by The Editors on October 8, 2019
The downside of holding an open design competition is that someday, someone is going to design something that someone else has a problem with. Well, Vans experienced that this week, according to a story on CNN. The someone is “a Canada-based user named Naomiso” and the someone else with a problem just might be the People’s Republic of China. Vans reportedly pulled the design (along with others) from their Custom Culture design competition on Saturday, October 5, 2019 saying in a facebook post:
“As a brand that is open to everyone, we have never taken a political position and therefore review designs to ensure they are in line with our company’s long-held values of respect and tolerance, as well as with our clearly communicated guidelines for this competition,” the statement said, without referring specifically to the protest-themed design.
The shoe, shown above, features “a red bauhinia, the flower on Hong Kong’s flag, and one of the yellow umbrellas synonymous with the city’s 2014 pro-democracy protests.” The designer was told the submission was pulled for the following reason:
“Not allowed: Trademarked or copyrighted material, business or brand logos, images of celebrities, professional team logos or mascots, nudity, images of weapons/violence, images referencing drugs, alcohol or smoking, offensive contest, obscenity or hate.”
Obviously, there are a few people upset by the shoe’s removal, and now a #boycottvans movement has apparently started. According to CNN, one Hong Kong shoe retailer has closed three of their stores because of “the controversy created by the contest.” Rough going for a contest about creativity and expression. For the rest of the story, please click the link.
[Link: CNN]
by The Editors on January 15, 2019
In a farewell letter published on Hypebeast outlining exactly why he is ending the Benny Gold brand and handing his SF retail space back over to HUF, Benny Gold (the person) outlines the situation successful artists often get in when their “brand” becomes bigger than themselves — better in one paragraph than many have been able to do in 30 page Keynote projects. He explains exactly how it feels when the beastly machine begins driving the master and creating its own reality. Here is the paragraph from Hypebeast.
We have a beautiful flagship location in San Francisco and an outstanding staff that has helped me realize my full potential. The brand has become bigger than myself and I am forever grateful for this. . . But with this success comes it’s own set of challenges. I now find myself growing less creatively as my days are spent managing people, budgets, and production issues. I am feeling increasing pressure to follow trends and go more “urban” in the attempt to capture more market share. A brand becomes a living, breathing thing and every brand has a life cycle -— well it’s become increasingly clear to me that the Benny Gold brand is nearing its end. I would rather bring it to a close and celebrate it’s life with integrity rather than push it to become something I no longer believe in.
How’s that? It answers so many questions we’ve had about other emerging clothing brands. How do you keep doing the same thing over and over? Season in, season out? It’s nice to see someone admit it straight up — you can’t. Not unless you change everything that got you there in the first place.
Congrats Benny. Well done. We look forward to seeing what you’re working on in the next phase.
[Link: Hypebeast]
by The Editors on November 14, 2018
Tony Hawk announced today (November 14, 2018) that he is dropping in on the “agency” business model with D/CAL a “hybrid brand consultancy and creative agency based in Detroit and California, get it? Hawk is co-founding the business with partners Adam Wilson (Carhartt, McGarryBowen), Jared Prindle (Tony Hawk Inc., 900 Films), and Ryan Maconochie (Arc, Leo Burnett, Trisect). Katherine Huber is director of client services.
“I’ve worked with many brands and their agencies over the years and even as a relative outsider looking in, I understand the challenges between clients and agencies. Our approach is unique, with an emphasis on authenticity,” added Hawk.
D/CAL says current clients include: Michigan-based DROUGHT, and HoMedics, San Diego-based Tony Hawk Foundation, and Chicago-based CityBase. For the official word from D/CAL please follow the jump.
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by The Editors on September 25, 2018
Nixon has talked Craig Stecyk into creating a collection and not surprisingly, it is one of our favorites in a long while. Here’s how they pitch it:
C.R. Stecyk III exists in the shadows, and even when he does slide into the sunlight, it rarely adds clarity. A pioneer of the Dogtown skate ethos, Stecyk has helped shape modern skateboarding in more ways than imaginable: through videos, writing, art installations, and co-founded Juxtapoz Art magazine, among others. A widely-acknowledged street art progenitor, Stecyk’s contributions to the counterculture are so engrained in society that the Smithsonian permanently houses some of his work.
The capsule includes a watch, a camera bag, and some other cool stuff. Sadly, there are only 100 watches and bags world wide (it’s limited). So if you want one you better hurry to an exclusive Nixon retailer. For the details, click the link.
[Link: Nixon]
by The Editors on April 30, 2018
Join all the surfers, shapers, designers, artists, and lurkers as they descend on the Del Mar Fairgrounds next weekend (May 5-6, 2018) for The Boardroom International Surfboard Show presented by US Blanks.
The show features hundreds of incredible surfboards by top shapers, the Icons of Foam shaping contest honoring Marc Andreini, live glassing demos by Douglas Surf Products, the California Gold Surf Auction preview, live music by Hold Fast, Tower 7, and Lay Low, as well as ukulele and guitar builds and demos, and much, much, more like great deals on boards, wetsuits, art and gear.
Tickets are $15 a day at the door ($20 for both days) or save $5 and order online. For all the details, please click the link. The Del Mar Fairgrounds are located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014, where the surf meets the turf.
[Link: Boardroom Show]
by The Editors on April 26, 2018
by The Editors on December 22, 2017
We can always count on design awesome maker Scott Hultgren to break it down into simple bites. And here it is — the chart that will guarantee that you don’t screw up on wishing your friends an appropriate late December holiday. For more of Hultgren’s “non-holiday” creations, please click the link.
[Link: Valhalla Design & Conquer]
by The Editors on October 5, 2017
The minds at Mervin have done more to advance boards sports innovation than any one else. We’d list all of Mervin’s firsts and how Mike Olson and Pete Saari were behind all of them but it would take to long. Instead, just kick back and watch the video. Here’s their description.
Welcome to the world of Mervin Manufacturing! Snowboards, surfboards, skis and skateboards made with ZERO HAZARDOUS WASTE in the USA. Mervin is a dream factory in a dream location producing dream boards with dream materials and process. When you ride one there’s more than just the board under your feet; there’s passion, technology, art, history, community and vision. It’s not just made it’s Mervin Made!
by The Editors on October 4, 2017
Billionaire Oakley and Red Camera founder Jim Jannard has always had a fetishist’s attention to architectural detail (and design in general) and that’s why it is so entertaining to check out his concrete and metal Beverly Hills, California home featured in Wallpaper Magazine.
Though it took five years to complete the house, the outline of the project was sketched out in just a few bold strokes: it would have a high-tech feel, bringing in some of Jannard’s product designers for the all-metal fixtures; it would take advantage of its singular locale, with multiple vantage points looking out to the sprawling urban vista; and, of course, it would be monumental, recalling a certain prehistoric rock formation in southern England.
Looks like the perfect place to wait out the days of tribulation.
[Link: Wallpaper Magazine]
by The Editors on October 3, 2017
Former Master Cluster member Andy Jenkins has been named Global Art Director of Element Skateboards. In otherwords, he just got a great new job at Billabong.
Global General Manager, David Brooks says “Andy is another fantastic addition to the Element family who delivers on our strategy to elevate art and our creative output, while attracting and managing relationships with some of the world’s best artists.”
We’re happy if Andy is happy because really, Mel Bend can do no wrong. For the official word from Element (and a quote from Andy), please follow the jump.
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