Yet another week overshadowed by events on the geopolitical stage, but we’ll try to focus a bit on what happened within our own cultural circles. First off, a good old-fashioned Sneaker Con took place this week, with a good old-fashioned sneakerhead lineup stretching from Sullivan Street to Houston and Thompson Street. And a Freshness Feature offered an in-depth look at the adidas Originals project that brought together Kazuki Kuraishi and CLOT’s Edison Chen. Another footwear collaboration that made news was the upcoming Nom de Guerre × Timberland boot, with a hyper-futuristic/militaristic look. Nike is always in the news, but one notable Swoosh story this week was the Be True campaign being brought to cricket. The sport represents a gateway into a multi-billion person market, but Nike’s campaign also shows a nice new flavor. Those speculating about the business direction at BAPE got a hint at retail-level strategy this week, as the brand opened a new flagship location on Hong Kong’s Hysan Avenue. In other HK retail-related news, visvim opened a new F.I.L. store in Wan Chai. Porsche was the subject of one notable story in the automotive world this week – dealers are now taking orders for the 918 Spyder Hybrid “green” supercar. In music, the Fear of God mixtape from Pusha T was a nice gift to Clipse fans, and those awaiting the upcoming Fear of God album. And finally, the New York Times T Magazine offered a look at the Los Angeles outpost of the OHWOW gallery – which is quickly becoming a marquis force in modern art – courtesy of Aaron Bondaroff and Al Moran. Check out details of all of these stories after the jump.
The venerable 6-inch Timberland is serving as the basis of a special collaboration with Nom de Guerre. As fans of Nom de Guerre know, operations at the cult New York label are soon going to come to an end, which makes this an especially appealing product. The boot in question is the Ballistic Nylon version of the Timberland classic, which lends itself perfectly to the extreme militaristic aesthetic that defines NDG’s latest collection. The boot has been fully blacked-out, including the outsole and all stitching, except for a disruptive camouflage patterned ankle collar; the effect is a pure combat equipment and workwear combination. On the technical side, the boot incorporates Timberland’s ion-mask technology, which makes the boot fully waterproof while maintaining breathability. Check out shots of the boot after the jump; it can be pre-ordered at the Chapter Express Rakuten store, with an expected release in October.
Wale is touring across the U.S. KiD CuDi is making special appearances in promoting his new album. Then where is Drake, the third member of this trifecta of upcoming hip-hop artists? Contrary to popular rumors, the young Canadian wasn’t hibernating up north. Instead, he’s been slaving away with friends Noah Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib of October’s Very Own (OVO) in creating their version of Canada Goose jacket. Modeled after the classic Chilliwack, named for Chilliwack, British Columbia and a favorite for bush pilots for frequent the skies there, the October’s Very Own variant added hints of urban styling with nylon twill satin fabric as shell and lined with plush polyester fleece. An accent of genuine coyote fur trim for an additional element of luxury. Only 300 were made, 100 for friends and family, 200 is on sale now at high end boutiques such as Nomad of Toronto, Nom De Guerre, Nepenthes, Colette, Opening Ceremony flagship in Los Angeles.
In the name of war (well, true in a sense, exaggeration in another), Nom de Guerre has partnered up with Converse once again after their collaboration on the (RED) project to create an ultra simple and pared down pair of black rubberized cotton Skid Grip, clandestine and perfect for fall. This weekend, on July 30, the shoe will launch alongside a short film directed by Zach Gold, featuring two military groups in conflict, but of course, donning the new Nom de Guerre for Converse Skid Grip CVO. The launch will also coincide with the launch of Nom de Guerre’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection “Countdown to Violence” and its online retail, so stay tuned and keep an eye out for the shoes to hit Nom de Guerre on July 30. On a side note, the film will also be available online starting August 2 online at www.nomdeguerre.net. And, for those who would like a little background to the film, according to Nom de Guerre, it “explores these themes with a lens on group solidarity, tension, and ideas of fraternity and sublimating one’s identity to operate within a group”
In the name of war, Nom de Guerre has partnered up with Converse once again and explored how to renew simplicity with Nom de Guerre’s pared down aesthetics. If you can’t douse a pair of kicks with prints, and you can’t flood it with colors, what do you do? Usually manipulate the material– would be the way to go. And right on time for fall, Nom de Guerre gives the summer staple, canvas, an extended shelf live by treating it with wax. The classic Converse Skidgrip is now remade in black waxed canvas, paired with brass eyelets and matching cream soles. The canvas insoles have been co-branded, and the collaboration will be hitting select retailers such as Haven on July 30. via: HB
A military styled Desert Corps Jacket have dropped from Nom de Guerre that takes its silhouette and design from archived Desert Corps. Attention to detail is superb that give its authentic military aesthetic. From the premium cotton twill fabric in sandy beige color to the button closure placket cover using heavy duty military styled buttons. Two way collar is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing and it also conceals a hood. There are also hand warmer pockets located on the front of the jacket and the interior of the jacket have been lined in khaki color as well keeping in theme. via: End Clothing
If it is true that the great ideas often arise from conflict, Nom De Guerre is not only the epitome of such a saying, but also lives up to its own name as it has built it’s last 10 collections without wavering from the theme of war. Literally meaning “name of war” in English, Nom De Guerre, is known for building their collections with elaborate historical battles and anecdotes not just with inspiration, but with adaptation. Last Spring/Summer, the label drew design components from the English calvary unit to present their take on expressions of youth, freedom and military ideologies.
This year, the label taps into the mid 20th century Algerian War to create a sartorial examination of political oppression, rebellion and circumvention of Algeria. A little background, the Algerian War is a conflict between France and Algeria which eventually resulted in Algeria’s hard-fought independence from France. As of modern decolonization wars, it was a complex war involving guerrilla warfare, extensive terrorism against the civilians with use of torture on both sides.
Just like the near-decade long war itself, the collection is split into two factions with half inspired by the French colonial army and the other by civilian-based counter insurgency forces. Thus, the divide was a juxtaposing subtle and blatant– some looks pair military elements with everyday clothing, while the others are heavily inspired by uniform. Even though the designs remain closely redolent of military uniforms, the clothing are executed with refined contemporary detail which softens the toughness of the pieces. Military button down shirts are cut slim attentively constructed for a finely polished touch. Elaborately woven and plaited links adorned the shirts from shoulder to collar in a lopsided manner that is fresh yet immediately reminiscent of French colonial forces. Slim monochrome ties and smartly tailored pants (sometimes cropped) are worn with pride with the shirts and topped off with sharp blazers featuring contrasting lapels or fine khaki bombers and trench coats.
For the opposing faction, shirts with rolled up sleeves are worn unbuttoned at the top over singlets and under hefty speckled monochrome M65 jackets. Matching pants are slim in volume but cut longer to create a rugged scrunch when tugged into combat boots. The overall palette remains neutral, true to the Nom De Guerre aesthetics we are familiar with. Aside from a plaid button down, the rest of the colors stick to uniform staples of khaki, olive, black, white, grey and navy.
Aside from sartorially translating the tortured history of the Algerian war, the label also took another metaphorical leap by creating an impression of other dominant ideas of that time through the simultaneous incorporation of both factions. For example, the paradoxical collection expressed the concept of montage used in French New Wave Cinema of the time. It is also inspired by the aesthetics of Chris Marker by attempting to parallel the director’s use of disjointed journalistic film footage into a coherent narrative.
Take a look through the highly narrative lookbook and peruse it in its entirety online at Nom De Guerre.
As part of its FIVE-TWO 3 Project, adidas Originals have invited 5 trend-setting labels from around the globe to add their design aesthetics on 5 iconic adidas models. Included collaborators are our friends from Nom de Guerre, who put forth a concept close to its namesake. A composition of canvas and leather, in military gray-green, the sneaker mimics early combat boots used by the U.S. Army. A white ankle strap extends and pierced through the muted design, act as dual symbolisms for bondage and cross. The Nom de Guerre x adidas Originals Forum Hi, along with 4 other exclusive design from the FIVE-TWO 3 Collection will be available at selected retailers next month.
Release Date: August 2009
Nom de Guerre , meaning name of war in English, was founded in New York City in 2003. The brand’s S/S 09 collection, “Sturm und Drang” (Storm and Stress), takes inspiration from its own name and early European cavalry units to present a line of uniform-like pieces in light blues and various shades of grey.
“Sturm und Drang” investigates expression of youth and freedom alongside military ideologies—and the outcome? Slightly regimental yet boyishly casual looks pulled together by khaki Tank Jacket and Cadet Shorts, topped off black silk Uniform Tie.
With refined engineering and functionality in mind, the Detachable Parka from this collection is knee length with a zip-off bottom panel; its sleeves can also be converted to 3/4 length. This breathable, waterproof nylon number has a structured cut and fully taped seams. You should be able to weather the unpredictability of spring skies in Nom de Guerre’s new pieces regardless of what you might be doing; sadly, you might have to supply your own pistol if needed.
More image after the jump…
A product resulted from a partnership between Red Wing Shoes Company and premiere NYC boutique, Nom De Guerre. The Trench Protection Boot exemplified both collaborators’ heritage and premise. While the silhouette retained much of Red Wing’s signature 6-inch Moc Toe Work Boot, in waterproof Nubuck on trademark white Traction Tred. The monochrome color scheme of subtle grey is a reflection of Nom De Guerre’s most recent collection – a sobering examination of World War II European Theater titled The World as Will and Idea. A Nom de Guerre marking is etched on the outer edge of both boots. Aside from the Nom De Guerre store in New York, online retailer oki-ni will be the sole retail outlet to carry this highly sought footwear. Retails for UK£ 289 (US$ 390), the Trench Protection Boots is available starting today at oki-ni.
> Red Wing Shoes Company
> Nom De Guerre
More images after the jump…
Recently stopped by Nom De Guerre to check out the newly launched merchandises for Spring.Summer 2008. Several interesting items stood out, like this Shawl Collar Pullover. Made in Japan out of 100% cotton, the piece is an item clothing to have during the transitional period between Spring and Summer. Instead of all the embellishments, Nom De Guerre focused on materials and details, a doctrine that is quite obvious even in its store design. The fleece lined on the interior is a throwback to how fleece was made before the advent synthetics and similar to those found on Loopwheeler. Currently available at Nom De Guerre flagship in New York City and selected boutiques world wide.
Nom De Guerre
640 Broadway | 
Map
New York, NY 10012
More photos afte rthe jump…
Oliver Peoples’ has framed many celebs with their sunglasses, now they are collaborating with Nom de Guerre to release a pair for them. The design is inspired by the trademark sunglasses worn by musician Roy Orbison and looks of that nature. These are produced in limited quantities and will be available at Nom de Guerre very soon, stop by to check up on them if you want to get your hands on these. via: Gourmet / Hypebeast
Nom De Guerre
640 Broadway | Map
(at Bleecker Street)
New York, NY 10012
TEL#:212-253-2891
One more pic after the jump…
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