Freshman!

So I've kicked off my time at Goldsmiths University in South London and, apart from it being terribly daunting [something, I assure you, I was not prepared for being the cocky gob shite that I am...] it was also something of a roller coaster ride. Without divulging too deeply into the emotional stuff [none of you want to hear that], I'm very aware that my time at Goldsmiths will be the making of me and, seeing as I'm based there for the following three years, it will become a home of sorts. My course [Anthropology and Sociology for those that don't know] is already captivating me, as an untried attempt at being less excited about going to my lectures fell flat on it's face proved. My first lecture was entitled 'Knowledge and Power'. Gosh. Really looking forward to it. Really excited.

The image was taken on my first day before I went to enroll - t'was scary stuff!

Crep Collection | Part One

So I thought I'd take you all through a little look of my kick collection, as, with it mounting up and all, I haven't got much time to really appreciate them these days - so I thought I'd may as well let them loose on the web instead. This is Part One - I'm not yet sure of how many parts there will be, but judging by the current size I'm sure there will be a fair few...

I've been away...

Right I'm assuming you've noticed I haven't blogged for, well, ages, and, though I have no real excuse for this poor lapse, I have been extremely [extremely!] busy - in fact last month was possibly the hardest, busiest, most draining month I've probably had to struggle through in recent memory [though I still enjoyed it. I've started uni [more of that to come later], and I've worked, travelled [to fair Paris as well as Sheffield, Liverpool and Glasgow two times each], filled in a whole heap of forms, travelled some more and, basically, been terrible at managing my time. This is something I've had to address but I think taking this last month off from blogging has been a pretty good idea adjudging from the amount of other things that have been going on. I will be prompt in my return however and I'm sure I'll be back on top of Swagger & Swoon as soon as I'm back in to the rhythm of blogging. Stay tuned.

Image stolen from here...

Sydney Awesome Challenge | Task Four | Brief

The next task is up, so get involved - I want active participation on the blog this time too - I want people commenting and bouncing idea's off of one another...

This week we are looking at Sydney Wildlife. We want you to take inspiration from the various animals that can be found in and around Sydney, and create your own Australian creature – whether it be a mash-up of existing animals (platypus, koala, wombat, emu– there’s plenty to choose from!) or a completely new species. As always, the medium in which you deliver your entry is up to you, and you’ll be judged on creativity, community involvement and use of the resources available to you.

Good times...

Sydney Awesome Challenge | Task Three | Completed

I know the brief was to take a photo, but I really wanted to bring drawing into one of the tasks as it is something I haven’t done in a long time, but also something I feel like I had to incorporate sooner rather than later [as it goes the next task would be perfect for that but ah well...]. I had originally wanted to use Photoshop, but instead relied upon graphite pencils and a handy rubber. More to follow after my trip up and down Britain [I’ll be away for a few days ya see]. Take a peek at initial images below...

Sydney Awesome Challenge | Task Three | Brief

The most difficult task yet, this challenge is again focused on active creation, take a peek:

So two challenges down, four to go! The third challenge is themed around Sydney icons. We want to see you recreate a well-known building, monument or geographical feature, and have your photo taken in front of it. How you go about making the icon is entirely up to you - we're thinking about going down the mashed-potato Sydney Opera House avenue (seems perfectly sane to us)!

Difficult and one I'm not entirely sure where I want to go with. I was considering 'photoshopping' the whole thing, but I'm unsure as to how really 'creative that is - its bloody difficult though! With this task, more so than even the last, your help is very very important so please do get in touch with all and any suggestions!

Image taken from here.

Sydney Awesome Challenge | Task Two | Completed

So the second task of the Sydney Awesome Tour is done and dusted and, with huge help from some of my peoples [thanks - you know who you are], I think I've again gone for something a little different in approach. I'm aware that this challenge could have either catered for a huge amount of creativity, or the extreme opposite, with very little - I had the path of either finding clothes online and building something via that, or designing something myself. In the end I went for neither and instead found an existing [extremely eccentric] ensemble through my various contacts. I wanted an outfit that screamed Sydney, and very few outfits, in my opinion, can shout Sydney as loud as having the Opera House itself on your shoulders...

Yup I went for that route [somewhat predictably] - hell Sydney has every right to be a global fashion capital, they can't stick to flip flops and short shorts forever now can they...

Take a peek at my presentation below, hope you like it...

Nice. Spread the word. Send me to Sydney.

Image robbed at gunpoint from here. Safe.

Sydney Awesome Challenge | Task Two | Diary

Second week, and the second task, 1000 Heads and NSW Tourism are keeping us on our toes - here's a little diary of the second task and how it went:

Having got to grips with this task far better than the previous one [I like to think I’ve got myself in to some sort of a routine] my typically late admission [hell I’m busy], was more to do with pulling together pretty documents than having my idea in on time. I refuse to present my idea in an any less grandeur manner than I would any other piece of work, hence the longwinded, if rather pretty, document [again].

I quickly deduced that this task was as much about the research, insights and the mood board leading up to the final product, and quickly set about garnishing support from the several forward fashion thinking individuals that litter my several social applications, with the enormity of the task somewhat relieved by the fantastic help I got from my network, whether it was the guys over at seminal fashion magazine Super Super [cheers Jayga], or my supporters on my Facebook group and Twitter.

There was a quiet expectation bubbling up to this task, with several grandeur ideas being thrown around, several surrounding the creation of an outfit I had come up with. I even had a designer lined up and looking for material, but, alas, time was not on my side, and, without wanting to be obscenely late, I chose a different route to present my ideas – namely pretty pictures, a few choice outfits and perhaps a descriptive line or two. My heads still been a tad mushy I’ve got to say, possibly because I’ve been trying to juggle far too much for an ordinary human being to even attempt to entertain – I’m most definitely ordinary and I’ve found that the juggling balls are dropping to the floor quicker than I had hoped

I’ve got my blogging game back on and I’m now in full flow attempting to reach as many people as possible, whilst bringing people into contribute towards my involvement. I’ve attempted to begin a little Twitter movement, jumping on the back of Elle’s #sendmetosydney tagging, whilst I’ve kicked off a Facebook group that is around 150 strong all supportive and ever eager to help. It’s good to know I’ve got people supporting me, I’m not sure whether I’d get through this without the support and kind words of my associates, friends and assorted member of ‘my community’...

Image taken from here.

Dels

This is Dels who, if you haven't heard of him already, is one hell of a talented young man. Having the pleasure of meeting him myself on one or two occasions [good guy], and amid our colourful Twitter conversations around the sorry state of the Gooners, I managed to divulge that he is, amongst many things, a brilliant musician.

Check out some of his work here, whilst the above image is taken from his up and coming music video. Stay tuned.

Image taken from A Tribe, where Mr Dels also blogs. Nice.

The ugly side of Camden

East London based brand the Ugly Kids Club have set up temporary a home in the hub of creativity known as Camden Stables. Selling limited edition clothing and assorted other bits and pieces, in a heavily spray painted backdrop, the pop up store demonstrates the brands ability to perform well, standing away from the various other competitor UK labels who have yet to engineer such a bold mood [with the exception of Second Son].

Congratulations, and the best of luck to the Ugly team.

Image taken from the site.

Sydney Awesome Challenge | Task Two | Brief

Right so the second brief is up and this one's a toughie. Focusing on fashion, the challenge requires the creation of a Sydney inspired outfit, moving away from the archaic look of khaki and corks to a much more modern look at Sydney.

'Week 2 is all about fashion. We want your take on Sydney as a style mecca, rather than the age old cliche of cork-hanging hats and drizabones. Basically, we're asking you to create an outfit that screams 'I'm all about Sydney'. Whether it's inspired by Collette Dinnigan frick, or some particularly eye-catching Hot Tuna beachwear, mock it up in whatever way you fancy... Hand-stitched, elegantly sketched or charity shop purchased - it's up to you!'

I've already got more than enough of an idea of where to take this, as I've long been a follower of Sydney fashion [thank you Sneaker Freaker!] but I'll need help refining the ideas and working on my final outcome. Get involved, I want to give you the bloody tickets for f*cks sake!

Good times.

Image taken from the Yeezy Sydney launch.

'Oargh, oaargh'

I'm calling for a resurgence of D Double E who, in my mind, is still the best MC to have darkened the already pretty dark corridors of Grime thus far. Still. With untameable flow, precision, energy and craft, the Newham born MC is to this day unmatched.

Watch this for a reminder of the pure brilliance that is D Double E.

Image ripped from here - music of my childhood...

Head Hunting...

Maharishi's MHI continues on into 2010 despite the issues surrounding it's apparent dip in to administration and the take over by [f*cking] JD Sports. Implimenting serial stylist, and Cassette Playa designer Carri Munden, to style the brand's spring/summer 'Head Hunter' collection - nice title and hopefully they will stay true to their word by 'head hunting' and working with young, up and coming creative stars. This already seems the case. As well as working with Mundane, the young model featured in the lookbook is a young, talented musician named Kase. Nice.

With a strong graphic element, expect MHI to return to the UK streetwear consciousness with huge aplomb over the next few months. The impending relaunch of Maharishi has got me bubbling with excitement once again, as the British fashion aficionados look to cement themselves back into the mindset of the fashion aware consumer. Having recently been invited to their London studio I was hugely impressed with their new product range, as the trademark brilliant design elements, alongside quality tailoring, is an ever present throughout the brand.

Expect to see more soon...

Sydney Awesome Challenge | Task One | Completed

So, after much deliberation, and pained consideration, this was what I finally came up with for the first task of the Awesome Sydney Tour. What do you think? Take a browse through the below document and please do give me feedback...

Right so that's task one complete, but how did I fare against the other contestants? From what I can see, everyone has done a great job [good luck to all involved again]. I've also just found this which has a wealth of more information surrounding the project too, take a peek...

Check out Anthony's pub inspired take on Aussie Rules, the popular Australian sport very much like rugby. Flicking a peanut between beer bottle/pint glasses to score points, the game is simple, easy to engage with and it looks like a lot of fun.

Lottie's first task is, alike Anthony's, based around Aussie Rules, this time involving a board game type thing and flicking coins through coins instead of peanuts. Nice, it's presented particularly well and I like the board game format here.

Mili's interesting take on cricket was also of great interest [and amusement] as she took the challenge away from the bar environment and in to the park [with a bunch of beers and oranges to boot]. Nice and it looked a ball to play too, whilst taking it from the pub and into the park is pretty cool too, something I'm unaware anyone else really took it upon themselves to do [the lure of a close by bar perhaps too much for us other contestants].

Kate's version of tennis was of similar format to the 1000 Heads Sydney Cricket, yet it's still nice, compact and simple to play.

Also take a peek at Miranda's blog she has set up solely for this project. Her idea encompassed the fact that Hamsters are illegal in Australia [who knew!?] and is both very clever, and extremely well pulled together.

Angel's idea surrounds bowling is similarly based on a board game and involves rolling a coin onto a series of objects. Check it out here...

So how does my idea match up? Thoughts...

Image taken from here. Thanks.

Sydney Awesome Challenge | Task One | Diary

I've taken time to keep a bit of a diary in terms of structuring my thought process around ideas, inspirations and so forth. Well aware that this is a competition, perhaps I should be more cautious... But then again I've always wanted to keep a diary of sorts [I realise a blog falls under the broad term of 'diary of sorts'...]:

My train of thought over this first brief was a tad erratic [to say the least]. Combining my own drudging work schedule with my lack of time management skills, I left it to a frenzied weekend of partying, pretty girls and the occasional binge upon assorted alcoholic beverages to inspire, and to set aflame to, the creative qualities necessary for me to adeptly compete in this first showdown task. Impressive then that I managed to think up anything at all. The lack of ingenuity within my idea [by my reckoning at least] is something I would possibly blame upon misdirection by a bunch of New Zealanders on Friday evening – truly unhelpful bastards – and a parade of pretty Australian girls who only managed to distract me from the task at hand.

That being said, and though I now associate Australia [well Brisbane at least] with tanned skin and long legs, I am personally not unhappy with the fruit of my limited imagination. Deciding not to focus on a generic sport, I wished to utilise the raw materials that were at hand within my environment, whilst coming up with something both engaging to watch and participate in – that, I quickly learnt, was the beauty of Sydney cricket – without digressing too far from the sport . I started this task how I would when tasked with sculpting, and went about collecting [in my notebook at least] the raw materials I had at my disposal, already with a resemblance of a direction stored discretely within the memory banks of my brain. It was difficult however to bring about these different bits and pieces of ideas - I initially struggled to formulate anything tangible – but this was, of course, until I started working on making the ideas come to life and, with the help of a long legged, sun kissed, Brisbane born lady or four I managed to make something happen.

In terms of outreach, my only involvement I directly aimed at ‘my community’ was to let fly a few emails, tweet a tad and to make sure that I was allowed to use certain more creatively inclined members of my network in future tasks. I have yet to blog about the project, but this first task has proven to me that I must bring in as many people as is possible, thus, for the next task, I shall have the full force of my friendship groups, work buddies and assorted associates behind me so I can not only win, but win in the crushing kind of manner that would be befitting of a Jabba the Hut type character, or one of those awful American wrestling fellows. Nice.

Image taken from here. Cheers. Oh and yes that is Sydney too!

Sydney Awesome Challenge | Task One | Brief

Perhaps prematurely, I fell through in this first challenge by not blogging about it post it's deadline and instead choosing to take it upon myself [and a bunch of pretty Oz girls] to come up with the first task myself.

This, however, was the brief [well... My version of the brief]:

Create a simplistic game that has it’s heritage in an Australian related sport and that can be carried out around a bar/public house/bar like surface. This could be any sport that is enjoyed in Oz, focusing particularly on creating a game that can be played with an active participation. The consumption of alcohol, though not specifically suggested, has a place within the culture of both Australia and pubs and therefore it would be slightly disparaging to not involve at least a few alcoholic beverages...

This was the idea that the 1000 Heads team proffered us to get our creative juices going. It's called 'Sydney Cricket':

Standard Rules…

Players agree amongst themselves the number of ‘overs’ (turns) that are to be played – each ‘over’ giving the player six attempts at scoring ‘runs’ (points). Once agreed, players take it in turns to spin their coin on the playing surface and attempt to score runs. The classic version uses the board below, with players spinning from the centre circle and scoring runs by landing their coin within the rings. If your coin finishes up off the board though, you’re out… Howzat!

NB: If a coin lands between two rings, an umpire’s decision must be sought on where the majority of the coin lies and runs awarded accordingly.

I shall soon blog my final idea - I want as much feedback as is possible!

Image taken from here. Safe.

Terms and Conditions regarding the Sydney Awesome Challenge...

The guys over at 1000 Heads have also sent these details over regarding the terms, conditions and final prize package details.

Have a butchers [exciting!]:

Prize package

• 2 x return economy flights to Sydney (confirmed departure from London only)
• 7 nights accommodation in Base Backpacker Hostel, Sydney (twin share)
• 2 x Bondi Surf Experience (half day)
• 2 x ‘High Power Ticket’ (including jetboat ride)
• 2 x Blue Mountains Day Tour
• 2 x Bonza Bike 1/2 day tour

STA Terms and conditions for all prize winners

• All bookings must be made by 31st December 2009.
• All travel must be made by 31st October 2010 (can make this sooner if you like).
• Prize is not transferable for cash and not valid with any other offer.
• Prize must be booked through an STA Travel branch, as facilitated by STA Travel head office.
• There are no black-out days or seasonal restrictions on the flights however the total prize value attributed to the flight will be £750 per person. Any cost above this amount must be paid for by the prize winner.
• Any other products, including but not limited to insurance, car hire and additional accommodation on tours can be booked through STA Travel but must be paid for by the prize winner.
• All bookings subject to availability.

Image taken from here.

Free tickets to Sydney anyone?

I've been lucky enough to have been involved in many great opportunities during my short, if busy [and stressful], lifetime, yet an initiative I have recently been involved in with WOM agency 1000 Heads has to one of the most amazing I've ever experienced [1000 Heads were the great bunch that previously got me involved with the BBC Blast project]. With Sydney bound flights, paid for accommodation and an opportunity to be active within the beautiful backdrop of New South Wales up for grabs, the 1000 Heads team have launched the 'Sydney Awesome Tour' in conjunction with one of their clients, STA Travel.

Without the long drawn out frippery, quite simply I have been set the task of engaging people with Australia and the great outdoors element of what is one of the most amazing countries in the world [along the lines of the wonderful PR move that was 'the greatest job in the world'].

Over a 6 week period I shall be set 6 tasks [yup one per week] where I must effectively use 'my community' to aide me win the top prize of a week in Sydney. All tasks shall be held in good spirit, and are orientated around testing creativity and one's ability to understand what it is that makes Sydney the amazing place it is. Stay tuned for these.

What, I hear you ask, is in it for those that help me out? Well, for one, the winner shall be officially given four tickets to Sydney - a pair for the winner and guest, with another two to be shared out amongst the winning community. There are currently 12 bloggers in line for the amazing prize, with a harden competitive spirit being combated by a great launch event to the project [see more ] so that's pretty darn good odds if you think about it... The project is tailored to be particularly engaging, with participation from as many people as is possible clearly a very important part to this task. Offering tickets to my community is apparently at my descretion, however I shall be both fair and realistic in my distribution - whoever helps me the most will win the remaining tickets [it's either that or I put everyone who helps out in to a draw - let me know if you think this is more fair].

This will require proactive audience participation, so all those that wish to be involved, please take my blog as an opportunity to brainstorm, discuss and [constructively] criticise via commenting. I want as many people as possible being involved and I also want to win. Badly.

I never compete to lose so, with the backing of my amazing network, I plan to win this competition.

Please get in touch if you wish to know more about the project. Stay tuned for more info, it will come thick and fast...

Image taken from here. 'G'day'.

Basking in the effervescence of some swiney goodness...

I feel inflicted, if not by swine, then by some other God forsaken illness that shall surely put a spanner in some sort of works. My day today felt like a battle and aches and pains have sprung up in places I didn't even know I had. A good time, apparently, to kick off my blogging once again. Amongst the many distractions I've had in the past month or so, university aside, the vinspired Voicebox project has been, by far, the largest. The fact that it has been interesting, fun and a great learning tool has meant that I've somewhat been caught up in the whole motion of the project, whilst general work for Ruby and my ever active social life has also lead to a lack of activity on this particular blog front. My bad.

So my uni application is done and dusted - I've decided on my course, what uni I'm going to attend, and, a tad prematurely one could say, decided on my favourite lecturer. I'm one letter away from getting close to £6K in debt, whilst I've got myself geared up for all the pretty girls I'm going to meet. So. What now?

Unsure as to what to expect I've been trawling Facebook and the Goldsmiths site as to clues of what to expect and, though my research techniques are somewhat questionable, that I'll be in for a high octane experience of drugs, sex and alcohol fuelled binges, combining not only the two previous past times but also wild, skins esque parties, nudity, and a large proportion of Mcdonald's Happy Meals with a side of Salt n Vinegar crisps. I could of course be wildly wrong, though something makes me think I may be on the right paths. I'll just have to wait and see I suppose...

I'm on the path to recovery. Good times.

Image taken from here. Cheers.

Voicebox

As you may, or may not as it goes, know, I've recently become involved in a project for vinspired [the government backed volunteering Charity] called Voicebox. The project is based upon curating the views of young people and giving them a voice that will be heard and listened to, and not only by your peers, us at vinspired, or even the guys at your local corner shop [I find it oddly poignant that they must think I'm going to steal something every time I rock up in at that store - I've only been going there since I was 8 and have, to my memory at least, not even stolen a chocolate button - though did once pocket 20p I once found on the floor in there... I'm not sure if that counts - if so, then my very bad and I'll return it at once with the 7 years or so interest on top. If not, then sod off], but by the people that 'stalk the corridors of power' [such a wanky expression and I winced/cringed profusely when I heard some politician use the phrase today].

The initiative has few grand plans in the pipeline, a robot being strategically placed in the Houses of Parliament being one of them as well as one or two potential partnership with other interesting people to boot. The project will potentially [eventually I should say] be an amazing resource to provide people with true insights into what kids think, feel and do. Apart from asking kids their opinions on subjects such as knife crime, teenage pregnancy and drug use, we are, more importantly in my opinion, getting to the very core of what young people care about. A key part of this project is making sure that kids can be heard – we’re doing this by making all the results we gain from the questions on the site absolutely open source and therefore can be picked up and taken by any Tom, Dick and/or Harry, and can be played with as a child would a Lego set.

I'm also writing the blog on the site so please do stay tuned for my ever so insightful posting on there, whilst check out the results section for an up to date, blow by blow account of how our respondents are reacting. The project will be hugely successful, but I can't do it on my own. I'll need as much support from all the people that know me as is possible, so please do get as involved with Voicebox as is possible. If you're between 13 and 25 then please do proffer your opinions by filling out the questions here, and also please do talk about us - the project needs as much coverage as possible - whilst we are actively pushing people to pick up and play with our open source results.

Check out the site here - cheers.

Image taken from here. I've got to say I do blooming love Lego - not sure what it's got to do with Vociebox, but I saw small man, big headphones... Does anyone other than myself see the train of thought that has lead me here? Gosh it's late.

NSW hits the nail on the head.

I recently came across images of Nike's Autumn/Winter NSW range and quickly concluded that it is genuinely the best collection I have ever seen emerge bleary eyes and fresh, from the Sportswear camp. With a selection of what appears to be impressively tailored jackets, coats and assorted cold weather wear, the Nike team have hit the nail on the head in terms of simple aesthetics – keeping much of the collection clean, bold and simple there is as much as 90% of all the product [seen here] that I would actively wear. Impressive, also, is the clever use of form, as there is a several pieces that take influence from the Varsity and military inspired M65 jacket. Very impressive, and impressed.

Thanks Hypebeast!

Entering the 'age of play'

I've recently read this amazing artist from one of my key mentors, the great Mr Ajaz Ahmed. Looking at the evolving practicality of utilising video gaming as a medium for marketing, Ajaz looks in depth at the business that is now bigger and mightier than Hollywood. I've long been a fan of in game marketing, mentioning it in a interview I did with the Guardian over a year ago, lauding the effective subtlety of adverts within games. With such complexity to games such as Grand Theft Auto, marketeers have the ability to not only market effectively whilst an audience [which is largely a hard to reach, younger audience] offers full concentration to the game, but to also confidently speak to its consumers in a way that will much more easily grab, and keep, their attention.

Take a look at the article here, it's genius.

Image taken from here.

Today was a good day...

Just came across this brilliant ad from Nike SB in conjunction with the third release of the Paul Rodriguez Nike SB skate shoe. Combining picturesque scenery, fantastic tricks from P.Rod himself and the 'Today was a Good Day' soundtrack, alongside a cameo from Ice Cube himself, the video is a brilliant minute of ad that I wished I saw more of. Straight out of Nike's Innovation Kitchen, take a look at the video here.

Pretty pic huh?

Twelve Bar

If you hadn't heard of Twelve Bar before, you sure will in the coming months. Created by ex Londoners Nick Jackson [ex-Maharishi] and Damien Webster [of Clique n’ Move], Twelve Bar has had an excellent lease of life since it’s emergence on to the streetwear scene a few years back. Mixing casual workwear with leisurely streetwear, Twelve Bar has both some great stand out pieces and some excellent wardrobe fillers. Now based in LA since their move from London, the brand has benefited and excelled by mixing up the different style influences from these separate surroundings, blending these cultural styles both efficiently and effectively. Built upon the creation of things that they love [hence where the heart logo and the tagline ‘It’s All Love’ has come from], both founders are heavily influenced by their joint adoration of music – something that is extremely important in their apparel design and outlook on life [their website is also reflective of this, whilst their ties to some of the best emerging and established artists displays their authentic love of music].

Good quality, well made and fairly priced, Twelve Bar is definitely worth a prolonged look, with some of their pieces being truly stand out, a reflection as to why the brand is so popular stateside. Being the excellent blokes that they are, Nick and Damien have sorted me out with a discount code for anything on the online site - a promotion which I plan to extend to my friends and assorted readers.

Take a look at the amazing website here and please do get in touch if you’d be interested in taking advantage of the code.

It’s all love. Image taken from the website.

T.Magic x Nike iD

To celebrate the success of artist and entrepreneur extraordinaire T.Magic has twinned with Nike iD to collaborate officially for the first time. With a tee/trainer pack for the ever popular ‘success is my destiny’ pack, and another for the ‘hope for the best prepare for the worst’, T.Magic has again cemented himself as a luminary of the UK’s creative scene.

Check out the packs, and more from the man, here.

Image taken from the site.

What's Good

For what will surely be a great weekend, What's Good is going to cap off an excellent Saturday of festivities. With temperatures soaring, and so much happening this weekend, Whats Good will be an excellent opportunity to shake a leg and to vibe to tunes from some of the biggest DJs in the capital. Sponsored by New York clothing company 10 Deep, and organised by music maven James Rubin of the Agency Group, expect a great combination of tunes, fashion and people to make for what will be one of the best regular nights in town.

Check out details on the, very well designed, flyer or the Facebook here. Nice, nice.

Party n' Bullshit

The love child of two of London’s luminaries, Merrick Johnson and Theo Oliver [aka celebrated DJ Motive] have decide they want a change from the usual Dalston ‘cool kid’ rave and so Party n’ Bullshit was formed. With an impressive line up of DJs including Motive himself and Yoyo’s Seb Chew, culture vulture duo Tim and Barry and Maharishi’s Gigolo Knight. The night will be focused on fun, debauchery and the appreciation of good music, and will, importantly, be open to all n everyone. Held in Dalston’s 512 Kingsland Road venue, Party n’ Bullshit promises to be a resounding success – come join in the merry tomfoolery this Friday evening. Sweet.

Details above on the flyer and here on Facebook.

The return of Crossover

Crossover finally returns to the streets today as a new range of product have been dropped via We Are HQ. Taking a break from the game, Crossover, HQ and Slammin Kicks mastermind Magdi Fernandes has decided it’s time to bring back the brand so famously endorsed by the likes of Jay Z and Lupe. Not only that but the tees are only a glimpse of what is to come as Fernandes promises big things for the future of the underground streetwear label.

Check out the newly renovated HQ site too – expect big things from both the site and Crossover. Take a look at the tees here.

Image taken from here - thanks.

Boom Bye Bye IV

The fifth installment of Boom Bye Bye looms this evening as a heavy schedule of pre weekend raves look to kill off my youthful energy before I even get to Saturday. 512 Kingsland Road again plays host to the hustling bustling night run by the East End Princess as an amazing line up of DJs, including Acyde, Blaise Belville and the WAH crew , spin the night away. Kicking off at 10 PM be sure to be there early.

Got Got Need: Part Three

Preparing you all for a night of swapping induced mayhem, Got Got Need returns to us for the third installment of the popular night. A free BBQ, good music and loads of great swaps shall ensure the Macbeth will be a bustling, busied night as Got Got Need, brought to us by BNTL's talented Ollie Danger, promises to be a fun packed night of vibes, good peoples and fantastic films.

More info here.

Shaniqwa Jarvis

A fantastic photographer, the extremely personable Shaniqwa Jarvis’ photography immediately caught my constantly wandering eye. With beautifully ranged photographs, Jarvis’ strength lies in her ability to not only capture the individual’s minimal moments beautifully, but to also make them both real and honest. The calibre of the people she has photographed points to her fantastic technique with a camera in hand.

A well respected, experienced photographer, Jarvis has finally finalised a certified online presence so check out her new site here.

Image taken from the site.

Art Is My Hustle: Summer 09 Pack

The wait for a release from the T.Magic camp is now over as, building on the unparalleled success of the recent Leicester invasion, T and the team have released the ‘Art Is My Hustle’ Summer 09 pack. Reminding the world of the successful ethos of the brand, the pack includes a tee and a jumper - both limited to 25 pieces each. With the pack only being released a matter of hours ago some sizes have already sold out, so be sure to be quick if you wish to procure one of these extremely limited pieces. There is every possibility that all they could potentially be sold out by this time tomorrow.

The pack can be purchased from here.

Excitingly, there is also talk of an extremely limited edition collaboration with Nike on the horizon – more info to come, so stay tuned.

Image taken from the blog.

Vitamin Water x Don't Panic

I’ve been seeing some excellent things from Vitamin Water of late – adverts have been popping up all over the gaff, whilst the constant promotional work around the brand is both acknowledged and appreciated. Positive in its approach, whilst not too over bearing, Vitamin Water is filtering into our everyday consciousness. Six months ago I would have found it strange seeing Vitamin Water in constant, general use – now, it is commonplace.

Vitamin Water have again caught my attention, this time due to a design competition they’re running with Don’t Panic. In a move to test their consumer’s creativity, Vitamin Water are giving entrants the opportunity to see their design projected big and large on to the side of Cordy House, Shoreditch, whilst there is also a cash prize and tickets to a festival too. The theme for the competition is ‘summer of Glaceau Vitamin Water’ so if you’re interested, there is more information here.

Image taken from here. Thanks. Sorry.

PSFK give good job

So it would seem that PSFK have some job opportunities for a lucky few to work with the global trends and ideas agency. Though mainly internships, PSFK would be an excellent place for a budding creative to learn and to progress.

Check out all the relevant information here.

Image taken from the site – thanks fellas.

Tube Exits and Pretty Pictures

Check out my latest post on PSFK on Lance Stewart's brilliant new iPhone app 'Tube Exits'. Designed to make traveling around London that bit more easier, it will make commuting, especially in rush hour, more manageable. The post also forays into the Art on the Underground campaign that has impressively been briging a focus to the brand of the London Underground in a sophisticated, interesting way. Check it out here.

Image taken from here.

Trinotron's new site

Trinotron has bagged itself a brand new website with enough games, toys and fun graphics to keep a kid entertained for hours on end. One of the most animated sites I've seen in recent time, Trinity Ellis, the man behind the brand, has continued the perpetual futuristic theme, with the website offering a digital home for the brands ever expanding collection.

Check it out here. Nice, nice.

iArt

Art is pricey - fact - so why not create your own mini masterpieces with IARTLONDON. Offering the opportunity to create fantastic art on a budget, their brilliant DIY kits are to be found in vending machines dotted around the capital. Check out more here in my latest post on PSFK.

Image taken from here. Sweet.

Trapstar x Candy Store: The Invasion of '09

For what will be one of the most exciting weekends Birmingham will have to endure, the Trapstar team are once again invading the Brum and it's fantastic Candy Store. With talks of a collaboration, and with an after party in the mix too, 2009' edition of Trapstar's invasion will be intense. Get your names in quick to roadtrip@iamatrapstar.com and gather more info here.

See ya'll there.

The Bathhouse

Shoreditch's messy streets aren't missing much it would appear, and this fact is now a whole heap truer since The Bathhouse has laid its roots down on one of the area's much maligned corners. Read more about The Bathhouse here in my write up on PSFK.

Image taken from here.

Brand new second hand?

Hitting the South of London this Sunday, is 'Brand New Second Hand' brought to us by a bunch of our favourite streetwear luminaries, including MVP and the WAH crew. Housing some great pieces from bands such as Stussy, Nike and Visvim, this is one for the streetwear connoisseur, important, also, as the UK scene, with the exception of Trapstar, has remained a tad quite since the fantastic momentum of the Reset just over a month ago. Brand New Second Hand will be a welcome relief for bargain hunters, streetwear lovers, and clothing hoarders alike.

Good times.

The Atroceruleous Homarus

Beware the Blue Lobster!

Props to Hypebeast - nice, nice, nice.

Paranoid...

I love the new Paranoid video from Kanye West, the artistry and the drama of the video accentuated by the cameo performance from pop princess, turned fashion icon, Rihanna. Fantastically shot and cleverly pulled together, this is one of the best videos I have seen from the generally outstanding West.

Have a look at the video here.

Nice.

Meeting Rio...

I had the great pleasure of being offered the opportunity to meet Rio Ferdinand last Saturday as a crew of hand picked individuals, Nike employees, and die hard football fans, congregated at the 1948 NSW store in Shoreditch. Held in conjunction with Ferdinand's Air Force 1 Launch, he came across as both personable and intelligent in a very open question and answer time, a stark contrast to the media portrayal of many modern day proffessional players. He spoke of his love for the game, joked and laughed, signed various bits and pieces, smiled and was consistently polite - I even got him to give my little brother a call and I marvelled as I watched him converse with my delighted 9 year old sibling.

Rio Ferdinand is clearly a bit more than an average footballer, exemplified by the fact that he has been given a shoe by Nike to work with. His shoe is cleanly constructed and uncluttered, the quality of this shoe falling within the detailing - a poignant message on the insole, clean white lines, whilst gold stictching, alongside the golden swoosh, gives the shoe a premium feel. His online magazine '5' also displays the enterprising nature of the man, clearly transferring a powerful winning mentality that he so strongly champions on pitch, to all other areas of his life.

A fantastic opportunity and one that I shall long remember. Thank you to Nike, AKQA and, of course, Mr Ferdinand...

Image taken from here.

Amazing radio

Amazing Radio is a new radio station located on DAB [in place of the much missed Birdsong channel] and shall solely play songs by unsigned, emerging artists. Read more in my write up on PSFK, here.

Good times.

Image of Master Shortie, one of the many unsigned artists that shall benefit from the exposure of nationwide radio exposure. Taken from here.