Hospitality is known for its long hours, unhappy punters, ugly uniforms and excruciatingly sore feet. Skate brand DC have taken this all into effect and teamed up with luxury boutique Hotel on Rivington to create footwear for the hotel's staff. Taking DC’s streamlined Sector 7 sneaker from their LIFE collection, it remains subtle enough to be unobtrusive, yet screams comfort and will breath new life into the hip employees of this downtown flophouse.

French purveyors of street culture have always held their heads high with the knowledge that whatever they rock is done so with impeccable style and vision. Parisian tastemakers La MJC along with Colette and their sister online store Sold Out have created this double header of ASICS, with only 100 pairs of both styles available worldwide in December! But don’t get it twisted, as Michael Dupouy at La MJC explains, this collection is not about hype or keeping to where the market is right now, it’s simply a natural extension of his childhood nostalgia. Read on to find out more! 

Can you explain a little how Colette, Sold Out and La MJC all relate to one another?
It's easy. Sold Out is a website created by La MJC for Colette. It is strictly dedicated to street culture products. Sold Out is a selection of products at Colette by La MJC. Since the reopening of the physical store, Sold Out is now integrated into the Colette website, representing its 'street' section.

Ok, now we understand. Tell us about the new project with ASICS? There are three shoes in total right?
Yes, three shoes. The idea was to represent the relationship between Colette and La MJC, which are now close partners for designing creative products for street culture addicts. The project used the simple formula: Colette + La MJC = Sold Out. We tried to make this algebraic equation a tactile concept by having each individual sneaker bear the signature of the store, the agency or the website. The first chapter in this three part series was the Saiko Runner x Colette, released in September 2008. Chapter Two is the Gel Lyte III x La MJC and Chapter Three is the Gel Lyte II x Sold Out.

Who designed the shoes?
Sarah from Colette designed the Saiko Runner. I designed the others...

How did you approach the process?
The challenge was quite difficult considering that there have been many good versions of the GT II and Gel Lyte III produced lately. For example, Patta did the best sneaker of 2007 with their take on the Gel Lyte III. My idea for the La MJC Gel Lyte III was to pay tribute to the late '80s/ early '90s performance running shoes I grew up with. They were full of vibrant colors. This may have been a bit of a risky design choice for 2008, as the trend was clearly back to basics with bold and simple colors. But that's why the Sold Out GT II is more accessible and easy to wear. I think both pairs have a good balance to attract different kinds of sneaker lovers. And thanks to ASICS, the shoes come with cool gifts, which make the products more appealing.

Nice scarf... where did you get the idea?
Thanks. The idea came when ASICS informed us about the release date. December is freezing here! So creating a scarf made sense. We wanted to protect sneaker freakers' necks! Another little anecdote: the release date coincides with my birthday.

Well happy birthday... The Gel Lyte III has some nice fruity colour but still looks like a vintage runner (ok, a little bit). How did you see the use of colour changing over the last year or so?
As I previously mentioned, the Gel Lyte III doesn't follow the 2008 trend. People want basics and simple things this year, probably because they are bored with the 'color invasion' during the past two years. I started designing the shoes about fifteen months before their release. And I still like them as they remind me of a period for which I'm nostalgic.

Are you happy that the shoes will not be released outside of Colette, Patta and Solebox? Isn't it nice for other people to be able to get the shoes?
Yes and no. It's always cool to manage your own distribution when you create a special product. Also, considering we did three different styles of only 100 pairs each, Sarah and I decided along with the ASICS people to offer it exclusively to the people whom we are close to in Europe. Patta and Solebox are doing really great things. I respect them a lot and am happy to see my shoes in their stores. When you produce limited quantities, it's complicated to have a larger distribution. Anyway, people overseas will have the opportunity to buy them at Sold Out and at Patta and Solebox's webstores.

A while back it seemed like trends were globally consistent... Do you think style is changing between Europe, Asia and America?
Not so much. Of course, there's still a bit of a difference but trends and style are global nowadays. For example, people can easily recognize that I'm French when I'm in the US. Although I think my accent may give me away before my style does!

And finally, what was your favorite sneaker of the year?
Difficult question. I would say mine of course. But to be honest, my favorite was not hype at all. It's a sport shoe called Nike Everyday+ with a nice infrared colorway. It's reminiscent of the beginning of sneaker culture, where you would go to a sports store, choose the model you wanted, and just add your own touch to make them perfect in the streets. There were no limited numbers, no resale value, no market, no selective distribution. They were just nice sneakers with a new design and they were comfortable as ever. I believe in performance shoes. All the legends come from that basic idea. To me, sneakers first and foremost serve a sports function. Stop thinking about fashion when you think about sneakers. Those two words will never get along.

Thanks Michael!

A man of mystery, a bloke of humble surroundings, Melbourne’s own Sekure D is about to be catapulted into the big leagues with the impending release of his first official collab with skate giant Globe. Like proud parents, we have watched the artist blow minds with his intricate and original designs that have been bootlegged worldwide and established Sekure D as one of the top sneaker customisers in the world. We caught up with the ever-private artist as he puts down his palette to give us the low low on working with Globe, his imminent loss of anonymity and taking his art into a whole new direction. 

Hey Sekure, how excited are you with the impending launch of the Globe Mace Hi?
Pretty excited, I think it will all sink in when I actually see it in the stores.

Has it been an eye-opening experience collaborating with a brand rather than doing a regular custom?
It definitely has been eye-opening. I have learnt a lot getting this shoe through production that I’m sure will be invaluable in similar situations in the future, it’s a lot more work than I originally anticipated.

How did the whole project take off?
Wow, it was a while ago now, from memory I was asked to come down and make a presentation on the basis of possibly helping collaborate on an artist designed shoe. I made a few presentations as well as customs and was then presented with a brief of upcoming themes for the next season. I based my design on one of the themes that focused on the colours red, black and white and then refined my ideas from there. In terms of creativity I worked within the confinements of the overall theme but artistically was able to do as I wished.

Was it surprising to be approached by a skate brand to do a shoe, considering the majority, if not all, your customs utilise Nike kicks?
Custom sneakers is a customer driven business and that’s the main reason my focus is on Nike shoes. The Dunk and Air Force 1 provide framing panels which allow for simple and easily contrasted design work. I think anyone good enough at customizing can make almost any shoe work with the right planning and colour blocking. In the past I have worked with at least four other brands to create customs whether for promo and shows.

Obviously this a mass produced run of shoes compared to your one of one customs. What challenges did you face to create something that was more general in terms of your art without losing your personable touch?
I struggled at times, everything I do is hand painted, and very rarely do I create graphics digitally so the conversion from one to the other presented a whole range of problems at times. Jazz (a footwear designer at Globe) was a big help with a lot of that. Also, with a mass produced shoe you have to consider a wider variety of consumers than you would on a single custom design which means sometimes pulling on the reigns a little. The outer design is inspired by my past customs but people who know my work will most definitely recognise specific things such as the robot arm pattern on the innersoles.

As an artist, is the work ever complete? Do you ever feel completely satisfied with the finish point and when do you know the sneaker is complete?
I often think, especially with a canvas two or three months down the track that I want to change or repaint something but I try to remember that it’s a representation of my work at the time and the frame of mind I was in, so changing something now could potentially destroy the overall image. When it comes to finishing a sneaker I know a shoe is complete when I feel a sense of relief. While painting I chuck on music and black out, sometimes an hour can go by and I don’t even realize as I am so focused, however this is typically pretty draining. At a time when I can sit them on the mantle above my studio table and not want to get up and grab them to do something I know they are done.

So with the launch of the shoe, what is expected of you now? Will there be a whole host of press conferences and media spots for you to attend?
I actually don’t know; I don’t believe so at least. As you know I like to be a reclusive character however I am looking forward to seeing what happens after the shoe drops, it will be interesting.

You’re known for keeping your anonymity when it comes to interviews. Is this a case of letting the work speak for itself?
Most definitely, I figure, what better spokesman for Sekure D can there really be than the products I create. It’s basically just personal preference, I’m sure a day will come where it is no longer viable but I have a backup plan. I’m not the guy you see clowning, self promoting himself at any chance possible. I prefer to sell my sneakers on the back of my work ethic and quality production, that’s what’s important to me. Plus it’s always entertaining to be at a show and hear people talk about your stuff when you're standing next to them and they don’t know it.

You're up there with the top customisers in the game. Do you still drop knowledge and help each other out with tricks of the trades whether it is from painting to negotiating contracts?
Cheers! There are a core few guys who I talk to quite regularly and then a rather large extended group of guys who I have contact with from time to time. Most of the guys I have come across in this custom thing have surprised me with their down to earth nature, it’s definitely a privilege to have some of them as friends. Sharing our experiences has at least for me certainly come in handy with my dealings.

Tell us about this amazing Fashion V Sport exhibition you were part of in the UK this year?
I am pretty proud to be participating in this show. I was approached quite some time ago about exhibiting in the V&A as part of this exhibition and I thought it was a great idea, I am just glad I still had the shoes they desired to show. As the title of the exhibition indicates its focus is on the relationship between sport and fashion and highlights some amazing designers. I suggest anyone in London to check it out.

Do you ever go abroad to these places where your sneakers are on display?
Not as regularly as I would like but this is something I am sure will come with time. Most of the shows I participate in are at this time group events so it’s not always an option. To date I have travelled to New Zealand and Singapore but that is it so far.

You’ve also started to branch away from the sneaker onto canvas painting, right?
I started about a year ago and I am yet to show my canvas work publicly. For me, painting canvas is a completely different experience to painting a sneaker. What I have tried to accomplish over many many sketch books is the creation of my own little world of characters and design elements that will become the focus of my canvas work but at the same time still reflect elements of the Sekure D sneaker designs of the past. Custom sneakers is essentially pattern design and colour blocking whereas with a canvas you are telling a story and creating a more full image, I find the differences refreshing.

What’s up next for Sekure D? What are you hoping to achieve in 2009?
Hopefully some new opportunities will open in the near future. I definitely want to start showing the canvas work, whether it be in group shows or a solo show. I am, at this point, trying to compile a collection of works and I will take it as it comes. Custom sneakers will remain the focus for 2009 with some possible expansions into new areas as well.

Thanks Sekure!

If you like counting every hot-step you take, but can’t wait for the rain to subside on days when you just need to move, the adidas Micropacer Gore-Tex will hit the spot. Throw some grape colour pops onto a navy backdrop and you have a winner with an emphasis on QUALITY. The Micropacer is now available from Overkill!

Last week we had the honour of attending Nike's first showing of the 'Sister Series' for 2009. Three intricately technical, yet still street-savvy new styles were on show and are sure to put innovation back into the spotlight for women's sneakers. With pink bits in all the right places, the Nike Zoom Sister One+ brings a lightweight, flexible and futuristically elegant silhouette to the game.

The Nike Zoom Sister One+ features the new DiamondFLX outsole technology and Flywire elements in the construction, not to mention the inbuilt Nike+ widget for those that like to mix training with running. The heads at Nike are definitely looking out for the sporty spices that like to rock a running shoe for its intended use, and the Sister Series prides itself on this premise. For any girl looking for a bridge between sport and fashion, this could be a one-way ticket outta retroville. Check out the Nike Zoom Bold Sister Mid+ here!

After a lot of sweat and tears, the new No Comply website is up and running with over 25 images and 75 biographies! Featuring everything from art works, skaters and a nice little Sneaker Freaker plug, this is your one stop skate/art haven to keep you in the loop from the good folk that bought you the No Comply Festivas!

Summer brings out all the dope festivals and tours, and now skate giants Element roll out their Boys of Summer Tour. Since its inception, the Boys Of Summer has showcased some of the biggest international and local punk/hardcore/heavy metal bands and the 2009 lineup does not disappoint. Melbourne straight-edge hardcore band, Carpathian leads the roster with Canadian hardies Comeback Kid, US bigwigs Verse and Brisbane bangers Against. The ELEMENT BOYS OF SUMMER TOUR 2009 will hit Toowoomba, Brisbane, Nambour, Mermaid Waters, Wyong, Sydney, Canberra, Summerville, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Freemantle during January.

Tickets from Moshtix, Heatseeker, 78s Records Perth and Mills Freemantle.

Yo Majesty have been killin' it on the hip hop circuit with their unapologetic, in-yo-face rhymes and rhythms! And now the out-there threesome are on their way down under to tell us Aussies that they have some 'Kryptonite Pussy' guaranteed to give us 'Club Action' as they get their 'Booty Klap' on while we 'F$#k That Shit'. Get ready for one of the hottest shows to go down in 2009, with the Itty Bitty Titty trio from Florida bringing their dirty south electro-crunk steez to Melbourne's number one loose lounge, Miss Libertines! Brought to you by the cool cats at Street Party inconjunction with the Grouse DJ's and supports from Gameboy/Gamegirl, Sleater Brockman and Sneaker Freaker's M.A.F.I.A., this is not to be missed yo! Cop yo tickets here

The Jeremy Scott collection for adidas mixes '80s basketball with an offbeat, angelic look that'd even snap necks in heaven! The removeable metallic leather flaps, single colour upper and JS lace jewels are the perfect synthesis of fashion and sport – these golden wings will make you so high, you wanna touch the sky! Available March 2009.

Ever been to a gig or a festival and experienced the high of a surprise cover song? Well, the thrill of hearing a band you love, play an unexpected song you adore, has inspired a night like no other. The upcoming Puma Archive Uncovered series pays homage to the masterful art of the cover, with some of today's most killer bands being challenged to play sets of cover songs harking back to the music that they respect or simply have fun playing whether it be personal or ironic...

If you were a muso growing up in the '60s, you were busting out renditions of the Stones. In the '70s, it was 'Stairway To Heaven' and in the '80s, you were probably mastering the 'Sweet Child O Mine' riff. Then, in the '90s, those four chord Nirvana songs were 2nd nature to guitarists everywhere. Now we prepare for the modern day equivalent.

Much like the PUMA Archive range of sneakers & clothing, which fuses the best of the old styles with the best of the new and mashes in a bunch of iconic references for good measure, the following acts will all be performing covers:
•    Very special guests – THE HIVES (Sydney party)
•    Cassette Kids (Melbourne party)
•    Children Collide (Both parties)
•    Boy + Girl (Both parties)
•    Hot Little Hands (Melbourne party)

Paralleled to bands giving a nod to where they come from, the Puma Archive product range pays homage to its roots, featuring inspired reinterpretations from designs of the last decades.

There’s only three ways to get tickets and buying them isn’t one of them!

-    Get FREE tickets when you buy Puma Archive from PUMA, Hype DC and Glue stores* (while they last)
-    Win tickets online at pumaarchive.com.au
-    Get lucky with one of the giveaways around town.

Melbourne - December 28, The Hi Fi Bar & Ballroom
Sydney – January 5, The Metro Theatre

Go to pumaarchive.com.au to find out more. Strictly over 18s event

*Receive a code to redeem a double pass via registration.
Terms & Conditions apply.

With support from TheVine.