I had the opportunity to travel to Toronto to visit Canada Goose to work on our upcoming collaborative capsule for Concepts. It was my first time in Canada and it was what everyone says it is– beautiful.

It’s easy to forget that your actually in another country because the city of Toronto looks pretty “American” with the major differences being polite people, clean streets, no car horns being abused and the occasional French signage.  Ok so its the total opposite of the States.

Canada Goose has been in business since 1957 as a manufacturer of outerwear for the most extreme climates.  Their legendary coats and jackets could be seen from the ice of the Arctic to the streets of Cambridge (especially Brattle St.). I had the chance to visit the company and manufacturing plant and in the process gaining a greater understanding and appreciation for their process and product.

Had a chance to check out what CG has cooked up for fall / winter 2010.

Here is a preview of the Lance Mackey Constable. Lance Mackey is a world champion dog musher and is considered “The World’s Toughest Athlete”. You ever have to walk from the corner store in the freezing cold holding a gallon of milk? Not even close to what he has to endure!! Oh yeah, he is a Goose Person!

Here is an exclusive peek at the new Yuki Matsuda Collection which has focused on using wools and tweeds which features the Canada Goose disk patch in Yuki’s black and red embroidery. There are 3 pieces in this collection in multiple colorways and will only be sold at best shops globally—- like ours. Amazing.

A few upcoming accessories

The Canada Goose team were amazing hosts and even took the kid to see a Toronto Maple Leafs game. I know for a FACT that I was the only Hispanic in the arena and possibly the city—that’s ok though. My mom would tell me that it made me special… then laugh as she walked away.

Pictures on the way!

New Era came through Concepts to do a piece on Boston for their online magazine “Your Lifestyle Fitted”. The article has a video component on page 9. They did a great job,

Shout to my boy Stebs who shot the video for the piece.

Check it out here: Your Lifestyle Fitted.

Signing my rights away

Stebs on the camera

Still from the video

I have never been asked so many questions about a shoe.

“You see the Weaver?”

“When does it release?”

“Can I order it?”

The cousin to the Wallabee has only been available in the UK but finally has a release date for fall 2010 in the States. Classic Clarks styling and quality and debuted in 3 colors and fabrics.

Already a favorite!

Big thanks to Glory and TC.

I have had the pleasure of working with Sorel on a Concepts project we released around Christmas. I went into the project with some concern about our customer possibly not understanding the product. The Caribou and Joan of Arctic models that we partnered on would be considered extreme in the eyes of a “sneaker” customer. Well guess what? not only was the project well received but we could not bring them up from the stock room fast enough.

I had the chance to meet with the Sorel guys for round 2 of our partnership project. While I won’t let out any secrets, we do have some surprises coming later this year. Stay tuned.

Remember last years Ostrich premium Caribou?

Below are this year’s fall 2010 premium releases in Stingray and Bison leather.

This model is called the Woodbine and is 100% waterproof with vulcanized rubber and a gusseted tongue. I love it and will be wearing these when New England weather starts acting up. Very nice.

My personal favorite is the 1964 Premium T CVS. Vulcanized rubber shell and waterproof waxed canvas in the perfect color combo. Nothing else to say. Ok, maybe 3 words… A-maz-ing.

Love Machine is a new clothing movement which draws inspiration from one of the most beloved (and bad ass) American pastimes, motorcycles. Seems easy and obvious but don’t get it twisted. The graphic influences are layered with double meanings with vintage and European elements.

Love Machine is a project from the mind of the founder of House of Pain, Danny Boy O’Connor. Danny’s passion for art direction and graphic design has lead to the creation of many iconic images for H.O.P, La Coka Nostra and Dissizit– among others.

The first offering from Love Machine comes in the form of “The Hell Fire Canyon Club” which is a bike club that Danny founded with Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols.

Look out for collaborations with Japan’s Bounty Hunter and artist Dave Flores.

Danny’s life has always influenced his art and the Love Machine is a new chapter in D Boy’s memoirs.

Love is love.

FOR THE PEOPLE: HELP SAVE HAITI

CHECK FLYER FOR DETAILS

Couple more donations below:

St. Alfred Reebok Pump donated by Krabby — the head honcho at St. Alfreds in Chicago. Olny 31 made!!!! Thanks to Krabby and the STA crew!!!

My homie D.A. Wallach of Chester French has sent me some signed music to the auction. D.A. is a graduate of Harvard with ties to Boston. Big shouts homie!!

As we proceed…..

The “FOR THE PEOPLE: HELP SAVE HAITI EVENT” official tee shirt is in!

Available at our event on Sunday night (peep flyer for details)

Big shouts to the Hemlock Ink crew for working with me on printing our tee and donating their time, energy and resources to the cause. Thanks Guys!!!

The Good Wood pieces have landed and look amazing!

The Quinton caps are also in— big shouts to Brett and the Monarch / Quinton team!! Great job!

Dr. Romanelli donated 2 tees and a very limited cap to our cause. If you are a fan of the DR.X style and craftsmanship, you better bring your ass down to the Good Life Sunday! Thanks DR!

Got a call from Dennis of Karmaloop on behalf of himself, Greg Selkoe and the Karmaloop crew— they have went above and beyond and donated (2) $350 dollars gift certificates valid on their website and retail location on Newbury St.!! Can’t thank you guys enough!

My friends at Quinton helped our FOR THE PEOPLE: SAVE HAITI EVENT by joining up on a snap back design. The cap is in the colors of the Haitian flag and features the Haitian motto “L’Union Fait La Force” (In Unity, there is strength) embroidered on the front with our event name and Brek.One’s “B-Man” logo holding a my cleaver to symbolize our partnership on the back.

This cap is limited to 24 pieces and will only be available at our event this upcoming Sunday.

Peep flyer for location and event details.

Let’s do this again!

Raffle and / or Auction items for the FOR THE PEOPLE: HELP SAVE HAITI EVENT

If you haven’t heard, we are hosting an event to raise money for relief efforts in Haiti at the Goodlife in Boston this upcoming Sunday.

Peep flyer and scroll down to peep all the goodies we have lined up!

Adri Cowan the Public Relations Manager from Mark Batty Publisher donated a stack of “pop culture / art / graphics” titles from their Spring 2010 catalog. Thanks Adri!!!

My brother Fresh from Concepts donated a crispy pair of Kobe V’s to the cause. Fresh is Haitian and is a major reason why I decided to get involved in the cause. Hold your head fam.

This amazing P Rod 3 promo skate deck and shoe package was given to the cause by Spungie of Concepts. An amazing contribution that is going to raise some eye brows! Thanks Spunge!

The first colorway in the infamous Spizike was donated, once again, by our Jordan Brand rep George McConnaughey— Peep the pics. SIGNED! Thanks George for opening your heart and your stash closet!

Megan Farry of New Era has been gracious enough to donate every MLB home cap to one lucky raffle winner. So if you win this raffle, your size info and address will be sent to New Era and you will receive each hat in your size!! That’s 30 hats!!!!!

I cant stress enough that the focus of this event is to raise money. Please come ready to spend for the cause.