Author: bythelevel

End. x Reebok Ventilator Husky

END. x Reebok Ventilator “Husky”

Posted on by bythelevel

 

For their second collaborative project, END. and Reebok look to celebrate the classic ‘Ventilator’ silhouette’s 25th anniversary as they give the shoe a premium rework inspired by the fastest canine on the planet – the Husky.

The Husky is usually associated with the colder months, renowned for pulling sleds in Alaska and other similar northern regions, but colour application for this rework on the classic runner makes for a great summer trainer, with light hues of grey, pink and blue. Maintaining its original features, the Ventilator gives the same comfort, support and flexibility as its first incarnation, but the shoe has been updated with a soft brushed suede, reminiscent of the Husky’s thick long haired coat. The premium upper sits on top of a bright white midsole and matching hits of light blue and pink on the outsole. Further detailing includes a custom co-branded insoles, two additional sets of laces, husky branded hangtags, as well as a limited edition frosted Perspex shoe box in which the shoes arrive.

The END. x Reebok Ventilator “Husky” will be available in-store from June the 4th and will be arriving online at www.endclothing.co.uk from June the 6th.

 

Öctagon Full Video

Öctagon Full Video

Posted on by bythelevel

 

Following a series of teasers over the past few months and a world tour of premiers, we can finally take a look at the full-length video from “Öctagon” that has been produced with support from Carhartt WIP.

Taking a slightly different approach to the more conventional skate video, Öctagon showcases the unique art direction of the brand. Directed by Joaquim Bayle the video focuses on defiance against a world in which people are controlled by higher powers, incorporating futuristic, tech inspired graphics against the city backdrop’s of Tokyo, Paris, London, Helsinki and Lisbon.

 Since I first saw the teaser images I’ve been trying to find out a bit more about this mysterious ‘Öctagon’ . At first I thought it was a line from Carhartt WIP’s skate department but on closer inspection, although the project has been supported in part by Carhartt, it seems as though the brand has an entity of its own. Having read through other write ups and Öctagon’s interview with Free Skateboard Mag, they seem to be keeping their cards close to their chest with a load of cryptic answers. One thing that is undeniable is the quality of the video and more importantly the skateboarding. There is a strong sense of rebellion from the company and this transcends in the video, something that is deeply rooted in skateboarding’s heritage.

If anything it’s exciting to see a brand arriving with a fresh concept and a slightly different take on things and although I’m sure it will be met with some resistance, it’s good that they are looking to push things forward. Team riders for “Öctagon” include Edouard Depaz, Valentin Bauer, Bram De Cleen, Joseph Biais, Yeelen Moens and Rémy Taveira, while this full length video features Edouard Depaz, Valentin Bauer, as well as Carhartt WIP riders Joseph Biais, Bram De Cleen and Sylvain Tognelli amongst others.

Enjoy the video below and for more information be sure to keep an eye on www.octagon-exe.com and the brands instagram page.

Asics x AFEW

Asics x AFEW Gel Lyte III ‘Koi Klub’

Posted on by bythelevel

Continuing the Gel Lyte III’s 25th anniversary celebrations, Asics link up once again with German sneaker store AFEW to present a refined version of their 1-of-1 handmade edition’s from back in 2012, which went by the same name of “Koi Klub”.

In paying homage to Japanese culture and lifestyle, in which high importance is placed on quality craftsmanship, this is also true celebration of sneaker culture, with every detail of the design through to the application and finish meticulously thought out. The colour way of white, red and black references the iconic Koi fish which has strong ties to Japanese culture and traditions. The shoes upper is constructed from a nappy suede with off white colouring on the mid-foot and red on the perforated toe box and heel, finished with hits of black on the Asics branding. The plush upper sits on top of a crisp white midsole and a ‘Koi Camo’ outsole, while additional details include wooden lace eyelets, brown leather accents and embossed AFEW branding on the heel.

Looking closer at the shoe, you also small touches that really complete the look, with two heel patches on each shoe, one reading “AFEW” and the other “家族” which translates as ‘family’. Finally as a nod to the pairs efforts back in 2012, the sock liners feature pictures from the first Japan Day event while the other shows the process of hand making the original pair.

The Asics x AFEW Gel Lyte III ‘Koi Klub’ launches on Saturday the 30th of May (tomorrow) online at Hanon and in store at END.

video-new-balance-numeric-sunland

New Balance Numeric present “Sunland”

Posted on by bythelevel

 

Following a year long hiatus in production, New Balance Numeric returns with a brand new line of skate ready footwear, all of which are showcased in this awesome new short film entitled “Sunland”.

Put together by the Brindle Collective the continuously flowing short follows the New balance team as they shred the streets through to the school yard, wearing 5 new models and thirteen new styles introduced by the brand as part of the relaunch. Alongside some hits of quality skateboarding, the feel good video is a visual treat throughout and features team riders Arto Saari, Tom Knox, Jordan Taylor, Tyler Surrey, Jordan Trahan, PJ Ladd, Marquise Henry, Jack Curtin, Levi Brown and Tom Karangelov.

Enjoy the video below. You can pick up the latest from New Balance Numeric over at Flatspot. now.

 

4

Patta x Gumball 3000

Posted on by bythelevel

 

To coincide with the famous Gumball 3000 Rally, which kicked off at weekend, Amsterdam mainstay Patta link up with the team at Gumball to work on a concise collaborative collection that aims to capture the spirit of the event.

The traditionally British motor rally is in its 16th year now and continues to draw huge crowds of motorists, as well as big name celebrities, to drive their way across Europe and usually making their way to the finish line in the US. This year sees the tour kick off in Stockholm, with the route passing through Patta’s native Amsterdam before finishing in Las Vegas, with notable participants including Lewis Hamilton, Tony Hawk and Bun B amongst many others.

Combining Patta’s creative approach and elements of Gumball’s iconic logo imagery, the collection consists of dual branded t-shirt, long-sleeve and black nylon coach jacket. Both the tee and long sleeve features Patta’s popular script design on the chest, with the Gumball 3000 logo applied to the back of the tee, while the long sleeve features “Against All Odds” as a back print with “Gumball” printed on the arms. Rounding off the release is a sportswear inspired coach jacket, constructed from a nylon taslan fabric and bearing an embroidered “3000” across the back.

The Patta x Gumball 3000 Capsule Collection is available now at Patta’s webstore. 

supreme-x-vans-2015-summer-old-skool-collection-1

Supreme x Vans Summer 2015 Old Skool Collection

Posted on by bythelevel

 

Continuing their popular collaborative ventures, Supreme and Vans team up once again, this time giving the iconic Old Skool an updated rework for the Summer.

Despite both companies heritage lying in skateboarding, their latest iteration of the timeless Old Skool seems to focus on exploiting the shoes popularity in the lifestyle market, applying a perforated leather to the shoes upper for a premium look, although with the hard wearing leather I’m sure they skate well too. Arriving in four clean colour options, the shoes features additional leather detailing in the iconic sidestripe and tonal laces, all of which sits on top of a crisp white sole unit which is seperated with the classic black piping around the midsole.

The Supreme x Vans Summer 2015 Old Skool collection will be available at Supreme’s London location and online from the Thursday the 28th of May (Tomorrow).

CLSC-Summer-15-Lookbook (5)

CLSC Summer 2015 Lookbook

Posted on by bythelevel

 

LA based CLSC return with yet another strong set of visuals to showcase their latest offering for Summer 2015, which sees the brand continue to draw from athletic influences and humorous themes.

Besides the importance the brand places on producing each garment to the highest quality, whether its the print, material or cuts, another thing that has stood out to us is CLSC’s ability to produce strong lookbooks to accompany their offerings. This season sees the brand link up once again with talented photographer Evy Optics to capture the collection against some of the most scenic backdrops LA has to offer.

Having established themselves as one of the most exciting brands in the market over the last few years, CLSC once again look to develop their range of sportswear informed designs and their tongue in cheek graphic pieces, which feature prominently throughout the summer release. Alongside the staple graphic tees, long sleeves and hoodies, sits a strong selection of embroidered headwear pieces and light outerwear options. Stand out pieces include the summer ready mesh shorts and the clean cut SUX baseball jersey.

The CLSC Summer 2015 collection will be available shortly at the following retailers; 5Pointz, Flatspot, Capology and The Chimp Store.