Lord Adarius

December 19, 2023 by Frendy Lemorin in Original Stories

What’s good, everyone? I am extremely happy to release my final Original Story of 2023 featuring the forever-stylish Adarius Patton. It’s not too often you meet someone with a name like Adarius nowadays, but this is simply an indication of the type of individual he truly is: very rare.

The 31-year-old New York native and I have known each other for more than a decade. Despite having only one short conversation in person throughout the years, our mutual respect for each other has remained stronger than Gervonta Davis’ vicious left hook.

Aesthetically, Adarius fits the bill of someone who works in fashion or somewhere within the entertainment industry. However, beyond the flashy threads and tats you’ll discover an F.I.T graduate who is spiritually rooted with a deep passion for inspiring those around him.

I recently sat down with Adarius to discuss his come up in NYC, working for Dior, worldwide travels and everything else in between. Enjoy!

FRENDY: Adarius, this has been a long time in the making. I remember almost a decade ago while I was walking on Broadway, you stopped me and stated that we were going to work together one day. Here you are now with a feature on my site—I love full circle moments.

ADARIUS: Facts! I always reference the conversation we had that time. It sticks with me till this day—definitely a full circle moment.

FRENDY: How are you? I know you’re a busy man, globetrottin’ and what not.

ADARIUS: I’m doing good, bruv. [I’m] just working like crazy on so many things. Currently at Dior working with different clients. Outside of that, working on my YouTube channel, getting ready to move to London in 2025. I’m also building my own brand.

FRENDY: I’m genuinely happy for you. We’ll definitely talk about your excursions and work-related happenings later on. Are you originally from New York City?

ADARIUS: Yes! Brooklyn—Flatbush to be exact. But I also spent some time growing up in Florida. So I’ve seen all types of crazy shit. These last 11 years I’ve been in the Bronx which is so different from Brooklyn. It’s like I have a piece of home from all over.

FRENDY: I spent some time living in Flatbush as well during my high school years. For some reason, I always thought you were a Harlem cat. Where was your favorite place to live?

ADARIUS: Honestly, it has to be Brooklyn. It’s so rich in culture and history that it can’t be touched. I have some family in Canarsie so it’s always nice to be on that side of the parks. Plus, you can’t beat all the greatness that comes from BK.

FRENDY: Oh, most definitely. I don’t know exactly when we first spoke but I was always aware of your presence in the SoHo area. How’d you discover the Downtown scene?

ADARIUS: Growing up I was always hanging out with older cousins and friends so they were always speaking on the Downtown scene. However, it was truly my uncle who put me on. He was a booster/hustler so he was always selling clothes out his trunk or in the neighborhood. He was the first person to introduce me to luxury and streetwear. I remember Von Dutch, ENYCE and Baby Milo like it was yesterday.

FRENDY: Shout out to your uncle, for real. My dad put me on to SoHo and I never looked back since. What were your favorite spots to hit up there?

ADARIUS: West Broadway where the old BBC/Ice Cream store used to be. Right next to G-Shock. If you're a student of fashion you know that area like the back of your hand. Everyone that was somebody always posted up in that area. It was the place to be—especially during Fashion’s Night Out. Also, my old stomping ground Opening Ceremony on Howard St, BAPE, & VFiles when it was VFiles.

FRENDY: That last line was funny *Laughs*. I feel you though. Do you think SoHo has changed drastically post pandemic?

ADARIUS: 100%! I feel like SoHo has turned into the new forty-deuce. It’s like Times Square on crack! It just doesn’t seem genuine anymore from streetwear to the people posted on the streets. It’s like everyone is looking to be seen rather than to create.

FRENDY: I’m sure there are many people who share the same sentiment. How often do you go back to soak up inspiration that only SoHo could offer?

ADARIUS: Honestly, not often. I sometimes try avoiding SoHo because it’s too overwhelming. If I do go, I’m checking in on my homies who are still working in the area or popping through to see what newness that are in the boutiques. I find myself going more to the Lower East Side [of Manhattan] for pieces now or just copping pieces from places I travel to.

FRENDY: You worked at the legendary Opening Ceremony store from 2017-2020. How was your experience there?

ADARIUS: I miss it! Looking back now it’s a blessing to say I was able to be a part of that [establishment]. It was a hell of an experience from being able to meet so many creatives, work with so many brands that are major now, meet celebrities on a personal tip, and connect with the community. There’s no better feeling than connecting with creatives and picking their brain.

FRENDY: Trust me, I totally understand where you’re coming from. According to LinkedIn, you were a sales leader at the shop in 2018. I know it must have been tough to persuade customers into copping fire pieces when there are other equally stylish and knowledgeable sales associates on the floor. How’d you make yourself stand out?

ADARIUS: My tactic was always to be myself. I’m a very personable person so I wasn’t trying hard to sell the brand, but more so focusing on getting to know the client. You can say that helped me majorly in my time there because so many stylists and celebrities appreciated that. They wanted a disconnect from the industry. A sense of familiarity and normality.

FRENDY: What do you miss most about OC?

ADARIUS: I miss the people, the partnerships with the brands, the newness in clothes, and just being excited about the state of the industry. Now, I feel like New York in a sense has resorted to other places for inspiration. I miss when we used to be the source for it all.

Adarius w/ former Opening Ceremony coworkers

FRENDY: About a week ago, Kai Cenat, the number one streamer in the world, gave you props on your style while he was rating his viewers outfits from Instagram. Rapper, Lil Yatchy, was there and he showed you major love as well. When did your love of fashion come about?

ADARIUS: As a yute! I was always inspired by what I saw on TV, film, music and the streets. I looked up to people like Lenny Kravitz, Andre 3000, Pharrell, Johnny Depp and Taz Arnold. Daring individuals who didn’t care what people thought and wore what they love. For me, fashion is art. It’s an expression. It’s a feeling. It's a way of being. Fashion creates character!

FRENDY: How would you describe your style?

ADARIUS: I remember when people used to ask me this question and I never had a definite answer. But now I feel as though the way to describe it is I see myself more as a chameleon. I don’t have a set look or sense of style because I do everything. My style is always evolving and changing. One day I’m inspired by Marlon Brando, and the next day I can be looking at a Gordon Parks picture and get influenced by that.

FRENDY: Are you big on designer pieces or do you prefer digging up thrifted gems?

ADARIUS: I’m truly “Mr.Thrifty Nifty!” That’s the nickname I’ve given myself because that’s all I’ve known throughout my life. Yes, I can buy designer clothes but I would rather not. It’s an incredible feeling when you can find gems around the world and wear them. It’s like clothes that are thrifted have a story to them. It’s rich in originality!

FRENDY: What’s one staple piece everyone should have in their closet?

ADARIUS: Most definitely a nice coat. Whether it’s an overcoat or down jacket, I feel like it can make an outfit. I’m a sucker for outerwear.

Adarius wearing a dope overcoat in Paris

FRENDY: You received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. How did that achievement aid in landing a job in the Fashion industry right out of college?

ADARIUS: It took some time—especially graduating college in 2019 and then COVID happening. However, when the opportunity came about I was excited! More so to create and open doors for other black and brown kids trying to enter the fashion industry. I think it’s important for us to be in places such as Dior, or wherever, to shake things up and let people know we are worthy and we belong here. We are the ones setting the precedent for fashion and what’s being heavily marketed so why can’t we be a part of it?

FRENDY: I totally agree. Where did you intern during your senior year at F.I.T?

ADARIUS: I didn’t get an opportunity to intern because I was working full time and going to school full time. I had limited time on my hands. But I feel like OC was like an internship for me. It taught me a lot about the industry, how it operates and what to expect of it.

FRENDY: What is your current role at Christian Dior?

ADARIUS: Dior Sales Ambassador. I work at the 5th Ave location where I cater to new and old existing clients. Making sure I create the ultimate client experience that will keep clients coming back. Whether it’s taking clients to shows in Paris or Egypt, booking appointments to see the archive in Paris, down to having dinners at Cipriani.

FRENDY: Blessings. What is your dream job?

ADARIUS: My dream job is entrepreneurship! I want to have my own creative agency, my own clothing brand, and be able to travel the world and document it for the world to see.

FRENDY: Your IG handle, @vacationboii, describes your life precisely. How often do you travel a year? It seems like every other month or so you’re in a new hideout spot somewhere in the world.

ADARIUS: Yes, indeed *Laughs*. I love traveling. It soothes my soul. I travel probably eight to nine times throughout the year. I already have next year planned and sketched in. It’s crazy because people are like, “Damn every week you go somewhere new. I can't keep up!” Traveling is such an experience that it sticks with you for a lifetime.

FRENDY: What are the top three places you’ve visited thus far?

ADARIUS: Hands down Cape Town is one of my favorite spots. It’s beautiful to see Africa in a different light than what's depicted on TV. London because it’s just fire. Lastly, Faro, Portugal because it’s low-key and peaceful. Looking forward to my trip to Japan for 3 weeks at the top of 2024. I know that will soon become part of my top three vacation spots.

FRENDY: How important is it for you to take these yearly trips?

ADARIUS: It is really important because for me it creates this urge to do better, be better, and live better. Moreover, it helps in creating. So much inspiration comes from traveling and seeing what’s out there.

FRENDY: You’re out here looking brolic. I have a feeling you’re in the gym as much as I am. What keeps you motivated on your fitness journey?

ADARIUS: Staying healthy and living long. My family deals with health issues so I wanted to be ahead of the game and beat the odds. Plus, a lot of people don’t know I used to be 240 pounds, which is low-key traumatizing, so I can’t go back to that. I feel like for people who have lost a significant amount of weight, the old you always stays in the back of your mind. You do whatever you can to not go back to something that wasn’t so pleasant.

FRENDY: What advice would you give to anyone who is struggling with inconsistent training habits?

ADARIUS: Stay focused, dedicated, and motivated. Just know you will persevere, you just have to keep going and remain optimistic. Sometimes we are hard on ourselves more than others and that can knock us off our tracks. However, if you continuously breathe positivity into your life things will happen the way you designed it.

FRENDY: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned this year?

ADARIUS: That the journey of living life is ongoing. It’s a never ending journey—you're going to learn something new everyday. You just have to be patient and know that things will happen on God's time. Regardless of your beliefs or mantras just be patient and manifest. Everything happens the way it is supposed to happen.

FRENDY: Taking a page from Ray J’s book, if you had only one wish that could be granted, what would it be?

ADARIUS: I like this question *Laughs*. Ummmm…if I was young my answer would’ve been to teleport *Laughs*. But now, I would say it’s to live out every dream that I’ve dreamt of. That’s to travel the world more, create projects for the world to see, and even produce music. Low-key, as a yute I always had the dream of doing something with music. I haven’t touched a studio but always been in love with music and wanted to be a part of it somehow.

FRENDY: With your mindset, anything is possible.

ADARIUS: Thank you, G! Anything is possible for us all. Also, big ups to you as well. I always admired your work ethic and relentlessness. When I said I told everyone about the conversation we had on the street that one day I was deadass. Your words stuck with me till this day. I remember you saying, “You're going to be somebody one day, just know you can’t do everything on your own, you have to have a team around you to help build.” Those words stuck and still ring an alarm to my soul.

Inconspicuous Dave

June 12, 2023 by Frendy Lemorin in Original Stories

“Light but heavy.” This statement best describes the inconspicuous nature of Dave Singh. Although of slim build, Dave’s weightlessness is attributed to the way he maneuvers without attracting much attention, just like a feather carelessly floating in the wind. However, when one eventually catches a glimpse of him through their peripheral vision they will be instantly stunned by his immense star power.

The 31-year-old Queens native and I met through mutual friends more than a decade ago. I can count on one hand how many times we saw each other in person, yet our mutual respect never faltered. From the looks of Dave, it would be safe to assume he’s the stereotypical “bad boy” archetype who’s living a pretty wild life. On the contrary, he is a humble serial entrepreneur who is part of a crew that’s taking over the luxury reselling game by storm. (I mean, of course Dave likes to have his fun too…but that’s besides the point).

I recently sat down with Dave to take a peek into his adventurous lifestyle as we discussed his upbringing, various business ventures, friendship with the infamous “4GSeller” and more. Enjoy our conversation below.

FRENDY: Gotdamn! It's been quite a while since we’ve seen each other. Feels good to finally reconnect. How’s everything?

DAVE: It's definitely been a minute, my G. All is blessed, actually—I’m feeling great. [ I ] appreciate this write up.

FRENDY: The pleasure is all mine. Congratulations on all of your recent success! Then again, you’ve always had a winning spirit from the very first day we met about 11 years ago.

DAVE: Things are for sure moving faster than I expected. I don’t know if it was the winning spirit or just the hungry spirit *Laughs*. Either way it’s kind of working out.

FRENDY: I feel you on that. Love the humility *Laughs*. We became friends through the Areyo brothers and I know they’re from Sunnyside, Queens. Are you reppin’ the Q borough as well?

DAVE: Yessir—shoutout my brothers Matt & Andrew. I’m from Richmond Hill, Queens AKA “Little Guyana.”

FRENDY: Most definitely shout out to them—they’ve supported me since I first started writing. I know you’re of West Indian descent like myself. I moved here from Haiti with my family when I was seven-years-old. Were you born in the states?

DAVE: Yeah—born in Queens. My dad came here from Guyana when he was 17-years-old. Him and my mom met in NYC and have been together since. She's Puerto Rican, born in New York. So I’m half Puerto Rican and half Guyanese.

FRENDY: Have you ever visited your roots back home in Guyana and Puerto Rico?

DAVE: Actually fucked up to say, but nah *Laughs*. I want to go with my mom and dad, but honestly, we are always so busy that we haven’t gone on a proper family vacation in probably 18 years.

FRENDY: It’s all good! I’m sure y’all make it there sometime soon. As much as you love having a great time, you’re extremely business savvy. Did your parents instill that value in you growing up?

DAVE: Without a doubt. My mom and dad are the reason for sure.

FRENDY: I saw a pic of your mom and dad at their very first cafe in Bloomfield, NJ. What impact did that milestone leave on you as a kid?

DAVE: It was everything. I watched my parents scrape up every dollar they had to open it. I remember how happy my parents were to create something for themselves for once and not have to answer to a “boss.” It definitely inspired me to take risks for the bigger picture and not look at this on a transactional-scale.

FRENDY: We’ll definitely discuss your own lucrative business ventures later on. I vividly remember your deep infatuation with import/tuner cars and bikes. When did that passion come about?

DAVE: From a young age. Probably like seven-years-old. I had an uncle pick me up from my grandma's house for a quick ride in his new whip. [It was a] Mitsubishi 3000GT twin turbo. At the time this shit was dumb fast (to me at least). I remember that feeling when he hit the gas was insane. That was definitely the beginning of my love for fast shit.

FRENDY: An emotional connection, that’s pure. Do you still have that electric orange souped up custom whip you were infamously known for riding around in Soho? *Laughs*

DAVE: I actually sold it and the bikes. I drive a Tesla now *Laughs*. As I got older I just wanted something less flashy and more comfortable/practical. Signs I’m getting old I guess *Laughs*.

FRENDY: Evolution, my brother. It’s such a wonderful juxtaposition because despite having such a flashy car, you’re a low-key individual. With your splendid lifestyle, one would expect you to constantly showcase your various escapades all over Instagram.

DAVE: Instagram definitely sees its fair share *Laughs*. I like to keep it that way though—low-key. I feel like the ‘less is more’ way works for me. Also keeps you guessing *Laughs*.

FRENDY: Facts. You and your longtime friend/business partner Vincent Ferraro, notoriously known as “4GSeller,” are killing it in the luxury reselling space. When did you two become friends?

DAVE: I want to say like 12 years ago now? We actually met on a model set for a mutual friend's brand. Shout out Dave Axelrad.

FRENDY: Vincent was in the nightlife business before developing the shop. In fact, I did some digging and found out he modeled in a Kool cigarettes ad that I’ve seen all over the bodegas a few years back. Were you in the same industries as him?

DAVE: I wasn’t. I did like to go out though *Laughs*. If you knew Vince back in the day you were good in any club.

FRENDY: You’ve always been stylish, but I had no clue you had an interest in the business end of fashion. How’d you get involved with such a successful venture in luxury reselling?

DAVE: It kind of just happened organically. I have been involved as much as I could with 4G since Vin started it. He’s always been there for me so I felt like the least I can do is help out.

FRENDY: That’s great to hear—friendship at its finest. I read Vincent’s interview with the New York Times. I loved how he recognized you and the other homies who play an intricate role in the 4G showroom. He also shared that y’all give no fucks about haters or critics who complain about the pricing of the exclusive garments y’all resell etc. How exactly do you guys drown all of the noise?

DAVE: My favorite thing to do is read those comments *Laughs*. It’s all love though, we get it.

FRENDY: What I’ve learned is that opinions don’t matter. As long as your heart is in the right place, you can accomplish anything and win no matter what. What role do you play in the 4G operation?

DAVE: Vin is the mastermind behind the brand. I’m there to help bring his vision together.

Vincent with NFL stars at the 4G showroom in Soho

FRENDY: I love the nonchalant attitude—it’s actually a key ingredient in succeeding *Laughs*. Where can a person book an appointment for a chance to cop a very rare piece at the 4G showroom in Soho?

DAVE: You can’t. It’s more of a referral only for the private showroom. But we are opening a public location in a few weeks on Sullivan Street in Soho. You’ll be able to walk into that location to shop.

FRENDY: Nice, I know a lot of people are looking forward to that. In your opinion, who’s the most stylish celebrity that stopped by?

DAVE: That's tough to answer. Gervonta Davis is definitely the most effortlessly sick. He knows exactly what he wants and just throws that shit on. I’d say him or Terry Rozier.

FRENDY: Intention is definitely key when it comes to dressing. Besides Chrome Hearts, what other brands are you heavily rocking with right now?

DAVE: Enfants Riches Déprimés. Rick Owens. Anything Hedi Slimane. Those are my essentials.

FRENDY: Are you involved in any business dealings outside of fashion?

DAVE: I am. Cafes, interior design and some real estate. Nothing crazy but keeping busy for sure.

FRENDY: ‘Nothing crazy’ *Laughs*. I’m happy to hear about your diverse streams of income—it’s inspiring. When time allows, what do you do for fun?

DAVE: I have an (almost) one-year-old son. Lil Dave. Any free time I have I try to spend it with him. That’s my new found ‘fun’ *Laughs*.

FRENDY: That’s beautiful. You’re tatted up even more since we first met. Which tattoo artists are in your main rotation?

DAVE: Mike Wilson and Rob Ryan. OG’s.

FRENDY: What’s your most meaningful tat?

DAVE: They all have a story/meaning. I think it’s corny to sit here and tell you what means what but they are all really meaningful. Most are reflections of the darkest times of my life.

Tatted up Dave, Vincent and friends photographed by @disposable_relly

FRENDY: Totally understandable. What can we expect from you and your crew in the near future?

DAVE: More 4G. That's for sure.

FRENDY: Fire. Going through all of the experiences that made you who you are today, what advice would you give to your younger self?

DAVE: Don’t take life too seriously. Have fun and embrace the journey.

RIMOWA To The Rescue

June 18, 2021 by Frendy Lemorin in Lifestyle

Are you displeased with your current passport flick? Don’t fret, luxury luggage manufacturer RIMOWA has created a one stop shop where you can not only cop a high quality travel bag, but also take a swagged out passport pic.

Located on 99 Prince Street, RIMOWA’s NYC flagship store is capitalizing on the fact that global travel is steadily rising back to normal in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The German company’s SoHo location includes an in-house photo studio equipped with comfortable seating and godly lighting. Moreover, no appointment is needed to book a spot to take your shot (damn, I’m nice). Did I forget to mention that the service is absolutely free to use? Yup, you heard me.

“The RIMOWA Passport Studio self-service photo booth affords visitors complete control over the process as they make selections for their travel-ready, 2x2” US passport portrait. Physical passport photos are printed on the spot and can be shared as digital versions for safe-keeping or reprinting,” says RIMOWA reps.

I’m expecting to see some beautiful ass passport photos If I ever have the pleasure of checking you in for your next *enter the airline I work for here* flight.