I Am Fashion: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2/11

I know it's been a while since my last post so let me bring you up to speed.  The last couple of months I've been busy in pre-production mode for the Academy of Art University School of Fashion show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City.  I had an amazing time producing & hosting this project.  I could not have done this without a talented and dedicated production team which consisted of a brilliant director/cinematographer, Vivek Mohan, an awesomely kick-ass editor, Hailey Yang and an outstanding original score by Wylie Burge.

Many thanks to the Fashion and Multimedia Communicatioins departments at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco for this unforgettable experience.

We hope you Enjoy Share Like with as many people you know.


I Am Fashion: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2/11 from Raymund Aranda on Vimeo.

Film: The Things You Can Do With a DSLR

Many thanks to Vivek Mohan for providing such great examples of inspirations to up and coming film makers.  This is from one of the best in the field of DSLR film making, Vincent Laforet.  Watch and enjoy!!!


Reverie from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.

Music: Armin Van Buuren

But if you just want to chill here's a cool track by Armin Van Buuren courtesy of my friend Vivek Mohan.

Music: GIRLTALK

Awesome mashup by GIRLTALK which you can download for free courtesy of my friend Kelly Dessoye.  Makes you want to just shake your money maker.  WARNING EXPLICIT LYRICS!!!  Take a listen to one of my favorite tracks.

Fashion: 'Tis the Season for Giving

'Tis the Season for Giving.  But, if you don't know what to get for that one person who has everything or is just difficult to shop for, look no further than the Neiman Marcus 2010 Holiday Catalog.  I'll take #4 please.  If the catalog doesn't inspire you to stimulate the economy here's a look back at Fashion's Night Out 2010.


Fashion's Night Out 2010 from Raymund Aranda on Vimeo.

Fashion: Black Friday

The Holiday Shopping Season officially kicks off the day after Thanksgiving. For those in the retail industry this is known as Black Friday. For shoppers this is the time to take advantage of major deals. If you are looking for a fun, happy shopping experience during the holidays Black Friday is not for you. Black Friday is crowded and competitive. You are better off shopping on Cyber Monday...the Monday after Thanksgiving when consumers take to online shopping. Cyber Monday is also safer and you'll have less chance of being trampled or killed by an overzealous crowd. That's right KILLED!!! If you decide to shop on Black Friday please use common sense, be courteous of one another, and most of all be safe.

Fashion: The Fit

D Rogue Date Rescue

Fashion: Fashionably Challenged?

If you are fashionably challenged you need to go pick up a copy of GQ Style Manual 2010.  It's the best and simplest guide to the most basic do's and don'ts to men's fashion.  The manual covers everything from what to look for when buying a suit, how a shirt should fit, and what shoes to wear.  Follow the manual and you'll be looking sharp from head to toe.

Some of my favorite tips from their cheat sheets are:

• A suit's gotta fit right or it isn't worth wearing.
• If you ever can afford a bespoke suit, get one made.  It's worth every penny.
• Always buy a fitted dress shirt--even if you're not model skinny.
• Be a man: Wear a pink dress shirt to the office.
• Your dress shoes should be as contoured as your suits.  Say no to square toes.

Now go out and be fashionable!!!

Grooming: Hair Products

In order to have great hair you have to take care of it.  And that begins with selecting a good shampoo and conditioner.  Not one of those 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner bottles.  I have my favorites, but once in a while I like to switch it up and try new products.  I was browsing through Whole Foods and found Mineral Fusion Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner.  I've been using it for about 3 months and have been very happy with how gently it cleans and moisturizes my hair.

Mineral Fusion Conditioner

Mineral Fusion Shampoo

The next thing is to choose styling products that will protect your hair from damage.  Some guys can walk out of the shower without doing anything to their hair.  I'm not that fortunate.  I wish I could say that I just use one styling product, but I would be lying...I use three.  First and foremost, always read the directions on how the product is to be used.  I start out with damp hair and spray KMS hairplay paste up spray and blow dry.  Then in the palm of my hand I rub a dime size dollop of Bumble and Bumble Sumo Wax and Paul Mitchell firmstyle extreme thickening glue.  The Sumo Wax adds shine while the thickening glue gives a firm hold without having the stiff feel of hairspray.  Whether you're hair is short and conservative or a medium length mohawk these three products will not let you or your hair down.

Bumble and Bumble Sumo Wax

KMS hairplay paste up spray

Paul Mitchell firmstyle extreme thickening glue