September, 2009

I’m sure most of you have heard nothing but Jay-Z this and Jay-Z that all over every blog, but I just could not resist posting this new Rhapsody video advertising Jay’s new album. Regardless if you are a fan or not, the concept of this video is awesome and the producers did an awesome job pulling it off.

Set to dazzle iPhone users with its mastery of form and function, the I.D. case is an impact-resistant, protective case with card-carrying functionality. Like a small wallet, the I.D. case has an ultra-slim and slip-proof slot on the back, to securely hold two credit-card size items — driver’s license, credit or debit card, metro card, key cards and business cards. For security, cards are kept in place with ez-slide™ protective film. The I.D. case also comes with case-mate’s popular screen protector. All colors are now available through the case-mate online store.

This video shows the physical making and shooting of Jay-Z’s latest album cover for the final instalment of the Blueprint trilogy, Blueprint 3. The final image features a series of musical equipment in white, with three red stripes painted across. The sound track to the clip is of course off the album, in fact it’s the first single: ‘Run This Town’ which features Kanye West and Jay-Z discovered artist, Rhianna. The album is now available worldwide in both physical and digital format.

Multi-faceted label Griffin add their fashionista touch to a new collaboration alongside Charge Bikes. Dubbed the Plug Griffin, the fixed gear silhouette features a fully customized limited-edition The Plug model with stylish yet always functional details. Features include: Tange cro-mo single speed frame, Charge Whisk fork, Deep section powder coat rims, Sugino Messenger RD2 crank 42t, Charge Straw bars, Clear Plunger shorty grips, Charge Masher chain, Charge X Griffin Bucket saddle, and Eclat PC pedals. Only 500 units were produced, available now through the Griffin online store, with shipment expected in early October 2009.

Bambu has really hit the scene hard. I know them as a rolling paper company, and we all know we like the green approach to life, but after launching their clothing line we saw a cool approach to art. With retailers like Nordstom and Urban Outfitters, Bambu is a force not to be messed with.

Check out the clothing HERE, along with the rest of their products HERE.

In a day and age of so many problems existing throughout the world, every little bit helps. It is great to see companies that are able to, actually staying and producing local to support the local economy, and even doing their part to protect the planet with eco-friendly material. Here is how local San Diego based company Her Niche is doing their part.

“When a woman purchases a Bagonia, she is purchasing more than a fabulous accessory.
She is purchasing a tool to reduce her carbon footprint and a fashionable way to live an organized life.

All handbags are made in the USA, 100% cruelty-free, made of vegan, organic and eco-friendly textiles,
and reclaimed materials. Every style contains a secret compartment that contains three reusable shopping bags,
making it easier to put an end to the plastic and paper bag plague. Some styles also include
breakaway clutches as well as washable and removable compartmentalized interiors.”

Brighton and Fawkes is a LA based line. With intelligent creative direction from Jacob Claret. Simplicity and thought provoking graphics have proved Brighton and Fawkes to be here to stay. We like these guys and felt you should also give them a look HERE

This is a special limited edition collection of 100% certified organic cotton t-shirts depicting endangered or soon-to-be endangered species. The prints were extracted from National Geographic photography. The species are: Florida Sand Hill Crane, Barn Owl, Cougar, Mission Blue Butterfly, Jaguar, Wolf and Bald Eagle. A portion of proceeds will go to 1% for the Planet, benefiting Defenders of Wildlife. Exclusively at Barneys New York stores nationwide or online at BarneysNewYork.com

Wow, these are awesome, with a unique look they are definitely one of a kind. Manik, a Seattle based skateboard company recently released their new Wood Sunglasses- they come with an option of clear or dark lenses and are currently available online at Stless.

It is always neat to see an idea through someone else’s view or in this case, through their lens. World renowned photographer Rip Zinger is back with another project, after his highly successful release with Stussy last year, “West Americanized Tour”. This time Rip gives us a look into New York’s city life and also some skateboarding throughout the city.