Was browsing the web and noticed that they are taking votes for the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award’s ‘People’s Design Award” and who do I see wwaaayyy up front? Toms. Yup, that’s right. Tom’s Shoes is beating out the iPhone, NYC’s floating barge pools, the Tesla Roaster, and the Fender Stratocaster for the design of 2007. You really cant argue with the cause, and, yeah, the design is assimilated, but you can’t argue with the cause. It’s for kids. I mean, little defenseless kids. Now go and VOTE.
Also, we just received a big shipment from Toms with Men’s and Women’s wovens. Will post them to the site SOON!
Just wanted to let everyone know we have started adding products to the website. We have started with footwear (mens so far), but will be working round the clock to bring you new styles.
Well, last night, Dallas’ finest photographer Matt Hawthorne came by the store to snap a couple of pics of my ugly mug for an upcoming issue of Austin native, Tribeza (which is a WELCOME addition to the Dallas publication scene). Anyway, our good friend THE KIDD stopped by and recorded some of the behind the scenes action. Here is just one of the great shots:
I have seen these cool necklaces at OAK but just found THIS article giving a little background on the pieces. Seem pretty fun and they remind me of the braided rope bracelets you see on all the East Coast outer banks crew (collar flip included):
Made from hiking rope, which is crafted into beautifully intricate knots and finished with gunmetal hardware, each piece is handmade by O’Sullivan in his Williamsburg studio. “I love how the rope looks when it’s all jumbled and piled on my floor, which it is right now,” he says. “It’s such a treat for my eyes.” Necklaces, bracelets, and key-chains come in either bright hues of neon or in solid black; the former befitting night club ravers and hip-hoppers and the latter for those craving a more subdued brand of accessorizing. Either way, the pieces are refreshingly unique and unapologetically bold. “I love synthetic materials and am very excited by the resurgence of tech/athletic looks in high fashion,” says the designer. “I grew so tired of everything having to look old and worn. I’m ready for the future.” So are we.
Saw this post over on Hypbeast about some new releases from Penfield. We are anxiously awaiting our first shipment for the Fall (as soon as it’s not 90 degrees!):
One doesn’t have to look far to find the integration of technology and style. Penfield has utilized Schoeller 3X Dry technology and created a set of hoodies and crewnecks which feature similar feel and wear as conventional materials with the added benefit of water resistant and moisture wicking properties. The designs seen here is a re-inspiration of Penfields’ “Downstroke Camo” by Hardy Blechman of Maharishi. These should be available in stores soon..
I thought THIS article, published in the International Herald Tribune, was very interesting and had some good parallels to Dallas (They use the example of Charlotte, certainly a city with similar demographics). You need only look at Northpark Mall to see the emergence of smaller yet dynamic markets. The article was good to point out that a lot of these cities are ‘driving’ cities that benefit from ‘creat[ing] a concentrated range of choice for the consumer in one location’ like the malls.
“Charlotte is a very good example of the trend you see, around the U.S….First, there is wealth formation and then the desire to have more upscale goods.”
Hey, just wanted to let you guys know that the Evan Hecox books are going fast. As of today, we have one signed copy ($50) and four unsigned copies ($40) left. [$5 flat for domestic shipping, contact us for details]
Personally, I am not really into the vinyl toys, but this thing looks pretty cool:
From HighSnobiety:Original Fake also announced that one has to participate in a lottery in order to purchase the toy. First one has to get an Admission Ticket. On the date of release, September 29th, there will be a lottery and then you can only purchase the toy at the Original Fake store in Tokyo. The toy is limited to one per customer.
Well, it looks like everyone’s favorite, Marc Ecko, has come out as the winning bidder for Barry Bonds 756th home run ball. Now Mr. Milecofsky (his real name) has launched a $752,467 publicity stunt. Check out vote756.com to cast your vote and determine the fate of this ball. Apparently, this is the ‘democratization of the ball.’ I vote we send it out to space, so he can pony up another three quarters of a million to get it there.
Hi, I’m Marc Ecko, and you might remember me from other expensive publicity stunts like faking the tagging of Air Force One:
It looks like the Kanye West camp has relaunched their website, so be sure to check that out. Not sure I am in love with it, but its better than most. Going through the site really got me thinking. It’s been really interesting seeing Kanye create his image, but I did use the word ‘camp’ earlier for a reason. While he has created something obviously profound, I wonder whether it is a credit to his own taste, or simply a matter of co-option and access. In other words, is Kanye a product of his artistry, or rather an artist astute at creating an image not genuinely his?
Or is there even a difference?
If you look at West’s artistic progression from behind the scenes producer to headlining icon, He has constantly surrounded himself with the right people. This recent album is no different. From Takashi Murakami’s art direction, to Jonas & Francois video production of ‘The Good Life’, there is no doubt he is on point.
Kanye w/ T-Pain :: The Good Life
Now, I am in no way discouraging surrounding yourself with talented peers, but let’s not forget that Jonas & Francois are the guys who have helped brand the Ed Banger record label and have produced video gems such as Justice’s “D.A.N.C.E.” The reason I say this it because it was Justice’s “We Are Your Friends” that took top honors at the 2006 MTV Europe awards and prompted Kayne to storm the stage and declare heresy.
Justice :: D.A.N.C.E.
One could be led to the conclusion that Kanye is simply ‘buying’ cool. Is he just a bitter artist, who unabashedly tried to substitute big budget for creativity (see video), buying proven success? I really enjoy what Kanye has brought to the scene. He is a breath of fresh air next to what else is clogging up the the Top 40, but often his image seems so contrived - as though he is trying too hard to shape himself. His now famous outlashes and outlandish comments wreak of person determined to make you know why he matters rather than let the public frame his identity. Why doesn’t he let his music speak for itself?
Perhaps we are in a time where personality/branding/image/style/etc supercede artistic output. Or perhaps that IS artistry.
Breezed through the Apple webpage and saw that they have featured French designers Surface to Air. You can see a short video of the collective in action HERE. They always put out some great stuff - particularly their jewelry - so it’s interesting to get a small behind the scenes. Oh Mac, you’re so cool and smug.
Also, check out THIS (now unused) version of their website. It’s like time traveling right from your desktop!
How much are we motivated not by the brands we love, but by the brands we shun?
Another good little piece from Murketing on branding value and the, perhaps, rise of ‘brand bigotry:
We all know the old game of snob vs. reverse snob. When a guy at Vuitton says Coach “has nothing to do with luxury” and might as well be “selling iron ore,” well, that’s kind of snobby. The reverse snob from Coach of course decries the Vuitton guy as an elitist who needs to realize that “luxury has been democratized.”
These examples are from Fortune’s recent recap of the eternal mass/class squabble….
Saw this interesting contraption over on Murketing:
This toaster by Sasha Tseng incorporates a little message board where one can read quick notes. The message also gets “toasted” into the toast itself so it gives new meaning to “read while you eat”.
Fun concept, but I know I wouldn’t have the energy to change the text at 7am when I am groggy and starving!
Just wanted to take the time to thank everyone that came out for the events this weekend. Great meeting you all and look forward to doing some more great things in the future! For those that have asked, we will be getting a limited run of signed Evan Hecox books at the shop, but they are going fast so act soon. Also, look for the Cobra Snake tee to pop up at the shop soon…
Just saw these posted over on HighSnobiety. We’ve actually had a few people ask us if we knew what type of shoes they were so here it is (and your chance to get some):
The sneaker got some fame after Kanye West was seen wearing them a couple of times, including in one of his last videos. Until now it was very hard, if not impossible, to come across them outside of Japan. Now Oki-Ni is offering them exclusively online as an pre-order.
“…features 2 velcro straps and comes in a mix of patent leather and regular premium leather. Not due to be released in europe or the states until January next year, oki-ni has secured the deal to bring these to you first.”
If you were looking for these, here is your chance! They go for £199.
