Perhaps as lovely as a ruck sack can get? From one of my favorite Japanese stores, Beauty & Youth. Via Hypebeast

At the risk of possibly alienating it’s original laid back and casual customer base, Converse has gained tremendous credibility in high(er) end streetwear in recent years through its well planned and executed collaborations. The most recent pairing has the Nike owned company working with one of Japan’s eminent designers, Number (N)ine. Takahiro Miyashita’s label is no longer (as of last month), which makes this hoorah even more important. Luckily, the rethinking of the Chuck Taylor All Star and One Star models, as well as the Odessa trainer later this year, are an impressive homage to the classic models Miyashita grew up with– featuring premium deer skin with asymmetrical lacing, the designs scream originality and elegance at the same time. The shoes drop March 13th at select retailers. We love them! Via Hypebeast

We’re giving away some awesome signed limited edition prints from the fine folks at Friends With You. We’re giving away two prints to a couple random readers that comment on this post. Be sure to leave your email so we can keep you up to date on all things and contact you when you win (it will not be public if you put it in the field where it asks for email).

I’m a huge fan of Plasma Boy, such a classic. Good luck!

Update: US only, sorry international folks!

Puma created a special beer as part of their “Unity” campaign– all done by our friends at Collective Sao Gabriel. Beautiful.

Via TheDieline

All You Need by Rafa Jenn : An edition of twenty-four. Archival ink on heavy-weight archival paper. Dimensions: 16″ x 16″

Gorgeous! Ducobi’s the world’s first mother-of-pearl inlaid and lacquered collectible toy. And they don’t come cheap at $829 each (limited edition). Check them out.

My favorite phone (currently) and one of my favorite brand/magazines have teamed up! Monocle x Blackberry just produced 100 unique Blackberry 9700 handsets with custom backs, each preloaded with their special 25/25 travel guides. Also included is a 16GB card, world chargers, a media player headset, charging pod, a beautiful leather strap and more.

Via Notcot

The Nike 6.0 Buzz Aldrin Rocket Hero Mavrk Mid 2. To infinity an beyond! Available at select retailers January 1st.

The Mavrk Mid 2 is constructed with a cold-wrap process, which allows the reduction of material in the outsole for a significantly lighter shoe while reducing the use of harmful solvents. The insertion of a true mid-sole offers increased impact absorption while integrated Nike Free inspired flex-grooves on the outsole allow for torsional flex and board-feel for true lightweight performance. A stitchless toe creates a clean finish and amplifies durability.

New Zenviorments silkscreen prints and other goodies. For the holidays, come on!

Our friend Dan Funderburgh just released a great new print through The Working Proof– an online print gallery with a mission of promoting art and social responsibility at the same time (through dead sexy limited-edition prints and art pieces like this one).

The print above is called Optimist Club/Midwestern Can Snake and is available in an edition of 75 for $40– 15% of the gross proceeds of this print goes right to Transportation Alternatives.