Amethyst X-1 – Apple iPhone Docking System

If the previous post with the more musical influence didn't attract you and you're into something a bit more "futuristic" and interactive, take a look at this offering...

"Staring at it head on, the Amethyst X-1 looks more to be a space battle cruiser from the distant future. In fact, its a docking system for your Apple iPhone, iPod, or any other popular MP3 player. As imposing as it looks, the Amethyst X-1 features a 2.1-channel speaker layout, with a speaker on each of its “wings” and a subwoofer at the middle. A remote control lets you access playlist, volume and other controls. But access also comes in another, more interesting form. Magically manage your Amethyst X-1 by simple hand gestures and the system’s hidden IR sensor will translate the movements into commands. Its the perfect conversation piece at the New Year’s Eve party tomorrow. Available now through Brookstone for the price of $149.99 US." - Freshness

via Freshness

Trumstand for Apple iPhone

A modernized gramophone dock for your iPhone... 

"New meets old in the Trumstand for the iPhone, a gramophone inspired dock by Japanese design company Pleiades that uses no electronics to amplify the acoustics of the iPhone. Instead, the device utilizes an S-shaped metal horn. The process is simple: the Trumstand picks up sound from the iPhone’s speaker via a sold aluminum base, carrying it up the curving cylinder and outward through the horn like an old-fashioned Victrola. The horn itself is hand-crafted from brass and plated with pure sterling silver, delivering vivid sound and rich bass notes, thanks to the unique “S” shape. The Trumstand is available now through Japan’s Restir.

RESTIR
9-7-4 Akasaka | Map
Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan" - Freshness

via Freshness

Tinker Hatfield’s Original Air Jordan 11 Sketches

Into the great mind of Tinker and one of his most iconic designs ever...

"All the happenings around the recent Air Jordan 11 Retro Concord release, just showed once again how important the sneaker is to sneaker fans and Jordan fans around the globe. Originally designed by Nike designer Tinker Hatfield, first designs by him turned up in 1994, at a time when Michael Jordan was retired and the Air Jordan X was not even out. Hatfield kept on working on the design, refining it and stayed true to his vision. Even though it was not sure if Michael Jordan was going to return to basketball, Nike kept on working on the sneaker and created an icon.

Take a detailed look at Tinker Hatfield’s sketches after the jump." - High Snobiety

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The North Face Purple Label – Climbing Jacket

Beige and green "Gun Club Check" is looking great. TNF Purple Label (nanamica) at it again...

"The Climbing Jacket is a staple model from The North Face and nanamica is revamping the classic silhouette for The North Face Purple Label line. Most notable improvement of the jackets are the use of original check patterned Windstopper material on the exterior. The red based Tartan Check material is made from 100% wool, while the beige and green Gun Club Check material is a blend of 59% wool and synthetic materials. Functionally, these pieces feature ventilation zippers on the under arm, hand warmer pockets on the chest, one hand adjustable draw strings on the hem and hood, as well as Velcro straps on the cuffs. Both of these jackets can be found at Kinetics in Tokyo right now.

Kinetics
4-31-2, 1/F, Jingumae | Map
Shibuya, Tokyo
Japan" - Freshness

via Freshness

Neighborhood x Heather Grey Wall Thunderbold Jackets

I haven't really posted too much about Neighborhood, as most of the time I'm not too into their designs. However, this recent collaboration with Heather Grey Wall is looking pretty sweet. (I prefer the beige offering over the black)

"Right from the start, Japanese designer Kazuki Kuraishi proclaimed his new retail concept, Heather Grey Wall, to be something different. Living up to that declaration, the store and its proprietor been quick to introduce exclusive merchandises from Cash CA, Levi’s Japan, and 84-74 Lab. Come next season, it will launch an exclusive outerwear collection with Kuraishi’s long time supporter, NEIGHBORHOOD. In following NEIGHBORHOOD and its creative director Shinsuke Takizawa’s continue fascination with American bike culture, the outerwear collection will feature two designs in classic biker jacket forms. However, with all of Kuraishi’s collaborations, there will be a slight departure from tradition. Instead of leather, the jackets will be made from either DiAPLEX PARMIA (in black) or DYNAMONUS (in beige), both high function technical fabrics that are breathable yet almost indestructible in any outdoor conditions. The NEIGHBORHOOD x Heather Grey Wall – Outerwear Collection will be available during the start of 2012 through Heather Grey Wall and NEIGHBORHOOD flagship stores in Shibuya and Harajuku. via: houyhnhn" - Freshness

via Freshness

MakerBot Thing-O-Matic

So, awesome. Create those 3D models and print the out. Makes the whole sculpting and mold making process that much easier...

"Forget buying gifts this year — create your own with the MakerBot Thing-O-Matic ($1,100). This automatic 3D printer can print full objects instead of pieces, and includes MakerBot StepStruder MK7 software to let you easily design your own creations. Just think of it as your own personal assembly plant, minus the questionable labor practices and potential regulatory hassles." - Uncrate

via Uncrate

Eames: The Architect and the Painter

One of the most amazing duos of our time...

"Longtime Uncrate readers know we're big fans of Charles and Ray Eames, the dynamic husband-and-wife team responsible for some of last century's most iconic designs. Eames: The Architect and the Painter ($24) goes beyond their designs to investigate their personal life and influence on American life, with interesting but nonetheless hit-or-miss results — but still, what else are you going to watch once football season is over?" - Uncrate

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Air Jordan XI Retro Concord Release Shuts Malls Down, Young Man Dies

I told myself if it wasn't going to be easy and simple for this release, then I wasn't going to bother. Well, in the end, I couldn't add back to the collection what I used to have. As I've said many times, I regret selling my NDS first release retros for retail. Hopefully that will come back one day if it already hasn't in the form of shoe collector karma.

However, this type of attention and the "crowd" it draws really detracts from the desire to want these shoes. Sigh...

"Who would have thought that we would see any of this again in the sneaker world. Earlier this week people started lining up and camping out in front of sneaker stores to get their hands onto the re-issue of the Air Jordan 11 Retro Concord, which was scheduled to release today, December 23rd, 2011.
Now reports have come up that police had to shut down several malls in Austin and Seattle and had to use pepper spray to keep the crowd in order. There is even a report of a young man dying after being stabbed over the shoes in Washington, D.C. In Richmond, California the shoe sales were canceled at Hilltop Mall after shots were fired into the air.
Guys, what is going on here? We are talking about sneakers, a passion for many. This is not supposed to happen. Unbelievable!

Two TV news reports on the stories follow after the jump." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Vans iPhone 4 Rubber Waffle Case

One of the best shoe-inspired iPhone cases I've seen to date...

"If they ever decide to launch the iPhone cases and accessories awards, we have found a strong contender for the iPhone 4 Case of the Year trophy with this Vans Rubber Waffle edition. Vans took their iconic waffle patterned sole and fittingly placed it underneath a white “midsole.” They also applied the red Vans Off the Wall tag, a navy foxing stripe around the border of the screen, and they even put a toe bumper to top it off! From what we read, they have moved fast and are hitting $100 on ebay. Good luck tracking one down for a fair price.

Take a detailed look after the jump." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Air Jordan XI Concord – 1/23 Holiday Pack

Oh, the 11s are back again and just in time for the holiday season. Good luck to those who are camping toinght, whether it be online or out in the cold. Here's a quick glimpse at an exclusive 1/23 special edition gift set. Which I'd imagine are only given to friends and family. Cheers to the best pair of Air Jordans ever made...

"This holiday season Jordan Brand is presenting a very special gift to twenty-three (of course) select friends and family. Freshness was grateful and honored to receive the numbered 1/23 Air Jordan XI Concord Holiday Pack. The contents are made up of the Air Jordan XI Concord, Jordan varsity hoodie in an attractive plum and white colorway, and a Jordan microfiber shoe towel to maintain the Concords’ pristine condition. It’s all packaged in a special dual layer deluxe wooden box with hinged opening marked with an official “1 of 23″ emblem. Check out detailed looks after the click." - Freshness

via Freshness

Tate + Yoko Store Opens in Montreal

Montreal gets a new store front that offers some quality menswear with a focus on craftsmanship and Japanese labels...

"TATE + YOKO is a new Montreal-based menswear boutique focused primarily on quality craftsmanship. In store you’ll find a selection products from cult Japanese brands such as Studio D’Artisan, The Flat Head, Momotaro, Eternal, Oni, Kamikaze Attack and D# as well as the founder’s own Paulrose Products and Naked & Famous Denim lines.
Channeling the 40s and 50s aesthetics many of these labels are inspired by, the shop itself is fitted almost entirely with vintage industrial fixtures as well as custom metal piping, hangers and racks. As owner Brandon Svarc says, “wood is for pussies!”
In the change-rooms you’ll find walls lined with Young Romance comic book pages; on the back table, a mix of hard-to-find catalogs and magazines; and in the old Pepsi cooler, ice cold Ramune soda. Certainly a unique retail concept that you must experience if in Montreal.
Also of note, Tate + Yoko worked with Canadian boot maker Viberg on three shop exclusive boots in calfskin, buffalo and Horween leathers.

Tate + Yoko
9069 Boulevard St-Laurent
Montreal, Quebec
Photography: Pete Williams/Highsnobiety.com

More images follow after the click." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Burn Rubber x New Balance 580 Workforce Pack

Clever colorways and collab title...

"For Spring 2012, New Balance once again worked with Burn Rubber on a pack of sneakers. They chose the 580, a running shoe that is especially popular in Asia, for the collaboration. As part of the pack the sneaker comes in two very solid colorways, using multiple materials on the upper and featuring an overall well balanced premium look. The pack consists of a blue collar and a white collar colorway.

Check out the Workforce Sneaker Pack in detail after the jump." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Medicom Toy Bearbrick 400% “DRY CARBON”

Amazing and would love to see this in hand...

"The Bearbrick has seen itself recreated more and more in a variety of unconventional materials. Medicom Toy releases its latest Bearbrick iteration via a black autoclave dry carbon edition. The powerful composite is given an all-over treatment across the sleek 400% edition. Developed in conjunction with Amerix Inc, the limited edition Bearbrick is being offered in limited supply via Project 1/6 with a retail of ¥148,000 JPY (approx. $1,900 USD)." - Hypebeast

via Hypebeast

nanamica x The North Face Purple Label Harris Tweed Wallets

nanamica, TNF Purple Label and Harris Tweed. Three brands that fit so well in terms of a collaboration...

"When nanamica and The North Face Purple Label work together, good things happen. Take these Harris Tweed wallets for example. Three sophisticated bi-folds will be releasing Spring/Summer 2012 each available with tasteful patterns and constructed with high-quality textiles. If only these were available now. You will have to wait until May for shipping to commence, but until then, be sure to keep these on your radar." - High Snobiety

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Ice Cube Celebrates The Eames

"You always gotta have a plan..."



"Pacific Standard Time is an unprecedented collaboration of cultural institutions across Southern California coming together to celebrate the birth of the L.A. art scene. In this new video segment, Ice Cube celebrates The Eames for Pacific Standard Time.

“Ice Cube drives Inglewood blvd. describing the Los Angeles that he knows. He talks of landmarks like The Forum, Five Torches, Cockatoo Inn, Brolly Hut, and Watts Towers. He refers to the 110 as “Gangsta Highway”. Cube says coming from South Central LA teaches you how to be resourceful. The video cuts to Cube walking the Eames House perimeter, through the Eames living room, and sitting in the Eames lounge chair. He brings us back to his NWA years when he studied architectural drafting before launching his rap career. One thing he learned that translates is to always have a plan. Cube describes the modern, green and resourceful building design of Charles and Ray Eames. Visionaries of connecting nature and structure. Cube ends by saying “Who are these people who got a problem with LA? Maybe they mad cuz they don’t live here.”"

Check out the video below, as Ice Cube drives through Los Angeles and visits The Eames House." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

New Balance UK “Visit Flimby” Project

A great and brief interview behind the quality and craftsmanship that sets apart the "Made in England" NB releases...


The Vault – visitflimby.com from New Balance UK on Vimeo.



"Over the past 100 years New Balance has grown substantially by forging a reputation for a commitment to performance and quality, producing an unrivaled extensive selection of combinations of widths and sizes, while actively supporting domestic manufacturing when possible. New Balance manufactures shoes in five factories across New England, the US and one in England where the factory in the Lake District employs 220 production staff. This short film takes us to the Flimby factory’s “Vault,” where Chris Hodgson talks about the dedication and ingenuity that goes into every New Balance shoe forged in the factory. With 30 years of excellence to celebrate, take a trip down memory lane. Check out the whole Flimby experience at the new VisitFlimby.com site.

Source: Crooked Tongues" - Hypebeast

via Hypebeast

Nike Footscape Free Khaki

A nice alternative to the brighter, initial orange colorway...

"Already one of our most anticipated sneakers of 2012, the mating of Footscape uppers with Free soles on the (aptly named) Nike Footscape Free makes for a deadly combination. While the safety orange worked well to capture first looks, this khaki and olive earth toned colorway is sure to be a strong seller as well. Especially with that crisp white sole." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Supreme Malden Mills Polartec 300 Fleece Camp Caps

Clean 5-panel done up in a more unconventional material, Polartec 300 Fleece...

"This week Supreme has released another set of 5-panel camp caps. Made of Malden Mills Polartec 300 Fleece, the hats feature a soft black bill and the classic box logo up front. Now available through Supreme.

More images follow after the click." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Macro Cell Lens Band

Impressed by the convenience and size, curious about the quality...

"If I was an executive in one of the digital point-and-shoot camera companies out there, I hope I would notice the emerging trend in macro photo technology on smartphones; a game that just got more interesting with the Macro Cell Lens Band. Fitted with a “cell” sized macro lens, Photojojo’s Macro Cell Lens Band is a rubber band that slips over your smartphone’s camera lens and–say cheese–because that’s all you need to take incredible macro photos. And when you’re done with your impromptu photo session, the band can slip over your wrist or slide into your pocket unlike some of the other more bulkier solutions out there. Check out examples of the quality of this insanely simple, but effective way to take your iPhone to the next level after the jump." - Freshness

via Freshness

JAM HOME MADE x Wonderwall – Signature Collection Wallets

Absolutely stunning. Love the perforated leather, the hardware and details...

"Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall has proven his skill as an interior designer and most of us have seen at least one of his amazing works in person. Katayama’s work not only look fantastic, it’s absolute functionality is the marvel of his design. After the success of their first collaboration, Wonderwall was invited by Japanese accessories brand JAM HOME MADE for the second collaboration on their Signature Collection. Katayama’s aim for this project was to produce the smallest, functional wallet and phone case. This wallet is designed to fit a smartphone on the exterior compartment, while coins, notes and keys can be stored in the main compartment comfortably. A custom designed carbiner enables the wallet to be attached to belt loops if necessary. Lastly, the exterior flap is made to be removable from the body, making it highly customizable. Wonderwall online store is taking pre-orders right now and the official launch is scheduled for Saturday, December 10th at JAM HOME MADE stores in Japan. via: HOUYHNHNM" - Freshness

via Freshness

MAX100 x Afew x Nike Air Max 1 Pack

Looks like the MAX100 Kickstarter project garnered enough attention across the sneaker community to even have a one-off custom pair created...

"On December 10th Dusseldorf’s Afew will host a release party for Matt Stevens’ MAX100 art book, which compiles 100 graphic interpretations of the Nike Air Max 1. To commemorate the event, Afew is debuting the MAX100 “1 of 1″ Pack, consisting of a pair of custom Air Max 1s (naturally), the Afew x MAX100 tee and MAX100 book. The shoe features classic color blocking with a white base, grey suede overlay and orange accents, plus special details like a custom tongue tag and MAX100 sockliner. It comes in a special black wooden box lined with all 100 designs from the MAX100 book. While the kicks aren’t for sale, the T-shirt is, though only 50 pieces were made, each bearing an individually numbered label. A limited quantity is available now through Afew’s online store. Check out additional images of the exclusive pack after the click.

Afew Store
Oststr. 36 | Map
40211 Düsseldorf, Germany
TEL #: +49-0-211/22960866" - Freshness

via Freshness

Nike Footscape Free – Safety Orange – Spring 2012

Nike continues to add their Free sole to other pre-existing styles, creating new and light weight hybrids. These being the first colorway of this hybrid...

"Nike presents a hybrid model that we can definitely get behind: the Footscape Free, which fuses an upper dominated by the Footscape’s distinctive asymmetrical lacing system with Nike’s ultra-flexible Free sole. A ripstop nylon fabrication in vibrant Safety Orange, mixed with contrasting hits of grey and black, work well with the silhouette, and fits perfectly with the modern Free aesthetic. Originally released in 1995, the Footscape was ahead of its time, and with the upcoming Footscape Free, fans of the cult sneaker should be happy to see it’s been updated to perform as a true running shoe. Expect these to drop in early 2012. via: SF" - Freshness

via Freshness

visvim Tabi Sashiko-Folk

First pair of Visvim's I've really wanted to try on and check out in person...

"A rather interesting release comes this week from the visvim Footwear Collection. The Tabi Sashiko-Folk is a play on more traditional Japanese footwear, featuring a split-toe design. The upper is made of a premium suede with most of being covered in embroidery. The Japanese brand clearly shows in this release their deep knowledge and drive to release highly sophisticated and detailed product.

All colorways of the new visvim Tabi Sashiko-Folk shoes follow after the jump." - High Snobiety


via High Snobiety

Nike Huarache Free 2012 Bumblebee

Great colorway, albeit repetitive and standard across the Nike colorway offerings. The Nike Huarache Free should pull in quite a few fans...

"After a strong showing in white and aqua, the Nike Huarache Free trainer has been spotted in a new black and yellow colorway. Lightweight, comfortable and good-looking, everything we appreciate in a runner… purists be damned.

Source: Sneaker Freaker Issue 23." - High Snobiety


via High Snobiety

Toyota Prius GT300 To Join Super GT Racing Series

With a vision and all the necessary resources at your disposal, anything is possible. Even a race-ready Prius...

"Like those with the DTM racing series, where the best of German auto engineering pit against one another, the Super GT is where the majority of Japanese auto makers get to test out their latest and greatest. Categorized in two classes, the GT500, where you will see the likes of modified Nissan GT-R, Lexus LFA, along side with Ferrari 550 and McLaren F1 GTR, all spewing out near-500 horsepower of pure mayhem. Then there is GT300, the 300-horsepower range favored by smaller racing teams to test out racing platforms, like a Toyota Prius. Heavily modified, the Toyota Prius GT300 will join other new entries, such as Honda CR-Z and Subaru BRZ, in next year’s Super GT circuit. According to Japan’s Auto Sport Magazine, the new vehicle will include some sort of hybrid powertrain, though its too early to know what kind at this point. Still, we will never look at Prius the same way again. via: Autoblog / Jon Sibal"- Freshness

via Freshness

New Balance ML581 Collaborations – Bodega, 24 Kilates, Mita & Kasina

Not sure, which collab corresponds to which colorway yet, but it's a good group of options...

"The other day we introduced you to the new New Balance 581 sneaker, which will first drop for Spring 2012. To give the new silhouette a bit of a push, New Balance has lined up a series of retailer collaborations, including Bodega from Boston, 24 Kilates Barcelona, Mita Sneakers Tokyo and Kasina from Seoul. All four have added their own little twists to the low top running shoe, with performance details.

These four collaborative sneakers are supposed to release in the first half of 2012, we will keep you posted." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

HIDDEN SPEAKER

One of the first kickstarter projects that I'm honestly tempted to back...

"We like it when products combine multiple ideas into one — so integrating a speaker into a giant volume knob is pretty much the best thing we've ever seen. Okay, so maybe it's not that amazing, but the Hidden Speaker ($120) is pretty damn cool. Powered by rechargeable internal batteries offering over 30 hours of play time, it uses Bluetooth for wireless streaming audio support, and also offers a built-in AM/FM radio, and a 3.5mm input for technologically challenged audio sources." - Uncrate

via Uncrate

Sneakermuseum Cologne – A Retrospective of Stussy Shoe Collaborations 1980-2011 | Video

Those New Balance and Nike collabs are awesome. Classics from awhile back...

"It is plain to see that Stussy not only had a tremendous effect on streetwear culture but their footwear collaborations are on a whole different level compared to many streetwear brands out there. Sneakermuseum in Cologne is celebrating the Stussy‘s long list of collaborations by setting up A Retrospective of Stussy Shoe Collaborations 1980 – 2011 exhibition. The amazing works included in the exhibit consist of Nike, Vans, adidas, Dr. Martens, Keds and Be Posistive and they threw in some limited edition apparel and toys in the display as well. A video preview gives a glimpse of the footwear on display and photos of the extensive collection can be seen after the jump.

Sneakermuseum
Jülicher Straße 14 | Map
Köln, 50647" - Freshness

via Freshness

Air Jordan ‘XI Retro’ Concord Holiday 2011

I let go of my first retros and still regret it to this day, granted they were let go for good reason...I simply didn't wear them and figured it didn't make sense to keep them. Now, I've got to at least get one pair this time around just merely for collection purposes. Still considered by me as the best Air Jordan release ever...

"Jordan Brand has had a few strong retro releases this year and the upcoming Air Jordan 11 Retro Concord will with out any doubt be a great finish of the year. Coming in a similar pack as the AJXI ‘Space Jams’ from two years ago, the iconic sneaker will see a re-release on December 23rd, 2011 and will thus make a great Christmas present. Purists might not be into the updated purple outer sole versus the original blue one." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Subaru BRZ

The Suby BRZ and Toyota GT-86 share uncanny similarities in terms of design and power...

"The Subaru BRZ has been finally officially announced at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show this week. Featuring the same engine as the recently announced Toyota GT-86, the Japanese auto maker presents a rather impressive sports coupe with the BRZ.

“SUBARU BRZ is a rear-wheel drive sports car featuring the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. It was developed as a joint-project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation, to bring to the world a sports car with superior steering response and driving pleasure that everyone can experience. The Subaru Boxer engine in the BRZ was positioned even lower than other Subaru models so that the BRZ has one of the lowest possible centers of gravity on the market today. This low center of gravity produces astonishing handling character and combined with a light-weight chassis BRZ realizes Subaru’s aim for “Pure Handling Delight” — the driving experience taken to a new level.”

Check out the Subaru BRZ First Impression video here below." - High Snobiety



via High Snobiety

New Balance 581 Spring 2012 Preview

Appears that New Balance is introducing a new style with the 581. The silhouette reminds me of a the 574  with a bit more trail functionality in mind and the non-traditional lacing system...

"We take an early look at the upcoming New Balance 581 low top sneaker. In our mind one of the most interesting additions by New Balance, the sneaker comes in solid colorways next season, featuring a suede, mesh and rubber upper. The shoe is basically constructed like a sock, allowing you to slip in and to tie it with a special fastening lace system. Nice accents include the speckled mid-sole, matching the lining, as well as the laces and logo tag on the tongue.
Photography: Highsnobiety.com

A further look at the sneaker follows after the jump." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety