The Candy Shop

It's been a crazy & long week at the day job, but being the the car fans/enthusiasts we like to think we are, I had to make time to go to the Austin Auto Show. Every year it comes through and it's always exciting to see the new showroom models and concepts the car companies have come out with. Of course I headed straight to the section with the most expensive cars on the floor and (like everyone else in there ) proceeded to day dream about what i looked like blasting down some windy mountain side in my $145k European import. But once reality set back in i made my way around and spotted some really cool cars. Amongst the best where the long awaited Chevy volt, the Cadillac CTS Coupe, the Corvette Stingray concept, and my personal favorite-an ALL black Audi R8. Audi had 1 of each class in all black lined up ( pretty cool to see) right next to the Maserati's.

Every company had some really great vehicles to show off but I must say that GM had the strongest showing. They have really made some progress in the past couple of years. Their designs & build quality are really stepping up to the competition. And being the "car snob" that I've been told i am, that means alot, haha. It was like a day at the most expensive candy shop in the world. You step in wanting to walk out with everything, knowing you it's best if you leave with nothing, lol.
-S.DeBose

to view the full set of images go here: www.Kirinclothes.com/Photodiary/CandyShop

Nike Pop-Up Shop in Tokyo

Over at Kirin Clothing Co we absolutely love pop-up shops! It's a dope way to showcase clothes & kicks outside the normal settings. Nike has done exactly that all over the globe and their lastest stop is Tokyo, Japan. The Nike Sportswear division recently launched their "Write The Future" pop-up shop which is inspired by the 2010 World Cup Championship. It sits right above SOPH and is open from May 8th thru June 11th. For those fortunate souls who will be in Tokyo in the next month or so make it a point to stop by before time runs out!

D. Griff

Sneaks Up

In my younger years I was quite the sneakerhead. Sitting in the parking lot of Sharpstown Mall in Houston at 6am was where you could find me. If a new pair of Jordans were coming out, that is. That being said, I pose a question. Ever envision a place where ALL your sneaker dreams would come true? I did... And I think I found it. Last week the Kirin Fam was in full effect at the fourth annual Sneaks Up Fest in San Antonio, Tx. The hour drive down IH-35 was well worth it to see some of the freshest kicks and coolest kids showcase their style.

The event was held at The Industry in east San Antonio. A fairly large venue that seemed small once filled with some of the illest kicks ever created. Jordans, dunks, creative recs, supra's, pumas, adidas, yeezy's, the list goes on. Sneakerheads brought out the best of their collections for show & sale. Prices were steep but almost expected when collectors are parting with their favorite shoes. I asked about a pair of Jordans (of course) that just so happened to be $1700. Yea... Needless to say I didnt leave with a pair of J's!

All the tastemakers were out and the networking was great. Designers, shop keeps, and even a few vendors packed the house. If you missed it hopefully you can make the Sneaker Pimps show in ATL. If not, don't miss Sneaks Up next year.

D. Griff

Random (web) sightings...

Its been an interesting week for news....

Apple CEO, the almighty Steve Jobs penned an open letter regarding his reasons for not allowing Adobe's Flash in Apples non desktop products. Among those reasons he cites its reliability, performance, and a closed source (*ahem the pot calling the kettel black...?) software...

A chinese company makes "Fully poseable African American Action Figures" w/ a striking resemblance to a certain President of African American ancestry, and a "steely, resolved" look on his face (had NO idea 'bama was so cut!)...

Microsoft kills plans for the next "great white hope" of a Tablet PC, thereby killing off one more magical unicorn...

Nigo released some behind the scenes shots of his "Camocollage" Bape art show...

and Comedian Chelsea Handler MAY have had a naughty video of her from her days before she became famous accidentally released...

thats is for now..holla at ya boy if ou got a copy of "said" tape..lol

-S.DeBose

Common at Southwestern U

My mane man Common recently did a small show in Georgetown, Texas on the campus of Southwestern University. I have so much more respect for him (not that I didn't already have plenty) for doing this show. One of the biggest hip hop artist in the industry and now-a-days a well known actor doing a gig in a small town at an even smaller university in the gymnasium of all places. Pretty cool right? Yeah, we all thought so too.

Lonnie "Common" Lynn wasted no time getting down to business. He started out his 45 minute set with the title track to his most popular album to date "Be". He continued to get the crowd hype with "Sex for Suga", "What a World", and one of my personal favs "Get em High". Now, we all know Common is a ladies man so of course he did some joints for the pyt's in attendance. He serenaded one special young lady to the tune of "I Want You" and took us all back with his first breakout single "The Light". And before you ask, yes, he did pay tribute to Dilla for that track and the countless others that Detroit's finest crafted to perfection.

I've seen Common in concert several times and I must say he never disappoints. As I'm sure most of you are as well, I am eagerly anticipating his new album due out later his year entitled "The Believer". Surely that will bring him to the road again where he always seems to stop in Austin. The production on this new record will be done solely by long time collaborator No ID and Yezzy himself. Oh and just so you know, we managed to slip Common his very first Kirin Tee. I'm sure he will rock it well I just hope he rocks it period! If he does, please believe this won't be the last you hear of it!

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