Co.DESIGN – “Making of the Eames Chair” | Video

"The great thing about quality is that it can be timeless. But actually producing something with the level of style, durability, and functionality needed to earn that title is very hard to do. One of those products that has reached that pinnacle was actually first introduced 50 years ago, and it is probably still among the best-selling pieces of Eames furniture, the Eames Lounge Chair. This chair first made its debut in 1956 on an NBC sitcom, with the same welcoming leather cushion and wood veneer shell that it has today. And that’s exactly how its designer, Charles Eames, said he always wanted the chair to be: “to have the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.” In their video, Co.DESIGN of FAST COMPANY, takes us behind the scenes in Grand Rapids, MI to see how the chairs are made, which is actually not that much different than back in the day. Check out the video and stills from their visit after the jump."  - Freshness

via Freshness

The Audi quattro Slot Car Experience

"In anticipation of the brand-new 2013 A4, Audi commissioned the world-renowned track builders from Slot Mods USA to handcraft the unique Audi quattro Slot Car Experience. An industrial laser scanner was used to generate the digital outline of the model cars, then body shells were created on a 3D printer and paired with separately sourced four-wheel-drive slot car chassis.
To reproduce the Audi A4 handling characteristics in a slot car, they spent hours testing and custom tuning the traction magnets on each vehicle – while still leaving enough play for racing to remain competitive.

In a typical slot-car setup, drivers use a handheld resistor to modulate voltage to the track and, in turn, the speed of the slot car. This nearly 100-year-old system forces the driver to race from a bird’s-eye view trackside, instead of the driver’s seat where they should be. To change this, Audi developed a custom iPad app to pair with their in-car cameras – putting the driver right in the cockpit for the first time ever.

Photographs courtesy of Supercharged" - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Warby Parker Titanium Collection

"Warby Parker has long been amongst our list of go-to eyewear specialists thanks to their buy a pair, give a pair program, but unfortunately if you were looking for metal frames, you were looking elsewhere. Not anymore. The new Warby Parker Titanium Collection ($145-$195) is their first to feature metal, with fourteen designs combining titanium sourced from Japan, non-rocking spring hinges from France, and temples made from Parker's custom acetate. Available as regular prescription eyeglasses or prescription sunglasses and ranging from sporty to architectural, you're bound to find a pair that's right for you." - Uncrate

via Uncrate

Nike Air Foamposite One LE Black/Medium Grey

"It seems that Nike‘s celebrated Air Foamposite One LE is getting a lot of play as things begin to come to a close for 2012. The latest installment in the iconic Penny shoe arrives with a decidedly all-black-everything mentality as the customary grooved foamposite exterior is treated in a matte black build and positioned atop a black midsole and ice clear outsole. Tonal black laces and matching mesh complete the caliginous aesthetic. Those in the market can find availability through Kinetics for a tag of ¥21,000 JPY (approximately $270 USD). A release date is slated for October 6." - Hypebeast

via Hypebeast

Shwood Limited Edition Canby Two-Tone Sunglasses

"For Fall 2012, Shwood offers a tasteful twist on their classic “Canby” frame. Limited to 250 pieces, the Two-Tone pair alternates European Walnut and Quilted Maple woods for a truly dynamic look. The four-ply wooden frame is coupled with Shwood’s standard Carl Ziess 100% UVA/UVB lenses and is currently available via shwoodshop.com and select retailers.

Here below is the video that the brand produced for the release." - High Snobiety

Shwood Limited Canby Two-Tone from Shwood Eyewear on Vimeo.


via High Snobiety

Medicom Toy x Karimoku x Yoshida & Co Wooden 400% Bearbrick

"Medicom Toy links up with Karimoku and Yoshida & Co. The bag company, Yoshida & Co,  celebrates its 77th anniversary this year and for the occasion a limited edition wooden Bearbrick in 400% has been produced. Hinting at the collaboration is the matching wooden suitcase that the toy is holding.

Look out for a release of the toy in the coming weeks." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Holdster Mason Jar Mug

"How do you improve on the awesome drinking utility of the mason jar? Give it a better-than-Starbucks wrapper and a handle. The Holdster Mason Jar Mug ($20) slips onto standard wide-mouth jars, cladding them in leather and keeping the heat — or cold — away from your hand. Available in cross-stitch or riveted styles, and with or without a looped leather handle, they're a great way to add a touch of class to this traditional vessel. Combine with a Cuppow to create the ultimate farmland-esque travel mug." - Uncrate

via Uncrate

Christian Louboutin Talks Sole

"Known primarily in the past for creating bespoke footwear for A-list celebrities, brides and other fashion-conscious females, Christian Louboutin has slowly over the years begun his foray into men’s footwear with a bevy of stylish pieces. Having recently opened up an NYC store to meet the growing want for his various classic dress shoes, iconic spiked loafers and luxe kicks, the French designer recently sat down for a bit of reflection after the Meat Packing District opening. While choice excerpts appear below, the entire interview with Christian Louboutin can be read at GQ.

You’ve designed for other entertainers on stage, women and men, aside from Mika. Is there a secret to designing a shoe meant for the stage versus one for daily life? Does it come down to materials that are reflective or shiny or does the silhouette change?
It really depends on people, on the performer. Some performers are very sleek and so the design is going to be very simple, very straight lines, or either pointed really, I’d say in terms of line. Depending who is on stage it can be the shape as it really is or it can be an added element. It really depends on people.

When you decided to move ahead with the line of men’s shoes, did you find anything challenging about the transition? Were there issues you didn’t anticipate?
Something quite challenging for me is that for the longest time guys, especially me being born and raised in Paris, we always have this idea that men just love shoes and a shoe should last forever. I have seen it many times lately that a lot of guys are not anymore in this attitude. It could be called metrosexual or whatever. But a lot of guys who are really into shoes are just like women who are really into shoes. Even if women adore shoes I haven’t really met any women yet that are proud to have shoes for twenty years. There is a whole new attitude to men – they’re pretty excited the way women are about shoes and it’s definitely not a gay attitude. I mean it does concern gay people as well, but it’s clearly not a specialty to gay people. A lot of guys have told me they now understand the excitement they saw their wives have for five years.

Technically speaking, what’s the biggest difference between designing for a man and for a woman? Obviously it’s different based on heel height, but are there details that are particular to designing a shoe for a man?
Definitely, you know it’s a funny, it’s quite rare that when I’m designing shoes for men and then for women at the same time because…

That’s what I was going to ask.
I actually put myself in a specific state of mind. Let’s say I take a piece of leather and I’m thinking of a woman. I’m going to think, “OK, can I recover bottoms, can I do a bow, is it soft enough, can I drape it?” When I’m in my men mentality then I’m going to visualize it completely differently. Is it thick enough? Will it expand enough? Is it soft enough that guys will like it? Do I need to line it? I mean the question will be completely different. That’s why you have to program yourself if I’m into men or if I’m into women. When I’m working for women it’s never curvy enough. You know the heel is curving the legs but also curving the body. When you’re thinking men you’re thinking differently and designing with more angles, you know. My drawing for women is really curvy. My drawings for men are actually quite angular." - Hypebeast

via Hypebeast

Nike Free Run +2 WVN LTR TZ

"The use of woven uppers has been a bit of an understated signature design for Nike and come to signify a shoe’s lifestyle positioning for the sports brand. While the talk of this past week has been the official unveiling of the Nike Inneva Woven, for those unable to procure their pair of Innevas, these Free Run+ 2s should provide a suitable replacement. A full tonal upper combining woven materials and solid overlays make for a complete and simple to wear package available in three muted colorways. The shoes will be available at select Tier Zero retailers including Seoul’s Kasina." - Hypebeast

via Hypebeast

Nike Air Foamposite One “Polarized Pink”

"The Nike Air Foamposite One is certainly going to have no problem standing out in a crowded sneaker field thanks to the polarized pink colorway closely associated with it. Featuring a translucent sole – with Penny logo on the back, sole and tongue – a pink foam shell is combined with black nubuck and mesh on the shoe’s upper while stripe detailing appears on both the tongue and heel pull-tabs. The Nike Air Foamposite One Polarized Pink is set to release on Black Friday, November 23 for $220 USD.

Source: Kinetics" - Hypebeast

via Hypebeast

UNIQLO USA To Open Online Store Soon

"We hear from shoppers all the time. The single gripe they have against UNIQLO is availability. With stores in New York City and now San Francisco, nearly 99% of those living in the U.S. do not have access to UNIQLO’s fashionable yet affordable products. That issue, however, will be a “non-issue” soon. Earlier today, the Japanese retail giant finally announced it will be opening an online shop this coming Fall. No details are given at this time though you can sign up for UNIQLO’s e-newsletter for the latest information on the online store’s opening." - Freshness

via Freshness

New Balance x Ball and Buck ‘Camo’ US574

"This Fall New Balance joins forces with New England’s Ball and Buck to create a special edition US574 sneaker. The trainers feature New Balance’s most iconic silhouette and colorway infused with hunting influences such as Ball and Buck’s Proprietary Camo in 10oz duck cloth and pops of blaze orange that cover the heel and footbed.

The New Balance x Ball and Buck US574 first release of 176 pairs (chosen to reflect America’s independence in 1776) is outfitted in a limited edition keepsake vintage 50cal Ammo Can affixed with a hand stamped numbered brass plate.

The first collaboration of their partnership debuts September 27, 2012 at the Ball and Buck Into the Field 003 event at the flagship store on 144B Newbury Street, Boston, MA and can be purchased the next day online at shop.ballandbuck.com." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Introducing The McLaren P1

"McLaren Automotive will use its first ever international motor show appearance to preview its next generation ultimate supercar – the McLaren P1 – which takes much of its technological and spiritual inspiration from the company’s Racing division.  The McLaren P1 has one simple goal: to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track.
Next year, a production version, which the company aims to put on sale within 12 months, will be revealed. More information will be released following the McLaren Automotive press conference scheduled for Thursday, September  27th.
Click through the available images in the gallery above." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Nike Free Inneva Woven – Video & Release Information

"Designed to mimic the natural biomechanics of the foot, the Nike Free Inneva Woven is defined by its premium crafted details: a hand-woven upper, dynamic lacing system and natural motion.

An intricate 360-degree hand-woven system interconnects laces with the nylon webbing to create a complex pattern that cradles the upper precisely to the foot. Taking inspiration from Nike running technologies, the natural motion midsole and outsole is flexible and comfortable.

The Nike woven process maximizes the “less is more” philosophy to minimize material waste to create a basket-like weave that serves both function and style.

First introduced in 2000, the original Nike Air Woven shoe flipped the convention of shoe making to create a new aesthetic that spawned a faithful fan contingent. This 2012 introduction of the Nike Free Inneva Woven brings the woven technique to a whole new level, with precision weave that features varied strand widths for support, flexibility and breathability. The Nike Free Inneva Woven merges craftsmanship and performance innovation to form a design that is as beautiful as its benefits.

The Nike Free Inneva Woven launches in limited quantities on Saturday, September 22, at premium retailers around the globe, including SOTO Berlin." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Video Game Controller Soaps

"This is certainly something we call a geeky gadget. Imagine taking your video game controller in the shower with you. This could happen, because these game controller soaps definitely look extremely realistic and might be mistaken for the real deal or the other way around. There are several different options to choose from including Super Nintendo, Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Playstation, and Xbox. All are available at Firebox.

Check out some gamer soaps in the pics above." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Panerai PAM 389 Luminor Submersible Amagnetic

"The Panerai PAM 389 Luminor Submersible Amagnetic watch will makes its official debut in 2013 at the SIHH show in Geneva. This Panerai in-house caliber is made of high performance materials and comes in a great looking and classic design. The juicy details are: 47mm brushed titanium case (300m water resistance), automatic mechanical manufacture Panerai P.9000 calibre (power reserve 3 days, two barrels), comes on a Panerai rubber strap and large-size brushed titanium buckle, a second interchangeable strap and tools are also included.

Take a look at the design in the pictures above." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

What You Can Learn From the Michael Jordan of Designing Jordans

"GQ sat down with “the Michael Jordan of Designing Jordans”, which is of course Tinker Hatfield, one of the most important, if not the most important, sneaker designer of all time. In the interview he unveils some great secrets about the last 20 years of designing shoes for Nike, talks about the Jordan Beyond line and about not listening too much to other people.

Check out the full article here." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

MSTRPLN Minimal Sneaker iPhone Cases – Series 2

"MSTRPLN back with another set of minimally designed iPhone Cases, each inspired by classic a Nike sneaker. While the first round of the Minimal Sneaker Project highlighted the Nike Air Max 95, the Nike Air Max 90 and the Nike Air Safari, in Series 2 we’re treated to the Air Jordan III, Air Jordan IV and Nike Air Foamposite. All six styles mentioned are now available through MSTRPLN, alongside matching prints." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Cassette to iPhone Converter

"Get ready to reminisce! Grab your old mixtapes from the attic or your parents cellar… This device converts audio tape cassettes into MP3 files and stores them directly onto an iPhone or iPod touch. Most iPhones and iPod touches work easily with it with chrome and regular cassette tapes.  You can scan forward or reverse to select tracks for conversion. The free app makes conversion to MP3 as easy as possible simply use the headphones (headphones required) to listen to, or connect its audio output to a stereo. Buy the device here for $79.95.
Check it out in on pics above." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Sneaker Freaker x New Balance 998 ‘Tassie Devil’

"Today Sneaker Freaker shows us some first images of their upcoming collaboration with New Balance. The two worked on the 998 running shoe, gave it a black/purple colorway, speckled mid-sole and white outer sole and called it the ‘Tassie Devil’. All in all a great looking sneaker to look forward to and one of the strongest New Balance offerings of the year. It is also features on the latest cover of Sneaker Freaker magazine issue 25 and celebrates the 10th anniversary of the magazine." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Nice Kicks x Vans Vault “The Duel” Pack

"For Fall 2012 Vans Vault has teamed up with our friends from Nice Kicks on ‘The Duel’ Sneaker Pack. Consisting of the Sk8 Hi and the Era LX, both sneakers feature a mix of oiled premium leather and raw denim on the upper, resulting in timeless looks.

“This set features my two favorite Vans models and is inspired by childhood heroes and popular culture – cowboys, the Wild West and the independent spirit associated with those figures. The oiled leather and heel cap represent my first pair of boots, as well as the saddle and reins on a horse. The red Vans Vault logo on the back is a tribute to both the Nice Kicks logo and the Texas flag. The raw denim and antique brass further underscore the Western influence of the collaboration.”

The Nice Kicks x Vans Vault “The Duel” Era LX and Sk8-Hi sneakers will release exclusively at the Nice Kicks Shop in Austin, TX on Friday, September 14th at midnight for a price of $110 and $125, respectively. An online release at ShopNiceKicks.com will follow the next day at Noon CST." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

New Balance 576 ’30 Years of Manufacturing in the UK’ Pack

"We gave you an in depth preview of this New Balance 576 ’30 Years of Manufacturing in the UK’ pack back in May, and it looks like it’s about time that these bad boys release. We can attest first hand to the fantastic quality of this special edition pack. NB really went in on the making of these with the top notch materials that are utilized throughout, as well as the great minor details that all add up to make this a really fantastic pack of sneakers.

Made in UK stuff can sometimes be difficult to find at retail in the States, but it looks like Feature has all 3 in stock now." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Cash Kings 2012 – Hip-Hop’s 20 Top Earners

"Forbes is back with its Cash Kings 2012 list, naming the Top 20 earners of the Hip Hop industry for the year. There are not too many surprises on the list. Dre tops it with the incredible sum of 110 Million USD, followed by Diddy with 45 Million USD. Jay-Z and Kanye West sit on spots 3 and 4 of the list, not surprising with their ‘Watch The Throne’ tour activities of the last 12 months. The top earners did not make their money with music though – Dre made 100 Million USD with his Beats By Dr. Dre headphone empire, which was sold in part to HTC and Diddy once again made a fair share of his money with Ciroc Vodka.
See the full Top 20 earners of the Hip Hop industry in 2012 here below.
1. Dr. Dre: $110 million
2. Diddy: $45 million
3. Jay-Z: $38 million
4. Kanye West: $35 million
5. Lil Wayne: $27 million
6 Drake: $20.5 million
7. Birdman: $20 million
8. Nicki Mianj: $15.5 million
9. Eminem: $15 million
10. Ludacris: $12 million
11. Pitbull: $9.5 million
12. Rick Ross: $9 million (tie)
13. Wiz Khalifa: $9 million (tie)
14. Snoop Dogg: $8 million
15. 50 Cent: $7.5 million
16. Swizz Beatz: $7 million (tie)
17. Pharrell: $7 million (tie)
18. Young Jeezy: $7 million (tie)
19. Mac Miller: $6.5 million (tie)
20. Akon: $6 million" - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Video: Tokyo Living 2012 – A Time-Lapse Short Film

Tokyo Living 2012 from MasayaSugimura on Vimeo.


"Japanese film maker Masaya Sugimura presents his new time-lapse short film ‘Tokyo Living 2012′, which looks at the various aspects of the city Tokyo. Night and day, shopping, cultural monuments, tradition versus innovation. Once again the time-lapse filming style allows for a quick tour of one of the most fascinating cities on our planet.
Enjoy!" - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

BRAUN – Watch Collection | By Dieter Rams

 
"Over the 90-year history of German brand BRAUN, legendary industrial designer Dieter Rams was at the helm of the design team for over 30 years. Rams’ design philosophy still echoes today in their product development, and in fact it has been the cornerstone for many leading brands such as Apple. This watch collection by BRAUN and Dieter Rams include the Stainless Steel watches in circle and square shapes sans the chronograph dials, as well as the Chronograph watch released last year, later produced into a Sport Watch 115 Chronographer as well. Order any of the timepieces seen here at MR PORTER online shop." - Freshness

via Freshness

Music: The xx – Coexist (Full Album Stream)

"The sophomore album of The xx releases this week with much anticipation. Today we can offer you a full album stream, which should convince you to get a hold of the new album, which turned out really good.

Listen to it now here below." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Vans x Beauty & Youth ‘Harris Tweed’ Pack

 
"Vans once again teamed up with Japanese retailer Beauty & Youth. This time they worked on a great collaboration for Fall 2012, giving the Authentic and the Slip-On, two Vans classics, the Harris Tweed treatment. Both sneakers are covered in different Harris Tweed wool patterns with interesting panel design.

Matching the sneakers, Beauty & Youth also produced a 59Fifty and a 8-Panel New Era cap. Look out for a release of the sneakers and the caps in the coming weeks." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Norse Projects x Tricker’s ‘Norse 6 Pack’

"Another coup by Norse Projects and Tricker’s, the exclusive 6 Pack. The Repello Suede Brogue Boots come with a durable Dianite outsole so you’re ready for the outdoors. They are fully leather lined and a have leather insole to finish.  As the name unveils the Scotch Grain Super Boots are made from sublime scotch grain leather on a chunky Vibram morflex sole unit for serious arch and heel support. A super comfortable lightweight option for Fall. Last but not least the Two Tone Super Boots are a top notch casual option with an extremely comfortable crepe wedge sole and two tone suede colour blocking. Finished with hiking laces and speed hook eyelets.

Take a look at all 3 in the picture gallery above.

Available exclusively at Norsestore." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Fun Kitchen Equipment: Nintendo Console Toaster

"This is for sure one of the coolest items we’ve seen so far. This Nintendo Entertainment System Toaster is a fun video game inspired product. It is an actual retro Nintendo console that has been transformed into a fully operational toaster. ‘MyBurningEyes’ from Deviant Art designed this perfect gadget for completing any bachelors kitchen." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

The Wu-Tang Comics That Never Were

"Check out some images, minus the dialogue, that were obtained from a short Wu-Tang comic book that was based on the clan’s Wu-Massacre album featuring Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon. It was never published and never released. The comic book was co-created by art designer Alex Haldi and comic book illustrator Chris Bachalo." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety

Nike Free Run+ 2 Wool Pack

"Nike is preparing to let loose yet another pack of their signature Free Run’s. The wool pack will be featured in three colorways, the wool upper is sure to add some more insulation for those who need it.
The Nike Free Run+ 2 was released last year and quickly became one of the most recognizable sneakers on the market. Keep an eye out for these at your local retailer." - High Snobiety

via High Snobiety