TWELV sits down with founders of Parlor Social Club Jan Cieslikiewicz and Frederick Ghartey to give a glimpse into the story of co-founders living in New York City.
IKEMEN #11: JAY PAAVONPERA
IKEMEN (ē´k´mɛn): Japanese Slang
"REALLY, REALLY, RIDICULOUSLY GOOD LOOKING PEOPLE"
Name: Jay Paavonpera
Profession: Artist.
Origin: Born in Boston, MA, but grew up in Australia.
Jay Paavonpera, a visual artist, uses elegant inspirations to paint, sculpt, and create. Working with Dior, he is helping to shape the fashion world with his unique vision and artful mind. Boston born, but growing up in Australia, Jay has an intriguing character. Living in Brooklyn now, TWELV sat down with the talented artist.
Your passions:
Art, design, travel, philosophy, poetry, conversation.
If I weren’t me, I would be:
Existing elsewhere in space and time painting, writing, and making art…Hopefully.
Best trait about yourself; physically and mentally:
I read a lot—news, op-ed, current events, lifestyle stories, etc.—and part of that evolves into conversation. I’ll talk about anything. For real. I just want to hear and tell stories.
First thing in the morning:
Breakfast. It really is the very first thing I do when I wake up. I’m out of bed, and straight to the fridge. Fruit, muesli, yogurt. Got to start the day right!
Mealtime ritual:
My girlfriend and I try to cook at home as often as possible, but our schedules don’t always allow—we might have an event or a late meeting, in which case we’re out and enjoying New York.
Something you´d never do or give for money:
I’d hope I wouldn’t compromise my moral or ethical self, but how much are we talking?
Have you experienced unrequited love, and what did you do about it:
I have indeed. This year marks 10 years with the love of my life, Lindsay Maas. We’re going to be married in July in Orient, NY.
Dream date:
Lindsay Maas ;)
Favorite designer:
Kris Van Assche and Public School for sure. And ONLY for weekend/casual wear.
Favorite musician:
Right now I’m listening to a lot of Kurt Vile. It’s kind of perfect for the studio—keeps me in the creative mind set.
Favorite restaurant in NYC:
This is a tough one. There are really far too many great places to choose from to name just one. It’s maybe one of the best things about living in New York. I’m going with Smorgasburg for this one. On a breezy, sunny day, the energy is unparalleled.
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