We all have the best intentions when we first take our nice and shiny new iPhone out of the box and promise to ourselves to keep it that way. Unfortunately, life often gets in the way and the next thing you know there’s a scratch here, a ding there, and your prized possession begins its sad downward spiral. Fortunately, Japanese auto-maker Nissan is working on a way to protect our iPhones from their worst enemies – its owner – with the new Scratch Shield Self-Healing iPhone Case. Using technology first developed back in 2005 and used on a variety of Nissan and Infiniti models, the gel-like Scratch Shield can mend itself after being finely scratched, thanks to the flexible and elastic properties of Nissan’s polyrotaxane paint technology, whose chemical structure bounces back to its original shape to fill in any new gaps over the course of a few hours or even days. The case itself is constructed from ABS plastic, which is a rigid and strong material widely used in cars, shaped to create a tight-fitting shape around the phone featuring Nissan and Nissan Juke branding. Currently the Scratch Shield is being tested in Europe, but if the results go as planned, we can expect to see the case release world-wide within the year.

Takahiro Miyashita will be partnering up with NEPENTHES to bring over his concept store, grocerystore., to New York. This collaboration is not surprising since Miyashita had once worked at NEPENTHES in the past. The theme of the grocerystore. centers around a boutique which functions much like a conventional grocery store, showcasing various unique one-of pieces amongst his own label, TAKAHIROMIYASHITATheSoloIst. Expect to see some rare items by UNDERCOVER, TANGTANG and photo collection from TLRiK, as well as collaboration items with Cody Sanderson and Oliver Peoples. The pop-up shop will be open for few months but be sure to drop by the open reception tonight.

NEPENTHES
307 West 38th Street | Map
New York, NY 10018

Opening Reception Date: January 17th, 2012 (Tuesday) | 7 pm – 9 pm

UNDERCOVER is starting to exploring the visual realm in a completely different way in their latest promotional video for the forthcoming Spring/Summer 2012 collection. A video lookbook if you will, the openstrings collection is showcased in an almost runway-like fashion. In the background, a two piece band plays eclectic tunes through their electric guitars, while models take their position on the revolving stage. This method works perfectly to highlight the collection, as each style needs to be viewed from front and back to be fully appreciated. Many of the pieces are created to form an illusion of a complete layered style, yet from the back it is apparent that all of the layers are actually sewn together as one garment.

Apart from showing the collection, Jun Takahashi invited the legendary Japanese rock singer and actor Yuya Uchida for the introduction of this video. Uchida expresses hardship Japan is still facing today even after almost a year since the devastation from the earthquakes, tunamis and nuclear meltdown. The video can be seen in full after the jump.

Just last month, we gave a preview of the Carhartt WIP Spring/Summer 2012 collection through the teaser video produced by Alexander Basile. Now Carhartt WIP is unveiling the whole collection in their comprehensive lookbook. It goes without saying that the pieces from the upcoming season is heavily influenced by the work wear tradition of the Carhartt, yet these pieces effortlessly bridge the gap between fashion and utility wear. Included in this season are wide variety of rugged garments from outerwear to t-shirts and head-wear to pants. The full collection is already available on the Carhartt WIP online store right now and no doubt their international stockists have taken delivery as well.

There have been many iPhone protector cases released in the past from Stussy, yet the company is topping it all with their latest release. Made specifically for the iPhone 4/4S, these cases feature the original tiger stripe pattern developed for the current season. A matte black body is accented by a black tiger stripe print in varnish. To finish off, a contrasting white Stussy tag logo is printed on the back, while the white SS link logo is hidden on the inside. This case can be found at Stussy retailers around the world and the Stussy Japan online shop right now.

As a growing number of sneakerheads are turning into parents these days, the recent influx of miniature footwear that mimics classic adult sneakers is not surprising. Some say it is easier to collect kids sneakers, because of their compact size. What ever the case, athletic brands are taking note of this growing trend, and Reebok is seizing the opportunity by launching the Versa Pump Fury for kids. The limited edition sneakers come in the classic Citron colorway, complete with the Pump on the tongue. Although the tongue does not inflate when pressed, it is said to produce some squeaking sound instead. These sneakers are available at select Reebok stockists, and X-girl Stages online store in Japan is one of them.

HEADPORTER PLUS has launched their Spring/Summer 2012 collection preview on their website in anticipation of their delivery next month. The range consists of staple pieces such as outerwear, shirts, t-shirts, denim, pants, shorts and belts. As with their past collections, each piece features minimal branding, placing the focus more on its construction and silhouette. Basic designs are highlighted by the selection of high quality fabrics, and the first delivery will be taking place starting February. These pieces will be available at HEADPORTER PLUS stockists around the world, as well as the -atelier- HEAD PORTER store in Tokyo.

-atelier- HEAD PORTER
1-6-14 Jinnan | Map
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Japan

It looks like 2012 will be a great year for Lexus, as the buzz of the LF-LC concept car spreads across the media like wild fire, and now they give us a glimpse of their one-of-a-kind LFA Roadster concept. The stage was set up at the Tokyo Auto Salon to showcase the capabilities of the brand new Toyota 86, known as the Scion FR-S here, but Lexus threw in a huge surprise for the audience. It is hard to decide what was more breathtaking, to see the LFA Roadster in real life, or the fact that it starts to drift around upon entering the mini-circuit. This drop-top concept is the only one in existence right now, and these types of antics can only happen in Japan. Click after the jump to check out the full video of the LFA getting sideways.

David Beckham and UNDFTD‘s James Bond present the adidas Originals by David Beckham Spring/Summer 2012 collection. The lineup reflects Becks’ personal style, featuring an apparel range infused with collegiate and military undertones, plus technical details from the best of adidas performance wear. Highlights include a field jacket crafted from durable ripstop, as well as the lightweight and water-repellent windbreaker pant with contrast-colored tape and ankle zips. An assortment of sweats, polos and raglan-sleeve tees round out the selection. In terms of sneakers, look for the Mega Torsion Flex ClimaCool, based on the ClimaCool Runner 1, along with the Forest Hills Mid, ZX 800, Doley and Grand Prix. You can expect the goods to drop at select adidas Originals retailers starting February 2012.

Nike Tennis and Roger Federer have been working together for years designing apparel, racquets, and footwear focused on giving you his look even if you can’t have is backhand or power smash. Now the two have come together to restyle Federer’s signature shoe capable of withstanding both the aggressive, lateral, and stop-and-start forces of a fast-paced match and give you the comfort and speed you expect of a high performance shoe from Nike. Although its silhouette looks more like that of a runner, the Vapor 9′s innovative fit system uses internal and external fingers to cinch the shoe around the shape of the foot adapting the shoe to your game. The shoe is constructed of a lightweight mesh to keep your feet cool and fast along with TPU foot-frame and Lunar cushioning components integrated into the Nike Zoom heel to absorb impact. The shoe arrives in three colorways, each set atop a rubber outsole with a herringbone traction pattern. The Vapor 9 Tour launches in Spring 2012, but you can get a look into the design and inspiration for the shoe with the man himself after the jump.

Unassuming in appearance, a new product from LEXDRAY and designer Alex Drayer might just change the way we utilize our luggage, specifically our garment bags. Intended to keep clothing clean and wrinkle-free, garment bag’s flimsy construct often leads to just the opposite. Drayer’s solution is to create a modular system and do away with the infirm design. No bigger than a medium sized duffel bag (and shaped like one too), the LEXDRAY London Garment Bag unfurls into two separate components, a garment bag and a hangable organizer. Supported by two reinforced hook, the organizer can go onto closet or the closet’s door. Folded shirts, coats, accessories, even a pair of Air Jordans can be tuck away neatly. Fold with the garment bag and the organizer becomes a rigid duffel bag, protecting its contents from the elements and unsightly crease. Each part can be use as a stand alone carrier as well.

As the first Grand Slam event of the year gets underway, news coming out of the Australian Open revealed a rift between tennis’ two biggest stars. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, both signed to Nike, had clashed on issues like revenue percentage dedicated to prize money for Grand Slam tournaments, plus the current rankings system and grueling tour schedule. Both have since made public statements downplaying the magnitude of the disagreement, adding that the two have summarily mended their fences. Now the most pressing issues for each are nagging injuries and the surging Novak Djokovic. Luckily, Nike has equipped all their players with the best tennis apparel and footwear, and the brand’s lookbook for the 2012 Australian Open showcases what each athlete will be wearing on the courts at Melbourne Park. Click through to check out looks from Nadal and Federer, as well as Li Na, Maria Sharapova, Bernard Tomic and Serena Williams.