Capitol Style

This Winter I took a few months to road-trip around the South. The great bulk of this adventure was spend under the hospitable care of Mike and Megan Gilger in Raleigh, North Carolina. Even with busy days of collaborating and blogging, I found time to explore some of the forgotten and quiet corners of this creative and relatively sleepy city. 

It is no secret to my friends that I have a profound affinity for Greek Revival Architecture... especially of the Southern/Jeffersonian variety. There is something grand and yet accessible about this iteration of the genre. (later versions can be busy and contrived). So after years of admiring it from the exterior, I ventured into the North Carolina State Capitol building. IT BLEW MY MIND. The gorgeous subtlety of the colors, the perfect proportions... and the fact that it is almost always open, and frequently empty... it quickly became my quiet haven of peace. 

Definitely visit if you have the opportunity. I have included way too many images in this post... not because my outfit is so amazing... but rather because Rachel Berbec captured some amazing images of the space (in which I happen to be). I hope you will forgive my vanity and enjoy a little peek into one of America's great architectural treasures. 

Jonathan Randall Grant   //  Culture Keeper

To Do Justice

Dr. West photographed by Daylan Stubblefield at this year's Justice Conference

Last weekend I had the opportunity to help out with a conference on Social Justice. (I was on the photo team) At this conference I was able to meet and talk with many of my heroes. Among them, Dr. Cornell West. Duh, he is AMAZING. This conference was the epicenter of a huge discussion on race and justice particularly in the United States (with nods to the entire world). 

To say that it was transformative would be a vast understatement. In reality it finally gave me the words with which to discuss my own privilege and race in regards to the greater issues affecting our society. 

This has been the culmination of a season of intense discussion and research. Anyone who has talked with me over the past year knows that I have been trying to decipher the bests in which to discuss these sorts of issues in a healthy way. It is easy of course to feel a bit weary or even threatened, but I knew that somehow there was a way to talk about painful things that transcended "being right"

Here is the idea transformed me:

"Acknowledge your privilege. Name it and sit with what it means for you and the person sitting next to you. Realize the ways that your privilege means someone else’s disprivilege.” -Neichelle Guidry

What I heard from every humanitarian / author / preacher / scholar at the conference was first and foremost a confession and surrender of their own privilege. By doing so they both leveled the playing field (uplifting the oppressed) and softened the blow (taking the vengeance and humiliation out of their words). This sort of public confession was a part of each speaker's address... regardless of race or gender or national origin... each of us is born with, or acquires privilege that comes at the expense of someone else. By acknowledging our own place and participation within a system of oppression we free others to do the same. This discussion that is ordinarily about finger pointing and blame, grew to be a positive conversation about love and support. Sure, there is lots of blame to go around... but our discussions of systematic oppression will go no where until we have freed each other and ourselves. I also learned that confession does not make us weak... it frees us. Of course you won't feel free this way if you are eager to be right... but if your goal is systematic change and a World at Peace, it is perhaps the only way forward. 

This is just an idea, but one that has struck me quite profoundly. I hope that you will join with me in talking about these issues, and even in confessing to one another your own culpability in our society's wrongs. Plus, if even Dr. Cornell West can do it... 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

The Springsioux Shoot - Part Four

... This is the fourth installment of a collaboration with a few French brands. Obviously we were causing mischief in the streets of Paris. Jill Devries was the lady behind the camera, while Jenn Elliott Blake and I were modeling. The garments came from the fantastic people at Springsioux, along with patterned shirts from Nash Prints It and boots from Dr Martens. 

If you missed the other shoots you can find them here: 1 / 2 / 3

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

New Designs For CUSS

A few months ago, the good folks over at CUSS asked me to design a few simple tee shirts for them. They also let me gather a group of friends in Raleigh to shoot the first few designs. The images here were shot by Rachel Berbec, a fresh face on the Southern photo-front. My friends Linda Swan, Zach Wiley, and Drew Conyers modeled. 

The new CUSS site launches today so you can head over there and pick up the shirts in this campaign... but stay tuned as I will be adding more tees  /  totes  / goods  throughout the Spring. 

Guest-designing has exposed me to new forms of patience through creative collaboration, as I learn the design process, and wait on others to contribute their part to accomplish our vision. I am truly grateful for the opportunity. Though the designs for CUSS are nothing extreme or fancy, I'm stoked to see you all rock em' soon. 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

The Nomad's Dilemma

Photo of Jonathan Randall Grant by Michael Robert Newsted  / Lake Michigan 2014

So here is the situation...

I have for some time been a nomad, spending few months in Paris, a few months in the states, a month in some random land... on repeat. I enjoy traveling because it challenges me, my ideas, my beliefs, and it keeps me humble and trusting. It also allows me to spend time with dear friends, and connect with new ones. I have experienced hospitality that has revolutionized my life, and met kindhearted people in the process. I have no complaints in this. 

I am also reminded on a dally basis, that I am living the dream... errrr... at least... someone else's dream. My life almost serves as a demonstration of how to live creatively and adventurously... though I often don't feel like I manage either. MY dream, of course, would be to live in a huge castle filled with artists... but I suppose that I am living a toned-down version of this. 

My nomadic lifestyle has distinct advantages... it enables me to keep a fresh batch of energy and inspiration at my fingertips. When I visit friends, I often find them discouraged and uninspired by the daily grind of life. (I have no idea what the daily grind of life is) By being mobile, I hope that I am able to keep my friends energized and creative. That I think is the bright spot of what I do and create. 

But I also have this craving for a home... for a community... for a long-term, stable relationship that my current lifestyle has not been been able to facilitate. That is where I am torn... and perhaps this will take years to balance... the desire for stability... and the connection to so many dear people and places around the world. I am currently hanging out with a few of my dearest in Raleigh, and this balance has been placed ever before my vision. I claim to want a home, and yet, part of me is terrified to be tied down... to lose the part of my story that sounds interesting at parties... and part of me is exhausted by the constant travel and re-building. 

I am looking for balance, and deciding on a home, and learning to be content in all things. 

Perhaps this is the answer... not to want something else... but to love, to be content in, the path on which I am currently traveling. 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

Biking South Bend

On a summer’s evening, there is no place I would rather be than downtown South Bend. The cobblestone streets are quiet, and the gently warmed air creates the perfect environment for city exploration.

A few months ago, I met up with my friends Mara and Luke… along with our photographer friend Mae Stier. Together we explored the trails and bike paths along the river and raceways.

We all met up at The Purple Porch Co-op. It was the perfect spot to start our evening together, as it is becoming one of the hippest spots in South Bend. We drank coffee and juice with some of Mara’s friends who perform in a band called The Bergamot. They live in Brooklyn now, but get back to SB as much as possible. By the time we left the co-op, the city was already glowing with the setting sun.

The St. Joseph River, which winds its way through the county, cuts directly through the heart of South Bend. Along its banks are a network of trails and boardwalks that can be accessed at nearly every intersection where the road or sidewalk meets the river.

While Mara and I had spent quite a few years riding around South Bend, it was a new experience for Mae and Luke. We had fun showing the visitors our favorite views. When I wander around South Bend with friends, I can’t help sharing the stories of each particular place and the people who built the city. Mae is visiting from Grand Rapids, so Mara explained to her the city’s new developments, and the exciting, upcoming projects.

We rode our bikes up and down the river, chatting as we went, and basking in the night air. Together, we stopped on an island to rest as many friends and neighbors rode by on their bikes, or walked past us with their dogs. For all the peace of that evening, the river-front was alive with people: talking softly, laughing loudly, watching the light play on the river.

This is South Bend on a summer’s evening.

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

Parisian Afternoon

A few years ago I was wandering around Paris on a rather dreary French day with a few of my dearest friends. Despite the weather we were in good spirits... exploring flea markets, munching on tacos, having our photos taken by French bloggers... and generally knocking about. It was a lovely time that I will always treasure. I stumbled across these video clips yesterday... so VIOLA! I had to compile them into something cute. Enjoy! 

This video features Mike Gilger, Megan Gilger and Michael Newsted. 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

Monday Culture + Inspiration

Here are a few finds that will brighten and fuel your week:

+ First of all... it is now possible to follow Culture Keeper on your Blog Lovin' Feed. If you don't have a blog reader yet... head on over to sign up. This site makes it handy to follow many blogs in one place... like reading the morning news. Check it out. 

+ There is a Norwegian reality series that places fashion bloggers in Cambodian sweatshops to see how they cope. The series is a stunning expose of exploitation and inequality. Read more HERE. This is huge and essential. 

+ I am ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED with this runway show from Burberry Prorsum. It has me stunned and mesmerized. If you only watch a section, (or if this is the first runway show you have ever seen, skip to (12:40)). There is something almost sacred (almost) about the way they set this up. Pure Magic:

+ My friend Wes Swan has me hooked on the amazing sounds of Angel Olsen. Particularly her album BURN YOUR FIRE FOR NO WITNESS. Listen here on Spotify. I am especially fond of her track High and Wild. Her sound can be a bit Jenny Lewis and a bit Velvet Underground. (that is a good thing). Check it out:

+ IN THE NEWS -  Archbishop Oscar Romero, who was was assassinated in 1980, for his activism and work with the poor, has officially been recognized as a martyr. This may not seem like anything fancy, but it is actually a huge step for Human Rights in the Catholic Church. Read (or listen) to more HERE. 

+ A few recent treasures from Pinterest (pictured here):

// The mesopotamian bull is from: Ancient Rome Refocused  // The Valentino dress is from Style.com // The portrait of Tilda Swinton is from: W Magazine // The interior photo of Peter Gabrielse's home, Le Chateau, is from: KOTOMI // The photo of Wojtek Czerski is by Michael Lepps // The beautiful brass bowls are from Her New Tribe // The fringed dress from Sean Kelly's runway show is from Zsa Zsa Bellagio's // 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

Three In The Sun

The starting point was a similar aesthetic. Moki and I enjoyed the same films, and generally agreed aesthetically. So we started brainstorming. IN Magazine (Dubai) approached Moki about a shoot... and this developed. For the shoot we were offered a few hours in a vacant (and rather grand) apartment overlooking the Arc de Triumph. Finding the right models took a while longer. We sourced clothing from Poulain and Proust and gowns from Eric Tibusch.

The day was sunny, the mood was light-hearted (but a little stressed for time). Our great fortune was also to have Merry Moore on set with us... it was her first shoot, and she was an absolutely stellar assistant. Everyone was fun and kind-hearted... and I especially enjoyed working with Wallace and Mickael who were on hair and makeup. Once we got shooting the joy of working together and the beautiful light streaming across the parquet  kept us inspired. 

Photography - Mokhtar Beyrouth

Artistic Direction - Jonathan Randall Grant

Hair - Michael Delmas

Makeup - Wallace Woo

Models - Nicky Barutzki, Clement Chauvin, Dimitri Decaux

Styling Assistant - Merry Moore 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

What We Wore - Paris Fashion Week

You might have noticed in previous posts... but Olivia Deters and I did not dress (extremely) crazy for Paris Fashion Week this year. We kept our outfits simple and discrete. Of course this was tempered with a black clutch, turban, and fur collar (for me) and bright red lips, turban, and bone jewelry (for Olivia). Our idea of dressing for fashion week is mostly centered around comfort, with a nod towards conformity. Paris is a stylistically conservative city- even during fashion week... the idea is to dress well, and let the runways do the talking. I suppose it is different if you aim to be photographed in the Tuilleries... but we were there for the experience. This post has our looks from the last day of Fashion Week... but you can scroll back through the blog for others. 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

24 Men's Runway Looks That Didn't Bore Me

There was so much blah on the runway this year... here are a few looks that didn't bore me...

in fact, I would actually wear these. 

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 ((Main photo from Yahoo, other photos from Style.com ))

Did you have any looks you liked? Any designers who knocked it out of the park? 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

On The Road (Again)

This month I am back on the road... stopping through Louisville, Lexington, Nashville, and Raleigh (perhaps more). I am working on a variety of projects... Helping Asbury University plan out their next Paris Semester, guest-designing for a few brands, and meeting up with bloggers, photographers and friends along the way. If you are in one of these cities and want to collaborate hit me up on Instagram! @cultrkpr

For the first leg of this journey, I stopped in Louisville to catch up with a few friends. I also met up with the style blogger The Kentucky Gent. Check out his blog. (and the pictures I caught of him in an alley) He took these pics of me as we explored a few of his favorite Louisville haunts. 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

Paris Fashion Week Roundup

It has been a while since Paris Fashion Week, but I wanted to give you a glimpse at three of three shows I attended. Each had a very different feel from the others, and among all of the shows I attended (7) these showcase my favorite collections. The photos here are by Olivia Deters, who accompanied me to all of these shows. She was a great companion and fashion-adventurer. 

My favorite show (why not start with the best?) was AVELON. We were seated in the courtyard of the Danish Ambassador's residence (on the front row I might add. YIKES). It did rain a bit, but the setting was gorgeous, as were the garments. Gerardo Larrea the editor of Skin magazine was with us, and the three of us basically were in awe the entire time. Here is a glimpse:

Here is the full Avelon show:

At the Luis Buchinho show we also ran into our friend Gerardo. The collection was fun and imaginative... pieces that I can totally picture my Sci-Fi - loving friend Hannahbird Fischer wearing, or incorporating into a dance piece. In reality, I have never seen women dress like this... but his show featured many beautiful colors, and I adore the world he brings to life. 

Here is the full show from Luis Buchinho:

The Springsioux exhibition was a smashing success. It brought together the worlds of fashion and technology in interesting (and lets admit- disturbing) ways, but with much imagination. First of all, let it be known that David Gevorkov's gowns are wonders to behold. I am sure from the images that you get some idea of the intensity of their construction. 

The event was hosted by Springsioux, a boutique and brand, with whom I had previously collaborated. I adore their unique style, and the kindness of the owners and staff, and was thus THRILLED to attend. Note the baby robots, and the odd piercings... this is not your usual fashion show... but there was a friendly and light-hearted atmosphere of creativity in the room... which was a welcome change from the usual fashion week fare. 

Olivia and I even made an appearance in the Video! 

Jonathan Randall Grant  //  Culture Keeper

As Fresh As It Gets - Sailing With The Fresh Exchange And Smartwater

Every summer I try to spend as much time as possible in Traverse City. Though it has been a few years since I lived there, the place is still swarming with dear friends, and every day brings new adventures. Two of my dearest friends, Mike and Megan Gilger have recently moved away from Traverse as well... to settle in Raleigh, North Carolina. They were back for a summer of projects, and I had a spare week, so our schedules aligned in a magical way. 

Mike and Megan invited me along on a day of sailing. Smartwater had commissioned them to shoot and blog the adventure. We sailed and swam and snacked... passing the camera around to document our trip. We explored Suttons Bay, listened to music (probably 70's rock) and basked in the Summer sun. It is always a delight to spend time with the Gilgers, but that probably goes without saying, right? 

It was the absolute perfect day. Perfect wind. Perfect waves. Perfect warmth. I received a few more lessons on boatmanship and photography. We told secrets as we sailed through some of the most stunningly beautiful waters in the world. When the sun began to set, we made our way back to port, and towards Little Fleet, which has basically become the living room of Traverse City locals. There, beneath strands of lights on the patio, surrounded by even more friends, we finished our day in glowing tranquility. (See more Here)

Jonathan Randall Grant // Culture Keeper