Raw Talent: G-Star Raw Announce New Collection from newly appointed Creative Director Aitor Throup

by Keanu Adorable
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Following three successful years as a creative consultant to the brand, G-Star RAW  welcomes Aitor Throup as its Executive Creative Director. The RAW Research collection was born from G-Star’s internal innovation lab, developed and led by the British designer. Focused on experimenting with product design by clashing tradition and innovation, the laboratory symbolises an endeavour to find new ways of crafting denim. The result: the first RAW Research collection.

G-Star RAW continues its innovative take on denim with the latest and most directional capsule collection from to hit select stores early December. Both the studio and the brand are committed to imagining and creating new ways of story-telling through object design and the production of related materials. “My new position at G-Star will also allow me to reflect my approach to product design and story-telling as well as some of the practices and systems which we will continue to utilise within my own studio” said The Royal College of Art graduate.

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By using supreme Italian selvedge denim fabric for every single piece, the capsule collection explores the two polar opposite states in the life of a denim garment: rigid, untreated raw denim on one extreme and bleached-white denim, where only a hint of indigo remains, on the other.

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The artist and designer launched his first collection for G-Star during Paris Men’s Fashion Week in June this year. The 20-piece collection includes a bleached version of the Rackam 3D Tapered jeans and the Rackam bomber, a jacket that can be taken off and conveniently carried on the shoulders through an innovative strapping system.

19 Degrees of seperation, hopefully not with TUMI’s new range

img_0327Whatever time of year it is, one thing you can be sure of always needing is good quality luggage that doesn’t cost you the equivalent of what you paid for your holiday again. International premium luggage brand, TUMI, recently launched 19 Degree, the brand’s first aluminum luggage collection. A masterful combination of form following function, 19 Degree sets new standards in travel accessories; an element of luxury and innovation that elevates not only your journey, but how you are perceived.

It draws inspiration from when the fluid elements of nature and exacting lines in architecture intersect, 19 Degree boasts a contemporary and striking design with strategically sculpted angles set against meticulously-crafted aluminum. These contours highlight the profile of the suitcase and give a sense of fluidity, exuding a boldly distinctive appearance. This modern silhouette blurs the lines between fashion, art and design while transcending the travel experience. It conveys the long- standing notion that travel is not just a utilitarian experience; it emotionally connects travelers to their own unique journeys.
The leading international brand of premium travel, business and lifestyle accessories, announces its launch of 19 Degree, the brand’s first-ever aluminum luggage collection. A masterful combination of form following function, 19 Degree is the pinnacle of travel gear; an element of luxury and innovation that elevates not only your journey, but who you are.
Drawing inspiration from when the fluid elements of nature and exacting lines in architecture intersect, 19 Degree boasts a strikingly modern and cutting-edge design with strategically sculpted angles set against meticulously-crafted aluminum. These contours highlight the profile of the suitcase and give a sense of fluidity, exuding a boldly distinctive appearance. This modern silhouette blurs the lines between fashion, art and design while transcending the travel experience. 19 Degree conveys the long- standing notion that travel is not just a utilitarian experience; it emotionally connects travelers to their own unique journeys.

This premium collection features a reinforced framecase design, it will be offered in the full range of carry-on and check-in sizes, from an International Carry-On through an Extended Trip Packing Case. All styles will feature integrated low-profile TSA locks, TUMI Tracer, retractable molded top and side carry handles wrapped with leather detailing, and a patented X-Brace 45 telescoping handle system crafted from lightweight-yet sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum, which contributes to the reduced weight of the bags.img_0328

Get your Freak on – Diadora X Sneaker Freaker

 

img_0323Sneaker Freaker have come a long way since their launch in Summer, well their Winter, 2002. The iconic Antipodean trainer bible, now translates its triannual issues into Spanish, German and Russian plus is sold in over 50 countries worldwide and I’m sure it’s founder Simon Woods no longer needs to worry about receiving free sneakers anymore.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the publication, heritage Sportwear brand, Diadora has collaborated with the renowned sneaker magazine with the “Taipan” version of an iconic Diadora Sportswear shoe: the V7000.
Sneaker Freaker’s creative take on the Diadora V7000 is inspired by the taipan, a deadly Australian snake. Sandy suede, olive nubuck, reactive 3M hits and venomous violet highlights are a rugged package.

The midsoles are boldly blazed with a gradient mid-foot fade and the debossed ‘snakeskin’ paneling provides extra reptile chic. Another unique twist is the custom branding. Sneaker Freaker reworked Diadora’s classic tongue design, adding the ‘Taipan’ project logo and a golden serpent slithering across the black suede, which replaces the usual Diadora ‘squiggle’.

Flip the shoes over and bold pink fangs mark the V7000’s sole. Custom Taipan packaging represents the stylish touch of this memorable partnership.img_0326

Ohhh the Weather outside is frightful – Let PUMA Ren help

imageWhether it’s a crisp Autumnal weekend walk or on the commune on these increasingly colder mornings, a simple jacket and run of the mill pair of shoes or even trainers, just won’t cut it at the moment. Bless the hearts of those kind souls over at Puma who this season have introduce abrand new winterised silhouette into the collection in the form of the PUMA Ren.

A high-top sneakerboot made with a premium leather upper and neoprene/mesh sock lining, the PUMA Ren features a textured toebox and mudguard, hiking eyelets and a rugged rubber outsole for ultimate durability and resilience during the winter months.

Available in two colourways of black and olive, so is perfect for fitting in with your existing Winter wardrobe. The Ren Boot is geared up for the great outdoors and has no intention of letting the wind or rain change its game plan.image

MCCVIII NOT JUST ANOTHER SNEAKER BRAND BY A RAPPER

img_0308The subject of today’s post, could be described as a contemporary renaissance man, William James Adams, as he is known to his Mother has his fingers in many pies. He attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, which lead in 2001, to him designing his own signature clothing line. In 2011, I.T giant, Intel Corp. named him as director of creative innovation, with input in developing smartphones, tablets and laptops. He also launched a range of lifestyle products created in collaboration with Coca Cola using recycled plastic bottles, called the Ekocycle collection included garments, luggage and bikes all made using waste materials. Now if that wasn’t enough he created the Puls smartwatch, which featured special edition functions and a limited edition designed by the late architect genius, Zaha Hadid.

img_0312Still none the wiser, if I told you he had worked which recording artists as diverse as the wonderful Prince, Britney Spears, Usher, Cheryl Cole, Nicki Minaj and Micheal Jackson. Plus has acted as a judge and mentor on the TV singing talent show the Voice in both U.K. and Australia. What ! So William Adams and Black eyed Peas founding member Will-I-am are one in the same person ?!?!

They are my friend and his latest venture is very much a family affair, with shoe designer brother Carl Gilliam. MCCVIII pronounced “twelve-oh-eight” is a luxury sneaker label. So what, nothing Kanye, Pharrell, Big Sean and Tyga haven’t done before. Well maybe but, there aren’t many names who can say they did it without the backing of a major brand, but Will.i.am can.

img_0310Named after their childhood home address, 1208 Glennfield Court, MCCVIII reflects the brothers’ inimitable style and is inspired by the strong family who championed them whilst growing up in the urban neighbourhood in Boyle Heights, just East of Los Angeles’s Projects. The MCCVIII emblem – featured on the rubber soles of the shoes – was designed for global translation and recognition and shows a pyramid representing the building blocks of life, topped with a capstone, symbolising crowning achievements
img_0307Having debuted at Liberty in December 2015, MCCVIII has made its official launch at Harrods for Winter 2016. The Pharaoh Collection features three distinct silhouettes – Pharaoh High-Top Plates, Pharaoh High-Top and Pharaoh Low-Top. The slightly square-toed sneakers are a style conscious, dressier alternative to the traditional big brand style. The collection is available in a variety of colours, including : Black, Navy and Off White.

Crafted in Portugal, the Pharaoh Collection is constructed from high quality Italian calf leather and Italian nubuck leather with lambskin lining, luxe rubber soles, luxe zippers and waxed shoe laces. The Pharaoh High-Top Plates are accented with 18-carat gold-plated details for a tasteful bolder statement.

img_0309On the decision to launch and expand the brand in the UK, rather than at home in the US, designer Carl comments, “London was the obvious choice as it has always been regarded by my brother and I as the international home of fashion and creativity. So, when the opportunity arose, we jumped at it.”img_0311