Look who moved to LA? Westlife Distribution, the parent company 686, has named Brent Sandor as their new Director of Marketing. Sandor was most recently brand director at Spy.
“At Westlife, the family is tight. We have a history of keeping heads for a while and I’m stoked that we’ve found someone talented in both the creative and business realms. Sandor has proven himself from the ground up and psyched to have him on. He’s the type of dude that can hang all night long with the young guns and also be the first one up for a 6am biz meeting,” said Mike West, President/CEO.
Seems that’s a good trait these days. For the official world from Westlife, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
At last year’s SIA Trade Show in Denver one of the hottest tickets was the 686 Lights Out boxing matches between industry heavy weights. Anyone who thought these matches would be “staged” was in for a big surprise when everyone beat themselves silly (check last year’s event here).
For 2013 686 is doing it all again. Same place, same night, same staff. Danny Kass will referee and Dingo will be the ring announcers. All the proceeds from the event go to SOS Outreach.
Today marks the start of 686’s fashion design contest Reclaim Design Project. Here’s what the project is all about:
The world famous RECLAIM Design Project gives three talented designers the opportunity to create an original outerwear garment utilizing reclaimed materials, fabrics trims and supplies from the 686® production facility. Two winning designers will be awarded the grand prize of a coveted internship at 686® – helping design innovative, fashionable outerwear and technical apparel, as well as a collection of other great prizes. Is this you, do you have what it takes?
Think you have skills to make it on trade show tour with 686? Then submit your jacket design and a quick bio introducing yourself to reclaimproject@686.com. Follow the jump for all the official rules. [click to continue…]
686 and New Balance have teamed up for the fourth season to bring what they are calling their “lightest and most complete” snowboard boot collection to date.
Combining New Balance’s® world-renowned reputation for superior footwear and 686’s® long technical apparel history and loyalty to the core snowboarding market, the boots are made with premium fabrications and materials, minimalist design aesthetics and have an incredible sneaker-like fit. Throw in extras like the RECCO® avalanche monitor, BOA® focus lacing system and a 3-zonal SCL speed lacing system and you have three amazing styles to choose from to fit your riding needs.
Follow the jump for more photos and an interview with 686’s Michael Akira West and lead boot designer Michael Bretz on the genesis of the 2012-13 line. [click to continue…]
686 has collaborated with LA style house Crooks & Castles on a line of street inspired technical snow gear.
“For the past twenty years, 686® has been known for making the best technically advanced products in winter apparel, while working with brands such as Levis and Dickies,” says 686 President and Creative Director Michael Akira West. “I wanted to pay homage to our Los Angeles roots and do something cool with our homies at Crooks & Castles.”
For an interview with West and Crooks & Castles Design Director Emil Soriano and a video follow the jump. [click to continue…]
Those looking for quality free riding gear might want to check in with 686 today for their annual 686 Day celebration featuring “online contests, in-store promotions, and giveaways all day long starting at midnight. Be sure to check with 686.com for more information and for participating retailer locations around the world.”
If you want some you better click the link.
686 has added a slew of new team riders in the last month. Minnesota’s Ryan Paul and Canadian Phil Jacques have joined the global pro team.
Hailing from the great state of Minnesota, Ryan has been a fixture on the rail jam contest circuit over the past few years, winning countless events and always showing up with his patented progressive moves and unique way of showcasing his style. His most recent accomplishment was a Silver X-Games medal in Street. Ryan reached the podium with 686 teammate, Forest Bailey, who took the Gold. . . As McCarthy says of Paul, “Ryan’s easy-to-approach demeanor and outgoing personality really makes him the person that he is, but his riding does all the talking. When we snowboard with him people stop to see what new ideas and creations that he has up his sleeve. RP always has a smile on his face and a progressive way to view the mountains in front of him.”
We saw Ryan slay it at Hot Dawgs & Hand Rails in September 2011. He’s the real deal for sure. For details on Jacques and the rest of the am additions follow the jump. [click to continue…]
Night one of the 2012 Snow Industries of America show began at Denver’s Casselman’s for 686 Outerwear’sLights Out! boxing. The night featured The Dingo on the mic, Danny Kass as a referee and some of action sports’ biggest names duking it out in the ring.
Transworld Media Editorial Director Rob Campbell went toe-to-toe with Frends‘ Sean Lake (Lake prevailed). Sketchy D got in on the action. But the night’s biggest brawl came in a classic battle of “my CEO can beat up your CEO” when Electric Visual Co-President Bruce Beach and Vestal CEO Johnny Gehris stepped into the ring in what looked like a Costa Mesa grudge match royal. Neither fighter saved anything for later. The two fought like warriors trading damage until a Beach right cross to the nose forced Gehris to throw in the towel late in the last of three rounds.
Bern has partnered with 686 on a pair of helmets that will go perfectly with 686’s 2012-2013 outerwear collection. A limited edition run of Bern’s Watts and Lenox helmets will feature graphics with the look of real denim.
686 President and Creative Director, Mike West, says, “For our 20th anniversary collection, we wanted to work with companies with the same high standard of quality, innovation and unique design that we’ve come to be known for. Bern fits that mold perfectly and we’re more than pleased with the project.”
686 is looking for some snowboard industry people who would like to settle a score, knock someone out, or just dust it up for a round in their Lights Out boxing matches during the SIA Show on January 26, 2012 at Casselman’s.
They’re describing it as “a fun-filled evening of your friends from the snowboarding industry kicking the s*$t out of each other!”
