I was at Agenda in San Diego a couple years back when I met these 2 Detroit boys– Rick and Ro. It started as the normal “dope shop”, “good stuff”, “blah blah blah” and all that non sense courtesy babble you have with people at trade shows. We stayed in touch and it has become a real friendship — those 2 dudes from Detroit are now my brothers.

Rick and I talk everyday about design, family and life. When I talk to Rick I can hear the passion for design and success. He has a drive and will to grow that is contagious. He keeps me on my toes and reminds me why we do this.

I remember picking up those Burn Rubber guys at the airport in Boston to bring them over to New Balance. Rick had every detail of the shoe covered — model, color and material. While I talked shit and distracted everyone, Rick slid in and created one of the best New Balance collaborations in recent history. An amazing shoe from an amazing brand and shop.

To my brothers— the first “one” is special but may your last “one” always be the your best “one”. I’m am looking forward to your next best “one”!

Below: The Burn Rubber MT580 & Ro Spit and Rico Williams aka The Black Frank The Butcher (black as in race… don’t be so fuckin sensitive)

Peep Burn Rubber’s site HERE
Peep Rick’s site “The Distinct Life” HERE

This project was an amazing experience to work on. Most times I visit the company I’m working with to begin conversations on our project together and to lay the foundation for design. I usually get the bulk of the work done from my office. This one was a bit different.

I flew out to Toronto to design this vest but the difference was actually walking the manufacturing floor of Canada Goose. Being able to see the raw material, the process and finished product was a great perspective to gain before delving into the design process on these vests. Learning the history of the company and understanding the purpose of their product was important to me. Canada Goose jackets, when used for their original intent, will save a life. The product they develop help professionals who work in extreme climates survive.

What is more important than that?

Granted my interpretation of this Alberta Vest was through the lens of fashion but it was built on function. Function to me is an important place to start— design that serves a purpose– and Canada Goose has mastered that.

I want to thank Dani, Kevin and Spencer at CG for their patience and support. I hope you dig the final product.

Also would like to thank Harris, Paul Mighty and Nick Cangello for the support on the project. It’s always a team effort.

This is the video piece I directed for the vest release— Paul Mighty is the model in the video and also produced the music used with Dj Manipulator under their production group name Boxcutters. TBB Music will be releasing Dj Manipulator’s “Live From The Badlands” in the next few weeks.

Lets face it— Puerto Rican from the hood? Yeah, gold is pretty much a prerequisite.

Even my grandmother had some gold framed teeth. I remember I worked with a Puerto Rican dude at a metal shop who fixed the greasy machinery— while wearing multiple necklaces, bracelets, gold watch and a ring on every finger.

I’m known for my gold cleaver but that never goes over well at my kids school so I toned it down a bit.

- Double sided gold coin with my TBB logo on one side and my FRANKMATIC™ logo on the other (yeah that’s my face too.. why not?)
- Addition gold piece with my Butcher’s “B”

Big shout to my peoples over at Linx Jewelry in Venice California for the continued love.

Hit me up if you want to connect with Linx for custom jewelry

The goal is to make it look easy. The magic is in the mystery.

Being able to work with a company with so much of a heritage is truly a blessing. I’m confident in saying that Clarks is probably the industries most copied. Wallabees, Desert Boots, Weavers, Desert Treks— their design influence is in everything from high end dress shoes to skate shoes- and everything else in between.

I can go on about how the Wallabee means so to much to me. From Slick Rick to Ghostface– Especially Ghost!!!

The Weaver is Mr. Wally’s sexy cousin and shes a beauty.

Long story short– from the design to the marketing plan, I had a blast… and the cycle continues… and by that I mean I’m already working on our Spring / Summer project.

Ahh. The ever present fitted cap.

Something so classic and simple can mean the world to someone. If something means the world to me, it’s important that it’s representative of my personality and style.

I’m going to be 33 years old and that means I have been conscious of my fitted measurement for at least 20 years. My first was a San Diego Padres cap I bought in a sidewalk sale at a store called Maurice The Pants Man around my way.

My friends at Mitchell and Ness blessed me with an opportunity to put together a cap that represents me and my brand. I have had the pleasure of building a relationship with M&N while developing special projects for Concepts. The heritage and quality of the brand is something most people trust but I’m not sure people give their fitted cut and feel enough credit.

I wear New Era caps (like the rest of the world). In the passed couple of years, the New Era fit has not been my favorite. What changed? I’m not sure. Sporadic sizing and crown shapes makes it difficult to count on. Like most, I continue to hope for the best when I design caps for the shop or buy personnel caps elsewhere.

The M&N cap has surprised me and has become my favorite. Why? Well first and foremost – it fits. It fits good.

Jump on the M&N site and cop something to hide your crooked shape up. You will thank me later.

Shouts to Vic and John for the continued support and love.

Now on to my cap—

Features my “The Butcher’s Block” logo embroidery on the front

My motto on the right side panel in tonal embroidery and satin linings (not pictured)

The back embroidery lets you know that I keep it FRANKMATIC™

Will it be available? You will have to wait and see!

A couple months back, Michiya Suzuki of Red Wing Japan visited the shop to interview me and the crew about what the Red Wing Boot company means to the U.S. consumer and to us as an account. Japan has a great appreciation for American heritage and U.S. made products and it shows in the new issue of The Red Wing Book. The magazine is filled cover to cover with articles and great photos of boots and other Red Wing products.

Big thanks to Red Wing (U.S. and Japan), Michiya Suzuki & Hiroshi Morohashi for their time.

Lets face it. I love hip-hop probably more than you love your mother. I have been listening to rap music since the 3rd grade and haven’t stopped yet.

I received a surprised package from my homeboy Derek over at Manifest Worldwide which included a few designs that really hit home. These designs make clever references to some of my favorite artists. Great designs, colors and genuinely inspired by an era that continues to fuel current and future artists.

“Ghost is Back” – Ghostface Killah and the movie Ghostbusters 2 merged into this awesome parody. One of my favorites!

“When They Reminisce Over You”- The Pete Rock & CL Smooth logo featuring the title of their most popular ode to a fallen friend. One of the greatest songs in the history of hip-hop music hands down.
“The Ruler” – As in Slick Rick the Ruler or MC Ricky D or the greatest story teller of all time! He was fly as hell and taught you how to “treat em like a prostitute”. Slick Rick could be my favorite rapper of all time.

Big shouts to MANIFEST WORLDWIDE for the blessings!

My family over at Sneaker Freaker have out done themselves. Conquering the Sneaker Magazine game is not enough, now they have moved on to creating some of the best collaborative footwear out. Issue 18 features SF’s new project with Asics. Also a great article on the ever changing sneaker retail business with insight from some of the best shops in the world. Big shouts to Woody for getting me involved.

The 3D fold out cover for this issue is nothing short of awesome. Glasses included.

Great job guys!

www.SneakerFreaker.com