Los Angeles Times, as reported by Adam Tschorn (adam.tschorn@latimes.com)
FANS of A Bathing Ape -- the cult Japanese streetwear brand with a rabid following and a single U.S. outpost, in Manhattan -- have been burning up the blogosphere for years, speculating on where and when the first L.A. boutique would appear.
Well, here's the answer: Construction on a boutique at 8001 Melrose Ave. is in its final phase, and the first West Coast Bathing Ape is expected to open mid-April. "We're planning a big grand opening bash," spokeswoman Amanda Silverman said. "Nigo [the line's designer] will be in town, and we're hoping Pharrell [Williams] and Kanye [West] will both be there."
Concentrated in Japan with additional shops in London, Hong Kong and Taipei, the BAPE stores usually share a spare, minimalist aesthetic that's a counterpoint to the busy graphics of the merchandise, and an early glance inside the single-floor, 3,000-square foot shop reveals that's likely here as well.
Launched in 1993 by Japanese designer Tomoaki Nagao (who goes by the moniker "Nigo"), the quirky, premium collection of T-shirts, hoodies, footwear and accessories is coveted for the distinctive camouflage designs, "Planet of the Apes"-inspired iconography and extremely limited product runs and distribution. Prices run from $70 for T-shirts to $180 for sneakers to $300 for hoodies. (Sneaker heads have been known to camp out for hours to score a pair of the label's kicks.)
When the 800-pound gorilla swings open this spring, it will cement the stretch of Melrose west of Fairfax Avenue as a premium streetwear mecca, with Adidas Originals next door at 8009, Kidrobot across the street, Crooks & Castles a few doors west and the Hundreds around the corner.
Don't worry, there's nothing really there at the Melrose building presently - just a big blob of gray, covered in what looks like thick saran wrap.
Hopefully construction, in it's "final phase", will hurry up soon and show some progress.
I'll keep ya'll posted!
-Image and article from LAtimes.com
Saturday, March 1, 2008
WORD ON THE STREET - MELROSE GOING APE SH*T
IN4MATION LADIES SPRING 2008.
Check out the women's In4mation cut + sew line:
Very simple yet put together, looks comfortable too!
I also came across this cute top at Commonwealth's online shop:
Make sure you hit up In4mation for the complete spring 2008 lookbook for men and women!
Friday, February 29, 2008
KEEP MR. WOODEN IN YOUR THOUGHTS.
John Wooden broke his left wrist and collarbone in a fall, leaving the former UCLA basketball coach hospitalized Friday.
Daughter Nan Muehlhausen said the 97-year-old Wooden fell in his condominium Thursday night. She said Wooden was resting comfortably in a hospital and visited with family members throughout the day.
“Dad’s spirits are good,” Muehlhausen said in a statement. “He is up and joking around with the family. He will probably be in the hospital for a couple of more days before he goes home.”
John Wooden will always be an honorable and forever-respected legend.
-Read the full article at Yahoo! Sports.
This may help speed his recovery:
* 1.Tennessee (69)
* 2.Memphis
* 3.North Carolina (2)
* 4.UCLA (1)
* 5.Texas
* 6.Kansas
* 7.Duke
* 8.Stanford
* 9.Xavier
* 10.Wisconsin
* 11.Georgetown
* 12.Indiana
* 13.Louisville
* 14.Butler
* 15.Connecticut
* 16.Purdue
* 17.Notre Dame
* 18.Vanderbilt
* 19.Michigan St.
* 20.Drake
* 21.Marquette
* 22.Washington St.
* 23.Kent St.
* 24.Gonzaga
* 25.St. Mary's
Speaking of UCLA and on to UCLA alums, too bad Farmar and the Lake show couldn't follow through tonight. 10-game winning streak = crushed.
Ending the night with Love & Basketball.
Peace!
TULLE SAMPLE SALE TOMORROW ONLY!
Tulle, a feminine brand seen at places like Nordstrom's BP department, is holding a one day only sample sale in Compton tomorrow.
This weekend is a shopping fiesta, so ladies, get your ATM cards, go to the bank, withdraw some paper, and get to spendin'!
Tulle's dresses, tops, coats, sweaters and more will be $20 (and under)!!
Visit Tulle for more details!
NEW GNARLS BARKLEY - "RUN"
New Gnarls Barkley video for "Run" on premiere. It's CRAZY FRESH, ya'll. Check out Justin's moves, he's dancing like a white dude for once.
Love the retro/ghetto'd out American Bandstand that transforms into a trippy kaleidoscope.
You'll see what I mean:
THE STAY-ON-MY-GRIND WEEKEND GUIDE
Today is quite a special day.
It is officially the last day of February, meaning March comes around the corner tomorrow: a sign of blooming flowers, transported pollen and with it horrible allergies, and of course the luck o' the Irish and the resulting of a beer belly.
Today is also an abnormal day, meaning it marks an excess of one day, as this year is a leap year that comes around every four years and decides to mess up our February calendar, as if there wasn't a retarded amount of days in February already...come on, 28??
But most importantly, today marks the..what? the WEEKEND.
And I can't be more excited about it besides having a superb paper to do to ruin it.
So for all of you that are able to enjoy a carefree, relaxing weekend bumming around the house, I give you suggestions on some happenings (in the L.A. area) that will most likely be much more adventurous and heartwarming than sitting at home and watching Making the Band 4.
It's amazing what you can do in a weekend, if ya know what I mean:
EAT:
Free Hot Dogs at Pink's
LIKE FOR REALS THOUGH.
In promotion for the new Farrelly brother's TV Show, FREE HOT DOGS for the first 500 people each day! This weekend only!
*Feb 29-Mar 1, first 500 people each day, one per customer
Pink's, 709 N. La Brea Ave (at Melrose), 323-931-4223
Free Yogurt at Red Mango Saturday only!
SHOP:
Jovovich-Hawk for Target is launching on Sunday, March 2 at select stores and Target.com!
KidRobot Super Apparel Sale at KidRobot stores LA, SF, & MIAMI.
JET Sample Sale: Feb 29th 9-5pm @ 127 East 9th St (between Main and Los Angeles), 2nd Floor suite 209 New mart Building
*JET by John Eshaya is a collection of tees, shirts, dresses, hoodies and sweats by John Eshaya (former Creative Director of Fred Segal) - CASH ONLY!
ATTIC's Spring Cleaning Sale on March 1 &2! Selected tees $5! What a steal! At Buena Park and San Diego locations - don't sleep on this one.
HEAR:
Tribute to Ella, Ella, Ella...Fitzgerald that is. A night of jazz to honor the "First Lady of Song": Sunday, March 2, 7:30pm at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown.
SEE:
Already released, Be Kind Rewind, starring Mos Def and Jack Black, which I posted last month; Will Ferrel ball it up in Semi-Pro or Scarlett in The Other Boleyn Girl which both open today; Hayden Christensen in Jumper; or get buck with Step Up 2.
Hope you all find some time from your marvelous March weekend to hit some of these things up!
E-mail the Lipped Jeanius and/or leave a comment to show some feedback if you attend!
Happy weekend ya'll!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
KITES & FEATHERS GRAND OPENING SOIREE
Owned by Brazilian duo Helen Nishimura & Carla Manuel, Kites & Feathers is holding their grand opening this Saturday!
Peep the one-of-a-kind vintage pieces and Carla Manuel's line, Kites!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
NEW AT THE FIZIX!
Rocksmith x UNDRCRWN: Keep Bouncin'
New Stussy:
New Stussy:
Shop now at The Fizix!
AMERICAN BOY - ESTELLE FEAT. KANYE WEST
Estelle from London is blowin' up, as the first artist signed under John Legend's Homeschool Records label.
This track with Kanye is pretty hot, definitely a change in flavor from "Wait A Minute".
Stay posted for her new album!
ROB GRIMES INTERVIEW: GET YO' DILLATHON NOW!
Alright, ladies and gentlemen. Lipped Jeanius has an exclusive interview with up & coming artist, Rob Grimes, following his release of Dillathon yesterday.
Take a minute and learn a little bit more about Rob:
LJ: Thanks Rob, for taking the time to do this interview. First of all, where are you repping and where are you currently living?
RG: I'm repping Southern Cali and im living in San Diego
LJ: I know you're an up & coming artist, so tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into the music business.
RG: I have been a Bboy since day one. I'm 22. I grew up on Beat Street and Crush Groove as I got older the Break Dancing faded away and the Rap Music kicked in.
LJ: What label are you signed with, and how has that been going for you? What were some of your releases up until now?
RG: I'm not officially signed. I run with an independent label. Skoolcraft Music Group. And so far I have dropped 3 mixtapes , Stuggle Hustle , Grimetime and now, Dillathon
LJ: So what made you want to create Dillathon, releasing on Feb. 26th, in tribute of the late great J. Dilla?
RG: Uh, it just came to me. He is my favorite producer of all time. So it just came to me in a thought do a mixtape over all Dilla beats to keep his name out there. I'm a fan first and foremost so I wanted to give something back to the Hip-Hop culture.
LJ: What was it like creating this mixtape, how did you go about it? Any struggles or was it an overall smooth process?
RG: It was super smooth all the songs just came to me. From there I just hit up My DJ, DJ Ease and I let him do his magic on it and it came to life.
LJ: Tell us a little bit about what to expect from the mixtape, any guest appearances?
RG: You can expect that raw, uncut , swagger Hip-Hop. I got two guest appearances from my brother Jamaal Sabree and I lucked up and caught a verse from Talib Kweli. Other than that is just me and Ease.
LJ: What is your personal take on the mixtape, and what does it mean to you?
RG: It's a means to get music out to the people fast. Sometime you wanna talk directly to the streets and heat things up instead of waiting on your album to drop you can do it real quick and be in and out.
LJ: Are you currently working on your own album as well? If so, when can we expect the release?
RG: Yeah "Stuggle Hustle" the album is crazy. I'm like 89% done with recording. Just gonna keep pushing till we drop. God willing it will come out in the spring / summer . We shall see.
LJ: What artists have inspired you for your work and vision, as far as rapping and producing goes?
RG: J Dilla, Mos Def , Talib , Little Brother, Kanye , Lupe Fiasco , 50 Cent , Just Blaze , Jay-Z , Big L , and Ryan Leslie.
LJ: Anybody in particular you're dying to collaborate with in the future?
RG: Some producers, Illmind , Mphazes , Hi-Tek and 9th wonder. As far as Emcees, I want another verse from Talib, and a song with Mos Def. If i can get that whoooooooaaaaa!!!!
LJ: What's something you learned as an artist, that has helped you grow and that now defines who you are as a person?
RG: Just to be your self. When I first started out I was some one else. Now I can say what you hear on the records is all me.
LJ: What do you do in your free time, and where are your favorite hotspots right now?
RG: Chill with my click. Politic, hit clubs , shows , but in my free time , I love to write music so its not really free time I love what I do I don't wanna be away from it to long.
LJ: Aside from music, what are your interests and anything else you're willing to get into?
RG: I wanna get into fashion. Streetwear and Movies.
LJ: Any other thoughts or blurbs about Dillathon, your music, career, or life in general?
RG: Dillathon is fireeeeee shout out to DJ Ease i see you big homey.
LJ: Last shoutouts and/or advertisement before we end here today?
RG: myspace.com/robgrimes Dillathon in my blog section !!! yessir.
There you have it, folks. Rob Grimes. Dillathon. Jay Dee lives on...
Go visit Rob Grimes at his myspace and check out the FREE download for Dillathon!
I LOVE HER. AND HAYDEN IS TAKEN.
Nylon reports that her and Hayden Christensen are official, although neither of them have publicly confirmed.
-Photos by Hilary Walsh
NEW JAY-Z & MARIAH VI-DE-HOS!
"I Know" - Jay-Z Feat. Pharrell:
The song is about 2 girls that are hooked on love and heroin. Zoe Kravitz [daughter of Lenny Kravitz] first comes out as the girl standing on the corner and you think shes the girl thats addicted to heroin and then you see a rich girl which Zoe also plays is hurting because she's addicted to love but in actuality "corner" Zoe is addicted to love because you see her high on her boyfriend while the rich girl is high as a kite on heroin in the club and in her bedroom.
Some good content right there, quoted from a fellow YouTube-r.
"Touch My Body" - Mariah Carey:
Beauty & the geek? Sexy turned playful? Homegirl will never ever age. Like ever. Period.
GOT 'EM! (RIHANNA + CHRIS, THAT IS)
R&B's most secretive couple were sharing a romantic weekend in Jamaica and we can say for sure guys, the cat is out of the bag.
The Grammy winner, who was thrown a big birthday bash by Chris for her 20th birthday last week, was all over her younger man. "They were smooching in the pool and were really lovely dovey," the PageSix.com spy told us exclusively. "They were playfully making out and he was kissing her on the neck."
The attractive pair, who got matching star tattoos on their necks in January, got in the pool after a leisurely lunch yesterday at the Hilton Kingston Hotel in Jamaica. They were hanging out with friends and at about 3 p.m., Chris, 18, jumped into the water and waited while Rihanna went to her room and changed into a bikini.
She came back and was very scared of getting her hair wet, said the spy. "They were floating together with him carrying her and she kept saying, 'Don't get my hair wet.' She was very soft and feminine but he was a big kid and splashing around."
Damn, cutest couple ever.
-Image and article from Page Six, New York Post.
NEW NAILS DID: VIDA LOCA
Queens Hawaii has dropped the new Nails Did Tee, Vida Loca: Mothers, Warriors, Sisters, Survivors!
Word to all the ladies out there, this one's for all ya'll.
Hit up Queens Hawaii at: info@queenshawaii.com to pick up your tee before it drops to the public!
M.A.F.I.A. MIXTAPE - LIFE ON THE CELEB DJ LIST
Who loves mixtapes? Everyone loves mixtapes!
Actually, they're more like mixmp3s...that are shared via internet.
This one is brought to you by the ladies of M.I.S.S. Crew and Sneaker Freaker's M.A.F.I.A.
Check out the lineup:
WHEN KATHY GRIFFIN MET LINDSAY LOHAN
GOLD PAGER (REMIXXED) – COOL KIDS
PROSTITUTE (REMIX) – JUELZ SANTANA & TRINA
WHAT A JOB – DEVIN THA DUDE, JIM JONES,JODY BREEZE, JUELZ SANTANA
WHAT YOU SAYIN – USHER & RICO LOVE
GUTTED – BEANIE SIEGEL & JAY Z
HONEY (CAPTAIN PLANET RMX) – ERYKAH BADU
PAPER PLANES (RENE GOULET’S GIRL CONSPIRACY)-M.I.A.
MILLIONAIRE – ANDRE 3000 & KELIS
APOLOGIZE REMIX – TIMBALAND & LIL WAYNE, BUN B
FLASHING LIGHTS (BENZI REFIX)-CLIPSE
WHO YOU WIT II- JAY Z
SIMON SAYS – PHAROAH MONCH
FUCK SOMEBODY ELSE-FOXY BROWN
STILL NOT A PLAYER – BIG PUN & FAT JOE
HIP HOP VS RAP (SPINBAD’S COLD CUTS RMX)-KRS ONE
GALANG – M.I.A VS BANGLES
CHING A LING – MISSY ELLIOTT
GAMES (REMIX)-NKOTB
GOT YOUR MONEY REFIX – ODB VS USHER
WHAT IT IZ – COOL KIDS
OUTRO
Must say, it's a pretty fly list of contributors.
Make sure you download it so you're saved and satisfied the next time you need an hour-long jam...that will most definitely not bore you after a couple seconds.
Thanks to the M.I.S.S. Crew for the ups!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
GRYSON FOR TARGET!
Ok, so we had Paul & Joe, Erin Fetherston, Luella, Jovovich-Hawk, Loeffler Randall...but what I'm most excited for is Joy Gryson for Target on April 6!!
First of all, these bags range from $19.99 to $49.99, and just look at the gorgeous woven detailing, braiding, and hardware, resembling quite close Joy Gryson's $600 bags, except $550 less expensive!
Joy Gryson started her own line of leather goods in New York after racking up some experience at Coach, Calvin Klein, and Marc Jacobs.
Make sure you hit up Gryson and also be on the lookout at Target.com prior to April 6th for the launch.
I'm so excited, I just can't hide it no mo'.
HAMMER TIME FOR KARA WALKER
I was lucky enough to see Kara Walker's My Complement, My Enemy, My Oppressor, My Love exhibit at the Whitney Museum this past winter in NYC, but for all of you have not been able to witness her artistic ability, her exhibit at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles opens up this coming Sunday, March 2.
Kara Walker has been named one of Time's "100 Most Influential People" in 2007, and through her carefully constructed silhouettes, retells American history, particularly through images of sexual violence and racial stereotypes.
Her ability to incorporate emotions of pain, anger, sorrow, and humor combined with her precision in handicraft (she carefully cuts all her silhouette pieces out of paper) reveal the often overlooked dark sides of history and how these have shaped sexual and racial views of the world today.
Check it out at the Hammer Museum @ 10899 Wilshire Blvd, starting March 2 through June 8.
This is one exhibit you definitely don't wanna miss - it will open your mind and heart up. Forreeall!!!
IN4MATION POP-UP STORE VIA 5 & A DIME
In4mation of Hawaii has teamed up with San Diego's 5 & A Dime to launch a pop-up store/gallery at the 5 & A Dime Gallery in sunny SD.
The store features the In4mants' latest collection, while the gallery features the works of Angela Boatwright, renowned New York metal photographer.
Opening reception is on March 8 from Noon to 7PM, 828 G St. San Diego, and an after party at Neighboorhood, 777 G St. San Diego. Don't miss out!
R&B GOES BEHIND BARS FEAT. NE-YO & J.HOLIDAY
Over the last week, two of R&B's biggest stars have been arrested and taken in by the PoPo's:
According to various news outlets, Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Smith, was actually arrested early Tuesday morning (Feb. 19) in Atlanta for reckless driving and driving without a license. He was released that same day on a $1300 bond. Ne-Yo will have to answer his charges on March 25.
Reports claim that rising star J. Holiday was arrested on Thursday 21 February for marijuana possession in Maryland after police stopped his car for speeding as he returned home from a performance.
The R&B star, real name Nahum Grymes was pulled over in Salisbury "driving in tandem" with another car "at a high rate of speed".
When the arresting officers approached the singer, they smelt marijuana and after searching the vehicle found a small amount of the drug in his car.
Holiday and his passenger, George Jackson, were both arrested on charges of drug possession.
From this, we learn of Ne-Yo's receding hairline and confirmation that he's just nasty:
And that you probably shouldn't be ridin' dirty with any of these dudes in the near future.
Read more about it here!
DILLATHON - ROB GRIMES FREE DOWNLOAD!!!
Yup, it's FREE!
So what the hell are you waiting for?
CLICK HERE for the free download of DILLATHON, a tribute to the late, great Jay Dee.
WHO'S GOT MYSPACE!??!?!
LIPPED JEANS GOTS MYSPACE!!!!!
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Monday, February 25, 2008
ROCKSMITH TOKYO ROCKING YOUR WAY
Okay, I've gotta throw out a feature on new brand, Rocksmith, straight outta Tokyo.
Chingy, Luda, and the Cool Kids have already been rockin' the 'smith.
The brand is like 80's meets current street culture, rock meets punk and fell in love with hip hop, and everything else in between.
Crazy prints, loud tag lines, and random pops of color highlight this brand, and not to mention, that fresh out the box cool swagger.
Hit up their website for recent news and retailers, or check out the new arrivals at Karmaloop.
Sorry, ladies...we're still waiting on them to show some love our way.
We'll keep it posted!!
CLAW MONEY SPRING 08!!
Claw Money Spring 2008 is out and will be available in stores before you know it.
Still fly and classy as ever, Claw's designs always reflect femininity, sportiness, and lots of attitude!
Peep the new prints, stripe detail, and new artwork on the tees and jackets.
Can't wait for the hoodies, accessories, and the always on point collaborations!
Stay tuned for more details and updates, but meanwhile, go get MONEY!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
A DAY AT THE ATTIC2ZOO
Stopped by the Attic today in Buena Park, and they've got a pretty good stock of new items for men and women.
Of course, I'm always keeping a close eye out for the womens lines, since they are almost always underrepresented and thrown against the corner of most "streetwear" boutiques.
The Attic, however, is constantly making sure they show their love for the ladies, which I am quite thankful of.
They're currently fully stocked with the new Stussy gear for Spring 2008, and they also had a couple of the Married to the Mob tees including Fafi x MOB, Tens sweaters from last season were on sale for about 40% off, some new Mama tees, new KidRobot, and new Freshjive Spring 2008 gear.
Of course they have their stock of Hellz Bellz, Acrylick, Yours Truly, SWNDL out of Brooklyn, and many more.
Stop by next weekend for this extravaganza:
Shooting for a store feature and possibly interview coming soon, if Matt over there hiding at the Attic isn't too cool for the Lipped Jeanius. I know you're reading this right now so don't pretend you don't know nothin!
Anyway, bounce over to Attic2Zoo, because although they don't like to update their website, they do keep up with product news on their blog.
BEEPER - THE COUNT & SINDEN FEAT. KID SISTER
Hit me on my beepa! UK's The Count & Sinden teamed up with our favorite Chicagoan female MC, Kid Sister, and Flosstradamus for this bumpin club track.
Except, who has a beeper these days?
C&S better update their electronic devices to stay in the scene.
Diggin' the Chicago club where juke dancing took off in the video tho.