C/D: Volume 9
🚀🦚🌪️🍒🌊🎾🪄💎🔮
Hey pals, how we all doing? You could certainly say some stuff has happened since our last dispatch. On we march. First off, have we all seen Martha on Netflix? Wow—could not recommend it more. What an absolute boss. I thought I was familiar with her story but it turns out I knew very little and have so much more respect for Martha Stewart now! Words I never imagined myself saying. Beyond this newfound appreciation for the queen of gardening, L11 hosted a portrait day, went to Jamaica for a beautiful wedding, did an epic drive that Porsche is posting about, placed some tennis pouches at Grand Slam LA, celebrated Mom’s birthday at Chez Panisse and took her to the new art+sport exhibit at SFMOMA which was 10/10.
Looking ahead, keep your eyes on Spence, Jacob Rochester, Désolé Atelier, and Endstate’s new 3D printed slide (pleasantly surprised by how good 3D printing quality has gotten.)
We’re getting our mad scientist on here at L11 Worldwide, cooking up some sweet stuff for next year—if you’re still paying attention, big love, the mission has never been more clear.
As we approach the end of year I’m grateful to everyone that takes the time to read C/D at this current monthly(ish) cadence. With an average open rate of 65% through 8 volumes I hope to continue to provide valuable insights, fun tips and lighthearted commentary you would pay for but don’t have to, at least not yet!
Tell someone you like their shirt today.
- L11
Main Event 🎡
Sutro Baths
Do you ever imagine what it would be like to live in another time? I’m not talking a land before time dinosaurs and cavemen but maybe the turn of the 20th century? A time when brain rot was some undiscovered disease instead of TikTok. A time when crazy things like the Sutro Baths existed?
What you see in the lovely illustration above is likely foreign to you, even if like me, you grew up in the SF Bay Area. Opened in 1894 where San Fransisco meets the Pacific Ocean—Sutro Baths instantly became the world’s largest indoor swimming pool.
And I just think that is so damn cool. A giant indoor swimming pool on the edge of a cliff built before 1900! Are you kidding me? It sounds as farfetched as it was…until it opened with a capacity of 10,000 people, quickly becoming the place to be in SF. With 100,000 square feet of glass, 500 changing rooms and 7 slides, it really makes you imagine what going there in 1911 for a dip would have been like. Anyone got a TARDIS handy?
At a time when everything is a reference or mood board fodder, it’s fun to dig up something like the Sutro Baths and simply appreciate it for what it was.
And besides it’s just a bunch of ruins now…but if it wasn’t, you know Jacquemus would be hosting their F/W ‘25 runway show there.
A Restaurant to Consider 🍜
Sqirl (LA)
Sqirl should already be on everyone’s radar. It’s a Silverlake staple. However it has come to my attention that many thoughtful folks have made the decision to ixnay our friends on Virgil because of something to do with a moldy jam fiasco during the pandemic.
Now friends, in some ways I am appreciative of this sentiment. A spot with a notoriously long line, is now at times, line light! And if there’s one thing we love at L11 HQ, it’s a light line. Unlike their Courageous bagel demon neighbors, you might actually be able to order food within 30 minutes of getting there.
But it’s the food that keeps me coming back and I put their moldy jam on everything. Really just lather it on so I can get that nice moldy tang.
My order which I can’t seem to shake is the crispy rice salad (disco works) with a turmeric tonic and side of extra crispy bacon. They call me crispy there. On our most recent foray we added some french toast for the table which absolutely smacked and some green tea to keep the zen vibes on 11.
I’m still very confused on whatever this was with Zara, but like the moldy jam, you don’t have to eat their hoodies!
I like their custom plates (surprised more restaurants don’t do that) and their food which is made with quality and intention. After years of writing them off for being too crowded or too LA I’ve come to the realization that Sqirl is just kinda it. Haters gon hate.
A Store to Check Out 🛍️
Varsity (LA)
It took me longer than expected to check out Varsity. It’s in a strange area, not far from where I live but not exactly walkable.
After 5 minutes in the shop, let’s just say they had me at “Hailey Bieber buys her jeans here.”
In all seriousness I could care less where H Biebs shops but now you also hold this information. Take it for what its worth. L11 Chief Girlfriend Officer Jess got two very nice pairs of vintage Levi’s here with the service really standing out to me.
Buying vintage is already hard enough—but when you stack bargain hunting with blistering sun, crowded racks and aloof vendors, you might as well just close your eyes, lay on the ground and do the Raygun dance.
I could write more about what makes Varsity so special but I’ll let you experience it for yourself. Don’t sleep on the neat higher-end vintage shop next door either!
A Brand to Know 📡
TILIT
I was introduced to Jenny and Alex, the passionate duo behind TILIT during the early pandemic. While at Reed Art Department we collaborated with them on t-shirt to support restaurants struggling to make it. Through that process I learned about their passion for quality and mission to make garments restaurant workers, both front and back of house would feel proud to wear.
Fast forward to today, TILIT has become an integral part of the L11 ecosystem, leading their collaborations with S.Pellegrino, Cambro and Miller High Life to name a few.
While I’m certainly proud of the work we’ve done together—bridging the worlds of fashion and culinary, there’s a bigger point to be appreciated here.
Their customers absolutely love them. From the simple product details, to the helpful customer service, to the ethos brought to special projects.
I believe the TILIT blueprint of focus, authenticity and accessibility would serve many brands well today, regardless of industry.
We have some fun projects simmering for 2025 and if you have a friend who loves to cook, don’t miss TILIT for that special holiday gift.
An Account Worth Following 📲
Kanti
Kanti the goat! Just watch and appreciate.
A breakdancer who makes artwork through movement? That’s going to be a yes for me dog! It’s so simple, yet so effective. Catch me working with Kanti in 2025. I don’t know for what or why, but to me this is the epitome of creative.
Unsolicited Feedback 🤷🏻♂️
Five Thousand Dollar Jacket
If you’re not familiar with Vollebak, that’s quite alright. They’re an absurd brand that’s also pretty epic. Let me explain: Vollebak makes stuff no one needs but I would presume only interesting people buy because it’s a seriously outrageous product assortment.
So this is half brand spotlight and half unsolicited feedback.
Like this puffer that costs, FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS. Or this jacket for a cool $3k.
They use riri zippers, which as you know by now, means they get it—but otherwise that goose down better be dipped in liquid gold.
I am genuinely curious who buys this stuff at full price? If someone reading has a piece or knows someone that does I would love to hear about it!
And if anyone from Vollebak is reading this, I got some free ideas for you.
Something to Watch 📺
ECHOES
New friend Zev York, has been crushing it with a thoughtful approach to creative development and execution. On top of that, I love a project that was made for the pure joy of it. Art doesn’t work if it’s all about selling something—or at least not usually. Check out ECHOES and prepare yourself for more where this came from with a little Zev x L11 in the works for next year.
until next time ✌️
Linkies: 1 (clean water) 2 (inside nike) 3 (gap holiday) 4 (for sale) 5 (funny wildlife)
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Love this. Even the parts I don't understand. And beautiful dance piece.