When you think of downtown fashion, you think edgy… at least, you used to think edgy until the skinny jeans, tight t-shirts and basically anything Blondie-esque became de rigueur. Instead of cliché though, let’s think of it as downtown classic: the Lower East Side version of polo shirts and docksiders. And, as long as we’re thinking classic, we might as well be thinking Sophomore.

Inspired by the Lower East Side style of the 70’s and today, designers Chrissie Miller and Madeleine von Froomer, who most recently worked for Proenza Schouler, offer a full line of downtown basics in classic silhouettes. Sophomore’s line of t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, leggings, dresses and sweatshirts feature both a throwback palette (e.g. faded looks,) deep, modern hues, and qualify as the freshest basics this side of American Apparel (and a lot less ubiquitous).

You can check out the spring collection online, which features Bijou Phillips and internet phenom Cory Kennedy. Even if the style isn’t your thing, at least go to check out the photos, taken by Cass Bird. They are absolutely surreal and seem to capture that moment somewhere between 1977 and 1982 that crystallized what “downtown” would come to mean.

Sophomore is available at Opening Ceremony, 10 Greene Street, New York. 212.226.1885

For some of us, the most daring hair decision we make is to part it on the opposite side. Not so for the men and women featured in Hair Wars, David Yellen’s jaw-dropping collection of portraits taken at the touring American showcase of the same name. With photos of styles such as remote controlled hairy-copters, an eight-foot wide hawk, a birthday cake spouting confetti, a working barbecue grill and a Bible made of hair- you just might be inspired to change your look.

Hair Wars was founded by David Humphries, a.k.a. “Hump the Grinder,” in the nightclubs of Detroit during the mid-80s. The “hair off” events started out as the “Wednesday Night Hair Connection,” a weekly party. By 1994, the event had grown into a national showcase that toured the country. At these “hair entertainment” events, professional stylists battle each other with wildly innovative designs. Just as colorful as their creations, the stylists sport eccentric signature looks and eclectic stage names. But this is not a competition—it is a showcase of some of the most incredible talent and design this country has ever seen.

Check out the Hair Wars book signing with Weaven Steven, Thursday, February 21, at Books & Books, 933 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. For more information, call 305.532.3222.

The rise of Supra has brought a whole new flair to the game of skate shoes. First getting my attention with the signature Chad Muska Skytop, I have been drooling with anticipation over what bombs will drop with the spring releases. Hitting stores this week, the Cuban (above left) is a sophisticated, chic, and straight up sexy shoe. Available in white or black, this easy to slip on gem comes with a removable tongue flap and metal Cuban link chain, looking fly on whoever dares to rock ‘em. If you’re looking for something to wear on the ramp with a little more ankle support, ease your feet into the Vaider (above right). Now available online, this delicious high-top promises to grip your board and provide some impact resistance for your soles, while keeping it flexible. No more blaming your shoes for not landing that 540 Shove-it….

Over the years, a number of the environments I’ve found myself in for prolonged periods of time have seen North Face outerwear in such full force that the ubiquity became rather unnerving. Cultish, even. Yes, I can confess to spending years reviling the repugnant masses of the North Face Nation, all snug and smug and warm and shit. Even the slogan, “Never Stop Exploring”, raised my pressure significantly. Like any of those fucks was exploring anything other than a Starbucks menu.

That was, of course, until a good friend from Atlanta blessed me with The Truth: a red and yellow 1983 Gore-Tex North Face parka, in pristine condition. Shit would never be the same. Granted, I am indeed proud of The Truth, and often go out of my way in social situations to flex my vintage muscle on the contemporary crowd. And until now, I’d gone unchallenged by even the mightiest of suitors. Yet, much to my chagrin, the fine folks at Supreme are looking to come at me for the title and crash this bash, House Party style. “I smell pussssy”!

Dropping at the NYC and LA stores on Feb. 14th, Supreme’s newest take on the North Face Summit jacket is more than enough to get even a “Face-o-phobe” like me to drink the Kool-Aid. Blessing the children with two new colorways, the Supreme Summit features a hand-drawn skyline inspired by NYC (day and night). And as though the Supreme logo under the original North Face stitching wasn’t enough, the opposite arm features a near full-length “SUPREME” logo, on that “respect the name” tip. Never Stop Stuntin’.

Everything you need to know can be found here.

French graffiti artist Fafi doesn’t need any introduction. She first started painting on the walls of her hometown Toulouse, back in the early 90’s and now her ultra-sexy fafinettes can be seen all over the world. From Montreal to Paris, Mexico to Amsterdam, Tokyo to Bali, the provocative pin-ups have caught the attention of graffiti lovers the world over. With time Fafi’s style has evolved, and she’s created her own imaginary world, the Carmine Vault, where the Fafinettes live alongside Hmilo, the Hillminis and Birtak. After a series of successful collaborations with Adidas, Coca Cola, Le Sportsac, and MOB, this graffiti queen is now teaming up with MAC Cosmetics. For their Spring collection, the cosmetic giant approached Fafi to create three Fafinettes that would appear on compact powders, lip-glosses, mascara, bags and much more. The limited-edition line featuring Ermine, Monoka and Eriko - the three fafinettes- is out next month so watch out for the launch party scheduled for February 13th at New York’s Bendel’s. The colors are amazing, the illustrations are cute! Ladies, this a must-have for Spring!

I was at a party last Monday and though the party was jumping, the cookie-cutter fashion trends were making me yawn. Everyone started to look the same after an hour or so, including myself. Huge triangle Kanye scarves, skinny jeans in bright colors, custom sneakers, Cazal’s - I love all of the above, but not when everyone in line for the bathroom is wearing it. Just when I decided to plop in a corner with my Guinness, I saw something flash amongst the mob out of the corner of my eye. A woman with rich chocolate skin was wearing a necklace, and it was definitely something I’ve never seen before. With LCD lights flashing, the necklace resembled a combination of Egyptian and Huichol art that I can’t even take a stab at trying to explain. There was movement, color, and thought behind the piece, and it was anything but average. Soon after, I met one of the designers for the collection, and he broke down their philosophy and “out of this universe” design style. Stars, aliens, holograms, the ancient and the futuristic merge together to create Faux Real world. Reppin’ New York State, these designers want to take a different approach from a different angle with a different message, accompanied with a taste for this galaxy… and beyond. This project is just beginning to gather steam, so I don’t have more information as of now, but you can pick up one of the pieces at Seven New York and stay steady watching their MySpace page, and their site.

By day, designer Kylee Fauss is a waitress for The Roxy, in Encinitas, California. By night, she’s designing Hip Hop inspired jewelry for her label Miss Wax. What began as a hobby over a year ago, has turned into a passionate career for the petite, bleached blonde. When it comes to jewelry Miss Wax is like the new, cool kid on the block. She’s bold, colorful and will “knock a sucka out” for stepping on her Puma. Fauss, who’s been dubbed a Hip Hop hippie, uses an abundance of music inspired images for her pieces. Turntables, headphones and other music tools are what makes the label the ultimate accent for street style. However, music isn’t the only inspiration that can be found among the unique earrings and necklaces. A spattering of pop culture has also inspired the designer… Kate Moss, the Garbage Pail Kids and even David Bowie have all been immortalized by her designs. Miss Wax isn’t yet widely available, but can be purchased on online. Now that’s what we call style on wax.

www.misswax.com

American Apparel has always been known for their provocative and explicit advertising campaigns, but more recently the company has been running advertisements that focus on a political issue - immigration reform. Instead of butt cheeks, long legs, and rainbow colored cotton, the new black and white ads feature real American Apparel immigrant workers. The ads have run in The New York Times and Los Angeles Times over the past month, and contain a strong message with apolitical words such as “apartheid” and “purgatory,” and they even include a quote from President Bush.

While I welcome the change from bare skin to “real” faces, and believe that Dov Charney, CEO, really does mean well, it’s hard to take these ads seriously. American Apparel has such a sordid past, with ads that shout “cotton-clad hipsters=sexy style,” that these new ads which speak of “reform” lie buried beneath all those tri-blend v-neck tees and neon leggings. Change is good, and a point has been made by the company, but can an ad that says, “Legalize L.A., Legalize USA” really conquer such a sensitive and controversial topic? It’s a start. If the clothing company wants the message to hit home, then major billboards may just do the trick. There’s not a better place to start than with AA’s billboard on the Lower East Side at Houston and Allen. If reform is really “in,” then the metallic short-shorts need to go. I hope to see more of these powerful faces and a push for their rights, but I won’t hold my breath, because spring is steadily approaching, and I heard that cotton is once again “in.”

The world’s “coolest” trade show on earth settles in New York on the 22nd and 23rd of January. UNITED Trade Show once again brings you the world’s top designers, boutiques, artists, DJ’s and blogs, jam packed into two days. The show was created out of necessity, to highlight progressive street wear and its evolution throughout the world. Founded by apparel trade show veteran Ryan Walker in hopes of showcasing the most important and influential apparel, footwear & accessories today, UNITED is dedicated to only a few dozen carefully chosen exhibitors. It focuses on trade show fundamentals, but in a new and creative way adding other values such as music, art and education. Some of this year’s exhibitors include 10DEEP, Live Mechanics, Free Gold Watch, FDL, People Cartel, Uzi, Dirty Jax, Homeroom, Akomplice amongst others. Check out the UNITED event’s schedule to make sure you don’t miss out on the slickest gear and most happening shindigs. Word.

Get all the info here.

With five years of style and design experience under her belt, and a former position as the production manager of NYC super brand Supreme, Erin Magee has firmly planted herself in the midst of a growing streetwear industry. Magee left Supreme with aspirations to start her own women’s line, which she successfully launched this past fall under the moniker, MadeMe. Her “First of Fall” collection flew off the racks, proving that she has a bright future ahead of her in the urban apparel market.

MadeMe’s spring line, dubbed “The Immaculate Collection,” is made up of fun, sexy pieces with a hint of androgyny. “I have always found power and attractiveness in women that dress with a masculine style,” says Magee, who cites Vivienne Weswood, Halston, Balenciaga and Madonna as icons of her inspiration. “The Immaculate Collection” gives off a vintage vibe with acid washed denim shorts, pop-art influenced tees, and ‘70s-style geometric print spandex leggings made in collaboration with Kansas city designer Peggy Noland. A striking motorcycle jacket made of plaid cotton fabric, suspenders and high-waisted trousers give the line a unique edge for street-wear loving ladies not scared of making a statement. With her keen sense of style and individuality, Magee is taking the shifting women’s streetwear market by storm as one of the youngest female designers in the field.

Visit MadeMe’s website for stocklist information.