To bring their Drybag collection to the next level, collaborators Stone Island and outdoor gear company, Ortlieb enlisted Italian film makers Lele Saveri and Giulia Maria Venturini to produce “Stone Island Drybags: An Interpretation.” The video features a PVC, waterproof bag bouncing around Milan. Drybags retail for $258 – $360 and are available in their online store. Read more to see the Drybag’s film debut.

Stone Island_Drybags – An Interpretation. from Stone Island on Vimeo.

Last Thursday may have been, perhaps, DC’s most dazzling night of 2011. April 14, marked ReadysetDC’s third installment of its budding fashion showcase, Fashion:District at the chic Longview Gallery in Washington, D.C., a location that certainly added to the razzle-dazzle of the event with its avant-garde art pieces. The night brought out the best of D.C.’s stylish community and 25 Magazine was on the scene to mix, mingle, and document the affair. The sold-out event boasted pop-up shops from Toucan Boutique, ARTAYA, Ginger Root Design, and other great designers.

After an hour of networking, the fashion showcase began which featured clothing and accessories by Durkl, Clockwise Clothing, Hugh & Crye, Derringer Friday, Ginger Root Design, ARTAYA, and SAINTCHiC. The attendees were tipsy, the music was rocking, cameras were flashing, and proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society—all components of a fine evening. ReadysetDC achieved its goal; Fashion:District illuminated Washington, D.C.’s ingenious boutiques, brands, and certainly its glamorous people. Read more for our behind-the-scenes video.

Tanzania Bridgett is the dynamic force behind contemporary brand, Anceztaz Clothing. A Hampton, Virginia native and student at Howard University, Bridgett is striving to take the fashion industry by storm, exhibiting to everyone the rare breed that she belongs to. The concept for Anceztaz came to the designer while sitting in her high school geography class. The idea of various cultures in the world being united by their differences inspired her, and the rest—as they say—is history.

Originally, the line was titled Aztec; however, Tanzania refused to limit her brand to just one distinct culture so the name had to change. She decided to explore different cultures and infuse her findings into the design concept so that her consumers could, too, connect with their roots.

In 2008, it was official. Anceztaz was blossoming in full force. Bridgett was incited by the likes of Napolean, Martin Luther King, Jr. and several Greek goddesses, which boosted the spirit of Anceztaz. The first design she produced for the collection was a black t-shirt with the brand logo on the back embellished with an elephant sketch. Anceztaz is now notorious for its rugby cardigans with the funky logo patch, adding certain flair to the brand. Bridgett’s designs were recently spotted on some performers at Howard University’s lauded Yardfest. Bridgett says she hopes her line to one day be “history making history.”

Anceztaz is a clothing line made to educate its consumers. Bridgett prides herself on producing clothing that people can wear and know that they own a piece that is transmitting a positive message.

Anceztaz’s next collection will debut within the next year. In the meantime, check out the website: www.anceztazclothingco.com.

-Heather Taylor

Check out the video we shot down at Howard University’s Homecoming of all the best dressed on campus, did you make the cut?

The song featured is “All The Other Kids” by Shawn Chrystopher, we interviewed him not too long ago.

Looking for your photo? Check out our blog – sidewalkswag.25mag.com!

Cocoricooo is a group of young designers in Thailand on Etsy. All their designs are made from fabric found locally and much of their work is down by hand. This month they are selling an olive mixed silk dress for under $40, a bargain you shouldn’t take lightly. There only two dresses in stock, one S-M and the other L-XL. Get yours before it’s gone. More views after the jump!

Sistargirl‘s mission is to create pieces that empower women without bashing men and we’re all for it. Her Etsy shop is the apple of our eye and currently features a wide assortment of door knocker earrings hand-wrapped in Kente cloth. Each pair goes for $20 and are one-of-a-kind. Read more to see the entire collection.

The beauty of shopping on handmade and vintage e-marketplace, Etsy, is that every item on their site is either one-of-a-kind or one a few. Today Etsy seller Rennes, a leather goods crafter in Boston, has released a distressed hunter green leather tote as a part of her Fall/Winter collection. There is only one in stock so grab it today for $250. Check out some more Rennes creations after the jump.

Brittany Epps pens our inaugural post for new series, Locals Only, a showcase of the best independent boutiques and shops across the country. Check out streetwear boutique, Traffic, a favorite in New Orleans with a forthcoming location in Dallas.

WORDS BY BRITTANY EPPS

“Dress like you’re coming from somewhere and you’ve got some place to go,” says Lawrence Parker, the creative influence behind Traffic Boutique.

With that motto in mind, Traffic, the first streetwear boutique in New Orleans, is certainly a place you’d want to be jammed in. Located in the world famous New Orleans French Quarters, one of the city’s most exciting and vibrant areas, the boutique offers its customers some of the world’s most cutting edge designers and labels. Established in 2006 as an electronic re-seller with intentions on keeping the masses away from Coogie mistakes and toward hipster successes, Traffic is now a force to be reckoned with. With a great location in both New Orleans and Dallas and an online boutique, Traffic is providing the urban community with a very enticing and universally accessible alternative. Fashion-forward brands such as Durkl, 10 Deep, Unkommon Kolor, Creative Recreation, Crooks and Kastles and Kid Robot can be accessed in Traffic boutiques and from your laptop.

If the style hasn’t already left you astounded, the culture will. In early April, Big Easy native Jay Electronica returned to the city and set the Howlin’ Wolf’s stage ablaze for a Traffic Boutique concert, beat-boxing old bounce songs and singing Rick James between his own hits—and did we mention he brought Mos Def along with him? Enough said

Traffic also promotes “Streetwear Sundays,” which is an avenue for local artists and musicians to display their work.

Traffic Boutique is a quick fix for a quarter life crisis and thus, a 25 Favorite. Head down south for a taste of crescent city swagger and a style upgrade—the light is green, don’t get left behind.

Jay Electronica x Mos Def Performance at Traffic Concert

Photo: RockSmithToyko, Booger Kids, G5Gi, DMC New Orelans

Traffic Boutique

Website: http://www.stop4traffic.com/

212 Chartres St.

New Orleans, La.

At this point Uniqlo has become has become more synonymous with basic essentials than H&M with cheap and trendy. Stock up on your wardrobe must-haves with this season’s collection.

“The Hiole” is a black suede moccasin to be included in Marc Jacobs’ fal footwear collection. It is an ankle boot with black tie detail at the heel and a rubber sole. Get em’ early here.

We’re really feeling the SUPER FA2010/2011 collection. The sunglasses have a clean, classic design and are a modern taken on the famed retro wayfarer style. Look out for these in August.

WORDS BY BRITTANY EPPS

David and Phillipe Blond, collectively known as The Blonds, have been turning the fashion industry into a naughty freak show since 2004, and we have no complaints. Phillipe started his design career as a M.A.C make-up artist, while David worked as a window dresser for stores like Macy’s and Sak’s Fifth Avenue. The Blonds are known for their bizarre, hand-made corsets with striking prints, flashy jewels and lengthy, razor-sharp spikes that are to die for—pun intended.

See photos from The Blonds Fall 2010 Fashion Show at New York Fashion Week after the jump.

This clothing line is not for the faint of heart. It screams bedazzled Rock & Roll glam. It seems that The Blonds design clothes especially for alien creatures, or the freaks of fashion. Media-proclaimed fashion “bad girl” Rihanna has been spotted wearing the brand while lighting up the stage at her concerts and when steaming up the red carpet. Katy Perry, Adam Lambert and Fergie are also fans of the line.

The Blonds put on a sassy show at New York Fashion Week for their Fall 2010 Collection. “It’s A Jungle Out There” was the theme. A model in a gorilla suit started the show. The gorilla did a quirky strip tease and out popped Phillipe Blonds. True to form, all the models sported blond wigs and fierce compositions. The Blonds are a 25 favorite.

Photo: Mary Blanco, newyorkcool.com.

Status Apparatus teamed up with Flat Fitty for the 1st Quarter 2010 collection.

Baltimore streetwear line, Status Apparatus, recently released their 1st Quarter 2010 Lookbook. Status Apparatus has collaborated with up and coming fitted cap company Flat Fitty to produce a limited edition fitted cap. Be sure to visit them at Status Apparatus.

10.Deep and Adidas collaborate for new shoe project.

10.Deep is following up their first shoe collaboration, conceived in 2008, with a special sneaker project. They partnered up with Adidas and got creative with one of their classic shoes, the Stan Smith Mid.

The name “Raw Dogs” comes from the rawhide leather laces and monster mouth print on the insole & inner shoe that accent the suede, iron and chrome gray upper.

The Raw Dogs project has been produced in very limited numbers and will be available through Adidas’ Consortium stores as well as online at www.10deep.com/shop starting Thursday, April 15th at 12pm, Brooklyn time.

10.Deep releases Delivery 2 of their 2010 Spring collection.

Internationally Known, the second dose of 10.Deep’s Spring 2010 collection lookbook is now live. Expect button-down woven shirts in both long and short sleeve, Chambray and camo-highlighted sateen convertible shorts, and a variety of headgear from the collection. You can view the lookbook at 10.Deep.

D.C. brand DURKL teams up with Second Son to lauch the series, The Capital Collection.

This collection is a series of collaborations between DURKL and brands from other capital cities around the world. DURKL joined forces with London’s Second Son and produced the Capital Collection sherlock cap. The limited edition Sherlock package comes complete with a traditional English tobacco pipe and is now available.

PEGLEG NYC has released their Spring 2010 collection.

 You can shop and view the entire lookbook here.

JDL has released some limited edition fitted caps on shopdalynn.com. The black Sgt. Major cap features a mesh netting and the grey number has an exact replica of an A-10 bomber plane circa 50’s and 60’s embroidered on the front. There are only 100 pieces available in each design, get the two as part of the “Joint Forces” set and receive a discount!

Photo courtesy of Cubannie Links

WORDS BY BRITTANY EPPS

Annie Basulto’s Cubannie Links gives fashion lovers something that they can feel. Her jewelry line is sharp enough to cut and glistens brightly with an envy inducing edginess. Glitzy neon-colored leather, bold statement rings and high-gloss gold chains with funky charms are among the standouts of the Links collection. For those with a taste for foreign cultures, these Cuban inspired designs will make your mouth water. Whether dainty or bulky, metal or nylon, you can have it your way. Who doesn’t appreciate fashion that caters to the senses and the needs of the consumer?

Hailing from Miami, Florida, Annie is a Cuban-American jewelry designer who has been blessed with the Midas touch. The name of the line is combination of her nationality and first name—Cuban Annie, and has been picking up steam ever since the 2007 launch. Basulto first started jewelry making as a hobby and now the line has gained popularity amongst culture femmes Rihanna, M.I.A., Alicia Keys and Tyra Banks.

Bullet earrings, glock-laced rosaries and four-finger rings make the line both unconventional and alluring. Cubannie Links is known for its whimsical items and Basulto’s streetwear consumers have grown quite the appetite. The Fall/Winter 2009-2010 “Inner Goddess” collection is still blazing, but Basulto anticipates a larger response in her future lines. It seems as though Basulto knows exactly what the urban fashionista seeks, and proves she can deliver.

25 Magazine: Tell me what Cubannie Links means to you.

Annie Basulto: CL means happiness, financial opportunity and a legacy (hopefully)!

25: Where does your love for jewelry stem from? How did it all begin?

Annie: I’ve always loved jewelry and always owned tons of accessories, but to say I thought I was going to be a jewelry designer or own a company, I would have laughed at you for not knowing me well enough. Apparently I didn’t even know me well enough. But the truth is, as it will always be my honest answer, it all began out of desperation to not work at job I don’t love for people who don’t appreciate me. New York has a special air about it. You can really do anything. New York has that survival air you can breathe in and it changes everything. Desperation. Motivation. That’s how it started.

Photo courtesy of Cubannie Links

25: What is the inspiration behind your daring and edgy pieces?

Annie: I am obviously inspired by the same things many designers are inspired by, but I have to admit I don’t follow the molds for conventional thinking. I just make jewelry that I would wear and I do wear.

25: You’ve been receiving amazing notoriety to say your line is only a little under 3 years old, why do you think people are so receptive to your collections?

Annie: CL will be 3 in July 2010. It speaks to everyone. Although there are pieces that more mature woman wouldn’t wear, there are definitely pieces for every type of girl: conservative, edgy, and glamorous.

25: How does it feel when you have stars like Alicia Keys, Rihanna, and Tyra Banks wearing your jewelry or your items are featured in top magazine publications?

Annie: It’s an amazing feeling. It’s a feeling you can describe as your child winning an Oscar or your sister becoming the President. It’s an achievement that happens through my work-its own entity.

Photo courtesy of Cubannie Links

25: What impact do you think Cubannie Links is making on the fashion and jewelry industry?

Annie: Gosh I wish an industry big shot would tell me what impact I am making in the fashion industry. As far as I can see, there are many supportive people who love the collection and those are the testaments that mean most to me.

25: Where do you see Cubannie Links going in the future?

Annie: CL has continued to expand internationally and that has really been a great fete. Mostly getting in department stores like Bloomingdale’s or Macy’s is something I hope to soon achieve.

25: Any advice for those with creativity brewing under their skin, but are too afraid to reach for their dreams?

Annie: Experiment, network, take risks, take classes, explore, travel, do research…anything you can do to expand you creative juices will be a great way to find your style and specific interest.

For more information on Cubannie Links, visit cubannielinks.com.

Preview H&M’s eco-friendly spring collection due this March! Read more for review and photos.

Maintaining the stability of our beautiful Earth has been made easier and more stylish thanks to H&M’s 2010 Garden Collection which will be sold exclusively at H&M stores from the end of March. The romance and glamour of Spring gardens are the inspiration for the collection. The floral prints and dainty blouses give you the breath of fresh air you’ve been craving. What is perhaps most exciting about this collection is that it is entirely made from organic and recycled materials. From the well designed red rose petal jacket to the elegant beige tube dress, there is no reason to sacrifice style for a healthy environment. H&M’s Garden Collection has fashion lovers excited for Spring and even more excited for the release of this dazzling collection. Going green has never looked so good. #verynecessary

Our Picks:

Photos courtesy of H&M

Check out the Spring 2010 footwear collection from The Hundreds! #verydope

25 Magazine spots the pavement’s most fashionable.

Name?

Chase Benjamin

Hometown?

Houston, TX

What do you have on?

Hat: Anti-hero beanie

Sweater: Crooks & Castles

Jeans: Levis 511s

Sneakers: Nike SBs

Watch: White g-shock

Haute spots to shop?

C’monwealth. Palace 5ive. Majors.

3 words to describe your style?

Bright. Exclusive. Urban.

Any advice to aspiring fashionistas?

Wear stuff because you like them not because of the brand.

Name?

Michael Oyewole

Hometown?

Waldorf, MD

What do you have on?

Hat: Dolphins fitted

Outerwear: Nike Jacket

Jeans: Levis

Sneakers: Jordan 1s

Haute spots to shop?

UNIQLO. Macy*s. Thrift Store.

Any advice to aspiring fashionistas?

Just wear what you feel even if it doesn’t match completely.  The best outfits are not planned, but random.

Name?

Emmitt Charles

Hometown?

New Orleans, LA

What do you have on?

Hat: 10 deep fitted

Jacket: Polo zip up

Shirt: Run DMC tee

Belt: Rugby

Jeans: Rugby RL

Sneakers: Custom made Air Max

Haute spots to shop?

Rugby. Bloomingdales. Thrift store.

3 words to describe your style?

So damn fresh.

Any advice to aspiring fashionistas?

Don’t dress like everyone else.

Name?

Daisean Smith

Hometown?

Woodside, NY

What do you have on?

Jeans: Pac sun skinnies

Shirt: GAP

Sneakers: Air Jordan 11s Space Jam Edition

Cardigan: Lacoste

Eyewear: Versace

Haute spots to shop?

No specific spot to shop, but I love Pacsun jeans and V-necks. Also the GAP.

3 words to describe your style?

Skater. Sophisticated. Hipster.

Any advice to aspiring fashionistas?

Be simple don’t try to be too different because all in all you’ll end up looking the same.

Last chance to jump on the Dee&Ricky (purveyors of Marc Jacob’s lego accessories) sale! It’s 50% off, #weonthat. Read more for pics and coupon.

Use coupon code: xmashangover.

Check out the latest from the Fall/Winter 2009  BLACK Comme des Garcons collection.

Source: Hypebeast

25 Magazine spots the pavement’s most fashionable.

Name?

Andorian Ramsey

What are you wearing?

Shirt: DGK tee

Jeans: Teal Crew skinny jeans

Watch: Yellow Crew

Sneakers: Blue Lobster SBs

Hat: Leather cap

Headphones: Skull Candy

Skateboard: DGK

Haute spot to shop?

Up Against the Wall, Common Wealth, and H&M.

Three words to desribe your style?

Chill, Urban, & Unique.

Advice to aspiring fashionistas?

Dress on how you’re feeling. Dress to appease yourself.  If you feel good about how you dress, then others will feel good about how you dress.

Name?

Darryl Banks

What are you wearing?

Vest: Rugby

Shirt: Rugby Ralph Lauren Polo

Belt: Banana Republic

Jeans: Diesel khakis

Sneakers: Exclusive Nikes

Watch: Pink G-shock

Haute spot to shop?

Diesel and Rugby

Three words to describe your style?

Confident, Innovative, & Complex.

Advice to aspiring fashionistas?

Follow your heart. Never give in. Be creative.

Name?

Gerald Claros

What are you wearing?

Sweater: BAPE crewneck

Jeans: Evisu

Sneakers: Lightning 4’s (Jordans)

Haute spots to shop?

I mainly shop online on different forums. (issforums.com)

Three words to describe your style?

Random, Exciting, & Obscure.

Advice to aspiring fashionistas?

Matching is overrated, but don’t OD on too many colors. Wear fits a little more loose than tight.

25 Magazine spots the pavement’s most fashionable.

Name? 

Kaitiana Stevenson

What are you wearing? 

Dress: H&M 

Sweater: H&M

Boots: Mizmooz riding boots

Haute spot to shop?

Thrift stores, Urban Outfitters, H&M

Advice for an aspiring fashionista?

Keeping it simple is the best.

Name?

Alex Freeman

What are you wearing? 

Cardigan: Target 

Shirt: Forever 21 

Leggings: Vintage

Boots: Nine West 

Eyewear: Target shades

Haute spot to shop?

I shop wherever I am.

Advice to an aspiring fashionista?

Wear whatever works for you. Be confident with what you’re wearing.

Name? 

 Talibah Arnett

What are you wearing? 

Blazer: Calvin Klein

Bow: Aldo

Necklace: Aldo

Jeans: Forever 21 

Tank top:  Pac Sun 

Shoes: BCBG

Haute spot to shop?

Aldo, Forever 21

Advice to an aspiring fashionista?

Express yourself and be confident.

Durkl to have a holiday sale and release new EYE Street Collection.

DURKL is having a holiday sale on Saturday, December 19th.  Items will be organized by size into $5, $10, $20, and $30 bins.  Their in-town exclusive hats will also be released.  For more info on the hats and upcoming EYE Street Collection, checkout their EYE page here . http://durkl.com/eye.html 

The popular Washington, DC urban brand DURKL is ready to kick off the season with new collection.

The collegiate and workwear inspired collection features new apparel such as the quilted “Edgar” duck jacket, sherpa lined corduroy “Senior” varsity jacket and suede elbow patched “RL” flannel shirt. They also offer black waxed denim, the DURKL script crewneck, two new styles of caps, and over a dozen tee shirts. 

The collection will be available starting Wednesday, December 9th at http://shop.durkl.com and at the DURKL Warehouse (443 Eye Street NW).

25 Magazine spots the pavement’s most fashionable.

Name?

Micah

Hometown?

Florida

Occupation?

Military

What do you have on?

Jacket: Original Fake

Jeans: APC 

Belt: Supreme 

Hat: Supreme

Sneakers: Nike SB Dunks

Haute Spot to Shop?

Commonwealth

Advice to aspiring fashionistas?

Don’t buy fake sh*t. 

Name?

Rush (left)

Hometown?

Silver Springs, MD

Occupation?

Money

What do you have on?

Jacket: LRG

Shirt: Hot Topic

Sneakers: metallic silver, Half-Cent Nikes

Jeans: all-black Levi’s

Haute Spot to Shop?

Up Against the Wall

Describe your look?

Vintage, OG.

Advice to aspiring fashionistas?

Be you. 

Name?

Marky (right)

Hometown?

Silver Springs, MD

Occupation?

Student

What do you have on?

Shirt: Pac Sun

Jeans: 5/11 Levi’s

Sneakers: 720 Nike SBs.

Haute Spot to Shop?

Urban Outfitters

Describe your look?

Vintage

Advice to aspiring fashionistas?

Be you. 

Name?

Derron

Hometown?

Los Angeles, CA

Occupation?

Student

What do you have on?

Hat: Proper x New Era fitted hat

Shirt: thrift store western shirt

Jeans: UNIQLO chinos

Sneakers: Vans

Haute Spot to Shop?

Thrift Stores

Describe your look?

Vans, Jordans, & Nachos.

Advice to aspiring fashionistas?

Be yourself.

Name?

Curtis

Hometown?

Arlington, VA

Occupation?

Works at Lee’s Board Shop

What do you have on?

Sneakers: Nike Blazers,

Shirt: Durkl

Hoodie: Durkl

Haute Spot to Shop?

Lee’s Board Shop

Describe your look?

Skater

Advice for aspiring fashionistas?

Wear what you like.

.