Dylan Rieder, HUF Quality Footwear Presents ‘The Dylan’ Commercial (2014), ‘Some Are’
Dylan Rieder, HUF Quality Footwear Presents ‘The Dylan’ Commercial (2014), ‘Some Are’
As one of the most polarising pieces of footage released last year, this clip even prompted (a failed) attempt at a more ‘modest’ version and, in another case, with the soundtrack switched up for a slightly less dramatic take on the situation…
The opening backside smith grind and closing switch backside kickflip are both on near waist height obstacles and can’t be faulted. But make what you will of the close ups of Dylan’s bold, brooding brows shrouded in messy black hair, as if he’s a Bronte protagonist about to burst out with a roar of ‘Cathy come home!’ Conversely, what could be considered the most pretentious part of this video, the shot of Dylan sat on the floor with his shoes off and a naked model behind him (1:32), is actually a reference to Syd Barrett – a musical hero of his.
The choice of soundtrack was originally between Some Are and an orchestral rendition of 2nd Waltz by Elliott Smith and, while the video part may be unorthodox, perhaps it’s fitting that two men who are no stranger to bold fashion statements would collide eventually. Although, considering Bowie would walk on stage in a leotard and knee high boots, it softens the blow of Dylan cuffing his pants a little above the norm and wearing t shirts with a flamboyant neckline…