With his Gyakusou line, designer Jun Takahashi has achieved what many designers have not; created a second line that exists as an entirely separate entity – both aesthetically and idealistically – from his primary brand, (which in Takahashi’s case is UNDERCOVER).
Forgoing the punk references that UNDERCOVER has for years upheld, Takahashi’s joint venture with Nike has now produced 6 seasons of technical, athletic clothing, designed with one thing in mind – running. An avid runner himself, the Gyakusou collections have evolved with Takahashi as he himself evolves as a runner, with each phase of gear tested out by Takahashi and his GIRA (Gyakusou International Running Association) in Tokyo parks. Anyone who has seen, felt or worn the resulting product can probably attest to experiencing the passion for activity that has gone into making them.
PORT Magazine’s David Hellqvist recently caught up with Jun Takahashi, where the designer spoke about his love of running and the Gyakusou SS13 collection among other things. Check out the full story here.
PORT magazine send over an exclusive online look at this story from their latest issue. Shot in Morocco by photographer Azim Haidaryan and starring model Clement Chabernaud, look out for the likes of Stone Island, Dior Homme, Jil Sander, Margaret Howell and Nike in this impressive editorial. We asked the magazine’s fashion director and stylist on the shoot, David St John-James, to tell us a little about their North African adventure.
‘The team flew to Casablanca in search of sun and a cinematic location for our leading man, model Clement Chabernaud. However, we landed to unusually stormy weather! The forecast was that this was not going to change for the rest of the trip. We continued regardless, with early dawn call times and shooting throughout the day. By the afternoon, we decided to make a plan and chase the sun the next day to Marrakech. A four hour drive there and back same day with the Gypsy Kings playing…it was a type of torture.
But after driving through blankets of rain and fog, it felt as if we drove into a parallel universe, coming out of a wall of fog into bright sunshine, rolling arid hills and a view of the snow capped Atlas mountains in the distance. Although the first half of the shoot seemed like it was going to be a wash out, the mood and atmosphere in the pictures was only heightened and enhanced, and through the contrast between the two completely different atmospheres gathered a kind of journey and adventure that I hope you see in the pictures and story.’
Take a look at the story in Full in our gallery
Editorial | PORT Magazine – ‘Road to Morocco’ is a post by Lena Dystant on Selectism.
In the preview for the Spring 2013 issue of PORT Magazine, an accompanying film with iconic British actor Ray Winstone sees him talking through the highlights of the upcoming issue that has been guest-edited by Daniel Day-Lewis – and features an exclusive cover interview with Paul Thomas Anderson by Lynn Hirschberg. In addition, the “Film Issue” features editorial with the likes of Dai Bradley, Kathy Burke, Thelma Schoonmaker, Anna Scher, Rebecca Miller, Graham King, George Richmond, Adam Somner, Bronco McLoughlin and Michael Stevenson. PORT Magazine hits newsstands on March 14.
An impeccably dressed Ray Winstone introduces us to the latest issue of the always pleasing Port Magazine. The film issue, edited by Daniel Day Lewis no less, packs in some great names from in front and behind the lens. So, we have Dai Bradley, Kathy Burke, Thelma Schoonmaker, Anna Scher, Rebecca Miller, Graham King, George Richmond, Adam Somner, Bronco McLoughlin, Michael Stevenson “and me, Raymondo Winstonio.” Now that’s a good read. Available at any magazine retailer worth its salt from 14 March, full cover in the gallery.
Port Magazine Issue 9 Preview – Introduced by Ray Winstone is a post by Lena Dystant on Selectism.
From the set of PORT Magazine‘s Issue 08 winter fashion shoot comes this short film focusing on Giorgio Armani’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection. Working alongside photographer and film director Kalpesh Lathigra, stylist (and PORT’s Fashion Director), David St John-James says, “Working on this shoot and examining the most recent collection in detail while preparing for it, I realised again that Giorgio Armani has this incredible ability to make a suit look tailored and constructed when, in fact, these looks offered no padding and are deconstructed. It is very satisfying”. True that.
PORT Magazine Issue 08 is out now, with actor Will Ferrell starring on its cover. Certainly one of the better quarterly men’s mags in publication at the moment, Issue 08 takes a look at a number of Autumn/Winter 2012 collections as well as featuring a selection of in-depth and thought-provoking articles on subjects as diverse as alternatives to traditional aid and development on the African Continent, to conversations with the gods of luxury car design. Pick up a copy of PORT Issue 08 here, and in the meantime, enjoy this article on meeting Will Ferrell on PORT’s website.
On rare occasions, a sneaker will surpass its original intent and become a staple in the footwear market. Such is the story of the Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski. Seen here in “Port Wine”, the model’s understated design easily leaps from the skatepark to the boulevard, form hipster to business types. A technical skate shoe at its core, the Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski “Port Wine” and all of its Nike Zoom goodness, is available now at Premier.
Speaking with PORT Magazine‘s David Hellqvist, Maharishi designer Hardy Belchman elaborates on the history of camouflage. Known for his love of the pattern, Blechman has been using camo in Maharishi designs for years – to the point where it has become the brand’s signature. Blechman has traced the origins of the pattern (artists initiated its use, not the military) in his new book, Disruptive Pattern Material, which is available now. Check out an extract from his conversation below, and head over to PORT’s website for the full story. (Photography: Morgan O’Donovan)
“When I researched Disruptive Pattern Material, my book on the history of camouflage, it became absolutely clear to me that camo is not a military invention. It comes from the study of natural history, which long ago recognised and categorised camouflage techniques used in nature by animals. In 1909, naturalist painter Abbott Thayer published a book, showing that animals are able to hide against the background by adopting four or five basic camouflage techniques. In art, until the introduction of Cubism in the early 20th century, painters generally used realism; artists could depict landscapes or forests, but they couldn’t perceive an abstract rendition of nature as a pattern. Thayer’s work made us realise that an abstract rendition of nature could be man made. When artists started practising this art form, they were recruited by the military and told to paint camouflage patterns for them. So the research for DPM really shows that camouflage has been hijacked by the military, taken from artists and scientists.” (more…)
Mixing ball sports and alcohol can be a lotta fun, but you open yourself up to a big chance of injury with those liberated limbs flailing everywhere. This new Port Wine Nike Dunk Hi could be the vicarious release you’ve been looking for next time you shoot hoops. It’s regal on top, with rich burgundy splashing the tongue and surrounds, but sink below and you’ll find the murky bone-coloured swoosh, laces and midsole and a dirty blueish port wine upper. If the shoe doesn’t get you shickered enough you can hook into real port wine afterwards – or not, that stuff tastes nasty. The Dunk Hi Port Wine is available now at selected retailers. Thanks to Nice Kicks for the pics.
Earlier this week we gave you a look at the Nike Air Force 1 in a port wine colorway, and today we extend the port wine love to the Nike Dunk Hi. Seen here flanked in light bone and dark team red, the Nike Dunk Hi takes on the popular vintage look with a treated outsole. Leather and suede provide the main textiles and a rubber outsoles provides the needed traction for those kick flips and rail slides. The Nike Dunk Hi “Port Wine” is available now at select retailers, including Eastbay.
