ESTATE LA - FLAGSHIP

remember my post about the Estate LA flagship in the works? most of you might know Estate from the Rogue Status hats they released but they run much, much more deep than that. here's another sneak-peek picture. someone in the industry - and a reliable source at that told me Venice will be the location. keep those eyes peeled.
Estate-LA

NEW REBEL8 TEE!

here is the last shirt to be added to the new REBEL8 season. it is their first all-over/belt tee. the graphic is from an old flyer Mike Giant created earlier this year for an earlier art show. go get it over at the REBEL8 Online Store.

THE TAKEOVER!

THIS IS THE TAKEOVER!

VANS x REBEL8 - NOVEMBER

i think it was last month that i released some exclusive leaks of ALL of the Vans x REBEL8 shoes. well, here is an official graphic for the project and i also have official word from Joshy D. over at REBEL8 that it will release worldwide this November!

also, shhhhh.... REBEL8 and Dickies have something in the works, or at least Joshy D. and Mike Giant have something going on with Dickies. stay tuned.

NEW ORIGINAL FAKE TEE

i meant to post this tee last week and it saved as a draft - so i decided to post it now. i am sure by the time you read this, there will be a new graphic that is out and about on the radar since OF is constantly releasing shirts - just about every week (literally). i think this is rad and all companies should be releasing stuff on a weekly basis. expect to see the use of more photography in OF's upcoming releases.

PIECEBOOK

Piecebook is a new book which features old-school graffiti artists from New York like The Wiz, Zephyr, CAP, Skeme, Seen UA, Noc 167, Caine One, Kaves (Mike McLeer - Lordz of Brooklyn), Part TDS, and many more. the concept is awesome because it is supposed to resemble a real piece book with 208 pages of hundreds of never before published drawings and pieces on uncoated paper. the book is made available for pre-order through Amazon. awesome concept.

eBoy LOS ANGELES POSTER

been a fan of this dudes work for awhile. maybe you've heard of him, maybe not. he is known for making these types of pieces that look pixelated. if you recognize his work you've most likely seen it on the FUSE channel or in magazines. anyways, it's cool stuff and expect to see more of him soon...

if you want to peep more of his shit - check it out here.

THE 7TH LETTER CREW - THE SEVENTH DAY PROJECT TEES

finally The 7th Letter Crew has released some new joints AND more to come from The Seventh Day Project! hit up The Seventh Letter Store for more info...

FREE BUKET

graffiti artist - Buket has turned himself into authorities for public vandalism. it is said that Buket has caused over $40,000 in damages due to his graffiti. personally - i have never heard of him but he is in War42 videos and definitely has his name out there. more than 20 deputies were on the hunt for him and with an abundance of evidence including the attached video of Buket getting down on the 101 freeway sign in broad daylight! nuts...

REACH BEAR

here is a sneak-preview of a new drop releasing later in June from REACH who is a graffiti artist from across the world in collaboration with Kid Robot. this is going to be a cool release and should do well. i don't have the size of the figure but like most Kid Robot releases it most likely will be 5-8 inches.

THE BOONDOCKS!

i've been on a bit of a Boondocks binge lately. i've rented every season and am basically on the last DVD. if you are unfamiliar with The Boondocks - it is more well known as a current Adult Swim cartoon on Cartoon Network late at night. many of you might not have known that it started off as a syndicated comic strip by Aaron McGruder - which i knew of and read in the L.A. Times. the artwork is kinda cool because it has an ANIME type of feel to it. the artists have to be Japanese - i am almost 100% sure. i can't give a good explanation of what the premise is about because i just wouldn't do the comedic effect of the whole thing justice. i usually like to buy the DVD seasons of the shows and movies i watch to collect them and support them but i have ended up renting the seasons from BlockBuster. hit up The Boondock's official website for more info on airing times and more.

MORE INFO RE: MISTER CARTOON & ESTEVAN ORIOL'S 'LAST LAUGH'

here is an official press release in re: to the upcoming Mister Cartoon and Estevan Oriol show being held in LA's Skid Row by Upper Playground. i am dead-sick and most likely won't be able to make it out since it is this weekend but if any of you get a chance to make it down their - take pics and i'll post. be careful too - it's fucking Skid Row!



UPPER PLAYGROUND TEAMS UP WITH LOS ANGELES ICONS
MISTER CARTOON & ESTEVAN ORIOL TO OPEN FOUR RETAIL EXPERIENCES IN THE HEART
OF DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

Grand Opening Celebration Features an Open House of the New Storefronts

WHO/WHAT: San Francisco-based apparel and art company Upper Playground,
photographer and director Estevan Oriol and artist Mister Cartoon are
excited to announce the unveiling of a series of four one-of-a-kind retail
establishments in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles. Each storefront
will offer customers a unique fashion and fine art experience. In
celebration of the new properties, the three entities will host an open
house on Saturday, May 31, 2008 that will feature a special art exhibit and
appearances from some of the world's leading designers involved in the
project. Details about the four businesses are included below.


Upper Playground
Upper Playground includes apparel for men and women including their popular
line of hoodies, t-shirts, jackets, shoes, luggage, an innovative line of
home furnishings and more. An exclusive line of Los Angeles-inspired apparel
designs will also be available. The Upper Playground store will have a
separate space for an art gallery similar to many of Upper Playground's
other retail locations. Upper Playground L.A. marks the seventh city in the
world to feature an Upper Playground retail establishment since its
inception in 1999. The company recently opened two other California stores
in Sacramento and Berkeley.



"Upper Playground has a large following in the L.A. market and we're excited
to offer our Southern California friends an outlet to experience rare art
and fashion from some of the world¹s leading designers," said Matt Revelli,
founder and owner of Upper Playground. "As a West Coast brand, Los Angeles
is a natural progression for Upper Playground to have a retail presence and
it's nice to be located in a developing area of the city. Upper Playground
thrives in unique and emerging neighborhoods like Skid Row, and we're
honored to be working with the talented Estevan Oriol and Mister Cartoon on
such an innovative retail experience."


Upper Playground is the pioneer of combining fashion and fine art. In
celebration of the new store opening, there will be a special art exhibit
featuring the works of Usugrow, Sam Flores, Jeremy Fish, David Choe, Herbert
Baglione, San, Retna, Saber, Alex Pardee, Ron English, Doze Green, Slick,
Armsrock and David Ellis. Many of the featured artists on display also
contribute designs to Upper Playground's apparel line.


In addition to Upper Playground, the new venture includes "The Last Laugh,"
which will house the Mister Cartoon and Estevan Oriol retail experiences.


Mister Cartoon Popular L.A. tattoo and graffiti artist Mister Cartoon's new
store will house signature Mister Cartoon items and artifacts from his
passions and hobbies. "I wanted to create a space that was open to the
public that is an extension of my lifestyle and culture," said Mister
Cartoon. The Mister Cartoon experience will include a special tattoo station
for a select group of tattoo artists to make guest appearances.

Estevan Oriol In 2006, photography legend Estevan Oriol selected Upper
Playground as his official apparel partner. This new retail space will house
Oriol's apparel line with Upper Playground and his iconic photography prints
will also be available for sale to the public. "Upper Playground understands
what I want to convey with my art and they have given me the freedom to
transcend my imagery with my apparel line in the way that I want," comments
Oriol on his experience working with Upper Playground. Oriol is a longtime
resident of L.A. "I wanted to open a store in downtown L.A. because it's
where we've spent a lot of our time for the past thirteen years," said
Oriol.

Bonus Space
The fourth location involved in the new retail project will be a rotating
concept that will house unique fashion and art concepts for short periods of
time. During the open house, it will feature a display of custom motorcycles
from 1998 AMA 250cc Champion-turned motorcycle designer Roland Sands and
limited-edition fashion pieces from designer and model Tony Ward's line, Six
in the Face. From August through September the site will be transformed into
a truly unique promotional experience for the upcoming feature film from
Overture Films called "Righteous Kill" starring Robert De Niro and Al
Pacino. SA Studios Global, the agency of Estevan Oriol and Mister Cartoon,
was selected to produce the iconic poster for the film. The space will
become the exclusive promotional headquarters for the film and will feature
a shrine to the film's stars.


WHEN: Grand Opening: Saturday, May 31, 2008 from 1 8 p.m.


WHERE: Upper Playground & The Last Laugh
125 E. 6th Street (between S. Main St. and S. Los Angeles St.), Los Angeles,
CA 90014

ABOUT UPPER PLAYGROUND:

Based in San Francisco, California, Upper Playground was founded in 1999 and
has become a leader in today¹s progressive fine art movement with its
innovative apparel line and art gallery, FIFTY24SF. Recognized as a catalyst
for the fusion of fashion with art, Upper Playground produces apparel lines
bi-annually and features designs from notable local and international
artists. Upper Playground apparel is sold nationally and internationally in
over 300 boutiques and online. Please visit www.upperplayground.com
for more information.


MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
· Interview opportunities with Matt Revelli, founder and owner of Upper
Playground, and artists attending the opening including Mister Cartoon,
Estevan Oriol, Sam Flores, premier Japanese painter Usugrow, and others
· Photos of the new store
· Images of Upper Playground¹s Los Angeles-specific apparel designs

CHARM3R'$ CUSTOM MUNNY

check out CHARM3R'$ new - custom Munny. i knew she was talented in terms of artwork but didn't know to this extent. there is a lot of influence behind the Munny. i'd like to think i got her into vinyl figures but... haha. expect more custom vinyl from her, who knows, maybe a collab' between the two of us?

DIGITAL GRAVEL - FREE SHIPPING!

ok since i was M.I.A. all weekend i told you guys i'd make it up to you somehow with a new contest consisting of a handful of REBEL8 shirts but before that i am going to give you guys another surprise. Digital Gravel - which happens to be one of the best and biggest online street wear retailers ever is giving away FREE SHIPPING to the U.S. and 1/2 off shipping to INT'L orders.

Digital Gravel is my - hand down - favorite place to order gear from. they are super fast, always reliable, friendly, and have an awesome selection. be quick though, shit sells out quick, serious!

U.S. customers, use code: DGFREESHIP , for free FEDEX ground shipping.
Int'l customers, use code: FREESHIPINT, for 50% off FEDEX int'l shipping.

ONE DAY ONLY.. CODE EXPIRES 12PM PST MAY 29th, 2008!

enjoy!

KID ROBOT - FATCAPS SERIES 2

was browsing CHARM$' blog and saw pictures of the new Kid Robot - FatCaps Series 2 for the first time. FatCaps are basically little spray-can heads with bodies - each designed by a respected graff-artist. i have about 99% of the first series - which is quite a feat considering these things come as blind boxes - meaning you don't know which one you are going to get - meaning you have to just risk spending $ on the chance that you very well might be buying 3-4 of the FatCaps you already have. if you look at the picture i provided of some of my collection - you can see the arsenal of series 1. i even have a couple of the bigger versions of the FatCaps which are about 5-inches. these things are awesome and even have little ball bearings in them - when you shake them they sound just like spray cans! it would be awesome to see artists like Mike Giant doing their own FatCaps. these suckers aren't out yet but hit up Kid Robot for more info on availability.

Source: CHARM3R$ M0D3RN L!F3

WORK FOR FAMOUS STARS & STRAPS

Famous Stars and Straps
Location: Ontario, CA.
Experience: 1 years
Rate: N/A (Full-Time)
Job Description
Web/Content Manager

Availability: Immediate

Famous Stars and Straps Located in Ontario, CA is seeking an experienced web content manager to manage its web presence and oversee web design. The Web Content Manager will be responsible for presenting the brand and product to the web audience. We have an environment that is challenging and will require the ability to translate conceptual direction/design into end product.

PRIMARY DUTIES:
• Design, create and maintain Flash-based web pages for seasonal product launches.
• Maintain and regularly update the current set of Flash based websites and Web Store.
• Lead design processes for implementation of new features.
• Work with graphic design staff to maintain a consistent look across printed and web media.
• Work with other art/graphics staff to produce interactive content to promote products and/or events.
• Manage the integration of eCommerce point-of-sale features to assist in product sales.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Familiarity with Flash and ActionScript experience, Proficient in HTML and XML.
• Experience applying theories related to color schemes, use of space, text placement, usability, movement, and visual flow.
• Proficient in Photoshop and Illustrator. Experience with Video Editing/Motion Software a plus.
• Attention to detail is required with ability to manage multiple projects on a deadline.
• eCommerce experience a plus.
• Ability to manage outsourced IT

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS POSITION - PLEASE CONTACT ME PRIVATELY AND I WILL GIVE YOU FURTHER INFORMATION. PLEASE ONLY REPLY IF YOU ARE SERIOUSLY INTERESTED AND FEEL THAT YOU ARE ADEQUATE FOR THE POSITION. YOU MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE IN THIS AREA. NO STAR-STRUCK STALKER/NAME DROP TYPES!

ALPHANUMERIC HEADPHONES & LICENSE PLATE FRAME

if you are as old as i am or older and skateboarded back in the day - or still do - you'll remember Alphanumeric. they were one of the dopest brands back in the day and after many years of success they seemed to disappear. i don't know the full story of whether or not they went out of business or whether it was just a short hiatus but they are definitely back in business. some of you might remember my post about the reformation of Alphanumeric some time back and their plans to release these headphones. i didn't have much information then in regards to the headphones but here are some specs:

Alphanumeric A-123 Headphones
40mm drivers
all audio compatibility
collapsible
padded w/ high grade cushioning

apparently you and i both slept on this release and they are pretty much sold out but Robust Flavor has them for $50. i'd say don't sleep on this but guess you already did.


also, they have released these sick license plate frames for $10 again - over at Robust Flavor.

FREE GRIPTAPE?!

it's been a really, really long time since i went skating but way back when i actually had energy - it was my life. in celebration of 'Go Skateboarding Day' - which is on June 21st - Jessup Griptape and The Skateboard Mag are giving away free Jessup grip tape at select locations. Supreme, FTC, Nocturnal, NJ Skateshop, and the Skatepark of Tampa are some of the bigger shops getting involved. click here to see if there are any skateshops near you that are participating.

AWESOME EM' ART SHOW

Awesome Em - who is the girls designer for Rogue Status is holding an art show in Venice with the opening reception on June 6th from 6pm-10pm at Abbot's Habit which happens to be right down the street from the Rogue H.Q.

ABBOT'S HABBIT
1401 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291

SABRE VISION

i was lucky enough to receive one of these cool little skulls from a brand called SABRE. it's basically a little decoration with the brand logo on both sides of the skull. the coolest thing is that the jaw moves up and down! SABRE makes sunglasses and that type of stuff and they are fairly unknown as of right now. their sunglasses are very similar to Electric Visual or Von Zipper but with more of a classic/old school twist. they are going to be a company that you will be hearing a lot of and i think they might be an off-shoot of another brand because i noticed that they are fairly established for a new and fairly unheard of company. go peep their selection over at their website.

CONTACT

i get a lot of people trying to contact me through the comments page on the blog. some of you ask specific questions that i'd like to answer but there is no way for me to contact some of you back. if you'd like to reach me personally my email and AIM screen-name are on the banner above. you can also add me on Myspace here. thanxxx,
Matt

NEW ROGUE TEES

here are the new Rogue Status tees i just received in the mail! these are almost identical to the original gun-show tees except these have 'Rogue Status' in script in between some of the guns. if you are familiar with the gun-show bandanas - these are the same graphic.

SUMMER REBEL8 TEES

couple days back i posted a link to the new summer '08 women's line. here are the new guys joints. go get it here.

TWO CANVAS DROP

check out the new T.W.O. canvas the dropped on the 24th last week.

THE LAST LAUGH

here is the official ad/flyer for The Last Laugh. refer to the post below for more info. don't miss this...

UPPER PLAYGROUND LA & THE LAST LAUGH

Upper Playground SF and FIFTY24SF are scheduled to head into LA on May 31st. Four retail spaces are set to open in Downtown LA's Skid Row and each will have it's own set theme and differing products. Mister Cartoon and Estevan Oriol will be the main artists who are set to display works along with the usual list of Upper Playground family such as - Usugrow, Sam Flores, Jeremy Fish, David Choe, SABER, RETNA, Alex Pardee, Ron English, Doze Green, SL!CK, and many, many more.

last week i posted a sneak-peek of the upcoming film 'Righteous To Kill' movie staring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. Mister Cartoon and Estevan Oriol's very own SA Studios was selected to direct the art behind the film. as the release date for the film approaches - the fourth space will turn into an exclusive headquarters for the film and also a showroom for custom motorcycles from Roland Sands.

this is a once in a lifetime show and it is not very often that this many well respected artists gather in collaboration. don't miss it!

UPPER PLAYGROUND LA & THE LAST LAUGH
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Time: 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
125 E. 6th Street (between S. Main St. and S. Los Angeles St.
Downtown Los Angeles, California

GRIME's BLACK CLAW COLLECTION

world famous tattoo artist Grime is releasing a set of tees entitled 'The Black Claw Collection'. all tees are hand drawn and will feature no seasons and backers. Grime has also recently collaborated with Vans Syndicate on a series of 3 shoes that will be worth looking out for in the near future. no release date as of yet.

P.O.W. x M.I.A.

sorry for the lack of posts this weekend. i am mad ill and i am trying to get over it. anyways, posting should be back to normal within a few days. to make it up to everyone for not posting - i am going to throw up another contest for some REBEL8 tees. keeo an eye out.

DIAMOND SUPPLY CO. SPRING/SUMMER RELEASE

today Diamond Supply Co. will be releasing their Spring/Summer gear at their flagship on Fairfax. there are many anticipated shirts that most attending will be fighting to cop - namely the 'Brilliant Cut' tee. i know this is short notice but an inside source just emailed me today about it if you've got nothing to do today, get to it.

DIAMOND SUPPLY CO.
507 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

REBEL8 WOMENS SUMMER 2008

peep the REBEL8's Womens Online Store. mens line should be out shortly. keep an eye out!

BIG BAD REVOK TAG!

spotted this one.

THE FIZIX MEMORIAL DAY SALE

no info here that isn't on the flyer - i am a lazy bitch today. just read the flyer. you'll be stoked - especially if you live anywhere near San Marcos.

W1's/H.A.

here is my homie getting down on some hand-styles. we are both on Famous street teams yet he is on his own grass-roots team because he just can't seem to get Famous to bless him with supplies. this dude PAYS for his own slaps! half of these 'W1 Teams' don't have any work behind them while they live in these big ass cities. i live in a really rural area where people in black hooded sweatshirts roaming the streets with a backpack full of $100s of dollars of stickers aren't often a common sight. a lot of these crews who live in concrete jungles don't have an excuse for not getting their stuff thrown up and getting down.



anyways, go check the homies site out. he is a small man operation from the Harbor Area. remember that he has been buying his supplies for a long time and he had no idea people were getting theirs taken care of for free.

hit him up T.W.0./H.A.. feel free to donate. he is down for the same thing most of us are but he is getting screwed. the work is there, the proof is in the pudding. in fact, he has even has his work stolen from him and claimed up on some other T.W.0. Myspace. help him out!

NEW W1's STIX!

get 'em while they last!

2nd Picture Source Kaitlyn's Daily Dose

WHERE EAGLES DARE MERCHANDISE

here is yet another design for the tees that are being prepared to print. this is one of my favorites to date. what do you guys think? if you'd be interested in purchasing one - please leave a comment with a shirt size so i can keep track of how big of a production run i am going to execute.

ESTATE LA STORE?!

Estate is the brand that has brought you hundreds of solid collaboration hits from brands like Diamond Supply Co., Rogue Status and many more. looks like there will be a flagship store opening soon. stay tuned for more info. head over to the Estate-LA website for more information on the brand.

DVS x DIAMOND SUPPLY CO. - DAYTON MODEL

check these new joints from DVS x Diamond Supply Co. this will be the 2nd time the 2 companies have joined forces. this time around - the shoes will be named Dayton. personally, i am not feeling these shoes but the point of this blog and the posts i choose to bring you are to inform my readers of things they may be interested. there isn't much info on these shoes and no release date but i do know there will be a New Era release as well as an accompanying jacket. stay tuned for more info as it comes along.

SABRE VISION x TIM HENDRIX

i am pretty sick of 99.9% of the sunglasses that are out there on the market. there is really nothing different or new and it seems like most of the brands out there are lame or played out. a brand i came across last year that have been making a name for themselves is SABRE. i believe they are from around the beach areas of Orange County and they make some nice looking and different shades.

anyhow, SABRE is pre-ordering their new shades from Tim Hendrix. Tim is an awesome tattoo artist and artist as well. if you aren't familiar with Tim - i believe he is on the new cast of Miami Ink. i don't watch that show that much but i think he was a replacement of someone.

in celebration of the release of the new shades - SABRE will be hosting a party at SABRE's new DON'T PANIC SHOWROOM. the showroom is SABRE's flagship store in which they sell most of their products and limited editions as well as a gallery for associated artists. the show is being sponsored by Coors and RVCA and some of Tim's artwork will be displayed at the show as well.




oh yeah, i scored the black skull thingee from SABRE. i am not 100% sure what it is for but it is cool nonetheless. i am guessing i am supposed to put my sunglasses on them when they aren't being worn. should be cool.

hit up the SABRE VISION website for more information and to browse their line of sunglasses.


DONT PANIC SHOWROOM
436 32nd St.
Newport, CA 92663

ROGUE STATUS GUN SHOW SCRIPT TEES

check out these new versions of the gun show graphics available at Mauve Online. i know i've seent these before but i don't remember seeing them for sale anywhere - they are the same graphic as the gun show bandanas. after talking to some of the guys over at the Rogue camp in regards to if they are planing on bringing the original gun show colors back - their only replies were 'i don't know'. i do remember being told that they are trying to break away from being known as the brand that makes the 'gun show' prints but it is so successful that it doesn't seem to be going anywhere. nonetheless the tees are awesome and i was lucky enough to score them in every color. go get them before they are gone - they won't be available for much longer.