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The North Face is typically associated with snowy peaks and high altitudes, but this nanamica -TNF Purple Label “Roots of Life” jacket takes inspiration from landscapes deep undersea. The North Face and nanamica are, of course, closely tied together in design, but the two also team up once a year for a special co-branded project under the “Roots of Life,” moniker, to emphasize eco-conscious production. This year’s piece is a sleek and tech black parka, constructed from a wool fabric hybrid, which incorporates WINDSTOPPER® technology for best-in-class weatherproofing, and it features a back yoke for durability and a modern drape, plus underarm vents for temperature moderation and moisture regulation. But, of course, with a North Face x nanamica project, base capability is a given – the real metric is on design execution. For this piece, the team has drawn inspiration from the undersea environment around Monterey, California – where the darkness of deep ocean is contrasted by the brilliance of aquatic flora and fauna. nanamica has published some Cousteau-grade undersea images on it’s site to express the project inspirations, and the jacket itself references the dichotomy of the deep sea: an inky black exterior is set off by a jacket lining printed with a variety of sea life, illustrated in a sepia tone. Overall, quite a a capable and elegantly done piece – in terms of both performance and design. And, like anything with a purple North Face logo, sure to be quite a catch. The Roots of Life jacket is set to release tomorrow; see nanamica for availability, and check out the jacket (plus some of nanamica’s undersea inspiration) after the jump.

Life size Mario carts

This is pure fun – West Coast Customs, the over-the-top auto customization shop, famous for hosting MTV’s Pimp My Ride, now with locations around the world, and signature line of aftermarket parts, has teamed up with Nintendo to produce a series of real life Mario Karts – Mario’s Standard Kart, and Luigi’s Bumble V Kart. The vehicles, which are currently on display at the LA Auto Show, are fully driveable, and feature electric front wheel drive motors, 16-inch wheels, and disc brakes; says West Coast Customs CEO Ryan Friedlinghaus “we’ve played Mario Kart games for years, so it’s a dream come true to bring these karts to life. We think people will be blown away by seeing these cool video game vehicles in person.” They certainly are a novel trip, and participants in GameStop’s PowerUp program will have the opportunity to win one of the vehicles. Mario Kart fans are looking forward to the game’s anticipated 7th installment, which is set for a December 4th release; those just interested in seeing more about the Karts can tune in to the upcoming show Inside West Coast Customs early in the coming year. For now, check out images of these fun rides after the jump. via: Autoblog.

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Being that tinseltown is the host to the latest international auto show, the 2011 Los Angeles Design Challenges asked each of its participants to create cars worthy of a new Hollywood film. Taking on the proposition, engineers at Merceds-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Sindelfingen (Germany) conceived the smart 341 Parkour.

As with the gravity-defying sport its named after, the smart 341 Parkour is a car up for any obstacles. Not just a simple road going vehicle, the passenger compartment, or “occupant cell”, turn upright along the chassis. Now, you can literally “slide-in” into the smallest parking space. With a another pull of a lever and the hub of each wheel becomes a giant suction cup, allowing the smart 341 Parkour to climb walls. It can even hover in midair. All these features are “must-haves” for the intrepid young reporter Annie Angle from Cantpark City.

As a continuation to their concept last year, Mercedes-Benz designers based the smart 341 Parkour on the make-believe film ”Annie get the Grannies“. In it, Ms. Angle must find the missing”smart granny robots”, a purported carbon-fiber knitting robot that created the smart 454, winner to last year’s Los Angeles Design Challenge. Armed with her trusty long lens, camera, and the smart 341 Parkour, Angle is off to the hunt. But will she find what she’s looking for? Find out more at this year’s L.A. Auto Show.

50 Cent Lands 5 Simultaneous Covers for XXL Magazine!!

Kakey, thick ebony with a long long tongue (TWITTER PICS AND OTHER GREAT SH!!!!!!T)

Mizz Kayzee (some twit pics of tig ol bitties) see thru chocolate tig ol bitties

On the scene Santana and rose

Less than 24 hours after posting $46,500 bail following his ARREST for making terrorist threats Dipset rapper Juelz Santana was photographed arriving at HK Lounge for Video Vixen Friday. His priorities seem to be in order, no doubt. Amber Rose was also in attendance at the word class event. View more flicks of Ambot under the cut.

Nike ACG Premium Boot

Predicting harsh winters, Nike ACG have been hard at work designing a brand new sneaker to combat the elements. The Premium Boot is inspired by trekking boots, utilizing the latest Vac-Tech material on its uppers to form a sleek look. Water-resistant, breathable, wind-proofed Gore-Tex materials are also used on the uppers, making this shoe an all-rounder in the city or the woods. Max Air soles offer cushioning throughout the full length of the midsoles, while the specially designed outsoles provide grip and traction. These boots are scheduled for release this Saturday, November 19th, at mita sneakers and select Nike ACG accounts worldwide.

SWAGGER x Schott – 641 Leather Single Riders Jackets

  

We gave a preview of the 618 Leather Double Riders Jacket from SWAGGER and Schott just a few weeks ago. Here is the second installment of the capsule collection, and this time they are dropping the 641 Leather Single Riders Jackets. Although double riders jackets are well known, the single riders jackets are also popular due to their simple design. These jackets are made from heavy horsehide, showing off a smooth and consistent finish. Each piece is Union made right here in the USA and features a large one-piece panel on the back. Black and Cherry versions have been produced, and these will be hitting SWAGGER accounts sometime this week.

Bell & Ross – Facebook e-Boutique | Opens Now

 

While at firs slow to adopt, luxury timepiece makers like HUBLOT and TAG Heuer have realized the benefits of online promotions in recent years. However, Bell & Ross is looking to push that envelope a bit more with the launch of its e-Boutique on Facebook. Though essentially a link page to its online store, the move nevertheless opens the possibilities for other watch makers to migrate onto the virtual realm. Take a look at the new Bell & Ross – Facebook e-Boutique and be sure “Like” the page for more information to come in the near future.