Logging On is a weekly sprint through the timeline — Raeland Mendoza filters the noise into his takes on fashion, media, music, and whatever is moving the needle.
Expect the weekly titular column, sharp personal essays, and guest features with industry friends.
Explore our latest columns, features and posts here.
Thank you for all the love last week toward the Held in Form soft launch. Keep a close eye, as we’ll be rolling out updates / more content soon.
In other news, this week we have a RARE OPPORTUNITY. A peak behind the curtain, I typically write these out in a 20-30 min feverish burst in between work calls and trying to prep dinner before my girlfriend comes home on my domestic husband shit. However this week, I have the rare chance to sit down and put brain to paper unbothered by deadlines or marinating chicken.
So without further ado, slap that vein and read through for a no filter, hard dosage of Logging On to your system.
THIS WEEK ON THE TIMELINE
LINKS AND READS:
Are Art Directors Paranoid? The Rise of Surveillance as Aesthetic
This just in: Mainstream is BACK
This War of the Worlds re-telling featuring Ice Cub feels live a pitch deck fever dream
Also just in: FUCK We-Transfer
Staff Meal: Lasita, LA’s Filipino-American Wine Bar
FASHION:
Nicholas Daley x Nepenthes
Not a extreme take by any means, but Nicholas Daley will be a house hold name (at least in our chronically online circles) by this time next year. I was genuinely excited to see pics of this collab surface, as the two brands styles - namely Jamaican influenced British military and Japanese interpretations of sportswear respectively, compliment* each other so well.
Dogs Out Summer
Despite all the propaganda across multiple timelines, I am personally rebuking this trend. We are at dinner and not on a tropical island, put your fucking toes away.
For the Argument of Personal Uniforms: BEAMS Staff Pics
I’ve been thinking a lot about my personal uniform going into FW25. My typically strict monochromatic/un-branded rules have become relaxed over the last bit. Chalk it up to working for two polar opposite brands as well as the Vancouver athleisure in the air. These fit pics from the BEAMS staff make a solid case doubling down on a monochromatic, personal uniform that works for you. Also for getting fits off with your boys!
Tailoring a suit for Fantastic Fours The Thing
Haven’t seen the movie yet (I know, NO SPOILERS), but the idea of custom tailoring for The Thing is both my nerd brain hemispheres colliding.
T.P.C Graphic Tee by Hassan Phils
My girlfriend said I wasn’t allowed to buy this.
*Editors note: The common thread? Both brands are an expression of the generational after effects of COLONIZATION. Also, both brands will make you look like a swagged out grandpa.
MUSIC:
The Derrick Gee Method for Finding Amazing Music, SSENSE
Derrick Gee is probably the best music curator on the internet, and he is the sole reason I originally downloaded Tiktok on my phone.
SSENSE’s feature on him dives into his career as a Creative Director for 88rising, his “fan-first” mentality to music, and emphasizes how his own personal ear elevates his work in a way any algo based recommendation could never.
Now this is #DESIGN: Omar Apollo x Latin Mafia
Omar Apollo and LATIN MAFIA not only dropped a somber Cumbia banger in Hecho Para Ti, but the album cover and music videos also one of my favourites of the year.
I’ve also been listening to:
10AM, UMI
Have a Baby With Me, Daniel Caesar
Lil Jasmine, Bay Swag ft. Young Thug
YOUNG SUCCESSFUL LIVING
Sugar Sweet, Mariah Carey ft. Shenseea, Kehlani
Kehlani’s “Folded” is the best R&B song of the year. Sadly this song is not that. But my AAPI sistren Shenseea and Kehlani on a MC song is cool.
Which One, Drake ft Central Cee
Obligatory summer Drake cut aside, the second half of this song will be going certy triple plattt at the summer function
Amongst other things, Raeland is a Creative Director and Designer in Vancouver.
Explore his work at TOMORROW WORKS.