Vans Vault has celebrated some of the great American pop artists of the last century this year. There’s no questioning, say, Robert Crumb’s cult status, which is also true of Japanese comics and cartoons in America. Anime is pretty widespread thanks to Cartoon Network, but there are probably plenty of sneakerheads who aren’t yet aware of ‘manga’ (Japanese comics), much less its prominent figures.
Much as Vans is shedding light on their chosen artists, exposing them to the younger set, this Nike Hyperize designed by Slam Dunk creator Takehiko Inoue will draw some into the artform. The kicks themselves actually look more like those ‘china’ plates your grandma won’t let you eat off of, and since these are an Asian-exclusive for the time being, they’re just as hands-off.
Via Sneaker News
These kick-ass Kid Robot/Frank Kozik xmas ornaments are way cooler than your tinsel. Buy the XMAS Wonderland Super Fun Pack at Kid Robot for $19.95.
Via The World’s Best Ever
Today we came across Japanese brand Phenomenon’s new Free Hat, a snapback version of the iconic Fedora Hat. It comes in grey and in black, both featuring a black satin ribbon. The hats are now available from choiceisyours.
Via Highsnobiety
These things are usually cooler if the rapper has some actual connection to skateboarding, but you can’t really be mad at anything featuring the God MC, Rakim. Plus most skaters do love him. To commemorate the release of The Microphone Fiend’s new release “The Seventh Seal,” Zoo York is releasing this limited edition deck with graphics by Rakim and Dean Nicastro. Each deck will come polybagged with a CD and will be available online and at select retailers in December. “The Seventh Seal” drops November 17.
Via Radcollector
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll note that Hello Kitty has collaborated with everyone and their mother for their 35th anniversary. Admittedly we’ve skipped over quite a few “streetwear” team-ups with the cat, because quite frankly we know most of you really aren’t that into it. This one is good though. Mike Carroll’s pro deck on Girl with Miss Kitty front and center.
Via Highsnobiety
T19 Skateboards out of Japan worked with Medicom Toy on a 400% Bearbrick figure. Known for their love of blue, the metallic hue of this toy is no surprise. Features a flying hamburger on the back.
Via Highsnobiety
With an announcement looming and apparently set for today, here are some looks into the latest Leica special edition camera designed by luxury fashion house Hermes. Using the film-format M7 as its base, the camera features a bold orange with silver body as well as an orange strap.
Via Hypebeast
Here is Burton’s latest Vapor featuring a graphic derived from a collaborative Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat piece. “The board itself is once again NASA-grade tech, dipped in $1200 worth of Vaporskin Lite, and the shred stick that is going to win Kevin Pearce a gold medal at the Olympics in Vancouver.” This collector’s item is now available at Burton flagship stores in LA, NY, Chicago, and Burlington.
Via Highsnobiety
Available as either a plush toy or as a vinyl collectable, Medicom Toy’s latest endeavour sees Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara (of fragment design) transform A.A.Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. The first change you’ll notice is that Winnie’s usual yellow complexion has been substituted for black and his traditional red tee has been redesigned as a Fragment piece, with a subtle logo on the back of the neck. Finally the bear has lost his honey pot in favour of the healthier apple which is held William Tell style. Two versions will be made available at the Honeyee Store.
Via Hypebeast
Take a good look at the United Bamboo x Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists Chuck Taylor All Star. Seeing an actual similarity to the classic Chuck Taylor is on this alteration pretty tough. The sneaker comes with a white quilted upper, suede toe cap and several red accents. It is now available in the honeyee.store.
Via Highsnobiety
