On The Road (Again)

This month I am back on the road... stopping through Louisville, Lexington, Nashville, and Raleigh (perhaps more). I am working on a variety of projects... Helping Asbury University plan out their next Paris Semester, guest-designing for a few brands, and meeting up with bloggers, photographers and friends along the way. If you are in one of these cities and want to collaborate hit me up on Instagram! @cultrkpr

For the first leg of this journey, I stopped in Louisville to catch up with a few friends. I also met up with the style blogger The Kentucky Gent. Check out his blog. (and the pictures I caught of him in an alley) He took these pics of me as we explored a few of his favorite Louisville haunts. 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

Paris Fashion Week Roundup

It has been a while since Paris Fashion Week, but I wanted to give you a glimpse at three of three shows I attended. Each had a very different feel from the others, and among all of the shows I attended (7) these showcase my favorite collections. The photos here are by Olivia Deters, who accompanied me to all of these shows. She was a great companion and fashion-adventurer. 

My favorite show (why not start with the best?) was AVELON. We were seated in the courtyard of the Danish Ambassador's residence (on the front row I might add. YIKES). It did rain a bit, but the setting was gorgeous, as were the garments. Gerardo Larrea the editor of Skin magazine was with us, and the three of us basically were in awe the entire time. Here is a glimpse:

Here is the full Avelon show:

At the Luis Buchinho show we also ran into our friend Gerardo. The collection was fun and imaginative... pieces that I can totally picture my Sci-Fi - loving friend Hannahbird Fischer wearing, or incorporating into a dance piece. In reality, I have never seen women dress like this... but his show featured many beautiful colors, and I adore the world he brings to life. 

Here is the full show from Luis Buchinho:

The Springsioux exhibition was a smashing success. It brought together the worlds of fashion and technology in interesting (and lets admit- disturbing) ways, but with much imagination. First of all, let it be known that David Gevorkov's gowns are wonders to behold. I am sure from the images that you get some idea of the intensity of their construction. 

The event was hosted by Springsioux, a boutique and brand, with whom I had previously collaborated. I adore their unique style, and the kindness of the owners and staff, and was thus THRILLED to attend. Note the baby robots, and the odd piercings... this is not your usual fashion show... but there was a friendly and light-hearted atmosphere of creativity in the room... which was a welcome change from the usual fashion week fare. 

Olivia and I even made an appearance in the Video! 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

As Fresh As It Gets - Sailing With The Fresh Exchange And Smartwater

Every summer I try to spend as much time as possible in Traverse City. Though it has been a few years since I lived there, the place is still swarming with dear friends, and every day brings new adventures. Two of my dearest friends, Mike and Megan Gilger have recently moved away from Traverse as well... to settle in Raleigh, North Carolina. They were back for a summer of projects, and I had a spare week, so our schedules aligned in a magical way. 

Mike and Megan invited me along on a day of sailing. Smartwater had commissioned them to shoot and blog the adventure. We sailed and swam and snacked... passing the camera around to document our trip. We explored Suttons Bay, listened to music (probably 70's rock) and basked in the Summer sun. It is always a delight to spend time with the Gilgers, but that probably goes without saying, right? 

It was the absolute perfect day. Perfect wind. Perfect waves. Perfect warmth. I received a few more lessons on boatmanship and photography. We told secrets as we sailed through some of the most stunningly beautiful waters in the world. When the sun began to set, we made our way back to port, and towards Little Fleet, which has basically become the living room of Traverse City locals. There, beneath strands of lights on the patio, surrounded by even more friends, we finished our day in glowing tranquility. (See more Here)

Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper

Très Petit - My Parisian Apartment

A few weeks ago I was interviewed by Common Table Co. about my life and work as a writer and artist in Paris. (you can read the interview HERE) To accompany the feature Bradley Leach captured some pictures of my tiny space. Especially of note is the wee gnome who has made many appearances on my Instagram feed. 

This apartment has been a haven of rest and solitude for me over the past three months. It is extremely small... but was situated in a neighborhood that I used to visit only for church or work, and had never really known intimately. Rue Cler is a quiet neighborhood but is getting hipper by the minute. It has proved the perfect area to work in cafes and practice my french. 

PLACE is a powerful concept to a nomad. The ideas of belonging and stability are so vital, to our sanity and well-being. I very much enjoyed my time here. Now I am back on the road again... London, New York, South Bend, Chicago... and then... who knows? I am constantly back to Paris, the city that is my home now... but adventures (and work projects) keep calling me elsewhere. 

Culture Keeper // Jonathan Randall Grant

One Day - Seven Looks -Summer Adventures With Michael Newsted

As I can assume you know by now, each Summer I go adventuring with the photographer Michael Newsted. It has become our annual tradition, and a time to create, dream, and enjoy Michigan. This Summer we took a day to go shooting around Michael's lake house... we each took a few changes of clothes... and, well... here they are. These were from a roll of 35mm he shot on an old camera. I love the results. 

Outside Elie Saab - Olivia Deters - Paris Fashion Week 2014

On a Sunny day during Paris Fashion Week, Olivia Deters and I found ourselves waiting for friends outside the Elie Saab show. For us, it was a break between shows, and the chance to watch all sorts of people preening for the camera. Here, Olivia shares a few of her favorite styles she was able to capture. 

The Springsioux Shoot - Part Three

Here is the third installment of a five-part collaboration with Springsioux. I absolutely adored this outfit. From the moment I put it on, I connected to it. The clothes were comfortable, and easy to move in. Often, when I wear clothes, they create a character to me, and this one specifically did so. This outfit referenced so many historical and cultural elements that I adore... from Japanese simplicity, to the modern cuts of Haider Ackerman. (and the backpack made me feel like a Ninja Turtle) I wanted to keep everything. Jenn's wardrobe was created by layering many different garments... to a similar effect as mine... with perhaps a few of the same references. 

Photos by Jill Devries

Styling and Art Direction by Jonathan Randall Grant

Models are Jenn Elliott Blake and Jonathan Randall Grant

Clothing and accessories are from the various French and Russian designers featured in the ever-changing collection at Springsioux. The shoes are the models' own. Jenn wears a gold manchette from Ursul Paris, and her necklace is a bronze piece from Benin that has been dated between 1860 and 1910.  

IN AWE AND GRATITUDE

The past few days of fashion week have struck me with a sense of awe and humility. There are many reasons for this but the most poignant was also the simplest: Last week, when I entered the Avelon show (the most beautiful fashion show I have ever attended) and gave my name, I was placed on the front row. 

WHAT?!? ME???

My experience here continues to blow my mind. I sat there on the front row with Olivia Deters and Gerardo Larrea of Skin Magazine, and I wondered about all of this... about a little nothing kid from Mishawaka, Indiana... on the front row of a fashion show in Paris. I know that is cliche, but it gathers within me a deep sense of gratitude for all of my dear friends and family members who have fought long and hard to get me to this place... not that this place is my end-goal, or even was ever one of my goals... but is still feels amazing. Allow me to explain:

Whenever I have an achievement it is because someone dear to me helped me to get there. It is because Asna Diani risked her own reputation to introduce me to just the right PR people at a party, and because my mother purchased my plane tickets even before I had the funds to pay her back, and because Mike and Megan Gilger made me get an instagram account knowing that it would become an essential networking tool for me, and because Jill Devries flew to Paris to shoot some little project I had been dreaming up. I could go on and on forever about all of the people who are building into my life and career... the number is staggering... and it all sounds so cliche to express. I hate being cliche... but I love sharing the credit. When I build Culture Keeper, or have new adventures, I really don't think of them as mine- I consider them shared. I hope that you do as well. My wish is that everything I experience will be a shared adventure and a communal source of inspiration. The foundation has certainly been communal... each of you reading this have been a source of encouragement and inspiration to me... and I hope that this gratitude I feel, and the work I create- will somehow repay you for all you have invested in me. 

Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper

Fashion Week Mischief Makers

Fashion Week is always more fun if you are experiencing it with others... so this year I gathered a team of friends. We met at Cafe Kitsune in the Jardin du Palais Royal. This little cafe is the project of the Kitsune fashion label, and it's cuteness and approachability made it the perfect rendezvous point for our little group. 

Allow me to introduce you:

Olivia- You have already been seeing her on Culture Keeper, but this gal (also my little cousin) has already produced fashion shows, and is a talented photographer with an eye for social justice and sustainability. 

Capucine- We met through Instagram, but are already becoming fast friends. She is a photographer, who has a passion for Istanbul, and just finished up a stellar internship with The Guide Istanbul. She is the definition of cuteness. 

Bradley- Is also a new friend. This recent Idaho transplant (also a brilliant photographer / musician) has a reputation for risks and excellence. I have known his family for many years, so of course I am stoked to finally collaborate. 

Together, our posse drank coffee and plotted all sorts of fashion week mischief. We have a few tricks up our sleeves... but first we had to catch a runway show. IT WAS DISASTROUS. But more on that tomorrow. 

Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper

Paris Fashion Week 2014 Day One - IRAKLI

Culture Keeper is not a blog about The Fashion World- per se - but as I am experiencing Paris Fashion Week, once more (and am always dedicated to exploring the style and cultures and adventures colliding here in Paris) I thought it would be magical to take you with me. 

The First day of Paris Fashion Week 2014 started out uneventfully. Olivia Deters is assisting me this year, and we have been busy confirming the shows we will attend, and e-mailing press agents, as well as preparing a few surprises. Our morning was filled with these activities. Plus several baguettes. Though Olivia is a fashion show veteran, this is her first Paris Fashion Week... so we are aiming for perfection. 

At 6pm we met up with the charming Asna Diani at Cafe Nemours (you may recall it as a favorite from my Paris City Guide). Together we enjoyed coffee, apricot juice, and the crisp Autumn weather as we chatted. Asna has been instrumental in connecting me with Fashion agencies and runway shows... she is my fashion fairy godmother. 

Around 7:15 we walked over to the Madeline, stopping along the Rue St. Honore for cigarettes, like any good Parisians. We arrived late, which was still early. The show of the night- Irakli was buzzing with energy. 

Spread before us was a salon of beautiful plants. The crowd was tightly packed, and models circumnavigated the room, posing and exposing their garments. The clothes were simple, but well constructed, easy to wear, and charming. Their inspiration belied an affection for traditional Japanese culture, and in that context, one could easily picture them being worn by farm workers. All of the models were barefoot, and their hands and feet smeared with a grey paint or clay slip, which added to the pastoral effect. 

To our great delight we ran into a number of friends from L'appart PR and the editors of Skin Magazine (Peru), who graciously gave me a copy of their first issue. In previous conversations they had told me about their magazine, so it was wonderful to receive a physical copy, and a chance to say hello again. 

The Irakli collection was intended to describe women as elegant birds, and this it achieved. It did so with great modesty, and effortless style. What an honor to experience clothing like this, in such an enchanting environment!

Paris Fashion Week marches on... and more surprises await. So stay tuned!

Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper

And Paris Fashion Week

Next week is Paris Fashion Week. Hold on to your hats. I was considering not posting about it, but this concept caused a bit of an uproar.... so stay tuned. Olivia Deters will be joining me in Paris. (remember the lovely ginger from this shoot?) Together we will be bringing you all sorts of Fashion Week mischief. We PROMISE. Two years ago I gave you a play-by-play of each runway experience... but you can go to almost any site to get that now. Therefore, we are dreaming up something a bit different. Stay tuned. 

Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper

The Art of the Upgrade

I am asked on a daily basis about my shopping and purchasing strategies, though I don't really have any. Perhaps this is due to the fact that I don't really shop, or that most of my time is spent living out of a suitcase. I have to travel light, sticking with a few classic essentials, and perhaps one or two statement pieces. At other ages I have been more inclined to experimentation with my style. It was in those days that I developed my only shopping rhythm:

1) If I want to try a new style, I find it cheap. I go to goodwill and other thrift stores and find the closest approximation to the desired look. If I like it and it sticks then...

2) I purchase a slightly better version. mid-range, mid-quality. 

3) If this is gonna be a signature style in my life for years to come... I get an extremely high-quality version. Bam (some people skip steps one and two.... which is fine if you don't take as many style-risks as I do.)

The most recent example of this in my wardrobe has been my watch. If you have been following Culture Keeper you know me to be something of a bracelet fanatic. This past Winter I was picking up a few last-minute travel items with my little brother at Target, and we stumbled upon these extremely chic (yet inexpensive) Casio watches. They were just simple black plastic, but they captured my imagination. "Could I become a watch-wearer?" I pondered. The answer, it turned out was YES. I purchased and then wore that little Casio watch for 7 consecutive months. I adore it. 

A few weeks ago a rep from Daniel Wellington messaged me to tell me they were sending a watch. (yes, this is part of how blogging works as a career) It was time for the upgrade. although I am sad to set that little Casio aside, it is also part of my routine- trying a new style and then upgrading. I have only had the Wellington watch for a few days, but it is a bit chic-er and more grown-up than my last watch. 

This is the cycle with all of my wardrobe choices. experiment cheaply- and improve on the things I love. Do you have a system you love? Have you tried this method before? I would love to hear your stories. 

(( Also this really is not an advertisement, but you can find the watch HERE ))

Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper

Springsioux Shoot // Part Two

The beauty of collaboration is in limiting one's own voice. One contributes, and waits within a vulnerable space for others to play their part. It is both humbling and majestic. And of course fun.  Within this type of creativity, I have discovered a voice and a comfortable rhythm... exploring and creating with dear friends and colleagues. 

For the first look of the Springsioux Shoot I wanted to play with traditional elegance. Jenn's look was a bit inspired by Wallace Simpson, while mine was as I imagined what a posh visitor from india in the 1930's. Then of course we took these ideas and ran in completely crazy directions... playing off of the patterns and lines of the clothing. We prepared at the Springsioux shop and walked to the gardens of the nearby National Archives. 

Our Team-

Styling- Jonathan Randall Grant

Photography- Jill Devries

Models- Jonathan Randall Grant and Jenn Elliott Blake

Clothing- Springsioux / Nash Prints it / Ursul

Location- The French National Archives

Stay tuned for three more installments of this collaboration. 

Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper

Back to where you once belonged

After an insane summer of projects and travels around the midwestern United States, it is good to be back in Paris. I am still catching up on some surprises and shoots that I am excited to share with you all in the coming weeks. In addition to Paris, I will be adventuring around the French countryside, meeting up with a few magazines in London, re-connecting with dear ones in Yorkshire, Bringing you a little coverage of Paris Fashion week, and possibly even heading back to Istanbul. 

Life is crazy, but at the same moment, I am filled with contentment and peace. Life is good. There is a comfort that comes, despite all obstacles, in doing exactly what you were created to do, and being in exactly the right spot. 

To follow along with my adventures, be sure to head over to Instagram... I would love to see what you are creating and discovering as well!

Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper