Souk Teddy....

Adidas Originals By Originals Jeremy Scott – Brown Teddy Bears | Detailed Pictures

Who would have thought a couple of snuggly teddy bears like the Snuggle Bear could be so controversial? Well, when you test a sneakerhead’s limit with unorthodox creativity, and stick two overjoyed teddy bear heads into a sneaker as a tongue, controversy ensues. And, no one does controversy and ostentation like the irreverent Jeremy Scott. Not too long ago, Scott caused some jaw-drops with a pair of pink furry Teddy Bears sneakers for his adidas Originals by Originals line, and now, thanks to Sneaker Freaker, we have a closer look at its brown partner-in-crime. Like the pink pair, the entire sneaker is made with soft furry uppers one would want to rub his or her cheeks against, and a happy bear with outstretched arms are now tongues threatening a saccharine embrace. It doesn’t really matter who the target audience is, or if we actually know anyone who would be fast to strap furry critters to their feet, Scott always manages to strike a resonant chord in his fans. Plus, we really think Scott should be saluted for keeping it true to the spirit of originality.

Souk Riders

Tom Dixon X Brompton Bicycle – Copper Folded Bike

Best known for his spherical designs that looked at home in an earth bound environment or one that is extraterrial kind, British designer Tom Dixon partnered with folding bike manufacturerBromption Bicycle in the creation of a special project for the ongoing London Design Festival (aka London Design Week). What came to be known simply as the Copper Bike, the process involved in a nickel plating process first, then a thin application of copper over it. All finished with a layer of electrophoretic lacquer to “seal in” the copper from the elements. The bike even comes with a specially treated leather saddle from BROOKS.  The procedure was shown as part of a live demonstration at Tom Dixon’s studio to let visitors a better understand of the design process as a whole, from start to finish. via: DesignBoom

Souk Event

Nike Sportswear Japan – More Than The Beat: Awakening Tokyo Running | Event Recap

It is quite odd that considering the fact Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world, night running isn’t more prevailing.  That is about to change though.  As an introduction to the new Gyakusou International Running Association concept by Japanese designer Jun Takahashi, Nike Sportswear Japan organized the first ever More Than The Beat, a running experience which truly embodied what Tokyo nightlife is about. On the evening on September 2nd, participants gathered at Nike Harajuku flagship for an impromptu warm-up session.  Armed with glow-in-the-dark bracelets, for safety and for cohesive marking against Tokyo’s night sky, runners joined Jun Takahashi, Olympic runner Dai Tamesue, and DEXPISTOLS DJ Group for a run to DOMMUNE performance space, where a Q & A session took place in regard to this unique venue.  DEXPISTOLS took the stage soon after as part of their new theme, “Live Music x Midnight Tokyo Run”, and where all participants partied till the early morning hours.

Souk Scoot

MINI Scooter E Concept

Because sometimes even the smallest automobile cannot help you navigate the over-congested streets of major urban centers like New York City.  Engineers and designers over at MINI just released a few preliminary renderings on their latest concept, the electric-power MINI Scooter E.  Though in 2-wheel, the Scooter E Concept carried over many MINI design DNA, especially that ofMINI E, an electric driven MINI currently on trial run across the U.S.  More information to come during the 2010 Paris Auto Show in October.

sneaking in the souk

Nike Harajuku – NIKEiD Bespoke AF1 Harajuku Exclusive

This is the seventh version of the NIKEiD Bespoke AF1 Harajuku Exclusive produced by none other than Nike Harajuku store. As you would expect, the finished sneaker is like nothing on the market. The Air Force 1 takes advantage of the Bespoke materials on offer and White Tiger fabric is used plentifully against black crocodile material. Animal skin theme is continued with black snakeskin on the side Swoosh. Perforated inner lining provides a premium feel as well as cross stitching on the toe and side sections and black waxed shoe laces. Red accent color breaks up the monotony on the tongue tag, Swoosh underlay and midsole stitching. These are available exclusively at Nike Harajuku store.

Fits like a Souk

Fitted Pro – Restores And Maintains Fitted Caps

What happens when your beloved fitted caps are stretched out, soiled, or simply not crisp and fresh anymore? Do you buy a new one? Or do you try strange DIY remedies like soaking your hat in vinegar and ironing them out? Save yourself the trouble, as Fitted Pro is now here to restore life to your lackluster, worn-out and tortured fitted caps. It not only cleans, but also removes wrinkles and gives your old caps a new, crisp look– like you had just brought it back from Lids. Want to know how the magic works? Check out the video, and if you are a hat wearer, we suggest you get your hands on one asap.

Souk Ten issssss

Nike Court Ballistec 2.2 – Rafael Nadal Tennis Ball Edition

Sorry to those who have been banking on a Nadal vs. Federer game for the US Open finals. But, for Nadal’s fans, there is something to rejoice and celebrate after Nadal smoked Djokovic. That said, Nadal fans can now check out this great memorabilia from Nike, designed by Nadal– the Nike Ballistec 2.2 – Rafael Nadal Tennis Ball Edition. With a yellow green upper mimicking the tennis ball, with a white Swoosh (to represent the white stripes on the tennis ball), these are the perfect footwear rendering of the tennis game. The versions shown here are have been autographed, and one of them was signed by Serena Williams when she hung out with Rob Heppler at Barneys. These shoes were on sale at the Nike Store at US Open, but quantity was extremely limited. Thanks to Rob Heppler.

fifty souk

Fresh Celeb: Jay-Z – New Era X Jay-Z “All Black Everything” 59FIFTY Hat

Jay-Z and Eminem headlined their “Home and Home” Concert last night at Yankee Stadium and from all accounts the show should go down in history as perhaps one of the best hip-hop shows ever with Eminem and Jay-Z both bringing out quite the star power in addition to themselves. In addition to Em and Jay, Kanye West, Drake, Swizz Beatz, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Beyonce, and more all came out for a cameo appearance or two during the concert. Jay-Z, who collaborated with the New York Yankees on a limited edition “All Black Everything” New York Yankees New Era 59FIFTY hatwas seen wearing the hat during his performance. Take a look at some other pictures of Jay-Z and his collaboration fitted cap after the jump…

Y3 SoUk

Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week – Y-3 Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

When in financial troughs, many designers often opt to play it safe by sticking to the classics. However, Japanese designer, Yohji Yamamoto (also known to have filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009), known for his avant garde spirits and as one of the key players who brought Japanese fashion into the spotlight, manages to retain his signature amplified volumes and drapey shapes in his latest Y-3 delivery, while fusing in fashion’s favorite element– rock and roll. When British band,The Duke Spirit, drummed it up on stage and gave an electrifying opening, we were slightly apprehensive where a played out inspiration might go. But, much to our relief, Yamamoto has proven that a tried and abused inspiration can indeed stay fresh and enlightening if well executed with an open mind.

Yesterday, Yamamoto and adidas sent Y-3’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection down a U-shaped runway bedazzled with large mirror panels and elevated stage where The Duke Spirit performed an explosive live session for the runway presentation at the Park Armory. If we want to look for a narrative continuation, Y-3 continues on with a rebellious spirit after last season’s futuristic vagabond speeding down the runway in flow coats and artfully haphazard layering. Escapism lives on through rock and roll this season, and while we are used to rock and roll and music and fashion as a combination (need we remind all that Converse Chuck Taylors is perhaps the most frequent guest at rock concerts through the ages), Yamamoto does with surprise, flair and sex appeal.

Bondage sports bras criss-crossed in artful nonchalance in the back, and bedazzled studded chains drape across the bodies, vests and light, colorful velvety blazers. Yamamoto takes us on a journey of rock through the ages, using his own aesthetics as a narrative voice. Hot and heavy leather jackets of the 60s transgressed into psychedelic painterly prints of the 70s, which have found themselves onto women’s cropped puffy sleeved jackets and blouses, then we move on to the opulent 80s where Yamamoto re-imagined a Victorian rock grunge with striped, candy-shaded soft velvet tuxedo throws.

And of course, in true Yamamoto fashion, volume is key. Men stomped through the runway in over-sized trousers held up with suspenders, and the amplified waist is topped off with a ripping sleeves top. Women strutted with corseted black sports bras paired with vests or fitted painterly jackets over flowy harem pants or floor grazing sarong skirts.

With this collection, the party goes on in the back, just like how the best rock shows are often in the most clandestine and seedy spots. Yamamoto has tapped the brains of Japanese artist, Yoko Ono (who is also an icon in music) to help embellish as eries of coats and t-shirts with her text gems– “Open Your Eyes, Open Your Door, Open Your Legs, Open Your Sides, Open Your Heart, Open Your Mouth”. Aside from Ono’s provocative statements, bedazzled guitar outlines, hanging chains and bondage straps draws attention to the back.

In terms of footwear, women continue to walk the world in statement wedges featuring adidas three-stripes on the heel that has a cut-out, reformed rock and roll boot shape on the upper. There is also a new lightweight Kubo shoe which features a fully fordable sole that will make its wearer feel like he or she is walking on air. Since this season is about rock and roll, everything is high gloss and high shine with reflective threading and treatment, and of course, at times embellished. For men, new classic footwear shapes such as oxfords and oxford boots pushes the envelop of stylish sportswear into a new realm for Y-3.

Sadly, Yamamoto was not present at the show for he was working on his femme collection for Paris, but editors and attendees such as Bambou, Lulu Gainsborg, Leigh Lezard, Alison Brie and Geordon Nicol came out, put their hands up and rocked on with Y-3. Open your mind, and take a sneak peek into Spring/Summer 2011 for Y-3.