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Prospect Park turned 150 years young this Summer.

In celebration of that, our frequent collaborator, the Prospect Park Alliance, reached out to us to design something special with the help of another cultural cornerstone of Brooklyn: The Pratt Institute.

The Alliance, founded in 1987, has been key in sustaining, restoring, and advancing Prospect Park in partnership with city. Their aim for the Sesquicentennial (yes, that’s a word!) was to “honor both the Park’s rich history and engage the community in stewarding ‘Brooklyn’s Backyard’ for the next 150 years.”

One of the ways in which they enggaged the community to ensure a successful 150th Celebration was to involve the students of Pratt’s Graduate Communications Design Department.

The Students were given a variety of materials to inspire their designs—a talk about what makes a great Graphic T-shirt from Brooklyn Industries’ Design Director, access to materials covering the expansive history of the Park, and insight into the Alliance’s mission from key members.

The designs were all fantastic, showing an immense amount of talent and creativity but perhaps more interestingly, what aspects of the Park stood out to Students most.

It was a difficult process of selection for the Alliance and Brooklyn Industries. Ultimately two designs were chosen to represent the 150th Anniversary, with a revision process overseen by the BKI design team.

PPA X PRATT BIRD TEE A common pit stop for migratory birds in addition to its permanent residents, the park sees over 200 species of fowl pass through every year. Student Gang Lu commemorates the Park’s 150th with a typography based rendering of a feathered friend.

PPA X PRATT ROLLER-CHIPMUNK Did you know Prospect Park is home to one of the last populations of chipmunks in Brooklyn? Student Maria Garcia takes an overlooked critter and adds a healthy dose of whimsy to create this eye-catching children’s design.

Finalists Nivedita Kekre, Jessie Garner, Shashan Chen, and Stephin Hsu all received honorable mentions for their outstanding designs.

In further support of the community, the three styles were printed locally at the Gowanus Print Lab. Only 65 units were produced of each, making them a unique collector’s item! They are available exclusively on our website and at our two Park Slope locations for a limited time: on 7th Avenue and on 5th Avenue

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Alliance and their continued efforts to keep Brooklyn’s largest greenspace beautiful. Thank you to the Pratt Institute, Prospect Park Alliance, Gowanus Print Lab, and all of the students who submitted work.

To see a calendar of upcoming events in Prospect Park and learn more about how to get involved with the Alliance, visit their website at prospectpark.org .

How many of these throwback BKI X PPA collaborations do you have?

liveworkcreatebki

“Stubbornly Creative” It’s the exclamation greeting anyone who visits Silver Ox Pictures, the production company run by the powerhouse coupling of Writer/Director, Joey Ally and Cinematographer, TJ Williams Jr. Cohabitants in the Silverlake neighborhood of LA (which also lends itself to the company’s name), the duo has made an impression on film festival-goers far & wide. Their award-winning work has screened internationally at 50+ festivals including Sundance, Outfest, Palm Spring International Shortfest, and Cannes Lyon. Most recently, Joy Joy Nails, Written and Directed by Joey and shot by TJ, made its debut at New York City’s own TriBeCa Film Festival. Drawn to their mutual embodiment of LIVE, WORK, CREATE, we were able to catch up with the couple on a particularly hot Friday, fresh off their TriBeCa premiere. We chatted about filming in Joey’s hometown of New York for the first time, work/life balance, and the infinite inspiration one can draw from RuPaul. On shooting in New York for the first time: We shot Joy Joy in LA, but got all of our B-roll footage in New York, since that is where it’s set. We were just in a car shooting out the window for an entire day. The really noticeable difference was how many more people were on the street, and how diverse those people were. We got so much texture, making the drive from Brooklyn, to Flushing, to Scarsdale, then back through Flushing to Brooklyn. It really highlighted the layers of different communities. New York is totally different than any other city in that way, and I hope that can be preserved. On being business partners and a couple: We were creative collaborators before we were a couple. And what it did was, make us friends, with a lot of mutual respect for one another. That process has made our romantic relationship really great. We’re a two-man band now, so we can work from anywhere. I [Joey] write and direct, TJ shoots and edits. On being a female director: [Joey] I’ve actually been very lucky, getting nurtured by great women in this industry in my career, but I know a lot of women who haven’t. It’s reflected in the statistics. Something like 2 years ago, only 9% of the 250 top-grossing films were directed by women. That statistic created this big outrage in the industry, because it sounds insane, and you would’ve thought it would spark change. But the following year, that number dipped to 7%! I think it’s something that everyone who is in the industry needs to hold themselves and others accountable for – to take active steps until women are telling 50% of the Stories. It’s like anything in today’s political climate, where people want to think knowing about the problem is enough, instead of really trying to change the problem. On what inspires them day to day: Mostly other humans. We have a really diverse, brilliant group of friends, and spend a lot of time focusing on and being around those people. In general, being out in the world, having discussions with all sorts of people is what informs us. [Joey] We are also super obsessed with RuPaul’s Drag Race, which makes me want to be braver about my work, and the show Atlanta because it makes me want to be more intentional about my work. Those inspire us both. And Samantha Bee, she keeps us focused on what is really important. And finally, on fashion: [Joey] Since I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with clothes. I literally threw myself on a pile of my mother’s clothing she was trying to get rid of when I was a kid and threw a tantrum. I’ve always loved mixing thrift store finds with contemporary stuff. I love how clothing can give me the feeling that I am a character in one of my own films, and really form the experience of my day or night.

liveworkcreatebki

Holiday Windows are such a simple joy. Dating back to the 1800s and gaining popularity amongst large Department stores in the early 1900s, Retailers and Businesses of all kinds put on their creative hats each season to add a little something special in the hopes of attracting customers. But Holiday windows aren’t just there to help sales; they spread the festive-feeling of the season and make a simple stroll down your neighborhood block a treat, no purchase necessary.

Although we are far from the million-dollar budgets of Bergdorfs and Saks Fifth Avenue, each year we strive to create something special for our locals.

With our 2016 Winter Collection’s theme of “Psychedelic Winter”, inspiration came naturally via Milton Glaser, Peter Max and a bit of Dr. Seuss.

The man behind the magic was artist Shea Bartel.

Abstract shapes wrapped in graphic paper set the stage for the main event: Color-changing twisted sculptures adorned with abstract snowflakes. Fashioned from chicken wire, we think Dr. Seuss himself would be proud of these trippy-trees and optically obtuse gifts!

Shea strikes a pose with his flock of festive figures. We saved paper around the office, shredding it into “snow” to serve as the blanketed base for Shea’s creations.

The finishing touch? Some aerial adornments: striped pinwheels and metallic hand-constructed conical snowflakes.

Whether or not you actively take in the decorations, you can’t help but be influenced by the seasonal surroundings. We’re sure not everyone loves Holiday windows but we certainly do!

Make sure to stop and see what’s in the window this season. If you snap a pic, tag us @brooklynindustries with the hashtag #BKIHoliday for a chance to be featured on our Instagram.

BKI X LOCAL ROOTS

At BKI we love to partner with similarly minded organizations that put an emphasis on sustainability and community. Local Roots is a glowing example of this.

Started by Wen-Jay Ying in 2011, Local Roots NYC is the first full diet CSA in New York City. Slinging their local and sustainable homegrown goods at various neighborhood cafes, bars, offices and home delivery has made fresh whole nutrition ultra-accessible to communities in Brooklyn, and Manhattan.

“So much of what I believe in is supporting local economies. When people have this direct connection to small farmers, they are also able to see how their purchase is a direct benefit to a local economy. It’s being part of this system that treats individuals with respect, is built upon respect, and has a ripple effect that causes people support other small businesses.”

Having gone beyond just fruit and veggies to include preservative-free snacks, meat, dairy products, pasta and more; Local Roots NYC helps farmers and small-batch producers supersede the logistical road blocks of getting their product to a wider audience, so they can focus more on churning out the good stuff.

One of Ying’s objectives for the CSA is “to bring back family traditions of cooking, to help tell the stories of ancestors, and to make buying local food more fun and convenient; the Local Roots CSA is a social common ground for all of this.”

Find out more about their mission, locations, and membership on the Local Roots site and check out our Local Roots X BKI collaboration for Men and Women!

#BKI #LOCALROOTSNYC #localroots #localrootsCSA #brooklyn #manhattan #healthy #fulldietcsa

THE FALL COLLECTION: GREENPOINT GRANNY

Inspired by our Design Director's Greenpoint-hailing Great Grandmother, whose lipstick and high heel sensibilities never quit; our Fall Collection is filled with art nouveau prints, retro silhouettes, and bold hues. The pieces reflect the energy of the neighborhood: vintage vibes with a modern, relaxed touch.

Find your Signature Fall Look here.

Special thanks to Verameat and Treehouse Brooklyn for accessorizing our photoshoot.

#bki #greenpoint #brooklyn #nyc #editorial

THE HAIRIEST HIPSTER

The Biking Bigfoot Tee. The mythological becomes modern on this 100% organic cotton tee.

#bki #brooklyn #hipster #tee #biking #bigfoot #organic

BACK TO BAGS

#BAGS #bki #brooklynindustries #bags!#colorwheel #wheel #color

ETHICAL APPAREL x BKI

Demographic data from across sub Saharan Africa showed that whilst on average 83% of men earn a cash income only 33% of women do. Providing regular, secure and fairly paid incomes for women is at the forefront of the project that Brooklyn has supported with its Africa range produced at KAD.

KAD Manufacturing – Linda’s vision

KAD was founded over twenty years ago by Linda Ampah, who inherited the business from her mother. Originally a custom production house, KAD has grown into a mass production factory. When asked what drives her work, Linda has responded: “We are all provided with gifts to make a difference in our community and the world. As an entrepreneur who is deeply invested in my community, I founded KAD to give back to my workforce. I seek to empower women at the fringes of society and have trained and employed dozens of homeless women as well as invested in leadership training for my personnel.”

Currently Linda employs 50 individuals, and aims to expand this to 450 within the next 5 years. All KAD employees receive at least 80% above Ghanaian minimum wage. Linda has opened savings accounts for all employees, enrolled her workforce in pension schemes, and implemented ILO workplace programs on health education and risk prevention.

Linda works hard to make all of her workers feel like they are also owners of KAD’s vision. She has done team building retreats with the factory workers to establish how they would like to see KAD evolve over time. Each year the workforce identifies workers who have excelled in specific areas through peer review and awards prizes. Linda is very proud of her workers, particularly those who have overcome extreme barriers. One example is a woman named Bintou, who was formerly homeless and was hired by KAD within the past six months. She is now one of the finest machinists in the factory and improving daily; she has sewn some garments for export already.

Worker perspective

KAD has had many employees who have been with the factory for years. One such employee is Yvette, who started working at KAD seven years ago. Yvette had the following to say about working at KAD and on export orders in particular: “Working on export orders has taught me a new definition of quality and inspired me to step up my game” Comfort, another employee at the supervisory level who is a key part of KAD management, volunteered: “My dream, I want to be part of the team that will take KAD to the number one stage, I will be glad to be part of the team of the people waving that we are number one. So with that, ensuring quality and everything that needs to be done for the customer to feel good and come again, I want to be part of it”.

Looking to the Future

Going forward, Linda wants to continue to house, train and employ formerly homeless women as she has done in the past. She wants 25% of her workforce to be consistently comprised of formerly homeless women -- street hawkers in Accra who had no safe place to live or regular income prior to coming to work at KAD. Linda is also working towards providing daily meals to her workforce, continuous skills upgrading programs, and ethical training for all employees. KAD management dreams of building its own factory and worker accommodations (to host homeless trainees) and has already completed architectural drawings as the first step to realizing this dream. The support of companies such as Brooklyn Industries is vital to the success of this ambitious vision. KAD has learned a tremendous amount from this order and is continuously improving to achieve international production standards while empowering employees and creating jobs for some of the most vulnerable women in Accra.

#manufacturing #FASHION #collection #ethicalapparel #africa #bki #brooklyn #brooklynindustries #seamstress

FALL FOR SUMMER: KALEIDOCIRCLE X BKI

Diverse and dynamic are just two words that describe the collective of artists comprising Kaleidocircle Productions. This eclectic group of international transplants has grown, learned, and worked together since meeting as students at the New York Film Academy.

For our Fall preview, we shot four of their members against the industrial backdrop of the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, on what turned out to be one of the hottest days of the Summer. Aleigha, the group’s only member who was born and raised in the States, serves as managing director of the group and gives insight into the organic creation of Kaleidocircle Productions.

After graduating from the NYFA program, the group of friends all began to hit the same roadblocks during castings, due to the engrained Hollywood prototypes of gender, race, and sexuality. The barren landscape of roles for anyone outside of these existing structures was discouraging. Typecast, dismissed, and fed-up, they decided they needed to build a better Hollywood. Their hope: to carve out a space for themselves and their peers through original, thoughtful story telling focusing on atypical depictions of gender, race, and LGBTQA.

Vitoria, on her decision to move to New York: After hearing about the Scholarship program at New York Film Academy, her decision to make the leap from Brazil to New York was a swift one. Her bit of wisdom: “The less people know your plans, the more likely they are to happen”.

Cesar, the group’s youngest member offers insight into being a tight-knit group full of passionate, opinionated people: Balancing everything and making sure we're working together, and not against each other, is the biggest challenge. The joy is that we've all come from different places, and when we're able to merge our ideas together, there is nothing like it! We create unique and diverse material.

Cesar on Manhattan vs. Brooklyn: I've lived in the Upper West Side, in Harlem, in the East Village, in Park Slope and currently in Crown Heights. My experience has been amazingly different in all neighborhoods. Ever since I moved to Brooklyn, I started cooking more. Brooklyn also makes you feel at home. It's the perfect mixture between the city vibe and the home vibe. It's a lot quieter, but you still see all these beautiful different people out in the street that you would never see in your hometown. I also love the different ethnicities in Brooklyn and how everyone comes together.

From their mission statement: “At Kaleidocircle Productions, we are actors with more to give. Our main goal is not only to challenge ourselves with our own productions, but to produce work for those who otherwise would not have the opportunity.”

Max on what “Live, Work, Create” means to him: A steady, consistent flow of work, that is engaging, accurate, and thought provoking.

And they are doing just that. The group has a jack-of-all trade’s mentality, swapping responsibilities from project to project. Each actor is as comfortable behind the camera as they are in front of it, and plays an important role in the operation of the full-scale production company from marketing to web design.

They are no strangers to the hustle and this spirit was evident as they gleefully trekked the streets of Gowanus for us wearing Sweaters, Jackets, and Pants despite 90 Degree weather.

Laika, on the challenges of living in New York: New York City is where dreams become reality and I am in it! The biggest challenge is that whether you like it or not this City will push you, sometimes to your limit, and if you can’t handle it, well it will push you right out!

Read more about their upcoming and existing projects on their official site, follow their journey on social media, and look out for their faces in our Fall 2016 preview campaign.

#kaleido #kaleidocircle #kaleidocircleproductions #bki #brooklynindustries #brooklyn #gowanus #actors #actor #collection #summer collection #editorial #fashion #photoshoot

THE DRONES OVER BK TEE

HEADS UP: New graphic tees have arrived!

Inspired by a lithograph of the Bridge, our Drones Over BK tee merges new technology with old Brooklyn architecture offering us a new perspective. Printed on our 100% Organic Cotton Tee. Find it here.

#bki #brooklyn #brooklynindustries #drones #brooklynbridge #lithography #graphic #tee #droneinvasion #dronesoverbk #organic #organiccotton

BKI WEEKENDER: THE OUTLET

Many know our long-standing Williamsburg store on Bedford and N8th, but just a 15 minute walk to the Southside is our Outlet Store.

Our Outlet holds a special place in every Brooklyn Industrialist’s heart. For us, it’s a time capsule, holding forgotten gems of past trends, successes, and admitted failures.

And now, for a limited time, it also has one-of-a-kind production samples. Rare prints, patterns, and designs, never seen in Stores until now.

Its quirkiness is matched by the vibe of the eclectic neighborhood surroundings. If dropping some dollars on a famous Peter Lugers steak isn’t really your vibe, check out our top spots to keep it cheap.

HOW-TO-DO WILLIAMSBURG WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK.

STEP 1: WILLIAMSBURG BRIDGE

They say getting there is half the fun! Walk the Williamsburg Bridge, established way back when Brooklyn & Manhattan were still technically different cities. Stroll along the graffiti-covered walkways or join in with the cross-fitters, bikers, and runners for a free and scenic workout. But probably not.

LAUGHING LOTUS

If you are looking for a more peaceful workout, Laughing Lotus is the place. You can check out a list of their upcoming events, including a Special Midnight YOGA class, here.

STEP 2: KICHIN

Reward your walk by stuffing your face with the affordable and filling Rice Balls at the tiny Korean corner spot, Kichin.

MOTORINO

STEP 3: DUFF'S

Check out the Outlet Store Manager’s favorite local bar, Duff’s. A Biker Bar where Horror and Heavy Metal reign, they aptly advertise “either ya get it, or ya don't”. A curated jukebox and $1 PBRs make this a must-stop.

STEP 4: THE OUTLET

Go see just how much swag you can stock up on at the Outlet, between their Buy More, Save More MEGA SALE and limited time only SAMPLE SALE.With Samples starting at $10 Bucks, you might have some dollars leftover for a Peter Luger Steak after all.

Pay us a visit at 184 Broadway at the corner of Driggs.

#bki #brooklynindustries #brooklyn #industries #outlet #sale #shop #williamsburg #south williamsburg #nyc #laughinglotus #yoga #bridge #duffs #duffsbrooklyn #motorino #kichin #kichinnyc

THE GEO FLOR GRAPHIC TEE

Get Tropical this Tee Tuesday with our Geo Flor Tee! 🌺

Find it here.

#GEO #GEOFLOR #flor #flowers #tropical #techno #electro #tee #teetuesday #bki #brooklynindustries #brooklyn #shop

THE BK SPECIAL PROJECTS TEE

Our new BK Special Projects Tee has arrived! 👽 Find it here.

#brooklyn #bki #brooklynindustries #special project #specialprojects #alien #watertower #tee #teetuesday #iwanttobelieve

BKI WEEKENDER: PRIDE EDITION

One of the most beautiful and charming neighborhoods year round, everyone knows the West Village comes extra alive for the celebration of Pride.

Check out some neighborhood landmarks, from the historic to the delicious, and grab your official 2016 PRIDE Tank or Tee from our Store nestled in the heart of the Village on Christopher and Hudson.

BIG GAY ICE CREAM SHOP

As the name suggests, this isn’t your average Ice Cream Shop. Fun, whacky, and diverse offerings such as the “Bea Arthur” and “Salty Pimp” can be found on this popular spot's menu of tasty treats.

CHRISTOPHER PARK

Grab a cone and go sit in Christopher Park, home to the Gay Liberation statues. Created by George Segal, these bronze casted couples stand in commemoration of the events that transpired at the Stonewall Inn.

THE STONEWALL INN

Almost 50 years after the riots that sparked the Gay Rights Movement and gave birth to the celebration of PRIDE, this historic landmark is still a center for the LGBT community during times of both elation and strife. On June 26th at noon, an estimated 2 million will gather here to kick-off the largest Pride March in the country!

BKI PRIDE STYLE

Show us your BKI PRIDE style on Instagram. Tag us @BROOKLYNINDUSTRIES wearing your Pride tees of past and present for a chance to be featured!

BKI WEEKENDER: SOUTH SLOPE

Introducing our newest hand-crafted in Brooklyn piece: The Prospect Hobo.

Named after the sprawling park that sits a few short blocks from our 7th Avenue store, this bag is inspired by the energy of the neighborhood and our beloved brooklynites who inhabit it.

Constructed of double-layered Sail Cloth with a Waxed Canvas finish, put its durability and utility to the test as you run from work, to school, to the grocery store, to the park, to the gym, to the wine shop, to the laundromat.

You get the idea.

Chic, casual, and completely life-proof, a bag that was made for the hustle, in 4 neutral colors to blend with the bustle.

Pick-up the Prospect Hobo at our 7th Avenue Store and check out some of our BKI Team’s favorite South Slope spots.

BROOKLYN INDUSTRIES SOUTH SLOPE

DONUT DINER

BROOKVIN

NAIDRE'S CAFE & BAKERY

GREENWOOD PARK

TALDE

#brooklyn #south slope #7ave #7avenue #newyork #New York City #restaurants #feature #brooklynindustries #bki #greenwoodpark #brookvin #talde #naidres #donutdiner

THE MODULAR BK TEE

Get Modular in BK! Our new Modular BK graphic tee, printed on 100% organic cotton. Shop new graphic tees before they’re gone here.

#bki #brooklynindustries #brooklyn #graphictee #graphics #modular #BK

BKI WEEKENDER: GREENPOINT

The curious neighbor to bustling Williamsburg and home to Kielbasa, Craft Cocktails, and the beloved watertower in the BKI Skyline. Welcome to GREENPOINT.

Our visual merchandiser and Greenpoint resident, Catie, clues you in to why she finds it hard to leave her hood.

“Greenpoint is a gem of a neighborhood. Its strong Polish roots coupled with an eclectic assortment of creative businesses has made for this peculiar but perfect mix of old and new. The spots below stand out to me because they breed the welcoming, unpretentious vibe that makes living here so special.”

BROOKLYN INDUSTRIES GREENPOINT

Our Greenpoint store is one of my favorites. The walls are covered in re-purposed wooden pallets and it’s decorated with all sorts of antique furniture and knick-knacks.

TRANSMITTER PARK

This used to be the grounds for the WNYC Radio Towers, it has become a favorite spot since its renovation in 2012. The piers extend far out into the East River through wetlands which makes for the most isolated, calming view of Manhattan. It’s the ultimate sunset spot.

SCALINO

Hands down my favorite place to eat in Greenpoint. Not only because the pasta is crazy fresh and the tiramisu is the best I’ve ever had - but the service is unforgettable and consistent. The waiter treats every table as if they’re the only one in the restaurant.

KEG & LANTERN

The walls may be covered in branded beer cans, but this sports bar brews some of the best beers I’ve ever tasted. I find myself here whether or not there is a game on because the people who work in the bar and the patrons make it feel like you’re just hanging out at your friend’s house. But your friend happens to brew a mean IPA and make extra-epic nachos.

PETER PAN DONUTS AND PASTRY SHOP

These donuts are a lot of people’s main reason for COMING to North Brooklyn but it’s also the local’s favorite spot. Get there early on weekends before they sell out and don’t be distressed by the long line that snakes out onto Manhattan Avenue, it moves quick!

CUP

This neighborhood is the caffeine addict's dream with dozens of great coffee spots. Cup is extra special, though. It’s like the Cheers of coffee shops! Locals don’t only go to grab their morning cup, they stick around to hang with the baristas.

Lastly, make sure to stop in to 658 Manhattan Ave and say hello, before the inevitable food coma commences!

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