A Journey Back To Innocence

As a personal blog I'm aware that covering the same brands, artists and topics means I run the risk of people losing interest. Still, I pride myself in not resorting to the copy & paste nature of most blogs, but there are times when something is just inexplicably difficult to put into your own words. That's when a well written press release is great, though seeing the same wording across every blog and online store can make the whole thing vapid. Which is why I'm already forty minutes into this NTS -  Chris Bress Wicked Show mix and still haven't said anything about the latest winter collection by Creation. I'll start by saying this brand doesn't get anywhere near the exposure it deserves, despite it being available through renowned online retailers like Hanon , Stylecreep and Goodhood . Seeing as they share many of the same influences with their contemporaries, and are arguably putting out more cutting edge imagery than any other brand in the

In case you missed it, and don't we all wish we had, over the past twelve months or so we were subjected to  the shitshow that was the US Presidential Election. Amongst the scandals and constant vitriol were even  claims that Russia was interfering to which  Putin reportedly said -  “Does anyone seriously think Russia can somehow influence the American people’s choice?” To that I say yes, but not in relation to politics.  I am referring to the Russian brand Hobo and Sailor .  "We create simple and functional things, based on authentic sports and workwear analogues." Now in their fifth year the brand continue to produce limited runs of sweatshirts and t-shirts featuring 20th Century military and historical inspired artwork. I've been emailing them probing for info on any forthcoming releases for the best part of a year. To their credit (thank you for your patience Sveta) they always responded courteously and with the promise of details nearer the time. Wel

I can't remember if I was a fan of Australian artist Ben Frost before his exhibition " The New Pollution " at StolenSpace last year or not, but i f like me you like your pop art politically charged, sinfully smutty and full of childhood nostalgia then he most certainly is your man.  In collaboration with Aussy online art store Stupid Krap he's released two outrageous silk scarves in time for the holidays. BEN FROST - SILK SCARF (EVERY MAN HAS HIS PRICE) BEN FROST - SILK SCARF (BRING ME THE HEAD OF COLONEL SANDERS) They ship  GIFT READY  in custom Ben Frost collector box complete with Stupid Krap tissue paper. If you're outside of Australia and want one in time for Christmas I suggest getting your order placed now.  Using iconic imagery from beloved cartoon characters, superheros and sexy anime models on Chanel carrier bags, pharmacutical packets, cereal boxes, confectionary or McDonalds fries boxes his work is visceral and poignant. Wh

There are many ways to interpret the imagine of a skull, particularly but not exclusively the human skull. For me ever since I was a kid it was associated with being a bad ass. Now in my forties and as a collector of skull art, tattoos and jewelery the simplest answer to why remains the same as it did when I was a kid. What fascinates me is that despite the seemingly limited aspects of a skull, there are in fact an infinite number of highly emotive, thought provoking ways to use it. I along with many others believe the skull is something to be celebrated rather than feared, and recently a couple of my favourite go-to sites have been rebranded and updated. I was excited to receive a newsletter from Andy, creative director of Jack Of The Dust stating that his website had undergone a change to better serve those outside of his native Australia. I've followed his work on Instagram for some time. Having been a boat builder for twelve years, his talent with his hands is evident

In a relatively short space of time rap super group La Coka Nostra confirmed that a new album had been completed, announced the track list  and release date. The lead single "Stay True" and a video quickly followed in the form of "Waging War".  Somewhere in-between we were teased with artwork by Steven Vogel. Today that artwork has been confirmed as part of a collaboration with Japanese label Bounty Hunter on a t-shirt to celebrate the release of  "To Thine Own Self Be True" . With Hiraku Iwanaga and Danny Boy having worked together on designs for the previous albums "A Brand You Can Trust" and "Masters Of The Dark Arts"  ( as well as designs for Hellfire Canyon Club and House of Pain)  a t-shirt was anticipated and doesn't disappoint . The LCN bandana skull graphic serves as the perfect backdrop for  "To Thine Own Self Be True" with it's p roduction divided between in-house producer DJ Lethal,  Statik Selektah

"Inspired by the artist's time spent working in a supermarket, Shoplifting takes a look at themes of larceny, including the most frequently robbed items in the UK and the types of people who lift them." Felt is something I'd only really ever associated with snooker tables and subbuteo pitches. I'd never have expected to be this excited about an exhibition made entirely of felt items and yet that is exactly the case with  Shoplifting  by Lucy Sparrow . Even more remarkable is that after a bit of research I find her previous works The Cornershop ,  Madame Roxy’s Erotic Emporium and Warmongery  just as fascinating if not more so. But I missed those so I'm eager to see this one in the flesh, or rather the felt. The British artist's work has been described as quirky yet subversive, luring the audience in with her soft, tactile, colourful felt creations before hitting them hard with her comment on serious subjects. I'm considerably out of my depth

It's dark when I leave for work and dark when I come home, not to mention it's cold as balls outside for the most part already. Winter is upon us people, time to dress appropriately. I've been thinking about buying a hoody but I'm torn between getting something nondescript and cheap, or something nicer both looking and quality wise. There is an overabundance of choices both new and in mid season sales, but I finally settled on a something you've most likely seen on other lifestyle blogs already. A capsule collection created by American sports brand  Champion and A BATHING APE®  will launch on October 29th, 2016. The collection includes a wide range of items such as t-shirts, tank tops, and even basketball shorts were crafted with the quality and history of Champion and the iconic design of BAPE®. Honestly, I could have gone for several brands collaborating with Champion for AW16 and almost went for the Bounty Hunter Spot Logo pullover , but couldn't find

Two brands synonymous with all that's great in football, casual clothing and dare I say banter, Proper and Mundial have joined up to release a set of football related 'cult kit' mugs. Having chosen the top three clubs of the 80s and 90s, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal they've done an outstanding job with regards to kit choice and sponsor likeness.  Known by some fans as the 'bruised banana' the 91-93 Arsenal away jersey gets the nod, dubbed the Merson Mug  with TEA where the familiar JVC once was.  Sadly tea isn't my cup of tea, but the Merson mugs will be great stocking fillers in the Bossman family. In keeping with both camps' superlative content they have three videos to go along with the mugs for your viewing pleasure. The mugs were featured on Soccer AM this past Saturday morning so expect these to be very popular when they go on sale tonight at 7 PM. You can view all three videos via Proper Magazine here . - Bossman75

You're never too old to enjoy Halloween. Whilst I draw the line at dressing up, and would strongly advise against any adult rocking a clown costume this Halloween, there is still something you can wear whilst decorating the house, pumpkin carving and eating copious amounts of sweets.  In my experience it's often the same brands that do something special for Halloween, but something unexpected caught my eye today. I hadn't associated Gimme Five as a label that particularly got behind Halloween but their orange and black logo is a perfect fit if you ask me. Whilst looking through their archive page I found a pumpkin themed t-shirt that they have now reissued along with some fresh new designs for Halloween. With graphics depicting Vincent Price, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Vampyros Lesbos and the aforementioned Pumpkin these limited-edition hand printed t-shirts are are most definitely for the older heads. Much of my early interest in UK st

Last night I was able to get over to Lazarides to the private viewing of  FLESH · BLOOD · SUBSTANCE , the first London exhibition by Mexican artist Golgo. "From a young age I dreamt of becoming a surgeon, of one day being able to manoeuvre a human body, to cut it, feel it, expose it and sow it back together. Life took its turns but this uneasy curiosity still today remains." - Golgo Before making my way to the gallery I did some light research and found that he's influenced by Mexican popular folkore, punk music, pop culture, graffiti and animated cartoons. Real name Andreas Hijar, he hails from Mexico City and maintains a strong connection to his roots alongside an admiration for Mexican wrestling to the extent that since the 90s he's worn a luchador mask to veil his identity. Commercially he's done collaborative work with brands like SSUR and Black Scale, as well as band merch for The Misfits.  As I approached the gallery for a second I t

"Certain rewards of anonymous intimacy, and the annihilation of hesitation’s hold." Scott Campbell I've done my share of lining up for things, though it's been some time and admittedly I had thought those day were behind me. That was until I received a newsletter from Lazarides about an off site exhibition and performance by renowned artist and tattoo artist Scott Campbell. The exhibition would feature a new series of nine works; tattooed pig skin encased in stainless steel frames in liquid preservative. The performance, well read below - At the centre of the installation is a hole. On the other side of that hole is Scott Campbell. He will tattoo (for free) any arm that comes through. There is no communication. Scott will tattoo whatever he feels inspired to do and recipient does not get to see until it is finished. A limited number of people will be selected each day via an in person lottery. The whole idea (pun not intended) seemed fascinating and a

Not known for doing things in small measures (with the exception of sample bottles) First Olympian are at it again. Succeeding Loki and Baldr comes the newest member of the Valhalla range, ODIN. First Olympian have really done their homework and then some with this oil. Taking it's inspiration from the Allfather, the blend is warm, rich, mysterious and alluring. Based around the calming notes of chamomile and the bright, divine elements of begonia, you will find this oil to be complex and manly in equal measure. After all he's a war-God but also a poetry-God who is whorshipped by those in search of prestige, honor and nobility. The nutritious base of grape seed and organic Argan make this oil light, yet deeply enriching for your beard. The perfect accompaniment to the encroaching winter months, the warming and comforting quality of this oil will bring a sense of calm and focus to your labours while keeping your beard in beautiful condition. I've been wearing ODI

Firstly I'd like to apologise to you, and to myself for my lack of posting. This has not been not caused by a lack of shit going on, on the contrary. Since the beginning of the summer we've been preparing to move home, and doing so whilst the kids were off school and work was particularly busy for me. At the end of August I celebrated four years at Vivobarefoot , and we moved out of what's been not just our home for the past ten years, but my wife's family home for nearly forty years. Now the kids are back at school, we're in the new house and it fits us perfectly.  During this time I've missed some notable opening nights and events ( although   I did see Cypress Hill and Sturgill Simpson ), however this month I will be ramping up my social life once more. Starting tomorrow I will see Mogwai perform live their score to a screening of Mark Cousins’s acclaimed documentary Atomic: Living in Dread and Promise at the Barbican  with my buddy Mel.  As we&#

"To celebrate our love of all things coffee related we are releasing this very special and very limited collection, comprising of socks, espresso cup and our own blend of coffee beans." Since becoming a member of Sock Club London I've more or less stuck to the rules  however my desire to reach #sockgame levels for whatever reason had subsided. That is until I received today's members newsletter. The creativity and dedication shown by founding members 001 and 002 to bring us something especial and exclusive continues with the latest offering, the Coffee Pack .  In accordance with Rule #1, first up are the socks. Made by Corgi Hosiery and available in black and coffee bean brown, the socks feature a woven coffee motif detail.  "Inspired by the free pour art applied on lattes and flat whites (as seen at your trusty local artisan café) we have applied our version woven into the outside of both socks. Especially handy for that close up Instagram shot o

At the start of the year I had the pleasure of meeting jeweller and cigar aficionado Matt Booth of Room101. We had coffee and talked about various subjects including the (then) recent Jesus Skull pendant collaboration with artist/tattooist Chuey Quintanar. Matt divulged that another was in the works, a more 'traditional' Jesus piece that promised to look nothing like what's considered the standard as we know it.  On the release of the Room101 x Chuey Quintanar Jesus Piece I reached out to Matt to find out more about the decision to change the look. " To me, the standard "Jesus Piece" is one of the most overly done and poorly done pendant designs in the world. When I saw Chuey's rendition of Jesus (and the skull variation as well) I became obsessed with the idea of bringing his artwork to life in 3D as a pendant design. I wanted to build a piece that was a direct representation of Chuey's artwork, and was honored to be afforded the opportunity