Community
New Bohemians
Photography by Allan E. Schoening It's time for another crop of Brooklyn's finest. These Brooklynites represent a broad artistic spectrum, from comedy to glassblowing, yet share one thing in common: A relentless desire to create. It is in this spirit that Working Class presents the New Bohemians. Helyn Rain Messenger Occupation: Actor, Producer and Herbalist Years in New York: A bit over 2 What neighborhood do you live in? I produce theater in Greenpoint, therefore I live in [...]
On The Streets
What's your current obsession? That's what we wanted to know. We caught up with the crew of Skytown in Bushwick to hear what they had to say — because hey, we're all are obsessed with something. Topher God and her neon poodles. Jess Honesty. Don Dicipline. Anne Money. Ian Power. Sabra My new meditation loft at Skytown. Get good food and good vibes at Skytown, 921 Broadway in Brooklyn, SkytownBK.com. Photography by Blessing Marie
New Bohemians
Photography by Allan E. Schoening We all find inspiration in our own way. Some of us strive to cultivate that into something else entirely. Here are some Brooklynites who like to start something too big to finish and then finish it. Langhorne Slim Occupation: Musician/Lion Tamer Years in New York: 8 or so, on and off. What neighborhood do you live in? The road is home but when I'm here, I stay with my buddy, Jon, in Williamsburg. Where are you originally from? Bucks County, [...]
On the Streets
Photography by Blessing Marie Black or White? That's what we wanted to know. Working Class hit the streets of Brooklyn to see how people would interpret the question. Emily Black, because they call me 'Emily Black.' Jakey Black, always feel a little self conscious when I'm not wearing it. Lucia Black, cause that's how I drink my coffee. Josh Black. Abigail White, because Hera is my spirit animal; every time I bathe I become a virgin again. Dex Black, cause all black [...]
Girls of Brooklyn
Photography by Tracy Morford Set Design by Domestic Construction Girls. Real girls make memorable moves. You may see these ones stepping in cadence with the pulse of New York, imposing their respective talents on those within a widening radius. Here's an insight into the life of a few girls that do not fuck around. Kate Schlichter Occupation: Hair Stylist Years in New York: 8 What neighborhood do you live in? Williamsburg Where are you originally from? Olympia, Washington What brought [...]
On The Streets
Photography by Blessing Marie What’s your favorite thing about being a girl? That’s what we wanted to know. Working Class hit the streets to see what ladies around Brooklyn had to say. Katie Everything, don't think I need to explain. Cecilia Being a cat lady. Lauren Peeing sitting down. Cristina Power. Deborah The fashion! CK Riding my bike in bikini bottoms in the Summer.
RIP 5 Pointz
Photography and words by Caroline Bach Imagine this: an industrial neighborhood attracts the eye of some artists because of cheap rent, availability of raw material and relatively easy access to the city. These visionary artists begin to settle and transform the area, resulting in a more habitable neighborhood. This attracts the eye of a few renegade entrepreneurs and craftspeople who bring to life their own visions, supplying a few goods and services to the community. With the availability [...]
Boys of Brooklyn
Photography by Tracy Morford Boys. It’s a topic everyone knows something about. We caught up with a few strapping, and notably talented, male specimens around Brooklyn. Turns out, it ain’t all beers, baseball and blow jobs (well, sometimes it is). Find out what they had to say. Eric Lyle Lodwick Occupation: Musician Years in New York: 5 What neighborhood do you live in? WIlliamsburg Where are you originally from? Baltimore What brought you to New York? It's the [...]
On The Streets
Photography by Blessing Marie What's your favorite thing about being a guy? That’s what we wanted to know. Working Class hit the streets to see what boys in Brooklyn had to say. Julian Being able to piss standing. Anthony Having people call me MANthony. Jack Wearing suits. Teddy "Boundless NY" King Marrying my beautiful wife Mae aka DJ Illy King. Dominic Cock. Sebastian No P.M.S.
New Bohemians
Photography by Allan E. Schoening Braving the artistic lifestyle in this wild town is no small feat. From sewer rats to seedy pickpockets, if you can make it here, you must be slightly deranged. On the flip side, spending a day in the park basking in sunlight or watching the Mets win the World Series at Shea Stadium (even if it was in 1986) makes it all worth while. Meet the New Bohemians. Like a lot of New Yorkers, they’re charming, opinionated, and overwhelmingly talented. SANTANA [...]
On the Streets
What do you do mentally to escape the madness of NYC? That’s what we wanted to know. Working Class hit the streets to see what people in Brooklyn had to say. Joe I usually end up going to a quiet empty theater with a couple beers and see whatever film that will take me out of my head. Sabrina Yoga and meditation. Getting quiet with myself, focusing on my breath and positivity. Fade I meditate. Joy Daydream. Domenick I immerse myself in the vastness of my [...]
On the Streets
Photography by Blessing Marie Story by Jessica Soga Do you feel safer or more alienated by the police presence in NYC? That’s what we wanted to know. Working Class hit the streets to see what people in Brooklyn had to say. I feel neither, but it depends on the situation. Sarah Kosloff outside the Fort Greene Flea Market A city will always be safer when it's police force fails to discriminate between criminal and citizen, harassing both equally. So, safe yes; [...]
TAXI DRIVER
Photography by Allan E. Schoening Recognition can be hard to come by in this city, as elusive as a 25-percent tip. That's why Working Class aspired for a closer glimpse of men who shuttle us here and there, but seemingly get lost in the shuffle to keep up appearances and appointments. Nana Frimpong Age: 50 Came to America: 2003 Country of origin: Ghana Reason for coming to America: Better life and a better education. Jugtar Singh Age: 28 Came to America: 1998 Country of [...]
Store Profile: Hollander and Lexer and Darr
Photography by Winnie Au Words by Katie Stolowits If there was a men's wardrobe that I could handpick myself, it would be found at Hollander and Lexer, as the garments collected define my "If I was a guy, this is what I would wear" style. The store, the second of its namesake, has gathered the best of Rogan, Rag and Bone and Paul Smith in a very cool, dark wooded and gold embellished environment. The inventory defines the metro sexual aesthetic (which FYI, is a good thing, as the [...]
Me and My Dog
Photography by Marcel Dagenais Story by Adriana Rizzolo and Dracula It was only last summer I was living a dog-less life, now I can't imagine living without Dracula. I adopted him almost a year ago because I felt ready to undergo the responsibilities of nurturing a being other than myself. It's amazing how this responsibility has grounded me, bringing a newfound balance in my life heretofore unheard of especially in a city that ceaselessly distracts. His boundless love has opened up a [...]
On the Streets
Photography by Blessing Marie Story by Jessica Soga What Makes A Relationship Work? That’s what we wanted to know. Working Class hit the streets to see what people in Brooklyn had to say. Baumnara and T. Aaron Huston at the Bicycle Fetish Parade say simply: Desire & Fulfillment Soccer at the West Side piers Ainsley says: Honesty, trust & killer dance moves Travis Sylvester, bow tie expert of Vintage VanGogh: Nothing. People can never be really happy… on a [...]
Store Profile: Grand Street
Photography by Jamie Beck Words by Katie Stolowitz Despite all the warnings Mom, Dad, and teachers gave me growing up, despite the fact that my mid-20s self should certainly know better, I’m not going to lie…I judged a book by its cover. From my first step off the L-train, I knew that Williamsburg defined the epitome of cool. I readily admit this without hesitation or bias, as my California-born self could technically pledge allegiance to Caroll Gardens and/or Park Slope (but I have [...]
Marriage March
On September 26 at 12pm, thousands of New Yorkers will gather at Foley Square, near City Hall, to march across the Brooklyn Bridge and take a stand for fairness and equality at the 7th NYC Wedding March. This event, which began in 2004, is organized by Marriage Equality New York (MENY), to raise awareness about, and change, the inequality faced by same-sex couples in the state of New York. Today in New York 1,324 rights are withheld from same-sex couples because they are denied the choice of [...]
Store Profile: Shag
Photography by Jamie Beck Words by Katie Stolowitz I find it somewhat ironic – slash – poetic – slash – cliché that I was asked to profile a sex shop for my first Working Class contribution. Not only was I weary of the hackneyed Carrie Bradshaw comparisons, but I also did not know if I was the right person for the job. Although I rationalize my current sleep alone status with the fact that my efforts have focused on supporting myself in this city, truth be told, I never have [...]
On the Streets
Photography by Blessing Marie Story by Jessica Soga What Does 'Free' Mean To You? That's what we wanted to know. Working Class hit the streets to see what people in Brooklyn had to say. Darnell Margaret Dai Isobel Jesse Louise
How to Live (and Love) Free in NYC
Words by Megan Martin Photograph by Matt Winch New York is one of those places where “making it” is more like figuring out how to get all the hook-ups without any of the bills. Some of the most successful New Yorkers I know are always at the party where you never have to take out your wallet; maybe that’s why they’re so rich? After five years of residing in this city, I feel like I finally have enough of a network to get by on the cheap for as long as I need to, and sometimes [...]
Store Profile: Saffron
Photography by Winnie Au Words by Moni Briones and Molly McCort Tucked away on an obscure street in Brooklyn, lies Saffron, a flower addicts dream. It’s rare to find a boutique business near the Atlantic station, especially amidst the metro transit chaos and fortress of Target. Non the less, Saffron fits perfectly on Hanson Street and gives a welcoming hello to it’s neighbors. Daughter and Mother, Mihoko and Kana Togashi, are proud owners of saffron while son Shunya Togashi heads up [...]
Store Profile: Dandelion Wine
Photography by Jamie Beck Words by Molly Shuster Greenpoint, home to many delightful boutiques, bakeries and markets, happily includes Dandelion Wine in its trove of venerable stores. Located at 153 Franklin Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Dandelion Wine offers a unique selection of wine at affordable prices. Selling bottles from around the world, the folks at Dandelion make an effort to seek out the best and rarest bottles. As their owner Lily explains, they look for wine with a story. [...]
On the Streets
If you could live in New York in any era, when would it be? That's what we wanted to know. Working Class hit the streets to see what people in Brooklyn had to say. Jahmal "78' or 79', back when the foundations and key elements of hip hop were being laid." Carla "When the settlers first arrived here. To see the landscape before it was so completely transformed forever by man." Mark "The 20's. It would be cool to experience prohibition, and the jazz. Plus the fashion was great [...]
Old School Bohemians
Words by Megan Martin Check out these Old School Bohemians and see why we love them. ALLEN GINSBERG NAME: Irwin Allen Ginsberg OCCUPATION: Poet, writer HOMETOWN: Newark, New Jersey YEARS IN NEW YORK: 30+, Ginsberg moved to New York to attend Columbia University on scholarship. KNOWN IN NEW YORK BECAUSE…: He was one of the original members of the New York beats, writing poetry and living a truly bohemian lifestyle while exploring the opportunity of living alternatively [...]
Rockaway Taco
Words by Jamie Wilxborough Far Rockaway Beach was a frequent hang out spot this summer, while there I was told that I had to stop by a little, local taco shop called Rockaway Taco. Andrew Dayfield and David Selig run the restaurant; who live next door and harvest their own honey. The food is delectable, and totally affordable. Hot items on the menu you don’t want to miss: Delux Fish Taco with guacamole, fried sweet plantains, iced coffee, and cucumber tossed with chile and lime. “If I [...]
On the Streets
With the hefty rent that we have to pay in New York, it seems that a lot of us are all staying pretty local for the sweaty days of Summer in order to stay afloat. We’re in a recession! But either way, it is summa time and we all need treats and retreats. Whether its going to some foreign land or a weekend away upstate, it is necessary to take a break. So on a journey around Williamsburg, Working Class stopped and asked some folks what their big plans were for the summer. Tommy I want [...]
8 of Swords
Photography and words by Sandra Larriva Henaine Dave Wallin is both an artist and a collector. For the past 18 years, he has painted on other people's skin, and displayed the work of friends and colleagues all over his body. Since mid-July, he's found more negative space on which to display his work and the work of others: the empty walls of his new custom tattooing studio in Williamsburg. Prior to opening 8 of Swords, Wallin, an illustrator, comic book artist and tattooist, had worked [...]
Ghost Bikes
Photography and Text by Marcel Dagenais Riding a bike in the city can be intense. Since moving here, I have had three minor accidents involving cars. Two in New York City, one in the BK. I'm lucky to say that nothing horrible happened in any of them. I did get some pretty fucked up injuries that I still can feel today, but at least I'm alive. Walking down the streets of any metropolitan city, you may have stumbled on a bike painted all white locked up to a street sign, adorned [...]
Paranormal Living in NYC: Not strange. Just Faithful.
Photography by Winnie Au Words by Moni Briones If someone were to walk up to you and ask if you’ve experienced the paranormal, would you have anything to share? What if they casually mentioned that collective energy is the root of harmony and that metaphysical happenings can occur if you open yourself up to the energy around you? Would you listen? All of this may sound odd or at least more on par with the tabloid trash that the media spoon-feeds us each week via their [...]
The New Bohemians
Photography by Tom Winchester Meet the New Bohemians. Like a lot of New Yorkers, they’re charming, opinionated, and overwhelmingly talented. THE ELECTRO ESKIMO Name: Aaron Morgan Occupation: Entrepreneur Years in New York: 15 What do you love about the city? More, more, more. What do you hate about the city? Change. What's your definition of a New Yorker? Those fucked up people who move down from upstate and get stuck in Brooklyn. Ha ha ha ha. Just kidding. No, a New [...]
Stalking Craig’s List
From track wheel sets to girls in their underwear, loft-sized apartment rentals to guys willing to let you come over and do them in theirs – Craig’s List is really a one stop shop for pervs, horn-dogs, lonely hearts or people looking to find guaranteed ass. Regardless if you’re the hottest or the coolest in the city, chances are you’ve perused the Missed Connections section on the off chance that “Tall Tattooed Guy in Williamsburg” is your click away to eternal bliss. Who [...]
Three Filmmakers
Photography by Bryce Ward Words by Thuc Nguyen Maybe you’ve walked in on one of their screenings in downtown New York, or maybe you’ve seen their websites. These three young filmmakers are making a splash NYC style with their sexy material and like many others who make New York great, these three came from elsewhere. Crystal Moselle is a Marin County/San Francisco native who traveled across the continent to attend The School of Visual Arts. She splits her time between NYC and [...]
Store Profile: Kill Devil Hill
Photography by Kan Kabayashi Words by Megan Cahn Working Class supports local business. We would not be able to organize this publication or any of our events without the help and support of local business owners. Take a look at these amazing individuals and the ways they are shaping their communities with a unique shop on Franklin Street in Greenpoint. What’s behind opening a store? Nothing too enthralling—you come up with an idea, write a business plan, maybe apply for a [...]
COMMUNITY CORNER: Bogart & Seigel Streets
Words by Micheal Huggins It’s East Williamsburg or Industrial Williamsburg or West Bushwick – I guess it all depends, despite how stupid it sounds, on how you look at the relationship you share with your area. For the culturally-insulated, West Bushwick may sound edgier, emblematic of a flower punk ethos budding throughout the warehouse lofts. To a certain extent, the DIY set inflate their own obstacles to create a foundation for accomplishments grandiose enough to appease their [...]
GIRLS ON BIKES
Photography and Words by Christian Thormann This was an all-woman race open to anyone with a bike and a helmet. It took place in July and started in Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. About 23 women participated. Heather organized the event and Dagga, an avid biker and a long time messenger, won the race. It was 14 miles long and took Dagga less than an hour to finish. //
NEW SHOP: OLD HOLLYWOOD
Words by Moni Briones Don’t be surprised if the Chorus line of Mucha Muchacha parades your bed time dreams after a visit to Old Hollywood, Greenpoint’s new destination for vintage inspired dresses of complete glam! To claim that this new addition to the Brooklyn shopping is cool would be on the slum side. Honestly, it’s as stellar as a Manhattan Cocktail on an early Thursday afternoon. Owner’s Tiffany Porter and Alex Shulhafer have taken a 400 square foot space off Meserole [...]
The New Bohemians
Photography by Bryce Ward Words by Jamie Bryan Meet the New Bohemians. Like a lot of New Yorkers, they’re charming, opinionated, and overwhelmingly talented.
The New Bohemians
Photography by Tom Winchester Meet the New Bohemians. Like a lot of New Yorkers, they’re charming, opinionated, and overwhelmingly talented. The Goddess Name: Amanda Lepore Occupation: Singer, actress, nightclub hostess, goddess Years in New York: 15 Hometown: New Jersey What brought you to new york? To be a superstar. What do you love about the city? Doing a million things a minute. What do you hate? Negativity. What’s your definition of a New Yorker? Hip and [...]