AKOMPLICE

Colorado brand Akomplice describe themselves as 'a movement...characterised solely by the love inherent in each individual moment', with the philosophy 'Evolution Through Innovation'.  With an impressive catalogue of projects and collaborations, often philanthropically or politically motivated, the brand are definitely making an impact by bringing something refreshingly unique to the industry.

For the Holiday season Akomplice have produced several capsule collections, most notably joining forces with the J Dilla Foundation and Joey Bada$$ by fusing unreleased music from the late great artist, with that of the contemporary and popular Brooklyn emcee.  The project aims to use influential hip hop figures to bring awareness of youth's access to music, with profits going to fund inner-city music programs and helping underprivileged kids .  Unfortunately we don't have the record in, but we have the t-shirt which features a print depicting a nimbus cloud effigy of Dilla's head.

The rest of the collection includes a collaboration with artist Michael Cina, featuring an awesome 'Black Ocean' print t-shirt, bucket hat, and 5 panel; as well as photographic print t-shirts by Ricky Powell of iconic figures such as Andy Warhol.  Other capsules include a 'Flamingo & Tucan' 5 panel and pocket t-shirt, as well as a flamingo print tee and sweat, and embroidered beanie.  For the most sartorially daring, there's also a purple tie-die sweater with a large photographic print of Seinfeld's George Costanza.

A brilliant and original range from a distinctly individual brand, Akomplice are definitely ones to watch...be sure to check out the whole collection on the site.

Akomplice x Michael Cina `Black Ocean` Bucket Hat, Box Logo T-Shirt, All Over Print T-Shirt, 5 Panel Cap

`Dilla x Akomplice` T-Shirt

Akomplice x Ricky Powell `Basquiat & Warhol` T-Shirt, `Black Beatle` T-Shirt

`Flamingo Love` T-Shirt, `Doo Boy` Knitted Beanie 

`Costanza` Sweater

`Gradient Of Smoke` T-Shirt

`Flamingo & Pelican` 5 Panel Cap, `Flamingos & Tucans` T-Shirt

`Renny` T-Shirt

SON OF WILD ARRIVES AT CHEMICAL

We love seeing fresh UK talent emerging on the scene, especially when it's local;  that's why we're particularly excited to welcome new brand Son of Wild - the brainchild of Bristol boys Jake Phillips and Tim Chapman.  The young designers are no strangers to the game, having successfully run their own clothing store "My Yard" on Bristol's Park Street for a number of years, as well as a namesake graphic tees and sweats label.

The boys shut up shop a few years ago to concentrate full time on developing the My Yard label, a move that paid off, with the brand consistently producing killer designs, leading to international recognition (this was wonderful for us to see, having been loyal stockists of My Yard since it was launched in 2009).   Although the brand was enjoying great success, the collections were still largely limited to graphic tees and sweats; not enough of a challenge for accomplished designers Jake and Tim who were eager to push their skills to new levels.  Thus the creation of Son of Wild came about; with a more directional and detailed aesthetic in mind, and a range primarily focused on cut-and-sew pieces such as printed shirts.

Son of Wild's AW13 collection shows a remarkably strong and evolved sense of identity, especially considering this is the brand's inaugural season.  Inspired by Apache and Eastern style patterns, Jake and Tim have implemented bold and unique prints to create a range that seamlessly blends streetwear and high fashion.

The brand has only been online a few days, and is already having a great reaction.  Here's a selection of some of the items we've had in, see the website for full range.

Shop Son of Wild

 "Apache" Shirt   

                           

                                                                     "Cairo" Shirt                                                                                                              

"Apache" T-Shirt            

                         

    "Tapestry" T-Shirt

  "Jagged Diamonds" T-Shirt             

"Bombay" T-Shirt

     

  

CROOKS & CASTLES X MONOPOLY BOARD GAME

Following the success of the Monopoly x Crooks & Castles clothing collection, the brand has now once again joined forces with Hasbro and USAopoly to create a collector's edition of the Monopoly board game.  The Crooks & Castles stamp is evident across all aspects of the game, from adorning the box and board with their trademark bandana print; to custom cards, currency and tokens.  We also notice an emphasis on luxury, with train stations replaced with a Bullet Train, Executive Heli-Pad, Clear Port, and Yacht Harbour.  In place of original game pieces such as the top hat, boot, scotty dog etc, are Crooks and streetwear-inspired objects such as a fitted hat, retro trainer, and the co-founder’s French Bull-dog. 

The Monopoly x Crooks & Castles board game was released on Black Friday, and to celebrate the launch, last Tuesday the brand hosted a Monopoy tournament at their Fairfax store, with a guest list that included Nipsey Hussle, Casey Veggies, Omarion, Karrueche Tran, Christina Milian, Dom Kennedy, Joel Madden, I am Su, Jo Koy and Russell Simmons.  The streetwear crew were also there in force to show their support, with Javier Nunez of Supreme, Bobby and Ben Hundreds,  Nick Diamond, Keith from Huf, plus Geoff and Teron from Black Scale to name a few all enjoying a night of food, drinks, beats and board games.

We're excited to announce that we will shortly have two Monopoly x Crooks & Castles games to give away, so keep your eyes and ears peeled over the next couple of weeks to be in with a chance of winning this awesome collector's item.

AW13 LOOKS

We bring you some of this season's key looks, courtesy of brands Carhartt, HUF, Addict, Crooks & Castles, The Hundreds, Trainerspotter, G-Star, Dickies, Saucony, King Apparel, Etnies, Red Wing Shoes, and The Dudes.

 Carhartt `Acrylic Watch` Beanie

HUF `Box Logo Fill Woodland Camo` Hoody

Carhartt `Trapper` Padded Parka Jacket

G-Star `New Radar Tapered` Jeans

Saucony `Grid 9000` Trainers

HUF `Bristol Volley` 5 Panel Cap

Addict `Frontline` Hooded Jacket

Huf `Manhattan` T-Shirt

Jeans - Model's Own

The Hundreds `Johnson Low Flannel` Trainers

 Aiaiai x Carhartt 'TMA-1' Headphones with Mic I012824

Crooks & Castles `Cocaine & Caviar` Beanie

Addict `Mountain` Jacket

Addict `Arrow` Reversible Zip Hoody

Trainerspotter `Mondrian Grenade` T-Shirt

Jeans - Model's Own

HUF `Plantlife` Knitted Balaclava

The Dudes `Bacon And Cheese` T-Shirt

Jeans - Model's Own

The Hundreds `Johnson Low Flannel` Trainers

King Apparel `Insignia` 5Panel Cap

Crooks & Castles `Air Gun` Sweater

Dickies `Original 874` Chino Pants

Etnies `Santiago 1.5 SMU` Trainers

Carhartt `University Sweater` Knitted Sweatshirt

Carhartt `Raymond` Long Sleeved Shirt

Carhartt `Klondike` Jeans

Red Wing Shoes `Classic Moc Ori-iginal 6 Inch` Boots

          

                                  

CHEMICAL X ANYFORTY 2014 WALL PLANNER

Every year to say thanks for all the support, we like to give our customers a little Christmas gift along with their orders in the form of a large wall planner.  For 2014 we're particularly excited to have teamed up with London streetwear brand and Chemical favourite Anyforty, who have designed for us the best one to date.  Along with the most notable music festivals printed on the relevant dates throughout the year; the planner can also be reversed and used as an A3 poster featuring a stunning collage of Anyforty graphics - many of which you might recognise from their t-shirt designs.

The wall planners are going to print this week, so should be sent out to you very soon, check out the design below...

AUTUMN 2013 TECHNO/HOUSE MIX

Digging deeper into Techno/House/Bass territory, DJ and Chemical music buyer Alex T presents his mix of the best vinyl releases spanning the August-October 2013 period.  All available to buy on the site (stock availability depending), track list with links below..enjoy :)



1. Thomas Fehlmann - Eye [Kompakt]
2. Kasper - Jaia (Fred P Reshape) [Bass Culture]
3. Line Cook - Zero [Basement Floor Records]
4. Evil C & The Hustler - Get Up [Do Easy Records]
5. Cromie & Sage Caswell - Pyrex (Ghosts On Tape Remix) [Peach]
6. Delroy Edwards - Untitled [L.A. Club Resource]
7. Local Artist - Zero Zero Four [Proibito]
8. Art Of Tones - The Great Sgatmi [Local Talk]
9. Filtertypen - Keep That Shhh [Jackmode]
10. Gerstaffelen - When The Mind Stops [M>O>S Deep]
11. Mau'li - Arriver [Diskotopia]
12. Population One - Untitled 1 [Minimal Soul]
13. Delroy Edwards & Funkineven - X [Apron Records]
14. Pev & Kowton - End Point [Livity Sound]
15. Special Request - Forbidden [Houndstooth]

PIMPED OUT PENSIONERS

Young photographer Linda Daja Krüger, aka Dai Lyn Power was browsing through her aunt's teenage photos from the 60's, and noticing just how different the style was compared to the same age group of the present day, she tried to imagine what her generation would be wearing 50 years from now.  To further this initial thought, she created 'My Generation'; a series of photographs for VICE Germany featuring senior residents of a local retirement home styled with her own, as well as her friends and contemporaries clothing and gadgets.

Kitted out in the latest Streetwear, including brands like HUF and The Quiet Life, with accessories such as weed-leaf beanies and gold chains, the older generation look like they thoroughly enjoyed the shoot, with big grins and gangsta-style poses all round.   The results are sure to bring a smile to your face, and make a refreshing change from all the hipsters-looking-moody/sexy-girls-pouting featured in so many Streetwear lookbooks of late.

Images courtesy of High Snobiety