Archive for June, 2009
we rum tings / tings nah rum we June 30th, 2009
Adidja Azim Palmer - more widely known as Vybz Kartel - is no stranger to collaborations, having worked with a whole host of artists from multiple musical genres, but this latest project sees him step out of his musical home and into the world of premium spirits. Designed with/by Brooklyn-based Project 13, Vybz rum is aimed at the discerning rum drinker who seeks the finest Jamaican product and demands a bottle that features all the quality cues they’d expect. In this case it comes in the form of a sleek teardrop structure, organic line work, regal seal of excellence, contemporary Vybz logo, and hummingbird [to echo the Jamaican heritage]… and a dark rum so golden and apparently smooth in flavour that the end result is pretty much irresistible.
Why rum? As Vybz himself [who has in 2008 previously ventured outside his vocational product with a line of Daggerin' condoms] says, launching hits that are popular in the club scene is pretty sweet and all, but until you’ve launched your own branded non-music product, you haven’t really made it in the music business…
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case in point June 29th, 2009
iPod and iPhone accesories have a tendency to be clanky and quite frankly fail to do the Apple designs justice. For this reason, and the simple opinion that if we are to part with our cash in exchange for a beautifully designed piece of cutting edge mobile technology - the creme de la creme of the category - why cover it up with a perspex case or vinyl skin, they’re best avoided.
The Arlanda iPod Case [named after the Stockholm airport] from Want Les Essentials De La Vie however shatters that opinion. It doesn’t try to desguise it’s functional role - to protect the iPod inside - but instead embraces it with sturdy styling [exemplified by the chrome gate that holds the iPod in place]. Combine this engineered and masculine functionality with the finest italian leather and the result is an attractive, functional case that unsurprisingly is sold out at their online stockist Oki-Ni. For alternative stockists, see their website…
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catch of the day June 26th, 2009
Following the 2008 launch of the Lobster SB Dunk [below], Nike are releasing a bigger, badder version for 2009 - inspired by the troublesome blue lobster sub-species. Designed by Boston based Creative Pilot, the Blue Lobster Dunk comes with a Tshirt, hangtag, and lacelock- all packaged inside a foam packing case. They’re already going for upwards of £500, so act fast and hold onto your wallets if you want a pair…
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homecoming June 25th, 2009
I just stumbled across this, recorded shortly after John Forté was released from a 14 year prison sentence on 22nd December last year. The Brownsville MC and music journalist - formerly affiliated with the Fugees, and responsible for producing 2 tracks on The Score - was arrested in 2000 at Newark airport after receiving a briefcase containing $1.4million of liquid cocaine. His sentence was cut short by George Bush of all people, after sustained campaigning from John’s friends and family, and following his release he recorded this cover of Kanye’s Homecoming. Not only is the title of the track fitting - by no co-incedence - but also the open-armed welcome home Forté has recieved…
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crayon and on and June 2nd, 2009
These washable crayon rings were dreamt up and created by Converse ideas man Timothy Liles. Their beautiful simplicity and practical playfulness has earned him notoriety in design circles. Perhaps they represent the perfect balance between functional design and pure aesthetic appeal - both of which are probably enhanced by the nostalgia of wreckless childhood scribbles. Either way the idea is great, as is the execution, but whether they’d actually look as good on a finger remains to be seen…
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crooks & castles in the sky June 2nd, 2009
Crooks & Castles is a brand that is definitely up there in terms of catching Capicú’s attention - not least through to their impactful and bold Tshirts that succinctly capture all that is seductive about an entire subculture and arguably way of life. Yes they could be seen to be derogatory and potentially degrading or inflammatory messages, but the reality is that this progressive brand isn’t so much glorifying negatives as diluting them through exposure. Their success can be attributed to many things - including prolific collaborations with up and coming labels and individuals [including a 'cut, colour, carat, clarity' version with Diamond Supply Co.] - but also the pure fact that they’re putting a product out there that people want…
This latest range comes from their 2009 lookbook, and compliments existing designs featuring the same bold typography and colours, including ‘God, Clothes, and Money‘. Founders Dennis Calvero and Robert Panlilio said “We’ve been around for a while just playing the background, but now we’re starting to shine”. Sounds inspirational…
Available through their online shop
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