REISSCHELLA

by gregory davalos


      SHIRT: Bless White Basic Crew Neck T-Shirt  TROUSERS: Miami T Stone Tailored Trousers 

SHOES: Richer Poorer x Bucket Feet Archer Canvas Lace Up

Oh Coachella, time after time you make and you break me. After a jam packed weekend of live music, parties and all things bohemian--i'm back at my desk dealing with reality and fighting a serious case of the Mondays. 

For those of you living under a rock with no wifi connection, Coachella has become one of the most highly regarded music festivals in the United States and a destination among celebs and music lovers alike. The festival's insane success is due in part to their fashion partnerships in and outside the grounds. Aside from the commercialization of it all, there is something very fluid about the combination of music and fashion because they are both the ultimate expression of self. Karl Largerfeld once said "Fashion and music are the same, because music express it's period too."

This year's festival was especially EPIC as I partnered with Reiss to cover the 3-day music celebration as well as the notorious desert parties surrounding the festival. Being (somewhat) on the other side of the lense this weekend was a really fun change of pace, as it afforded me the opportunity to view the festival from an outside perspective, talk about something besides myself (thank god)--and you know, hang out with Katy Perry. 

I was really excited to be working with Reiss on this project because I loved the idea of taking their classic tailored aesthetic and creating unconventional looks that had a relaxed edge for the festival. I firmly believe that the coolest person in the room is the one not dressed to be there. When you follow a dress code you inevitably fade into the crowd, so this year I strayed away from the traditional festival uniform of ripped jeans and a tee and opted for airy cotton trousers, fitted knits and the most delicious basics i've ever come into contact with. 

Keep reading below!

Photography Robert Terrazas

Let the madness begin....

Let the madness begin....

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Taking in the desert sun at the festival--103 degrees never felt so good 

Taking in the desert sun at the festival--103 degrees never felt so good 

One of the most amazing moments at Coachella was seeing Lana Del Rey perform. Her music speaks to me in a way I can't even describe, hearing Young and Beautiful live was seriously life changing. I got to the outdoor stage two hours before her set to…

One of the most amazing moments at Coachella was seeing Lana Del Rey perform. Her music speaks to me in a way I can't even describe, hearing Young and Beautiful live was seriously life changing. I got to the outdoor stage two hours before her set to ensure I got a good seat and begged one of the photographers on the other side of the barricade to take a picture with my camera. #anythingfortheshot

My favorite party of the weekend was the Soho House Coachella pop up at the Merv Griffin estate, it was the perfect secluded getaway when the festival got too hot. Soho House was founded in London, in 1995, as a private members’ club for those …

My favorite party of the weekend was the Soho House Coachella pop up at the Merv Griffin estate, it was the perfect secluded getaway when the festival got too hot. Soho House was founded in London, in 1995, as a private members’ club for those in film, media and creative industries. Soho is notorious for their strict photography policy so I had to sneak this shot. I can tell you however, the property was jaw dropping and there was enough truffle burgers to feed a small country. 

Mid-century moment at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs

Mid-century moment at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs

 Quick snap outside the Harper's Bazaar Poolside Fête                                           

 Quick snap outside the Harper's Bazaar Poolside Fête                                           

           SHIRT: Field Red Stripe Tee PANTS: 1971 St. Tropez

Another epic Coachella moment was hanging out with Katy Perry at the Harper's Bazaar Poolside Fete. Katy was a total doll and the epitome of down to earth--she even told me my bum looked cute in the 1971 St. Tropez I was wearing #DEAD

Another epic Coachella moment was hanging out with Katy Perry at the Harper's Bazaar Poolside Fete. Katy was a total doll and the epitome of down to earth--she even told me my bum looked cute in the 1971 St. Tropez I was wearing #DEAD

The ultimate festival babes: DJ Mia Moretti and Stylist Cleo Wade

The ultimate festival babes: DJ Mia Moretti and Stylist Cleo Wade

Perry in Tee Pee

Perry in Tee Pee

Even mother nature made an appearance at the festival with a massive sand storm on Saturday.

Even mother nature made an appearance at the festival with a massive sand storm on Saturday.

Avoiding heatstroke at the Lacoste L!VE desert pool party. 

Avoiding heatstroke at the Lacoste L!VE desert pool party. 

One of the best things about Coachella, is the surplus of good vibes and positive energy--total breeding ground for new friends! Loved meeting fellow bloggers Freddy Rodriguez and Natalie Suarez at the Lacoste L!VE Desert Pool Party.

One of the best things about Coachella, is the surplus of good vibes and positive energy--total breeding ground for new friends! Loved meeting fellow bloggers Freddy Rodriguez and Natalie Suarez at the Lacoste L!VE Desert Pool Party.


REISS x DOWNTOWN DAVA: COACHELLA 2014

by gregory davalos


As a lifestyle entrepreneur, Los Angeles native and general man about town--you can bet your bottom dollar i'll be dancing in the desert this time next week. This year i’m teaming up with Reiss to give you an inside look at all the fashionable happenings in and outside of the Coachella Valley Music Festival. 

Partnering with Reiss was a no brainer for me as i’m such an avid believer in stocking my closet with staples that transcend occasion and dress code. While I won’t be wearing a suit during Coachella (believe me if it wasn’t so hot, I would be) I will be channeling my inner, and more casual, Don Draper. From the Harpers Bazzar pool party to the Coachella main stage I’ll be showing you what real festival fashion looks with the help of Reiss, while giving you an inside look the major pop culture celebration that is Coachella. 

Be sure to follow @Reiss and @gregorydava on instagram for live updates from the festival. SEE YOU IN THE DESERT! 

Photography Robert Terrazas

Photography Robert Terrazas


REISS FULL LOOK

Blazer: Garth Blazer Waistcoat: Garth Waistcoat Trouser: Garth Trouser Shirt: Island Ecru Striped Long Sleeve 



QUEEN B: Alle Fister of Bollare Communications

by gregory davalos


My relationship with Bollare started like any other, via twitter. One idle Tuesday evening I received a direct message from someone by the name of Blondehaus inviting me to one of those fabulous blogger events you always hear about. I eagerly accepted the invitation and the rest is truly history.

What began as a simple online interaction quickly blossomed into an amazing partnership as I began working closely with Bollare's insanely creative digital team on various projects. Bollare has played a huge roll in the development of Downtown Dava and I credit them with helping me legitimize the content I produce by connecting me with their impressive roster of men's clients. 

It's no secret that an army is only as good as their general and with Bollare's 8th Anniversary upon us, I took a trip their West Hollywood office (which is an interior designer's wet dream) to interview Alle Fister, Principal of Bollare Communications. 

See our Q&A below!

Photography Robert Terrazas

Photography Robert Terrazas

1. You worked with ShopBop.com in it's infancy and were one of the first agencies to introduce a full fledged digital division. You're known for identifying key trends in a marketplace that is constantly changing. How do you stay ahead of the curve? What do you see for the future of fashion PR? 

 Well, thank you, I sincerely appreciate the kind words.

 Yes, I was lucky enough to be on the initial team of women’s online retailer, Shopbop.com - spearheading the site’s PR & spokesperson work!  The efforts were quite successful, and as the business was sold to Amazon 8 years ago (man, time flies!) I started Bollare, with my former employer as my first client.

 After several successful further e commerce launches at Bollare - from One Kings Lane to FrenchConnection.com to working with Gilt and BeachMint…we began to see the different lanes in ‘digital pertinence’ forming...

 Through Shopbop, myself and Bollare’s VP, Sara Flores, knew of Tanya Brown, who at the time was spearheading digital efforts for a NYC-chic leather goods line we retailed at Shopbop.  Always impressed with the digital footprint and engagement she was able to drive for the brand, we started a conversation with her.

Tanya was our founding Bollare Digital Team member, who has grown the department and team to eight digital SUPERSTARS who lead the strategy and execution for our top-tier digital clients!

By continuing to put OUR TEAM first and trusting our top talent to continue to expand our network and brainpower in the all-important digital category, we continue to stay ahead of the curve and I am SO impressed with what this team drives for our agency and brand partners.

 2. As Bollare turns 8 years old, what are some of your proudest moments? Do you remember the first placement Bollare ever secured for a client?

 Oh man! Do I EVER!

 I have so many, I could write a book…

 -Making the first Bollare website…frankly TEACHING myself to make a website and making our website.

 -Our first piece of press on Bollare, which was the Wall Street Journal

 -Welcoming some of our earliest clients, such as Erin Condren, who I am so proud to say we still work with to this day, and grabbing her first piece of BIG DEAL press…Daily Candy!

 -Opening (and rehabbing!) our first Bollare LA office…8680 Melrose! 

-Buying a one-way plane ticket for Sara Flores to move from LA to NYC to open our NYC office…Sara will celebrate 6 years with the firm next month!

 -Out growing our first NYC office and moving into 135 5th AVE

 -Out growing our first LA office and moving into Bollare Beverly

 -Hitting the 50 team members mark….!

 -Setting up shop in LONDON…heading there next week to see Farris, our team lead out there!

3. In a time when everyone wants to be a stylist/blogger/dj/publicist--you've managed to weed through the saturation and cultivate a staff that is insanely dedicated to their craft. You also work with an impressive network of editors, celebrities and digital influencers on both the east and west coast. What does it take to be part of Bollare in and out of house? 

 Why thank you, our team and our network are two of the most important elements to our success!

We set standards HIGH to work at Bollare - driven by three key elements - a love for the word TEAM, an ENTREPRENURIAL sprit and a NIMBLE attitude…with this front of mind and a commitment to the highest standard of client service… these are elements that make an ideal Bollare team member!

 In selecting the media and digital partners to target for our brands, we look for sites and blogs that have a true sense of VOICE and understanding and commitment to their READERSHIP base!  The sites and blogs that know themselves the most clearly are the most fluid for us to know how to pitch and work effectively with and for them!

 4. I have to ask--who's your favorite blogger and why? What do you see for the future of blogging--do you think the market for bloggers is over saturated and the end is near?

 We LOVE sites like Downtown Dava!

 A site that gives a curated and privileged peak into their world with a cohesive voice and POV is one I want to check out!

Like anything in life, it is cyclical.  We’re certainly seeing a boom within the blogging world which will course correct with time as those most dedicated to their craft will persist and thrive, while those less committed will certainly explore the next ‘boom’ to be a part of…!

   

5. Lastly, in the spirit of celebration: What are 8 things no body knows about you? 

 Oh man, if I told you, I’d have to….just kidding!

 8 little known Bollare & Alle Fister Fun Facts….!

 1.  I literally LOVE what I do…

2.  I have learned something amazing from each of the people whom works at and with Bollare

3.  I keep secret stashes of candy all over my office

4.  I eat mac’n’cheese for at least one meal a day, everyday

5.  I think Instagram is so fun, although I probably have never played with selecting a filter…the average post takes me somewhere between 1 and 1.5 seconds

6.  I still watch The Bachelor…or should I say…El Bachelor…we had an office pool on the show last year, and now I am hooked…

7.  I have an insane collection of VANS shoes

8.  I cannot get enough of a Missoni print!