adidas ZX Flux Launch Party; Melbourne

Melbourne was awash with adidas fever on Friday night as the city partied hard to celebrate the launch of the ZX Flux in some style.

There was clear adi love as far as the eye could see as the event kicked off the 2014 Carbon Festival, so guests included some of the speakers (including Designer Mark McNairy, Frank 151 Founder Stephen Malbon, Photographer PrettyPuke, and Complex Chief Content Officer Noah Callahan-Bever) interwoven with a pumping crowd all showing their love for the brand with a sea of 3 stripe apparel and footwear.

The ZX Flux has got the world's attention, and it seemed to focus on Melbourne which coincides nicely with the start of the Carbon Festival.

I was in Melbourne to shoot the whole weekend will be shooting so I will have more features on it through this week.

Enjoy!

Corbin Harris; Skate Story

From Sydney to the world, Corbin Harris has become a global name in skating, extreme sports and broadcasting.

Back on home turf for a quick visit to Sydney, Corbin was kind enough to spend some time sharing his story of how and why he got into skating, and what it means to him now.

His career has given Corbin some amazing opportunities - from travel, to meeting amazing people, to working with some amazing brands including Nike SB and Red Bull, but of extra significance for him is Pretty Shady, a great cause that Corbin has been involved with over the in 13/14 summer to raiseing awareness of skin cancer.

It's startling to know that Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with 2 out of 3 people diagnosed with it at some point in their lives.  Pretty epic stats!

Corbin has spent his life skating and playing sport outdoors so knows how important it is to take this matter seriously, and as an ambassador for Pretty Shady he's doing all he can to spread the word; take action and do yourself a favour by taking preventative measures to protect yourself such as sunnies, a hat, sunscreen and long sleeves. They will all help to stop skin cancer one summer at a time!

It's a great cause, and I offer a huge thanks to Pretty Shady for not only promoting awareness of this great cause, but also for the hook up with Corbin!

Please all check out this fantastic cause right now at www.prettyshady.com

Follow Pretty Shady on Facebook here. Music: Colour of Nothing by Sonority Serenity

Corbin Harris x Nike SB Eric Koston

When it comes to describing skater Corbin Harris the word 'busy' is an understatement.  The skating powerhouse is a global name both on and off the board, as when he's not skating around the world he's busy hosting skate/sports TV shows around the world, designing skate parks, writing books about skating, and generally giving back to the sport that has given him so much.
He's also one of the nicest people I have met so I was delighted when he took time out of his busy schedule on a trip home to Sydney to stop, chat, and shoot a short video that I can't wait to present to you in the very near future.
As part of the Nike SB family Corbin has a very healthy relationship with kicks.  They play an integral part of his work and they punctuate a healthy fashion taste that goes beyond just skate brands to include strong contemporary fashion labels like Opening Ceremony.
For our shooting he wore these fantastic 2014 Nike SB Eric Koston 2 Max's, a shoe that features a modified upper from the Koston 2, and fuses it with lightweight Hyperfuse and mesh construction with an Max Air heel unit and Free forefoot.  
I know I may be considered controversial by some of the skating purists for calling the shoe 'fantastic', but I think the look of the shoe is great, making a strong crossover between skate and streetwear, so the shoe is quite apt for Corbin who has himself made the crossover to working both on and off the board.
This crossover has isn't limited to just skating-related projects as Corbin is also involved with some other great non-sport related causes like Pretty Shady, a fantastic Sydney-born campaign that aims to raise awareness of skin cancer.   Corbin is playing his part in this great cause by helping to raise awareness, take positive action and encourage others to do the same, so I urge you to check it out.

Anna x Reebok Freestyle Hi; Sydney

Anna is in something of a dilemma.  A chance coincidence saw her and her beloved retro Reebok Freestyle Hi's meet when she found them in a Charity Op Shop and as a self confessed introvert instantly pounced on the idea of these bold silver shoes giving her some extroverted expression.

However, on the rare occasions she has been brave enough to wear them the shoes have only enforced her introverted ways.

Kids have stopped, stared and pointed at them, and her boyfriend has gone to great lengths to 'lose' them by burying them at the back of the wardrobe.

Brainwashed into not wearing them by everyone around her, Anna had all but given up on the shoes, but I hope that all changes now.

On behalf of all those bold shoes we have all brought that seemed like a good idea at the time and were consigned to the back of the wardrobe - I say liberate, and make them free.  

Anna is going to lead the charge by wearing these great shoes more often, and I say we can all join her by breaking out those shoes that never get the chance to shine. 

Mr Black x Sneaker Freaker Competition

With great shoes comes great responsibility, and our good friends at Mr Black are ensuring that you have the right to rep always immaculate kicks in this great competition.
Up for grabs is an amazing Mr. Black Premium Garment Care Pack consisting of the Mr. Black Shoe Refresh and Shoe Cleaner, Mr. Black Denim Refresh and Denim Wash and a Mr. Black Denim Apron.
I can personally vouch for the power of this gear as they saved my kicks and jeans from messy encounters on numerous occasions, and with minimum effort they're back to looking super sharp again.
To give yourself the chance to revive and refresh your own gear all you need to do is get on Instagram and show how much you deserve it.
Put up pics of your filthiest kicks with the hashtag #keepitfreshkeepitclean, and I will pick the most deserving winner.  (Feel free to also hashtag/follow @lester_idigyoursoleman too!)
The comp closes at midnight on Monday March 31st, multiple entries are allowed, and the winner will be chosen by me - who I will contact directly.
Mr Blacks will kindly cover the cost of postage to you no matter where you are, so this is open to anyone everywhere around the world!
Good luck.

Mitch x Damir Doma Falco: Sydney

Mitch is a Sydney based fashion photographer whose work has opened his eyes and mind to countless new looks, styles, and brands, including the Paris shoe label Damir Doma.

Named after the Designer Damir Doma, the label is very much positioned in the premium designer tier with the shoes offering a similar look to Kris Van Assche kicks, focusing on texture, detail and intricate design.

Mitch discovered these Falco's while he was in London, and straight away he started frantically saving up so he could get a pair.

However, once he had the shoes Mitch was reluctant to wear them for fear of dirtying them. His friends didn't take too kindly to him not wanting to go to pubs, clubs or even outside in them in case drinks were spilt, people stood on them, or heaven forbid...it rained!!!

He eventually relented and wore them and has started to admit that they look better broken in, and is very much of the 'rock it don't stock it' mindset more and more sneakerheads are starting to embrace.

In Their Shoes; Ta-ku

Talented, driven and humble are 3 qualities that make Australian beat maker and Producer as easy to like as his infectious music.

I was first introduced to his incredible work when I shot with Perth store Highs and Lows last year, as they are mates with him and he provided his beats for the film (see here).  I couldn't get it out of my head, and since then I've become a big fan of his work.  

He's also fascinated in sneaker culture, and as the pioneer of the Instagram group 'Team Cozy' he's bringing together kicks lovers and appreciators from around the world.

With the above glowing credentials I'm delighted that he's taken time from his busy schedule to be the latest name to take part in my In Their Shoes interview series, so read on to find out more about Perth's finest.

IDYSM: Hey TA-KU, Set the scene for us. Where are you, what are you listening to and what’s happening?

TA-KU: Oh ok, right now? I’m in my studio trying to make something album worthy, instead I am draking out listening to Caspian and getting rather emotional.

IDYSM: So, how did you get into making music?

TA-KU: I’ve always loved listening to music and discovering it, however it really started when I heard Slum Village Fall in Love and literally fell in love with Dillas production.

IDYSM: For a while you were splitting your time between making beats and selling Health Insurance. I’m sure the music is healthy enough for you to just be focusing on that

now?

TA-KU: Yeah for sure. The music was healthy enough for awhile, but I enjoy the corporate secular world too so I was just going 100 on both.

IDYSM: Your music has a recognisable soulful feel to it, how long did it take to find your voice and why did you go in that direction?

TA-KU: Hmm I think that’s still ongoing you know? Im always finding my voice in different sounds and experiences. I think SOUL is very much apart of me and who I am tho.

IDYSM: Your work is championed by a lot of people including Hypebeast and Hypetrak. How important has working with leading influencers been?

TA-KU: Its been essential and an honour. I like working with like minded people who are enthusiastic and passionate. I would have it no other way.

IDYSM: Sound obviously plays a big part to your work, but so does vision. I’ve heard you say that your music is created visually, tell us about the process.

TA-KU: Aesthetics in music is SO important. We creative visual memories and patterns when we listen to music. Its just what the human brain does. It helps stimulate us. in the music

making process its important to factor in the visual element as it makes it that much more of an impact on our senses.

IDYSM: Are you something of an observer? I would guess you are as your photography on Instagram is pretty sweet – is it something you take seriously?

TA-KU: Yes it is, I love people watching, I love traveling & I love human behaviour. As we coast through life it is captured and defined by moments. Being able to observe and then

absorb those moments mean a lot to me. As they will never happen again.

Images courtesy of Ta-Ku

IDYSM: You are behind the visual outlet of Team Cozy on Instagram (@Team_Cozy). Tell us about how that came about and what it is?

TA-KU: Team Cozy started as a hashtag which expressed the notion of comfort over everything. However it grew into this strong visual aesthetic. Photographer and instagrammer

alike really embraced it by combining a keen eye for composition and really clean , warm photography into their love for comfortable clothing and street wear. Its evolving very fast.

Images courtesy of @team_cozy

IDYSM: It goes some way to showing your love for sneakers, what role do they play in your life?

TA-KU: I just feel complete with a nice pair of shoes you know? Its all in the details and also in the what they say about a person.. they hold so much character.

IDYSM: The sneaker scene in Perth is pretty passionate, how involved are you in that scene and with Highs and Lows (the globally recognized Perth boutique)?

TA-KU: They are all my HOMIES! So much love for them. We collaborate, eat, play ball, talk, exchange ideas weekly. Very close to the HAL fam.

IDYSM: You get to travel a lot know, is that opening your eyes and ears to new inspirations both musically and with sneaker tastes?

TA-KU: Oh yes. ITs such an enlightening experience to travel. It just broadens all horizons. Giving you a peek into different cultures and sub cultures.

IDYSM: OK, you’re repping Team Cozy here and it’s time for my signature sign-off question and I can’t wait to hear your answer to this…what’s on your feet right now?

TA-KU: Damn imma have to tell the truth but right now I got the 40s & Shorties high socks and Nike Solarsoft slippers. OG. ha!

Follow Ta-ku on Instagram here.

Follow Ta-ku on Soundcloud page here. 

And treat yourself - check out Drive Slow Homie Pt. III here.

adidas Originals x Topshop Launch; Sydney

There is no denying that adidas are killing it this year.  Each week see's them announce a new and exciting drop, and this week was no exception as they launched their amazing collab with Topshop.
When 2 powerhouses such as adidas and Topshop combine it's almost certain to be popular, but in this instance their was never any doubt that the collab was going to be anything short of fantastic.
Topshop is pretty much a mecca for womenswear, so seeing their take on classic adidas Originals product was sure to get the ladies excited, and with a full range of footwear and apparel up for grabs, this range will be huge.
Product ranges from big bold patterns, to more subdued classic trefoil'ed tees and sweatshirts meaning there is something for everyone.
The Oz launch took place in Sydney last night at the Sydney Westfield adidas Originals store and showcased the full range of product which brought out Sydney's crowd in force (including many adi lovers - including the wearer of those 2013 adidas Originals JS “Totem” / “Eagle Wing's” by Jeremy Scott) 
Ladies, there's no denying it, you cannot hide from adidas owning 2014, embrace it and some of this amazing product now!

Check here for more details.