SOPHNET. × visvim SERRA
isn’t a label that we often see taking on collaboration projects; the fact is that there are few partners that are even on ’s level to begin with. But the classic Serra boot is one of the go to platforms when does offer collaborations. We’ve seen past versions done with Gallery 1950, Japanese fashion magazine SENSE, and Supreme, and now , the in-house label of Japanese retailer SOPH proves it meets the same high standards. Tomorrow, visvim is releasing a version of the classic Serra boot with design input from the SOPHNET. team. It has the same features we expect in every Serra boot, with the major departure being the addition of a zip gusset on the interior side. The boot also has a small SOPHNET. tag on the tongue, and is created in a beautiful blue cowhide leather. Check out some additional shots after the jump. via: SOPH.

by: | December 24, 2010
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Jordan Brand   Chris Paul Jordan CP3.IV | CP3K Performance Simulator

Don’t let the serious sounded name fool you. The CP3K Performance Simulator is nothing more than a web-base game, a fun one at that. To exalt the speed of NBA pro Chris Paul and his new Jordan CP3.IV sneakers from Jordan Brand, the game have players dashed through various obstacles to reach their objectives. Players have 2 settings, Play, as a single player mode, or Challenge, where you go head-to-head with the best record holders. A total of 9 boards, all locked till you win the board before. If you already know your game on the basketball court, why not try it virtually on CP3K?

by: | December 23, 2010
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WONDERWALL x NIGO   CURRY UP Restaurant

Aside from his market showmanship, what people often don’t know about Nigo is his impeccable talent for trend forecasting. While others opened hair salons for adults, the founder of A Bathing Ape was quick to realize parents were more willing to splurge on their children instead of themselves, hence the opening of Cuts. He purposely situated Café at the border of 2 neighborhoods, Harajuku, an already established shopping district, and Sendagaya, where many major retailers moved to. Tired shoppers could rest for a bit before moving onto the next shopping destination. Though both establishments have closed down since. ’s entrepreneurship spirit is still searching for the next opportunity. And perhaps that opportunity might be curry.

A traditional staple of Southeast Asia, curry became a favorite meal for the Japanese because of ease of preparation and speed. In fact, the preferences for curry outweigh some of the traditional Japanese cuisines. Nigo took all these into account, along with its affordability factor. The result was CURRY UP, which opened February of this year. With help from friend architect Masamichi Katayama (片山正通) and his firm , Nigo established a streamlined space where the focus is on the food served. Like many Japanese restaurants, an open kitchen gives customers to see how their meal is made. And of course, similar to his apparel line, there are limited edition flavors at CURRY UP as well. Recently recommended as “Best Eat” on CNNgo.com restaurant review, CURRY UP is on the border between neighborhoods Harajuku and Sendagaya.

CURRY UP Restaurant
2-35-9-105 Jingumae | Map
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan

by: | December 23, 2010
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 Nike Stadium Berlin by Dirk Bonn & Manuel Bürger
A brand as big as needs to keep the creativity involved in flagship retail locations, and the latest iteration of it’s concept locations, Stadiums, does the job admirably. Berlin is the latest city to get a Stadium location, joining Tokyo, Paris, and New York. As in the other locations, the Berlin is clearly an exercise in concept retail; for creative direction Nike brought in Berlin-based art director Dirk Bonn, and graphic artist Manuel Bürger. The design influences are a mix of traditional Nike, imagery from the Jun Takahashi-designed GYAKUSOU project, and a heavy dose of lunar and space imagery. It’s a well-executed space, and there is a limited-edition poster, titled “THIS IS HOW WE RUN THE MOON” to commemorate the space. Check out some shots of the Nike Stadium Berlin, along with the poster, after the jump. via: SxH.

by: | December 21, 2010
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Air Jordan V Premio   Bin 23 | Sample Preview
When announced the Bin 23 collection, their press release read: “When the time is right, select shoes from history’s most revered line of footwear will appear in exceptional releases conceived for the true connoisseur.” Apparently, the time is right for the V. Whether or not this resurrection of the Jordan V appeals to the connoisseur or not, it certainly makes a statement. The Bin 23 Collection Jordan V is made from a lightly distressed – but very smooth – black leather, with the translucent sole and lacelock for the classic touch, and some light speckling on the midsole giving it a tiny dose of retro funkiness. As with all Bin 23 releases, these V’s come with custom shoe trees, are individually numbered for collectors, and have the “wax seal” emblem. Chances are that Jordan heads are either going to love where this is going, or they are not – but it is nice to see the iconic “teeth” of the Jordan V appearing on a sleek black shoe – rather than being pimped out on various garish retro releases. Check out all of the preview shots after the jump. via: Marquee Sole.

by: | December 10, 2010
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PAPER   Pharrell Williams + Shepard Fairey At Miami Art Basel | Video

Spotted: Skater-boy-entrepreneur-skater-singer-artist-designer extraordinaire, Pharrell Williams, and Shepard Fairey were caught frolicking with PAPER Magazine at Miami Art Basel held last week. Pharrell was supporting artistic collective, FriendsWithYou, and visiting the collective’s massive installation at the event, while Fairey, the guest editor for the most recent issue of , was caught having a few bites, drinks and words at the Magazine Brunch. Fairey talked about putting up the largest painting he has created to date for Miami Art Basel and his experience editing the most recent issue of Magazine with Pharrell on the cover. Check out some video recaps featuring both men, and live vicariously through them if you hadn’t the chance to visit Miami Art Basel in person this year.

by: | December 10, 2010
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honeyee Mag Vol. 13   Move Your Body

honeyee will release volume 13 of it’s print magazine appropriately titled, .Mag, in the upcoming weeks at select retailers. This issue is being called “Move Your Body” and focuses on the sport of running and specifically emphasizes the new Nike x UNDERCOVER GYAKUSOU Collection that has generate a tremendous amount of attention and press over the past few weeks. Also included in this issue is the Nike Sportswear NSW Collection “Still Life” feature as well as an interview with Hiroshi Fujiwara regarding his new collaboration with Nike Sportswear on the Dunk High. honeyee.Mag Vol. 13 will officially be released on Monday, December 3rd however it can be pre-ordered via Amazon today.

by: | December 1, 2010
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Land Rover Defender 90   Startech Yachting Edition

Hopefully no one has any questions about what the intended result of this D90 project is, considering it’s given the name “Yachting Edition.” purists are going to find this the epitome of horrible taste. Others will find it blinged to perfection. And some are going to have an uneasy mix of the two – it does have some nice features. Startech, a division of marquis German tuner Brabus, starts with the Defender SVX – a vehicle that is essentially perfect on it’s own. Making fairly minor tweaks to the exterior (a pearly paint job, wider wheelstance, custom running boards and lighting) Startech really does a number on the interior. Upholstery is a nice, and vaguely nautical, blue and white. However, the Recaro cockpit chairs, which wouldn’t look out of place in a Porsche, have an incongruous look from the rear – which hurts the whole interior impression. One really standout feature is the oiled teak floor – it just about saves the entire project. Startech’s press release says they have made the cockpit into “an exclusively appointed wellness space.” That might just be an awkward translation from German to English, but it sounds a little off. Which is a pretty apt metaphor for this entire project. Full disclosure, it’s a bit sickening, but also a must see for any fan of the Defender. Check out the detailed images after the jump. via: Gear Patrol.

by: | November 30, 2010
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Nike Air Griffey Max 1 Volt   GS
The Air Griffey Max 1, as we know, was one of the most anticipated retro sneakers of the past few years. It’s got that hard to define mix of still-current design, along with an undeniable early 1990′s baseball trainer feel. released this Volt colorway in 2009 for the adults, and now toddler sneaker-heads can get their tiny hands on a pair as well. They are perfect for pre-school crosstraining, t-ball tournaments, and of course for outfit coordination. Parents, if you missed your own chance in 2009, here’s another chance to live vicariously. Check the pictures after the jump. via: Marquee Sole.

by: | November 30, 2010
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Visvim 22L Laminaria Rucksack   Mustard | Available

There probably isn’t any introduction needed for at this point, so just a few general facts: The company has a fanatical devotion to exotic materials and production quality. It maintains a nearly impenetrable mystique through it’s high concept designers and famously rigid control over distribution. Many pieces have astronomical prices, and people are begging to pay them. And while ’s apparel has a cult-like following in it’s own right, the Japanese company’s shoes and bags are it’s traditional staple pieces. The latest entry from this season’s line of bags is this 22L Laminaria backpack in Mustard. This piece reflects ’s recent production switch to a washed and baked composite fabric, which shares the durability of Cordura, but has a more unique textile feel. The 22L Laminaria started as a traditional camp style backpack on the drawing table, but is executed with a religious devotion for quality, with beautiful, durable, and ingenious details worked in throughout. As usual for , the bottom panel is entirely tanned Elk leather, and zippers are by RiRi – which if a zipper can have fans, it does. Usability is assisted by a laptop pocket with an elastic sleeve insert. Some of the best items are the more traditionally inspired, of which this backpack is one. There are no bargains, but if it’s love at first sight, end clothing has them in stock. Check out the detailed images after the jump.

by: | November 25, 2010
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ilovedust x Kiehls   Creme de Corps

After the likes of Jeff Koons and and KAWS, the heritage apothecary, Kiehls, is back again with another artist collaboration for its super moisturizing Creme de Corps lotion, and it has roped in the folks from creative agency, ilovedust. This new Thanksgiving project features the happy graphics is known for, and the bespoke packaging which comes with an empty speech bubble beckoned to be fill in is meant to carry a heart felt message you can’t say out loud. If it’s an apology you are trying to make, or a shy thank-you, nothing goes better than with a bit of buttering up with . via: ilovedust

by: | November 23, 2010
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Honeyee Feature   Paul Mittleman x NIGO: Stussy x BAPE

Perhaps one of the most high profile collaboration amongst streetwear labels this year, BAPE had joined hands with Stussy to create a “Survival Of The Fittest” Collection, celebrating ’s 30th year in running in the tough street game, and also attesting to both label’s evolution in the marketplace. , having began somewhat three decades ago, was one of the first labels to establish the t-shirt as a respectable, separate genre in fashion. In the new honeyee Feature, Paul Mittleman, creative director of Stussy, and talks about how both parties first met, how the collaboration came out, and what their first impressions were of each other’s brands. The feature is available in both English and Japanese, so to read more about the duo and one of the biggest collaboration projects at the end of the year, click on over to honeyee.

by: | November 19, 2010
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