SDTW Needs

Thanks in advance.

Vox

I walked up to my desk this morning and found a pair of these bad boys waiting for me.

I really like what has been coming out from Vox the last few years. They are one of the few brands that are putting the "do it yourself" vibe back into skateboarding culture.

Check them out:

Vox Shoes

Thanks to Swayzee

Logo Bites Are For D*ckholes

Above: Memorize this concept kids



Why do brands/designers still parody logos and album covers?

Allow me to rant for a bit here...

When I think way back the first time I ever saw logo parodies would have to be in a Mr. Rags or Hot Topic in junior high. That is where I encountered such classic as "Marijuana's" (McDonald's Logo) and Pac-O-Bowl (Taco Bell Logo). Awesome.

Even way back then I felt it was a gimmick. I associated that "technique" if that is what you want to call it with those stores and that sort of clientele. Basically, I thought the shirts were for fat people and weird kids that liked chain wallets too much. I think that part has remained the same.

Now fast forward to 2003 when I first started designing tees and the initial wave of "streetwear" began getting media attention. Every one and their mother had some logo parody tee. Anything and everything was up for grabs: Bo Knows, Apocalypse Now, La Haine, Supreme, LIFE magazine, Starter, Do The Right Thing, and all things Wu Tang. Nothing was safe not even another clothing brand's logo was safe from the fad. Even now it still runs rampant with brands raping logos and artwork from the likes of The Smiths, Minor Threat, Black Flag, A Tribe Called Quest, and the list goes on and on.


Here are some stellar examples of the ever so clever logo parody:



Who is to blame for this never ending trend? I'd say the retail buyers, but then again their job is to sell the most units possible, but they essentially are the first line of defense against logo parody tees. If they passed on all logo tees brands and designers would be forced to stop mocking them up in their look books which would mean they wouldn't be sampled which would mean the end of this trend in the marketplace.

But, they don't and probably never will.

Is it a sign of the times? Is it going to just become some sort of tolerated aspect of graphic design forever? Will that be the legacy for the last decade in design? Sadly, I think so. This "biting" mentality isn't exclusive to just graphic design obviously, but that would warrant a whole other rant and I don't even care to go into it.

Answer these questions for me:

What does a logo parody mean? Why should the consumer buy into this concept? If anyone can do one then why should we believe that one is more unique than the other?

I mean you may as well just make a logo parody idea generator that randomly picks a logo or brand for you to bite for your next season.

Why think if you don't have to?

The real shame is that if people worked on making their own logos the same caliber then they would at least create something that someone else could end up doing a logo flip with down the road.

Nuff said.

Actual Pain Spring 09

Checked my inbox this morning and saw that TJ sent out the new Spring Line 09 for Actual Pain and once again he has done right by my estimation.

We have blood, gore, middle fingers, and anarchy which is sort of the main ingredients for every AP season.

The UK version of "Fuck Off And Die" is my favorite right up there with the tiger joint.







Check the link up top to get your purchase on.

New Heavy Manners Tee Available

It's been a long time since we dropped some new product. The last being the
"About Fucking Time" tee for Street Machine.

Anyone on the other side of the counter or cloth can tell you why.

Money.

Unfortunately money does make the world go round and when you no one has any of it companies, businesses, brands, and shops start to fade away. Don't be surprised to see a lot of stores and brands drop off the face of the planet in the next coming months.

Personally, I'm glad in some ways. The saturation in our particular industry is ridiculous and it is time for Darwin's Law to take effect. Heavy Manners is nothing more than a glorified hobby for myself and my partner. Don't expect any "collections" or "seasons" from us. Those days are done. Instead look forward to more one off items like the tee shirt above.

The only place you can get this tee is at the Winner's Circle and there's only 6 for now.

Thanks for your support.

"Illegitimi Non Carborundum"

Nice It Up

I wouldn't mind getting any or all of these in my mailbox.

Goods Fall/Winter Collection 08

Gotta love look books.

I think when you're friends with the "models" it is harder to take it serious. But thank goodness Goods knows how to design the basics better than most brands.

Well done gents.

Links:
Goods on some blog thingy

Actual Pain

Actual Pain just dropped a really strong Spring tee/fleece line.

I think this is their best offering to date.

Some personal favorites: Chain Mail, Chingon, Poser Blood, and War God Hatchet.

Check out the web store if you can't get them at your local shop.

Actual Pain Spring 08 Drop