She Obviously Collects Art - The San Juan Shoot

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I don't think I am exaggerating when I say that I consider this the finest work I have ever done. I am so thrilled with the results from this shoot. I love that most of the pieces are by a local designers in San Juan. Ricky Cohete and I worked for weeks on exactly what we wanted to create- and the results were exactly what we had envisioned... it is not often that a creative gets to say that.

Christopher's vision for the hair and makeup was spot-on and inspired us to get shooting. Our model Anabel was brilliant in creating all of the characters that I had dreamed up while putting together the looks. She came alive with each different personae and somehow managed to contort herself into every pose that Ricky requested of her. Special thanks to Anabel's mother for the snacks and coffee that kept us fueled for the day, and for helping us with knots and chairs and lively conversation. This day was a blast!

In the coming weeks I will be posting look by look about our inspiration and the great designers behind each garment. so stay tuned.

Photography: Ricky Cohete

Styling: Jonathan Randall Grant

Hair/Makeup: Christopher Feliciano

Model: Anabel Gonzalez

Location: Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Featuring: Huyke, Sofia Arana, Pure Soul, Hecho A Mano, Love is You and Me, Claudiae, Cuyana

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

Inspiration: Green

Forest // Punk // Owl // Bijou // Bottles // Coat // Cloche // Vanity // Picasso

Green seems to be one of the most underrated colors... you rarely see it in clothing especially menswear, which is exactly why I am finding it so inspiring lately. Green stands out. Green is bold. Give it a try and let us know what you discover.

Follow along with the inspiration on Pinterest

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

Atelier Visits and Collaborating with Designers: The Styling Process

I wanted to explain a bit about how the styling process works- in part because editorial work is such a huge portion of what I do, and in part because even my friends and family still don't realize exactly how this all comes together. 

When I arrive in a new city I immediately start seeking out local designers. I really like to work with up-and-coming creatives, because it is a chance to create an editorial that is mutually beneficial. New designers appreciate the exposure, and are not so inconvenienced by collaborating for smaller projects. They are also wonderfully friendly and helpful! On my most recent trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico to style an editorial for Dexter Magazine, I had the opportunity to work with several talented designers. 

After a day of location-hunting with the photographer, Ricky Cohete I had the opportunity to visi the Ateliers of Sophia Arana and Ruscherly Huyke- who so graciously loaned their beautiful clothing for the shoot and helped us with suggestion of other boutiques and designers who might fit our concept. Of course you will be seeing more of there work in the coming weeks, but I cannot say enough how friendly and helpful they were in this process. I always enjoy seeing the environment in which someone creates- it is a look into their mind. A designer's atelier never seems to be as messy as say, a painter's, but there are generally more fashion magazines laying around. 

Love is You and Me, Hecho e Mano, Pure Soul where three of the fantastic boutiques who opened their collection of locally designed and crafted clothing for our shoot. The entire vibe of the fashion scene in San Juan was collaborative and friendly, it made me wish that I had time for a few more shoots... perhaps next fall if I am able to return for their High Fashion Week.

The day of the shoot we arrived on location and during the 3 hours of hair and makeup by the brilliant Christopher Feliciano, I created a few last looks, we all had coffee, danced around a bit, and chatted with the rest of the team. Looks where packed into bags to take to different location, and I practices building the turbans that you will see when the shoot finally premiers. Next week I will be posting the editorial- so stay tuned- it is the best project I have collaborated on to date.

Jonathan Randall Grant//Culture Keeper

In Miami...

I am currently in Miami with Ricky Cohete for yet another Dexter Magazine editorial. Each collaborative shoot is going smoother and stronger and is more fun than the last. Miami happens to be Ricky's stomping grounds- and although I never, ever planned to return to Florida- I have to admit that this city is pretty cool. Today he showed me around Wynwood- the neighborhood famous for its murals , hip coffee shops and sites for Art Basel. We had coffee at Panther and sauntered through the colorful streets. The next two weeks will be filled with Pulling for the Miami editorial, exploration, and a few beach days. Today is also Ash Wednesday, and it feels extremely odd to mix such a somber time of reflection with such a bright, exuberant town. I am used to remembering lent along with winter chill and cloudy days.

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

A Cross-Section of Victorian Heiresses: The Traverse City Shoot

Readers keep asking me to shed a little light on what goes into a photo-editorial such as this- so I thought I would give a bit of a look into our team...

Photography-

Ricky Cohete

was the major push behind this editorial. He is on a mission to do a major shoot in each city he visits- and this was a great chance for me to collaborate with friends in my summer-home. Together we created an inspiration board, and began sourcing vintage several weeks before the shoot. Ricky had worked with

Margeaux Ramond

before and wanted to feature her again. Margeaux mentioned that her friend Sarah Stafford would be a perfect "twin".

Hair and Make-up-

Logan Dillon

was responsible for the hair and make-up in this shoot. He was a total champ and stayed with us on set all day- fixing the hair I kept messing up while styling or adding crazy hats.

Clothing and props- besides sourcing vintage, Cali's boutique in Traverse City was generous enough to loan us some of the most interesting garments in this shoot. My responsibility was to style the models- this meant contacting designers and boutiques, collecting vintage, dressing the models, returning clothes, and making sure that everything looked perfect in every shot- regardless of how well it fit. For this shoot I also got to style the location- which was a blast since the visual concept was a kind of floral/victorian/kitch... I had so much fun moving pieces around and creating vignettes.

Isabel Schuler- who in her own right is a brilliant model- agreed to be my assistant for the day. She was the biggest help, and as always, was a blast. I wish I could have her on every shoot.

Location- My friend Nancy Duff Billingsly was kind enough to loan us her beautiful home. Even though she was out of town she entrusted us with all of her lovely antiques and her friendly dog. For these things we are extremely grateful. We re-arranged the entire house multiple times, so I do hope that is resembled something of its former state when she returned from California.

For this shoot we wanted to create two characters- twins, perhaps a bit bored, languishing in a floral, victorian house. The whole concept was a bit "Grey Gardens" mixed with "Howards End". The results were just as we imagined and we could not have asked for a better team to create with.

Dexter Magazine will be publishing the entire editorial in a few months, but I couldn't help  give this glimpse into what we have been working on. Follow along with Dexter's features

here

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Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

Traverse City Shoot...

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to style a shoot with Ricky Cohete for Dexter Magazine In Traverse City, Michigan. The entire editorial will be coming soon... but first I wanted to tease you a little. Stay tuned for more.

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

Catching Up With Xack Gibson

A few days ago I caught up with Culture Keeper regular Xack Gibson to find out more about his life and creative endeavors in California... He is constantly creating and has the most active imagination of anyone I have ever met. For a special treat he has included some custom designs just for Culture Keeper. (you can win a free print- so read on!)

Where are you these days?

Currently causing mischief in LA... LOTS OF IT.

Where have you been hanging out?

Seedy bars. My new couch. On the back of a motorcycle. Chilling with my rabbit Kelly Clarkson.

What have you been creating?

Everything. I have a million ideas these days and I get so incredibly angry that my body requires sleep. I literally have a small wall covered in post it notes of projects that must get done. Everything from music videos to branding projects for companies. I also work full time now as a graphic designer for a shoe company in manhattan beach. Currently I'm in the middle of finishing an inforgraphic, sculpting a giant monster for a music video, filming a rabbit on a motorcycle for a different music video, animating vintage indians for a project, illustrating flowers for another. If my hands could learn to keep up with my mind I would be so content. I can't stop creating this year. Can't. Won't.

And music. But thats ridiculous and private... but involves a ukulele and rap songs.

What is inspiring you at the moment?

A lot. Honestly I've been inspired by failure lately. Just a lot of failing and getting frustrated. It makes me want to fight back. To punch when I'm down. Something about having my back against the wall gives me something to push against. I'm usually at my best when I'm fighting against something.

So I guess the courage to fight back. Thats coming through I think in my work.

That and honesty. Honesty in where and who I am. Being in LA I'm surrounded by people who are constantly trying to portray an image. Its exhausting. I'm falling in love with people who can be broken and tired and sad... and still get up every morning and fight back. Theres something really beautiful about that you know?

Where are you headed next?

Unsure. I love LA. Hopefully can make this home. But I know I want to join the circus for a bit, and I want to be a fisherman for a little bit as well. My goals this year are ridiculous.

As far as my next destination for sure I'm trying to get a small party together to go to the congo and find the last dinosaur. Safety not guaranteed. See me if you are interested.

Interested in a set of these prints? Xack has graciously given us a set for exactly that purpose... so here is the deal: tweet and pin this article and/or an image from this article. Be the first one to E-mail us with the links at grant.of.mishawaka@gmail.com and a set of these the prints are yours. :) be sure to include a shipping address in the e-mail so Xack knows where to send them. Good Luck! We would also love to hear what you are creating at the moment... so comment below or shoot us an e-mail. Keep Creating, Friends! 

Jonathan Randall Grant

Xack Gibson

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Culture Keeper

Home

Home is a strange concept.


I have been thinking back to all of the places I have stayed this year- my parent's house in indiana, a friend's house in Northern Michigan, a Hotel in Puerto Rico, a myriad of apartments and hostels in Paris, a farmhouse in Limoges, a garden shed, a 4-star hotel.... and all sorts of places in between. I get asked daily where I "live"... I don't really know what to answer. Home is getting to be a bit more wherever I am at the present moment. I realized it the other day- after 24 hours in San Juan I felt at home- wandering the streets, sitting for coffee, meeting with friends... the more you travel the more your idea of home is revolutionized.

This summer I went back to traverse city for a few months. It was a good chance to recover from Paris. When I am not in Paris I desperately need trees, water, swimming, sailing, forests, and to not have to wear shoes. Traverse City has all of these things. My friend Joel Heady was kind enough to give me a room for the summer just a few blocks from the beach. His house was filled with antiques and surprises in a way that was magical. Michael Newsted visited and captured these images. They are a good reminder that, for now at least, I take "Home" with me.

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

Behind The Scenes: At The Shore With Olivia

Fashion editorials are not always as glamorous in real life as they appear in photos. The day we shot "At The Shore with Olivia Deters" was about 40 degrees, rainy and windy. Our model was nearly blue with the cold. After a few shots we would run back to the van and turn the heat on full-blast to warm her back up again. For many of the shots she was barefoot, but never once did she complain. Ricky, Joanna and I were lucky enough to be bundled up- but the mist and wind still got to us. In spite of the miserable weather we had fun, as these photos attest. I did not even realize till afterwards that Ricky was capturing all of the mayhem... 

To see the finished product, check out the actual shoot here. 

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

In the Forest - Featuring Ben and Bruno

In the Forest from Culture Keeper

A  F E W  months ago I was wondering around downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan- an activity I highly recommend.  Whilst in the shop Miscellany I discovered a copy of Marcescant by Ben and Bruno. John Hanson had been recommending them- so I purchased said record and played it on repeat for weeks and weeks. The opening song "Do not go to the bar" so intrigued me that I had to create something with it... This video was the result. The video was created by

Ricky Cohete in the woods of northern Michigan. It was a great excuse to show off the handmade scarf from Threadbare Supply Company. Be sure to check out their site and follow Sara (the designer) on Pinterest (she is one of my faves). You can find more music from Ben and Bruno here. The adorable little pups frolicking along with me are the companions of Mike and Megan Gilger of The Fresh Exchange. 

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

Location Scouting in San Juan

O N E  of the perks of being a blogger // stylist is having the freedom to travel a bit. I think that is one of the things I missed when I was getting started. I had years of small jobs that kept me chained to a schedule and tied to routines. The past months have brought with them the opportunity to travel quite a bit- working along the way with some brilliant photographers. Currently, I am in San Juan Puerto Rico to style an editorial with Ricky Cohete. The difference in the weather (I was last in Chicago) has been a welcome change. I am not the type to flee the cold, but this trip has me thinking I should escape more often. 

This was our first day in Puerto Rico- and we spent it scouting locations for next tuesday's shoot. I wore a striped tank designed by Ricky, and the same Palladium boots that I wore daily in Paris. With Ricky every moment is a chance for a photo-shoot. The day was sunny, and everyone we met was warm and friendly. I am still feeling a bit pale- but hopefully in another week that will not be so. Guest posts are rolling in from some of my favorite CK contributors, and I am very excited to share them with you all in the coming weeks... in the meantime I will be busy meeting with designers and plotting future shoots.

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper

Holly Wren Spaulding For Culture Keeper: Style Sheet for Revising Your Life

Image from A Piece of Toast

Feeling volcanic, red-hot rumblings inside? Change your look and change your life. Peel off old leaves and embark on the New Year with bold plans and some edits in your Department of Personal Style.

+ Color. Enough with the dull and slush hues. Even a single element rendered in exquisite color pleases the eye and makes you memorable amidst the sea of Ordinary, especially when attending interviews or
meeting clients for the first time. Black and neutrals are elegant, yes, but consider adding a spot of red, purple or brilliant green. Don’t be boring!

+ Little Details. Consider the impact of an elegantly proportioned hat, striking cocktail ring or hand-made bag. One need not have an extensive closet. Do as the Europeans do and focus on a very few, high quality basics (flattering jeans, nice fitting coat) and incorporate interesting accessories depending on the occasion and season.

+ Your Gaze. Be not deceived: what you’re paying attention to has everything to do with who you are in the world. The profile of a woman with her chin buried in her chest, eyes darting through texts is not her best, in most cases. Look up, gaze around, be beautifully present.

+ Walk . . . like a lady. Heels have their place but you will never convince me that limping down the street and not dancing at the DANCE PARTY is sexier than the alternatives. A graceful gait is always more attractive than a cruel, if gorgeous, stiletto. Wear shoes that show off your lovely posture. For that matter, wear something that allows you to go by bike. Now that’s lady-like (and more fun.)

+ Be Playful. It’s possible to take the art of dressing seriously and still retain some cheekiness. Think colorful sneakers with a suit or black dress. Think hi-low mix with artifacts from other eras and genres like gardening boots and work gloves. Or polka dot socks. Why not.

+ Smile. It's always beautiful/handsome/confident/inviting.

+ Manners. Be polite and helpful. Open doors for other people. Mind the public space when talking on the phone. Dial down your ringtone. Far from stodgy, manners are a simple way of ensuring everyone’s basic comfort. All the delicious clothes in the world will never exceed the gravitas of someone with civility and (a smile).

Image via Lifestyle Mirror

Holly Wren Spaulding

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Culture Keeper

Holly Wren Spaulding is a Personal Advisor with LIFE/form

and a poetry instructor living in western Massachusetts.

At Victory Bar With Caleb Stinson

One of the best parts of visiting my hometown is hanging out with my best friend Caleb Stinson. Caleb is one of those people who can talk for hours about philosophy, history, art, and theology- topics I so rarely get to delve into these days. He teaches high school English, and is a community organizer for the arts and literacy. It is always refreshing to be around his no-nonsense demeanor- especially when nonsense is involved. Such nonsense often involves dancing. This winter when our group of friends returned from a retreat, we happened to wander past this gorgeous bar. The vibrant orange and perfect font caught my eye. Ricky Cohete was itching to shoot, and so we planned something a bit punk to feature a kilt I found while thrifting for another shoot. 

Jonathan Randall Grant

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Culture Keeper