“We had a hint there might be an interest in this book.”
That hint was raising over $800,000 on Kickstarter to reissue the New York City Transit Authority Graphics Standards Manual. But before the online support and incredible demand, this lucrative endeavor began more innocently — with buried treasure.
“We found one of the original manuals in our old office’s basement,” Jesse Reed said of the copy he and his business partner Hamish Smyth discovered and — through enormous fundraising — reissued for public consumption.
New Yorkers love griping about the subway, so it may come as a surprise that this manual elicited such fervid response, but these backers are seeking more than just a handsome coffee table book or conversation starter.
Standards Manual storefront on Franklin Street in Greenpoint. Photo by Ian Hartsoe
“We knew designers were into it, but once we launched the Kickstarter we found other audiences, and one was people who live in New York City,” Reed said. “They saw the manual and subway signs for the first time as designed objects, and it struck a chord with a lot of people who ride the subway every day. If you were here in the ’70s or earlier, you knew how horrible the signage was, and then you see the manual and how it’s now made.”
Hey babes. We love the change of seasons for a few reasons: themed holidays, fancy drinks, new projects, great shows, and art. And, one of our top favorite reasons? New clothes. Oh yes, it’s one of the best things—what new pieces can add some fit and flair to your wardrobe?
In God We Trust (70 Greenpoint Ave) outdid themselves again this season. With clean lines, cool jumpsuits, and sassy bomber jackets, this autumn season is full of attitude and lots of swag style. Browse some stellar styles and drop it like it’s hot. Continue reading →
Greenpoint’s unique creative and design workspsace (plus cafe) A/D/O (29 Norman Ave) is hooking up with Futureworks to offer a four month sponsored workspace membership to New York-based designers with prototyping and production opportunities, access to co-working space, and design mentorship. The winning designer or team of two will be awarded a desk membership to A/D/O’s workspace starting in mid-September. Members will have unlimited access to the Fabrication Lab, which includes rapid protoyping equipment including 3D printers, a digital loom, sewing machines, high-end printers, a vinyl cutter and a duplicator, a lighting kit and tabletop photo setups.
Applications are due on August 31, and the selection will be announced on September 8. Applicants must be based in, and manufacturing products in, New York City. The four month membership will commence any time between September 15 and October 1.
If for some reason you missed out on the dozens of indie designers we hosted last weekend at our Greenpointers Spring Market (it was glorious!), then this weekend you’d do well to check out the popup night market at Brooklyn Bazaar. Shop from and mingle with some really cool independent local designers while rocking out to some sweet jams and sipping your favorite tipsy bevs. We promise it’ll be more fun than the weekend plans you haven’t made yet.
On Saturday 3/8, venture over to Daddy’s (435 Graham Avenue) for a pop-up shop curated by Debbie Tuch, creator of the jewelry line Glitterlimes. Shoppers can find artisanal goods such as Muffy Brandt printed leggings and tops, Tim Harrington (of Les Savy Fav) illustrations, Andrew Salome knits, Jena Derman ceramics, Julie Van Such digital print scarves, Junior Town Knits hand-dyed yarn straight from Los Angeles, Wowch clothing, and of course, Glitterlimes.
DJ Knife Fight will be spinning pre-Beatles rock and there will be drinks on hand.
Open since June, Kate O’Riley’s store Line & Label, sandwiched between Fox and Fawn Vintage and Enid’s, is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
The store’s light and airy (restrained bohemian) aesthetic is reflected in the lines O’Riley carries: Harvey Faircloth, an American brand that she prizes for their technical design, La Mont Saint Michel, which O’Riley decribes as easy sportswear, and Habitual, a denim line based out of L.A.
We love Williamsburg Fashion weekend which begins tonight! The 12th season of Williamsburg Fashion Weekend will be held on February 15th and 16th at 50 No. 3rd St. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. More info
• ManufactureNY X Love Us Holiday Pop-Up @ The End (13 Greenpoint Ave) noon-6pm, everything is 100% Made in the USA by local designers, RSVP
• Dobbin Space Project Holiday Party Shoppe @ Dobbin Mews (50-52 Dobbin Street, #1A) 11am-7pm, RSVP
• Dobbin Mews Holiday Party & Sale @ Dobin Mews (50-52 Dobbin Street) noon-5pm, holiday eats and drink, great deals your on favorite designers, and merriment, RSVP
• Booklyn Bookshop Pop-up Exhibition @ Booklyn (37 Greenpoint Ave, 4th Fl) 7-10pm, celebrating a weekend long pop-up to celebrate the holiday season and the launch of their new online store.
Its technically in Greenpoint, just across the BQE and before Richardson, and its technically awesome. Slow Fax is a new vintage clothing store on Graham, still in the 11222. With colorful signage and confetti glittering the sidewalk, this store is approachable from the outside and fall-in-loveable once you get in.
Karla, Owner of SLOWFAX
Karla, shop owner, is not only pinch her cheeks adorable and a sweetheart, but she knows how to buy vintage clothes that look contemporary and not like you raided granny’s closet. They also sell new designer goods, magazines, records and amazing artwork.
Its good vibes and good shopping.
Q & A with Karla from SLOWFAX:
GP: Where are you from?
K: I was born in central Brazil but moved to SF when I was just itsy bitsy.
GP: How did you find yourself in NY?
K: The people are good and I grew impatient with west coast living.
GP: Why Greenpoint?
K: Greenpoint’s charms are reminiscent of the Northwest which is were I most recently moved from but with a faaaaar more diverse culture. Love it.
GP: You stay open until 12am?
K: I’m a night owl, I can’t be the only one, right? …plus sometimes you’re out, you hate your outfit, and I thought wouldn’t be great if there was a spot to change en route?
Shopper at SLOWFAX
Shopper at SLOWFAX
GP: Aside from Vintage, what else do you sell? K: SLOWFAX features one clothing designer, jeweler, and artist rotating quarterly.
Currently in the shop we’re showing off Heaven, an upcycle line from KAILA NILES who works/resides in Berkeley, CA. We carry COCO GANG’S Rose and Bows bags made right over on the island and WINDY FREDA’S jewelry all the way from Marfa, TX. We sell Magazines! Write Here Right Now, a quarterly was celebrating their third issue: 35 Stories based on 7 sentences. MORE HERE: http://writehererightnow.tumblr.com OH! AND WE HAVE RECORDS …
Luca Nino Antonucci
GP: Tell us about the artwork on the walls? K: Luca Nino Antonucci is currently our featured artist. He’s an extremely romantic nerd with a rude (as in rad) sense of humor. For you’re viewing pleasure we’re showing “From Here to There,” repetitions on compact core galaxy M87 (screen prints). His work is exceptional, check it: http://itwillbeok.com
