BAPE X TATAMI

On the 28th April 2007, Bape will be releasing their newest crossover with Tatami. These new Bape x Tatami sandals may remind you of the Birkenstock concept. But lets hope they're as comfortable as they look. Nevertheless, Tatami has had their reputation for making top quality shoes(mostly for women).

And incase you didnt know, the word "tatami" came from tatami mats, which are traditional japanese flooring. Tatami were originally a luxury item for the wealthy at a time when lower classes had mat-covered dirt floors.

The sandals come in 3 models. Mens, womens, and kids.

Pics via slamxhype info via Bape

KIKS TYO HEAD SHOP and HTML GRAND OPENING

On April 20th, 2007, the long awaited KIKS TYO HEAD SHOP will open in Shibuya, Japan. The same day will also see the launch of "html" - a world standard street select shop in Ikebukuro, Japan - owned and curated by KIKS TYO's own hobby: tech.

KIKS TYO's Shibuya HEAD SHOP will serve as the brand's flagship store and will act as a retail anchor for over 40 domestic Japanese stockists of the KIKS TYO brand. In addtion to offering KIKS TYO apparel, accessories and collaborative items, the HEAD SHOP will serve as ground zero for CASIO G-SHOCK's 25th anniversary within Japan's boutique landscape as G-SHOCK's official 25th anniversary retail partner.

Across town in Ikebukuro, KIKS TYO's hobby:tech will unveil his world standard select shop "html." Hobby will curate the shop in a similar fashion to his popular Street Jack column, "Hobby:TechEx - Street Express" - selecting leading domestic street wear, sneakers, and collaborative items from G-SHOCK to appear alongside the shops in-house "html" brand.

To commemorate the openings, special G-SHOCK 25th anniversary models will be available, as will special opening t-shirts from both the KIKS TYO HEADSHOP and html.

For more information, photos and site maps, please see: http://www.kikstyo.com/html.php or contact woven.jp@gmail.com

Attitude Dancer Vol. 2 by Reas

Now, I'm trying not to be a hypocrite here, but lately, I have been getting very annoyed at the amount of complete crap and utter uselessness appearing in urban/street culture. It kinda feels as if since around one year ago, when I was first introduced into this scene, the originality or "freshness" of it all has eroded into blatent exploitation of a market on the rise.

This here is a splendid example of complete and utter bulls**t:

I mean, what the hell is this piece of crap?? Apparently, it's an "advanced" colouring book for adults. Give me a break, this "advanced" colouring book is a sorry excuse for softcore cartoon porn that tries to pass off as a legit item of street culture initiative aimed at horny kidults who think they're cool because they have an "advanced" adult colouring book.

I apologise if I offend those misguided enough to consider purchasing this. I also apologise on behalf of true proponents of street culture. This book is not representative of the much wider range of truly original and artistic pieces of work in this area.

People, make sure you think long and hard before accepting something at its face value. This goes for all things in life. Don't fall for bulls**t.