This weekend I was able to tag along and take some behind-the-scenes photos of local jewelry designer Rachel Albright of Academy Jewelry, for the look book shoot centered around her S/S12 collection. The day was essentially perfect. Sun out, I made my way down a wide cobblestone alley-way and arrived at a small, fenced-in backyard behind a cozy coffee shop, complete with old claw-foot bathtubs, a barren cherry blossom tree covered instead with silver tinsel, and a bench covered in props, head pieces and photo equipment. I ventured inside the apartment located above the shop to find a bustling room of models being dressed, photographers loading film, and was greeted with an enormous smile and hello from Rachel herself, jewelry in hand to style the first outfits.

The following are photos I took of how the day progressed (I couldn’t resist, and Rachel didn’t mind). Please be sure to keep checking her facebook page for the actual look book, follow her on twitter, and see what she’s up to on the Academy blog. You can also shop her current stock here.

Look Book Credits:

Photography: Maxwell Runko, Mikala Casuccio

Models: Julianne Zimmerman, Emily Glisson

Styling: Rachel Albright

In the past couple of years, Richmond has seen an incredible growth of new restaurants. From coffee shops with lines out of the door to upscale southern tappas bars, this city has birthed new culinary creations that are all worth trying. But let’s take a second to look back at a gem that never once got the spotlight it deserved. As you pass by the glam and grit of Richmond’s Shokoe Bottom and start to head out of the flood zone, nestled just under Church Hill is Aziza’s on Main. Here, chef Caleb Shriver and pizza chef, Chris Dowhan, have found their sweet spot.

First of all, if you’re from Richmond, you’ve got to admit the fact that Baltimore’s Future Islands played at The Camel is awesome. Samuel Herring’s voice and energy sounds like it could literally be heard all the way from Baltimore. He’s got more character than a Disney movie and a tone that sounds like it could be from a video game. Along with Gerrit Welmers, William Cashion, and the heat from the crowd, The Camel felt like a sauna tonight. Their next two shows will be held in their home state of North Carolina and then head further down south. If you can get the chance to check them out, it’s worth your time.

“We are proud to introduce the Apolis + Need Supply Co. Richmond Market Bag exclusively sold at Need Supply’s Richmond shop in Virginia.

This past season’s Holiday Package was a long labor of  love.  It was exciting to see each piece from idea to completion.
A special very special thanks to Blanchards Coffee Co for their caffeinated wisdom, Big Secret for the laser engraving, Richmond Soap Studio for their knowledge, patience, getting the scent of our soap and candles perfect, and Adam Hogsett for his expertise of everything wood.

The newest single from Ki:Theory featuring Maura Davis (formerly of Denali) has us getting a little weird up and around the office. This mix of steadily dropping beats and haunting synth, perfect with accents of Maura’s chilling vocals, makes a killer combination for a song you want to play on repeat on a long drive through mountains. Love.

Unfortunately we’re not talking about the adamantium filled superhuman. Instead we’re talking about the makers of some of the most durable and longest lasting boots on the market. If you’re in or around Richmond this Thursday, please come to a very special evening with Wolverine Shoe Co. at our store. We’ll be providing music, food and giveaways from 6-8pm. It’s your chance to get up close and person with the shoe and the company that we’re proud to represent.

There’s really nothing like sitting around a roaring campfire in the middle of nowhere with a few of your close friends. That ring of warmth around the fire attracts everything from cold toes and damp socks to amazing stories and pinch of solitude. Toss in a warm thermos of dark roast coffee and that night around the campfire might turn into morning before you know it. To help make this situation become reality, we’ve paired with our neighbors at Blanchard’s Coffee Co. to create what we simply call, Camp Coffee.

Richmond, Virginia has been called the city of seven hills. The amazing landscape of this city made up of Union, Council Chamber, French Garden, Navy, Gamble’s, Shockoe, and Church Hills, weave a deep history that can been seen in just about everything. From architecture to attitude, Richmond, Virginia is where we call home and we’re proud of it. This winter, we’ve paired with The Alden Shoe Co. - a company rich in history and skill, to create the Seven Hills Indy Boot. Only available at Need Supply Co.

Let us introduce you to our new friend Mary. Mary Earley spends just about all of her free time knitting, and we’re certainly glad she does. We’ve stocked up on some of her warmest, coziest winter accessories, and we think you should too. Mary is a graduate of Virginia Tech and currently lives right here in Richmond, Virginia with her husband. She recently gave us a few tidbits about her life and let us in on some of her most favorite things, so click through to read more about the local crafter and see why we love her pieces so much! Photos by Karl Elchinger, Kim Frost, and others.

Uncle Dressy (a pun on one of the most well known, and well dressed sitcom actors to the day, Uncle Jessy) is a new blog put together by the creators of Richmond’s Blaaahg. It’s a blog dedicated to the appreciation of a well dressed man who’s never afraid to break the mold. From men’s fashions around the world, especially where fashion is of little concern, all the way to the streets of Italy, it’s showcasing some of the best around.

A long time ago, a time during warm weather and lush trees, a time where skirts and tank tops were everywhere, we were on a bike ride through Richmond. It was on this bike ride when (for no apparent reason) we recaptured the many reasons why we love cycling so much. The next day we discussed the idea over a delicious cup of coffee and soon found ourselves sitting down with our good friend Tim from Carytown Bicycle Company. A new project was in the works. A bike that could be ridden every single day, rain or shine, even through Richmond’s notorious streets.

Our friend Jenna is truly a one of a kind soul. Her style and attitude are completely unique blend of Virginia and beyond. She’s traveled to some pretty far off places yet still makes Richmond her home. For November, she’s showing her essential winter selections from hot Tulsi tea to tanned leather. Take a minute to see what keeps this little style icon going throughout the winter.

While we were all going nuts during the Autumn/Winter photoshoot, I managed to snap a few photos with my Dad’s old Canon AE-1. So heres a little behind the scenes look at a crazy fun weekend for Need Supply Co. in Richmond Virginia. Enjoy.

Our good friend, Mr. Plett, of You Have Broken the Internet, came down to Richmond, Virginia for a little fall visit this past weekend. He just put up some photos of his travel to the city of brick and beer. If you haven’t had the chance to visit Ryan’s TravelWell blog yet, then let a little trip to Richmond be your stepping stone.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Richmond is absolutely full of stylish babes. It’s also full of some great vintage and thrift stores, thanks to its southern charm in an urban atmosphere. Julia is a local graduate student who is completely obsessed with thrifting, and has turned the hobby into some pretty perfect looks and a really killer blog. Check out La Belle Oiselle to see her quirky and cute outfits- usually completely second-hand- her charming personality, and her super cute dog makes a few appearances too!

Our A/W 11 Catalog is printed and circulating… Be sure to pick up a copy if you haven’t gotten one already!!

Just a handful of images that we’ve found along the internet from a few good blogs. Mod Rockers, Dine Alone, Na Nin Vintage, Life in the Cell, and of course FFFFound. If you’re not familiar with these guys, then say hello.

A couple of weeks ago our good friend Victor of Raleigh Denim drove a few hours north to see us here in Richmond and introduce the women’s line of RD. The women’s line continues with the same mission and integrity of Raleigh Denim. Jeans made by hand, sewn with traditional machines, made with local White Oak Cone denim and individually hand signed. We greeted him with friends, sweet tea and BBQ from Alamo in Church Hill. Here’s a little video from the night. Thanks especially to Victor and all our friends that came out.

We’ve always got small little side projects going on. It’s these side projects that keep moving forward and open to new ideas. Whether it’s creating a pair of trousers that we’re proud enough to put our name on or serving BBQ and sweet tea on a Thursday night, just because – we’re a fan of getting things done that are off the to-do list. Over the past few months we’ve been slowly working in our spare time with a couple of our good friends right up the street at Carytown Bicycle Company. We’ve been working on a project that involves two wheels rather than two legs.

We’re loving all the great stuff from Blue Bones Vintage, from Lauren Healy right here in Richmond, Virginia. Lauren is the type of friend everyone needs in their life: smart, thoughtful, and a downright funny girl. I asked her a few questions about her vintage line, so click to read about her thifting adventures, favorite things, and her beloved dogs.

If you didn’t make it out to our Raleigh Denim party last night, you missed some great jeans, great food, great music and of course great company! The BBQ was flowing, the live music was pumping, and Victor introduced us to the new women’s line from Raleigh (Look for it in store soon!). Luckily our friend Cameron Lewis was there to snap some photos of the event- click to check them out!

In 2002, when filming Gangs of New York, he would listen to Eminem to get angry. In 2003, he was chosen by People magazine as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” in the world.  During the filming of The Last of the Mohicans, he built a canoe, learned to track and skin animals, and perfected the use of a 12-pound flintlock gun, which he took everywhere he went, even to a Christmas dinner. Besides that, he has appeared in nearly 30 full length feature films, was the first of three consecutive British actors to win the Oscar for Best Actor in a leading role and can play a pretty damn good Mohican.

For those of you who don’t know the work of Sterling Hundley, you are about to. Not only is he a award winning Illustrator and Painter, He is also the must-have teacher for the Communication Arts department at Virginia Commonwealth University, and also a teacher at The Ilustration Academy and The Art Department (SHEESH!). While studying under him and many other of my heroes at The Illustration Academy, I would ask fellow students from Russia, Australia, Brazil, etc. why they were here and most would answer, “because Sterling is teaching here.”

Richmond is full of great emerging artists, and in just a few weeks many of them will be together in one place showing off exactly how its done. Supersketch is an evening of live drawing hosted by our friends at Quirk Gallery on October 19. If you’re in or near Richmond, stop by to see local talents like Emerald Grippa, Harrison And Reed, Bryan Woodland, Sarah Gossett, Dan Owens, Jefferey Alan Love, Marshall Higgins, and others make art on the spot. Check out Quirk Gallery for more info. See you there!

I always have my sketchbook on me. Well, I try really hard to at least. One weekend I was glad I brought  it along was the weekend we had our Autumn/ Winter shoot for our upcoming catalog and recently released video. There was no down time, but any time I had to stand still I would try and capture what I could in my sketchbook. I never thought I would be sharing it here, for it usually serves only as a utilitarian purpose of keeping my eyes, hands and mind fresh.

Richmond is full of stylish and talented people, and Marleigh Culver is no exception. She is a graphic designer, dress lover, and fully enthusiastic color-wearer. She’s got a knack for pulling together sometimes unexpected layers and adding just the right finishing touches to polish off her look. Take a peek at these photographs by Richmond’s Brian McDaniel for a look at Marleigh’s unique personal style. Click here for more.

This year marked the graduation of Best Friends Day. For the 10th year running, the Richmond, Virginia tradition has brought out thousands of people under one giant roof of friendship. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect – sunny and 9o degrees with names such as Strike Anywhere, Zero Boys, No BS Brass Band, Big Freedia and many more providing background music for rope swings, water trampolines, booty shaking, chugging beer and making new friends. We’d like to thank all that came out for the fun and a huge round of applause for everyone that allows this event to continue on like it does. Here are some pictures we gathered along the way.

The Ottawa is surprisingly light, yet allows for a very rugged, water-tight boot. The rough side is the flesh side of the hide, and the smooth side is the grain side of the hide. Extremely durable, virtually waterproof naturally, and easy to clean and care for.  Wear the crap out of them, allow them to dry and then brush off with a stiff natural brush. The last is built with a lot of volume, as it is expected that a couple pair of socks and/or hiking socks will be worn with them.

The First Friday art walk is a huge event here in Richmond, where we have a very nurturing and flourishing art community filled with a wealth of talent. Marc Cheatham of The Cheats Movement Blog took these amazing black and white photos of the monthly event. In recent months, the First Fridays event needs local support more than ever (see here!) so get out to Broad Street and support our artists, musicians and galleries- you may even end up being photographed by one of the many photographers, like Marc, roaming around! See more of Marc’s photos here. (via Chewy)

BikeExif just featured a great little write up on Richmond’s own John Ryland of Classified Moto. John has been putting custom work into motorcycles out of his shop for just over three years now. Not bad for someone relatively new to motorcycles, but John does one hell of a job. The bike is a Virago 750 with a Benelli Mojave 360 tank, nickel plated with a custom paint job from Richmond’s own Barry Griffin.

Common House is a new project by Virginia native Will Gaynor and a few friends. Common House is an art collective (which will hopefully have a signed lease by the time you’re reading this) located in an old house off 49th and Airport Blvd in Austin, TX. The reclaimed house will hold studio spaces shared by Conner O’Leary, Rich Cali, Autumn Spadaro, Adam Mendez, Patrick Lillard and William Gaynor. Stay tuned for more.

Well, it’s officially summer. The heat is here, it’s the first of July, rent is due, the weekend has begun and it’s also First Fridays here in Richmond. If you get the chance to make it down to the art walk, stop by our friends at Steady Sounds and check out Kate Jennings (of Na Nin Vintage). Her photographs of the first days of summer will be on display and priced affordably.

We spend a lot of time browsing street style blogs from all over the world. But the truth is, all we have to do is walk out the front door to find real style on real people right here in our hometown. Photographer and stylish local Brian McDaniel agrees, and so he started Richmond street style blog Dirty Richmond almost two years ago.

Need Supply Co. and RGB Cosmetics team up to create nail color in celebration of Need Supply Co.’s 15th Anniversary

Our good friend Hunter is an avid thrifter, sewer and crafter, as well as one of the most stylish girls we know. She’s combined her love for all these things with her ’365 Days of Thrift’ project, in which she wears at least one piece from a thrift or second hand store every day for one year and documents the entire journey. To further challenge herself, she tries her best not repeat thrifted items, and alters many pieces into more current styles. Follow 365 Days of Thrift to keep up with her process along the way, and see the great looks she pulls together!

The Richmond Times Dispatch came in the shop the other day for a quick rundown on how to buy denim. We let Holly run the show.

After 3 consecutive days of over 90 degree weather, we are ready to officially celebrate the arrival of a new season. Summer starts at Need Supply Co tomorrow night at 6.  Stop by the store until 8pm for snacks, music, and some new summer merch. Plus, since we know you will be covered in sweat if you are walking more than a block, we’ll have some mexican cokes to help you cool off.  See you here!

Last weekend, you should have been in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was a rare occasion of musical talents joining forces to create one hell of a cover. Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Sharon Van Etten and Richmond’s own, Fight the Big Bull, got together for a special rendition of Alan Lomax’s Tribulations. The artists were part of the MusicNow festival in Cincinatti during the performance of Sounds of the South, an evening of re-imagining of Alan Lomax’s songs from his early travels in the south. Click for the amazing video and give Richmond some love.

It’s baaaaaaaaaa-aaaaaackkk! (bell chimes)…

Okay, so we know it’s been a while, but with the warm weather ahead, you can expect some more righteous duds from our friend Kate of Na Nin Vintage, just in time for those porch hang outs, roof top BBQs and trips to the river!

This is just part of the first summer delivery, so be sure to keep checking back in to the Na Nin Vintage page for airy sun dresses, cut-offs, crop tops and more!

I’ve been stuck in a hair rut. Years of growing and damage have left me with a rats nest that I’m less than proud of. So, I went to see my friend SarahMarie, who along with her friend Ashley own Envy Salon here in Richmond. I’m always inspired by young people doing big things, and these girls are no exception. Click to see why they’re worth reading about, and what they did to save my hair!

Here is a short history lesson for you to take in with all those margaritas and nachos you are sure to be consuming tomorrow

One of our good friends and favorite illustrators, Emerald Grippa is having a giveaway via her Tumblr. Follow some simple steps and the pictured illustration is yours. Untitled / India Ink, graphite, watercolor / 11” x 14”. The contest goes until Wednesday at 3pm so start reblogging!

Our new women’s spring 2011 mini lookbook is now online and fully shoppable. It’s some of our favorite looks for this spring, just giving you a small sample of what’s ahead for summer. Enjoy!

Our good friends over at The Blaaahg sat down with Aime Cunningham of Thief & Bandit, one of our frist local vendors. It’s nice to see the progress and growth of such a great local company making an extraordinary product, right here in Richmond. Not to mention seeing how cute baby Wolfgang is.

With all of that new skin showing, why not give it something to look forward to besides the sun. New jewelry from Tom Tom, As Is, MRD74, Lillian Crowe, K/LLER COLLECTION, Garnett Jewelry and more.

If you’re around Richmond this coming Friday and want to change it up a bit, stop by Strange Matter on Grace St. for a night to remember. Hope you’re feeling irie ;)

Our friend Lauren just handed over an amazing collection of vintage yearbook pictures from her mom’s Douglas Freeman High School yearbook from 1971. It’s an amazing piece of history with priceless photographs of Richmond in the 70′s. Some true inspiration, especially for the gents.

Pierre Botardo moved to Brooklyn from Virginia Beach after living in Richmond. He’s been a long time friend of ours and has recently launched his portfolio site. He creates new worlds and shares his personal experiences by using found images in vintage magazines, photographs and occasionally, india ink.

Chris Mahonski is a local sculptor and friend of mine who is embarking on a cross-country cycling trip and documenting every step (or.. pedal) along the way. The journey will take two months, and starts in San Francisco, CA. Chris will travel down the west coast, and then east through the southern states back home to Richmond, Virginia. He will updating the site, Cycling in this dimension, along the way with images and commentary from his epic trip. Keep checking back to keep up with him!