Checkout the trailer for our new film East Meets West: Syndicate Barber Shop, South Korea and Japan. We had a blast meeting these amazing international barbers . These fine Gents are also on the cover the Traditional Barber Journal vol. I, issue II.
Thank you Tim and Chris, owners of Syndicate Barber Shop in Long Beach, CA for once again opening your house to us.
Stay tuned for the full film.
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Our good friend Toshiyuki Abe from Kawasaki, Japan is building a legacy that challenges me to rethink my daily actions and their long term consequences. A little background on the Abe family, Toshiyuki is a first generation barber and his sons are second generation barbers (pictured right and bottom left)!
The importance of passing on family values and the ancient profession of barbering has been successful. People have been doing that for thousands of years and to see a prime example of that is admirable.
For generations barbers have passed on their profession without social media, “barber battles”, trophies, world-wide tours, or a “world-famous” title because there is a seriousness about life and the profession that has outlasted all fads. The lifestyle and work ethic supersedes the popular culture that reduces it to a “game” or “hustle”.
As men we must think about our actions and the legacy we are creating because no one will live forever but our legacy will. Social media “likes” and viral postings will only last but a moment but the memory of who and what you are is timeless.
Building a legacy will take time and effort but the end result is well worth it. If not now, when?
Gents,
Our good friend Jimmy from Shiner Gold Pomade sent us a special edition collaboration
can with Gonzo Original Supply from Malaysia. This can is highly sought after because Jimmy not only changed the graphics but also added a few special ingredients to an already fantastic pomade.
To compliment the new graphics the tin is gold! The fragrance has also been changed for this collaboration with the sweet smell of ginger and blood orange.
Snatch up a few cans while they last. Awesome collaboration Jimmy and Gonzo!
Mr. M
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2016 Gentlemen's Avenue The pomade world is as diverse as the products but what separates the men from the 
boys is reputation and product quality. One of the best examples of these traits is Jimmy Allen the creator and founder of Shiner Gold Pomade from Phoenix, Arizona.
We were fortunate to interview Jimmy at Syndicate Barber Shop in Long Beach, CA who graciously opened their doors to us. Great guys in a great shop.
Enjoy the first episode of Pomade Profiles. If you would like to be featured in a future episode please email us [email protected]
Music by The Delta Bombers, “Wolf” https://www.thedeltabombers.com/
https://www.instagram.com/syndicatebarbershop/
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Looking at old barber photographs is fascinating because you get to view moments in time that will
never be repeated in the ancient profession of barbering. Or does history repeat itself?
I enjoy writing and filming anything manly and barbering is a bastion for scoundrels and gentlemen alike. Whether the barber is 20 years old straight out of barber college or the 25 year veteran both have a tradition that stretches back several millennia.
Barbering can be best viewed as a continuum because the profession remains unbroken. So when I learned about an 89 and 75 year young barbers that work in some really cool shops my interest was peaked. Immediately the spark was ignited and I knew we should capture their lives in barbering on film to preserve this great profession.
Moreover, while filming I realized that these fine gentlemen have not only been shop owners but also fathers, husbands that have experienced success, war, addiction, loss, the Great Barber Decline, 
failure, revival, and life in barbering.
From their own words you will hear their unique and eventful stories that shaped them into the men they are today and their scared profession of barbering that gives them purpose every single day and keeps them young.
You will never view barbering the same again. Watch the trailer here.
Presented by GentlemensAvenue.com, Donnie Hawley, & Layrite
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Being a modern renaissance man not only requires a great haircut but also grooming products to create the desired style. In the first article we discussed the manly institution known as barber shops and the next 
logical topic is grooming products. A few questions must be asked and answered to provide greater clarity on the multi-billion dollar industry. Yes, I said multi-billion.
The first myth or misconception is that all grooming products are the same and we declare that they are not. The working definition of “grooming products” for the focus of this article is, any and all products that are applied to men’s hair for styling purposes. The word hair is referring to facial hair also. The following distinctions can be applied to grooming products in general (minus the super rare exotic product).
One major point of contention in the men’s grooming world is oil vs water based debate. There is folklore about oil based products that it will cause baldness due to the “reason” that it will clog your hair follicles and essentially kill it. Likewise, water based products with all the “chemicals” are also believed by some to cause baldness.
As far as we know there is no scientific basis for either of these claims but they are founded upon isolated and anecdotal data. For instance, someone may claim “my friend used product X and now he is bald therefore product X caused the baldness”. DISCLAIMER: IF you are using any grooming product and experience any unusual hair loss or irritation we recommend you stop using it and contact a doctor.
The organic/vegan/all-natural product category creates a whole new set of 
concerns. Instead of worrying about chemical damage and hair loss the issues have to do with performance. Many companies use essential oils and are parfum free so the fragrances are mint, pine or other strong natural aromas. These products will not hold your hair in place like “gel” or most water based pomades.
The chosen grooming product speaks about style and we are not necessarily referring to grooming. Men can be diehard and ardent about their grooming products regardless of other offerings. Some men choose their grooming products based upon the reputation of the 
founders and they feel an association with them or possibly have met them. Coupled with the acceptable performance they will use the product the rest of their lives. The association with the companies that were first in the marketplace have a solid hold on the market.
Without a doubt as men continue to pay for a quality cut there will be a need for grooming products. Choosing them and finding what works best may be trial and error and you should speak with your barber about what he recommends. Being a modern renaissance man will require quality grooming products to achieve the desired style that compliment a great cut. Do not be fooled and believe that products create the hair style because your hair cut is the foundation.
Mr. M
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The modern renaissance man is multi-faceted and contains many key components that will be written about in subsequent articles. The first subject we will breach is men and barber shops.
If you really think about it mankind has needed to address grooming issues since the beginning of time. Whether it is shaving or getting a haircut men need to differentiate themselves from women. Grooming is interlocked with identity and self-expression.
While cultures may set the trends it is the barber that makes the grooming style possible. Not only is the barber shop a place were grooming needs are met but it is also a manly social club conducive to all things manly.
The barber and shop is a place of reverence and trust because men are transformed from a scroungy appearance to something they can take pride in. The fresh low taper or high 
and tight can give an extra boost of confidence.
The barber shop has always been a place were fish tales can be spun and lives can be shared. Until this point in history there wasn’t a threat of a Tweet or “post” going out that eluded to what was said. There should be no room for gossip or rumor mongers in a barber shop. The security and confidentiality of clients is paramount.
A barber’s job is not only to produce the best haircut possible but also be the best sounding board and interpreter of style. Although barbers may have “trophies” there is no perfect cut. I do not want the “fastest fade or taper” but instead prefer the best one possible.
The modern renaissance man must understand and appreciate the vital institution of the local barber shop. Not only is it a historical institution but also a manly tradition that must continue. After all, where else will you get a haircut? A salon?
Mr. M
Editor/Founder
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The folks at Layrite sent us a few jars of their new Cement pomade. We are giving away 3 cans, 1 per winner. Contest ends May 31, 2015 9:00 pm PST. Multiple entries are accepted. You only have to do one thing!
To Enter:
1. Share/Repost on Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and tag @Gentlemens_Ave @Gentlemens.Avenue #OfficialLayrite
Winners will be announced on social media June 1, 2015.
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Recently Donnie Hawley traveled to Brazil for Fashion Week and to launch Layrite. Not 
only did he take his cowboy boots, luggage, product, promo materials but also The Avenue Men’s Magazine and not just one copy but a boat load (pictured right)! I began to wonder how a barber from Southern California could travel around the world and impact several industries and inspiring others along the way.
In a day and age where social media dominates and validates “popularity” it almost seems impossible to build a world-wide business the old-fashion way, one interaction at time. Keep in mind, when Donnie started there was no Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or any other social media. No one was able to “share” “like” or “tweet” about him but his name is known worldwide for a style of barbering that 
revolutionized the world of traditional barbering. Yes, other tattooed barbers existed but none would achieve the level of success and notoriety of Donnie.
Donnie’s travels began in 2004 and have taken him and his barbering tradition to Spain, Germany, Japan (pictured below with Mid-Century Barber Shop), Ireland, UK, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Holland to name a few. People the world over have welcomed him and the traditional barber style that is distinctly Hawlewoods.
Before barbering became popular, there was Donnie Hawley. Before there were more pomades than you can shake a stick to, there was Layrite. It may be hard to believe that barbers didn’t always have tattoos and not every shop looked like a 1940’s time capsule 
but barber history does in fact reflect that truth.
From all the interaction I have had with barbers and men from around the world it is obvious that men’s style and barbering has benefited tremendously from Donnie and Layrite. Every relationship was built the old-fashion way, one handshake and visit at a time.
Mr. M
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We received a jar of pomade from the folks at Manshine Pomade and have been 
pleasantly surprised with the ingredients and fragrance. First of all, you need to understand that this pomade is 100% natural with outstanding ingredients. This stuff is “mixed and made in Berkeley, CA” and contains coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax to name a few.The pomade is water-based.
With the rise in natural products that promote hair health Manshine Pomade is a great alternative. The fragrance is pleasant with coconut and cucumber but the rosemary definitely cuts through.
Checkout out their website for more information:
www.man-shine.com
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