With the 82nd Academy Awards less than a week away and the Oscar season in full swing, I took it upon myself to construct a list of the top 5 Oscar years ever.

For the past eighty-one years The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have held their annual Academy Awards ceremony, honoring the achievement in motion pictures over the previous calender year.  Some years have been quite strong, others relatively weak, while still others have been simply outstanding.  Presented here are what I believe to be the superlative years the Academy has put forth.

Before we can get to the list, however, a couple of notes on the criteria of its creation.  Each movie in consideration had to be nominated for at least one Academy Award, no matter the category (hence the best Oscar years).  More importantly, though, the year is to be judged by the aggregate class of nominated motion pictures put forth by the Academy that year.

We begin with those years deserving of honorable mention:

1951/1952 (24th Academy Awards)
An American in Paris (Best Picture Winner); A Place in the Sun; A Streetcar Named Desire; The African Queen; Rashomon; Alice in Wonderland.

1967/1968 (40th Academy Awards)
In the Heat of the Night (Best Picture Winner); The Graduate; Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner; Bonnie and Clyde; Cool Hand Luke; In Cold Blood.

The List:

#5  1994/1995 (67th Academy Awards)
Partly in a move to eliminate pretense and partly an acknowledgment of merit, we begin our list with the 67th instillation of the Academy Awards.  It is probably the best of the more modern classes of pictures.
Forrest Gump (Best Picture Winner); Pulp Fiction; The Shawshank Redemption; Ed Wood; Bullets Over Broadway; Trios Couleurs: Rouge; The Lion King.

#4  1976/1977 (49th Academy Awards)
A year of great thrills all around.  Yet, in a class that features pictures from Bergman, Scorsese, Fellini, Lumet and even Pakula, it is the then unknown Stallone who takes the prize – and I believe quite deservingly so.
Rocky (Best Picture Winner); Taxi Driver; Network; All the President’s Men; Face to Face; Fellini’s Casanova; The Omen.

#3  1959/1960 (32nd Academy Awards)
The year of the Academy’s leading ladies.  Simone Signoret, Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe (although not nominated as such), Elizabeth Taylor as well as both Audrey and Kathrine Hepburn all shine in their respective works.  The epic wins – as is almost always the case with the Academy – however, this class of pictures holds perhaps the greatest comedy in Some Like it Hot and the greatest thriller in Hitchcock’s North by Northwest.  The others aren’t so bad themselves.
Ben-Hur (Best Picture Winner); North by Northwest; Some Like it Hot; Wild Strawberries; Nun’s Story; The Diary of Anne Frank; Room at the Top; Anatomy of Murder; Suddenly, Last Summer; The Bridge; Pillow Talk; Sleeping Beauty.

#2  1962/1963 (35th Academy Awards)
A most impressive class of pictures.  Yes, the epic wins again, but this time it is hard to argue against the pick.  Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch and Peter O’Toole as T.E. Lawrence both provide us our great motion picture heroes, while Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Iselin offers us a most despicable and unforgettable villain.  Sinatra, Lancaster, Bancroft, Hepburn, Davis, Brando and Lemmon round out a wonderful cast of characters from a most enjoyable and memorable collection of films.
Lawrence of Arabia (Best Picture Winner); To Kill a Mockingbird; The Manchurian Candidate; Lolita; Mutiny on the Bounty; Birdman of Alcatraz; What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?; The Longest Day; Days of Wine and Roses; The Miracle Worker.

#1  1939/1940 (12th Academy Awards)
I know it has been said a thousand times, but let’s make it one thousand and one.  The class of 1939 is far and away the most celebrated year both in the history of cinema and by extension of the Academy Awards – and with good reason.  There perhaps exists no more extraordinary a compilation of cherished movies and renowned motion pictures than those put forth in the calendar year of 1939.  The movies speak for themselves:
Gone with the wind (Best Picture Winner); Mr. Smith Goes to Washington; Of Mice and Men; Ninotchka; Stagecoach; Young Mr. Lincoln; The Wizard of Oz; Wuthering Heights; Goodbye Mr. Chips; Intermezzo: A Love Story.

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Top Five Most Memborable Oscar Years

(Image provided by David Phoenix Interior Design)

SY:  Most likely, you’re unsure of your design preference because you appreciate a little bit of every style. Rather than committing to one look, try being an Eclectic when decorating your place. Juxtaposing traditional with contemporary elements can result in an authentic place that reads both modern and honest. Avoid trends and implement a liberal seasoning of tchotchkes wherever you can. Move toward personal, idiosyncratic solutions in design, rather than the trend obsessed school of thought that most pedestrian decor is based on. Great design trumps trends, and some of the most inspiring spaces I’ve seen implement a courageous mixture of diverse design (think futuristic lucite dining table atop an antique Persian rug.) To explore your options, I would suggest picking up two popular shelter magazines for a dual design perspective: House Beautiful & Elle Decor. While House Beautiful offers design on a more affordable bend, Elle Décor visually stimulates for those with a bigger budget.  For rousing imagery online, TheSelby.com is fantastic. Like the Sartorialist for the home, Todd Selby photographs the inspiring spaces of Creatives from all around the world. His featured homes are the epitome of personal style, and they’ll definitely get your creative juices flowing for your own place. All in all, I’m confident that these suggestions will offer a well-rounded resource for inspiration, just make sure that you utilize your intuition and keep it fun. If you’re not having fun in your decorative efforts, you’re not in the true spirit of design.

Thanks for visiting,

Sean Yashar

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Where to look for Interior Design Inspiration.

Debonair has taken half the pain out of your Valentine’s Day dining plans, presenting you with seven sure-fire options located in and around New York City, and varying in price.  These should help to whet her appetite and, well…read on.

One of the best parts about having Valentine’s Day fall on a Sunday this year is it gives you the option to brunch instead of dinner.  If you happen to live on the Upper West Side check out Eighty One at the Excelsior Hotel (45 West 81 Street, New York, NY 10024, (212) 873-8181, 81nyc.com).  The casual eatery is offering a la carte Sunday Brunch or a special 4-course prix-fixe dinner with choices ($75). Options include poached lobster, braised Kobe beef & black sea bass.

If you prefer to haunt the downtown hotels, The Grand Bar & Lounge at the SoHo Grand Hotel (310 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013, (212) 965-3588, sohogrand.com).  This swank hotel lounge famous for prime people watching has reservations available from 5pm to 11pm, for a romantic $65/person 3-course prix fixe dinner.

Around the corner in Tribeca, the upscale Japanese hot spot Megu (62 Thomas Street, New York, NY 10013, (212) 964-7777, megurestaurants.com) are doing a $125 tasting menu.  Reservations are required, and a black card is encouraged.  Your lady will surely be wowed by the décor, delicious food, and ample wine list.

If you’re feeling adventurous enough to brave the RFK Bridge head up to Tarrytown, NY and enjoy a special Valentine’s menu for $135 for lunch on Sunday & $165 for dinner on Saturday & Sunday at Blue Hill at Stone Barns (630 Bedford Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, (914) 366-9600, bluehillfarm.com).  The restaurant, build in an old farmhouse offers modern American cuisine with a mix of Burgundy, California, and Italian wines in a picturesque country setting.

Aleo in Gramercy / Flatiron (7 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011, (212) 691-8136‎, aleorestaurant.com), known as a great date place, is doing a special Sunday Brunch 12-3pm. Live music for romantic dinner Sunday (no cover). If you choose to go on Saturday, they offer a complimentary cocktail for the lady.  Don’t worry; she won’t think you’re cheap.

Saul Restaurant in Boerum Hill (140 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201,(718) 935-9844‎, saulrestaurant.com) is one of the pioneers of the Smith Street culinary scene.  This Michelin rated new American restaurant serves up some of the creamiest foie gras, and other-worldly veal chop.  For Valentine’s Day weekend Chef Saul Bolton has prepared a special $95 5-course menu.

Finally, Rayuela on the Lower East Side (165 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002, (212) 253-8840, rayuelanyc.com) offers all weekend a very special 4-course prix-fixe menu prepared by chef Maximo Tejada ($55/person). Opt for the wine pairing with complimentary champagne toast at this trendy Pan-Latin bistro without sacrificing street cred, flavor, or romance.

Reservations for all restaurants may be made at www.opentable.com

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Debonair’s Guide to Valentines Dining

1.      Size her up. Getting the right size is key to finding the right fit, and feeling comfortable.  The best way to determine a women’s size is to look in her lingerie drawer. Note down her bra and panty sizes.  If she wears more than one size, (which is inevitable as some brands can differ), go with the larger size. Still unsure? Call her best friend.

2.      Know her personal style. One of the most common mistakes men make when buying lingerie as a gift is selecting items that they find seductive without considering what she would feel most comfortable and beautiful in.  Avoid this easy trap by noting the kinds of colors, patterns, and fabrics she has in her lingerie drawer. Stick to her tried and true natural style, and give it your touch by indulging her with quality lingerie.

3.      To contour or not to contour? From demi-cup, to contour, molded, padded, full cup & minimizer bras, there’s a world of bra styles out there to choose from.  Here’s how to keep it simple and get it right: For smaller cup sizes (A’s and B’s), go for a demi cup or contour bra. Check to see if she likes padding (something to note during your trip to the lingerie drawer).

For larger cup sizes (C’s and higher), she’ll likely be more comfortable in a molded , full cup or minimizer . No need to look at strapless bras; these are best left for women to buy on their own.

4.      Call in an expert. Still having trouble? Want to be sure of your selection before purchasing?

Simone Pérèle’s Lingerie Expert….your personal shopper is on call to help men navigate the lingerie-buying process with confidence.

Call 877.373.7353 Monday – Friday from 9 to 6pm EST for guidance on everything from size and fit—to color and style.

5.      Spoil her with a gift certificate. Gift certificates are a great way to let her surprise and seduce you.

And for those last-minute Valentine’s Day shoppers, Simone Pérèle’s eGift Certificates are instant and easy and they always fit.
Add some romance by pairing a gift certificate with something else on Valentine’s Day—like a dinner invitation, jewelry, or a spa treatment.

She’ll be pampered, delighted, and impressed—and she’ll think you planned it weeks in advance!

OUR GIFT TO YOU….As a special treat for Valentine’s Day, Simone Pérèle’s online boutique is offering complimentary gift wrapping from January 25th to February 12th.
Your order will be beautifully wrapped in a Simone Pérèle gift bag with elegant tissue, along with your personalized message.
To benefit from this exclusive offer, select “Gift Bag” option and during check out, enter coupon code: SPValentine.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

For more information, please visit Discover Simone Pérèle

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THE GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE TO BUYING LINGERIE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

A gift in her honor:
There are still millions in desperate need in Haiti; it is never too late to donate.  Donating to www.hopeforhaitinow.org is a way to open your heart this Valentine’s Day in her honor.  I am currently supporting Haiti on my Ipod daily by listening to the Hope for Haiti Now collaboration cd available on Itunes (www.itunes.com).  Make her smile and show your philanthropic dedication by downloading this cd on her new fuchsia pink I-pod (www.apple.com).

Jewelry:

Yes, we all know a “diamond is a girl’s best friend” but why do we have to limit to just one b.f.f.?  Give me a little David Y (www.davidyurman.com), with a side of Cartier (www.cartier.com), and top it off with my favorite French dressing, Hermès (www.hermes.com).  My choice selection from each website is as follows:
•    David Yurman: Cable Heart Ring
•    Cartier: LOVE Bracelet
•    Hermes: Enamel Bracelet

Revive and renewal:
In this tough economic time, the stress and unnerving feelings in the workplace and everyday life take a toll on us ladies.  Spending a Saturday afternoon at the spa escaping the grueling world outside is top on our list.  There are many spas in the city, but I am partial to Oasis Day Spa NYC (www.oasisdayspanyc.com).  Yoga is a wonderful way to open up your mind and renew your soul.  Bikram, or hot yoga allows your body to release all of the toxins that build up.  Packages of yoga lessons will make your lady not only smile, but add a little flexibility in bed (www.bikramyoganyc.com/default.htm).

To die for clothing:

There is nothing sexier than “the NYC power woman”.  No one crafts this sex appeal better than the lovely Diane Von Furstenberg (www.dvf.com).  A classy wrap dress will not only be sure to put a smile on your lady’s face, but will undoubtedly be aesthetically pleasing to you.  For other clothing ideas visit www.bloomingdales.com.

Weekend get-a-way for two:
A weekend escape from the busy streets of Manhattan is relaxing and very sexy at the same time.  Make sure to pack board games, the GPS, and comfy Saturday clothes to ensure the best weekend.  Whether you are enjoying the snow or sun, you are sure to have a weekend filled with laughs, relaxation, and the best sex yet.  For a cold weather get-a-way check out www.travelandleisure.com/articles/10-quick-winter-getaways.  To book your flight for a warm weather get-a-way surf www.jetblue.com.

I hope that this article has given you, Debonair reader, insight into what a woman really wants this Valentine’s Day.  If all else fails, a lovely bouquet of roses and a card can go a long way.  I wish you the best on Valentine’s Day twenty-ten; may the lingerie be scandalous and the women glowing.

Yours truly,
Jessica

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Valentines Gift Guide 2010-For Her

A Sophisticated Spread. You won’t find Lays in our apartment – ever. Give your boys a taste of the high life with Food Should Taste Good – the healthy, delicious all-natural tortilla chip brand. We know you don’t care that they’re healthy (each of the nine flavors are gluten and cholesterol free, have no trans fat and do not use genetically modified ingredients), but trust us, they’re delicious. Our favorites are Yellow Corn with guacamole, Multigrain with Hummus and Buffalo with Blue Cheese dip. (Whole Foods; foodshouldtastegood.com)

Man-Friendly Appetizers. If you’re going to serve man-favorites like buffalo wings and burgers, at least do it better than everyone else. Allen Brothers – the leading purveyor of the finest USDA Prime steaks, seafood, chicken, veal, poultry, desserts and sides – offers a serious selection of oven-ready appetizers. Try the Buffalo Chicken Wings and Cocktail Franks in Puff Pastry – you can even say you made them yourself.
(Twelve-wing package for $39.95, 48-count Franks for $54.95; allenbrothers.com)

Specialty Brews. The words “Bud” and “Light” will not be used during any Super bowl events this year. For a stylish Superbowl scene, invite Matilda and Sofie to the party. Produced by Chicago’s craft brewer Goose Island, these Belgian-style ales are deliciously food-friendly. Created in the style of a Belgian pale ale, Matilda is wild in character with a slightly fruity aroma and a spicy yeast flavor; it’s a great accompaniment to spicy foods and Camembert cheese. Sofie, meanwhile, is a tart sparkling ale that is fermented with wild yeasts and aged in wine barrels with the addition of orange peel; it pairs perfectly with seafood and brie. (Available in 12 oz. bottles for $11 and 650ml bottles for $16; www.gooseisland.com)

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Super Bowl Snacks for the Debonair Man.

1.   Wow – you created an application for the iPhone… what is it called and how did you come up with the concept?

The concept is pretty simple, really. We wanted to create something fun and provocative to leverage the accelerometer technology that makes iPhone so unique. The first thing that came to mind was the old style nudie pens. We were lucky enough to get Jessica Dougherty to do the amazing pin-up girl illustrations which make it more premium feeling than kitschy. They’re pretty amazing.

Naming it was a project in itself. It was originally going to be called iTease, but the application process with Apple is notoriously subjective and it was declined – because it was “too risqué.” Um, really? So we decided on HOTTi, keeping that whole small “i” thing that seems to be integral to all things Apple. Works for me.

2. How long did it take you to create that application? How does one get started if they have an application idea?

Well, the idea came about pretty spontaneously. But the development, not so much. The entire process was quite the learning experience and I wont say it wasn’t maddening at times. Even for a simple app like this, my developer Andy Stepan and I used different vendors from all over the world. So, it’s not unlike being a general contractor with no shortage of hiccups along the way, which can really prolong the process. All in all, it took about six months – before the approval process. But obviously it was worth it.

3. So when you are not creating super rad iPhone apps, what is your day job…

I’m a creative director at a digital ad agency. Aside form the hours, it’s a pretty fun job which allows me to work with some really talented people while working on some pretty cool brands. Plus there’s a pool table, so…

4. What are your favorite places to chill out + what cities are they located in?

I’m comfortable anywhere with good food, good friends and a beer or three. But I love the water, so the Jersey shore (not from MTV’s reality show – the other part of it) and Newport rank highly in the summer months. My travel itinerary isn’t what you’d call “exotic.”

5. Do you believe in past lives and if so what/who were you in your past life?

Ha. I don’t really. This current one’s been keeping me pretty busy and mildly entertained for a while though.

6.What was your best trip ever and where do you want to travel next?

Hmm… I went to Sundance a few years ago which was absolutely amazing.  I partied like a rock star (with a few of them too). And I really enjoyed wine country. Northern Cali is just amazing. For my next big trip I really want to go to Italy. I hear the food’s somewhat decent.

7. So you are in advertising, where do you get your inspiration?

Anywhere and everywhere really. It’s part of my job to be up on pop-culture and what’s new in every medium. I watch an inordinate amount of TV and spend a good part of my day online. For work, of course.

8. I hear you play the guitar… how did you learn and what are some of your favorite bands?

I’ve been playing for 20 years and it’s one of the best things I ever did in my life, honestly. I’ve always loved music and the guitar has always come very naturally to me – I’m largely self-taught. I love a lot of different music but as a guitarist I listen to my heroes like Hendrix, Page, Van Halen, etc. I’m also a bit of a metal-head. Anything that rocks. Metallica, NIN, Alice in Chains and most 80’s hair bands fill out my iPod.

9. How much money do you want to make with your application?  Are you going to create more iPhone applications?  Do you encourage other people to create them?

It’s hard to say really. There’s what, like 30,000 apps available now? That’s a lot to compete with and can be a daunting proposition considering the costs incurred with making one. At the same time it’s fulfilling to contribute to pop-culture, however minimally, regardless of your net sales. I’m fairly confident we’ve got a cool little app here and we’re hoping it will appeal to a large enough audience to make a buck or two. Hoping this article helps too.

10. What is your favorite iPhone application?

There are so many good ones. I’m not much of a “gamer” so most of the ones I use are more functional and have to do with sports or music. Shazam is a really cool app. And of course there’s Facebook.

11. Who inspires you fashion wise – what is your staple uniform?  If you had to live in one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I have a lot of HUGO Boss in my wardrobe – love the style and fits me well. Paul Smith is really cool, too. And whatever I’m wearing, it will always be with jeans. I live in jeans.

Bonus question:
12. Leave us with a quote – something you make up or a quote that you just love to repeat?

“Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.”
Oscar Wilde said it. But I can relate to it.

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Brett Minieri Talks Pin Up Girls & iPhone Apps

A rare vintage watch is a staple of every stylish man, but finding a unique and storied timepiece can be both time, and bank account consuming.  Sure, we’ve all dreamt about buying a vintage Rolex Daytona, but most of us don’t have the means to spend the price of a mid-sized BMW on a watch.  This list will provide you with five high-grade, rare, and collectable vintage watches, all of which can be found for under $2000.  The only thing left to do is track them down.

Omega Chronostop: The Chronostop was made for a short time in the late 60s and early 70s.  Aimed at professional and recreational racers, this watch features an interesting 60-second timer that was operated by a single button.  It came in two separate calibers, one with a date window and one without, and two separate configurations.  The most valuable and rare version of the Chronostop was designed to be worn under the wrist so that drivers wouldn’t have to take their hand off the steering wheel while checking their lap time.  Also, the clasp was intented to be worn as an ID bracelet.  The idea never caught on like Omega had hoped and the Chronostop remains an underappreciated and rare vintage sport watch. (Photo credit – Antiquorum)

Wittnauer Futurama 1000 – An impressively complicated watch, this early 1970s Wittnauer was one of the few double-retrograde timepiece created in the era.  One hand points to the hour while the other points to the minute as they descend down the face of this retro classic.  Upon reaching the bottom of the registers, each hand flies back to the top to repeat the process.  While stainless steel versions do you exist, you are much more likely to find a gold Futurama.  (photo credit – watchismo.com)

Hamilton Fontainebleau:  While Hamilton may have been the greatest American watch company of the 1960s, the Fontainebleau featured one the greatest Swiss movements of the generation.  Called the Chrono-matic by Breitling and the Caliber 11 by Heuer, this movement was one of the first automatic chronographs ever made.  It featured a distinctive left-handed winding crown and date aperture at 6 o’clock.  Even the famous Heuer Monaco worn by Steve McQueen himself used this movement, and the retro Hamilton is one of its less well known houses.  The Fontainebleau is one of the best values in vintage watches out there, a great retro case with a historically important movement (photo credit – losttimes.com)

Breitling Top Time:  While the Navitimer may get all the attention even to this day, it is the Top Time that represents the best value for your dollar in the world of vintage Breitlings.  This watch has everything you could ask for in a vintage chronograph; classic design, a solid Valjoux-powered movement, a good sized case, and of course that infamous Breitling name on the dial.   Top Times do come in two register and gold plated variations, but they don’t compare to the three register version in steel, which gives the watch the most function and the lasting power.  (photo credit – corrvintagewatches.com)

Rolex OysterQuartz: You may have heard that you should never trust a man whose Rolex ticks, but even the largest watch company in the world made a quartz watch or two.  These OysterQuartz Datejusts from the 1970s were not a cheaper substitute to the traditional Rolex, in fact they were actually priced above their mechanical brothers.  Also, these ticking relics of the quartz revolution feature an impressive integrated bracelet and all the same finish you’d expect from a watch carrying the Rolex coronet.   (Photo credit-antiquorum)

“Ben Clymer is a noted wristwatch expert based in New York City.  He is the Executive Editor and Publisher of Hodinkee.com, as well as a widely regarded journalist in the field of luxury timepieces.”

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How to Buy a Vintage Watch (under $2000)

“Rebirth”, which has been delayed more times than a flight at LaGuardia, finally gets released this month. Whether you buy into Wayne’s world or not, is irrelevant because the talent is undeniable. Plainly put, Lil’ Wayne has changed the game. His lyrics and metaphors can be profound and downright silly within the same set of 16 bars. With this rock-themed album, Weezy focuses on the art of music a little more, you know for like a second until he reminds us in a creative way how he is the “shit.”

Freshest Track “Drop the World” feat. Eminem

Soldier of Love- Sade  (Feb 9 drop)

After a ten year hiatus, Sade, and their provocative vibe have returned with a powerful offering. For a decade, music fans across the world have been yearning for another taste from the makers of the international smash hit “Smooth Operator”. With this upcoming album, the new generation of “seduction” has been ushered in and the first single “Soldier of Love” is poised to become the baby-makin’ anthem of 2010.

Freshest track “The Moon and the Sky”

Oddblood- Yeasayer (Feb 9 drop)

Yeasayer, a true product of the indie rock movement, (for the last two years toured with MGMT and have played everywhere from SXSW and Lollapalooza, to the Guggenheim Museum), releases its sophomore album “Oddblood” this month. It seems that with each new Brooklyn band that emerges on the scene a new genre of rock is invented. This experimental trio is no different, describing their music as “Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel.” Whatever that means, it has inspired a brilliant sound that hypnotizes its listeners.

Freshest Track “Ambling Alp”

Love and War- Daniel Merriweather (Feb 23 drop)

Merriweather, a NY import by way of Melbourne, Australia, is the next member of what I call the “cool crooners.” A high-school dropout, Merriweather used his gifted voice to ink some early record deals in his native Australia. When a debut album never saw the light of day, the music gods stepped in. Producer Mark Ronson heard the material and fell in love with his vocals, eventually producing the debut album “Love and War.”

Freshest track “Change” feat. Wale

Constant- Story of The Year (Feb 16 drop)

Ever since I listened to SOTY’s single, “Until the Day I Die,” a couple of years ago I was immediately sold on the strength of the pure emotion I felt in every lyric. From the curbs of St. Louis, Story of the Year has consistently brought quality heavy-metal pop to the airwaves. Their themes of anguish and frustration are perfect to vibe to when your day has not gone exactly according to plan. The new album, Constant, presents a natural maturity that should be appreciated by avid fans and newcomers alike.

Freshest track “ I’m Alive”

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The 5 Must-Have Albums for February 2010

Since recommending a pair of Jean Shop Rocker Fit jean’s last week in our Upgrade 2010 article, we figured we should give a little insight into the brand itself. So, we sat down with co-owner/founder, Eric Goldstein to ask a few questions about the brand, denim and a few of his favorite things in the city.

What are you wearing today?
Well, a pair of our Rocker Fit jeans, Chuck Taylor’s, Jean Shop Chambray shirt and a Scott K bracelet.

When did your passion for denim begin?
When I was 21 I started working at Ralph Lauren and actually established the RRL brand shortly after. I was working with Ralph one-on-one everyday to create authentic clothing and that’s really when I started to love denim. I mean I had worn jeans as a kid, but working with the fabric itself was really different, you gain a new appreciation.

Where do you get your inspiration/influences from?
Mostly vintage designs I pick up from flea markets. Hardware stores can inspire me too, and this town on the Pennsylvania coast called New Hope.

What was the last big purchase you made on clothing?
I usually wear Jean Shop things so I haven’t really made any ‘big’ clothing purchases recently, especially since I don’t wear suits, but I did just buy a new Mac.

Who has the best menswear in New York right now?
I really like 45rpm, I think they put out really well designed, quality clothing. I like the way APC does basics too, but again I’m usually wearing my own clothes so I don’t wear a lot of either brand.

If you had to wear one pair of denim for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
Our Rocker Fit jeans in the heavyweight denim. They’re definitely my favorite we sell and are probably my favorite ever.

Where do you grab a drink after work?
I usually don’t stay out too late since I have to commute home outside the city, but sometimes I go to the Soho house and order a Heineken.

What is your favorite restaurant in the city?
Peter Lugar’s.

Where do you buy your shoes?
There’s a shoe company in London called Esquivel that I get my boots from, the leather they use is incredible and last forever.

What sort of care do you recommend for raw denim?
Well when you don’t want to add any extra fading I would say machine wash cold and then hang to dry, probably use a dark color detergent.

What will you never wear?
Overalls.

What would you like to be known for?
For making the best quality denim in the world.

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In the know.-Eric Goldstein – Jean Shop