The Robert Verdi Vans® Slip-On x Hermès Customized Collection For Summer 2011 = Jeff Vans® Gully.

"What’s a guy to do when his favorite sneaker company won’t collaborate with his favorite fashion house??? Well, Robert Verdi took the collaboration into his own hands by kindly requesting that Vans make him a few pairs of custom kicks out of his vintage Hermes scarf collection for his personal use. We have to admit, the end result was brilliant! This marriage between upscale prints and rubber street soles make the collaboration seem like a typical case of the old saying, ‘opposites attract.’ On the contrary, the union of Hermes and Vans make more sense than what meets the eye, by the use of the two distinctive materials that represent each company. Since 1937 Hermes has been designing their classic silk scarves, which elevated the company to an iconic status. Equally so, it was 1966 when Paul Van Doren sold his first pair of Vans on the streets of Anaheim California, with the same rubber sole we see today. The rubber of the shoes, and the silk of the scarves, are the two materials in which society identifies these brands to be. Though Hermes and Vans are from opposite worlds, they both found their identity, and stayed true to it!"

Information Courtesy Of: Knstrct.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: As a fashion purist, I generally regard unsolicited collaborations (NOTE: If such uncooperative unions can even truly be called "collaborations". Hmmmmmm, me thinks such forced fusions are more akin to date rape. No?) as disrespectful bastardizations of style that usually always run counter to the borrowed label's hard earned and understandably closely protected brand image. Nope. No sir, I don't like it. However, my attitude towards sneaky collaborations can prove to be quite malleable when the item(s) in question exhibits as fresh a design brilliance as this Vans® Slip-On x Hermès Customized Collection for Summer 2011.

I'm not even a fan of slip-on Vans® like that homie, but the awesome otherness that has been achieved by blending the aristocratic flair of the House of Hermès and their legendary highly collectible silk scarves with the "kick-push" kingly character of Vans® sneakers is the perfect marriage of the pretty and the gritty. This is "Heroin Chic" ... like burning a bag of dope in a sterling silver Tiffany & Co.® spoon. Now, THAT'S what we call "imagery" boys and girls ... lol.

Oh yeah, points have been deducted because these bespoke beauties aren't available to the public (NOTE: Maybe I should petition stylist Robert Verdi for a pair. The internet can be a magical place ... lol), but these kicks are still official my nig. Hey, I like what I like. Good shit!

Live From Paris: Hermès Fall/Winter 2010/11 Womenswear (Full Show)

The Leica M7 Hermès Edition Camera = A Picture That's Worth $14,000 Words.

"Leica has now confirmed the limited edition Leica M7 Hermes Edition. This is the second collaboration between Leica and Hermes and there will only be 200 of these limited edition Leica M7s produced, 100 will be in orange and 100 in green. Each camera will also feature a special sequential serial number between 001 and 200.

All of the control elements of the LEICA M7 Edition ‘Hermès’ have been manufactured exclusively in metal, and the back of the camera is finished in silver chrome. While the red color of the engraved AUTO and flash settings on the shutter speed dial have been replaced by the shade of the camera’s leather.

The Leica M7 Hermes Edition will go on sale in the UK in December for £8,550 or about $14,300."

Information Courtesy Of: Slipperybrick.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Whilst I am a man of very few regrets, I do bemoan my lack of photos from my youth. I mean, I've got some classic New York City Forty Deuce airbrushed back drop pictures floating around along with the mandatory look-@-me-and-my-copious-amount-of-overpriced-champagne-bottles flicks from my clubbing days, however, there are waaaaaaaaaaaay too many definitive moments missing from the scrapbook of my life.

Thankfully, my mother is the brilliant chief executive photographer of our fine family and has exhaustively amassed the lion's share of our archival history. Additionally, my mommy dearest L.O.V.E.s the legendary Parisian high-fashion house of Hermès. Now tell me, could there be any better gift for her than this über limited Leica M7 Hermès Edition Camera?

The 2nd collaboration between German camera and optics manufacturer Leica and luxury Atelier Hermès is set @ 200 production pieces - 100 in the signature Hermès orange colorway and 100 in green. Covered with exquisite Barenia calfskin leather, each silver-chrome finished retro looking 35mm camera kit set also comes encased in an elegantly silk-lined box and is sequentially numbered between 001 and 200. This pricey $14,300 pictorial play mate is perfect for the millionaire shutterbug enthusiast. Don't trip though homie, it's all about the carpenter and NOT the expensive tools. Focus.

The Autumn/Winter 2009-2010 Hermès Calfskin Leather Hoody = I Don't Know Much, But, I Know I L.O.V.E. Y.O.U.

"Our Berlin office seems to be gushing over this view of Hermes’ calfskin leather and mink hoodie. It is part of their current Autumn/Winter 2009 collection and should suit many of our European readers well – I guess those in NYC could get away with [it] as well. Mink is not for everyone, but what is?"

Information Courtesy Of: Selectism.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Simply put, we're talking about a Hermès Calfskin Leather Hoody. Oh yeah, did I mention that this corpulently fatted foie gras-like fashion delicacy is luxuriously lined in mink! What the fuck!? Nothing exceeds like excess and this Jean-Paul Gaultier designed dandy from the Hermès Autumn/Winter 2009-2010 aviation inspired La Grande Évasion (Translation: "The Great Escape") collection is pure haute couture hedonism incarnate @ it's finest. Unfortunately, there's like little to no retail information about this stunning piece, but, I can only imagine the astronomical price tag swinging off of this rich nigga zip-up hoody's sleeve. Heroin Chic indeed.

P.ost S.cript:

Let some faggot ass PETA member throw red paint on this hoody ... maaaaaaaaaan, "If have to raise out this chair there's gon' be trouble, trouble!" ... lol. R.I.P. the late, great Bernie Mac.

The 1 Million-Euro Bugatti 16C Galibier = A Luxury Car Coupe D'etat.

"The Bugatti 16C Galibier was supposed to be one of three concept cars which the most exclusive of automakers was set to unveil as a potential replacement for the legendary Veyron supercar, now nearing the end of its production run. But reports now suggest that the Alsatian marque is preparing to put the four-door super-saloon into production.

With a de-tuned version of the Veyron's quad-turbo W16 engine producing "only" 800 horsepower instead of its predecessor's 1000, the production version of the Galibier could borrow its chassis from the new Bentley Mulsanne and carry a seven-figure price tag to match the Veyron's if and when it hits the market, which sources peg around 2013. Better start saving now."

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: When craving the need for speed, truly discerning (and rich) automotive enthusiasts have long since abandoned their stuffy chauffeurs idling in their Rolls Royce Phantoms and Daimler-Chrysler Maybachs and gone it alone for the 1-of-a-kind Bugatti driving experience. Although founded by eccentric engineering genius Ettore Bugatti waaaaaaaay back in 1909, now, under the direction of the Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG), this formerly floundering brand has enjoyed new life and flourished as a leader in the super exclusive, über limited production sports car market. Most popular of their current models being the Bugatti Veyron (NOTE: Of which they even have an Hermès edition), the Bugatti firm has just pulled the wraps off of their latest 4-door concept supercar, the enchanting 1 Million-Euro fetching Bugatti 16C Galibier.

The silhouette of this hatchback - or fastback - coupe pays pronounced homage to 1 of the greatest Bugatti models ever assembled, the immortal Type 57 Atlantic, while the feel is reportedly much the same as the Veyron. Now, the Galibier is slightly slower than the sound barrier smashing Veyron, but, topping out @ around 217 MPH aint nothing to be ashamed of homie ... lol.

Named after a particularly difficult Alpine pass along the Tour de France, the Bugatti Galibier is a quad-turbo W16 8-liter engine revving carbon fiber finished vision from Heaven. The Moral Of The Story: Keep your head up AND get that bread up! This is Livestyle.

The New Era Custom Brooklyn Dodgers 59Fifty "Gucci Colors" Cap = Gucci L.O.V.E.

"ROCK-N-JOCKS says “Hello Brooklyn” with their latest NEW ERA fitted release. This custom Brooklyn Dodgers 59Fifty cap is dipped in a Gucci inspired color way. The Black crown is contrasted by the Hunter Green top bill, followed up by and Red Underbill. “Brooklyn” is The embroidered on the front in Hunter Green with a Red outlined. An embroidered “B” is stitched in the back in Hunter Green and Red. Limited to just 30 pieces, pick this one up and many more new releases only at www.rocknjocks.com"

Information Courtesy Of: Strictlyfitteds.Com

Available Online Here: Rocknjocks.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In a stunning twist, when the Gucci luxury brand fell out of fashionable favor with their old guard "blue blood" clientele during the 1980's, it was Hip Hop that adopted this formidable Florentine label and resurrected their rich signature red and green flag!

This unsolicited - and most likely unwelcome - revolution helped save the Gucci dynasty from the brink of extinction. From authentic Gucci sweatsuits to the magnificent designer plagiarism of Harlem's legendary 24-hour a day bespoke baller outfitter, Dapper Dan, the G's adored the "GG"'s and, inadvertently, exposed a new generation of aspiring sartorialists to a new level of opulence. Consider brands such as Ralph Lauren Polo and Fila as gateway drugs and Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Hermès as the hardcore high end narcotics. Is an intervention even necessary? Nah, I didn't think so. LOL.

Anyway, fast forward to 2009 and, today, the Gucci Group is looking better than it ever has. In recent years, streetwear brands like Crooks & Castles have leaned on Gucci's distinctive red and green stripe heavily, so, it's about damn time that more fitteds feature this oh-so popular colorway! The uber limited (Only 30 production pieces) New Era Custom Brooklyn Dodgers 59Fifty "Gucci Colors" cap is as good as good money can get! Cop this ASAP! Impress your friends and steal home plate like the late, great Jackie Robinson ... word to P.ublic S.chool 320 AND E.bbets F.ield. Good shit!

The Balmain Men's Black Leather Jacket For Fall/Winter 2009 = Money Talk$, Bullshit Wears Lesser Leathers.

"New from Balmain is a textured, layered, quilted twist on a wardrobe mainstay, the leather jacket. Though it might hurt your pockets, you’ll look like a million spankys with new Parisian piece. $4189."

Information Courtesy Of: Dailydrop.Com

Available Online Here: Colette.Fr

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Although not necessarily the case, my pursuit to distinguish the urban from the urbane and bring more sophistication to the game often does lead me to the skies as I hang on to sky rocketing designer price tags destined for the stars. Fuck it! My aspirations fuel my fires.

Now, if Y.O.U. already think that such luxury labels as Christian Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès are pricey (and they ARE), be prepared to become highly and personally offended by the ultra expensive House of Balmain.

Founded in 1945 by Pierre Balmain, this firm once known simply for extravagant yet classic evening gowns, now, under the decadent direction of Chief Designer Christophe Decarnin, is all about walking the razor's edge of contemporary fashion.

I can't front, when the Balmain name was on it's death-bed and headed for bankruptcy, snatching up a new designer and completely reimagining this wholesome brand in Paris party girl style took some cajohnes. Maybe the powers that be felt that they had nothing to lose and everything to gain. And gain they did. Starting in 2005 Balmain has once again risen to the heights of the haute couture hierarchy and recently introduced their 1st men's collection @ the Paris shows in January of 2009.

This simply gorgeous Balmain Men's Black Leather Jacket for Fall/Winter 2009 is truly an exercise in understated opulence. Price of admission: $4,189 USD. Stuntin' on your entire city: Priceless. Yeah, I'm gonna have to be 1 of the 1st rappers to name drop this over the top brand. Wait for it. Your fake Louis duffle bag makes me chuckle! LOL. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

Live From Paris: Hermès Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Men's Collection Show.

Helloooooo Ladies: The Gucci "Jackie" Collection Fall 2009 Preview = It Aint Trickin' If Y.O.U. Got It.

Available Online Here: Gucci.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: As a good watch (NOTE: No Techno-Marine, Ice Master or any laughable variations thereof, please) should be a part of every gentleman's ensemble, so should a good handbag be a part of every fly woman's wardrobe - and the classic Gucci "Jackie O/Bouvier" (NOTE: "Bouvier" was her maiden-name before marrying J.ohn F. K.ennedy) bag is the perfect place to start. Named for America's once and future Queen, Jacklyn "Jackie O" Kennedy Onassis, this most iconic of all Gucci bags has been revamped and resized for Fall 2009.

I could go on and on about this beautiful range of accessories and, yes, I too have heard the rumors that, in real life, Jackie O actually carried a Hermès "Trim" bag and that Gucci was inspired and/or deftly "borrowed" that design for this collection, but, be that as it may, the Gucci Jackie O series is NOT to be fucked with ma! My Livestyle Ladies already know ... this is a game stepper-upper ... lol. Niiiiiiiiiiiiiice!

Christie's Vintage Luggage Auction = Don't Sweat The Antique Technique.

"In a Classicist column last summer we reminisced about the the golden age of motoring when one would embark on an automobile journey with elegant picnic and cocktails cases carefully stowed in the boot of the car. On May 19th we'll get another glimpse into the bygone era of traveling in true style when Christie's London South Kensington branch auctions off an amazing selection of vintage Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dunhill luggage. With the favorable exchange rates currently in effect it's an enticing opportunity to build a collection with lasting value, while truly timeless luxury items are more appealing than ever.

"Harking back to a golden age of travel, vintage luggage encapsulates the glamor and decadence of a bygone era when journeying to a foreign land involved adventure, romance and style," notes Christie's' Director of Textiles Pat Frost. "These exquisitely crafted pieces evoke a time when the journey was as important as the destination. With iconic names including Louis Vuitton, Dunhill and Hermes leading the field and remaining very collectible they not only functional but design objects in their own right."

Highlights of the sale include two cream colored canvas and leather suitcases by Hermès from the mid-20th century, monogrammed "APW", estimated at about $2,200 - $3,000; two fine black cases by Dunhill and T. Anthony, the first of black leather in semi-circular form with one fitted tray and gunmetal hardware, the second of black fabric with leather strapping, lined in moire with various pockets and gilt hardware, est. at about $1,200 - $1,500; and a monogram hard-side case and cover by Louis Vuitton (above) with a beautiful patina to the the leather handle, est. at about $900 - $1,200."

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Pursuant to our unspoken yet implicitly binding agreement, your continued Livestyle readership entitles Y.O.U. to access my De Beers™ like diamond mine of information and random observations. Lucky Y.O.U.! LOL. Whilst my propensity for high price purchases means that Y.O.U. are regularly subjected to my corner store couture perspective on current offerings of style, occasionally, I dive into my vintage bin of timeless treasures and introduce Y.O.U. to some fucking awesome heirloom jewels. Here's a secret: Particularly for my ladies (although not exclusive to women) estate shopping and eBay scavenging can unearth some great deals on designer labels @, depending on demand, considerably lower prices than what Y.O.U. might pay for items from this season's collections.

Yes, thanks to the internet, the Antique Clothes Show and luggage expo is always in town. I mean, most luxury brands are fantastically tethered to their rich pasts and, as such, base many of their cosmopolitan creations on classic silhouettes. Translation: Your Gucci doctor's bag looked pretty much the same in the 1980's as it does now. What the uninitiated and easily exploited flavor-of-the-minute (NOTE: Technology speeds up everything ... lol) fashionphiles regard as unseemly wear-and-tear is actually viewed by cultured collectors as proof of provenance - a laminated legacy that gives true character to well traveled items.

Now, while Y.O.U. may not be ready to drop a knot on the auction block when world renowned Christie's London South Kensington branch auctions off this amazing assemblage of vintage Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dunhill luggage, Y.O.U. might wanna hit Grandma up and see what's really good in that long forgotten family attic and/or basement.

BONUS:

Eric B. & Rakim - Don't Sweat The Technique
Uploaded by UniversalMusicGroup

Admit it; Y.O.U. love my style. Where else do Y.O.U. receive a healthy serving of sophistication with a reputable side of Hip Hop from a Brooklyn Iron Chef? Nowhere; that's where ... lol. Y.O.U. heard the 18th Letter Rakim Allah and Eric B., "Don't Sweat The Technique" kid.

UPDATE: Ralph Lauren x The Richemont Group Introduce Watch Series #2 - The "Sporting Collection".

"First for the new Ralph Lauren watch brand I discussed the Stirrup Collection. Featured here is the second line, the Sporting Collection. I commented on how the Stirrup Collection looked like a design melding between Cartier and Hermès; well the same is true here. True to its name, the Sporting Collection is more sporty then the Stirrup or Classic Slim collection. Six large screws keep the bezel look strong, yet can pass for being functional if necessary. It's strong looks aren't aggressive looking though, which is nice as this watch says "I clean horses for fun."

I am on the fence about the application of the Ralph Lauren logo, and whether I admire it or not. It is certainly retro, reminding you of a time when branding was less of an issue that it is today. The models come in three flavors. A subsidiary seconds model, a chronograph, and a world timer with power reserve. Metals are either steel or gold. Again, Richemont gives Ralph Lauren access to the parts bin, and the Sporting Collection features IWC mechanical movements such as the RL98295 for the world timer. My pick is the black-faced chronograph on the metal bracelet, that is a sure hit."

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: As we've previously discussed, although I am typically against non-traditional watchmakers attempting to breach the very real and, in my esteemed opinion, necessary divide that exists between clothiers and horologists, the Ralph Lauren and The Richemont Group collaboration has piqued my interest.

Following the impressive 1st entry in the Ralph Lauren Polo watch collection, the "Stirrup Collection", comes the aptly named "Sporting Collection". While this watch is certainly respectable, it looks a little too plain for my tastes. Nooooooooooo, I am not looking for gaudy diamonds and all kinds of color combinations, however, something as simple as ridges and more intricate detailing on the crown would have been nice. Hey, Ralph Lauren or not, shit like that matters my nig.

Helloooooo Ladies: The Hermès Diamond Crocodile Birkin = Please, No Crocodile Tears Here.

"The Hermès Birkin is quite a legendary bag which has been a classic since it was introduced in 1984 and is named after British actress Jane Birkin who designed it as a more practical version of their Haut a Courrois bag. The Birkin bag is available in an almost infinite number of combinations with several hundred colors with many types of leather and skins available. One of the most prestigious of all Birkin’s is the Diamond Crocodile Birkin which is made of the rare saltwater crocodile whose scales are quite small. The palladium hardware on the bag is encrusted with a total of fourteen carats of pavé diamonds. The Hermès Diamond Crocodile Birkin bag is available exclusively by order from Hermès stores worldwide."

Information Courtesy Of: Sybarites.Org


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: No matter how much Y.O.U. may adore this Holy Grail of handbags, I implore Y.O.U. to do away with any thoughts of actually purchasing 1 of these special order Hermès Diamond Crocodile Birkin bags. No, this is not a Jedi mind trick experiment in reverse psychology. Simply put: When even your plain jane Birkin bag (NOTE: Actually named after famed British-born actor and singer Jane Birkin) retails for $7,500 (or better), I can only imagine what profane price tag hangs from the pavé diamond bejewelled hardware of this beauty.

In the midst of this new global economy and the financial crunch that has caused us to become cash contortionists of sorts, the only way that I can even remotely justify this bag is to point out that Hermès handbags, particularly the Birkin model, regularly increase in value - so yeah, this could be considered a quasi-investment ... lol. I know, poor excuse for such a rich gift, huh? Well, Y.O.U. can't say that I didn't try ... lol. What's good?