Wednesday, February 16, 2011

NiceKicks.com

A History of Celebrities Wearing Bapes
Nike Zoom Kobe VI Illustrations “LA Series”
Jaden Smith for Supra Skytop II “Grammys”
1 on 1 with Nike Graphic Designer Erick Goto
Nike Dunk “Villain” Custom Collection By Sekure D
UNDFTD x PUMA Clyde Collection New Images
Air Jordan 13 “Playoffs” Another Look
Reebok Insta Pump Fury Blue/White-Black

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 01:13 PM PST

Sneakerheads have always had a very love/hate relationship with A Bathing Ape. Regardless of what side you fall on it’s hard to deny the brand’s importance in pop culture and American interest in Japanese fashion, art, and culture. A major part of the brand’s uprise was celebrity co-signing in its early days. From Kanye to Skateboard P (and many other A-listers you wouldn’t normally think of), anyone and everyone was wearing Bape. To see exactly who take a look at A History of Celebrities Wearing Bapes at Complex.

© Ian Stonebrook for NiceKicks.com, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Bathing Ape, Bape, Complex

Nike Zoom Kobe VI Illustrations “LA Series”

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 12:58 PM PST

Tracy Tubera Art "LA Series"

Earlier this week, we showed some new illustrations of the Nike Zoom Kobe VI “Grinch” done by artist Tracy Tubera. Today, more illustrations have popped up that feature this revolutionary sneaker on a well illustrated cartoon Kobe Bryant. Featured in the rest of this collection is the Zoom Kobe VI “All Stars”, “OC”, “Hollywood”, “East LA”, “Concords” and “Del Sol”. Illustrations are limited to 24 a piece so if you want to get your hands on these Archival Velvet Finish Papered pieces of artwork, head on over to Tracy Tubera .

Source: TT

© Albert Lin for NiceKicks.com, 2011. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Nike, Nike Zoom Kobe VI, Zoom Kobe VI

Jaden Smith for Supra Skytop II “Grammys”

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 12:28 PM PST

Jaden Smith for Supra Skytop II "Grammys"

The country may currently have Bieber Fever, but Justin’s friend and heir to the Smith family throne, Jaden, is doing his best to gain a following of his own. The young star performed at the Grammys this past weekend in a very special pair of Skytop IIs, which Supra had handmade to Jaden’s liking. They feature metallic gold and black leather, as well as a textured red material. Waxed laces finish off these 1 of 1s, which will not be released. Would you rock them if they did make it to retail?

Jaden Smith for Supra Skytop II “Grammys”
Black/Red-Gold

Jaden Smith for Supra Skytop II "Grammys"

Usher posing with Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith in their respective Supra Skytop IIs

© Alex Kroviak for NiceKicks.com, 2011. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Jaden Smith, Skytop II, Supra, Supra Skytop II

1 on 1 with Nike Graphic Designer Erick Goto

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 11:51 AM PST

Nike Zoom Kobe VI "LA" Series

As we inch closer and closer to NBA All-Star Weekend, Nike’s multi-sneaker All-Star Collection will continue to unravel. Within the past couple of weeks, Nike released the highly-anticipated, nine-sneaker “LA” series which included a Kobe VI and two Hyperfuse Lows inspired by East LA, Orange County and Hollywood. Next up, we will receive the 2011 NBA All-Star Signature Collection which features a lenticular-laced Kobe VI, LeBron 8 V2 and a Zoom KD III.

We recently caught up with Nike Graphic Designer Erick Goto, the brilliant mind behind all of these special creations. Goto discussed the origin of the “LA” series, what each one means to him personally, and the connection between LA and the newly-developed lenticular material. He also touched on the significance of the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse Low and his reaction on seeing his creation on Conan O’Brien. Check out our 1 on 1 with Nike Graphic Designer Erick Goto, along with detailed photos of the LA Series and the 2011 NBA All-Star Signature Collection.

Kevin Frazier interviews Erick Goto about the Nike Zoom Kobe VI "LA" Series

Nice Kicks: With limitless sources of inspiration across the Los Angeles area, how did you narrow it down to just three sources of inspiration for the theme? What really inspired your idea of creating a three-part, Los Angeles series?

Erick Goto: The project was pretty much briefed that way to me, but I understand why. These three regions of SoCal are pretty distinct. Each has their own flavor and attitude, and their stories provided good points of distinction for each pack in the collection. It was more so my job to pin-point what made each so different. I did my research in various visual styles and trends that spoke about each area differently.

Nice Kicks: In detail, how does each one of the color schemes pay tribute to the respective areas of Los Angeles?

Erick Goto: The “East LA” Kobe VI was a real tribute to the Dodgers fitted that almost everyone I know owns. We used ‘Drenched Blue’ to literally drench the shoe in a deeper-than-normal royal. The “OC” Kobe VI was definitely a tip of the hat to the surf-and-skate world that is huge out there. They’re not afraid of color! Plus, we wanted to switch it up from the neutrals. We have a lot of those coming in the future. The “Hollywood” Kobe VI was inspired by the original 3D glasses in red and blue.

“Each has their own flavor and attitude, and their stories provided good points of distinction for each pack in the collection.”

- Erick Goto

Nice Kicks: It seems as if the “3D” Nike Zoom Kobe VI has garnered the most attention out of those three. How did it feel to see your creation in Kobe’s hands on the Conan O’ Brien Show?

Erick Goto: Man, that was a trip! I couldn’t have been more surprised, overwhelmed or happy to see it on that show. Conan is my favorite late night television host!

Nice Kicks: We read somewhere that you took cues from the movie industry when creating these special colorways for the LA Series and the All-Star Collection. Are they any specific movies or movie industry elements that inspired you?

Erick Goto: Of course, the Hollywood version is a throwback to 3D movies and how they first started. We used the anaglyphic red and blue 3D because that’s the type of 3D we all grew up with. With the All-Star Collection, it was more about creating visual effect on a static product. There was something cool in the way lenticular tricks the eyes.

Nike Basketball "2011 NBA All-Star" Signature Collection

Click here to page two of our 1 on 1 with Nike Graphic Designer Erick Goto.

Read the rest of 1 on 1 with Nike Graphic Designer Erick Goto

© George Kiel III for NiceKicks.com, 2011. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Erick Goto, Nike, Nike All-Star, Nike Zoom Kobe VI

Nike Dunk “Villain” Custom Collection By Sekure D

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 11:33 AM PST

Nike Dunk Sekure D Custom

The sneaker culture has been called many things but one thing that can’t be denied is the artistic aspect. This constantly progressing hobby, passion, and love can be seen each year as new designs, colorways and even revolutions are started. Today, an understated aspect of the sneaker culture has surfaced in a one-of-a-kind way. Sneaker customizer Sekure D has created three very special pairs of custom Nike Dunks. The first pair, dubbed the “Daywalker”, is predominately red and black with white detailing throughout. The second pair entitled “Mr. Freeze” uses blue tones to achieve water, ice and snow imagery. The third and final pair is called “The Mummy” and pays tribute to the walking dead with images of a mummy’s wrappings. The detailing on all three of these pairs are incredible. Check out more images below and head over to Royalfam on February 18 to pickup a pair of these extremely limited custom Dunks.

Nike Dunk High Custom By Sekure D "Daywalker"

Nike Dunk High Custom By Sekure D "Mr. Freeze"

Nike Dunk High Custom By Sekure D "Mummy"

Nike Dunk Low Custom By Sekure D "Mummy"

Nike Dunk "Villain" Custom Collection By Sekure D

UNDFTD x PUMA Clyde Collection New Images

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 10:58 AM PST

UNDFTD x PUMA Clyde Collection New Images

When it comes to dressing up a sneaker, sometime’s it’s best to actually dress it down. This is just the UNDFTD team did for the recently revealed PUMA Clyde collection, which includes four colors of the classic hoops-turned-lifestyle sneaker. Gone is the large PUMA logo that normally runs the length of the shoe. The details are still present though, from the gold foil foxing branding to the waxed laces and on to the most notable new design element, the UNDFTD tongue tag. The whole collection will launch on the tenth of April as an ode to Clyde Frazier’s jersey number.

UNDFTD x PUMA Clyde
Grey, White, Black, Green
April 10, 2011

UNDFTD x PUMA Clyde Collection New Images

Source: High Snobiety

© Alex Kroviak for NiceKicks.com, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Puma, Puma Clyde, Undefeated, undftd, UNDFTD x PUMA Clyde

Air Jordan 13 “Playoffs” Another Look

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 10:30 AM PST

Months ago we got a sneak peek and ever since we can’t stop talking about “Playoffs”. Fast forward to today and the release is only a week and a half away. New images of the Air Jordan 13 “Playoffs” show the same things we’ve been obsessing over since their unveiling: leather upper, trademark paws, bold hologram, and circled Jumpman. Will you be shelling out your savings for a pair or more of these on the 26th? Tell us in the comment section.

Air Jordan Retro 13
Black/Varsity Red-White-Vibrant Yellow
414571-001
2/26/2011

Air Jordan 13 "Playoffs"

Source: Dunk

© Ian Stonebrook for NiceKicks.com, 2011. | Permalink | 18 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Air Jordan 13, Air Jordan 13 Playoffs, Air Jordans, Jordan 13, Jordan Brand

Reebok Insta Pump Fury Blue/White-Black

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 09:58 AM PST

Reebok Insta Pump Fury Blue/White-Black

The Reebok Insta Pump Fury is a sneaker designed for comfort and exuberant appearances. The silhouette alone is enough to attract attention. However, today, a limited edition colorway has surfaced that looks to add to that feel. This pair makes use of a white and black base layer that is complimented tonal red and blue colors on the foot lockdown mechanism and outsole. With one of the most unique designs in the sneaker market and this great colorway, demand is sure to escalate for Insta Pump Fury fanatics. Check out more photos below and let us know what you think of this new colorway.