Converse just announced Common as the face of Converse (PRODUCT) RED. The Fall 2007 advertising campaign is entitled “Weapon of Change” featuring irreverent messages and bold illustrations encouraging consumers to be optimistic rebels and become agents of change. The Converse (PRODUCT) RED Weapon will be available nationwide exclusively at Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports and on www.converse.com with a suggested retail price of $75. Additionally, there is a Converse (PRODUCT) RED Weapon Ox available with a suggested retail price of $70. (more…)

Six years ago, the streets were flooded with throwback jerseys, oversized fitted caps and Air Force Ones in exclusive colorways. Tons of people were spending major dollars to stay in the latest Mitchell and Ness and Stall and Dean jerseys. Hip-Hop junkies remember Fabolous as being the “go to person” for the most exclusive jerseys and freshest accessories to match. The coco colored half Black half Dominican kid with the chipped tooth was the man to watch for style and street appeal. The “Bling” culture was at its height and Fabolous was the poster child for staying fly and dropping hard punch lines. (more…)

Micreation can go over most people’s heads. It’s a clever name for a brand, but as we found out, it stands for more than simply, a catchy title. It is Dave Jacobs’ creation. Jacobs shared how the name came about, as he spoke with The Evil Collector to discuss fashion, music and life.

The brand is influenced by philosophy, politics and humanity — and as you can imagine, that basically means the designs are inspired by the world. As he explained, the clothing is made in an effort to create a positive impact in the end. That positive impact could mean the improvement of humanity, or simply the betterment of us as individuals. With such deep messages, it looks as though Jacobs’ creation may end up creating more than just clothes. (more…)

When I first came across this guy during my usual obsessive Internet routine, perusing through random Myspace pages, I said, “This is some stuff that takes me back to my days in college.”

I remember many guys from northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. wearing shirts that featured loud splashes and intricate graphic designs made by simply using paints and airbrushing. It was something fresh, new and unique because none of the other guys who’d come to my alma mater from other parts of the country were making those kinds of fashion statements. (more…)

Twin brothers, 2XL, have just begun their journey to stardom but are definitely no strangers to strife. Recently booted from the Pretty Ricky tour a few months ago, and dealing with a sick mother are the types of things that make them stronger, motivate them, and keep them humble.

California natives, Laze and Royal Armstrong have released their first album, Neighborhood Rapstar (Tommy Boy Records) and been going strong ever since. So far, they’ve worked with Scott Storch, Unk, and E-40 but there’s a lot more going on. With more touring coming up, a clothing line, acting and a record label, the 17-year-olds got their minds right. (more…)

Jezign is a new line of shoes innovated and designed by Jez Marston, a young entrepreneur who saw fit for a change in the world of sneakers. The dynamic footwear company is located in Washington DC, and has introduced us to the “Night Eagle,” the first line of sneakers featuring illumination technology, from his company, available at Finish Line.

Rapidly growing in popularity, Jezign’s have been spotted on celebrities like Paul Wall and Lloyd, and in various night night clubs across the country. TheEvilCollector got to catch up with Mr. Marston and get a more intimate look at the Jezigns and what makes them stand out amongst the rest. (more…)

Hot, dusty, poor people cover the fronts of Africa, in the minds of people who think of Africa as a place of AIDS, poverty and children with flies on their cheeks. The influence of media takes over what is actual reality. The reality of Africa is: a rich history, a variety of people and a place of rich resources. The fashion industry has overlooked Africans’ impact, influence and potential.

Ankhré is a line based out of Paris that promotes the idea of Urban Africa and bringing the slept on Continent to the forefront of positive images. Composed of 54 countries, over 1,000 languages and hundreds of styles and designers, Loic Jumet, the man behind Ankhré explains his perceptions and future contributions to this lop-sided industry.

Africa, being the second largest continent in the world, holds a passionate audience that indulges in Hip-Hop, urban politics and social struggle. The Evil Collector explores the stylish side of this “underground world” that was somehow misrepresented. With the support of Obie Trice, Akon and Chamillionaire, Ankhre plans to bring Hip-Hop back to its roots. (more…)

Okay, I can’t say I’ve always been a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl. Today, you’d be more likely to catch me in a skirt or dress pants and jeweled flats or heels. But I can say that when a man wears the right combination of a fly, unique tee, a pair of nicely pressed (and well-cut) jeans and a just-as-fly pair of sneakers or shoes, it’s more than a turn-on.

For those with a confident swagger to match, a T-shirt and jeans isn’t something you just throw on – it’s a conscious effort of style and expression.

Somos Thompson, head designer of Blac Label, knows all about that. And I got the chance to speak with him, a cutie in his own style lane, about how to make the effort for others a little more, well, effortless. (more…)

Air Force Ones are Hip-Hop staples and wardrobe musts. Every sneaker aficionado should have at least one pair in their collection but if not, it’s time to make the purchase, especially in 2007.

Nike has begun the 25-year celebration of their most popular shoe. Established in 1982 and initially only available in certain east coast cities, AF1s have become a worldwide phenomenon — Nelly even made a song about them. Debuting during a time when the most popular sneakers were made of canvas, and were extremely hard on the feet, AF1s gained popularity at astronomical rates because they were relatively affordable, had a different design from the norm, and were exceptionally comfortable. They literally have air technology hence their name. (more…)