Skate Archives | Page 9 of 28

Vans x Anti-Hero 20th Anniversary Collection

Posted on March 5, 2015March 5, 2015 by bythelevel

Celebrating 20 years of rich skateboarding heritage, two giants come together on a collaborative collection this Spring. Anti-Hero are one of the most respected brands to ever do it, renowned for their iconic board graphics and influential team riders, some of which they share with Vans. As two brands who are responsible for so much in the development of Skateboarding and the history they share together, it seems right that the pair have come together to mark the occasion.

Anti-Hero’s story started in 1995. Founded by Julien Stranger back when the industry was small and the companies involved were pretty much all skater owned, doing it for the love of skateboarding rather than financial gain. Born out of the desire to create a way of living rather than a quick way to make money, the name ‘Anti-Hero’ is appropriate with Stranger pretty much ‘Anti’ everything at the time, something he expressed publicly through his ads and board graphics. The brand represents the way in which the youth of skateboarding lived their life and it has carried this ethos through to modern day, one of the realest skate brands out there.

The 20th Anniversary collection offers up dual branded rework on four key pro models including the Era 46 Pro, Slip-On 59 Pro and the Sk8-Mid Pro, featuring the pro heel tab, ULTRCUSH insoles for support and comfort, DURACAP reinforcements in the toe area for protection, as well as suede applications on the upper for durability and grip. The release also debuts Tony Trujillo’s sixth generation Vans signature pro model – the TNT SG. The TNT SG Anti-Hero rework is characterised by the brands iconic print on the mid foot and lock up graphic on the tongue label. Additional features include the Anti-Hero labelling, original waffle outsole and Vans Ortholite sockliner for comfort.

The collection is rounded off with a concise apparel selection featuring dual branded tees in white and black, snapback and coach jacket. The Vans x Anti-Hero 20th Anniversary Collection is available now at vans.co.uk and selected Vans retailers.

Hélas Polo Club Capsule Collection

Posted on March 1, 2015 by bythelevel

Toulouse based Hélas Caps present their first release of the year with a concise collection entitled the Polo Club Capsule.

Hélas continue to draw influence from other notable designer labels as they rework their distinctive Umbrella motif, adding a guy riding a camel, which serves as the the logo for the release. Sticking to a strict colour palette of navy blue and white, the capsule consists of two 100% cotton t-shirts that adorns the polo club logo on the chest and as a back print, with embroidered label detailing on the hem. The stand out French designed Jacket is constructed from a soft polyester with a tonal mesh lining for warmth and extra comfort, with nice touches in the custom umbrella zip pulls and elasticated ribbed collar and cuffs. No Hélas collection would be complete without a strong headwear selection, and this release is no exception with a 6 panel cap and 6 panel bucket hat, each of which feature a brown embossed leather logo badge.

The Hélas Caps Polo club Capsule Collection is available now at Flatspot and Parlour Skate Store

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FUTUR Spring/Summer 2015

Posted on February 25, 2015 by bythelevel

Following up their debut release from last season, cryptic European skate brand FUTUR present their latest offering for Spring 2015 entitled “Season O (refill)”

For many brands it takes years to build up the knowledge and experience to produce collections with certain levels of detail in their construction, quality in the design and conviction in their visuals. It seems as though FUTUR have bypassed these stages in their development, coming straight out of the blocks with considered, quality clothing and offer up something that is simplistic yet accomplished through their clean graphics and considered designs. Their latest release gives us a bit of a top up, hence the (refill), and follows on from their inaugural collection, with some familiar pieces making an appearance, as well as some new introductions. By large the latest release sticks to the theme of ‘Season 0″, all the way down to the colour treatments.

For this season, FUTUR have called upon the services of photographer Felix Schaper to capture the release around the brands Saint Honoré studio, with Parisian skater Benoit Renaux on modelling duties. The collection is comprised of short and long sleeved tees, that utilise colour blocking on the arms as well as clean illustrative prints from artist Steven Burke as back pieces. The release is rounded off with a small selection of US made caps, all of which stick to the colour palette of Navy and White.

The FUTUR Spring 2015 collection is available now at Footpatrol.

Lucas Puig of Hélas Caps – Interview

Posted on February 21, 2015March 10, 2016 by bythelevel

Despite what might seem like yesterday to many of us, that miracle primo slide we saw Lucas Puig do in Lakai’s Fully Flared happened near enough 8 years ago now. Since then he’s come a long way and is now without a doubt a globally recognised professional skateboarder. As a certified favourite of ours we jumped at the opportunity to chat with him over email about his ever-growing company, Hélas.

Quartersnacks called you “the skater of the decade (thus far)”. What did you think when you saw that?

I was hyped! It’s cool to see something like that knowing I’ll never be skater of the year.

What was it like growing up skating in France? Do you think It’s influenced the way you skate now?

It was cool as I’m sure it would be growing up skating anywhere. I’ve always been inspired by my local French homies JB Gillet and JJ Rousseau, two French legends.

There’s a big list of household names riding with you for adidas. What’s it like skating with newer members, Nakel (Smith), Tyshawn (Jones) and Miles (Silvas)?

It’s always good to skate with newcomers. They show up with their fresh legs so it’s motivating for me.

Cliche and Adidas have worked with Hélas in the past. How has the support you’ve received from them helped you develop the brand?

All my sponsors had been following Hélas, then they offered to collaborate with us spontaneously. It was really exciting for me to feel that backing from everyone. It’s definitely helped us to spread the brand overseas as well as in Europe.

Are you working on any new collaborations at the moment?

TOP SECRET!

Skate companies from all over the world are getting a lot more global recognition these days, especially in Europe. Do you think that has helped Hélas get to where it is now?

For sure, European brands are way more welcome overseas than they used to be. All the Euro brands are doing it properly with a sort of different approach compared to the US scene, which is good.

What was the inspiration behind starting Hélas as a hat company?

We’d always been big fans of 5 panels and at time it was still kind of rare to get our hands on one. Me and my homies thought it was time to dive in!

Could you tell us a bit about the name Hélas and the inspiration behind the umbrella logo?

Hélas means unfortunately. We like to leave the name and the logo to the imagination of the people that check us out!

You’ve drawn inspiration from designer brands in past, notably in the “GUCCIT” collection. Do you think that designer brands particularly influence you and your products at Helas?

GUCCIT for Good Shit haha! Of course, we’re definitely influenced by some minimalist “classy” brands that we love to wear.

What can you tell us about the latest Hélas collection?

Its better than the previous one but a lot more wack than the one coming after this!

There’s definitely a strong sense of brotherhood and camaraderie in the videos you’re putting out. We’ve seen plenty of clips in the Hélas mixtapes of friends and family from around the world showing their support for the brand. Is this sense of brotherhood part of the vision at Hélas.

CAMARADERIE, FEELING, BROTHERHOOD, those words define the Hélas spirit for sure! No pressure, we skate together and we like to push our underdogs!

How’re things going with the video?

Real good, my partner Stephen is killing it behind the lens. We’re trying to meet more and more with the boys to film and push it. People we might not get to skate with as often are also filming in their own time as well which is exciting.

Is the majority of the video being filmed in Europe?

Most of it will be in Europe and some in China where Stephen is also based.

Should we expect full parts?

Full parts and some chaos for sure!

Be sure to head to helascaps.com for more information or to shop the collection. You can also pick up the latest from Hélas at flatspot.com.

Words: James P.Lees

Imagery courtesy of Hélas

Supreme Spring/Summer 2015 Lookbook

Posted on February 18, 2015February 18, 2015 by bythelevel

Following news that the brands creative director Brendon Babenzien is set to leave to restart ‘Noah’, Supreme drop the visuals for their highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2015 release.

Once again, Supreme draw influence from a range of different themes including vintage sportswear, traditional Japanese designs and military styles for the latest release. The collection sees various prints and patterns applied to several unique, considered styles, with a strong selection of outerwear taking centre stage. There is also custom artwork from the likes of Daniel Johnston and stand out pieces such as the all over Malcolm X photo print Baseball Jersey; each of which represent the bolder items of the collection. Each piece offers up something completely different, and thats where Supreme excel. Amongst the bolder pieces there are more simplified items that utilise the brands iconic logo designs as well as new takes on the type.

Despite drawing from a number of subjects, Supreme always stays true to and representative of the NY skate scene. It’s ability to take inspiration from different cultures and turn it into some very New York is reflective of the city. Whether you are a fan of the clothing or not, it’s hard to deny that the brand continues to push the boundaries of design and style, season after season they continue to have people across the globe battling to get their hands on a piece.

The Supreme Spring/Summer 2015 collection will be available at the brands London store from Thursday the 19th of January and online at www.supremenewyork.com from the 26th of January.

Nike SB x De La Soul – Dunk Pack

Posted on February 17, 2015 by bythelevel

Hip-Hop and Skateboarding collide once again this Spring as Nike SB give a slightly reworked re-issue of the De La Soul Hi and Lo silhouettes to celebrate the shoes 10th year anniversary.

Once again looking to the Hip-Hop pioneers ‘3 Feet High & Risings’ debut album as inspiration, the highly anticipated release features custom artwork applied to the shoes panelled overlays. The Hi is offered up in a premium white leather, with perforations on the toe box, while the Lo arrives with a brown suede base, with green pops on the swoosh and midsole, with elephant print also applied to the shoes overlays.

When the Dunk was introduced to the world in 1985, it was quickly adopted by skateboarders and sneaker heads alike, thanks to its robust construction, thick flat sole and ankle protection. The Nike SB Dunk followed in 2002 to pay homage the shoes influence in skate culture during the 90’s. Appropriately both Nike and De LA Soul celebrated their influence within skateboarding with a hip-hop inspired collab first released back in 2005, which featured similar reworks to that of the latest release and is considered now as one of the most celebrate colour ways of the SB Dunk.

This years re-issue is sure to give much of the same and with the highly-anticipated release available in limited numbers, I’m sure these wont be around for long. To commemorate the release, Nike SB have put together this short video which sees pro-rider and DC native Bobby Worrest skate in the Hi’s.

The Nike SB x De La Soul will be available in the UK from the 6th of March at nike.com

Butter Goods Fall/Winter 2015

Posted on February 17, 2015February 17, 2015 by bythelevel

The guys at Butter Good’s return to offer up more lo-fi, skate ready goodness for Fall/Winter 2015, and thanks to reverse seasons, we get to enjoy it this Spring/Summer 2015.

Despite the alternate seasons, there are many pieces in the collection that would work just as well in the ‘British summer’. The Australian skater owned company is passionate about supplying apparel for skaters, and this collection follows much of the same themes from the brands previous releases. Heavily graphic based, the release features bold back prints mixed with subtle pocket designs applied to a range of tees, long sleeves, sweaters and polo tops, as well as a solid selection of headwear.

The visuals give a great representation of the brand and capture their honest designs in an authentic way. Shot by James Whineray and Garth Mariano in their hometown of Perth, the look book features riders Chris Luu, Issa Hassan and Dylan Esposito.

The Butter Goods collection is available now at www.buttergoods.com and Bristol’s www.5050store.com