Volume 3, Issue 19
September 13 - September 26, 2001

STYLE

GRAB SOME MARSHMALLOWS ... 'CUZ THESE BRANDS ARE ON FIRE

Kity Ironton

1. Pony Shoes: I know many of you may think I am having some sort of early '80s flash attack, but the very same Pony shoes-- originally started in 1972-- are back, and mark these words ... they will be huge. The company is relaunching its old school look with new school marketing. Bands Korn and Stain'd are already wearing and promoting the product, which has an entire palette of colors, and all the coordinating t-shirts to match. Pony is available at Hot Topic or at www.pony.com

2. Live Mechanics: This music-inspired label features cool urban logo sweats, sweaters, and denim with all kinds of crazy attributes like zip off sleeves and zip off legs. The line attaches itself to underground and emerging hip hop artists, and has recently teamed up with the MTV show "Lyricist Lounge." Live Mechanics is currently in negotiations with retail stores Mr. Ragz and The Buckle, but can now be purchased at the New York-based online boutique www.yellowratbastard.com

3. drunknmunky: A clothing company with a soul, drunknmunky's website claims the company is based on the ancient and sacred philosophies of kung fu. The site includes the company's philosophy, as well as many of its graphic designs, and some fun kung fu interactives. The company states it believes people have lost their identities to the corporates who sell images, and that they do not cater to, or promote any particular style. The company wraps up with the karmatic coo of "drunknmunky represents all those who are not afraid to be who they want to be." You too can be a drunknmunky by visiting Urban Outfitters, or go directly to the temple at www.drunknmunky.com

DA' BOMB: SUPER STARS DETONATE STREETWEAR FOR FALL

Top recording artists not only sell records, they also sell an image. Russell Simmons' Phat Farm, Jay Z's Roca Wear, and P. Diddy's Sean Jean all started the trend. The recent August 28 Magic International Trade Show illustrated that leading design and clothing label distributors are willing to bet musical blockbusters will jump start this year's holiday retail sales.

Snoop Dogg, renegade rap artist, already has a clothing line called Snoop Dogg Clothing (SNC), and Hot House Distributing is now promoting his new athletic shoe line as well. The Hot House line through DaDa footwear will be called Thizzlez, and Snoop, who is rumored to have a regulation basketball court in his backyard, has free reign on the design of the court shoe. Thizzlez, which the company explains is slang for 'things', can be found in Snoop's lyric, "Somebody does their thing/Snoop does his thizzle." Retailers and designers alike packed the isles in front of the DaDa booth at Magic to see Snoop perform and sign autographs. The shoes will be available later this fall.

Just in time for the holidays, music-maker Sisqo showed off his new apparel company--Dragon. The urban clothing line distributed by Inter Cotton Company, will start at around $40 for a logo t-shirt and top out at around $600 for an oversized leather coat. Dragon is available at select Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores starting this month.

Chart topper Nelly, who has been seen in ads everywhere promoting the urban-influenced Johnny Blaze, is launching his own hip-hop streetwear clothing company called VOKAL. "VOKAL means to speak for yourself, and this clothing speaks for itself," said Nelly in a prepared press statement. "Keep an eye on what I'm wearing. I'll always be dressed in VOKAL." The line should be on the shelves at distinguished department stores by the end of the month.

It's Hammer time, again. Yes, MC Hammer is also releasing his very own upscale mens collection called J. Slick. Shirts, belts, shoes and cologne will be added to the line that debuted at Magic. The distributor is the MC's very own Hammertime Holdings, and is no doubt having its timely introduction of J. Slick as MC Hammer's new release (Autobiography of MC Hammer) is scheduled to hit record stores this November.