Produced by: Dan Hwang
Written by: Emily Chang

Perhaps not the first city to come to mind when one thinks about Germany (unless one has already gone through Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich first), but Bavaria’s second-largest city, Nuremberg, is one that will evoke a sense of familiarity. Or rather, notoriety, for it was the perfect stage where the Nazis staged their activities ranging from heated party rallies. And, it was where the infamous Nuremberg Laws outlawing Jewish citizenship was enacted. Post WWII, the city was chosen to hold the War Crimes Tribunal, also commonly known as the Nuremberg Trials.

However, 20th century politics aside, Nuremberg was the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire and a beloved residence for German kings. It is also the city where the royal family stowed their crown jewels; and in the 19th century, the heart of Germany’s industrial revolution. Today, Nuremberg is located in close proximity to some of the world’s largest brands, including sportswear giants adidas and Puma, as well as Siemens. The vibrant city is also draws quite a crowd during summer and Christmas, as the city is famed for its spectacular Christmas market.

After a trip to London, followed by Shanghai on the other side of the globe, we are now back in Europe with Anne Karin Nierhaus (lovingly known as AK), Trend Marketing Manager at adidas, who will be our guide for the delightful but more left of center city of Nuremberg. Perhaps, few are as qualified as AK to give a grand tour of the city, for she is a native born and raised in a small village called Wendelstein just outside of Nuremberg. Before AK started coordinating adidas Trend offices in Berlin, New York City, Tokyo and London in various cross-divisional projects that involves both Style and Performance in adidas, such as adiCup, she was quite the traveler. She worked as a nanny in the South of France and Connecticut, and jetted around Europe as a flight attendant for a year. With an eye for the hip and happening (and what’s to be the next happening thing), AK will take us through three great finds for Eats, Shops and Spots, so we can experience The Berg (an affectionate moniker for Nuremberg) the way locals do.

Produced by: Dan Hwang
Written by: Emily Chang

There is much to be said about the city of Shanghai. In fact, there is so much to be said that it seems dauntingly impossible to summarize one of the most dynamic cities in the world into a single post. How would it be possible to describe a city that once served as a gateway to Western Oriental imagination, a city that is a playground for foreigners in the 1920s, and later, a favorite city of trade in the 1980s, which had since then burgeoned into one of the key economy centers of the world, and a leading one for Asia at that.

Today, amidst a mist of nostalgia that weaves through the city, evocative of the city’s decadent and notorious past in the provocative smoke rings of opium, of sexuality, new found freedom and luxury, the city is a collage of the past and the present, stamped with European-style cityscapes– remnants of the early 20th century– and fresh sci-fi skyline of Pudong, erected with a proud outlook and hope for the future.

Nestled in the ambivalence and juxtaposition of the old and new, between massive malls and modern architecture and temples and classical Chinese gardens; hidden between the enveloping lights of luxury fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Chanel, and the aged Chinese street markets, there is only one thing to be said about Shanghai– that the city’s special blend of old world and contemporary charm, lit by candles and neon lights alike, is something to be experienced instead of read.

So, for the new and second installment of Fresh Destination, we have trooped around the world from London, and now landing in Shanghai, with our friend Adrian Lai from Wieden+Kennedy Shanghai, who will be taking us on a tour through a city that is as much business as it is pleasure.

Individualized yet distinctive of Tokyo street wear, Japanese clothing label WHIZ LIMITED has found the perfect collaboration partners to join forces in creating a nonconforming super power-filled collection of kicks for the not-so-typical you. WHIZ LIMITED cohorts with retro skate brand Airwalk and the turbine of Hollywood, Warner’s DC Comics, to bring to us a line of Airwalk sneakers named the Superhero Pack. The pack is made up of various traditional Airwalk styles such as the ALIAS, DUDE and Canvas Hi-Top. Split into two sections, a part of the pack features a more general release, such as the Batman, Superman and Joker sneakers. While on the other hand, the second part of the collection are exclusive The Flash and Wonder Woman WHIZ LIMITED collaborations that are narrowed to only 500 pairs. If you are looking to rep your favorite DC Comic superhero in style, the Superhero Pack is scheduled to drop on December 6^th, available both in-store and online at asbee shop. via: SF

When it comes to the Apple iPhone 4, users love and rant about it as if it was their newborn child. Besides, they most certainly treat them like one. However, when it comes to versions and variations of the iPhone, such as the highly anticipated and continuously delayed white iPhone 4, people tend to get even more anxious to acquire it. It is perhaps a sense of uniqueness in comparison to the generic black iPhone. If you can’t wait any longer for the white iPhone 4, here’s some exciting news for you. Instead of using skins and stickers while adding clumpy-ness to your dear phone, the people at Unplugged ordered a metal panel mod from cnn.cn based in China. The mod is made with a much stronger and more durable material than the original fragile black glass of the iPhone. With the mod’s luxurious appeal, the elegance of the phone is retained, while featuring a beveled back making the phone smoother and less boxy. The installation is relatively simple, involving only a couple of screws being removed. There are also step-by-step tutorials to guide you through the entire transformation of your iPhone. via: Unplugged

Knowing exactly when and where to add that extra bit to make a perfect shoe, Ronnie Fieg has created another number that will certainly steal the spotlight this coming Black Friday. Exactly a year ago, Ronnie Fieg and Polo Ralph Lauren Footwear joined forces to release the limited Ranger “Cookie” Boot, leather boots crafted with a tint of “urban” edge. Once again Fieg works with Ralph Lauren to bring us another magnificent product of their collaboration, the Burnt Red Ranger. Just as the name, the boots are designed in Burnt Red leather uppers without making it look worn, but more aged in a classy and mature manner. The boots also feature a rugged outsole, along with matching leather laces. This bold look is one that Polo Ralph Lauren has not dabbled in before, but it will sure make a shining statement as you strut down the winter streets in them. The Burnt Red Ranger is not only individualistic, but a limited Ranger release as well. Get ready because these boots will be available for $140 exclusively at the David Z flagship in New York and online at Davidz.com this Friday at 10 am.

David Z.
556 Broadway | Map
New York, NY 10012

Release Date: November 26th (Black Friday) | 10 am

As was announced earlier this month, BAPE and Stussy, the two major labels in street wear have joined forces to create an entire commemorative Holiday 2010 collection. Celebrating Stussy’s 30^th Anniversary, the collection is name “Survival Of The Fittest”, as though BAPE and Stussy are claiming the throne to withstanding through the years and staying on top. Moreover, both brands have not only conquered the test of time, but set trends and influenced everywhere around the world. The collection features designs that are iconic to labels, such as BAPE’s camouflage pattern. In the “Survival Of The Fittest”, you will find various styles of a more conventional street wear line up, as well as several more mature and sophisticated designs, like button downs, cardigans and plain blues.

The good news is that you don’t have to wait any longer. The drop of the collaborative collection, “Survival Of The Fittest”, is just around the corner. The Stussy X BAPE release party will be held at the Stussy Las Vegas chapter store this Saturday, November 27th at 11am, featuring guest DJ MIKE ATTACK. Other than the turkey dinner feast you’ll be having, what could be better this Thanksgiving weekend than indulging yourself to a collection of the best street wear, while listening to some fresh beats, topped off with food and beverages to fulfill all your senses.

Air Jordan VII made history when it was released in 1992, which deemed it one of the must-have pairs of shoes in the nation. During that time, the Afrocentric movement was creating major peak influences in many aspects of our culture, especially in music and fashion. Seemingly a tribute to the movement and its roots, normally known for it’s luxurious and high-end approach, the Premio Bin 23 line has taken a turn back in time for its funkafied African tribal art inspired Air Jordon VII Retro Premium Bin 23. These premium kicks are made with white tumbled upper, featuring tribal designs on the heels, along with yellow, green and red contrasting color accents.The Air Jordan VII Retro Premio Bin 23 will be dropping at West NYC this week on Black Friday at 10AM. However you must keep in mind that just as all Premio releases, these kicks will be extremely limited. via: West NYC

West NYC
147 West 72nd Street | Map
New York, NY 10023

Release Date: November 26th (Black Friday) | 10 am

The amazing success of the first collaboration between Singapore sneaker boutique Limited Edt. and New Balance had the wheels turning onto yet another project, and most certainly also kept fans of their work amped up for the new release. Last Friday the duo launched their second collaborative work, the M557BST sneaker, at LE Chamber in Singapore. The event served up some tea and cookies, while staff members brought customers into the “Chamber Room” to shop for some of their kicks. All the glamorous inspiration for the English tea party-like event comes from the “Made in the UK” aspect of the sneaker. The M577BST speaks for itself in terms of quality – crafted with the finest materials consisting of full grain leather, croc-skin embossed leather and cracked chrome leather, all contrasted by the pairing of aqua blue laces. The craftsmanship of these kicks can be seen and felt with merely your eyes. It certainly was able to bring its shine to the audiences at the event. There may be good news for people who are dying to own a pair of theses sneakers immediately, because there are still some sizes left from the launch event at LE Chamber. If not, the M577BST sneakers will come available worldwide starting December 7th of this year. via streething

Mr. Kanye West just does not quit. While he’s already on fire with his latest successful My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album release and his G.O.O.D. Friday releases, he keeps the ball rolling by dropping an iTunes “ear candy” bonus track. Produced by Kanye, No I.D and Lex Lugar, “See Me Now” features the queen diva Beyonce, Charlie Wilson and Big Sean. The four top artists let audiences know where they were from and more so about where they are at right now. The song doesn’t reveal a secret, especially since Mr. West’s growth and success is louder and clearer than ever – “I admit my first watch was a Fossil. Now I’m in the Louvre, lookin’ for fossils.” The track will let you take a dip in the pool of success, and it sounds good.

adidas Originals has a long history with their ZX line, but it can only be foretold by the fact that it would have greater things in sight. With innovation and creativity partnering up with classical elements, we see the great outdoors brought closer to urban runners with the ZX 800 Casual. Whether you consider it boots or sneakers, these kicks are a wrapped together versatility pack for walking, running and hiking –  also a modern twist to an old-school base. Featured in rich black leather and mesh material, along with moccasin-esque stitching, which really is an “L” shape stitch, plus the icing on the cake – modernistic touch of ocean blue and lime green detailed mesh top. These shoes, or boots if you may, will make you want to take your run from the city into the forest hiking trails. If you have been waiting to get yourself into a pair, your chance is here. The ZX 800 Casual Shoes are now available to order at adidas online store and adidas Originals retail locations

The Micropacer by adidas Originals has the perfect canvas for designers and artists alike to expand on their creativity as seen in the Star Wars and adidas Originals collaboration and the Carnival of Venice Micropacer. This time adidas Orginals has come up with new Micropacer kicks that will give you a ‘sign’ for where to go. The new Adidas Micropacer C.S. for the 2010 collection, presented to us in a combination of yellow, black and gray, is a part of the Adi City Pack, just as the Gazelle, a very urbanized collection featuring cityscapes and traffic signs. On the back of the shoe is a road sign indicating various directions, and the inner sole has a sign that says “take right” on the right shoe and “take left” on the left. The shoe features a leather upper with reflective materials in different parts of the shoes to keep you safe as you run through the concrete jungle.

Also as part of the Micropacer collection, a pedometer is built-in on the left shoe. The Micropacer C.S. is currently available at adidas Orginals retailers, such as Superfly Deluxe.

Love for the iPhone has inspired many incredible ideas. Alongside with environmentalism, the ideas have stepped up to an even greater level. grove presents to us a line of bamboo artist iPhone cases – revolutionary, handmade and ergonomical. In the series is the “Acid in Wonderland” created by Patswerk, a Dutch design firm composed of three designers, Ramon Avelino, Rogier Mulder and Lex van Tol. They are known for their lively and colorful character designs and illustrations. The Acid in Wonderland iPhone case features a wonderland filled with playful characters, which comes in natural and amber tinted bamboo.