THE FEEL FREE ARTZ GROUP
Thursday, June 30, 2016
FRESH KICKS
Jordan Brand Digs in Its Vault to Release the Air Jordan 14 "Oxidized Green"
Nike Combined the Roshe Run & Tiempo VI in New Model
adidas Originals EQT Support ADV "Clear Pink"
Jordan Brand Introduces the Trainer 1 Shoe
A First Look at the fragment design x NikeLab Air Zoom Lauderdale
Gorillaz Updates Its Classic Music Videos in HD
Out with the old, and in with the new – Gorillaz has, in a way, emerged back onto the scene. Over the past 24 hours, the legendary English act, whose new album is apparently due for 2017, has quietly updated its YouTube channel with High Definition versions of its music videos. Currently featuring new editions of ”Clint Eastwood,” “19-2000″ and “Feel Good Inc.” (with many more to come), each of the band’s visual projects are a fantastical mind-trip, revered for their imaginative animations and graphics. Now go watch them.
Metallica Are the New Faces of Brioni
Brioni’s first creative campaign under newly-appointed director Justin O’Shea features none other than heavy metal pioneers Metallica. The heavily-tattooed O’Shea has tapped the metal veterans’ current lineup: vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, solo guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo, for a campaign that visually references the cover of Queen’s 1975 album Bohemian Rhapsody and features the band in white and black tuxedos.
The campaign also does away with the Italian fashion house’s previous red script logo in favor of an interpretation of the brand’s original Gothic script logo; one which dominated the house’s brand identity from 1955 up until the ’80s. The individual portraits of Hetfield, Hammett, Trujillo and Ulrich also showcase a new Brioni suit style — the Continental — that features wider shoulders and a narrow waist and caters better to larger, more masculine frames.
Check out the macho ad campaign above.
James Bond's Ultra-Rare Rolex Is up for Auction
Like any man of means, owning a Rolex is definitely a sign of prestige. Owning one that once belonged to James Bond though is an entirely different story. On July 18, French auction house Artcurial plans to sell the pre-Daytona chronograph George Lazenby worn by 007 himself in the 1969 Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service as part of its Fine Watches sale. For those who haven’t seen the movie, the timepiece played a stunning role in the beloved action film and remains in great shape despite being nearly 50 years old. What sets it apart from other watches that share its 6238 reference is its unique red second hand instead of stainless steel.
The last James Bond Rolex to go on auction, a Submariner worn in 1973 film Live and Let Die, fetched a pricey $372,000 USD. The estimate for the Daytona is only available upon request but if you want to live a life like James Bond, you’re gonna have to afford it.
Noah Takes the Cycling Cap for a Spin - Flip the visor like Mars Blackmon / Nike Teams up With Zeiss on High Performance Wing Shades
The cycling cap is one of those functional sport garments that has found a niche in streetwear canon: the ribbed caps were initially used for maximized UV protection and hair coverage — the latter providing critical aerodynamic efficiency in races. Noah notes that the headgear is also perfect for runners. Wear one with the visor down for minimum drag; try it visor up and all of a sudden you’re Mars Blackmon.
Noah’s rendition features multicolored or tricolored stripes down the middle available with either the brand’s Core, Winged Foot or Lion of Zion branding on the side. The hats cost $32 USD and are available in-store and online now.
Nike is hoping to elevate its performance eyewear line with the introduction of the Nike Wing: a lightweight pair of shades built with the needs of track and field athletes in mind and inspired by the structure of lightweight tendons found in the wings of birds.
The Wing has been designed to minimize drag and maximize the aerodynamics of runners, primarily by consolidating the shades into a single-body glass designed in tandem with eyewear designers and innovators VSP Global and lens specialists Zeiss.
The resulting design delivers on all fronts: they’re four grams lighter than the average pair of sunglasses, touching the face in fewer places than the competition; the ventilated brow-bar maximizes airflow to reduce fogging during competition; drag has been minimized and aerodynamic flow increased across the board, thanks in part to the peaked crease. Finally, Nike capped off the stealth jet-esque design with a coat of Speed Flash tint, which reduces glare from UV radiation and allows calming red light to flow through, all while providing the shades with a liquid metal look similar to Terminator’s T-1000.
Take a closer look at the frame above and keep an eye out for the Wing when it drops on August 5 over on nike.com.
Could "adidas + KANYE WEST" Be the New Y-3?
When news broke that Kanye West and adidas would be tying the knot with an expansion of their current partnership, it seemed almost inexorable. Here’s a sportswear brand that has both managed to improve its overall sales by upwards of 40% and reclaimed the #2 spot in the U.S. sneaker market in just the first third of the year. So reinforcing its alliance with one of the most influential figures in fashion and entertainment emerged as an obvious next step for a brand that has clearly set its sights on claiming the number one spot. The announcement alone was enough to push adidas stock to a new 52-week high. But what could a partnership touted to be the “most significant partnership between a non-athlete and a sports brand” possibly entail?
For one, adidas is clearly thinking much bigger than footwear, announcing a full-fledged performance line, retail chain and dedicated team for the new venture. This would place West in a category separate from the Three Stripes’ distinguished roster of contributing designers and brands, a move that hasn’t been done on their part since joining forces with storied Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto.
In terms of adidas storylines, West’s and Yamamoto’s narratives aren’t all that different: Yamamoto got his start with the brand designing sneakers, only to later solidify his placement in 2002 with the launch of Y-3. Over the years, the Yamamoto-led imprint has revolutionized the sportswear language with progressive lifestyle apparel, playing a vital role in forging the direction adidas has recently begun to take with its heritage line, adidas Originals. To say Yamamoto has laid the foundation for collaborations with fashion figures like Rick Owens, Raf Simons and Kanye West would be an understatement — Yamamoto has laid the foundation, built the walls and placed the roof on the house that has become home to some of sportswear’s most innovative, collaborative designs.
Since its birth, Y-3 has produced fashion collections that serve as extensions of Yamamoto’s aesthetic featuring adidas branding — never vice versa. Take for instance the fall of 2003, when the duo unveiled their 2004 spring/summer collection: models emerged from the exhaust pipes of a spaceship onto a track-inspired futuristic runway, marching to the sounds of “Beat the Clock” by American rock duo Sparks; faces clad in paint and adidas flags in hand. The clothes too were far from what you would expect a sportswear partnership to turn out, delivering styles that elevated traditional athletic attire using unconventional silhouettes, irreverent designs, future-inspired detailing and splashes of energetic color.
Fast forward to the spring of 2015: guests enter a dimly lit room to witness the most anticipated show of New York Fashion Week, Kanye West’s YEEZY Season 1 collection for adidas Originals. Those in attendance and streaming the event around the globe were greeted by nine rows of male and female models, all standing stoically in line, one after the next, draped in a mix of military-inspired runway and streetwear attire. The presentation heaved the fashion world into a state of frenzy, and served as a precursor and precedent for what followed: including the pandemonium of Yeezy Boost releases, Season 2′s viral presentation, and the takeover of New York City’s Madison Square Garden for West’s biggest fashion show to date.
With work now underway on his fourth YEEZY Season collection, West has proved his ability to not only cultivate interest on the runway, but also reinforce his role as a tastemaker in streetwear with line-stretching crowds for his recent string of The Life of Pablo pop-up shops.
Much like the avant-garde Yamamoto, West has managed to parlay the success of his collaborative sneakers into his very own clothing division. Expectations are high; lest we forget, West once boastfully bellowed, “I done told y’all, all I needed was the infrastructure,” on a diss track directed at his former employer. Sure, the world has seen Kanye West plead his case for an opportunity like this for many years, and we all would love to see what comes from the “greatest living artist and greatest artist of all time.”
Yohji is certainly familiar with these sort of expectations: over the course of 13 years as a brand, Yamamoto has managed to produce 28 seasonal collections for Y-3, all while taking its retail stores international; designing a kit and limited edition boots for FC Real Madrid; developing the first-ever apparel collection for space travel, and introducing an activewear subsidiary of the Y-3 imprint, Y-3 Sport. Considering Yamamoto has managed these accomplishments while helming both his namesake label and Y’s simultaneously throughout, each accolade warrants a bit more clout.
So, can adidas + KANYE WEST set the new benchmark for what it means to be a Three Stripes lifestyle division? Potentially. The distinguished household Yamamoto has built and continues to add onto with Y-3 is present for West and adidas to use as the framework for their new partnership. West has also managed to make waves in the fashion industry since unveiling his first-ever collection in 2011, all the while churning out two solo albums, collaborative albums with Jay Z and the G.O.O.D. Music crew, in addition to overseeing the direction of and starring in two international tours. Not to mention, he has also managed to groom a fleet of creatives into the respected firm that DONDA is today. Imagine what West may be able to accomplish with an additional design team dedicated solely to one facet of his grand vision.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Nike's LeBron Soldier 10 Silhouette Receives The "Think Pink" Theme/ The Nike Air Max 90 and Air Huarache Get A "Bred" Makeover/Anyone Can Be a Shirtless J.R. Smith Thanks to This Cleveland Company's Viral 'Joke'
After LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the franchise’s first championship ever, many paid close attention to King James’ footwear during the iconic Game 7. The introduction of the Nike LeBron Soldier X has sparked a few colorways to be revealed by Nike such as Black/Gum, Multicolored and a special version on NikeID. Next up is a special “Think Pink” edition which is coated in a Vivid Pink dominated upper. The slhouette also hosts a white midsole which rests atop of the same Vivid Pink sole. Other features of the “Think Pink” Nike Soldier 10 are its black Swoosh outlined in Metallic Silver as well as its trio of straps throughout the forefoot and ankle. To finish it off, Kay Yow logos are added to the heel and tongue tabs as well as the sole in representation of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
The Nike Soldier 10 “Think Pink” is currently available in China with no official release set for stateside fans.
The Air Max 95 isn’t the only pair of classic kicks to get a “Bred” makeover. Both the classic Nike Air Max 90 and Air Huarache are also drawing inspiration from the classic Air Jordan 11 colorway. The Air Max 90 features a blacked-out upper with a mesh base and nubuck overlay, which is then wrapped with patent leather. It’s set atop a white midsole with vibrant red around the visible Air unit. The Air Huarache features a similar palette, with an allover black upper, white midsole and red outsole. What do you think of these colorways?
J.R. Smith memorialized the Cavaliers’ NBA Championship by donning nothing but the tattoos on his torso and a pair of basketball shorts. Apparently, the 30-year-old champ remained shirtless for three days after the big win—from the club after holding the Larry O’Brien trophy and up until the Cavs’ victory parade.
Now, thanks to a Cleveland-based company called Fresh Brewed Tees, anyone and everyone can be a shirtless J.R. Smith. The T-shirt company partnered up with the Cavs guard and his tattoo artist to create this hilariously absurd, polyester top. “We did a mock-up of what the shirt would look like as a joke and it went viral,” said Fresh Brewed Tees owner Tony Madalone in a tweet.
The shirts are available to purchase at Freshbrewedtees.com for $35 USD.
FASHION: Willow Smith Is the Face of Chanel's Latest Campaign/ 40oz Van & Vintage Frames Collaborate On An Exclusive Eyewear Collection
French fashion house Chanel has tapped Willow Smith to be the face of its Fall/Winter 2016 eyewear campaign. Despite her young age, the multi-talented 15-year-old has already made her mark in both the world of music and entertainment, so it’s no surprise that Karl Lagerfeld deemed her to be worthy of the title of brand ambassador, joining the likes of Kristen Stewart and Lily-Rose Depp. Featured in a ready-to-wear ensemble and jewelry from the brand’s most recent collection, check out Chanel’s eyewear campaign above.
Long time collaborators, 40oz Van and Vintage Frames, have joined creative forces once again to unleash a vintage-inspired eyewear project. Renowned for his trademark gold-rimmed models, 40oz Van forged a 24k gold-plated model, with Vintage Frames creating four specialty dipped lenses — creating a truly unique eyewear collective. Limited to just 40 frames, each piece is individually numbered with a personally signed authenticity card. The 40oz Van x Vintage Frames Collection will be available exclusively online here as of June 28.
Stephen Curry's Larger-Than-Life Game Now Towers Over an Oakland Freeway in New Mural
Forget — or at least try to forget — the deadeye, dazzling footwork, eagle-eye vision, sleight-of-hand, grit, dedication, et cetera, et cetera, and Stephen Curry isn’t as imposing of a figure as his game makes him seem. But even at 6’3” and 185 pounds, his unprecedented game makes him larger-than-life. He has taken over the league, the world of sports, sportswear and culture.
Everyone’s talking about the back-to-back MVP, but no one has proclaimed their admiration for Curry like Bay Area street art collective, the Illuminaries.
Following last year’s mural, the Illuminaries are back at it with a piece that suits Curry’s larger-than-life stature. Painted on the back of an indoor basketball gym, JamTown, and overlooking interstate 880 in Oakland, the monstrous art piece shows Steph mid-crossover with his Under Armour Curry 2.5s on and the subtle pop of electricity shooting out from the ball.
In the video we hear the artists talk about their inspiration for the mural, location scouting and what Stephen Curry means to the Bay Area. Watch above, and check out how fellow artist MEGGS imaginatively reinterpreted Curry’s game with his paintbush.
PHOTOS BY VAN STYLES "BARE MINIMUN :: KAREN VI" VISUALAPPAREL.COM
Bare Minimum :: Karen Vi
Sometimes it is great to find yourself in an environment with some cool settings or backgrounds. Other times it is fun to just work with something as simple as a blank wall and your subject matter. When shooting with Karen Vi we did get some great outdoor stuff but we also made use of some bare walls at my studio. While not the most complex images they are some of my favorite to create. Maybe it is due to the simplicity of them regardless always make the best your surroundings!
Foot Locker – It’s Real Now
After being drafted, Ben Simmons finally stars in a real Foot Locker commercial. The advice he gets from last year’s top rookies is way more real too.
FILM:
From writer/director Andrea Arnold and starring Sasha Lane, Shia LaBeouf and Riley Keough. AMERICAN HONEY
Westworld is coming to HBO in October 2016.
Arthur Bishop [Jason Statham] returns as the Mechanic in the sequel to the 2011 action thriller. When the deceitful actions of a cunning but beautiful woman [Jessica Alba] force him to return to the life he left behind, Bishop’s life is once again in danger as he has to complete an impossible list of assassinations of the most dangerous men in the world. In theaters August 26, 2016.
The world’s greatest mind faces his greatest challenge. In theaters October 28th.
NEW MUSIC: PUFF DADDY / TORY LANEZ / MAXWELL
Puff Daddy links up with Bobby Shmurda and Rowdy Rebel for the remix to Money Aint A Problem produced Harry Fraud.
Tory Lanez decides to give us a visual for his latest single called Luv. Tory debut album will be out this summer.
Maxwell is back with a brand new single called Gods. This will be featured on Maxwell upcoming album black SUMMERS’ night, due out July 1st.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Jordan Brand Celebrates LeBron's Win With the "Championship" Pack
LeBron James got his third NBA championship title last night with the Cleveland Cavaliers' win over the Golden State Warriors, and Jordan Brand is celebrating with a 2016 re-issue of the "Championship" sneaker pack. Originally inspired by Michael Jordan's back-to-back three peat championship titles, the pack includes two versions of the Air Jordan 8 in festive confetti and bottle popping colorways: the "Champagne" edition (in Light Bone/Metallic Gold-White) and the "Cigar" colorway (seen in Black/Metallic Gold-Anthracite).
Each priced at $250 USD, the Air Jordan 8 Retro "Championship" collection will be dropping June 25 at retailers like Rock City Kicks.
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