Astoria VIII

Nice location, did you photoshop yourself into it though??? Everything is black & white except you.

those jordans are nice. how much and where did you get them?

Don't know where sleazie ninja number 47 got his but those are Jordan XIs and you'll probably need to pay a bit to get a hold of them: http://www.flightclubny.com/p.php?fc=ny&c=aj&i=010064

I should add that Flight Club do charge 25-50% more than what is fair value in my opinion. But you know you're getting the real deal and usually in prime condition.

that's not a man bag that's a boy bag!

Haha.....not that there's anything wrong wtih that right?

I thought this had something to do with Astoria, Queens.

One suggestion/comment: The close-up shots of the shoes make the paint job look really low-quality. You need to photograph the details better.

Thanks for the suggestion...the shots were taken with the intention of providing as much detail as possible. And I think when you look that closely at any paintwork, whether it be on a shoe or canvas etc. it will never look perfect; at least when it's hand painted.

So you paint on sneakers? And sell them? That sounds about right.

I'm not sure where you're coming from with this comment. Have I done something wrong here and offended you in some way for making this post?

In late March/early April we showed the sneaker to the Sydney based retail store Incu and discussed the possibility of doing a window display and ended up being offered to do much more...

Astoria VIII painted both Incu’s The Galeries Victoria & Paddington stores with the themes "Astoria in Wonderland" and "sinister / allure" respectively. We also customised a small number of Umbro by Kim Jones sneakers to tie in with each store's theme.

An original canvas poster was also painted by DLV for each store.

Below are just a few of the MANY images we took. You can see the full collection here:

http://www.astoriaviii.com/A-VIIIxINCU.shtml

If you're in Sydney, be sure to stop by Incu and check out our work.

INCU CITY

Shop RG 23 Galeries Victoria

500 George Street

Sydney NSW 2000 AUSTRALIA

Phone: +612 9266 0244

INCU PADDINGTON

256 Oxford Street

Paddington NSW 2021 AUSTRALIA

Phone: +612 9331 6070

ASTORIA VIII x INCU

Last December we completed the following shoe titled “Astoria in Wonderland”. It’s one of the rare sneakers which we’ve been able to create for ourselves over the last 2 years and we would have posted the images sooner but in defining procrastination to the extreme, we only edited the images today…

The majority of the design was created so that it is viewable only in the right light.

Otherwise, aside from the heel area, the shoe will appear to be simply BLACK.

more here. AstoriaVIII.com

I've been using this bag for work for I think the last 5 or so years. It's durable, understated and actually fits quite a fair bit despite it's slim profile.

I've also been using another carry-on for travel but it's too bulky so I have this waiting for me (A friend went to Paris recently and picked it up for me there. Cost works out to be 50% of what I would've paid had I bought it in Australia).

The Mighty Boosh has its moments. But they're few and far between...still, I see clips every once in a while which make me smile. I think it's simply the familiarity of the show. Pretty harmless. I have the same opinion of Little Britain.

I've been cutting my own hair for the past year. One tip for those about to try it for the first time, if your hair is completely straight...just forget it.

Glad you all like the shoes. Paint holds up really well unless you plan on playing football or something in them in which case I really couldn't say. But I'd imagine most people wouldn't be doing that so.....and yeah, I'd also like to see some customised clothing. Sounds interesting.

I'd be happy to contirbute to that. If nothing becomes of this, http://www.AstoriaVIII.com. My Brother hand paints them...

me: looking goofy

some h&m stuff, cardigan and long sleeve

pace raw

girlfriend:

i don't know

Dude, that face makes it look like you and Bam Margera were seperated at birth! Minus the greasy hair though which can only be a positive.

sphoxx. I have to say I'm very impressed with your choice of jackets. Me like very much.

how much did those cost Astoria?

They were US$400 inc. tax. And yeah I realise that $395 is probably just for the YSL badge but screw it, sometimes you do these things...

Thanks! Any nice white leather hi-top sneakers to get in Australia? In particular from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane?

I'm sure there are some stores carrying some decent stuff but as of right now I couldn't really tell you which. I actually bought these in L.A. because the YSL store in Sydney is no more...

Not sure what's going on with mass' flash but whilst that is the nomade, you can't really see the sneaker (no malicious vitriol intended). So here's some better pics for you.

And I should correct myself, the model I have really doesn't have much leather but I still think it applies here.

And if any of you are curious, yes I take pics of all my sneakers and edit them in Photoshop because I am a sneakerhead. Proof: http://www.AstoriaVIII.com

I think the Yves Saint Laurent "Nomade" sneaker would come pretty close to your Diors. I have the leather and suede but they do have an all leather model. Will get a pic and post it later for you.

irreplaceable - beyonce

... to the left to the left ....

That is a nice song, but it does have some uninspired lyrics: "I can have another you in a MINUTE / matter fact he'll be here in a MINUTE". Horrible.

Champagne Supernova by "John Lennon re-incarnated", the greatest, stupidest and arguably most charasmatic lead for a while...Liam Gallagher. And co.

+

Celebration Guns by Stars. The band (although not this particular song) has both a male and female lead which works well. Surprisingly.

oh wow. That is definitely...interesting. And yeah I'm a fan of architecture but it just seems to be a little too time consuming to go around driving and checking out houses at least for this trip. I will try and fit it in though if I can. Thanks.

If you want to watch a movie, the Arclight is the place to be (on Sunset and Cahuenga). I prefer it over the Chinese. The Bridge is also a good place for a flick, but since I typically hang out in OC, the place across from South Coast is my arthouse of choice.

If you can get a car up to Mulholland, drive the whole way, from Cahuenga pass all the way across to Sepulveda, then across into the valley. There are some incredibly fabulous views and awesome houses. It's one of my favorite things to do and I'm a jaded LA native.

Oh and I don't know if this has been addressed yet, but DO NOT go to the Citadel Outlets. It only looks cool on the outside. The stores are pretty much complete shit.

I was told that driving Mullholland was definitely a positive experience but I suspect time may be the enemy in this case...and I've never heard of the Citadel outlets but I will avoid them anyway.

Dr Jonboy: Yeah I heard it's impossible to flag down a cab...and after reading the most recent posts, I think I will give renting a car a go. Thanks for the advice on parking as well. If what you say holds true that’s pretty awesome…

I am primarily interested in the architecture of the Getty Center and if the artwork also happens to catch my eye then that's a bonus.

Thanks for the tips as well englandmj7. Cinespia sounds intriguing…but I’m absolutely terrible when it comes to horror movies. Quite shameful actually. I think I’ll save it for when I’m travelling with a lady friend whom I can delude into thinking I am brave enough to comfort on the drive home…for just reward later of course.

I will make it a point to eat at a Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles at least once…

The Standard Pool Parties sound incredibly attractive…I’ve gotten a semi just looking at the photo on flickr. But yeah, travelling alone doesn’t make this the most opportune time for partying…and I’m not enough of a rock star to get away with going by myself.

I think I’ll be content with just looking at the Hollywood sign from afar…I didn’t really think there was any particular benefit to seeing it up close and now that you point out how far away it actually is…all I really want to do is take one above par image of it in the night and I’ll be happy. I’m pretty sure I read some tips on good vantage points in a Frommer’s Not for Tourists guide or something…I’ll have to take another look or feel free to suggest any spots if you know of some (besides H&H of course).

As for the Tour of the Stars stuff, even with your excellent attempts to convince me otherwise, I’ve seen enough McMansions in my time and I still don’t see the need to pay someone to show me some more. Unless my house is actually part of the tour and is a convenient way to get a lift home…I just can’t see myself caving…

I’d also heard about the Asia de Cuba in the Mondrian Hotel…will try and check it out although I’m not sure I’ll be able to make much use of the Skybar. Might stick my head in, stumble around awkwardly for a bit before making a decidely uncool exit.

dizzhizz: I doubt I will want to spend time watching a movie whilst in L.A. but Laemmle has an interesting selection from what I can see. Perhaps something for next time around…

And 6MT, I should be in L.A. on the second Sunday of October so I may just try and stop by the Rose Bowl Flea Market. Do you think it is worth getting Special Preview VIP Admission though? http://www.rosebowlstadium.com/RoseBowl_flea-market.htm

Thanks again to all for the info. All the stuff has been great…not sure how much more can be added but if there is anything, feel free to do so.

Dr Jonboy: Yeah I heard it's impossible to flag down a cab...and after reading the most recent posts, I think I will give renting a car a go. Thanks for the advice on parking as well. If what you say holds true that’s pretty awesome…

I am primarily interested in the architecture of the Getty Center and if the artwork also happens to catch my eye then that's a bonus.

Thanks for the tips as well englandmj7. Cinespia sounds intriguing…but I’m absolutely terrible when it comes to horror movies. Quite shameful actually. I think I’ll save it for when I’m travelling with a lady friend whom I can delude into thinking I am brave enough to comfort on the drive home…for just reward later of course.

I will make it a point to eat at a Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles at least once…

The Standard Pool Parties sound incredibly attractive…I’ve gotten a semi just looking at the photo on flickr. But yeah, travelling alone doesn’t make this the most opportune time for partying…and I’m not enough of a rock star to get away with going by myself.

I think I’ll be content with just looking at the Hollywood sign from afar…I didn’t really think there was any particular benefit to seeing it up close and now that you point out how far away it actually is…all I really want to do is take one above par image of it in the night and I’ll be happy. I’m pretty sure I read some tips on good vantage points in a Frommer’s Not for Tourists guide or something…I’ll have to take another look or feel free to suggest any spots if you know of some (besides H&H of course).

As for the Tour of the Stars stuff, even with your excellent attempts to convince me otherwise, I’ve seen enough McMansions in my time and I still don’t see the need to pay someone to show me some more. Unless my house is actually part of the tour and is a convenient way to get a lift home…I just can’t see myself caving…

I’d also heard about the Asia de Cuba in the Mondrian Hotel…will try and check it out although I’m not sure I’ll be able to make much use of the Skybar. Might stick my head in, stumble around awkwardly for a bit before making a decidely uncool exit.

dizzhizz: I doubt I will want to spend time watching a movie whilst in L.A. but Laemmle has an interesting selection from what I can see. Perhaps something for next time around…

And 6MT, I should be in L.A. on the second Sunday of October so I may just try and stop by the Rose Bowl Flea Market. Do you think it is worth getting Special Preview VIP Admission though? http://www.rosebowlstadium.com/RoseBowl_flea-market.htm

Thanks again to all for the info. All the stuff has been great…not sure how much more can be added but if there is anything, feel free to do so.

I'm not exactly sure where you can find any of those stores but I thought you might want to know about Mongkok if you didn't know already:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mong_Kok

Everyone I know of who has been to HK goes there at least once.

I'm not exactly sure where you can find any of those stores but I thought you might want to know about Mongkok if you didn't know already:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mong_Kok

Everyone I know of who has been to HK goes there at least once.

You can get view of the Hollywood sign from the complex that houses the Kodak Theatre and everything else @ Hollywood/Highland. US101 Highland exit on your left.

Places like Spago are overrated, in my opinion. There are lots of cool options, Citizen Smith with incredible steaks (Selma and Cahuenga), O-Bar's Mojitos (Santa Monica just La Cienega going east), the Vodbox @ Nic's on Canon in Beverly Hills, etc. Try those out but you'll need a reservation for most nights.

Oh and soul food? Grits, gravy, fried chicken, etc. Together as a singular unit they can be referred to as soul food.

The other night (Friday night) I drove by Pink's and the line didn't even stretch to the entrance of its parking lot! It's an interesting experience to say the least.

Thanks aan den rijn. Hollywood & Highland huh...I will remember that when I go there.

As for Soul Food, I kind of figured those types of food were considered Soul Food but I still don't understand what classifies one piece of Fried Chicken as KFC and another piece as "Soul Food"...anyway. Not really important.

And I get the idea with Pink's. Thanks. We'll see how tolerant I am when I get there as to whether I am willing to queue for a Hot Dog.

Also, anyone know a good amount of time I should set aside for the Getty Center??? Thanks again.

THE ONLY Portuguese you need to know is 'POPOZAO'

po! po! po!

Oh...Haha. I would not have recalled that reference without the image. Good one.