Archive for June, 2009

Berlin artist Aisha Ronninger is quickly climbing the charts in my book with her new pet project, Papergirl. While Berlinites (yeah, I know that’s not the word but it flows off the tongue…) were debating whether or not to punish wheatpasters as harshly as graffiti artists, Aisha was finding a way to stay out of the clink. So in 2005, with the genius spark of a friend (as so many insane ideas are born) she began a movement, distributing art to random fortunate strangers like paperboys in America. Wie? Genius! And since her idea has spread like a SoCal wildfire, spawning clones like Papergirl USA, I don’t even have to smuggle myself into a holding crate on its way to Germany. Which is ideal because I need leg room when I travel.

Check out her interview with the always fantastical Cool Hunting. So that you don’t mistakenly call the police when you see me riding down your block sporting a pageboy, on my pimped out tricycle screaming “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” It’s always been a dream of mine…

Yup, I’ve decided that this is an amazing idea and that to capitalize, I am going to print my posts in size 112 font, roll them up and throw them at unsuspecting pedestrians. Because my art is far more effective when it’s hitting you in the face. Literally.

So I drove by the Concepts Blue Lobster release on Saturday because even though my job doesn’t afford me the opportunity to slumber on the streets of Boston for a week in anticipation of a new shoe release, I would still like to be a part of the mass hysteria. And hysteria it was.

Ok, fine, that is not a picture of the exact days events but it was pretty close. Those sneakerheads are insane. Especially with the disgusting monsoon all last week in Boston. That can’t be ideal lawn chair weather. But they managed to survive and got the goods.

And they get antsy with new information being dropped! A little birdie told me that Concepts plans on dropping yet another colorway for their Lobster in the near distant future. Then he took a crap on my shoulder. Damn pigeons. The new colorway is yellow and I support the Nike SB movement, but I have a couple questions. How many colors do actual lobsters come in exactly? I mean, I know we’re having a problem with that whole global warming thing, but is there a kaleidoscope of aquatic life just floating around out there? Because that’s a problem for me. Unless there’s a purple one, because that would be a bad ass pet. And shoe…hint hint wink wink.

Check out the video for the first slightly stalkerish look at the newest addition to Concepts marine family.

Via: FreshnessMag

Speaking of fabulous French things; a friend of mine was in Brussels, Belgium over the weekend making me jealous with frontline pictures of my new favorite place, Johnny Velvet. Because she is evil. Unless she has brought me back some shoes and perhaps a nice boy to make me waffles. Because then she is back in my good graces. I hear those waffles are delightful. If you’re ever in the area, Johnny Velvet is located at 1 rue de l’hopital. I think. If I’m wrong you’ll just be wandering around Belgium aimlessly, which would still make me quite jealous. And by “if” I mean that you should probably plan a trip around this place because it looks like the inside of my head. And yes, that’s a good thing.

And don’t even think about crawling into one of their dressing rooms and making a home for yourself like Natalie Portman in “Where the Heart Is.” The spot will already be très occupée by me. I’m just killing you with the French, aren’t I?

How about some practical freshness? I’m kind of obsessed with these, and no, I’m not going to start a forest fire. Firstly, I don’t think I could put it out with one of these and secondly, I don’t do woods; I’m black. We tend to avoid excessive foliage. But just in case someone in your office decides to go bat-shit crazy and burn that mofo down to the ground you can save yourself and perhaps even earn some brownie points by not letting your cubicle neighbors char like a Bobby Flay steak in the blazing inferno. That’s what we like to call job security. Unless you set the fire, in which case the term switches to arson and subsequently, prison. My only issue with this lovely, lifesaving eye candy is the price; it retails for $133. Who knew fire safety could burn a hole in your pocket? Yeah I did… For that much I’m pretty sure that the last picture below says, “In the event of a fire, run. FAST. And please do not forget to take me with you. Because I am very pretty.” More or less. High school French was so long ago and I may be un peu rusty. Wow, that was pretty impressive. Oui Oui?

If you do happen to be fluent in French and want to show us all up, you pretentious bastard, here is the website where you can purchase one, or just admire the pretty colors. You can even build me one! No. Thank YOU.

So Shepard Fairey’s art is featured in the latest issue of Arkitip, No. 0051 which drops today and I have to say; bravo, homie. It’s a numbered, limited edition, hand packaged masterpiece that includes a signed Shepard Fairey 7.5 x 10 silk screen print and a laminated copy of his mug shot. Just kidding. But you kind of wanted to buy it after I mentioned that, didn’t you? Maybe next time. Keep hope alive. Get it? HOPE! If not, you should probably go google Shepard Fairey because I have a feeling you think he’s a Dr. Seuss character that deals with livestock.

I had to include a video of Shepard beasting through one of his pieces because it’s pretty impressive. And I suggest you try it at home and send me a copy so that I can laugh at admire your work. You have to give it up for Shepard Fairey. How can you not respect a street artist who gets arrested for tagging up the city, minutes before opening his first ever solo exhibition? In Boston. Get it. Also, I walked by one of the pieces the other day and it’s fantastical. And mad out in the open. Across from the Garden is not exactly stealth, my boy. I’d stick to my day job if I were you. Well, I guess you were, huh? Congratulations? Now I’m confused…too much spray paint. Just watch the video.

Shepard Fairey from Arkitip on Vimeo.

Via: Arkitip

I know what you’re thinking. Why? Just, why? Well you know what; why not? I feel you Jeremy! How do you top last season’s blinding metallic kicks with giant wings on them?  Because those were fierce as hell. Why not put three tongues on them? There it is! I bow down to your genius. Ridiculous or not, put these on and see if people don’t stare at your feet, mouths agape, until you’re out of sight. And isn’t that the whole point? I want them. And I want to wear them with a giant bumble bee outfit like the little girl in the Blind Melon “No Rain” video. Those people knew how to get it in. And I bet I would be a hit at that soiree. They would think I was bee-autiful! Get it? GET IT? I crack myself up. Is it too soon to use the bees knees thing again? Damnit. I knew I peaked too early.

I rest my case.

Via: Hypebeast

With one of my favorite people hopping the pond to go learn the Buckingham walk and the cockney talk, I felt I should take a moment to highlight one of my favorite London fashion designers, Carri Mundane, and her new huggable Nike shoe. So that she will send me a signed pair before they drop at Foot Locker and House of Hoops in October. Size 8.5, my dear (insert awkward wink). Anyway, Carri Mundane and her Cassette Playa designs are insanely fierce and I want to jump into a big pile of them like Uncle Scrooge from DuckTales. Even Rolling Stone listed her as the Best Fashion Designer in their Best of Rock 2008 issue. So quit doubting my gangster.

Her spastic color choices and eye-twitch inducing patterns make me writhe in delight. Probably because I have a self-diagnosed case of A.D.D. Wait, what was I convincing you of? Just kidding, I remember. Pretty shoes…right? Here’s a look at my stunning gift…I mean her latest collabo venture with Nike. It’s the bees knees. And I may or may not have picked that up from a british slang website. You know you feel me.

Via: Foot Locker

You should probably also check out her interview with Safra Ducreay of Sneaker Freaker. She won’t compromise for “the man,” loves working with the boys (peep game on her latest collabo with Billionaire Boys Club on their new Look Book) and designed a shoe that I want to sleep in the bed with me. I mean that in the least creepy way possible.

So…I have a confession to make. My name is Jennifer and I’m addicted to headphones. Yeah, I know I already have a problem with sneakers but would you tell an alcoholic kleptomaniac to pick one? I think not. Anyway, the latest WeSC Artist Series Headphones are set to drop in July and are not helping my recovery. They’re each based on the WeSC bongo model and I want to wear them all like pretty necklaces for the world to see. It could become my calling card! Like Flava Flav’s clock or Mr. T’s gold dookey chains. Except I’m not crazy. Don’t respond to that statement. I mean, I know it’s unacceptable to buy a new pair of headphones every three months. And that you probably shouldn’t feel a surge of excitement when you realize you “accidentally” left yours on the train last night. But, c’mon, look how adorable they are. I’ll tell you what; if you buy all of them for me then I didn’t actually pay for a new pair of headphones. And If I have all four I’ll probably go a whole year without buying another pair! You know I think I’m making real progress. Dare I say, I think I’ve made a break through. Ok, maybe not a whole year…But I’d definitely make it to snowfall…one day at a time. You can pre-order my pair (Achhuuuu…Dim Mak) at hanon shop. And hey, pre-order yourself a pair too. See how generous I am? What can I say? I’m like Santa.

Via: Hypebeast