Tag - Rachel Bilson

Belgium-based accessories company Kipling partnered with Macy’s in the Santa Anita mall to present, “Kipling Color Jam.” It was a fun event, complete with models, Kipling’s latest collection, a ‘spin the wheel and get a prize,’ DJ lessons, Graffiti artist, colorful munchies and silver monkeys.

I had the pleasure of getting a shirt airbrushed by NYC graffiti artist, ‘Shirt King Phade.’ In the 80’s, he led the airbrush movement and had work done for LL Cool J; Queen Latifah; Run DMC and Salt ‘n’ Pepa just to name a few. Check out his Youtube channel! I also got to try my hand at DJing, taught by DJ Syn City. She has been DJing for twelve years (five years professionally) and has played at such notable clubs like:Marquee and Mansion in NYC and STK, Coco de Ville and Hyde in LA. I channeled my inner DJ Samantha Ronson, learning the ‘baby scratch;’ the ‘drag’ and the ‘scribble.’ After the lesson, she gave me a CD which had a recording of my session. Check out www.djsyncity.com for more information.

The name for the company, which was founded in 1987, ‘Kipling’ was inspired by Rudyard Kipling, author of “The Jungle Book.” The bags (a favorite of students, travelers and fashionistas alike) weigh a mere pound-and-a-half and are water and stain resistant. Each Kipling product is unique because they are named by someone in the company, they are “stuffed” with recycled cardboard (making it environmentally friendly) and each collection has a fun collectible monkey keychain. Price points range from $42- 148. Kipling has a number of celebrity followers like: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel Bilson, Tara Reid, Kristin Cavallari and Fergie. The brand has also made numerous TV appearances on “The OC”, “ER” and “Desperate Housewives.” Check out Kipling at Macy’s or online at www.kipling-usa.com.

Special Thanks: J, Maria Solis, Shirt King Phade and his assistant Abbey, DJ Syn City and Scratch Academy, Kipling, Macy’s, Lauren Thomas and Martha Gil de Montes *Media Relations @ Macy’s*.