MEDICOM TOY x AMIREX – Dry Carbon Fiber BE@RBRICK 400%

"This past summer we previewed an all-aluminum version of MEDICOM Toy‘s BE@RBRICK made with the help of the skilled craftsman at Japan’s Amirex. Now the duo is back with a Dry Carbon Fiber version of the iconic bear in a 400% size. Made with the same composite that is commonly found in aircraft and cars, this cutting-edge dual-weave take on the iconic figurine stands tall at just over 280mm and is set for a mid-December release. Just like its aluminum kin, this Carbon Fiber Bearbrick is minimalist in appearance with branding appearing under its paws and is cast of only carbon fiber before being hand finished to ensure the highest quality finish. These are limited in numbers and will be available at the project 1/6 online store beginning December 19, 2012.

Release Date: December 19, 2012 (Wednesday)" - Freshness

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New Balance M574KNR

"Going in a totally different direction than the New Balance x DJ Mars Holiday Pack we previewed earlier today, this M574KNR is more than an attention-grabber, it’s an attention-thief. Based on the M574, which was born and bread as a runner, this take showcases NB’s ability to produce a quality and creative sneaker. It is built with a mixture of mesh, leather, and suede in a grayish brown up top while the brand’s signature ENCAP technology in a neon green takes care of providing you with a comfortable and supportive ride underneath. A set of matching neon laces and stitching around the branding complete the look. Look for these now at Vegas’ Feature Sneaker Boutique.

Feature Sneaker Boutique
3735 Spring Mountain Road #205 | Map
Las Vegas, NV, 89102
TEL #: 702-463-3322" - Freshness

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Minimal Sneaker Throw Pillows By MSTRPLN®

"Toronto Based multi-disciplinary designer Stefan Dukaczewski a.k.a. MSTRPLN® has released a line of throw pillows as part of his ongoing Minimal Sneaker Project, mimicking iconic eighties and early nineties sneaker designs. Cut and sewn by hand from 100% spun polyester poplin fabric, each cover comes in three sizes (16″ x 16″, 18″ x 18″ and 20″ x 20″) and features a double-sided print and a concealed zipper. Click through the gallery and try guessing the sneakers.

Maybe you want to check out the corresponding iPhone cases released earlier this year. See them here and here." - High Snobiety

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UNIONMADE x Harris Tweed – Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

"Following up their venture into the automotive world with Kahn Design’s Land Rover, Harris Tweed teamed up with UNIONMADE this Fall/Winter season to produce a range of cold weather apparel and accessories. Integrating the world-renowned, hand-woven Scottish Harris Tweed into a range of vests, button-down shirts, pea-coats varsity jackets, tote bags, pocket squares, and ties, the collection represents the best of both brands’ connection to authentic style and reliable design. Many of the pieces are complemented with leather detailing, including elbow patches, straps, and pocket trim, along with carved wooden buttons and durable hardware. The entire Fall/Winter 2012 Collection from Unionmade and Harris Tweed is available now online and at Unionmade retail locations around the globe." - Freshness

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Mercedes-Benz – “NEXT A-Class” Japanese Anime Campaign | Video

"If you’re an internationally recognized automaker and you want to break into the Japanese market with your latest high-end ride, you probably can’t go wrong with anime. Well, that’s exactly what Mercedes-Benz did with their latest video, with one of Japan’s biggest stuidios, Production I.G., taking on the animation work, Yoshiyuki Sadamoto of Neon Genesis Evangelion fame designing the characters, and Miyuki Sawashiro lending the vocals. Unlike the rest of the industry’s commercials, which are recycled from those played in Europe and the United States, this type of targeted marketing at a younger, upper middle-class driver is obviously a move that the German brand is counting on to work. The plot of the video is a little silly with an A-Class chasing a noddle truck, but – hey – we’re talking about here so it looks to be working just fine. View it after the click." - Freshness

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BMW M: The Making of an M Print

"Capable of a 0 to 60 sprint time of 4.1 seconds, the all new BMW M6 Coupe has rubber-burning power that leaves a lasting impression, both figuratively and literally. Those literal impressions were captured for M fans worldwide, taking the form of tire tread autographs captured by Matt Mullins, chief driving instructor at the BMW Performance Driving School. Matt admits to driving in variously unique circumstances, but never one this strange: namely, driving across paper while ink is sprayed onto the rear tires as the vehicle accelerates from 0 to 60. See how BMW engineers transformed the M6 Coupe into a mobile printing press in the video below." - Freshness

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Nike Roshe Run Premium NRG

"Nike will be closing out the debut year for the Roshe Run with a couple of premium looks in Khaki/Sail & Anthracite/Metallic Platinum. The Roshe Run Premium utilizes premium textile overlays and a reinforced nylon toe, while oilcloth and waterproof nubuck add to the sneakers water-resistant capabilities.

The Roshe Run Premium should be available soon at Nike Sportswear retailers worldwide." - High Snobiety

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KAWS Companion Balloon for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – A Closer Look

"Thanks to Arrested Motion and KAWS himself, here is a closer look at this years KAWS Companion Balloon that was featured in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Measuring a staggering 40 feet, the KAWS Companion Balloon will simply make your jaw drop. Companion’s creator, Brian Donnelly, was taken back as well — you can see him taking photos of his own in the gallery above." - High Snobiety


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Bicycle Taxidermy – Commemorate Your Ride

"Regan Appleton of the Royal College of Art has created a “loving and lasting solution for your mechanical bereavement.” The idea itself is pretty simple, to mount your bike handlebars on a wooden plaque along with an epitaph saying whatever you wish.

The bars can be mounted on either a scorched or bleached European oak plaque sealed with natural beeswax, a few 22mm or 28mm chromed fixing brackets, and a wall mount. Once done, hang it up above your fireplace like a pair of deer antlers to recall your steed’s good old days that are gone but not forgotten.

Take a look at the gallery above and head over to Bicycle Taxidermy to commemorate your ride." - High Snobiety

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MISSIONWORKSHOP – Pop-Up Shop | Tokyo

"Few of the hard working men from MISSIONWORKSHOP won’t be home for Thanksgiving this day. Rather, they’ve all relocated halfway across the globe in Japan, albeit temporary, for the opening of MISSIONWORKSHOP Pop-Up Shop Tokyo. For about a week’s time, the shop will take over part of vic2 Bikkutsu, an outdoor sports equipment store in the Tokyo suburb of Musashino. Similar to its 40 Rondel Place flagship store back in San Francisco, the Pop-Up Shop will offer all of MISSIONWORKSHOP’s best selling products, including the ARKIV System Bags, the Monty Rolltop Bag, and Advanced Projects backpacks. A welcoming reception will take place this Friday, November 23rd, and the shop will be opening daily from 11 am to 8 pm till Sunday, December 2nd.

MISSIONWORKSHOP Pop-Up Shop Tokyo
vic2 Bikkutsu
1-8-8 Kichijōji Minamicho | Map
Musashino-shi, Tokyo Japan
TEL #: +0422-24-6426

Opening Dates: November 23rd, 2012 (Black Friday) – December 2nd, 2012 (Sunday) | 11 am – 8 pm" - Freshness

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More/Real Sharpie Stylus Caps

"The More/Real Stylus Caps turns a Sharpie, a Bic, or a Pilot Fineliner into a touchscreen stylus that works with any capacitive touch screen. Most styluses with rubber tips have a bouncy or squishy feel, making it difficult to do precise things like taking hand-written notes or sketching. More/Real designed an all-new tip, exclusive to Stylus Caps, called Firm Tips. Firm Tips eliminate most of that bounce, making Stylus Caps feel more solid and precise.

Normal touchscreen styluses are useless if their tips break or wear down from use. More/Real’ Firm Tips are designed to be replaceable, saving you money and your Stylus Cap from a trip to the landfill.

For more information and to purchase these Stylus Caps please visit More/Real." - High Snobiety

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atmos x New Balance CM996 AM “Face Off 3″

"Japanese retailer atmos has once again teamed up with New Balance, presenting the 3rd chapter to their Face Off coop for Holiday 2012.

The two have worked on the CM996 running shoe as part of the collection, adding a series of different materials, colors and effects to the upper, including exotic reflective leathers and glow in the dark features.

The atmos x New Balance CM996 AM “Face Off 3″ sneaker will be released at atmos mid December 2012." - High Snobiety

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Nike Sells Cole Haan to Apax Partners for $570 Million

"Following their divestment of Umbro last month, today Nike official announced it has reached an agreement to sell Cole Haan. Apax Partners will pay $570 million USD for the brand, with the transaction expected to be complete in early 2013.

“The decision to divest of Cole Haan allows us to sharpen our focus on opportunities with the highest potential for strong returns, and to make sure the brands within the NIKE, Inc. portfolio are the most complementary to the NIKE Brand,” said NIKE, Inc. President & CEO Mark Parker.

Apax has extensive experience in fashion apparel, footwear and accessories through current and previous investments including Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. For the Cole Haan venture Apax is partnering with Jack Boys, who led the revitalisation of Converse, achieving significant growth in sales from $150 million to over $1 billion during his tenure as CEO." - High Snobiety

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UNIONMADE x Golden Bear Double Breasted Pea Coat

"UNIONMADE and San Francisco’s Golden Bear have teamed up this season to produce this handsome looking Double Breasted Pea Coat. Made by Golden Bear in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill district, this cold weather jacket is crafted from authentic hand woven Scottish Harris Tweed for a new take on the classic pea coat. The Harris Tweed outer is complemented by leather detailing and elbow patches and carved wooden buttons. Available now at UNIONMADE retail locations and the UNIONMADE online store for $590 USD." - Hypebeast

via Hypebeast

The Making of the size? x Staple Design x New Balance ‘Black Pigeon’

"One of our favorite menswear shops, size?, recently had the opportunity to visit New Balance‘s Flimby factory to learn the process firsthand behind the making of their very own “Black Pigeon” model. The factory is home to New Balance’s renowned “Made in England” range and employs over 200 dexterous workers. Between 6,500 and 7,000 shoes are put together each week – all by hand – an impressive feat by any measurement.

Take a look at the gallery above to see the process behind the shoe’s creation from the premium leather being cut to the stitching of the tongue.

The shoe drops this Saturday, November 17th at size? Carnaby Street, Paris, Manchester, Covent Garden, Liverpool, Leeds, Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow, Nottingham and online." - High Snobiety

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Nike Sneaker Illustrations by Jack Stocker

"Jack Stocker is an illustrator with an interesting take on sneakers. Created as part of his final project for college, this set of six illustrations is a unique interpretation of Nike footwear and more specifically the Nike Air range.

Clean and minimal, the illustrations strip away the detail within the shoes, forcing the viewer to focus on the basic parts of the silhouette and the iconic colors that create it. Jack selected the Air Max 1, Air Max 90, Air Max 180, Air Huarache LE, Air Flow and Air Max Light for this project.

Head over to The Daily Street for an exclusive interview with the artist."- High Snobiety

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Manufacturing the Porsche Crest | Video

"The artisans at Porsche Classic are reproducing the brand’s iconic crests for the Porsche 356 or early 911s, using the same materials and colors from the original versions. To get it right, experts delved into the origin of the crest, which dates back to a meeting in 1952 between Ferry Porsche and U.S. importer Max Hoffman in which they discussed a quality seal for the Type 356. That same year, advertising manager Herrmann Lapper and designer Franz Xaver Reimspieß created the preliminary design that’s still used today. The composition features a gold shield, at the center of which is the horse from the official coat of arms of Stuttgart, as well as the name of the city. Surrounding the emblem are red and black state colors, along with antlers from the crest of Württemberg-Hohenzollern. The reproduced crests must undergo the same quality tests as the original, including a simulation of a stone impact test using a ballistic firing range at the Research and Development Centre in Weissach, as well as 240 hours in a salt spray chamber. The care that goes into making the badge is testament to Porsche’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Check out the video below." - Freshness

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Buyer’s Guide: 10 Great Coffee Table Books

"Christmas Season is here and also the annual gift shopping is on our to do list. It is not always easy to find a suitable present. We think with a good coffee table book you can never go wrong. The recently released book by Kate Moss about Kate Moss, or “Places and Spaces….” by Pharrell Williams feel like a great present. But see for yourself and check the selected coffee table books after the jump..." - High Snobiety


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New Balance 574 ‘Infrared’

 

"The ‘infrared’ color certainly is one that resonates with sneaker heads. Nike has certainly made this color iconic, but it looks like New Balance has put it to use as part of these new 574s that have just surfaced. The suede and mesh shoes feature a combination of the red-ish color, along with grey and black. What do you guys think of NB’s use of the ‘infrared’ color for these?

Check for these at select NB retailers such as Feature." - High Snobiety

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UNDERCOVER J4210-1 Gore-Tex Parka

"The name Jun Takahashi usually conjure up images of fantastical and sometime near impractical fashion designs. This jacket isn’t one of them. In an updated Black Watch tartan print, the J4210-1 Gore-Tex Parka by Takahashi’s UNDERCOVER brand elaborates on the parka design with a snorkel collar and hood. Near to waterproof yet breathable thanks to its Gore-Tex construct, the parka does feature a slight avant-garde feel to its design, especial from the four covered “port holes” on front. Running vertically next to the placket, UNDERCOVER calls them “access windows” instead and where the content within the front pockets, such as mobile phone, can be easily recognize. There is also a larger “access window” over the interior pocket. The UNDERCOVER J4210-1 Gore-Tex Parka is available now at select UNDERCOVER retail locations worldwide, such as HAVEN in Canada. The outerwear is also available on HAVEN’s online store as well." - Freshness

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New Balance 996 Spring/Summer 2013 Preview

"We’ve given you a look at a small selection of New Balance’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection including a 998 and a set of some really solid 999s, but this time around, we give you a look at a pack of some rather colorful 996s. Each sneaker is comprised of some buttery soft suede and mesh with each receiving almost Skittle-like bright colors including purple, blue, and green perfect for the bright and sunny season.

Check for these at NB retailers next season." - High Snobiety

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KAWS x MTA – New York City Subway Train Takeover

"Joining the likes of Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami and Keith Haring, Brian Donnelly (better known as KAWS) is the latest artist to design a float for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. KAWS is engineering the campaign for the event as well, resulting in a makeover for this MTA subway shuttle. Specifically, it’s the S train that receives the special design treatment, in which KAWS’ Companion character — joined by Smurfs, Hello Kitty and Santa Claus — adorns both the interior and exterior of three entire cars. New Yorkers commuting between Grand Central Station and Times Square will want to keep their eyes peeled for this special ride." - Freshness

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All Tweed Everything: A Guide to Fall’s Essential Fabric

"Last week we brought you up to speed on the history of flannel and this week we’ll do the same for tweed. Now that the clocks have gone back an hour and the days are getting shorter, it’s time to bust out the warm wool. Just like flannel, the historic fabric has its roots in the cold, damp Scottish countryside. It’s original name, in fact, was “tweel” which is Scots for “twill” because of its twilled construction.
It’s come a long way since and you can now dress head-to-toe in nothing but tweed while staying in a 5-star tweed-lined hotel and listening to your music through tweed headphones. Take a look below to see how the fabric has made its way across borders and oceans over the past few centuries..." - High Snobiety

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size? x Staple Design x New Balance 577 ‘Black Pigeon’

"Today we get a first look at the latest collaboration between UK retailer size?, Staple Design and New Balance – together they present the New Balance 577 ‘Black Pigeon’.

“Celebrating 30 years of manufacturing at New Balance’s UK factory in Flimby, Cumbria, the size? x Staple Design x New Balance 577 utilises a mixture of handpicked premium materials throughout. With the ‘Black Pigeon’ toughened up on his travels, the shoe features a heavy-duty construction with a honeycombed Ripstop Nylon toe-box and robust leather paneled upper. Not forgetting the creature comforts, a soft pink felt lines the inner and adds extra warmth.”

The size? x Staple Design x New Balance 577 ‘Black Pigeon’ will be available in limited numbers from size? Carnaby Street, Paris, Manchester, Covent Garden, Liverpool, Leeds, Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow, Nottingham and online on Saturday 17th November 2012." - High Snobiety

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The Birds & The Beasts- 11.03.12

"On fun discoveries over at Designercon today - there are some fun cards from The Birds & The Beasts. I love this Telekinesis Congrats card - and the adorable die cut I’m Sorry card on the next page. Apparently - “The Birds and the Beasts is a collaborative effort between illustrator/designer/toy collector Christopher Lee and writer /impulse baker/blog junkie Kristine Songco. When we’re not busy making cartoons (Kristine), drawing monsters (Chris), playing with our dog (both), or cleaning up Kristine’s messes (Chris [duh]), we make cards for all you lovely people!” Take a peek at my favorites on the next page..." - Notcot

via Notcot

HONDA N-ONE

"Words like “cute” and “adorable” are regularly thrown around in any description of the Honda N-One, and these images of the microcar clearly demonstrate why. The vehicle is built to the standards of Japan’s kei cars, which benefit from Japan’s tax and insurance breaks for the particularly tiny class of cars. Under the hood is a 660cc three-cylinder motor that comes in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions, mated to a continuous variable transmission in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive setups. The N-One packs four doors and room for four passengers, with a gas tank located under the front seats to allows the use of a folding rear Magic Seat, similar to the Honda Fit. Pricing starts at 1,150,000 yen (about $14,400USD), with an asking price of 1,707,750 yen ($21,300USD) attached to the four wheel drive configuration. Check out more looks in the gallery below." - Freshness

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ILLEST X BEATS STUDIO HEADPHONES

"California-based streetwear brand Illest has partnered once again with Beats by Dr. Dre, resulting in a set of Studio headphones finished in a distinctive Nike-inspired grey safari print. The signature Beats logo appears in contrast gold on the sides for a premium look, while Illest branding in white reoccurs throughout. Limited to a quantity of 200, the dual-branded headset is scheduled to launch November 17th, available through Illest’s Los Angeles, San Francisco and online stores, as well as the Beats flagship in New York. Just 50 units will be in stock at each location so you’ll want to be quick.

Release Date: November 17th, 2012 (Saturday)" - Freshness

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Watch Jimmy Kimmel’s iPad Mini Commercial

"Jimmy Kimmel has posted his version of an Apple commercial for the new iPad mini aka “a bigger, but not gigantic, iPod you cannot talk on.” Enjoy, suckers." - High Snobiety

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Nike Free Woven NRG – Another Look

"The other day we gave you a first look at the exciting new Nike Free Woven NRG, a sneaker that combines the Nike Woven upper with a Free 3.0 outer sole. A perfect combination in our mind, the mixed leather and synthetic woven upper also came out beautiful.

Look out for a global release at select Nike Sportswear retailers November 2012, includingSOTO Berlin." - High Snobiety

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The History of Flannel and a Range of Picks from Classic to Contemporary

"For some reason it’s not surprising that the history of flannel takes us way back to the 17th century in the Scottish Highlands. Back then, farmers wore the warm garment to protect themselves from the harsh elements that characterize the historic region. Today, the word flannel is used interchangeably with plaid or tartan, even though the word flannel deals with the actual fabric as opposed to its associated pattern. The warm fabric has come a long way since its humble beginnings and is now found everywhere from shirts and skirts to bedding and pajamas. Take a look below as we trace flannel’s history to see how it got to where it is today..." - High Snobiety

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