Designed to showcase Converse’s most coveted product, the Converse First String collections are focused on original silhouettes, modern design, premium construction, high-level distribution and occasional collaborations with originals in art, design, fashion and culture. The Converse First String Standards collection is not done in collaboration, but is a collection of very special, hand-picked silhouettes mined from the Converse archives, and re-considered.

Using what is the signature Chuck Taylor All Star silhouette for First String, this shoe echoes the familiar Chuck, but has unique features like higher rubber rands, a vintage rubber license plate logo and a premium comfort system. Originally made for the military in the 1960s, the First String versions have a clean modern feel with monochromatic rubber outsoles and chambray uppers with contrast stitching. The Converse First String Standards Chuck Taylor All Star shoes will be available late February and come in low-top blue or black chambray versions. A purple version will debut later in the year. Look out for a release at Undefeated and Ubiq in the coming weeks.

Detailed images of the Converse First String Standard Chuck Taylor All Stars follow after the jump.

nanamica presents their SS’10 catalog. Featuring both the label’s self-titled garments, and their work for The North Face Purple Label, the looks stay true to the strong mix of innovative construction and classic styling that we’re so fond of. Top choices include the GORE-TEX Rider’s Jacket and the GORE-TEX Cruiser Coat. The book also includes a little behind-the-scenes look into the construction of their “Performance Outfits”.

Hit the jump for a look at the complete nanamica Spring/Summer 2010 Catalog.

Japanese artist Tomokazu Matsuyama recently opened an exhibition at Frey Norris Gallery in San Francisco. The show consists of new paintings and two very impressive sculptures.

“With In Case You’re Lost, Tomokazu Matsuyama not only works towards reconciling the cultural tensions of his own Japanese-American identity, but addresses larger issues of nationalism and global relations. Here is a complex mix of autobiographical and socio-political commentary.

Surrounded by new paintings are the show’s centerpieces – two large-scale sculptures that contemplate notions of cultural heritage and nationalism, flip-flopping symbols of American and Asian identity. Wherever I Am, a life-size reworking of Frederick Remington’s Bronco Buster, recasts the famed late 19th century American sculpture with a Japanese-pop sensibility, replacing the iconic cowboy rider with a Playmobil character. Chogen, based off the original 13th century Japanese treasure,  substitutes the praying monk’s prayer beads for beer cans and cigarette butts, and his original meditative state, for a glazed-over drunken one.”

Tomokazu Matsuyama – In Case You’re Lost
Frey Norris Gallery
456 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

Many more images from the “In Case You’re Lost” exhibition by Tomokazu Matsuyama follow after the jump.

With his recent exhibition at colette, Parisian artist André has also released a bunch of new product. You can now not only purchase the artworks from the exhibition, but also some selected prints, a basketball and more at colette. The “Mr. A” basketball and the “Vote Mr. A” prints are our favorite pieces.

Take a look at a selection of the goods after the jump.

Another colorway of the Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010 Boat Shoe has been released. This season it comes in a navy/burgundy colorway with a suede/perforated upper, with nylon toe and rubber sole. The shoe is now available at Barneys.

More views of the Lanvin Boat Shoe follow after the jump.

Wale appeared on Bet’s 106 & Park today to debut the new video of his “Pretty Girls” single, featuring Gucci Mane and Weensey.

After the jump you can check out the “My Sweetie” video by Wale, produced by The Cool Kids Films Forever and directed by Tabi Bonney.

Junya Watanabe MAN presents this season a fantastic new hooded jacket. More than a jacket, the piece is actually cut like a blazer with hood. It features both a zipper and buttons on the front, is made of coated wool with thick wool elbow patches. The jacket is now available from Tres Bien.

More detailed images of the Junya Watanabe MAN Hooded Blazer follow after the jump.

Here comes a first preview of two projects that LA artist Slick has been working on. He got together with XLarge Japan and with adidas Originals. With XLarge he worked on the “Live Paint” t-shirt, which comes out at the “Live Paint” event on February 25th. The event takes place at the XLarge Harajuku store. Furthermore Slick got together with adidas Originals to work on a windbreaker jacket, a t-shirt and also the Artillery Mid sneaker. Hopefully we can soon show you better images of the collaborative project.

Check out some preview images of both projects after the jump.

Reebok presents as part of their Spring 2010 Collection the Hawaiian Pack. The pack consists of the Court Victory Pump and the Insta Pump Fury. Both come in overall 4 colorways, featuring strong colors and flower/surf pattern details, inspired by Hawaii. The pack will be available from Atmos as of February 19th.

Detailed images of all sneakers of the Reebok Spring 2010 Hawaiian Pack follow after the jump.

Artist and designer Evan Hecox displays his fascination with the urban landscape on Incase products for the sixth installment of Curated by Arkitip. Available today , the Evan Hecox series has been issued in three limited editions: London, New York and Tokyo. As the project’s first artist to present a series of products, Hecox brings to life nontraditional depictions of the famed cities and their associated national emblems on our signature MacBook Sleeve and iPhone Slider Case.

Drawing inspiration from the complexity of the modern metropolis, Hecox’s stylistic approach is based on the process of amplification as it affects form and color: breaking down the image, removing certain elements and emphasizing others. In his original artistry for Curated by Arkitip, Hecox filters the mundane into captivating illustrations of London, New York and Tokyo seemingly filled with narratives beyond the images themselves, and applies them to MacBook Sleeves. The Hecox Slider Cases complement the three Sleeves, bearing instantly recognizable national symbols of the three cities. Hecox re-imagined the symbols through his stylistic approach, resulting in artistic interpretations that are both familiar and new.

Make sure to check out the video chronicle on the collaboration here below!

The Hecox products for Curated by Arkitip are available now at Arkitip, better Incase retailers and select Apple stores.

Detailed images of the products follow after the jump.