RE-Fresh: Nike Driving Force (1989)

Produced by: Dan Hwang
Written by: Jesse Carr

For this installment of the RE-Fresh series, we take a look at our third Nike Force model, the Driving Force. We’ve already closely inspected the Air Force 180 worn by Charles Barkley and the Air Force 180 High Pump model worn by David Robinson. The Force line carried sneakers meant for forwards and centers whose games demanded shoes that could handle the gritty style of play in the paint, whereas the Flight line had sneakers with a lighter build to enable guards to cross their opponents over with ease. Even without the massive “Force” logo on the tongue to clue you in, a glance at the monstrous, rugged high top lets you know which line this model finds itself in.

Concepts x Sorel – Tofino High

Boston’s CONCEPTS and Sorel are teaming up once again, with the two names taking a walk on the wild side to introduce their latest collaborative project. The CONCEPTS x Sorel Tofino High comes in two styles, one featuring a waxed canvas upper in beige, the other with a brown etched leather upper, and both adorned with a subtle leopard print for a bit of animalistic flair. Additional details include a durable leather shell, red leather laces, faux fur collar and high-traction molded rubber outsole based on the classic 1964 Pac boot. Look for them to drop at CONCEPTS on January 1st, 2012.

CONCEPTS (CNCPTS) Boston
37 Brattle Street | Map
Cambridge, MA 02138

Release Date: January 1st, 2012 (Sunday)

2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ | By Zagato

Italian coachbuilder Zagato is famous for building bodies for competition cars and special one-offs, though it made an exception for the vehicle pictured above. In 2005, noted Japanese car collector Yushiyuki Hayashi commissioned Zagato to create a modern day version of the Ferrari 250 GTZ in honor of the vehicle’s 50th anniversary. Ferrari gave its blessing to allow the automaker’s official badges and logos to be used in the car design based on the 575M Maranello, but only under one condition: as Ferrari was unveiling its 599 GTB Fiorano at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, Zagato would have to wait two months to unveil the all new Ferrari 575 GTZ at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Public reaction to the 575 GTZ was strong enough that Zagato ended up building another five models, with the first two going to Mr. Hayashi. One of those cars has made its way to Symbolic Motor Car Company in La Jolla, California, with mileage clocked at just 2,800. Featuring an all aluminum body in black and a unique green interior, the car lacks a listed asking price, which no doubt means it’s far beyond the reach of us 99 percenters. Check out more looks after the click. via: Autoblog

NRML x LRG Letterman Jacket

Canada’s NRML will enjoy its 15th anniversary in 2012, and to celebrate, the streetwear retailer has gotten together with LRG on an exclusive limited edition Letterman Jacket. Crafted from heavyweight black wool, the garment features snap-button closure, warm quilted lining and contrast striped ribbing at the cuff and waist. Double branding in the form of embroidery and appliquéd patch at both the front and back of the jacket round out the details. With a production run limited to just 50 pieces, the NRML x LRG Letterman is available in-store now.

Click through for more looks of the collaborative jacket as modeled by local Ottawa rap duo Bender and Patience, who with DJ Calkuta make up Flight Distance. Their latest album, Bad Information, can be purchased through iTunes.

NRML
184 Rideau Street | Map
Ottawa, ON K1N 5X6 Canada
TEL#: 613-562-2043

Nike SB Stefan Janoski Mid Premium – Inuit

An awkward metaphor, perhaps, but the Nike SB Janoski is a sneaker that wears its influence on its sleeve. Its unmistakable topsider detailing made the shoe easy to wear outside the skatepark, making the model a top seller for Nike’s skateboarding division. The upcoming Janoski Mid Premium “Inuit” layers yet another design inspiration in the form of a winterized boot. The January quickstrike release is crafted with an obsidian leather upper and features D-ring lacing, brown piping and warm sherpa-lined interior. The shoe probably isn’t equipped to handle conditions in the Arctic Circle (notwithstanding the nickname), but it packs enough insulation for a standard winter day. Check out more looks after the click. via: Dunkbar

Faralli & Mazzanti Evantra – New Super Car To Come

Faralli & Mazzanti may sound like a neighborhood pasta restaurant, but the little known Italian automaker is cooking up something with more flavor than the zestiest pesto. Originally called the Mugello and now known as the Evantra (the abrupt name change may have something to do with the ownership of the Italian Mugello race track, aka Ferrari), F&M’s first production vehicle features an impressively sleek design and equally impressive specs. With production numbers limited to a stingy five examples, customers have the option to customize key features: they can choose between a naturally aspirated or twin-turbo 3.5-liter flat six engine good for 400 and 600 horsepower, as well as a composite or all aluminum body. With the latter, the car is hand-crafted and allows for a bespoke model personalized by the client. The Evantra can potentially weight as little as 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs) and go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Check out more looks of this limited-edition supercar after the click. via: Autoblog

WHIZ Limited x Disney – Crewneck Sweatshirt

WHIZ Limited have managed to squeeze in one more release before Christmas, and it is produced in conjunction with animation giant, Disney. This is not the first time WHIZ Limited has worked with Disney, however, and once again the focus of the item is the Mickey graphic on the front. A white outline gives an indication of the character, while his face and body are kept hidden in a shadow. Mickey’s trademark red shorts are highly visible in red flocking ink, creating contrast on the black sweatshirt. On the back, there is a large ’76′ graphic screen-printed to represent the WHIZ Limited brand. There will only be 76 units for sale, and it will be released today at WHIZ Limited-operated retail store, LUMP TOKYO. via: Eyescream

LUMP TOKYO

1F, 3-21-6 Jingumae | Map
Shibuya, Tokyo
Japan

Hennessey Performance – 2013 HPE800 Twin Turbo Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

If for some reason you are not content with the standard Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Hennessey Performance have just the upgrade for one of the fastest SUV’s in the world. In its standard form, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 produces 465 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque from its 6.4 liter HEMI V8 power plant; this equates to an acceleration of standstill to 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds. If this neck-snapping power and speed is not enough, let the Texan tuning house increase the amount of horses under the hood. Its tuning package includes a displacement of the V8, changing it into a 7 liter capacity and further adding two turbos to pump out 805 horsepower and 823 lb-ft of torque. From zero to 60 mph can be reached in just 3.1 seconds and an improved Brembo brake package will be installed to help stop the vehicle. Furthermore, there will be an inclusion of a lowered sports suspension, 20 inch alloy wheels, carbon fiber front spoiler and custom leather interior on this bad boy. via: Carscoop

KIA Ray – Korea’s First Production Electric Vehicle

KIA would like to introduce you to the Ray EV, their new front-wheel-drive long range vehicle. Limited initially to only 2,500 units, the new KIA Ray is powered by a 50kW electric motor that is paired with a high-capacity 16.4 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, which is safely concealed under the rear seat. Capable of pumping out 67-hp and an impressive 123 lb-ft of torque (which is actually more than its gas-guzzling version) with zero emissions, the Ray can be charged in either a standard 6-hour setting or a 25-minute fast-charge mode using a regular household plug. The interior, which can easily fit four, is fitted with a first-ever EV-specific navigation system that is pre-programmed to help drivers find charging stations located throughout Korea.

Click past the jump to see more detailed photos of the KIA Ray EV.

Sneaker Con Los Angeles – 12-17-2011 | Recap Video

As the “Official Sneaker Cleaner of Sneaker Con Los Angeles”, cleanser mixologist Jason Markk had the privilege to capture some behind-the-scene look at the first ever Sneaker Con Los Angeles. Unfortunately, he got to the Los Angeles Convention Center late last Saturday. Luckily, he was still able to capture some of the sights and sounds from the inaugural event. And while the reception was not as hectic as the one in New York City two weekends ago, there was still plenty of dealings going on. In fact, Markk nearly sold out his inventory by the day’s end.

The Official Sneaker Cleaner Of Sneaker Con | Sneaker Con LA 2011 Video Recap from Jason Markk on Vimeo.

Lexus LF-LC Concept – Officially Unveiled Lexus LF LC Concept Officially Unveiled Lexus was hoping to keep much of its new LF-LC concept under wraps

Lexus was hoping to keep much of its new LF-LC concept under wraps until the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, but after a pair of official teaser photos dropped, the excitement couldn’t be contained leading to a leaked photo of its profile. Created in Lexus’ California design studio, the new LF-LC looks to have a targa top rather than a fully retractable hard-top and, unlike its predecessor, designers slipped in a second row of seats. The LF-LC’s smooth lines and aggressively styled grille have also been paired with Lexus’ hybrid technology (notice the label near its rear wheel), meaning the LF-LC looks to be Lexus’ take on the future of high-end luxury coupes.

There are still a lot of questions left unanswered about the Lexus LF-LC that will have to wait until for its official unveiling in Detroit on January 9, but you can still get a good look at it after the jump.

A Bathing Ape x Star Wars – Capsule Collection

Can hear it, that familiar anthem by composer John Williams? After an overwhelming reception of its debut collection, A Bathing Ape and Star Wars will continue their space odyssey once again for the Delivery 2 of A Bathing Ape x Star Wars – Capsule Collection. With more of a focus on the last two films of the 6-part saga, “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi”, the collection extends beyond apparel and accessories to novelties such as key chains, seat cushions, and shot glasses. Similar to the first collection release, A Bathing Ape also organized several in-store events in preparation for the launch. On New Year’s Day, January 1st, it will begin sales at its BAPE Harajuku and BAPE Shibuya in Tokyo, before other retail locations Customers will also receive special gifts as well. For availability else where, stay tuned to Freshness for updates on future releases.

BAPE Harajuku
4-21-5 Jingumae | Map
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan
TEL #: +81-03-5474-0204

BAPE Shibuya
RISE Bldg.
13-17 Udagawa-cho | Map
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan
TEL #: +81-03-6415-6041

Preview Release Date: January 1st, 2012 (Sunday)