Well, according to a memo reportedly sent out today (June 21, 2011) by Deckers CEO Angel Martinez, it appears that they thought their mix was getting a little strange as well and have decided to “cease distribution of the Simple brand, effective December 31, 2011.”
The memo continues:
While it is difficult to say goodbye to Simple, it no longer fits in our portfolio. We have before us a number of major opportunities that require our focus and investment, and we are consolidating our energies and resources in support of these opportunities. . . .We are at a point in our company’s growth where it’s critical that we invest in brands and initiatives with the highest global growth potential in both the short- and long-term. With UGG Australia’s global expansion opportunities, Teva’s move into closed toe footwear, the recent Sanuk acquisition, and exciting prospects on our emerging brands, it’s become clear that focusing diligently on our very best opportunities will create the results we’re looking for to continue to fuel Deckers’ growth.
While we were really into several of Eric Meyer’s shoe designs at the beginning, we kind of lost track of the brand along the way. Guess we’re not the only ones.
Brixton, the Oceanside, California purveyors of fine apparel (and hats) is reportedly proud to announce their hiring of former Transworld Skateboarding Magazine Art Director Jason Lee as the brand’s new full time art director.
Beyond art direction, his talents as a photographer, his attention to product detail and all things visual will be applied in his new position. . . . Jason Lee graduated from Rhode Island School of Design. Brixton couldn’t be more proud add to him to the family.
And no, Lee has not starred in any Kevin Smith films nor appeared (as yet) in any weekly network sitcoms. Congrats, Jason. [click to continue…]
Last Friday when word was getting out that a few of the people at COMUNE were leaving the company we only had one question: is Corey Smith leaving with them? His name was not on the list. Turns out he is not leaving the COMUNE and the company is not folding. It’s simply moving from Costa Mesa to the Los Angeles Art District.
Co-founding partner, Sven Altmetz, has taken over the helm from co-founder Frank Delgadillo. The original COMUNE designer, Jacob McCabe, will maintain his position as the head designer and continues working with his design staff. Corey Smith will continue to head up the Drop City program, Contributing Artists program and the Snow Team.
Everyone has known for weeks that surfing’s $23 million man Dane Reynolds was on the Vans surf program, but today Vans finally admits it to the rest of the world.
We are extremely excited to announce the addition of Dane Reynolds to the Vans Surf Team. Dane is one of the most exciting and unique surfers to date and brings a quiet sort of revolution with him. His approach is completely different to what’s been done and his reach touches every facet of surfing. For decades Vans has been home for people choosing their own path and it’s a pleasure to be able to uphold that principle to this day and have Dane become a part of it.
Must be nice for him to not to have to wear DC Shoes any longer, right? Now let’s just hope he keeps surfing. . . Follow the jump for all the details. [click to continue…]
Andrew Reynolds has apparently slipped into a new sock deal with Stance.
It is a fact that The Boss has permanently etched his influence on skateboarding. He’s shared his creative vision and his passion for purity and progression through his life both on and off a board. We’re proud to welcome Andrew Reynolds to Stance and are excited to bear witness and participate in the ongoing creation of his legacy.
So we’re guessing Altamont isn’t dipping their toes into the sock market yet?
686 parent company Westlife Distribution is loading up their team for the new fall season. They’ve hired a new Controller (Kimmy Duong), a new Senior Graphic Designer (George Cavalla), promoted an intern to Online Marketing Coordinator (Marc Vasquez) and bumped a pro rider up to Team Manager (Patrick McCarthy).
“I am beyond thrilled at the addition of Marc, George and Patrick to the marketing team,” says Kristin Cusic, VP of the department, “Each one of them brings something unique to the table through photography, video editing, communication or design skills, but as a group, we really fire on all cylinders. I’m looking forward to making vast steps forward over the next year or two.”
Seems like all the fashion trade shows are bulking up a little on action sports lately and MAGIC is not missing out. In fact, they’re adding even more skateboarding to the Ride Unltd. action sports section of their massive fashion trade show this August 22-24, 2011.
RIDE Unltd. will welcome new skate apparel, footwear and hardware brands including Hurley, Quiksilver, DVS, Diamond Supply Footwear, Foxhead, Inc. and Matix. In addition, returning brands from the February 2011 show will include Ambiguous, Fly Society, Huf, Ipath, LRG, Osiris, Primitive, Rogue Status, Stussy, World Industries, Zoo York, and more. . . The environment at RIDE Unltd. will be enhanced and expanded to include a true street course, designed and constructed by California Skateparks as the centerpiece of the show floor (see attached rendering). The 4,000-sq.-ft. course will be used for brand and team showcases, athlete meet and greets, MAGIC’s “Best Line” skate competition in partnership with Maloof Skateboarding, and just hanging out.
On Wednesday night (June 15, 2011), while we were lounging poolside in the desert sipping Sofia and watching the moon rise to the muffled backbeat of palm trees rustling in a hot breeze, the rest of the action sports world was crowded in at Hollywood’s Paramount Studios to smoke cigarettes, view art, listen to music, and most importantly, watch mostly naked girls walk the cat at Billabong’s Design For Humanity event. It went a little like this.
It is official. As of 5:30 PM yesterday (Thursday, June 16, 2011) Volcom is now officially a French high fashion mall clothier.
Based on preliminary information from Computershare Trust Company, N.A., the depositary for the offer, as of the expiration of the initial offering period of the tender offer, approximately 14,686,156 shares were validly tendered and not withdrawn in the tender offer, representing approximately 72.3% of Volcom’s issued and outstanding shares, giving PPR control of Volcom. In addition, the depositary has received commitments to tender approximately 4,714,540 shares in accordance with guaranteed delivery procedures, which, when combined with the shares tendered and not withdrawn from the tender offer, represent approximately 91.6% of Volcom’s issued and outstanding shares. All validly tendered shares have been accepted for payment, which will be made in accordance with the terms of the tender offer.
C’est la vie, oui? Follow the jump for the official details. [click to continue…]
To promote the launch of his new KA-One shoe from ConverseKenny Anderson kickflipped into a nose manual in LA and didn’t stop until he got to Las Vegas, or at least that’s the hook to the film LA to Vegas.
We can say this: Kenny spent like a year on his front wheels for this one (even ding some skateboard towing behind a bus to show how tough he is). Watch and you’ll see what we mean. . . For more info on how Converse is launching this shoe follow the jump. [click to continue…]
When Deckers Outdoor Corporation purchased Sanuk for $120 million last month we mentioned that the company now had an “odd footwear collection.” 
