¡¡¡¡Buenos Viernes!!!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Return of the Dragon...Sho Nuff!!!
The other day I got into a debate with some friends as to whether or not the movie The Last Dragon was a comedy or a drama. For those of you unfamiliar with this film here's a quick rundown of the movie...
Set in New York City, the plot follows a black teenage martial arts student named Leroy Green (often referred to as "Bruce Leroy"). With dreams of becoming a great martial artist like his idol Bruce Lee, Leroy goes on a quest to achieve the highest level of martial arts accomplishment, known as "The Final Level". Martial artists who reach the "Final Level" possess "The Glow". As its name suggests it is a mystical energy that can be tapped into by a martial arts master. When a fighter's hands glow, he is one of the best in the world and when his entire body glows, he is the greatest fighter alive. On his journey to becoming the "Last Dragon" and wielding the power of "The Glow," Leroy must confront villains such as a crooked arcade mogul Eddie Arkadian and the evil Sho'Nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, from whom he must also protect his younger brother Richie and his love interest, TV music video host Laura Charles (played by 80's pop star Vanity).
After making a few phone calls and sending out many text messages the masses determined that the movie was actually a dramedy (combination of the two). While this appeased those involved in the debate it turns out the movie is actually considered martial arts film and falls under the action movie category. Regardless, the remake of this film is being developed with non-other than the great Samuel L. Jackson slated to play the evil Kung-fu master "Sho 'Nuff".
Though I am anxious to see the final production that is released in theaters, I am rather leery as to whether or not the new millennium version will live up to its 80's predecessor. Lets all hope that this ghetto classic doesn't get butchered like so many other classic films that have been remade in the past decade.
Dan Hirst Skate Decks
Interview Magazine gives us a look into Supreme’s upcoming project alongside contemporary art’s bad boy Damien Hirst. Having already established a solid archive of contributing artists to their previous campaigns, this latest lineup continues the brands quintessential status amongst American street culture purveyors.
Supreme X Vans...Spring 09
Supreme links up with Vans once again for the spring season. This two-pack of sneakers features the Era and Half-Cab as the uppers are comprised entirely of a splatter upper. Stay tuned for more details on a release date.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sofa King Awesome!!!
Coming out of hibernation this season, Fucking Awesome offers a look into their collection which has begun hitting stores. With brand founder and professional skater Jason Dill no stranger to controversy, the releases include some provocative imagery which should come as no surprise over a series of solid t-shirts and hoodies.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Vans: Kingdom of Plaid Pack
Pushing through some more releases for Spring/Summer, Vans drops a new Kingdom Plaid Pack consisting of their classic Chukka Boot model and the timeless Era. Both sneakers feature simple black/white/grey plaid print uppers accenting with white laces and mid soles.
Vans: Striped Pack
Although Vans implements the all too familiar motif onto their new striped pack for Spring/Summer, the colors remain fairly muted and blend quite well with each other.
Two of their classic models get the treatment, including the Chukka Boot and Authentic. Both come in two separate colorways featuring buttery suede toe boxes.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Obey Jay Dee Print
In a battle with lupus which ultimately took his life, music producer J. Dilla touched the hearts of many through his powerful legacy. For J. Dilla’s mother “Ma Dukes” Yancey who was a tireless helper through Dilla’s battle with the disease, she is also is affected by the same disease that took her soon prematurely. Her condition has recently become more severe as friends jump on-board to help her out. Previous fund raising efforts were seen through a shirt via Stones Throw and artist Parra. Shepard Fairey alongside Brian Cross (B+) has also joined the cause with a special print of J. Dilla based on a 2003 photograph. In a run of 400, the prints will release on February 20th at a retail price of $55 USD (18 in x 24 in). For info on Brian Cross’ own experiences with Dilla, check ObeyGiant.com.
Source: Hypebeast
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Charles Hamilton: Brooklyn Girls
I know this is song/video is already old news but, I spent Valentines day with 5 beauties from Brooklyn (I'm something like a pimp).
Like Mr. Hamilton says, "My heart is Harlem-World but I'm loving BK!!!" This is dedicated to my BK Valentines!!!
Like Mr. Hamilton says, "My heart is Harlem-World but I'm loving BK!!!" This is dedicated to my BK Valentines!!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
New Audemars Piguet
Being the commander in chief of a mega Japanese streetwear brand sure has its perks. A Bathing Ape founder, Nigo, recently got an early jump on Audemars Piguet’s Carbon Royal Oaks Tourbillon Chronograph Concept watch.
Retail for the piece runs at a staggering $251,000. Features include: hand-polished beveling, sides hand-drawn with a file, a matte surface, and a sapphire-blasted Carbon main plate.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Adidas Forum NBA All Star (EASTERN DIVISION) Edition
With NBA All-Star weekend having finally arrived, Adidas hooks up some of their gifting suite VIP’s with a special make-up of their Forum Mid. The kicks feature 3M detailing, mesh/leather uppers, and a hint of snake skin accenting, symbolic of the Arizona desert. Only an East colorway has surfaced, although we can probably expect a West version to arise soon.
Celebrity Rehab
This is a hot song and the title and content is very ironic considering the recent events that transpired between her and Chris Brown.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Takashi Murakami Exhibition at Gagosian London
Opened almost as a preview for Takashi Murakami’s upcoming show at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, the Gagosian Gallery in London saw the opening of their exhibition last night. The show featured three larger scale paintings including work from Murakami’s Time Bokan series and his trademark KaiKai and Kiki characters. Takashi even managed to showcase some live unofficial body painting segments. Check it out!
Source: Hype Beast
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Rugby Spring 2009
Name the last time you saw a commercial from my man Ralphie?
Carpe Diem: Rugby 2009 Spring Collection from Travis Gumbs on Vimeo.
Carpe Diem: Rugby 2009 Spring Collection from Travis Gumbs on Vimeo.
New from Lemar & Dauley
Here's an interview with one of my favorite brands, Lemar & Dauley that I jacked from the World Wide Web!!!
The interview details their latest sneaker collaboration with DC Shoe Company, The Admiral.
The muse for the Lemar and Dauley admiral was the idea of regatta sail boats. Fabrics and materials used on the sail boats originally inspired, but in the process of creating the shoe other elements began to reshape the vision to further address the lifestyle behind the idea. The shoe captures a metropolitan individual engaging in a beach bum mentality. Both colorways were created as a reflection of sand and concrete. The patterns on the side panels represent the art often depicted on regatta wind sails.
The Lemar and Dauley name was used to illustrate the names often detailed on the side of boats. The metal plate embossed with braille and the reflective tape was used to illustrate touch and sight, both of which are necessary human senses in the water.
Interview: Safra Ducreay
This shoe is completely different from the Volcano DC release. You went from low-cut to super high-tops and completely toned down the colour palette. Do you think your core fans will understand what you did for this new concept?
Truthfully, we weren’t sure a year ago when we initially designed it. What we did know was that the climate would change. This was based on our intuition. We were beginning to become attracted to high quality goods. My partner Manhattan had just purchased this crazy leather/wool Ralph Lauren jacket and I purchased a Dior sweater. We were wearing Russian hats and I think it just influenced our direction. It’s often forgotten, but in the early stages of hip hop, this is what young black men were wearing in the inner city. All you have to do is look at Run DMC, Kool Mo Dee and even Heavy D and you’ll see it. This is the energy we were attempting to capture, but directly from our perspective and where we wanted to see the streetwear direction tap into. We knew if done correctly our audience would understand it and be appealing all at the same time.
When we look at this sneaker we think Jeremy Scott, Alexander McQueen and other high-end designer collaborations with sports brands. Was this what you were trying to convey with Admiral?
We love Jeremy Scott’s designs. What he has done with adidas is amazing! I'm not as familiar with Alexander McQueen, but I know women love his designs, and that is exactly what we aimed to achieve. Truthfully, streetwear can get very one-sided as far as the male to female ratio, and we were getting tired of this. We knew long before we flew to DC’s headquarters in San Diego that we were going to choose a shoe that allowed us the freedom to grow outside of streetwear and establish L&D as a youth leader in fashion. The goal was to set ourselves up for potential collabs with the Jeremy Scotts of the world.
You have footwear designers who are known for a signature element that are embedded in the shoe design. This is only the second time you've used the houndstooth. Will it be a trademark for all your sneakers going forward?
Actually, we used it on all three models, the DC Volcano, Admiral and the adidas Street Ball, but we had some last minute manufacturing problems with adidas on the Street Ball shoe, so it wasn’t seen. Regardless, the houndstooth is Lemar and Dauley and Lemar and Dauley is the houndstooth pattern. The pattern has been an L&D signifier of quality and maturity. We knew five years ago we would evolve in a manner similar to the Supremes and the Stussys. We’ve noticed a few brands were drawn to the pattern after we made it ok. Sad sad sad! As far as the future, I'm sure we will find brilliant ways to include it, but not always so blatant. We had to be more direct initially, because we had to defend it.
Did you have to present your ideas in round table meetings or were you given complete creative freedom?
We spoke with the big hommie, Hommy Diaz (no pun intended), before we designed it. He gave us full reign over the shoe, even down to remodeling the shoe to allow the houndstooth pattern to show through the clear gel sole.
Why did you decide to use Braille on the shoe?
Truthfully, that was just some last minute dope shit! But ultimately it did serve a purpose in concluding the design brief. I love Braille and I was like, ‘we gotta include it’. This particular Braille is called New York Braille, so it was perfect!
The Regatta and the houndstooth are two great British emblems, quite the contrast from Miami art deco and Venice beach, which are themes included in your shoe. Was there research done or were the elements used strictly based on aesthetics?
Purely aesthetics. I never even knew that! This is what we do. We are producers. We take what producers call ‘the sweet spot’ and we merge it with 808s, kicks and snares to create a ‘visual instrumental’. I love what I just said! That’s going on a shirt!
You stated that you went through a few changes during the development process. What was the initial plan?
The initial idea was similar, but less examined. It was gonna be a one color shoe based solely on the color of sand, but then we questioned ourselves. We wanted to examine the difference between a tan shoe and one presumably inspired by sand. The answer was ‘nothing really’, so we knew we needed to build on the story.
You emphasize that you want L&D to be an impact brand hence your use of pungent colors and slogans. But this design is more about sleek sophistication. Now that you've gone there, do you see yourself reverting again in the future?
It’s not reverting, when you build it as an addition. L&D is L&D. We have an audience that loves us and would hate to see us attempt to become another wannabe high-end brand with minimal, cheap looking clothes that are really expensive. We are purveyors of culture, so we act accordingly. We are designers in the greatest sense and in the following years we will expand on this mission.
Do you believe one would have to be a cultural connoisseur to understand the concept of this design?
Not at all! This shoe is built off of a universal understanding of ‘playing at the beach’. This is the ‘vacation’ shoe! We showed so many girls this design before we submitted it to DC. They loved it!
Maybe you guys are just wannabe beach bums?
Definitely! We are always talking about going to Australia and learning how to surf. Truthfully, we work hard just so we can be mad lazy! It’s the only way to be lazy guilt-free and without the poverty. We gotta get out there soon and hang with you guys. Ya’ll gotta show us around. Dem L&D Boys and the SF Crew. That’s the ‘Problems Down Under’ Squad. We might need to cook up a collab on this real soon!
For more information and stockists of the DC x Lemar And Dauley collaboration, hit up DC Shoes now.
Source: Sneaker Freaker.
The interview details their latest sneaker collaboration with DC Shoe Company, The Admiral.
The muse for the Lemar and Dauley admiral was the idea of regatta sail boats. Fabrics and materials used on the sail boats originally inspired, but in the process of creating the shoe other elements began to reshape the vision to further address the lifestyle behind the idea. The shoe captures a metropolitan individual engaging in a beach bum mentality. Both colorways were created as a reflection of sand and concrete. The patterns on the side panels represent the art often depicted on regatta wind sails.
The Lemar and Dauley name was used to illustrate the names often detailed on the side of boats. The metal plate embossed with braille and the reflective tape was used to illustrate touch and sight, both of which are necessary human senses in the water.
Interview: Safra Ducreay
This shoe is completely different from the Volcano DC release. You went from low-cut to super high-tops and completely toned down the colour palette. Do you think your core fans will understand what you did for this new concept?
Truthfully, we weren’t sure a year ago when we initially designed it. What we did know was that the climate would change. This was based on our intuition. We were beginning to become attracted to high quality goods. My partner Manhattan had just purchased this crazy leather/wool Ralph Lauren jacket and I purchased a Dior sweater. We were wearing Russian hats and I think it just influenced our direction. It’s often forgotten, but in the early stages of hip hop, this is what young black men were wearing in the inner city. All you have to do is look at Run DMC, Kool Mo Dee and even Heavy D and you’ll see it. This is the energy we were attempting to capture, but directly from our perspective and where we wanted to see the streetwear direction tap into. We knew if done correctly our audience would understand it and be appealing all at the same time.
When we look at this sneaker we think Jeremy Scott, Alexander McQueen and other high-end designer collaborations with sports brands. Was this what you were trying to convey with Admiral?
We love Jeremy Scott’s designs. What he has done with adidas is amazing! I'm not as familiar with Alexander McQueen, but I know women love his designs, and that is exactly what we aimed to achieve. Truthfully, streetwear can get very one-sided as far as the male to female ratio, and we were getting tired of this. We knew long before we flew to DC’s headquarters in San Diego that we were going to choose a shoe that allowed us the freedom to grow outside of streetwear and establish L&D as a youth leader in fashion. The goal was to set ourselves up for potential collabs with the Jeremy Scotts of the world.
You have footwear designers who are known for a signature element that are embedded in the shoe design. This is only the second time you've used the houndstooth. Will it be a trademark for all your sneakers going forward?
Actually, we used it on all three models, the DC Volcano, Admiral and the adidas Street Ball, but we had some last minute manufacturing problems with adidas on the Street Ball shoe, so it wasn’t seen. Regardless, the houndstooth is Lemar and Dauley and Lemar and Dauley is the houndstooth pattern. The pattern has been an L&D signifier of quality and maturity. We knew five years ago we would evolve in a manner similar to the Supremes and the Stussys. We’ve noticed a few brands were drawn to the pattern after we made it ok. Sad sad sad! As far as the future, I'm sure we will find brilliant ways to include it, but not always so blatant. We had to be more direct initially, because we had to defend it.
Did you have to present your ideas in round table meetings or were you given complete creative freedom?
We spoke with the big hommie, Hommy Diaz (no pun intended), before we designed it. He gave us full reign over the shoe, even down to remodeling the shoe to allow the houndstooth pattern to show through the clear gel sole.
Why did you decide to use Braille on the shoe?
Truthfully, that was just some last minute dope shit! But ultimately it did serve a purpose in concluding the design brief. I love Braille and I was like, ‘we gotta include it’. This particular Braille is called New York Braille, so it was perfect!
The Regatta and the houndstooth are two great British emblems, quite the contrast from Miami art deco and Venice beach, which are themes included in your shoe. Was there research done or were the elements used strictly based on aesthetics?
Purely aesthetics. I never even knew that! This is what we do. We are producers. We take what producers call ‘the sweet spot’ and we merge it with 808s, kicks and snares to create a ‘visual instrumental’. I love what I just said! That’s going on a shirt!
You stated that you went through a few changes during the development process. What was the initial plan?
The initial idea was similar, but less examined. It was gonna be a one color shoe based solely on the color of sand, but then we questioned ourselves. We wanted to examine the difference between a tan shoe and one presumably inspired by sand. The answer was ‘nothing really’, so we knew we needed to build on the story.
You emphasize that you want L&D to be an impact brand hence your use of pungent colors and slogans. But this design is more about sleek sophistication. Now that you've gone there, do you see yourself reverting again in the future?
It’s not reverting, when you build it as an addition. L&D is L&D. We have an audience that loves us and would hate to see us attempt to become another wannabe high-end brand with minimal, cheap looking clothes that are really expensive. We are purveyors of culture, so we act accordingly. We are designers in the greatest sense and in the following years we will expand on this mission.
Do you believe one would have to be a cultural connoisseur to understand the concept of this design?
Not at all! This shoe is built off of a universal understanding of ‘playing at the beach’. This is the ‘vacation’ shoe! We showed so many girls this design before we submitted it to DC. They loved it!
Maybe you guys are just wannabe beach bums?
Definitely! We are always talking about going to Australia and learning how to surf. Truthfully, we work hard just so we can be mad lazy! It’s the only way to be lazy guilt-free and without the poverty. We gotta get out there soon and hang with you guys. Ya’ll gotta show us around. Dem L&D Boys and the SF Crew. That’s the ‘Problems Down Under’ Squad. We might need to cook up a collab on this real soon!
For more information and stockists of the DC x Lemar And Dauley collaboration, hit up DC Shoes now.
Source: Sneaker Freaker.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Sports, Drugs and Entertainment
Michael Phelps gets blazed too!!!
Is A-Roid, sorry A-Rod, really as great a player as we think?
Chris Brown has issues with expressing himself.
So, he beats on women...allegedly.
Mighty Putty?
You've prolly seen this commercial at 3 AM on TNT or possibly USA. Well, this is the remix!!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I Hate My Job
This one is for all my peeps that can't stand their 9 to 5.
This reminds me of the old Cam.
Can't wait for that new album to drop.
This reminds me of the old Cam.
Can't wait for that new album to drop.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Flashback...Neglect
Whaddup ya'll?
I've been on the move like a no other lately. Please excuse my neglect for the blog. Here are the videos that were supposed to go up on Friday.
Classic material from the Dirty South.
I've been on the move like a no other lately. Please excuse my neglect for the blog. Here are the videos that were supposed to go up on Friday.
Classic material from the Dirty South.
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