In 1996, Adrian Moeller and Patrick Elasik published the first issue of Mass Appeal Magazine.
In the nearly three decades that followed, Mass Appeal would grow from an underground graffiti zine into a culture-defining multi-faceted entertainment brand with a hand in everything from digital content, to music distribution, to full-length documentaries and much, much more.
However, the rise of Mass Appeal has been anything but straightforward. From barely legal circulation schemes and bankruptcy to a shocking death in the family, the brand has endured extraordinary challenges and still, through it all, risen like a Phoenix. On this week's episode of All Angles, we talk to co-founder Adrian Moeller, Creative Director Sacha Jenkins, as well as current CEO Peter Bittenbender and rap legend / partner Nas, to hear the tale of two Mass Appeals, and understand how a brand can rise, fall, and rise again, thanks to an ensemble cast of elite like-minded culture creators
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In 2002, accomplished SUPREME creative director Brendon Babenzien took his first swing at entrepreneurship and launched NOAH, a menswear brand born at the intersection of nautical living and skate culture. However, despite critical acclaim and downtown cool, the brand barely made it a few seasons before Brendon was forced to put NOAH on the backburner, and resume his role at Supreme.
After a decade at the house James Jebbia built, in which he helped take SUPREME from a skate shop in soho to a global brand, Brendon decided it was time to revisit NOAH, and with the help of then new wife Estelle Bailey-Babenzien, he relaunched the brand in 2015 to industry fanfare.
In the 8 years since, NOAH has grown slowly and steadily while maintaining the core philosophical commitments that animate Brendon and Estelle. NOAH is a beacon of hope in menswear and fashion, exalting virtuous values like sustainability, quality over quantity, and forward-leaning but timeless designs.
On this week's episode of All Angles, we talk to founders Brendon and Estelle, as well as Brand Energy Director Johnny Knapp, to hear the full story of NOAH, and find out how the little shop on the corner of Mulberry street in lower Manhattan became an industry thought leader and global brand.
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In 2017, Raynell Steward, more commonly known by her social handle Supa Cent, launched The Crayon Case, a cosmetic kit for amateur makeup artists featuring bright, playful colors.
In the ensuing 5 years, The Crayon Case would explode into a $50 million business, thanks to confluence of their innovative marketing approach, their vocal and hilarious founder, and a rock solid team of crafty individuals with unique professional experience—including time with the illustrious New Orleans record label, No Limit. But as with any company that enjoys rapid growth, mistakes were made, lessons were learned, and the Crayon Case would be forced to navigate uncharted waters.
On this week's episode of All Angles, we talked to founder Supa Cent, business manager Russell Baker, and marketing director Iona Norris, to hear how together they built one of hottest makeup brands on the market.
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In 2016, Scarr Pimentel founded Scarr's Pizza, a classic New York City pizzeria on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
In the years that followed, Scarr's would become one of the hottest restaurants in New York, and be crowned “Best Slice in NYC.” But with these massive expectations would come unexpected challenges that would push the Scarr's team to their limits.
On this week's episode of All Angles, we talk with founder Scarr Pimentel, his wife and marketing director Meagan Pimentel, as well as close friend and collaborator DJ Clark Kent, to hear the full story behind the rise of Scarr's Pizza.
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In 2017, Dae Lim founded Sundae School, a Korean "smoke wear" brand born at the intersection of cannabis and streetwear.
With the help of his sister, Cindy Lim, Sundae School started releasing collections of shirts and jackets filled with weed references and plays on religion.
In the years that followed, Sundae School would grow from a rack of t-shirts to a full fledged global brand, offering cannabis products, accessories, and apparel worn by celebrities like Pete Davidson and Jacob Elordi.
On this week's episode of All Angles, we talk to co-founders Dae Lim and Cindy Lim, head of business development Jennifer Tran, and head of Fashion Gia Kim, to hear the full story of Sundae School, and learn how a small team of high achieving degenerates created one of the most interesting and exciting new brands in fashion and cannabis.
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