Rich Hall is a native New Yorker and one of those ubiquitous scene legends that can never exist again. A former bouncer for CBGB’s, he’s now the head of artist relations, sales and marketing for Bandmerch, a company that handles merchandise and tours for a ton of artists—everyone from Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance to Linkin Park.
Rich took time out from being totally important to tell us about his style.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I try to keep up with what’s coming out of the UK, be it Ben Sherman to street punk. But usually when comes to being casual I tend to stick to band t shirts and jeans. I try to keep up with the urban trends but keep it stealth with a lot of black, slim and skinny fits. Some brands of jeans fit weird, so I’ll keep it straight leg with a cuff. Being simple is more effective than overdoing it.
Q: What's inspiring you now and what'll gonna be hot next season?
A: I love different placement on shirts with bright vivid fonts and sublimation of the prints. I also love the idea of the “all over" print whether it be diamonds on a shirt or a cartoon character's face. I love lighter t-shirts out there now that are called 30/1 or "thirty singles" and are made of a lighter woven fabric.
What is going to be hot next season? At my company, we’re doing a thing called "inside out print" where we basically print an image on the inside of the shirt and then print a second image on the front. I think it will rock the world.
Q: What about non-fashion stuff? What're you feelin?
A: I love art. Anything doing with silk-screening, graffiti, and pop art catches my eye. Again with bright colors and fonts, words and phrases def. make me do a double-take or get out my digicam and capture it.
Rich Hall wants a dog and everlasting ice cold green tea. Check him out here.
Republica Trading Co is known for its unique approach to sportswear for trendsetting Latino men and now the brand has introduced a collection of eyewear that's targeting a multicultural guy. The inspiration behind this collection was the architecture, culture and distinctness of cities around the world, says designer Rafael Jimenez. A wide array of styles in both prescription and sunglasses are available in black, brown or gunmetal. Frame construction include rimless, full metals and zyls. The Republica rooster logo adds a fun branding element on the arms of each pair. 
Blackbird, Seattle's coolest store is having a sale this weekend to celebrate the grand opening of its new denim loft. Everything is 20% off. Blackbird is one of the most directional retailers in the market today with a great roster of brands and a cutting edge point of view. Where else will you find Gilded Age, APC, Acne, Julian Red and Corpus under one roof? And on sale!
“Typically, our work is hand drawn and tends toward a wild, stream-of-consciousness, overdesigned look,” says Alex 2Tone, designer of the Cali based collection True Love False Idols. That understatement is probably the only thing that's understated about the brand. TLFI's best selling styles include a flying squirrel “Cocaine Breakfast”, an intentional Gucci knockoff “You’re Only As Good As What You Steal” and the highly scrolled and somewhat obscured exhortation--“Fuck the Industry”. 
Japanese b-boy and designer Big-O of Phenomenon collaborated with Jewelry sculptor Gabriel Urist to create a rare and extremely limited piece for collectors, "Mr.P". The piece is a pendant that comes gold-plated or in sterling. The 80's b-boy strikes a classic pose with his beat box, details like his New Era hat make the piece modern, while the low tops are throwbacks from another era. Urist's work is of course known all around the world and is especially popular amongst fashionistas and b-boys in Tokyo, Barcelona and Paris. His rings, pendants, belt buckles and other pieces rended in everything from rose gold to gunmetal have earned him respect in the art world and recent contracts with the NBA and Timberland. Big-O is one half of the SWAGGER TOKYO design team, PHENOMENON is his own personal, relaxed luxury brand. "Mr. P" arrives at the 
The To Be Confirmed trade show is still going strong in London, offering buyers in the premium market a great selection of youth oriented brands from all over the world. The show has announced new dates, and a new set up. While TBC will still be held at one of the coolest venues we've ever seen for a trade show- Truman's Brewery in London's hipster laden Brick Lane area, the show will now be more consolidated, with all particpating brands all on one floor. 
Kickers boots are making a bit of a comeback now and the first boot ever produced by Kickers in 1970, the Legend boot is now being re-released in an exclusive collection for 
Lim has been a very busy boy of late. He launched a 60-look menswear line for fall, was nominated for a Swarovski Award for womenswear last month (to be announced at the CFDA Awards on June 4th), just moved to a new apartment, is shooting his Holiday look book in two days, unveiling a limited-edition line for Uniqlo in May, and is opening his first NYC boutique in July - all while putting the finishing touches on his resort line, planning the spring ‘08 collection and runway show, and designing a one-of-a-kind Sidekick for charity. Fashion Informer caught up with Lim last week and asked him a few questions. Read the full article 
Milan is one of the world's fashion capitals, and the Italian flair for fashion isn't lost on the street style of that city. The 
The sexy tomboy look is gaining popularity as Southern California sportswear labels that originated in men's adapt their strengths in tailoring and structure to women's wear, reports 
British Vogue has opened its archive to make works by Cecil Beaton, Chloe, Jean-Philippe Delhomme and CDG available for the public to see for the first time. The images will be on view at 97 Golborn Road, W10, London until May 26. Dont miss this beautiful exhibition of never before seen fashion artworks. More pics after the jump. 
Several years ago, at the height of Dunk mania, an independent sneaker designer named Sung Choi, a former member of legendary streetwear label PNB Nation began offering guys an alternative. His label, 
We love a good blog. And one of LA's most directional stores, Hollywood Trading Co, has just launched an interesting new one. The blog goes beyong fashion, and reflects the events, people and ideas that make LA, or at least the HTC blogmaster, tick. With entries featuring no-car Sundays, a favorite newspaper vendor and vintage jeans, there is no rhyme or reason to what goes up the the site, but it's still pretty entertaining. Check it out
Spring is finally in the air, and we're feeling nautical again. That's why we're feeling these unique tees from Brooklyn based 
We hear from wgsn.com that London's fashion fraternity were out in force last night to celebrate Puma's new French 77 collection. LEAH WOOD and LEMAR modelled "Court Classics" on an astroturf-covered catwalk at Claridges, with fashion designer KAREN MILLEN, comedian DOM JOLY and 
Japanese retailer 
Located on the up and coming shopping drag of West Third Street in Los Angeles, 
If you're reading this you probably know how hard it is to break into the fashion industry. So we're happy to report that Teen Vogue and the CFDA are teaming up to help aspiring young fashionistas to follow their dream. The CFDA/Teen Vogue scholarship will be announced in the May issue will be an annual program that will aid students seeking Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees at one of 16 participating 4-year colleges, universities, and design schools in the United States.
Brandweek recognizes marketing talent. They profiled our girl Dana Dynamite in this week's issue. They wrote: Ben Sherman's marketer won't give you the shirt off her back—but she will give shirts to cool bands, who wear them for cool concerts and, well, you can see where this is going. To see the full article, click 
We know that alot of you out in The Market have been waiting for the revival of Dittos- the jeans brand from the 1970s known for its super sexy, slim, high waisted styles and candy color palette. This season is the perfect season for a revival of the label, and we were very excited to hear that Daniella Clarke of Frankie B was planning to bring the brand back for summer. However, plans seem to be on hold for the moment. We hear that Jordache is suing Frankie B, claiming that they own the trademark for the label. We'll keep you posted as things progress....
Those Scandinavians are so cute right now! 
We love Michelle Mason's ethereal, feminine styles. If youre in the LA area, dont miss her sample sale. See invite at the left.
We just loved this photo of Orlando Bloom taken by David Sims for the cover of the new fashion issue of 
Bombshell: The Life and Crimes of ClawMoney has just been released by PowerHouse books. the book's title says it all- Bombshell is a photographic adventure into the wild and crazy life of Ms Claw MONEY, one of the world's premiere female graff artists, as well as fashion editor, fashion designer and fashionista. The kids came out last nite for a fun party at I Heart in Nolita. Pics, courtesy of Danielle Levitt, Michael Sharkey and BPMW after the jump.
THE HORROR! 
Sling & Stones jeans for the socially responsible follower of fashion. Sling & Stones is a collective of dreamers turned doers. Began in 2005 with nary a fashion designer on staff, Sling & Stones represents a reckless pursuit of revolution. From mathematicians to fine artists, each of them has sacrificed the security of paychecks and pensions to pursue the passions of their hearts. Together they burn for social change and fashion has become their vehicle. Sling & Stones offers a socially conscious, environmentally responsible denim collection which exemplifies excellence in the everyday - - hand constructed pieces featuring progressive fits, world class materials, and everyday versatility.
The Board of Directors Tradeshow, a joint venture between the new United Tradeshow and Line Showroom, brought some of our favorite directional streetwear brands to Brooklyn March 22 and 23rd.
Brains on Fire
Brains on Fire
Stacks & Bundles
Truyouth
Free Gold Watch
Free Gold Watch
Free Gold Watch
Free Gold Watch
Free Gold Watch
The Quiet Life
The Quiet Life
The Quiet Life
Cipher
Cipher
Copy
Copy
Copy
How does a designer go from being a relative unknown to becoming a tastemaker? 
Reaching men and making an impression on them is a tough challenge. But FGI and GQ have some ideas on how to do just that. FGI and GQ present a panel discussion called Causing Effects: Connecting with Men through Cause Marketing on Thursday April 26 from 6-8 pm. See the invite at the left for details. 
From 
From Paris Hilton, to the Olson twins to Kate Moss, more and more celebs are launching clothing lines. What makes them successful? WWD's Julee Greenberg investigates. Read the article