by The Editors on January 26, 2009
We’re guilty. Like many others we spent most of Friday standing around in the isles of the ASR Show talking about how bad things are, how much worse they’re going to get, and whether buying or selling Quiksilver stock is a good idea. The opinions on the later were mixed, regardless of what personalized license plates may have been telling us.
Mixed in with all the gloom, however, were some words of encouragement. Ocean Minded CEO Gary Ward was walking the isles with his lovely daughter Shannon and when we hit him with the “how bad is it” question he set us straight directly.
“Let’s put it this way,” he said. “It’s ten times better than we thought it would be. This industry is a family and no one is stopping this family.”
We wondered if the “family members” who committed to the January ASR show might be benefiting a little from the fact that many of their larger competitors weren’t showing. “Are you kidding? Nauds is laughing right now,” he said of Billabong’s Paul Naude. “He’s had a great year and look at their booths; they are packed. For sure, the people who stuck it out are reaping the benefits.”
Follow the jump for the rest of the story.
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by The Editors on January 26, 2009
by The Editors on January 26, 2009
Shepard Fairy has had a pretty good year. The Boston Globe recounts the year and tells the age-old story of a skateboarder who made stickers featuring pro wrestler Andre The Giant, went on to create a poster an Obama poster for hope, and has a new solo show at Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art opening February 6, 2009 which runs until August.
Versions of his Obama portrait have graced the covers of Time and Esquire magazines, and this month, the Smithsonian hung his hand-finished version in the National Portrait Gallery. It is the same place, Fairey notes with an in credulous tone, that has hung “the George Washington that’s not finished on the bottom.”
Yes, it is a wonderful story, isn’t it?
[Link: Boston.com]
by The Editors on January 26, 2009
Live art went down at the New Image Art Gallery’s 15 Anniversary Opening party, according to the emerica blog:
I was hanging out at New Image Art Gallery when all of a sudden, Emerica pro Braydon Szafranski wheeled his Harley in through the front door and Neck Face started painting it.
Looks just like some Neckface art. . .
[Link: emerica]
by The Editors on January 26, 2009
After the accidental genius of Rob & Big We were pretty hyped on Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory. Now, after watching this teaser, we’re not so sure.
by The Editors on January 24, 2009
Mad Dog Concepts is voluntarily recalling 25,000 pairs of Tony Hawk Boy’s Pajama Sets made in Cambodia and sold through the Kohl’s Department Store chain “due to the potential risk of burn injury to children,” according to the U.S. Cosumer Product Safety Commmission.
This sleepwear fails to meet the federal children’s sleepwear flammability standard, and poses a risk of burn injury to children. . . .Consumers should stop using the recalled pajamas immediately and contact the firm for instructions on obtaining a full refund.
See the kinds of things you have to start worrying about when you license your name to clothing manufacturers?
[Link: USCPSC via Ridgefield Press]
by The Editors on January 24, 2009
by The Editors on January 23, 2009
When we’re gaming it’s always nice to see a friendly face. . . and a SkateDaily T-shirt. But where is the push cart full of cameras?
[Link: Bryce Kanights]
by The Editors on January 23, 2009
The San Diego Union-Tribune is holding no punches in its coverage of the January 2009 ASR Show.
In a story filled with words like “struggling” and “tough” and “worst” writer Jennifer Davies talked to many industry players and got nothing but bad news from nearly everyone.
“There is no immunity idol on this island,” said Doug Palladini, vice president of marketing at Vans, referring to the “Survivor” television show. “It can happen to anybody.”
Doug is always so poetic, isn’t he? ASR spokesperson Lora Bodmer on the other hand was alone with her glimmer of positivity. “We looked out over the show and said, ‘Hey, this isn’t so bad,’ ” she said.
And that’s kind of what we thought at first, but after walking the isles on day one and seeing that zombie “God, I hope I don’t get fired tomorrow” look in everyone’s eyes we’re not so sure anymore. While watching toilet seat tossing at the Vee-Haw Volcom booth we couldn’t help but think of them as a bunch of oblivious Hillbillies fiddling away on their out-of-tune banjos while flames licked at the cuffs of their overalls.
[Link: San Deigo Union-Tribune]
by The Editors on January 23, 2009
The Captain and Casey’s Chris Casey with the beautiful am babies award presenters. Diapers never looked so good.
We hung out for a little while after the show before “getting the hell out of there.” Photos from some after-show festivities including the Grind For Life High Ollie Contest and The Am Awards after the jump.
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Mixed in with all the gloom, however, were some words of encouragement. Ocean Minded CEO Gary Ward was walking the isles with his lovely daughter Shannon and when we hit him with the “how bad is it” question he set us straight directly.
