HYPEBEAST Weekly Staff Picks - April 18th

Starting this week, each Friday will culminate in a series of top stories as chosen by the HYPEBEAST staff. Each pick includes additional commentary on exactly why this is their respective picks of the week. Our staff picks this week ranges from a Bearbrick art exhibition, Bape rug, Leftfoot x New Balance collabo and Acronym’s 2008 spring/summer collection. Check the staff picks after the jump.

Kevin – 1000% Bearbrick Meets Chinese Contemporary Artists

I personally love Medicom Toy Bearbricks for their cute, lovable universal shape and their ability to serve as a great template and canvas for designers and artists alike. With the rise of China on economic fronts, it’s interesting to see how China develops on the visual arts level through projects like the 1000% Bearbrick Meets Chinese Contemporary Artist exhibition. This project allows the world to see the inspirations and styles of Chinese artists.

Season – Bape Rug

I love this rug for its sheer simplicity and the Bape Apehead has become a well known symbol throughout.

Jason – Leftfoot x New Balance 576 “Heaven & Hell”

The whole collaboration involving Methamphibian and SBTG is the coming together of two great artists who have made names for themselves through the sneaker world. The simple colors and the great choice of materials bring out the subtle details of the tiger camo. Add in a solid concept, great packaging and the 20 year old 576 model, it pretty much sums it up as my weekly pick.

Eugene – Acronym 2008 Spring/Summer Collection

I’ve taken a strong interest in technical outwear with highlights coming recently through the likes of Visvim, Canada Goose and Futura Laboratories x Descente. All industries possess innovation and in my mind, the fashion industries innovation is through the creation of garments that are not only aesthetically strong and pleasing but that also provide a comfortable experience in the face of extreme climates. Perhaps coming from the frigid -40 degree Celsius winters of chilly Canada to the hot humid summers of Hong Kong has all but fortified my interest in seeing clothing that provides comfort and fashion in a 2 for 1 deal. Acronym has represented a brand that fits with a movement that incorporates high-tech materials in a product that can move seamlessly through the back-country, the streets and onto a night out on the town. Exactly how I feel regarding some technical brands focused on mountaineering can’t necessarily achieve. Acronym comes across as a brand that pays heavy attention to detail ensuring that 9th pocket on a jacket is just as important as the previous eight. Having said that I look towards the future, amongst the most well known brand-name fabrics out there in Gore-Tex has quietly been surpassed by newer smart fabrics like c_change and DiAplex and even more simple offerings like eVent. I question when brands will make the jump from the extremely well-marketed but limited realm of Gore-Tex to even more high performing fabrics.