For Spring 2008, California based Altamont pays homage to the fabled Inferno Festival. Crafting garments based on a Death Hula theme, Altamont will bring to the attention of the world three of the greatest unknown metal bands of all time: Child (artwork designed by Neckface), Wizard Hill (artwork designed by French) and Hematoma (artwork designed by Megadeth artist, J. Lorenzi). These three legendary bands joined forces for a concert held in the shadows of the Mt. Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. The event ended tragically when Kilauea unexpectedly erupted during an epic guitar solo from Hematoma’s lead guitarist, Bobby Blaze. Sadly, there were no survivors. Available the first week of March.
Just on the edge of avant garde, Japanese brand Number (N)ine has developed a strong following in Asia. Their Americana meets gothic style can be seen in their 2008 Summer Collection “Birds”. Some items include highly detailed beanies, tank tops and accessories. Available at Cliffedge.
Designer Frank Kozik is no stranger to the toy world, building a strong relationship with various toy brands such as Kidrobot. His upcoming release, the Monger Farms Country Time Breakfast collection includes 5 pissed off menu items, angry smorkin’ bacon, crack’d egg, stale donut and toast and bitter coffee. Available on the last day of the month, February 28th with a suggested price of $15.95.
Source: Kidrobot via Toysrevil
None of us ever wanted to bid farewell to the original Lakai Manchester, but unfortunately, it had slowly gone the way of the hula-hoop the last several seasons. Enter Carroll. See the market frenzy that is vulcanization, and applying this hot concept to a one tried and true design, he might just go down in history as the guy who summoned the Manchester from the dead. Hey, if the hula-hoop can come back with zero improvements, then this one is a no-brainer, right? Available February 25, 2008 at Lakai retailers for $45 USD.
Once again playing into the age old stereotype of China and dragons, Reebok’s latest Hexride design for this years 2008 Olympics is emblazoned with a huge dragon motif. Predictable colors can be seen in white with red and gold highlights. This particular model destined for the feet of Yao Ming is living proof that huge dragon tattoos were never cool let alone pasted on your feet.
Source: HK Kicks
Eric Nakamura of pop culture magazine Giant Robot was a guest speaker at the Persuasive Persuasion symposium dealing with the effects and influences of Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. As well as dealing with the monumental effects of Murakami, discussion also revolved around how the art scene has developed in Los Angeles. The free flow of ideas includedTim Biskup, Gary Baseman, and Simone Legno (of Tokidoki). Aside from an animated conversation, the event also included live artist installations.
Source: Eric Nakamura
