A Bathing Ape X Stussy - Survival Of The Fittest

Two of Kirin's favorite brands have teamed up for a line and we are very excited. A Bathing Ape and Stussy are two of the most influential and decorated brands in streetwear culture, respectively. The Survival Of The Fittest Collection is dope in the sense that it embodies all that streetwear culture was, is, and very well will be. Basic graphic tees and hoodies of the past, embroidered jeans and jackets of the present, and in the 2nd run of the line we will see more of what the two brands consider to be the future of streetwear culture. Just in time for the holidays, The Survival Of The Fittest Collection is now available at all Stussy and A Bathing Ape locations and select online retailers.

-D. Griff

via: freshness mag

Juergen Teller x Marc Jacobs Decks

Three of our favorite things here at Kirin are being brought together by Marc Jacobs. Models, High Fashion and Skating. Marc Jacobs and famed fashion photographer Juergen Teller are collaborating on a limited series of skate decks. They feature images from Marc Jacob's advertising archives and some familiar shots of Kate Moss, Stephanie Seymour, M.I.A and Lisa Maria. The decks are limited to 100 pieces of each and are (surprisingly) only $69 each and will be available on all Marc by Marc Jacobs stores on Friday.

-S.DeBose

via Hypebeast

Stussy X Nike All Court Mid Supreme

As a part of the 30th Anniversary Collection, legendary streetwear brand Stussy has teamed up with Nike to create the All Court Mid Supreme in Mysto Blue. The black leather version leaked a few days ago but I have to say, I like this colorway better. The shoe is very vibrant and features a brown suede reptilian-style swoosh, white sole, and mysto blue fabric. Such a great all purpose shoe. No release date just yet but there will be limited run so stay tuned for more details.

-D. Griff

via: freshness mag

Levi's Vintage Store Tokyo

In recent years I have become of big fan of the Levi's brand. They have quite a few signature stores across the globe but none may be as impressive than this gem in Tokyo. Nestled in a seemingly difficult to find location in Aoyama, the fortunate souls who have been to this location claim it's the best store Levi's has to offer. The shop houses rare vintage pieces that are very hard to find as well as new items from the brand as they are released. Check it out.

-D. Griff

via: ACL

10.Deep 2010 Holiday Lookbook Preview Video

Here is another holiday preview from the good folks over at 10.Deep. The images from this line are very impressive. Looks like we can expect some fly denim footwear, varsity jackets, snap back hats, and some dope bubble coats. Black Thought and Dice Raw of The Roots make cameos in the clip and they are laced in fresh threads. 15 years in the streetwear game and 10.Deep is still killin it.

-D. Griff

via: freshnessmag

Weekend Jam: Tanya Morgan - So Damn Down

The trio from Brooklyn and Cincinnati Tanya Morgan is a not so new group with a somewhat new fanbase. Its mainly due to their 2009 LP "Brooklynati" which is a great album and received stellar reviews. From that record I give you "So Damn Down". I recently found out a few of my boys had no idea who these cats were so this is my gift to them. A gift that we can all enjoy.

-D. Griff

Swizz Beatz X Reebok 2011 Sneakers

All I have to say is, WOW!!!! It must be nice to be Swizz Beatz these days... Design a pair of the freshest Reebok's to surface in years, then go home to one of the hottest women in the world, Alicia Keys. Swizz released these gems today via his twitter page. No official release date yet but I would imagine these will fly off the shelves as the Air Yezzy's did.

-D. Griff

ALIFE 2010 Holiday Releases

Like many companies around this time of the year ALIFE is dropping a special collection just for the holiday season. This limited edition line features varsity jackets, crewneck sweaters, and a few graphic tees. Dark colors dominate this bold yet classic line. Some fresh stuff just in time for Fall, not to mention the best shopping season of the year. You can find these items in stores now at all ALIFE stockists.

-D. Griff

via: hypebeast

Weakend Jam: H.I.S.D. - Lando

As your attentive eyes my very well see the Weekend Jam is now the Weakend Jam. Hueston's own H.I.S.D. (Hueston Independent Spit District) recently released their sophomore album entitled the "The Weakend". It has already received great reviews which were fueled by the lead single "Lando". If you are curious as to what Lando means, its essentially a replacement term for the ever so played, swag.

This record is extremely dope. If you want to hear it live and you are in the Austin area today check out HISD at the Oxblood Music & Art Festival.

Get the new album here.

-D. Griff

Video: Dom Kennedy - Locals Only

I got a chance to see Dom Kennedy at SXSW this year and was thoroughly impressed. He reminds me of Slim Thug but a more polished west coast version. It's good to see such a promising artist that can bridge the gap between hardcore west coast rap and relevant hip hop.

The video for "Locals Only" is the second clip from the album "From The Westside, With Love". Both the song and video are dope. The intro to the video kicks off with some good ole Les Nubians playing in a beautiful train station which immediately pulled me in. Then, Dom laces into the laid back piano driven beat with fresh rhymes and a very calm cool that blends perfectly with the track. The video was shot by Brandon Dimmit and directed by Bryant Robinson. Definitely digging this one.

-D. Griff

Adidas Originals Roundhouse

The Adidas Originals Roundhouse has just been released in a new colorway. It features numerous colors such as navy, orange, gray, and black. A gray strap covers the center of the shoe while the perforated orange Adidas logo dominates the tongue. This colorway marks the fourth that has hit stores in the past few months. A very sick shoe! Any colorway is a must have this Fall.

-D. Griff

via: Kicks on Fire

Video: N.E.R.D. - Life As A Fish

The new N.E.R.D. album "Nothing" has not left my deck since its release last Tuesday. Their latest video from the record is for the blissful "Life As A Fish". This is a very introspective video which doesn't feature the group whatsoever. And you said all hip hop artist were vain.

-D. Griff

via: Billionaire Boys Club

Influencers - Full Version

I recently came across this video and found it extremely inspirational. Influence is quite possibly the strongest form of power any one person can have. The people we look to, those who inspire us, hold great value in our lives as we strive to be better than they are. Kirin as a brand is influenced by some many people, brands, and artist so naturally this video really resonates with us. Props to the filmmakers Davis Johnson & Paul Rojanathara.

-D. Griff

via: Billionaire Boys Club & R+I Creative

Film: Lanvin Love H&M Fall/Winter 2010

We are FINALLY getting an H&M in Texas! Dallas will be the first city to house the affordable yet chic fashion retailer in late 2010 or early 2011. Along with expanding their reach to the south, H&M is also branching out into film. To promote their newest collaboration for the Fall/Winter 2010 line with influential fashion brand Lanvin, H&M and director Mike Figgis put together a short film to showcase the new goods. This approach to promotion is becoming more and more prominent in the fashion and music industry. Creativity is the name of the game.

-D. Griff

Weekend Jam: Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Straighten It Out

The Weekend Jam is a little late this week but well worth it if you ask me. One of the best producers of all time (in my humble opinion) Pete Rock is back on the scene and I couldn't be more excited. Recently signing with Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music Label, the Chocolate Boy Wonder has been on a tear lately making some incredible beats for the likes of Raekwon, Red Cafe, Talib Kweli, Jay-Z, and of course Kanye.

I felt it was only right to take it back to 1992 and one of Pete's best, "Straighten It Out". If you haven't yet downloaded "The Joy" produced by Pete Rock featuring Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Kid Cudi, get it here.

D. Griff

Unlimited Urban Woods

Imagine walking downtown in your city and seeing a giant box. Now imagine walking into that box and finding yourself in a huge never-ending forest with the sun shining on your face and leaves falling everywhere. Sounds like something from The Chronicles of Narnia but that's what you'll feel when (if) you walk into the "Unlimited Urban Woods" Project by DUS Architects in Oosterdokskade, Amsterdam. It was comissioned to be a "love provoking art piece" for their "Liefde in de Stad" (Love In the City) Festival and makes use of specific mirror placement to make a single tree look like an infinite forest. Here's to hoping they take the installation on tour..

-S.DeBose
via WestWhim & FrameMag.com

Nike Sportswear ACG Lava Dunk

The Nike Sportswear ACG line is classic. So many great pair of shoes over such a long period of time. That tradition continues with the ACG Lava Dunk shoe. With one look at this sneaker its an immediate success as it mimics the highly popular Nike Dunk. The shoe features rich leather, a nylon panel, and camouflage accents on the interior of the sneaker. There are two colorways and both are available tomorrow at Foot Patrol and SIX FEET DOWN. Dope shoe.

-D. Griff

via: freshness mag

Video: Bilal - Robots

Bilal's "Airtight's Revenge" is easily one of my favorites of 2010. It's such an eclectic album that shows just how talented Bilal is. His latest video for the track "Robots" is a mirror image of the album in the fact that its abstract, strange, but oddly fascinating. It reminds me of MJ's "Leave Me Alone" video. Props to director Mikael Colombo.

-D. Griff