C/D: Volume 10
🚀🦚🌪️🍒🌊🎾🪄💎🔮
L11 Family,
Good tidings from somber and sunny LA where at the time of writing this (Tuesday 1/14), things have gotten at least temporarily better when it comes to the fires and smoke…but woah, what an experience this past week has been. I sincerely appreciate everyone who has checked in and feel extremely lucky relative to the pain and loss so many in the LA community have faced. The levels of destruction are pretty unimaginable along with the associated loss of memories at such a grand scale. With respect to all impacted, there has also come an incredible resilience and collective support rallying around action for those in need. Donation centers are overflowing, fire fighters have enough Red Bull to levitate, and GoFundMes are exceeding their fundraising goals. Supporting a number of these GoFundMes from many I know personally (and some I don’t) along with gathering clothes to donate seems like the least I can do to help those impacted. I was also reminded by a close friend that while everyone comes to help in the beginning, recovery takes months, even years. If you’re far away from things either physically or mentally—don’t feel like you have to do everything all at once. Pick your spots in whatever form that may be. From checking in on friends, to donating more specialized items, to supporting small businesses trying to rebound. The devastating impacts are far reaching but this city will return to its glory.
In many ways, the show must go on. As I started this letter at the end of December the goal was to state my intention for 2025 of sending one C/D per month. So we’re going to stick to that and see what this can become with a little more intention. When you finish reading and think, I sure wish Leland had some content reccos to distract me, allow me to oblige…Over the break I enjoyed and got a little teary watching the Avicii doc I’m Tim, went down a rabbit hole of nostalgia with the indie film Dìdi, and have been absolutely gobbling up the unimaginably stupid/entertaining Beast Games. And with that, take care of yourself and the others around you.
With love,
- L11
Main Event 🎡
Top Items of 2024
I hope to not come off as insensitive writing about stuff when so many have just lost their precious items. While nothing can ever replace treasures and mementoes (coming from a guy that saves all his Coachella wristbands)—all these items brought me joy in 2024 and I think could for you too. Whether buying for yourself or for someone you care about I wanted to highlight things you might not expect coming from L11. Or maybe you totally would? For the first year in as many as I can remember, I shed more items than I acquired, a personal evolution I hope to continue for many years to come.
Now here are the 5 things, in no particular order, that got me feeling good in 2024.
ALESSI - T-1000 SPOON REST
A spoon rest is the first thing! Are you for real!? I am indeed for real! Italian design brand Alessi makes a lot of objects you probably don’t need and it’s certainly fair to put this item in that category. BUT. Have you ever had a spoon rest? I hardly cook enough to need one but when I do, it’s like driving with the windows down and the heat on. Pure luxury. This particular SR (spoon rest) looks like it came out of the body of the liquid metal guy from Terminator 2 which is cool. It elevates my kitchen counter like caviar on potato chips. It serves a tactile function, and makes me smile every time I look at it. Rest assured, that’s all we need baby.
Arc’teryx Veilance - Secant Track Pant
Easily the pair of pants I wore most this past year due to it’s combination of fabric and fit. For the uninitiated, Veilance is the elevated diffusion brand from Arc’Teryx that makes clothes for futuristic robot warriors. I once convinced my friend Peter to buy a jacket which he quickly returned citing it was “too cool.” Alas, not all of us were born to suit up like a stealth techno ninja but I digress…these pants are perfect for a warmer climate as I can no longer wear shorts with the frequency of a college sophomore. A well tailored silhouette that packs down extremely small making them a no brainer to travel with. I scored my pair off the perpetually discounted SSENSE and god willing you can too.
Crocs - Classic Clog
Alright, have you guys heard of this brand called Crocs? A longtime skeptic, I was sucked into the Crocsiverse a few years back through the gravitational pull of hype collaborator, Salehe Bembury. Despite elevating the classic design I came to find my special-edition crocs to be curiously uncomfortable. Sensing it might be time for a reckoning I took the plunge into the classic model at the top of last year and never looked back. Much more comfortable with added versatility (hello sport mode) they became my go-to pair before/after playing tennis, doing yoga, etc. and have held up well amongst daily wear and tear. It feels odd to be hyping up Crocs in 2025 but somebody’s got to do it. Also please notice I am not simply raw-doggin these bad boys. There is indeed the addition of a small sun Jibbit(z)™ (often mispronounced JIB-LET) to ensure my swag is anything but mundane. Shine on.
HAWS - The Fazeley Flow Green (One Pint)
I’m pleased to say that my passion for plants, rooted in a pandemic boredom, has continued growing strong even with a coast change in the middle. It wasn’t however until this year that I decided to forgo the trusted drinking glass for something a bit more sophisticated. Enter the HAWS watering can. The Rolex of spouty spunk, if you will. I truly underestimated how pleasant and useful this little devil would be. A game changer for anyone who has more than say, four plants at home. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a watering can in 2025. You’ll feel like Leo doing the Gatsby dance every time you hydrate your foliage.
Alix & Co. - Gold Bracelet
When you’re interested in expanding your jewelry horizons, it certainly helps to have a mom in the business. This simple gold bracelet we added to the Right Wrist Ensemble™ at the end of summer and I have simply never looked back. I don’t take it off. Both because the clasp is tricky and because it reminds me of the fabled Livestrong bracelet I adorned for more than a decade. I predict you’re going to see a lot more men wearing jewelry and while I don’t think I’ll ever go too crazy, I am more than happy to champion the movement. Mom would be proud.
A Restaurant to Consider 🍜
Chez Panisse (Berkeley)
Growing up in the Bay Area, Chez Panisse was always a restaurant I had heard of but for various reasons never dined at. Too far, too expensive, etc. After listening to the How Long Gone guys discuss how much they enjoyed it, it felt like the time had arrived to take the plunge into the Berkeley abyss.
Back in November I took my mom to the House that Alice Waters built for a late birthday celebration and what an experience it was. I’ll say from the jump that this was not the best meal of my life. I do think folks put too much pressure on places like this fulfilling that ideal—and fairly so given the cost and difficulties securing a rez. With that said, the Panissery did not disappoint.
Just an absolutely dialed in seating from head to toe and certainly worthy of a spot in the hallowed personal top 10 meals list. The service was symphonic—attentive but not annoying. The food was delicious especially since what we ate were not items we would normally order a la carte. A win in and of itself.
Next time I would probably do the cafe upstairs vs. the tasting menu but hey, got to experience it for yourself to know how the other half lives! Bonus points for the branded carafe and water glasses. I will never not love unnecessarily branded items. Oh, and make sure to use the bathroom because you get to walk through the kitchen which is quite enjoyable.
A Store to Check Out 🛍️
Hidden Treasures (LA)
Topanga Canyon is a special place. All the more so given its proximity to the current fires. Nestled between the Valley and Malibu it is not necessarily a part of LA you pass through naturally, which is exactly what makes everything you find there so special. Like Hidden Treasures.
This place is truly something else. An indoor/outdoor vintage emporium that gives off Willy Wonka in conjunction with some absolute bangers at great prices. My issue with vintage in LA is that it tends to be a lot of the same pieces and styles. Hidden Treasures goes against that with deep cuts, weird finds, and a buying experience like none other.
A Brand to Know 📡
Désolé Atelier
Mickey, the virtuoso behind Désolé Ateleir, and I met earlier this year through a mutual friend. What struck me immediately about the person, separate of the brand, was his immense array of talents and skills. From chain stitching to stenciling, hand embroidery to airbrushing—Mickey is oozing with ability.
At the time his brand Désolé (“sorry” in French with no connection to the hit Gorillaz song) was just finding its footing—more recently participating in Complexcon and hosting a pop-up in LA’s Fairfax neighborhood.
We’re working on some neat projects together in 2025 and I look forward to sharing with you in a future C/D!
An Account Worth Following 📲
Jacob Rochester
I’ve been following Jacob Rochester for a few years and recently had the pleasure of meeting the artist at his studio in LA. As it turns out, Jacob like select other product nerds, also loves riri zippers. We’re cooking on a little something something but in the meantime wanted to highlight why his art is so engaging to me.
Jacob has a way with color. A stroke that is both sharp and smooth. Flexible between mediums, Jacob’s subjects often cover pop culture iconography—from people to still life. He combines worlds, merges ideas, and is constantly evolving a practice that is full of depth and exploration.
Come for one thing that catches your eye and stay for a while because you’ll be seeing a lot more of Rochester’s work in the coming years.
Unsolicited Feedback 🤷🏻♂️
Products Should Be Fun
From a substack that recently went behind a paywall, I quite like the below take. The funny part is I don’t particularly care for the product she’s talking about—I do not need a $150 pill shaped wine cooler…but I very much appreciate this sentiment and think more brands should take note. TLDR: Have fun, be silly and honest about what you’re selling. As the author puts it "…you’d be hard-pressed to find a hole in any consumer market that hasn’t already been filled.” So lets have more fun in 2025, whether it’s stuff we need or not, when it’s fun it really gets the people going.
Something to Watch 📺
DENIAL IS A RIVER
I am very late to the Doechii party but I do not care. This song slaps and the video is great. 2025 is going to be a big year for the LA-based artist.
until next time ✌️
Linkies: 1 (top designs) 2 (bat mobile) 3 (the disciples) 4 (food recap) 5 (will white)
Please share with a friend you think might enjoy!
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K absolutely love as always. Leland our king