Dec 2011

Amidst the whirlwind of speculation as to who will take over the creative reins at Christian Dior, add Raf Simons’ name to the hat. According to WWD, Dior is apparently in talks to sign the 43-year old Belgian designer. Some of the complexity in the move resides in the fact that Simons is currently on Jil Sander’s payroll including a recent contract renewal. Stay tuned for any more substantiating evidence of this move.

From the big screen to the TV screen, club floor to Grammy stage, the 39-year-old rapper, Common, embodies every bit of what it means to be a Renaissance man. Coming off his first successful publication, a memoir entitled, “One Day It’ll All Make Sense” and the launch of his television acting career with AMCs Hell on Wheels, the critically acclaimed artist recently stepped back into the studio to cook up his latest album, The Dreamer, The Believer, slated for a December 20th release. With plenty to discuss, Common sits down with online lifestyle magazine, Interview, to divulge what makes him so awesomely cool. Touching on topics like his friendship with the late J. Dilla, acting endeavors, and a track on his new album referencing the softer side of hip hop, this brief interview is a must read, no matter what art you prefer from the talented Chicagoan.

TAKE5 T5-003 Original Denim

One of the greatest denim purveyors in Asia, TAKE5 shows progression as they unveil the T5-003 Original Denim. This new style is made from Okayama, Japan and features some contrast stitching similar to many premium classic denim designs. The 16 oz denim reveals a newly designed back pocket detailing, while selvedge edge colors are highly influenced by the iconic Hong Kong “Red White Blue” bags

Sane Communications: ANTHEM Store

Shot by Helmstyle, this nearly four-minute exploration into the ANTHEM ethos is spotlighted by choice interview bits from co-founders Simon and Jeremy. Sensing a need for a place where a person could gather everything from a piece of furniture to a jacket by COMME des GARCONS, it becomes clear why they created the ANTHEM Store. What started out as a dream for both Simon and Jeremy, has very much become a reality for all of those people who enjoy luxury items. 

World’s First Muji Store Reopens as Found MUJI

Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, Japanese retailer MUJI’s first ever store was reborn earlier this week under the name Found MUJI. It was founder Mujirushi Ryohin’s lifelong philosophy of encouraging exploration and discovery, made evident by both the inclusion of the word in its namesake and intriguing line of lifestyle products. Re-imagining product to attain absolute utilitarianism for everyday tasks is MUJI’s cornerstone to success – bringing affordable, design-driven clothing and furnishings to the forefront. Found MUJI’s Japanese flagship location is located in the Aoyama district, which is made notable for its minimalistic use of wood paneling, glass and matte black finish.