Rick Owens Gives an Intimate Interview with ‘The New York Times'

The New York Times managed to grab an intimate interview with avant-garde designer Rick Owens at his minimalist Parisian studio. Nestled across two floors of a beautiful townhouse in the Seventh Arrondissement, the studio unsurprisingly reflects Owens’ stark minimalism, and the designer gives some rare insight into the thought processes behind his work. A rare insight into one of fashion’s most iconic figures, check out the video above

PITTI UOMO 86 STREETSTYLE

After London Fashion Week, there’s Pitti Uomo. Pitti Uomo 86 takes place this year in Florence from June 17 to June 20 in Florence, Italy. Here’s a look at some streetstyle action.

PHARRELL RELEASES NEW “SOCIAL BOOK”

Pharrell introduces his new “social book” entitled Inspiration. The concept sees the release of Inspiration online, but with a major portion of its text erased – thus leaving the user to fill in the blanks. A point system has been attached to the collaborative guessing game while there are also a bevy of hints to help folks along. Head on over to tippex-socialbook.com to check out the project – the first person to guess any individual missing word will be credited in the physical edition of the book upon its release. Proceeds from the eventual sale of the book will go to benefit various learning programs for underprivileged children. By July 1, a free digital version will also be available for you to download.

Watch the video above to begin your interactive experience!

GIVENCHY COLOR-BLOCKED LEATHER HI-TOP TRAINERS

Givenchy releases a new color way for Spring/Summer 2014 in their Hi-Top Trainers. The sneaker features an almond toe with perforated cap, white lace-up front with gold-tone eyelets and cushioned leather and velcro fastening. Available at Browns Fashion for $833.

 

 

Christian Louboutin Paints Paris and NYC Red on His Way to the Saks Boutique Opening

The French master paints the town red—literally—as his telltale soles travel from Paris to NYC for the opening of the new Christian Louboutin boutique on Eight in New York.

Adidas and Rick Owens Announce Sneaker Collaboration

Rick Owens is a dedicated gym buff but he despises cardio. Now, in an effort to motivate a running habit, the Paris-based designer has designed a line of men’s and women’s running shoes. The designs of the collection will be unveiled after Rick Owen’s Paris fashion show on June 27, 2013.

Shoes of the Day: Vivienne Westwood Triple Tongue Crocodile Print Sneakers

Check out these beige Vivienne Westwood sneakers ($660) with a long triple layered tongue. They feature a crocodile pattern print upper, beige laces and a beige rubber bottom sole.

History of Air Jordan Retros with “Nike Air” Branding

Jordan Brand’s impressive appetite-filling series of Retro releases over the last decade or so should have satiated even the hungriest of Air Jordan collectors and enthusiasts. Should have. The original Defining Moments Package of 2006, the Collezione in 2008, the Bin 23 Collection, the in-depth plot-driven Kilroy Pack – all of those and more gave us enough reason to perpetually shell out our savings to lace up in Jays, but one gaping hole continues to be left unfulfilled since 2001 – the appearance of the original Nike Air. It’s nothing more than a piece of molded plastic, but its absence was still a void that was eventually left ignored seeing that a return of Nike Air had less to do with production and more to do with brand identity (Jordan would branch out to form its own label, albeit under Nike, Inc.) – but the desire was still there. Even today, hardcore enthusiasts continue to shell out hundreds and hundreds of dollars to get their hands on Nike Air branded Jordan Retros from the 1999-2001 era – shoes that are on the cusp of complete physical breakdown.

Why is Nike Air so cherished? Because it’s the perfect embodiment of a Retro release. It’s the undeniable original form that we were graced with back in the late 1980s, so even the most well-done Air Jordan Retros – the Air Jordan VI ‘Infrared’ from the 2010 Pack release, the Air Jordan IV ‘Bred’ from 2008/2012, the Air Jordan V ‘Black/Metallic’ in 2007 to name a few – would be unable to achieve a 100% grade. The era from Air Jordan III to VI is considered by many to be the most lustrous period of the Air Jordan Golden Era (or when Tinker was the architect), and it just happens to be the same span that utilized the large Nike Air logo on the heel.


A quick side-note: The Air Jordan 1 and even the Air Jordan II shouldn’t be ignored either as both featured ‘Nike’ as well, but they aren’t exactly part of the exclusive III-VI fraternity. Without a large Nike Air branding and with someone other than Tinker behind the wheel, the two earliest chapters of the Air Jordan legacy are seen on a different regard.

Yesterday, Jordan Brand filled that twelve-year long gap by releasing the Air Jordan III Retro ’88. Like the original, these featured Nike Air on the heel as well as the inner lining, but the outsole was labeled with JORDAN rather than Nike Air – that detail alone would’ve made the MSRP more than it already was. Even at the elevated $200 MSRP, which to this date is the highest MSRP ever for a single Air Jordan Retro release (more than the Premio, but less than the single-pair Pack style releases like the 2006 Thunder/Lightning, the Levi’s Pack, etc.), droves of consumers swarmed their computers for the online-only release. The interesting detail of yesterday’s release was that it wasn’t a completely random or out-of-place occurence, but a calculated retelling of a memorable moment in Jordan’s career and sports history as a whole – the 1988 Dunk Contest. Twenty-five years ago, Michael took off from the free-throw line in acrobatic fashion and froze in mid-air to create an iconic piece of sports imagery that speaks volumes on motivation and human ability.

So with Jordan Brand using events in Jordan’s career to bring back original Air Jordans, will we see more Nike Air in the future? Perhaps the Air Jordan VI ‘Infrared’ to commemorate the first NBA Title? The Air Jordan IV ‘Bred’ as a throwback to ‘The Shot’? What we do know is that whatever wall was between the Retro and the original branding has been broken down to some degree, so enjoy this chronological review of every Air Jordan Retro to feature Nike Air and let us know what you think this signifies for future Retro releases.

Nike Air Yeezy 2

Forging a new form of sport craftsmanship, the Nike Air Yeezy II blends classic Nike court breakthroughs with the performance and aesthetic demands of bringing hype to a crowd of thousands. A primal, tactile approach to technology runs throughout every element of the shoe. Armored animalistic forms imbue the upper. Hand-skived anaconda textured leather quarter panels are embellished with a debossed Vac-Tech Nike Swoosh. The molded rear is sculpted with a reptilian-inspired spike, while an engineered strap with scaled-down spikes was developed to offer a greater sense of symmetry and lock-down. Bringing the inspiration forward from the late 1980s basketball foundation of the original Nike Air Yeezy, the II is built on the Nike Air Tech Challenge II tennis shoe outsole and celebrates iconic Nike Cross Training silhouettes with the addition of the molded forefoot strap.

There’s absolute function at the Air Yeezy II’s core. Unnecessary padding was eliminated, and the foot-hugging tongue and plush collar are both comfortable and breathable. Fit was essential to the design with the goal to make the shoe slimmer than the original by tailoring it to Kanye West’s foot. The collar was also lowered to allow for greater movement. An obsessive approach to materials results in a luxurious mix of leather, rugged ballistic nylon and soft nubuck. Concealed but opulent details reference ancient civilizations, including a loop strap with hieroglyphics that spell out ‘YZY.’ Each screw-on lace aglet is obelisk-shaped, and the anaconda texture is echoed on the eyelets and leather lace toggle that carries the Roman numeral ‘II.’

The Nike Air Yeezy II in both Platinum and Black editions will release June 9 in limited numbers, at select global retailers.

Très Bien Shop x Tricker’s Country Brogue Stone Brown Suede

Très Bien Shop, in their ongoing collaboration with world class British boot makers Tricker’s, present yet another classic brogue in stone brown 100% Repello suede. Featuring brass eyelets, chunky Goodyear welted wedge crepe soles and natural toned storm welts, these hand-made UK productions are completed by matching round waxed laces and signature navy blue calf leather lining.

Grenson – Behind The Brand Video

Renowned for craftsmanship and quality, Grenson has been making exquisite footwear since 1866 and is the first manufacturer to employ the Goodyear welting construction method which is now a hallmark of all well-made British shoes. In the first installment of an ongoing series, MR PORTER’s Behind The Brand video looks at why heritage, history and a modern aesthetic set Grenson shoes apart. The easily digestible and fascinating visuals allow the viewer to quickly comprehend why Grenson has been on top of the footwear stratosphere for 146 years.

New Balance “Excellent Makers” NB Factory

As with many modern footwear brands, the production of around 75% of all New Balance shoes is outsourced to countries like China and Vietnam. But their most iconic shoe — the M1300 is one of several key pieces still produced in the United States. This video short explores the historical Skowhegan, Maine factory, and the production process of the “excellent makers” which brings the M1300 to life.

Prada 2012 Spring/Summer Wingtip Brogue Sneakers

Prada presents a new take on the popular wingtip brogue model for its 2012 spring/summer season. Available in classic patent black and more extreme multicolored versions, the shoe retains the instantly recognizable wingtip upper but replaced the sole with an interesting molded arrangement that models itself on a spiked running shoe design. Set for release soon, the Prada 2012 spring/summer wingtip brogue sneakers have a Japanese retail price of ¥81,900 JPY (approximately $1,015 USD).

Ms Tamara Mellon of Jimmy Choo on the Importance of a Man’s Shoes

MR PORTER presents its latest Video Manual featuring Jimmy Choo’s co-founder Tamara Mellon. In this video, Mellon talks about how she looked at men from various walks of life to get inspiration for their new men’s shoe line. In addition, the video reveals Mellon’s preference to the style of shoes men should wear, some dos and don’ts, and how women judge men through the shoes on his feet.

Complex: "Shit Sneakerheads Say" Video

Complex Magazine drops their rendition of the internet meme “Shit… Say” with Shit Sneakerheads Say. Not really a lot to say as most of you know the drill. Have a listen and see if you agree or feel some obvious one-liners were omitted.

Patta x All Gone at 60/62

Here’s a video recap of the book launch Patta hosted for La MJC/All Gone 2011.
(Above a snapshot of Michael Dupouy signing my book!)



Since 2006, Paris-based La MJC has been collecting and publishing products released every year. All Gone documents only the most sought after street culture items and is widely regarded as the "Street Culture Bible". The 2011 edition is no different: 250 pages featuring only the best of the best from all over the world, with additional information, anecdotes and short interviews accompanying the beautifully photographed products.

Check it out!

Ann Demeulemeester Black Washed Suede Biker Boots

A new footwear offering from Belgian designer Ann Demeulemeester comes courtesy of this pair of Black Washed Suede Biker Boots. A staple silhouette within the label’s footwear department, this high-cut variant features a washed aesthetic and lace-up front with rivets and hooks. An interesting facet however goes to the contrast wooden outsole that is rarely spotted on prior tonal releases. Made in Italy, the boots are now available for £705 GBP (approximately $1,084 USD).

CLAE Travels: Vietnam

For many, travelling is an integral and necessary step within the creative and design process. While in the midst of preparation for the launch of its recent collection, the creative team of CLAE footwear headed all the way to Southeast Asia for a biannual shoe development trip in Vietnam. The captivating short film above shows a documentation of their commute showcasing the hustle and bustle of the largest city in the country, Ho Chi Minh.

Teaser

Patta x Asics Release

On December 22nd, the much anticipated new collaboration between Asics and Amsterdam boutique Patta on the GEL Saga will release. Want to grab one? You better be fast, there are already people in line.

ASICS x Patta GEL Saga from Masta Lee on Vimeo.