We Are The Market’s very own contributor Adam Christopher recently had the opportunity to sit down with one of New York’s most influential tastemaker’s this past week, Jake Davis. Jake’s been a big influence recently not only on the style, ideas and fashion of New York at the moment, but he’s also been directing music videos for a wide range of premiere artists and films with brands, such as Supreme and Nike for a hot minute. His retrospect on the current times, trends of menswear and the streets are being felt more than ever through his videos and blog. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Jake Davis in New York. His tastes and his views from fashion to life, his work with Supreme, and much more was quite interesting. He’s been making daily chants and views on his blog for quite some time now and building a great following. One of the best things he told me was a timeless quote that many should ahere to: "never take yourself too seriously". It’s true, when you start doing that you start looking in the mirror to often or thinking over things too hard… Effortless style comes off the hip, it’s something that comes naturally and it’s something Jake’s been doing all a long. Take a look and enjoy the interview after the jump.
I’ve been really busy locking down some endeavors such as my passion project Coolhunter, which is my feature film that’s been in development for a while now. I’m looking to finish the short film this month and finish the feature script in the coming months. It’s been a challenge trying to finish it in between music videos, commercials and life.
I’m also about to be handed the keys to a brand new and free Ford Fiesta for 1/2 a year. Ford is paying for insurance, parking, and gas. Once a month I’ll be going on an adventure with friends, filming it and posting it to my blog. I’m curious to see what the reaction will be. I think it will be dope, as I’ll be looking to put a face to some of New York’s influential heads, especially some of my people who have really dope blogs, as well as behind the scenes looks at music videos and the artists that I make them with. Basically it will be an opportunity for fans and readers to get a better look into my life. Having a car in New York always seemed like an unnecessary luxury. So I’m pretty psyched Ford is giving me the opportunity.
Tell me about some of the projects you’re working on for 2009.
Music videos galore and some creative media collaborations with Supreme, which will be coming out shortly. Recently I directed the Lou Reed spot with the wheat paste poster Terry Richardson photographed of Lou for honeyee.com. That dropped when the new Spring line came out. Then came the Damien Hirst video, which came out the week the decks dropped. There are a few more dope videos in a similar vain that are coming out soon with unique product launches.
Tell me about how you came to work with Supreme and your ongoing relationship there.
I moved to New York to attend NYU film school when Supreme just started. Hanging out downtown I just kind of eventually met all those guys and kicked it. I’ve known James (Jebbia) and Brendon (Babenzien) for a long time now and when Angelo (Baque) was recruited to handle all their media it just made sense to work together. They get it, I get it, it works.
You are always bringing to light brands and what’s hot on your site, what are some of your favorite brands out there right now?
Supreme of course. I have to rep for Ralph Lauren (RRL, Polo, & Rugby) since my girl designs Women’s Black Label for them, Engineered Garments and Woolrich Woolen Mills, Daiki is killing it hard right now, R by 45rpm, A.P.C., Raf Simons is sick with it, Band of Outsiders, Noah, Aprix, Common Projects, Nom de Guerre and I think J.Crew and Uniqlo are really great for basics.
Tell me about some of the artists, designers and icons who inspire Jake Davis?
French new wave directors like Godard and Truffaut (sounds pretentious I know but I can’t help it), from them came Tarantino and Tony Scott. Big shoes to fill but I eventually see my work following them… Stylish leading men that look great on and off screen really inspire me. I’d like to bring back that old school Hollywood iconism in my own work and style.
What was the reason that you started your blog and website?
Initially it was a form to showcase my work for family, friends and professionals. It organically became a venue to show my inspirations as well. And now that it’s popular I’d like to influence things positively and shed some light where it needs to. Instead of just telling my close friends about a great album, book, or issue I can tell the world.
Obviously you’re site gets a lot of hits and your views and opinions are liked… Tell me what you think about this current "recession" retail, economy, everything?
I don’t make a living from fashion so I think I can speak a little more freely and unfiltered than someone who does depend on the business to eat. But I think across the board it’s going to get rid of a lot of the product that shouldn’t have gotten made in the first place. When things get tough the tough get going. Maybe there’s too much "stuff" out there that doesn’t represent the current values of America or the world. You come to a certain age and you realize you don’t need to buy the latest trend that season and look silly the next. You want clothing and style that will last… (Adam Christopher)
