Its been a hand-full for the Thronton Brothers lately. Right after the hip-hop duo, better known by their stage name, The Clipse, launched their 4th album, Til the Casket Drops, in December of last year. It was followed by a concert tour which lasted till the earlier part of this year. Now, the brothers are expanding their creativity as separate entity with their own solo albums, set to due out late this year. Between all these engagements, they were still able to find time for their clothing brand, Play Cloths, and this special collab with PRO-Keds. Based on the time tested PRO-Keds 69ER model, the collaborative edition include a luxurious leather upper “de-bossed” with tiny tacks, or jacks. Replacing the traditional PRO-Keds’ emblem is the clothing label’s mascot, Jack. Contrast color heel tab and stripe, the Play Cloths x PRO-Keds 69ERs will be coming in 2 different colors of brown and beige. Availability set for this fall.

Mighty Healthy and etnies Plus had joined forces this season to create a capsule collaborative collection of sneakers that are meant to be so versatile that they can be dressed up or dressed down depending on individual style, and hence, reflecting the New York sartorial sensibility. In Ray Mate’s own words, “European cities like Milan and Paris are well known for their distinctive style, unique culture, and world-renowned designers. When I think of New York, obviously architecture comes to mind, but also the inspiration and fashion found throughout the city. Here, some clothing brands and labels become brands simply through lifestyle. No one cares about brand names; their names are the brands.” The collaboration features two pairs of sneakers, a pair of “Califas” sneaker boots with a dressy tough edge, and a pair of low-top “Guild” in tan with brown accents. The Califas sneaker boot is meant to be a more utilitarian for the upcoming winter months in a mix of black suede and brown leather ankle. Check out the preview pictures, and stay tuned for release information to come.

We gave you a preview of the Keirin Pack from DVS a while back and now, sample images have surfaced along with matching t-shirt designs. Each canvas sneaker is brightly colored, and is accompanied by a number on the tongue which is inspired by the number on the Keirin riders. DVS logo has been rearranged to imitate the NJS logo, which is the body that governs the quality of bicycle parts used in the professional competition. The sneakers themselves are simple in design with a slim silhouette that would fit nicely into the toe straps of fixed gear bicycles. Expect these to drop soon from DVS. via: Pedal Consumption

Because the Dark Side need something to cheer about too, introducing the next progression to Star Wars x adidas Originals collaboration, the Death Star Conductor Hi is the perfect compliment to the matching varsity jacket. Include the same adornments as the jacket, with Chenille patches plus embroidered details of Storm Troopers, team name, crest, and all on the tongue and heel panels. Available now at select adidas Originals retailers such as England’s retail chain, SIZE?.

In celebrating the launch of New Balance’s Pub Pack, New Balance had approached Crooked Tongues for some party ideas, and last week, Crooked Tongues whipped up a traditional pub night at the Red Lion in East London for a kicking good time. First off, the New Balance Pub Pack features the Flimby 576 upper rendered in traditional pub sofa’s  supple leather, with lining inspired by carpet, curtains and glass beer stains, and pub livery on tongue. The night at the Red Lion was a traditional pub night complete with a live singer, traditional pub food (peanuts, peanuts, peanuts), and an ubiquitous pub quiz.

Just launched with quite a bang in New York City not too long ago is the Nike SB Zoom Paul Rodriguez (P-Rod) 4 collection, and currently, the Zoom Paul Rodriguez (P-Rod) 4 Hi in Black/Matte Silver are available for all who skate. The new Zoom Paul Rodriguez 4 Hi is rendered in a mature tonal black upper, mixing materials such as smooth leather, perforated leather and suede. White contrast stitching on Swoosh and the white lining and midsoles brighten up the shoes. These are currently available at Primitive.

Emphasis on both technical and fundamental applications, the Gyakusou Zoom Spider TT+ from Nike and Japanese designer Jun Takahashi of UNDERCOVER fame strikes the balance between ample support, with its Firewire overlay, and ample cushioning, with Lunarlite foam as outsole and the Zoom Air insert as an addition. As a safety precaution for urban runners, reflective appliqués coincide with similar designs found on the apparel collection. Set to launch, along with the rest of the Gyakusou International Running Association Collection in October of 2010.

Spiritually, at its purest, the athletic form of running is a purge of the daily grind, of angsts built up over time, of obstacles once deemed unconquerable. It is a solitary state of mind, where pounding the pavement translates to the release of frustration and with each step leads closer to sanity. No wonder many have equate it to mediation in motion.

On those premises, Nike along with Japanese designer Jun Takahashi of UNDERCOVER, formulated Gyakusou International Running Association, conceptual collection based solely on the needs contemporary runners. Whether they are casual weekenders or amateur competitors, the designs of Gyakusou International Running Association focus on the fundamental needs that many other running apparel and footwear have missed. One is the complete articulation of key points on each apparel from the collection. Another is the storage solution, where a runner can prep for a run whenever they deem the condition is ideal. Highlight running as a meditate state, Takahashi specifically added fabrics which dampen sound and pocket concealments that minimize contacts between stored items.

Named after a common practice of running in opposite direction by Jun Takahashi and fellow runners of Tokyo, the debut collection of Gyakusou International Running Association for Fall and Holiday 2010 incorporated Takahashi’s harmonious take with nature with incorporation of reflective elements for safety. Another common theme found on the design is a red trim, a reference to the human artery. The Nike x UNDERCOVER Gyakusou International Running Association Collection by Jun Takahashi will be available starting in October at Nike retail location worldwide.

In the past few years, collaborations have been recurring at such rampant rates that many projects are often half-hearted and lackluster. And recently, many have tried to steer away from collaboration unless it is a fresh idea that can be executed with flair. However, Dr. Romanelli is one of the rare few who has thrived on collaborations, and restores our faith in the world of cross-pollination. After having worked with Levi’s , Hello Kitty and more, Dr. Romanelli have laid his creative surgical touches on CONVERSE to create a “Born In The USA” pack. This capsule collection are based on the Chuck Taylor All Star Cup Sole. Of course, when paying tribute to the tradition of “Made In USA” and tapping into the great American pride, stars and stripes are indispensable players. One of the models is rendered in duck canvas and melton wool and features the red, white and blue stars and stripes with a collaborative Dr. Romanelli tongue tag and insoles. The other is a more subtle, black tonal rendition of the shoe, with a flash of color in gold eyelets and tongue tags. These are set to release soon on September 15 at Offspring, including Offspring at the Selfridges.

Partly because of their love and partly because of comfort, many sneaker aficionados have already worn their Air Jordans as a necessity for their daily repertoire. However, the designs were specifically for performances on the court, that was the case till now. This month, designers at Jordan Brand unveil the CMFT Viz Air 11, the first of many Jordan Brand products to come which incorporate technical elements from the Air Jordan product, but with functionality that suits everyday needs. Quite obvious in its silhouette, the CMFT Viz Air 11 follows the court proven design of the Air Jordan XI. Instead of a high top, it sports a less rigid construct in a low-top form, much like a pair of Nike Air Mar 1, another performance oriented footwear that became a favorite among causal wearers. In both iconic Varsity Royal and Varsity Red colorways, the CMFT Viz Air 11 are now on sale at select Jordan Brand and Nike retailers worldwide, including Paul Rodriguez’s Primitive at Encino.

Style: 416543-101
Color: White/Black-Varsity Red

Style: 416543-102
Color: White/Black-Varsity Royal

As last remnants of Summer 2010 slowly dissipate as distant memories, members-only discount retailer GILT MAN may just have the consolation prize this Labor Day – a special sneaker sale event. A wide range of selection for all occasions from 9 labels: adidas Consortium, Clae, Gourmet, Cushe, Diesel, PF-Flyers, PRO-Keds, SUPERGA, and Warriors Footwear. All at a deep discount of up to 60% off. So whether you’re stocking up for the new school semester or just something to throw on for Fashion’s Night Out this Friday, dig in to the assortments provided by GILT MAN. The sale event ends on Wednesday, September 8th.

Sale Date: Now – September 8th (Wednesday)

It seems obvious now, but remember back when we showed you the first images of the Nike Air Max LeBron VIII’s first model? It seemed innocent enough that the showcase premier model was done up in black, red, and white. But didn’t it seem a bit strange following his subsequent announcement a few weeks later that he would join the Miami Heat? Anyway, this model is a study in gradations, as it’s blacks shift based on the numerous materials employed–from suede to leather to flywire to plastic. Marqueesole has this black model up for sale now in a very limited quantity, so head there now if you want to be among the few who have the King’s shoe before it officially drops.