Every month I will be picking a brand to do a few posts about, talking about the history and outlining the clothing and style artists in question.
Upper Playground Part 1
I am starting this month with a brand I have been a fan of for a long time now and have spent obscene amounts of money on in the past. Upper Playground is an art based clothing brand from the US. They have a flagship store in Carnaby Street, London (nearest tube Oxford Circus). The store itself is a piece of art in my opinion and takes you back to the old school skate shop style.
They actually make a range of stuff under the banner of Upper Playground. From skateboards to vinyl art toys to shower curtains all designed by artists handpicked for Upper Playground. The concept they have created at UP is to allow great untouched talent in the urban design and photography world to create a life style for the urbanised hipster.
They have had collaborations with corporate giants such as Adidas and yet still hold a very authentic and art for the sakes of art ideal. You couldn’t call UP a fine art as it is based around design made for skateboards and querky t-shirts, although when I think of UP I think of the artist being put before the branding. Even on their online store www.upperplayground.com you can shop by artist.
They have put great designers such as Mike Giant, Jeremy Fish and Sam Flores in the limelight of Street Wear and created sub-brands for each of them along the way. This week I will be going down to the flagship store in London to ask a few questions to whomever is behind the counter. If there is anything you would like to hear UP answer then comment your questions here and I will do my best to put them to their staff. Here are a few more images to show the range of products and art work they create at UP.
As always, thanks for reading!
Kicks and Fitteds Watch is a weekly run down of the trainers, fitted caps and watches that have caught my eye.
FITTEDS
Usually i don't go for standard New Era hats but this one stands out for me this week, its been a long time coming and perfect for winter. The new Lakers Dog Ear all purple fitted from New Era. The color is amazing and definitely would go nicely with a pair of purple Supra TK Society's. The only reason i haven't picked this one up myself is because I am a dedicated Boston Celtics fan, couldn't be seen dead in a lakers new era...............still tempting. Available in all New Era flagship stores world wide and soon to be on www.neweracap.co.uk
Next up is KidRobot's latest piece. Made of fleece instead of wool, which they have been renowned for using on their premium winter fitted's, KR have created a stunning cap for their winter collection. Designed by one of their top artists, who i feel often underrated in theworld of Vinyl Art Toys, Kronk. Another feature yet to be displayed in the preview pack is of a plaster design sewn onto the beak.
Available now at; kidrobot.com/
KICKS
Adidas, sometimes they get it horribly wrong and a lot of the time they just bore me senseless but this week i have spotted a pair that any Celtics fan should own! Check out the tongue on these bad boys! They aren't designed for the court, more for the couch potato NBA fan but this pair in green with this seasons swing man shorts are a must have come play off season. Retailer news has not yet been released for this pair so expect to do some digging or ebaying to find a pair.
Next up is a pair of furry Air Force 1s from Nike Sportswear. If your like me and went nuts when Nike SB released the three bears pack (which I still rock the papa bear pair) or you have seen Nike’s “Caged” panda dunks then these should get your tail wagging. AF1’s are usually too “plasticy” for me in their patent leather and a bit too common but this pair stands out. Check out Sticktlyfitteds.com who are running a comp to win a pair in your size. These are extreeeemely rare kicks so again ebay for them.
Last but by no means least is this new piece of eye candy from Alife. They have put together a show stopping set of “Chuck All Weather monochromatic” shoes. Coming in only Blue, Red and Green we expect these to drop any time soon and without a doubt will be available at pickyourshoes.com
WATCHES
This week I have gone for two quite similar models from casio and found a great His and Her’s, if you will. Here is the His’, it’s the G-Shock 6900 Military edition in all black, apart from some minor detailing on the screen. Although I have split these two as his and hers they are actually both unisex and if the all black masculine G-shock is your style then wear it with pride! This timepiece is available at pickyourshoes.com and all major G-shock retailers.
And for the ladies… The brand new (and to be honest about time really) G-shock mini in baby pink. Its not my cup of tea but perfect for its purpose. Also available at pickyourshoes.com and flooded with them on ebay.
Now I have left the best till last here. The G shock G-300sc-6A in purple! This watch looks immense, I have to say I will shake the hand of anyone who picks up one of these. They are relatively cheap at the moment on ebay and I cant find them else where yet. With a digital and analog watch in one and such a striking color I am shocked to find this watch available for as little as $100 or £60. Lets hope we don’t get bitten on the shipping in the UK!
As always, thanks for reading!
