Once the darling among catalog merchants, J. Crew started its expansion beyond the glossy pages with a series of brick & mortar storefronts in the late 1980s. The hope was to capitalize the already well known name to a new set of customer base, and it did just that. However, in the midst of this growth, the stores themselves became much like any other retail chain, with cookie-cutter designs and lackluster atmospheres. To transform each of them into more than just a storefront but a destination, the label’s new Creative Director at the time, Jenna Lyons, and Head of Men’s Design Frank Muytjens went back to the fundamentals. Both curtailed the usage of “one size fits all” and instead created a space most suitable for each location’s demographic, starting with the now iconic Liquor Shop in TriBeCa. Hear Lyons and Muytjens talk of re-designing the J. Crew’s Men’s Shops in their own words on this latest episode of Complex Cut & Show video series.

It was a curious coincidence with a Lamborghini Gallardo parked right in front of the venue but Sneaker Con NYC went without a hitch yesterday afternoon at 151 Sullivan Street. Thanks mostly to an unexpected mild winter day and last minute holiday shoppers, the event drew another record breaking crowd. In fact, so many attended the event that the line-up to get in formed beyond a city block. Similar to any well organized chaos, the event was quite daunting for those unfamiliar with the landscape. For most however, it was like any swap-meet/flea market, with exception this one dealt mostly in sneakers. Right at the front of the entrance, the guru of squeaky clean kicks, Mr. Jason Markk, was there in-person with his specially formulated cleanser, many would attest to on how it worked wonders on their prized processions. At the event space’s end, adidas Originals showcased its Fall/Winter 2011 Collection. Attendees also saw, for the first time, the adidas Originals Jeremy Scott Collection for Spring/Summer 2012, Another highly anticipated collaboration, the EXTRA BUTTER x Reebok Pump AXT “AHCHOO”, made a first-time appearance in public as well. Folks in attendance took part in the showcase feature of their collections with plenty of Foamposites, Jordans, Air Yeezy, even several Nike MAGs.   Of course, the success of this latest Sneaker Con NYC was largely because of support from folks like DJ Clark Kent, All Day of Team ATF, Premium Pete, and vendors who took part in it. As the year comes to a close, Sneaker Con will make one last stop this Saturday, December 17th, when the craziness moves to Los Angeles Convention Center in Downtown L.A. for the first time. Stop by to see what is everyone talking about if in the area. Meanwhile, see if you (or your kicks) made it onto our extensive event coverage after the click…

Photography: Poe/Freshness

In a culture where a paradox of hyper consumerism and frugality exist side-by-side, many Japanese are questioning the notion of personal belonging and legacy after the multitude of disasters that struck the island nation earlier this year. In a similar introspection, The North Face of Japan asked five notable cultural influencers – club owner Moichi Kuwahara, stylist Koichiro Yamamoto, DJ MURO, photographer Taro Mizutani, and finally, UNITED ARROWS’ Motofumi “Poggy” Kogi, to materialize a concept, in effect a personal time capsule, of which they would hand down to the next generation. Dubbed as Standard Of Living Package Vol. 1, each of the personalized artifacts is now on display on the 4th floor of The North Face Standard in Harajuku. To coincide with the exhibition, stylist Yohei Usami curated Uptown Anthem, a prelude showcase on the lives of Tokyonites from the storefront’s ground to the third. Both will be on display till Christmas Day, December 25th, 2011.

The North Face Standard
6-10-9 Jingumae | Map
Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo Japan
TEL #: +81-3-5464-2831

Exhibition Dates: Now – December 25th, 2011 (Christmas Day)

His daft interpretation of the Nike MAG won him a special exhibition spot at this year’s Sneakerness event in Europe. For the holiday season, LEGO manic known as Orion Pax created a special miniature set of his SNEAKER FREAKER (see above) van that was on display as well. A subtle replica of the GMC G-Series van favored by B.A. Baracus and the A-Team, each finished with chrome accents, white lettering, and fluttering red shoe laces. Perhaps these will part of SNEAKER FREAKER gifting items this holiday season? Either way, its certainly a cool look for the publication.

Patiently sitting among other CALIROOTS accessories is Franklin, a 1 foot tall stuffed horse made of original Nez Perce fabric, which PENDLETON created to celebrate the Pacific Northwest Native American tribe of the same name. Franklin’s beady black eyes, soft wool/cotton blend frame and fitted reins make him a great gift for kids (or big kids) who love horses or  accents with a southwest flair. Franklin comes in Sapphire blue or Ivory/Green, both splashed with color from arrowheads pointing in every direction. Shop online or pick this up at the CALIROOTS store in Stockholm.

CALIROOTS C Premium
Regeringsgatan 75 | Map
Stockholm, Sweden

15-1 Udagawa-cho | Map
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

In light of BE@RBRICK World Wide Tour 2, an exhibition of all-thing related to the popular mini bear-shape figurine, its maker MEDICOM TOY announced a special BE@RBRICK Edition of Nike Air Force 1 Premium. In conjunction with Nike Sportswear, the classic sneaker silhouette is now donned with a lush coat of faux fur in either black or deep brown, as if as a symbolic nod to black bears and grizzly. Highly limited, the MEDICOM TOY x Nike Air Force 1 Premium – BE@RBRICK Edition will be available, along with other BE@RBRICK collectables, at BE@RBRICK World Wide Tour 2 in PARCO Department Store Complex for retail price of ￥15,750 (~ $200 US).

BE@RBRICK World Wide Tour 2
PARCO – Shibuya
Part 1 B1F Event Space | Map
15-1 Udagawa-cho
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan

Exhibition Dates: December 3rd, 2011 (Saturday) – December 12th, 2011 (Monday)

Warning, the image you see above isn’t what it appears to be. While it is a new marquee to the world of super cars. It is also something different altogether. Introducing the XO-1, an all-wheel drive vehicle capable of doing 0 to 100 mph in under 5 seconds. Before you contemplate the possibility of this claim, the XO-1 is actually a Remote Control (R/C) Car. But don’t dismiss it as mere child play. In fact, its manufacturer, Traxxas, warned buyers that XO-1 “is not a toy” and “intended for use by experts only”.

Powered by lithium-polymer battery, a new Traxxas Big Block Brushless Motor, and heavy-duty drivetrain to ensure the vehicle last during high speed, the XO-1 is actually ready to race once its out of the box. In fact, come December 20th, Traxxas will make its Traxxas Link app available on App Store. With it, you can zoom across the salt plain of Lake Bonneville from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds (Lamborghini Muriélago does it in 3.6 seconds), with real-time telemetry on your Apple iPhone or iPad. See the amazing video as this mighty mite dash around the Texas Motor Speedway. Meanwhile, the Traxxas XO-1 is available for $1099.99 through Traxxas dealers and hobbyist stores.

The jet-setter bunch in Miami has a new shopping destination this coming holiday season. Introducing UNKNWN, a lifestyle boutique curated by LeBron James. Catering to the fine-living demographic of Miami and surrounding areas, the new store will be within the trendy Aventura Mall on Biscayne Boulevard. Scheduled for opening on Friday, December 16th, the store will carry items from DRx Romanelli, Engineered Garments, Stussy, OriginalFake, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and a far flung assortment of top brands. Needless to say, there will also be store exclusive editions as well as special collaborations with King James himself.

UNKNWN
Aventura Mall
19501 Biscayne Boulevard | Map
Aventura, FL 33180

Opening Date: December 16st, 2011 (Friday)

Edgy designs mixed in with sound quality any audiophile would appreciate, the Kidrobot x Skullcandy will be available starting tomorrow at all Kidrobot store locations and online store. Comprised of two models, the Kidrobot x Skullcandy – Agent Headphones elaborate on the fun design Kidrobot is known for. Appointed with vibrant aqua blue colorway with plush white leather and accents. Then there is Kidrobot x Skullcandy – Mix Master Headphones for those looking for something more exclusive. Developed with inputs by DJ Mix Master himself, the silver and black glam edition features a remote control for volume, playback, a collapsible design, and swap-able cables for DJ. Comes with a nifty companion, a 3-inch Dunny figurine in chrome, this special edition is limited to 1000 units worldwide. Both set to launch at all Kidrobot stores and its web shop tomorrow, December 2nd.

Release Date: December 2nd, 2011 (Tomorrow)

Pop-up store? Please, that retail concept is so yesterday… The thing that is “in” this holiday shopping season is pop-up malls.  Stacked neatly, dozens of refitted shipping containers are now part of BOXPARK, the world’s first pop-up shopping mall. Situated in Shoreditch, East London, and just opposite of the new Shoreditch High Street Station, the mall will house some fifty well-known retailers from the realms of fashion, arts, crafts, and lifestyle, including action sports brand etnies.  The temporary location will offer the latest footwear and apparel collections from etnies, as well as way for the brand to connect with its fans. etnies at London’s BOXPARK officially opens this Saturday, December 3rd.

BOXPARK Pop-Up Mall
Shoreditch High Street Station | Map
Shoreditch, London England

Opening Date: December 3rd, 2011 (Saturday)