The VOCAL Times – Infornographic / Able Archer Co.
Design consultancy infornographic was born in 2001 in New York City, working with clients from across the media spectrum. At the early forefront of interactive design, infornographic helped brands mark their first digital presence from famed NYC skate brand Zoo York to NYC flagship Tribeca Issey Miyake.
Design consultancy infornographic was born in 2001 in New York City, working with clients from across the media spectrum. At the early forefront of interactive design, infornographic helped brands mark their first digital presence from famed NYC skate brand Zoo York to NYC flagship Tribeca Issey Miyake.
Cultural mercenaries, infornographic has lent its services at various times to Nike, VICE, Doug Aitken, MTV, 3x1 Denim, XBOX and Staple Pigeon while playing key roles in the rebranding of digital music service Rhapsody and international fashion brand Evisu.
Last year, infornographic distilled its decade and a half of design experience into its first in-house brand Able Archer, a utility bag line mixing low-profile exteriors with high-design interiors, tailored to the needs of hardworking professionals.
The VOCAL Times – Issue No.1
As we enter the Year of the Sheep, we celebrate the symbol of arts and a year of banding together to create a harmonious coexistence. Society has become lazy and narcissistic; literacy has been lost to 140 characters, photographic brilliance has been replaced with a phone app, and the power of drawing to crystallize an idea is now a status update…
As we enter the Year of the Sheep, we celebrate the symbol of arts and a year of banding together to create a harmonious coexistence. Society has become lazy and narcissistic; literacy has been lost to 140 characters, photographic brilliance has been replaced with a phone app, and the power of drawing to crystallize an idea is now a status update. It’s time to strip the bullshit and inform the young aspiring designers, copywriters, photographers, illustrators, production designers, advertising geniuses, outspoken publicists and original marketers: you’ll never be the creative person you aspire to be if you don’t know where it’s all coming from.
And so we present to you The VOCAL Times – an industry resource for individuals who strive to be in the know, through those in the know. For issue No.1 we focus on the city we all love: A is for apple, the Big Apple, the city that never sheeps.
The Motivation 2: The Chris Cole Story
Street skateboarding has evolved from a subculture into a legitimate sport, and with that has emerged very real physical and psychological struggles for the athletes. It was to gain an understanding and appreciation for the behind-the-scenes world that the Tribeca Film Festival favorite The Motivation was produced, following eight of the world’s top street skateboarders in the lead-up to the Street League world championship. In Motivation 2, Lough brings the lens closer to focus on a single champion: Chris Cole.
THE ONE SKATEBOARD FILM YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS YEAR
World Premiere June 20 at the LA Live in Los Angeles Followed by Worldwide Release on iTunes June 23 through The Orchard
This summer, director Adam Bhala Lough will again deliver a unique view into the world of skateboarding with his sequel documentary Motivation 2: The Chris Cole Story, in which we learn of the trials and triumphs of an underdog that made it all the way to the top. Featuring interviews with some of the most respected figures in skateboarding, including Tony Hawk, Rob Dyrdek, Stevie Williams, Rodney Mullen, Bam Margera and Jamie Thomas, this is already one of the most anticipated sport documentaries of the year.
Street skateboarding has evolved from a subculture into a legitimate sport, and with that has emerged very real physical and psychological struggles for the athletes. It was to gain an understanding and appreciation for the behind-the-scenes world that the Tribeca Film Festival favorite The Motivation was produced, following eight of the world’s top street skateboarders in the lead-up to the Street League world championship. In Motivation 2, Lough brings the lens closer to focus on a single champion: Chris Cole.
“One of my favorite things is to watch a kid be so obviously obsessed and in love with skating. I like to be a part of their experience in that way,” says professional skateboarder Chris Cole. “I know that there are kids out there that are just waiting for something to inspire them. If my story can be that inspiration for a kid, that’s really exciting.”
Shot over the course of a year in San Diego, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and China, Motivation 2 is the story of a man that earned his place as an innovator, motivator and legend in skateboarding that now creates inspiration and opportunity for a new generation. Cole’s progression from humble neighborhood beginnings to the world of elite street skateboarding is revealed through recently discovered archival footage, presenting a skater that went on to achieve the highest amount of skate contest wins, a list of defining video parts, being twice selected as Thrasher magazine’s Skater of the Year, back-to-back X-Games gold medals, and becoming the 2013 Street League Super Crown World Champion.
American film director, screenwriter, and documentary filmmaker Adam Bhala Lough has made a mark in exposing alluring subcultures, and is already highly acclaimed: nominated for a Spirit Award for Best First Feature, included in Filmmaker Magazine’s Top 25 Independent Filmmakers to Watch list, and is the only filmmaker to have a documentary, a fictional film and a screenplay at Sundance Film Festival. Scored by Julian Wass, Motivation 2 features original tracks from a host of up-and-coming talent including former Das Racist member KOOL A.D., Bay Area punk band Younger Lovers, NPR Tiny Desk winner Fantastic Negrito, acclaimed San Jose rapper Antwon, Jim Jarmusch's band SQURL, KOOL A.D.’s punk outfit Party Animal, and Philadelphia hardcore legends Turmoil.
“This is the most inspiring film I've made to date, and not just because of Chris's incredible back-story. What's truly inspiring is the work he's doing today,” says director Adam Bhala Lough. “Skateboarding is a global phenomenon and an untapped well of stories; we want to tell their stories. We are focused on making The Motivation series the No.1 documentary film series in skateboarding, eventually reaching beyond to other sports.”
Motivation 2: The Chris Cole Story will premiere June 20, at LA Live in Los Angeles, followed by an exclusive after-party at The Berrics. The worldwide release will be on iTunes through The Orchard June 23.
For all media inquiries contact VOCAL.
SIMON Malls Celebrates 20 Years
As the global leader in retail real estate, Simon has revolutionized the shopping experience with a new approach to customer engagement. Having rebranded to establish itself as an innovator that speaks not through it’s list of storefronts but directly to the people…
As the global leader in retail real estate, Simon has revolutionized the shopping experience with a new approach to customer engagement. Having rebranded to establish itself as an innovator that speaks not through it’s list of storefronts but directly to the people, Simon has created an invaluable relationship with the modern consumer that genuinely addresses their ever-changing tastes and expectations.
Evolving the traditional shopping mall that continues as a fundamental hub of community, Simon has developed an extensive program of innovative experiences across the spectrum of lifestyle interests. “One of the great pleasures of our community role is the challenge of developing a lifestyle destination that remains a valuable and relevant contributor to the communities that are a part of,” informs Chidi Achara, SVP and Global Creative Director at Simon. “As a result Simon is now more than just a host for retail opportunities, offering it’s visitors a rich program of experiences in partnership with the country’s top media platforms.”
For all media inquiries contact VOCAL.
NYWC: Join us at MAN Show
The New York Whiskey Club brings together a group of discerning aficionados to discuss cultural happenings in fashion, film, politics, sex, music, art.
MAN NEW YORK welcomes a special installment of The New York Whiskey Club
Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder is made from a trio of ne Speyside single malts - Glen ddich, Balvenie, Kininvie. It is one of the few remaining whisky distilleries in the world still using manual mixing techniques during the production process. In history, when turning the malting barley with the shiel, resembling a wooden shovel, malt men would develop a work injury which came to be known as “monkey shoulder”, for which this whisky is named. Today, Monkey Shoulder whiskey has adopted the same time-tested techniques - without the risk of personal injury - to create their signature triple malt Scotch whisky.
Hakushu 12 Year
Sourced from the pristine mountain forest waters of the Southern Japanese Alps, the Hakushu distillery is one of the highest in the world. The blend of unpeated, lightly and heavily peated component whiskies bases its superior character o the peaked barley imported from Scotland for re nement and distillation in Japan. It is no wonder that Hakushu is a “green and fresh” whisky, praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. Its crisp and vibrant feel, unique in a single malt, enlivens and liberates your senses.
Hibiki
Meaning “resonance” in Japanese, the soft yet complex taste pro le of Hibiki is created from unique bamboo charcoal ltering and plum liqueur cask maturation. Created from a symphony of whiskies, the aromas and extremely smooth palate are the result of ne craftsmanship and the unrivaled art of blending. Hibiki’s unique 24-facet bottle honors the whisky’s heritage by symbolizing the traditional Japanese lunar calendar, where the year is symbolically divided into twenty four equal parts.
Yamazaki 12 Year
The rst and original Japanese whisky handcrafted at Japan’s oldest distillery built in 1923, Yamazaki is made from Scotti- sh barley, distilled and matured in Japan using Mizunara oak barrels. The master blender for this Suntory whiskey has eaten the same lunch for the past 28 years - a shrimp tempura Udon - so that his palate is exactly the same everyday when tasting and blending whiskies. Whisky drinkers will love the smooth, honeyed taste of Yamazaki 12 year single malt.
Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition
Released 80 years after the end of the era which it celebrates, Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition has been crafted as a salute to the notorious Captain William McCoy, who smuggled Cutty Sark blended Scotch whisky into America during the Prohibition era of 1920-1933. Captain McCoy’s impeccable reputation for dealing only in the nest, genuine and unadul- terated liquor gave rise to Cutty Sark being referred to as “The Real McCoy”. This smooth Cutty Sark exhibits a lingering warmth and subtle hints of spics.
The New York Whiskey Club brings together a group of discerning aficionados to discuss cultural happenings in fashion, film, politics, sex, music, art.
Good Times International, Forecasts Kinfolk
Beginning with the release of their latest menswear collection, Kinfolk has engaged New York-based PR and Communications specialist agency VOCAL. “I’ve kept an admiring eye on Kinfolks movements over the years, and have always been a fan,” informs Sarah Bronilla, founder and CEO of VOCAL. “We’re very proud and excited to be formerly working with Kinfolk, and look forward to a lot of fun and success ahead.”
Kinfolk Appoints VOCAL NYC to Lead PR, and Releases an Extended Menswear Collection for AW16.
The creators of thoughtfully elegant lifestyle and product experiences, Kinfolk today announces the coming release of their Autumn/ Winter 2016 apparel collection. Melding a range of casual outerwear and knitwear along with iconic formal pieces, the Good Times International collection incorporates two capsule collaborations with La Paz (confirm link) and Cockpit USA for an unexpected contrast of styles that find harmony in astute design.
Kinfolk’s Good Times International release for AW16 draws inspiration from the terrifying and gritty play land of 1970’s New York, celebrating the fever pitch of culture and expression that would define the city’s future. The collection utilizes a muted yet crisp color palate that stays very true to New York classic fall imageries, creating a cohesive and functional range of garments that can be dressed both up and down. Key pieces fronting the collection include: the B10 Bomber jacket, a classic reenvisioned for today’s smart dresser; the Aspen Fleece, a hybrid item inspired by an oversize rugby shirt and the classic Patagonia pullover; the Baltimore four-pocket jacket, inspired by a vintage military piece we found during our design process, and is the perfect mix of a CPO military overshirt and a cotton coach jacket. Need a good summary to wrap collection.
Beginning with the release of their latest menswear collection, Kinfolk has engaged New York-based PR and Communications specialist agency VOCAL. “I’ve kept an admiring eye on Kinfolks movements over the years, and have always been a fan,” informs Sarah Bronilla, founder and CEO of VOCAL. “We’re very proud and excited to be formerly working with Kinfolk, and look forward to a lot of fun and success ahead.”
Born in 2008 as a collective from New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo, Kinfolk initiatives grow from the collection of locations the brand has established – the communal design studio in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg, Kinfolk 90; their culinary and cocktail nightspot in Tokyo, Kinfolk Lounge; the bar and cocktail club that has grown into a multiuse creative space, Kinfolk 94; and, of course, The Kinfolk Store that has become one of the city’s most notable menswear boutiques.
Kinfolk apparel is available at their flagship storefront at 94 Wythe Ave. Brooklyn, NY
Introducing: Farmhouse Restaurant
After opening an upstairs oyster bar back in September, the owners of Ludlow Street basement boîte Chloe 81 have turned their adjacent spot, Sebastian LC, into a “New American bistro” called Farmhouse.
After opening an upstairs oyster bar back in September, the owners of Ludlow Street basement boîte Chloe 81 have turned their adjacent spot, Sebastian LC, into a “New American bistro” called Farmhouse.
The chef is still Sebastian Maczko (also of Sebastian’s predecessor Casanis as well as Chloe 81’s Williamsburg spot Morgane), but rather than trafficking in French-Cuban, he’s going in an Italian-American direction via a selection of pastas, some of which are handmade, and handmade “raviolis” [sic] as well.
Cocktails include classics like Le Boulevardier and Last Word as well as newfangled twists like a Mezcal Mule that looks similar to the ones you can score at places like Cafe El Presidente and PDT.
Lunch and brunch is served from 11am to 4pm, and dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5pm to 11pm and Fridays and Saturdays till midnight. For all media inquiries contact VOCAL.
By Robert James
New York menswear house By Robert James has raised the bar in brand experience with a multi-channel retail and communications platform that envisions the future by embracing intimate customer connectedness. By Robert James draws heavily from community roots, living, producing and retailing in around New York City — furthering the involvement of customers and the public is a natural and strong step forward.
BY ROBERT JAMES RELAUNCHES WEBSITE TO SUPPORT ECOMMERCE AND NEW BROADCAST CENTER
New York menswear house By Robert James has raised the bar in brand experience with a multi-channel retail and communications platform that envisions the future by embracing intimate customer connectedness. By Robert James draws heavily from community roots, living, producing and retailing in around New York City — furthering the involvement of customers and the public is a natural and strong step forward.
After seven years of focusing on building a strong retail presence in Manhattan and Brooklyn, By Robert James has now incorporated this elevated service into a comprehensive website that is powered by inventory-rich ecommerce. In response to nation-wide and international demand, customers around the world now have 24/7 access to their favorite and latest By Robert James garments. To celebrate, 50 customers, friends and BRJ family will receive their own personal access code that grants them exclusive access, discounts and offers. In the spirit of community, each may share this code with their own people under the “Drop My Name” campaign that tallies the number of individual code shares to award the greatest with an enhanced preference program.
“Our fans and regulars are from all corners of the world; in many ways we’re a shopping destination as much as a neighborhood store,” informs namesake and designer Robert James. “With the new website we’re hoping to reconnect with some of our many friends from the past, and meet their friends in the process.”
By Robert James now has not just the technology, but also a space dedicated to supporting this vision of connectedness – the newly refurbished third floor of the flagship store in Manhattan’s Lower East Side has been converted into their Broadcast Center, where upcoming releases will be designed, shot and showcased. To showcase the space itself, the launch party for the new website will be held at the Broadcast Center on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 from 7-10 pm, at By Robert James, 74 Orchard Street, New York.
Most Recent:
For the month of June, NYC Pride welcomes WorldPride as it marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and a half century of LGBTQI+ liberation. To celebrate this moment, The Ally Coalition have created an emotive community-driven sound and light experience featuring a soundscape by St Vincent, and generated by user messages. The experience is powered by Microsoft AI technology that explores powerful feelings of hope, anger, joy and determination.
London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London is continuing its collaboration with Microsoft to inspire the next generation to rethink, redesign and revolutionize the future of the fashion industry. Leveraging Microsoft’s cutting-edge Mixed Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and IoT technologies and LCF’s industry-defining mentors, selected students were invited to participate in a semester-long intensive course that culminates in a final showcase of their prototypes this June.
The Petersen Automotive Museum announced today that its upcoming “Hollywood Dream Machines: Vehicles of Science Fiction and Fantasy” exhibit will spotlight a unique and immersive mixed-reality experience powered by Microsoft HoloLens. The display, named “Hollywood Dream Machines: Worlds Reimagined,” will be centered around the iconic Time Machine from “Back to the Future” and the famed Warthog from the “Halo” franchise. Opening May 4, 2019, the experience will offer guests an inside look at these legendary sci-fi machines.
Sister City, a new, meticulously designed hotel in NYC that embraces technology to offer guests a modern respite, debuts a first-of-its-kind lobby music score. Inherent to Sister City’s founding ethos was the question of its sonic landscape — Sister City asks what new shapes music can take as a site-specific, living extension of the hotel, and looked to Brian Eno’s Music For Airports and John Cage’s concept for “4’33”” as touch points for these conversations.
We’re excited to announce a new action sports music festival Gnarlytown set for June 22 in San Pedro, CA, co-founded by veteran pro skateboarder Chris Cole in partnership with John Reese of SGE and Nitro Circus. Set at the scenic LA Waterfront Berth 46 in San Pedro, CA, Gnarlytown will combine the perfect blend of action sports, punk rock, and craft beer tasting.
Microsoft has announced another partnership through their ongoing In Culture program that supports today’s most innovative creatives, this time with English singer-songwriter and rising star NAO. Together they are producing a never-before-seen interactive and personal music video to support the “Orbit” track on her new album Saturn released late in 2018.