Air Jordan 11 Retro – Black/Varsity Red-White

Perhaps THE most sought after model in the Air Jordan lineup, the Jordan XI returns during the Xmas season in its black and red version, otherwise known as the Jordan XI “B/red”.  Loved by some, adored by many, wanted by ALL…the Air Jordan 11 was the first athletic shoe that featured patent leather.  This particular color-way features a shiny black patent upper with a varsity red gum bottom. It was last seen in 2008 in the 11/12 Countdown Pack, arguably the best of all the CDPs. Sneakerheads also saw a high quality 2001 release in addition to the original release in 1996.

We all remember the past three pre-Christmas lines for the Space Jams in ’09, the Cool Greys in 2010 and the Concords in 2011. Well, well, well…here we go again!

The Details:

Release date: 12/21/12.

Doors open: 9am.

Sizes available: Crib/infant, toddler, youth and men’s sizes. 1C – 14M.

Release method: First come, first serve.

Q: Why are they called the “Bred 11s?”

A: They aren’t. Back in the day they were just the “black and red 11s” or “playoff 11s”.  That turned into an abbreviation of Blk/Red 11s, followed by B/red 11s and now with all the abbreviations popular culture has created, it’s become the “bred 11″. Some youngsters have even taken to incorrectly calling them the “bread 11″, but we assure you there will be no sandwiches handed out this Friday!

Q: Why are you releasing them on a first come, first serve basis and not doing the Twitter RSVP or a Raffle like many of your counterparts?

A: One of the most important things to all of us at Studiiyo23 is the integrity and fairness of our releases. Though we understand why some shops have moved to the RSVP or raffle system, we do not necessarily agree with their reasoning. It’s our opinion that both systems ultimately reward resellers moreso than true sneakerheads. Let’s take them one by one.

The Twitter RSVP system has several obvious flaws. The most obvious is, what person has the time to just SIT on Twitter all day long waiting for someone in a room to send out a tweet that it’s now okay to send them a direct message requesting a shoe? Most people have responsibilities such as school or work that simply does not allow them to post up on a social media site all day long. In most of the jobs we know of out there, doing that can and will get you fired. Now what shoe is worth someone’s job? What message are we sending our youth these days?

The other is, some people just do not want to sign up for Twitter. Why should the ability of some young kid who worked all summer to buy his/her favorite Jordan/Nike shoe be based on whether or not he/she first of all has Twitter and second of all has the time to sit on that site all day waiting for a tweet?

Lastly, there have been documented cases out of NYC, CHI and other major cities where people have evidence of being in the first few DM’s to be sent to shops but not being chosen for the shoe.

You know who has the most time to post up all day on Twitter with nothing more important to do? Yep, you guessed it: Resellers.

The Raffle system on the other hand was built upon the premise of “fairness”. It’s simple, customers stop in, put their name/number in a box and the employees of your neighborhood sneaker shop pulls names out one by one and informs you if you’ve won! So what’s the problem?

Firstly you must have the time to drive out to the store a week before release day and then again on release day if you happen to win. The only way to find out what day raffle tickets are being accepted is by calling each and every footlocker, champs, etc in your area.

Secondly it introduces the ability for employees of that shop to be dishonest about the winners of each raffle. These abuses have also been documented and reported on.

Lastly, similarly to the Twitter RSVP system, it favors the folks who have ample time to drive around their town to multiple stores and again on release day between set strict hours, usually only a 2 hour window. It’s our opinion this favors resellers more than the youth or adults who have working jobs or schools that they must get to on a daily basis.

For all the above reasons we have always released our kicks on a first come, first serve basis. We can’t promise that this will never change, but what we can promise you is that our loyalties lie with the real sneakerheads and the folks who wait in line for hours for the love of the game and not with thoughts of making $20-50 bucks ten minutes later or by posting them up on eBay or other reselling sites.

Q: So how will Studiiyo23 be releasing your Jordan XI’s this Friday?

A: First come, first serve on release day. We’ll open up at 9am. It’s also one men’s size per customer and you must purchase your size or a 1/2 size up or down. No exceptions. Customers may purchase a men’s pair and a GS/Youth or Infant/toddler sizes. For GS/Youth sizes the same rules apply. For infant/toddler sizes, customers can purchase as many as they want.

Q: Why do you limit how many pairs each customer can buy?

A: Fairness. When we’ve got a line of people it simply isn’t fair to allow someone to purchase two while the guy or gal behind them misses out. The “one per customer” rule applies to all men’s sizes and youth sizes.

Q. That’s admirable. In addition to the shoes you get directly from Nike and your other brands, you also do consignment, so how do you reconcile supporting the “real sneakerheads” when consignment is essentially “reselling”?

A: Great question. It’s one that confuses many but when you break it down it’s really very simple. The whole premise of consignment kicks first started to allow folks to purchase shoes that they missed from YEARS ago. The problem these days is the sheer number of consumers flocking to each Jordan and Nike release versus the number of shoes available. Simple supply vs. demand economics. When there are so many people who miss a current drop the eyes of resellers open wide with dollar signs.

At Studiiyo23 we do not take in any current release for 60 days to try to cut down on the true “resellers”. We also price our consignment kicks very aggressively and allow folks to make offers on the asking price, creating a safe environment where buyers and sellers can negotiate with each with no pressure. You’ll rarely find a consignment shoe online selling for less than the exact one we have in our store.

When purchasing consignment or pre-owned shoe online, you often never know what you will get until it’s too late. Here at Studiiyo23, every shoe that we take in goes through a vigorous “legit check” by our owner, an avid Jordan collector and sneaker freak for over two decades so our consumers can rest assured that anything purchased from Studiiyo23 is the real deal.

At the end of the day, consignment will always exist as long as there is more demand than supply and we just do the best we can to make sure our customers’ experiences at Studiiyo23 are second to none and that we are as fair as possible to everyone.

Q: What is YOUR favorite Jordan of all time?

A: Hahahaha. The black and red Jordan eleven

*Follow the good folks at Studiiyo23 on Twitter @Studiiyo23 or Facebook @Studiiyo23!

November

AJ Retro 9 – Black/Olive

The Air Jordan IX was the first model that was not worn by Michael Jordan, originally released during his first retirement in 1994. The brand released the shoe again in 2002 and both times, this model did not sell well as they sat on shelves for months until they were eventually heavily discounted. What makes the 2012 release any different you ask? Well, Jordan IX has always flown below most collectors’ radars until now as demand is expected to be high for this year’s drop of several colorways of the AJ9 thanks to the “Kilroy Pack”. More importantly however is the fact that very few folks have this shoe in their collection and with so many more “sneakerheads” out there, this drop is a guaranteed sell-out for any shop set to receive them.

AJ Retro 4 – Black/Red

Said to be one of the most comfortable Air Jordans out there, the AJIV was another one of designer Tinker Hatfield’s masterpieces. Nubuck material was first introduced to the sneaker world on the AJ 4 design and this Jordan also featured a mesh side panel for the first time, increasing breathability for the wearer. We also see hints of “customization” with the lace locks as wearers can choose how and where to thread their choice of laces.  This particular color-way was last seen in 2008 in the 3/20 Countdown Pack and is consistently ranked in the top 10 of the all time greatest Air Jordans. Releasing this year on Black Friday, make sure to get to your favorite sneaker-shop early as this shoe will definitely sell-out across the nation.

December

AJ Retro 11 – Black/Red

Perhaps THE most sought after models in the Air Jordan lineup, the Jordan XI returns during the Xmas season in it’s black and red version, otherwise known as the Jordan XI “Bred”.  Loved by some, adored by many, wanted by ALL…the Air Jordan 11 was the first athletic shoe that featured patent leather.  This particular color-way was last seen in 2008 in the 11/12 Countdown Pack, arguably the best of all the CDPs. We all remember the past three pre-Christmas lines for the Space Jams in ’09, the Cool Greys in 2010 and the Concords in 2011.  Well, well, well…here we go again!

And remember there is more! Check www.jumpman23.com for details on upcoming releases. Is this their Best Season Ever?!  Follow us on Twitter for more news and updates!

The day will be capped off by The Official TCSAX After-Party featuring a live performance by Raekwon “The Chef” of the Wu-Tang Clan from 9pm-midnight in the mainroom. The first such event in Minnesota custom made for passionate sneaker enthusiasts, designers, musicians and artists to come together to browse, buy, sell, trade and admire the convergence of fashion, art, music, culture and sneakers…

Along with the festivities, Studiiyo23 would like to remind our guests that it’s never too early to give back. We will host a blanket and clothes drive for the less-fortunate in our community by accepting blankets, warm clothes, shoes, etc to donate to organizations which help make a difference in the lives of our friends in the community. So please give…give from the heart and know that you too are helping those in need.

The details…

TCSAX:
*2pm – 6pm (First Avenue Mainroom)
*$12 per entry (includes all facility fees)
*For those wishing to trade sneakers, maximum 3 pairs permitted per entry
*For sneaker/art tables, please see below
*Two food trucks will be posted right outside First Ave to keep you fed, fit and healthy!
*Featuring DJ sets by Audio Perm, DJ Advance, DJ Enferno
*This is an all ages event.
*Get your tickets for TCSAX online here: TCSAX tickets

*Featuring MC sets by:
>Ashley Dubose
>Audio Perm
>BdotCroc
>Botzy of Culture Cry Wolf
>Finding Novyon
>Greg Grease
>I.B.E
>Illuminous 3
>The Lioness
>Lizzo + LaManchita
>Mac Irv
>Mike Dreams
>Sophia Eris
>Timmy Price
>Tony Bones
>Villa Rosa (Muja Messiah + Maria Isa)

*For sponsorship, vending, and sneaker/art table opportunities please contact info@studiiyo23.com with subject “TCSAX”. Hurry, tables are very limited and places are competitive*

TCSAX Official After-Party featuring Raekwon “The Chef”:
*9pm – midnight (First Avenue Mainroom)
*$21 adv / $23 door (includes all facility fees)
*This is a 18+ event
*Hosted by DJ Enferno of ATG DJs
*Wu-Tang Forever
*Get your tickets for the Official After-Party online here: TCSAX Official After Party Ft. Raekwon

Tickets can be purchased in person at First-Avenue, Electric Fetus, Fifth Element, and Studiiyo23. These are some of the most beautiful places to shop and enjoy shows in the Twin Cities. Tell a friend and go check them out!

A very special “Thank you” to our friends and family at First Avenue, Fifth Element, Electric Fetus, Basil Lee, ATG DJs, JGoods, 13twentythree Photography, BeSceneMPLS, Mind State Distribution, b resale, Cal-Surf, NSOD, True Ink, SnkrHeadz, and Radio K

*Interested in becoming an official sponsor?  Contact us via email “info@studiiyo23.com” with subject “TCSAX” or call 612.20.TCSAX, Monday-Friday from 12-6pm!

Follow us on Twitter: S23 Twitter and on Facebook: S23 FB

If you really spend time in the store and look at every single brand, you’ll find out that none of our clothes have “Freshjive” on them…However, we do carry Freshjive. Whether you notice it or not, none of the Freshjive clothes, the graphic Ts, sweaters, button-ups, scarves, etc., have their name branded on them. Nowhere. Not even printed or stitched on the tags. The only “Freshjive” is on the price tags WE stick on the garments. Why do that? First, you have to answer how do you do that?

Here’s what FJ tags used to look like…

Adios FJ print!

In 1989, near Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, there were a few inspired individuals and soon-to-be fashion icons residing. One such resident was none other than Rick Klotz. Freshjive, the brand he created, started screen-printed tees with remixed designs of existing logos, a classic move streetwear. He also printed photographs naked women on certain shirt collections. Klotz wanted his surf/skate character to be reflected in the brand. Enjoying the hilarity of society’s attachment to brands, he called his brand Freshjive; meaning bullshit. This meaning has evolved since the early days, now the Freshjive brand represents all of the bullshit in this world. Check out the Freshjive website (currently under construction) and their sister blog The World’s Got Problems.

Forward to 2010. With the line now including sweaters, button up tees, and scarves, Freshjive is still making moves. Still in his store on 420 Fairfax, Klotz was completely surrounded by t-shirt brands and suffocating in this whole streetwear subculture he helped create. Rather than getting upset and shutting down, he stuck with the Freshjive character and gave a big ‘fuck you’ to the whole idea of branding and labeling all of the garments with the name, and completely eliminated the visible logo and name on the clothes. Here’s Klotz with some early designs at his exhibit/lecture “What A Long Strange Trip It’s Been” in September 2010.

So that’s how you do it. Be one of the first modern streetwear brands, and once you see everyone else pushing a similar product, you step back and let them do it while you do your own thing. Everyone looks right and you go left, the Kansas City Shuffle.

This move proves that a logo or brand name doesn’t need to be labeled on your product. Just have a quality piece and people will buy it. This is precisely what our space on Hennepin is. We’re not just a sneaker store. If we get labeled as such then thats all people will think of when they hear Studiiyo23.

This is the first of a series of blogs telling the story of the brands we carry and why we carry them.

Doors open at 9pm.
GA – $30 (18+)
VIP – $45 (21+)

For Table Reservations call 612.968.6636

This is an 18+ show!

Tickets on sale now at http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/166049?utm_medium=bks

Tickets also available at Studiiyo23, Electric Fetus, Fifth Element, Ticketfly.com and epicmpls.com!

Link up with us http://twitter.com/studiiyo23

Link up with Basil Lee http://twitter.com/basilpresents

Living in such a culturally rich region as the Twin Cities, walking along the city sidewalks provides as much if not more stimulation as surfing the web. Just a walk around a couple blocks can provide what the Internet can’t:

-The smell of walking by your favorite local food spot can make your mouth water.

-The feeling of the breeze while skating or cycling makes you want to move faster.

-The sound of birds singing in the trees seems to balance the rumble of cars.

-The sight of the street signs at each corner reminds you where you are.

But wait! What’s that?!

You walk by this sign everyday but you’ve never seen this before. Something has changed. Street signs, stoplights, and light poles are not just for the safety of drivers, but also serve as a potential experience for pedestrians. Just as a user surfs the Internet site to site, the pedestrian roams the sidewalk corner to corner. And on each corner, there is something created by pedestrians just like you…(maybe even you!) Whether you consider this information as a form of branding, vandalism, graffiti, or art, the idea of posting information on light posts and street signs has been around much longer than the Internet; but the purpose is clear.

I see these streetlights and telephone poles as the guerilla advertiser’s bulletin board. From Uptown to Dinkytown, Midway to Northeast, stickers and flyers can be seen on nearly every street corner. My favorite part of this branding technique is the strictly DIY skill it requires. Someone has to physically go to each street corner (sometimes unnoticed), post his or her flyer/sticker/poster of anything! A club event, a concert, an album release or even just an appealing logo.

I love walking the streets of Midway, St. Paul and seeing the very same sticker I saw in Uptown, Minneapolis the day before. Knowing that someone has been to the very same location with the same interests is very intriguing. These corners are also constantly changing. With the city repainting cable boxes, people covering up or tearing off other posters, or the MN weather taking its toll, these stickers don’t last forever…

Staples from decades ago are still embedded in the wooden light poles.

Even if they do wear away, this form of advertising will STICK around.

We here at Studiiyo23 encourage the sticky fingers of all the guerillas out there bringing their brand to the street. Just take a look around and you might find many of our posters and stickers around town.

How to become an observant pedestrian:

-compile a list of stickers you regularly see

-take the stickiest route (walk past areas of highly concentrated postings)

-notice which posters/stickers/flyers are most attractive (or least attractive)

-add your artistic touch (we’ve got plenty for you)

-READ THEM ALL!

Next time you’re walking down Hennepin stop by the store and grab yourself some S23 stickers and customize your experience as a pedestrian.

How does one receive current events?

The television entered the homes of thousands of people in the 1950’s and became the medium of choice for receiving desirable information. The most attractive aspect of the television was its ability to broadcast worldwide events to the comfort of peoples’ home.

It became an activity; being able to watch music videos, get the daily news summed up in an hour program, flipping the switch to catch a situational comedy episode or game show, even watching the latest reality show to see how ‘real’ it actually is. In just over four decades of sitting on a couch pointing a remote at a television a new screen caught the attention of the ever-curious human being: the computer…

This new form of media was unlike anything ever imagined and has made an everlasting impact on societies around the globe. This impact is now so embedded in the current culture of human beings that it will never cease to exist.

NOW how does one receive current events?

The Internet is now the most influential media outlet/source of our time. Its similarities to the television are obvious as they both serve as a form of entertainment. However, the unique properties of the Internet are what make it incredible. The greatest difference is the element of do-it-yourself that comes hand in hand with the PC and the Internet. The ability to create a worldwide phenomenon is at the fingertips of YOUR hands, a user connected to the virtual network that is the Internet. Our active presence and involvement gives us the type of interaction the television lacked.

The Internet has virtually limitless information for all to experience and for all to create. A website is not a TV station that has a set schedule of half-hour long programs (nearly 1/3 of which belonging to advertisements we are forced to watch).

The television requires large corporations (ABC, CBS, NBC) to produce a broadcast capable of reaching millions of viewers. The Internet does not. With a computer and very basic technical skills a user is able to turn a thought into a website. One can even just post a thought on an existing website and potentially reach thousands of users daily.

The reason the Internet will never cease to exist: WE decide what is available.

WE decide what (not) to view. WE choose when to view it. WE blog the weblog…

Now that Studiiyo23 has established our presence on the Internet, we will never cease to exist. We will continuously update our blog with posts on the FASHION, ART, CULTURE, MUSIC and SNEAKERS we represent. But it is you who decides where and when and if to receive the information.

Studiiyo23.com: Open 24 Hours. Bookmark the site, set it as your homepage, and dig into the information relevant to YOU!

Growing up I had an infatuation with this…Nefertiti, this Queen of Egypt.

I’ve written many a poem and dreamt many a dream of Queen Nefertiti. Anytime i’ve seen an image, read a story or heard her name spoken, i’m transported back to the time of the Pharaohs and can imagine her standing alongside her Pharaoh and then eventually seated on the Throne herself….in all her wisdom and beauty. Celebrating her and what she stood for has been a passion project of mine.

And so, Studiiyo23 presents our newest and perhaps most meaningful design to date: The “Bigger Than Kings” crew neck sweater. The iconic Queen Nefertiti takes center stage as a symbol of eternal beauty and strength for all women. Not only female, but a Queen of Ancient Egypt and to some, a Pharaoh in her own right. Her ancient name means: “The Beautiful One Has Arrived”. Then, and now, she has been proclaimed to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Her virtues were not only skin deep however….

Together with her man, the Pharaoh Akhenaten, they launched the first religious revolution in history in which they abandoned the traditional gods of Ancient Egypt and proclaimed to worship the only One true God, the Sun God “Ra”. No more god of the cow and god of the river and snake and monkeys and stuff….naw baby, Ra reigned supreme!

Below the bottom half of the center circle you’ll find “Studiiyo23” written in the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic alphabet.

You know, i’ve been blessed to have had the opportunity to travel to thirty-one countries around the world. Along the way i’ve met and gotten to know some pretty amazing women, from some in the largest cities of the world to ones in the harshest and most poverty stricken, off the map places on the planet. I’ve learned that sometimes a woman’s worth is taken for granted and well, that’s a shame. So I hope you join us in paying homage to all the strong, beautiful and courageous women in all our lives. The backbone of any and every society, we must always remember women truly are “BIGGER THAN KINGS”.

We at Studiiyo23 have a passion for design that inspires thought and discussion. The common link is that each piece tells a story. Sometimes explicitly and other times it’ll sneak up on ya and kick you in the ass! Yeah, you just might NOT like that sometimes. But ride with us and we guarantee you’ll have fun, travel the world, and be exposed to some new, differently fresh shit! And you’ll soon find that Everything…has a Story…

-Mohbama

Purchase from S23 Shop here: Bigger Than Kings Crew

Check out some of our other designs below!
* Revolución: Revolución Tee
* Zooted: Zooted Tank

Join us in celebrating Theophilus London’s first time in the Twin Cities! Featuring a full live band! Don’t miss the opportunity to see this performance by one of the most unique and acclaimed up and coming artists in the world!

Featuring DJ sets by:
***GIGAMESH***

Doors @ 9pm.
Tickets: $15 adv, $20 at the door.
This is an 18+ event.

Tickets available online at:

http://www.vitalculture.com/events/detail/1567

And in-store at:
Studiiyo23
2319 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55405
612.259.8935

This butterfly MC from the Bronx is the definition of fresh. Visually and melodically, he is a time machine back into the days when hip-hop was an escape into immediate heart jumps, head swings and shoulder bounces. With influences ranging from Prince to Whitney Houston to Michael Jackson, Theophilus London extends the boundary of generations, bridging gaps with nostalgic flows and beats that knock.

Since 2007, he’s been spreading his wings within the industry, gaining networks and flourishing the mixtape game with Jam! (2008), This Charming Mixtape (2009), and I Want You (2010). Evolving and exploring with each step, his stamina led him to four nationwide tours, including one ambient adventure over seas. Catching the eye of Warner Bros. Records, they geared him up for the release of his 2011 EP Lovers Holiday, featuring the fly singles“Flying Overseas” and “Why Even Try”.

Today, his music and his videos are the bubble in the hip-hop brain leaving discoverers in a constant state of wondering, “Who’s that guy that dresses like he’s from the 80’s?” You now know. He’s Theophilus London: a fun, fly, inventive, free spirit that leaves smiles and rhythm for the soul.

Connect with us and RSVP here: http://www.facebook.com/events/340117139337953/

http://theophiluslondon.net/

http://twitter.com/theophilusL

http://www.billboard.com/news/theophilus-london-steps-out-of-rap-mold-1005279622.story#/news/theophilus-london-steps-out-of-rap-mold-1005279622.story

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/timez-are-weird-these-days-20110719

Get to know the Artist: http://www.billboard.com/news/theophilus-london-steps-out-of-rap-mold-1005279622.story#/news/theophilus-london-steps-out-of-rap-mold-1005279622.story

Studiiyo23 and basil|Lee Present: THEOPHILUS LONDON live at The Loft at Barfly!