When Brandfan and fan favorite Daniel Garofali breaks into 2(X)IST HQ for an interview with Creative Director Jason Scarlatti, a new plan hatches…

Words by Daniel Garofali

(I) never imagined that all those years ago, when my mom bought me my first pair of 2(X)IST Underwear,  that I would one day end up on a writing assignment to visit their New York City headquarters and report on their new venture: 2(X)IST SWIMWEAR. With summer coming up, it's an obvious choice for a feature article. Plus, I get a sneak peek at what we (or more importantly, I) will be wearing on the beach this season (Wink! Wink!). 

When I arrive, I find the security at 2(X)IST HQ is as tight (but less breathable) as a pair of "tighty whities." Upon announcing myself and proving my identity, I am given a barcoded name tag and escorted through the electronic gates and to the elevators. I've heard that more than often, ambitious fans try to crash 2(X)IST HQ for a look behind-the-scenes, hoping for, as in many a brandfan's mind, half-naked models testing out all the underwear. Though, by this experience, it is clear that their dreams are shattered well before they would have gotten anywhere near the eighth level offices.

As the elevator door opens, Jason Scarlatti, the Creative Director of 2(X)IST, greets me and gets to talking real business—namely, an exclusive on the future of the brand, his insight into one of the world's biggest Underwear (and now Swimwear) companies, and their current face and body, male model André Ziehe.  

When first asked about 2(X)IST's translation from Underwear to Swimwear, Jason says: "I’ve always felt it was right, I’ve been begging my bosses to do it for years … It is a natural evolution of the 2(X)IST brand, and we bring something to the table and to the Swimwear industry that no one is addressing: Fit."  

I subtly let Jason know that I "fit" into sample size (Wink! Wink!), and then he continues, assuring me that the features that make 2(X)IST Underwear so popular are present in the Swimwear line too.  

"We took all the same elements you find in our signature Contoured Pouch Brief, and put that as the liner to the bathing suit for better movement and comfort," he says. Thumbing through the rack of vibrant samples, I can already tell that we will definitely be seeing the many styles and colors of 2(X)IST SWIMWEAR on the beach this year (and hopefully including me). 

As my tour continues at 2(X)IST HQ, one can see it is a well-lubricated machine. There is a visible commitment to their products, customers and surprising to myself, a strong sense of team interaction and bonding. Jason values his "very talented team" and acknowledges the importance of each of his colleagues, including Editorial & Style Director Jay del Rosario, who was my portal to 2(X)IST.

 [A sidenote: Upon launching their online magazine, Jay chose me as the first "(X)-Man," featuring an interview the story of the now-infamous photograph by Kevin McDermott. It's this image that really established my presence amongst the loyal 2(X)IST community, and as Jay notes "crashed the servers" many times.]  

When I get back to chatting up team dynamic of the company, Jason becomes serious. "Nothing means more to me [and] I try and surround myself with people that I trust, and people that want to succeed and think and live positively."

 He references a point in time when things weren't always so perfect: "We once worked with a photographer and an art director that were very demeaning, treating some people on set like minions … It was so ugly and heartbreaking to me and even André noticed and took it all with a grain of salt."

 Today, Jason laughs it off: "We still joke about it to this day that now we have a 'no attitude' policy."

Like the other employees that spend every work day at the office, André has become part of that small inner circle.

 "He delivers on EVERY shoot. He makes my job easier," says Jason.

 I guess that it why 2(X)IST, for the last two years, has been faced by André. As a fellow model, it is rare to get feedback, so I used this time with Jason to find out the brand's perspective and experience of hiring models, from casting the 'right' man for the job to producing the photo shoot. Jason explains that 2(X)IST wanted to shift towards a more "health-conscious lifestyle" and "it was time to reflect that in our body image, packaging, and products." Seeking the best of the best, Jason had all the top male models come into the office, "but it was André who had the full package".

 "As soon as I saw his thighs i was sold," Jason blushes, referring to the fact that many male models lack in the leg department. "These guys look fantastic in suits, [but] when you are looking for a good Underwear model, you need a guy who has both great legs and abs." He continues: "He has the right body type comparable to a stallion with long and lean muscles and a beautiful face, but as we have gotten to know him, everything about him resembles the 2(X)IST lifestyle. He plays soccer, is a family man, and is very caring, gracious and respectful. He is the definition of a gentleman, and happens to be very funny."

 "Damn him!," Jason jokes. "I wish sometimes that he was an asshole. I think it would be easier. No one that handsome should be a good person too. He has it all."

As I wrap up the interview, I've had more than enough time to eye the pair of 2(X)IST SWIMWEAR that I covet most: the NEON Rio Swim Suit in Mediterranean Blue. Before I can confess my want for them, security enters the room. Jason thanks me for my time, while security quickly ushers me out of the showroom. The door closes, shutting out the view on my favored aqua pair of swimmers. In the elevator on the way down, I text my editor, "Now it's personal…"

 What happens to Daniel Garofali next? Watch the video to find out…

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THE ESSENTIALS: DANIEL GAROFALI IN MI:2(X)IST
Starring Daniel Garofali (www.danielgarofali.com), Directed by Jaclyn Amor, Produced by Whiskey Glass (www.whiskeyg.com)

A six pack in five easy steps? Can it be for real? With the help of a simple tool, consider this ab exercise the "wheel" deal.

(O)n the set of yet another 2(X)IST photoshoot, and there are strange sounds coming from model André Ziehe's dressing area. Ziiiiiip. Ziiiiiip. Ziiiiip. Ziiiiiiiiiiiip. Concealed by a screen, one can only imagine what's going on back there. But once André steps back out to his mark, you instantly see something is (even more) awesome about his body. His core is more taut, tighter, and packed with so many ridges you don't know whether to hate on him or finally ask what the hell he's doing between takes. The answer? It's all about the ab wheel.

An inexpensive, unassuming piece of equipment, the ab wheel pretty much looks like a simple machine you learned about in elementary science class. But this old-school gadget packs a gigantic punch, and will teach you a lesson or two about using your own body weight for effective results. Plus, it's portable, which is why André always travels with an ab wheel when flying between photoshoots.

Looking to pop an ab wheelie for your next workout? Just roll with it with these easy steps to a stronger core:

(1) Kneeling on a flat, even floor, place the ab wheel squarely in front of you. (Optional: You may want to place a folded towel on the floor for kneeling, as there will be pressure on your knees.)

(2) Grab the ab wheel with both hands, palms down. Keep your arms outstretched (but not locked) and back straight.

(3) Push the ab wheel away from you, rolling towards the point wherein your torso is almost level with the floor. (The more you practice, the further out you will roll.)

(4) Pause at this position and feel your core supporting your torso. At the next exhale, pull the abwheel back towards your knees, engaging the core.

(5) When you reach the starting position, you've done one full rep. Complete 10 to 15 repetitions, adding more reps or sets if desired.

THE ESSENTIALS: AB WHEEL
Ab wheels are readily available at big box stores, sporting goods suppliers, and online, all at under $25.

STYLE NOTES:
In the photographs above, André wears the 2(X)IST SWIM CORE Bondi Racing Suit in Black (top) and the NEON Hampton Swim Short in Black (inline text), both available at 2XIST.COM. (X)

[PHOTO CREDIT: 2(X)IST]

It’s Oktoberfest, and our resident beer expert has the cure for what “ales” ya

Words by Myron Mariano

(I)t’s finally time to put on your beer googles, especially for those who look forward to Oktoberfest, the yearly bacchanalia of all things hops. 2(X)ISTENCE beerologist Myron Mariano crawls the country in search of this special month’s magical malts, offering up right-in-your-backyard options that won’t require a passport to Germany. 

Cincinnati, Ohio
Spanning six blocks, seven stages of live music, thirty food vendors, and by estimates about eight hundred barrels of beer, the Cincinnati “Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati” celebration has more than deserved its reputation as the largest Oktoberfest-related festival in the United States. Attended by half a million guests, this Southwest Ohio event cemented its name in pop culture by having no other than Homer Simpson lead the annual Chicken Dance in 2009. [September 22 – 23; oktoberfestzinzinnati.com]

Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City brings in both kids and adults to its annual Oktoberfest. For the non-beer drinker (and perhaps those not yet of age), there’s Sunday’s Kinderfest, when homemade bratwursts, crafts, bouncy houses, and polka dance. Those that can indulge will enjoy School of Rock, and No Doubt and Dave Matthews tribute bands; or best yet, people watch during this three day festival. [September 28 – 30; oktoberfestchicago.org]

La Crosse, Wisconsin
Sample ninety-six brews from forty breweries around the country during craft beer night, or exercise your vocal chords at the Sing & Swig Karaoke contest at many taverns around the area. [September 28 – October 6; oktoberfestusa.com]

San Francisco, California
Pier 48 plays host to the Golden Gate City’s three-day festival rife with music—acts such as the Deutscher Musikverein, The Internationals, and the Chico Bavarian band take center stage—and an abundant amount of bratwurst and German beer. If you’re so inclined, don a trachten (that’s traditional Bavarian clothing) as you dance to traditional folk songs provided by the Nature Friends Schuhplattler. [September 28 – 30; oktoberfestbythebay.com]

New York, New York
Troop to 230 Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron District for enlist in this annual bacchanalia. Join the rooftop bar’s “Oktoberfest Olympics,” and test your mettle in stein relays, grain tossing, pretzel eating, and several other games while downing five types of German libations. [September 22 – October 7; 230-fifth.com]

Leavenworth, Washington
The lush selection of beers (including Holfbräu, Bitburger, Kostriker, Alpine, Ayinger, Paulaner, Weihenstephan, and Warsteiner) isn’t the only thing to look forward to. Social-media-savvy beer connoisseurs who check in, tweet, or update their status during the event stand a chance at snagging prizes. [October 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20; leavenworthoktoberfest.com]

Helen, Georgia
Now on its forty-second year—the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States—this Georgia town prides itself with its own brand of gemütlichkeit. For eight weeks, local and foreign bands perform polka and other German-style music at Helen’s own community center Festhalle. (And in case you were wondering, gemütlichkeit roughly translates to the feeling of warmth you get from a sense of camaraderie and friendship.) [September 20-October 28; helenchamber.com] 

Lake Worth, Florida
This part of Florida may celebrate Oktoberfest a little later than most, but it’s no slouch. Trade your tickets for schnitzel, Leberkäses (Bavarian meatloaf), and pints of Hofbräu. Entertainment includes line dancers, German-American and Bavarian dance groups, and an adjacent carnival outfitted with family-friendly rides and games. [October 12 – 14, and 19 –21; americangermanclub.org] (X)

The Grecian Formula for a perfect getaway? Just add 2(X)IST. Photo duo James Moritz & Doug Hill travel to Mykonos with 2(X)IST in tow, and the result is total amazement

Photography by James Mortiz & Doug HillShot on location on Mykonos Island, Greece

In the editorial above, James Moritz & Doug Hill photograph model Matteo Betteo wearing the 2(X)IST TOUCH No-Show Trunk in Chalk Blue/Deep Blue, 2(X)IST SWIM CORE Cabo Square-Cut Swim Trunk in White, 2(X)IST SWIM CORE Ibiza Swim Short in Poppy Red, 2(X)IST SWIM Core Bondi Racing Swim Suit in Peacock Blue, 2(X)IST SWIM (X)-PRINT Cabo Square-Cut Swim Trunk in Estate Blue, and 2(X)IST TOUCH No-Show Briefs in White. All styles shown available at 2(X)IST Partner Retailers and 2XIST.COM. (X)

[PHOTOGRAPHY: James Mortiz and Doug Hill for Moritz & Co. (moritzandcompany.com) | MODEL: Matteo Betteo | LOCATION: Mykonos Island, Greece]