A Tribe Called...

While I was in Tokyo we made sure to see the giant Gundam robot that's at the Diver City on Tokyo harbour. After getting some yaki soba for lunch and checking out the Gundam we did a little shopping, including hitting up The Stussy store. I'd been thinking of getting a Stussy city tee after I saw Ugly Duckling a couple of months back and really liked Young Einstein's shirt (a bit of googling revealed he has a pretty awesome collection of city tees). Its a classic design, and as I'd got rid of an old Stussy tee and a Bored of Southsea parody version in a recent clear out, I was thinking I might get a black on white version.

But when I found this version in the Tokyo Stussy store I had to get it. I love an athletic grey tee, and the turquoise and magenta are a great contrast. Combine it with some great fonts and you've got an awesome shirt, plus I realised I've now visited all the citys! And on a side note, does anyone else remember that Ant from Ant & Dec rocked a ton of Stussy back in the PJ and Duncan days? 

"Cause doves make you look like a badass"

The June GQ was waiting for me when I got back from Japan last week, and its a good one. Channing Tatum makes another cover appearance (I think he gets one a year at the moment), and thats fine with me as I love me some Chan Tate! Theres also articles on 'How to Stock the Perfect Home Bar' (love me some cocktails too), and the now annual wedding style guide. Throw in some self help advice from Fiddy and you've got a loaded issue. Good work GQ!

Ape Shall Never Kill Ape

One of the most exciting parts of visiting Japan this month was the opportunity for me to visit a bunch of Bape stores. I visited 5 different stores, but actually didn't pick up much. Bape's stuff is always a little hit or miss with its fair share of terrible product, and because everything's so limited it was difficult to get my size in the nicer stuff. In the end I only picked up two t-shirts. I think if I had been visiting in Autumn/Winter I would probably found more things as I always really like their sweaters and knitwear.

However the great part was Bapes stuff is sooo much cheaper in Japan. T-shirts on the EU Bape site are £70, but in Japan they worked out at £36! It was just a shame there wasn't more I really liked. I also grabbed a coaster, and a couple of Milo figures from the toy stores at Nakano Broadway.

Elite

I'd been wanting to get the LeBron XI Elites since they released a few weeks back, but had been waiting to see what sneakers I found while on Holiday in Japan the last two weeks. So when I didn't find anything I really wanted in Japan I ran out and grabbed these when I got back this weekend.

I really liked the standard version of the XI shoe, but the general release colour-ways were all a little weak (the red/black colour was the most tempting) so I'd held off to date, but was considering IDing a pair. However when I saw the preview images of the Elites I was very impressed. The combination of red and turquoise (Laser Crimson / Turbo Green officially) is so bright, just on the right side of clashing, and then throw in the pink/gold metallic, its just an awesome colour combination. My favourite Nike basketball shoes have always been a little crazy looking (Zoom Flight 95's, Penny 2) and these certainly continue the tradition.

It also has a great combination of materials. The contrast of the main crimson bodys super smooth matte finish, the metallic flecks in the black hyperposite, and the metallic shine of the fins mean every part looks and feels special. I'm a sucker for a clear sole, and the Turbo Green is just spectacular and was the part of the shoe that really convinced me to get them when I first saw them in person.

They also have a lot of really nice details. The lion jewel lace-lock is very smart and gives it nice luxe feel, and I love the textured hexagons on the inner. They also came with 'Remove Before Flight' stickers protecting the metallic piece which is a fun touch. Like all the Elite Nike Basketball shoes, they're stupidly expensive and no shoe can really justify a £200 price tag. But these are special enough that they seem almost worth it, and I really can't wait to play in them.