Ansoni
“As an artist there will always be a moment where my attention is interrupted by something around me. These forces in life that are constantly grasping our attention. They take away from our ability to really be ourselves. I try not to let them control me.” Ansoni
occupation: composer and artist
Ansoni grew up in Japan, where the structure of rituals and traditions have played a role in shaping his ideals and his appreciation for the meticulousness of deeply rooted aesthetics. Grounded, like a modern day Buddha, with his warm and dreamy inner smile, he speaks fondly of the Japanese tea ceremonies of his childhood, “they follow the rules religously…certain colors, all the ornaments have to be in the right order.” Ideologies like these helped teach him to look at things holistically, while also creating his appreciation for detail. “I find in myself, whether it is getting dressed or…
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Michael Arenella
occupation: bandleader, musician, singer, composer, arranger, and events producer
” Style is a celebration of individuality while also a gesture of decorum and humility unto others.” Michael Arenella
So precisely fine-tuned to dressing as the consummate gentleman from decades long gone, it is an ironic twist on generations that Michael’s dad was a hippie and prefers rock and roll, while his son has dedicated his life to the performance and lifestyle of ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s jazz and swing eras. Michael only wears jeans to work on his car and would never go out in them. He is indignant about what the present day mania for casual attire has done to formality, respect for romance, and pride and to the celebration of life. For him, the idea of going out in the evening in jeans or athletic clothes is depressing. When I was shooting him, we got…
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RZA
occupation: founder of the Wu Tang Clan, composer of film scores, actor, aspiring movie director, author of “The Tao of Wu”
“I look for the understanding of things. I don’t judge.” RZA
When I was interviewing RZA for this site, I kept thinking royalty, in the ideal sense, noble, and captivating. RZA is mesmerizing, handsome, articulate, learned, gentle, soft-spoken, and humble. In his presence, you feel as if he should be on a pulpit, and that anything he dons becomes something akin to the regality of a velvet cloak. Ever a relucant icon, he is simply dressed but unfailingly elegant. His home is filled with his omnipresent extended family, his beloved chess boards, and his voluminous collection of books. RZA’s own style, as well as that of the Wu Tang Clan, is seen through the rebirth of the Wallabee, Asian-influenced embroidery on camouflage, colorful Timberlands, and…
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