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R29 Men's

san francisco shop boys
Anthony Calisterio and Eric Powers of The Brooklyn Circus

Tell us more about The Brooklyn Circus.
Eric: "The store is small and cozy and has an amazingly comfortable leather-tufted couch sitting dead center. The shop is full of vintage decor and has old songs from Bill Withers and Miles Davis playing in the background. It almost takes you back in time."
Anthony: "It is a lifestyle shop and brand that offers a unique selection of tailored, casual clothing and accessories for men."

What do you love about your job?
Eric: "We all take on many responsibilities at the shop — including client outreach, sales, merchandising, and event promotions. The team is included in creative decisions, as well."
Anthony: "I get to meet amazing people with the same fashion sensibility. I also like the fact that the Brooklyn Circus emulates a timeless look."

How would you describe your customer in three words?
Anthony: "Diverse, mature, and stylish."

What do you think differentiates The Brooklyn Circus from other S.F. stores?
Eric: "Aesthetically, there are not many stores like it, plus we really pride ourselves on making the customer’s shopping experience personable and enjoyable."

How would you describe your personal sense of style?
Anthony: "Ivy league, utilitarian, and workwear-inspired."
Eric: "I like to mix rough and rugged with tailored and refined pieces. You can often catch me in raw denim with boots and a blazer or a Brooklyn Circus jacket."

The Brooklyn Circus, 1521 Fillmore Street (between O’Farrell and Geary streets); 415-359-1999.

Photographed by Anna-Alexia Basile
san francisco shop boys
Alex Gair of Rand + Statler

Tell us more about your job and why you love it.
"Rand + Statler is a boutique in Hayes Valley. We sell clothing, shoes, and accessories — with a focus on European brands. We have a really small and super-rad staff."

What do you think differentiates Rand + Statler from other S.F. stores?
"I think our drop-dead beautiful merchandising, our sought-after product, and cool staff make us most unique. We really focus on helping everyone who comes into the store and we all love to shop around and hang out with our customers."

What’s one in-shop item you have your eye on?
"Besides all the Gant x Michael Bastian stuff, I have my eyes on a Uniform Wares 150-series watch in rose gold and brown leather."

What other S.F. stores do you love?
"I'm a big fan of the Salvation Army on Valencia, Unionmade, and Welcome Stranger."

Rand + Statler, 425 Hayes Street (between Gough Street and Octavia Boulevard); 415-634-0881.

Photographed by Anna-Alexia Basile
san francisco shop boys
Terry King of Bastille

Tell us more about your job and why you love it.
"My job keeps me on my toes. It is fun yet challenging — with plenty of room for creative freedom. I love that everything is so hands-on and that my role really contributes to our success. Plus, I work with an amazing team!"

How would you describe your customer in three words?
"Knowledgeable, assertive, and awesome!"

How would you describe your personal sense of style?
"I would describe my personal style as ‘refined casual.’ I gravitate toward things that are driven by design and that challenge the aesthetic of menswear."

What do you think differentiates Bastille from other S.F. stores?
"The cohesive yet diverse selection of brands and products we carry. The price points really satisfy a range of consumers. Clients also have the option of shopping with us from home or through our web store, which is an amazing advantage."

Bastille, 66 Kearny Street (between Post and Geary streets); 415-951-0210.

Photographed by Anna-Alexia Basile
san francisco shop boys
Spencer Lemon of Unionmade

Tell us more about your job and why you love it.
"I focus on buying, special projects, marketing, and PR. I’m fortunate to meet and work with a wide range of inspiring and entertaining individuals."

How would you describe your personal sense of style?
"American classic — layers, patterns, and key pieces that are clean and classically tailored."

How would you describe your customer in three words?
"Thoughtful, focused, and curious."

What do you think differentiates Unionmade from other S.F. stores?
"Our assortment, merchandising, atmosphere, customer service, and product knowledge."

Unionmade, 493 Sanchez Street (at 18th Street); 415-861-3373.

Photographed by Anna-Alexia Basile
san francisco shop boys
Joseph Towery of Unionmade

Tell us more about your job and why you love it.
"Over the years I've found myself really enjoying jobs that contain a social component. And it's possible to find Unionmade filled to the brim with people and energy on a daily basis."

What’s one in-shop item you have your eye on?
"I'm a fan of the 8.15 line. I'm always eager for new pieces from it."

What other S.F. stores do you love?
"F.S.C Barber, Reliquary, Gravel and Gold, General Store, and Taylor Stitch."

How would you describe your personal sense of style?
"I think my personal choices are made with a strong sense of nostalgia and longevity. I find myself attracted to the types of looks that aren't fashion forward, but instead are the kind of clothing I've grown up with all along. For instance, I was raised running around on farms in jeans and denim jackets. I still reach for that outfit pretty regularly."

Unionmade, 493 Sanchez Street (at 18th Street); 415-861-3373.

Photographed by Anna-Alexia Basile
san francisco shop boys
Stephen Chen of MAAS & Stacks

Tell us more about your job and why you love it.
"I do everything from buying to managing to working on the floor. I love seeing how the collections we buy resonate with the customer when they finally arrive in-store."

What’s one in-shop item you have your eye on?
"These Margiela trainers in a rubberized, mustard yellow."

What other S.F. stores do you love?
"Self Edge and General Store."

What do you think differentiates MAAS & Stacks from other S.F. stores?
"I think I might be a little biased on this one, but we really strive to create an environment that feels inviting and special the moment you reach the front door. We don't compromise the design and quality of the lines we carry. We truly love our selection of brands."

MAAS & Stacks, 2128 Market Street (between Church and Sanchez streets); 415-678-5629.

Photographed by Anna-Alexia Basile
san francisco shop boys
Justin Hager of Welcome Stranger

Tell us more about your job and why you love it.
"I get to work with an awesome team of people and interact with the best customers every day. We are always bringing in new, rad stuff. It’s great to be just as stoked on new arrivals as our customers!"

What do you think differentiates Welcome Stranger from other S.F. stores?
"The neighborhood, international tourists, local artists, musicians, and our friends all help support and shape our merchandise mix. We present a unique combination of brands you can't get anywhere else in S.F."

What’s one in-shop item you have your eye on?
"Our entire Welcome Stranger fall line that arrives at the end of this month. It all looks amazing."

What other S.F. stores do you love?
"Wasteland, Green Apple Books, Amoeba Music, and NO Shop."

Welcome Stranger, 460 Gough Street (at Hayes Street); 415-864-2079.

Photographed by Anna-Alexia Basile
san francisco shop boys
Marcus Leung of Acrimony and ACRE/SF

Tell us more about your job and why you love it.
"I basically just get to be passionate toward people, which is pretty sweet. We wind up looking through a lot of stuff whenever we go shopping for the store, so when we bring something in there’s always a reason. I also can’t complain when I get to work with a small group of folks who are as excited about design as I am."

What’s one in-shop item you have your eye on?
"Definitely the General Idea patchwork military jacket — a completely crazy design that’s so perfectly wearable. And the switchback bracelet we designed with Joomi Lim."

How would you describe your customer in three words?
"Adventurous, modern, and uncompromising."

What other S.F. stores do you love?
"It’s a major temptation being down the street from Gimme Shoes. I love browsing the racks at The Archive, too. And if you go with me to Green Apple Books, be prepared for a long shopping trip."

What do you think differentiates Acrimony and ACRE/SF from other S.F. stores?
"I refuse to let people walk out of the door if they’re only ‘so-so’ about something they bought. We take a little more time when we put together our buys to make sure nothing is boring and everything challenges you to try something new. I mean, if I get bored with it, why would I expect anybody else to wear it?"

Acrimony, 333 Hayes Street (between Franklin and Gough streets), 415-861-1025. ACRE/SF, 301 Union Street (at Montgomery Street); 415-875-9590.

Photographed by Anna-Alexia Basile
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Name: TJ Allers
Age: 32
Location: New York
Job Title: Public Relations Director
Sexual Preference: Heartbeat
Social Media:
TJAllers

What do you look for in a significant other?
"Someone with a great energy and a relatable sense of humor…amongst other traits, of course, but those are key. I do like a hint of crazy too, just as long as they're nice to the waitress."

What are you favorite NYC date spots?
"Always up for an indie film at The Sunshine but as far as restaurants, somewhere low key."

What are three things a potential significant other should know about you?
"I am spontaneous, sometimes to a fault, I avoid drama, and I like to keep things simple…nothing worse than overcomplicating."



What’s your favorite thing about your job?
"Working with my team in the office. They definitely sweeten an already great job."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"Traveling. Running and biking everywhere, I have a great BMX. But more than anything I love dinner and wine with friends."

Uniqlo chinos, Levi’s denim jacket, Timo Weiland sweatshirt, Flint and Tinder T-shirt
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Name: David Yarus
Age: 26
Location: NYC
Job Title: General Manager, Mr Youth
Sexual Preference: Ladies
Social Media:
David Yarus Instagram / David Yarus Twitter

What do you look for in a significant other?
"A partner-in-crime. A best friend. Someone who's doing her thing and supports me doing mine. Someone to share and explore the world with. Someone who appreciates the beauty in everything. Is easy-going. Laid-back. And, can make any situation into a good time."



What are your favorite NYC date spots?
"If we're talking after-work drinks, I go with the Ace Hotel or the Jane. For live music, I'm all about Apotheke or Rockwood. When it's warm out, nothing beats a bottle of wine along the river."



What are three things a potential significant other should know about you?
"-I'm a hopeless romantic. Really.
-I don't play games. And, I don't like people who do!
-I keep kosher and observe shabbat. #Jewish."

What's your favorite thing about your job?
"Whew — that's tough. I love my job. Every day I feel lucky to be doing what I'm doing. Ultimately, I love people. Meeting people. Connecting people. Drawing inspiration from anyone and everyone. That's a big part of my job. It's also probably my favorite — the amount of lives we touch and people we impact every day."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"I'm a big fan of adventures. This year has taken the form of world-travel to China, Peru, and Jamaica. I love experiencing different ways of life that reality-check my values and priorities. I was also on a music kick last summer, going to as many shows and festivals as I could handle. Clown noses were involved. It's a long story."

Zara blazer, Brooks Brothers shirt, Gap tie, Uniqlo pants, Clarks shoes.
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Favorite first date outfit (for both you and the girl?)
"Jacket, tie, and whatever my favorite shirt is at that time. I keep it classy. My favorite for her is her favorite. Whatever she's comfortable in. I want her to feel like a rockstar."

What are your biggest turn-on/offs?
"I dig: Natural beauty. Elegance. Compassion. Realness.
I don't dig: Arrogance. Over-confidence. Superficiality. Materialism."

What's the biggest problem with dating in NYC?
"I'm all about quality over quantity. Living in the city, you can go on a date every night. But at the end of the day, it only takes one. The most beautiful, down-to-earth, all around awesome one. Like a needle in a haystack, in a city so big, where is she?"

What's the nicest thing you've ever done for someone?
"Four years ago I spent the summer in Israel, based out of the Petra Hostel in old city. My first night there I met the most beautiful girl, dressed in rags, who I found out was the housemaid. It didn't make sense. In America, this girl would have been on TV. Instead she washed clothes and mopped floors in return for a roof over her head. I had to know her story, but she wouldn't talk to us. My friends thought I was crazy when I stayed back one day, picked up a broom, and insisted she let me sweep the rooftop with her. Slowly but surely I learned more about her. From South Africa, her mother couldn't provide for her after her father passed away, so she moved to Brazil with her boyfriend. After two years, he started mistreating her and she flipped a coin between Israel and Japan. She asked her cab driver to take her to her to Jerusalem, and stayed at the hostel until she ran out of money. She was a modern-day indentured servant in an ancient city. After two weeks of sweeping, I convinced her to come with me to Egypt for the adventure of a lifetime. We explored the Sinai Desert, snorkeled the Red Sea, and climbed the pyramids. She wore her grandfather's patched up pajama pants with an oversized T-shirt, and she was he most beautiful girl I'd ever met. We renewed her visa, got her some warm clothes for the winter, and parted ways back at the hostel. My memory card was lost along the way, so I don't have any pictures — only memories — from our trip. I'm half convinced she was an angel."

Worst date experience?
"The worst experience I had wasn't as much a date as it was a relationship. I let myself fall for this girl who ended up being super mean. I told myself that if I was extra nice and really showed her that I cared, she'd come around. Everyone is sweet on the inside. Right? Wrong. After way too long, I learned some people are just plain mean. I'll never let anything like that happen again."

What's one lesson you've learned about love so far?
"Love, and life, is whatever you make of it. Its up to YOU to make it work. To make it exciting. To make it last. I'm shocked by how many jaded people I've met who don't believe in happily ever after. That's the only way I roll."
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Name: Nary Manivong
Age: 30
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Job Title: Fashion Designer for my brand, Nary Manivong
Sexual preference: Girls, Girls, Girls
Social Media:
NaryManivong Twitter / NaryManivong Instagram

What do you look for in a significant other?
"First and foremost, I look for someone who has a good personality – easy to get along with, good sense of humor, and a good outlook on life."

What are your favorite NYC date spots?
"There's so many more places beyond Manhattan… Brooklyn, Queens, Harlem, Coney Island, etc. Harlem has real soul food, Queens is another Chinatown, and Brooklyn has amazing art galleries. It’s fun to bring a girl to these unique places. I also live in Williamsburg, one of Brooklyn's most popular and exciting neighborhoods. You get the best view of the city from Williamsburg, great for a date!"



What are three things a potential significant others should know about you?
"I am independent, outgoing, and very adventurous. I love Ohio State and beer!"

What's your favorite thing about your job?
"I'm the boss."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"I love bike riding in the summer and having fun 'family' dinners with my closest friends. I also have a really great rooftop and love to host parties and barbeque out there in the summer."

Thrifted shirt, vintage denim jacket, Topman pants, Nike Destroyer jacket, J.D. Fisk shoes, Warby Parker sunglasses.
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Name: Brandon Kizart-Haynes
Age: 34
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Job Title: Art Director, Tribeca Film Institute
Sexual Preference: Gay
Social Media:
BJK_H

What do you look for in a significant other?
"First and most importantly, I'm looking for someone who is very close to their family in hopes that they will be just as close to mine if the relationship progresses. A person that is fairly outgoing (or gregarious) and comfortable in different social circles (no homebodies). And, lastly, I am looking for someone who enjoys conversation (talkative even) that keeps abreast of current events and pop culture and enjoys discussing it."

What are your favorite NYC date spots?
"Seersucker (my favorite place ever!), ZuZu Ramen, and Lucey's Lounge."

What are three things a potential significant other should know about you?
"1. I'll never be too busy to see you but I'm usually running late getting there, haha!
2. I'm talkative & energetic so I'm friends or friendly with a lot of people (but very close only to a few).
3. I'm pretty accommodating and flexible because I hate stalemates or roadblocks."

What's your favorite thing about your job?
"With graphic design, I can't describe it honestly other than admitting that nothing (not choosing colors, kerning, etc) is insignificant to me and seeing it done well makes me smile — I really love what I do."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"I enjoy hanging out with friends mostly, karaoke, bowling, window shopping, and walking around in general."

Ashland by Epaulet NYC shirt, Gap sleeveless hoodie, Uniqlo jacket, Friends With You pin, Once Again by Swatch watch, H&M belt, Clae shoes.
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Name: Dane Cohen
Age: 26
Location: New York
Job Title: Show Manager, THE TENTS @ PROJECT
Sexual Preference: Gay
Social Media:
DaneNY Twitter / DaneNY Instagram

What do you look for in a significant other?
"Confidence, passion, and vulnerability. Nothing sexier than a man who knows who he is, what he wants, and when he needs support."

What are you favorite NYC date spots?
"Dinner — White Hall, DuMont in Williamsburg
Drinks — Park Bar, Elsa, Hotel Delmano
Milk + Cookies Bakery! 16 Handles, and yoga dates"

What are three things a potential significant other should know about you?
"1. I’m cranky in the mornings
2. Spontaneous apartment dance parties will be mandatory
3. The way to my heart is with Chinese food and Sour Patch Kids"

What’s your favorite thing about your job?
"The people I get to work with. I’m exposed to so many great talents in the industry from emerging designers to established brands. Plus, I have the best boss who motivates and inspires me."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"I try to stay active as much as possible whether it be a yoga class, a run down the East River, or some gym time. I try to go to concerts as often as possible. And I love a good weekend getaway, a quick trip to Woodstock is ideal."

Culturata blazer, Culturata shirt, Club Monaco tie, Standard Cloth jeans, Nikw NSW sneakers.
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Name: Vikash Singh
Age: 30
Location: NYC
Job Title: Radiologist
Sexual Preference: Female
Social Media:
Billy Rubin MD / Himalayan Health Center

What do you look for in a significant other?
"Sensitive. Stylish. Sassy. Funny. Foodie. Filmie...is that a word?"

What are your favorite NYC date spots?
"The Daily, Ace Hotel, and La Quinta Inn rooftop in K-town for drinks. Motorino for pizza, Mermaid Inn for oysters & fish tacos, Joseph Leonard for class. During the summer, rowing at the Boathouse and the Met Museum rooftop. Walking the High Line with frozen yogurt in hand."

What are three things a potential significant other should know about you?
"I almost went to film school.
I run on London time whenever there's an Arsenal match.
I go to Kashmir (the Swiss Alps of India) every chance I get."

What's your favorite thing about your job?
"Sleeping during downtime."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"Watching Cinema Paradiso on repeat. Running, reading, yoga, and soccer."

J. Crew shirt, J. Crew scarf, J. Crew suit, J. Crew pocket square, J. Crew watch, Banana Republic belt, Hugo Boss shoes, Warby Parker glasses.
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Name: Courtney Paul
Age: 33
Location: New York, NY
Job Title: Group Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer exclusive to Barry's Bootcamp.
Sexual Preference: Male
Social Media:
MrCourtneyPaul Twitter / MrCourtneyPaul Instagram

What do you look for in a significant other?
"Charisma and confidence are musts. I also find an amazing sense of humor a necessity as well as a creative side. I find that being around creativity inspires me to be better."

What are you favorite NYC date spots?
"- Riafaella
- HK Restaurant
- ...anywhere where there is good food and conversation"

What are three things a potential significant other should know about you?
"- I am extremely career-driven.
- I love music and reality television.
- I enjoy a laugh, even if it’s at myself, and I love to travel."

What’s your favorite thing about your job?
"I love the camaraderie of my coworkers the most. We all work together as team that inspires and motivates one another."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"Dinners with friends. Maybe catch a movie but definitely some me time."

Alejandro Ingelmo shoes, Y-3 pants, Crooked Money T-shirt.
Name: Lorenzo Ragionieri
Age: 31
Location: Brooklyn
Job Title: Fashion Business Development, VICE
Sexual Preference: Females
Social Media:
LorenzoRagionieri

What do you look for in a significant other?
"Style. Taste."

What are you favorite NYC date spots?
"My friend Jon and his partners have a great thing going at Acme. You can have a three-star dinner upstairs and then take a girl dancing downstairs until 5 a.m. Besides that, the usual suspects: Il Buco, P.D.T., art openings at the MoMA, and a movie at Nitehawk."

What are three things a potential significant other should know about you?
"1. Sometimes, I bite my nails.
2. I’ve been rude to my mom on more than one occasion.
3. I’m fluent in Italian, French, and Spanish"

What’s your favorite thing about your job?
"The production aspects: casting, getting to travel on shoots, working with sophisticated photographers and DPs, and VICE. I believe in what we’re doing."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"Outer borough food trips, learning to surf, hip-hop shows, and foggy 4 a.m. nightclubs with my friends."

Gitman Brothers x Hillside shirt, Levis 510 pants, A.P.C. shoes.
021_035_033_Matt-Baumgartner-Melodie-Jeng-7441
Name: Matthew Baumgartner
Age: 39
Location: New York, NY
Job Title: Restauranteur; Fashion Designer
Sexual Preference: Gay
Social Media:
BurritoBoy Twitter / BurritoBoy Instagram

What do you look for in a significant other?
"Someone who is funny, confident, in shape, and likes to eat and drink."

What are you favorite NYC date spots?
"The Four Faced Liar for a Guinness, and then to The Minetta Tavern for a steak and a martini."

What are three things a potential significant other should know about you?
"1. I get very claustrophobic on airplanes.
2. I am happier in the country than I am in the city.
3. I want kids. Well-behaved ones."

What’s your favorite thing about your job?
"I have a non-stop supply of clothing, burritos, and beer. And I never have to set my alarm."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"Exercising, riding my motorcycle, and spending time at my cabin in upstate New York."

Frye boots, Diesel jeans, Shipley & Halmos shirt, OAK jacket.
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Favorite first date outfit (for both you and the girl)?
"I find there is nothing sexier than a beautiful one-piece summer dress that completely hugs her body as well as I would if given the opportunity...
Weather dependent: flip-flops, well-fitted T-shirt, and some sleek shorts."

What are your biggest turn-on/offs?
"Confidence is a huge turn-on...Nothing turns me off quicker than a girly girl who can't hold her own. Fitness is huge for me— I'm not saying she has to be an Olympian but I do find myself drawn to those who treat their bodies like a temple — I find it can be a good indication for how she may treat you! If it's tight .... it's alright...haha."

Whats the biggest problem with dating in NYC?
"Meeting someone who isn't looking for the next hottest thing over their shoulder every five minutes...and dating six other people that week."

What's the nicest thing you've ever done for someone?
"Once on a layover back from Scandinavia I was held up at the Reykjavik airport in Iceland. If you haven't been there before, there isn't much — and I had a connecting flight back through Canada, then to NYC. It was the itinerary from hell. A father who had flown in with me on my flight from Copenhagen had only purchased a single ticket and hoped get on standby to make it back to Toronto for his son's birthday that night, which apparently (after the multiple drinks we shared during the layover) was a very important event for him to prove to his wife that he could be part of the family model.

When it came time to board and there were no seats available and the next flight wasn't until the next day, I figured fack it....gave up my seat... booked the next day's flight with the attendant at the desk, who. by the way, (thank you Iceland Air), was amazing. I got a first-class seat out of it. He made it home... I made it a day later...with a fond memory of some gorgeus Icelandic culture."

Worst date experience?
"So, one sunny late October afternoon this beautiful 24-year-old girl who happened to be from Toronto sits down beside me while I was relaxing in Bryant Park. Without hesitation, I perk up and started conversing!! She tells me she's on the rebound from her ex here in NYC... (not the greatest way to start off, but I thought: Everyone goes through that one time or another — what's the worst that could happen.) One thing lead to another and we had a sushi date that night. Who would have thought that a budding architect could be so enthralling.

Of course, since date one went extremely well and I was getting good strong positive vibes from 'this girl,' we set up another date for the end of the week. Being that it was a Friday night I figured I'd take her to my favorite bar in the city, Warren 77. The Rangers game is on and the bar's getting slightly rowdy, but thats perfect because I was real keen on seeing how this girl could handle herself within that type of boisterous environment.

As the hours pass by so do the shots and rounds to chase... Nearing the end of the Third I start to notice that she isn't looking so great. We're of course sitting together in a booth and to my dismay she's beginning to tear up, so I'm immediately trying to figure out where the night turned for her — clearly she's not the greatest when it comes to holding her alcohol.

The next thing I know, she's spilling her guts saying she's still F-ing engaged and thinks she's pregnant and didn't want to turn the date down because she doesn't think shes ready to commit yet!! In my mind...I call BULLSHIT. Then, I'm thinking: What rock did you crawl out from where you don't know you cannot drink if you're pregnant. Of course with little delay I'm getting the check, making sure she's following me out to put her into a cab so I can enjoy the rest of my night. But, just before she gets in the cab of course she gives me one last treat and pukes all over my shoes. To this day I wonder if it all actually happened!"

Whats one lesson you've learned about love so far?
"Love cannot be bought, forced, earned, or faked — and, you never expect it."
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Name: Geoff Bartakovics
Age: 36
Job Title: CEO, TastingTable.com
Sexual Preference: Gay
Social Media:
GeoffBart

What do you look for in a significant other?
"Easy going, low-maintenance, and has good taste in music — or taste so bad it's good."

What are your favorite NYC date spots?
"Randolph Beer for the random brews or Pegu Club for the stiff cocktails and morose lighting."

What are three things that a potential significant other should know about you?
"1) The bark is louder than the bite.
2) I eat eight scrambled eggs with ketchup for breakfast every morning.
3) Let's just call it 'hanging out.'"

What's your favorite thing about your job?
"There's nowhere to hide from failures and successes: If it's working, I'm doing the right things. If it's not working, I'm probably not working hard enough."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"I try to be as no-agenda as possible about my free time. Whatever friends are up to or game for, I'm in."

Comme des Garçons jacket, Acne T-shirt, Saturdays Surf NYC pants, Cole Haan shoes, Freeman's Sporting Club pocket square.
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Favorite first date outfit (for both you and the guy)?
"I try to avoid wearing anything that could be called an 'outfit.' I like clothes that are interesting enough to signal that I think visuals matter but not so fashion-y that it looks like you're trying."

What are your biggest turn-ons/offs?
"Offs: The bitter scent of desperation. Being cheap with friends. A flaccid handshake.

On: Affable confidence. Solid frame. News junkie."

What's the biggest problem with dating in NYC?
"Generally universal career distraction. Or just distraction in general: Too many obligations, too many options, too much choice about where to be and with whom."

What's the nicest thing you've ever done for someone?
"I wouldn't have been doing it for the right reason if I bragged to you about it, right?"

Worst date experience?
"Recently went on a blind beer date with a dude who said he was 25. It was pretty clear that he'd used his older brother's pics in his profile. It got extra awkward when the bartender carded him; he was actually 19. When I laughed in horror and told him that we needed to peace-out, he blurted out, 'I just can't help being into older men!' Older men. That's the day I accepted I'm now middle-aged."

What's one lesson you've learned about love so far?
"Remember the lesson from that 'Schrodinger's cat' theory you learned in high school physics: 'Trying to observe or measure the experiment affects the outcome.' So, be careful about thinking or talking too much about the state of mind that love is once you've found it. Observation or measurement may affect the outcome."

027_023_017_Alejandro-Ingelmo-Melodie-Jeng-6022
Name: Alejandro Ingelmo
Job Title: Owner/Designer of Alejandro Ingelmo
Social Media:
AlejandroIngelmo

What do you look for in a significant other?
"Confidence, independence, a sense of adventure, and compassion."

What are your favorite NYC date spots?
"Mogador in the East Village."

What are three things a potential significant other should know about you?
"I'm shy, independent, and a little stubborn."

What's your favorite thing about your job?
"Being able to be creative everyday."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"Crossfit, snowboarding, traveling, and listening to music."


Acne jeans, American Apparel T-shirt, Alejandro Ingelmo Bedford hightops, YSL bracelet.
029_027_027_Elliott-David-Melodie-Jeng-6157
Name: Elliott David
Age: 30
Job Title: Writer/Editor/Artist

What do you look for in a significant other?
"A woman who’s articulate, supportive, curious, driven, and confident. And maybe just slightly demented."

What are three things a potential significant other should know about you?
"1. I talk a lot. You will occasionally want me to shut the fuck up.
2. Time spent alone is important to me.
3. 'Everything in cycles' is a personal philosophy, so I love patterns and routines, but they’re constantly changing — periods of strict structure and periods of anarchy and randomness. That’s probably pretty annoying. But not as annoying as the endless fountain of garbage that comes out of my mouth."

What's your favorite thing about your job?
"The early, priority, and free access to the best art and culture the city (and, really, the world) has to offer. Music, films, books, performances: I'm asked to experience all the things that inspire me, which is incredible and invaluable and quite possibly the only reason I keep doing what I’m doing."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"Read and learn — I’m addicted to the sensation of learning. Make bad art and attempt to play the guitar. Walk around the city listening to music or podcasts or books on tape. Deep conversations with intelligent friends (but I hate 'chatting'). I love to cook. I make breakfast every morning and usually dinner as well. I lift weights religiously and on-and-off train Muay Thai. I geek out big time on any way to hack the body and the brain."

Rick Owens jean jacket, Comme des Garçons jacket, Ralph Lauren pants, American Apparel shirt, Margiela boots.
031_037_035_Jordan-Weller-Melodie-Jeng-6640
Name: Jordan Weller
Location: Manhattan
Job Title: Actor/Model
Sexual Preference: Straight
Social Media:
Jordan_Weller

What do you look for in a significant other?
"Honesty, sense of humor, sense of adventure, desire to travel, and to never stop learning."

What are you favorite NYC date spots?
"1. Greenwich Village
2. Café Mogador (East Village)
3. West Village
4. Five Leaves Restaurant (Greenpoint, Brooklyn)"

What are three things a potential significant other should know about you?
"1. I dream big.
2. I believe, truly, that anything is possible.
3. I like to be outside my comfort zone."

What’s your favorite thing about your job?
"Every day is different."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"Family, friends, try new restaurants, watch films, and/or plays."

Diesel jacket, Zara dress shirt, Zara jeans, Kenneth Cole belt, Macy’s BAR III shoes
035_033_029_Robert-McMillen-Melodie-Jeng-7128
Name: Rob
Age: 33
Location: Brooklyn
Job Title: Barber at Blind Barber
Sexual Preference: Females
Social Media:
RDotSet Twitter / RDotSet Instagram

What do you look for in a significant other?
"MONEY! Just kidding. Someone who can laugh and dance super good."

What are you favorite NYC date spots?
"- Henry Public (Cobble Hill, Brooklyn)
- Capri Social Club (Greenpoint, Brooklyn)
- The Commodore (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
- Kumi Inn (Lower East Side, NYC)
- Zaragoza (East Village, NYC)"

What are three things a potential significant other should know about you?
"- I don’t take myself too seriously.
- I value my Ohio roots.
- I sometimes fart."

What’s your favorite thing about your job?
"The chance to be a member and build a community in New York City. I love interacting with numerous individuals in the shop and I’m fortunate to learn a great deal from each client."

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
"I love to explore the city as well as the Northeast. Living in New York provides a great opportunity to explore, especially when you can escape for a weekend."

Military Watch Cap, vintage flannel, American Apparel henley, A.P.C. New Standard jeans, leather Converse Chuck Taylors, MWC Vietnam Issue watch, Milk Bar bracelet, In God We Trust cuff.
douglas-friedman
Douglas Friedman, photographer

What kind of facial hair do you have right now, and how long have you had it?
"I keep a mustache and have kept it since 1998, so almost 15 years."

What do you love about facial hair?
"I'm not sure that I feel 'love' for facial hair, but it's something that I can't imagine not having — I have become so used to it, I'm not sure I would recognize my face without it."

What made you decide to grow yours?
"I had just come off a six-week trek in the Himalayas and I looked mighty rough. When I finally got near a hot bath and a razor at a spa in Bangkok, I asked the barber to leave in the mustache. I figured I would shave it off the next day, but it's never been shaved off."

What are the challenges of having facial hair? What are some of the perks?
"It's just a mustache, so it doesn't pose too many challenges. Perhaps keeping food off of it. And there are so many perks...most of which are inappropriate to print."

What's your least favorite thing about facial hair?
"Facial hair is a personal matter, but it becomes a problem when people don't know when they have too much or when they don't know that they don't have enough. But, my least favorite thing about facial hair is a goatee. Period!"

What are the grooming essentials you need to keep your facial hair looking fly?
"This mustache is low-maintenance. I give it the occasional trim with a pair of scissors — snip-snip and it's done. I figure the moisturizer I use — Dr. Brandt Pores No More Moisture —  is great for my skin and facial hair."

Any advice for someone looking to grow out their facial hair?
"Not everyone looks good with facial hair — it's the luck of the draw. I look terrible with a beard, so I know not to grow one. I suggest growing it all out and experimenting. You will figure out fairly quickly what works ('You look like a '70s porn star') and what doesn't work ('What's that on your face?').

Photo: Courtesy of Douglas Friedman