TEXTBOOK

Russian history is the best history, that’s what I always say. Actually, I’ve never said that and I don’t even think it. It’s a fairly gruesome chapter of historical texts out there, but who cares? Russia had its fair share of monarchs over the years and after the Romanovs, Catherine the Great is probably the most widely known. She served as the Empress of Russia, with an irregular path to the top. She became the Empress Consort after the death of Empress Elizabeth and the ascension of her husband, Peter III. I wouldn’t say they had a happy marriage and nobody else would either since she was a major player in his deposition as Tsar. Once he was out of the picture, Catherine became the Empress of Russia. Get yours, Catherine. During her reign, Russia became one of the great western powers and enjoyed a golden age of strength, culture and prosperity. Her tenure as Empress was very complicated, but interesting, take a look if you can.

1. I’m the Empress Consort.

Coat by Valentino, suit by Balmain, shoes by Altuzarra

2. PSYCH! I’m the Empress.

Coat by Roland Mouret, dress by Dries Van Noten, shoes by Derek Lam

3. Has anybody seen my horse?

Coat by Rag & Bone, skirt by Rodarte, shoes by Ferragamo

Holden Caulfield was the first post on Textbook, so I figured why not re-do it since it’s been a couple years. Anyways, we all had to readCatcher in the Ryein high school and we all know it’s a good book. Holden plays the part of spoiled New York City brat who bounces from school to school and calls people phonies. He has a sister named Phoebe and hates Stradlater. So imagine a rich kid bumming around New York and there you go.

1. Stradlater SUCKS

Coat and scarf by Billy Reid, sweater by N. Hoolywood, pants by Michael Bastian, shoes by Band of Outsiders

2. Hey Phoebs

Coat and sweater by Andrea Pompilio, jeans and shoes by Junya Watanabe, shirt by Band of Outsiders

3. Pencey Prep

Coat by Billy Reid, suit by Michael Bastian, boots by Rag & Bone

More Stuff:

Arwen from Lord of the Rings, Catherine de Medici, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones and the Post Index.

Greek and Roman mythology has its place, but Norse mythology is way better. Of the Norse pantheon of gods, the Valkyries take the top spot. Their job was to choose who lived or fell in battle. Half of those chosen would be taken to Valhalla, the kingdom of Odin, to prepare for the epic final battle of the world, Ragnarok. Crazy. The other half would go to Fólkvangr, a field ruled over by the goddess Freyja. The Valkyries would ride into battle to claim their soldiers and shuttle them to either place, pretty badass. More modern depictions of the Valkyries have them riding through the skies with shield and sword to complete their mission. In reality, they probably wouldn’t have cared what they were wearing but idgaf.

1. So you’re gonna go to Valhalla

Pants by Altuzarra, shirt by Balmain, boots by Lanvin

2. So you’re actually gonna to Fólkvangr

Dress by Versus, coat by Reed Krakoff, shoes by Versus

3. I don’t even know where you’re going, let’s just blow this popsicle stand.

Dress by Prabal Gurung, coat by Altuzarra, shoes by Dolce & Gabbana 

The people we met in Brazil were very kind, there was great architecture, beaches on beaches and more but the food, my god, the food. Raised Italian, there’s very little that could sway my opinion on my favorite cuisine, but I tell ya, Brazilian food is making an impressive bid for my top spot. Homer drool.

P’Trique spilled the bean to me, Ray, Laurel, Phil and a whole bunch of other kids. Charlotte Free is the new face of Maybelline New York.

“John Jannuzzi, I’ve got some newsy.”

Even though the wind was nearly non-existent yesterday, we still managed to have decent time aboard the Mar Mostro. We’ll be seeing the boat in action again today, but yesterday was the ProAm race so we all got to go aboard and pitch in a little here and there. I haven’t been on a boat like that in a very long time, in fact, I think the last time may have been the time when I fell off. Into Long Island Sound. In November. That was cold. 

Hopefully the wind picks up today, but in the meantime, here are a few pictures from the boat. 

(sweet typeface, bro)

The rambling city of Sao Paulo is long gone now and we’re in Itajai for the Volvo Ocean Race stopover. Our first stop was the prize giving at some swanky joint.

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We just landed in Navengantes and are getting closer and closer to the Volvo Ocean classic in Itejai. Meanwhile, we visited the Puma store before we left and I was reunited with my long-lost favorite sneakers from my youth. The Puma Suedes in blue, my feet are home.

As you well know by now, I’m in Sao Paulo with Puma along with Simko, Josh, Travis, James and Justin. There are 2 reasons we’re here. The first is to document the Ocean Race in which Puma participates, which is happening later this week. The second, and more important, is to document the local culture and get a feel for the people the youth that live here. It’s all part of Puma’s State of Play campaign—the first stop is here in Brazil, but it will be continuing on in other countries across the world. To match the campaign, there are a few products fit for the after-hours athlete:

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