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Category Archives: PHOTOGRAPHY
Armed Notebook by Megawing
Black notebook series with 3D covers of weaponry and unique pages inside.
“The creativity and knowledge expressed through words and sketches are the best means to get our points across, not through force and/or violence” – a strong message conveyed by the designer.
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The Naked And Famous: The Sun
The Naked And Famous – The Sun from The Naked And Famous on Vimeo.
This was sent to me by my mate Lachie and it’s well impressive.
Directed by Joel Kefali & Campbell Hooper for Special Problems. Song taken from album ‘Passive Me, Aggressive You’.
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“Post-Riots Levi’s And Nike To Shift Comms And Marketing Strategy From Rebellion”
It was only natural that some brands would start launching ‘topic’ campaigns in relation to the London Riots. I understand the riots are causing a lot destruction and negativity to the community, but I can also see how like with any brand. It wants to relate to people whether its a sport they play or a current affair the world is being effected by. As long as it’s done tastefully I support it.
Brands including Levi’s and Nike denied suggestions that they were paying the price of flirting with images of youthful rebellion, but several youth brands are attempting to reconnect their offerings with sportspeople and even with the people who cleaned up after the protests.
In a Daily Mail column on Monday, Janet Street-Porter wrote that ‘even mainstream brands such as Levi’s promote the notion of confrontation as hip’.
Writing for PRWeek, Instinct PR founder Jonathan Kirkby has argued that brands must now become ‘more sensitive’ with their PR and marketing, warning against using imagery and ideas that could be interpreted as ‘encouraging a rebellious attitude’.
Levi’s pulled cinema and Facebook adverts last week for its Go Forth range, which featured a young man squaring up to riot police while a voiceover said ‘you’re marvellous’.
Although Levi’s declined to discuss how it was moving its brand on following the riots, a statement given to PRWeek claimed that the advert was ‘in the spirit of positive action and optimism’.
It added: ‘We believe this spirit was encapsulated by the groups that came together in Clapham, Hackney and elsewhere to rebuild their communities.’
A Nike spokesman denied that the brand had flirted with dangerous imagery, although earlier this year it replaced a line of shirts that read ‘Dope’, ‘Get High’ and ‘Ride Pipe’ following complaints that they promoted drug use.
Hinting that Nike was likely to refocus its comms and marketing strategy to emphasise its relationship with elite sportspeople, the spokesman insisted ‘sports values have always inspired our campaigns and brand statements’.
London 2012 Olympics tier one sponsor Adidas has used controversial rappers Snoop Dogg and Big Sean to promote the brand. Adidas head of PR Sarah Gower declined to comment, but a previous statement said the riots ‘go against everything we stand for’.
PRWeek also contacted JD Sports group marketing director Stephen White for comment, but he failed to respond.
Foot Locker declined to comment as ‘a matter of corporate policy’.
KEY BRAND PLAYERS
Levi’s was forced to pull an ad featuring a young man squaring up to riot police, following a public outcry that it glorified riots.
Nike had a store hit in Manchester and its products were targeted in other stores by youths.
JD Sports suffered as young rioters struck 30 of its stores – at a cost of more than £10m in clean-up work and lost stock.
BlackBerry was identified as the smartphone of choice for teenage rioters and its instant messaging service BBM was reportedly used to organise disruption.
Adidas clothing featured in many of the media photographs of the riots.
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Sk8thing on i-D Magazine
I love this dude and his style and one of my best mates in Tokyo was schooled by him in design. So I always follow his work and interviews. i-D caught up with him to find out what’s been happening in his world.
When the bat phone rings and SK8THING’s on the end of the line it’s one of those calls you sit up in your seat, empty your eardrum, clear your throut and pay attention to.
Those familiar with Mr ‘thing will know him as the man behind some serious ‘streetwear’ activity, playing a leading role in the foundation laying of brands like BAPE®, Billionaire Boys Club/Ice Cream and more. Those less familiar will still know of his artistry; his graphics for BBC and BAPE® have been fundamental in the sky-rocketing success of the brands as they’ve become prolific the world-over. So much so that when i-D online popped for a quick convo with Sk8 last week, he whipped out his iPhone to show us a snap taken by photojournalists on the frontline of the London riots the previous evening, with the leader of the troop, fist raised, clad in a BAPE® varsity jacket. “It’s fake” Sk8 was happy to insist.
Background setting aside, now for the juicy stuff: as he made a rare trip from Tokyo to London, i-D online was offered the extra-special, extra-exclusive opportunity to speak to the masked magician about his next big thing and blow it wide-open for your delectation. Coming at us from a triumvirate of major clothing design talents, SK8THING has been joined by longterm collaborators Hishi and Toby Feltwell on new brand C.E. Discussing the working relationship SK8THING explains, “Having worked on BAPE® and BBC together we’re really tight and a lot of the inspiration comes from the relationship itself and the discussions we have”. With the trio continuing their involvement with other brands Toby discusses the particular attraction of breaking away from the pack, ”The idea started because the working process we share is really fun! With Ape or BBC each of our responsibilities differ in every case, but to do something where there’s no client and no history involved means we can start from scratch and work on a different level.”
Reflecting on the feeling of “alchemy” that surrounded the early days and drops of BAPE®, with consumers marvelling at the pieces that were hitting the shelves, Toby explains, “I don’t want to be undiplomatic but this heritage, vintage, workwear revival is relevant for now but it’s totally ubiquitous and there’s no need for anyone to really make any more of it. We wanted to work out what’s on the other side of that, not from a trend or marketing perspective but to be creative and do something new.” As the trio worked from their Tokyo studio, SK8THING was aware of the pressure to conform and the conservatism that’s taking hold in the style stakes explaining, “doing something in opposition to that feels like the healthy way for us to approach the collection and hopefully things can develop from there.”
Oppose and not conform they have indeed done. Thumbing through the first collection, the brand presents a refreshingly bold benchmark; a perspex, collared and pocketed jacket hangs alongside some dead daring graphic tees and a whole bunch of shirting with SK8THING’s signature penwork all over it. On specific references Toby explains, “We’d seen theEnter the Void trailer and that got us started on this sci-fi path, looking at Phillip K. Dick books and that kind of thing. Matrix is kind of cheesey seeming now but that thinking is definitely there.” And we reckon a dose of something bright, shiny and futuristic is just what we need!
What we’re seeing is a new-age of sartorial splendour, motivated by a want to shake things up and administer an injection of wearable, future fashion into the market. As for the future of the future we ask Sk8? “I have no plans, I’m here in London right now and I’m really satisfied. It’s gonna be good…” And ‘my oh my’ do we believe him. Let’s face it if anyone can make it hip, make it hot and make it happen these chaps can, so here’s to the future and C.E taking hold of the streets. SK8THING strikes again!
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Scott Serfas Photography
Scott Serfas was born in the suburbs of Vancouver where nothing separated him from the North Pole but a stained wooden fence and crushed rock. At age sixteen, he was abducted from high school by an unsuspecting church organization and forced to ski moguls and perform daffy’s off lemmings leap under the 7th heaven chairlift–the original stimulus for Scott’s interest in air time photography.
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Lotus Cars Names Swizz Beatz VP of Creative Design & Global Marketing
I’ve got a new found respect for Swizz Beatz after meeting him Monday night. I’ve seen quite a lot of media coverage of him after his joint venture with Reebok and now becoming CD for Lotus. That’s two HUGE achievements and exciting one’s at that. I can’t wait to see what he creates with Lotus. Here’s a few of the reasons why Lotus took on Swizz –
1. Like Group Lotus , he means business: He’s a risk taker with considerable credentials including music producer, rapper, designer AND painter.
2. Like our cars, he’s multi award winning: This year he shared a Grammy Award with Jay-Z.
3. Like Group Lotus he keeps good company: This man regularly works with the likes of Bono, Kanye West, Beyoncé and Alicia Keys.
Swizz’ new single ‘International Party’ (which is also part of the new Reebok Reethym of Lite campaign) not only features Alicia Keys but also the Lotus Evora “Concept Bespoke.”
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Nigel Sylvester + Gatorade–All Day Sessions: Bay Area
Gatorade‘s “All Day Sessions” video series takes place in San Francisco, CA. Soundtrack courtesy of Dom Kennedy’s “2 mph,” who makes an appearance near the end at the Benny Gold‘s shop in the Mission District.
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Universiade 2011 Sports Centre by GMP Architekten
The three stadiums for the World University Games currently taking place in Shenzhen. The three Universiade stadiums were designed by German studio GMP Architektenand surround an artificial lake. The largest of the three buildings is the main events arena, which seats up to 60,000 spectators in three tiered stands.
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Christian Louboutin Spiked Calf Hair Rollerboy
Yet another edition of the Louboutin ‘Rollerboy’ shoes. Available now for $1431 through Browns.
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Aloe Blacc: Green Lights
Yesterday Aloe Blacc released ‘Green Lights’ from his ‘Good Things’ album. A nice, mellow, feel good song.
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New York City from Day to Night (One Frame Photography)
I must take my hat off to photographer Stephen Wilkes who spent a minimum of ten hours taking hundreds of shots to create each one of his Day to Night. Weaving and blending thirty to fifty parts, the photo-collagist extraordinaire created seamless, surrealist scenes of New York City life.
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Ken Block’s Gymkhana Four: The Hollywood Megamercial
Ken Block is the man! I’ve been following him over the past few years and GYM4 is unbelievable. Shot in the backlots of Universal Studios, California. If you’ve been living under a rock and this is the first you’ve heard of KB. Check out the previous Gymkhana TWO as well.
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Beastie Boys Interview by Interview Magazine
When Mike Diamond, Adam Horovitz, and Adam Yauch first emerged nearly three decades ago as a trio of punk rock–enthused New York City teens hell-bent on remaking the then-emerging genre of rap music in their own snotty image, the idea that they might one day become important seemed anathema to the very notion of being a Beastie Boy—which, at the time, seemed to have more to do with a semi-ironic (but only semi) appreciation for the joys of juvenile bacchanalia than, you know, making history. Of course, much has changed since then for Mike D, Ad-Rock, and MCA, creators of the best-selling rap album of the ’80s, Licensed to Ill(1986), as well as its groundbreaking follow-ups Paul’s Boutique (1989), Check Your Head(1992), and Ill Communication (1994), and who, if not important (which they are), would at the very least have to cop to being influential, and who, in addition to musicians, now also identify as husbands, partners, parents, Buddhists, activists, and, as we discover, amateur affineurs.
The Beasties’ most recent album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two (Capitol), released in May, is as vital, and irreverent, as any of their previous records. Casual fans concerned that they may have missed something need not fret: There is no Hot Sauce Committee Part One. Initially slated for release in the fall of 2009, the record was delayed and retooled after Yauch was diagnosed with throat cancer, an illness from which he is still recovering. In a chat on the balcony of a room at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, Diamond and Horovitz spoke about finally getting Hot Sauce Committee Part Two out into the world, reclaiming their mojo, and confronting life in the face of art.
Twins: Houses in Five Parts by William O’Brien Jr.
I love the architectural design of these two houses. The ultra modern, black homes create a fantastic contrast to the snow while still blending with the surroundings. I’d love to design a home in the snow like this one day. Here’s a more detailed look at the design.
William O’Brien Jr., a Boston-based practice has completed “Twins: Houses in Five Parts,” a project located in upstate New York. These two single family residences, intended for two brothers, are arranged into a hexagonal floor plan and feature twin structures that share geometric qualities. The houses share a common functional agricultural field containing strips of berries, vegetables and wheat. Large windows provide ample light and allow for views of the surrounding forest and landscape. The floor and roof planes react to topographical shifts which in turn create different sections connected by ramps and stairs. This geometric wonder house also features porches, courtyards and an off-the-ground volume.
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Passion Of The Craft Trailer
Passion Of The Craft [Trailer] from THIS IS BANDIT on Vimeo.
Passion Of the Craft is a new 10 part documentary series looking at influence and influencers in modern culture. The trailer gives us a taste and features the likes of Brendon Babenzien of Supreme, Vashtie, Rob of Alife and more..
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Steve Jobs Biography To “Launch” In November
As a designer that first started out in graphic design using Apple computers and learning the numerous design programs. I’ve watched over the past ten years as Apple has evolved from a small ‘work’ related product into a lifestyle brand. The iPod, iPad, Macbook Air are just some of the products that mastermind Steve Jobs has been behind and helped technology become more user-friendly and enjoyable.
Written by Walter Isaacson, the book features interviews with Senor Jobs as well as a full reckoning of his personal life. Don’t expect any bombshells. This should be a calm, candid look at a man who single-handedly killed the PC.
Based on more than forty interviews with Jobs conducted over two years as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues this book chronicles the rollercoaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing. It is also a book about innovation. At a time when America is seeking ways to sustain its innovative edge, and when societies around the world are trying to build digital-age economies, Jobs stands as the ultimate icon of inventiveness and applied imagination. He knew that the best way to create value in the 21st century was to connect creativity with technology, so he built a company where leaps of the imagination were combined with remarkable feats of engineering. Although Jobs cooperated with this book, he asked for no control over what was written nor even the right to read it before it was published. He put nothing off limits and instead encouraged the people he knew to speak honestly even foes, former girlfriends, and colleagues he had once fired or infuriated. “I’ve done a lot of things I’m not proud of, such as getting my girlfriend pregnant when I was 23 and the way I handled that,” he said. “But I don’t have any skeletons in my closet that can’t be allowed out.” Jobs speaks candidly, sometimes brutally so, about the people he worked with and competed against. Likewise, his friends, foes, and colleagues provide an unvarnished view of the passions, perfectionism, obsessions, artistry, devilry, and compulsion for control that shaped his approach to business and the innovative products that resulted. He was not a model boss or human being, tidily packaged for emulation. Driven by demons, he could drive those around him to fury and despair. But his personality and products were interrelated, just as Apple’s hardware and software tended to be, as if part of an integrated system. His tale is thus both instructive and cautionary, filled with lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values.
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adidas Skateboarding Eldrige Ronan
These look like a great multi-purpose skateboard and stylish casual sneaker. The Eldrige Ronan is now available Caliroots.
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Double Choc Thickshakes
The Flying Pan is an American style diner, famous in Hong Kong for their 24 hour breakies. So it’s no surprise if you end up chowing on a big breakfast with pancakes as the sun comes up talking sh#t with your mates or trying to fill your stomach with something to soak up all the alcohol before you go hit the bed. I love going there in the afternoon as well for an American style chocolate thickshake while I catch up on the latest HK local magazines.