KING OF NY : Casper Holstein
Casper Holstein , a philanthropist, humanitarian, entrepreneur and alleged mobster in New York in the 1920's know as the "Bolito King".
New Yorkers have been claiming to be King of New York from all types of backgrounds in my lifetime. I have heard rappers, drug dealers and even everyday residents say they are the "King of New York". One thing that is certain, true kings never have to announce their presence.
“Harlem’s favorite hero, because of his wealth, his sporting proclivities and his philanthropies among the people of his race.”
Enter Casper Holstein , a philanthropist, humanitarian, entrepreneur and alleged mobster. A man who took advantage of his opportunities and utilized a messenger role on Wall Street to create a multi-million dollar trusted New York lottery. While on Wall Street Holstein became intrigued by the stock market. Combining his self knowledge of the stock exchange and the numbers system Holstein created his own lottery coined "Bolito" which was a hit.
During the mid-1920s Holstein's earnings ballooned to $2 million from his lotteries. His wealth afforded him a lavish lifestyle which included various homes and a fleet of expensive cars.
Actor Jeffrey Wright plays Harlemite Valentin Narcisse in HBO's hit series Boardwalk Empire. Narcisse's character is loosely based upon the life and placement of Casper Holstein in 1920's Harlem culture.
FIVE FUN FACTS ABOUT CASPER
1. Casper Holstein was born on December 7, 1876, in St. Croix, Danish West Indies. His parents were of mixed African and Danish descent, and his father's father was a Danish officer in the Danish West Indies Colonial militia.
2. Holstein financed dormitories at Southern black colleges and supplemented the income of a number of Harlem Renaissance artists, writes and musicians.
3. Holstein's lottery profits also helped establish a Baptist school in Liberia and fund Marcus Garvey's nationalist movement.
4. In 1928, Holstein was taken hostage on a ransom of $50,000. Three days later he was released. No one was arrested and the incident was never solved. This action initiated the decline of Holstein's involvement in the Harlem numbers and the rise of New York mobster Dutch Schultz who eventually took control of Harlem gambling scene.
5. Actor Jeffrey Wright plays Harlemite Valentin Narcisse in HBO's hit series Boardwalk Empire. Narcisse's character is loosely based upon the life of Casper Holstein
Let the Coltrane Play...
MCM : Cognac Viseto
What is a COGNAC VISETO?
MCM continues to place personalized brass plates with a unique number engraved on each of its products to this day.
MCM leather goods generated a resurgence in popular culture and below is a brief look into MCM and its ostentatious beginnings. MCM originally stood for Michael Cromer München , the creator of the brand, founded in 1976 in Munich, Germany. It penetrated the minds of forward thinkers and fashion forward individuals in the 1980s for its flashy patterns and in your face demeanor. To minimize MCM to its signature pattern would be demeaning, in fact MCM has turned itself into a brand that represents almost regal/progressive thinking while undeniably connecting with hip-hop and fashion's ever changing dynamic.
In the early 90's, amidst cult like popularity MCM Owner Cromer was investigated for tax evasion and eventually lost his 250 million company. Investors were not convinced that Cromer could regenerate profitability and MCM was split up and eventually all rights were acquired by a South Korean retail business that can be credited with its 2000's success. The term "modern-classic" comes to mind when thinking of MCM , penetrating that unique place where brands lie that can transcend decades of change.
So back to the headline what exactly is a Cognac Viseto?
Cognac Visetos : MCM Brand Signature Logo
Cognac Visetos is MCM's brand’s signature logo which at a glance looks like a person squatting with wings, but is actually a laurel wreath which signifies the ethos of MCM , as a company true to honor and constant evolution.
Below is a gallery of the varied adoration for MCM...
So next time you see that MCM bag you can have a little more information on the history and if you already have a product you have short context on what you are repping...
"LET THE COLTRANE PLAY..."
Why 1959?
People ask why 1959. for the name of an integrated marketing service and coffee brand name. It's simple, 1959. was the pivotal year that Jazz was revolutionized by four juggernauts Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman, Charles Mingus and The Dave Brubeck Quartet. I have worked for many brands and helped boost their image in popular culture, but 1959. is my collective of past work, coffee interest, blogging of fashion, art, style and popular culture. This is my opportunity to break away from convention and create, explore and express. #GODOBE