BLOG: A.P.C. x NIKE FALL/WINTER 2012

From: Dazed Digital

The French brand and Nike released a very handsome drop of footwear for F/W '12 this week. The popular Dunk High and Air Max 1 silhouettes are given a lush monotone design, fit to complete a very slick look for any occasion. The navy ones being my favourite for sure, so beautiful.

I've been in love with the Air Max 1 since early pictures were revealed, and would absolutely love to get my hands (or more accurately my feet) on them. How and where does one do that here in the UK?! Is it sold out already?

DIARY: GOING TO BIRDY LIVE

Yes, the tickets have arrived and in precisely two weeks' time, I will be seeing the wonderful Jasmine van den Bogaerde (or Birdy) perform at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire. It's a gig I've been looking forward to quite a while now, having been delighted by her debut album of covers. Should be great.

MAG: VALTARI MYSTERY FILM EXPERIMENT #8

Mystery Film Experiment No. 8, in Sigur Rós' inspiring video campaign for their latest album "Valtari", is made by Henry Jun Wah Lee for the track "dauðalogn". With nature being his inspiration, there are some incredible panning shots here, standard definition definitely not an option. Another beautiful film for a beautiful piece of music.

MAG: AIDEN GRIMSHAW FOR MR PORTER

From: Mr Porter

Aiden Grimshaw looking dapper for Mr Porter, with photography by Tomo Brejc. I do like the outfit by Oliver Spencer. And I've already expressed my liking of his album "Misty Eye" and Mr Tom Ford shares the positive reaction to the former X Factor candidate's debut material and his potential with a brief but neat article here.

DIARY: SOME CAFFEINE SHOTS

MAG: THE SCRIPT FEAT. WILL.I.AM

New track by fellow coaches from The Voice UK, Will.i.am works with Danny and The Script on this upbeat song, one that I would label as them motivational ones. No doubt the Olympics had a part to play in inspiration for this lyrical number, but combined with a good melody, one that probably started with that killer piano line, "Hall of Fame" is a sure pop hit.

MAG: MICROSOFT LOGO REBRANDING

This the first change in Microsoft's logo for 25 years. Simple and clean yes. Not very Windows though. Or is that the point? Meh.

When's the new iPhone coming out?

DIARY: GCSE RESULTS DAY

I'm at university, I have no siblings, GCSEs mean nothing to me. I thought. But then I got a lovely text message this morning from a girl I was tutoring Maths GCSE, telling me she got an A grade. Sorry that I completely forgot, but thank you for letting me know and well done on your achievement! Nice start to the day huh.

BLOG: EPL CHELSEA 4 - 2 READING

From: Mail Online

WHAT A GAME. We dominated early on and scored a goal, only to concede two to be 2-1 down at half time, before turning it around in a blood-pumping second half to finish with a 4-2 victory. Wow the Premier League is well and truly back and I am so pleased. The Olympic Games were exceptional in their own right, a master showcase of hard work reaping rewards as well as true sportsmanship, character and humility, which has been praised and appreciated around the world. And let that be infused with the raw speed and action that the football season brings. Because for that's sport at its finest.

Tonight's game really brought everything great about the English game. The atmosphere generated and the gutsy spirit on show are quite special. Chelsea displayed plenty of grit and determination last year to be crowned European Champions, but we've done it again today with some cool heads, superb tactics and wonderful football. I'm pleased for Di Matteo who got it spot on to fix the deficit, at one point playing all of Mata, Hazard, Oscar, Sturridge and Torres on the same pitch. There's absolutely no doubt there is quality there and the potentially free-flowing interplay between them could be lethal. Eden Hazard, who impressed in our opening game against Wigan, has the most sublime first touch every time he receives the ball, just beautiful to see. And the build-up for that third goal by Torres was quite scintillating. The belief must really be abundant throughout the squad now.

But yes. This is the kind of game we've been longing for all summer. This is the kind of game you love to win as a supporter. And it's just a fucking joy to watch.

MAG: THE XX ANGELS LIVE IN TOKYO

Inspired by the view from their hotel room, this is an impromptu rendition of "Angels". Simply beautiful. The xx's second album "Coexist" will be out in just a few weeks.

MAG: BIRDY JUST A GAME OFFICIAL VIDEO

Here's the video for Birdy's latest track "Just A Game", written especially for "The Hunger Games" movie earlier this year. Such a talent, I love this girl. Very excited to be seeing her perform live in London next month too.

BLOG: AIDEN GRIMSHAW DEBUT ALBUM MISTY EYE

From: The Blue Walrus

The words 'X Factor' and 'credible' tend not to go hand in hand, but Aiden Grimshaw is an exception. His debut album "Misty Eye" went on sale this week and quite simply it's very good. I think that everything from the marketing image to lyrics of his music are spot on in his attempt to break out of the whole Simon Cowell bubble. Both his work and general being of an artist is down to earth, seemingly very original and genuine. And for me there's a real sense of wanting to listen intently to the record, probably a positive sign. It will be interesting to see the reaction and also what sort of crowd takes to his work.

DIARY: #WORKONWEDNESDAY

It's Wednesday, cloudy and overcast in London.

My milk seems to have expired two days ago (good spot T) so espresso is the only option. Whilst listening to Monocle 24's Culture show this afternoon. Not that it matters. Anyway I'm making the JFC Movie from our Countryside Sleepover. The raw footage alone took a good part of two weeks to import and prep for editing, a nightmare fortnight for sure, with my external drive faking death a couple times. Not cool Seagate.

The movie making is in good flow though, I think I've watched through everything we've shot and there's a plan (albeit vague). I'd love to somehow incorporate the London 2012 Olympics that went on this summer, because it's that spirit, atmosphere and humanity that totally goes hand in hand with what we try to achieve with our boys at our club. Call on that Elbow theme song perhaps...?

BLOG: DELILAH FROM THE ROOTS UP

New girl on the music scene Delilah has just dropped her latest video for a track from her debut album "From The Roots Up". It's an album I've really taken to, she's a talented artist for sure. I was introduced to her at Wireless earlier this summer and then to her mixtape "2-4am". Great vocals and a funky sound means a fresh combination. The album certainly builds on it, as well as showing off her range and diversity in style, and I reckon she'll stick around for a while. Hope so anyway.

One of my favourite albums of 2012, you definitely must download. Below is that new video released yesterday, to the song "Shades of Grey" (no fifty preceding the title).

MAG: U.SSKB x MARK MCNAIRY CAPSULE COLLECTION

From: Highsnobiety

These all white derby brogues from the first collab collection between U.SSKB and McNairy are spectacular. U.SSKB is an emerging project by Undefeated's KB and Sugarsherm, and with the help of fly shoemakers Mark McNairy, they've created this killer footwear, white through from the laces to the outsole, it's clean simplicity personified (or whatever the shoe version of personification is). Perhaps too delicate to wear out with frequency, but it's certainly a pair that would make anyone drool twice upon opening their shoe closet...

All white everything, and I love it.

DIARY: ADIDAS THANK YOU GAMES MAKERS

Yes, the Olympic Games have finished but London is without a doubt still buzzing from its success. The surprise, the relief and the pride of hosting quite possibly the best modern Games is really abundant here, I feel it. It was a joy to watch the sport unfold, the attitude of the athletes and some damn good competition. There's a lot to be proud of.

As a Games Maker, we were offered a small thanks from main sponsors adidas this week, and I made the most of it by heading down to the Oxford Street flagship store midweek. And it was rather packed with happy Games Makers wandering the shop with their accreditation wrapped around their neck. I'm a fan of the Stella McCartney-designed Team GB outfits, very slick and minimalist, so I was keen to get my hands on some memorabilia for this great occasion. Wristbands. Woop!

DIARY: PUBLICATION PURCHASES

I only usually collect issues of the Monocle, but there were some attractive pre-fall publications in the 'Youthful' issue of i-D and the David Beckham feature in this month's Esquire, as well as the Olympic Special Issue of Creative Review, which I was keen to own. In fact I've already flicked through that latter one, in which it looks at the design concepts behind the Olympic Games of London and the past, including some good debate on the famous London 2012 logo. Which by the way I think is a piece of branding that has worked very successfully, despite all its criticism. Anyway, I have a lot of reading to do so.

MAG: TRICKER'S FOR NORSE PROJECTS

Brogue boots from the Norse Projects x Tricker's collaboration. Made of Repello Suede upper and Dianite sole, these are fucking epic! I have absolutely no words. Except that I want a pair. It's available in two colourways, the pictured Brown Snuff and also Midnight Blue, both equally beautiful. Sorry I'm drooling all over the keyboard now...

DIARY: EVERYDAY ACCESSORIES

Uniform Wares + Roberu + Victate + sketchbook.   #Accessories

BLOG: MAKING OF BBC OLYMPICS THEME BY ELBOW

Beautiful.

BLOG: LITTLE MIX i-D SESSION WINGS

Ok well I don't particularly like the acts that come out The X Factor. (Although I will have to go back on my word when Aiden Grimshaw's debut album comes out next week, because from what I've already heard, it's fresh!) Anyway I don't particularly like this song by last season's winners Little Mix either. But this live session, recorded for i-D Online, is undeniably good. The harmonies are killer. Definitely worth a chance, whatever you think of them. Also, the one with purple hair is pretty.

DIARY: GREAT BOYS

Ah I love this photo. Me and some of my boys.

BLOG: THE LEGO STORY FILM

Marking the Danish creative giants LEGO's 80th anniversary, they've made a special short film to share the story of its beginnings and values. A little melodramatically presented, but that can be forgiven, what with how successful and quite frankly brilliant the brand has become. Worth a watch.

MAG: TEAM GB DON'T STOP ME NOW

adidas have released this quintessentially British video of some of our star Olympians enjoying themselves to "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. Lovely to watch after a superb London 2012 Games.

Well done Team GB. Stage well and truly taken. #stagetaken

DIARY: TOUGH GOODBYE

This morning was our final JFC lesson for the summer. (I say final but we're only off for two weeks.) And with that also marked a key departure for one of my boys, as he and his family will be returning to Japan later this month. That's the way it is in this community, as most families come to London on a temporary basis following the father's business, kids come and go often quite quickly.

In this boy's case, I've coached him for maybe one or two years, and I've loved it to bits. We're not really allowed to have favourites as coaches, but he was definitely that. Of course in football terms, he has a superb natural ability and desire in his play that contributes to a lot, but it's his character that I've come to enjoy so much. And that's what I will miss most. But I'm glad to have become such a mentor for him, and the time from that Countryside Sleepover last month was brilliant to bond away the football pitch, as was the case with all my boys.

I had a nice chat with his mother before they left, took some photographs and said goodbye. Perhaps I'll visit him at his next football club when I'm in Tokyo, because I'd love to see how he grows further. Great kid.

BLOG: GQ CARNABY STYLE NIGHT

Once again, I'm so excited...

MAG: NEW BALANCE 1300NG NAVY/GREY

From: Hypebeast

Here for Fall 2012 are these 1300NGs by New Balance, who are becoming are real trend amongst sneaker fans. They've been around for a long time but I've never seen the brand take off like this before. I remember seeing the big fat N as a kid and absolutely loathing it. I probably still do actually, but some of their recent silhouettes are in fact quite attractive, and this navy/grey colourway works very well indeed. Perhaps it's just the photography, but I am liking these. A lot.

MAG: 11.8 LONDON 2012 #SUPERSATURDAY

From: London 2012

DIARY: BLAISE PLANT IN VICTATE

Victate sent Blaise of Monkey Majik and The Alphabet Project a Summer '12 package last week and it seems it has arrived, as he tweeted these pictures this morning from the streets of Sendai! Looking dope as fuck in our Liberty Art Fabric Sleeves!

MAG: URBANEARS ZINKEN HEADPHONES

New from the stylish Scandinavian audio brand are the Zinken headphones. Urbanears are renowned for their variety of playful monotone colourways and a simple clean aesthetic, which have proven very popular. I'm a fan too, but only of how it looks. Sound never seemed to be a priority with these guys, but it appears they are looking to try and right that wrong.

The Zinken has been developed with the professional DJ in mind (which is usually a good thing), whilst keeping its iconic bold appearance, almost identical to the Plattan. Certainly the features look very tasty indeed, including swivel flexibility, sweat-resistant padding and the coiled TurnCable which I love. Nothing better than coiled cable.

Available in 7 colours for £120 each, this seems a promising balance between sound and style.

From: Urbanears

BLOG: VICTATE WINTER '12 SAMPLING

From: Victate

Meet my cat, Fudge. Shot on a Yashica something I'm told.

BLOG: TARGET SUMMER 2012 PRINT CAMPAIGN

Designed by Allan Peters of Cargo Collective for Target Summer 2012. Love it.

BLOG: INSPIRE A GENERATION

The vision of London 2012 was to leave an Olympic legacy, to inspire a generation. Words we've heard time and again here in London. I personally haven't been able to get to a venue, only to the Rowing Village, and so my spectacle has been restricted to the television. Even that's been difficult with the little free time I've had recently. But just the other day, I think Tuesday, when Team GB collected a threesome of medals in Laura Trott, Victoria Pendleton and Chris Hoy, I was able to watch all the action live from the Velodrome in the office. And I loved it: I was entertained, I was thrilled, I was truly inspired.

I particularly enjoyed the Sprint, in which Pendleton took her silver. It was the first time I had watched the sport, but I am telling you I was hooked. The concept of racing four laps on that high-speed track means much is tactical, with it being near impossible to literally sprint the whole thing. The involvement of human character is fantastic, having to beat your opponent not only in speed and skill, but mentally also. I mean, it's just great when they roll at the start for half the race, travelling slower than a tortoise, with the one at the front constantly looking back like a cat and mouse chase. For me, it completely embodies the philosophy of sport and I think that's why I love it so much. Plus it's not too long, not too short, filled with plenty of adrenaline and emotion too. Perfect.

And yes, I'm so up for giving it a go. Not sure how one gains access to a velodrome just like that, but this is a sport I would love to take up. And let's be honest, wouldn't it be an absolute dream to compete in the Olympic Games?! I feel like a kid but it's really excited me. So well done for that Seb.



Finally, this is apparently the video that is played on the Velodrome screen before every event. Made by Crystal CG and with the music of Chemical Brothers. It's so fucking cool! Wish I was there...

MAG: ELLIE GOULDING ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN

First listen with this official fan lyric video.

BLOG: CAVE PAINTING SO CALM

From: RCRD LBL

New band Cave Painting from Brighton, England are just premiering their music with a debut album "Votive Life" on the way and this lead single "So Calm" is already available as a free download here. I was introduced to them just this morning on BBC Radio 1 (as is often the case) and I think it's great. The sound is very much British indie, nouveau rock, mellow vibes. The album will be out September 24. See what you think.

DIARY: BIRTHDAY TREAT

So it was birthday last week, I can no longer play the teenager card to get myself out of trouble. And befittingly I have chosen to decorate myself with some mature gear, with the delightful 200 Series by the one and only Uniform Wares.

It's a watch I've had my eyes on for ever, and I had already popped down to the Dezeen Super Store in Seven Dials a couple of months ago to tease myself and try it on. And on my return trip this week, I came out £200 lighter and 200% happier. Ah I'm delighted.