Ladies Plaza

With us all increasingly looking for everyday efforts to be more green and care for our planet, why not consider an option for our last day here? Hazel Selina has done just that. The British designer used her background in natural birth to turn her attention to the primal event of death, and its impact on the planet, by creating the Ecopod. Through research she discovered that in London alone, 89% of coffins used every year—some 600,000 in total—are made from chipboard covered with laminate, not a great product to bury in our soil. In contrast, the Ecopod is an environmentally friendly option being made from naturally hardened, 100% recycled paper, which will not pollute the atmosphere or the earth.

Recently at the Resistor Gallery in Toronto, the amiable talents of artistic duo Pat Shewchuk and Marek Colek were combined in an effort to illustrate the “biodiversity of of Spirits and Devils in the floating forest”. Fans of Czech folklore and miscellaneous freshness were not disappointed. Check the Tin Can Forest site if you’re interested in how to beat the devil in a drinking contest.

Info.Image: Tin Can Forest

Behold the Nike Europe Black Neon pack. Yeah you guessed it, unless you’re living in the EU you’ll probably never get a taste of the black neon, but it’s all good, you can still fantasize about what the black neon would feel like if you happened to be European: carbolic pattern, mesh, patent leather and velcro.

Info.Image: Sneakerfiles

The perfect collaboration for a rainy day in any metropolitan center: the upcoming Nonnative x New Balance M1700Cs; blending simplicity and minimalism without overshadowing the classic New Balance sense of utility.

Info.Image: Honeyee via Hypebeast

Maximilian Büsser, the mastermind behind the rule-breaking HM1, recently offered me the rare privilege to have first look in person at his new child, the Horological Machine No.2, before it went public. Since going public, it’s been far and wide in the blogosphere, but I think it’s too amazing to not put on CH.

With four dials—Jumping Hours, Concentric Retrograde Minutes, Retrograde Date and Bi-Hemisphere Moon Phase—the HM2 takes time-telling to a new level. Personally, I think he just pulled it out of an antique alien submarine control panel and put a strap on it. Check out more pics and the full story on Watchismo.

WOMEN are no longer in for a bum steer in jeans sizing, with a new range of denims based on “butt fit,” using a technique which mimics bra sizing.

It’s hard not to sigh at another vector face or skull and diamond combo. I’m guilty of skull overindulgence myself. But Six Letter Word (aka illustrator, Diogo Potes) balances skulls with other macabre themes to create art that actually looks fresh and interesting. His use of random fragmented shapes and delicate lifework add dimension and individuality to topics that could easily be overdone. My favorite piece is his bloody customized Vans, which are pure genius—albeit not particularly wearable.

Ed. note: We know these made the rounds awhile back, but sometimes a good thing bears repeating.

Just in time for winter, Supreme NY has released the 5-Panel Velvet Series of caps. The series consists of three caps, each with a velvet harringbone upper. Sure, you could rock one just to keep warm, but who says you have to live in cooler climates to have a dope new cap for the winter?

Info.Image: High Snobiety

Above’s Sign Language Tour has hit the sexy streets of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Throughout his world tour Above has been at the top of his game using his signature arrow designs to comment on and, at times, poke fun at urban infrastructure. Check out more of Above’s work and some video footage from other cities he’s hit on his website.

Info.Image: Go Above

In efforts to honor one of Nike’s past prolific sports endorsers, Bo Jackson, they have created this pack of Dunk Hi’s in colorways that reflect the classic cross-trainers of the early ’90’s.  The last sneaker in the trio, the “Medicine Ball Trainer III” Dunk Hi’s (not pictured) are now available, as are the other two models at Journeys and other select Nike Dealers.

Info.Image:  Nice Kicks

“Look Ma No Brakes” is a collaborative project that brings together the diverse talent and expertise of La Carrera Bicycles, Drive Train, Ernesto Colnago, United Front, Stash and Futura. Developments are still somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it seems that the end product of the collabo will be a limited run of the highly acclaimed Colnago Master Pista steel track frame, which will make its debut at Toronto’s La Carrera Cycles.

Info.Image: Look Ma No Brakes

North Face and Japan based label Swagger have gotten together again for the 5th time to release two dope jackets. The first being the Gore Scoop Jacket which is available in Neon Red and Aluminum and the second being the Hyvent Mountain jacket which is available in Black and a Snow Tree Camouflage print (both pictured above). If you’re interested in copping, hit up choiceisyours.jp. They are available in sizes M-XXL.

Info.Image: Choice Is Yours via High Snobiety

John Maeda, graphic designer, computer scientist, MIT professor and author of Laws of Simplicity, teamed up with Reebok to create the Timetanium Ventilator, a sneaker that’s been getting attention lately for how it merges math, technology and nature into a wearable product. The sneaker is a representation of time, one of the most important mantras defined in Maeda’s book.

His handwritten code limns the insole of the sneaker and the graphic generated by the code is the complex design featured on the outsole. The heel is an intricate colorful design transitioning into a more simple, linear design towards the toe. Reactions to the look are mixed (including in CH HQ), but as a conceptual piece and an unusual collabo, we think they’re worth checking out.

The Reebok Timetanium will be available exclusively on Reebok’s customization website, for $150 starting today, 13 November 2007. Limited to 100 pairs you’ll have act quick for any chance at owning one of Reebok’s more innovative creations.

Check out a video of Maeda talking about the Ventilator here.

New from the original “Wally Champ”, Clarks and Japanese juggernaut, Futura Labs are these special edition Wallabee’s.  The classic boot is updated with a laser-etched leather upper of featuring Atomic Ring artwork and special multi-colored laces.  Pre-order yours today at STLESS… only 500 pairs will be made available.

Info.Image:  STLESS

Donda West - Kanye’s mom/manager - died from a “cosmetic procedure” her rep told CNN.

And it really makes us wonder. While we don’t know what she was having done, are thinner thighs or perky boobs worth dying for?

I’m saying no.

What do you think?

The signs outside the 5th Avenue H&M.

And it’s not a lie. All I found this weekend were a couple of size 12 returns.

For those of you that missed the first post, One Anthem and Format are getting together to offer $100’s in gift certificates and royalties to the best t-shirt design submissions in November. Full Contest Info.

Monday Nov.12th, is the official kick off date of Jamungo’s BUD of the Month (BOTM) series of Blow Up Dolls minis. First in line is the URFUKT ABOMB, which is available exclusively through Rotofugi. Look for subsequent BOTM releases from Jamungo to be available exclusively at other retailers and limited to 200 pieces for the next half-dozen releases.

Info.Image: Vinyl Pulse

As rush hour engulfs London’s pavements, early on a Tuesday morning, the tide of humanity passes by a select group huddling in the rain, outside the Oxford Circus branch of Niketown. Straddling the fine between obsession and too much disposable income, these die hard fans have laughed off work, college and looking after their children for the day to get their hands on a pair of Nike SB’s new, limited edition What The Dunk. The 8:30 a.m. opening time is no consequence to these folk. The WTDs are strictly collectors’ items; the splicing of 31 of Nike Dunk colorways in one pair of shoe.

Callum Nielsen was the first person in the UK to buy a pair. Nielsen had been camping outside the store since Friday evening. He was playing a dangerous game, considering the severity of British weather in October; Nielsen shrugs and says, “You got to do what you’ve got to do, I suppose.”

It’s going swimmingly until 9:00 a.m.: 30 pairs of trainers sold as one of the guys working on the Nike ID studio drills through a pipe, meaning it starts raining inside and outside the store.

The launch of the What The Dunk coincides with the Nike skate team’s world tour to promote their film Nothing But The Truth. Veteran cameraman, Dan Wolfe, captures high hopes in Nothing But The Truth’s trailer, amongst other things; bovine rectal examination, projectile vomiting, childbirth, and a near death experience involving Brian Anderson and a car.

Early afternoon finds the team, fresh from a signing at Niketown, doing press at a rooftop location in East London. The grey clouds have taken their leave and the city enjoys the last few hours of light before sunset. In the next few days, the team’s schedule will find them travelling all over the world. They’ve already been to L.A., Portland, Shanghai, Moscow and Vancouver. London is the penultimate stop before the guys hit the New York. Dan Wolfe favors Barcelona’s cityscape for filming the team, Paul “P-Rod” Rodriguez says, over a late lunch, that the growth of the skate scene the world over has impressed him. “This kid, Johnny Tang, out there in China, he rides for Nike and he’s super good. He took us around and showed us the spots and I think he’s going to be doing big things,” Rodriguez says. “And in Spain, this is a guy who’s been around for a long time, but I feel like he should get more credit and be seen more, Daniel Lebron. I’ve seen him in action… amazing!”

Rodriguez is aware of the aware of the weight of expectation on him. The 23-year-old, California native is the first member of the team to have his own signature shoe, making him the Michael Jordan of the skateboard game. “Those are some big shoes to fill,” he laughs. “It’s flattering. It keeps me on my toes. It keeps me working hard, so I’m psyched!”

The team has approximately 20 riders from varying backgrounds; vertical skater Lance Mountain, whose name is mentioned in the same breath as Tony Hawk’s and Steve Caballero’s to the teenage Grant Taylor. Brian Anderson, 31, says “I think that it’s really diverse and I think that’s the really cool thing about it. And there are only so many people who look good wearing the shoes, I think.” Anderson believes that a good team could be made even better. When asked which riders he would add to the merry band, in a perfect world, he mulls over the question for a while. “That’s hard… I’ll say Ben Schroder.”

The sound of urethane plastic wheels and wood on concrete reverberated around the South Bank into the early evening. At 8:00 p.m., the skaters adjourned to the Queen Elizabeth Hall, looking out over the River Thames for the premiere of Nothing But The Truth. The crowd cheered the through the screening’s entirety. In the end, coaches ferry the audience to a club where they party into the wee hours with Salazar and Chet Childress.

Rodriguez is optimistic on the effects that the attentions of Nike can bring to skating. When asked about the new opportunities Nike’s involvement in the sport will create, he thinks for a second before answering, “I hope it won’t just be due specifically to Nike, but I do think we’re starting to get the wheel moving in a new direction.”

Another pop-art insta-classic from the heads at New Balance. This modified version of the 574 features a higher cut, a chunkier tread, and some very shocking colorways. Set to drop at Mia shoes in December.

Info.Image: Hypebeast

by Passa Chattra

Botot toothpaste is considered the “world’s first toothpaste.” Dr. Julien Botot invented this toothpaste in 1755 for King Louis XV of France. The formula lacks any of those nasty synthetic ingredients or colors. Instead it contains special natural ingredients like gillyflower, ginger, and cinnamon that give your mouth a slight warming feeling while promoting circulation in your gums. It tastes and feels like the first couple of chews of Big Red gum.

Having the tube sitting on the sink serves as one of those intimate details in the bathroom that suggest indulgence, antiquity and foreign lands. Available for $8 at Unica Home

If I woke up and this shit was peeking through my window I would bug the hell out and more than likely wet myself. Embarrasing, I know. The good thing about these scary bastards is that they were custom made for an auction that will benefit KiKa, a Children’s Cancer fund. To bid on more of the custom dunnys hit up this link. The auction ends November 15th so make sure you bid quick for charity.

Info.Image: ToysRevil

The Tate Modern always does an incredible job of reinventing their Great Turbine Hall with large, encompassing installations and with Doris Salcedo’s “Shibboleth” they may have outdone themselves. Stretching imagination and the definition of sculpture and installation itself, Salcedo created a subterranean crack in the floor that stretches 584 feet across the entire length of the Hall. The upshot is a jagged abyss that gives the impression that an earthquake cracked the museum floor.

Starting as a delicate hairline crack on one end, the gap gradually widens to a space of several inches. The gash was created by opening the concrete floor and inserting a cast texture of rock wall from Salcedo’s native Columbia. Winding through the Hall, the large scar makes a stark contrast with the pristine setting. It’s said to symbolize the history of racism and the inequality among countries.

The installation will remain until 6 April 2008 and admission is free, so if you’re in the area, there’s no excuse not to go—just be careful not to twist an ankle, which apparently has already occurred on a few occasions. More information about the installation at Tate Modern and more images here.

Also on Cool Hunting: Carsten Holler

Atmos has released two new jacket models: the “Line Pile Parka” and the “Double Face Jacket”. The latter is an intriguing piece that comes off as borderline throwback, with its 70’s cut and colors, but has a reversible camo interior which puts the piece into its own stylistic atmos-phere. Both pieces are currently available at Atmos Tokyo.

Info.Image: High Snobiety

Go Appetít savory fruit and vegetable beverages are a new and delicious take on the pre-packaged smoothie. Available in three flavors (Gazpacho, Mango Melange and Carrot Bisque), the summer soups are made with premium fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. There’s no artificial preservatives, colors or added sugar, which helps keep each eight-ounce single serving bottle under 150 calories.

Created by two entrepreneurial single mothers who wanted better tasting and better-for-you options for eating on-the-go, Go Appetít beverages were inspired by the flavors, nutrition, vitamins and antioxidants of Mediterranean cuisine. Dedicated to making a healthful liquid snacks, Go Appetít uses cutting edge technology in place of preservatives for a natural nine-month shelf life and a product that doesn’t need to be refrigerated before opening. Go Appetít beverages are available at Whole Foods for about $3 each.

If you are in the L.A. area this weekend, be sure to hit up La Brea Ave. and check out all the madness that Paper magazine is doing.  A slew of cool events are scheduled to take place and a unique retail space will also be available to those who want to get cool things like this Undefeated X Spalding BBall.  Availability of this particular item is unclear, so if your a fan, “get up, get out and do something”.

Info.Image:  SlamXhype

Opening up this Sat., November 10th is Natalia Fabia’s anticipated showing of “Hooker Safari”.  The overall theme of the show is as the name suggests…  hookers and the safari wilderness.  Peep her steez in person at the Corey Helford Gallery in Culver City, California or just click on the link for a sample.

Info.Image:  Juxtapoz

Original Fake and Levis have released a denim suit in Japan, the cuffs are lined with the chompers and the back tag features the trademark Kaws cross.

Info.Image: High Snobiety

What’s what Format family? We have two Mark Ronson - Version CDs to giveaway today. To enter the contest, simply sign-up for our mailing list (and confirm the sign-up in your e-mail box) today, November 8th. Tomorrow morning we will randomly select two people who have signed up and they will receive the CDs!

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Appealing to my weakness for dioramas and DIY paper projects, these kits also are a mini lesson on
Tatebanko, the forgotten Edo-era Japanese art of creating perspectives from paper. They come in either a snowy scene representing a painting by the master Hiroshige or in a version of Hokusai’s wave.

Designed and printed in Japan by It’s a Beautiful Day (the group leading the Tatebanko revival), the kits feature metallic accents and hidden surprises.

Available for $10 each from Giant Robot or Brooklyn 5 and 10.

Available in a variety of colorways, Lacoste’s new Katife boot merges slick design with comfortable ease. The boot is a mid-cut vulcanized ensemble of suede and leather, making it stylish enough for the office while maintaining a relaxeded enough fit so that your feet won’t hurt while you’re kicking back pints in the pub.

Info.Image: High Snobiety

Actor, director, musician, sperm-salesman and American gigolo Vincent Gallo has surfaced on the cover of the latest issue of Supreme magazine. The magazine is in Japanese so brush up on your kanji if you want to find out about the virtuoso ex-b-boy’s current exploits.

Info.Image: Hypebeast

Opened earlier this year in downtown Vancouver, the very delightful Mink Chocolate Café offers a full espresso and fondue bar along with a line of over 30 different handmade chocolate bars.

After researching some of the world’s best chocolatiers in San Francisco, Montreal, New York and Tokyo, owner Marc Liebermann set out to showcase dark chocolate, which mostly fuses the taste and flavors of ganache-filled bonbons—but the focus here is on the chocolate bar form.

Each beautifully-packaged bar is made in Vancouver and uses local, organic ingredients whenever possible. Because there are no added preservatives to extend shelf-life, you’ll have to eat them soon after purchase. But with quirky names and irresistible flavors like “Open in Case of Emergency” (fresh mint and Kentucky bourbon) and “Ginger or Maryanne” (candied ginger), no amount of willpower will allow them to sit around for long anyway!

Mink Chocolate Café
863 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, British Columbia BC V6C
map
tel. +1 604 633 6451

You would never think different album covers from different genres could link up so perfect but the people over at Afhakers have proven that thought wrong. Check the pieces out when you get a chance. The Donna Summer and the Tom Jones joints are the official.

Info.Image: Afhakers

The latest in the way of grow-your-own plant kits is a sort of Asimovian take on the Chia Pet that makes a great home or office ornament.
With an unlikely pairing of nature and futurism, I, Grobot stands about four inches tall, with its grass head at full growth the hair easily adds another two to three inches of height.

Retailing for less than $13 and guaranteed to ship within three days, it’s a whimsical piece that makes for an eccentric gift.

Also on Cool Hunting: Canned Goods, Garden in a Bag,
Pet Tree Mini, In Vitro Orchid, Magic Bean Word

After living in NYC for over ten years I finally started riding around the city on a bike this past spring. Of course, as these things go, I now have all sorts of opinions on the urban bike experience. While I’m now surveying all different bikes, the Folsom from Swobo is my new favorite. (Click image for detail.)

The Folsom is like a featherweight tank. An aluminum frame and lack of external brakes, gears and other attachments makes for a lightweight bike. But unlike other pared-down models, the frame tubes are fatter like a mountain bike and the tires are also a slightly oversized—almost like a hybrid road bike/BMX.

The coaster brakes—like the ones from when we were kids—require some adjustment. Learning to pedal backwards to stop took a few minutes and a couple minor crashes, but now that I’ve got the hang of it, it’s very simple. Being in NYC, which is mostly flat-land, no gears are needed. Nothing on the Folsom has a quick-release so all the parts are relatively secure from theft.

Minimal details and a lack of giant flashy logos also deflect the attention of would-be thieves. Coupled with its matte gray color, the Folsom is understated, stealthy and chic. My only gripe is that wide handlebars, though custom-designed for a range of riding styles, makes riding between cars in NYC streets tricky.

Available in two frame sizes (medium and large), the Folsom is a reasonable $500 from Swobo.

We threw a few questions at Swobo founder Tim Parr who responded with some insights about their mission to get people on bikes, their history and the thinking behind the design of their three models.

When and why did you start making bikes? Where are they made? Who is the Swobo team?

We’ve been around for 16 years, but we started making bikes about a year ago, because we knew the world is ready for a Swobo complete point of view. They’re made in Taiwan, which is a good thing.

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