So I’ve been hearing a collective chorus of whining from everybody that missed out on February’s ‘Be True’ city-pack Dunks. Well, here’s your chance for redemption, because I just got word from an anonymous authority that next weekend ushers in the next three sets from the series. For those of you too young to remember 1985, it was an epic year for popular culture, as it saw the introduction of Elmo, New Coke, and most significant… the original Nike - Be True to Your School Dunks. Unlike the pairs released in 1985, the new sets feature the original poster graphic on the footbeds, but beyond that they retain all the detailing, style and soul of the original. Expect to see these in a select stores next weekend (I could say where, but I can’t just hand you everything now, can I?) Those that know can figure it out, happy hunting to the rest of you…
Enjoy!
Posted on February 29, 2008 at 03:27 PM | Comment (6 comments)
I’ve been pretty slammed with work lately and falling slightly behind on my posts, but here’s a couple of shots I took from a recent trip to Syracuse, NY…
Nike extended an invitation to watch first hand what happens when two long time rivals, and Big East Championship hopefuls, are pitted against each other on the basketball court. The Syracuse Orangemen were on home turf and one loss away from losing their shot at the championship, and clearly not willing to allow the Georgetown Hoyas to take it. So the evening before, I met Demetria and Dean from Nike along with Long and Eric from Flaunt Magazine at JFK Airport and jetted up to Syracuse, New York where we met up with Jeff and Beau from the Weekly Drop to attend one of the biggest games of the season at Syracuse University’s Carrier Dome.
It probably goes without saying that fans of both teams would be pretty excited about this game, but little can prepare you for the sports frenzy that gripped the town of Syracuse that weekend. The carrier dome was stuffed with a record number of fans that took every opportunity to make sure the world knew exactly who they were cheering for. ‘Ohhh’, ‘Awww’, Georgetown taunts and various Syracuse themed cheers combined to create a steady roar that could undoubtedly be heard for several miles in every direction. In an atmosphere this electric, watching these two college teams fighting for victory felt a lot more like witnessing two titans doing battle. Anyhow, there was just no way Syracuse could lose under conditions like these, and sure enough, that day the Orangemen beat the Hoyas 77 - 70.
No doubt everyone in attendance will be talking about that game for years to come, including myself. It was an amazing experience shared with a great crew of people. A special thanks to Demetria and Dean for inviting me and a big shout out to Jeff, Beau, Long and Eric for all the great company.
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 09:37 AM | Comment (6 comments)
It’s always a pleasure to be among the first to bear witness to what Nike has up it’s sleeve, and with all the anticipation surrounding All Star weekend building to a steady roar, I was given a peek at two pairs of Nike sneakers preceding the main event set to start popping off down in New Orleans. Coming off the tail end of the AF1’s 25th anniversary and at the start of the year long celebration of the Dunk, these two pairs pay homage to the Big Easy with their smooth styling and signature colors. Equally impressive is that a full $50 from every pair sold is being donated on behalf of Nike and the select retailers stocking them through the Let Me Play program to the Greater New Orleans Foundation to help promote physical fitness and sports to kids and their communities.
More info at www.nike.com, www.letmeplay.com and www.gnof.org
These will be available at Nike Town New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sports Plus in New Orleans, but good luck getting your hands on a pair. In the meantime enjoy the shots below…
Posted on February 12, 2008 at 05:41 PM | Comment (19 comments)
Looks like Sisley is trying to top their previous campaigns with the shock and awe factor. I’m not usually the type to go for the glamorization of drugs, or similarly destructive lifestyles, but I’m feeling this ad. What I find odd is that though Sisley seem to be killing it with the ads, I can’t recall the last time spotted someone actually wearing the product. The only shop I’ve noticed in NYC, is on Broadway near 8th Street and I only noticed it because of how poor the location was. Seems odd that they’re so driven on creating an identity with all these campaigns, but then make so few efforts (or at least successful ones) at differentiating or positioning the product itself or continuing such a strategic and heavy handed brand identity with it. Anyhow, though reminiscent of another cool campaign for it’s day, the Sisley ads are cool, so hopefully we keep seeing them.
Posted on February 11, 2008 at 08:35 PM | Comment (3 comments)
Here’s a first glimpse on an upcoming AKA project which will be a book of photography by Yuri Shibuya. For those not familiar, Yuri has been spending her summers over the last ten years walking the streets and hanging out with the ragtag cast of characters that help define the downtown New York City scene. With a particular emphasis on documenting graffiti, street culture, and especially skaters, Yuri’s photography is a very honest and nostalgic glimpse at street life in the Big Apple over the last decade. Anyhow, designed by the AKA Crew and Yuri, expect to see this drop later this year. In the meantime, here’s a few images…
Be sure to check out Yuri’s website at www.yurishibuya.com and her blog here on 12ozprophet.com
In progress…
and a couple shots from the book…
Posted on February 07, 2008 at 10:55 AM | Comment (0 comments)
Granted, I’m not crazy about the design myself, but just the fact that Peter Vallone is putting his mug on tv and rallying for a boycott of Arizona Ice Tea just because of the graffiti-inspired aesthetic on these drinks is enough to make me want to make Arizona’s ‘All City’ beverages truly all city. (Someone at Arizona needs to reach out to 12oz cause I bet we could really make that happen) I mean seriously… with the outrageous national deficit, crumbling dollar, collapsing housing and stock market, looming recession, and the big apple rotting from the inside out, do we really need politicians parading around on television telling us what drinks we should or shouldn’t be buying?
Next time you walk by your neighborhood bodega, make sure and pick up a can or three of Arizona, as well as tell the dude behind the counter that these cans are the hot shit and all the kids in high school are collecting them and selling them on eBay for big bucks. Seriously… nothing will be more satisfying then turning this around and pushing the sale of these beverages through the roof. Also be sure and check out Arizona’s website and drop their ( and ) to tell them how much you love their drinks and that you’ll be picking up a case of ‘All City’ after cashing your next paycheck.
And on the real… with presidential elections in full swing, don’t forget to get informed, get involved and vote.
via Razor Apple
Posted on February 07, 2008 at 09:02 AM | Comment (10 comments)
Those of you guys that really know me, are well aware of my obsession with all forms of lithography. I especially geek out when you see something that’s been obviously well thought out, carefully designed and printed with particular care. Half the time, I don’t even notice what it is that’s being printed because I’m too busy checking out the technique and craftsmanship of the printing itself. Anyhow, here’s some art prints I just got turned on to that I felt were a great example of how great lithography (in this case reproduced using a letter press) and great art make for incredible results (and very well priced I might add). Also be sure and check out some of the other art on their main site.
Candykiller Blog by way of FFFound!.
Posted on February 05, 2008 at 09:31 AM | Comment (1 comments)
It’s pretty amazing to see how far the stakes have risen in the quest for the hottest retail space. Though at the end of the day, it’s still the product that matters, there’s something important to be said about how that product is positioned, shown and sold, especially when it’s by the same company that’s producing it. The big fashion houses have been addressing this need forever, but for the last several years as Streetwear and Urban Brands have become more established, there’s been a very clear effort by some companies to further separate themselves from the pack. The minimalist shop with simple polished concrete floors or the DIY - Ikea adapted displays just don’t cut it anymore regardless of how cool a brand is (or how cool they think they are). Below are a few favorite (recent) examples, as well as the firms that helped in making them happen.
Much respect to both Bathing Ape and Wonderwall for taking note and bringing this ideal to Streetwear, as well as consistently setting the bar and giving consumers some of the most beautiful spaces in which to purchase gear from.
Addendum (02/05/08): I’m surprised to see how quickly this entry made it’s rounds. Since then it’s been brought to my attention that I was a little ambiguous about who’s responsible for the great spaces you see below. Though I’m sure the agencies that helped put these projects together had input as to the concept, each of the apparel companies below represent some of the most creative and innovative players in the industry. In the case of Alife, as a crew they’ve often been involved in designing spaces for both themselves and others and Matt Fontana has a long history in interrior design and building out cool retail locations. Also knowing Kaws pretty well, it’s very clear that the OriginalFake shop is a beautifully realized interpretation of his aesthetic and thought process. Anyhow, I just wanted to point that out and make sure proper credit for these amazing spaces is given, since it’s most obviously due…
Supreme LA by Supreme and Harry Allen & Associates
Union NYC by Union and Harry Allen & Associates
Alife LA by Alife and Otto Design Group
OriginalFake by OriginalFake and Wonderwall (Truly Amazing)
Posted on February 04, 2008 at 12:04 PM | Comment (3 comments)
Granted it’s not uncommon to see Terry Richardson’s stuff pop up from time to time on many of the streetwear blogs, but his campaigns for Sisley are pretty amazing so I’ll post some shots anyways for those of you that have been sleeping…
Posted on February 02, 2008 at 12:59 PM | Comment (2 comments)
Most people probably aren’t aware of that there was a time when Supreme actively promoted themselves and advertised. I guess these days there’s little reason since people queue up outside the shop for even unannounced Supreme product, but back in the early days of the brand, you’d catch them out trying to make a name for themselves like everyone else. Anyhow, it’s amazing to see how dope these ads are even today. Seems like these days it’s rare to see a graphic that’s good enough to hold up into the next season, let alone a decade or longer.
That said, enjoy these gems brought to you by Supreme and Ecstatic…
Supreme Ads Season 1:
Supreme Ads Season 2:
While on the subject of vintage Supreme, check out this detailed archive of their t-shirt releases and discussion forum…
Posted on February 01, 2008 at 02:11 PM | Comment (3 comments)
IAN MACKAYE INTERVIEW AT BLACK LODGES
Steven Vogel over at Block Lodges just posted a great interview with hardcore legend, Ian Mackaye. I’m sure at least half of you grew up listening to Minor Threat and Fugazi, so this is definitely a nice treat. I probably haven’t read an Ian Mackaye interview since the old Maximum Rock and Roll days…
Read the interview here...
Posted on February 01, 2008 at 12:12 PM | Comment (0 comments)
