Much talk on twitter this morning about clones… especially of the mentally networked type… so i could be in multiple places around the globe at once! One of the recent moments i wish i could be in NY and LA at the same time (or actually, i suppose teleporting would be ok too) ~ when the email came in with subject line: “CHANEL J12 Marine invites you to Montauk for Fireside Cocktails - Aug 21st”

As if i wasn’t bummed enough not to go see it in person, the pictures came in this morning ~ and it was just too picturesque not to share! Something fun about the way they were shot, it looks like the matte black and white Chanel logo’d surf boards were the stars of the party… in addition to their new brand ambassador, and the new J12 Marine watches of course! “Like CHANEL’s newest brand ambassador, Laird Hamilton, CHANEL has allowed themselves to be swept away by the beauty of the waves, and has incorporated these elements into the design of the J12 Marine, the newest addition to CHANEL’s fine timepiece collection.” I have a fascination with watching brands and experiences you don’t expect merging beautifully to create a whole new experience… Chanel + Surfing? Definitely quite the contrast to the socal surf scene and the art/design i usually imagine coupled with it… But lovely in its own way! Take a peek on the next page of the dinner Chanel’s J12 Marine and Laird Hamilton hosted in honor of “The Wave” by Susan Casey to benefit the Surfrider Foundation…

p.s. the email with pictures said “…dined on fresh seafood at wooden tables and then gathered around the fire pit for cocktails and smores.” How lovely does that sound right now?

TO PAGE 2 of "Chanel, Surfing, Cocktails, and Smores"! ----->

Tags: chanel - events - gifts - jewelry - luxury - new york - outdoor - shopping - sport - surf - surfboard - travel - watch

Laguna Beach ~ so many surf brands have their home base in the OC ~ and recently so many hotels with special designer suites ~ but somehow i never heard about the Casa Surf Project over at La Casa del Camino until now! The hotel is perched less than a block from the beach, has an old spanish styled look and feel… and somehow the smell and hallways remind me of college… something frat house-y about it? Or maybe that was the crowd too… fascinating thing about the Casa Surf Project is that they gave 10 brands and their designers 10 suites, and let them have their way with it - “Action sports icons like Billabong Men’s and Billabong Women’s, Rip Curl, etnies, Roxy, Quiksilver, L* Space, Lost International along with Riviera Magazine and Glaceau have teamed with Southern California’s finest designers to create the Casa Surf Suites with a portion of the proceeds from each room donated to key charities for the first year.” I love the moroccan inspired Lost room… how far they took the decor, and the furniture choices… you have to see how fun the lights looked at night! And the way they really customized the walls… so beautiful! Billabong and Quicksilver are my other favorites ~ see more pics on the next page, and see full information on each suite here!

TO PAGE 2 of "La Casa del Camino Surf Project "! ----->

Tags: art - california - hotels - laguna beach - surf - travel

I've never lusted for board shorts before, well not men's anyhow... but i must say these Standard Boardshorts by Quiksilver are tempting! Not to mention they are sold in VENDING MACHINES (which are really all the rage lately) ~ and come in an "odor resistant waterproof travel bag" ~ and much like the standard, the labels are upside down (and adorably retro styled too)... but perhaps most unique of all? Inside each waistband is a list of addresses... a quick tips city guide precisely curated by Natas Kaupas. With a limited edition of 250 of each product, and so much attention to detail, this premier collaboration between The Standard and Quiksilver is stunning.

Now as for the style itself, these are "based on the original retro design from Echo Beach era - New wave/post punk style first pioneered by pro surfer Danny Kwock." There is also a "Standard Issue" Bikini for us ladies, but i'm curious to see how the shorts fit girls too... You can find them at The Standard Shop, as well as the poolside vending machines at the hotels. Also exciting? "Official launch event will be a pool party on the rooftop of The Standard Downtown LA on Aug 8th and from Aug 8-16, the hotel will have "ECHO BEACH RETROSPECTIVE, 1978-1982: Surf Culture Art Exhibition" show. Includes art, photography, paintings, film, vintage beachwear, and surfboards curated by Will Pennartz of The Surf Gallery. Art show admission is free." ~ See you there! As for now, see lots of pics on the next page of all the gorgeous details!

TO PAGE 2 of "Standard Boardshorts by Quiksilver"! ----->

Tags: beach - fashion - gifts - hotels - luxury - pool - quiksilver - shopping - standard - surf - swim

Ok, so i've obsessed about Emil Kozak's work back in dec 2006 ~ as well as his wallpaper in the last post... but as i continued browsing his site, i remembered what brought me there in the first place ~ i was sent the link to check out his incredible Whale Surfboard collab with Kelly Slater ~ and there is also the amazing tree filled with action that i'd love to see up close someday! Kozak says on the site "Artwork for Kelly Slaters Pro models. Kelly and I came up with the tree-idea. I made the illustrations and Al Merrick at Channel Islands shaped them. Cross your fingers, that he will get his 9′th world title this year!"

Tags: illustration - surf - surfboard