Supra | Skytop II "Goldie"

The Supra Skytop has gained some serious momentum over the last couple weeks with the help of The Supra Skytop II World Tour with Chad Muska. The Supra Skytop II Tour wraps up next week at Wish in Atlanta capping the 10 stop tour. Each of the ten stops received 36 pairs of the Gradient colorway with a total of 600 of the initial colorway being released through the 10 accounts at Factory 413 online store. The second colorway surfaced last week for a Black Friday drop at Factory 413. The second coming featured a metallic gold upper with patent black accents and vulcanized rubber outsole. The shoe also brags an extra heel protection molded into comfortable high memory polyurethane insole. The shoe has been restocked over at Factory 413 and if you hurry you may be able to get your hands on the super limited run setting you back $150 USD.

(via. sneakerobsession/Factory413)

Movember | "Beat For The Street" Alexander Spit

I must admit I was not familiar with the adaptation of November until fellow intern Shimon took it upon himself to show up to work the first week of November with a scarce arrangement of upper lip hair. Questioning him on his motives and refusal to shave for the month of November he told us about the Mo-vember campaign. The idea behind growing the mustache is simple yet effective. Start the month clean shaven and over the course of the next 30 days use the facial experiment to garner support from friends and family in the form of financial donations directed toward Prostate Cancer. The participant essentially becomes a walking billboard for the cause prompting an ongoing conversation of Prostate Cancer replacing the pink ribbon with an assortment of a world of Tom Selleck look a likes.

"The idea for Movember was sparked in 2003 over a few beers in Melbourne, Australia. The guys behind it joked about 80s fashion and decided it was time to bring the moustache back. In order to justify their Mos (Australian slang for moustache), they used their new looks to raise money for prostate cancer research… never dreaming that facial hair would ultimately lead to a global movement that would get men talking about a taboo subject – their health."

The date the event has raised over $47 million globally making it, to my knowledge, the world's largest charity event for men. Having a close familiar member pass of this form of cancer I have the utmost respect for those who are doing their part to raise awareness and funds to further research and the hunt for the cure. Shout out to all Men of Movember.

Check out Director Matt Hobbs work and the music of Alexander Spit.

The Hangover | Movie Of The Year?

I am dangerously close to having to count the number of times I have seen The Hangover in theatres on two hands now. For those in the know here are a few tid-bits you might find appetizing and if you have no clue about what I am talking about you should probably kick yourself in the face and than find a cheap theatre to see this on the big screen while you still can.

The Nevada scenes in the Hangover were filmed over the course of 15 days. During those 15 days Ed Helms (Stu Price) lost 8 pounds. Helms's tooth that goes missing was actually a dental implant that he received as a teenager that was removed for filming. Zach Galifianakis's (Alan Garner) explict shots in the final photo slide is actually a prosthesis. The dude in the elevator "making out" with the chick is producer Todd Phillips. It was actor Ken Jeong (Leslie Chow) who decided his character should jump out of the trunk of the Benz naked. One of the Mercedes being used for the film was actually stolen from the lot but recovered when production, while filming one of the driving scenes, was being held up by police who had coincidentally pulled over the Mercedes. The baby in the movie consisted of three sets of twins. Kanye paid actor Zach Galifianakis's to make an alternative video for his song "Can't Tell Me Nothing". Linday Lohan was offered the part of Jade (Heather Graham) but refused saying the movie would bomb. The sequel was in the works before the release of the film and will hit theatres October 2010 for Memorial Weekend.

The Hangover comes to DVD December 15 just in time to fill everyones stockings.

And the award for Best On Screen Hair goes to Bradley Cooper. If you know his secret email me.

Lupe Fiasco | Enemy of the State: A Love Story

More mixtape madness. I have yet to give it a listen but if it is anything like The Cool or Food & Liquor we are once again in for a treat. The mixtape features 12 new tracks spanning twenty-two minutes

01 Intro
02 The National Anthem (Radiohead)
03 All The Way Turnt Up (Travis Porter)
04 Fireman (Lil Wayne)
05 L.A.S.E.R.S. Manifesto Interlude
06 Angels (Remix) (Dirty Money)
07 So Ghetto (Jay-Z)
08 Say Something (Timbaland)
09 Thank You (Jay-Z)
10 The One (Slaughterhouse)
11 Popular Demand (Clipse)
12 HP Skit

Get on it.

(via. OnSmash)

GoodWood NYC | Black Jesus Piece

Sitting at the computer I can't recall a product that has been as well marketed as the recently released Good Wood NYC Jesus Piece. It seems everywhere I've looked over the last couple months this joint kept popping up. I guess founder Kerri O'Konnell knows what she is doing, setting a glowing example of product placement at its finest. The young entrepreneur did custom Jesus Pieces for some of the most influential people in the street and fashion market who in turn paid it forward with some great press. The Brooklyn based company has managed to tap a niche market of accessory driven - balling on a budget - wood grain enthusiast. Focusing early on with two and four finger rings Good Wood has grown to include bracelets, earrings and custom pendants at a very reasonable and affordable price. The Black Jesus Piece features a 30" black wood beaded chain with the Black finish being released today. The $65 accessory is exclusive to the Good Wood NYC online store and will be made available for only 24 hours (limit 3 per person).

Stussy | Seattle Flagship

Stussy announced the opening of their fourth Chapter location - helping to celebrate their upcoming 30th year. Seattle will join Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver, Washington D.C. and New York Stussy stores based in North America. The Stussy shop is located next door to Goods which is owned by Scott Downing who also is a part of the new Stussy venture. Stussy Seattle will be open this coming Friday, November 27 with store hours 11am - 7pm. Stussy Seattle /// 1108 Pike Street /// Seattle, WA /// 206-324-2003 (via. SeattleTimes / Highsnobiety)

Nike SB | Eric Koston Interview

Ronnie Fieg x Polo Ralph | Lauren Cookie Boots

Queens native and sneaker connoisseur Ronnie Fieg recently teamed up with Polo Ralph Lauren on a Grey Ranger "Cookie" Boot. The boot will be available Black Friday (November 27th) exclusively at the David Z. flagship and online store. Ronnie Fieg is responsible for over 45 sneaker collaborations done for David Z. that has included working alongside the likes of Asics, Adidas, Sebago, Red Wing, Clarks, Saucony, and New Balance.

(via. Hypebeast)

Tuesday's Chill Track | "Graveyard Girl" - M83

3sixteen | Denim Collection

Over the past few years I have stepped into an array of denim. The collection has ranged from street brands like Supreme and The Hundreds to fashion forward brands like True Religion, Seven and 1921, all of which have led to disappointment. Whether not offering the proper inseam length or not withstanding the test of time, I had yet to find a comfortable fit that not only felt right but were durable enough to withstand more than a month or two of continual wear.

When Self Edge opened up shop in New York at the end of July my understanding of denim was turned upside down. In fact all prior knowledge of denim at that point, as accurate as I may have thought, might as well have been tossed out the window. Thanks to the watchful and educated eye of Self Edge New York owners Kiya Babzani, Demitra Georgopoulos, Andrew Chen and Johan Lam I was introduced to the world of Japanese denim. Self Edge caters to the denim connoisseur carrying some the world's finest denim manufactures from Iron Heart, Sugar Cane, Imperial, Flat Head, 3sixteen to Real Japan Blues.

After getting a detailed narrative of the history of Japanese denim and an indepth look at each brand carried in the New York store I decided to try on just about every pair of jeans in the shop, with the exception of the Mister Freedom line (sorry Christophe Loiron I just do not understand the denim collection). After narrowing down the arsenal of denim one brand seemed to surface to the top. This jean not only provided me the cut and fit I had been looking for but it also offered the minimalist pocket detailing and clean aesthetic. The denim of choice was the 3sixteen collection.

Now you might be thinking that this is a bias interpretation of the denim seeing that I did in fact call 3sixteen home for the past 6 months, but I can honestly tell you that the detail and craftsmanship of the jeans were far superior to anything I had tried. Now I am aware that brands like Iron Heart have put out a 23.5 oz denim that retails for $450 but for an intern justifying a purchase like that did not make sense. I needed something that came in around the $200 mark and didn't have "F*** Em" stitched into the back pocket.

I guess long story short is I cleared out the four pairs of denim I had come to New York with on eBay and stepped into a pair of Grey 3sixteen ST 300's. The Slim Tapper 300's are made of 14oz Kaihara denim and feature gunmental rivets, a minimally branded leather tag, button fly and clean back pockets. The slim cut jean provided a great form fit that became my solo pair of jeans for almost three months. The three month test drive led to the addition of two more pairs: the SL 100x and the ST 100x. Both the SL 100x and the ST 100x are made of 14oz Kaihara Selvedge Indigo denim and feature similar attributes to the ST 300 in terms of hardware and stitching. The denim is not only a great price point denim but is starting to work in quite nicely.

Battle At The Berrics Championship | P. Rod vs C. Cole

Supreme x Vans | 106 Pack

Supreme teams up, once again, with Vans on their most recent footwear joint venture. The silhouette is the 106. The 106 is a surf inspired, eco-friendly design that features the use of water-based inks and glues. My guess is Supreme really didn't care too much of these features but who knows. As I am sure most of you will recall this isn't the first time Supreme and Vans have worked together. A few months back they released the two-pair pack that featured the Old Skool and Half Cab as part of their 2009 Fall/Winter line-up.

The 106 pack features four colorways including an all black and all orange seude. As well as two unique camo prints utilizing the common brown/tan/green and green/pink/tan color scheme. All four will come with leather lining and insoles. The pack drops Black Friday at Supreme and will also be made available online. The drop date for Japan is November 28th

(via. HypeQuest)

Porter x OriginalFake | Day Bag

Porter and OriginalFake have collaborated on this backpack/day bag. The bag features full access styling allowing for a large opening and easy access to the main storage space. The bag features a built in padded laptop compartment all enclosed in an exclusive all over XX pattern. Bag has adjustable should straps and elements referencing military influence. It is available at Haven for $550 CDN.

(via. HavenShop)

Maestro Knows - NYC Edition - Episode 3

The Hook Up | Oakley Koston Frogskins and Jawbone

Last week we received a nice little package from our friends over at Oakley. Enclosed were a pair of the Koston Frogskins as well as a pair of the fully customizable Jawbone. Over the course of the next few weeks we will be reviewing some of our favorite frames from companies including Oakley, Mosley Tribe, 9five and EC Headwear. We will be covering the spectrum from great price point, entry level sunglasses to higher end options - exploring options for all budgets.

Tuesday's Chill Track | "Hurt" - Johnny Cash

Monday Morning Playlist: Angel Cabada

They’re hundreds of men’s footwear companies on the market these days, all of which seem to be attempting to carve out their niche in the action sport skate market scene. As an unfortunate result we are met with a cluttered, over saturated façade of skate inspired footwear. However, If you sift through the junk you can find a handful of brands that have the footwear game on lock, pushing the boundaries of what we have come to expect from a shoe. Of these elite few, no one does it with the style, consistency, originality and precision of Supra Footwear.

Supra Footwear didn’t come to fruition over night. In fact you could probably trace the brands roots back to a little company by the name of TSA. TSA - Team Santa Ana - was founded in 1991 by a young Angel Cabada, whom at 17 took his love for skateboarding and skate fashion to the next level utilizing the brand as a creative outlet to foster his first two passions. After a successful run of 10 years Angel left TSA and parted ways with his partner. Luckily for us, Angel remained passionate about his pursuit to conquer the skate clothing and apparel market. From there Angel started KR3W, which eventually led to the development of One Distribution. Over the course of the next few years KR3W grew leaps and bounds and with this growth it seemed like a natural move for Angel and company to enter into the skate footwear market. In 2005, after careful consideration, Angel decided launch a second entity placed under the One Distribution umbrella. This second venture would go by the name of Supra Footwear – Latin for “Above and Beyond”.

Since its inception, Supra has grown to be one of the leaders in practical and fashion forward skate footwear. The brand is responsible for taking the sneaker game to the next level mixing traditional skate materials with a blinding array of buckles, chains, and gold embellishments reinventing the conventional silhouette. When Angel agreed to take the time to put together a little Monday Morning Playlist I was stoked to say the least. I have long admired the California native’s entrepreneurial resilience that has advocated a new breed of original footwear design. Through the success of the brand Angel has somehow managed to remain inconspicuous and fly under the radar, which has sparked my curiosity even more.

Enjoy.

You can download this weeks Monday Morning Playlist here. Thanks for the time Angel, much appreciated. If you are in Los Angeles check out Chad and Angel's store Factory 413 or head over to One Distribution. And you might just be luck enough to attend a stop on the Skytop II World Tour which touches down in New York, Chicago, Paris and Boston amongst others.

DJ AM | Shoe Collection To Hit eBay

Undefeated and Creative Visions will be auctioning of DJ AM's vast sneaker collection between November 15th and December 14th. The 800+ private shoe collection will be auction through eBay with all proceeds supporting DJ AM's Memorial Fund.

"The DJ AM Memorial Fund maintains the legacy of Adam Goldstein and his commitment to helping others struggling with addiction. Utilizing media partnerships to garner support and increase awareness, contributions will help organizations and projects committed to addressing issues of addiction and recovery. 100% of the proceeds of the sales from these auctions will go to the fund. The DJ AM Memorial Fund is fiscally sponsored by the Creative Visions Foundation. Creative Visions Foundation supports “Creative Activists”, individuals who use the power of media and the arts to create positive change in the world."

(via. RapRadar)

10.Deep Winter 2009 | Photoshoot Preview

10.Deep Winter 2009/2010 Photoshoot Preview from 10 Deep on Vimeo.

Black Scale x The Tenderloin Project | The Art of Living...

"The Tenderloin Project is an ongoing artistic endeavor focused on one of San Francisco’s most marginalized neighborhoods, The Tenderloin. Utilizing the interactive mediums of photography and film, we aim to capture a compelling and honest portrait of this diverse community.

With living exhibitions that will travel through San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York the project will be showcased in a variety of outlets, creating access for a range of viewers to see these intimate, yet objective images, and to understand what life is like in the Tenderloin.

The project will culminate in publishing the images in book form, with proceeds from the sales being donated to organizations that promote and give access to art in the Tenderloin. This, we feel, will allow our project to live on for years and generations to come in the form of art within the community."

"The incentive for this project is to engage with The Tenderloin and to interact with members who live in the community; be it on the street, in an apartment or an SRO. The means by which we are engaging with the neighborhood is through the mediums of photography and film.

We aren’t trying to stereotype the Tenderloin as being a bad or dangerous community, nor are we trying to directly change the community, ie. to take drugs off the streets, or to put an end to homelessness, both of which are undeniable problems that live within the community. Instead we are trying to take small steps through our project to help shine a positive light on the community and to try and give some of the members a voice, a face, and to share their stories with the world. Ultimately we are trying to showcase the community both creatively and positively, while also remaining honest and objective to what life is actually like on the streets there.

We will be releasing a series of short-documentaries on the website over the course of the next couple months to further share the stories of the subjects that have been photographed as part of the project.

This is a young project and it’s continually re-defining itself as it evolves. We are now working to put up a paypal account on the site so that people who want to get involved can help contribute to the project.

We appreciate all of the feedback and are inspired to see so many people reacting to the imagery." - Sean Desmond & John Elliott (The Tenderloin Project)

I have witnessed first hand the homeless epidemic in San Francisco and it does seem to have become an irreversible fixture to the Bay landscape. I think the project is insightful and a lot of good can be done through the work but their is a fine line of exploitation that is being explored. There are numerous stances and opinion on utilizing homeless people as the subject for bodies of film and photo based work. I am not going to go into the details but judging by some of the past Black Scale releases I question their motives. I just hope these real street artists got paid for their work. I would also hope that ALL proceeds from this project go back into the community to make some change.

(via. BlackScale / TheTenderloinProject)

Goodfoot x Adidas Originals | “Rod Laver” Varsity Jacket

Goodfoot and Adidas Originals released this varsity gem to compliment the recent collaboration of the Rod Laver shoe. The jacket features the recognizable 'GDFT' insignia on the right sleeve with an overall clean look. Goodfoot continues to put out some great varsity pieces rivaling their 2007 Goodfoot collection. The wool shoe in my opinion is pretty average, nothing to write home about but does feature the tagline "The brand with three stripes, eh?" on the insole. (via. Hypebeast)

Monday Morning Playlist: Alyasha Owerka-Moore

Seeing that music is such an integral part of Mr. Alyasha Owerka-Moore's life, it seemed only fitting to ask DJ and Bop N' Stomp Records partner to contribute a Monday Morning Playlist. Following up last weeks interview Aly did not disappoint assembling an arsenal of 19 tracks to kick off this work week on the right foot. Sit back and enjoy this weeks rendition of the Monday Morning Playlist.

You can download Aly's playlist here.

Maestro Knows - NYC Edition - Episode 2

Heading Into the Weekend | "Truly Yours" Diz Gibran feat. BJ The Chicago Kid

The first video off of the Crooks & Castles Presents Diz Gibran's 'Soon You'll Understand' mixtape. The Los Angeles M.C. made waves when the mixtape dropped back in April. You can download the mixtape over at Diznmoon. Enjoy the weekend.

(via. JohanLam)

Freshjive | Holiday 2009

Rick Klotz and his brand Freshjive are no strangers to lawsuits. In 2005 the brand was sued for copyright infringement by Stussy after utilizing the brands recognizable graffiti-style typeface.

"I had the best time defending myself, even though I lost $100,000,” he said of the Stussy affair. “Here they are suing me, and it was like, an obvious example of what I’m criticizing in this business: Everybody’s got their little different style and smoke and mirrors, but it’s basically saying to me that all those brands, it’s really all the same [stuff].” - Rick Klotz Los Angeles Downtown News.

I would not be surprised if some of the Holiday 2009 collection generates some of the same scrutiny. This time Freshjive goes after Alife, Crooks & Castles and The Hundreds through a few tshirt graphics and snapback hats. Freshjive continues to reaffirm that they are not afraid to cast stones through their controversial imagery taking notes from Old Jeezy. Just saying.

You can view Freshjive's Holiday '09 collection in its entirety over at Fresh N Good.

(via. FreshNGood)

Nixon x Primitive | Nixon Rubber Player

Encino-based Primitive have teamed up with Nixon to put a twist on the highly talked about Nixon Rubber Player. Paul Rodriguez's store will release two new variations of the watch featuring an all black as well as a Lakers inspired colorway. The watch features 3 hand Japanese Quartz, domed mineral crystal, double gasket crown and real diamond. The band is constructed of a custom injected silicone with patented locking looper and stainless steel buckle. The watches will be released Saturday the 14 exclusively at Primitive around the $150 mark.

Primitive
17060 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316
818.479.7171

(via. Hypebeast)

5 Minutes | Alyasha Owerka-Moore

For our second installment of the '5 Minutes' feature we caught up with a gentleman who really requires no introduction. Although if you had to put Mr. Alyasha Owerka-Moore's resume and accomplishments into perspective it would go something like this: The Brooklyn born San Diego transplant is one of the creative minds behind some of the most successful clothing, music and skate projects. On his resume of companies he has founded and worked alongside are Alphanumeric, Fiberops, Bop N' Stomp Records, American Dream, CPSL Snowboarding, Shut Skateboards, Triple 5 Soul, Transworld Skateboarding, Stereo, Real, Krooked, Adidas, Nike, DC Shoes or In4mation and that is just skimming the surface. Today Alyasha balances a majority of his time between his denim company, Fiberops, which he founded in 2002 alongside Tatsushi "Tabo" Kagaya, creative direction for Bop N' Stomp Records and working on the resurgence of street label Alphanumeric. When he isn't knee deep in design and art direction, fabric research or iChat harassment from yours truly you can probably find him skating or DJing in the San Diego area. Enjoy.

5 things people don't likely know about me are...

1. I take my craft (design) very seriously. However... I do not take myself very seriously.
2. I've been skateboarding since I was 14...1984.
3. I collect vintage switchblades, straight razors, and socks. (socks are not vintage but the collect consists of approximately 200 pairs.)
4. I am a partner in a Rockabilly Record Label called Bop N Stomp Records.
5. I DJ Rockabilly, Garage Rock, 40's-50's and 60's RnB - Rock N Roll, Psych and Freak beat twice a week.

5 things I don't leave home without are...

1. Glasses
2. Wallet
3. A pen
4. Clean Socks & Boxers
5. Comb
6. Phone

5 individuals that have inspired me are...

1. My Mother... Carolyn Owerka
2. Heather Worley Telo
3. Virtuous Sanchez
4. Tatsushi "Tabo" Kagaya
5. Anthony Harrison

My 5 favorite spots in New York City are...

1. St. Nicks Pub (149th. - St. Nicholas)
2. Otto's Shrunken Head
3. The old Bridge Banks before they tore up the base.
4. Muhammad Changs No Pork Chinese food ( I think they changed the name. )
5. Freemans Restaurant

My favorite design book is...

Critical Path by R. Buckminster Fuller (Not necessarily a "Design" book.)

What first attracted me to the Rockabilly scene was...

My mom has a large record collection. Among them many "Jump Blues" (Basically the roots of Rockabilly by primarily Black artists) classics. When I was really young (7-8) I would put on Louis Jordan and Wynonie Harris records and bop around the house listening to them.

In 1984 I met a kid from Boston named Jake Burlingham. Jake introduced me to skateboarding. He lent me copy a cassette called "Rockabilly Psychosis and the Garage Disease". I was hooked from then on. This was my discovery of Hasil Adkins, The Cramps, The Sonics, Meteors, Link Wray and a host of other great Psychobilly, Garage and Rockabilly artists.

Later, in Sophmore year of high school I dated a wonderful young woman named Heather Worley. SHE was a huge influence on my sense of music, style and design. I can honestly say that most of the stuff I wear and listen too today was somehow introduced or a direct result of Heathers influence. Heather was originally from Texas and introduced me to tons of contemporary (at the time) and traditional rockabilly. (Side note... She later went on to work for Knoll in their Japan design studio for many years and is still a brilliant designer and is married to an equally talented Musician by the name of Alberto Telo.)

The thing that has attracted me the Rockabilly "scene" in my adult years is the sense of timelessness and tradition. At shows and events people are very cordial and polite for the most part. Although the "scene" is referred to as "Rockabilly", you will find that it encompasses many facets and sub genres such as Rhythm and Blues, Doo Wop, Jump Blues, Traditional Rockabilly, Western Swing, Neo-Billy (Stray Cats), and Psychobilly (some will argue Psychobilly's place.) .

The music I primarily DJ is Rhythm and Blues, Jump Blues, Stompers and Screamers. Basically, the BLACK music of the period. Late 40's to 50's BLACK music in short. I do not own one Elvis record. Killer music, Great Folks and no trends. (I do not consider myself any sort of authority or aficionado on Rockabilly ... Just a huge fan of the music).

Heather Worley and Alyasha Owerka-Moore in front of LaGuardia HS 1986 (Misfits shirt c. 1986)

My dream car is...

1955 - 58 Toyota Crown AKA Toyopet.


If I wasn't designing or Dj-ing I would be...

Most probably working for my mother in Textile Conservation and Restoration.

If I had the opportunity to switch places with any designer it would be...

I do not know that that I'd like to trade places with anyone. I'm quite happy with my life and who I am. But, I'd like to visit certain folks studios and get to pick their brains for a while.

The most rewarding project I have been involved with would be...

Designing a guest artist board for Krooked. Working on music with Bill Laswell .

If I could have lunch with anyone dead or alive it would be...

Le Chevalier de Saint Georges, Buckminster Fuller, Howlin' Wolf, Bo Diddley, Screamin Jay Hawkins, Issey Miyake, Nobu Kitamura and Ralph Lauren.

The last article of clothing I purchased was...

Black and Grey yarn dye thermal shirt from Target.

The best words of advice I ever received were...

Not exactly advice given to me directly, but an insightful quote that struck home.

"A designer is an emerging synthesis of artist, inventor, mechanic, objective economist and evolutionary strategist." -R. Buckminster Fuller

If I had to wear one pair of shoes for the rest of my life they would be...

Thats an interesting question ...It would have to be a pair of shoes that could keep my feet dry and warm in winter. Keep them cool in summer. I'd have to be able to skate in them, yet also be able to wear them to formal events. In all honesty ... I am not sure that pair of shoes exists.

Although during our iChat conversation this image was fired over.

My drink of choice is...

Moscow Mule ... No bitters ... Ginger Beer NOT Ginger Ale.

After completing this interview I am off to...

Finish up some work, then go skate.

Make sure you come through on Monday for Alyasha's Monday Morning Playlist feature. In the meantime check out Aly's blog Stack-Aly.

(photos via Alyasha)

Los Angeles Downtown News | The Comeback of Freshjive

Los Angeles Downtown News did a great pieces on Freshjive founder Rick Klotz and the rebuilding on his beloved brand. The article discusses the comeback of Freshjive after the rollercoaster ride the brand as undergone over the past few years. A great read. Check it out here.

(via. TheHundreds)

Tuesday's Chill Track | "This Could Be Anywhere In The World" - Alexisonfire

Vans | Chukka Low White Suede

Something I really despise, that I rarely let come in contact with my feet in summer are socks. The only thing worse is black socks. When summer rolls around I usually go out and purchase a mid range priced shoe that I can wear consistently - without socks. I usually look for something between $50-$60 that I can wear until they fall apart or when the stench forces me to part ways. This summer the shoe of choice was a pair of Alife Canvas allover slip-ons that I managed to pick up for $30 somewhere on Spring St. It was ideal because not only were they easy to toss on but were also easy to toss in the wash cycle every few weeks. For me versatility is important. Something that I can not only beat the crap out of but also something that is not a complete disaster for a last minute outing, something that was missing from the Alife shoe (I mean it did serve its purpose quite well but it was an allover print).

This Vans shoe makes me wish that summer was still upon us and that I could have run New York City with these. I can already picture rocking these weekly while running errands, grabbing lunch or making my way through the garment district. Something that was not only versatile but offered a little more comfort than the slip-ons. Aside from being extremely versatile the Vans Chukka Low White Suede also offers a great price point. The off-white with contrasting black tongue the Chukka Low features the classic vulcanized outsole focusing on light weight comfort. I think I might just scoop these up and sit on them until next summer. Can you ever go wrong with making Vans your daily driver? Probably not.

Nike SB | Skate Mental Dunk High Premium

This attractive hazelnut suede, white and light blue Skate Mental x Nike SB Dunk High Premium is slated for a December 2009 release. The shoe features a seude, leather and synthetic upper as well as Zoom Air heel insert technology. If that gets you excited you can make your way over to CCS to pre-order. The shoe retails for $109.99.

(via. Hypebeast)

Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys | Empire State of Mind Music Video

I can attest that Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind has captivated the New York audience. In fact judging by its warm reception I will venture to say that it is not long before this track joins the ranks of God Bless America and the National Anthem - played at every sporting event somewhere between the third and fourth inning, 2nd and 3rd period and at the half. In fact it would not surprise me if more people knew the lyrics to the track then God Bless America. But I guess that's what Jay does - a living, breathing, walking hit machine. The 39 year old rapper, songwriter, MC, record executive, producer, entrepreneur, fashion designer, media mogul and philanthropist's 11th album reached #1 on the Billboards surpassing Elvis Presley as the solo artist with the most chart-toppers in US chart history.

Hats off to you Mr. Carter, hats off to you.

Moving | Diamond Supply Co.

The Diamond Supply Co store has become a fixture on North Central Los Angeles's Fairfax Ave. The Diamond store opened in 2007 amongst The Hundreds, Alife (at the time), Flight Club LA, Supreme and Hall of Fame which all called Fairfax home. Alife was the first to move off the block, relocating to North Cahuenga to open a full blown retail store. Nick went to his twitter today to announce that the Diamond Supply Co. store will be relocating to a bigger and better space. No real details on when the store will officially close or where they will be relocating to. Details to follow.

Those who are in Los Angeles keep your eyes open for a full fledged sale in the coming week. I am sure there will be mounds of stuff to liquidate before making the move.

(via. DiamondSupplyCo.)