Small Trades: The panel rib stripe Tee

I apologize in the delay for my non-posting, but things have been very very busy... I would like to introduce SMALL TRADES. A new collection of panel rib cotton t-shirts. The idea of combining a European sensibility with back to basics American craftsmanship ensures that the "Made in USA" label will survive (or so we all hope!). The T's are made by the same family since 1907 in a factory that has been operating since the Civil War. They are simple, classic, cute, non-fashion, wearable and reasonably priced - what more can a girl want in a T-Shirt?

Cesar Padilla: RIPPED... 800 T-Shirts?

Can you imagine going on a trip only to come home to your prized collection gone? Something you held near and dear to your heart. And here's the cherry, your mother is behind the whole catastrophe! All for a Rock band T-SHIRT collection... "RIPPED: t-shirts from the underground" comprise of what Padilla has been trying to put back together for over 20 years. Since the day he returned home from a trip to South America and found what his mother did to him. He went on a pilgrimage. RIPPED documents 200 T's of his 800 and counting collection. The chosen represent pure wholesome creativity mostly made by the bands themselves with the only desire being to not only be heard but seen and now timelessly remembered. The T's were photographed in true form, dirt stained and all. Just as they came to him... whether they are found in a thrift shop or sent as a gift. They are what they are to some but to Cesar... well, I think we all know the answer to that! Thanks!

P.s. Images are directly from the book (sorry a bit dark). Yup I bought it on amazon.com. The 2nd photo: T's made by Padilla during his misspent youth. Only to be recovered later...

Richard Prince... "T-Shirt Paintings: Hippie Punk"

Down on the Bowery in NYC you will see a T-Shirt hanging in a gallery for 65 grand. And that's on the low, the high end range could hit $125,000! Surprised, shocked? I didn't think so... It is NYC and these T-Shirt paintings are by The artist Richard Prince. The 31 paintings dating from the mid-80's to the present were all created on old beefy T-Shirts stretched over wood or canvas. These t-shirts reflect the personal work of Prince because each one came out of whatever he was working on at the time. The paintings vary in theme and style. Some of the images include evidence of his pop-cultural obsessions (all layered in paint) a Led Zeppelin decal, Woodstock, a Jimi Hendrix image and even a few stenciled jokes... "I went to see a psychiatrist. He said, 'Tell me everything.' I did and now he's doing my act" is one. It gave me a nice chuckle. If you are in the neighborhood pop into Salon 94 Bowery, 243 Bowery and check out the show but hurry it's only open through June 26. But don't fret there's still plenty of time to get down there from The Upper East Side!

Steve McQueen: The T

"The king of cool" was his nickname. And I can't think of a guy that is cooler than Steve McQueen. Just look at him: Not only physically gorgeous but he emulated sexiness without (I'm sure) even trying. He was a real guy's guy. Besides being a famous movie star he professionally drove race cars, motorcycles and an avid dirt bike rider. He didn't mind getting a bit dirty. I found this image online and could not resist posting it. This is not a famous T worth any value (as far as I know) but I thought it to be a much worthy addition to the blog. Steve McQueen died at the young age of 50. But his legacy will live on and be remembered forever...

Valentino makes T-Shirt's?

Oh Yes! Valentino is making t-shirts. Most brands are reinventing themselves today to draw new customers. But Valentino wants to join the daylight hours with their long established clientele. And perhaps, well, I'm sure the T's will add a whole new crop of devotee's. Give the ladies something to wear for breakfast, lunch or happy hour. Simple. But these T's are not so simple. Using Couture dressmaking techniques the chief designers of Valentino (Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli) are taking their T to a whole new level. Choose from a short list of ten styles ranging in price from $590-$1980. Remember this is Valentino! And how can we forget. Sequins, tulle and crinoline... Delectable. What a perfect addition this season for the urban princess. And this is just the beginning...

Tavi's Teeeeeeee

Tavi Gevinson the uber popular Style Rookie Blogger has collaborated with Borders & Frontiers in London to create a very cool t-shirt. And more so, it was inspired by the Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2008 collection. I stumbled on this Tee at the MOCA shop in downtown LA. I was drawn to it immediately. I am not a big printed T-Shirt girl personally but the graphic drew me in all the way to the register. The design is hand printed on a 100% certified organic cotton. It comes in two metallic (sorry just the graphic, don't think anyone has figured out how to create organic metallic yet!) versions as well. Of-course I chose the black. This might not be Tavi's fav but I sure took a liking to it... P.S. The hang tag is one of the coolest I've seen around!

The PRADALPHABET Tee Collection

The design team Mathias Augustyniak and Michael Amzalag or (M/M Paris) collaborated with Miuccia Prada to create a limited edition T-Shirt collection. Every letter in the Pradalphabet is designed as architecture: as each of the letters are individually drawn up they are interlinked by M/M. "When we were commissioned to design t-shirts for PRADA, we thought that the beauty of buying one is to own a souvenir of a place, a person or an event," says M/M. A memento of a period in time and place within in the world of PRADA. Miuccia Prada is a true visionary without borders of what design is and should be... The PRADA:M/M concept has encapsulated a memorable piece of design for all to view, wear and enjoy. A special made to order of your own name spelled out on a PRADA T is also possible. But anything seems to be possible in the world of PRADA!

Nana and the Glitter Googly T

Nana lives in Ft. Green and thinks that the world needs more googly eyes and glitter - And I think she's got something there... She bought her Tee at Opening Ceremony about a year ago and it costs somewhere in the $100 range. Nana can't remember the designer (she cut the tag) but it's very reminiscent of her friend Zach Fleming's artwork. When she throw's on a big cardi and all you see are the bear's head and eyes... Clever secret?... An inside joke? Whatever, I'm convinced! I think everyone needs a googly eyed glitter Tee too! Maybe it's the next trend? Regardless, it's the coolest of the gizillion T's Nana has stocked in her closet. Great pick!

Jiang Ni's Perfect Summer T-Shirt

Jiang lives in Flushing. And he hit it spot on with his pick for his favorite T. And yes, a tank is in the T-Shirt family. Understated luxury. Ann Demeulemeester 100% cotton fine ribbed. A bit sheer which makes it perfect for layering as well. It clings to the body just so... that you would never want to take it off! He's had it for about 2 years and got for a steal at $65 (on sale from $250)! It makes him feel like a poet that frolics in an open field only to discover that one inviting tree that welcomes reading and writing all day long. A perfect summer afternoon. Dreamy...

Ernesto 'CHE' Guevara: The Rebellious T-Shirt

Che Guevara is one of the most popular symbols to emerge out of the political turmoil of the 60's. T-Shirts bearing the face of the Marxist revolutionary is the symbol of radical chic. A generic device of the underdog. A man willing to die for a cause. A man of his word. The year was 1967 in Bolivia where the road ended for CHE - he was executed. Yet today CHE has become viewed as an inspirational icon of the underdog. The modern day Jesus Christ. After his death on the streets of Santiago Chile voices were heard round the world "!No lo vamos a olividar!" "We won't let him be forgotten!" Time Magazine added CHE to the list of 100 most important figures of the century. A revolutionary who dedicated his life to fight capitalism has become nothing more than a piece of merchandise. In the end capitalism always wins. But the sentiment never will die...

T-Shirt Travels: Film by Shantha Bloemen

Shantha Bloemen volunteered with a community development initiative in a remote part of Northern Zambia: 50 miles from the nearest town with running water and electricity. While adjusting to living in a different culture, learning how to cook "mealie meal" the local cuisine and carrying water on her head which was located a mile from her home.

Something struck her as oddly familiar: almost everyone in the village wore second hand clothing from the west, from the village elder sporting a CHANEL knockoff jacket to women in AC/DC t-shirts. She began thinking if the original owners had any idea that their cast-offs they had given to charities ended up being sold to Africans (at a 400% mark-up) half way around the world. The T-shirt that left the most profound mark on her was a white tattered T worn by an elder chiefdom that read "I danced at Elijah's Bar Mitzvah 1986." The T probably came from NYC and is now worn by a born-again Christian village elder in Africa.

An export agent from Brooklyn told Shantha that The Salvation Army doesn't even unpack most of the donated clothing but sells it to companies for export to third-world countries. Since 1992 when Zambia opened it's doors to free trade within 8 years the clothing manufacturers have gone out of business. Not a single one left in the country. In 2001 Shantha finished the film "T-Shirt Travels" which was aired on public television. We westerners think that dropping off our clothing donations is a good thing. Maybe we should think twice of where our unwanted cast-offs actually go and the impact of those goods and the communities that receive them...

Christian Dion and The Ringer T's

Christian lives in La La land (a.k.a Los Angeles). He couldn't help but pull a "High Fidelity" and do a "on a desert island all time top 5..." Love him for that! But due to my own technical difficulties I could only post 2. The first is a Rosedale Carting ringed crew. The writing is somewhat offensive so he wears it inside out and laughs to himself at appropriate times. He has no clue who made it - the tag is long gone but it's been around for about 5 years. Cost him a tenner.

Next is an old-ass (vintage) Adidas ringed v-neck. It makes them both look good! In his closet since spring break '97. Cost about 5 bones. Christian keeps the bulk of his t-shirts in various dresser drawers and has no clue how many he's got but it's always a pleasant surprise when he picks from anywhere but the top of the pile. So unlike a guy. But he's the real deal. I'm sure this isn't the last of Christian's T's we will be seeing... Muchas Gracias!

Moffie's T: Original COOL

Lisa's lives in Hollywood. She loves a good story.
And this T-shirt has many... It's from Scandinavian
Knitters. She bought it on the street in NYC about 30 years ago from a homeless guy for about a dollar. It's 100% cotton industrial utilitarian at it's best. The craftsmanship feels and looks like Willi Smith of WilliWear from back in the day! They don't make 'em like this anymore. And with a little finesse from Lisa she turned it into a sexy versatile little number that still works very nicely today. Old School... classic and plain ol' Groovy. Just like the owner!

Devon's T: Double Duty

Devon lives in Brooklyn. Her favorite T is from Maison Martin Margiela (MM6) collection. She loves this T' because it is casual and current yet timeless with the idea of something a little extra-ordinary. It was an easy choice - basic at it's best with a uniqueness that speaks for itself. It goes Day goes into Night... Literally. It's been in her closet for about a year. She picked it up for a little under $200. And out of the 100 or so T's that she has stocked away - this is her fav... Devon was born and cursed with fashion and good taste in her blood. Barely out of her teens she exudes such personal style and charm that we will see her go far and wide in whatever she chooses to do! Keep it real Dev - I know you will...

Jacqueline Bisset & The Simple T

Jacqueline Bisset became a household name in the U.S. in 1978. All because of a Simple white T-Shirt (well, kind of...). When Jacqueline emerged from the water in THE DEEP wearing nothing but a wet T-shirt the film became an instant success and her career soared. The producer said "that t-shirt made me a rich man!" Jacqueline landed on the cover of Newsweek magazine under the title "The Most Beautiful Actress of all Time." As well as the spawning of the "Wet T-Shirt Contest" remember? Spring Break South Florida early 80's? Jacqueline went on to great career success. And is as beautiful as ever. Don't be shy girls... Show 'em what you got!

BUDWEISER T': Need I say more?

Adolph Busch began brewing bohemian lager a.k.a BUDWEISER in 1876. In the 1960's Budweiser (The King of Beers) revolutionized the Advertising world by placing their beer can LOGO on a white T-Shirt. They had no clue what they started. It was an advertising phenomenon, showing how a human billboard can be a great advertising tool! It all started with a simple white cotton T-Shirt and an idea...

John Lennon and New York City

John Lennon wore this shirt with pride and love for his adopted city. He had it on during a photo shoot for his upcoming album "Walls and Bridges" in 1974. And it hasn't been forgotten since... either have you John. Currently (I believe) there is a show at The NYC ANNEX of The Rock n' Roll Hall of fame on Mercer and Broome. The show titled JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS. Where you will actually be able to SEE the FAMOUS T Shirt and other history. Sounds cool to me. If anyone goes let me know... And always 'GIVE PEACE A CHANCE'.

Gigi De Montecero's Tee

Gigi lives in NYC. Strike a pose girl... You got what it takes! Looking so classic in this 6 button Henley from American Vintage. It was a Christmas present from her sister and she hit right on. Looking so comfy it goes from day into night with the right accessory. And I'm sure Gigi has all the accessories needed to take a spin out on the town in New York. Dance the night away. Have fun. Thanks Gigi.

Farrah Fawcett & The famous T

Although Farrah Fawcett was only on "Charlie's Angels" for one season this photo which began as a poster then transferred into a T-Shirt will last a lifetime. In 1977 more than 8 million dollars worth of T's were sold! Big bucks for back then! Farrah became an ICON without even batting an eyelash... Girls secretly wanted to be her but wearing the T-Shirt was as close as we were ever going to get! RIP... Farrah - you are missed.

Hicham's T - Tres Chic

Hicham lives in Brooklyn. I wouldn't expect anything less of his pick for the perfect T. That sparkling smile says it all! His Fav for the summer when he is as bronze as any goddess could achieve... throws on this Missoni V-neck long T. Trouble is in the air. And Hicham loves to get into trouble (although only once in a while). It's been in his closet for about a year and a half. It's a Missoni classic - but save your pennies girls and boys because you will need them all... a mere $1200. But oh the memories will never make you look back or think twice! Gorgeous. Love you honey! Thanks Hicham.

Sharon Stone. The Gap T. The Oscars.

Hollywood's night to shine. I'm sure you can't remember who won the Academy Awards in 1996. But I'm sure you remember what Sharon Stone was wearing the night she was nominated for her performance in CASINO. A simple black GAP T. My research shows that she wanted to wear something comfortable. She asked her friend ELLEN and ELLEN suggested "Go into your closet and pull 5 of your favorite items". What she came up rocked the the red carpet and the fashion industry gossip. And is still talked about 14 years later. Always be yourself! Very cool. And a round of applause to Sharon Stone and ELLEN of-course for giving real honest advice. I wonder if The GAP T is still in her closet?

Ben Ruhland and The Layered T

Ben lives in Brooklyn. Look how cute he
looks in this layered combo... The short sleeve is a new organic cotton T from Alexander Yamaguchi shown here in a beautiful power blue for a cool $74 bucks. The long sleeve is a Marc Jacobs Swiss-cotton underwear T and has been in his closet for about 7 years. Back in the day it was $68. Adorable! Thanks Ben.

Basil Racuk's favorite T

Basil lives in Oakland and has had this t-shirt for about 8 or 9 years. It still has many years left. It was a sample he scored for about 2 bucks! The image is not recognizable to the untrained eye. And lets keep it that way! A little mystery always keeps things interesting. I love the color combo... really great. Thanks Basil.

Nicole Gulotta's Favorite T

Nicole lives in NYC. This is her current (since November) favorite T. Nicole's friend Ashley Tyler designed the screen and wrote the poetry. Very cool Ashley! Nicole found it in the midst of Ashley's back-stock from her shop on Green Street which closed about three years ago. Nicole said it was love at first sight! The fit is perfect for me. "It makes me feel like I am wearing a sort of talisman for creativity and power." It retailed for about $140. Thanks so much Nicole.

1950's to 1960's the Decorative T-Shirt was born

In the early 1950's several companies in Miami started to decorate T-Shirts with resort names and started licensing original artwork for Walt Disney characters. Moving into the 1960's the ringer T-Shirt became a fashion staple for youth and rock-n-rollers. The 60's was also known for the Tye-Dye T. Jackie Collins rocks the tye-dye wonderfully! How Chic you are Jackie! Yet, one of the most popular symbols to emerge out of the political turmoil of the 60's were the T-Shirts bearing the face of CHE GUEVARA. GO CHE!

My 'current' Favorite T-Shirt

Dries Van Noten makes the most amazing t-shirts - if you didn't already know... But they sure do go quick! So if you spot one on a rack grab it because odds are it won't be there for long! Here is my new fav... it's pretty perfect. It drapes on the body beautifully. It has ruching down one side... and is just so comfy! Can be worn dressed up and down. Very versatile. It is from this season - s/s 2010. It retails for around $150. So worth it. Hope you can find one - not to be missed!

James Dean "The Rebel"

James Dean ultimate COOL! made the T-shirt the symbol of rebellious youth in the 1955 film "Rebel Without A Cause". Thank you James Dean!

Marlon Brando and the T-Shirt

Marlon Brando, James Dean and John Wayne shocked the American household by wearing their underwear on national television!(funny right?!) Marlon Brando revealed his naked chest when his t-shirt was ripped from his body! in the 1951 production of "Street Car Named Desire." I need to give credit to the Costume Designer Lucinda Ballard who was nominated for Academy Award and most likely put the T-Shirt on Brando. Welcome to Hollywood!

1800's to early 1900's: history of the t-shirt

The t-shirt or also known as the 'tee shirt' evolved from undergarments used in the 19th century. The one-piece "union suit" was cut into top and bottom and VOILA the t-shirt was created. It was named the T-Shirt due to the garment's outline. It was worn by miners and stevedores (longshoreman) during the late 1800's as a covering for hot environments. During WWI: American troops noticed European soldiers wearing lightweight cotton undershirts during hot and humid summer days. The undershirts quickly caught on with American Soldiers. By the 1920's the "T-SHIRT" had become an official word in the American Language and was included in Webster's Dictionary. By WWII both the Navy and Army included the T-Shirt as standard issue underwear.