BJJ Grandmaster to hold Prestigious Tournament at MMA Expo Toronto
Mixed Martial Arts Expo Toronto is pleased to announce the signing of what promises to be one of the most prestigious Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments ever held in Canada. The Grandmaster Barreto International BJJ Open will be held on the show floor of MMA Expo IV, June 7, 2009 at the International Centre. Grandmaster Alvaro Barreto (pron. ba-hetto), a 9th Degree Red Belt, is recognized as one of the top BJJ masters in the world.
The Barreto tournament celebrates both individual and team performance. In addition to winners in adult, teen and junior divisions, The Barreto Cup itself will be awarded to the school achieving the most tournament points. Importantly, according to Professor Franco, “This does not necessarily mean the school with greatest number of first place wins takes home the sought after Cup. In fact, a school with a fair number of second and third place finishes could easily win the top prize.”
Not restricted to Ontarians, the Barreto Cup is expected to draw competitors and referees from across Canada and the USA. “As local organizers, the Franco-Behring Association is thrilled to not only have Grandmaster Barreto and Master Sylvio Behring come to Canada to personally attend this event, but to also have them invest their personal time to deliver an in-depth Referee Clinic.
The clinic offers referees and school owner-operators the unique opportunity to be awarded Certificates of Completion from the highest level of authority in the sport. “This gives participating refs great personal recognition with the elite in BJJ. And moving forward these graduates will be instrumental in raising the level of refereeing for the benefit of the sport right across Canada; a very important undertaking as we work toward taking Jiu Jitsu to the Olympics”, offered Franco.
Another first: MMA Expo and the Barreto International BJJ Open will also be webcast live in HD across the ‘net. Tournament registration can be found online at www.MixedMartialArtsExpo.com.
Madden NFL 10
Experience first-hand what it’s like to Fight for Every Yard in Madden NFL 10. With the all-new Pro-Tak™ animation technology, players have more control over the outcome of each play. Whether driving a receiver towards the first down, or battling for a fumble at the bottom of a pile, the play won’t end until the whistle blows. Add to that the most immersive broadcast presentation and online innovation to date, and Madden NFL 10 captures the authenticity and emotion of the NFL like never before.
• Pro –Tak™ – This all new animation technology provides unprecedented control over the outcome of every play. Drag defenders towards the first down marker, including up to 9-man gang tackles, fight for a fumble at the bottom of the pile, and evade the rush with all-new quarterback avoidance actions. Enhanced play at the line of scrimmage features a new blocking system that allows the quarterback to step into the pocket and gives the defensive line more control over the rush.
• Unprecedented Authenticity – Referees peeling players off a fumble pile, the chain gang rushing in to measure for a key first down, and all-new player equipment.
• Fight for Online Dominance – Delivering the most comprehensive online offerings in franchise history, Madden NFL 10 includes new modes to satisfy the competitive and cooperative football gamer.
More details coming soon!
• The Emotion of the NFL – New TV broadcast-style presentation and cinematic cameras bring the suspense and intensity of the NFL to your living room.
More details coming soon!
• Enhanced Franchise Mode – Run each aspect of an NFL franchise: draft players, sign free agents, manage the salary cap - just like a real GM. Enjoy all of the action throughout the league via a new, network inspired highlight show.
More details coming soon!
• Madden NFL Your Way – The most customizable version of Madden NFL to date! Alter gameplay options to adjust the experience to your liking. A revamped play calling system and menu takes you to kickoff faster than ever before. Speed up online matches with accelerated clocks, streamlined presentation and more.
Madden NFL10 will be available on August 14th, for the Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems, Wii, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system.
PEACE PRESENTS - ALL STAR DJ SERIES W/S.K.A.M. ARTIST DJ STRAIGHT OUTTA LOS ANGELES…DJ BIG SYPHE
GMANandRIZK.COM, THE BEAT 94.5FM, EPIK PRESENT
DJ FRIKTION & SMOOTH (GOODFELLAS), GMAN, FLIPOUT, J-SWING, TRIZZAK, J-TRAXX
Big Up Saturday, June 27 at Gossip Nightclub (750 Pacific Blvd, Plaza Of Nations)
It’s another edition of the All Star DJ Series and this time we show you what Los Angeles has to offer with S.K.A.M. artist DJ Big Syphe www.myspace.com/sypheanddlux or www.bigsypheandericdlux.com/ ) up in the mix to show you how the west coast rocks kids. Syphe has been making huge noise on both the radio airwaves and DJ circuit since joining the Power 106 family so expect to hear Big Syphe straight tear the club up on this night!
The Chef Is Back W/ Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II… it only took 14 years
ZShare Link (Dirty Version): http://www.zshare.net/audio/55018549147e8987/
PEACE PRESENTS - ALL STAR DJ SERIES W/ STRAIGHT OUTTA LOS ANGELES… DJ TURBULENCE
GMANandRIZK.COM, THE BEAT 94.5FM, EPIK PRESENT
ALL STAR DJ SERIES W/
STRAIGHT OUTTA LOS ANGELES…DJ TURBULENCE
DJ FRIKTION & SMOOTH(GOODFELLAS), GMAN, J-SWING, FLIPOUT, J-TRAXX, TRIZZAK
Big Up Saturday, May 30 at Gossip Nightclub (750 Pacific Blvd, Plaza Of Nations)
We bring more heat with LA’s Skam Artist DJ Turbulence (http://www.myspace.com/djturbulence Or http://dj-turbulence.com/ ) for the infamous All Star Dj Series. Turbulence knowledge of music is vast so expect to hear hip-hop, electro, dancehall, r&b, old school, rock, crunk, rap, and everything inbetween. Turbulence not only rocks the big Hollywood events but has won numerous DJ battles, rocks out on a grip of mixtapes and is also a Power 106FM staple. Join the FB event http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=69365916579.
We call it the All Star DJ series because it has always been a goal of ours to educate our Vancouver music scene by bringing the world’s best DJ’s that are #1 in their respective cities. Whether it’s New York’s (Kid Capri), LA (DJ Vice, Jam), London (Shortee Blitz), Las Vegas (DJ OB-1), Belgium (DJ Psar), Toronto (Baby Yu, Starting From Scratch, 4 Korners) etc #1 DJ, we bring them direct to you so you can see what the flavor of the best is from other cities. How do DJ’s differ in Vegas compared to New York? What are the party rocking bangers? To bring these artists to Vancouver costs way more money (bigger fees, flights, travel, hotel, immigration etc..) than just having the regular (with all due respect) Vancouver cat in. We hope that you can appreciate and come out to experience this series, which we do just for you!
Also featuring Vancouver’s all star cast of DJ’s J-Swing ( The Hot Mixx), Flipout (Traffic Jam, AMP) & Goodfellas ( Dj Friktion). Join the Big Up Saturdays Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29062762437 and the GMAN & Rizk group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2958470304 and now follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GMANandRIZK. Check out Vancouver’s #1 radio station at http://thebeat.com/. Hit the GMAN & Rizk site at www.gmanandrizk.com. For VIP guestlist or VIP booths with bottle service hit up viphookup@gmail.com. Dress code: no ball caps (fedoras and Kangols are fine), no wack Ed Hardy and Affliction etc, no athletic gear..it’s a club, so dress with style! 1st 100 presales are only $12 at www.clubzone.com/gmanandrizk , or $16 at door, or reserve your spot on the g-list by hitting viphookup@gmail.com.
Speakal Announces iPanda, the Eye Catching Audio System with Touch Controls and LED Effects
Unique docking station features 5 speakers; including a 4 inch subwoofer, adjustable bass control, 360° sound distribution and unparalleled design elements.
The iPanda combines quality, performance, compatibility and style into one compact iPod audio solution. Audio engineers designed the iPanda with 5 speakers which combine to deliver 25 watts of premium sound you would expect from much larger and more costly systems. The unique design elements enable the iPanda to produce 360° sound, insuring the entire room feels the same high intensity sound.
“Today’s consumer is looking to their electronics for personal expression in addition to high quality components and great value,” said CEO David Solomon. “We are proud to be releasing the iPanda which we believe satisfies the consumers needs in one small, yet powerful package,” added Solomon.
The iPanda Features:
• High Quality Sound - 4 speakers, a 4” subwoofer and 25 watts of powerful sound. Adjustable Bass Control with Bass Reflex Technology. 360° Sound Distribution. Onboard Hi-Fi amplifier, dynamic airflow optimizer, interior dynamic cooling exchange and high sound stabilization to produce a clear powerful sound.
• Extensive Compatibility - iPod dock with various included cradles, standard auxiliary 3.5 mm input jack providing connectivity to most portable and non portable audio players, gaming consoles, mobile gaming devices, cellular phones, desktop PCs, laptops and various other devices.
• Striking Design Elements - Patented volume control by touching the left and right ears. The iPanda’s small footprint easily masks itself as a decorative piece and includes rubberized feet to prevent rattling. The smiley mouth lights up when the iPanda is powered on and blinks when receives commands from the remote. As GREEN and RoHS product, the iPanda efficiently utilizes minimal energy and is designed using environmentally friendly components and non-hazardous materials.
• Remote Control - Complete with audio controls as well as iPod menu functionality
The iPanda is available now and retails for $139.99 and includes a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty.
MAESTRO X SOUL ASSASSINS ESTEVAN ORIOL
Maestro Knows - Episode 4 (Estevan Oriol) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.
Canada Stand Up - FLIGHT 666 GLOBAL CINEMA MAIDEN DAY ONSLAUGHT
UK PREMIERE AND CANADIAN THEATRE DETAILS
The Iron Maiden film “Flight 666” will have it’s UK Premiere at the Odeon Kensington on Monday, April 20th at 7pm with members of the band and crew in attendance, along with a special guest who may possibly be seen lurking outside the cinema. The following day, Maiden Day – April 21st, will see the film simultaneously launched on over 450 screens in 41 countries Worldwide – including Canada (see list at the end of this release for details). Canadian filmmakers Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn of Banger Films Inc. are thrilled with the initial reaction to the film and are very excited to finally be able to share it with Maiden fans here at home.
When “Flight 666” lands for a special one day only screening in Canadian cinemas - fans will get to experience it in the highest quality standard in cinemas today - 2K digital and 5.1 surround sound, distributed by Arts Alliance Media, in association with Phantom Music Management and EMI Records. Arts Alliance Media’s Chief Executive Officer, Howard Kiedaisch said, “Flight 666” is the largest simultaneous worldwide release ever of a documentary film, made possible by the iconic global appeal of Iron Maiden and by distribution with digital-only prints instead of 35mm. This is a digital cinema milestone, a massive achievement for AAM and all our exhibitor and distributor partners around the world.”
Iron Maiden: Flight 666 is a full length documentary film and follows on from Iron Maiden being crowned Best British Live Act at the Brit Awards 2009. The film was shot as the band embarked on the first leg of their momentous SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME WORLD TOUR in February and March of 2008, considered to be the most ambitious and adventurous tour in rock history. The film is a revealing portrait of one of the world’s most successful rock bands and an inspirational and often humorous account of the chaotic world of a band on tour around the stadiums of the world.
The film has recently won the “24 BEATS PER SECOND” award for best music documentary at the prestigious SXSW Film & Music Festival in Austin, Texas.
Full details of the film, distribution and how to buy tickets are at www.ironmaiden.com/flight666. Tickets for the Canadian screenings will be available as of Friday, April 10. Don’t miss out on this amazing one off experience.
MAIDEN DAY - APRIL 21, 2009
IRON MAIDEN: FLIGHT 666 - ONE DAY ONLY IN THE FOLLOWING CANADIAN CINEMAS:
TORONTO:
SCOTIABANK THEATRE
259 RICHMOND STREET WEST
MONTREAL:
CINEMA BANQUE SCOTIA MONTREAL
977 RUE STE-CATHERINE OUEST
QUEBEC CITY:
CINEPLEX ODEON STE-FOY
1200 BOUL. DUPLESSIS
CALGARY:
SCOTIABANK THEATRE CHINOOK
6455 MACLEOD TRAIL S.W.
EDMONTON:
CINEPLEX ODEON SOUTH EDMONTON
1525 - 99TH STREET N.W.
VANCOUVER:
SCOTIABANK THEATRE VANCOUVER
900 BURRARD STREET
The Real Thales Leites
Thales Leites speaks on his training methods, Anderson Silva, Gracie, GSP and more…
T-Pain - Life Is Not Always A Circus
Taking off the talkbox right after a North American tour, the singer, songwriter, producer, record mogul and all-around great T-Pain discusses road life, food and drink, Zapp and Roger, and the state of his industry.
By Stephen Drummond
How many languages do you speak? Uh … one? (laughs) One-and-a-half – I’m learning Spanish. I suck at it so bad.
Is there going to be a Spanish remix? Not at all. A couple words in there like “fuego” – that’s
the only one I know right now.
Your previous album Epiphany had more of a message, with songs like “Suicide” to help the kids, something they definitely needed. But this time around, on Thr33 Ringz, it’s more about clubs and partying. Yes, because that’s what I’ve been doing lately. It’s just more fun on this album. I don’t want to get too serious with it and have people think I’m getting old. It’s just that time to get in the clubs – not even in the clubs,
but to just have fun. You should get up and dance or something, even if you’re at work.
How live does it get on the road? Not that live – unless my wife is there. Then it gets live. Real live.
Now that everybody has ripped off your sound you’re saying that people should kick back to you? Nah, they ain’t gotta kick back, they just gotta show recognition. You got Lil’ Wayne saying the reason he’s
doing it is because of me; you’ve got Kanye saying the same, that he’s getting it all from T-Pain. These are two
of the greatest, so if some peon can’t say that and acts like he’s coming up with something new, what does
that make you look like. Two geniuses are saying it and you’re not? That’s low, and it makes a fool out of you.
So you love Roger Troutman and his sound with Zapp? I wouldn’t say he’s a major influence, because that’s
the only effect I found that made me different. Roger used the actual vocoder, and that’s one of the hardest
instruments to use, because you gotta stick this tube in your mouth. And then, you gotta not spit in the tube
– because then you can get electrocuted and, shit, I don’t do that. I can’t deal with that.
Long live T-Pain. Yeah. (laughs)
What do you think is the state of the music business these days? It’s T-Pain right now far as I can see. I don’t really see anything else happening. Just a whole bunch of Auto-Tune, everywhere you look.
How do you label your music, then? It’s not hip-hop. It’s not R&B. What is it? Hard R&B. I’ve got my own genre.
So it’s just you in that genre? Well, there are a couple others in there now: Wayne’s in there, Kanye’s in there, Diddy’s in there now, actually. Timbaland slipped on over there. Nelly wants to come.
Akon helped make you a big success by signing you to a deal. But then Akon worked with Kardinal Offishall on “Dangerous”, which was a massive tune. But why do you think Kardinal’s album failed to sell after that? I have no idea. I don’t think there was any promotion on Akon’s side. Nobody knew about it. Akon is so busy – something I’m experiencing now with my own label. It’s hard to be both a CEO and one of the biggest artists in the world at the same time.
How do you get people to notice an artist you’re trying to sell? I’ve got street teams, promotions, TV commercials, radio commercials. Akon never took me on tour with him – but I take all my artists on tour with me,
because even if the audience doesn’t know them by name, they will know they’re associated with T-Pain.
The game is all about association. Let them do one song on your tour. Let them stand by you for a
minute-and-a-half so people can take pictures of y’all together. Those pictures will then get on the internet
and people will make that identification. If I bring out an R&B artist people will go crazy – especially
if he’s not using Auto-Tune.
Who are the artists on your Nappy Boy Digital label? We got Tae Dizm, whose single “Beam Me Up” features
Rick Ross and me. We got Young Cash’s single “Let’s Make a Movie” and Sophia Fresh’s single “What It Is”
These artists are being launched online and I take every opportunity to get them to come up on stage
with me. Do it for your artists, man.
What is your sneaker game like? I’m all New Balance. People feel like they’re regular guy kicks, but I got them because of the NB – which stands for Nappy Boy.
What role has your image played? Nothing. I don’t think I have an image to uphold. I’m just
me. Nothing about me is a gimmick. A lot of people think the jewelry is a gimmick, but you gotta be iced-out all the time – this is the stuff I’ve always wanted. Just like how I’ve always wanted a shotgun from a particular spot in Tallahassee. When I got money I went and bought the shotgun. I wanted a certain kind of car from a certain person. When I got money I called him and said, “You’re gonna give me that car right now.” Michael Jackson never had a childhood and that’s why he chills and hangs out with kids. Me, I got rich, and can do things I never did for myself beforehand.
So what is the retirement dream? The dream is to take my kids as far as they can go. But I ain’t trying to retire – if I’ve gotta keep working for the kids to live good, then that’s what it is.
You’ve had a lot of success but also seem to be on the record talking about people calling you corny
and disrespecting you. I’m not Mr. Gangster, I don’t talk about selling dope, and that’s why people call me corny – because I don’t smoke weed. I ask people why they smoke, though, and the answer is always “I don’t know.” I know a lot of people can’t do stuff unless they are high, I get that – like suffering from glaucoma, I get that. But do I have to be someone I’m not in order to be cool to you? In that case, I’m not trying to be cool.
What is your favourite drink? NUVO. It’s pink, though. But then you mix it with Hennessy and it’s all manly, and you drink it. So, it’s great.
And what is your favourite food? Whatever I can fit in between interviews.
MySpace.com/tpain
T-Pain tells a joke: A man walks into a doctor’s office and says, “Doc, my breath is kicking, it smells real bad, I don’t know what’s going on.” The doctor runs some tests, come back and tells him, “You either gotta stop biting your nails or stop scratching your ass.”
Exclusive : Kevin Says… Warped Tour Leader Kevin Lyman offers Peace his picks to click…
Pos - click here
3oh3 - click here
white tie affair (a little poppy) - click here
DJ POWER RELEASES “PRESS PLAY 4.0″ - NEW DANCEHALL MIX CD!!!
AWARD WINNING MIXTAPE DJ, D.J. POWER RELEASES THE 4TH INSTALLMENT TO HIS DANCEHALL MIXTAPE SERIES!!
THE CD FEATURES NEW MUSIC FROM VYBZ KARTEL, MAVADO, SERANI, JUNIOR REID, ELEPHANT MAN, BEENIE MAN & MORE!!
IT ALSO INCLUDES DJ POWER EXCLUSIVE DANCEHALL REMIXES FOR “POP CHAMPAGNE”, SERANI’S “NO GAMES” AND BEYONCE’S “DIVA” REMIX WHICH HAS BEEN RECEIVING AIRPLAY ON STATIONS WORLDWIDE INCLUDING NY’S HOT 97.
TO DOWNLOAD CD CLICK HERE:
http://www.outtacontrolradio.com/downloads/DJPowerPressPlay4.0.zip
More Than A Game
By Angellika Naomi, Photography by Craig Boyko
Before international superstardom in the NBA, LeBron James first popped on our radar as the force behind St. Vincent St. Mary’s High School basketball team in Akron, Ohio. Their story is told in the new feature-length documentary, more Than a Game.
Which parts of the movie hit home the hardest for each of you? Willie McGee: Coach making that speech before the championship game. I remember being in that locker room at times before, like the year before when we lost, and just coming in at halftime thinking we can’t let that happen again. It was just real deep.
LeBron James: The loss in our junior year state championship was the worst for the team. But it allowed me to grow as a leader, and re-dedicate myself to the game of basketball. Losing the junior year, and seeing that on film, really helped me to refocus.
Romeo Travis: Winning the national championship was pivotal for me because I got to do it with some people that I really love. You can play with anybody you don’t even know, but being around some friends and family and a guy who actually tried to groom you into a man adds to your sense of pride. It felt like a real accomplishment.
Dru Joyce III: Being able to recapture that moment, and how my dad meant so much to all of us as the coach, reminded me that we couldn’t have done those things without him.
Coach Dru: They were just playing basketball, so to have it on the big screen was just humbling. To think we were just living our lives – and now it’s something the world will see. It’s humbling to see an entire theatre respond, clapping and crying. I was seeing it through my own tears and ultimately feeling blessed to have this impact.
How important is it to you to look fresh? LeBron: I’m always fresh!
Have you liked any other sports movies? Willy: Above the Rim?
LeBron: That ain’t no sports movie – that’s like saying White Men Can’t Jump was a sports movie.
Do you guys ball in LeBron shoes in Germany? Romeo: The ones we can get sent over, yeah. Customs make it tough.
LeBron: If I try and send a box over, they send it right back to me, so they have to stock up and take it with them when they’re home.
Romeo: You have to take it out of the original packaging first.
What lessons did you learn from playing with these guys in school?
LeBron: Just commitment to the game. Same thing as when we won the gold medal – I was the one who everyone on the Redeem Team was looking to for answers. But the experiences I went through in high school taught me how to get the same winning results.
Did anybody intimidate you on the court? LeBron: No. No one. Do you see the way I play?
Romeo: You’ve seen where he’s from didn’t you? You seen them projects? If you could make it out of there you can make it out of anywhere.
Oh Brother, Here Comes Big Game James
By J.R. Ewing
Delving into the annals of sneakerology, we find one of the unsung heroes of performance basketball footwear: New Balance. A brand that now strides through running and cross-training footwear once made mincemeat out of competition in the L, with its high output design and signing showtime basketball players to lucrative deals.
While most shoe companies signed egotistical contributors that made front-page news with their stats, and mouths, New Balance took the high road by signing the most congenial team player as their cornerstone athlete: James “Big Game” Worthy, an MVP with college powerhouse North Carolina and the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout, he did nothing but win with New Balance on his feet.
The popularity of the Worthy sneaker line culminated with the best-selling 790, a kick instantly endorsed by the hip-hop community because of its sleek and high silhouette along with being available in all kinds of ill colourways. When the signature model, the Worthy Express, came out in the 1987 season, NB battled all the sneaker heavyweights. But powerhouses like adidas, Converse and Nike were literally throwing the bank at athletes and television spots, and New Balance took a different path.
While the Worthy has been out of production for nearly a quarter-century, it still commands some of the fondest memories from throwback ball fans and vintage sneaker collectors: a rare pair of all-black 790s ended for nearly $400 on eBay, more than the going rate of Nikes from that era. A re-release of the legendary New Balance was rumoured for years, and the 790 was ultimately put back into production, in all its original glory including foam ankle padding and signature west coat colourway.
New Balance might not be pumping out record numbers of collabs with key athletes these days, but what Big Game James brought to the hardwood during the L.A. heydays of Cooper, Kareem and Magic says more than any new tattoo or diamond earrings emblazoned on the overrated celeb-ballers in today’s NBA.
Feelin’ Out Fila - Merrill Lyons, Footwear Design
Interview by J.R. Ewing
Women’s sneakers have always been a tricky market to win – yet Fila are winning. What is the secret formula? Not trying to do anything else instead of that. The shoes are built at a very high cost and are well designed with a higher-end background in mind. When we run our prototypes they are always expensive – we take everything from those shoes and offer them at a lower price. We don’t think in terms of making a $40 shoe, or a $55 shoe, we just make it work and make it good. Then we’ll fit it into the price point. We can drive down the prices afterward.
Since your best-selling shoe is the Melrose, are there any other styles to look forward to this spring or fall? We’ve spun it in a bunch of great new colours, and are coming out with a low version of the Melrose. Based on the same tooling we’re coming out with more casual and athletic-inspired stuff, as well as more sporty trend-based styles that are totally different than the Melrose, but equally interesting.
Do you have anything coming out other than a padding or leather? For example, there’s a different treatment on the Melrose Scarf … It was sort of a wacky idea that proved quite successful. I saw a lot of kids wearing scarves, and wondered if I could put one on a shoe, and it worked. I’ve decided to continue with some sort of dressing on the collar. The following season, we worked with geometric patterns, and I’m really excited – but they aren’t coming out until fall.
Fila in particular have a strong presence in the vintage market. Do you draw on that for inspiration in the women’s line? We know what worked in the past, and we definitely have our favourites in the office. I try and bring hints of previous styles – whether it’s a colourway, or the way a logo treatment is done, or some sort of pattern. I try and make the line cohesive and relate it back to our history. The company was established in 1911 so there’s almost 100 years to draw from.
What’s your favourite Fila shoe of all-time besides one you designed? I really love the M Squad. They no longer make it, but hopefully will again, it’s a basketball shoe reminiscent of great ‘90s basketball footwear.
Do you have any plans to do that kind of thing in women’s wear? We did a collaboration that involved Sportie LA and 3M – 136 pair with a jazzercise theme. We’re just feeling it out for the future.
Would you consider yourself a sneakerhead? Yes and no. I’m a designhead, really. I love fashion, footwear, industrial design, and graphic design … any design.
And how did someone originally from Toronto get to be one of the creative directors for one of the world’s largest footwear brands? There was a lot of hard work. I got a degree at Dalhousie University. Then I went on to study at the Rhode Island School of Design, and I can’t speak more highly of how that school helped my career. Sometimes, in the design industry, you have to move out of your comfort zone. No one told me to do this. No one told me to get off my butt and come into Fila and make a whole line. I just took it up myself and know the best kind of work is self-motivated. But it all comes down to me loving sneakers and wanting a sneaker I never saw before.
Feelin’ Out Fila - Mark Eggert, Design Director, Footwear
Interview by J.R. Ewing
What exactly does a director of design do all day? Well, I’m overseeing the footwear design team,
consisting of four people including myself. I do design work wherever possible and interface with marketing and sales, and trying to keep everything on the same track, basically. I’ve had this job for about a year and a half after being with Fila for three years. We’re trying to draw inspiration from who we are as a brand, and where we’ve been. Historically,
we’ve had a pretty good play in both technical on-court arenas, as well as a detailed Italian lifestyle look
– so I feel we can go in a few more directions than some of our competitors.
How did the whole collaboration on the NAS collection come together? Nas came into the store in New York, and was just shopping around, and our corporate office is right upstairs. Someone went down there from our
marketing team and just started talking with him – and offered to give him something to wear on tour, because he was shopping for a trip to Africa, I believe he was playing some shows. It turned out he’s a huge fan of the brand. Back in the late-’80s, it was the one thing he aspired to wear as a kid. We got talking about what he was interested in, and that became the vintage collection. At the same time, we had him get behind some of the newer products.
Do you plan to put any original pieces out from that late-’80s era? We have our velour suit, which was one of the iconic products, which we continue to make. As part of the NAS collection we re-released some of the originals he identified with, as well as footwear. We’re always trying to go back through the catalogue and find
those products that really made us who we were, and bring them back in a nice way.
And you brought back all the Bjorn Borg stuff, which had a big impact in the Canadian market, because a lot of people remember him – especially the Sentanta jacket. Things have kind of cycled around. I’m 35, and everyone my age and older knows the Borg and Fila from back in the day. We brought back the original pieces as close as we can get to them, without any
effort to modernize, because it’s starting to look like a relevant look again. Sentanta is the Italian word
for ‘73. When we talk about who we are as a brand, there’s always a piece from that era because it’s so important, a reflection from when we were firing on all cylinders, and as great as we’ve ever been.
Personally, what is your favourite Fila product of all-time? My favourite shoe is unquestionably the Grant Hill II
– or the 96, if you wouldn’t mind calling it that today. I wasn’t necessarily hopping in it, but I recognize it
was a great shoe, and I was happy we were able to bring it back.