Bastard Bowl x Studiometrico: Comvert Store and Indoor Skate Park

by Karen Day

Converting an old cinema theater into a skateboarder's paradise, Italian design firm Studiometrico showed off their innovative talent when creating the Bastard Bowl for the HQ of skate and snowboard company Comvert.

By suspending the bowl from the ceiling, the design leaves the bottom portion open for retail space, where Comvert sells gear under the brand name Bastard. The combination of flagship store and skate arena creates an energetic platform for skaters to come together and talk shop or show off. A 15,000 square-foot theater now also hosts enough space for Comvert to house the Bastard store, an administrative department, a products depot, design department, showroom and the Bastard Bowl, all under one roof—redefining the concept of how a brand uses its headquarters.

The conversion project is not only an inspiration for workplaces of the future, but also a great architectural example of blending old with new, creating a new environment while retaining the original structure.

See more images after the jump and read more information about the project at Arch Daily.

Deth Killers: Dez Kiraz Volume One

by Karen Day

From a group of New York-centric, apocalyptic outlaws comes Des Kiraz Volume One—a range of limited edition tees created in collaboration with seriously talented science fiction artists and the aforementioned group of bandits known as the Deth Killers 2000.

Rising from the ashes of the now defunct Innercity Raiders vs. Deth Killers of Bushwick label, Deth Killers 2000 continues the fine tailoring legacy with their line of fantasy-inspired shirts (click on images to see enlarged versions), each graphic taking months to create using a digital printing process that is yet to be seen anywhere else.

It's easy to see why David Bowie asked the duo behind ICR vs. Deth Killers of Bushwick to create his custom wardrobe for his Reality Tour a few years ago, the Dez Kiraz Volume One collection boasts oddities from space and more, like flying ice cream trucks, gun-toting motorcycle gangs and frozen bridges with polar bears emerging from the water below.

Each t-shirt comes as part of a box set which includes one tee, a poster and a set of trading cards. The Deth Killers 2000 site is set to launch in July 2009, when the box sets will be exclusively available for $125 until September 2009. At that time, the first four styles will be available at Barneys Co-op locations nationwide.

Until then, have a look around the Deth Killers 2000 website where you can read more about the history of the imaginary bike gangs and see why they received such a cult following.

Nike Trainer 1 Launch and Sketches

by Tim Yu

The original Air Trainer (above left) debuted 20 years ago, but Nike finally unveiled the long-awaited update last week. Designed for the rigors of training and preparing for competition, the new Nike Trainer 1 (above right) is the lightest cross-trainer I've tried.

Inspired by world-class athletes like Bo Jackson, who played both Football and Baseball at an All-Star level, the Nike Trainer 1 is an update both aesthetically and functionally. A new sole features diamond grooves which claims to provide more flexibility and support through multi-directional movement. However, during a recent workout what I noticed most was its weight—or lack there of. When I think of training shoes, I remember heavy, clunky (albeit supportive) sneakers. A lacing system connected to the mid and forefoot combined with an inner sleeve make for a great fit, but it's the lightweight aspect that sets it apart for me.

Famed designer Tinker Hatfield shared some of his sketches from designing the original Air Trainer over 20 years ago. And designer Aaron Cooper provided us with a few sketches from the new Trainer 1 to further demonstrate the differences between the two. See both sketches and more images after the jump.

Available stateside on 1 July, 2009, look out for the new Trainer 1 at Nike for $90.

Tentar La Suerte Fully Custom Bike

by Mike Giles

At Brakeless Bike shop in Montreal, the best way to build a bike is from the ground up. Sylvester, founder of Brakeless and all about taking chances, created his latest personal bike, "Tentar La Suerte."

Loosely translated as "tempting fate," Sylvester's newest creation was born out of an urge to do a different looking bike that's also comfortable and fun to ride. The upshot is a bike not just with a clever name but that's also a way of life. Two HED wheels, FMF handlebars, a vintage saddle, Nitto seatpost, Sugino cranks from Japan, Odyssey twisted pedals and a YBN chain from Yaban compliment the frame, made by Canadian outfit Marinoni.

Although this is a one-of-a-kind build with an undisclosed price tag, Brakeless' creativity is for hire. Check out their collaboration with Weaponshouse for more ideas.

Russell Brand in New York City: Extended & Uncensored

by Karen Day

The most eloquent filthy mouth to hit the comedy scene, revolutionary Russell Brand has slowly but surely charmed his way from London to Hollywood—his ruminative witticisms and attitudinal haircut leading the way. The "Russell Brand in New York City: Extended & Uncensored" DVD, hitting stores today is a great way to become conversant with the captivating comedian or makes a solid addition to any loyal fan's collection.

Between acting in films alongside Jason Segal and Adam Sandler and writing "My Booky Wook," an in-depth recount of the comedian's lothario ways and years spent consuming drugs, Brand managed to squeeze in a stand-up special for Comedy Central, which showcases his sheer insanity and inherent comedic talent.

The new DVD includes bonus material like his infamous monologue at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, clips of the erotic funnyman conducting street interviews around NYC's Times Square and deleted scenes from the Comedy Central special. Check out the clip below for a peek at Russell explaining how he handles fame, or lack thereof, at times.

The DVD will be available for purchase from Comedy Central for $15, but we're also giving away one copy to a lucky CH reader. To enter simply Tweet @coolhunting with your favorite Russell Brand quote and we'll pick from entries received before 11:59 pm EST on 20 May 2009.