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.

Run DMC and Jam Master Jay are the kings of rock and the Gods of hip-hop.

Mitchell and Ness has partnered with Japan’s FAMES on a Run DMC branded fitted cap. The cap features the legendary (and constantly bitten) Run DMC logo in raised embroidery.

Classic and a must have for any hip-hop head.

I got mine. “Why you bugginnnnn?”

Big shouts to my man Vic over at M&N. Peep his site here.

Rest in peace JMJ.

Dr. Dre is arguably one of the greatest producers of our time. Let me clarify, not one of the greatest hip-hop music producers of all time but just greatest music producer in general. Dre is notoriously a perfectionist when it comes to his soundscapes and it’s evident in the amount of time between his album releases. The sonic quality of his production has always been a characteristic that separates his music from his peers.

The Beats by Dr. Dre Studio headphones are what you would expect from someone who lives and works in the world of sound. Someone that probably has headphones on more than not. The clarity and quality of sound, with the high’s and lows (and everything in between) sitting where they need to be, is amazing. Not to mention the isolation of outside noise— I almost can’t hear my children bugging the hell out of me! If you think about it, just being able to listen to the music uninterrupted by the war around you is half the battle.

One thing that really impressed me was the comfort of the headphones. I have had my fair share of flights and I could never leave my headphones on for long periods of time because of the lack of comfort. Eventually every headphone I have owned become uncomfortable. The overall construction and materials used on the Studio model were put in place for long listening sessions (and or flights to Vegas from Boston!).

The difference between Beats and other higher end headphones is the difference between a car looking fast and actually performing as such.

Side bar: I had the pleasure of seeing a special project that my city will enjoy. More on that later.

Message to Dr. Dre: I understand you have been busy but I would love to hear your new album. Thanks.

Big thanks to Marc from Level 4 Collective

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.

Michael Jeffrey Jordan

One of the greatest athletes in human history and considered THE greatest basketball player of all time.

Michael Jordan is now more recognized as a brand and logo than the global sports icon that he is. Sometimes it’s hard to filter through the sneaker re-re-re-releases in fashion colors, and failed attempts at lifestyle clothing to match, to just remember what he was (and is) in it’s purest form – simply AMAZING. MJ’s super-human ability to do with the roundball things that all others couldn’t is what made the product associated with his likeness invaluable. What he did last week against the person that was cursed with the job of guarding him made this week’s shoe drop that much more special.

Obviously that is now not the case.

I live and work in a world where I understand the value of branding and marketing. The art of presenting information and creating energy to surround a particular product (in my case) to make it attractive, interesting, valuable, irresistible and worth your hard earned nickel.

Sometimes the art of selling clouds the truth. Michael Jordan was the best. The product with his name on it (was) the best.  Plain and simple.

Mitchell & Ness presents the 25th anniversary of Jordan’s 1985 All-Star jersey,  which is quite possibly the illest jersey of all time. No fashion colors, not a hybrid of 2 classic jerseys or any other non-original modifications.

Straight up – no chaser and simply AMAZING.

300 made.

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!