Monday 10 December 2012

The Nike Air Force 1: One of Nike's Best Designs

There’s something about the Nike Air Force 1. It’s one of them trainers that looks good on anyone, even on pensioners (and I have seen this, trust me.) For me it has to be the low top in a white colourway or an all black number out of the numerous varieties to choose from. Even better, stick a gum sole on the bottom of that white colourway and you have trainer perfection, pretty hard to beat.

Pensioners aside, the Air Force 1 has been worn by various icons since its birth in 1982. It is especially loved in the hip-hop community. When Jay-Z and Kanye aren’t wearing Jordans they are both partial to a pair of Air Force 1’s. In Britain the grime artist Dizzee Rascal has a line about them; “It’s an Air Force 1, trainers by the truckload, trainers by the tonne.” So not only are the AF1 a great trainer, they are also part of one of the best British hip-hop albums. Not too bad really.

Like most Nike trainers the Air Force 1 has evolved into a collectors item and collaborations with certain brands are often highly sought after. The collab with Supreme goes for upwards of 300 quid on ebay. The AF1 were also one of many trainers to get the Vac-Tech treatment last year, could a trainer look any cleaner? Well, yeah, it could, add a lunar sole and you have an unreal trainer that wouldn’t look out of place on a catwalk. Over the years the Air Force 1 has been part of many collabs and colourways and you can only hope it continues.

For me though the Nike Air Force 1 isn’t a classic because all these hip-hop artists and celebrities wear it or because the collaborations are good. No, I like the Air Force one because it is one of those trainers that anyone can wear. Like, I said, it looks good on anybody. What was the first basketball trainer to feature Nike’s infamous ‘Air’ sole is now considered one of the greatest trainers of all time. With the recent trend on the highstreet for Nike trainers it also looks like a new generation could be getting into the Air Force 1 and this can only be a good thing. Quite simply, the Nike Air Force 1 is a trainer that everybody should have in their collection.



To vote for this trainer as your all time favourite click here
http://www.jdsports.co.uk/page/heroes_nike-af1/?cm_mmc=Campaign-_-Heroes-_-jd_Steak-_-AF1

To buy this trainer click here
http://www.jdsports.co.uk/product/nike-air-force-1-lo/87007/?cm_mmc=Campaign-_-Heroes-_-jd_Steak-_-AF1

Friday 7 December 2012

A little project...

Here's a look at a project we're working on. Expect to see this on a badge and sticker sometime in the not too distant future as well as a couple of other designs we've got lined up thanks to our friends at Closerthanmost.

Saturday 1 December 2012

Issue 4. Coming soon.

Majority of the content now in, sorting design etc out now. We'll keep posting updates about progress and more details over the next couple of weeks. Expect interviews with illustrators and people who make clothes and the like. We're excited about this one, in fact we're excited to tell you who and what we're featuring in the next issue so keep checking back.


Wednesday 7 November 2012

Tyrannosaur: Sheffield Showroom.

With the tenth anniversary of Warp Films upon us Sheffield Showroom are currently showing all manner of films including, This Is England, Submarine and Dead Mans Shoes.

Luckily one half of Northern Aficionado now lives in Sheffield, so we decided to go and watch Tyrannosaur and take part in the Q&A afterwards with one of the films' producers.

Despite having seen the film before it was still as, if not more, powerful than ever. With a great cast including Peter Mullan and Olivia Colman it was always going to be a good watch but it's Eddie Marsan who easily puts in the best performance as an abusive husband.

If anything, Tyrannosaur proves that Paddy Considine is as good at directing/writing as he is acting. All in all it is a great film and well worth a watch if you haven't seen it before.

Sheffield Showroom is the ideal setting to watch a film such as Tyrannosaur and with our tickets only costing 4 quid you can't complain. Plus, you can have a pint while you watch a film, which is pretty ace if you ask us.


Sunday 21 October 2012

Burberry.


Burberry’s chequered past:

Burberry was founded in 1856 by 21-year-old Thomas Burberry, a former draper's apprentice who went on to establish the company’s name in innovative, functional outdoor wear and accompaniments  by focusing on the development of gabardine over the next 25 years. Gabardine is a hardwearing, water-resistant, yet breathable, fabric, because the yarn is waterproofed before weaving. Famous folk such as explorers Major F.G. Jackson, Ronald Amundsen, Robert Scott and Ernest Shackelton plus aviators Claude Grahame-White John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown bedecked themselves in Thomas’s reliable attire when achieving new goals. The British War Office even commissioned Thomas Burberry to adapt his water and tear proof gabardine overcoat for warfare. Thus, his company produced, by adding shoulder straps and D-rings, the Burberry trench coat. It is said the D-rings were added for attaching map cases or swords. Others say that hand grenades were hung from the D-rings? Burberry trench coats are the most famous item they produce to this day.  Also, gabardine was used for the manufacture of tents.

Though in 1901, the Burberry Equestrian Knight logo was developed containing the Latin word "Prorsum" - meaning forwards - on a flag carried by the knight in shining armour with Burberry registering this as their trademark. Burberry traditional styles of clothing and itsEnglishness is admired worldwide and worn by owners of the label with great pride. The armour of the logo signifies the protection afforded by their outerwear, the "Chivalry of Knighthood" reflects the company's own standards of integrity.

Burberry has a distinctive check pattern that has become one of its most widely copied trademarks too, their nova/house check. The check pattern is used within the lining of jackets, flecks of nova can be discreetly used on items of clothing and there is full on in your face hats, shirts and accessories. Though their nova scarves, especially the cashmere ones, are enduring and are still seen worn at the match to this day. But on the other hand, Burberry check were another label adopted in abundance by the Chav element. This, and a certain type of match going lad wearing the clothing, lead to pubs and clubs not allowing wearers entry, such was the check’s stigma. Birmingham’s Zulu Armywere notorious for being kitted out in Burberry, acquired by whatever means. Aquascutum and Daks seem to have always come secondly to Burberry.
   
The original beige Burberry golf jacket, with its check lining, cuffs and under collar and the embroidered prorsum knight strap over neck button fastener, which also featured a straight cut lower hem with buckle adjustments, were a classic garment donned by lads in the early to mid-Eighties, and beyond. Over a period of time these golf jackets have been reissued in other colours including grey, navy, olive green and red, along with variations of the basic design too.

I can recall a FA Cup game at Middlesbrough back in the mid-Eighties and, a host lads I were with wearing both the beige and navy nova check Burberry scarves: . Ayresome Park wasn’t the most inviting of places at the best of times, and it is minging in winter. The lads I travelled with were also a little wary of what lay in store that day. ‘Boro were perched at the top of the old Third Division, and we, North End, were second in the Fourth. Obviously they were hot favourites to win - but enter little Ronnie Hildersley. He hit a screaming shot just passed the halfway line with the ball ending up nestled in the back of the ‘Boro net putting Preston 1-0 up. ‘Boro never looked like getting back into the match after that.

To our left, the natives were getting restless. And nearing the end of the game near 500 blokes thought fence climbing was part of the entrance fee. Neanderthal cavemen, big growlers and lads all wanting a piece of us. The police and stewards then started using water hoses to calm them down. Coppers were also whacking the ‘Boro collective on their sausage like fingers through the meshing with their clobber and donkey jackets now dripping wet. A few looked like they could do with a good wash as if they’d just come from the steel works or the docks. They are known locally as the Smoggies, and I’m sure that chemical fumes in the atmosphere in and around Teeside from all the over sized chimneys and water coolers had made them disfigured and crazy?

Nearing the end of the match, the lads began to feel a nip in the air and commenced to zip up the ski jackets and wrap Burberry scarves around the lower half of their faces. It were very, very chilly indeed, I tell ya. The Old Bill proceeded to pull the scarves down saying they couldn’t conceal their identities. Only most hadn’t enveloped their lower boat race to hide their selfhood but, to quell the frothing from the mouths freezing or, to absorb their tears of fears cascading down their cheeks. 

The final whistle blows and we’re out onto the street behind the stand... A few pairs of soil stained Y-fronts would have been thrown away that day I bet, after the scenes witnessed outside the ground!

In my wardrobe I've a three-quarter length Mac and, of course, the obligatory nova scarf because, the Burberry label is a upholder of principle.


Words by William Routledge. Author of ‘Oh yes, Oh yes, We are the PPS’ and the soon to be released ‘Northern Monkeys’.

Jacket of the day.

Our jacket of the day is one which is perfect for the upcoming winter months. It's perfect for treks up a mountain although will probably be more likely to be seen upon the footballing terraces and down the pub. What is it? It is the Patagonia Isthmus Parka. And it's a thing of beauty which was stumbled upon the other week whilst searching for another addition to the jacket section of the wardrobe. Featuring a lining which'll keep you warm on even the coldest winter nights, the Parka is in a fantastically neutral yet impressive colour - the staple parka colour of "Classic Tan". Team it up with some cords and Clarks and it's as if you're wearing Autumn. As if you hadn't already been talked into purchasing - the jacket is priced around £175 at most places. MA


Also, a bit of news about the next issue as we've had a number of questions regarding the release date - it should be ready to purchase at the beginning of next month and we'll be revealing what and who is featured in the next issue over the next couple of weeks. 

Thursday 4 October 2012

Trainers and Jackets.

We like our footwear here. Although you'll all probably know that already. Shoes are good and we love our Clarks but to us a good trainer is really where an outfit can be made. At the minute we're really into our New Balance and both of us here have purchased a pair in recent months. But, last month we discovered that one of our stockists TRiCKETT were to release a trainer. Yes - a trainer. Those at TRiCKETT had teamed up with Bolton based trainer company Walsh and created their own piece. 

Walsh x TRiCKETT trainer. 

The Walsh x TRiCKETT trainer is due for release in a couple of weeks (13th October at 9:00am) and you can purchase over at trickett-england.co.uk when they have been released but be quick as we're sure these will fly out. Now as if that wasn't enough excitement "clobber-wise" in October, we're also eagerly anticipating the release of the Casual Connoisseur Mountain Parka. The Parka is being released in both Green and Blue and looks absolutely stunning. Packed with cleverly placed pockets and neat little features the jacket has to be ranked up their with the best despite it being the lads first real venture into outerwear (Beat a storm excluded). 

Even the tags on this look good. 
The Jacket.
*Note: Sorry for the lack of posting on here recently, we haven't been ignoring you - just busy. Expect news about issue four and a couple of other exciting projects we're working on up here soon.*

Thursday 20 September 2012

Issue three now available from distant echo.

Quick note to let you know issue three is now available to purchase from our pals at Distant Echo. Sold out at TRiCKETT and direct from us, this is your last chance to get your hands on a copy of issue three - which features some neat interviews with the likes of TukTuk, SEH Kelly, 12th Man and some gig reviews. Not to mention a feature and interview with artist/illustrator Ben Lamb. 

Cheers to everyone who has purchased so far. News and other Northern Aficionado related stuff can also be found on our facebook page (which you should also "like". http://www.facebook.com/NorthernAficionado 

Thursday 13 September 2012

An Aficionado’s Day Out.

Having not met up in a while the two of us at Northern Aficionado thought today was a better time than ever for a trip into Leeds.

We kicked off the day by visiting fellow Huddersfield native Peter O’ Toole in his studio for a cup of tea and a quick chat. Peter’s studio, complete with Dr Doom figurine, was an ace environment and makes you wonder why all offices aren’t as cool. Realising that our quick chat had soon turned into two hours we thought it was best to get off.

As is often the case, we were spoilt for choice when it came to shops in Leeds but MKI and HIP both seem to have great stock in at the moment, although the two of us found it a bit scary seeing a t-shirt with our logo on it in one of our favourite stores.

In the end neither of us bought anything. We don’t know about you but we can never seem to find anything decent when we have the money, but as soon as we are skint we want it all. Anyway, we’d like to say thanks to Peter for his hospitality, we can assure you that this won’t be the last time you see his name on this blog.




Some of the cool shit in Peter's studio

Some call it vandalism..

One of them shots

Some more cool shit in Peter's studio

Monday 10 September 2012

We would like to take the time to thank the following contributors.

Cover Illustration:

Ben Lamb (blamb.co.uk/)

Cover Design and Overall Design:

Jack Springthorpe (jackspringthorpe.tumblr.com)

Bruce Springsteen Review:

Ed Taylor

3 Albums I’m Listening To At The Moment:

Brady Frost (facupvinyl.blogspot.co.uk)

Lacoste: The Friendly Crocodile:


William Routledge. Author of ‘Oh yes, Oh yes, We are the PPS’ and the soon to be released ‘Northern Monkeys’.

(Sorry if we missed anyone out of this page, it wasn’t intentional.)

We would also like to thank everyone who was kind enough to accept our interview requests and everyone who buys or stocks the fanzine.

Saturday 8 September 2012

Issue one - Out Now.

Issue one can now be purchased from Trickett, please follow the link provided to go to our product page http://trickett-england.co.uk/products-page/magazines/northern-aficionado-zine/


As well as having issue three, they've also got a few more copies of issue one and two available, but these, as with issue three are highly limited so snap them up fast if you want one. 

Sunday 2 September 2012

This week...

Sees our third issue hitting the shops. Delay after delay with this issue has seen us have to delay the release for a couple of months, for which we can only apologise but hopefully it'll be worth the wait. More concise info on where and when to purchase from tomorrow. (Subscribers copies will be sent out either tomorrow or Tuesday morning.)

Wednesday 29 August 2012

Kilo Kish - A Quick Chat

Kilo Kish first came to our attention when she featured on The Internet’s brilliant song ‘Ode to a Dream’. Since that point it’s fair to say that we’ve been hooked on the New York based singer’s offerings and we were quite rightly thrilled when the chance came up to ask her a few questions. Here’s what she had to say.

1) Firstly, you're based in Brooklyn, to what degree do you think this influences your music?

Not too much, I don't spend to much time in bk besides being in my apartment. I like living in brooklyn for the trees and the peace and quiet. I identify more with downtown manhattan.
How would you describe your sound to our readers who haven't listened to you?

This is always a hard question for me and generally don't know what to say. I call it experimental, which is mostly just me rambling on or half singing about abstract ideas over spacey beats. I wouldn't say I'm in any particular genre box.

3) What are your biggest influences both within music and outside of it?

I'm not sure if I have any direct influences in music, I think with the internet era we're all indirectly influenced by a lot of things our brains just soak up. I'm kind of like being in my own bubble when I comes to making music so ensure that I'm not being overly influenced by what's new and cool. I don't really watch television, besides the Olympics and The Price Is Right, or listen to the radio so for the most part I'm safe. Outside of music, I'm really influenced by going to see new art it's always inspiring for me. Right now I'm a big fan of Tom Sachs.

4) You worked with both Syd Tha Kyd and Matt Martian of Odd Future (The Internet) on their excellent album Purple Naked Ladies, how would you describe that experience?

It was really amazing working with two friends on their first album, we have such a great, natural relationship. I think their music is really special and refreshing compared to other things I've heard recently. Working on ode to a dream was super fun and I definitely enjoyed touring and performing it live with them.

5) Finally, what are your plans for the future?

My plans are to keep making progressive music and to design cool stuff and work on as many art projects as I can juggle at once. 


We'd like to thank Duncan Will and of course Kilo Kish for their contribution and help with this interview.

Sunday 26 August 2012

New Balance 574.

One half of the team here recently purchased a pair of New Balance 574 in the colour shown below. New Balance need no introduction from us as I'm sure you're all too aware of their excellent trainers but these deserved a post based on their refreshing colour.



The long awaited issue three will hopefully be ready to send out sometime this week. It has now been sent to print so it's just a case of receiving them and sending them out now. As with all the issues so far, it will be available from Distant Echo and Trickett. We're also working with a few more stockists for this issue and next issue but those are to be confirmed. Also, the Aficionado tee is available to purchase from the eighties website. It's available in bottle green, navy and yellow.

Thursday 23 August 2012

Vans Carrilo

The Vans California range is normally something we would describe as a mixed bag. Sure, most of it is the same old stuff you expect when it comes to Vans, and we can’t complain about that, Vans have been producing brilliant, understated footwear for years and it will never get old. Now and again though, the designers at the world famous skating brand throw something special into the mix that makes the rest of the California range suddenly seem outdated, and the Carrilo is definitely special.

Coming in grey, sand or black the Carrilo looks like a skate shoe doing its best impression of a Clarks Desert Trek and would look great in the upcoming Autumn months. We know we’ll be picking up a pair.


Tuesday 14 August 2012

What we've been listening to recently.


As you may have noticed, there has been quite a delay in the publication of Issue 3. This is due to an issue at the printers but we think it will definitely be worth the wait. Anyway, whilst we’ve been busy working on the fanzine we’ve neglected the blog a bit. So we might as well tell you what we’ve been listening to recently.

First up is the 1998 album ‘Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star’. The album is a perfect example of hip-hop done right and is definitely one of our favourites. The track that stands out most has to be the insanely catchy ‘Brown Skin Lady’.

A more recently released album that we’ve been spinning is ‘An Awesome Wave’ by the Leeds based band Alt-J. After hearing the brilliant ‘Breezeblocks’ it has to be said that the rest of the album did disappoint to a degree, but it is still worth a listen.

Third and finally, we have been going through a bit of a J Dilla phase at the moment. The infamous producer who died in 2006 left behind one of the best legacies in Hip-Hop. His last album Donuts consists of a series of instrumentals and is our clear favourite of his. We recommend that you listen to ‘Last Donut of The Night’.




Saturday 28 July 2012

Amsterdam

One half of Northern Aficionado recently went on a little 4 day holiday to Amsterdam. Unfortunately, the infamous trainer shop 'Patta' was closed while we were there, but I did manage to get a few snaps that you may like...

Someone we spotted wearing the recent Stussy X Converse collab.




Thursday 19 July 2012

Badge Number One - Limited numbers available.

These have been selling fast since their release yesterday with orders coming in from around the globe, Australia to be precise. Priced at £2.50 (inc. Postage, which is 90p and Packaging). A few more pics of the badge below. As stated in the post below order via email at northern-aficionado@hotmail.co.uk.


On one of our favourite books.

On one of our favourite flags.

On one of our favourite logos.




Wednesday 18 July 2012

Badge number one - Out now.

A little earlier than expected badge number one is here. Featuring a fantastic design by our Swedish friend Peter of A Northern Soul, the badge is extremely limited in numbers and is available for £2.50 including postage. To purchase a badge then all you have to do is send us an email at northern-aficionado@hotmail.co.uk with your paypal address included and then we can get an invoice to you. Some pictures of badge number one below.

On one of our favourite mags.

On one of our favourite shoes.

On one of our favourite cags.

On one our favourite trainers.
Badge number one out now.

Tuesday 17 July 2012

Badge and issue three update.

Button Badge #1 should be available within the next few days, price and exact day to be confirmed. Issue three almost ready now, next couple of weeks hopefully. Bumper issue packed with lots of neat stuff. Reminder of badge design below. 



Sunday 8 July 2012

A Northern Soul

Issue one featured an interview with Swedish lads Our Culture. Issue three will feature an interview with one third of the team, and A Northern Soul man Peter. According to his twitter he is " One third of Our Culture. All of A Northern Soul. From the dark woods of Sweden. In love with nature, football, music, clothing, film, real ale and all that." What could be better? We ask him more about A Northern Soul and what inspires him and his photography (which is top quality by the way, see below). Follow him on twitter at twitter.com/northernsouls and have a look at his blog anorthernsoul.net. Check out Our Culture at thisisourculture.com.







TukTuk

We've got an interview with TukTuk in issue three as well!


Have a look at what they do at www.wearetuktuk.com

Saturday 23 June 2012

SEH Kelly.

As soon as we caught sight of this brand we knew we had to interview them. Excellent quality, British made garments. What could possibly be better? They are a small, independent team based in London. Although, there are Northern influences on their garms. Some of the production process takes place within the mills of West Yorkshire. According to their website "Every step of the mohair’s transformation into luxury cloth — its dyeing, blending, weaving, and finishing — are undertaken under the one 1800s-built roof." That roof is a West Yorkshire one, and to us that's champion. The production and manufacturing process doesn't all take place in West Yorkshire though. The buttons for example, they are made in the Midlands and the shirt-maker based in Kent. We love the fact that we are able to trace where each and every item they do was made. You can read more about them in issue three, where we have an interview with the nice people from the company. Below are some pictures of the things they make and the places they are made:
The Pale-blue cotton pinpoint raglan shirt. Part of the production for this beauty takes place in Cumbria.

The West Yorkshire Mohair mill

Inside the West Yorkshire Mohair mill
The shirt above is probably one of our favourite pieces by SEH Kelly, but to be quite honest the whole collection is pretty special. Take a closer look at www.sehkelly.com and remember we have an excellent interview with them in issue three.

Wednesday 20 June 2012

A t-shirt we wish we’d bought but never did.

In 2002 A Bathing Ape (BAPE) collaborated with Shawn Mortensen. On the face of it this collab seemed like another one of BAPE’s efforts to pointlessly increase their profile. However, when the t-shirt in question was released, it was clear that this wasn’t the case. With an image of Ian Brown looking as cool as ever on the front this shirt is one we all wish we picked up. Sadly though, it is limited to only 100 pairs and we don’t know about you but we don’t have 100+ quid to spend on a t-shirt.

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Can it get any better?

England have just won the group and have managed to avoid Spain in the next round. The weather has picked up enough to allow us to wear our shorts and best footwear. And we can announce to you tonight one of the interviews we've got lined up for issue three. The Italian based Osti inspired clothing brand 12th Man. We were lucky enough to ask Fabio, the 12th Man creator about his clothing, inspirations and many more wonderful questions all which will be in issue three.

If that wasn't enough for you we can also announce that we have almost finished geting several designs sorted for some limited edition button badges due for release within the next couple of weeks. Featuring some fantastic artwork and design the button badges will be released in limited quanities and we should have some pics to show you next week...

Remember if you haven't purchased issue two yet then do so, they have been selling fast!

Thursday 14 June 2012

Minty's Stone Roses tee.

Our pal A Guy Called Minty has released a Stone Roses tee. Quality artwork on a high quality tee. Yes please. In time for Heaton Park too.

Out now in Sky Blue http://aguycalledminty.bigcartel.com/product/the-stone-roses-tee-sky-blue

And White http://aguycalledminty.bigcartel.com/product/the-stones-roses-tee-white

***

Keep checking the blog over the weekend for some exciting news on Issue three and another project we've been working on...

New waters.

It isn’t often we do an article on photography but sometimes you have to dip your toe in new waters, or something like that.

At the age of 19 Julian Berman isn’t your average photographer. Rising to fame as the snapper to LA hip-hop collective Odd Future you’d be forgiven for thinking that OF were the key to Julian Berman’s success. When you take a look at some of his photos though, you will soon realise that this clearly isn’t the case.

Shooting on polaroid and medium format film, Berman is definitely a master of his craft and one to look out for. Check out his work here.




Buckets of hats.

Personally, we think bucket hats have had a bad press. When you think of the bucket hat you often think of those England flag emblazoned ones that every dick head and his mum chucks on around the time of a major football event. For a moment we’d like you to forget about that and imagine a world where the bucket hat isn’t the headwear of choice for a Reni-wannabe or the tosser down the pub, but an item of clothing that can complete the perfect summer look.

Now we’ve got you thinking about that it’s probably time to tell you about our favourite bucket hat this summer. The hat in question comes courtesy of the team at Ralph Lauren and can be bought from the ever on point lads at Oi Polloi. Featuring a mad floral print over a burgundy colourway this hat would look ace with most summer outfits. You could even watch the football in it, or pretend to be Reni. If you really wanted...


Friday 8 June 2012

Five Reasons We Aren’t Excited For The Nike Air Yeezy 2 Drop.

So, the Nike Air Yeezy 2 hits the shops tomorrow. Here’s five reasons why we aren’t excited and why we won’t be buying it.

The Nike Air Yeezy 2
  1. The excitement building up to a trainer drop like this is always bigger than the trainer warrants. When it was announced that the Yeezy 2 was finally being released the internet went crazy. Hundreds of bloggers showed their inner fangirl by immediately posting extreme amounts of pictures of Kanye West (Yeezy, if you didn’t know) and the trainer in question. This excitement hasn’t subsided and probably won’t for a week after the release, at which point everyone will forget about the shoe and stop wearing it.
  2. Only Jay-Z can pull this shoe off. We’ve seen everyone wearing it pre-release, from Yeezy himself to Reggie Yates, but none of them rock the Yeezy 2 like Mr Carter.
  3. If the trainer in question didn’t have Kanye West’s name on it nobody would be this excited for it. This probably says more about West’s status than it does about Nike.
  4. They are £210!!! Think about it, over 200 quid for a shoe that nobody will care about in two weeks time. You could buy a decent jacket for that.
  5. Last but most importantly, the trainer itself is ugly as fuck. With the spikes on the back, the strap on the front and the glow in the dark sole it looks more like a cross between a motorbike boot and bondage wear than a trainer.
Jay Z wearing the Yeezy 2.

Thursday 7 June 2012

Casualco "Teenage Kicks"

I recently picked up one of the first of the Casualco tee's, the awaydays inspired "Teenage Kicks". Great design and as we know their latest releases are equally as good, I'd love to get my hands on some of the first tee's they released. I was lucky to purchase this one brand new off a well known auction site but they are so hard to find. It'd be great if they'd perhaps do some reprints, if you are listening Casualco. Please. Who's with me?

Friday 1 June 2012

Issue two - Available now!

Issue two is now available to buy from our stockists and we have a limited number of copies to sell as well. To purchase from Distant Echo please visit this link (http://www.distantecho.co.uk/products/northern-aficionado-fanzine-issue-2) or TRiCKETT via this link (http://trickett-england.co.uk/products-page/magazines/northern-aficionado-zine/). To purchase direct then please send us an email (northern-aficionado@hotmail.co.uk) with the title "Issue two - Order".

Issue Two includes:

- Part two of the Casual Connoisseur interview.
- A chat with both our stockists - TRiCKETT and Distant Echo.
- Closer look at MKI.
- A word with Terrace Production.
- Some sketches by A Guy Called Minty.
- Peaceful Hooligan shirt review and interview.

Plus much more...

Issue one completely sold out and as a result is now deadstock. Thanks to everyone who purchased a copy and thanks to all those that send us the great feedback, it means a lot to us and makes it worthwhile.

Meddling Loops.

Lecs Luther who we've previously featured on the blog dropped a new video today.

Luther under the alias 'Rejjie Snow' released the animated video for 'Meddling Loops' featuring Jessie James and Crave. The video is excellently made and Luther's verses aren't too shabby either. Don't take our word for it though, check it out for yourself:

Monday 28 May 2012

Issue Two - Out now!

Issue Two has now been sent out to subscribers today and will be sent out to our stockists tommorow so it will be available from Distant Echo and Trickett towards the end of the week. Issue One sold out, so keep an eye out on both our stockists websites from Wednesday to make sure you don't miss out!

This month we have interviews from Terrace Production, our stockists, part two of the Casual Connoisseur interview, Peaceful Hooligan shirt review and much more. Remember once again we only have limited numbers available so don's miss out.

Bondax - Wet Summer

This weather is absolutely brilliant. After all that rain I don't think any of us can complain. The future-garage duo Bondax obviously agree with us after dropping this wonderful track yesterday with the caption: 'A little something inspired by a beautiful weekend in May'.


Short and simple, this track will not disappoint.

Tuesday 22 May 2012

Northern Aficionado x Dicky Artwerks

Here at Northern Aficionado we like our art. Sketches are probably our favourite form of art and after finding Dicky Artwerks we think we've hit the jackpot. It's basically a culmination of our favourite things brought together in witty, funny and incredibly entertaining sketches. Here are some of the said sketches below for your enjoyment:




See what we mean. Genius. We like Dicky Artwerks so much that we enquired about the possibility of doing a collaboration with them and to our delight they accepted. So, in issue three we're going to be sharing with you some exclusive sketches that we've had a say on. Mint, eh? And if that's not enough then there's more to come from our collaboration, but that will all be revealed in good time.

Dicky Artwerks currently has a book out featuring the sketches above and many, many more. If you fancy a copy or want to get into contact with them please use the email below.