New Balance‘s throwback effort should get the attention of both vintage heads and minimalist minded. Stripped of unnecessary frills, the Pro Court model brings back the good old feeling of basic canvas sneaker. Available in black or white monotone upper colors and hi and low versions that reminisces vintage tennis or basketball shoes. Finishing the piece off is the sun burnt vulcanized off white midsoles and herringbone patterned outsoles. Simple N logo patch on the side and New Balance logo on the heel and woven tongue tag provide subtle,understated branding.

Concrete, elephant, crack leather… there are many ways to call this pattern but one thing is certain, it can get you hooked. In addition to the already existing options,  Nike Harajuku‘s NIKEiD Studio just unveil its 8th options for Air Force 1 Bespoke project.   Homage to the classic patterned material, this is not for the faint of heart as colors are tossed up like a fruit salad, resultedin an eclectic mix. But it certainly pushes the boundaries of the elephant pattern with the whole upper covered in that custom pattern. When the opportunity arises and if you want to try your hand on something quite unique, visit the Nike Harajuku store to order a pair like no other.

Nike Harajuku
1-13-12 Jingumae | Map
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan
TEL #: +81-03-6438-9203

Known around the world as the home of Los Angeles Lakers, the Staples Center at Downtown Los Angeles now enjoys another distinction as the new locale for Nike Vault. In part as a conceptual storefront from Nike Basketball, the Nike Vault interlaced normal retail function with exhibition space and museum-like experience. For example, visitors not only could purchase goods but also learn their purchases’ attributes in performance as well as the developmental process in creating the end products. The Nike Vault at Staples Center opens 7 days a week and is located at 1111 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90015

Nike Vault at Staples Center
1111 South Figueroa Street | Map
Los Angeles, CA, 90015
TEL #: 213-763-2650

Everything was in place for its March launch till the unexpected announcement – the sudden closure of NUMBER (N)INE, the cutting edge label established by Japanese designer Takahiro Miyashita. Overnight, the final collaboration between CONVERSE and NUMBER (N)INE, the Odessa, became orphaned. Now, after 6 months of negotiation and distribution re-work, Miyashita’s vision of CONVERSE’s runner sneaker from the 80s is finally set to launch. Comprised of premium deer skin, frayed and deconstructed, the NUMBER (N)INE x CONVERSE Odessa was based on, ironically, Miyashita’s ideal for something “authentic and permanent”. And though the label no longer exist, the concept remains in Miyashita’s new label, The SOLO IST. In the meantime, the NUMBER (N)INE x CONVERSE Odessa is set to drop this Thursday, September 16th, at one retail locations only – Aloha Rag New York flagship in TriBeCa. With only 96 pairs produced, 48 pairs per colorways in black or beige. This will make the Odessa one of the more exclusive release of the season. To be available at Aloha Rag New York and its online store. Images via: STREEThing

Aloha Rag New York
505 Greenwich Street | Map
NY, New York 10013
TEL #: 212-925-0882

Release Date: September 16th (Thursday)

Sure, his designs might be over the top and at times even too ostentatious for fashionistas. But that is another reason we love designer Jeremy Scott for his fearless experimental approach in his creations.  As one of the few designer in the industry unafraid to “bare it all”, Scott took the runway by storm as the final model to walked down the runway at the Spring/Summer 2011 Presentation for his own private label, fashioned 2 pieces from his collaboration with adidas Originals.  One is the familiar and rather worn JS Wings Leather from his adidas Originals by Originals Collection.  The other was something new, a white leather biker vest with the now ubiquitous Wings on the back.  If last season is any indication, the leather vest might just be available to the general shopping populace next season.

Relegated to the banal task of getting from Point A to Point B, at one time, each mode of travel enjoyed its brief moment of fanciful exclusivity. Be it husbands and wives outfitted in their Sunday best for a flight from Idlewild Airport, or packed their Louis Vuitton steam trunks with prized possessions for an oceanic voyage across the Atlantic. The early romanticism of automobile culture even spawned a new segment of wearable, hence driving cap, driving gloves and shoes. But like many once exclusive practice, when each of the mentioned became available to the rest of the population, the change commoditized them into merely shells of their former self, where the lowest price points value far more than its adventurous roots. Industrial designer Marc Newson wants to change that.

This is the seventh version of the NIKEiD Bespoke AF1 Harajuku Exclusive produced by none other than Nike Harajuku store. As you would expect, the finished sneaker is like nothing on the market. The Air Force 1 takes advantage of the Bespoke materials on offer and White Tiger fabric is used plentifully against black crocodile material. Animal skin theme is continued with black snakeskin on the side Swoosh. Perforated inner lining provides a premium feel as well as cross stitching on the toe and side sections and black waxed shoe laces. Red accent color breaks up the monotony on the tongue tag, Swoosh underlay and midsole stitching. These are available exclusively at Nike Harajuku store.

Creative Recreation and its more mature older brother, Select by Creative Recreation steps into fall with new releases of the driving moccasin hybrid, the Sacco, and a pair of sturdy, warm Dio 2 Boots. The low-top Sacco is now rendered in thin, soft suede upper with  a lightweight rubber outsole detailed with horizontal tread for added stability; meanwhile, the Dio 2 Boots are a remake of the original hiker boot, but this time around, it is updated with a rugged outsole, a second strap, and a detail hexagonal metal eyelet. These are currently available at retailers such as Revolve Clothing.

Sorry to those who have been banking on a Nadal vs. Federer game for the US Open finals. But, for Nadal’s fans, there is something to rejoice and celebrate after Nadal smoked Djokovic. That said, Nadal fans can now check out this great memorabilia from Nike, designed by Nadal– the Nike Ballistec 2.2 – Rafael Nadal Tennis Ball Edition. With a yellow green upper mimicking the tennis ball, with a white Swoosh (to represent the white stripes on the tennis ball), these are the perfect footwear rendering of the tennis game. The versions shown here are have been autographed, and one of them was signed by Serena Williams when she hung out with Rob Heppler at Barneys. These shoes were on sale at the Nike Store at US Open, but quantity was extremely limited. Thanks to Rob Heppler.

Sneaker Pimps is back and will make its first stop of the 2010 tour in Los Angeles on Thursday October 7th at The Music Box. The LA stop will feature Travis Barker and The Cool Kids who will release a 3D music video for their new song Jump Down as well as a live performance. The event is sponsored by NBA Elite 11 so you can demo the new game at the show. If you are in LA, make sure to save the date for Thursday October 7th for SPLA!

Sneaker Pimps Los Angeles
Thursday October 7th, 2010 – 8PM
The Music Box
6126 Hollywood Blvd | Map
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Named after the Soviet Cosmonaut Program to see the viability of putting living creatures into orbital space flights, the Nike Zvezdochka was a continuation of designer Marc Newson’s lifelong interest in the mode of transport. The design came about in 2001 with a limited release in 2004, it was then an experimental design, which became a proven platform for several Nike footwear to followed in the years after. Ahead of his solo exhibition, Transport, at Gagosian Gallery, to open this evening in New York City, Nike re-tooled its production facility and created a very limited number of Nike Zvezdochka for the occasion. In 2 special colorways of Aegean Blue and Mahogany, inspired by the Aquariva speedboat by Newson, the centerpiece of the exhibit.

In the realm of Star Wars fandom, no other characters have enjoyed the cult status as galactic bounty hunter Boba Fett. Though his appearances were cut short in 3 of the 6 episodes, Fett none the less became popular mainly because his limited appearance in the George Lucas’ space saga. Hence, it created an enigmatic aura around him. But the veil of secrecy is about to come down as the Star Wars x adidas Originals collaborative collection launches the ZX 800 in the familiar Boba Fett colorways. Possessed the same details found on the well-worn armor of Boba Fett, down to the special insignias, the ZX 800 comprised of premium leather construct with mesh and suede overlay. Finally, a blister pack presentation as with any prized collectibles. The Star Wars x adidas Originals – Boba Fett ZX 800 is now available in very limited numbers at Caliroots‘ SIX FEET DOWN branch.

Style: G17446
Color: Futhyd/Grey