Some new items have popped up from A Bathing Ape to add to the winter holiday lineup. Notable of them are the Baby Milo reindeer cell phone strap and tee, winter fur jackets, mittens, outlined cow parkas and a clean and simple all-white classic Bapesta. Available now at all Bape stores worldwide.
Design group and brand G1950 has often had the luxury of numerous partnerships for collaborations with leading brands including the likes of OriginalFake, fragment design and Stussy among others. Perhaps their most fruitful relationships have included Porter with on numerous accessories being released . This latest release includes the Head Porter Outdoor Case. Unlike most other HP cases, this style features a secure buckle with the G1950 logo seen peeking through out from beneath the flap. A carabiner is included to attach the case to a bag or belt loop. Available starting December 1st at G1950.com.
Sneaker boutique brand atmos will be working with Porter to release a set of holiday-themed bags and wallets named the “Wool Checker Collection.” As the name implies, this collaboration features a plaid-checkered pattern made from warm wool perfect for Christmas time. The collection will include shoulder bags will come in two colors, while the drum bags and the small version of the Porter wallets will be available in three. Available December 1st at atmos.
Web magazine THINK SILLY recently had an interview with N.Hoolywood founder and creator Daisuke Obana. THINK SILLY touches on subjects about why he decided to debut his store opening in Hong Kong, work ethic, design concepts, his past and his life. They also get into detail in his new autumn/winter 2008 line for N.Hoolywood by using themes from the “American Splendor” comic series by Harvey Pekar. You can read the whole interview at THINK SILLY (must be registered).
A teaser pic of the OriginalFake x Visvim collaboration shoes can be seen on the front of the OF website. Featuring the popular Logan Low model in white, KAWS adds his touch as he puts his signature “X Eyes” print all over the shoe. The OriginalFake x Visvim Logan Low’s will be available soon at the OriginalFake flagship store.
Head Porter Plus Excursion drops some goods for November. The drop consists of a insulated coat alongside a zip down fleece piece, both coming in two colorways continuing the co-branded efforts of Head Porter Plus and Burton. All four garments can be purchased via the Honeyee online store.
With the Hong Kong climate beginning to enter the winter season, CLOT begins the unveiling of some of their new pieces with a marquee piece seen with their pea coat. Other pieces play to Hong Kong’s inconsistent climate with the release of shorts as well despite being well into the end of the year. Rounding out the releases is the Shirt Pocket pants. The CLOT Major General Pea Coat will be released on November 29th while the shorts and the pants will release on December 4th at JUICE in Hong Kong.
Having recently seen some of the products offered as part of the dual-anniversary celebration between Isetan and Bape, Bape’s signature animal hoodies have also be re-done in Isetan’s iconic tartan pattern. Previous releases such as the Shark, Tiger and Panda are seen alongside the new comer Cow-hoodie. Unlike the other hoodies, the Cow hoodie features cow-printed pockets and a chain. Both Isetan’s main Shinjuku store and Bape celebrate their 75th and 15th anniversaries this year. Available now at Cliffedge.
We recently saw the return of the character “Martin” to celebrate Silas’ 10th anniversary. Further adding to the profile of the iconic mascot comes a new colorway inspired by Japanese toy and clothing brand Bounty Hunter. Martin is seen wearing the trademark look that has come to be associated with Bounty Hunter with the stripped shirt and anarchy ‘A’ on the hand as opposed to the ten-anniversary referencing “X” seen on other styles.
Another meeting of Japan’s fashion elite with Nike, we are given a preview into an upcoming collaborative effort between Under Cover and fragment design. Seen on a new (or rarely seen) model, the sneaker features a thick sole with a style almost reminiscent of the Cortez with less obsessive overlays. The upper is devoid of any large Swooshes choosing a more conservative embroidered route. Both the Under Cover and fragment design logos are printed around the edge of the vulcanized midsole. These will release January 3rd exclusively at the Nike Sportswear store in Shibuya and Under Cover stores around Japan.
Coarse Toys will bring their NOOP show to Germany after a successful debut earlier this year at Chicago’s Rotofugi. The exhibition will promote some new designs from the vinyl specialists as well as showcase their latest masterful productions. Taking place at the Berlin 4010 Gallery, NOOP is scheduled to open December 10th at 8:00 pm until January 12th, 2009.
Likely inspired by designer Hiroki Nakamura’s travels to Alaska, these new releases from Visvim follow a unique aesthetic featuring a plaid textile with welded on detailing. Along with the Juneau plaid long sleeves coming in three colorways, the Japanese brand offers a white oxford in two versions featuring the plaid print as well, all of which are now available at Reinforce.
Japanese streetwear magazine, Cool Trans, has been bringing their readers some of the best streetwear news for 13 years now. And to celebrate their 13th year in business, they have teamed up with Japanese streetwear label Neighborhood for a special collaboration tee. Coming in black which is Neighborhood’s signature color, the t-shirt will be limited to 100 pieces.
This is among the latest to release from Levi’s Fenom as the fragment design-led brand create a simple cotton sweater. With a loose-fitting cut, the sweater is simple with a contrasting neck and small embroidered logo on the chest. Also seen is the debut of a new tonal white logo. Available in two colors at honeyee Store.
With The North Face’s anniversary exhibition being the story of the day, we figured why not add fuel to the fire and feature the upcoming project between the quintessential outdoors brand and New York based Supreme. The set is comprised of a classic sherpa fleece zip down with traditional North Face branding along with Supreme embroidery in three nicely executed color schemes. Release information is not available as of yet but stay tuned for an update in the coming weeks.
In very limited quantities, Japanese retailer Cliff Edge has received a shipment of WTAPS’ No.5 cross bones denim. The jeans feature a black washed distressed effect with paint splatter, wiskering, and cross bones patch detailing synonymous with the militant themed label.
Incorporating their typical Western-inspired flair with the benefits of 3M Thinsulate for reduced bulk, Levi’s Fenom presents their Quilting Short Ranch Jacket. While made up predominately of nylon, the yoke features tonal corduroy materials. Available in black and dark navy blue at e-levi.jp.
Following up immediately on the announcing of their collaborative venture with Ben Drury and Reigning Champion, Surrender present their 2009 spring collection consisting mostly of t-shirts. Looking to a number of familiar names including the aforementioned Ben Drury, Gio Estevez, Steve Nishimoto and Sam Freeman. Look for these to hit stores before Christmas time at SurrenderArts.net.
Created specifically for their Bearbrick collaboration alongside Medicom Toys, RoyaleFam present their “Be@rmy” camouflage t-shirt. The tee features a full silk screened print without compromising wearing comfort. Coming in two colorways, both red and olive green tees will be a limited edition, available exclusively to friends and family.
A Bathing Ape ring in the Holidays with a collection of X-Mas releases showcasing the brands trademark cartoon style. Amongst the releases are crewnecks and hoodies featuring Baby Milo and Super Mario prints and a collection of Holiday plaid accessories including a scarf, tote bag and pin set. All the items are now available through Bape flagship retailers worldwide.
Having battled cancer earlier this year, Hong Kong based artist Simon Birch opened one of two recent exhibitions at the Louis Vuitton gallery in Hong Kong’s Tsim Tsa Tsui Gallery. Working on a short time-line, the artist featured a number of his photographs from this year as well as participating in a special impromptu art session to create two pieces for the store. The exhibition takes place from now until January 11th, 2009.
British freelance designer Ben Drury will be teaming up with both Reigning Champ and Surrender to collaborate on a zip-up hoodie and crewneck. Both featuring signature 25oz Canadian cotton fleece, crossgrain cut and side rib gussets is sure to make you stay warm and comfortable for the winter. The sweaters will have a simple black look with corresponding patches on the sleeves. Coming soon to Surrender accounts and surrenderarts.net.
In one of the biggest drops as part of the Converse 100th Anniversary, four upcoming releases are slated for an exclusive release to Japanese department store ISETAN. The collaborators include Thom Browne, mastermind JAPAN, Number (N)ine and Medicom Toys Libertine. The models serving as the base include the All Star High, Jack Purcell and the Skidgrip. Each shoe also includes a decorative clear acrylic box as well.
Japanese clothing brand Wacko Maria continues their strong winter collection with a number of new offerings. Focusing on a more dress casual and mature look, Wacko Maria will release a number of jackets, dress shirts, sport coats and dress pants along with a few of their new back-printed jackets. Available now at ARKnets.
Along with the upcoming release of the Medicom Be@rbrick Series 17, Medicom Toy will be releasing a handful of other special Be@rbricks to add to your collection in the coming months. Here’s what to expect from Medicom: Gachipan & Mook Be@rbrick 400% 2 pack, releasing 12/1/08 for 10,290 yen; Chiaki & Colette x Be@rbrick presents- My First Be@rbrick B@by (Colette ver.) 100% for 1,575 yen, 400% for 7,140 yen, both releasing 12/1/08; Lost Be@rbrick 100% (based on the award-winning ABC TV series), releasing 11/24/08 for 1,260 yen; Zoom!! In Be@rbrick, releasing at the end of December for 2,730 yen; Tokyo Tower 50th Anniversary Be@rbrick, releasing around December for 1,500 yen; XYLISH Be@rbrick 50% 3 pack, releasing around December; Dragon Ball Be@rbrick 70% featuring Goku and Piccolo, releasing around December; Pepsi NEX x Warner Bros. Be@rbrick Series 70% featuring many of your favorite movie characters made by Warner Bros., releasing around December; Merry Green Christmas Be@rbrick 50% for 300 yen, 400% for 7,000 yen, both releasing around December; Be@rbrick Artiz, releasing 12/24/08; MISIA Limited Edition Be@rbrick, releasing early December for 1,575 yen; Futura G-Shock & Futura Laboratories Be@rbrick (Multi Color) Set, releasing middle December for 24,150 yen; Be@rbrick Libertine, releasing 12/3/08 for 1,575 yen; BooBo Be@rbrick Xmas ver., releasing end of November for 1,575.
To commemorate DUSTY’s grand opening store in Hong Kong, fellow Hong Kong-based brand Subcrew will be teaming up with them for a limited release mesh cap in two colors to celebrate the event. Cleverly designed, it features a mirrored Subcrew logo to combine DUSTY together. DUSTY has opened up their Hong Kong store in November 21st so if you happen to be in the area, be on the lookout for these mesh caps.
Due to be released next month, Medicom Be@rbrick Series 17 will highlight a variety of colorful and iconic Be@rbricks sure to please any collector of the popular series. The 17th series will be featuring Mickey Mouse, Patapon, the Russian flag, K-20 movie, and special artist Alexander Girard.
Hong Kong superstar Edison Chen, founder of CLOT Inc., is featured as a guest model in support of the new UNDFTD x Stussy Runnin’ Rebels tee. The tee, as mentioned previously, will be coming in the heather grey colorway and is available now at all UNDFTD locations as well as stussydirect.com for $36.
Over the weekend, Nigo made an appearance at Hong Kong’s Bape Store to personally sign a handful of copies of his commemorative 15th anniversary book. Featuring an exclusive multi-colored camo cover exclusive to Bape Stores, the book itself features a look back over A Bathing Ape’s history ranging from old releases to articles regarding the brand. Hong Kong celebrities Rosanne and Race from the group 2R were also in attendance to help celebrate the event.
In Futura Laboratories’ third generation collaboration with Clarks, the Wallabee Boot strikes a nice balance between the colorful use of a paint splatter motif on a black upper. Last year at the Dice&Dice party celebrating its 20th anniversary, we saw what was a similarly designed series of natural colored Wallabees that seemed to be the precursor to this final product. The FL x Clarks Wallabee is current on pre-order at STLESS.
Nike and its long-time collaborator, pioneering toy designer Michael Lau, teamed up again to create the Nike Air “Crazy” Force 1 sneaker, the ninth launch in the Nike 1World AF1 Project featuring a total of 18 influential style leaders in sports, music, art and design.
Early it was announced a special A Bathing Ape Book was to release to commemorate the brand of the same name’s 15th anniversary. The book offers a great look into the history of the brand, from celebrities wearing the infamous brand to timelines regarding the release of various products. A handful of different colored camo books were created with multi-colored versions reserved for sale exclusively at Bape Stores around the world. This weekend, A Bathing Ape founder Nigo will be on hand at Bape Store Hong Kong at approximately 2:00 pm to sign the book which is available for sale that day at 12:00 pm. The book’s suggested retail price is $529 HKD (approximately $68 USD).
Within the adidas Originals Craftsmanship Pack this season, adidas has featured a series of iconic and traditional materials to become the backdrop of a number of shoes. First up we see an O-Store exclusive ZX 700 Boat Shoe. Just coming off a great success with the adidas aZX project and Japanese brand Neighborhood’s own careful design, the two styles are seen in both houndstooth and tartan patterns. The boat shoe references are evident along the collar in addition to a moc-style toebox. Available starting November 22nd at adidas Originals stores in Hong Kong.
When Japanese artist Madsaki originally worked together with CLOT a few years ago, the two produced an extremely well-received and bold collection using a custom camo print done by Madsaki. Fast forward to November, the two continue their concept of “Alienegra” in an upcoming series set to release based on a number of t-shirts. The Aliengera 2008 collection features a special glitter print technique with a subtle spot UV print to represent the CLOT logo on the back. The shirts will release sometime in the next two weeks at CLOTinc.com with a suggested retail price of $580 HKD (approximately $75 USD).
Best known for their intricate hand knit process and forever lasting quality,Inverallan sees itself in this latest collaboration with Neighborhood. The knit seen features a fisherman inspired style. The level of authenticity and personal touches from Inverallan extends to include a signed hand-tag letting you know exactly who created your sweater. Look for these to hit Neighborhood dealers in the very near future.
Best known for their intricate hand knit process and forever lasting quality,Inverallan sees itself in this latest capsule of products with Neighborhood. The knits seen in the collection include cardigans, pullovers and a fisherman inspired piece as well. The level of authenticity and personal touches from Inverallan extends to include a signed hand-tag letting you know exactly who created your sweater. Look for these to hit Neighborhood dealers in the very near future.
SiLLY THING has taken the stadium jacket to new heights with the upcoming release of their “Underworld” jacket. While typical stadium jackets feature wool as the main source of materials, SiLLY THING have gone the luxurious route with the use of soft cashmere wool. The conventional use of leather for the sleeves remains with a large Underworld patch on the back. A waterproof zipper is another interesting move which adds a performance element to the jacket. Available soon at the SiLLY THING store in Hong Kong.
