bythelevel, Author at BY THE LEVEL

Vans CA Present The Vansguard “True White” Reissue

Posted on January 29, 2015January 31, 2015 by bythelevel

Vans California offer up a super clean adaptation of 3 classic skate silhouettes, as they present the Vansguard ‘True White’ Reissue pack.

The Old Skool CA Low, Sk8-Hi CA and Era CA arrive with a premium cow suede and 10. oz duck canvas construction on the upper, with cotton and polyester blend on the tonal laces. Each shoe sits on top of a stark white midsole and features white accents throughout, with Vansguard Vans labelling and a synthetic leather lining for a plush finish.

With some bad weather to consider in the next few months, there’s obviously going to be some hesitation when deciding on these, but just to reassure you, Vans have treated the shoes with DWR, making them dirt and grime resistant. We didn’t need any more convincing here and its safe to say the Vansguard reissue is definitely one of our favourite releases of the year so far. An all white shoe is essential for any wardrobe, and although its slightly off-white in places, Vans California have done a great job in this release.

The Vans California “True White” Vansguard Reissue pack & Era shoe are available now at selected Vans retailers, and online at vans.co.uk and goodhoodstore.com

Lightning Bolt Spring/Summer 2015

Posted on January 29, 2015January 29, 2015 by bythelevel

Lightning Bolt was born in the Summer of 1971, inspired by Surfing and the lifestyle that surrounds it. Having been reintroduced into the market 4 years ago, the brand presents its most mature collection to date for Spring/Summer 2015, all the while staying true to its core values.

The Hawaii based brand have applied several technical and material upgrades to their latest collection, but still retain their iconic surf aesthetic. The release consists of laid back beach ready styles including their shirting, tees, sweaters and hoodies, offered up in a carefully selected colour colour palette of indigo blues, washed greens and yellows and shades of red that were with the brand from the start and will continue to be a part of the core palette moving forward. A highlight is their revised board-shorts, which are constructed from considered fabric, and include additional functional features such as water shed pockets and adjustable technical closures. Soft cotton knitwear and lightweight jacket options complete a collection which sees the brand continue to develop and progress in its design.

The Lightning Bolt Spring/Summer 2015 collection will be available from the following stockists from the end of January;

Coggles

Garbstore

Nixon – Alive in California

Posted on January 28, 2015January 28, 2015 by bythelevel

Nixon is a brand fuelled by adventure. Deeply rooted in surf and skate, they produce custom built accessories, most notably watches, that not only offer high levels of quality but also reflect the life they live.

Bringing their positive energy into 2015, Nixon have put together this awesome short video, comprised of stunning black and white visuals that highlights the beauty of California, with a focus on the cities passion for board sports. It’s a great visual representation of the brand and those that wear it, as well as the city itself. If you look closely enough you can also peep some of their key styles from the season.

Enjoy the video below and for more information on Nixon or to shop their current range, head over to www.nixon.com

Saucony Originals Shadow 5000 ‘Fresh Picked’

Posted on January 27, 2015 by bythelevel

Saucony kick off proceedings in 2015 with a seasonal release in the ‘Fresh Picked’ pack, inspired by the colours of the berry patch.

Originally released back in 1989, the Shadow 5000 has been the subject of several notable colour reworks and high profile collaborative releases since it was reintroduced into the market thanks to its sleek, form fitting style. This season the classic running silhouette dons the vibrant blue and deep purple of the blueberry and blackberry. Both shoes uppers feature suede panelling on the mudguard and heel, with mesh on the toe box, with each style sitting on top of a contrasting white midsole and black outsole. The vibrant blue upper on the blueberry features hits of turquoise on the branding and hits of black on the heels and laces, while the blackberry is offered up in a rich purple with 3M silver on the branding and black on the laces and heel.

The Saucony Shadow 5000 Fresh Picked pack will be arriving at Urban Industry on February the 1^st.

BWGH x Puma – Spring/Summer 2015

Posted on January 26, 2015January 29, 2015 by bythelevel

Brooklyn We Go Hard (BWGH) and PUMA continue their fruitful relationship with their latest collaborative instalment for Spring/Summer 2015.

The Parisian label, founded by David Obadia and Nelson Hassan, has gained global recognition for its sophisticated designs. Drawing inspiration from their own experiences, they utilise premium materials and considered cuts and fits to produce contemporary menswear styles with a street ready feel.

BWGH’s quality in design meets PUMA’s sports heritage once again for their Spring/Summer 2015 collection which features new colour palettes and several new materials applied to a range of footwear, apparel and accessories. Once again using BWGH’s pattern and measurement charts as a base, classic sportswear inspired pieces see premium materials such as plush nubuck, smooth leather and jersey applications throughout the collection.

The release pulls further inspiration from the work of New York artist Ethan Cooke, referencing his iconic square and rectangle prints and subtle colour palette’s of light greys and blues. Rounding off the release is a retro reinterpretation of the classic R698 shape, aligning with the themes of the apparel selection.

The BWGH x PUMA Spring/Summer 2015 collection is available at the following retailers from the 31st of January;

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Urban Industry

Hanon

New-Balance-Footpatrol-M1500FPK-Encyclopaedia-FR-2

Footpatrol x New Balance M1500FPK ‘Encyclopaedia’

Posted on January 21, 2015January 21, 2015 by bythelevel

London’s premier footwear destination Footpatrol link up with New Balance on a sophisticated rework of the brands ‘Made In England’ M1500 silhouette, drawing inspiration from one of the most informative and important reference sources of our time – the Encyclopædia Britannica.

Originally released back in 1993, the M1500 silhouette is considered New Balance’s most accomplished running shoe to date. It’s form fitting design and Encap comfort technology in the midsole has seen the classic runner become a favourite with footwear fanatics across the globe. Footpatrol have done a solid job on reworking the silhouette, which is crafted entirely at the brands Flimby factory, by applying premium fabrications and colour treatments for a clean finish.

The shoes upper utilises black suede on the mudguard, wrapping around the toe box and ankle collar. Smooth tonal leather graces the side panels, toe box and tongue, while embroidered hits of gold feature on the tongue, lateral heel section and iconic ‘N’ branding. Further gold detailing can be found on the reflective piping around the ankle collar, while vibrant red detailing is used on the heel branding and a blacked out ‘N’ logo sits on the medial side of the shoe. An intentionally off white midsole and gum outsole gives off an aged effect inspired by the worn pages of the publication. The shoes inner sole takes elements from the content of the encyclopedia with an anatomical illustration of the foot printed on to it.

The Footpatrol x New Balance M1500FPK ‘Encyclopaedia’ is set to release in-store & online this Saturday the 24th January at Footpatrol. Sizes will range from a UK6.5 to UK11 and will cost you £145.

The Quiet Life ‘Mountain Pack’

Posted on January 21, 2015 by bythelevel

The Quiet Life start life in 2015 on a high as they present the appropriately named ‘Mountain Pack’, beautifully captured in this seasonal lookbook by Vancouver based photographer Alana Paterson.

Arriving in super limited quantities, the 6 piece collection draws inspiration from the mountains, applying themes to a selection of apparel and accessories. The pack is comprised of a long and short sleeved graphic tee, along with an embroidered pocket tee, featuring an exclusive logo designed specifically for the pack. An exclusive 5-panel constructed from a limited dead stock fabric and nice touches in the Quiet Life compass and caribener/keychain round off the release.

The Quiet Life has always expressed their love for photography and with each release we are always treated to solid visuals from the brand. This release is no different, as they travel to a snowy Hurley Forest Service Road with Alana Paterson to capture the collection against a wintery backdrop

With the collection being stocked in only 20 locations worldwide and only a handful in the UK, you’re going to have to act fast if you want a piece. The Quiet Life Mountain Pack will be available from the following retailers from the 22nd of Jan;

Urban Industry

Flatspot

Note