KAWS & MEDICOM

Sak for Converse First String

In yet another display of exquisite craftsmanship, Ryusaku Hiruma of Sak releases his second lineup for Converse's premium label, First String. His old-world interpretations of the classic Jack Purcell and One Star 1974 speak to the enduring legacy of the brand and artistry of shoemaking. Mastering traditional Italian techniques, Hiruma has made Florence, Italy, his home for a decade.

The uppers—in timeless, natural shades of off-white and black—are hand-stitched down to the insole. Logos and finely perforated details are also rendered by hand. Like a fine dress shoe, the handsome soles are constructed of leather playfully printed with the details you'd find on a rubber sole, and the cut-out star on each lace (also leather) echoes the inimitable character of Converse.

Dropping this month, each model in the Sak for Converse collection is limited to 64 pairs, each in men's sizes 7-11. The Jack Purcell comes in off-white with a tan toe cap and will sell at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City and Canvas in California. The One Star, in black, will sell at Concepts, Converse specialty stores in Massachusetts and Blends in California. Prices are $600-$700.

via: coolhunting.

You ready fo' dat DUVAL DITTY?

Marie Jo L'Aventure by A.F. Vandevorst

Belgian lingerie label Marie Jo L'Aventure breaks new ground this A/W 2010 when it launches an intriguingly minimalist collaboration with fellow countrymen, the fashion label A.F. Vandevorst. The six-piece collection,named Marie Jo L'Aventure by A.F. Vandevorst, is an exercise in how to approach form from a different perspective, harnessing tactile materials, print technology and a modular approach to highlight and enhance the female silhouette.

While this first collaboration falls closer to home, Marie Jo L'Aventure design manager Fabienne Dewulf explains they aim to work with "international guest designers [that] come from various sectors of the artistic community, including the visual arts, photography, product design, choreography and music."

Given free rein to experiment to conceive lingerie of the future, designers An Vandevorst and Filip Arickx worked with a specially designed three-dimensional wooden form—dubbed "piéce unique"—to develop a set of modular felt corsages that work as the base for additional pieces, which can be added using simple copper slit-pins.

"We believe in the return of authentic, handmade creations," says Arickx. Choosing wood for the mannequin makes for a warmer, less clichéd vision than its buxom plastic counterpart. The fabric on first take appears to be a coarse felt, but is actually a super soft technical material printed with a true-to-life photograph of felt, creating a striking trompe l'oeil effect.

Marie Jo L'Aventure by A.F. Vandevorst includes a versatile range of options—from a sensual double-bra that layers a transparent triangle top underneath opaque demi cup, to A.F. Vandevorst's own take on the corsage with a transparent tulle body.

The collection will sell from specialty stores beginning mid-September 2010.

via: coolhunting.

It'll Be Better

The world's first HTML5 embeddable album, Francis and the Lights' It'll Be Better site simplifies the music listening process for Apple's new less Flash-friendly digital world. Developed by Muxtape founder Justin Ouellette, he created it specifically to play on the iPad and new iPhone 4, which otherwise can't stream most music because of the operating system's lack of Flash support. And, with this new site and the introduction of iOS 4, listeners can enjoy the album while simultaneously using other applications.

An elegant solution for promoting music, the It'll Be Better site allows you to hear the full album, embed it anywhere on the web, watch the video for "Darling, It's Alright" (which looks gorgeous on iPads), and download tracks directly from iTunes onto your device.

via: coolhunting.

Flood Tide

Using a real event to tell a fictional story, "Flood Tide" chronicles the open water adventure of four musicians who build a raft and set sail on the Hudson. The 50-minute film—directed by artist Todd Chandler—uses footage of street artist Swoon's seven-boat-strong performance project "The Swimming Cities of the Switchback Sea," to realistically interpret their fantastic voyage. As the motley cast of characters—a troupe of gypsy-punk hippie types—gain friends and momentum, the film unfolds for a beautifully romantic take on art and escapism.

Set to the live sounds of the folk sextet Dark Dark Dark, Flood Tide screens for free at NYC's Rooftop Film Festival on 7 July 2010 at Socrates Sculpture Park before hitting up festivals and venues around the U.S.

via: cool hunting.

Visionaire, issue 58

In issue 58, Visionaire pays tribute to the iconoclastic genius of Alexander McQueen, who left his definitive mark on the design world of the 90s and 2000s. But it’s more than just a tribute: this special issue is published following a planned project between the designer and Visionaire, which never came to fruition. Now, as if to make up for the past, Visionaire has assembled some amazing work from Nick Knight, Steven Klein, Mario Sorrenti, Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, and Lady Gaga. With 1,500 copies on a special paper, this Visionaire 58 will be sold exclusively in Alexander McQueen boutiques (London, Milan, New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas) and at colette Paris. pre-order it now.

via: hypebeast.

Best Headline Ever

Newscape Technology

Newscape Technology recently released a movie detailing/demonstrating their fantastic Mobile 3D City application soon to be available on the iPad. It makes all other mapping and navigation tools look flat.

You can pick up their Paris 3D app for the iphone here.

A BATHING APE 2010 Fall Lookbook featuring NIGO

A BATHING APE welcomes the 2010 Fall season with an introduction into the upcoming line by head honcho NIGO. Offering its lookbook for an online viewership, the collection instantly encompasses a wide assortment of looks, further proving BAPE’s versatility in not only streetwear but fashion as a whole. As we’ve grown accustomed to seeing, Fall 2010 will feature a steady dose of camo looks but also continues BAPE’s expansion into more grownup-friendly designs, including a footwear collaboration with George Cox and several low-key cut&sew items. The complete lookbook can be seen below, while item descriptions are available through BAPE.com.

Lena Henke

“Carla Bruni”, 2009 by Lena Henke. Wood, paint, table

iPhone Cassette Case Cover

ThumbsUP! in the UK has a retro iPhone case that doubles as a stand. Kinda neat if you prefer to throw your phone into a backpack and not be a priss about it. Seems like it’s only available through wholesaler order, expect it to pop up at your local lifestyle mall/chain store soon.

Via Oh Gizmo!

Interview with Scott Dadich about the WIRED iPad App

Joshua Gorchov, principal of The Loud Cloud Creative Agency, recently sat down with Scott Dadich, Creative Director of WIRED Magazine, for a conversation about the new Wired iPad app.

This is the first full-fledged interview Dadich has given since the
big launch, and it can be read here:

http://www.theloudcloud.com/blog/post/dadich

We hope you're as excited as we are by the innovative thinking and
commitment to great design that comes through in Scott's comments, and in the app itself.

AT-AT day afternoon

AT-AT day afternoon from Patrick Boivin on Vimeo.

adidas ObyO James Bond for David Beckham 2010 Fall/Winter Sneaker Preview

Shoes-Up give us a preview into an upcoming sneaker style from the adidas Originals by Originals James Bond for David Beckham Collection for Fall/Winter 2010. The kicks feature a full leather two-tone scheme with the heel and toecap sporting a nice tan amongst a black base and white midsoles. Look for these through adidas Originals shops next month.

via: hypebeast.

Pac-Man original drawings

Woah! Toru Iwatani, the designer behind Pac-Man, still carries around the original drawings for the video game.

via, Kotaku

$160,000

Michael Jackson’s glove was sold at auction for $160,000.

Town Hall Hotel

As the name suggests, a beautifully built, early 1900s town hall houses London's newly renovated Town Hall Hotel in the East End's working class borough of Bethnal Green. While the building's façade is classic Edwardian baroque architectural style, the interior teems with modern elements juxtaposed with original ornate detailing.

The striking three-story De Montfort Suite (above), for example, preserves the original structure's embellished vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and Henry Poole sculptures, while integrating a modern appearance with clear glass room dividers and minimalist furniture.

Less grand in scale, the standard hotel rooms are equally well-designed, fitted with Hatt's custom-made bathroom furniture and offering a full supply of convenient amenities. In addition, Town Hall Hotel provides extended stay apartments which include a kitchenette and washing machine.

A nod to the town hall's 1930 art deco update, the hotel's bar provides a relaxed ambiance among its decoratively stylish space, suitable for a late night cocktail or business drinks.

With its distinct charm and well-designed layout, the Town Hall Hotel makes an appropriate and needed addition to the arts-enthused Bethnal Green neighborhood. Rates begin at £290 per night and vary depending on length of stay and reservations can be made through Design Hotels or the Town Hall Hotelwebsite.

via: coolhunting.

A Bathing Ape US Anniversary Tee

A Bathing Ape produce this special shirt in commemoration of their US webstore anniversary. The shirt comes in a white colorway and highlights the brand’s mascot, Baby Milo, in jumbo, pixelated form. An official drop is set for Monday, June 28th (12 Noon EST), exclusive through Us.Bape.com. Sizes small through xx-large are available.

Haroon Mirza

“Birds of Pray”, 2010 by Haroon Mirza.

Burberry gets 3D

Burberry’s Autumn/Winter 2010 campaign embraces interactive media. Here’s a little video of the site in action, and after the jump another video featuring the models including Rose Huntington Whiteley.

BlackBarrett by Neil Barrett Fall/Winter 2010 Sneakers

Under the BlackBarrett by Neil Barrett diffusion line, the designer presents two high top sneakers as part of his Fall/Winter 2010 Collection. The sneakers feature both leather and suede on the upper, as well as embossed accents, reminding of classis Wingtips.

Stampd 2010 Fall Steezy Hi

LA-based Stampd give us an inside look into an interesting upcoming model from the popular footwear brand. Dubbed the Steezy Hi, the kicks following the same mold as prior Stampd releases, while mimicking a particular “popular sneaker”, with a witty play on graphics. Look for these come August 2010.