Portent: A fashion film that channels the past, promotes the present and predicts the future

Pretentious? Maybe. Relateable? Not really. But innovative? Without a doubt.

Portent is an impeccably-crafted fashion film produced collaboratively by The Corner and SHOWstudio, the brainchild of legendary photographer Nick Knight. It is an ornate and ethereal celebration of the human form enblazoned by exquisite couture, and a dramatic yet blissful period piece at the same time. Oh yeah, and did I mention it’s an ad?

Among the designer labels featured in the short film are Viktor & Rolf, Proenza Schouler, Kris Van Assche, Masion Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester, just to name a few. What these brands all have in common, apart from their refined point of view and ungodly price tags, is that they each have their own “mini-store” on the virtual high-end fashion mall that is The Corner. The site stands out by offering visitors an especially creative and interactive shopping experience, dialed up through an array of stunning multimedia projects and campaigns which accentuate the unique DNA and design sensibility of each of its specially-selected brands.

Regardless of where you shop, how you shop, and your level of financial and artistic interest in what you wear, this film, “Portent,” and The Corner it was born on provide provocative insight on the future of retail, advertising and the notion that sex sells.

How well do you know your sneaker history? ADIDAS x PUMA x Int’l Peace Day

Do you rock Puma or Adidas kicks?  Some do rock both, but most pledge allegiance to one more than the other.

To you, it may simply be a choice of who’s fresher, who’s designs fit your swagger best, who’s got the better celebrity endorsement, or who’s advertising is more entertaining, etc.  But to a someone who lives in Herzogenaurach, Germany, a pair of Pumas or a pair of Adidas on your feet says which side of the war you are on.

The loyalties behind the Three Stripes and the Puma run deep.  The two sneaker brands were founded in the same Bavarian town by the same blood.  At first, there was actually only one company – the one that started and grew out of Mama Dassler’s laundry room in 1924.  After a fallout in 1948 though,  Rudolf “Ruda” Dassler started Puma, initially named Ruda, and Adolf “Adi” Dassler headed Adidas.  There’s a lot of history there, for sure, but the fact that the Dassler brothers are buried in opposite ends of the town graveyard tells a lot of the story.  Even more, the two brothers died not having spoken to one another in years.

BUT some peace was made yesterday. Employees from both companies, which reside on opposing side of the Aurach River, played on mixed teams to celebrate International Peace Day.  The game was the first joint activity between the two German companies since the brothers went their separate ways after World War II!

The war may be over but we still want to know which side of the Aurach you’re at – Puma or Adidas?

Apliiq, Because “Clothes Can Be Fun”

What could be better than your favorite hoodie? Try, your favorite hoodie tricked out with one-of-a-kind custom applique a la the funkiest and freshest fabrics around. And what’s even better than that is that Apliiq brings their magic touch to every element of your look: tees, sneaks and jewelry included.

Based in Los Angeles, Apliiq was started by Boston-native slash style maven Ethan Lipsitz in 2007. He created the line with equal interest in bringing a new breed of customization to the apparel world and giving back to the planet in his own unique fashion (pun intended). As such, Apliiq products use second-hand upcycled textiles to create simple, yet dynamic pieces. Choose from pre-made Apliiq Limiteds or create your own ensemble on apliiq.com. With an ever-growing catalog of fabrics to choose from, the possibilities are endless.

Apliiq products are available through apliiq.com as well as Cultist and Karmaloop. Each garment is handmade in the Apliiq work space in downtown L.A. Keep a look out for new products, including headbands, hi tops, bike accessories, baby clothes and dog wear.