Last month we showed you the trailer for the new doc-reality series “From Top to Bottom”, which depicts the everyday culture that is DTLA. The first episode was recently released on YouTube and tells the story of “Bob”.

If you ever been to the corner 8th/Figueroa you’ve probably seen Bob hundreds of times without even looking in his direction. “From Top to Bottom” decided to do what no one else would; take 15 minutes to simply listen to his story.

Excuse the video/audio quality the Dirty Denim crew will have it fixed for episode 2!

“From Top to Bottom” a new docu-reality provides insight  into the lifestyle that make up one of Los Angeles’ fastest growing communities, Downtown Los Angeles.

When most people think of the everyday life of 20-something DTLA residents, they quickly are bombarded with thoughts of hipsters partying the night away on bum saturated streets.

Granted, there are many night infused with taking double shots of sin while turning down the dirty hands asking for change. However, there is so much more that embodies Downtown.

From the thousands of fashion students who crusade to DTLA to attend the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design (FIDM) to the hundreds of homeless people who represented the broken dreams of DTLA. In “From Top to Bottom” Sean Geer and the Dirty Denim crew paint an inspirational picture of the highs and lows that is the Downtown Los Angeles Movement .

This is what happens when you combine a bunch of 20′s and boredom.  Armed with a Nikon D7000 and a desire to seek out the fashion enthusiast of DTLA..we present to you Los Angeles Street Fashion: DTLA.

(KCRW) Eli Broad, billionaire philanthropist and founding chairman of the MOCA board of trustees, tries to answer the question posed in our headline. He wrote an op-ed in today’s LA Times defending museum director Jeffrey Deitch and the decision to part with longtime curator Paul Schimmel.

Broad argues that MOCA needs to be more thrifty and populist with its exhibitions:

In today’s economic environment, museums must be fiscally prudent and creative in presenting cost-effective, visually stimulating exhibitions that attract a broad audience. …

“I applaud the decision of MOCA’s director, board leadership and board in right-sizing the staff and adopting a budget that they expect will be balanced in the coming year and in future years.

I am confident that with Deitch’s leadership and with the board and its leadership, MOCA will thrive and will avoid the problems that are plaguing other institutions while increasing attendance and membership, continuing to offer world-class exhibitions, and exhibiting its collection.”

Lee Rosenbaum of Art Journal was unnerved by Broad’s business-first approach to curating – and his assuming the position of “spokesperson” for the museum in “a time of crisis”:

“So we go from “great exhibitions” conceived by a “brilliant curator” to “cost-effective, visually stimulating” ones, with broad popular appeal. I have never heard a museum professional use the strange metric of cost-per-visitor to assess an exhibition’s merits. Prioritizing attendance and “cost-effectiveness” over curatorial brilliance is a very slippery slope.“

Read Full Via KCRW

(Vintage Manifesto) Vintage Manifesto recently made a trip to the Wheelmen & Company showroom in Downtown Los Angeles. The brand was born out of strong family ties to cycling and coupled with a passion for classic tailoring, the two concepts merged together beautifully.

Their mission is to create functional, durable accessories and apparel using classic lines and styles recreated for the 21st century. All products are produced and designed right here in the United States. Wheelmen & Company ultimately strives for the highest standards while maintaining overall function and comfort.

via Vintage Manifesto

(American Apparel) “American Apparel is a proud supporter of the arts and “making things” in Los Angeles. As the largest manufacturer in California, a partnership between the Hammer Museum’s Made in L.A. and American Apparel is a natural fit. Located in Los Angeles, the Hammer Museum is a cutting-edge visual arts institution that explores the capacity of art to illuminate our lives.

The first Los Angeles biennial, Made in L.A. 2012, organized by the Hammer Museum in collaboration with LAXART, features works by 60 artists from the L.A. region, with an emphasis on emerging talent. This exhibition offers a snapshot of the current trends coming out of Los Angeles, one of the most vibrant art communities worldwide. We are honored to produce all merchandise related to the exhibition, and a portion of all Made in L.A. product sales will be donated to the Hammer Museum.”

via American Apparel

Mike D., of the hip hop pioneering trio Beastie Boys, will soon be able to add art curator to his list of accomplishments.The best part is that DTLA’s stunning Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA ) will be the proud host.

Transmission LA: AV Club curated by Mike D from The Avant/Garde Diaries on Vimeo.

“Transmission LA: AV Club” is set to be a 17 day audio/visual art festival curated by Mike D. from April 20th, yes that’s 4:20, until May 6th. The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA will be the meeting point for the international avant-garde, including Benjamin Jones, Mike Mills, Tom Sachs, Lauren Mackler from Public Fiction, Sage Vaughn, Isaac from Still House Group, Peter Coffin, Roy Choi and Will Fowler. MOCA‘s Geffen Contemporary is so excited about this Mercedes  Benz sponsored event that 4 days a week they will be staying open until 10 pm and offering free admission.

[via Blogdowntown]

Lunch is something everyone looks forward to. It’s that mid-day break that re energizes us to finish the day strong. It’s a great time to catch up with friends or have a quick meeting. Looking for some can’t miss downtown lunch spots? Here are some amazing places to ponder over.

First off, what are you in the mood for today?

Are you an east coaster missing those meat loaded rye sandwiches served at your favorite delicatessens? Have no fear; the Yorkshire Grill is here. Positioned on 6^th/grand.  Chances are once you visit; It will be your new favorite lunch spot.  Everything here is so fresh and delicious especially the California special. Two slices of heaven loaded with tuna, avocado, pickles, lettuce and tomato. If you feel like having an orgasm in your mouth add cheese, and get a side of cottage cheese. Although nobody will every make matzo-ball soup like my grandmother does, Yorkshire Grill’s can definitely warm you up on a cold day or change the forecast when feeling under the weather.

How about the classic soup & sandwich/salad combo? Arda’s Café on 6^th/Olive will satisfy everyone’s craving. The sun dried melody salad with a cup of the red lentil soup is a must. This salad has a delicious assortment of pine nuts, sun dried tomatoes, feta cheese and turkey drizzled with a refreshing mango dressing. The red lentil soup not only fills you up with a healthy serving of fiber, but it’s just down right tasty. For all the PETA loving vegetarians out there, the grilled veggie sandwich is amazing. The garlic spread on the fresh rosemary bread is tasty enough to satisfy all, even the diehard carnivores out there. The proud owner, Jon Toktas, is always there welcoming you to his warm, family owned, cafe. If you have an Arda’s craving but running short on time they also offer deliver and pick up service.

Sushi anyone? Lets go to Octopus, located on 7^th/Flower. To start, the ambiance in this joint is cool yet calming. Downtown is all about hustle and bustle, but this place can slow it down as you prepare for some amazing sushi. Begin with the garlic butter edamame. It’s a huge portion that’s deliciousness will cause you to be oblivious to the fact that you devoured the whole thing.  If you’re in the mood for something light, the seared albacore salad is to die for. You won’t find albacore any fresher than what Octopus offers If your tummy is demanding a roll, you can’t go wrong with any of the menu’s offerings. They’re all so beautifully prepared that you might hesitate before taking your first bite.

These are only a few of our favorite but come back soon to hear what other hidden gems we’ve uncovered.

Enjoy!