7.31.2013

Kicks Flow: New Balance Made in the UK 576 “Tea” Pack



In the next couple of weeks a great new pack will release from the New Balance Fall 2013 Collection. From its Made in UK line, the “Tea” Pack will release. The iconic New Balance 576 comes in three colorways as part of the pack, each inspired by one tea type, including Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Green Peppermint. 
Produced at the New Balance Flimby factory, you can expect premium materials and craftsmanship all around. A release of the sneaker pack is scheduled for August 8.
Swagatha Out..
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7.30.2013

Dopeness: Nike X158 Retail Concept [Shanghai, China]










Retail experiences are everything! Especially when you’re working with a retail giant, like Nike. That’s why they’ve gone through great lengths with their “Ignite Shanghai” initiative which is working in an effort yo “redress” that experience with a new look and feel altogether for us, within their flagship stores. And all of this is being carried out with their new Nike X158 Retail Concept. Very similar to what was used for their older push with the Nike TPE 6453 campaign in Taipei City, this new Nike X158 concept is located on the very populated and busy Xinle Lu throughway, and pretty close to Nike China headquarters.

This neighborhood is now famous for its huge European mansions, tree-lined avenues and cathedrals. It was once known as the French Concession, which functioned pretty much like a French colony from within the city of Shanghai back then. This town is a great display of juxtaposition of varying cultures of old and new, East and West, with tradition and creativity being the life blood of the community. Which really speaks to how integral the Nike X158 campaign is to the “Ignite Shanghai” initiative. 

With the Nike Free Flyknit-inspired “NATURE AMPLIFIED: THE ART+SCIENCE OF FIT + FREEDOM” art exhibition currently on display, the Nike X158 is open to the public now all seven days of the week.

FC
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Classic Music: Antlife's Top 25 Hip Hop Albums of All-Time #6 (Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth "Mecca and the Soul Brother") (1992)



Funky..

The summer of ’92 is one of those summers that I always wished I could get back. I honestly doubt that my friends and I realized how much classic music was droppin’ at the time. Most of which, have been on this list of mine on here. Maybe because we were still kids or whatever, but everything just seemed perfect or just right, back then. Music was everything to us, and it sounded like it’d last forever. And many of those albums from back then have. 

If you weren’t around back then, I can tell you, Pete Rock was THE go-to producer for dope beats! There was no other cat back then that had better remixes, or was held up as high as Pete was during this time. The dude was serious! Nothing even close to subpar was being put out by the guy. And most of us back then had already heard “The Creator” and “Mecca and the Soul Brother” (the song) by the time the album was coming out, so we knew it was gonna be a dope and a classic listen. I remember buyin’ this album from HMV on 72nd Street and Broadway in NYC back then, with money I got from my dad. Buying albums back then were really a big deal to me, because I always expected that I’d be listening to that album a whole lot after that.

Mecca and the Soul Brother, if I may say, is just perfect to me. The production is top notch, infused with all kinds of jazz elements and funk pieces. Drums that’ll kill your headphones if they’re too cheap, and basslines that really take you to another place musically. Pete was always known for his horns, and you’ll hear some of the best ever sampled on this album. We all know about “T.R.O.Y.”, which is probably the most widely known track on the LP. But there’re just so many gems on this one, it’s hard to just speak on one. And C.L., (who has always been a favorite of mine), really delivered lyrically on this album. These two were seriously the perfect duo.

I always loved “For Pete’s Sake”, “The Basement”, “Can’t Front On Me”, “Straighten It Out”, “Act Like You Know”, “Return of the Mecca”, “Skinz”, etc. The album has some really timeless music on it, and if you’re a real Hip Hop head, you already own this. If you don’t yet, shame on you for sleepin’. Point is, everyone should have this masterpiece in their collection. I’ve pretty much owned this in every format. Vinyl, cassette, CD and MP3. That’s how dope it is! You should definitely have this one in the stash too. 

Respectington..

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7.25.2013

Kicks Flow: ASICS Gel-Lyte III Grey/Navy



What’s been really dope about the sneaker game lately, is how the veteran brands are really using their staples to get people back out and spending their money on great quality kicks again. We love so many brands here on AA, but one that we always root for and support is ASICS.
They have a new Gel-Lyte III silhouette in a grey and navy colorway that is sure to drive those addict sneakerheads out there crazy! There’s red accents sprinkled throughout the shoe, that kind of add a little more character and pop to the sneaker. And the upper sits atop a navy plastic heel clip with a grey midsole. It’s just a great shoe and one that we just had to post. So pretty! Don’t you agree?
Swagatha Out..
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Architecture: The Tower House by Gluck+ Architects







Righteous..
If you’ve been stickin’ around for awhile, you know that we’ve posted some pretty divine homes in our Architecture section. They’ve been located all over the planet, as to show there’s no limit to where beauty may be based. But what we have today, is probably one of the most unique properties we’ve ever had on AA. With that said, we’re pretty damn proud to be able to showcase such an incredible home. This one will definitely catch eyes and get people talking.
Gluck+ Architects have turned the typical house setup on its side with a T-shaped building that sees the large, communal areas positioned at the top, making the most of the breathtaking views and also minimizing the footprint, so as not to disrupt the woodland. Situated in upstate New York, the glass-cladded staircase of the house highlights the progression from forest floor to treetop, and the dark green, back-painted glass exterior camouflages the house by reflecting the surrounding woodland. 
The form and materials of the building contrast against nature while simultaneously blending it into its surroundings and a clever ventilation system keeps it cool in summer, and warm in winter, perfect for weekends out of the city.
Respectington..
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Fly Season: Play Cloths Fall 2013 Lookbook







Digs..

Launched by Pusha T in 2008, Play Cloths is a progressive streetwear brand with a focus on the creation of high-quality garments adaptable to any lifestyle. Utilizing bold graphics and a variation of stylistic influences, Play Cloths embraces individuality without sacrificing quality for style. 
The Fall 2013 collection is inspired by the abstract and features dynamic prints taken from the historic renaissance period to the enigmatic galactic space. Play Cloths’ Fall 2013 collection is now available at playcloths.com.
Get yours..
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7.24.2013

Dopeness: Stampd Beach Towel Collection







Stampd has always been such a dope line. Coming out of L.A., they’ve always been known for offering great quality and clean, monochromatic products and as part of a roll-out of summer beach essentials, they’re releasing a collection of Beach Towels perfect for post-dip lounging or drying off at the beach. 
Crafted in the USA from cotton jacquard woven velour that’s pre-washed for extra softness, each towel comes in the brand’s signature black and white color scheme, along with a healthy dose of stars-and-stripes patriotism. In a sea of colorful rags, they’re sure to stand out this summer, while a limited production run of 50 pieces should ensure further exclusivity at the beach. 
Look for Stampd’s Beach Towel collection, which is available for online purchase right now.
Spunk
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Kicks Flow: Beauty & Youth x New Balance MRL996







In order to celebrate the 25th anniversary of New Balance’s M996 series, the footwear giant reached out to four key fashion companies in Japan. These kicks are the brightest of the lot of their collective collaborations, wrapped in vivid orange suede materials on the upper, accented by white and grey details. 

A custom-designed insole distinguishes this pair in a subtle manner. Expect these shoes to launch around mid-August from Beauty & Youth stores in Japan.

Swagatha Out..
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Top Shelf: Audi R10 Concept




Righteous..
Y’all know we’re all about showin’ love to concepts on AA. Some of these may never see the light of day, but I think it’s cool that people have put in the work, to at least get the ideas on the table. Who knows? Maybe they’ll actually pop up on an assembly line or two.
This is the Audi R10 Concept by designer David Cava, and the R10 would be a new hyper car for Audi and would be a step above the currently available R8. With the advanced position of the cockpit and its characteristic arrow-shaped body, it’s easy to see how this car was inspired by modern LMP cars, old F1 cars and jet fighters. This two-seater hyper car features a rear mid-engine layout and comes equipped with a twin turbo V8 engine, all-wheel-drive and advanced aerodynamics.
Respectington..
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7.19.2013

Kicks Flow: Converse First String 1970s Chuck Taylor “Heritage Blue” & “True Navy”






The third and last chapter of the Converse First String 1970s Collection was released this week. Once again the brand presents a low top and a high top version of the iconic sneaker, which has been re-crafted to the specifications of the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star of the ‘70s. 
The Chuck Taylor Hi comes in heritage blue and the Chuck Taylor Lo comes in a true navy colorway. Run out and cop a couple pair. 
FC
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Models & Freshness: Emily Ratajkowski by Olivia Malone




Being equally sexy and humorous is no easy task. Finding that fine balance is just one of those things that I’ve seen tons of models struggle to do. It’s just great to see that playful side in some people. And who I chose to post on today is one of those people I just love seeing being their true self.

One of our favorite girls of the moment is the amazingly beautiful Emily Ratajkowski. The model from the Robin Thicke music video “Blurred Lines” has the most incredible body. This is a shoot by Olivia Malone that shows the half-Polish and half-British stunner from her best side. Enjoy.
Swagatha Out..
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