Surf appears to be taking another turn on the catwalk as Louie Vuitton creative director Pharrell decides it’s time to head back to the beach, according to a story on Luxury Launches.
After nailing the luxury segment for luggage, handbags, apparel, and accessories, Louis Vuitton is now giving the world a teaser of surf gear. There is no official launch or over-the-top declaration yet, but the 150-year-old maison may already be the reason your surf fins suddenly look sassy. The glorification of the surf kit continues with a wetsuit that features LV embroidery.
Two words come to mind in no particular order: shark and jump. Then again, that Louie fin would be fire on the Catch Surf. . . .
Grok, the AI agent created by one of Elon Musk’s companies has been getting a lot of heat lately for creating inappropriate images. Women have complained their likenesses are being used to create explicit images that they did not consent to. Turns out, Grok can do the work of the Lord as well.
The above photo is a great example of how Grok can take images from the Roxy site (that some might find in objectionable) and, without permission from the models, transform them into quality images perfect for viewing in even the most conservative enclaves of America.
The photo on the left is the original. The photo on the right is a more proper version of young women in appropriate dress having a joyful celebration on the beach, all thanks to Grok.
Yes, according to Vans,SZA the singer, is now the creative director at the VF Corps shoe brand. So far this year sales are reportedly 14 percent down. Guess those Vibram soled Cab hikers didn’t right the ship. Then again, maybe Solána Imani Rowe can save them. Hopefully somebody gets her. Vans will have to tread carefully.
No, we haven’t talked to Matt Biolos. Nor have we tried. It’s quicker to just post a link to TMZ and call it a day.
Lost International is suing Lady Gaga for trademark infringement for her “Mayhem” album … claiming they own the rights to the term as used in the surf company’s distinctive logo and that Lady Gaga’s use is basically identical. . . In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Lost says they’ve been slapping a stylized version of “Mayhem” on their surfboards and merch for over a decade … and Gaga ripped off the design for her latest album.
The Quiksilver women’s USA and Canada license was just picked up by Velocity Brand Group where it will join fellow Authentic zombie brand Lucky Brand Jeans in the company’s garment production machine, according to a story on Just-Style.
Velocity Global Brands, Inc. is a major apparel manufacturer with over 25 factories across Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Lesotho, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Burma. This global presence enhances production capacity and offers a diverse range of expertise; contributing to our ability to consistently deliver high quality products.
Not that anyone really cares about the brand any longer, but it is crazy how this game is played, isn’t it?
Jim Jannard, the action sporting genius entrepreneur behind Oakley BMX/motorcycle grips, glasses, and, more recently, Red Digital Cinema has reportedly sold his Malibu, California beach home for $210 million according to a story in the New York Post. This apparently breaks the record for most expensive home sale in California state history: a record formerly held by the Jay-Z/Beyoncé Corporation at $200 million.
This 15,000-square-foot stunner sprawls across 9.5 acres of prime clifftop land, boasting a private 300-foot stretch of ocean near El Pescador State Beach. . . The palatial pad includes eight bedrooms, a staggering 14 bathrooms, a massive courtyard, a gym and two guesthouses. . . Interiors designed by Michael S. Smith — the same guy who revamped the Oval Office at the White House — feature ornate columns, beamed ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling steel and glass windows. . . The backyard includes a lush lawn and a pool with ocean views.
We’ve said it before, but when it comes to doing contracts with artists, and designing products with them, it seems many brands find it’s easier to get deals done when the artist is dead. Roark seems to agree as they’ve launched a new collection of clothing featuring the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat, who sadly died at 27 (he’s in the club) from a heroin overdose on August 12, 1988.
“It’s beyond special to present this collection inspired by the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat and share it with Roark fans,” said Roark Founder Ryan Hitzel, “We explore the merger of rhythm and flow with his iconic symbolism, raw creativity and challenging of the status quo. We find the best version of ourselves in that state of mind, whether we’re surfing, running or adventuring through the world.”
Obviously the collection looks great. As it did when Billabong did the same thing in 2018. For a complete overview, please visit Roark’s website . . . which we’re assuming is on the Internet somewhere.
We wondered what plans Jamie Slater aka Athentic Brands Group had for Quiksilver, Billabong, et. al. when he purchased the Boardrider Group back on September 1, 2023, so we’re not surprised to see him begin selling it off in little pieces to whomever is interested. The first piece of Boardriders is reportedly going to French group Beaunamoir, according to a story on Fashion Network. The company, which owns a load of fashion brands you’ve likely never heard of, has reportedly “entered into exclusive negotiations . . . to buy the Western European activities of the Boardriders Group made up of Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, DC Shoes, Element and RVCA.”
Roland Beaumanoir, the group’s CEO, believes that this takeover “would develop the Beaumanoir Group’s expertise in the lifestyle segment, which is doing well. The Boardriders brands are emblematic and offer a lifestyle that is both relaxed and driven by a passion for outdoor sports. We would therefore be delighted to take on the challenge of promoting these brands on the European market.” Details of the countries covered by the agreement have not yet been released.
Brands are brands and apparently they have value long after they’ve died. If Jamie knows anything, it’s Zombie brands. So we’re going to just trust him to do the right thing for his wallet.
This new Vibram soled “Half Cab Reissue 33’ shoe” that Vans has dropped is the latest sad attempt to correct the brand’s sales freefall. It’s called OTW by Vans and it is an attempt by VF Corp to force the Vans brand back into mainstream fashion relevance. Apparently, the execution of this VF force has been left up to this guy:
Ian Ginoza, VP of Creative Direction for OTW by Vans, said: “OTW by Vans is a frontier for progression, experiences and collaboration. The skateboarding mindset is core to Vans, and OTW enriches that spirit through a distinct perspective to propel culture forward.”
If anyone can pull it off Ginoza can. He has deep roots in sneakers and culture marketing, however using a tag like “skateboarding mindset” as sales euphemism for “not skateboarding” has never ended well. Read the whole piece if you’d like. And if these become Vans best selling shoes ever, we will apologize. Promise.
We wondered what plans 
