A talk with Jay-Z's producer #177

Shit's about to get real!
Last night I went down to an industry talk hosted by Jay-Z's longtime producer, Young Guru. It was incredible. He bought his friends Sean C and LV (legends in the beat making world) who worked extensively on Jay-Z's American Gangster album. They pretty much re-created the title track live in front of us. It was a once in a lifetime look at hiphop history. They told countless stories of working with Jay but one such story, that I thought was pretty legendary, was how the 'hook' for American Gangster was written. So the story goes, Jay was trying to write the hook and thought he'd go to the gym and come back to it later. He left his computer open and when he came back he found that Beyonce had written the hook while he was at the gym. Epic super-couple moment. Aside the awesome stories of creating the A.G album there was a real insight into what it takes to be in the hiphop industry as a producer- a lot of hard work and some serious respect. Word.

Peace, Morgs

When the C train doesn't come (gif-a-rama) #176

I always maintain that I should not be left alone with a camera device because weird shit happens. Like these gifs. Now that's some serious insight into what I do when waiting for a train.

Excitement in the subway. 

Peace, Morgs

New York Anthems - I.T. #175

1. The New York Dolls - Personality Crisis
2. The Velvet Underground - I'll be your Mirror
3. Notorious B.I.G - Big Poppa
4. Frank Sinatra - New York, New York
5. The Pogues - Fairytale of New York
6. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
7. Azelia Banks - 212
8. Any Beastie Boys but more specifically - Hello Brooklyn
9. Madonna - I Love New York  
10. And to round off my very brief list I will finish with this:

Where I've lived in New York #174

Irrelevant picture but amazing print! (via Tommy Ton) 

Continuing with the New York theme, this is where I have lived since I've been here: 


28th Street in Chelsea
This apartment had the greatest location - ever. We were steps from the 1 train, right next to the Fashion institute, we had amusing model roommates and a crazy landlord with one eye who owned a soft porn magazine. Fun stuff. The only down falls were that it was hell-a expensive.

Bowery & Bond St, Lower East Side-ish
This place was a hole.  My first ever introduction into what life would have been like for immigrants about 80 years ago. One word: Rats. Great area though, totally safe and I had some mighty famous neighbors (obviously they didn't have the same landlord).

Utica Ave off A train stop, Bed Sty Brooklyn
I maintain the stance that after living in this area nothing will ever scare me ever again. It was one of those decisions I made very hastily and without much thought. I lasted 13 days in this enlightening place and as scary as it was it's an experience I wouldn't trade for anything. Forget roller coasters if you really want the s*** scared out of you go live here.

New Utrecht Ave, Coney Island
This is the place I escaped to after lasting 13 days in the real Bed Sty. I moved into an apartment above a fish store in a hasidic Jew neighborhood. Apart from the occasional cursing for the clothes I wore this place was nothing but welcoming. It was completely safe at night and was 10 min to the beach. Ideal. The only downfall being a 50 min +/- train ride to the city.

Central Park West, Upper West Side
Current living situation. Just steps from the most famous park in the world. Safe neighborhood.  A 15 min train ride to downtown. Pretty awesome flatmates. New York City on my doorstep. What more could you want? Realization moment - I should become a real estate agent.

Peace, Morgs

This IS Noteworthy - INFLUENCERS #173

To keep with my New York themed week I thought I'd share with you another of my favorite go-to resources. The Influencers film is so well constructed that you learn more in the 15min taken to watch it, than you ever will from a source of higher education. It's pretty extraordinary. Watch and be wowed.

INFLUENCERS TRAILER from R+I creative on Vimeo.

Peace, Morgs

In my book this is noteworthy - New York Writes Itself #172

Waaay back in January I went to a letterpress exhibition, New York Writes Itself, with my graphic design spirit guide (aka my friend Haylie). It was nothing short of amazing. The exhibition was centered around the ridiculous things you over hear New Yorkers saying. Letterpress artists took the most outrageous submissions from the public and turned them in into posters. The result a highly comical fine arts collaboration. I bring this to your attention because the folks behind New York Writes Itself recently won 3 awards at the latest Cannes festival. Check out this short film they made about the New York Writes Itself concept. It's great short film for those wishing to make the move to NY.

The Weekly Wrap - Mermaid Parade, Gin & Nerd Moments #171

- street art I found in SoHo today

1. This week has been pride week so there's been a plethora of flamboyant events happening around the city. Yesterday I went to a mermaid parade at Coney Island, and today I went to the official pride parade. It was somewhat moving to see grown men cry because they had been given equal rights.  Word. 

2. Gin Wigmore was in town for a show on the Lower East Side. I roped a few kiwis together and we all went in support. Turns out we weren't the only kiwis with that in mind. Ended up going out with Gin and her band mates for drinks afterwards. Fun times.

3. I got Cs6! That's a nerd joke that only nerds will get. Holla.

4. Went in search of a rooftop bar to watch the sunset. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful.

5. Acquired my first sunburn of summer (unintentionally). Ouchies.

6. Survived my first heat wave - 38 degrees celsius! It was almost impossible to get any work done. Hello my newest assest purchase - Mr. Fan.

7. Had my first completely lost moment. I was meant to meet some friends for a writers meetup. They sent me the address and I instinctually typed it into my smartphone. I followed the directions that were set into my map and headed for the end pont. Turns out my phone sent me to the wrong side of Manhattan. I ended up at a space age hotel who thought I was a journalist there to interview Shaggy for his newest album. Strange shizz.

That's all folks

Peace, Morgs

If you're travelling to New York City - To see & do #170

This is my pseudo-local guide to New York City. It's a list of things I think are most important, aside all the tourist things, to see and do.

via Moey Hoque

1. The Plaza Hotel
Quick note to anyone coming to NYC - nearly every lobby in New York is open to the public during business hours make the most of it! The Plaza Hotel is one of them. Walk up to the doorman and ask to be pointed in the direction of the bathroom. The directions you will be given will take you through the lobby, past the food hall, down a corridor lined with old photographs of the Beatles, and down to the basement. It's definitely an experience. 

2. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel bathroom
Since we're on the topic of hotels I would strongly suggest going to this one. Catch the train to 59th St Columbus Circle. Head to Time Warner Center where you will find the entrance to the Mandarin Oriental. Ask the doorman how to get to the bathroom. He'll send you to the 35th floor. You'll walk out of the elevator and almost pee your pants at the view. It looks like green screen. Serious. 

3. The Bowery Poetry Club
I cannot stress how f-ing rad this place is. Go there on a Monday night at 7pm for Tranny Bingo. It is as it sounds. Bingo hosted by Trannys. It is the most hilarious thing you will ever see. If you go a little early at 6:30pm you will hear Taylor Meade, one of the last remaining Warhol Superstars, read his crazy erotic poetry. It's like 50 Shades of Grey on steroids.

4. Le Bain at The Standard Hotel
Le Bain is a must see. It's the epitome of rooftop bars. Head there on a Sunday evening around 7pm, grab a mojito and relax while the sun goes down. Warning: avoid this place on a Saturday - the line goes around the block. Dress to impress.

This week in photos - NYC by Me #169

It is currently a sauna in New York. The temperature is around 35 degrees. I'm not complaining though - I strongly dislike anything associated with snow aka winter. Below are some photos I've taken this week, enjoy! 

Canal St/World Trade Center

Canal St/World Trade Center

Burst Fire Hydrant UWS

Time Warner Center/Columbus Circle

Omnomnom - bluuuurrrp

Times Square 

Peace, Morgs

Inspiration Thursday - Best Oscars Speech #168

Oscars speeches always showcase the awkward moments, the ugly cry, and the most quotable of quotes. This is possibly the best delivery of an Oscar's speech I have ever seen. Thanks Meryl.

Peace, Morgs

Sexual Summer Pictures (pin-worthy) #167

Above is my vision board for summer. As Oprah would say, "If you dream about it enough it will come true". My dreams of lobster and champagne aren't too shallow, are they? 

To see more of my awesome summer pic be sure to check out my pinterest. 

Peace, Morgs

When a Girl Goes to a Guitar Store #166

The Runaways (image via Rolling Stone)

When I enter a guitar shop I'm usually the only female there. Generally one of three things happen:

1. I'm ushered to the learners section. I assume they think I can only play a D chord.

2. I engage in a unspoken guitar battle with the guy across the room. He tries to show off that he's just learnt Metalica's Nothing Else Matters. I launch my counter attack with some Led Zeppelin (trying not to give too much away). He fires back with some poorly played Hendrix. I recite some flamenco finger style. It's usually over by that point. 

3. Some dude starts singing his heart out, and it's obvious you're the only two in the room. I usually 'awkward turtle myself' into a dark corner. Or leave.

However, I was surprised the other day when I went to Guitar Center and it was full of females! I must say though, it was almost the same situation - 'same s*** different genitalia'. There was one girl in the corner making her parents buy her a $2000 Martin for her 1 strum 2 strum Ten Guitars rendition. Another girl was singing her heart out to her boyfriend (and the rest of the store). And another was not very subtly (I think she thought she was being subtle) watching me out of the corner of her eye - she was giving me the 'unspoken guitar battle' look.

Oh the joys of guitar shopping.

Peace, Morgs

People to Watch - Sarah Koyi Lai #165

This weeks people to watch is my friend and 'coffee Sunday co-pilot', Sarah Koyi Lai. She's a kiwi working in fashion here in New York. What's awesome about Sarah is that she has amazing style. I have, on countless occasions, found myself writhing in jealousy over what she's wearing (it's usually an ensemble that only those with a great figure could pull off). She also has a signature perm that's not easy to replicate, and everyone here in New York seems to notice. Sarah is one of those people that is constantly stopped by streetstyle photographers. Just yesterday we were walking along 14th Street and a man politely asked us (I say 'us' but I mean Sarah) for a photograph. Like a true professional Sarah kept a natural stroll as he took his pictures. The result? See below (I also included a few photos I took of Sarah at NYFW in February-enjoy!).

Photo: Lovis Dengler

Sarah and I also had a bit of a chit-chat about her life, here's how it went down:

The Weekly Wrap - Macaulay Culkin's Party, The Resort Collections, & Street Beats #164

A young Meryl on the subway in New York (image via sousstyle.com)

1. I bought some canvases. I'm going to do some painting. Back to my roots y'all.

2. I went to a party, at a bar, that was hosted by Macaulay Culkin. We basically listened to his ipod on shuffle for the duration of the night. I'm pleased to report back that it was very good music, but I'm bias because I like all music. I screamed and shouted when The Naked and Famous played. Everyone now knows that they're a New Zealand band. I happened to find myself in the 'important people area'. I talked to his brother and sister-in-law for 2 hours about kids, fame, being an adult, and Mila Kunis. It was awesome. He's a good guy and they're a nice family. 

3. I really don't like anything from the resort collections so I refuse to write about them. Not good for business but I was told it's better to say nothing at all than to say something hideously mean. 

4. I found this hiphop-dub-rock fusion drummer today. I told him I wanted to write a hipitty hop song for a laugh- but serious at the same time. I got a business card. Don't know how it will all go down.

5. Public apology to my body for taking it to Ihop aka the International House of Pancakes, again. Sincerest apologies. 

6. Rooftop fun at the Ganesvoort hotel this afternoon. Sun, fruit punch, a bunch of kiwis, and a stunning view of New York- what could be better?

Peace, Morgs

Found - Will Ferrell as a Cat #163

In honor of the Anchor Man sequel I took photos of some street art using Will Ferrell as a cat. There's also an amazing poster dig at Mitt Romney and a sweet Warhol find. New York street art kicks ass. 

Peace, Morgs

The GC + Why I refused to have an opinion until now #162

The GC. A couple of months ago all my friends were asking me what I thought of this new show coming out called The GC. I watched the previews, laughed a little, and said it looked interesting. The first episode screened and then I get all these emails: "You need to watch this it's such a disgrace", "OMG the GC will make you want to vommit more than Trelise Cooper's Air New Zealand uniforms". It was decided- I need to watch this.

My Week in Photos #161

This week I have:  

Watched the sun set numerous times.

Walked a whole lot.

Read a book about John Lennon.

Watched more sunsets. 

Went to the M.E.T museum

And watched another sunset. 

ENJOY!

Inspiration Thursday: Powerful Beyond Measure #160

This is what I listen to when I need a kick in the ass. Close your eyes, listen, then go do something great!

Peace, Morgs

People to Watch: Poolside #159

Based out of Los Angeles these two friends/music producers are the self proclaimed kings of daytime disco. I am actually obsessed with their music at the moment. It makes you want to be drinking mojitos, next to a pool (of course), with 1950's umbrellas and French waiters serving gourmet cheeseburgers in brightly coloured swimming trunks. Every musician hates being compared to others, but for the sake of those who will not click the 'play' button without sufficient convincing, I would say their music is like Robyn had a baby with Bon Iver, who then fostered it out to The XX, who then overdosed it on acai berries. Serious. It's amazing music.

Good news too- Poolside have their first single coming out soon and who's more excited than me?

Have a listen here:

Peace, Morgs

Why do people come to New York City? #158

After reading a book about John Lennon's 'New York Years', and running off on a mad tangent to find his West Village apartment, it got me thinking [imagine my pseudo-Kierkegaard face here] why do people come to this place? It's probably the most over used and cliche question that plagues New York City, but it's not easy to answer.

There are such extremes of rich and poor.
It's expensive to live.
You have no space.
People are brutally honest.
You have little time for anything else but 'work'.
All in all, it's a harsh reality.

However, the best answer (that I keep telling myself) is that you're surrounded by the possibility of success. Not just regular success, but success that has exponential outcomes. Whether that's in terms of money or artistry or career development it's irrelevant. If you can make it here you can make it yada yada...

Just because I'm super cheesy, and a scrapbook nerd, I've kept this newspaper clipping (see above). Pretty much sums it up.

Ponder that.

Peace, Morgs

The Weekly Wrap - Spotting Rihanna, Michael Kors, and Karma #157

Apocalyptic Chic via TMR
New York, New York

1. I was lucky enough to be in the same room as Anna Wintour and Michael Kors. Listened to Michael talk about his life and how he got to where he is- something I wont forget. 

2. Returned a woman's bag to her by pure chance. Still waiting for that good karma oh mighty being that rules the universe? Any minute now...

3. Dad sent me a rap song he wrote. Dad you're hilarious. Love you. 

4. Met some amazing up-and-coming designers this week. Can't wait to work with y'all. 

5. Went to Bookmarc (Marc Jacobs' bookstore) today and found a signed copy of Jack Kerouac's On the Road. Amazing. Too bad it cost $300. One day.  

6. Was walking home through the West Village to the train (once again). I breezed past someone I thought looked familiar. I almost said hello thinking it was someone I'd met and forgot their name. Turns out they were very familiar but not someone I knew. It was Rihanna just stopping by in the hood. I probably should have guessed by all the people chasing her with Iphones. That s*** cray. 

7. Wonderful emails from you amazing people. Thank-you. I will endeavor to reply

Peace, Morgs

Twenty Seven Names S/S '13 Nine Lives #156

The two ladies behind one of NZ's 'cult craze' labels, Twenty-Seven Names, have yet again come up with an exciting spring/summer collection. After starting their label in 2005, previously Love Lies Bleeding, Anjali Stewart and Rachael Easting have built a successful indie label. From making t-shirts in their Wellington flat they now roll with big guns such as Urban Outfitters.

The '2013 S/S look plays on the preppy but disheveled 'school girl' aesthetic. As always with Twenty-Seven Names I look more at the cut of their garments. Their clothing is always constructed in way that makes the female figure look pretty freaking flawless. The draping, the fit, the collars, they're consistently the best in New Zealand.

As the name of the collection (Nine Lives) suggests there’s a strong reference to the feline species. Although I wasn't really convinced with the cat print at first I must admit it is starting to grow on me. I think it will have more of an effect on those who like 1950's vintage or, on the other hand, those who watch Youtube videos of cats all day. I'm joking. Or am I? Regardless that's pretty much everyone because lets be honest who doesn't love watching cats do weird things? Irrelevant tangent. Make sure you check out the new collection it wont disappoint. 

Follow this Shizz Bitches #155

One question: Are you following all of my activities?
If not, this is the sort of stuff I post, follow if you like. I have a pretty snazzy tumblr, a pretty sick twitter, a pretty magical pinterest, and a pretty amazing facebook.

In all seriousness I would love for you to follow me, get that!

Peace, Morgs

Don't tell me you can do something if you can't #154

Marilyn 

I think the phrase 'Fake it till you make it' is something everyone adopts at some point in their life, but it really shouldn't be stretched beyond its limits. 

Thus, don't tell me you can do something if you can't. 

Don't tell you can design a website if you can't. 

Don't tell me your a writer if you've just finished a literature degree and the most you've written is poems to your non-existent dream girl. 

Don't tell me you know people who know people because you talked to them once on twitter.

Don't tell me you know the right way when it's obvious my smartphone knows better. 

Don't tell me you can make a better Iced Tea Lemonade than Starbucks because you can't. 

Truth. 

However, do tell me if you or your friends can do any of these things (I may write about them in pseudo-fancy publications.)

photography, music, design, video production, any facets of fashion

email me links or post them anonymously on my tumblr. 

Peace, Morgs

Inspiration Thurs. The Quote Reel #153

Image: Jak & Jil

1. Michael Kors: "A 9 to 5 job wasn't me so I had no choice but to make 'it' happen"

2. Steve Jobs: "Don't settle"

3. Jay-Z & K. West: "Ball so hard mother F's wanna find me"

4. The Sunblock song: "Live in New York City once but leave before it makes you hard"

5. Oprah: "Be the best version of you"

6. Colin McCahon: "I am"

7. Warhol: "In the future everyone will have their 15 minutes of fame"

8. Crazy man on train: "You women are evil. Sin of Satan"

9. Walt Whitman (just because I can): "I sing the body electric"

10. Peter Pan: "Think happy thoughts"

11. Rose Dawson (Kate Winslet in Titanic): "I'm flying Jack"

12. Overheard conversation: "Guuurrrl you have got to sorwt owt yo weave!"

13. Various seasons of the Bachelor: "Will you accept this rose?"

14. Heidi Klum: "One of you will be in and one of you will be out"

15. This one's a personal favourite- a little frustrating, but unfortunately true.
Russell Crowe: "Thank you New Zealand, but thank god for Australia"

Peace, Morgs

An evening with Michael Kors #152

Michael Kors Holiday 2011

Forgive me for the cheese-y delivery of this post but there really is no other way to put it.

Tonight I had the privilege of attending a talk with Mr. Michael Kors. Anna Wintour also decided she would tag along. No big D. Ever since I had moved into my new apartment I lost most of my motivation to get work done. It's been so long since I've been around people who are passionate about the same things. I forgot what it was like to feed off others creative energy. Thank goodness for tonight. 

The talk was curated by none other than Fern Mallis, the creator of New York Fashion Week as we know it (that was enough in itself). They talked about all the steps in Michael's life that ultimately led him to where he is today. It's all very well to attend a fashion show (or the like) with someone like Michael presenting a collection; but to actually be able to learn from them is a whole different experience.  It was something I will not forget.

Highlight of the talk was: 

He talked about the first time he dressed Vera Wang for the Costume Institue Gala. He attended the event with her and was so elated that it was his first time exposing his designs to the public. A little later on that night John Lennon was killed. He said it was one of the most somber moments he has ever witnessed. 

[cue the goosebumps]

This is UNHEARD-OF in New York #151

Image

This literally just happened. 

This never happens. 

It would definitely never happen in New York- a city with twice the population of New Zealand. 

I was walking back to the train station with a friend. It was midnight. My friend says "Hey look someone left their handbag on the side walk". We take a closer look and there's money spilling out of it. My brain says to me Morgs that will be stolen if you don't pick it up. I pick it up and start looking for a police officer to give it to. I then consider the thought that I don't trust the police officer to hand it in- there's a lot of money. What do I do with it? We continue walking for a while. Suddenly (I have no idea what possesses me to do this) I walk over to these two woman sitting by the road. One of them is on the phone. I ask, "Excuse me this doesn't belong to you does it?". The look on their faces was priceless. They start screaming and yelling "Holy fucking shit! Holy fucking shit! That's OUR FRIENDS BAG! She's back at the bar searching for it. Holy fucking shit. No fucking way! Nooo Fuuuucccckkkiing way. Are you serious. Are we being Punk'd?" (this went on for a while). A bit shocked I don't know what to do. The women nearly start crying. They tell me the full name and contents of what's in the handbag. It was indeed their friends bag. They start hugging me. I'm still in shock that of the 8million people in this city I randomly pick them to ask. And I get it right. I can't even explain to you how that felt. Success. Let's just say I'll go to sleep happy tonight. 

To the woman who lost her orange scallop shaped handbag on the corner of Bowery and E Houston tonight, look after it because it may not be me that finds your bag next time. You're one in a million. 

Peace, Morgs

The Weekly Wrap #150

Image of Beyonce

1. Went to Atlantic City and enjoyed an epic pool party. There may have been Jersey Shore filming.
2. Re-watched the best performance Beyonce has ever done. Ever.
3. Met some really awesome kiwi girls becoming professional dancers here in New York.
4. Tried to go out in the West Village on a Saturday night. Impossible.
5. Forgot the pin to my online banking. Rahhh.
6. Got offered two personal assistant jobs. Woop woop.
7. Learnt more than I'd like to know about the illuminati.
8. Caught the wrong train. Twice. I've been here 7 months how is that even possible?!
9. Did so much exercise that my legs are actually burning from yesterday. This is actually the best app ever.
10. If you're into typography check this out. It's my awesome friends work.
11. Got angry at someone for the first time. Like 'grab your balls and run far far away from me' angry- that never happens. Dammit. Never again.
12. Went to the MET museum to see that exhibition for the 4th time. Addicted.
13. Had a homesick moment. Cried like a baby (in private of course). I still maintain I have only had 3 public crying moments in my life. Ice queen.

Peace, Morgs

People to Watch: Type MASH #149

I've had quite a few people email me with their creative work asking if I can feature them on my blog. [Drumroll] It would appear that I've decided I will indeed start doing that. If you have friends that are doing something great get them to send me an email. If I think their work is magical I'll feature it. Boom! I promise I will never post something that is not worth reading. If I post it here you know it means business!

My first 'People to Watch' is, of course, from my amazing friend Haylie. For those of you that followed The New York Manifesto you can now follow Haylie's collaboration, Type MASH, with some of New Zealand's best typographers; Alice Lo, Mary Faber and Saranna Drury. It's pretty awesome- if I do say so myself. Previous to being 'typographically enlightened' I too wandered aimlessly in a 'Comic Sans' 'Times New Roman' dis-utopia. I knew very little about the architecture of a letter. After copious amounts of coaching (read: copious amounts of life changing, but slightly mind numbing computer graphic design banter) I now understand the importance of crafting great typography. Educate!

'A' designed by Alice Lo

I urge you to save the Type MASH blog to your favorites, your grandmas favorites, and your best friends-cousins-uncles-dogs-secret lovers favorites. I can honestly say that you will not be disappointed by the work they produce. I am almost peeing my pants in anticipation for what comes next.

For those of you rolling your eyes at typography might I just add that had Steve Jobs not stumbled into a typography class during college we may not have Apple computers. Word.

www.typemash.com

Peace, Morgs

How to Survive New York in the Summer#148

Image: The Man Repeller

Surviving New York in the summer requires a few things:

1. Hand sanitizer
2. Blister preventing shoes
3. Sunscreen (for all you pasty people)
4. A whole lot of patience for these crazy people
5. Mouse traps (f***ing rodent visitors)
6. Bed Bug spray
7. Non-riding-up-your-ass underwear
8. Summer dresses
9. A 'high performance' bra so you can (embarrassingly) whip out extreme dance moves to this.

And...
10. A whole lot of this

*Addition: I was informed wet wipes should be on this list (for your sweat machines)

Peace, Morgs

This is how you see Atlantic City #147

In a moment of spontaneity a friend and I decided we'd take two days out of the week and head to Atlantic City. We didn't really pre-plan anything but trust me shit got real. We stayed at Harrah's Resort and Casino- the best place to stay. Hands down. We arrived on a Wednesday night when the After Dark Pool Party was in full swing. This pool/nightclub is the coolest place ever (apart from the jersey whore factor). As we were collecting our guest passes we noticed that people had to sign release forms for filming that was taking place. [Jersey Shore moment goes here]. I think we missed the good stuff. By the time we got there, there was not much happening besides the abundance of pedo looks.