God bless Mexico...

I gotta say... from what I saw of the Trafalgar Square attempt on the world record, London ain't got nothin on the D.F.

Trying to avoid work?

Via: Today's Big Thing

Band of Outsiders x Sperry

They said it couldn't be done... never did I think I would be able to set aside my rebellious spirit against southern frat-boys and think to myself: wow, those Sperry Topsiders are hot... but Band of Outsiders has accomplished the unthinkable.

Though I will not lower myself to use the French term for the "trick of the eye" being utilized on these bad boys... it is a pretty cool effect.

My hats are off to you: I nearly used French AND I actually like a pair of Sperry's.

Le Sigh, nothing is sacred.

Via: High Snobiety

The Reset II

I headed over to the 1948 store over in Shoreditch to check out "the Reset II". The first event was a real hit (and definitely benefitted from the fact that the black/pink yeezys were dropping on the same day!) and the second was back with a few more London streetwear brands.

All in all it was a good show. Most of the crews brought more of the same. Cassette Playa was there (sans Carrie and the crew) with a lot of stuff from last season.

Second Son had some fresh new pieces including this number down here:


It definitely looked dope in person (with some nice suede elbow pads)...

There was some nice ladies stuff as well and Trapstar brought it as usual.

I definitely have got to say though, the award for "best in show" (in my mind) has to go to the folks over at Dope Chef. In addition to a great couple of Michael Jackson tribute pieces, the jacket (below) was the most impressive piece I saw at the show and the guys who run it are seriously good guys. The jacket was released yesterday at The Reset II and should be available on their site soon. These will be limited in number and are sure to go fast: nice denim with screen printed details and lined with an ultra soft flannel pattern (can be reversed if ya like). Keep your eyes peeled on their website for details!

Back from The Dead!

Hey Y'all...

I just wanted to apologize for being off the charts (again)! It has been a bit of a wild one trying to submit my dissertation, celebrate that a little bit, look for a job/source of income and get some other things sorted. It didn't help that my computer has been out of order the last few days either-- anyways. I'm back!

While We're on the Legos tip...

Great stop-motion animation! Some seriously heady stuff.

According to the original poster of the video on YouTube this took 1500 hours of Lego building and filming. Someone's got even more free-time than your average PhD student in London...

Via: Gizmodo

Not Sure Whether to Laugh or Cry...

Via: Today's Big Thing

Eddie Izzard Death Star Canteen

Glad that this is the sort of thing that people watch and think of me... haha good lucking out Nick.

Via: Espearingtu Santo

If it Ain't Broke Don't Fix It...

Image Via: MySpace

New Drake joint... same style, still working. Canada's finest (potentially only) up and comer in the hip-hop game drops a new hit that feels like the same old Drake. Me likey.

To have a listen/download pop over to Kanye's Website to pick up "Killers" (Feat. Nipsey Hussle).

Via: Kanye

Amanda Vissell x KidRobot (Dunny)

My feelings on KidRobot and other collectibles are really quite mixed because for every gem (like the above) you usually end up with 100s of uninspired (at times even boring) toys. The idea is pretty cool-- it helps get kids interested in art, artists and in art projects... but for the pricetag I pity the parent whose kid goes on a wild goose chase with odds slimmer than finding a Ken Griffey Jr. Topps Rookie Card in an old box (and hey, at least you got some stale gum while trying to find that!).

However, this piece by Amanda Vissell would almost make it worth buying an entire box of Dunny Series 9 toys just on the off chance that you'd get one. The bad news? This is an 8" Dunny and was limited to 1500 worldwide (at $75). The worse news: they are seemingly sold out. Apologies on my end for sleeping/teasing with a sold-out product... but kudos to Ms. Vissell on a great Colabo!

The saving grace? Vissell has a Dunny in the 6th Series (releasing September 10th) with odds of finding this piece at 5/50 (better than a Griffey card at least!)

Happy hunting!

Via: High Snobiety

McQueen x Joyce

We can't all rock Alexander McQueen's awesome women's clothing (his menswear is far less inspired), but we can now at least rep McQueen.

Skull USB stick (2GB) dropping today at Joyce, Hong Kong.

I don't speak Japanese... but if my interpretation of the following is correct this little item can be yours for a cool $10,000.

Via: Weekly Drop

More Fresh Tracks from Donnis

10 Deep is helping Donnis launch his new mixtape (complete with a lot of production from J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League)... available for free here

Via: Get Right

Dope Decks

Space Tek's Rodriguez Decks... $3-4,000

Via: kanye

Sorry I've been Sleeping...

I just wanted to apologize quickly for not posting these last few days. I've been real busy trying to finish up my dissertation (which I hope to submit on Thursday of this week).

First run of tees is set to print on September 8th! There are still a few left (nearly sold out during pre-orders). Get at me if you'd like one.

Why KG, Why?

Kevin Garnett, Adidas Basketball and Chelsea football club have teamed up to release this Chelsea/KG inspired gear. KG used to rank among one of my favorite players of all time-- this is going to have to force me to rethink things a bit. No disrespect to Chelsea (they're a real solid team and have a good shot at taking the premiership)... just can't stand their style of play and after a trip over to Stamford Bridge last season I can honestly say I've never attended a more boring football match.

Anyways, personal disinterest in Chelsea aside... enjoy the release and let me know what you think. A good colabo? I personally am failing to see the connection, but perhaps KG is a big Chelsea fan...

Via: Hype Beast

Great Opportunity for London Based Social Enterprise

While the term "social enterprise" is ill defined at present, it basically has to do with putting people first. Companies that reinvest in their local (or global communities) in some sort of visible/tangible way could all be considered social enterprises (until some sort of regulation arises out of people taking advantage for marketing purposes).

Anywho, for those in search of funding in the London area for a social enterprise, definitely have a look at Good Deals sponsored by Social Enterprise Magazine.

Essentially, this is an opportunity to come to a room full of people (250 to be exact) and present your business idea. Half of the room will be other entrepreneurs and the other half will be investors interested in Social Enterprise. This "social investment conference" will be October 29 at the British Library (London), but you should act quickly to try to gain access so that you can make a pitch to the conference!

Good luck and hope to see some of you there.

The Hundreds Sunglasses

I know summer is wearing thin but I thought I'd share with you... if people are gonna keep dropping summer eyewear (that's nice) I'll keep posting.

Via: Weekly Drop

Crooks & Castles x L.A. Dodgers x Matt Kemp

To all of you out in L.A. tonight is Matt Kemp bobblehead night at Dodger stadium. Kemp will be at the Crooks release of the colabo on August 22 at 6pm at the Crooks and Castles L.A. store. The Colaboration looks pretty dope (and I'm not even a Dodgers fan).

Definitely give them a shout (via the number listed on the above image) and pop in, if you're in the L.A. area.

Via: Crooks and Castles/Twitter

New A.P.C. Store...

Has just opened across the street from Dover Street Market over in Mayfair.

Check it out when you have a chance!

Via: High Snobiety

More Dope Women's Streetwear (Liberty x SUPER)

I promised I would try to keep you updated for the women's releases as well. Please enjoy these shades that simultaneously say: I am hood rich, and I'm beautiful.

Available at Liberty('s) of London over on Carnaby Street.

Via: High Snobiety

80s Jams a la Ragtime

Pretty Dope.

Via: Today's Big Thing

Kids Got Skilzzz

Nicely done youngin'.

Via: Today's Big Thing

Mighty Boosh Featured on Cool Hunting

Though the American audience has been a bit slow to catch on to the hilarity that is the Mighty Boosh (Noel Fielding and Julian Barrett)... it's nice to see the duo getting their due now. The DVDs are finally available in the states and also for download on Itunes (which means no more bootlegging in three sections via Youtube or setting up the DVR to tape BBC America at 3 A.M.) .

While the Boosh made its way into many living rooms, offices and facebook profiles a couple of years ago without the audience knowing with the following clip:


For full Cool Hunting Article click here. Word around London (and the wonderweb) is that the Boosh duo are working on an unnamed Boosh project as well as some of their own things. Noel even hosted a music festival over at Vibe Bar on Brick Lane last weekend, so no doubt they're keeping busy.

And some of you may have even seen a certain blog contributor dressed as Old Gregg for Halloween in 2007! Enjoy and big up Noel and Julian!

Huf Drops Another Nice Colabo

Huf has teamed up with Spitfire and with Thunder for this new wheelset (53mm) and pair of trucks featuring the "Partypus". Available now at the Huf San Francisco and Los Angeles locations.

As an aside... Budeweiser (or "Hufweiser" in this particular case) has done well in the realm of streetwear this year between the Supreme Budweiser line and now this. Gotta love that advertising, sign me up for their marketing team!

Via: Huf

New YMC Canvas Lows

New colorway from YMC that comes with elastic laces. Available now via: End.

Also, a new YMC shop just opened on Poland St. in Soho... definitely check it out when you get a chance.

Via: Hype Beast

Bape x G-Shock

While Bape has become known for their own watches (the Bapex collection) modeled after Nigo's love for watches (particularly Rolex's) this fall sees them team up with heavy-hitter G-Shock for this nice looking/simple piece.

The Bape x G-Shock will be available from Bape stores on August 23rd.

Via: High Snobiety

New Fire from The Hood Internet

While The Hood Internet has slowed down a bit with the frequency of their releases (more than likely a result of a heavier tour schedule this past summer) their most recent release (Daft Punk vs. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince-Summer Circuit) is a perfect example of the fact that they are still one of the most prolific mash-up artists of our time and they still haven't run out of fresh ideas. While you're over at the site be sure to pick up their mixtapes (as they are the most impressive volume of work they've got)... oh, and did I mention? All of their music is available to download for free.

For download click here.

Via: The Hood Internet

Stat Keys

If "designer keys" are more your thing than designer tees then check out the wide selection of rad/hilarious key options available from Stat Key Co. I couldn't help but post the above key (as it is reminiscent of a certain tattoo). The keys sell for about $11 a pop, but at least it may remove for the need for a kitsch or overpriced key chain?

Via: Cool Hunting

BBC/Ice Cream Exclusive Web Releases

Head over to the BBC/Ice Cream Online Store for some seriously dope releases! My favorites (pictured above) are the Helmet Logo all-over print (a cool $95) and the "You got Soft Served" tee if not for the title alone. Nice to see BBC/Ice Cream keeping things fresh.

Via: BBC/Ice Cream

55DSL x Nizza Hi

Adidas and 55DSL have teamed up to celebrate the 15th anniversary of 55DSL (owned by Diesel). Definitely feeling these kicks, although they remind me an awful lot of Air France.

The laces choices also add to the Rad-factor on this release. For the time being these are rumored to be dropping only in Tokyo, but you may be able to find them at other 55DSL locations.

Via: HypeBeast

Nike Royal Mid Metallic

A nice looking release from Nike for this fall, the Royal mid is coming in all sorts of crazy metallic colors this season. Will keep you updated on a release date for this as it is firmed up.

Via: High Snobiety

UK Based Artist Scott Jarvie

In addition to being featured on Gizmodo this week for the above light, Jarvie has done a number of real cool works which can be seen over at his website. My particular favorite being the chair made of 10,000 drinking straws.

Enjoy!

Clarks x Concepts

Clarks (UK) and Boston Based Concepts teamed up on this pair of patent leather Wallabees. While admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of patent leather or of this particular release (they also come in Olive and Navy)... I am a big fan of Clarks for their work on the Ethical Footwear front.

Galahad Clark (of the Clark family) stayed within the shoe industry but developed his own line "Terra Plana". Terra Plana was founded with the goals of encouraging sustainability while offering unique designs. It helps that young Mr. Clark is a UNC alum, but I definitely dig the direction in which he has helped move Ethical Fashion.

Via: High Snobiety

New Radiohead Joint

As predicted some new Radiohead hit the internets yesterday. While it turns out, they did not release an entire EP, they did drop the single "These are my Twisted Words" via their website yesterday. However, if you're finding the page is loading INCREDIBLY slow (or in some cases not at all) you can also grab an alternative download link over at Kanye's blog.

Via: MTV

Hall of Fame x New Era

Some fresh new fitted pieces from Hall of Fame (x New Era)... particularly diggin the old school Pirates colors-- the Hornets colorway isn't shabby either!

Click here to check out more of Hall of Fame's products (and to enjoy a hilarious intro number).

Via: High Snobiety

Jeff Koons in London

Another exhibition worth checking out is on over at the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens... While Koons has done all sorts of crazy work over the years (including some weird Kama Sutra blown glass pieces of he and his wife) his works at Serpentine are primarily dedicated to Popeye the Sailor Man.

Check 'em out before September 13!

Via: Time Out London

Coolest Thing to Come out of France For A Minute...

Cool exhibition here in London at Lazarides Gallery by French artist Space Invader called "Low Fidelity". The exhibition continues until September 17th.

Via: Lazarides

Nice Take on the Barn Coat

Diggin the big Leather pockets. Despite the fact that a certain design teacher of mine told me to stay away from the "brokeback American cowboy" designs I was pumping out, it looks like I wasn't the only one thinking this way for fall... Jacket by the Marshall Artist

Via: High Snobiety

In Honor of The BarclayCard Free Running Championships

Just thought I'd post this link in honor of the "free running" championships here in London this past weekend.

Yesterday...

in a major Bum-Out Crooked Tongues, despite their good intentions with the invitation situation, had too many guests and after waiting in line for their bbq for an hour I decided it was not worth waiting longer. In their defense, the folks at the door (employed by CT, not the club) were perfectly nice.

Sorry I don't have any coverage for you from the event but hope all who attended enjoyed!

Dead Sexy Bike

Where else would you find something this steezy and functional other than Berlin?

Berlin based designer Arndt Menke-Zumbragel designed this fine little number as an experiment with using wood as a "construction material". Getting shouts from Lance Armstrong on Twitter and Kanye's blog it seems that Herr. Menke has created a design piece worthy of praise from fashionistas and ciclistas alike. Bravo.

Please take specific notice of the redurka styling on the rear stays (close up in photo two): un-real.

Via: Design Boom

This thing absolutely machs

893cc Honda Engine... on a Go-Kart?

Via: Gizmodo

Cool New Project

In an interesting approach to stopping knife crime (a serious problem in London and the UK more broadly) droptheweapons.org have created this "choose your own adventure" style video/informational campaign. Depending on your choices throughout the videos you may end up in prison, dead, or live on to see another day. It is an interesting approach to an awareness campaign about the consequences of youth and gang violence and the effect it has on others. While the United States has always received a great deal of criticism for violent crime statistics, violent crime in the UK is on the rise in the areas listed as "priority" areas by the Home Office and millions of pounds have been spent in vain to help prevent the spread of knife crime (source). It is nice, if not a bit intense, to see how these things might play out and the dangers of a young population who do not understand the effects of their decisions.

Obviously this type of violence has had a serious impact on myself and my own life and I think it is important to try to educate young people in the States, the UK, Europe and everywhere else where violence is a problem that there is ALWAYS another choice... even when you've come up in a rough area or had a tough life.

My sincere condolences to all those of us who have lost a love one to youth and gang violence. Spread the word to help protect others from the pain and suffering poor decisions can lead to.

Via: Creativity

Original Fake F/W '09 Lookbook

KAWS and the crew over at Original Fake are keepin it a little classier from the looks of their forthcoming Fall/Winter collection. Peep the lookbook here

Via: High Snobiety

Carhartt x WeThePeople Launch BMX Cruiser

I couldn't tell you exactly when Carhartt decided to expand from the woodcutting/work clothing market and into streetwear but they've been all over it lately. Recently co-sponsored the European Skateboard Championships (last weekend) and worked on a collabo with LovenSkate for those. They're also currently holding a Shep Fairey exhibition (with some PRICEY prints) at their Seven Dials shop.

The cruiser is meant to be available at all Carhartt Shops.

via: High Snobiety

Crooked Tongues BBQ Reminder

Just a reminder that tomorrow the world famous sneaker site Crooked Tongues will be hosting one of their infamous parties (only happens every year or two). Should be Shoreditched out and all the sneakerheads and streetwear nerds should be out. Would be a hell of a place to come take photos if nothing else-- should definitely be a dope party so come by if you can! You were meant to email requesting tickets but looks like you can just print out an invite here

Via: Crooked Tongues

Radiohead to Drop New EP Monday?

Word on the wonderweb is that Radiohead is set to release a new EP entitled "Wall of Ice" as early as Monday. For story peep NME.

Via: At Ease

For Aussie T

Someone was dying for some Journey last night... ran into this earlier today. Enjoy!

Via: Today's Big Thing

Better Fitting Dress Shirts

Though this may not really help any of you outside the Bay Area, for those of you tired of buying dress shirts that look more like dresses than shirts: get your hands on some Taylor Stitch custom menswear. Pricing is quite reasonable for custom made shirts and the colorways are real nice. Get yourself over to their blog for more info on these noteworthy newcomers to the menswear game!

photos via: Taylor Stitch

Amazo

Please enjoy... unreal.

Via: Mike Ree (via Probably Bad News)

Speaking of those Lebron Air Max VII's...

Check out these DOPE customs by Chicago based Artist Jeff Zimmerman.


These are truly incredible customs and given that Zimmerman is, by training and profession, a mural artist... these details are absurd (trust me, I've tried kicks, it is an incredibly tedious process) and he even managed to weave in the Chicago flag.

via: Kicks on Fire

PANCE PARTY

Straight outta Compton (well Yarmouth, ME is sort of like Compton), Ben Swardlick and a couple of his buddies (Andy from Philly and Eric from the Bay Area) are taking San Francisco by storm (as well as the internets) with their recent remixes and are tearing up the electro/indie scene under the name "Pance Party". Pance Party remixed a version of Chester French's "She Loves Everybody" that was the most twittered about song for nearly a week.

While Ben is a friend from back home (and I am thus obligated to give him some cred) their music is actually legit and look out for these up and comers dropping club bangers all over the place in the near future.

Please enjoy the embedded remix of Lil Jon's "I Do" for a competition via Loud.com. And if you have a second help them out by clicking here and following the instructions to vote for them!

*Update as of January, 2010. Have a look at the new blog for Crockstar's Interview with Pance Party

RARE OPPORTUNITY

According to Weekly Drop the BAPE United States online store will be going all Ghostbusters from Friday (today) until the 18th of August before returning to normal. Not sure if these items will be available for international shipping but could be a good opportunity for those of us abroad to get the US Exclusive colorways (i.e. the Black Tees).

This is a very rare opportunity to find this stuff online and not have to worry about the authenticity of the gear. Keep your eyes peeled and don't say I don't love you guys...

via: Weekly Drop

Mint Colabo (Mastermind Japan x Club Designer) Specs

Stunners.

via: Hype Beast

Coming Soon

Officially screened at the launch of the Air Max Lebron VII (click for a boatload of photos from the launch), the new film "More than A Game" (click for trailer) takes an inside look at 'Bron 'Bron before he became the "King" that he is today. The film follows he and his teammates in high school in Akron, Ohio and looks pretty dope.

According to Nike Basketball, the film is set to have a limited release on October 2nd in L.A. and Cleveland, and should be released more broadly soon thereafter.

Via: Cool Hunting

Behold...

Absolute Fire... the wait may finally be over! Apple has been working on a tablet for some time now and though it could "change at any time" it is rumored to be basically like a "giant iphone". The screen on the mock-ups is 10". Early figures are coming in at $700-$900 and it will come in two editions (one for education and one with a webcam). Gizmodo did not publish the code name under which this project is being worked on but claims that the first prototype emerged in 2008 and that they have been working on this concept for 4-6 years.

Look for the official release coming as early as this fall!

Via: Gizmodo

More Huf Colabo's Coming

A nice looking new piece from Huf's forthcoming collaboration with Nexus VII. No release date set as of yet but will keep you posted!

Via: Huf

New Raf Simons High

Another interesting approach... combining velcro, fresh colors all in a decent looking high top. Digging the color accents, overall a nice boot. Available at Collette (Paris)

Via: High Snobiety

"Do Less"

Sooo... Nike Sportswear will be launching a new trainer this fall: the Air Maxim Trainer 1. These kicks combine the Flywire technology (ill) with the Air Max 1 style (still ill) with the Air Trainer 1 colorway (startin to lose it) and the strap is just a little too much for me. Perfect case of Nike combining the best of many nice kicks... but as near as I can tell it just doesn't work (for me at least). Let me know your thoughts.

via: High Snobiety

Defining Crockstar in More Concrete Terms

In response to a number of questions about the direction in which the line is headed... or simply "what is it that you're up to"? I thought I would unveil a bit more about my business plan and how I got the idea for Crockstar.

Essentially, "Crockstar" was a nickname bestowed upon me by a good friend of mine during my undergraduate career at the University of North Carolina. This name stuck nicely and it was coined right around a period in my life when I was experimenting with art as a method of relieving stress. After buying one too many pair of sneakers on a limited budget, and realizing how much it costs to get custom kicks made up, I decided that it would be a smarter investment to buy a pair of Air Force Ones in All White and some leather paints, do some online research... and try my own hand. The outcome of this experiment was the below:

Excuse Image Size/Quality... Don't Have Orginial

These "Crock-Airs" as I liked to call them, were the first item I knocked out to carry the "Crockstar" nickname. Though this project was a nice experiment and the kicks were well received I found the work too tedious for the outcome (as it turns out it would have been cheaper in terms of Labor to just have someone else make them for me).

Fast-forward three years to March 2009, Still, with an extreme weakness for fresh kicks and dope designs I found myself extremely frustrated with my studies and in need of a creative outlet yet again. My passion was for development, but every time we read about the new "caveat" to international economic development and poverty reduction there was another author who discredited everything positive that had been published. Worn out from the "same-old story" about the hopelessness of economic development as an ends of an entire profession/industry I took heed from the likes of William Easterly and gave up trying to help others plan their way out of plight. I decided that I could employ my love for design and clothing to SEEK out a better solution. I intend to focus my efforts to do as much good for as many as possible.

I will certainly not pull the "developing world" out of extreme poverty, nor do I aspire to do so single handedly. I do, however, hope to meet cool people, help talented artists who might not other find a market for their work, and ultimately provide fresh and comfortable clothing that is unique enough to attract to a broad (though specific) audience. It is my hope, that more people will do what they do best (or enjoy most) and be conscious about ways in which they can help others. I'm not convinced that "professional" development is helpful for most poverty stricken communities. I am convinced, however, that there are creative people in every country and every slum who, through the right avenues and with a bit of luck, can help themselves and help others while they do so.

Crockstar is about doing the most good with what I've been given. Crockstar is about dope fashion, trendiness, and creating garments that are as unique as those who hope to wear it. Crockstar is about finding a spot in a crowded market: combining the comfort and design-focus of streetwear brands and the "cosncienscious" consumer who cares as much about what is on their shirt as where it came from and where the money goes.

Crockstar is about sustainability, it's about helping others, but mostly it's about "being fashionable" and being a "global citizen" at the same time. These ways of living do not need to be mutually exclusive.

Welcome to Crockstar.