A SHOW CALLED KICKS.

ADIDAS TOP TEN 2000 “NIGHTMARE” PE With Christmas...

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:44:50 -0500

ADIDAS TOP TEN 2000 “NIGHTMARE” PE

With Christmas approaching, all sorts of brands are releasing player editions in Christmas colorways. While green and red may be commonplace this time of year, adidas is taking another route with their lesser-known Top Ten 2000 “Nightmare” release. The shoes are themed after Tim Burton’s famous A Nightmare Before Christmas film, and reflects the classic in its design. A purple upper with hints of black makes up most of the shoes, while shades of gray take up the midsole and bottom. With wavy laces and a “12-24-12” printed on the tongue, you can pick up your own pair for $125 now at Eastbay.

MEDICOM X NIKE LUNAR FORCE 1 “BEARBRICK” Today...

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:11:09 -0500

MEDICOM X NIKE LUNAR FORCE 1 “BEARBRICK”

Today popular streetwear brand Undefeated released their newsletter which told of the collaboration Medicom and Nike. Alongside a varsity jacket from Nike and a Bearbrick toy from Medicom, the sneakers come in two colorways with matching accessories for both. The simple redesign of the sneakers matches the Bearbrick style and minimalism perfectly, both in the white, blue and orange makeup and the monochromatic black and white. You can pick up a pair of Nike Lunar Force 1 “Bearbrick” sneakers now at UNDFTD in Santa Monica.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS BY JEREMY SCOTT JS WINGS...

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:08:51 -0500

ADIDAS ORIGINALS BY JEREMY SCOTT JS WINGS “TOTEM”

With another out of this world pair of sneakers, designer Jeremy Scott may have completely topped himself with his “Totem” JS Wings. Loosely tied into a Native American iconography, his loudest pair for the Spring/Summer 2013 pair looks toward a totem pole for inspiration, and explores a wide variety of colors in its makeup. The adidas Originals Attitude high-top shoe sits on a black EVA midsole with a ton of Native tribal design work with a mock warrior face on the tongue.

You can preorder the shoes at LUISAVIAROMA for about $270.

thinktankgallery: CALL TO ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS - YOU ARE HERE...

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 11:15:32 -0500

thinktankgallery:

CALL TO ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS - YOU ARE HERE II.

Continuing to raise awareness for our open call!

Whether you live in Los Angeles or can get here for a few days next month, the new challenge for part II of our exciting YOU ARE HERE series is going to be a fun one. Check out the recap of part I here and more details for part II at the official call.

And please share with all of your friends to help make this show the best it can be!

Share with your friends!

LOS ANGELES - THE NEW WAVE OF BARBERSHOPS Subculture Club is a...

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:25:09 -0500

LOS ANGELES - THE NEW WAVE OF BARBERSHOPS

Subculture Club is a series by Thrash Lab that showcases everything from freegans to custom motorcyle builders, and in their newest piece they chose barbering as the newest world to enter and expose to the world. Learn about what drives these artists to make dudes look good and feel better, and visit some of LA’s best shops as owners of Capsule Barbers, Bolt Barbers and Proper Barbershop speak about their creative vision and business philosophies. I was first exposed to Thrash Lab and their series with this piece, as I met the filmmakers when I was getting a haircut at Bolt. Indeed, I show up a couple times in this piece.

If you like good haircuts and bottomless beer, as well as an old-timey aesthetic with a modern mentality, check out Bolt Barbers in DTLA on Spring St. And check them out in the video above or Thrash Lab here.

If any of the 500 of you follow either of my other blogs, you know that things have been in a...

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:53:00 -0500

If any of the 500 of you follow either of my other blogs, you know that things have been in a transitional period of late.

My full intention is to pick up this blog in a much more committed manner. What this blog does for my life and my career is priceless, and well worth my time. I am forced in running this blog to stay up on current trends, just like running my gallery’s blog forces me to be aware of happenings in Los Angeles arts. As I am committing more time to sneaker art again, this blog will once more become a place for my meditations in streetwear and art’s implications within that world.

I thank you for staying around.

Best,
Jacob

LIL WAYNE X SUPRA S1W “CARTER IV” Lil Wayne had...

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:18:00 -0500

LIL WAYNE X SUPRA S1W “CARTER IV”

Lil Wayne had teased previously about a new sneaker coming out with his name properly attached, and his new collaboration with Supra provides just that. The Lil Wayne X Supra S1W “Carter IV” comes in primarily red suede with white accents on the tongue and throughout the sole. You can get the Stevie Williams shoes for Weezy now at Sole Heaven with free shipping to the US by FedEx, for around $100.

PMK X INTERNET EXPLORER - PMK DESIGN LABS On Saturday, Internet...

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:53:57 -0500

PMK X INTERNET EXPLORER - PMK DESIGN LABS

On Saturday, Internet Explorer and PMK Customs held a launch event for their innovative new collaboration “PMK Design Labs.” The unique new technology walks along the same lines as Nike ID, and allows users to push the boundaries of creativity in sneaker design, much as PMK has been doing for years in one of the most established positions in sneaker art.

Check out the technology in this unlikely collaboration for yourself here.

DWAYNE WADE SIGNS WITH LI-NING Talks of D-Wade’s desire to...

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:57:20 -0400

DWAYNE WADE SIGNS WITH LI-NING

Talks of D-Wade’s desire to resign with Jordan Brand have been a popular topic for some time now. The rumors have been put to an end after Li-Ning athlete Evan Turner tweeted a warm welcome of ”the homie D Wade to the Li-Ning family!!!”

Now that Wade has signed with a Chinese company, the American Jordan Brand will be looking for its new front man. It seems that Wade’s desire for an eight figure shoe deal from Li-Ning might have been too much for Jordan Brand, which may just as well move Chris Paul or Carmelo Anthony up into the limelight as they would sign a new star in Wade’s place.

NIKE ZOOM ROOKIE “GALAXY” OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE With...

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:59:18 -0400

NIKE ZOOM ROOKIE “GALAXY” OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE

With the original release date slated for this coming Saturday, the Nike Zoom Rookie “Galaxy” was one of the most hyped releases for the end of 2012. While it remains so, fiends will still have to wait a couple more weeks to get the shoes, as the drop date has been pushed back to October 19th. The coveted and much-replicated Galaxy pattern covers the heel around to the toe of the shoe, with black nubuck and pods breaking it up.

At $215, the sneakers follow the recent trend of breaking the two bills cap that held sneakers to a more manageable price for the last generation, but there is little doubt that the model will still sell out.

ULTIMATE NIKE MCFLY LOT HITS EBAY FOR OVER $18K Large sneaker...

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:50:00 -0400

ULTIMATE NIKE MCFLY LOT HITS EBAY FOR OVER $18K

Large sneaker lots are one of the most beautiful things that eBay has introduced to the streetwear game. Many sneakerheads have awesome stories about finding their favorite shoes at 4am on a Wednesday night amidst the glow of the computer screen. Another amazing thing about eBay lots is the opportunity for collectors of many different themes to gain recognition and a huge chunk of change for their dedication. These two worlds collide as sneaker and Back to the Future collector eliteamericanwholesale puts together this $18,500 lot for every Nike McFly piece you could ever want.

Of course the Air MAGs are included, but the lot also features the 2008 Nike Hyperdunk McFlys, 2009 Nike Hypermax McFly NFWs, the limited-to-twelve-pieces 2010 Nike Hyperdunk sample, and the pretty much impossible to get ‘It’s About Time’ tee that Tinker Hatfield wore in Nike’s Air Mag 2015. If that wasn’t enough, also featured are replicas of the Matel Hoverboard and Nike bazooka bag carried by the Doc in Back to the Future 2. If you have 18 g’s to spare, head to the eBay auction here.

PARLAITIN - WIRE SCULPTURE SNEAKER ARTIST INTERVIEW I had a...

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:57:50 -0400

PARLAITIN - WIRE SCULPTURE SNEAKER ARTIST INTERVIEW

I had a friend in high school that made sculptures out of wire. They were mainly stick figures fighting stick dragons and really simple roses, but they took him forever to make. He had a cute little army of these sculptures chilling on his TV. After seeing the work it took him to create something like this, witnessing the work of pARlaiTin is incredible. The Louisville, KY native believes that wire sculpture is truly the only way to allow sneaker art to live on forever, and the work he puts into each design shows such a permanent dedication. Check out his interview with Nicekicks here.

AIR JORDAN XIII “HE GOT GAME” RERELEASE IN 2013 A...

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:55:43 -0400

AIR JORDAN XIII “HE GOT GAME” RERELEASE IN 2013

A pair of J’s that has seen limited retro releases, the Air Jordan XIII “He Got Game” colorway is a design that is coveted by many but rare to find. When Denzel Washington wore the sneakers in the Spike Lee Joint they became instant classics, and after a rerelease in the “10/13 Countdown Package” alongside the Shadow X’s in 2008, we have yet to see the pair again. Well, assuming we make it past the end of days, the much-desired sneaker will live on in your sneaker closet for a few more years, so expect to replace your old pair sometime in 2013 or snag it for yourself if you never got to pick it up in either prior release.

NIKE AIR FORCE 180 “THE ADMIRAL” CUSTOM BY REVIVE...

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:56:08 -0400

Original beaters

NIKE AIR FORCE 180 “THE ADMIRAL” CUSTOM BY REVIVE CUSTOMS

Sometimes a custom job serves no better purpose than to repurpose an OG sneaker that has lost its luster, but sometimes a beaten-up base can serve as the inspiration for something beautiful. Perhaps drawing courage from the fact that the sneakers were all but destroyed to start, long-time sneaker customizer Revive Customs took an old pair of Nike Air Force 180 highs and transferred a theme reminiscent of the Air Jordan VI “Olympic” sneakers with inspiration from teammate David “The Admiral” Robinson. The shoes come out looking like they should be sold in a pack with the AJ6, and in photographs looks almost brand new. Restoration jobs don’t come better than this.

CUSTOM NIKE MAG BY MACHE CUSTOMS One of the ways that customizer...

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:00:12 -0400

CUSTOM NIKE MAG BY MACHE CUSTOMS

One of the ways that customizer headrunner Dan Gamache makes headlines is by altering base shoes that are deemed untouchable by many. It’s a clever and bold approach. His recent attempt at the most coveted shoe of last year - and a silhouette that is still one of the hardest to find in all of streetwear - is the Nike MAG 2011 for the Michael J. Fox fundraising auction put on by Nike and eBay. Well, Mache did what Mache does, and altered the shoe into a custom that will sit proudly in his portfolio forever more. It’s not a heavy alteration, but that’s not the point with a base this rare.

The artist has brought custom sneakers to the forefront, and recently spoke with Nicekicks on the topic in a great interview detailing a huge shift in the public reception of the art.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS “LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP”...

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:55:38 -0400

ADIDAS ORIGINALS “LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP” CELEBRATES DESIGNER MARKUS THALER

In a short film following the life and expressing the philosophies of Markus Thaler, one of the original designers and disciple of Adi Dassler himself, adidas Originals’ The “Legacy of Craftsmanship” introduces a new bloodline of premium designers while giving fans an look behind the scenes to a few custom pairs of sneakers for adidas partners.

The designer developed some of the brand’s most cherished designs and you can see why when you listen to the passion behind the man, who is soon to retire after some 40 years in the game.

Under the guidance of Markus Thaler, adidas Originals has always encouraged its designers to learn all aspects of footwear manufacture, from traditional methods of shoemaking to the technical innovations that allow them to push boundaries.

JOHNNY CUPCAKES COFFIN TOUR 2012 Johnny Cupcakes started his...

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:59:09 -0400

JOHNNY CUPCAKES COFFIN TOUR 2012

Johnny Cupcakes started his brand in Hull, Massachusetts years ago after selling shirts from the trunk of his ‘89 Toyota in the parking lot of his day job and on tour with his band. A few years later, he worked with Disneyland designers and Ellsworth Kelly assistants to produce one of the most unique t-shirt boutiques in Los Angeles. The store is still going strong, and despite its success, Johnny makes a huge point to go on Suitcase Tours (he held his shirts in suitcases while he sold them around the country) and meet as many of his fans as possible. A large tradition in this journey has evolved into the creator’s Halloween-season tour. 21 pop-up shops around the country will carry exclusive, limited editions runs of his high-quality designs. Find details on the tour in the video above or on his blog here.

LEBRON X “CUTTING JADE” The LeBron X is on its way,...

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:54:46 -0400

LEBRON X “CUTTING JADE”

The LeBron X is on its way, and the newest colorway to be detailed is rumored to be a China-exclusive. With Chinese history certainly ingrained in its makeup, the Cutting Jade colorway for the LeBron X is the most unique we have seen yet. The gem shade envelops the upper, while black and red details run across the laces, midsole, and branding. Expect details on the release shortly.

TUMBLR STORYBOARD: BREAKFAST WITH KREAYSHAWN Editor, director,...

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:53:17 -0400

TUMBLR STORYBOARD: BREAKFAST WITH KREAYSHAWN

Editor, director, plus she’s her own boss, Kreayshawn sits down with Tumblr to perpetuate the oddball image for one of hip hop’s favorite white girls. Since adopting pre-teen pro skater Baby Scumbag as her new son (and one with which she discusses smoking weed openly), Kreayshawn has put out a new album and is looking to extend the fame that “Gucci Gucci” brought her. Being an LA resident from NorCal myself, I hear plenty of critique on the White Girl Mob and their hijinks, but it’s hard to deny that the rapper’s music is catchy as all hell and her personality is nothing if not large.

(via: storyboard)

DERRICK ROSE BROUGHT TO TEARS AT UNVEILING OF HIS NEW...

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:57:45 -0400

DERRICK ROSE BROUGHT TO TEARS AT UNVEILING OF HIS NEW SNEAKER

Derrick Rose carries an authenticity with him everywhere he goes that embodies a true desire to bring his team, his city, and his fans to victory. That truth is one of the reasons that he is so loved in Chicago, and also a large part of the success of his line of sneakers with adidas. For the unveiling of his newest shoe, a press conference was held where a video showing his injury in the playoffs last year and subsequent rehabilitation brought the star to tear - not the first time such a thing has happened.

Rose eventually drew the strength to speak on his emotions after hanging his head low and crying for some time. LA times reports:

“It’s truly a blessing with all the stuff that is going on in the city,” said Rose, who starred at Englewood High in South Chicago and spent one college season at Memphis before becoming the No. 1 draft pick in 2008. “A kid from Englewood’s got something positive going on. That makes me feel so good. … To have my true fans, that means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to my family.”