Richard Haines for J. Crew

I finally made my way over to the J. Crew store in SOHO to check out the window display done by artist and menswear blogger Richard Haines. Basically Haines spent an afternoon "immortalizing shoppers on paper" which then translated into a store front display. You can see more of Richard Haines work and blog here.

REED Pages

Jeff Ng and the Staple team are embarking on print publication in the form of Reed Pages.

"I think when you get a chance to peep Reed Pages, you'll find it's not what you might expect from a publication that a "street culture shop" puts out. Reed Pages is at the forefront of contemporary culture, art and design. It is dedicated to delivering inspirational, informative and authentic content. It brings together the new and the reinvented, the homegrown and the foreign, and the independents and the conglomerates." 

"Whether it be visual, experiential, commercial or conceptual, the features are selected for their contributions and impact felt around the world. From cover to cover, Reed Pages influences its readers to learn, interact, create and be an active participant of the contemporary lifestyle. There are no small stories in Reed Pages, thus the features are organized alphabetically. Every subject, every place and every single thing is given equal prominence. Everything we cover inspires us in some way, and we aim to share this inspiration with our readers." 

Beginning nest week the print publication will be available at Reed Space.  The magazine will retail for $12 USD and will consist of four publications annually. You can browse the first issue online here.

(via. ToDarrinHudson)

Lebron x Kobe Nike Puppet Commercial Part V

Married to the MOB "Lost Summer" Collection 2009

In a male driven streetwear industry it is refreshing to see Leah McSweeny and MOB crew holding it down. Here are a few highlights from the Married to the MOB Summer 2009 Collection. The line continues to expand and teeters on the cusp of a full lineup. The MOB summer line-up consists of tank dresses, rompers, skirts, shorts, denim, bikinis and accessories. Graphic tees continue to be the focal point for us, likely due to bold and colorful prints and slogans.

The 2009 look book was shot by photographer David 'Shadi' Perez and features Leah's younger sister Sarah. “I wanted to create a collection that was nostalgic of the summer that totally turned me into a bad girl. First kiss, first joint, first 40 ounce. Might sound silly but it changed my life. Every girl had that summer. If they didn’t then they missed out.” ~ Leah McSweeney. 

Most Official...

(via. MOB)

Lebron x Kobe Nike Puppet Commercial Part IV

It's no secret that Nike has been banking on a Kobe (Lakers) x Lebron (Cavaliers) final. But with the Magic one game away from a NBA Final appearance I am sure Nike executives are feeling a little uneasy. It seemed inevitable as the playoffs progressed that we would see a Lakers x Cavaliers final and I am sure that is what Nike thought as well, resulting in a premature release of these witty commercials?  

Game 6 goes tonight.

Diamond Supply Co. x The Hundreds

Diamond Supply Co. Lil Cutty X The Hundreds Adam Bomb All Star Champs tee dropping Fall 2009.

(via. NickDiamond)

Double Take on Drake

I don't really even know where to start with this blog. For the past year or so I was reading blog entry after blog entry about this Drake character. You might recognize Aubrey Drake Graham from his years on Degrassi: The Next Generation. That's what I saw. For me it was tough to get past it...that was until last week when Chace Inifinite of Soul Assassians verbally slapped me upside the head about the heat that Drake was bring to the rap game. Chace tells me that Drake is the pride of Canada and he's right. The next day Andrew downloads his most recent mixtape 'So Far Gone' and it's damn good. Apologies to Drake for ever doubting. 

Drake is currently working on his debut disc 'Thank Me Later' which is said to feature Lil Wayne and Jay-z and judging by the success of the mixtape I would imagine Aubrey Drake Graham will become a household name.

You can cope his February mixtape 'So Far Gone' here.

Rainy Days in New York

Everyday this week, aside form a gorgeous Monday, has been clouds and rain. This song found its way onto the playlist on Tuesday and stuck there all week (Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek). The song pretty much embodies what the walk to work in the rain feels like. Boring video but actually really great track. If you haven't heard it give it a listen all the way through. Ending is the best part.

Nike SB "City Pack" - $10,000

If you're not feeling the pinch of the economy and need to blow some cash, Mentalkicks.com has a $10,000 solution in the form the of Nike SB "City Pack".  The City Pack features four pairs of shoes that were released exclusively in Paris, London, Tokyo and New York commemorating the 'White Dunk: Evolution of an Icon' exhibition. The shoes are limited to 202 pairs worldwide.

All four pairs of shoes were produced in 2003 and all packs are brand new and come complete with original boxes, extra laces, tissue papers, white dunk exhibition postcards, posters, flyers.

And don't think you can hustle your way into a pack. Mentalkicks.com is on only accepting payment by bank transfer. 

Hall of Fame “HF Lockups” New Era Fitted

The hat specialist, Hall of Fame, presents this little gem.  The "HF Lockups" x New Era fitted features a thick 3D embroidered inter-locking HF logo accented with the "2nd Suck" logo on the side. Comes in a olive/black and orange/black and is available today online and in store.

(via. HallofFame)

David Flores - Heidi Klum Print

So if you are a reader and have some extra flow you want to spend, we will take one of these. David Flores's rendition of Heidi Klum has no set drop date other then "soon".  The silk screened print will measure 18 x 24.

(via. DavidFloresArt)

Oakley x Shaun White Frogskin

Looking at a June release for the Oakley x Shaun White Frogskin collaboration. The Frogskins will come in a metallic light blue colorway with matching lenses. And yes very limited.

Facebook Sells 1.96% Stake

Mark Zuckerberg is laughing his way to the bank. Yesterday Zuckerberg sold a 1.96% stake of the Facebook empire for $200m (£126m) to a Russian internet firm valuing the social networking website at $10bn. Two years ago Zuckerberg inked a deal with Microsoft selling a 1.6% stake to Microsoft for $240m.

(via. BBC News)

Maestro Knows Episode 10

Fast Company's: 100 Most Creative People in Business

Fast company compiled a list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business. Among the list are KAWS (70), Marc Jacobs (42), Pharrell Williams (36), and Damien Hirst (22).  Among the top 5 are Rich Ross (Disney Channel), Reed Hasting (NetFlix), Shai Agassi (Better Place), Melinda Gates (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), and rounding out top honors Jonathan Ive (Senior Vice President of Industrial Design, Apple).

(via. FastCompany)

Tuesday's Chill Track: "The Reeling" - Passion Pit

We have been digging the sounds of Passion Pit for a few minutes now. It is safe to say Sleepyhead is being replaced by The Reeling.  Enjoy.

Kinda Like A Big Deal Video Shoot

Industry heavy hitters including Clipse, Kanye, Cudi, and Kaws were in town over the weekend filming the video for "Kinda Like A Big Deal" in Brooklyn.  

(via. PlayCloths)

Monday Morning Playlist: Mycole-Jerrod Glover

You probably better know this weeks feature as the wingman on Maestro knows. Mycole-Jerrod Glover (MJ) is a conceptual artist currently residing in Los Angeles, CA. Aside from his weekly appearances on Maestro, MJ has a few other projects on the burner. Not only is he actively involved in the acting community, having appeared in National TV commercial campaigns for companies like AT&T and the NFL, but you may also recognize him from the My Love music video by The Dream and Mariah Carey. When he is not acting he focuses his creative energy into his clothing company Greene Label.

"I am a work in progress, so stay tuned to see my growth. Music motivates me, helps me reflect, and helps me escape. Music is proven as an effective tool to bridge the gap between: race, gender, class, all boundaries!…nuff said –MJ of GreeneLabel of MaestroKnows"

1. Provider by N.E.R.D.
2. The Way She Dances by N.E.R.D
3. Californiacation by Red Hot Chili Peppers
4. Thrasher by N.E.R.D.
5. Push It by Rick Ross
6. Can't Know the Hustle by JayZ
7. How to Save a Life by The Fray
8. B.O.B. by OutKast
9. She Loves Everybody by Chester French
10. Cant Tell Me Nothin by Kanye West
11. Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik by OutKast
12. Ha By Juvenile
13. Hussel By M.I.A
14. I think almost every thing from Marvin Gaye
15. Sally by Moby

Thanks MJ.

NFL Commercial -MJ from mycole jerred on Vimeo.

Still Giving Me Goosebumps

First Week In The Bag

First week of the 6 month internship at 3sixteen is in the bag. You know it is going well when you never have to check the clock to see the time and they invite you back the following week. Got my set of keys to the office so I usually roll into work just before 10 which is nice. Open the gate and spend the first hour or so doing "required reading" which translates to rolling through Vienna checking the blogs. This week I spent time learning how to put together lines sheets, learned what was required for a tech pack, was a fitting model, had some great local cuisine (cheap), met a lot of couple rad people like Chace Infinite (Soul Assassins), Nico and Ray (Reed Space), Poe from Freshness, Hyden Yoo and I am about 90% sure that Fabulous almost hit me with his Bentley yesterday on my walk home. 

Did some work on NHTVSN (NightVision) stuff which is a t-shirt based clothing line that Andrew and Johan did for a minute. Thinking about reviving it so that's pretty cool. Their tee line is really strong. Capped off the week with a pick up ball game at Sara D Roosevelt Park, which apparently is going to be a weekly thing. Good thing I drained a couple shots because I was running the court in a pair of Converse Weapons.

Until next week. 

The Jordan Campus Chukka

The Jordan empire is developing a casual yet sophisticated Chukka as a part of the Fall 2009 collection. The shoe is "an expression of Jordan Brand's subtle refinement - combining minimalist design, premium materials, and finishing details to bring a sense of classic style". June 1st will see the black limited edition Campus Chukka at select boutiques followed by an early August release for a Light Brown as well as a Cream colorway.  The Campus Chukka should retail in the neighborhood of $110.

(via. HypeBeast)

Hyden Yoo

I had the opportunity to tag along to a meeting with Mr. Hyden Yoo today, who taught me the basics of how to construct a tech pack. Hyden Yoo's story is extremely fascinating. Yoo appeared and ended up winning as episode of Fear Factor during Season 3. The challenges saw him suck the milk out of a goats nipple and fill a glass. I am sure most people take their $50,000 and put it towards a mortgage or a car but Yoo took his winnings, left his consulting job in Chicago and with no formal training pursued his passion: fashion design. He pretty much taught himself everything there was to know about garment construction. Up until this year the Hyden Yoo collection has been a men's line and featured tennis-inspired pieces like shorts, v-neck sweaters and cover-ups. Fall 2009 will mark the expansion to include high end women's pieces.

Lebron x Kobe Nike Puppet Commercial Part III Unstoppable Game Tape

Diamond Supply Co - Un-Polo Cardigan

Here's a sneak peak of the Diamond Supply Co. "Un-Polo" Cardigan that will be dropping in the next couple weeks with the Summer 2009 Collection.  To make room Diamond is having a big sale this weekend at the store as well as some samples.

(via. Diamond)

Last Day Dream - Chris Milk

Last Day Dream [HD] from Chris Milk on Vimeo.

Doobybrain posted this video today. Chris Milk has done everything from music videos to Nike Campaigns. After watching I felt kind of down.  It pretty much depicts what life flashing before your eyes would look like, which for me resulted in the realization that life is much too short.  Today's valuable lesson: make the most of every opportunity and live without regret.

Limited Edition TV Cracks Me Up

I don't know what makes me laugh harder. The poor quality, the awkwardness of the interview, the questions, the story telling or the fact that Daichi spells HUF with two F's. Either way these interviews are hilarious.  Daichi also interviews Eric Elms and DJ Busy P for Nike Sportswear.

Wild Thing Fitted from Pennant Race

This falls under the category of "Why didn't I think of this".  An amalgamation of the Hollywood hit Major League and the Cleveland Indians Mascot "Chief Wahoo".  The classic 3D embroidered fitted is available at Pennant Race for $29.99.

(via. PennantRace)

Nike SB Dunk Low Premium White Gum Soles

These guys are dropping this month...any white is good with us.  Classic Nike look featuring perforated leather and cream colored suede set off with a white gum outsole.

(via. Kix-Files)

My Sister's Favourite Rapper Shot and Killed

To some 'Dolla' may not have been a household name.  That is unless you were living with Amanda Watchorn.  ATL rapper Roderick Anthony Burton II (Dolla) was shot and killed in Los Angeles this morning at the Beverley Center. Two years ago Dolla signed with Akon's label Konvict Records and had a very bright future on the cusp of big things. The gunman was detained at LAX trying to leave town.  It was quite often you could hear "Feelin' Myself" pumpin from the MacBook.

(via. OnSmash)

Tuesday's Chill Track: "Left Right Left Right Left" Coldplay Album

Coldplay is giving their fans a 9 track live album at all concerts across North America.  If you aren't able to make it out to a show you can download it here. The tracklist includes Clocks, Viva la Vida and Fix You.

Maestro Knows Episode 9

Maestro Knows - Episode 9 (Terry Kennedy) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

First Day In The Bag

Just finished my first day of the 6 month stint with the company in which Complex Magazine just named one of the top 5 Spring Collections of 2009. Worked on line sheets all day which surprisingly was a good time. I am sure I will be singing a different tune in 6 months. 

Also met Corey from GRN APPLE TREE and Herman Yung who runs one of my favourite blogs Doobybrain.com. Great collection of a little bit of everything (also responsible for the image above). I will get the camera out tomorrow and try to get a picture of the mouse that was trying to break into my backpack.

Benny Gold x Rebel8 Tee Sneak Peak

(via. Benny Gold)

Malcom Mclaren x Supreme x Vans V-79

The Malcom Mclaren x Supreme apparel collection is now complete with the addition of a shoe collaboration in the form of the Vans V-79. The three piece footwear collection will feature three vibrant and summer inspired kicks (pink/orange/yellow).  The shoes are set off with a very intriguing insole. The shoes will go on sale online and at Supreme locations in the US on Thursday, May 21 and in Japan May 23.

(via. Supreme)

Monday Morning Playlist: Dave Ortiz

Dave's Quality Meat (DQM to the regulars) has become an iconic fixture in the meat packing district in New York City. DQM, situated at 7 East 3rd Street, was the brainchild of Dave Ortiz and Chris Keefe. The duo opened shop November 1, 2003. Dave (at one point the Zoo York Skate team manager) developed the concept for the butcher shop which was an extension of his graffiti tag which at the time was 'Meat'.

The space, as you can judge by the name, resembles your classic butcher shop. No details were overlooked. From the meat hangers to the glass-door meat refrigerator stocked with t-shirts shrink wrapped in styrofoam packages. The experience is even capped off with your purchase making its way into a brown, hand stamped DQM bag.

DQM goes beyond to make sure you get the freshest Nike SB products, Nike Quickstrike, Vans and some of the world most limited shoes. The shop also boast an impressive in-house line that almost always features a stunning New Era that will make you weak in the knees.

Now that I find myself in New York it seems only fitting for this weeks Monday Morning Playlist installment to be Mr. Dave Ortiz. I haven't had the opportunity to meet Dave (yet) but from people I talk to he is not only a class act but has an unprecedented style which made me really curious as to what "jams get him pumped". Dave not only provided a list but even put the tracks in context with his life, a Monday Morning Playlist first.

1) I and I Survive - Bad Brains.
These guy I've been friends with since the late 80's and we still talk to this day every time they come to NYC they call me to come to the shows..it was funny when took my friend to the show to meet the band she tells me when guys are like they know the band...she was like you really know them and their kids and that was way cool..

2) Everything is Broken - Bob Dylan
Every time I mess shit up with any of my girl friends...this has been a song in my life for too long...

3) Song That Made Us What We Are - Red Hot Chili Peppers
This is a B side on Mother Milk which is still to this day one of my favorite albums...

4) Mercy Mercy Me - Marvin Gaye
This reminds me of when I was kid just simple harmony and great lyrics about the planet this is what got me to be aware of the planet.

5) How I Love Thee - Bad Brains
This is the greatest love about how you love a WOMEN....

6) Brave Captain - Fire Hose
This was a song in Streets of Fire one of the greatest Skate videos on Earth and my friend Natas Skates to this part.

7) I Luv I Jah - Bad Brains
This is the name of my nephew AJah...and it's again an amazing song that the Brains kill it on and not too many people know about...

8) Bennie and the Jets - Elton John
This is one of the best songs ever and Biz Markie did the best cover with the Beastie Boys but the OG is always the best...

9) Jokerman - Bob Dylan
The Lyrics are so dope....Freedom is just around the corner from you...best line in the song..

10) Regatta de Blanc - The Police
Best reference to a coke song ever...listen to it and ask me later....YA YO....YA YO..

11) You Gotta Serve have Somebody - Bob Dylan
This is the truth for every person on earth...I don't care how cool anyone thinks they are...You Gotta have to Somebody...

12) How Strong - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Now this is for my girl in Marsielle France I love her so much that it kills me I live here in NYC I wish I was with here every minute of the day....

My Man

Eventful pretty much sums up my travels today. I was awoke by a  phone call this morning at 7:15 where an automated message informed me that my flight was cancelled and that I was now booked on a different flight. No big deal. Get to customs, informed that I cannot enter into the United States for an internship without a J-1 form. A J-what? Detained for 40 minutes while I am grilled with questions about internship, New York and rent. One officer agrees to let me through customs with a warning while one looks pissed off at this other guys decision.  They re-open security for me to go through but I am given the pat, wand and whatever machine test they give peoples laptops. Digital terrorism is the worst. Plane out of Winnipeg delayed.  Thank goodness I catch it.  Screwed to make connection.  Make Minneapolis with 20 minutes to change terminals and catch JFK flight.  JFK flight delayed an hour.  Makes flight an hour late already and due to fog at JFK we sit, engines off on the runway for 45 minutes to find out if we will be able to beat the bottleneck traffic and fog in New York. Gives me time to catch up on my American Gangster/Frank Lucas/New York knowledge. Picked up by my new boss Andrew. Welcome to New York...My man.

Lebron x Kobe Nike Puppet Commercial Part II

Exclusive Mishka x New Era Snapbacks

Mishka has added a few more retro snapbacks to the mix with the addition of three new caps: The Varsity Script, Death Adder Wrap and Death Adder Arch.  The caps revolve around the Redskins, Cowboys and an unknown black/purple colorway. The caps are available exclusively through MishkaNYC.com and at their flagship 350 Broadway.  Caps retail for $34.99.  Big fan of the Varsity Script Redskin colorway. 

(via. MishkaNYC)

Push Button House

LAM is all over the place this week but this was to rad not to post.  

Adam Kalkin’s Push Button House 1 demonstrates how industrial products can repurposed as architectural elements, or as entire homes. The Push Button House was originally displayed at Art Basel Miami in 2005, and uses a standard shipping container as the structure of a home. Kalkin’s concept uses hydraulic power to lift and lower the sides of the shipping container, vastly expanding the usable living space. His design incorporates bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchenette, and living area. Though not actually viable for use as a home, Kalkin’s Push Button House is one of many shipping container concepts that utilize an object that might otherwise lie dormant.

(via. SwipeLife)

Revive Customs Canal Street AF1

These gems were produced by Revive Customs and are available at Solefood NYC in Tribeca.  They represent everything that Canal Street has become and stands for.  Everything from the knock off Chanel bags to the Steven Sprouse Louis Vuitton collaboration are incorporated in this shoe. I will even venture out to suspect that the accent is a knock off Rolex.

The 401 Band - Kevin Figueiredo

So there is this drummer who has been getting a lot of internet love for his rock remix drumming covers of artists like Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Mims. Anyways I was watching one of his videos on YouTube today and discovered a few things.

1) The Drummer is 17 year old Kevin Figueiredo.

2) The band is from Montreal, Quebec.

3) Kevin is the drummer of Christian group The 401 Band.

4) New album "Songs of Solomon" is available on iTunes.

5) You can download these remixes through YouTube.

In my opinion this is a nice bit of marketing/promotion for the band. His videos are appearing everywhere including Perez Hilton.  Whom I have no respect for, but does that matter.    

Paul Rodriguez's Proof Sneak Peak

Paul Rodriguez Presents Proof from nigel k alexander on Vimeo.

Blaine Fontana Scion xB Custom Concept Car

Just came across this Scion concept that Blaine Fontana embarked on recently.  It is best explained first hand:

"Blaine recently had the privilege to join the small handful of artists who have been commissioned to create a concept car for Scion. He took a strict design approach, rather than an artistic one to respect and compliment the integrity of the xB. It was inspired by the countless road trips he does with his wife and 2 dogs from Long Beach, CA to Seattle, WA. The xB is loaded with devices similar to an RV, but in a compact space. Some of the amenities include: A wind turbine generator to charge a peripheral battery for electronic devices at a camp site. A pull out sink faucet that becomes a shower when attached to the open tailgate. 

Propane gas range, hot and cold water, refrigerator, off road tires with lift, wood rack and the overcamp tent system with memory foam that can collapse (set up in only a few minutes)."

(via BlaineFontana)

Marilyn Monroe: Life as a Legend at the WAG

Went and checked out the Marilyn Monroe: Life As a Legend show at the Winnipeg Art Gallery today. The exhibition includes over 175 paintings, photographs, prints and sculptures from artists like Andy Warhol, Robert Indiana, Richard Lindner as well as photographs by Richard Avedon and Henri Cartier-Bresson. 

The show features the original nude photographs taken by Tom Kelley that essentially launched Playboy and Hugh Hefner into super stardom. Marilyn found herself struggling in the late forties and agreed to pose nude for Kelley for $50. Kelley in turn sold the photos to Hugh Hefner for $500. These photos became the very first centerfold and playmate shots. Sadly for Monroe she did not see any of the money. The show runs from March 28 to June 7.