Just in time for the holiday season, the naughty guys in the streetwear world launch their super nice flagship retail location on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles – Crooks & Castles. Landing on the same block as Fred Segal and Kid Robot, the shop will house the Crooks & Castles collection as well as an exclusive line that will only be available at the flagship location.

Founded by Dennis Calvero and Robert Panlilio, the Crooks & Castles brand grew out of the LA street lifestyle, so it was only natural that they open up in the heart of its shopping district. Each piece that is produced with the Crooks & Castles tag expresses the culture, experience and passion that Calvero and Panlilio grew up with, inspiring their love for the independent fashion/graphic brands. The collection is based around a specific culture that is enigmatic of the brand’s motto – “Behind every castle, lies a crook.”

The flagship boutique, located at 8021 Melrose Avenue, spans 1,200 square feet and is spread out over 2 levels. The main floor is for the general public to browse and shop the latest from the house collection as well as the exclusive items. The interior of the space aims to create a contemporary look combining the use of marble and wood throughout the boutique. The walls, changing each season, will be covered with artwork by renowned artists. The opening launch will feature pieces by Andy Warhol.

The mezzanine level is set up to cater to the brands VIP’s. With a strong celebrity following such as Scott Storch, Big Boi of Outkast, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nas and Kanye West to name only a few, Crook & Castles wanted to dedicate a space where their VIP clientele can come in and shop in a private, relaxed environment. VIP’s will have the chance to pick up exclusive Crooks & Castles gear and the latest books in high fashion, while not making their consumers feel like second-class citizens.

“With the demand for the brand increasing more and more over the past few seasons we felt the timing was right to open a retail space. We are very excited about building a lifestyle destination where fans of the brand can drop by, shop for the latest Crooks product and hang out with friends,” said Dennis Calvero, co-founder of Crooks & Castles. “We’re also lucky to be in such close proximity to other respected brands and stores such as A Bathing Ape and DC Shoes.”

As creators of Crooks & Castles, Calvero and Panlilio have always rooted for the villain, whether it be in a movie, a comic book, a novel, a rap song or everyday life. Growing up in Los Angeles during the 80's & 90's they became a part of this villainous lifestyle. Gangs were everywhere - the hood, the city, even middle suburbia. Most had no choice but to adapt to the environment. Some were able to escape or even channel what they've learned on the street into something lucrative. The concept was easy – “Crooks” as in criminals, pimps, hustlers, thieves, etc. and "Castles," those who got rich by becoming a crook.

Look out for the new Crooks & Castles flagship store this winter at 8021 Melrose Avenue.


A PimpWiz Exclusive

Labels: Clothing

Hitting the shops for your favorite name brand digs is always a fun experience, but don't you ever wish you could have the exact kind of clothing you want, done your way? If so, ASuitThatFits.com is the answer to your prayers. This innovative new website cuts out the pushy sales associates and limited range of sizes to create a suit tailored to your exact measurements.

The process is broken down to three fairly simple steps; you create your style, take your measurements, and then order your suit. The site has a variety of fabrics from wool to corduroy and herringbone to choose from, as well as chalk stripes, pin stripes in a wide range of colors. Solid and iridescent linings can also be added to each suit jacket, and shirts can also be made to order as well, making the entire look 100% “you”. But the choices offered aren't limited to patterns and colors; AsuitThatFits.com puts the design in your hands as well, letting you choose between single and double breasted as well as the shape of the lapels, and many other options.

And ASuitThatFits.com won't leave you hanging with just a blazer and shirt either. Vests and pants can also be added, with several different fits, styles and cuts of each to choose from. The price of a suit from this virtual couturier varies depending on the styles chosen, but most end up paying between £196 ($397) and £390 ($790). The entire suit will be wrapped up and sent to you within 3-8 weeks, or sooner if you're willing to lay down a little extra dough.

So nevermind those $2000 Armani suits. Chances are you'll look a lot more fly in a suit that you designed yourself, not to mention the fact that it will fit like a glove. After all, shouldn't the idea of having it your way apply to more than just fast food?

A PimpWiz Exclusive by K. Lawson

Labels: Clothing, K. Lawson

When art and fashion collided, Justice was served. Justice Boden is nothing short of a genius and innovative craftsmen that understands the world, and what it means to be inspired. His luxury creations have launched this ficticious character to the forefront of authenticity in fashion.

As a sculptor for over 15 years, Justice worked with bronze, and soon after, stumbled into a collection of belts that sparked his stardom and his line. As any artist knows, inspiration comes when you least expect it, and in the smallest pieces of life as it is. Justice travels the world, absorbing his experiences and translating each destination into a personal object, a molded bronzed buckle, a fine Italian leather band, pure sterling silver...

Justice asks not that you just wear his collection, he asks that you to feel it. Each incredible piece shares a story of its own birth, and has meaning that holds not just pants up, but cultures together, with stories of humanity and beauty that transcend the globe and bring art to the people who want to wear and live it.

A PimpWiz Exclusive

Labels: Clothing

We don't usually support disposable gear like H&M but there are trying to step their game up. For that we will recognize the effort ;-)

Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Lindsay Lohan are just a few of the sexy sirens who swear by the designs of fashion legend Roberto Cavalli. But that doesn't mean the designer, who is known for his opulent and over the top fashions, doesn't have anything in store when it come store menswear. With his lines Just Cavalli and the higher priced Roberto Cavalli, his men's line usually includes a lot of silky shirts and tight pants, which can range from $250 to well over $3000. But now Cavalli is teaming up with the ultra affordable and always in trend retailer H&M to bring luxury to the masses. And what he's doing so far just might surprise many of his long time fans.

For his women's line, Cavalli is sticking with his signature showy style with floor length leopard print gowns and beaded gold mini dresses. The up and coming line will keep your lady looking hot, and while outfitting you in something suave and debonair. And the ladies always love that. All of the previews for Roberto Cavalli's men's line for H&M include a lot of sleek tailoring, and surprisingly not many frills and not a silky patterns. So far pictures of seven looks from the collection have hit the net. This includes a navy suit with a two button blazer, a white button down with mandarin collar, two trench coat and my favorite, a navy suit with contrast trimming. And of course, no outfit is complete without accessories and this line will feature a pair of boots, dress shoes and skinny ties, which are one of the must have items for fall.

The prices for line start at $50 and go up as high as $349. In total there are supposed to be 20 pieces of menswear in the Roberto Cavalli collection, which leaves me wondering if he does plan to put men in anything casual or more daring. I guess we'll have to wait until November, when the line hit select H&M stores, to find out. Either way, Cavalli will have you looking sharp this fall, whether you're doing business or picking up your girl for a hot date.


A PimpWiz Exclusive by K. Lawson

Labels: Clothing

Por Vida Productions" is the brainchild of JDoze and Thornton of Dallas, Texas. They had a concept of combining a lifestyle that portrays women, fortune, and prestige to create classic apparel, images, and artwork "For Life!" They have developed their own unique process that is sure to be copied for years to come. Their process combines real photographs, airbrushing and multi level screening process...Probably the most creative thing we have seen in a while. They really are artists for life.

Check in for their new apparel from their clothing line "?Artist Till Death?"


Pimpwiz heard about these guys doing it real big in Dallas, Tx. So we decided to go peep it for ourselves and we can verify that these dudes are killing it. They have gotten their name out based solely on hot chicks wearing a tat of their company name all other their body parts. They have hot chicks begging to wear their stamp that simply says Por Vida. It has almost become a badge of hotness.

Thanks to Jdoze for showing us what Dallas is all about and we will be rocking that Por Vida with pride। We are looking forward to big things from these guys.These guys aren't faking the funk they are straight living the dream...

Check out their Myspace for tons of hot chicks rocking that Por Vida Tattoo with pride.


A PimpWiz Exclusive

Labels: Clothing

Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Colors: White, Black

Style: Logo Tee

30% when you use the code : PimpWiz

Headlines & Heroes

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From the first sunrise, to the dawn of eternity, men have worn symbols emblazed on their chests, shields, flags, even their hearts, all standing for what they believed in and defining who they were.

Free H&H Logo T-Shirt in Black & White to the person that sends in the best caption for this picture of Shane & Shawn of Detny Shoes ;-)

Email Us Here to send in your entry. Contest Ends Sept. 11th, 2007.

Labels: Clothing

Akomplice revisits one of our favorite movies of all time...revealing the clincher here that Keyser Soze and Verbal Kint are one and the same.

The backprint features a Verbal Kint quote, "Rat on your crew and Keyser Soze will get you." by Akomplice.

Akomplice clothing's mission is to bring fresh concepts and artful expressions to heads accross the globe. Their designs reflect the things that enspires them: nature, philosophy, hip-hop, cinema, art, politics, and music.

Labels: Clothing

Barneys New York semi-annual warehouse sale is starting today. Designer men's, women's and children's clothing marked 50%-75% off of the original price. Get there early...the longer you wait, the bigger the discounts but the slimmer the pickings.

Aug 16-Sep 3, 255 W. 17th St (between 7th and 8th Aves), 212-450-8400

If your not into getting some designer suits and shoes at 75% off then you might want to check it out for entertainment value. If you like the sight of adult women fighting over a pair of designer shoes while they are stripping down to their underwear to try on the clothes then this event is for you.

Labels: Clothing

Over a decade ago YellowMan founder and designer Peter Mui began his quest to create everyday wear and tear clothing beyond the conventional. Understanding that a person spends more time in his or her underwear than anywhere else, Peter Mui specifically set his sights on developing multi-functional and fun to wear underwear that anyone could wear. He discovered the perfect answer in tattoo art. Tattoo art offered a powerful, cross-cultural, and fun vehicle of self-expression and bravado that translated perfectly into everyday apparel. Personally knocking on doors of the world's greatest and hard-to-reach tattoo masters, Peter Mui has now built up an impressive private collection of tattoo art representing the finest in every tattoo style, spanning Japanese Irezumi, Maori Tribal, American Traditional, New School, Biomechanical, and even rare work from a remote Buddhist monk in Thailand.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body. What you are born with is what you've got for the rest of your life. It defines who you are. And no matter what color it is, it's beautiful.

YellowMan founder, Peter Mui, started the concept of YellowMan under that premise that skin color should never be a barrier against social status. He should know. Chinese blood, and Oklahoma native, his identity breaks all the usual cultural stereotypes. He's true to all dimensions of his identity, proudly exuding his Chinese heritage on one side and down-home country singer on the other. Tall, broad-shouldered, and overflowing with confidence, Peter Mui can not be packaged into any preconceived category.

And so it is that he thumbs his nose on the derrogatory label "Yellow," and instead declares it a badge of integrity and pride for those who dare to be different.

Shout to DL for the tip!

Labels: Clothing

The virtual world is making inroads into the real world! How else would you explain this? Polo Ralph Lauren unveiled outside the company's flagship London store an innovative interactive shopping experience. This will enable you to shop for 24 hours, seven days a week from outside of their store with the touch of their fingers. Can it be better? Yes!!! You can shop even when the store is closed by clicking on the window glass, the ultimate in shopping convenience. If you don't want to purchase right then, you can send the information to yourself via e-mail and complete the transaction at home. Boris Becker, Ralph Lauren's brand ambassador and Wimbledon tennis champion, demonstrated the "window shopping" screen, which guides shoppers through the brand's Wimbledon line and shows video tennis clips.

The larger window in London is tailored to the Wimbledon tournament, and will come down after the tournament's close in early July. Models in Ralph Lauren outfits are projected onto a 78 inch (200 centimeter) lightweight touch foil screen applied directly to the glass.

Source

Labels: Clothing

One day, Kiser Barnes got up, got to work on his clothing line, and realized something both strange and exciting: Kanye West was wearing his shirt. The hip-hop icon had been given one of Kiser's designs by a DJ friend, and loved it so much that he wore it while hosting MTV's "Total Request Live". For a down-to-earth guy that says he "hasn't really been chasing celebrities" to endorse his designs, it was a pretty big coux for Kiser.

Kiser's shirts and hoodies for both men and women have also been popping up in articles and holiday gift guides for numerous magazines, including Cargo, Nylon, GQ, and Complex. There was another surprise appearance when Kiser's DJ buddy wore one of his shirts on the cover of URB magazine.

Even without worrying whose highly-publicized back is sporting his shirts, Kiser is a pretty busy entrepreneur. The former graphic designer began his line (also named "Kiser") in late 2004 with a partner, but has since taken over most or all responsibilities. What began as a Soho sidewalk sale for tourists soon warped into a full-scale occupation. Despite being a fashion rookie, Kiser successfully got his bright and graphically beautiful shirts into stores around the world. He also does business out of an immaculately designed online store, for the transportation-impaired.

So, what's the attraction with the designs? And why T-shirts? "The concept is different from a lot of stuff that's out there right now," says the designer, who cites a childhood spent in Africa as one of his many influences. He looks at everything from (streetwear line) Modern Amusement to Sonia Rykiel for inspiration, but generates a look that is inimitably his own. Kiser hopes to collaborate on a line of sneakers in the near future, and considers "a graphic life" as his motto for the designs that are equal parts skatewear, cyber-cool, and big-pimpin'. T-shirts start at $30.

So, what's it like doing what you love for a living? "Sometimes I question it," admits Kiser. "But sometimes I wake up and it's like "I have the best life. I have an impact on popular culture."

Go to KiserNY.com to check out the goods.

A PimpWiz Exclusive

Labels: Clothing, Gear, JenniferGeorge, KiserNY

The Cowboy T-Shirt features:

* 100% Cotton

* Graphic extends from left shoulder to right hem

* Gold stitching along back shoulder seam

* Hand wash or dry clean only

* By Garbege

Available Karma Loop



Check out the Interview with the Garbege Crew

Labels: Clothing, Gear

The Most Expensive Phones of 2006

Eos Speakers Put a Virtual iPod in Every Room

YouTube allowing direct capture and upload from webcams

DuckSauce Hats officially launched

Gibson's new HD.6X-Pro digital guitar is finally out!

Labels: Clothing, Ipod, Phones, TheDrop, Youtube

Headlines & Heroes is our first expose' for our new column called "You Better Ask Somebody"

PimpWiz will be breaking news about the hottest things you haven't heard about yet. Just remember that you heard it here first. With that being said, PimpWiz is breaking the next biggest thing in the luxury T-shirt world.

We had to let you know about it before everyone else is already rocking it.

Headlines & Heroes is more than just apparel. It is fashion created for those who aspire to be more, who aspire to stand for something and to be noticed. Each design and logo transcends generations by bringing symbols and quotes of legends, gangsters, luminaries, martyrs, anyone who ever left something timeless for the future to envy.

Not only are the t-shirt and hoodie designs hot and innovative, Headlines & Heroes is leading the new wave of wearing something of casual luxury, not just of value, but of meaning as well.

Headlines & Heroes apparel, founded in the Spring of 2006, is already on fire and the blaze is just beginning. Order yours now and be ahead of the game. Just remember where you heard it first, Pimpwiz’s “You Better Ask Somebody.”

For T-shirt orders, Go to the H&H Store!

A PimpWiz Exclusive

Labels: Apparel, Clothing, Gear, HeadlinesandHeroes

* Designer T-Shirt from Pimp Clothing
* "Smokin' Pimp" print
* Soft cotton round ribbed neck tee

Not for your average pimp, this designer T-Shirt offers the perfect look - and if anyone argues, tell them to put it in their pipe and smoke it.

Product Code: AMCBT4088." [Via asos.com]

The PimpWiz.com Spin: Look out for the Pimpwiz baby t's ladies!

Labels: Apparel, Clothing, T-Shirts