Dzul: Body art with “flavor” in Seattle

By NICK FELDMAN
UW News Lab

“It’s a picture of my son,” the man in the chair said in Spanish. “Enrique is his name. When I came to the United States, I left him when he was 2 months old. It’s to have him with me all the time, to have a memory of him, because I don’t know if I’ll be able to see him again.”



Francisco Antonio Flores-Renteria came to the U.S. three years ago. When looking for a place to have the portrait done — his second tattoo — he looked no further than Dzul Studio — a place that was clean, where he trusted the quality of the art, and where he was able to converse in his own language.

The studio, run by brothers Alejandro (“Alex”) and Jacob (“Smiley”) as well as piercing-artist sisters Catalina and Elizabeth, takes the family name to heart: Dzul is a Mayan word meaning master or leader, one who stands above others in character or reputation. And that reputation has been built up over the last decade.

“I started to draw at an early age,” said Smiley, “and my friends from my neighborhood knew that I knew how to draw, so they were the ones who actually got me into it.” He sports seven tattoos himself: on his legs, right arm, collarbone, each shoulder, and his mother’s name on his back — his first, at age 16. “That’s how I started, just doing names for (friends) and their mom’s names and initials.”

After four years of doing airbrush art at weekend swap meets and discovering fairs like Bite of Seattle, Bumbershoot,Hempfest and Portland’s Cinco de Mayo celebration — the brothers had amassed enough capital to open a studio.

“When we first moved out to the Northwest, there wasn’t a lot of art put out with our perspective or flavor,” said Alex. “When we came in there were a lot of people who wanted art but they weren’t getting it. That’s one of the places where we come in and really shine, because we have a very unique style.”

Smiley, the studio’s resident tattoo expert, is a master of the more urban black-and-gray tattoo style, but is also a talented tribal and color artist. About 80 percent of the art done at Dzul is original, and while the brothers have “flash” designs premade — reusable and template art — they’ve found that people are more interested in art that speaks directly to them, and that both parties are often more excited to do unique work.

While the Dzuls cater to their culture, only 30 percent to 40 percent of their clientele is Hispanic. Instead, they draw on the many ethnic and age demographics that tattoo culture has infiltrated, as well as their clients from places as far away as Everett and Vancouver, B.C., who travel specifically to visit the White Center studio.

“A lot of people who speak Spanish feel good to be understood, but the population in Seattle is not heavily Hispanic,” said Alex. “We’re really pretty diverse when it comes to who walks through our doors. “

The siblings are currently looking to either move or expand to a location somewhere closer to the center of Seattle. One of their main reasons for originally choosing the shop’s location was its affordability for young artist-entrepreneurs.

In addition to massive updates to the studio’s Web site — including an education-focused FAQ section — within the next year, Dzul also plans to launch a clothing line and sponsor an art exhibition with a Day of the Dead theme featuring original art, tattooing and photography.

“People come through, they get their work, it’s original,” said Alex. “They have a perspective and we just help them to make it look good. I thought it would be good to do portraits of them and their tattoos to tell their stories.”

In the words of Alex, who studied graphic design at the Art Institute of Seattle, artists always need a community of other people who share their passion. And, luckily for these four siblings, that artistic community is also blood.

“If there’s anyone you can trust the most,” Smiley said, “it’s your family.”

——————————————————————————————–
(NICK FELDMAN is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.)

Dzul: Body art with “flavor” in Seattle

By NICK FELDMAN
UW News Lab

“It’s a picture of my son,” the man in the chair said in Spanish. “Enrique is his name. When I came to the United States, I left him when he was 2 months old. It’s to have him with me all the time, to have a memory of him, because I don’t know if I’ll be able to see him again.”



Francisco Antonio Flores-Renteria came to the U.S. three years ago. When looking for a place to have the portrait done — his second tattoo — he looked no further than Dzul Studio — a place that was clean, where he trusted the quality of the art, and where he was able to converse in his own language.

The studio, run by brothers Alejandro (“Alex”) and Jacob (“Smiley”) as well as piercing-artist sisters Catalina and Elizabeth, takes the family name to heart: Dzul is a Mayan word meaning master or leader, one who stands above others in character or reputation. And that reputation has been built up over the last decade.

“I started to draw at an early age,” said Smiley, “and my friends from my neighborhood knew that I knew how to draw, so they were the ones who actually got me into it.” He sports seven tattoos himself: on his legs, right arm, collarbone, each shoulder, and his mother’s name on his back — his first, at age 16. “That’s how I started, just doing names for (friends) and their mom’s names and initials.”

After four years of doing airbrush art at weekend swap meets and discovering fairs like Bite of Seattle, Bumbershoot,Hempfest and Portland’s Cinco de Mayo celebration — the brothers had amassed enough capital to open a studio.

“When we first moved out to the Northwest, there wasn’t a lot of art put out with our perspective or flavor,” said Alex. “When we came in there were a lot of people who wanted art but they weren’t getting it. That’s one of the places where we come in and really shine, because we have a very unique style.”

Smiley, the studio’s resident tattoo expert, is a master of the more urban black-and-gray tattoo style, but is also a talented tribal and color artist. About 80 percent of the art done at Dzul is original, and while the brothers have “flash” designs premade — reusable and template art — they’ve found that people are more interested in art that speaks directly to them, and that both parties are often more excited to do unique work.

While the Dzuls cater to their culture, only 30 percent to 40 percent of their clientele is Hispanic. Instead, they draw on the many ethnic and age demographics that tattoo culture has infiltrated, as well as their clients from places as far away as Everett and Vancouver, B.C., who travel specifically to visit the White Center studio.

“A lot of people who speak Spanish feel good to be understood, but the population in Seattle is not heavily Hispanic,” said Alex. “We’re really pretty diverse when it comes to who walks through our doors. “

The siblings are currently looking to either move or expand to a location somewhere closer to the center of Seattle. One of their main reasons for originally choosing the shop’s location was its affordability for young artist-entrepreneurs.

In addition to massive updates to the studio’s Web site — including an education-focused FAQ section — within the next year, Dzul also plans to launch a clothing line and sponsor an art exhibition with a Day of the Dead theme featuring original art, tattooing and photography.

“People come through, they get their work, it’s original,” said Alex. “They have a perspective and we just help them to make it look good. I thought it would be good to do portraits of them and their tattoos to tell their stories.”

In the words of Alex, who studied graphic design at the Art Institute of Seattle, artists always need a community of other people who share their passion. And, luckily for these four siblings, that artistic community is also blood.

“If there’s anyone you can trust the most,” Smiley said, “it’s your family.”

——————————————————————————————–
(NICK FELDMAN is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.)

Travel: Town & Country, Sydney's Rockpool

Town & Country, December/January 2010

Neil Perry opens Australia's finest steak house

Courtesy Earl Carter Photography

By Julie Earle-Levine

Twenty years ago, chef Neil Perry made a splash Down Under when he launched his first restaurant, Sydney's Rockpool, a haven of fresh and inventive seafood dishes. Two decades later, Perry has finally opened a second Rockpool in Australia's cultural hub, this time with a focus on steak. Located inside an Art Deco building in the Financial District, the grand Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney has thirty-foot columns and a soaring atrium.

On a typical weeknight, the ponytailed Perry hops between tables, offering advice to foodies, financial types and stylish travelers. His picks: the smoky, wood-fire-grilled Tasmanian steak, served with horseradish cream, and the aged-Wagyu burger. If you can't snag a seat in the austere dining room, pull up a stool at the bar, where you can witness Perry's team working its magic in the open kitchen while you sample one of the 3,700 wines on the list. 66 Hunter Street; 011-61-2-8078-1900; rockpool.com.

Travel: New York Times, Sydney's Potts Point

Surfacing, New York Times

A Sharper Point in Sydney

Sydney's Potts Point district is drawing a younger crowd with its handsome buildings and new shops and cafes.

By JULIE EARLE-LEVINE

December 20, 2009

FOR decades, Potts Point has enjoyed a reputation as Sydney’s bohemian center. Over the last few years, a new wave of openings has re-established the neighborhood as a destination for the young and beautiful, despite — or maybe because of — its proximity to Kings Cross, an area best known for its prostitutes, strip clubs and tattoo parlors. On Macleay Street, the main artery of Potts Point, gorgeous Art Deco apartment buildings and Victorian terrace houses sit amid new restaurants and cafes where hipsters and celebrities mingle.Sign in to Recommend

“When I first came to Potts Point 15 years ago, there wasn’t anywhere to even have lunch or breakfast,” said Christopher Becker, an owner of Becker Minty, a furnishings and clothing store with two outlets in Potts Point.

Toby’s (Shop 6, 81 Macleay Street; 61-2-8356-9264; www.tobysestate.com.au) is the cafe outpost of a brand that also includes a coffee bean retailer and a barista school. Mothers sip espresso while their toddlers enjoy “babyccinos” (steamed milk without the coffee).

Another brand that has a strong presence in the neighborhood is Fratelli, which offers a retail store, Fratelli Fresh (No. 81; 61-2-9368-6655; www.fratellifresh.com.au), and Café Sopra, a casual restaurant. Diners choose from a daily blackboard menu, with offerings like linguine with lemon, chili and pangrattato (16 Australian dollars, or $14.50 at 1.10 Australian dollars to the U. S. dollar). Later, you can shop for everything from fresh passion fruit to two dozen types of house-made pasta.

The latest addition to the local dining scene is No. 9 (Shop 2, 9 Ward Avenue; 61-2-9331-1399), a popular breakfast and lunch spot that Walter Herman, an interior designer, opened in July. The cafe has the feel of a classical French library, with an electric fireplace and original artwork lining the walls. The menu includes items like the Full Monty breakfast, with organic eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms and baked beans (16.50 Australian dollars).

For upscale shopping, try Becker Minty (No. 81; 61-2-8356-9999; www.beckerminty.com) and its new branch (corner of Macleay and Greenknowe Avenues; 61-2-8356-9908), with luxury women’s clothing and accessories. On a midsummer visit to the flagship store, some of the more unusual items included five stuffed peacocks (5,650 dollars a peacock) and throws made of Patagonian fox (6,950 dollars).

The neighborhood’s gentrification has brought safer streets, so there’s no need to stay in at night. The Champagne bar Velluto (No. 50; 61-2-935-71100; www.velluto.com.au), where Jason Minty of Becker Minty is a partner, attracts the fashion set in the evening. Order a flute of vintage Krug (70 Australian dollars) alongside a plate of tasty French and Australian cheeses (17 dollars).

All of this has attracted a combination of empty nesters, students and young executives to the neighborhood. “Ten years ago there were no apartments in the 5-to-20-million-dollar range,” said Tony Dowling, a local real estate agent. “Now there are some fantastic new buildings, and still a handful being constructed.” Of course, the polished Potts Point doesn’t come cheap: some studio apartments now command a healthy price of 700,000 Australian dollars.

NW TATTOO MAGAZINE INTERVIEW..

How old were you when you started to tattoo? Who was the first person you tattooed? And what was the tattoo?

I was 17 years old; I tattooed my homeboy's clique on his arm after that I tattooed everyone in his clique.

Do you paint with other media?

Yes. I airbrush on t-shirts at the shop and at some of the best fairs the Northwest has to offer. I also do murals on cars and on walls for nightclubs or businesses that need that custom image to standout from the rest.

I’ve heard you released a flash tattoo set dedicated to Seattle and the surroundings areas? Can you tell me more?

I live here in Seattle and this is where my brother and I opened our first business. I have received mad love and support, so I represent for Seattle!

From the beginning, here in Seattle and in the Northwest I have always gotten requests to do customized original Seattle designs whether for a tattoo, mural or t-shirt design. So I decided to create an original set of tattoo designs that will represent Seattle and the surrounding areas for everyone who is looking for a good Washington, Seattle or northwest tattoo design. And also for people who want to get inspired or expand on them. The flash tattoo set is for sale at our website (www.dzul.com) and at the shop for tattoo artists or anyone who is interested.

Do you paint with other media?

Yes. I airbrush on t-shirts at the shop and at some of the best fairs the Northwest has to offer. I also do murals on cars and on walls for nightclubs or businesses that need that custom image to standout from the rest.

I’ve heard you released a flash tattoo set dedicated to Seattle and the surroundings areas? Can you tell me more?

I live here in Seattle and this is where my brother and I opened our first business. I have received mad love and support, so I represent for Seattle!

From the beginning, here in Seattle and in the Northwest I have always gotten requests to do customized original Seattle designs whether for a tattoo, mural or t-shirt design. So I decided to create an original set of tattoo designs that will represent Seattle and the surrounding areas for everyone who is looking for a good Washington, Seattle or northwest tattoo design. And also for people who want to get inspired or expand on them. The flash tattoo set is for sale at our website (www.dzul.com) and at the shop for tattoo artists or anyone who is interested.

What is the inspiration for your tattoo style and designs?

Some of my inspiration for my design concepts and art style comes from my own personal experience; low-rider and hip-hop Culture, pre-Hispanic influence and the desire to create the best piece of art without any set of boundaries.

Is there anything you would like to say to the people looking into getting a tattoo?

Everyone, make sure you know what you want. The tattoo needs to means something to you because tattoos are forever. And remember if you want to get a top notch tattoo don't expect to pay nothing less than top notch for it. Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good.

Is there a waiting list to get a tattoo?

The waiting list is One week to Three weeks, but the shop is open just about every day for you to come down and tell us about your tattoo and setup the appointment.

How do you decide a price for a tattoo, what features do you consider?

Most of the tattoos I do are custom designs so I don’t charge by the hour because I don’t just trace and tattoo existing designs so I charge by the tattoo piece. There are many different factors for the price of a tattoo. Some of the things that I consider on a piece are the style, the size, where it will be. Whether it is in color or black and grey. Also if it is an existing design or something we have to create from scratch.

What do you recommend someone do, to prepare when they are coming in to get tattooed?

I recommend for them to know what they want, or at least have an idea; that way I can help them to create an original piece.

In your experience, what steps work best for healing a tattoo?

Follow the proper instructions from your artist and make sure you get tattoos from a professional established studio. We provide an aftercare brochure with suggestions for all of our clients.

If you have to describe your artistic style, what would you call it? Can you still achieve different styles of tattoos when they are requested?

It’s really hard to describe an art style. Some of things that influence my work are street lifestyle, graffiti, Chicano culture, and urban style. I specialize in black and gray but I do a lot of styles; traditional, new school, Japanese, and tribal tattoos. What I bring to Seattle is my original take on this culture that can only be put down by artists who have been shaped by that culture, no one is doing this style in Seattle, and that where my originality shines.

You are the only tattoo artist in the shop! Does it get hard on you? How many tattoos have you rattled off in 1 day?

I am the only tattoo artist at the shop. It’s never hard for me because I love what I do and the work that comes with achieving great art. I always make sure that I give enough time on each piece to create the best work. Sometimes I only do one large tattoo a day and I’ve done fifteen small pieces in one day as well.

What stands out to you about the Seattle tattoo scene?

I think the Seattle tattoo scene is very diverse, there are great artists here, and that’s what makes Seattle strong.

Interview by Cristin with Alex (Dzul's frontman for marketing/promotions)

What other things do you do in your spare time?

I provide the marketing and team direction for the Dzul team. I like to explore different art expressions applying that to my art and the way I do things.

What mediums do you use to create art?

I'm a photographer and graphic designer, so I use traditional and digital mediums. One of my favorite mediums is airbrush; I airbrush on t-shirts, cars, just about anything. Any other chance I have, I spend doing photography on tattoos, lifestyle and fashion.

Do you have any special up-coming events?

Every year we do airbrush in 12 to 15 fairs throughout the Northwest.

This summer beyond the fairs I will be doing a special exhibition of photos and art with my brother and Dzul's crew at the shop. The photos will showcase the lifestyle of some of the people who come through the shop to get their tattoos and interesting people that I run into. The exhibition will also showcase original art pieces from my brother and me.

Don't forget to check our calendar for our upcoming fair and events throughout the summer.

How about plans for the future?

One of my goals is to release a Dzul clothing line by the summertime and have a grand opening presentation with a fashion show. The clothing line is going to have Dzul’s original spin and perspective fusing art, fashion and culture, representing our generations’ lifestyles.

Lets talk more about your photography. What unique qualities come from your work? What goals do you have for your photography in the future?

My photography work focuses on tattoos, fashion, and unique lifestyles. I want to capture the images of real people with an interesting character who come to the shop to get work done or some people I meet on a regular basis and showcase them through my work.

One of my goals is to create a book documenting the tattoo lifestyle, and an artistic compilation of my photography.

If I were to walk into your store right now and want an airbrushed t-shirt, how long am I going to wait? Is it expensive? Can I bring you my own items to get airbrushed like my purse or a skateboard?

It depends on the complexity of the design, the assignment and our workload at the time of purchase. We do our best to get the work out fast. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or a few days.

We do custom airbrush; the price will depend on the design, it begins at $15 but the sky is the limit. It really depends on how intricate the design and what we have to do to get it done.

We can airbrush on various surfaces from textiles, wood, ceramics, leather, plastic, metal, and with the right approach we can airbrush on just about anything. We sell different styles and colors of plain t-shirts, tops, and sweaters for men and women but we always encourage everyone to bring their own items, whether it’s your clothes, shoes, skateboard, purse, car; anything that you would like to be airbrushed.

What other services and products does Dzul provide?

We offer custom airbrush, tattoo, piercing, urban apparel and accessories. Pay us a visit, we have so many products to choose from, you will find something unique for you.

What advice could you give to aspiring artists so they can achieve success like you have?

I see extremely talented artists who wait for things to happen and come to them, needless to say that doesn’t work most of the time. My advice to them is to expose their work for people to appreciate it, and to make moves on their own to get the right exposure to achieve success.

Visit the Dzul Website for location and other detailed information, including galleries of all their art, tattoos, airbrush etc.!!

NW TATTOO MAGAZINE INTERVIEW..

How old were you when you started to tattoo? Who was the first person you tattooed? And what was the tattoo?

I was 17 years old; I tattooed my homeboy's clique on his arm after that I tattooed everyone in his clique.

Do you paint with other media?

Yes. I airbrush on t-shirts at the shop and at some of the best fairs the Northwest has to offer. I also do murals on cars and on walls for nightclubs or businesses that need that custom image to standout from the rest.

I’ve heard you released a flash tattoo set dedicated to Seattle and the surroundings areas? Can you tell me more?

I live here in Seattle and this is where my brother and I opened our first business. I have received mad love and support, so I represent for Seattle!

From the beginning, here in Seattle and in the Northwest I have always gotten requests to do customized original Seattle designs whether for a tattoo, mural or t-shirt design. So I decided to create an original set of tattoo designs that will represent Seattle and the surrounding areas for everyone who is looking for a good Washington, Seattle or northwest tattoo design. And also for people who want to get inspired or expand on them. The flash tattoo set is for sale at our website (www.dzul.com) and at the shop for tattoo artists or anyone who is interested.

Do you paint with other media?

Yes. I airbrush on t-shirts at the shop and at some of the best fairs the Northwest has to offer. I also do murals on cars and on walls for nightclubs or businesses that need that custom image to standout from the rest.

I’ve heard you released a flash tattoo set dedicated to Seattle and the surroundings areas? Can you tell me more?

I live here in Seattle and this is where my brother and I opened our first business. I have received mad love and support, so I represent for Seattle!

From the beginning, here in Seattle and in the Northwest I have always gotten requests to do customized original Seattle designs whether for a tattoo, mural or t-shirt design. So I decided to create an original set of tattoo designs that will represent Seattle and the surrounding areas for everyone who is looking for a good Washington, Seattle or northwest tattoo design. And also for people who want to get inspired or expand on them. The flash tattoo set is for sale at our website (www.dzul.com) and at the shop for tattoo artists or anyone who is interested.

What is the inspiration for your tattoo style and designs?

Some of my inspiration for my design concepts and art style comes from my own personal experience; low-rider and hip-hop Culture, pre-Hispanic influence and the desire to create the best piece of art without any set of boundaries.

Is there anything you would like to say to the people looking into getting a tattoo?

Everyone, make sure you know what you want. The tattoo needs to means something to you because tattoos are forever. And remember if you want to get a top notch tattoo don't expect to pay nothing less than top notch for it. Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good.

Is there a waiting list to get a tattoo?

The waiting list is One week to Three weeks, but the shop is open just about every day for you to come down and tell us about your tattoo and setup the appointment.

How do you decide a price for a tattoo, what features do you consider?

Most of the tattoos I do are custom designs so I don’t charge by the hour because I don’t just trace and tattoo existing designs so I charge by the tattoo piece. There are many different factors for the price of a tattoo. Some of the things that I consider on a piece are the style, the size, where it will be. Whether it is in color or black and grey. Also if it is an existing design or something we have to create from scratch.

What do you recommend someone do, to prepare when they are coming in to get tattooed?

I recommend for them to know what they want, or at least have an idea; that way I can help them to create an original piece.

In your experience, what steps work best for healing a tattoo?

Follow the proper instructions from your artist and make sure you get tattoos from a professional established studio. We provide an aftercare brochure with suggestions for all of our clients.

If you have to describe your artistic style, what would you call it? Can you still achieve different styles of tattoos when they are requested?

It’s really hard to describe an art style. Some of things that influence my work are street lifestyle, graffiti, Chicano culture, and urban style. I specialize in black and gray but I do a lot of styles; traditional, new school, Japanese, and tribal tattoos. What I bring to Seattle is my original take on this culture that can only be put down by artists who have been shaped by that culture, no one is doing this style in Seattle, and that where my originality shines.

You are the only tattoo artist in the shop! Does it get hard on you? How many tattoos have you rattled off in 1 day?

I am the only tattoo artist at the shop. It’s never hard for me because I love what I do and the work that comes with achieving great art. I always make sure that I give enough time on each piece to create the best work. Sometimes I only do one large tattoo a day and I’ve done fifteen small pieces in one day as well.

What stands out to you about the Seattle tattoo scene?

I think the Seattle tattoo scene is very diverse, there are great artists here, and that’s what makes Seattle strong.

Interview by Cristin with Alex (Dzul's frontman for marketing/promotions)

What other things do you do in your spare time?

I provide the marketing and team direction for the Dzul team. I like to explore different art expressions applying that to my art and the way I do things.

What mediums do you use to create art?

I'm a photographer and graphic designer, so I use traditional and digital mediums. One of my favorite mediums is airbrush; I airbrush on t-shirts, cars, just about anything. Any other chance I have, I spend doing photography on tattoos, lifestyle and fashion.

Do you have any special up-coming events?

Every year we do airbrush in 12 to 15 fairs throughout the Northwest.

This summer beyond the fairs I will be doing a special exhibition of photos and art with my brother and Dzul's crew at the shop. The photos will showcase the lifestyle of some of the people who come through the shop to get their tattoos and interesting people that I run into. The exhibition will also showcase original art pieces from my brother and me.

Don't forget to check our calendar for our upcoming fair and events throughout the summer.

How about plans for the future?

One of my goals is to release a Dzul clothing line by the summertime and have a grand opening presentation with a fashion show. The clothing line is going to have Dzul’s original spin and perspective fusing art, fashion and culture, representing our generations’ lifestyles.

Lets talk more about your photography. What unique qualities come from your work? What goals do you have for your photography in the future?

My photography work focuses on tattoos, fashion, and unique lifestyles. I want to capture the images of real people with an interesting character who come to the shop to get work done or some people I meet on a regular basis and showcase them through my work.

One of my goals is to create a book documenting the tattoo lifestyle, and an artistic compilation of my photography.

If I were to walk into your store right now and want an airbrushed t-shirt, how long am I going to wait? Is it expensive? Can I bring you my own items to get airbrushed like my purse or a skateboard?

It depends on the complexity of the design, the assignment and our workload at the time of purchase. We do our best to get the work out fast. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or a few days.

We do custom airbrush; the price will depend on the design, it begins at $15 but the sky is the limit. It really depends on how intricate the design and what we have to do to get it done.

We can airbrush on various surfaces from textiles, wood, ceramics, leather, plastic, metal, and with the right approach we can airbrush on just about anything. We sell different styles and colors of plain t-shirts, tops, and sweaters for men and women but we always encourage everyone to bring their own items, whether it’s your clothes, shoes, skateboard, purse, car; anything that you would like to be airbrushed.

What other services and products does Dzul provide?

We offer custom airbrush, tattoo, piercing, urban apparel and accessories. Pay us a visit, we have so many products to choose from, you will find something unique for you.

What advice could you give to aspiring artists so they can achieve success like you have?

I see extremely talented artists who wait for things to happen and come to them, needless to say that doesn’t work most of the time. My advice to them is to expose their work for people to appreciate it, and to make moves on their own to get the right exposure to achieve success.

Visit the Dzul Website for location and other detailed information, including galleries of all their art, tattoos, airbrush etc.!!

UK Vogue: Aby Rosen

UK Vogue, GQ, Tatler, November 2009 issues

Photographed by Trujillo-Paumier


Aby Rosen, the New York City real estate mogul and contemporary art collector has just jetted in from Europe where he has been on holidays.

Standing in his art packed office in the prestigious Lever House (he owns the building) Rosen, 49, takes in the Manhattan skyline. There are many spectacular terraces in New York, but somehow standing on his, with sweeping views of Park Avenue and his landmarked Seagram office building, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Roh feels like looking out at his kingdom. New York is clearly this superstar developer’s playground.

Dressed in all black: black polo shirt, black pants and brown suede loafers, his demeanor is both New York aristocrat and billionaire casual Friday. “I don’t like to wear suits unless I have meetings.”

Rosen’s signature silver hair frames a tan, mostly seriously face that only occasionally relaxes in to a smile, on the subjects of deals, his prolific art collection, and his gorgeous psychiatrist and socialite wife, Samantha Boardman.

Yes, there is a recession of course and property has been hit hard. Some developers in this city are falling by the wayside. At Lever House, which is favoured by hedge fund and financial firms, some tenants are crying for rent reductions, but overall Rosen is feeling optimistic.

“Basically I’m very opportunistic. Whenever the market is down we take control of something. I want to do something with office buildings, hotels, retail.” Shoppers do not know where they are right now,” he adds, noting that even he stopped shopping – briefly - but is back. “I get my shopping fix from art and furniture – 20th century stuff.”

He is also shopping for existing hotels. “"We are looking to buy 10 to 12 assets to rework and rebrand them."

Rosen’s offices, his swank Upper East Side townhouse (and another townhouse he is selling for $75million that would be the most expensive Manhattan property sale) and his Hamptons estate are all showcases for art. Lever House is adorned with Warhols and Basquiats. Rosen admires a recent addition, Marc Newson’s Voronoi Shelf made of white Carrerra marble. At last count, he had more than 450 works. “I’ve always loved art. I love photography and have a huge collection of American art from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. I believe you have to have great art in buildings.”

Rosen, who was born in Frankfurt Germany in 1960, moved to New York in 1987 where he apprenticed at a real estate brokerage firm. He co-founded RFR in 1991, which now has an impressive portfolio of hotels, 21 office buildings and nine residential buildings, mostly in New York. He also has projects in Miami and Tel Aviv.

Not bad for a kid who started working for his father’s small real estate business in Frankfurt when he was 16, while he went to law school.

Rosen has many collaborations with long time friend and hotelier turned developer Ian Schrager, including 40 Bond, a swank residential building, plus the chic Gramercy Park Hotel. Rosen met Schrager in 1991. Rosen was a silent partner in the Delano hotel in Miami. Then 15 years on, they decided to work together again. They are planning two hotels in the area of the High Line on the West Side of Manhattan, bordering the Meatpacking district and Chelsea. Rosen is also working on a Shangri-La hotel project on Lexington and 53rd St, but currently everything is on hold. “No one wants to pull the rigger. I think by spring next year, it will all be a lot better.”

In Miami, he has just finished the W South Beach, a stylish 408-unit condo hotel – every room has beach views –and W’s first property in Miami that he says are selling in spite of a soft market.

His next big project is an entertainment centre in Germany, that will be a residential hotel. “We are doing lots of prototype stuff where I can take something and make it into something new, try to replicate it. Something that can be branded.” He also just opened a business hotel in Frankfurt. “But it’s cool. The city didn’t have that.”

Did Rosen ever think he’d be so successful? “I am really ballsy and very determined, he says. “Greed is the challenge. You don’t want to be carried away by ambition. You know in hindsight the projects you ought to be in, and out of.”

So what does Rosen consider crucial for beautiful residential design? “High quality.” In New York this means uptown layouts, in downtown buildings. “Layouts the way Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue used to be – high ceilings and powder rooms, beautiful bathrooms. “If the apartment ages you still want to have classic. You find great architects and designers.”

The most important room? “Every residence must have very beautiful bathrooms, spacious, marble and well designed. I take a bubble bath every day.”