacation from New York; you could even say it was healthy. And, of course, being in a new city, we couldn’t skip the chance to immerse ourselves in some type of culture-filled activity. After our work was done, we all headed over to Arch St. to check out the remarkable Fabric Workshop and Museum. Last night was the opening reception for Daniel Arsham‘s Reach Ruin exhibit and it was certainly a sight to see. You can check out the amazing pieces of artwork right now on our instagrams below. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
@jovelroystan x @kennethkyrell
![[tnn on the road]: brotherly love 3](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/the-no-names-x-philly.jpg "[tnn on the road]: brotherly love 3")
Its been a while and i’ll start off with apologizing; whether you accept it or not. I’m back though, so no worries. My camera has been sitting on my desk, unbothered for about two weeks now and as I picked it up, turned it on and went through some photos, I realized there are so many moments that have happened within the past month and a half that deserve some attention. I’ll start with this one for now…
It was a Sunday and instead of doing brunch in Manhattan, I headed to Brooklyn to see what the boys Dee & Ricky had cooking in the kitchen (all pun!). They were telling me about their restaurant concept back when it was in the works when they came to visit Atlanta one weekend. That same concept is off paper and actualized. YES, along with their PONY sneakers, G-Shock watches, JOYRICH collabs and much more they own their own restaurant too! Good food, overflowing liqueurs, dope art work (LEGO’s included) and a strong presence of the brand they have built and continue to build; not to mention those sick Louis Vuitton monogram barstools. Its always a good time with these guys and I’m sure i’ll be back soon. Standby for a complete review of their restaurant within the coming weeks. Until then, consider this the appetizer before the main course!
![[A Night on the Water]: Heineken's The Arrival Party](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/themes/bigfeature/library/timthumb/timthumb.php?src=/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/a-night-on-the-river-x-heineken-thumb.jpg&w=220&h=140&zc=1&zcp=1)
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![[Flesh Love] x Haruhiko Kawaguchi](http://the-no-names.com/blog/wp-content/themes/bigfeature/library/timthumb/timthumb.php?src=/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/HKtumb.jpeg&w=220&h=140&zc=1&zcp=1)