Social Sun Sunglass Hut Launch Party

Wow. So, I just got back from the Social Sun launch party at Sunglass Hut that also served as the premiere of the Claw Money X Sunglass Hut collabo, and it was quite the extravaganza. Packed to the brim with a selection of the city’s hip style and social mavens, DJ’s Max Glaser, Nick Catchdubs, Steven “Espo” Powers, Fancy, and a performance from Sean Paul put the room on throb as we gave Social Sun, Sunglass Hut’s latest innovation a whirl.  Social Sun is an interactive system that takes simply looking at ones reflection in a mirror to the next level, by using a computer “photobooth” that enables customers to  take multiple photographs of themselves  in different glasses, and view them all at the same time to compare.  Customers also have the ability to e-mail these photos back to themselves or friends, post them to facebook, or display them on large in-store flat screens to get instant feedback on the looks they’ve chosen. If you’ve got a webcam built into your laptop or monitor, you know how much fun this can be. You know you love to mug.

200 guests walked away with a pair of the Claw Money X Sunglass Hut shades, and thankfully I was one of them. The glasses simply put, are fantastic. The aviator inspired frames looked great on every single person I saw try them on, whether they were sporting  the teal, hot pink or purple colorway, and they’re constructed quite sturdily. As a chick that usually sports cheap plastic frames, I can honestly say I am really excited to rock these shades this summer. I wish I had all three colors, but really, I shouldn’t complain at all.

Sean Paul also announced that he would be releasing his next album this summer, so keep your eyes and ears open for that. In the meantime, we’ve got his infectious summer jams like Give It Up To Me to hold us over.

The use of the visual to propagate ideas has been utilized for centuries in many historical contexts. Art can transcend words; it is this inherent ability that makes it so potent. Every social or political movement has incorporated imagery that makes it immediately identifiable. For the Black Panther Party, it was and continues to be the artistic vision and work of Emory Douglas.

In 1967, Douglas met Black Panther co-founders Bobby Seale and Huey Newton at a student organized event at San Francisco State for which Douglas had done the publicity artwork.  After expressing the desire to get involved with the Black Panther cause, Douglas was invited to meet with Seale and Newton. It was at this meeting that the first issue of The Black Panther magazine was conceived. Douglas, seeing the only available materials to be marker and a typewriter, offered his skills and materials (acquired from commercial art courses at San Francisco City College) to the production of the magazine. Leaving and returning within an hour, Seale was so impressed with his commitment, he asked Douglas to be the Party’s Revolutionary Artist, or Minister of Culture, and oversee the production of the magazine.

Until the Party was disbanded in the early 1980s, Douglas created a myriad of images for the magazine that acted as a visual interpretation of and catalyst for the goals of the Black Panther movement. Rather than merely depicting the victimized, Douglas set himself apart by empowering his subject with the use of bold, thick lines, saturated local color, graphic prints and an engaging, intentional gaze. The faces represented the oppressed but in a way that rendered them capable and in control of the future, not helplessly complicit. Participation, rather than sympathy, was implored. Combined with compelling statements that spoke to the core beliefs of the Party, Douglas’ artwork mobilized a generation to take an active role in the shaping of their lives and communities. His work serves as a visual record of a pivotal civil rights movement. “The art reflected the transitions the Party went through, that inner process . . . visually, from militant self defense to a more politically engaged approach,” says Douglas. It is a testament to the power of art for social change. Undeniably relevant in both today’s domestic and global political climate, Douglas’ legacy is one of unwavering determination and passion for social justice.

In collaboration with Station 4 Gallery and Chuck Sperry of the Oakland-based Firehouse Kustom Rockart Company, Douglas has created three (out of an eventual series of 12) historic, limited edition, silk-screened art prints of images first seen and published in the 1970-71 issues of The Black Panther.

Read the full story to learn more about the prints, where to get them and to hear about my meeting with Emory Douglas.
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We recently reported on the limited edition Barbie Loves Stila Collection for SS09. This limited edition collection is now available on-line at Sephora. There are four different sets available, 4 paint can sets and a Sephora exclusive Talking Palette eyeshadow set, each set runs $40.

Stila Barbie Loves Stila Talking Palette features four pretty in pink (and purple) wet/dry eyeshadows that create the classic Barbie eye look. The best part? It’s foolproof! It literally talks you through every step of easy application and there’s even an insert card with instructions on step-by-step makeup application, as well as information on Barbie through the decades.

Stila Barbie Loves Stila Paint Can - 1959 #1 Ponytail Doll is modeled after the first Barbie doll—with striking red lips and black-rimmed cat eyes, this doll is the epitome of 1950s glamour. The three-pan palette contains eyeshadows, a cheek color, and matte red lipstick so you can create the iconic look with just one kit at your fingertips.

Read more to view the entire collection!
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I’ve always been a fan of dynamic duos like, Batman and Robin, Thelma and Louise, Dolce & Gabbana, Sonny and Cher, Bonnie and Clyde, Patsy and Edina, to name a few, and while in New York for Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Week, Gabriella got this week’s picks from the Victoria’s Secret Suite at the Bryant Park Hotel. What excites me about these Victoria’s Secret products in particular is that they are duos, meaning you get two options for the price of one, and in this dreadful economy, there ain’t nothing wrong with that! So hell yeah, these duos are dynamic.

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Ladies! The super limited Reebok Reebok x Maeda Emoretion that we’ve been telling you about is available for sale today, exclusively at RBKCustom.com, and they are going FAST! Only 100 Pairs are for sale in this country! You can watch the countdown as they disappear, so act fast if you want em!

We’d previously posted the upcoming release on the Reebok Freestyle X Maeda Emoretion limited edition sneaker, and I’m back with some more info for you. Just so you know, John Maeda is an accomplished graphic designer, computer scientist and president of the presitgious Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). The shoe was inspired by “Law 7 - Emotionâ€? in Professor Maeda’s book The Laws of Simplicity. Here’s what he has to say about his inspiration and purpose behind this design:

I think the design of this classic sneaker is definitely a good look, it’s colors feminine and bold with a touch of adventure. I’d totally wear these on a my next trip into outer space. So keep your eyes and ears open for this limited drop. I will try to find out which stores will be carrying it to keep you guys in the know. In the meantime, you can ooh and ahh at some more up close pics after the jump
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Yesterday in NYC, JanSport threw a launch party featuring the live tunes of Digable Planet’s Ladybug Mecca, and J. Boogie and debuted it’s latest collection of limited edition artist designed bags, featuring the art of UK artist Julie West and LA based grafitti artist JoeX2. Previous collections have been limited to backpacks, but with this collection we see messenger bags, and expandable upright luggage bags thrown into the mix with marvelous result. These bags will be released to stores in April 2008, but you can still find the winter collection in stores now. Check JanSport.com for product information and to find your local retailer for the series. Artist bios, inspiration and more photos after the jump.

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Earlier this year Diesel introduced their fragrance Fuel for Life. The team of designers for the fragrance had this to say:

“We began by imagining scents that are a sort of secret potion for a new generation developed in a hidden laboratory,� said Renzo. “We envisioned something, a power, known only to a chosen few that finally made it to the Diesel planet. This mix of retro imagination with a futuristic outlook is Fuel for Life.�

And just in time for the Holidays, Diesel Fuel for Life fragrances has been refashioned! There are two options, both are perfect for gift giving this holiday season! The pocket chain, with refillable fragrance cartridge is perfect for that lady or gent that is constantly on the go, easy to carry and incorporate into your look as a fashion accessory…$75.

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