Ladies Plaza

Founded in 2004 by Adamu Chan, and Jae Knox, Red Clay is a semi-established brand out of the Bay Area. Fresh off of their respective grinds as a television show host in Tokyo (Adamu), and a t-shirt designer in California (Jae), and disenfranchised with the San Francisco scene at the time, Adamu and Jae set off to develop a line representing experiences and ideas specific to the Bay. Three years, and six collections later, Red Clay is releasing a full collection available across the globe.

“Our overall design aesthetic focuses more on subtle details and quality than catchy colors and graphics.”

Format: Please introduce Red Clay and its respective founders.
Adamu Chan: Red Clay is a two-headed monster made up of myself, Adamu, and my partner, Jae Knox. I take care of design, marketing and sales and Jae handles most of the finance and daily operations.

Format: Before starting Red Clay, Adamu was doing a television show in Japan. What’s the story behind this?
Adamu: There is no real story behind this, it was just my job out there. I was the host of an entertainment type television show. However, living in Japan laid a lot of the framework for starting the company. In 2001 when I started living in Tokyo, for a lot of the kids that I was hanging out with in San Francisco, Japan was something of a “mecca” for streetwear, a place where you could find goods that others wouldn’t be able to get their hands on. Nowadays, everything can be had on the Internet. In the profession I was in, I was able to meet and become friends with many people at the forefront of the industry, which had a large influence on me and fueled my desire to start Red Clay.

Format: At the same time, Jae was running a successful t-shirt line. Why the transition into Red Clay?
Adamu: I think for both of us, we wanted to do something that had more of an international appeal and that was more than just a t-shirt company.

Format: What does Red Clay mean?
Adamu: Red Clay is a Freddie Hubbard Jazz tune that I think captures the feeling of what we are trying to express with the line. My name, Adamu means “the first man born from Red Clay” as well.

Format: 2007 marks the third year for Red Clay. How has the line grown since 2004?
Adamu: We’ve grown in all facets of the company from design to distribution. I think for us, and most of our contemporaries in this so-called “streetwear” industry, the past few years have been a growing process for all of us in terms of learning how to grow a brand, the ins and outs of running a business and how to produce quality garments.

Format: Which markets are most responsive to Red Clay, and why do you think these specific markets take to the brand?
Adamu: New York has always been good to us since the beginning, LA and SF as well. I think our aesthetic appeals to a very urban frame of reference. Living in metropolitan areas, around so many people, makes us want to differentiate ourselves from others. Red Clay caters to that search for individuality and I think people are drawn to that.

Format: Please discuss the development of some of your favorite garments from the Red Clay Fall/Winter 07 collection.
Adamu: I’m a jacket dude, so those by default are my favorites. We will be dropping a shawl collar fleece pullover next month for Holiday that I think is somewhat of a new look for streetwear. A classic look reinterpreted. Keep a lookout for the quilted lambskin leather baseball jacket as well.

Format: Red Clay focuses much more on pattern and texture than the average streetwear brand. Please discuss the influences behind this decision.
Adamu: I don’t think it’s necessarily a formal decision, but more about the brand identity overall. Our overall design aesthetic focuses more on subtle details and quality than catchy colors and graphics.

Format: To what degree does Red Clay identify with the streetwear market?
Adamu: It’s funny because I feel like a lot of discussion lately has been centered around what the streetwear industry is and where it’s going. One of the things I noticed, and I’d include our brand in this observation, is that a lot of the companies that are at the forefront of the industry are in the process of figuring out intelligent ways to differentiate themselves from the rest. While I think this is always a motivation for most companies, it has become a more concerted effort over the last year or so with the explosion of the streetwear market and the proliferation of brands. Streetwear as an industry, as this “industry” has to be redefined and reinterpreted, or it gets stale and dies. Look for a shift back to basic.

Format: Recently, Red Clay teamed up with Empire distribution. How has this partnership helped develop the brand?
Adamu: We are constantly thinking of ways to expand into different and new markets. Our partnership with Empire reflects one of those moves.

Format: Anything else you’d like to discuss?
Adamu: Just like to thank those that have supported us and helped make a great brand.

More Info: http://www.redclaydesigns.com

Available now at Boundless: a fresh shipment of “tee shirt as a medium” flavour from Rogue Status.

Info.Image: Boundless via Hypebeast

by Gabriel Bell

Ironically named for a line so bold and bright, Los Angeles’s Cavern is the creation of fashion-school friends Adam Tullie and Angeline Rivas. “When we first conjured Cavern,” says Rivas, “our focus was to make solid, hand-drawn T-shirts.” While the market is glutted with such wears, particularly on the West Coast, the duo was determined to distinguish themselves. “Everybody is making the same shit,” Rivas says of his competitors, “taking clip art, mixing it up, and slapping it on a t-shirt. There was more to be done.” With references to utopianism and mystic symbols, Rivas and Tullie have set themselves apart with the use of metallic appliques, intelligent cuts, arresting abstract designs and a complete rejection of camp.

The duo has followed up their initial successes with some collaborations and more ambitious plans. “We recently completed a collaboration with Devendra Banhart on the merchandise for his world tour,” says Tullie. “And some of the more recent work we are creating is looking more painterly and loose. We’re doing plenty of experimentation for our Fall 2008 collection. All in all,” he says, “we promise to keep it interesting.”

Read more…

Fashion Wire Daily - It’s a graduation present many fashion design students would dream about - a full range of clothing and accessories with a major national retailer.

S.F. punk band, Bad Shit and Vans have teamed up to offer the world some freshness.  The 2 sneaker collection consists of the TNT Mid II and TNT Slip-On III, both featuring a printed grey upper and black/white accents.  Look for these to drop at select Vans locations around the globe very soon.

Info.Image:  Ripe via Hypebeast

Reuters - Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger
says that if he had not ended up making clothes he probably
would have made movies.

The Conscious Forms collection by Junior Phipps shows this British designer having fun at the intersection of form and function. Each of his light and speaker designs take on tactile and curvaceous forms, but these shapes also help them to function in flexible ways. Take the Egg Acoustic for example, which looks more like a Brancusi sculpture than a speaker. It’s made from layers of plywood carved into a form that clearly wants to be handled and so it should be. The rotund base sits on a freestanding metal structure which allows the speaker to be tilted and faced in any direction.

Phipps tells us that the speaker is, “fitted with near field reference monitor loudspeakers for use in professional environments, where quality acoustics are paramount, the Egg acoustic can be used for both public and domestic spaces and comes in a wide choice of colours. It was developed in collaboration with Godden Acoustics“

Surrealist, practical, funny or not, Azumi and David (A’N'D) are the types to take a theme and run with it. The pair have made both high-heeled a brogue versions of their shoe bags (what girl hasn’t wished for a surface suitable for resting on dirty floors?) and have configured eyeglass frames into endless necklace arrangements, both riffing on design and fashion in one blow. Other pieces, like their creepy-weird hair scarf, are less about reinvention and more bizarre experiments that almost seem to uninvent.

As fans of any kind of novelty tape, we’re taken with the ties, button-downs, ribbons and ruffles in the Spring/Summer 2008 collection that instantly add a bit of formality to any t-shirt.

You can catch the shoe bags and more as part of a surrealist exhibit up at Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam through 13 January 2008. Several shoe bags, as well as the hair scarf and a few other items are available for sale online from Creatures of Comfort.

Reuters - For hard-core chocoholics, it
was the fashion show that quite literally took the biscuit.

Devilock has just dropped their Fall/Winter collection consisting of a full zip knit army sweater, a nylon M-65 windbreaker, a dope vintage wash army t-shirt and a waterproof messenger bag. This is a collection that’s definitely geared for the season. Hit up Subdivision to cop.

Info.Image: Devilock via Hypebeast

Hellz Bellz is one of the dopest brands out point blank period! The attention that Lanie pays to detail is impeccable and the quality of each piece should be honored and admired. This season’s collection hosts a span of influences ranging from the early ’60’s british punk era, all the way down to Roxanne Shante. The cuts and colors are strong and straight to the point. The Hellz Bellz crew definitely out did themselves this time around.

Info.Image: High Snobiety

San Francisco-based artist Jeremy Fish is tackling the lifestyle fashion world with the release of the Fall ’07 superFishal collection. The collection features shirts, hoodies, and accessories all adorned with Fish’s metamorphic designs and satirical flare. The collection is available now through Upper Playground and is coming soon to select retailers. Check out this video for Fish’s thoughts on releasing his art in T-shirt form.

Info.Image: Hypebeast

The ladies finally get a piece of the Charles Barkley collection with these two AF1 designs. The black AF1 hosts a gold splattered sole with sparkling patent leather, while the white AF1 rocks a gold pattern as well as stars through out the side panels and toe box. A few are floating around on ebay, hit the links to find your size. Black/Gold White/Gold.

info.image: sneakerfiles

Florian Maier-Achen is a young landscape photographer born in Cologne, Germany, and now residing in Los Angeles. Maier-Achen’s ability to convey dark, apocalyptic feelings in his work transform earthy landscapes and sweeping terrains into things of beauty and terror. His photos are featured in several important public collections including the Denver Art Museum, the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art and the Saatchi Gallery in London.

The Hundreds Holiday ’07 collection is now available. Their latest line features more of the L.A-based lifestyle brand’s signature fusion of L.A culture and repurposed images from popular and obscure culture. Anybody recognize Holli Would from the movie “Cool World” on the “Rose” T-shirt? The collection is currently available at The Hundreds’ L.A shop or online.

Info.Image: Hypebeast

Alexander McQueen has partnered with PUMA to create a sophisticated new line of sport-fashion shoes. The concept, brought together under the McQueen-designed ManCat icon, is to create juxtaposition between human and animal anatomical foot and tendon structure. The collection, which features designs for men and women, is available now at authorized retailers. Check the Alexander McQueen PUMA website for more info.

Info. Image: Hypebeast

Just released for Upper Playground’s Fall arsenal is a new bandanna collection designed by some of UP’s favorite artists.  Sam Flores, Alex Pardee, and Jeremy Fish all joined in on the fun and they are now available for $10 USD at the Upper Playground website.

Info.Image:  Vinyl Pulse

Vans Syndicate releases a new 005 series collection of sneakers. Including the Half-Cab, the collection is now available at 8five2.

Info.Image: 8Five2 via Hypebeast

For her latest project called “An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar,” photographer Taryn Simon takes on the dual role of modern undercover spy and old-time collector of curiosities.

After years of extensive research and struggling to overcome government restrictions, Simon has created a collection of photographs that documents the inaccessible places that exist below the surface of American identity. It took her as long as a year to gain permission to photograph some of the high-security zones on view in this work, like government-regulated quarantine sites, nuclear waste storage facilities, prison death rows and C.I.A. offices.

Because her approach tends to be very direct and unsentimental, some images like the albino tiger look like they could be museum displays, which only makes these mysterious spaces even more curious and seductive. Through her work, the strangeness of American culture shines.

This show is currently on view at The Photographers’ Gallery in London through 11 November and the Museum fur Moderne Kunst in Frankfurt through 20 January 2008. An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar was recently published by Steidl. You can purchase it from Powell’s or Amazon.

See more images and background info on each photograph below.

Japanese brand, Comme des Garcons is world renown for their wallets.  Kaws is world renown for his unique artistry.  Together they bring you this new series of wallets that bring their creative talents to the forefront.  The 4 wallet collection features different spellings of CGD and Kaws respectfully in 3 colorways.  Pre-order yours today @ Colette for an 11-15-07 ship date.

Info.Image:  Colette via High Snobiety

Champagne house Veuve Clicquot today launched Vertical Limit by Porsche Design, a stainless steel cellar tower of superb design (right, click on image for enlarged view). Measuring over six feet tall, it holds 12 magnums of Clicquot’s most prized vintages and only 15 were made worldwide. In celebration of this special release Cool Hunting is giving away your choice of two potential prizes. What do you want? A pair of rare vintage Veuve Clicquot champagnes (1988 and a 1985 Rosé) encased in the Pablo Reinoso’s Cellar Box (below left) OR Veuve Clicquot’s limited edition La Grande Dame 1996 vintage with special Emilio Pucci casing (below right). La Grande Dame is Veuve Clicquot’s Haute Couture Vintage Champagne.

Each Vertical Limit is fully handmade and each of the 12 vintages are housed in its own compartment with the temperature set at a constant 12 degrees celsius$mdash;ideal for tasting and the same climate as the Veuve Clicquot cellars in Reims, France. Of the 15 produced worldwide only two will make it stateside and they will be showcased at the Porsche Design Stores in New York and Los Angeles during the month of November. Each cellar containing the 12 vintages is approximately $70,000.

Porsche Design Studio designed and fabricated all 15 Vertical Limits. Roland Heiler, Managing Director of Porsche Design, sat down with us to talk about the design of the cellar tower and about the design world in general. A gracious, smart and witty design mastermind, he’s seen the past and can predict the future.

Conceptually, how did the thought process begin in designing Vertical Limit? Was it a collaborative effort with Veuve Clicquot?

Veuve Cliquot approached us with the idea of creating a product that would refrigerate select vintage champagne magnums in a stylish and luxurious way. They showed a tremendous amount of trust and faith in us by giving us creative freedom even though it was our first time working together. This is a designers dream.

We approached this project the same as we approach each and every design project. We aim to fuse form and function and follow our philosophy of trying to create timeless design. Take the Porsche 911 for example, designed by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the grandson of the original founder of the Porsche company, it’s arguably the most timeless car ever made. We try to mirror this effect with every project. This type of authenticity and quality must always flow into the design of a product for it to be timeless and successful.

What was the primary goal in designing the Vertical Limit for Veuve Clicquot? How did you translate the brand into the product?
We wanted to create a product to match the ultra high-end superiority of the Veuve Clicquot brand, so we tried to emphasize the importance of each bottle. We thought that each bottle should have its own stage essentially. This is why we gave each bottle its own door coupled with the classic Veuve Clicquot yellow as a light. We did this so each bottle received the attention it deserves, rather than opening one door to a collection of bottles. In making a superior looking product we also decided to make the Vertical Limit a tall object. A tall tower seems to command authority and I think it serves to this effect well.

They are all made by hand correct? Every bit? How long does it take?

Yes, every bit is made by hand but it didn’t take much longer to design than our other products. It is actually quite a normal design process. It helps that we have stainless steel specialists and we don’t have to take manufacturing methods into account. Oftentimes these limited edition pieces, can be easier to make in some respects because of this. Only 15 were made.

Obviously not everyone can afford the Vertical Limit and the fact that only 15 were made makes it something of even more value. Who did you have in mind as the target buyer? Did you picture it in museums, people’s homes…?
I have to admit this was more on the Veuve Clicquot side of things as far as their marketing aspect and target criteria. On the other hand we are known for creating luxurious products here so that was an obvious aim for Veuve Clicquot. We take our time in the design process and use high quality materials, so naturally a lot of our products cost a bit more money.

There has been a boom of increased awareness and emphasis on design lately. As a design studio that has decades of experience, what are your thoughts on the state of design today?

I agree, design is definitely more of an important factor in consumer culture these days. I think this is quite natural. We welcome this and we’ve always wished for it to be more like that. However, these things also bring with them other effects. In my opinion design as a word and phrase has undergone a certain inflation. There are a lot of things called design that I don’t necessarily agree to be actual design or well designed for that matter.

When thinking about design. it’s necessary to consider all of a products functions and aesthetics. We aren’t a styling or engineering firm, it is essential to bring these two together as equal partners. Here at Porsche Design we don’t even like the phrase “form follows function,” it doesn’t. They are equal and on the same level of importance. That’s been a very strong element for Porsche design. Typically our products have a certain amount of engineered character and many have kinematics. I think this stems from our heritage as a car company and this is where we benefit.

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The International Cut and Paste Digital Design Tournament which kicked off on 8 September has been hosting live design events in various U.S. and European cities over the last couple of months with an Asian and Australian leg of the competition still to come. Watching Cut and Paste grow from their start in NYC, we’re happily impressed to see of how far they’ve come in the couple years they’ve been around. A big part of their success is an ability to throw a great party and on the global tour the parties are bigger than ever.

Based on the idea that immersive design is good cause for cultural gathering, each event features eight designers going head to head to create an original design in 15 minute rounds while projectors stream their living designs across the venue and as a webcast.

Audience members and home viewers are encouraged to vote in real-time by text message or online and the prizes include a Adobe CS3 Master Collection.

Having completed events in Boston, New York, Portland, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, London and Berlin, exciting events in Tokyo (this Saturday, 3 November), Hong Kong (11 November) and Sydney (17 November) are still to come. After the jump see more photos of the events and a few of the winning designs.

The latest collection from Street Art/Fashion label Upper Playground hosts a collection of poly bonded hoodies with each hoodie being composed of prints of mug shots, ads and even the galaxy if earth gets to boring for you. These should be available at your local Upper Playground stockist.

Info.Image: Hypebeast

With all the business hoopla surrounding aNYthing they still manage to keep their fashion game right and drop their Fall and Winter collection. Karmaloop will be the host for the releases and will be the main stockist for aNYthing goods on the net, making for some guaranteed ill collab work. Keep your eyes peeled for the drop.

Info.Image: Hypebeast

Having been a devotee of the pale pink/whitish nail varnish for most of my nail varnish wearing life (seriously, I have about 5 bottles of pale pink varnish in slightly different shades), recently I’ve finally jumped onto the bandwagon of bold (darker) colored nail varnish. I am not exactly sure what go me into it….perhaps its because everyone on TV has it and since I watch so much TV it has subconsciously filtered into me and displaced my initial notion that bold nail colors look old and trashy. About time too! I think the trick is to keep nails short and rounded. Long and sharp…now that is trashy.

My first bold color obsession: red. Bright red. Mine is a similar color to this, An Affair in Red Square, from OPI, except mine is called Fishnet Stockings from Essi. I just couldn’t find the Essi website. But yes, I randomly bought the bottle and tried it on and I LOVED it. Its just so SHARP and cool! I actually spent a few minutes in the mirror checking out my new nail color afterwards!
The next color I wanted to try was Purple. But not electric purple. And not reddish purple. Cause then it’ll just look too purple. It was a tough choice, but in the end I settled on this Russian Navy, from OPI, which has a bluish, purplish tinge. This one actually took me a while to get used to (I think I’m still trying to get used to it), but I think once winter comes on full force, it’ll fit my wardrobe perfectly.

Incidentally the whole new OPI Russian Collection fits my recent fall/winter mood perfectly. Dark, rich colors of blue, purple and red. Its fabulous. Although I’m not sure about the texture. Maybe its just me, but I find them not to go on as smoothly as my Essi ones.

And lastly, HOW does everyone apply their dark nail varnishes? I am phenomenally bad at application. So I try not to mess up by just applying one layer (no, I’m seriously bad) and for these bold colors, its not too bad since its already so strong. But I can’t help that I accidentally apply over the edges and then it just looks like a little kid coloring and going outside the lines. Also, a lot of times, I get streaks. HOW am I suppose to DO this properly??? Please help!

Image Source: OPI

AP - Fashion designer Tom Ford has bought mineral rights beneath his Galisteo ranch southeast of Santa Fe in an attempt to protect his land from possible oil exploration in the region.

Phenomenon is back for the Autumn/Winter with a new website and some interesting cut and sew pieces as well. The 80’s are back and Phenomenon wants you to know just how serious it is. It’s like 80’s chic meets the mind of Warhol. They’ve opted to go the more colorful route in a season where the tones are usually dimmed down. Hit the link to check out the collection.

Info.Image: Phenomenon

Fashion Wire Daily - She may hail from Israel, but young designer Karen Sabag had Spanish bullfighting on her mind for her debut bridal collection, which she showed at the Aveda Academy in downtown New York on Wednesday, October 24.

Even though there are a couple independent sneaker brands out there, most of them rarely show ingenuity. They make believe that throwing different materials on a shoe makes it more exclusive or upper tier when you can clearly tell that’s not the case. Creative Recreation steers so far away from that and actually focuses on good design and not the same Air Force 1 look alike formula. Finally, the real is back.

Info.Image: Creative Rec via High Snobiety

The Rockers NYC Fall/Winter ’07 collection pays homage to the musical cultures that inspired the brand. The “Dopethrone” collection is inspired by the “clashing of the 7’s” a.k.a the year 1977 and features stunning designs that amalgamate images of Reggae, Punk, Hip-Hop, and Speed Metal. Look for the collection online later this fall through the Rockers NYC store.

Info. Image: Hypebeast

Stüssy has just released a preview of their Holiday collection which will be dropping at the Stüssy UK online store soon. The collection looks pretty solid as it includes beanies, hoodies, jackets and fitteds. There will surely be more pieces dropping soon so keep checking back for updates.

Info.Image: Stussy

Yes, this really is snowboard gear. I know it looks incredibly traditional, but it’s the second limited-edition collaboration between Paul Smith (always one of my favorites) and Burton Snowboards, and has just hit the shops. Last time they got together, in 2005, they came up with navy pinstripe-suit inspired gear straight out of the city.

This time, the countryside looks like the starting point for what’s called the Mark XIII collection.

At right is the double-breasted trench coat, made from cavalry twill and featuring silver-plated buttons as well as a traditional guardsman crest. It costs £675 while matching trousers are available for £275. Above right is the £495 take on a traditional single-breasted hacking jacket, in green-hunting check with printed pocket-linings and stitch detailing. Both are obviously water proof.

At first glance, I really like what the companies have come up with. Sporting it while gunning down a mountain may be a different matter though.

Brooklyn’s CompleteTechnique recently unveiled a line of jewelry pieces that take the aesthetic of urban audio to a new level. New to the collection, the range of iPod shaped pendants, or for a more classic look, Sony Walkman cassette players, elevate devices to objects of adulation. These aural accouterments are a natural accessory for anyone interested in music.

With each piece melded from 18k gold and platinum, the custom work involves unparalleled craftsmanship and quality. This is no costume jewelry, instead these pieces boast, in CreativeTechnique’s own words, “unmatched finesse.”

Browsing the site, it’s unclear if the pieces are the creation of CreativeTechnique’s founder and creative director, Osamu Koyama, who has been at the helm since 1999. Modesty aside, Koyama’s work has catalyzed well deserved buzz and the site is more than worth a look.

To be honest, I’ve never felt much for Cole Haan shoes. They were just one of those classic American brands that I keep getting confused with Kenneth Cole. But walking into the store the other day, drawn by the sales sign, I was quite impressed with their shoe collection this season, especially the ones with their Nike Air cushioning feature. This has probably been around for forever, but I just found out recently. So excuse my babbling….Ever since my summer experience, I’ve wanted a pair of quality black pumps as I’ve finally realized the tremendous importance of it in professional wear. Ideally it would be comfortable and the made just right. A pair of perfect Prada black pump jumps to mind. But alas, they are quite out of my reach at the moment. And to be fair, I probably wouldn’t want to wear it daily anyway. Hence, when I saw these Fiona’s at the Cole Haan store, I fell in love. They shape is made just right. The height is great. The quality is good. It is cheaper than a pair of Pradas (at around $300, though I’ll probably wait until it goes on sale to make the final kill). And to top all that, it has Nike Air cushioning embedded in the front for comfort. Now I don’t know if this is a new thing or not, but what a genius idea! I tried it on. It really makes all the difference. At 3 1/2″, it is very very very comfortable. And I’d give much to be comfortable and chic. Oh and these also come in plain leather, but I thought the patent leather version gives it a bit more of a oomph. Anyway, some more beauties from this comfortable and chic collection. The Carma. For a pair of peep toes, I think these are quite nice as it peeps just enough. And I have a thing for platforms heels. These also come in patent leather and plain leather and all the classic colors, but I just thought I’d show this one just to spice it up a little. At 4″, these Dalya are just the thing to wear for a casual day out and into the night. With sturdy chunky heels (which are so cool), platforms AND the cushioning thing, you won’t have to rest. Plus, I love the patent leather and suede combo here. And this wine red color is just great if one wants a pair of red shoes, but don’t want to it to be too flashy i.e. ME! Then, they have boots. I love the folding thing here. It adds simple detail without being too much. Though I’m not too sure about the squarish looking heel here….though at 4″ I guess you need it for extra support. I like the slimmer heels here better. Though of course these two are going after completely different looks. One is simple and classic and the other has more details and is more feminine.

So yes, after seeing this collection and falling love with the Fiona, I don’t think I’m going to confuse Cole Haan with Kenneth Cole anymore!

Image Source: Cole Haan

Though the season in advance may be backed by frequent latte runs & fervent requests for steamed drink orders, the drugged-out designers have reason to justify with the Spring/Summer deadline nearing. Magic Number can testify with the debut of their new line depicting images on cloth relating to topical lifestyle elements. DJ-ing, skating, & surfing to name a few. Preview the work from the Japanese brand over at STLESS.

Info.Image: Zozo via Hypebeast

3Sixteen has become one of my favorite brands over the past seasons because they continue to step it up in a time where the scene equates to a sea full of recycled ideas. This time around they bring back the Shred Hoody in white, the Roxanne jacket with a slimmer, more refined cut and the Monsoon jacket crafted with ripstop cotton. The collection should be on it’s way to ya’ favorite shops now.

Info.Image: 3Sixteen

I don’t smoke, but if I did, I would use one of these new Superflat Ninja Ashtrays (above left). A collaboration with Mexico City’s hip houseware brand DFC, Yoko Devereaux expands beyond the tailored knitwear the label’s known for to add some well-designed home furnishings. Also included in the collection is the Cabron Bottle Opener (below), a solid brass bottle opener featuring a brass knuckle, and Drink Bullet (above right), a series of six shot glasses housed in a glass case shaped like a bullet.

Incorporating Yoko’s Clockwork Orange theme of the season, all pieces allude to violence and could double as a weapon. Hand cut from polished glass the ashtray, like its name states, is very flat, keeping it unobtrusive when not in use and sharp at all times. The shot glasses, made of scientific-grade borosilicate glass, are hand-etched and stem from DFC’s Science Series.

The limited-edition series of functional artwork will be available at some specialty and department stores nationwide. High-quality yet accessible, get the Cabron Bottle Opener for $126, the Superflat Ninja Ashtrays for $69 each and a set of Drink Bullets for $450.

Also on Cool Hunting: Yoko Devereaux Store, Designer Imposters, Underoos for Big Boys

The new “Black and Blue” collection from Rockwell has just dropped and I’m hoping the color inspiration came from a school yard eye jammy. The collection consists of six t-shirts and you can get a hold of them at the Rockwell Shop.

Info.Image: High Snobiety

Hot on the heels of the Futura Heavy Industries Fall/Winter ’07 collection, comes Futura 2000’s Fall ’07 for his other clothing label, Futura Laboratories. The new collection features hoodies with classic Futura designs as well as some Futura-style camo button ups. Look for the collection at Futura Labatories retailers sometime later this fall.

Info.Image: Hypebeast

No matter what, you always have to give it to Rockers for being one of the most consistent brands within our small niche culture. They have just shipped the first delivery from their F/W collection and as usual with the brand the collection is aesthetically and mentally on point. While some of the messages may fly over peoples heads the designs are still dope enough to get you through your mental slump. They are now available worldwide at Rockers NYC retailers.

Info.Image: High Snobiety

Italian born Vanguard has just released their F/W Collection to the masses and the brand is really bringing it’s name to the forefront in terms of quality and design. With everything being crafted in Italy, you can already imagine the amount of care and precision that goes into each and every piece. Hell, if you don’t cop it for the design, cop it for the 100% Italian cotton. Hit up their Online Shop to get your fix.

Info.Image: Vngrd

NYC Graffiti legend Futura 2000 in partnership with MHI, has just released the Fall/Winter ’07 collection for his Futura Heavy Industries (FHI) clothing label. This new collection displays a new approach on Futura’s part with designs distinct from the more graffiti-oriented designs released through hi Futura Laboratories label. The new FHI collection is available now at Sold Out.

Info.Image: We Sold Out

Uqib Japan has just made some new additions to their Fall/Winter ’07 collection: The Bernadette – a low cut boot - and The Braska, which includes a mid-cut suede upper and a fleece sock. Both boots use the traditional hiking boot silhouette and will be available at Flauge.

Info:Image: Zozo via Hypebeast

Reuters - The CW, home of
“America’s Next Top Model,” is adding to its fashion line.

Many conspiracy theorists believe the Illuminati, The People of The Light, or illuminated ones, are the masterminds behind events that will lead to the establishment of the New World Order. With this upper echelon collection from the Crooks crew we definitely see the establishment of something sinister and great. Only a few accounts receive the exclusive pieces so if none are around you hit up Haven to cop.

Info.Image: Haven

Start your art collection with
Start Mobile wallpapers. A myriad of gorgeous work is available to download to your cell phone thanks to this San Francisco gallery of emerging artists initiative. Our favorite of the international artists is Hellovon, a frighteningly talented Brit with a passion for music greats. Hellovon is exhibiting in Brooklyn, New York, this Fall.

Scifen shows off items from their Fall 2007 collection shot at the Scifen offices in Downtown L.A.

Canadian retail outlet, Foosh, continues their line of in-store collection of tees. After the succesful Paris Hilton parody tee, Foosh has now moved into New Era hat designs. Available now at their online store.

Info.Image: Foosh via Hypebeast

Puma releases a series of suede mids in simple colorways, highlighting the fundamentals associated with the collection. Monotone colorways, with subtle highlights make-up the majority of the models, which are available for approximately $160 USD.

Info.Image: Mita via Hypebeast

Lacoste shows off the Revan 3 Croc as part of the Fall/Winter 2007 Stealth collection. Featuring a Nubuck upper, and laser etched crocodile pattern, the shoe comes in a hi, mid, and lo-top in both white/brown and pirate black/grass green colorways.

Info.Image: Lacoste via High Snobiety