Temple Effectives Vid

Just dropped on The Urban Shop Temple Effectives all over barbed chain print hood there will be a complete size range and other items but they are just filtering through customs, on a customs note there is more Know1edge to arrive everything on site currently is to arrive in all sizes plus another t-shirt design and the Nuggets belt in olive, back to Temple Effectives check out this vid below to see what they are about stick with it and see some unbelievable b-boy action on a basket ball hoop.

Who is Ket?

We came across Ket whilst surfing and cannot believe his story we give a little outline here, his video diary plus a link to his site please support Ket.

Alain Maridueña (better known as Alan Ket) grew up between Jackson Heights, Miami and Brooklyn. He is the first born to his parents, both immigrants from Latin America.

In October 2006, a Special Investigations Unit of the New York Police Department performed a search of writer, artist and publisher Alain KET Maridueña's From Here to Fame (FHTF) home office. They seized documents, computers, art supplies and equipment used in publishing three of FHTF's titles. The seized materials included historical photos being used for an upcoming book on the history of New York City's graffiti movement, images for a book being published with Michael O'Mara books from London and slide shows for university lectures. As an artist, historian and journalist, all of the materials seized are used for work purposes and pose no risk to anyone. The seized property was to be analyzed and, if deemed criminal by the District Attorney's office, indictments would be handed down.

He is now being charges on a number of counts of felony across a number of US States.

Alain can be convicted at trial and receive a sentence of 3-7 years for each felony count he is charged with. The case against Alain KET Maridueña is precedent-setting and the outcome will determine whether artists, journalists, intellectuals and anyone exercising their right to free speech can, in fundamental violation of the United States Constitution, be criminalized merely for their ideas.

Thank god it's the US (land of the Free)but we personally know of 2 UK artists this has happened to both Cheba and Sickboy were let off with fines in UK courts last year.

Please show your support by going to the Ket site and signing up.

Get Some Know1edge

Know1edge is Hong Kong's premier streetwear labels. In their short existence they have collaborated with graffiti legend Haze, Zoo York, Maharishi, Crooks and Castles, artist Methamphibian and not forgetting the Diamond Supply Co.

Diamond Supply Co X Know1edge for a special limited collaboration on the Diamond Selvage Jean. Authentic raw Japanese denim and five pockets but what really makes these jeans stand out is the detailed embroidery. Features the "Diamond" in large script on the back in red plus a shining diamond on the lower left back pocket.

As a footnote Diamond Supply Co t-shirts will be in stock spring/summer 08

The Originators of Hip Hop

If you know who the image above is then this clothing brand is right up your street if you don't read on it's time for some Hip Hop schoolin'. The image above is “Love Bug” Starski is the person that coined the term “Hip-Hop”. “Love Bug” Starski’s career began working with legendary Pete DJ Jones and from there he would move onto playing at every club in the Hip-Hop scene. As one of the 1st DJs to rock both the turntables and the microphone, his crowd rocking style and ability landed him the recognition by some as the best party rocker of the time. He would later become the house DJ for clubs like the Disco Fever, Harlem World, and the Renaissance Ballroom.

The Originators was started in 2004, by then filmmaker Adam Bach.

"After 30 years of Hip-Hop it was time to look back and give credit and respect to those that helped build it," says founder Adam Bach. "These guys, and still many others, built its very foundation. Hip-Hop is a strong Culture today, and it's time we learn who was instrumental in its conception and growth."

"I had a strong desire to tell these guys stories in films. One day, I got the idea. Instead of taking a lot of money that I didn't have and 2 years of my life to tell one guys story, I could tell all of the early Pioneers stories in t-shirts and in clothing. With every shirt I would include a hang-tag with a biography of the person on the shirt so that the consumer could learn more about that individual. I saw it as an opportunity to educate on the early years of Hip-Hop, and on those responsible for its growth ... That's when I got the idea for The Originators."

Adam is passionate about what he does as he tells us more.

"Every Artist involved in this thing, is under a per-unit licensing deal, so the Artist makes money on every shirt sold bearing their name and likeness. This was very important to us when setting up the company. I wanted the Originator to make money as the company made money. They do well as we do well, and that's the way it should be."

"I know this sounds funny but we want to grow organically, almost grassroots, like the Hip-Hop Movement itself. There will be other lines that try to do we have done. They will saturate the marketplace in an attempt to make money ... but the key in this thing is to do things with integrity and to do things correct, historically. We have a large responsibility here and we know it."

Rogue Status at The Urban Shop

Rogue Status are known for their controversial t-shirt design, things like the suicide bomber belt design. The Rogue Status t-shirt design "Gun Show" (seen above)is frequently seen on the MTV show reality comedy series Rob & Big. Very cult brand in the US with a growing following in the UK.

Weapon of Choice Jan 08

Weapon of Choice is a new night coming to Bristol that will showcase off local talent either through art or music sponsored by The Urban Shop.

They will be boarding up the back walls of Mr Wolfs and inviting some of the very best upcoming artists from around the South West to collaborate every month. First up is FLX, recently painted at the Banksy Bristol book launch plus Andy Council of Farm Yardeez. Other artists lined up for the year include Inkie, Mr Jago, Nikil + many more.

DJ killer tomato
resident dj dmc champ runner-up and dj of the glc.
illache
primoid lab
jackov and kallendar
anomaly

8th of January 2008
9am-2am every 2nd Tuesday of the month.
@ Mr Wolfs £3 all night!

Streetwear an Overview

Streetwear think, Pharrell Williams or Kanye West—two icons of the streetwear look and two people who are consistently noted on any "best dressed" list. Contrary to some stereotypes associated with hip-hop fashion, streetwear these days, is a clean, tailored look, just with a different, laidback vibe than mainstream fashion. Though a casual graphic t-shirt is an essential streetwear item, throwing a blazer on top is a quick, sharp-looking way to dress things up, a trend that has been absorbed by the mainstream.

If we had to strip streetwear down to any items, I would say a dope pair of jeans, a nice t-shirt and a clean pair of kicks. It’s a blend of skateboard and sneaker culture. Everyone had a pair of Jordans and that helped foster the sneaker movement. That love for Michael Jordan, and his shoes, laid the framework for a look that has melted together as each separate style has evolved on its own and then as one. Following the lineage of streetwear will lead you down several different roads. The foundations were laid in the late 1970s, with the initiation of hip-hop and the urban wear that accompanied the attitudes and lifestyle of the music; then gained traction in the 1980s, when surfboard designer Stussy created an underground line, skate-friendly clothing, which went mainstream as skateboarding surged in popularity.

So where does streetwear go from here? As with other style genres, trends ebb and flow; evolve and dissipate. Big, baggy clothing has evolved into a more couture-type fit, while busy patterns have shifted into solid colours. As for the future, it’s hard to predict but, the past few years have had an eighties theme; people wearing skinny-type jeans, vintage Levis, rave colours and all over prints, but now it’s going to be more clean, simple.

Sustainable Fashion Competition

Budding young UK fashion designers have now got a chance to create a new range of clothing for an established, sustainable fashion label.

The competition will be judged by nine leading sustainable businesses who will also act as mentors to the winners and includes labels such as streetwear hemp label THTC, the lingerie and women’s wear firm Enamore, From Somewhere, which uses recycled fabrics including cashmere, silk, cotton, jersey and tweed.

Three winning teams will then get the chance to work with their chosen mentor to create a collection in time for a catwalk show at London Fashion Week in September 2008.

“There has never been a more inspiring time to start a fashion business in the UK. The new generation holds the key to achieving positive change by creating products that are stunning in terms of design and innovative in terms of sustainability,” said Tamsin Lejeune, Founder, Ethical Fashion Forum.

For further information, visit makeyourmarkinfashion.org.

Ucon launches in the UK on TheUrbanShop

While many clothing sites are concentrating on Christmas here at The Urban Shop the struggle to bring you the latest, freshest and most interesting NEW brands we can find. We don’t see what’s in other stores and selling we look for what interests us and brands that are doing something different then we bring it to the UK and introduce it to all you Fashionista out there and so meet UCON.

Ucon the acronym for 'Urban CONquest' was founded in 2001 by 3 friends. At the time, they could only muster 1.500 Euros between them, so the first skate urban clothing collection was simply three t-shirts and a sweater. It was therein that the challenge existed for us, to see just how far we could take our clothing company without a strong financial background, but with plenty of passion, creativity and willpower.

Ucon is a skate based brand that as pushed the experience into the urban arena and whilst they custom make all the garments they keep the price fairly low so you’re getting a lot for your money with Ucon.

Keep an eye out for more new brands on The Urban Shop we have 3 deliveries on the way from some very hot companies, say no more people are listening.

Innovate dont pirate our ideas then you can be yourself and not a pale reflection of The Urban Shop.

THTC organic t-shirts and hoodies

THTC organic clothing that's a result of fair-trade is where The Hemp Trading Company is coming from with their 55% hemp and 45% cotton organic t-shirts and hoodies. This season sees THTC collaborate with 2 leading movements sweet reggae music's Trojan Records and the guy's that "invent" hip hop The Universal Zulu Nation.

Trojan Records
Since its creation in 1968, Trojan Records has led the way in presenting the very best in classic Jamaican sounds, from Rocksteady and early Reggae sounds that dominated in the years of its launch, up to the modern styles of Dancehall and Jungle. Trojan record as released content from some of the leading lights of Jamican music including Bob Marley & The Wailers, Dennis Brown, John Holt, Ken Boothe, Toots & The Maytals and The Inner Circle. Trojan have also worked with legendary producers such as Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd and Leslie Kong.

The Universal Zulu Nation
The Zulu Nation is an "international hip hop awareness" group formed and headed by hip hop godfather Afrika Bambaataa. Originally formed in the 1970s from reformed New York City gang members Zulu Nation began to organise cultural events for youth, combining local dance and music movements into what would become known as the various "elements" of hip hop culture.

Methods NYC win 07 T-shirts

Methods NYC basically started out with the intent of being a support system for urban artists. Methods NYC choose artists from around the world that they respected. Methods NYC have had artists on the line that range from insane street bombers to high profile gallery artists. Some artists that they've worked with in the past include SuperBlast (Berlin, Germany), KOA (Lille, France), NYC Lase (MOTUG, NYC), Skam2?(FL), Dizmology (MOTUG, NYC), Vandal's Ink (LA), AS1 (Miami), Frost (PHILLY), and many others. Every line that they put out has designs from at least 10 dope artists from around the world.

Check out the fresh MethodsNYC t-shirt colours and the wild front and back bright coloured prints just arrive direct from NY Dec 07.

Evolving Styles Christmas Bash

Evolving Styles returns to London this Friday, December 7 at 5pm, offering a rare chance to invest in works of art by the biggest names in the movement. Original art by the likes of Blek le Rat, FAFI, Dave Kinsey, Faile, Albert Reyes, DAIM and New York graffiti legends, DAZE and CRASH, will go under the hammer, while audiences watch world-famous artists including art duo, Herakut (GER), Bristol based Mr Jago (UK) and Flying Fortress (GER) paint canvases live from 5pm., which will be auctioned off on the same night for SOS Children-the world's largest orphan charity.

Chestnuts will be roasting, hot winter cocktails will be served free (while stocks last) and the best DJs will be playing out.

Evolving Styles: Friday, December 7 @ Cargo / 83 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3AY / Tube: Liverpool Street / Doors: 16:00-21:00 / Free entry

The Urban Shop features on The Guardian

The Guardian newspaper group has been showing The Urban Shop some love this week with a little piece on the Planet Earth Organic Clothing Range they do spread some festive joy to a few other organic and ethical clothing and shoe brands so check the link if it’s your kinda thing The Guardian