Our Cool Blog

What Made Austin (TX) Cool?

Posted by Bob Namar on

In the heart of Texas, Austin emerged as a vibrant haven of culture and creativity during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, earning its reputation as a nexus for music and nightlife. This period saw the city transform into a mecca for musicians and artists, driven by a unique blend of southern charm and a rebellious spirit. The 1970s laid the foundation with the legendary Armadillo World Headquarters, an epicenter for a diverse range of music, from Willie Nelson's country tunes to the psychedelic rock of the 13th Floor Elevators. As the 1980s unfolded, Austin's music scene diversified further. Clubs like...

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The Cool Factor of Retro and Vintage Tee Shirt Designs

Posted by Bob Namar on

When it comes to fashion, there is an undeniable charm in embracing the past. This is particularly true when it comes to wearing tee shirts with retro or vintage designs. The allure of vintage designs on tees is undeniable, and they have become a staple in contemporary fashion. In short, wearing tee shirts with retro or vintage designs is considered "cool"; but what exactly is at the heart of the appeal of these designs? Obviously, the most compelling aspect of retro and vintage tee shirts is their ability to evoke nostalgia. They transport us to a different time, conjuring up memories of bygone...

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The Allure of Vintage-Inspired Tees

Posted by Bob Namar on

Retro Vintage Fashion Delivers Timeless Elegance and Fun For any vintage clothing enthusiast, the past is a treasure chest of timeless fashion with the allure of history woven into every thread.  The magic of a bygone era is encapsulated in each graphic tee. Searching for the perfect vintage piece can be an entertaining adventure.Around Austin, there are countless choices to find that throwback tee or other vintage apparel.Some of the best and most noteworthy can be found at: Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds – a famous and very popular attraction. Especially appropriate for quirky items and costumes. https://www.lucyindisguise.com/Room Service Vintage...

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Meet the Designer: Zephyr G.

Posted by Bob Namar on

Zephyr Gonzalez is not merely a graphic designer; he's an alchemist of pixels and imagination, a modern-day sorcerer who conjures breathtaking visual experiences from the mundane canvas of digital screens. Born and raised in the heart of the Lone Star State, Zephyr's journey to becoming an enigmatic creative force is as captivating as the designs he weaves. The Genesis of an Iconoclast Zephyr's story is one of unexpected divergence from tradition. Born into a family of ranchers in a remote corner of Texas, he was destined to follow in the footsteps of generations tending to cattle under the vast Texan...

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Vintage Gas for NASA and Austin

Posted by Bob Namar on

What does Austin have to do with the Space Race? Well, in the fictional alternate history Apple TV series For All Mankind, Wayne Cobb, the husband of the first female astronaut is a graphic artist that lives a Bohemian lifestyle, even introducing cannabis to other astronauts. Andt hanging prominently in his apartment, visible in multiple episodes, is a poster for the Vulcan Gas Company (see images of the posters by Gilbert Shelton, a pioneer of the underground comix movement). Gilbert Shelton's posters attracted Austin's local counter-culture to the rock music venue Vulcan Gas Company in the 1960s. Set decorator Dianna Freas spoke about...

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