Augustana – All the Stars and Boulevards

Their debut album ‘All the Stars and Boulevards’ proves to be a winner and this indie guitar band has quickly risen to stardom. In comparison to bands in the industry, if you like the Fray, Switchfoot, and Lifehouse, you’ll like Augustana. Although their music hasn’t hit completely big or mainstream yet, their songs have been featured on Laguna Beach of all places. They recently came to Toronto on tour and performed a concert mid-September with Snow Patrol. The entire album is solid and songs range from slow and acoustic to light alternative. Be sure to check out their title track – Stars and Boulevards, Boston, Coffee and Cigarettes, and Wasteland. Music that is definitely easy on the ears.

-e

Ridehouse Clothing

Ridehouse Clothing is a new and upcoming brand catering to the actions sports apparel industry for both men and women. The Quebec based company combines heritage, art and modern design in their works along with strong influences from the skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing scenes. Their debut line is entitled ‘The Heartwood Collection’. Check out their site here.

-phil

Puma’s 96 Hours

96 Hours is the end result of the collaboration from German sportwear company Puma and designer Neil Barrett. The collection is urban, smart and targeted towards the style conscious on-the-go traveler. In my opinion, the philosophy behind the brand strikes a strong similarity to Puma’s native rival Adidas and their collaboration project with Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3. 

Although it seems Adidas has already reached this particular market, it’s nice to Puma stepping out of their element and trying to branch out to other elements such as higher end street fashion. The collection to me seems very casual and minimal, which ranges from zip jackets and hoodies to footwear and travel accessories that include a line of luggage and messenger bags.

96 Hours men’s and women’s collections are available now in selected cities. However, if you happen to live in a largely populated city or a big commercial market, you probably won’t have trouble finding for it. (It’s a shame it’s not available for us, Canadians) For the list of retail shops carrying Puma’s 96 Hours brand or a view of the current collection, go and head on to 96 Hours.

- Jon

New Gucci Store – Ginza, Tokyo

This fall, Gucci opens their new flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo. What’s special about this new location is that it is the first ever Gucci flagship to be housed in its own building. The 8 story tower is constructed with two layers of hanging glass panels that are clear and bronze. The result is an illuminated glow effect that radiates with a light installation in the nighttime.

Inside the first three stories of the shop, you will see men’s and women’s collections of handbags, luggage, accessories, and other staple Gucci goods. As well, the Gucci Cafe, located on the 4th floor, will allow shoppers can take a break from shopping and enjoy a view of the Ginza cityscape. The 6th floor is reserved for future gallery space. If that’s not enough, Gucci is introducing their “Made to Order” program where special custom orders will be taken for handbags to be handmade at Gucci’s Italian Workshop, while you are allowed to choose the most precious materials Gucci has to offer. This perk will be exclusive at the Ginza store. See more at the Gucci site.

-phil

dunkxchange

Think of it as the new urban swap meet. Instead of attempting to sell your vintage antique china, replace that with the rariest shoes you have in your personal sneaker collection.  What started as a small gathering of people trying to buy, sell or trade some of their own kicks at Club Iziza, Oakland in October 2005, turned into a multi city tour where true sneakerheads would gather.  With much success in the Bay Area and New York, dunkxchange will be holding events all throughout 2006 and most of 2007. 

dunkxchange will be in Orange County, California next week  on November 18th so if you’re in the Anaheim area, here is a chance for all you sneaker collectors to buy, sell, or trade some of your newest, hottest and rariest kicks live this week at the House of Blues. If you can’t make next Saturday, look for dunkxchange in 2007 as they plan to hit Miami, Hawaii, Vegas and Chicago.

Date: Saturday November 18th
Time: 12 – 4PM
Location: “House of Blues” 1530 S. Disneyland Dr.
City: Anaheim, California, US

For more information on specific dates and locations, go to dunkxchange

- A style

Levi’s Engineered Jeans x Kasabian

Levi’s Japan shows us their Engineered jeans for the season by promoting them with Kasabian. The rock group, who recently released album entitled “Empire”, was used as a musical inspiration for Levi’s 2006 fall/winter collection. There’s a few pics of them in the Engineered Jeans. As well, the other Levi’s lines offered in Japan for the season seem to be inspired by the rock musicial genre. Check out the collections at Levi’s Japan.

-phil