Beyond the huge success artist Kaws has developed culminating in worldwide popularity and one of the most sought after brands around, JET-SET GRAFFITI provides a look into Kaws roots putting his mark on bus stops in New York and Tokyo. Kaws gives a run down on how he goes about changing up posters with commentary provided by acclaimed artist Ron English.
Source: Slam X Hype, Wooster Collective
Beyond the huge success artist Kaws has developed culminating in worldwide popularity and one of the most sought after brands around, JET-SET GRAFFITI provides a look into Kaws roots putting his mark on bus stops in New York and Tokyo. Kaws gives a run down on how he goes about changing up posters with commentary provided by acclaimed artist Ron English.
As we slowly approach the months of Summer, brands are starting to release their items made for the warmer weather. This includes the Japanese exclusive line, Levi’s FLU, which recently showcased their latest 2008 Spring/Summer collection on the site, Honeyee. The latest products which remain sporty but fashionable includes Polos, Shirts, Tees, CoolMax Denim Shorts as well as a couple pair of Denim Jeans. If you can read Japanese, you can head over to Honeyee to read the interview with the creative directors behind Levi’s FLU, Takihiro Okazawa (CYCLE, CLS) and Ewan Rey (Playford).
The best music creates pictures in the listeners head. One earful of the Black Keys and the listener begins to conjure images of smoky, dark barrooms complete with sticky blood stained floors. You could imagine Dan Auerbach thrashing away on his guitar layered over his gruff vocals and Patrick Carney attempting to murder the drums as a fist fight takes place on the dance floor. The band has spent their seven year career piecing together authentic lo-fi garage blues rock that has yet to hit a sour yet. Already a critical darling and your favorite bands’ favorite band, Black Keys have recently added another notch to their belts by teaming up with producer Danger Mouse for their fifth album “Attack and Release”.
Rumors began to circulate early last year about The Black Keys and Danger Mouse coming together to produce an album for Ike Turner. Since Ike Turners passing Black Keys has kept the backing music intended for him and Auerbach layered his own vocals over them. The result is an all out attack on their instruments culminating in a strange yet effective mix of psychedelic rock and blues. Danger Mouse’s presence is felt on this album without it being overbearing or unwelcome as he fills in the bands usual lo-fi touch with a bit of polish. In fact it is not totally inaccurate to describe “Attack and Release” as futuristic blues rock. Their first single “Strange Times” is a great representation of the bands style enjoyable whether in a smoky bar room or laser tag arcade.
Local Hong Kong brand Fingercroxx recently teamed up with Obey on a special collection of products. Among the promotional products created were beach mats featuring a huge print of the Obey Giant logo. Suitable for use at the beach or the park, the large sized mat also features a blow-up pillow at the head.
With the use of polka dots manifesting itself in numerous applications over the last few seasons, Vans Vault have taken it upon themselves to utilize the pattern on their latest pack of shoes titled Melissa. The black uppers of the SK8-HI and Slip-On are both done up in white polka dots. Although not pictured here, the collection also boasts the Prison Issue #23 and the Era. Look for these at select Vans Vault dealers.
BLENDS in Downtown Los Angeles played host last night for the opening reception of the Skate Study House. Skate Study House is a project that utilizes skateboard decks, wheels, wheel bearings, and other various materials to recreate iconic and timeless furniture pieces found in Case Study Houses. Los Angeles boasts the largest quantity of these influential houses that were built between 1945 and 1966, so it is fitting to see this collection make it to LA.
There was a strong turnout for the event hosted by its designer, Gil Le Bon De Lapointe, Sole Technology CEO, Pierre Andre Senizergues, and the crew at BLENDS LA. Drinks provided by Smartwater and Vitaminwater were flowing as DJ Greyboy played tunes for the attendees to enjoy throughout the night. Dance Right at La Cita hosted the after party where the large crowd ultimately relocated until last call commenced prompting the end of the night’s festivities.
The show will be running for the next week. All pieces are fully functional and for sale throughout the duration of the showing at BLENDS.
LAST CALL! SURVEY ENDS MONDAY, MAY 12th
We’ve teamed up with the good people at Logitech for our latest reader survey. Up from grabs are a series of collaborative mm50 iPod docks designed by clothing brands Mighty Healthy, Diamond Supply Co. and Black Scale. The docks itself are Logitech’s top of the line iPod speakers and feature awesome sound in a travel friendly format with rechargeable batteries. Each reader survey submission will be entered in a draw for one of the three docks. Submissions from around the world are welcome. Submissions will end on May 11th. Thanks a lot for all the support from Logitech, and you the readers of HYPEBEAST.com.
Rules: Only one submission is allowed from each reader. All info will be kept private and confidential.
Click [HERE] to fill out our survey.
With a knack for high end design and products, Nexus VII has upheld a strong brand identity and direction season to season as well as handling aspects of the Original Fake collection. Their latest range of products can be seen here ranging from t-shirts and hats to two Porter collaboration bags utilizing special models rarely seen. Available now at Sold Out.
UNDFTD unveiled two new offerings this weekend. First up, building on the success of their first volume of UNDFTD Radio, a sequel has landed featuring familiar DJs in DJ Byze One, Phoreyz and DJ Chonz. Also dropping is the Regional Strike t-shirt, five styles including these tees pictured are on the way.
Source: Eddie Cruz
With extensive documentation of Eric Elms’ recent gallery showing at French lifestyle institution colette Gallery, four t-shirt designs were released featuring art work seen at the gallery. The tees all possess a new vintage style print with faded graphics on white tee bodies. Also seen is the collaboration tote bag between colette, Eric Elms and Chapel of Dawn. Available now at Sold Out.
Hat specific boutique Hall of Fame has had a solid track record of hat releases as they have successfully taken the reins for creative control on styles including 5-panels and New Eras. Seen here is their latest Ribbon 59FIFTY, available in two colors, the hat features large embroidery with a ribbon design draped over the front.
