RTHQ

Ten Years

2009-12-31T07:39:00.000-08:00

Whilst regrettably I am unable to do any updates beyond simple posts like this, until I sort out a new computer, I felt compelled to write something on this last day of the decade (assuming you agree it is and not in 365 days or so time).

What a decade. I gained dual nationality, got married, had two children and bought my own business. I also spent a lot of time at a keyboard.

I have been working on the rift-trooper/rthq website for some ten years now. I may be so bold as to claim that I was one of the first, if not the first, to lay the foundations/template for what was to become in later years "hype" sites. I have enjoyed correspondence with people all over the world who have shared some and many of my interests. It has been a pleasure to discover new products, artists, subcultures and more through this website, but most of all the during this time I have been thrilled to make some wonderful friends.

It has been fascinating to watch the movement of "underground" brands, cultures and artists to a wider spectrum; the "overground". The co-opting of the underground by big brands has lead to some interesting projects and in the early days a real wow factor. Cynical and the obvious exploitation of these avenues has made these projects everyday occurrences as many blogs reveal on a near hourly basis. Perhaps I'm hardly breaking new ground with this analysis, but it has been something I have been in the postion to see happen from the start. What I found even more intriguing during the last decade was how incredibly slow many brands and PR agencies were to grab the opportunity that the blogger and enthusiast offered. It was the more forward thinking and cutting edge that seized this opportunity early on with me.

The "independent" store has been a focus of my posts through the years. It has been great to see so many young businesses develop. It has also been sad to see many start then find that being an independent retailer is a very tough game. The UK High Street is a a homogeneous bore. Independents of all walks of life are the only things that give commercial centres any character and I would wish all those out the best of luck with their ventures.

Toys, trainers and T shirts have been a big focus over the years. I feel honoured that I continue to help with Sneaker Freaker having the odd article here and there accepted over the years. My piece on my eldest Son's birth and the interview with Tory Orzeck (done with Collie) will remain highlights. I look forward to contributing more in 2010. It has been great to see Mark SBTG leap from posting his early customs on the site to seeing him now in the big league with his own brand and his collaborations with the likes of Nike. The explosion of the limited edition and sneaker culture has been huge. After all this time I seem to have found my favourite shoe; funny it should be a the plain old Converse Ox.

I remain a passionate toy collector, now focused on James Jarvis and BxH pieces. However, it has been exciting to share the news of various releases and even participate in running competitions with the likes of Coarse Toys, Plastic Particles and adFunture. Being able to speak with and interview (in albeit the most amateur of ways) the artists and people behind these companies has been a nerd joy. The feeling of finally getting a figure I have been fiending is still a thrill and there are a few out there that continue to elude me (seeking a Great One, Pagoda Kun and Hensery if you have one to sell), whilst I also keenly await new releases from my two favourites.

I may no longer wear many printed Ts (I'm too old now) I have loved being able to share the many designs people have done and nabbed some great ones on the way. My box logo (Tokion and OG) Supreme remain favourites, along with my Peter Sellers one. The Rodney Dangerfield one by Stash is another all time favourite from this decade. The one that got away was the Supreme Woody Allen one, but perhaps one day will be mine. Of course I can't forget the one and only T I did with my great friend Sol from Figurepunk.

Whilst the idea of a news section is no longer of relevance to me, I hope that those who may have stumbled upon this site or have continued to check it (and I thank you for your dedication) try and pursue their passions with the depth they deserve. Dig deeper, find out more about who is behind what you enjoy. Explore the history of things, find out where they came from. Be a nerd. See you on the other side...

Kernel Panic

2009-12-02T04:23:00.000-08:00

Out of action for a bit whilst I save for a new machine.

A nest of occasionals

2009-10-30T16:11:00.001-07:00

Oven Baked Tarantula

2009-10-19T14:17:00.001-07:00

Midcentury Bristol

2009-10-11T09:05:00.001-07:00

The Midcentury fair at Bristol's Paintworkds was an interesting event. Some exceptional pieces pn display, but my wallet remained closed as rennovations must be done before new furnishings are bought. Still, some inspirational pieces on display that have given me some ideas how I want to do my new study.

Toy Shows

2009-09-27T09:09:00.001-07:00

Both from 2003, these flyers are wonderful souvenirs on their own. The 3rd Gardener exhibition by Michael Lau was held by Maharishi with the flyer showing all the figures up to the latest at the time (Hardy in headstand mode). The other was for a Medicom exhibition at the Bape Galllery. The Medicom flyer is a Bearbrick/Kubrick box unassembled, which is a wonderful idea.

Irony free dining

2009-09-27T09:07:00.001-07:00

Sunday round of golf

2009-09-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

Chisel

2009-09-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

Could this be the greatest Australian band of all time? Clearly the kings of pub rock, Barnsy et al had an amazing arsenal of songs. Whilst at times the lyrics remain simplistic, and there are elements of dubious cod reggae, they are forgiven when the moments of brilliant story telling or a feeling is conveyed that wonderfully captures a time and place in 70/80s Australia. Who else was singing about shorn offs and robbing the TAB or sappers round Khe Sanh?

On Point

2009-09-15T12:55:00.001-07:00

I love waiting to see what Supreme manage to get their name on each season. By teaming with some well established American names there have been some real winners over the last few years, especially with Maglite, Masterlock and Zippo. But this Buck knife is something else. I am by no means a "knife nut" and have no desire to collect them but the quality is something else. It is very weighty and the locking mechanism confidently secures the blade in place. It feels like a proper piece of kit rather than a frivellous novelty item. Dare I say it (and it is approaching blasphemy) but I think just a plain Buck knife would be better and less "cluttered". Still as a Supreme collectable, it is up there with the best they have done.

Burn Notice

2009-09-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

Enjoying this right now. Not very taxing but thoroughly entertaining.

18 Holes

2009-09-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

Three hole in ones today! 16th was a killer.

Kuns

2009-09-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

The Kun collection grew a bit bigger today with the arrival of Kaws Kun. I didn't think I would ever get my hands on this beauty. Made in Japan with Medicom/Original Fake it has a very different feel to standard Kuns. The paint work is glossy and there is a lot more give in the articulation. The base of the neck of Kaws is more visceral than expected and a funny touch. This sees me needing an original Skull Kun, Screwbiter and a Secret Base DX Skull Kun to complete the set (excluding Venom, and store exclusive colourways and the giant Skull Kun). I think realistically the DX Kun will prove the least elusive and financially realistic. The hunt continues!

Exmoor

2009-09-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

I have the pleasure of both living and working in Somerset, but for all the years I have lived here I have never been to Exmoor until last weekend. It is stunning.

Mid Somerset Show

2009-08-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

We visited the Mid Somerset Show on Sunday for the first time in several years. Whilst of course there were some super cute animals on display I was taken by the vintage cars, lorries and steam engines they had on display.

Courgette Cards

2009-08-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

UK card makers Courgette Cards have a series of blank cards entitled "Collections of Collections". Whilst I plumped for the snow globes, the entire range really appeals.

The Bounch Gang

2009-08-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

The latest addition to the BxH family goes back to its Kid Hunter/breakfast cereal roots. Kid Bounch bares a striking resemblance to the Smurf nemesis Gargamel. He is smaller than both the Captain and Kid Hunter. The figure doesn't seem to be articulated and I'm not going to try too hard to check least I break it. The only markings on the figure are the BxH logo under the foot; no serial numbers or country of manufacture. Surely BxH have enough new figures now to warrant another series of mini figs?

Hey Presto!

2009-08-09T14:32:00.001-07:00

These may be my favourite books ever. Both clearly labours of love by their respective authors, they provide a visual and written history of two long established American novelty and toy companies. Wham O have produced many major toys including Slip N Slide and the Frisbee. Life of the Party is a visual treat, with page after page of wonderful photos illustrating the wonderful pranks and tricks the Adams company has made over the years. I had forgotten how much I loved these practical jokes whilst growing up and it has sparked my magpie instinct to start collecting them again.

budget DVD finds

2009-08-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

Some recent budget DVD pickups. A Terry Thomas 3 film boxset for £3 at Fopp. The Russian blockbusters Nightwatch and Daywatch as a boxset, for £5 from Tesco.

18 Holes

2009-08-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

Bagged a hole in one today! Plus I picked up a Donald McGill postcard.

Selfridges

2009-08-04T12:39:00.001-07:00

In all the years I have been to Selfridges I have never visited their foodhall until last Saturday. I was prompted after hearing over their PA that Willie Harcourt-Cooze was their promoting his chocolate. I keen fan of his 72% I made my way there and was thrilled to have a nice chat with him and snaffle a awesome truffle he made. Also in the foodhall is a wonderful selection of (processed) foods from around the world. I was particularly impressed by their Australian selection - its like I have an epicurian double.

Weaver

2009-08-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

After the first two suede colourways, this tan leather Weaver has now come out. At this stage its limited to the Clark's website from what I can find. It seems the more practical choice with the way the summer weather has been so far.

Other Criteria

2009-08-04T11:30:00.001-07:00

Damien Hirst's Marylebone store is one of the most "robust" stores I have ever been to. It seem strange to describe a store in such a way but from the door handles to the fixtures and fittings it is incredibly solid. Where no expense has been spared no restraint has been put on some of the prices, not that there aren't one or two more affoardable items.

July reading material

2009-07-25T13:15:00.001-07:00

I p[icked up these this week, with Ad Boy being the stand out find, It is a wonderful book with page after page of advertising characters from over the decades, with only a handful familiar to me as it is an American book. This American aesthetic is very attractive to me and I find it nostalgic despite it not being part of my history; perhaps its a conditioned response.

The ephemera book is a series academic work aimed at librarians. I have had a brief skim through but need to spend a bit more time on this one.

A great article about St Albans based glasses shop Retrospecs. The Black brand glasses they stock are really tempting for getting my Micheal Caine steez on.

Yo Yo

2009-07-13T14:43:00.001-07:00

Found this whilst doing the weekly Tesco shop. Currently working on my spin technique.

18 Holes

2009-07-08T07:06:00.001-07:00

I managed to fit in two rounds of golf this morning, albeit mini/crazy. At last a sport I can play!

Car Boot Sale FInd

2009-07-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

This was an exciting find. A huge glass display box so I can start my own museum at home. Whilst I don't envisage any taxidermy residing within it I could picture a big vinyl figure in it.

Otaku

2009-07-04T09:49:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Sol for putting me onto this. Whilst apparently originally written for a general audience (albeit Japanese), this translated cultural thesis is not as light reading as the "packaging" suggests. IIf you have a grounding in philosophy or have studied post modernism etc you might find it easier going than I have. It has been most rewarding though and has made me reflect on my own pursuits and "narratives".

Oscar Lomax - Collector

2009-06-26T14:29:00.001-07:00

Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton have exceeded my expectations with their latest creation. What may well be a shaggy dog tale, the thoroughly enjoyable story is escalating in its creepiness and macabre comedic horror. Oscar Lomax may well be the face of all those who have ever outbid you on eBay.

Arcade Mania

2009-06-14T13:46:00.001-07:00

I have long lamented the demise of the video arcade, but in Japan they live on. This is a wonderful account of Japanese arcades and their patrons. The book covers the genres of games and speaks with key players, both literally and those involved in the industry. Topics include UFO machines (claw grabbers), photo machines, shoot em ups (aka shmups), fighting games, and more. I was particularly interested to read about the machines that require special playing cards to be used.

Car Boot Sale FInds

2009-06-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Mostly DVDs today. Some more scrabble letters for our craft inventory. The Gameboy game was a serendipitous find as I was only thinking about this exact title on my way in. I was thinking what a dud it must have been and any poor sod who was given it must have been gutted. Of course I had to buy it and even at 30p I feel robbed yet elated that my suspicions were confirmed.

Banksy

2009-06-13T10:37:00.001-07:00

I went and visited the Banksy exhibition at the Bristol Museum today. What a contrast to the rainy Sunday only a few weeks ago when we visited the museum and waltzed in that the exhibition drew a huge crowd and the wait is just under an hour to get in. I definitely felt it was worth the wait and as a huge fan of Bristol Museum I was keen to see how the exhibition had been set up.

This is a superbly put together exhibition, in so far as the gallery feels like it has been taken over and the production values and arrangement of the artwork/installations has been well thought out. The artist’s works are collected in two galleries and the main foyer, but also interspersed throughout the galleries’ collection. This is the clever part about the exhibition and says far more about the willingness of the directors of the museum to take a gamble than what the artist delivers. The viewer must search out the paintings that have been scattered throughout, some more obvious than others. In doing so it makes you look at all the museum has to offer. This in turn makes you see that Bristol Museum holds a wealth of the beautiful, bizarre and fascinating. It also shows that it holds key pieces that reflect on social times and propaganda far more effectively than Banksy’s works.

Banksy uses the space to deliver his characteristic satirical works. I feel that whilst many work at the level of a cartoon they fail to deliver beyond that. The topics dealt with are already in the minds of those that would be viewing (this is a Stuff White People Like affair if ever there was one). Bristol has a far from savoury history yet no more is mentioned about the slave trade than a quip in the (very funny) pamphlet that accompanies the exhibition. Politicians as monkeys are obvious targets. Banksy demonstrates ingenuity and wit in his work yet he needs to reassess his targets if he is to achieve any gravitas. So whilst installations addressing food, surveillance, cosmetics, fur and consumerism rise a smile they feel no more than that. Issues dealing with the police are unlikely to trouble any of the museum’s patrons and I dare say many would feel that there should be more police on the streets.

Bristol Museum have scored a wonderful PR success with this exhibition and whoever thought of putting Banksy’s pieces throughout the museum should be congratulated for their bravery and more importantly for the correct assumption it will make visitors explore throughout. Thoroughly recommended at all times, this exhibition is well worth it for a reassessment of the museum alone.

A minking good read

2009-06-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

Popbitch might not seem the likeliest of places to hear about a book but I took a punt and was rewarded handsomely. This is a great humerous boys own style yarn. If you enjoy Flashman, Mark Gattiss, Tom Sharpe, Rob Grant etc then I think this would appeal.

Frack!

2009-06-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

Just fired up season 5 and only after 1 episode I am reeling.

Bargain bookshop find

2009-06-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

I can't walk past a discount bookshop. I was in luck today with this find at £3. It covers all the usual suspects and covers the subject matter clearly and concisely there is a great graphical timeline that puts the different design movements/periods in context. Its interesting to see how references to online shopping are somewhat outdated (it was published in 2001). Whilst I doubt it will ever make future volumes I would love Dr Melfi's preferred seat of choice, the Cosmo by Outer Limits.

World Famous

2009-05-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

It was back in August of last year that word of Malcolm McLaren's Supreme collaboration first came to my attention, and it has been with some excitiement that I awaited its debut. Its exciting to see he has drawn on the Buffalo/Hobo period, which is hardly surprising considering this is a Supreme project. The shoes are an inspired production!

Not to be licked

2009-05-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

I was chuffed to be give these totally out of the blue this week. They were released in January of this year and are a nice accompaniment to last year's US Post Eames set.

Car Boot Sale FInd

2009-05-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

No longer so advanced but still wonderful

2009-05-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

I was keen to get back into a bit of videogaming but the games need to be quick and the sort you can dip into when time permits. The Gameboy Advance fits the bill perfectly, especially those models that incorporate Gameboy backwards compatability. Its been a while since I've had a Gameboy, the first Advance model was my last back in 2002. When I spotted this NES edition I was smitten. An out dated machine paying homage to another outdated machine; anachronistic perfection!

The start of a new collection...

2009-04-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with the graphics on the box of this Viewmaster and had to get it. Watching Toy Story I was reminded of how many classic toys are out there and this is certainly in the top 10. With one disk for it (historical site in Somerset, my county of residience) I will be working on building up this collection. The stereoscopic effect remains impressive even in this age of far more advanced technology.

70% and up

2009-04-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Willie Harcourt-Cooze may be on a marketing blitz but after trying his 72% chocolate it is a case of believe the hype. The three part documentary/advertorial on Channel 4 showed how he had problems getting the wrapping machine to work, so it was kind of cool to see how indeed the bar hand been hand wrapped.

Cwtch Coffee

2009-04-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

Last week I received an e-mail from regular correspondent Tom. He sent me a fascinating link about a chap he knew who had combined his love for his Citroen H model van and his passion for coffee. The Cwtch (the Welsh for hug) Coffee story is the type of thing that really gets me excited; the combination of quirky and passion that is seen through with an infectious enthusiasm is a winner in my eyes. So it was with amazement on Saturday that whilst in London for the day I got out of a taxi on Marylebone High Street at the Cabbages and Frocks Market to have the Cwtch Van right there in front of me. It is with total honesty I can joyfully report that both the coffee and cakes are divine.

Guilty as charged

2009-04-06T15:50:00.000-07:00

In Store

2009-04-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

Valerie Weill and Philippe Chancel's "In Store" series of photography books have me hooked. Through their lens the mundane, functional and almost invisible shops demonstrate that they can offer as much intrigue and suprises as the most luxurious and opulent shops. As an added bonus you can pick these up on Amazon Marketplace for less than the cost of their postage.

The Librarians

2009-03-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Picked this up when I was on holiday in Australia earlier this month. I had heard various cast members talk about it on Get This (RIP Marslando Calrission aka Armitage Shanks) and was hoping it would deliver. In the words of Bob Franklin's character in this, its "bloody briliant".

100% Mambo

2009-03-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

Whilst Reg Mombassa is the backbone of Mambo's output, Richard Allen's work remains my favourite. This print in particular is a great example of the humour he put into his Mambo designs. Twenty plus years later I still love wearing this T shirt, albeit due to its state it remains one for around the house.

Pumpkin Head

2009-03-13T20:56:00.001-07:00

Picked this up yesterday at Chapel Street Bazaar. It is the best Smurf I have ever seen.If BxH did a Smurf it would look like this.

Consoles killed the arcades

2009-03-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

Maccas was on the left and Timezone on the right. I love(d) video arcades but they all seem to have gone.

It's chocolate, it's peppermint, it's delicious!

2009-03-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Many years ago I met Kenny Kramer who kindly signed my box of Junior Mints for me.

Landmark

2009-03-05T23:56:00.000-08:00

This issue was responsible for both sparking the idea to make my website and making me obsessed with Supreme.

Collections

2009-03-05T23:51:00.001-08:00

I picked up OK Parking's collection of photographs and interviews about collecting and collections yesterday.

Never too old, never too late

2009-03-02T00:17:00.001-08:00

I remember visiting Hit and Run back in 99 for the first time and seeing the most amazing jacket ever,. They were alas both small and insanely expensive. Ten years later my search is at an end with the duck camo gore snowboard jacket now on my hanger. I am probably far too old for it but I love it so much I just don’t care.

During those ten years BAPE has undergone what has seemed several paradigm shifts in its marketing and brand image. The negativity that it has attracted has always bemused me, but not detracted my interest for what it does. For those that have ever been into what the brand does the musicians Nigo has aligned himself with along the way serve as markers for where people have joined (and left) the ride. I will be forever in that Mo'Wax period, like a teddy boy stuck in a time warp, in spirit (if not in body).

For the record, BAPE fan sites first appeared in about 99/00 with many of the show and tell variety, most if not all have now gone. The appearance online largely correlated with the first incarnation of the HK store, when it was members and by appointment only. Subsequent sites sprung up from HK fans. The english language sites that covered the brand were mostly the forums on the Mo'Wax and FUK, sites until the Bapesta was released and Niketalk started to froth with apoplexy.

Stuart Little

2009-03-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

Not only is Stuart a lovely little chap but he has a great dress sense.

Teddy Boy

2009-02-12T15:21:00.001-08:00

Cortex Man

2009-02-10T12:52:00.000-08:00

I am always captivated by homunculus man / cortex man. Akin to something out of the studios of H8Graphix, these models reflect the amount of sensation and motor function (left and right respecively) that our brain gives to parts of the body. This goes some way to explaining why pain in some parts of the body can be far worse / intense than others.

Vinyl Respirators

2009-02-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

The gas mask has become a well established motif of the vinyl movement. Whilst I suspect somewhat cynically that its use may sometimes serve as a way out of developing a character’s face it still serves as an effective solution viz. CMC by BxH. Three Zero have made the facial filter theirs, with it being both a uniting theme amongst all the figures and extending to their logo (designed by Michael Lau). I guess the use of the gas mask by Three Zero goes back to Wong Kim Fung’s GI Joe customs. But like the spray can, what may be an indicator of a visual style can also easily become a cliché. I think BxH achieved perfection with their use of the gas mask back in ‘99 with Pagoda Kun. Three Zero have also skilfully united various artists designs with their mask, including Eric So and Jason Siu. But both these companies were there at the beginning; they started vinyl toys; this gives them a pedigree and almost impunity in the use of the mask. Those who seek inspiration or apply the motif must act with care or fall into the trap of the cliché and sub par. The troughs of mediocrity in vinyl toy design will be surmounted by fresh ideas rather than rehashed themes.

Stay Fresh

2009-02-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

TNSIL

2009-02-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

I spent some time today sifting through the subcultural blog world of the TNSIL. There is an active online presence of dedicated followers of classic American clothing, most commonly referred to as preppy. Whilst some see this as a pejorative term, others embrace it. Other names for the style ar Ivy League , Trad (especially if describing the Japanese take on it) and for the otaku, TNSIL. This somewhat cumbersome acronym stands for “Traditional Natural Shoulder Ivy League” and was coined by a gentleman named Ken Pollock. Whatever the look, a common thread amongst men’s (and it is always men’s) subcultural uniforms is attention to detail. There is the product itself; the heritage behind the brand, the materials used, where it is made, the detailing both on the outside, and equally important, the inside. Then there is how the product is worn. In TNSIL the duct taped Bass Weejun perhaps epitomises this.

Sites worth checking:

www.ivy-style.com

heavytweed.blogspot.com

Meta-televison

2009-01-19T14:59:00.001-08:00

Ten of my favourite meta television shows....

Hustle
Family Guy
Seinfeld
Arrested Development
Simp sons
Parker Lewis Can’t Lose
Looney Tunes
X-Files
Frontline
Duckman

With the forthcoming release of JCVD my thoughts turn to metatelevision shows I have loved and the memories they have left me. The success of pomo and meta techniques rely on accomplished scriptwriters and actors, which all these shows share with aplomb. Curiously David Duchovny is the most common recurring link between most of these shows. This may mean that Fox Mulder is the most important character in my pop cultural universe or that David Duchovny has a really good agent.

Red Wing 320

2009-01-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I wasn't onto Red Wings sooner. This is my first pair and they have been the best winter shoes EVER. They took very little time to break in and feel really comfortable, plus I think they look fantastic. I can't envisage not owning a pair from now on. Combined with my love for coats they are making the winter months all that more tolerable.

Chez Incredibles

2009-01-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

Watching The Incredibles today I was enthralled by the design of their house. Dr Michael Hill of Sydney's University of Technology has written an essay on the subject, in which he notes "... The design of the house combines a past/future look having a 1950s Modernist style architecture incorporating a simpler and less decorative approach to form with some 1960s concepts of the future in the design of the appliances and the large screen television and a robot toy, 1950s style, modern and abstract art and images and furniture, pastel colours. There is an emphasis on home wares, an area of domestic design that emerged around this time. You can almost smell the Tupperware. It is clean and sanitised. There is what looks like a Jacobsen chair in the living room and Charles Eames style twisted plywood chairs in the dining room."

Download the full article: www.dab.uts.edu.au/research/conferences/imaginary-worlds/a_home_for_ heroes.pdf

Trenchard St multistory carpark Bristol

2009-01-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

Faber

2009-01-02T15:04:00.000-08:00

These promo postcards came with a book I bought from Faber. They are a nice addition to the ones I picked up at Glastonbury last summer and continue the theme of a romatic vision of a pop cultural landscape of kitsch.

Oi Polloi

2008-12-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

It is a well accepted part of business that a dissatisfied customer will tell far more people about their dissatisfaction with a company than those who have received good service. In an effort to redress this balance I feel compelled to shout out to the world how wonderful the Manchester based store Oi Polloi are. I bought a lovely jacket via their website last week which arrived the next morning, packaged well with a hand written note of thanks and a cool badge. These might be little touches but they count; wow factors do exceed the customer's expectations and I will want to go back to them. Large retailers just can't connect with their customer like this. Its refreshing that store like this are out there, clearly thinking abut their customer, what their customer wants and providing it in not only a prompt fashion but with wit and flair, as evidenced by their website. Hands down the best men’s clothing store in the UK right now.

Running out of the past

2008-12-29T14:49:00.000-08:00

Surrounded by my sons' toys, many of which have been whizzing and beeping fresh from their cardboards constraints for only a few days I wonder which of them they will look fondly back on. I would plump for the marble run which has been the hit of Christmas for all of us. On the games front, Ellefun is a hoot but over all too quickly. The above books are all fantastic reflections on classic toys, Tim Walsh's being the benchmark of the lot. The other three are more whimsical, with TV Cream Toys and Boys' Toys having a British bias. Just Can't Get Enough is from the American perspective reminiscent of the Ben is Dead's Retro Hell.

Gold

2008-12-29T14:46:00.000-08:00

"Somebody told me that only 12,000 people saw The Wire when it was first broadcast in the UK but every single one of them wrote an article for the Guardian about it."

Man Bag

2008-12-16T15:00:00.001-08:00

With the demise of the plastic bag on the horizon the number of cloth totes and jutes continues to grow. More progressive independent shops have already spotted this marketing opportunity and in many market towns the posh grocery shop will have gained market dominance. Whilst the demand may not be great yet, there will surely be a demand for totes aimed towards various men's markets. This BAPE bag is my chosen shopper. Its a nice tough nylon and reversible should you wish the more subdued black on the outside (it's all about the camo for me though). It was a most generous gift from my good friend Sol - cheers Sol!

The Egg Cup

2008-12-10T13:52:00.001-08:00

I'm looking forward to giving this to my eldest son this Christmas. Its a simple but great trick and easy for youngsters to learn. I still remember when my mother gave a version to me for Christmas; I guess it is a family tradition of sorts.

Tokion

2008-11-25T14:28:00.001-08:00

It was time to put away my T shirts until next year this weekend. They seem to be worn less and less; not due to the weather but because I just don't wear prints all that much, favouring plain white or stripes. There are some that I have been happy to let go over the years, but amongst the collection are some favourites that I will always hang onto, regardless of whether I wear them or not. Amongst them is this one by Supreme in conjunction with Tokion magazine. I picked it up on my first (and only, so far) trip to New York back in 2000, and it will always remind me of the holiday. From a collector's point of view, it seems to be a rarity as it doesn't seem to come up on eBay etc often. As well as the chest print, which is a box logo of sorts, there are the Tokion and Supreme logos on one of the sleeves.

Candles

2008-11-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

Post 31st sale fodder

How EC became a headz

2008-10-31T16:40:00.000-07:00

The ubiquitous cult of celebrity is a supersaturated vat of mediocrity. Yet amongst the tell tale baby bumps, and insider sources I must admit to my interest being piqued by paps of those wearing more underground labels (take note, that for BAPE this only applies pre 200/1). One name that frequently pops up in threads along the lines of “celebs seen wearing...” is Eric Clapton. His patronage of Visvim etc is by no means news to fellow otaku, but I have been a bit lost as to how it started for him. So whilst browsing the shelves of my local library today I chanced upon his autobiography and was pleased to find it indexed.

After the end of a turbulent relationship and a fire in is London house he sought to make a fresh start in many aspects of his life. Eric writes”...I woke up to what was happening with street fashion too. It was weird, because a lot of it tied in with the old fifties and sixties street look that I would wear with the Yardbirds - Levi’s and wind breakers, hoods and sneakers...”. He goes on to write...”I started looking at graffiti art, and began collecting it. It was like a whole new world had opened up to me, the only problem was , I felt I was too old to be getting into this. I hated the idea that I was this old guy, trying to come across as a hip young street dude, but the culture was drawing me in, it was powerful and I felt like I understood it. What could I do? I was hooked again.” So true Eric, so true.

Living in Chelsea and with this new found interest it was no surprise that he went onto befriend the folks at Fly (RIP). Now this is news to me, but those of you who remember Choke clothing may not have realised that Eric was on board with “me [EC] sharing most of the design duties”. With time Choke folded. It was through Fly’s Simon and his friend Michael Koppelman he met Hiroshi Fujiwara and Hiroki Nakamura, “...and over the last few years we have become friends.” On Visvim “...these are the clothes I wear every day, they are simple and beautifully designed.”

Hobbies Weekly

2008-10-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

I have a fascination for people’s hobbies, so when I chanced upon a selection of Hobbies Weekly from 1955 and 56 in a junk shop in Lyme Regis a few weekends ago I had to have them. There’s an innocence to both the tone of the magazines and the projects within, despite being less than a decade on from the most harrowing of times. Many of the projects now seem anachronistic, whether it be a pipe rack or a home made extension lead. Others are prophetic; “Save pounds and pounds on furnishings with Wren Craft” reads one add - “Home assembled furniture. Just fit the ready-made parts together.” yeah right, like that would ever catch on.

Reading Reading Pun Fest

2008-10-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

Figaro

2008-10-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

I have spotted this car on several occasions around the village I work in and fell in love with it. Initially I thought it was a classic car then I thought it must be a kit, but then to my surprise I saw it sported a Nissan badge. Its turns out this is the ‘91 Nissan Figaro, designed by Shoji Takahashi, part of the Nissan’s special development team, the Pike Factory. It would seem that the trappings of Japanese collectables extend to cars, with only 20,000 made, in four colours, Topaz Mist being limited to 2,000 models. Its a turbo automatic and not exactly going to wow the petrol heads, but it sure looks cool.

James Jarvis with...

2008-10-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

“We don't do collaborations very often. When we do we are either very well paid or we have very strong ties with our partners” Russell Waterman, Amos Toys blog

Bemused by this quip I decided to compile a list of the JJ/Amos collabs; I shall leave it to you to decide which were for the money.

plastic collab checklist...

Silas x BxH Martin
King Ken - Clutter Magazine colour way
Mini King Ken Strangeco Comicon colour way
Kubrick Martin and World of Pain (Medicom)
Bearbrick King Ken (Medicom)
Nokia Office Archetypes
Sony Time Capsule Juvenile Delinquents
Sillything Leon
Nike x Stussy Leon
Chapel of Dawn Wrestling Elves
King Kun - BxH

Cult Flicks and Trash Pics

2008-10-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

In the mid 90s I picked up some terrific film books that proved to be formative and guiding. Reaffirming my beliefs and guiding me to pastures new these books opened up a pre web world of wonder. Amongst these were two awesome titles by Videohound - “Cult Flicks and Trash Pics” and “Idiot’s Delight: 100 dumbest movies of all time”. I can say with some confidence that I have enjoyed some really, really dumb movies of late. When I list Shoot Em Up, Resident Evil 3, Smokin’ Aces, some Segal etc etc. you could only but agree. I do lose some points as I haven’t watch a Jason Streatham film for several months now. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled across a gem of stupidity that would fit nicely in both Videohound’s tombs on the latest release shelf at Woolies. Jack Brook’s Monster Slayer is like a Troma film with a budget that stretches to hiring Robert Englund. How good is it that people are still making films like this?!

Originals!

2008-10-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

These Clarks Originals are certainly striking. Kudos to the person who thought their Desert Boots were too plain and realised what was needed was not just gingham, but a brogue detailing too. These were not samples either. I spotted these at my local Clarks Outlet store, where I feel you are far more likely to find their Originals than any of their High St stores in the UK. They seem to stock models that aren't for the UK market too and I have had some good finds over the years, but these take the cake. DId I get them? The need for gingham brogues just isn't there at the moment...

Jam

2008-09-30T14:47:00.001-07:00

Sunday morning was spent collecting blackberries, which (minus this eight legged intruder I only noticed after I took the photo) have now been turned into lovely jam.

Double name madness

2008-09-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

I can't even do the food shopping without gtting suckered into collaboration/ limited edition madness. Cath Kidston is the "other box logo" in my life, thanks to my wife. I'm hoping that they do some of the vintage children's prints, especially the Cowboys and Indians.

Watching yo

2008-09-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

I could be so good for you

2008-09-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

Watching an early episode from the 80s the other night reminded me I had this gem hidden away.

Packed By

2008-09-06T15:10:00.001-07:00

These packaging stickers by the mail order department at Schuh are a cute touch but I was disappointed to find that they aren’t individualised pictures.

Lost and found

2008-09-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

A recent clean up involved me going through my many boxes of junk that I have hoarded over the years. I was chuffed to find this pencil case. Whilst both anime and manga narratives hold little interest for the most part I love big insane mechs and I think this Macross/Robotech style is close to perfection.

Flea market find - tasty!

2008-08-31T14:10:00.000-07:00

I bought these at a flea market today. The box alone is supurb.

Lolly Scramble

2008-08-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

I grew up laughing to the antics of the D Gen, with fond memories of watching them on the ABC, and listening to them on the radio as my mother drove me and my sister to school. Upon moving to the UK 10 years ago when I felt a bit homesick, putting on a Martin and Molloy album soon perked me up. So it was a joy to discover the Get This program on MMM last year. I have since listened to all the Pod casts many times. Greg Fleet, Ross Noble, Daniel Kitson, Kevin Smith, Weird Al and many more guest hosts made the show a spectacular production that I (and many others) will miss. Receiving Tony’s book in the post the other day felt like Get This had gone into over time.

Krazy

2008-08-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

Retrospective collecting

2008-08-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

The grey colour way of King Kun came in the post today fresh from the Amos store. I don’t normally go in for multiple colours of figures unless they are significantly different (viz Stussy Leon and the Sillything Leon), but I was keen to get the grey colourway too as its a nice transition from the King Ken to the grey King Kun to black King Kun to black Skull Kun. Buying the figure was rather straight forward, despite Amos’s advance warnings it would be limited numbers. It was also a fantastically boring exercise and empty “experience” that is one of the major, if not the major, downside of modern prospective collecting.

As I see it there are collections that are based on what has already been made and collecting this ephemera I have classified as retrospective collecting. Rarity may be due to production numbers and popularity (as in the case of prospective collecting) but it is also due to factors including shelf life, original intent, target consumer at the time. Whilst highly dependant upon the nature of the item collected, modern objects created to collect don't have the same "magic" in discovery as does the everyday item of yesterday that has gained the status of collectability.

Prospective collecting, in the case of vinyl toys at least, has become a case of ensuring your cache is empty, being logged in, and hitting refresh repeatedly. Sure there are the events like the San Diego Comic Con and the bricks and mortar shops that get the figures, but these aren't the type of collectable that you are likely to stumble upon (outside of Tokyo). There isn’t that excitement when you go to a market and find that rare gem amongst the crap, because these figures circulate in the world of online auctions and forums. I remain dedicated to collecting both Bounty Hunter and Jarvis vinyls, but the magpie in me yearns for a return to the flea markets and car boot sales. Boolean searches don’t have the same thrill of the chase and find as does rummaging through junk on a Sunday morning or a local charity shop.

Past efforts have included various Stormtrooper memorobilia, John Carpenter films on VHS and any consoles (an Amiga CD32 my best discovery at a car boot for £5). The discovery always seemed more thrilling than the trophy and these have all moved on to new owners. I can feel its time again; I feel a new collection coming on....

Ab Fab

2008-07-28T15:29:00.001-07:00

I seem to be getting a few moments here and there to read more recently. At the moment I;m engrossed in The Beautiful Fall. A thoroughly researched and an almost overwhelming array of characters contribute to this exhaustive account of the rise of Yves St Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. Both men saw success in 1954 with their entries in the International Wool Secretariat Competition, but their rise to success took divergent paths. St Laurent saw in the revolution of the couture business whilst Lagerfield was always visionary in anticipating the rise of ready to wear and the cult of youth. The influence of the May 68 riots, youth culture and changes in society shaped the development of Paris Couture in the latter half of the Twentieth Century more so than any other time in its history.

Jumpman

2008-07-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

I left my old job (after 10 years) at the start of this year to run my own business. I was chuffed to receive a Wii as a leaving gift, but with the pressure of the new business, it hadn’t had much of a work out until the last month or so. So after many hours and much swearing I finally finished Super Mario Galaxy. This is without doubt the most inventive of the Mario outings, making both great use of the Wii controller and mind bending use of in game physics. But is it the best Mario game? I think that crown must remain with Super Mario 64. The most important in its significance remains Super Mario Bros as it defined 2D platform gaming. It still is the gold standard.

My fop 5 favourite Mario games, in no particular order...

*Donkey Kong (Game and Watch)
*Super Mario Bros. (NES)
*Mario Kart 65 (N64)
*Super Mario 64 (N64)
*Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)

Round the Outside!

2008-07-14T15:54:00.001-07:00

I love this record cover. Not only does it represent the pairing of two of the most important people to shape street wear (if not the most important influentially), but it later became both the source material directly for a classic Supreme T and also Supreme’s use of the “World Famous Supreme Team” slogan. Released in 1990 on Virgin Records.

Wanderlust

2008-07-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

These postcards were amongst some other gems in a book store at Glastonbury. This style of photography that celebrates the banal and kitsch of Americana and Route 66 has become a cliché and a bit played out, but the images still have a certain charm. I love Stephen Shore's works that depict diners and big American cars, and whilst far brighter and chirpier there are several along these lines amongst this pack of cards,

Film Soleil

2008-06-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

Amongst the usual SAS books and boxer biographies a small selection of Pocket Essentials caught my eye. A long time fan of the series I was chuffed to find a title I hadn’t picked up before. Film Soleil is a concise exploration of what the author proposes to be a film genre that has evolved in the mid 70s, Chinatown perhaps being the turning point. The book explores a host of neo noir films that draw upon the conventions of noir, but “turn the lights on”. Dry arid highways, cowboy boots and fast cars form part of the visual imagery. Directors include Dahl and the Coehns, films include Sexy Beast and Point Blank.

Pilton

2008-06-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

It was nice to see all the crowds starting to gather for the Glastonbury Festival today. The infrastructure for the event goes in place several months in advance of the event, with the perimeter fence having sprung up about two months ago. I have spoken to chippies and other workers who have been preparing the site for some time now. Its strange to see quiet Pilton become a city of thousands almost over night. Of course getting to work is a bit tougher because of all the crowds, but it is such a smooth operation the impact is pretty minimal. Whilst I’m not attending the full event, I will be going Sunday, so here’s hoping its not as ridiculously muddy as last year.

When I checked the line up I was a bit disappointed that two of my favourite groups, Massive Attack and Crowded House, were playing Saturday. So I checked Crowded House’s website when the program came out and was thrilled to see they were also playing in Westonbirt Arboretum (a fantastic location for a nice bourgeoisie night out). So I made the trip up there last Saturday and enjoyed a ripper performance. When they had their farewell concert in 96 I thought that was that and I would never see them play, especially with the untimely death of Hessie (who still makes me laugh when I see him on The Wiggles).

They played a good selection of favourites and new tracks. Neil’s banter is playful and confident and he works the crowd well. The reinterpretation of the songs and audience involvement makes the night more intimate and special for the audience. I can only imagine how many times they have had to play most of their songs, but you really felt that on the night this was the first time they had played it to anyone and they gave it their all. In the words of Moly Meldrum, do yourself a favour, see them before they really retire for good.

Jack Klompus's Battery Shop

2008-06-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

I am ashamed to say that my knowledge of aerospace is limited to the realms of fiction, but I was particularly intrigued to read about NASA's Ulysses craft. Whilst its mission was interesting (to study the sun) its the length of service and the reason its mission has ended captured my interest. NASA has now ended the vehicles mission after seventeen years as its power system has now run out. Considering my phone runs flat in two days and my Frog runs for little more than 10 minutes, what the hell was powering this thing?

Like something out of Dr Brown's car, the energy for the Ulysses came from a radioisotope thermoelectric generator. This cell generates power using thermocouples heated by radioactive fuel. The radioisotope decays and gives off heat, which the thermocouple converts to electricity. The isotopes used allow for an extended cell life, hence the Ulysses lasting 17 years.

Where things get a bit scary is that isotope thermoelectric generators aren't confined to what we send out into space (or what falls back to Earth). The Soviets were big fans of them for beacons and lighthouses, and concerns remain as many have been just left, their status unknown.

Oh yeah!

2008-06-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

Travel Guide

2008-06-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

I found this on the shelves of Forbidden Planet. It is densely packed with info on the locations of over 500 films. Like any traditional guide book its broken down into geographical sections. The traveller is taken on walks that take them along routes that point out film locations from the more obvious landmarks to the more non descript. Many photos accompany the sections, and the maps are clear. There’s some central colour plates with thematic collections of sites, the Hitchcock’s London has piqued my interest. I look forward to trying this out when I holiday in the capital next.

Mr King

2008-06-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

The Skull Kun has essentially become BxH’s platform figure, having now been released in a variety of guises. Whilst BxH has collaborated with the likes of Disney, Medicom, Takara and Lucasfilm, Mr Skull seems to be for the more personal projects. The chosen few (so far) are Slick, Hiddy, Kaws and now James Jarvis. JJ’s collab is a “perfect fit” with the original BxH/Silas Martin having been released ten years ago.

King Kun stands at about 17.5 cm high, making him a bit taller than a standard Skull Kun. His legs, arms and hands articulate. The arms are slightly shorter and much thicker than a Skull Kun's. King Ken’s nails are punk black. The signature JJ potato head sculpt is clear and a stark contrast to the more angular Skull Kun head. The Frankenberry brain bumps give it the Skull Kun look. Unlike many BxH figures, the figure is made in China. There are no serial numbers on the feet, but copyright of Amos and BxH is imprinted alongside 2008. Like most BxH figures and the Amos Sillything/Stussy Leons, the figure comes in a bag without a header. What was odd is that mine came double bagged. The outer bag being slightly bigger and thicker, but looking just like the inner bag.

Masks 02

2008-06-07T15:12:00.001-07:00

The HK vinyl toy scene has seen better days. Tim Tsui and Michael Lau continue to represent the scene, but the pre SARS golden era has passed. An era which produced still unsurpassed classic ”urban” inspired figures. Without doubt, the standout piece from this era, for me, is Eric So’s collaboration with Phase 2.0 , Masks 2.

Kenneth Tang, owner of Phase 2.0 was instrumental in bringing both Lau and So into the toy world. Masks was Tang’s more high end clothing line for Phase 2.0. Thankfully, it also included toys. The first two figures, Masks 1 and 2 were designed by So and released around June 2001. Another three colourways were released for Japan, Taiwan and France. Masks 2 comes in red, white, black and grey.

Eric So states in Boon Toys Eric So mook that “this (Masks) was the figure that brought me to the other side of the word. My name was being introduced in (sic) US, Europe , Japan and Southeast Asia”.

Masks 2 measures almost 23 cm high. His arms articulate at the shoulder and his feet can swivel. Despite its considerable weight, the feet provide perfect balance, and toppling isn’t an issue. Gas masks came with Masks 1 and 2. An ashtray accompanied some of the colourways.

Phase 2.0 went onto release Masks 3 and 4 plus the Masks Crow Team. Masks 3 and 4 were done by Devil Robot and H8 Graphix and produced my Medicom in 2003. Masks Crow Team comprised 4 vinyl crows and a canon; of course...

Avoid Immitation

2008-06-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

The ash makes a bit of a mess, but I do love incense. The Nag Champa has been getting a good work out of late leaving me in a haze of sandalwoods, but a fragrant array from Resonances are always worth a burn. Incense tend to come in lovely packaging too. I think the photo packages don’t really work as well as the plainer/simpler packs, and I prefer boxes over tubes. Guess which my favourite is? Released in June 02 with package design by Geoff Heath.

Anti Fashion?

2008-06-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

“I’m not a fashion person. I’m anti-fashion. I don’t like to be part of that world. It’s too transient. I have never been influenced by it. I’m interested in longevity, timelessness, style—not fashion.” Ralph Lauren

Cleaning up my study last week I started reading through some old Japanese magazines. Whilst Boon (RIP) will always have a fond place in my heart, other titles including Cool Trans and Asayan often proved an interesting read/look. Apart from picking up the odd issue now and then for the premiums they come with, I have stopped buying these magazines. Now that many of the companies who used to reveal their latest offerings in the magazines first have an online presence (via press releases or home pages) or release their own mooks, they have reduced appeal. That still doesn’t take away from several great years of otaku friendly product photo spreads.

I was struck especially by one in a 2001 issue of Asayan, featuring Supreme’s line-up. The line included their seminal Brothers, Supremes, Woody and Pryor Ts, but its the cut and sew that is the motivation of this posting. All killer and no filler. Fantastic short sleeve gingham shirts, a simple M65, supurb chest seam jacket and spot on crusher hats. The pinnacle of the collection being the yet unsurpassed 9th backpack. If this line was to be release tomorrow it would sell out without doubt. And therein lies a large part of Supreme’s popularity, longevity and the appeal to me; its timeless anti fashion. Like the man who has inspired many of their designs, and who they have paid homage to, its about style.