Bespoke Attire: Represent Clothing

This is without a shadow of a doubt one of the biggest underground drops of the year. 'Represent' is the Streetwear brand that everyone is talking about, with the brand being sported by celebs which include none other than 'Rizzle Kicks' and 'Mikill Pane' of whom are also adding to the hype leaving anxious fans in anticipation of the drop. Their A/W range dropped last night and it was no wonder that it sent all of their social networking pages into a frenzy with people virtually snatching up garments left, right and centre. Manchester based 'Represent' have done things the right, an impressive range spanning a multitude various of garments which will ensure that their foot is firmly placed within the underground scene and will keep it there.Within the actual range there are many fine garments which we could talk about in great detail, however we can only pick a few of our favorites otherwise we'd be here all day.    

The first thing that you see once you have entered the store is what can only be described as a masterpiece in collaborative efforts. Teaming up with none other than 'HYPE', Represent have created an outlandish T-shirt which is freshly captivating and is an essential for any wardrobe warrior out there in the UK.

Hype x Represent £25

With winter just on the horizon, Represent are counteracting the weather with a wide range of sweats that are killer. Spanning through various colour ways and graphics each one has just as much swag as the last one. Here is the Grey 'REP' sweater:

Rep Sweater £40

The next items in question have to be their dope head wear. We have found it so hard to decide which one out of either the beanies or the 5-panels that we have simply come to an impasse. With so much quality we could literally post any of them and you'd immediately fall in love with them.

Black Floral 5 Panel £25

Blue Mount Beanie £22

This is merely just a snapshot of the outstanding Autumn / Winter range over at Represent. They are literally taking the UK by storm so get in there and grab yourself a bargain before its too late. To track them on other social networks just follow the links to their Facebook, Twitter and their very own Blog.    

Tracks: Feed Me & Crystal Fighters - Love Is All I Got (Official Video)

Here's a tune we've been thoroughly buzzing off ever since we heard it on the radio waves a few weeks back. It's called 'Love Is All I Got' and it's a single by Hertfordshire up-and-coming Electronic Dance musician Feed Me (real name Jon Gooch), and seven-piece band Crystal Fighters. We did a post this time last week on the single itself, you may remember, and we only see it fitting that we do a post on the actual video which was released today as well since the single's still fresh. What we can say is it's well coordinated, and we're loving the whole concept behind it and the overall feel. Anyway, we wont spoil it for you...  

• Now available for pre-order at iTunes: http://smarturl.it/LoveIsAllIGot
• http://www.feedme.uk.com/
• http://www.facebook.com/youfeedme
• http://www.crystalfighters.com/
• http://www.facebook.com/crystalfighters
• http://mau5trap.com/
• http://www.facebook.com/mau5trap

Bespoke Attire: Dope Chef Tie Dye & Camo Release

For those who don't know already Dope Chef is an 'urban-centric' (we don't like saying 'streetwear') label formed in London, and is said to represent 'everything that is culturally DOP£'. Dope Chef plays on the controversial and brings it to the forefront of our vision, and those that follow the brand on Twitter and Tumblr will know this. We see DOP£ as a high-octave street brand created by forward thinking, boundary breaking artists and designers.  Dope Chef has come to light in 2012 as one of the most highly sought after brands, with UK artists such Mikill Pane and Ed Sheeran both know to be keen fans of DOP£. 

What we have here is Dope Chef's recent 'Tie Dye and Camo' release, a creation which seems to possess somewhat of a wow factor on first glance. We're really loving this collection, especially the Tie Dye sweater (above), which seems to just radiates an aura of personality like no other, whilst at the same time possessing  a somewhat (Damien) Hirst-like quality and design process. The 'Camo' is also cleverly designed with the DOPE CHEF insignia wrapping round the pectorals almost like a neck-piece tattoo, which appears to be the intention. We'd probably think you're either one or the other - we love both, but take your pick yourselves...

DOP£ CHEF online store: http://www.dopechef.tv/lines.php

On Twitter: @DopeChef

On Tumblr: http://dopecheftv.tumblr.com/

Popular Culture: Guerilla Sticker London Underground Campaign

Real Fake: Guerrilla stickers such as these are said to be prevalent across the London Underground network

You may be wondering whether these stickers are real or not what with them looking incredibly similar to the ones used by Transport for London (TfL) on London Underground trains. Well, they're not - however, they are being illicitly being used by rebellious members of the public who are seemingly sick and tired of the barrage of stickers notices pointing out common sense information to travelling commuters and tourists.

We must commend the various artists behind some of these as they really are highly amusing. On first exception we thought the eye contact one was for real as it could be perceived as believable, but after reading the article on BBC News earlier yesterday afternoon we were reassured they were indeed fakes (more so propaganda) and were also provided with an insight into their production. The stickers are known to be produced by independent 'designers' and sold at various retail spots across London.

There are said to be Facebook pages where people post images of the stickers they have illegally attached to parts of London Underground rolling stock - it is also being donned the 'Guerrilla Sticker Craze'. Some do it out of fun, some are doing it to mock TfL and its own signage. The British Transport Police are said to be monitoring activity will be taking a zero tolerance stance on any participation, labeling the campaign 'graffiti', and an act of criminal damage that could potentially lead to prosecution. The producers on the other hand say they are harmless, and can be removed at any time so there's not really a problem. All very interesting.. 

• Read more about it and watch the video on the BBC News website.

Up Close + Personal: WATCH. THIS. SPACE. Boutique, Leicester, UK

Cutting Edge: W.T.S. provides a splendid paradox to the Leicester shopping experience

As the birth place of OBWD, Leicester will always be at the forefront of our fashion experiences. It is perhaps this reason that the majority of people that live here have taken a more mainstream approach to their wardrobe. With a high street paved from end to end with an anti-consumerist's nightmare, it is no wonder that the rest of us have retreated to the safe haven that is online shopping, However, there is to be one reprieve - and that is a little boutique that goes by the name of Watch. This. Space.

W.T.S. is likened more so to a public gallery as opposed to a shop

     

From art, to accessories to fashion, everything is combined neatly and effectively

Tucked away neatly in St. Martins Square, Watch. This. Space is a small boutique, and almost a breath of fresh air for anyone with a fine taste for clothing wishing to cosily retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Leicester's densely populated high street. With a refreshing outlook on shopping, W.T.S. is set to transform the way that we view and interact with our garments before purchasing. The whole store has been arranged with precision to almost appear as if it is an exhibition as opposed to a mere retail space. The attire has been arranged in such a calculated fashion, rendering the items on sale as more than just stock, but almost wearable pieces of art that anyone can own. The clothing almost acts as an extension of the boutique's decor.

Creatively styled mannequins give customers food for thought 

Hand-made accessories are definitely a strong selling point for the ladies with an imperious selection

Comprising the very best in handmade and bespoke items from around the UK, W.T.S. are looking to revolutionize shopping for the upper echelon of the underground community, but with an eye to expanding and reaching out to a wider audience. This may have something to do with the fact that the whole store is comprised solely of independent clothing brands and is simply a pleasure to walk around. Each brand has been painstakingly selected and curated as part of the shop floor's aesthetic appeal. The main reason for the stock being of such high quality rests with the fact that it is hand-picked in order for you to feel like you are purchasing something unique, a one-off if you like.

The design of the shop is 'aesthetically tactile' leaving you wanting to touch everything!

Men's fashion is also catered for with artistically designed hand-drawn tees

Watch. This. Space.'s stock is comprised solely of independent brands. The owner's reason for this being that she feel's there is more to fashion than high street labels and they are keen to spread this message. There is a great deal of talent in the UK that goes unrecognized, whilst the superfluous and mass-produced is all we seem to think is available. There are so many small businesses that make quality clothing, but are struggling mainly due to the fact that they cannot gain the publicity and attract the sheer reach bigger labels seem to dominate. This is exactly what W.T.S. is about - bringing the general public outstanding underground clothing for our sake and for the sake of fashion, integrally.

If you would like to know more about Watch. This. Space. head on over to their Facebook. If your matter is regarding the more business side of things and you need to speak to Stephanie the owner, contact her via email where I'm sure she would be happy to deal with your inquiries: info@smwalker.co.uk

Please head over. Please SUPPORT.

6 Silver Walk , St Martins Square, LE15EW, Leicester, United Kingdom

Bespoke Attire: The S&S 'Off-Mountain' Collection Stussy x Nike

Coming at us with what is already looking like what could be one of 2012's most solid collaborations, Stussy and Nike clash to produce a range of kicks for the upcoming winter season. Preparing us for practically all conditions and all scenarios, ergonomics, aesthetics and functionality all work hand in hand with these all-purpose heavy duty sneakers purpose built for mountainous activities. This is a stunningly bold marketing campaign from where we're standing which just effortlessly oozes cool. Nike Sportswear and Stussy fans alike will be very eager to get there hands on this limited edition merchandise. Here are just a few of the images brought to us from the Stussy blog...

• For more images and the entire Stussy x Nike Sportswear range, head over to the Stussy blog.

Live: JAY Z - Live @ Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

The Life + Times: Jay Z closes with a memorable homecoming performance in New York

After embarking on an 8 show tour in his gratuitous hometown of Brooklyn at the Barclays Center Jay Z closed the homecoming tour with his eight and final show last night. Jay's online 'inspiration' website Life + Times welcomed in which nearly 60,000 viewers from across the globe to witness the performance online via a live stream on YouTube .

The 'Grand Opening, Grand Closing' show conjured up a guest appearance from Jay Z's other half Beyonce, who performed her personal hit 'Diva', whilst also collaborating with the main man of the show with their better known duets 'Bonnie and Clyde' and 'Crazy in Love'.

Jay also performed the classics that made him the international superstar he is today, which include 'Hard Knock Life', 'Jigga (What's My Name)' and 'Dead Presidents' from his debut album Reasonable Doubt. The Jigga Man closed the show with 'Forever Young' in which Mrs Jay Z joined him on stage to recite what normally would be Mr Hudson's chorus. Fix yourself a cuppa and press play, you will be glued to the screen...