The Hundreds by Jun Cha. The story is told this Friday morning at both The Hundreds LA and The Hundreds SF. Here’s your first look at some select pieces from the special collection that’ll drop at both of our stores. And be sure to stop by Canvas beginning this Friday through the weekend to experience the narrative in its entirety.
by bobbyhundreds
We headed to the best dim sum in L.A. for lunch this afternoon, Empress Pavilion in Chinatown. (But, as far as outside the immediate city, I’d say Ocean Star and NBC in Monterey Park still take the rice cake.)
Ibn Jasper lookin’ righteous in his The Hundreds Phoenixs. I just saw that he linked my Hypebeast post on La Rochefoucauld over on his blog. We might be the only 2 people on Earth who found that interesting.
McQueen knuckle duster.
Dianne’s got all her odds and ends covered as well…
EA advanced us NBA Live ’10 to gauge our thoughts on the game before it hits the streets in 6 days. I’m not a huge video game head but needless to say, we were all quite impressed. NBA Live ’09 was awesome enough with the realism and fluidity, but they tweaked it even more with this newest version, .. the players aren’t all the same height anymore, the reflection on the courtfloor is dead-on, and every single person in the crowd has their unique movements.
It’s already to the point where the video game is nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. We’ve come a long way since NBA JAM…
by bobbyhundreds
Collecting vinyl toys, or action figures, or whatever you wanna call it.. is pretty popular these days. Thanks in large part to American brands like Kid Robot and their signature Dunnys, something even Taco Bell is cashing in on, collectable toys have become big business. For me, personally, collecting toys started with Star Wars figures, Transformers, and GI Joes as a kid, but didn’t really come back around until I got heavy into Medicom Kubricks/Bearbricks and Michael Lau figures a decade ago.
In my opinion, the collectable toy renaissance came by way of Japanese and Hong Kong toy artists and manufacturers, and that is still where the best product comes from. Michael Lau is the godfather of vinyl figures, you couldn’t even include him in the same sentence as all the other toy business out there. Mainly because Lau is an artist, and each of his figures is a work-of-art. Garnering upwards of $15,000 for some of his more exclusive, specialized pieces, and averaging hundreds of dollars for his more general releases, Michael Lau has established a name in the toy world for his distinct character style, hybridization of street and vinyl, exclusivity, and high-profile clientele.
Lau comes to the States for the first time this week with a solo exhibition, showcasing 10 years of his Gardener line at De La Barracuda on Melrose. The show opens tonight (Tuesday), and everyday ’til Saturday, Barracuda will be releasing a different collaborative Mindstyle figure as well as a celebratory event the night of, with the collaborating brand. SlamXHype’s figure releases Wednesday, Barracuda’s on Friday, and Nike will release their Michael Lau shoes on Saturday.
Our Michael Lau x The Hundreds figure release is set for Thursday at De La Barracuda. Please note: This is for the WOODGRAIN version, and there are only 100 pieces available worldwide. The other 2 versions will be released at a later date (stay tuned for more information).
Here’s just a sample of some of the over 100 figures from Lau’s portfolio that will be on display throughout this week at De La Barracuda:
…as well as some of his other artwork.
1 of 100. This is the figure that Michael Lau made exclusively for The Hundreds, the woodgrain version, that releases this Thursday.
A big reason I got into Lau figures back in the day was for his crossover exchange with street/skate brands. The characters were reminiscent of people involved in the street scene, and were fitted with tailored miniaturized accessories, like this Alphanumeric pullover and DC shoes.
Prodip flew out from Hong Kong with Michael Lau. Not only has Prodip worked with Lau on some heavy collabs, but he’s of the legendary Hong Kong rap collective, LMF (LazyMuthaFucka). And anyone familiar with Lau’s history knows the deep relationship between LMF and his figures. That’s a really funny portrait of Prodip by Lau. He even spelled his name wrong on purpose.
Miguel runs De La Barracuda and, along with MD at Mindstyle, is partly responsible for bringing this entire project together. He’s a pretty instrumental figure in not only L.A. streetwear/culture, but the world. Really great guy, has always been supportive of our work, and is of the rare, all-inclusive, breed. Whereas most of the heads in the local street scene are absorbed in ego and politics, Miguel has always maintained, minding his own, and staying open to anything creative and progressive that comes his way.
Michael Lau x Terry Richardson.
Stop by De La Barracuda this week to witness the exhibition in person… especially if you’re into vinyl toys and aren’t familiar with Michael Lau, or what he’s done for collectables. You won’t be disappointed.
by bobbyhundreds
This week, we embark on a very special and intimate project here at The Hundreds. We’ve collaborated with L.A.-based artist Jun Cha on a series of apparel, headwear, footwear, and accessories, that will unveil later this week at both The Hundreds LA and The Hundreds SF. The project coincides with Jun’s solo exhibition at CANVAS right here on Fairfax Ave. on Friday night, more details forthcoming.
Yes, Jun Cha has established a name for himself in the global tattoo community. But he is also a dedicated fine artist, an oil painter, as well as having worked on almost this entire project in charcoals. Before we get into the actual product range, I wanted to introduce you to the man and the story… For a sneak peek at some of the original works that served as the basis for the collection, you can rotate through the splash page.
Jun, if you had to, how would you define yourself? As a tattoo artist, a painter? Or just as an artist?
I think I’m none. I’ll always be a student… The will to continue learning from people, individuals, and everyday situations, I think, is what drives all of the ”categories” of art. Knowing how to shut up, listen and absorb the people and events around you and learn from them is where I think true growth can happen.
How did you fall into the black/grey fineline world of tattoo art and culture?…
When I first began I approached every shop from Hollywood to Venice to try and learn something. Thankfully all the wrong people wouldn’t let me in the door, and all the right people did. Men like Baby Ray, Jose Lopez, and friends at Side Show Tattoos were the few who openly began talking to me about tattooing. From that point, hard work and commitment just made things happen.
…and how influential were/are the forefathers and pioneers to your career?
They really are the reasons why I’m here. From both the business and artistic aspect of tattooing, they’ve spent years laying the pavement and creating opportunities that didn’t exist. And as a dumb kid, people like Baby Ray and Cartoon, especially Baby Ray, really set an example and generated discipline in me that I didn’t have.
Do you see a dialogue between the tattoo realm and fine art?
I think things are changing for the better. Once people fully see through the art form, behind the glamour that tattooing has evolved with, and understand that the needles go hand in hand with a pencil or brush, I think some cool things can happen. When things become less about politics, less about competition and more about collaboration, I think real art is going to be made. I think some already have.
Let’s get into our project together. Perhaps you can explain the story.
Our project is about the people of this city, and the times we face. The city’s resources exhausted, the rich get fat, while we starve on the streets. Our heroes are the women and children, left to rebuild a burned Los Angeles, that we ourselves have destroyed. We take away your money, jewelry and cars. We strip your clothes and replace them with ours. We leave scars in your skin so you can remember, and burn everything that you are proud to claim as “Los Angeles.” How our heroes have survived with only each other is what we will show you.
For this project, how did you choose which particular media you went with?
Besides the obvious connection of fire to charcoal, I mainly chose Charcoals and Oils because they are the media I’m most uncomfortable with. I can’t stand the smell, touch, feel and using them takes patience. To be as uncomfortable as I can, allowed me to produce a different quality of work.
What’s next for Jun Cha?
This is just the beginning to a series of the characters and themes presented in our collaboration. More events will unfold as it continues. Hopefully I can grab someone’s attention, and they will follow and listen.
Any shout-outs?
Lalo Marquez, Steven Lucky Luciano, Lino and the Lares family, Arturo Arce, Tiimo Schulze, Albert Kang, Daniel Kim, Jose Lopez and the Lowrider Tattoo Family, Baby Ray, Brian Everett, Jack Rudy, Cartoon, Estevan Oriol, Tony Olivas, Bob Tyrell, Pint/Mike and Side Show Tattoo, Todd and many others who were apart in helping influence myself and help produce this project. And of course, the team of The Hundreds for being the most patient, and making this collaboration worth the effort. People say the clothing industry is not what it was, but the fact remains, TH is here to stay. Thank you.
by bobbyhundreds
Talk about an Indian summer. It’s almost October but it feels like the middle of July. Anybody else out there fiending to get into some flannels? I miss my beanie.
Anyways, just another afternoon at THLA. Looks like we’re going birdwatching with the Archwood crew.
Mr. Ricky Webb of the world-renowned The Hundreds Skate Team.
Rosewood Ave. is a thoroughfare for all kinds of transportation. Jason pulls up on a motorcycle..
An ELECTRIC motorcycle… hmm got mixed feelings about this one. As Jason admitted, everything that’s visceral about the traditional motorcycle is missing, …that guttural roar for starters. This thing is dead silent. It turns on with the flip of a switch and there are models that can hit up to 90 mph. I think it’ll set you back about 7 G’s.
Julian’s TH x SE 26″ PK Ripper is also pretty quiet. But his outfit is NOT.
Kimball and Nick Tershay aka Nickavelli aka Nick Diamond aka Nicky Diamonds (Diamond Supply Co.)
After hijacking my name, Nicky Diamonds here got attacked by these 2 kids on Rosewood. “Hey! Are you Nicky Diamonds?? Can we get a photo?” I volunteered to shoot it for them, and then Nick said “That’s Bobby Hundreds” pointing at me. The kids looked up, then shared this expression that was halfway between disinterest and disgust. Yawn.
Sucks to be me.
Nick’s built a solid team around him. Brock, for starters. Chad Shoes for seconds. And his new pup, Diamond. Again, Nick, with the original names.
Diamond is a Soul Assasins-bred pitbull-terrier. Basically, a miniature pitbull. She’s 8 months old, so she’s not gonna get much bigger than this. But just as much bark as her regular-size brethren.
Brock’s brother is a good kid and kickflips bravely in the face of danger.
by bobbyhundreds
If you’ve stepped foot into The Hundreds Los Angeles anytime over the past year, chances are you were helped by our man Umi here. Ben and I first met Umi a couple miles away at The Beverly Center. This was years ago, and as we walked into the store he was working at, he saw the JAGS strike on the back-pocket of our denim and curiously asked, “You guys from the Bay?” We were a little confused, but he continued, “Yeah, aren’t those The Hundreds jeans? The only people I see rock The Hundreds are from the Bay.”
Now WE were the curious ones. ”What? We’re an LA brand,” Ben responded. Umi wasn’t shaken. Ben: “Yeah, we just opened up a shop not too far from here, you should come check it out.”
Little did we all know that a year later, he would be working in that store. Furthermore, becoming a fixture at THLA.
Umi’s last day at THLA, and in Los Angeles in general, was today. As of this very moment, he’s in a car driving north, 20 hours through Nor Cal, the mountains of Oregon, and then back home to Seattle. He’ll be missed! But we know that he’s gonna be the big fish in the small pond up there. Godspeed brother, and thank YOU for your service.
by bobbyhundreds
Lately, there’s been a crop of fresh new restaurants all over Los Angeles, especially in the heart of downtown. Bottega Louie is one of them, once you walk through the doors, it’s like you’re in Paris. Open vaulted ceilings and gilded marble counters make way for a cacophonous vibe. It’s loud, but energetic… prepare yourself for some of the tastiest family-style apps and main courses you’ve ever had. Get the portobello fries and bugatta cheese if you come out. Ben and I are here at LEAST once a week, and often run into familiar faces. Last time we ran into the good folks at Ludwig and SLVDR.
I had lunch with my childhood friend Jessica. We reminisced through her old photographs of us and our lil’ skate crew. Many of us went onto creative professions and hobbies, which might be a testament to the power of skateboarding. Jessica is an incredible baby photographer and has her own business, Lulabelle Photography. She shoots young families with their newborns, and the results are often stunning. She and her own family have been through a lot over the year, but photography keeps her focused. Literally and figuratively, I guess.
Speaking of which, I missed a good photo by a split-second while this girl in the sun-dress was more involved in the frame. But that’s the beauty of photography, right? Trying to capture that moment in time. Sometimes it just passes you by, and you’ll never have it back again.
by bobbyhundreds
Okay, so one of the perks of having this job. You get to feel like a kid on Christmas morning, but like, every single day.
My friend Andrea at Interscope sent me an advance of the WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE soundtrack, which carried me through the week. Karen O pulls off a stellar job, capturing the storybook nostalgia through song. I feel like I’ve already seen the movie after listening to this CD.
The homey Johnny Cupcakes picked up this print for me, he knows darn well that BTTF runs through my veins. Really great artist, Jim Horwat, this is #7 of 50.
…and my Dark Horse collection continues to grow..
by bobbyhundreds
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