BMW R1200 GS: Hands-On Review

by Seth Brau

While CH counts BMW among its top brands, I personally never truly experienced what they mean by "the ultimate driving machine" until they lent us the latest model of their BMW R 1200 GS to test drive for a couple weeks.

As a rider who's never handled much larger than a 750cc, I was a little intimidated standing over the 33.5-inch-tall bike (about six inches taller than most) that's named for its powerful 1200cc engine. After climbing on, I balanced on the tips of my toes over the 500-pound monster—ready for certain adventure.

Continue reading after the jump.

Anton Ginzburg: No Echo, No Shadow

by Brian Fichtner

"No Echo, No Shadow," Anton Ginzburg's first solo show at Moscow's Galerie Iragui, straddles the boundaries of cultural and political epochs with its collection of objets d'art. The works—a mask, bronzes, works on paper, neon text—make implicit reference to the transition from early 20th century European art to the minimalism of the '60s and '70s.

Everything in the exhibition either hangs in a tenuous balance, refusing facile readings, or reflection and juxtaposition underscore the work's impact. Pieces such as a diptych copy from the 1989 Playboy photo shoot of Natalya Negoda comment on a sexual coming-of-age in parallel with the Soviet Union during perestroika.

The centerpiece, a large cast plastic mask of Medusa, features a convex mirror mouth which turns the viewer's gaze back at himself. The implication here being our collective complicity, through passive observation, in the activities of an awful power. It's a notion we would all do well to remember.

"No Echo, No Shadow"
Through 14 October 2009
Galerie Iragui
7/7-5, Malaya Polyanka
119180, Moscow, Russia
tel. +7 499 238 2783

See more images after the jump.

Pointer Footwear

by Tim Yu

During a recent visit to the Shoreditch area of London, I had the chance to drop in on the five-year-old brand Pointer Footwear. Housed in a space with both Edwin and Carhartt, founder Gareth Skewis—a well-connected professional that started his career skating in the streets of Johannesburg—now helms the growing label. His office, cluttered (in the best sense) with original artworks, Pointer samples, skateboards and Skewis' personal collection of deadstock shoes, throws off a vibe that suggests all the buzz around Pointer currently.

Informed by art, music, design, skateboarding and history, Pointer flirts with current trends, but at core keeps to a classic, lo-fi aesthetic. In fact, Skewis (somewhat of a history buff), insists that all employees train at John Lobb, the legendary shoe maker that handcrafts custom shoes for the royal family in England and has been making shoes since 1829. Making sure that those that work for him have a deep knowledge of footwear history, ensures that they, as Skewis comments, "understand where the Oxford or Derby shoes came from and how that started. This gives us an understanding of the past to move forward with updated designs at Pointer." Simply put, "in response to a market saturated with increasingly technical trainers and hyped-up limited-edition sneakers," Pointer aims to produce simple, attractive, casual footwear that most (both men and women) can get down with—whether they get the high-end line at Selfridges or visit the neighborhood skateshop for casuals.

Luckily, during our visit, Skewis had just received a few samples of their new Autumn/Winter '09 line, which are now available in stores worldwide and online. New silhouettes that we're particularly excited about include the Benson, a moccasin and boat shoe boot hybrid (above left), the Saha, a pared-down but rugged boat shoe (above middle) and the Tanju, a classic slip-on loafer with a modern spin (above right). I also really liked the Cyril, which interprets the classic desert boot (boot pictured below).

True to their signature style, all the shoes rely on subtle exterior details and superior comfort. For this new line, Pointer went so far as to produce all original lasts, soles and lining, working with an old factory in Portugal and using tried-and-true shoe building techniques to guarantee comfort and longevity. If that doesn't prove Skewis' level of perfectionism, he also makes at least seven or eight samples of each model, refining until he has it right.

Recently branching out some, Pointer worked with Karen Walker to produce limited-edition shoes for Karen Walker's Spring/Summer '10 collection which will hit stores sometime next March. Their first-ever collaborative project, they unveiled two new models, the Alice and Caz (pictured at left) during Walker's recent presentation in NYC for Spring/Summer '10 Fashion Week.

Both suede moccasin styles feature full wrap-around construction uppers with the rubber sole of a boat shoe, again all finely-crafted in Portugal and graced with Pointer’s custom psychedelic tread. Other major collaborations in the works with powerhouse brands are on the horizon, but mums the word until further notice.

Staying true to what they like and making up the rules as they go, Pointer acts like a heritage brand in the making. As they fill a needed niche without the constraints of any rules, we're excited for the continued growth of the Pointer Footwear brand and to see what else they come up with in the future. Remember, this is your heads-up on some huge collaborations coming up, so be sure to check back with Pointer often.

Check out more images of the Pointer office, other Pointer models and some of their original advertising and marketing materials after the jump.

Thirteen "Where the Wild Things Are" Tie-Ins

by Karen Day

Popping up around the globe, the many fashion, art and retail projects linked to the upcoming release of "Where the Wild Things Are," has us wondering where the wild things are not. Only two weeks remain until the debut of Spike Jonze's insanely-anticipated film and the unconventional spin-off music, apparel, exhibits and home furnishings only rival the reportedly unconventional film itself. We've gathered as close to a complete overview of the blitz as we could. Click through to see more images.

Most astounding, the collection of costumes designed by Christian Joy, who drew on her experience designing for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, lend an incredible rock 'n' roll reinterpretation of Max and the other wild creatures (pictured above). The originals are currently on display at L.A.'s Space 15 Twenty Gallery as part of their pop-up store devoted to the film both in merchandise and in architecture. (Pictured below, all images of the space via Kitsune Noir)

Also at Urban Outfitters' conceptual boutique, you can buy an exclusive Filmmaker Print Series or just ogle the exhibit, but keep in mind that proceeds benefit the creative nonprofit 826LA. Signed and numbered by Spike Jonze and cinematographer Lance Acord, the limited edition prints are as sure to be valuable as they are stunning (pictured below).

The streets will undoubtedly look a little furrier this winter from head to toe, as Urban Outfitters, Opening Ceremony and Ugg join the festivities. Putting out fur fashions spanning skirts, jackets and suits, Opening Ceremony's tribute goes typically avant-garde with a mix of items for men and women (pictured below), prices range from $300-900.

Offering outfits designed by Brooklyn's Mary Meyer alongside graphic tees all inspired by the film (including one by Geoff McFetridge who's also responsible for its titles) Urban Outfitters keeps it more mainstream. Already well-suited for the theme, Ugg keeps feet warm with their Max-inspired traditional sheepskin boots. Boasting crowns and monster faces, a portion of the Ugg proceeds will go to St. Jude Children Research Hospital once they launch next month (all pictured below).

For collectors, this set of eight toys depict characters from the film in miniature. Each Kubrick will set you back $20 and is available from Comics Infinity, along with a few other WTWTA vinyl toys.

Co-founded by Jonze, Girl Skateboard Company released a series of limited edition boards for the film, putting your favorite monster right at your feet (pictured below).

To get in the mood for the epic film, curl up with a calmed down Karen O as she and fellow indie musicians dubbed The Kids take you through a melodious adventure on the "Where The Wild Things Are" soundtrack (pictured below). A sneak peek at what the movie has in store, the soundtrack is available now for free live streaming from Imeem and can be purchased from Amazon.

The Wild Things pillow from Urban Outfitters makes a perfect cushion to curl up on (pictured above) to read the book. They're available in a variety of prints inspired by the film for $32 each, where you can also pick up a copy of the original book, as well as a number of other products too numerous to list.

Another hint at Jonez' skater roots, Lakai released not one but two footwear editions referencing the film.

Rounding out the amalgamation of goods, the ornate jewelry from Pamela Love (pictured above and below) channels inner wild things.

Expressly created for the film but subtle enough to wear regularly, the fine collection of bracelets, necklaces and headgear can be found at Opening Ceremony or by contacting Love.

Dizzee Rascal x Nike x Ben Drury: Air Max 90 Tongue N’ Cheek

by Fiona Killackey

Pairings between sportswear giants and hip hop stars regularly make style blog headlines these days, but few come from a genuine partnership like the latest collaboration between Nike, Dizzee Rascal and his longtime collaborator and digital distributor 7 Digital's creative director Ben Drury. Named the Nike Air Max 90 Tongue N' Cheek, after Dizzee's new drop, the shoe has sneaker freaks around the globe jocking it already.

With a nearly all-tan outer, offset by a pink tongue n’ cheek logo designed by Drury on the tongue, and complimented by the London rapper’s independent label logo on the sole, the shoe channels Dizzee's style and personality perfectly.

Since launching at the Nike 1948 shop and community sports space in Shoreditch last Friday, the limited edition shoe has been literally running out across London with rumors only 20 pairs remain in the U.K.

Debuting the shoe alongside the release of his fourth album, Dizzee spoke openly about the collaboration and his genuine appreciation for the Nike Air Max 90 series, "I've always loved these shoes and I got maybe 65 pairs at home. When the call came up, I was like all for it because it's a good shoe innit? The Air Max is the street shoe, so it just made sense."

Continuing his down-to-earth spiel, he lashed out at those who will dismiss his latest album as too pop, "It's like, whatever! Shut up! I make music. I'm an artist. I make what I want and I do what I want. I work with the best. I'm not naming names, but people say 'why haven’t you worked with this or that person?' It's like why would I pay $250,000 to work with someone like Kanye, when I can pay nothing and work with someone who’s just as talented and skilled as he is?"

For more info on the availability of the Nike Air Max 90 Tongue N' Cheek, contact Nike 1948 using the info below. The Tongue N’ Cheek album is available here or from 7 Digital in the U.K. You can pre-order from Amazon in the U.S.

See more images after the jump.

Nike 1948
Arches 477/478
Batemans Row
Shoreditch EC2A 3HH map
tel. +44 (0)207 729 7688