Not too many other motorcycle manufacturers can claim over 90 years of two-wheeled history to their name like BMW can. Debuting at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013 in Italy, BMW and the equally legendary customizing team at Roland Sands Designs present the Concept Ninety, which nicely blends the best of classic bikes with the new technology and power of today’s two-wheelers. Initially inspired by the 1973 BMW R 90 S – the powerhouse of its day – the Concept Ninety picks up a sculpted tank and tail that is coated in the R 90 S’ famed racing orange. Within the body, an air-cooled flat-twin boxer engine coated in black turns the seven-spoke wheels, designed to mimic the old-school flavor of the original. BMW believes this is the perfect blend of heritage and technology and you’ll be hard pressed to find much that can compare. See its journey from design to its first ride after the click.

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For the discerning collector of Star Wars toys and memorabilia, Hasbro action figures certainly aren’t going to cut it. No, what they’re looking for is something on par with this remarkably detailed Darth Vader figure from Sideshow Collectibles. Measuring 13.5 inches, the figure has everything from a fully articulated body — complete with ten gloved hands for various gestures, as well as a severed gauntlet and hand — to lightsabers both lit and unlit. The fabric body suit and cape is complemented with chest and belt box electronics with functional light-up features, all of which can be displayed on an Imperial-themed figure stand. A separate meditation chamber stand for Vader’s helmet and mask is also included. Set to release early next year, the $250 figure is available for pre-order now.

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Commissioned by a”very special client,” El Solitario has transformed a 1985 Guzzi V65 into the El Solitario Trimotoro Motorcycle, a stunning hand-crafted one-off featuring a decidedly industrial aesthetic. Requiring more than 800 hours to build, it would become the house’s favorite motorcycle, highlighted by custom alloy bodywork, Ducati Corse coils, Nappa leather seat and power coated frame. The crew at El Solitario had to rework almost every part more than a couple of times, freely admitting the project was their “biggest nightmare.” The resulting machine reveals a steely labor of love, one custom built for a post-apocalyptic Max Max world.

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In a new video from Levi’s Made and Crafted, Design Director Miles Johnson discusses the inspirations for the brand’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection, as well as the materials, fabrics and construction that went into its making. Dubbed “Painted Desert,” the collection features faded bright colors, reminiscent of the sand and sun, or even cozy striped blankets. Johnson stresses the importance of a garment that’s cleanly finished, as the absence of even minor flaws like loose threads translate into enhanced comfort. Details like copper rivets, genuine leather patches and concealed arcuates contribute to the high standards that are intertwined with the brand’s identity. Check out the video below.

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While many college grads look back at their college years and remember the keg parties, football tailgates, and spring break trips and hold their record string of beer pong victories as their biggest accomplishment, these guys from Rice University actually have done something really productive. Four mechanical engineering students have created what they’re calling, “PediPower,” or a pair of energy-generating shoes that are able to create and store energy with every step, which could one day be integrated into a tool used to power small portable electronics such as medical devices and pacemakers. The device uses the heel strike of your step and your body’s weight to push a lever, which, in turn, rotates a gear within a gearbox that ultimately gets stored in a generator within the shoe. The next step? Reduce the size and weight of the PediPower so “if you showed someone the shoe, you wouldn’t even see the device.”

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EASTPAK crams 60 years of the company’s history in a three-minute video. The story begins in 1952, with Eastern Canvas Inc. signing a contract with the Pentagon to produce high-quality bags and safety equipment for the U.S. army. In the ’70s and ’80s, the company introduces a lineup of assorted bags and backpacks for the college market, rebranding itself as EASTPAK in the process. Military manufacturing standards are combined with stylish prints and finishes, marking the emergence of a major lifestyle brand. Starting in 2003, EASTPAK embarks on a string of designer collaborations, highlighted by partners like Kris Van Assche, Raf Simons, Wood Wood, A.P.C. and Ed Banger. Throughout its evolution, the brand’s philosophy has remained consistent: “EASTPAK is all about exploring different ways of living, moving and being.” Enjoy the video below.

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Medicom Toy has announced the date and location of the brand’s annual extravaganza, Medicom Toy Exhibition ’13. The nine-day event will be held at Shibuya Parco Museum, beginning June 22nd and running until June 30th. Visitors can expect to see past products highlights, as well as previews of upcoming special projects, all created under the guiding principle that Medicom Toy creates what they want, rather than rely on product development based on marketing. The event will run from 10 am to 9 pm daily throughout the nine-day run, with an admission fee of just ¥300. Check it out if you’re in the area.

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

Event Dates: June 22nd, 2013 (Saturday) – June 30th, 2013 (Sunday) | 10am – 9pm

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Supra’s second release from their Crown Coalition series comes in the form of this Limited Edition Stacks Vulc. For those who haven’t been in the loop, the Crown Coalition is a select set of skateshops that Supra believe demonstrates an uncanny devotion to all things skate, rewarded with the privilege of carrying new Supra sneakers before the rest, including this Stacks Vulc. As usual, this model is designed and skated by pro Terry Kennedy, featuring a lux black suede and canvas upper with a brown leather tongue, complementary laces, a lightweight cup sole, and a uniform toe weld for less wear and tear. A vulcanized rubber gum outsole and black Supra and TK tags finish the look. Built for skating, but able to carrying you well off of your deck, pick up this Stacks Vulc now at Supra’s own online shop.

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