Tuesday 28 December 2010

Stussy x Fred Perry 'Empire Mesh' In-Depth Pictures




Our earlier feature on the Stussy x Fred Perry 'Empire Mesh' release, detailed images were released for you to sink your teeth in. Details are definitely attractive, especially the mesh treatment seems like it's breathable and durable.






Via Sneaker Freaker.

Nike Lunar Spiders


This version of Nike Lunar Spiders is being pimped with beast-like scratch across the entire upper. Via Sneaker Freaker.

Bedwin x Converse Jack Purcell 'Mike'

The much anticipated release since mid 2010, Converse x Bedwin Jack Purcell "Mike" is now available at selected stockists. Sexy, stylish.


Converse Skidgrip Oyatsu Candy Pack


Voted as the most outstanding release from the Converse Japan January 2011 collection we previewed earlier, they presented the slip-on based Skidgrip Oyatsu on candy prints, specifically chocolate bars and marble chocolates. Hunt this down folks.




Converse One Star Canvas Ox

For the past couple of months, we've seen the leather One Star from Converse. Beginning with another direction back to the roots, Converse reintroduced the canvas version of the favorable One Star in five different colorways. Available at Converse Japan next month. This is part of Converse Japan's January 2011 intake.






Converse Jack Purcell 'Mini-Check'


This version of Converse Jack Purcell may appeal to those who loves wearing checks. Now you get yourself a matching sneaker for your favorite check tops. This is part of Converse Japan's January 2011 intake.


Converse Japan Chuck Taylor January 2011 Collection


Introducing 2011 with a big impact, Converse Japan unveiled their January intakes with batches of new innovative designs for their Chuck Taylor.

First off, there's an awkward looking CT featuring a thick bottom sole, a version blooming with flowers, large tonal polka dots, 2-tone padded ankle and an extravagant leather treatment style.












Check with your local retailers on availability, but most likely will be widely available in Japan.

Monday 27 December 2010

Heidi Spencer and the Rare Birds - Under Streetlight Glow


After years creating films, Heidi Spencer's voice is finally being heard - but it's not because of her celluloid creations. On March 29, Bella Union will release 'Under Streetlight Glow' by Heidi Spencer & the Rare Birds. With songs described as "dark, dreamy" and "quietly heart-wrenching", the album - named after one of Spencer's short films - possesses an equally cinematic quality; haunting, elegant orchestrations curled up with Spencer's hushed, exquisite voice.

Spencer was raised in Milwaukee, her father a musician and central figure in the city's underground arts scene of the 1970's. As a young adult, she lived an itinerant existence out of her car, calling 12 different states home before ultimately settling back in Milwaukee, where she quickly earned a reputation as a filmmaker and songwriter. Spencer's restless spirit imbues both her films and her songs: "Am I coming? / Am I leaving?" she sings on "Hibernation." "You get so used to something, you just can't quit."


'Under Streetlight Glow' was recorded in Milwaukee's ShipRec Studios with producer and Rare Birds drummer Bill Curtis.

Heidi Spencer & the Rare Birds plan to tour the US in 2011, including dates at SXSW.



mastermind JAPAN x Lee Denim


mastermind JAPAN and Lee collaborated on a special denim, blending the symbolic style of mJ and the American denim expert workmanship. The main details from this including the mJ logo on the back pocket and coin pocket, the D-hook. Available now in Anytime HK.

Via hypebeast.

Nitro Microphone Underground x Stussy 'The Laboratory' Sunglasses


Celebrating the release of their new fourth album The Laboratory, Japanese hip hop group Nitro Microphone Underground worked with Stussy to release a commemorative signature eyewear. White vintage frame with subtle branding from both parties. Should be available beginning February 2011.

Via honeyee.com.

WTAPS New Year Jackets

Starting the new year with two special jackets, WTAPS plays the unique card with the release of a rider jacket and M-65 jacket, as usual the magnificent details impress. Available on January 2 at Blackflag.


Kopecky Family Band Announce Disaster EP, Christmas Special


Only a family could write music this intimate. Steeped in the tradition of Nashville, Tennessee, but free of any sort of genre restraints, the eccentric strains of Kopecky Family Band are both universally beautiful and resoundingly unique. Led by the dueling male/female vocals of Gabe and Kelsey, the clan rounds out their sound with an augmented line-up featuring the standard guitar and drums with the added complements of cello and violin, as well as guest spots from various reeds, mallets, and more. The result is the sort of emotive, orchestral rock that has won the band so many fans on their 2008 debut Embraces EP and the 2010 follow-up Disaster EP.

After riding a wave of anticipation from their native Next Big Nashville Music Festival all the way to SXSW in Austin, the band’s 2010 CMJ appearance in New York proved to be a tipping point. With a backdrop of thousands of bands scrambling for attention, Kopecky made their mark, playing the official Paste Magazine showcase and winning the praise of the pundits at NPR Music in the process.

Never ones to rest on their laurels, the clan would quickly return to the studio after the successful stint at CMJ. What they emerged with was like a peak into the Family photo album -- a collection of lovingly-assembled odds, ends, B-sides, out-takes, rarities and everything in between called (Of Epic Proportions). It’s the sort of assortment that lesser bands cram with also-rans and cutting room floor fare. But the Kopeckys’ knack for crafting simple beauty can never be overstated. This is a band whose cutting room floor makes others envious.


And just in time for the holidays, The Kopecky clan recently unveiled an elegantly understated Christmas tune entitled "Our Remedy." It follows on the heels of the crew's track in commemoration of Turkey day, and is peppered with glockenspiel and hushed acoustic strings. Like much of the band's catalog, it's tailor-made for fireside listening, and is just a click away at the band's website.

Sunday 26 December 2010

Elves of Heaven 'Hard Times on 34th Street'

The Elves Of Heaven with the video of their new Christmas track titled Hard Times On 34th Street, one of the three tracks from the festive EP "This Christmas".

Frontman Martin Clancy describes the track, "Father Christmas disillusioned, unemployed, a crack head…just another bum for the cops to move on…now there are hard times on 34th street. Inspired by the great movie ‘A Miracle on 34th Street’ and drawing on the unfulfilled hopes of ‘A Fairytale of New York", "Hard Times on 34th St" sees our white bearded hero down on his luck and high on cocaine in modern day Manhattan."



Ari Shine - Ghost Town Directory


Ari Shine is quickly becoming the singer/songwriter to watch in 2011. He plays roosty rock with an eye for lyrical detail and an ear for classic pop song-craft. The heartfelt melodies and unfiltered lyrics he delivers retain the same unabashed hooks and energy whether in solo acoustic performance or with full band backing.

Speaking on the creation of his new album Ghost Town Directory, Shine says “My last album A Force Of One was purposely going after a classic late 70’s power pop sound, even going so far as to use veteran producer Earle Mankey to recreate the vibe of that era. I did a ton of touring after that album, much of which was solo acoustic shows and I decided that before I recorded my new album I was just going to write songs on my acoustic guitar not geared toward any specific genre; just songs that worked by themselves without outside adornment.”

Gutsy rockers like the opening “All I’ve Got is Love” (co-written with Shine’s wife Adrienne Pierce, also a noted performer) and the hometown kiss-off “Against the Night” mingle with more atmospheric tracks like “Here With Me” and “Simple”, the latter featuring rich pads of harmonies in a decidedly 70s vein. Though he tackled all the instruments and vocals during the sessions, drums were handled by LA traps master Chris Cano, best known for his work in another Shain produced project Orson, as well as hip hop/Latin rock road warriors Ozomatli.

While Shine has built his songwriting skills and performance chops playing in live bands since the age of 15, in recent years he has become a go to songwriter for buzz acts and established artists alike. Some of his notable co-writes include tracks on albums by The Secret Handshake, Josie Cotton, Gaby Moreno, Into the Presence and Thousand Watt Stare.

Nixon iPhone 4 Case

Nixon continues their dedication to iPhone styling with their updated cases for iPhone 4. Featuring the Fuller and Jacket cases, these are now available at atmos-tokyo.



Wednesday 22 December 2010

Fragment Design x Kangol Ear Flap Beanie


Fragment Design and Kangol released a collection of ear flap beanies in three different designs. In stores now. Via honeyee.com.

Tuesday 21 December 2010

Lanvin Checked Jacquard Sneaker


When it comes to Lanvin, you can assure some fine quality sneakers with top notch style. This sneaker features crinkled and checked purple jacquard, wavy dark purple decorative piping, blue shoe laces and dark charcoal eyelet studs, thick rubber sole in white and brown and leather lined. It's made of calf leather.

Available now at Browns.

Monday 20 December 2010

Alexander McQueen Puma Holiday 2010 Collection

The Alexander McQueen Puma leaps forward with a brand new innovation of sneakers combining top notch technical features and extravagant design for this Holiday. Taking Hiking as the central theme, with a graphic story featuring jagged lines and sharp contrasts to represent mountain range silhouettes. The collection of sneakers are carefully crafted based on carefully selected materials and fabrics to create these performance-oriented footwear.













Available at selected Alexander McQueen Puma stockists worldwide.