Towards the end of World War 2, Italian industrialist Enrico Piaggio decided to shift the focus of his firm, Piaggio of Genova, from aviation to light transportation as assistance to recovery of the war torn Italian landscape.  Partnered with aviation engineer Corradino D’Ascanio, the Piaggio debuted the iconic Vespa scooter, or “Wasp” in Italian, in 1946, so named for its hourglass seat arrangement that mimic the body of a wasp. Today, the little scooter that could, is an essential tool not only for the modern day urban bohemian crowd, but everyday commuters looking to beat the congested roadways.

For Spring/Summer 2009, adidas Originals took the concept of the scooter and created Vespa edition.  Composed out of premium suede in natural coloway, the Vespa edition carried a few simple references, including the scripted logo and the scooter’s front air vent design as the sneaker’s heel tab. Interior is lined with premium leather with an all-over print treatment of the Vespa scripted logos on the insole.  On botton you will find an all-natural gum outsole, imprinted with pinstripe treads, as in the same tread pattern found on classic scooter’s running boards.  The adidas Originals – Vespa Edition is currently available for EU€ 110 (~US$ 150) at the Parisian boutique Colette and its online store.

Colette
213 Rue Saint-Honoré | Map
75001 Paris, France

> Colette

> adidas Originals

> Vespa

More images after the jump…

Photo by Louis Vuitton

Ahead of a retrospective exhibition at New York’s Deitch Projects Gallery as well as the release of The Stephen Sprouse Book by Roger & Mauricio Padilha, luxury goods label Louis Vuitton will transform its SoHo flagship into a temporary showcase by the late Stephen Sprouse.  Covered the store front in its entirety will be Sprouse’s signature graffiti in neon and vinyl, while a 6-foot neon light installation of Sprouse’s Rose design will be hung at the window.

Come this Thursday, January 8th, the store will become the debut point for LV’s latest, the Rose Collection, inspired by Sprouse’s previous work.  The new collection will be available at all LV retail locations on February 2nd.  However, 2 limited edition items will only be available at the SoHo flagship – 3 sets of skate decks imprinted with Stephen Sprouse’s graffiti + an unique Louis Vuitton Monogram skateboard trunk (seen above),  and 70 units of Stephen Sprouse “Roses” T-Shirt. The skate deck and trunk set will sell for $8,250 each. The limited edition t-shirt will be available for $250 each.  All proceeds will be for 3 charities centered on the promotion of art in NYC: Free Arts NYC Program, Sprouse Estate, and Stephen Sprouse Memorial Scholarship Fund at National Academy of Design.

Louis Vuitton SoHo Flagship
116 Greene Street | Map
New York, NY 10012
TEL #: 212-274-9090

Launch Date: January 8th (Thursday)

> Louis Vuitton

> Louis Vuitton - We Love Sprouse

Unlike elsewhere in the world, the popularity of PUMA’s signature classic, the PUMA Clyde, never gone through the ebb and flow of fashion trends here in Japan.  Instead, it was the “go to shoe” in everyone’s wardrobes, where its timeless design made it a perfect complement to any scenario.  All the more fitting why PUMA launched a special version of the Clyde for the Japanese market.

Nothing looks different on mere appearance, but upon a closer look, the PUMA Clyde Made In Japan is really a different sneaker all together, with specifications made for the Japanese market.

Few differences include:

• Sole - The sole on the Japanese Clyde has a much higher lift at the toe.
• FOT or Rear Tab - The collar is shorter and broader then the current Clyde. It also does not have the PUMA logo.
• Form Stripe - Slightly different in shape.
• Insole - Original insole with Japanese factory markings and sizes.

Although originally available only in Japan, Puma Clyde Made in Japan models can also be found at select Puma accounts around the United States.

> PUMA

More images after the jump…

The trend of customization has taken a hold within the fashion industry for sometimes now.  You could not only design your sneakers, but almost everything else as well.  A recent entry to the business of customization is Ray-Ban, the maker of the American classic eyewear Wayfarer.  After the success of its Project Colorize collection last year, where the company collaborated with artists such as Ron English and Tara McPherson. Ray-Ban will be launching a full customize pack which you will be the designer of your own Wayfarer.  Similar to the adicolor project from adidas Originals, the Ray-Ban Colorize will include a white frame Wayfarer, along with markers and stencils for you to apply your designs.  More information about the project to come in the near future. Via: Josh Spear

> Ray-Ban

When hard rocker Andrew W.K. is mentioned, it usually comes to his 2001 album, I Get Wet (as well as the official song for Jackass: The Movie) .  Who could forget the cover art of the album – a photo of blood gushing from Andrew’s nose.  Taking the image as inspiration, the folks at Mishka created the Andrew WK Mop T-Shirt, an amalgamation of Andrew W.K.’s signature likeness with Mishka’s trademarked Mop character.  The collaborative t-shirt is available exclusively through Mishka’s online store.

> Mishka

> Andrew W.K.

Photos after the jump…

A continuation of FUTURA LABORATORIES 10th anniversary commemoration, FL and Stussy will be releasing a special edition jacket. Constructed  from waterproof nylon shell, a perfect complement for Winter.  Interior is lined with images of spray paint cans, references to Futura’s influence on the art of graffiti.  The Stussy x FUTURA LABORATORIES 10th Anniversary Nylon Jacket will on be available at FUTURA LABORATORIES flagship and Stussy Fukuoka Chapter locations at the southern Japanese city of Fukuoka.  Limited in number, each will retail for JP¥ 31,290 (~US$ 330) and scheduled to launch this Saturday, January 10th.

Stussy Fukuoka
1-2-52 Daimyō, Dice & Dice Bild 1FL | Map
Chou-ku, Fukuoka Japan
TEL #: 092-715-6650

FUTURA LABORATORIES
1-2-52 Daimyō, Dice & Dice Bild 2FL | Map
Chou-ku, Fukuoka Japan
TEL #: 092-715-6680

Release Date: January 10th (Saturday)

> FUTURA LABORATORIES

> Stussy