hot minute
now thats what i call a review - Jason Markk

L: not-so-fresh R: FRESHNESS
Go check out YuMing aka Liquidrice's review of Jason Markk's sneaker solution
You know how a sneakerhead rolls when his "rain shoes" are a pair of Stash AF1's (then again, he's head-honcho of Freshness). So after a day of cats and dogs, he puts his pair of Stashes to the Jason Markk test and comes out tops.
Daayum...i wish i had some of that prime Markk juice for free as well (as if that isn't big enough of a hint/plea/sucking up) ha!
******
Richardson's back
Sisley

The man with the Midas shutter does it again for Sisley. Not as risque as previous, but the vibe is still unmistakable Terry
Asia Argento - GQ

Did i say not as risque? Well, looks like he reserved it for the best. Following those hot-hot shots of J-Alba for GQ, these flicks of Asia are straight up awesome!
*
More than meets the eye - Foxy Lady
Finally caught the Transformers movie yesterday, and boy, if them movie people (or peeps who know them) are reading this, fear not about ticket sales: its been weeks after the opening and i'm still fighting to get seats for a morning show! And after watching it, fret not, i'll probably be contributing to the aftersales market for a DVD, haha!
The only reason its getting fewer screens are the deluge of other movies. Besides the hype about the "1-18-08" trailer, it was great to finally have a smash-boom-bang bona-fide blockbuster. I mean DieHard 4.0 was ok, but i couldn't deal with the sequence with the VTOL fighter jet - John McClane's super, but not that super. Sure the sequences and characters in Transformers are pretty cliche, but at least thats how i remember them from the animated series.
Of course there was the thing about Megan... how hot is this?

Not the first time she's in my blog, won't be the last for sure...

Megan Fox by Francis Hill. Now go right click, set as desktop, and drool
*******
Vandals circa 1972
Thanks for Steven Vogel for the spot. Check out these vintage docu footage about vandalism in 1972. Its written by Andy Rooney (yep, true vintage, ha)
Part 1

Part 2

Part 3


laters

walkaboutII - 7 heralds of Galactus
Couldn't keep a restless soul down, i popped out for a short walk around town. Picked up a couple of stationery and a handy moleskine. Really hardy stuff, think i'll run through 'em soon enough. Weather seemed fair enough to venture a short jaunt across the streets to Surrender
Simon Birch @ SRNDR
Ground level gallery taken up by busts done by Simon Birch. They were previously displayed at NAFA gallery for his recent exhibition "Azhanti's High Lightning".

Pretty cool to see them up close, though i'd love to see that gigantic 4metre Galactus bust (hah) and those photo prints

Not sure how long they'll be "hanging" around, but do check it out if you're in the area
*
One hot minute

It dropped
And disappeared in one hot minute. Surrender x Base Control Full Black Swarovski Skull
The Alan Forbes skull print is much hotter than the John Willie Bizarre print, imo, and its FULL of bling
Damn, so it goes...

---

The Mad TEE party
Theres Mad Hatter, and then theres me, a poisoned tee-fanatic
Futura Labs iconography

Not exactly a new drop, but seeing the iconography is breath-taking. Available now on accessories as well...sick
*
S2C x NBHD

New NBHD collab print - looks pretty good. Somewhat like the "fight alone" and anniversary imagery
S2C "Yo Vinny"

This one is looking cute. I believe its a retro of the vintage "Yo Vinny" photo tee. Hmm, i think i may have to break my vow of not buying tees anymore (a vow which lasted 2 days i think, lol)
*
BAPE retro prints

speaking of retro prints, BAPE brings out their 4 most recognisable graphics and pays tribute in silver and gold foil ink. My fave is the "General Made" image, it has always been elusive for me. Can anyone help with a black/gold tee? (double damn, there goes my vow again, hah)
*
bbc

BBC have not been on my radar for the longest time, but this made me sit up. That girlie pic is too familiar, could it be... Rockin'JellyBean? Need more info here, but if so, hot-damn it could save them from looking like a 60's milkshake deli menu and put some "oomph" into the label.

---

Randomz
And in other news, proof that there is a God and he answers prayers: Jessica Alba has dumped her bf

Not that i have a chance, but if God answers the first prayer...hmm

walkabout - knowitnothing

lets get lost T; 'southwest soil' lEvis; vsvm Serra
Weather's been typical lately: rain and shine within hours. Got some time to kill yesterday and stopped by Eugene's at Know It Nothing. Haven't managed to get down to it since their opening last month, glad i got off my lazy ass to do it this time. Its situated in the historic nighborhood of Kampong Glam, alongside several niche boutiques of Haji Lane. Shamefully, i felt like a tourist venturing in and around the tiny lanes and five-foot walkways. Being sited off the usual tourist trap of city centre also means i get to do some random exploring - something i never do enough of. Weekdays in the area is always quiet and serene-like, you do everything almost slow-motion here. And it is just as well, coz if you walk too fast, you might just miss the little nooks and crannies of the place.

I almost missed the shop itself while gazing at the vintage shophouse facade. In through the heavy white doors and i get greeted by a well-maintained (well, its new) interior. Current collections of ObdeientSons, CalloftheWild, BuiltbyWendy, Colab and PAM eyewear (no Potter specs though) on display. Well thought-out use of space, especially in the courtyard:

Check out the warm natural lighting and layout. The JulianRed's and Rad&Bone denims seems to be doing well. The labels are decidedly slightly off the mainstream, and have a UK/Aussie feel to it.

The ground level space houses clothing and accessories while the 2nd level is devoted to footwear and also functions as a gallery space.

A very cosy atmosphere derived from the woody decor and mood lighting greets those who trek up the stairwell. Current releases from NB, Vans, Umbro Kim Jones, Nike on display, expect lots more (co)labels and (exclusive)designs to follow. I got mails from folks interested in the previous post on PF Flyers footwear, you guys can get them here very soon.


Check out the MMA prints on the wall, owner Suraj is a big fan. A sly shot of the camera-shy Eugene. Chill-out dude for sure, great guy to chat with (go ask him for free beer, LOL)

Last shot of the ceiling fans, i like the vintage look. I'd recommend to drop by for a visit, theres lots more in store from the KIN crew.
Know It Nothing
51 Haji Lane Singapore 189244
phone: 6392 5475
opening hours: Monday to Saturday 1pm to 8pm

---

randomz
Took some random shots of SG's very own Gotham city building: ParkView Square

Its said to have one of the highest office rental in town, and i can understand why with the oppulent decor on both the inside and out. Bronze and gold statues prop up around the building facade, i've read about gargolyes as well on the roof tops(!)

I like the symmetry of the building and its grandeur definitely stands out among the usual staid look of commercial office space.

NB ST33 part3: Fanzine

Last friday saw the release of the third instalment of the SuperTeam33 collection from NB. Sporting a "fanzine" theme, it is decidedly more interesting in the design underlay than its visual aspect. The publication has its origins from the American literary groups during the 19th century, where interest groups did the prints themselves to share among like-minded people. The idea of fan publications grew and exploded throughout Europe with punk and mod fanzines, offering a countercultural alternative to the established print media. This collection offers the same craftmanship and dedication put into the footwear as the traditional self-printed, photocopied and stapled fanzine copy.


While the previous 2 ST33 themes explored the exotic colors and materials inspired by aquatic life, this European incarnation draws parallels from popular culture. On first impression, the colors do not stand out like the 1st edition "Clownfish Nemo" or "Butterfly Fish". But theres a reason for this: the full grain leather has been treated with aniline, a tribute to the original methods of Hektograph printing using aniline dyes. The leather remains rich and supple, truly soft to the touch - you have to feel and wear it in person to understand this. Indigo is also one of the most common color dyes used for fanzines (hence my bias toward that pair, ha) The shoes also feature punch perforations on the vamp, that when coupled with the printed dots on the midsole, are intended to symbolize the heaviliy inked dots of the "period" key from the oldstyle typewriters fanzine writers punch out on.


The inner liner and footbed feature prints of "do it yourself" in various languages and typefont. They illustrate the global concept of the nature of fanzines and the ST33 collection.

Gripes
While the overall concept of the collection seems sound, i stand with those who feel this is weakest of the 3 collections and their individual pairs released so far. As a collection concept, i think it is a good connection. NB classics fans have always been a different bunch compared to the mainstream schools of hype, its more about the heritage, the story, design and execution that pulls us in. In fact the concept of fanzines is great considering the current media-age of blogging and webzines.

IMO, what really is lacking is the execution. I'm not expecting Roy Lichtenstein dots on a midsole (which i did mention a month back. seriously it would be a cool "pop art" design pack to do, maybe a MOMA pack?) But for a shoe that wants to latch on to the DIY idea, why not incorporate a little element of customizing - stencils/scratch prints on the under-utilized heel counter or "Big N" for a personalized pair, wouldn't that be a good tribute to the NB fan? or special-dye/monogram print laces? or a separate material like crushed leather (possibly to sybolize the paper effect)etc
Not really asking for OTT bells & whistles like the other brands, but the top 10 NB collabs/designs have always been well thought-out stuff

Footnote
In case you haven't noticed, there hasn't been much "exclusive" NB news lately. Not that yours truly has been out of touch, but its the same for the rest of the hypedom. And its the way to go forward. Leaks have been hurting the efforts of marcomm for too long now. In fact, this ST33 release is prolly suffering from the impact of unauthorized release info. Too much too soon, and all you get is spam and disinterest. Done the right way with proper guidance, and you;ll get the right hit (case in point: Thomas I Punkt) I'm all for the new directives, but fret not about missing out, good things will always come to those who wait (and pay attention to details) Whenever i can, i'll let on on the latest developments for the faithful readers out there (yep, all 5 of you, lol)

---

days off

nbhd sweat, 45rpm denim, nb576 ma-1
Perhaps its the work nature, but finally being able to take a break from it all means i'm always itching to do something - an oxymoron eh? So i went shopping for new digs. Sadly i'm not made of money like the mates up on TheList, where DiorHomme, CDG, Soph suits are the de rigeur workwear, so i gotta be content with high streets sales rack instead, ha
PFF

Dropped by Mr A's for a lunch catch up. Been a while since we chatted at length, and its interesting that we both experienced changes as well. Saw these PF Flyers at the couch and thought they look pretty good, esp the ladis range. Still kinda niche in the local market, but i do think there is a possibility of good shelf space for them to the right eyes
dutch gift

Its always nice to know that good friendships can come out of working relations. Lots of people always say its impossible to have good friendships at work, due to the tensions and politics etc. I'm glad to have a bunch of great mates who offer their hand of friendship across thousands of miles. Big guy Max sent me these 2 typical Dutch treats, Hagels and Strropwaffels, as a memento. Sometimes it doesn't have to be expensive stuff, and i'm more than happy to receive them to remember him by. But theres more, he and others have extended invitations for me and the gf to visit, stay and tour with them in future, now thats friends!
*
N7 pintuck

New release by Nexus7 - pintuck shirts. Really looking spiffy...hmm, think those will look lovely at work, heh

---

Randomz
WWF billboard
Creative use of the sun to form part of the message

Check it out in action:

*
Zack Kim plays 2 guitars - at the same time
So i'm searching for vids of Simpsons on youtube and i come across this kid

Spectacularly dumb-founded at his tapping skills, he does quite a few awesome renditions, and like Nik, i'm amazed by his Super Mario. But my sentimental fave is the love theme from Cinema Paradiso:

Some may say its like piano playing, but its huge gap in difference between that and what he's doing. I doubt theres many out there that can do it like Zack!
*
Emma

I can't believe i've missed so many blockbusters this summer...managed to catch the Potter last week. Pretty ok i guess, but for those that have not, be sure to catch the moment where the cam captures Ginny looking at Harry (you won't regret it once you read Potter 7). But theres too little screen time for Emma, damn she's looking hot lately, and i do think she's legal now, so heres a hollywood peek: