Puma Unity Beer
A lot of cross-promotional ideas can come off as gimmicky, especially when they are advocating unity in reference to the greatest tournament on the planet. We’re all for Puma Unity Beer, however, which represents a truly outstanding convergence of ideas. The renowned sports apparel and clothier has teamed up with artisanal brewers Collective Sao Gabriel to concoct a special World Cup brew meant to promote unity. While Puma may not be an official sponsor of the World Cup, it’s hard to argue their place in the annals of football history, and the current direction of their company reflects a desire to use their position to raise awareness about the need for good sportsmanship and a common goal. Collective Sao Gabriel is not as well known but certainly no less esteemed; in fact, they claim that their company was founded during “a search for truth and honesty in the world of beer,” and a “quest for more substance, more authenticity, and more meaning from our day-to-day experiences;” these are concepts we think just about anyone can relate to. What the beer actually tastes like is anyone’s guess, as both companies are keeping it under raps until the Cup draws closer; however it’s safe to say that with these two companies at the helm we’re sure it’s nothing short of spectacular. Oh, and the bottle looks awesome, too.
Continue reading to view the video.
“The Dark Lens” Series by Cédric Delsaux
Star Wars changed the world forever when it hit the big screen in 1977. In a series of photographs called “The Dark Lens,” photographer, Cédric Delsaux, captures the characters in an apocalyptic world transformed by war. When first looking at these photographs, one wonders, is this our world we’re looking at it, or theirs? C3PO is stranded in a field of alien machinery in what looks to be an old parking garage. Silver androids with arched swan necks, armed by machine guns line up against what could be this years’ newest Chevy truck, while R2D2 stands alone with what looks like a disassembled helicopter in an abandoned repair shop. There is an obvious devastation on whatever planet they may be on. The world seems to be vacant of any human life. Delsaux’s photos create an interesting dilemma for the fan by placing the beloved characters in an unknown world with unknown tragedy. Will they try to leave or attempt to start over? Will they have their own race wars to determine who’s in charge? Will Darth Vader be President!? One can only hope.
Footnote: All these photos were shot at a Star Wars amusement park in Dubai!
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Denim Debate
The new Denim Debate site hopes to unveil some truths about high-end denim quality. A collective of bloggers, store owners and stylish associates have come together in a challenge of sorts to compare their respective brand of jeans by chronicling its life from purchase to alteration to first wash and to that “perfectly worn-in” look.
A long and diverse list of denim lines are represented on the site including The Flat Head, Studio D’Artisan, Kicking Mule Workshop, Levi’s Vintage, Rising Sun, 3Sixteen, APC, Nom de Guerre, Self Edge and much much more.
Each contributor documents the progress of their denim with regularly updated posts that will uncover methods of the wear process, the various fits for body types, color fade and several other elements that attribute to denim’s character.
This project is encouraged to be interactive with the readers which will enable them to comment on preferences and share their own denim experiences. All parties gain to learn something through this effort.
So bookmark the Denim Debate, and check out this impressive roster of enthusiasts, converts and overall passionate students of denim. I’m a proud participant of this project, and I’m sure you’ll recognize some other faces as well.
Note: my prized Self Edge x Real Japan Blues will prove to be a standout.
You can also follow Denim Debate on their Twitter page: twitter.com/denimdebate
Vogue Diaries: Logged On
Vogue Diaries has an interesting video that goes behind the scenes of a photoshoot that includes some of the fashion industries most influential bloggers. Among them are a few of SwipeLife’s favorites such as Tommy Ton of Jak & Jil and Todd Selby of The Selby. Other noted bloggers in the video include Bryan Boy, Michelle Phan, Mary Tomer, Yvan Rodic, Hanneli Mustaparta, Catherine Kallon, and Garance Dore. This video is a great view inside the minds of the bloggers and how they interpret the fashion industry according to their thoughts, words, and images.
Sewn From the Soul
Our good friends and colleagues Josh and Trav just gave us the heads up on a project they’ve been working on for Black History Month. The Street Etiquette duo has been hard at work with multiple projects, and this latest one they’re pulling off from their sleeve is nothing short of amazing. Enlisting the help of friends, SE has beautifully executed an editorial honoring some of the most influential and most stylist icons from Black History’s pasts. The group channels the styles of Miles Davis, Sammy Davis Jr., Cornell West, Nat “King” Cole, Gordon Parks, and more for their “Sewn From the Soul” editorial project.
Visit: SEWN FROM THE SOUL (for full editorial)
Continue reading to view some images of the editorial and a behind the scenes look of the making of “Sewn from the Soul.”
Billy Reid Wins 2010 GQ/CFDA Best New Menswear Designer in America Award
GQ kicked off New York Fashion Week last night by celebrating the six finalists in their 2010 search for the Best New Designer in America Award. At the end, it was designer Billy Reid who nabbed the award along with a $50,000 cash prize and the opportunity to create a limited edition Levi’s collection for Bloomingdale’s. As part of their continued celebration for each of the nominees, GQ will be release behind-the-scenes videos of each of the designers. The first video, of course is winner Billy Reid. Congratulations to Billy for this outstanding achievement!
Full list of nominees include:
- Billy Reid (Winner)
- Richard Chai
- Unis (by Eunice Lee)
- J. Crew by Frank Muytjens
- Caulfield Preparatory by Vincent Flumiani
- Burkman Brothers by Doug and Ben Burkman
Continue reading to view the video.
Orlando Bloom and Agyness Deyn for Me & City
Chinese textile group Me & City is positioned to be the next H&M or Zara. With current sales only exclusive to the Asian market, Me & City are starting to expand their international reach. Targeted for the 22 to 35 crowd, the label hopes to garner more followers of the brand by putting international stars in their campaigns. Their current ads star Orland Bloom and Agyness Deyn in a campaign that shows us a fun side to the brand as well as their inspiration of the west coast.
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Chanel Samurai Armor by Tetsuya Noguchi
It would be silly to think that feudal Japanese warriors would need a high fashion branded armor in times of battle. We do however appreciate the craft that goes into making such a protective war piece. As a tribute to luxury label Chanel, Tetsuya Noguchi crafted a samurai armor made from resin, cashew lacquer, cloth, and glass. The double “C” Chanel logo is ever present in the piece located on the chest. Not sure if the armor was ever commissioned, but the craft is undoubtedly superb and just cool to look at.
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SpaceShipTwo by Virgin Galactic
It’s time to sell your timeshare in the Bahamas and upgrade to something better. Billionaire commercial cosmonaut Richard Branson unveiled his company’s space tourism craft, the SpaceShipTwo. Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo will be escorted to a suborbital altitude of about ten miles by a mothership, the WhiteNightTwo; upon detaching the SST’s thrusters take over and catapult the craft 65 miles above the Earth’s surface, nestling comfortably between the outer reaches of our atmosphere and the beginning of space. During the 2.5 hour flight, passengers will be able to experience full weightlessness and see a view of Earth that only a few dozen people have been able to take in. Tickets for the voyage will fall around the $200,000 range; that’s well worth it, especially since you can begin your sentences with “When I was in space…”
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Google Offices – A Look Inside
Google prides itself on giving its engineers independent freedom over their projects. They’re known for having a unique management structure that allows anyone to implement immediate change if the idea is popular. Google also empowers employees to work on whatever they deem important. With a work atmosphere steep in being so innovative, it wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine an office equally creative.
The Google offices are a big part of what inspires those lucky enough to work there. The design is as offbeat & colorful as the company’s logo. Massage lounges, arcade machines, sliding boards, & hut meeting rooms are a few examples of the interior decor. Employees can dine on gourmet food & even relax in dark rooms all while at work. Artistically, it’s a complement of modern design & engineering.
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