October 2014 | Page 2 of 5

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size? x Nike – Air Huarache Light ‘Mowabb’

Posted on October 27, 2014December 10, 2014 by bythelevel

The last few months have seen a wave of notable collaborative releases from UK retailer size? and their latest effort, reworking the Air Huarache Light, is one of the strongest so far.

Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Moab, Utah and the colours of the horizon, the shoes colour way replicates the hues of blue from the skyline as they meet with the burnt sand to create an intersecting orange burst. The colour treatment was originally found on the iconic ACG Mowabb release which brought the ‘Huarache to the mountains’, and the same shoe was also the pioneer of the now popular speckled midsole that can also be found on this model.

The latest iteration of the shoe features mesh on the upper which works with the neoprene sock liner for added comfort and stability, as well as suede panelling on the mudguard for durability. Additional features include the black and white speckled midsole, branding on the heel and heel tab, with the huarache logo on the tongue.

The Air Huarache Light has seen a bit of a resurgence of late, most notably as the focus of Footpatrols ‘Concrete’ release and the OG ‘Ultramarine’. In my opinion it’s one of the most understated silhouettes and when it’s done well, it can make for a great shoe, and this Autumnal rendition is an example of that.

The size? x Nike AIr Huarache Light will be available at size? from the 31st of October.

LFT FLD

Posted on October 27, 2014December 10, 2014 by bythelevel

LFT FLD is the brainchild of two of the UK’s key players in the skate/streetwear scene and this Autumn/Winter they release their inaugural collection full of 90′s inspired silhouettes, with a contemporary twist.

Recent years have seen increased interest in british streetwear, sneaker culture and our skate scene, and for good reason. With the huge hype around American brands its easy to forget sometimes that the UK holds some of the worlds most sought after stores and is home to some of the most unique independent brands of the moment. UK streetwear is definitely on the up and Gareth Skewis (Palace and Slam City Skates) and Paul Ruffles (size? and Footpatrol) have been a huge part of the UK movement. Their experience and skill has been channelled into this impressive collaborative effort – LFT FLD.

Taking a retrospective approach whilst applying refined, considered construction, LFT FLD present a solid selection of sportswear inspired apparel. Performance outerwear options in the contemporary neoprene jacket and reversible hoodie are the stand out pieces, while staple athletic silhouettes dominate the release, bearing heavy graphic designs from none other than Fergus Purcell – the man behind the Palace logo and many other big name designs, has now turned his attention to the graphic identity and branding for LFT FLD.

The LFT FLD first release is available now at size? and will be available from other select retailers shortly.

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Nike F.C Holiday 2014 Collection

Posted on October 26, 2014December 10, 2014 by bythelevel

Nike F.C look to the new epicentre of world football – Berlin, as they present their latest collection just in time for the holiday season.

Following the nations recent success, most notably their victory in the world cup, a spotlight has been shone on Germany’s dedication to the game and its roots that lie on the small concrete pitches of Berlin. The gritty streets of the countries capital inspires this collection, showcased in this lookbook featuring the Boateng brothers who both owe their footballing success to Berlin’s ‘concrete’ roots football.

This seasons offerings include Nike F.C regulars in the Glory Tee and N98 which both receive updates, as well as new introductions in the star-emblazoned AW77 crew neck tee and hoodie. The Nike F.C ‘Stars’ t-shirt pays homage to the Champions League final that will be held in Berlin in 2015 and rounding the collection off is the Nike F.C Scarf which takes inspiration from the terraces and every football fan’s essential accessory.

The Nike FC Holiday 2014 collection is available now at Nike Sportswear retailers worldwide and online at www.nike.com

Magenta Fall/Winter 2014 – Lookbook and Infinity Series

Posted on October 24, 2014December 10, 2014 by bythelevel

Magenta take to the streets of their hometown Bordeaux to capture their latest apparel offering for Fall 2014 alongside their Infinity deck series.

The skater owned and operated brand continue the brands unique artistic direction as they draw themes from revolutionary art movements including the renaissance period to the surrealists. Each of these movements helped changed perspectives and this is something deeply rooted within Magenta’s core values and overall aim. Flying the flag for independent french skate brands at the minute, their latest release is concise, featuring graphic based tees, hoodies, sweaters and a jacket, as well as a range of headwear bearing the brands signature logo.

This season also sees a selection of new pro graphics introduced, one from each team member and also some guest appearances from Carlos Young, photographer Richard Hart and a cruiser model from Mike Manzoori.

Check out the look book below as well as the Infinity deck series. For more information or to purchase, visit www.magentaskateboards.com

Polar Skate Co. x Carhartt WIP Editorial

Posted on October 24, 2014March 10, 2016 by bythelevel

Polar Skate Co.’s unique designs meet Carhartt WIP’s style focused outerwear as the two brands link up this Autumn for a limited collaborative collection.

Carhartt WIP have been the focus of many collaborations over the past few years with the likes of A.P.C and Vans in their portfolio. This year has seen Polar Skate Co. chiming in with a huge collab of their own with the release of their reworked Converse Cons CTAS Pro. This season the brands styles combine effortlessly as they present a robust yet wearable offering, built with quality in mind and a high attention to detail.

The outcome is a strong selection of skate ready goods as Polar revisit a selection of classic Carhartt shapes. The collection includes graphic print t-shirts featuring modernist illustrations, inspired by Greek antiquity, as well as cut and sew pieces in the long sleeve shirts and quilted lined vests. There is a beanie and team decks, as well as a nice touch in a dual branded pen featuring the ‘big head’ logo. Each item is constructed from premium fabrics including suede, denim and cotton, with additional detailing in the suede labelling.

It was great for us personally when we heard news on the collaboration, holding Polar and Carhartt WIP as two of our favourite brands here at By The Level. Polar embodies what contemporary skateboarding is all about and this is translated through their original designs and the media they put out. Its refreshing to see an independent brand try new things and offer clothing and hardware designs that give something different, not just bowing to current trends. Their latest collaboration sees the brand continue to develop, and with Carhartt WIP’s trustworthy and highly functional outerwear meets street wear garments at their disposal, the concise collection is a well rounded success.

The Polar Skate Co. X Carhartt WIP Collection is available now at selected retailers in the UK, at carhartt-wip.com and polarskateco.com. Also be sure to check out the awesome STOKER issue 1 HERE.

You can pick your favourite pieces up here:

Select Store Brighton (In-Store Only)

Flatspot

Bored Of Southsea

Imagery: Lily Brown

Words & Art Direction: Kieran Sills

Model: Louis Clarke

Tens ‘Enjoy The View’

Posted on October 22, 2014December 10, 2014 by bythelevel

Having caused a stir on crowd-funding site Indiegogo back in May, UK based Tens return with a stunning set of visuals to showcase their custom filtered sunglasses.

Tens have spent years developing a custom lens tint that works with natural light to create a more vivid picture, changing the way we see everyday life. By dimming the brightness, the scratch proof lenses intensify your surroundings to create the perfect scene. There is of course a science behind the pretty pictures, and the sunglasses still hold their basic function – to protect your eyes from the son as they provide 100% protection against UV rays. Experts have even found that the colours seen through the glasses can actually enhance your mood!

For a brand thats rooted in travel and exploration, it was only right that the visuals match the quality of the picture created by the product. Tens deliver a video commercial shot by the brands co-founder Tom Welsh that follows a group of friends travelling through scenic destinations including California, Vancouver Island, Mammoth and British Colombia. There is also a complimenting lookbook shot by LA based Joe Perri in a mixture or rural and urban areas of discovery.

Enjoy the video commercial above and look book below. For more information on Tens or to purchase ‘The Classic’ frame style, head over to www.tenslife.com

HUF Holiday 2014 Footwear

Posted on October 19, 2014December 10, 2014 by bythelevel

HUF give a premium rework to a selection of their key styles as they present their latest footwear offering for Holiday 2014.

Since it began just four years ago, HUF’s footwear department has gained some serious momentum and the calibre of product they are pushing out is contending with some of the best footwear brands out their. When it comes to skate-ability and functionality, the easy to wear, street ready silhouettes tick all the boxes.

Two of the most notable releases of this year – the Dylan and the Hufnagel 2 receive premium leather updates in their latest release. The Dylan arrives in an all black colour way on top of a gum sole, as well as a navy on top of a bone white sole, while the Hufnagel gets a clean all white look and also comes in black with contrasting white sole.

The newly introduced staple silhouettes in the Classic Lo, which is now offered in Faded Steel and the Classic Hi, which is available in a rich brown and black and light grey mix leather, both feature. The collection is rounded off with colour updates to the Pepper and Ramondetta Pro, and the Sutter is reworked with oil black leather and a vegan friendly black dot designs.

The HUF Holiday 2014 footwear collection will be available in the UK soon so be sure to check back for links! For more information visit store.hufworldwide.com