Converse Well Worn Collection - Are We Losing The Authenticity?

Converse has a new collection out called "Well Worn Collection". They are made of a washed, slightly distressed canvas to give you the look of a "well worn" sneaker. But are we losing the authenticity here? I've always been a Chuck Taylor fan, but part of the experience is wearing them out yourself...and it really doesn't take long. Same with distressed jeans, I think part of the greatness of a "well worn" anything is doing it yourself. The memories and experiences that go along with that certain shoe or pair of jeans. What do you think?

I think I'll go for a classic Chuck Taylor and rough it myself. Thanks. 

Kenzo "Electric Jungle", A Spectacular Visual Treat (video)

Every fashion brand seems to be putting out videos for their collections these day, but this one really caught my attention. It's a real treat for the senses. Love the fashionable mix of colors, patterns, animation, art and digital integration. 

Kenzo 'Electric Jungle' from Big Active on Vimeo.

Marty McFly, Are You Ready For A Talking Shoe? (video)

This is what you get when Google and Adidas partner up. The design is very Back To The Future, the voice and personality is very Alfred Pennyworth. Together, it's a little scary that your shoe will speak to you with oh, just a pinch of attitude, post updates on your social media and throw you a few motivational comments. But it is so right up the "geeky-tech" trend of wearable products that are being launched. This is still in concept development, but I'm sure it won't be long before we see it at retail. Check it out here.  

What do you think? Effervescent or Flat?

Gucci With A Conscience

"Gucci has introduced a line of leather handbags that don’t contribute to deforestation. The eco versions of its Jackie, Hobo, and Tote bags each come with a passport that details the life of the cow that was used to make it, from its birth to the final product." (PSFK)

"Crafted exclusively from cattle on Rainforest Alliance-certified ranches, the process ensures that grazing cows have in no way affected the lush (and fast-disappearing) Brazilian landscape–and that the animals, themselves, have been treated in an ethical way.

But the project goes beyond a capsule collection of handbags: In addition to making this major milestone for green-friendly fashion, Gucci will donate €50,000 (approximately $65,100) to the National Wildlife Federation to aid in its anti-deforestation work. Says Gucci creative director Frida Giannini, “Through our sustainability, humanitarian and philanthropic actions, we would like Gucci to not just be synonymous with Made in Italy, but also Made with integrity.” With these latest stints in particular, we’d say the iconic brand is achieving that and then some." (Fashionista)

Okay, this isn't completely cruelty-free since it is still leather, but you have to give props for luxury that cares.  

Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2013 (Men's)

"Luxurious Emerald, a sophisticated and vivid green, should be paired with Mykonos Blue or Linden Green for a clean and classic look. Acai adds exotic mystery when paired with bold statement colors like Samba, while Koi remains decorative and dynamic, adding a pop of orange to a neutral wardrobe. Deep Lichen Green acts as the cornerstone color for the men's palette as well; however, pair the shaded mossy green with Beaujolais, a full-bodied red, for an elegantly masculine, quintessential fall look.

Unpredictable Turbulence and warm, rich Carafe, also play vital roles in men's fashion trends, serving as strong staple hues for outerwear throughout the cooler months. Create a well-balanced look by combining either neutral with Beaujolais or Koi."

(via Pantone)

Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2013 (Women's)

New York Fashion Week has come and gone and here are the results according to Pantone.

"With the changing season, the greens from spring evolve and develop. Multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate, bringing luxury and elegance to the palette, while yellow-toned Linden Green brings a lightness and brightness to the deeper shades of fall. Try pairing both with Mykonos Blue, a bold, meditative blue, for a classic and relaxed fall look.

Exotic Acai adds mystery and richness to the palette, and can be incorporated with the other colors to create a number of powerful fall combinations. Pair the elegant shade of purple with Emerald for a regal disposition, or spirited Samba red for an expressive and dramatic look. Koi, a decorative orange with dazzling and shimmering qualities, is a statement color that serves as a pick-me-up for your wardrobe.Vivacious, an unruly and wildly deep fuchsia, adds an ebullient sensuality to the palette.

Pair Vivacious with anchoring Deep Lichen Green, a naturally lush shade of green, for a dynamic juxtaposition that captures both ends of the seasonal spectrum. Rounding out this season's cornerstone colors, Turbulence, a dark mercurial gray, and Carafe, a rich, glamorous brown, provide more interesting and sophisticated alternatives to the black basics usually worn in colder months. Both staple neutrals pair gracefully with more expressive colors within the palette, such as Samba, Koi and Vivacious."

Slip Into Something More Comfortable

Now your jeans, your tight tight skinny skinny jeans, come in lotiony flavors for comfortable snugness. Go, Wrangler.

[Via Fast Company]

Video Integrated Fashion from Sean John

Sean John has created Video Fashion with Recom Group’s famous Video Name Tag. This is the world’s first integration of video and fashion.  The sweater has a sleeve pouch that holds a 2.8” OLED display with a 320 x 240 resolution and 2GB of inbuilt memory for storing videos. 

I'm not sure what I would load and play on my sleeve but I'm sure people will get creative. This is definitely a first step towards more tech-integrated apparel. This could be great for sportswear where you could project your team logo. Or perhaps you can play your favorite music videos. However, in all honesty, I don't think the placement and design is very effective. Looks like an after-thought from a stockpile of Sean John sweaters. 

Would you rock Sean John's Video Fashion sweater? 

These sweaters are available exclusively in select Macy’s Stores.

(Design Taxi)