nike digital floral stefan janoski pickup

Digi Floral Stefan Janoski

I've been waiting for these since the design was leaked a few months ago; expecting an exclusive release - they landed in the UK last Friday, I managed to pickup a pair from Prime Delux before the availability switched to 'In Store Only'.

The Digi variation of the full camouflage print has been seen as an alternative to Supreme's Power, Corruptuon & Lies Vans. The Supreme PCL retailed at around £114, with resell from £150+; this pair of Janoski however, retail from £65.

They are very nice in person. I loved the design from the leak; however the official capsule image made me skeptical. But good thing is that they're a helluva lot nicer in person. What did disappoint me was that the shoes come with 2 pairs of black laces - if it were me, I'd have offered white as a variation. Looks Like I'll have to pick some up off eBay.

Digi Floral Stefan Janoski - another view

It does seem to me that the 'digitalisation' of these full prints - floral, camo, leopard (soon?) are an attempt to rehash a trend that has been ongoing for at least a good 2 years now. While I do think that a bit of originality in print is necessary - the digital variations are a good step towards that; whilst maintaining a reflection of the current digital age we're currently in.

I believe these drop in the US next month.

the music industry does not own the internet

Today, I discovered that UK Internet Providers Virgin Media, BT, O2 & BE have recently blocked three major BitTorrent websites - being KickassTorrents, h33t & Fenopy. The censorship follows suit of a High Court order a few months ago, blocking BitTorrent king, The Pirate Bay.

This issue is something which bothers me; I've briefly touched on censorship in my Google Glass post; but I feel this is more current. I'm a big believer in the open internet and anti-censorship because that's what makes the internet what it is. You have access to every single piece of information ever recorded, written and archived, from any perspective you want. The best part is that the information is constantly updated and open. We live in a time where we have access to all this at the push of a button. Take Wikipedia for example; an entire unbiased encyclopedia available for free.

I don't think the internet should be regulated or 'owned' by anybody - especially the media industries who insist on throwing stacks of cash towards lawyers to keep their archaic business model in place. The dynamics of how consumers are accessing new media is shifting entirely; but it appears that the music industry isn't playing nice. The conventional method of purchasing music is moving towards a more open-ended access with platforms such as Spotify and pirating music.

Piracy has become an issue with so much propaganda around it; it's unreal. Last year, I wrote my EPQ on the effects of piracy on music industry sales; and recent studies have found that piracy doesn't affect sales and statistically, people who pirate are more likely to buy more music than non-pirates simply because they have access to it (think 'try before you buy'). So why are the music industries so hellbent on protecting their business model?

I feel like the RIAA are stubborn to adjust their business model in a way that the television indsutry are doing. TV is slowly moving to on-demand - a la iPlayer, Netflix, 4od, Internet TV boxes etc to stay relevant and it's working! My prediction is that conventional channels will be no more, in favour of internet/on-demand based TV. Now, if the music industry could do this more willingly, we wouldn't have an issue.

Censoring these torrent websites is an incredibly short-sighted ruling and The Pirate Bay actually gained more traffic (thus more pirates) from news coverage of the censoring - I'm sure that's not what the music industry hoped for. Besides, there are literally 100's of ways to bypass the websites block. So what good is blocking a website doing? Making an example? Asserting authority, or a desperate attempt to stay in charge?

Censoring concerns me because the line is going to be incredibly blurred. Government wants to introduce certain bills to allow censorship and monitoring without warrant, such as SOPA, CISPA. The trouble with these bills is that while the government representative will say "it's to protect children, it's to stop copyright theft" - the actual written law is done so vaguely that it can cover any form of censorship.

Don't believe me? Look at MegaUpload.

Keep the internet open. Freedom of information is one of the most vital things we have.

supreme x comme des garcons 2013 t-shirt pickup

A few months ago, I posted about picking up the black polkadot Supreme x Comme Des Garcons t-shirt and the big faff around with ParcelForce I had. This week, I'm happy to say that I picked up the 2013 edition of the collaboration - but not without the traditional postal service controversy!

Supreme x Comme Des Garcons 2013 olive box logo t-shirt

The second edition of New York's Supreme and Japan's Comme Des Garcons collaborative effort was released last Thursday; this particular t-shirt was one I purchased via Dover Street Market's e-shop & thanks to DHL holding my parcel for 3 days (to which I only discovered during a phone call with DHL's head of customer complaints, Zoe); this arrived at my house this afternoon.

The t-shirt sports the infamous box logo, mirrored on the front & Comme Des Garcons trademark polka dot design on the back. In comparison to last year, the similarities end at the mirrored box logo & polkadot design. See:

Supreme x Comme Des Garcons 2013 & 2012

The 2013 edition sports black polkadots on top of a digi-camo back print. It seems to be that the two companies decided to stick to the traditional themes of what made the previous collaboration successful; whilst maintaining to 'push the boat out' a slight bit more with the digi-camo/polka on CDG's behalf - although relative to CDG, this is very tame. I do feel that the print being back-only is so Supreme can maintain the 'clean cut' theme they seem to be opting towards in some of their lines - it's for that reason I feel Supreme & CDG collaborated in the first place is so Supreme can be looked at not only as a skate brand; but a viable choice for the more formal occasions (aka 'upper market'). However, in this particular collaboration, this definitely applies more to the shirts and wallets, rather than the t-shirt and camps.

It does irritate me how some brands only seem to go all out during collaborations. I can understand the motif is that you're not only catering to your audience; but an entirely new audience; especially two different brands in Supreme & Comme Des Garcons. It's interesting to see what each company can bring to the table.

The material definitely feels thicker and more sturdy on the 2012 t-shirt; however the print has proved to be very weak, with some polkadots fading and smearing. This appears to be the opposite for the 2013 collaboration, but we'll see what time shows.

Overall; I am pleased with the purchase. I did fall in love with the collaboration in the Lookbook preview and doubted it when the Capsule was released.

Which do you prefer, 2012 or 2013?

2013 & 2012 Supreme x Comme Des Garcons

Life in the 'Now' - Google Glass

When it comes to big, ambitious projects - Google isn't a company to shy away. Google Maps, Street View, Google Fiber, Driverless Cars ... the list could go on. Google Glass is no different. I've been following the progress of Project Glass since it's announcement April 2012 and have dramatically mixed feelings of excitement and fear for this project, allured by some curiosity and wonder. I'll outline why in this post.

If you don't know; Google Glass is a head-mounted display, which provides an interface for you -- like you were playing a first person game - your health, a map and information is displayed in the corners; this is essentially that. For a better explanation, watch this prototype video from April 2012:

Looks pretty amazing, right? If you've read any of my previous posts (thanks!), you'll see that I absolutely love Android, Google Now & the idea of a technological ecosystem - Google Glass is essentially Google Now with a much bigger UI. However, this project does raise a lot of pros and cons for me.

I think it's ridiculously innovative, it's going to be painfully convenient, especially for map following! If you have a smartphone, you already have information about anything you want, at any time in your pocket. Just a Google search away. With Glass, you can simply look at something, ask Glass and you have information in your line-of-sight. I usually don't like the phrase, but the possibilities are endless.

What scares me, aside from the fact that I think this may only be voice controlled -- can you imagine going to the Eiffel Tower and having hundreds of people shouting "GLASS, TAKE A PICTURE!" -- is augmented reality.

Augmented reality scares me, because while it can do so much good, it can also be so dangerous. If you don't know, augmented reality is basically "CGI" for real life. In the video, the text messages and map directions were augmented reality. It's adding a graphical layer over 'real life' - here's a better video example:

Tinfoil hat time, now! What happens when augmented reality is used for billboards and advertisements that appear in your face. Google is primarily an advertising company, after all. What's to stop companies wanting artificial advertisements placed in 'convenient' places for the consumer?

The real reason augmented reality scares me, is that while we have the ability to add things, we also have the ability to cover things. If that doesn't ring alarm bells for you, here's why I think it should: it opens up an entire new generation of censorship. This video demonstrates such ability.

Companies & Government could restrict how, when & why we can use such technologies (like Apples already demonstrated stranglehold on their own technology). I think the most horrifying thought is how easily things can be censored and removed. Compare it to Chinese internet filter, where the government block free information they don’t want their people to see; now imagine that, but for reality.

I don’t think I even have to go into how fraudsters, hackers & criminals could use this technology to their advantage.

Not to mention that there could no longer be anonymity. The world as we know it is hellbent on online social networking & always being connected. If, for example, AR technology had Facebook (or whatever popular social networking site is the most popular at the time) integration. The technology could be used to identify any detail one places on their Facebook page just by simply looking at the person and having facial recognition (a technology Facebook has actually introduced) do the rest.

If you also want another reason why I'm hesitant on Project Glass, think back to Black Mirror's "The Entire History of You" (4od link!)

Tinfoil hat aside, I still am excited to see how this project grows and definitely want to have some form of involvement in it. I just hope they release a model compatible for people with glasses...

2013 Clothing Wishlist Recap

I've added a brief wishlist of a couple of items to the sidebar that I'm going to be searching for throughout 2013; they're mostly my sought-after or 'heat' pieces. I'm pretty bored as it's 11:30pm, so here's recap:

If you're selling any of the below, please do get in contact with me

pinkwriting@gmail.com

I wear mediums in shirts, Sz 10 in shoes.

Supreme x Kermit The Frog Red or Teal
I'd consider this one of my 'grail' pieces. If you were to ask me why, I honestly couldn't answer you. I just really like it. One of the possible reasons I'm so heavily after one is because I was sold a fake one a good few months ago. I think it's stubbornness making me do this, so I'd definitely prefer the red colourway because it compliments the green, but I wouldn't mind either.

BAPE x ADIDAS x UNDFTD Campus 80s

Just look at them, they're beautiful.

BAPE x Fred Perry

I've always had a spot for Fred Perry polo shirts ~ as well as polo shirts in general. I've always felt that Fred Perry polo's fit very comfortably and feel more natural to wear over others, while maintaining a snug, strong and warm feel. (same with Lyle & Scott). I'd opt for either white or black colourways. Possibly one of the more unattainable pieces in this list, but who knows?

Stefan Janoski Wino

I feel like I shouldn't love these, but I do. I just do. At the moment, I would class this line of Nike SB's as my favourite; as this year I would like to get more varying colourways. Simply because they are just too damn comfortable. I enjoy the no bullshit, casual look of them, did I mention how comfortable they are? This year, I'd like to cop a pair of Wino Janoski. Released only in Asia, usually go for about double the price of standard Janoski. Finding these in a Size 10, in the UK may prove difficult.

Whilst on the subject of Janoski; I do love this design, I do love the style; however if I had to pick one pair of sneakers that could fall under the same deathtrap as the Classic Vans, Nike Blazer & more recently the Puma Suedes - it'd have to be the Janoski. That or Gazelles.

Comme Des Fuckdown beanie

Following the pattern of rarities on this list, this one may be out of place, seen as it is readily available at a decent price, even after international shipping. I think this is simply a hype piece; evidenced by the onslaught of fakes on eBay (why sell a fake of something readily available?). I do think it is a nice hat, it's in your face, but not as in your face as the crewneck or pullover.

BAPE x Supreme

Undoubtedly what will be the hardest to obtain from this list. Originally released in 2003; most of these went to friends of BAPE & Supreme at the time. As you can probably tell, there is an onslaught of BAPE in this wishlist. This is partly due to our prediction of 2013 being the 'Year of The BAPE'; as it's their 20th anniversary this year, I'm certain they're going to come out with something big. I'm fairly certain I won't own a Supreme x Bape piece. It's something that I won't go out of my way to find, but if it appears, I'll go for it, I may even have to size up to a large...

--

There are some other items in the wishlist that I didn't mention, I thought I'd just write about what I'd more like to find.

If you're selling any of the above, please do get in contact with me

pinkwriting@gmail.com

I wear mediums in shirts, Sz 10 in shoes.

so we filmed in a sweet shop

Last week, we had the opportunity to film new talent Cannon Street for the 14th chapter of our Croft Sessions saga. We sat and had drinks with the acoustic duo of whom are very, very friendly people. We chatted, discussed ideas and the Birmingham talent.

Something I love about doing these sessions is that we get to meet such an array of talent and people who have not just an interest in music, but a genuine passion to reach and perfect it; to get involved in the music scene. I've always known that Birmingham is full of special, hidden talents, to which I feel these Croft Sessions do their part in proving that. Quality over quantity.

This particular session was filmed in Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop; a traditional sweet store in the Great Westerne Arcade. Once we asked if we could film, they shut their doors of customers and left us alone to film, and we're so glad they did.

We have 2 more songs to release with Cannon Street across the upcoming weeks, starting 2013 off in incredible fashion - and, if these are anything to go by, 2013 is going to be an incredible year.

Watch this space.

Facebook / YouTube

london pick ups and take me back to london

Panorama of Buckingham Palace

London is a place that will never disappoint me, no matter how many times I'll visit. I can honestly say that the past few days I haven't wanted to leave - we did seriously consider paying more for another night.

On the first day, Charlotte & I ventured straight into Camden Town which, to sum up: is very surreal, even in January. I spent most of my time there quiet; just taking it all in! If you've been down, you already know what it's all about. I think you'll need an entire day dedicated to walking and exploring Camden to really realize what it's all about. There are so many knock-off stores you just have to love it, & the amount of people flogging their music on the street was pretty cool; you could tell how passionate they were and I spoke to one who seemed quite down to earth about his music - I just wish I had some cash on me to check out his music! I think it's a place where, the people who populate it are already aware of what they are & simply run with it, which I think is absolutely brilliant.

We decided to visit Big Ben at around 8pm that night - I really wish the photos were developed so I could post them. I was in absolute awe. Looking up at him, lit up and glorious made me feel oddly patriotic and humble. The architecture is fantastic and is really shown off in the night time. The rest of that evening was spent wandering around the Thames & Piccadilly Circus - which is one of my favourite places. London looked beautiful at night.

London Pick Ups

The following day we spent mostly shopping and 'fitting everything in' as we made a map on Google Maps of places we wanted to go, shared on our phones (which btw, Google Maps was a saviour with the London Underground) - so we spent a lot of time shopping around SoHo area. Originally went to Dover Street Market, which unfortunately was closed for the SS'13 swap over. Disappointed but, I was focusing on the bigger picture. As you can see; mostly shopped in Johnny Cupcakes & BAPE. The Bape store was pretty cool, the guy was nice and I'm going to be getting a lot more Bape this year, what with it being Year Of The Bape (#YOTB...). Other stores include the Candy Store, which I'm not the biggest fan of, but seemed slightly better than the Birmingham one and Supreme. The Supreme store was disappointing as most of the items left were S and XL, curse being a medium!

In terms of customer service though, Johnny Cupcakes is next to none. I've been twice and the guy who works there is just so easy to talk to and down to earth. I'd love to just be able to hang in there all day. I didn't expect to come back with so many Johnny Cupcakes items, but hey, 'Oliver Twist effect'. Also, as pictured. I couldn't resist buying a Picadilly Circus road sign from those tacky Britain tourist stores.

I think to really sum up, we didn't do any of the conventional touristy things; which would be cool but I don't know, maybe we're 'too young' to want to spend time doing that, but I had a great time taking my girl to London and experiencing it first hand. I'd absolutely love to go again very soon. This time, I think I'd take more money and have an extra day...