Native Standard

If Native Standard isn't on your radar yet, mark my words they will be soon. The California cultured brand breathes West Coast spirit. Inspired by art, surfing, sun, and scenery, Native Standard isn't just a brand - it's a code of living.

The CEO of Native Standard, Raul Diaz, was kind enough to answer some of my questions about the brand, his sources of inspiration, and what's in store for the year ahead. Check out some of the items from their rad collection below!

How (and when) was Native Standard born?

Native Standard was born in the summer of 2012. I felt I had to convey a way of life that many California natives live. We are very fortunate and spoiled here in California by having cities, beaches, mountains, and deserts all so close by. Its our job to explore it all and convey it to the rest of the world through our own standards.

What does the name Native Standard mean to you?

To me the name Native Standard means freedom. Be who you want to be. You're a native of where you're from. Be brave and explore yourself. Take a deep breath and go for it.

What are your sources of inspiration?

Some sources of inspiration are the outdoors, surfing, the city grunge, art and hard working individuals.

        

How would you describe the 'Native Standard' wearer?

A free spirit. One who likes working hard but also knows how to have fun. The brave, a leader, a creative type who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. Conscious of what their environment has to offer, whether it's the mountains or a sprawling neighborhood in a city.

     

What's the best part about living in California? Some of your favorite places?

Like I mentioned above. The fact that we're so spoiled to have the beaches, the city life, the mountains, and the desert all in close range. I'd have to say my favorite though would be the beaches. Surfing definitely has a special place in the heart of Native Standard. California is so populated but when you do find those gems, where you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, that’s where you want to be.

     

What are your plans for the brand in 2013?

Well we have some big things coming this year. Something that we're most excited about is going forward everything we make will be made here in the USA. Starting with our Spring 13 collection.

Shop the brand here.

Facebook here.

Tumblr along here.

Vintage Roses - KG Bird

Last night I worked on a poster for LA-based band, KG Bird. Brothers Chris and Tim James have been playing together for over ten years, before recruiting bassist Ryan Parmenter and guitarist Will Nicoll to form KG Bird. They have an awesome indie-folk experimental sound that I’ve been listening to on repeat for weeks now. 

The rose on the poster is hand-drawn and then scanned in so I could live trace and simplify the paths a bit. I wanted to keep it simple but maintain a little bit of a vintage, rustic quality. Hope you like it! Check out some of my other doodles here: www.blondehaus.com 

Listen to KG Bird: http://kgbird.bandcamp.com/album/morning-weather

Visit their website: http://www.kgbirdmusic.com/