Burberry's New Logo

I still remember the day seeing Ja Rule rocking the Burberry top with the matching bucket hat in the music video for his iconic single "Always On Time," featuring Ashanti.  It was the very first time I've been exposed to the brand, and I must admit, I wanted to get my hands on a piece, badly.  Who knew plaid could be so cool?  17 years has passed since the British luxury house's legendary cameo, and with time comes major change.  Recently, Burberry has ditched the classic checked pattern for a new logo and monogram ahead of its collection showing next month during London Fashion Week.

The historic maneuver was spearheaded by none other than Burberry's newly appointed Creative Director Riccardo Tisci.  Co-designed by Peter Saville--who is also responsible for conjuring up Calvin Klein's revamped emblem--the logo features the words "Burberry" with "London England" written underneath in an all caps, bold sans-serif text.  The British heritage brand's latest monogram, named after founder Thomas Burberry, is an interwoven 'TB' pattern in a red, honey-beige and white colorway.

What do you think of the brand's new look?  Do you want that old thing (logo) back? *JAY-Z voice*

Seven Is The Magic Number

As part of its Fall/Winter 2018 collection, Balenciaga is turning up the heat (literally) by releasing a coat with not one, not two, but a whopping seven layers for your ultimate cozy needs.

This is the type of parka that'll make you feel like Kanye West after he's been asked a demeaning question by the paparazzi about his possible venture into the fashion industry: "Do you see this coat?!  Come on, man."  Fortunately, being a style icon isn't a requirement to rock this jacket, but you better be sure to have a sufficient amount of funds in your bank account (or mattress, for the trappers reading this) to cop.  Valued at $9,000 USD, the luxury fashion house's prized outerwear piece consists of different garments, ranging from plaid shirts all the way down to fleece jackets.

Interested in upgrading your skier aesthetics this winter? Pre-order this item here.

In other news, my good friend Elisabeth Hadida is gearing up to leave Balenciaga after working there for almost a decade!  Revisit my Original Story on her by clicking the link: Elisabeth Hadida.

Get In Line (BAPE Edition)

Last Saturday, eager fans, parents and resellers alike stood up for hours on SoHo's Green street to get their beastly hands on the new items from BAPE's latest collaboration with adidas originals.  The homie Racks Hogan was in attendance with Complex to document the madness that ensued.

Pardon my bluntness, but I'm surprised BAPE still has crazy lines!  I'm not going to lie, though, the pieces from this particular release are fire.  Thank goodness I don't have to deal with the commotion anymore--don't get me wrong, I loved chopping it up with all of you, it's just that after eight hours of constant chatter, a brother gets tiyad! (had to break out the patois to fully express my emotion.)

In any case, I'm still in these lavish, cobblestone streets!  My new FRNDY LMRN stickers are posted throughout the beloved area so if you see one tag me on the gram.

For now, check out the humorous clip below:

The Rick Owens x Barneys Burger

Food lovers and fashionistas rejoice!  The Rick Owens x Barneys New York burger has arrived.  What I just wrote seems like a soundbite from Zoolander, but it is absolutely true.  

The famed designer linked up with the head chef of Barneys signature restaurant and made the fast-food favorite to coincide with his "Subhuman Inhuman Superhuman" retrospective at the luxury department store.  The exhibition takes a look back at Rick's illustrious 24-year career in the industry.  Why did the Paris-based designer decide to make a cheeseburger out of all things?  Well, before the Goth god relocated to the City of Love, he ate a burger daily from his local restaurant in LA. Hey, maybe all this time he stayed in shape just to not feel guilty about consistenly indulging in scrumptious sandwiches.

The OwensBurger is only available for a few more days at the upscale cafe chain Freds Downtown at Barneys, which is located in Chelsea.  You're probably thinking, "Damn, how much are these joints?!?"  Fortunately, the burger is a mere $28 (sounds type crazy, but at least it isn't as pricey as his alligator leather jackets).

Check it out and let me know your thoughts below!

Dapper Dan: Forever Fresh

Dapper Dan is the epitome of a fashion pioneer, but many of today's youth may not be aware of his profound impact in the realm of Hip Hop style.  Fortunately, American media and content company Mass Appeal recently had a brief, yet informative sit-down with the Harlem legend to have a discussion about the formation of his famous uptown boutique, clientele, and even who he liked dressing the most.

Check out the clip below:

Human Made Spring/Summer 18

Commemorating the release of Nigo's Human Made Spring/Summer '18 collection in stores, a lookbook is now available showcasing how to precisely put together killer fits using its threads.

Focused on perfecting heritage Americana, the BAPE founder's latest pieces include graphic tees and garments with very subtle detailing (including seams and buttons from aged mills that have been preserved in Japan).  My favorite item from the collection is Human Made's Peacock Aloha top featuring hand-drawn artwork.  That joint is smooth and extremely suitable for the calm summer nights in NYC (or any popping' city, really).  

Check out the rest of the apparel below.  Furthermore, you can cop the entire collection here.

For The Love of Fashion

If you're looking for love and have exceptional taste in fashion, then Helmut Lang has the perfect offering, handpicked for your liking.  Founded by Austrian Designer Helmut Lang, the eponymous label has recently launched its alluring Pre-Fall 2018 collection, featuring 12 real life singles who are all ready to stylishly mingle.

Ranging from Bartender to Nurse Practitioner, the amateur models cannot be seen wearing any of the brand's latest offerings (well, technically only from the shoulders up) as their headshots are stylized to mock late '80s and early '90s dating shows.  Hey, at least we all have a chance to get to know who they are (haha).  Shout out to the homie Cherie Camacho for her feature (never knew she was into True Crime podcasts, interesting).  Check out some of the other "contestants" below:

"I've always been super obsessed with the unique verbiage that goes with personal ads," says Ava Nirui, Lang's digital editor, to Vogue. "I recently had a realization that I'm constantly matchmaking friends and thought it would be fun to invite these friends (and friends of friends) to be a part of the Helmut Lang community, while potentially helping them find love in their lives."

Don't get too caught up in romance because Helmut Lang's new threads are absolutely fire. One of my favorite pieces is their Panel Neck Bomber, as worn by John above.

Shop the new collection here. Oh, and email LOVE@HELMUTLANG.com with the name of your desired boo to potentially link up with them (peep @helmutlang on Instagram for the full range of ads). Good luck!

Calabasas Style

Don’t front!  Most of you didn’t have a clue about The City of Calabasas before Kanye West started reppin’ it heavily out of thin air.  Don’t feel bad, though, I wasn’t aware of the super rich California suburb either until I saw its name printed on Ye’s highly sought-after Yeezy pieces.

Now that we’re all somewhat familiar with the exclusive community, let’s go beyond its protective pearly gates and find out what the region’s style is all about.  Refinery 29’s Connie Wang went on a journey to fully comprehend the swag that is dripping in Calabasas (If there's any ragù at all).  I’ll let you watch the video below to find out what transpired.  It's truly safe to say that Yeezy taught them all!

ALYX

As of late, Kanye West and even the broski Luka Sabbat have been seen rocking fashionable chest rig bags. In case you didn’t know, these intricate statement pieces are made by Matthew Williams’ brainchild, ALYX.

Some of you may remember Matthew from his days with the popular DJ and art collective Been Trill alongside Virgil Abloh and Heron Preston, but now the stylish California native has his eyes set on conquering the fashion world with total creative control.  ALYX is a perfect mélange of Punk aesthetics and contemplative craftsmanship, which is why it is lauded by the fashion industry’s swaggiest (is that even a word? Ah well, I made it work though).  Founded in February of 2015, the brand initially started out by making women’s clothing and is now slowly becoming a major contender in the menswear scene.

Recently, ALYX unleashed its men's Spring/Summer 2018 collection titled, “Halcyon Blvd,” filled with raw cut leather jackets, leather pants, mesh military vest , cargo pants, chest rigs and many more tactical designs.

Peep the lookbook below:

The entire collection can be bought on ALYX's official website here.

Virgil Abloh x Air Jordan 1 "White" Release Date

Virgil Abloh’s white-hot run in the sneaker game is truly commendable!  For his next footwear feat, the Off-White label founder is scheduled to release the blanc version of his highly sought out sneaker collaboration with Air Jordan 1.

The Virgil Abloh x Air Jordan 1 "White" (USD $190) will be exclusively sold in Europe on March 3rd!  If you know anyone in France that can possibly cop a pair for you, tell him/her to enter the kick's online raffle here.  

Good Luck!

BBC EU x Alpha Industries NASA MA-1 Flight Jacket

Pharrell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club clothing line’s EU branch has collaborated once more with the iconic American label Alpha Industries to conjure up a bold new iteration of the NASA MA-1 Flight Jacket.

BBC is all about intergalactic space adventures so its only right that the brand printed its signature space camo on one side of the reversible jacket, while the other is in a bright cyber orange color-way. Wondering why that particular color was chosen?  Staying true to Alpha's ethos, the immensely noticeable orange hue was initially used to rescue personnel in the event of an accident.  The jacket also boasts patches from Billionaire Boys Club's fictitious space missions. 

The BBC EU x Alpha Industries MA-1 Flight Jacket will cost you about £350 ($489 USD) and launches on February 27th via BBC EU's online store.

Gucci's Tiger Head Watch

The photo above looks like a swagged-out version of the infamous “Arthur fist” meme, but in all actuality is an ad for Gucci’s new tiger’s head resin & grosgrain watch.  Although the clenched-fist model wearing the Swiss-made time piece isn’t “frustrated” as the loveable cartoon character, you (the consumer) might be infuriated after finding out the cost of the McDonald's happy meal looking watch.

Alessandro Michele's latest accessory, priced at $790, features a red resin-coated brass tiger's head that swivels outward to disclose a clean mirrored face.  Furthermore, the watch has a durable red and green grosgrain strap marked with Gucci's slogan, "L'Aveugle Par Amour."

Click the gallery below:

Not balling on a budget? Then, this piece was made for you!  Cop yours at select retailers and MR PORTER.

Jordan Brand x Levi’s® Collection

Jordan Brand and Levi’s® have joined forces to make the ultimate everyday wear collection, which consists of the Air Jordan IV and Levi Strauss & Co. denim trucker jacket.

I first saw these joints on Travis Scott via his Instagram story and initially thought that it was yet another sneaker collaboration he had in the works.  I’m not too fond of being dipped in denim, but I wouldn’t mind rocking the pieces on separate occasions.

The Jordan Reversible Trucker Jacket features worn wash denim, red flight suit material (located at the underarm panels) and a lightly ditressed flight logo on the back. When reversed, a black flight suit with a denim accent is revealed with a Jumpman flight logo on the back.

The Jordan Brand x Levi's® Air Jordan IV and Jordan Reversible Trucker Jacket is scheduled to release on January 17th.  Check out the participating retailers below:

Both the Air Jordan IV and Trucker Jacket release at:

• BOTTEGA BACK DOOR- Bologna

• CONCEPTS- Boston and New York City

• DOE- Shanghai

• END CLOTHING- Newcastle

• INVINCIBLE- Taiwan

• JORDAN BASTILLE- Paris

• KICKZ- Berlin

• KINETICS (TOKYO 23)- Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

• LEVI’S STORE HARAJUKU- Tokyo

• LEVI’S- San Francisco (Market St.) and New York City Soho

• LEVI’S BERLIN KURFUERSTENDAMM- Berlin

• LEVI’S LONDON REGENT STREET 174- London

• LEVI’S OSAKA FLAGSHIP- Osaka

• LEVI’S PARIS CHAMPS ELYSEES- Paris

• LEVI’S SH Nanjing WEST RD- Shanghai

• LIVESTOCK- Toronto

• OPIUM- Paris

• OQUIM- Amsterdam

• SHINZO- Paris

• SHOE GALLERY- Miami

• SI VAS DESCALZO- Barcelona

• SNEAKRS N STUFF- London

• SOLE FLY- Miami

• SPORTS LAB- Osaka

• SPORTS LAB- Shinjuku, Tokyo

• UBIQ- Philadelphia

• UNDEFEATED- Los Angeles

The following retailers will carry only the Air Jordan IV: 

• 8 WELLINGTON- Hong Kong

• 21 Lab- New York City

• 32 SO STATE ST- Chicago

• 290 SQM- Turkey

• A MA MANIERE- Atlanta

• BODEGA- Boston

• CAPSULE- Toronto

• CONCEPTS INTERNATIONAL - Dubai

• CRÈME- Norfolk (VA)

• DEAL- Beijing

• FEATURE- Las Vegas

• FOOT PATROL- London

• JORDAN L1 HONGXING- Chengdu, Hongxing

• JORDAN 16 SONGGAO- Taipei

• JORDAN 139 NAN DONG- Shanghai

• JORDAN BEIJING THE PLACE- Beijing

• JORDAN GUANGZHOU 218 TIANHE- Guangzhou

• JORDAN HONGDAE - Seoul

• JORDAN NANJING- Tinajing

• JORDAN TAIPEI XIMENTING- Taipei

• JORDAN TIANJIN - Tianjing

• KITH- New York City (SoHo)

• LMTD EDITIONS- Barcelona

• LUST- MEXICO CITY

• ONENESS- Lexington

• OVERKILL- Berlin

• PATTA- Amsterdam

• POLITICS- Lafayette (LA)

• RSVP GALLERY- Chicago

• SI VAS DESCALZO- Barcelona

• SOCIAL STATUS- Charlotte, Houston, Pittsburgh

• ST ALFREDS- Chicago

• SUPPLY- SYDNEY

• THE DARKSIDE INITIATIVE- San Francisco

• TITAN- Fort, Manila

• TITOLO- Zurich

• TROPHY ROOM- Disney Springs

• WISH- Atlanta

• WZK- Shanghai

• XH55- Guangzhou

• XHIBITION- Cleveland

• YAXIN- Beijing