Retail

Advertising / Design / Fashion / Retail — 5 Comments
5
Jul 10

Athletes World - The World Is Yours.

It’s 2003 and Hip-Hop’s reign of popular culture is cemented. It’s impact is resonating as it’s artists top the charts, sponsor international brands and influence buying trends. It’s that year that Athlete’s World approached me about creating a in-store re-design and marketing initiative to refresh their brand and create a connective between their buys and their market (their buying team was, young, trail blazing and way ahead of the curve showcasing premium urban brands in big-box outlets in urban centers and suburban malls). It was a bold move on their part but thankfully the brand had youth in the corporate office which pushed hard for a young guy like me to be the one to direct this campaign. This was my first project fresh out of school and one that I am to this day very proud of.

As a response to the needs of the brand I conceived “The World Is Yours”. I looked to create a dynamic campaign of both substance and weight- a visual, and message that was authentic and resonated deeply into our culture. I sought out young talent, that like myself were currently, or were about leave an indelible mark on the world. The tag line was a double entendre (Nas’ song and the film Scarface were the undertone) spoke to the culture saying that this store is yours and that the world at large is yours to conquer as well. I enlisted a collective of young upstarts that would later go on to blaze paths for the culture.

Bellow are some of the examples of the in store graphics used nationwide exposing the country to these faces.

Tré from So You Think You Can Dance

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Gavin Sheppard from The Remix Project

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Rochester aka Juice from The 411 Initiative For Change and ACCHO HIV/AIDS Awareness

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Pasha from Nelly’s “Hot In Herre” among many others…

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S.™

Design / Lifestyle / Retail — No Comments
21
Jun 10

Modern Publicity - Ken Leung

tfc_modernpublicityAs a huge admirer of the work of Tyler Brule I stumbled upon Modern Publicity.

They are a London-based design consultancy established by Ken Leung, the founding Art Director of Monocle magazine. Leung’s sensibilities really speak to me, and I love how he has seamlessly covered both print and retail.

Having worked in both areas myself, for clients like Nike and retailer Athletes World, I feel that the retail environment should serve as the living, breathing counterpart to the print and web pieces.

His recent work for Vanity Fair is stunning; in describing his work to AisleOne he says “Given such an amazing opportunity, I envisioned the project as not just a magazine redesign but a complete brand relaunch, also proposing an accompanying corporate identity programme. I wanted the stationery to feel timeless, intelligent and reflective of the magazine’s heritage, whilst also being fresh and modern in it’s use of colour.”

Working with discerning international clients, their services span across art direction, corporate identity, editorial, naming and packaging. Their philosophy is to create beauty and functionality in all of our projects by applying a considered, well-crafted and lasting approach.

Take a moment a cruise through the elegant work of Mr. Leung.

S.™

Fashion / Retail — No Comments
19
Apr 10

Rachel Comey - Mens Shoes

If you’ve heard of Rachel Comey your probably familiar with her womens designs but at the same time she has been making mens shoes, some of which have earned her a cult following. The styles are kept classic yet all have a touch of something which makes them different whether its a ‘coloured sole or a mix of weird fabrics and materials’. I must admit I’ve been searching for a classic looking shoe for quite some time, even though I love sneakers it’s very important to have a variety, be it a pair of oxford’s or some desert boots. Also note that these won’t go out of style so when your purchasing your pair make sure that quality comes before price, my dad has had his for over 20 years. Check out the interview via The FADER.

Fashion / Retail — 2 Comments
18
Apr 10

B.D. Baggies New York

I had my first opportunity to check out the B.d Baggies collection at Holt Renfrew yesterday. Upon seeing the shirts I knew I had to have one. They are made from 100% pre laundered cloth and are as comfortable as your favourite tee. David Mullen (Save Khaki) has taken over and brought the brand to the forefront once again. If you didn’t know B.D. was the shirt to wear in the 80’s and its good to see they’re coming back. The fit is perfect and needs no tailoring, once my size is shipped in from the other Holt’s location i’ll be sure to put some pictures up.

A.™

Fashion / Retail — 1 Comment
16
Apr 10

Ideall Clothing - Wealth 2010 Lookbook

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Bryan Espiritu of Ideall is someone we’ve always tried to support; he recently presented his lookbook for spring/summer 10′ in a manner that is perfectly cohesive with the narrative of the collection. In past collections I’ve found that his assortment has always been reflective of his moods and feelings, and this collection even more so then before. A very dark, gritty feel is present in this iteration of the line and represents all the problems that come with ‘wealth’. Check it out here.

A.™

Art / Film / Photography / Retail — No Comments
12
Apr 10

Impossible - Possible

jake_chessum_impossiblecollectionWriting a new chapter in the history of photography. The Impossible Project started in October 2008 at the last preserved Polaroid plant in Enschede (The Netherlands) with the aim to save anlog Instant Photography from extinction; today it presented its significant result.

After 17 months of research and development, The Impossible Project announced that it succeeded in its task of re-producing a new analog Instant Film for traditional Polaroid cameras. Containing more than 30 newly developed components, Impossible has now introduced a new, monochrome Instant Film - the PX 100 and PX 600 Silver Shade - and is therewith saving millions of perfectly functioning Polaroid cameras from becoming obsolete (as Polaroid discontinued its instant film production early in 2008).

Supported by Ilford Photo, UK (Harman Technology Limited) Impossible is carrying instant film production into the 21st century and proudly presents a new, artistic instant film material. It produces originals of outstanding, unique and never before seen characteristics, pushing analog Instant Photography beyond all traditional limits. Other than the highly standardized, traditional Polaroid film, the Impossible Films offer a new, broad range of possibilities, fresh characteristics and results.

Celebrating the beginning of a new era of Instant Photography, Impossible these exceptional products will be available online at the Impossible Shop and also at selected premium retail partners all over the world.

Being the only company worldwide capable of manufacturing analog Instant Film, Impossible plans to present its first PX Color Film in summer 2010. Furthermore a Silver Shade as well as a Color Version of the larger Integral Instant Film format for usage in all Polaroid Image/Spectra/1200 cameras is planned. In total, Impossible‘s schedule is to present 6 new Instant Film formats within 2010.

What makes this additionally exceptional is that Impossible has beyond that started collaborations with international photographers (The above image is courtesy of Jake Chessum), who were invited to work with the new film material and therewith created a base for The Impossible Collection – a growing archive of contemporary Instant Photo- graphy artworks. Furthermore, the supporters of The Impossible Project recently placed a binding offer to purchase the International Polaroid Collection, located in the Musée de l‘Elysée, Lausanne. Impossible‘s intention is not only to preserve and protect this unique collection from being sold in parts, but also to re-open and expand it by providing the new Impossible film materials to contemporary artists.

A grand Impossible Project‘s Space, hosting a shop as well as a gallery, will open on April 30, 2010 at 425 Broadway in New York City – celebrating the magic and the bright future that analog Instant Photography is now facing.

S.™

Fashion / Need / Retail — 1 Comment
7
Apr 10

Wings + Horns - Spring Chino

These are by far the best chino’s done of the past three seasons by one of my favourite brands Wing+Horns. Versatility is the key with these, worn with a pair of Red Wing boots or rolled up with a pair of boat shoes topped with a Penfield Vassan jacket or a Heritage Research varsity.

What people don’t realize is that buying a good pair of chino’s or khaki’s should be treated the same as buying a pair of jeans. Right now the olive joints are my favourite but the blue definately comes close. They’re Canadian made and available from the homies at Nomad. Continue reading to see Zeb’s (Nomad) test shots by Jake Davis.

A.™

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Fashion / Need / Retail — No Comments
1
Apr 10

Oliberté Adibo Chukka

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These Oliberté Adibo Chukka boots put simply, look dope! Especially considering every brand is producing chukka boots I still feel there’s something different about them. They’re made in Africa using premium Ethiopian leather for the outer, lined with a soft goat leather and finished with a recycled crepe rubber sole. These are now top 3 in my ‘to purchase’ list. Via Marcus Troy (Word around TFC is that we should look out for something new and fresh from Marcus Troy’s online presence…stay tuned). Continue reading for more pictures.

A.™

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Fashion / Photography / Retail — No Comments
29
Mar 10

Bape x Kid Cudi - S/S 2010

Kid Cudi was featured in this years Bape catalogue for their 2010 Spring/Summer collection. He is quite the busy man at the moment considering he’s working on a new album, playing a supporting role in the TFC’s favourite HBO series How to Make it America and his constant touring. Continue reading below to check out his interview and some more shots from the catalogue.

A.™

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Fashion / Retail — No Comments
20
Mar 10

Tic Toc - Timeless

tfc_timex_classicGQ just ran a great piece on “The Best Gold Watches Under $500” and I stumbled upon this gilded bargain that looks every bit as good as some models over the $500 price point. An obvious nod to the Rolex Submariner but at 1/100th the cost. The Timex Elevated Classic is just that- classic lines at a price point that can’t be denied.

Throw it in the bag.

S.™