Christian Louboutin High Top Sneakers

Spring 2011 is shaping up to be a great season for footwear. Partly due to the constant supply of freshness from shoe designer Christian Louboutin. This men's sneaker comes in all white, linen/bronze, and of course this denim style. All colorways will be in stores February 1st.

-D. Griff

via: Highsnobiety

BAPE Store Beijing - Grand Opening

Beijing, China is now the newest location to house a flagship BAPE store. The latest retail center of the A Bathing Ape brand features a full line of products for men, women, kids, and the new URSUS line. Nigo and his empire continue to expand and we can only imagine whats in store for the new year.

-D. Griff

via: Freshness Mag

What To Read: In Between - Guy Bourdin

Guy Bourdin was far ahead of his time as a fashion photographer. His vivid, imaginative, and intelligent outlook on fashion photography are just a few reasons why he is championed as the best (arguably of course). The latest work from his vault "In Between" was published by Steidldangin and edited by Shelly Verthime earlier this year.

I recently ordered this book online and eagerly await its arrival. It will surely be filled with incredible imagery and Bourdin's signature wit. So if you enjoy fashion photography and love the work of the greats, this is a must have.

-D. Griff

Photo: William Yan

Pic of The Day

I am a huge Fan of the BKc (The Brooklyn Circus) movement. This pic of their BKc Academy Holiday Pop-Up Shop in San Francisco to put it simply is fresh to def. I look at this and see so many great fashion possibilities. How does it strike you?

-D. Griff

Massimo Camouflage Bag

The fall season is always cluttered with fresh bags to tote around during the winter months. Here we have a dope piece from Italian fashion label Massimo. This camouflage bag features soft suede, leather components and a classic style that will work in the streets or the boardroom. Nice addition to any wardrobe. Now available at Beams.

-D. Griff

via: Highsnobiety

Prada "Private" Glasses

Ever wonder how timeless brands like Prada continue to stay on top throughout the years? We don't... Prada remains at the forefront of the fashion industry because they are innovative, experienced, and most importantly they never value trendiness over good style. Keeping with that tradition the Italian fashion label brings us Prada Privates. I customized eye wear experience unlike any other.

The glasses feature movable arms which allow for a personalized look and feel. You can choose from a number of colorful frames along with letters, numbers, and symbols to make your Prada Privates well, private. One can add/remove the characters by detaching the arms so if your mood changes so can your look. Get yours now at all Prada locations.

-D. Griff

Via: Hypebeast

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

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

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

Street Etiquette - The Black Ivy

Unfortunately I never got a chance to attend a HBC. Clark Atlanta University was my first choice but with out of state fees and no scholarship it just didn't work out. Maybe that's why this movement by the Street Etiquette gents resonates so deeply with me, that and the fact its dope as hell! Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs are Street Etiquette, a style blog and fashion guide that's making waves throughout the industry.

Their latest project "The Black Ivy" gives us an inside look at the style, culture, and tradition of the first black college students. Paying homage to such a special time in African American history with dignity and intelligence makes me proud. As the saying goes... Young, Gifted, & Black.

-D. Griff

Texas A State of Fashion (Show)

Austin Fashion Week has come and gone and we had a great time attending all the events and hosting our own. Thursday we participated in a show at the Capital front steps called "Texas A State of Fashion". Over 16 designers showed 3 looks a piece, with alot of great looks and models all around. Check us out! Who else you know has streetwear sharing the runway with couture AND looking good while doing it?? ..damn straight baby ;-)

-S.DeBose

*all images trademark and copyright Kirin Clothing Collection 2010

-see the rest of the photo set on our site here.

LRG - Fall 2010 Lookbook + Video

It seems like just yesterday LRG was fresh on the scene and taking the streetwear world by storm. Now, 11 years later, they are atop the streetwear and skater culture while remaining a staple in the fashion industry. 2010 has been a great year for the line thus far and promises to get even better. LRG recently debuted their lookbook for the fall collection to much praise. The line features plaid button downs, striped crew-necks, hooded leather jackets, denim, and of course tons of new tees.

The shoot takes place in the great city of New Orleans, Louisiana. LRG enlisted the services of a few streetwear celebs for the lookbook. Rapper Curren$y, graffiti artist Pose & Augor, and of course the LRG skate team. Check out the behind-the-scenes footage of the shoot and some soon to be fall favorites.

-D. Griff

via: freshness mag

The Looks: Pharrell Williams

Most stylish people look to a few exceptional individuals for inspiration. When one is creating a "look" inspiration is quite possibly the most important factor. One of my personal style icon's is Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes. Williams has an extremely diverse sense of style and that's probably what I respect most. Furthermore, he isn't scared to take a risk with his fashion choices.

Whether he is draped in BAPE, laced in BBC, or hanging in Paris rockin Louis Vuitton, Williams is always classic. What I am mean by that is he owns whatever it is he wears. His personal touch brings something special to the outfit that no one else can. That great sense of style enabled Williams to create his own line, Billionaire Boys Club several years ago. As of today BBC remains a staple in the streetwear industry in the US and Japan.

We all know Skateboard P for his music. He has sold well over 75 million records and it seems to be a direct correlation with his fashion sense. Make an incredibly innovative product and the world will appreciate it and its creator for being something that we have never encountered before. Pharrell Williams is not only a music & fashion icon, but a cultural icon. May his style inspire yours.

-D. Griff

Fashion for Sport

Fashion and Sports are two of my favorite things to spend my time and money on. I am a fiend for clothes and kicks and some of those kicks get their share of run on the bball court. Yes, I play ball in my Jordans! Get over it! Nonetheless, a really dope store recently opened in Portland, Oregon called Li-Ning. This is a Chinese Sports Brand that is very big overseas but now looking to make its claim here in the states. Li-Ning initially came to Portland in 2007 as a footwear innovation center but their buzz and big time sponsorship has them on the fast track to global exposure.

The store will carry a variety of Li-Ning sportswear and footwear. Also, they have recently campaigned with NBA Star Baron Davis who will have a few signature pieces in this seasons line. Davis has been in heavy rotation on many sneaker & sports blogs promoting the line and his custom pieces. He was also the guest of honor at the at the store opening on February 15, 2010, which just happened to be a day after both the Chinese New Year and the NBA All Star Game.

Some say that Portland and Austin are identical when it comes to the culture of the two cities. Portland's sneaker scene seems to be well documented and Austin is beginning to be more respected as well. Does this mean I can go to Portland and not miss a beat? I sure hope so because next time I'm northwest I plan to pay them a visit... And catch a Blazers game while I'm at it.

D. Griff

All Aboard

Does this dude ever stop working? Hmmm... Yeah, I am going to have to say no! Fresh off of a $360k whip purchase for his son Justin's sixteenth birthday party (which likely cost more than the whip) the man we all know as Diddy continues to impress in his latest endeavor with Vogue Magazine. On the eve of his last album entitled "Last Train To Paris" US Vogue and world renown photographer Annie Leibovitz put together an amazing shoot for Diddy and supermodel Natalia Vodianova.

The shoot plays out as an old school love scene draped in high fashion. Keeping with the theme of the upcoming record, the shoot takes place in trains and train stations all across the east coast. A few guest appearances from Tyrese and Dirty Money don't necessarily make sense but a good look nonetheless.

Dark and bold colors dominate the shoot. Diddy shines in custom three piece suits with a cut that even President Obama would admire. While the beautiful Annie makes her presence felt in sequent gowns, tweed two piece suits, and a sensual 60's style most notably with her hair. Its said that the shoot depicts a man who meets a beautiful women while on a three day long train ride. They fall in love and proceed to spend the night together. According to Diddy what they do is up to your imagination. Check out the latest edition of Vogue Magazine and make your assumptions.

D. Griff

Welcome to the Good Life

Quick-what are the top 5 things that come to mind when you think of a "perfect day"..?

You probably eat your favorite meal-served to you by gorgeous women, you find some free money,you meet (or make out with,lol) a gang of smoking hot models, you get alot of free booze, and you pick up a bunch of fly new gear, right? Now some would have a few different scenarios thrown in there but its essentially every guys dream day, am i right..? hehe

Thats basically a play by play of this past Saturday. I got to sleep in (rare for me because i work super early on the weekdays and despite my best efforts am still a night owl), met D.Griff and some co-workers at a bowling tournament, won a gift card (its not a bag full of cash but better than nothing,lol), picked up some new gear at the mall,was beasting for wings so we ate Hooters (my personal favorite-i like em crunchy not baked), and proceeded to bar hop until we found a fashion show that we decied to pop into ala wedding crashers,lol

Now a little background..we had actually heard about and planned on attending this show but got caught up in the hustle and bustle of the work week so we completley forgot about it until we walked by. The Runway to Heaven show was sponsored by Glossy magazine (the fashion pullout of the Austin American Statesman),Elite Events, and The Austonian; and was a charitable event benefitting Austin Children's Shelter and the Dell Children's Medical Center. They had a fashion show, a silent auction, an awards ceremony and all the food and drinks you could have from some of Austin's best bars, restaurants and "spirits" makers.
It was good to see and meet many of Austins creatives, tastemakers, and industry insiders all in one spot. Everyone was dressed to impress, and the conversation (much like the wine) flowed freely. We did our share of networking, and at the end of the night the Dj played all the tunes you would need to turn a runway into a club-which is just what happened.People literally stormed the runway and danced, posed for photogs, and started kissing (and in some cases licking lmao) on each other!! hahaha, Without divulging too much personal info (im sure some of the stuff that went down is illegal in at least 13 states,LOL) we partied and drank the night away with some strickingly beautiful (and very cultured) women and made some helpful industry conections. Let no one say that Austins socialites dont know how to get down...

-SD

"I always had a passion for flashing, before i had it i'd close my eyes and imagine..."

Yohji Going Broke?

* image is trademarked (TM) & copyrighted (c) by its respective owner(s)

Now that titles a little misleading-I'm sure personally he'll never go broke,lol. But his self titled company, the powerful & respected Fashion House-Yohji Yamamoto Inc.; has filed for Bankruptcy in Japanese courts. The worldwide economic downturn has drastically affected the Fashion industry, and Japan is no exception. The Japanese are well known for their affinity of luxury brands-Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, but it seems even these global giants are no match for simply being broker than you have been in years past.

The designer whose Adidas collaborative Y-3 brand is well known to Streetwear aficionados has sad that his company's debts outweigh their assets ($67 million USD); but through Japan's Corporate rehab law he will continue to work and operate the company both in Japan and overseas. It's crazy when you see these corporate giants that you would never imagine going broke filing Chapter 11 (or the French/German/Can-American equivalent). Kinda brings you into the real world, eh? It's like even the "Good Life" has to face real life sooner or later. Sad, i know :(

-S.DeBose via cnbc