24 Sep
1st LP release since "Drukgs" 13 years ago is kind of a big deal

Sure Richard D. James has been doing other things with his musical time under different monikers in the last thirteen years, but as far as the Aphex Twin we all revere him to be, it’s been a long fucking time. A true groundbreaker in the world of electronic/intelligent dance music in a way that has inspired oodles of artists across musical genres, it’s no wonder his return is so warmly welcomed. And now, as prefaced a couple weeks ago when the “Minipops 67” first single dropped, his full LP Syro is finally here. When Rolling Stone asked Mr. James about his feelings on the album, his answer was as it should be: “Horny. I’m feeling really horny about it. And very smug.” If a little Syro gets you feeling just as sassy in the pants, go ‘head and get on it below…

 


24 Sep
How to look like a very expensive layup

Why walk around like a robot when you can give off the appearance of a photo-real basketball? So believable that all you have to supply is the rotund shape of an actual Rawlings. The Givenchy “Basketball” tshirt is yet another of the high-fashion label’s trend in hyperrealistic graphics in streetwear. Grab this all cotton, printed, oversized tee for a mere $895, and you too can inspire strangers with visions of dunking you into an overhead basket.


24 Sep
Because bacon is apparently still the new black

Usually when you think of breakfast in a cup, you think of something either along the lines of a fruit smoothie or a European swirl of yogurt. Doesn’t that make a smoky cup of coffee sound that much better? Now, all the nodes of your best Sunday breakfast can be dowsed with cream and sugar. The Bewdly Coffee Company pours maple bacon flavor on their slow-smoked beans like maple syrup, letting them soak up all the wonderful bacon goodness. Each cup will taste sweet, savory, and delicious without all the fat and grease, they tell us. And we’re eager to believe them — especially for $17 for a 1-lb. bag.


Motoart airplane-inspired furniture will get your living room ready for lift off, or equip your office to fly the friendly skies of unique design. Built using parts of planes throughout aviation history, the Motoart group has been crafting custom furniture for well over a decade. With a showroom that features everything from a Gulfstream wing bar to the Boeing 747 conference room table (shown above) to the “mile high” bed (after the Jump), Motoart finally supplies a trip that won’t limit your carry-ons.

More on how to furnish your landing pad or office after the Jump…

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23 Sep
Unveiling an ambitious plan for the top end of its luxury line-up

During our visit to Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance last month, our hosts at Infiniti teased us between dinner courses with an enigmatic poster board. The image was of a spot-lit automotive grill, nothing else — the equivalent of showing a flexed bicep to tease the next Dwayne Johnson shoot ‘em up. It revealed absolutely nothing, but let us know to expect something… dramatic. Exciting. And possibly over-the-top.

Today Infiniti revealed what that particular grill belonged to, and like a greased bicep the hint was sound. Infiniti’s new Q80 Inspiration Concept hopes to usher in a new era for the Japanese luxury marque, one that will elevate it from perennial also-rans to actual contender status.

In the past calendar year Infiniti has unveiled two vehicles targeted to churn the waters of public excitement: the compact Q30 Concept and the high-performance Q50 Eau Rouge. While the former aims to be Infiniti’s volume seller, that latter is a Nissan GT-R powered monster, a Godzilla-in-a-Tom-Ford-suit developed in conjunction with four-time Formula One Champion Sebastian Vettel — making performance a priority.

Now, with the Q80 Inspiration Concept, Infiniti is showing off its ambitious plans for the very top end of its luxury line-up. The sprawling executive saloon boasts a sleek fastback profile (one without side-view mirrors), massive 22-inch lightweight alloy rims, acoustic glass and doors that open portal-style to show off its decadently styled interior. Using copious carbon fiber, aluminum and leather, Infiniti describes its highly stylized and personalized cabin as having a social “1 + 1 + 1 + 1” seating plan. Measuring in at a Brobdingnagian length of 198.9 inches, the flagship vehicle will look to crush its German fastback competition (Audi A7, Mercedes CLS, Porsche Panamera and BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe) with scale and appointments.

Infiniti is using such terms as “category-breaking”, “supreme”, “audacious”, “magnetic” and “elegant” to promote the Q80 Inspiration, and all of the above — although requisite brazen PR talk — aim true. For a marque that has long wavered in dramatic design, and has not hit many aesthetic bulls-eyes (and several failures, including the zero emission LE Concept which has since been shelved), the Q80 Inspiration Concept marks a promising redirection for the brand.

Although still mum on engine options, Infiniti hints that the Inspiration’s powertrain will not only be driver-centric and high-performance, but will also boast efficient hybrid properties — as can be expected from Nissan, the industry leader in electrification. More news, details and images will be had October 2nd when Infiniti officially unveils its Q80 Inspiration Concept at the Parc des Expositions de Versailles in Paris.

“For a marque that has long wavered in dramatic design, the Q80 Inspiration Concept marks a promising redirection for the brand…”


23 Sep
Layers of classic materials, looks & colors this season

Japanese high-fashion designer Junya Watanabe, who is well known for his intellectual approach at reinventing classics, has released a second volley to his MAN Fall/Winter lineup. Coming through with an expected focus on the understated, sophisticated and functional, some of the outerwear pieces are especially worth noting — like the taffeta quilted long parka, for one (shown above). In this case, it’s nylon weatherproof coated but with an interesting paneling of materials and outside pockets which tends to be a theme throughout the collection. The coat also has a fur-trimmed hood and a removable quilted taffeta liner, coming in at just under $2,400 USD. Other items of the collection: a panelled-patchwork jacket with more of the contrasting pockets and fabrics, a collab with English footwear makers for the tasteful Trickster Steer Boots, and various other pieces denoting all-purpose outerwear. As can be expected from Watanabe, look out for plenty of plaids and classic neutral tones, all available at a high price. Shop the entire season line-up at Haven.

More looks at Junya Watanabe’s MAN winter collection after the Jump…

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23 Sep
Get yourself some Zen consciousness... on the rocks

Makers of the world’s most completely unnecessary and yet amazing products, Thinkgeek have come up with a must-have for your wet bar/Zen temple. The spiritually enlightened Laughing Buddha ice tray includes four fillable Siddartha slots, each holding 1.5 ounces of water — lest you prefer to use them for belly jiggling jello shots. It is also nice to know this Laughing Ice Buddha is freezer and dishwasher safe. If you’re really feeling karmically inclined, use him to make a quartet of chocolates or candles. Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, man cannot live without a spiritual life. So cheers, and drink up. Have these buddha holes shipped to your door for $10.


23 Sep
The latest in aviator watches inspired by 20th century military

Bell & Ross delivers another vintage-esque military-inspired classic with the BR 126 Vintage Sport Heritage Flyback, this one giving its salute to civil aviation pilots from the 1960s. The chronograph’s black dial is adorned with photo-luminescent symbols that make for easier nighttime reading, and its band is well-matched Natural Heritage leather embossed with the B&R logo. The BR 126 Sport Heritage Flyback will be limited to only 500 timepieces, available for $4,600.

One last look at the  Bell & Ross BR 126 Sport Heritage Flyback Chronograph  after the Jump…

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