March 2010 Monthly Archives

The Brooklyn Circus SF: “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” An overflowing bathtub in the apartment building above us caused a flood which ultimately poured through our ceiling and into the shop. While it could have been worse, there was enough damage for us to require extensive repair.

In running your own business, we’ve quickly learned that adversity comes with the territory. We’ve been faced with plenty of challenges in the uphill battle of building a brand and setting the bar at 100 years has not made it any easier. And while we gladly accept the challenge, we realize that some of the greatest lessons come from the hardest of hardship. We are a circus after all, of style, of character, and of individuals, who have all accepted a circus-like path. Though we may have hit a speed bump, the show must go on.

Due to uncontrollable circumstances, The Brooklyn Circus SF (1521 Fillmore St.) will be closed until further notice. Our tentative date of reopening is Tuesday April 6, 2010 at 12pm. Please follow the blog & our Twitter for further updates. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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As we grow so does the message and the people it touches: The BKc journey has us visiting the oddest places, doing the most interesting things in the pursuit of Style + Character, but most of all, meeting the most interesting people on this planet. A few weeks back we had the opportunity to meet a very interesting couple on a journey similar to that of the BKc. They met The Bearded Man at his favorite local hangout “Stir it Up” Jamaican restaurant, when Carlyle introduced himself as a designer and avid reader of our blog. They chatted and decided to meet at our office a few days later. Their mission “People’s Pride”, their goal if the name does not give it away,
“We at People’s Pride utilize the universal power of fashion and literature as a means of educating people about HIV/AIDS, and promoting awareness and prevention as a vehicle to empowerment. Philanthropy and social consciousness in the name of the betterment of all humankind.” -Tanya Cooper for People’s Pride.

We have never seen their product in person, but if their Style + Character is a reflection of what the product is, the world has something coming to them. People’s Pride is a husband and wife team comprised of designer Carlyle Hanson his wife Olga Koren, with operational support from his brother Arthur Rutledge and London Native/Columbia graduate Tanya Cooper at the marketing desk. Yep! The BKc Style + Character & The Hundred Year Plan . . .

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We didn’t quite have a window seat but we were more than close enough to get some shots of Erykah Badu’s during her performance at DD127 Friday night. After what felt like an eternity, Erykah Badu walked down the stairs of DD127 Gallery into the “dungeon” below the gallery to a full house of eager fans, including us. Not sure if it was the energy or the lack of ventilation, but the place was on fire by the time she grabbed the mic and filled up the room with that sultry voice. Once again much thanks to Rashad Smith seen here on the drum machine sporting a BKc gingham shirt, Bow tie and newsboy hat.

Side note: To the gallery director, please take a customer service class on us, we’ll pay for it. Learn to deal with people and not think it’s Ok for you to ask them if they know who you are when they question your inappropriate behavior.

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After weeks of looking for space for The BKc design team, The Bearded Man decided to setup shop in his original creative space the back room of the original Brooklyn Circus. However, since this space hasn’t been used as an office for almost 2 years now, he had to flex his interior designer muscles and add a fresh coat of paint to say least. Stay tuned to see how this project turns out. The BKc Style + Character and The Hundred Year Plan . . .
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With an invite from Rashad Smith , Erykah Badu’s pal, producer and Dj, last night we attended an art exhibit at Dame Dash’s new event space, DD172. Looks like Damon Dash is working the DIY magic that helped him and Jay-Z build that empire and land all those deals almost a decade ago. The media said Dame lost his fortune, but from the looks of his new three level art, music and work space, he has more than a few shoe boxes left of that fortune. Chill vibes, lots of familiar faces and BKc nods.

Special thanks to Rashad (see pic of him very dapper in BKc bow tie and new Bkc tweed cap next to The Bearded Man) for always raising the bar on BKc Style + Character and of course for all the invites and special entries to all the events. Tonight we are headed back to see Erykah Badu perform. We’ll be sure to take lots of picturess for those who can’t make it out. For now, enjoy the ones from last night’s festivities. The BKc Style + Character and The Hundred Year Plan . . .

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