Afrology by James Top is an upcoming solo exhibit surrounding the culture of the popular 1970’s hairstyle, the “Afro”. The seventeen renditions of James Top represents the base of a deeper message which Top attempts to convey regarding what he calls the “African American Experience”. From his time as founder member of the The Odd Partners (TOP) the graffiti group to bombing NYC trains and creating gallery work, James Top can now be seen in the classroom teaching a controversial class on graffiti at the Bronx’s Hostos College. The debate rages on about teaching the culturally rich but illegal art form in a school room environment. Afrology will open on Friday, February 22nd at the Essex Street Gallery.
Afrology
Essex Street Gallery
Friday, February 22nd, 2008 Opening
6:00 pm – 12:00 am
New York City 10002
p. 1.917.4474028
Portland’s Ace Hotel forms the latest inspiration for Japanese brand Number (N)ine’s 2008 Fall collection. In a movement made popular by the likes of Kurt Cobain through the Northwestern corridor, this collection designed by Takahiro Miyashita possess a distinct grunge tone. The runway show titled “My Own Private Portland” commenced with a voicemail message and made-in Portland Pendleton wool blankets for guests. The blankets emblazoned with imagery of the iconic and historical significant Thompson elk statute represent a throw back to America’s past as well as a good showing of direction for this collection. For Miyashita, the inclusion of Ace Hotel in his inspiration signified his desire to shed light on Portland in a real and authentic manner, one that showcases the luxurious, albeit in an irregular manner which remembers the past. The blankets will be available for sale through Number (N)ine’s Manhattan location as well as a soon to be opened Ace outpost in New York.
Creative director Hirofumi Kiyonaga is set to launch his trifecta of brands this month, marking the 2008 Spring/Summer season. His staple of brands associated with include SOPHNET., FCRB and his inaugural project with Hiroshi Fujiwara, Uniform Experiment. All brands will release February 2nd, with the exception of FCRB which will be unveiled on February 9th.
Japanese brand Resonate’s latest items for this season have begun hitting store accounts. The items feature t-shirts based on reinterpreted advertisements, and M-65 button up shirts and bandannas. The items are currently available at Revolution Information.
The most recent WTAPS x Vans Syndicate SK8-His No Guts No Glory were recently unveiled. Aside from the special M&M designed housewares and fixtures accompanying the release at Black Flag, t-shirts from Vans and WTAPS were also made available for sale.
Black Flag
5-4-24 Minami-Aoyama
Minato-Ku Tokyo
Source: Tetsuya Nishiyama
