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New Technical Outerwear Legislation Would Mean No More Import Duties on High-Tech Apparel July 24, 2008
SIA and OIA have joined forces calling for new legislation, which if passed will mean outerwear such as jackets, pants, and other high-tech pieces will have duty-free importation giving a boost to sports apparel with possible implications for street fashion deemed “technical.” More...
| Sneaker Kingpins Nike and Adidas Go Head-to-Head Creating New Footwear Designs for the Olympics Sure to Impact Sneak-Freak Culture; Plus Latest IOC Moves to Attract “Teens” in Another Ill-fated (and Named) Campaign July 7, 2008
Things are heating up for the Beijing Olympics next month, including the launch of some 53 different sneaker designs from the titans of footwear, plus an update on how the IOC missed the youth culture boat again. More...
| Graphic T-shirts: Top Designs and Styles from DIY to Name Brands to Band Merch—Label Networks Takes a Look at What’s Fresh this Summer June 25, 2008
Much can be learned about the youth culture marketplace by checking out street trends in t-shirt graphics. In our latest round-up, we deliver fresh images of where things are right now, and the inspiration behind where things are headed next. More...
| Sports News Round-Up: ASR Launches “Virtue” Trade Show; Shaun White 4 Target Drops; RVCA X Cinelli X Barry McGee Pumps Fixed Gear Cycling’s Cool-Cache-Factor; Surfing in Summer X Games Nixed June 24, 2008
Things are heating up in the land of action sports, with top pros turning big-box designers, fixed-gear cycling ramping up another cred-notch, surfing taking another hit, and yes, another “lifestyle” fashion show debuting. More...
| Surfing’s Evolution as a Sport and Lifestyle Has Changed Again: Label Networks Examines Who Loves Surfing; Who Doesn’t (and Why); Plus Viewership Patterns, Size of Market, Top Surf Brands, and New Opportunities June 11, 2008
Summer season kicks-up surfing interest among consumers as events pop-up along the coasts and camps encourage wannabes to the water. However the surfing demographics are changing, shifting the dynamics and opportunities, particularly as centered around the lifestyle. Label Networks’ delves into the data. More...
| Urban Influences + Skateboarding’s Evolution = Skurban Redefined for 2008: How Urban Culture is Influencing Latest Trends in Sports, Street Fashion, + Lifestyles June 4, 2008
Assessing latest trends in urban youth culture + the impact on sports, fashion, music, + lifestyles, Label Networks brings together the latest scoop on skateboarding, fashion influences, pros with influence, data, + industry players that are pushing the evolution of what’s been reluctantly coined as skurban. More...
| Spain “Cred-Report” Part 2 Provides Street-Level Insight on Top Activities, Music Trends, Street Culture, Electronics, + Technology in Youth Culture May 23, 2008
As a country on the rise in terms of street fashion + the vibrant music scene (especially as it influences global youth culture in the summer), Label Networks delivers Part 2 of our Cred Report from Spain, delivering a qualitative + insight description of top happenings in youth culture regarding current affairs, music, electronics, dance, + changes in the marketplace.
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| Kmart Launches “Boarding” Apparel Line, Pissing-off Action Sports Industry in Their Attempt to Become the New Target/Wal-Mart, Cool-Shop-Discount-Destination May 15, 2008
It’s officially become a trend at the end of it’s heyday when you’ve got big-box retailers finally thinking action sports-inspired apparel is the “new” cool thing. More...
| Skate Study House Premieres Innovative Skate Deck Furniture at Sneaker Boutique Blends at Famous 4th Street Gap in Downtown LA May 13, 2008
Recycled skateboard decks mixed with modern architectural designs have made the Skate Study House collection a show unto itself.
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| Urban Lifestyle Profile Report: Skurban, Urban Freeflow, Freestyle Rolling, + Fixed Gear: How Urban Culture is Influencing Latest Trends in Sports, Street Fashion, + Lifestyles April 15, 2008
Assessing latest trends in urban youth culture + the impact on sports, fashion, music, + lifestyles, Label Networks brings together top stories, data, brands, + industry players that are pushing the evolution of global youth culture today. More...
| X Games Re-Instates Vert Competition After Heat from Pro Skaterboarders + BMX Riders—What This Means about The State of Halfpipe Competitions, Including the Youth Olympic Games April 11, 2008
To Vert or Not to Vert, that is the question that ESPN X Games officials have been pondering + which pro vert skateboarders + BMX riders are pissed about. And yes, this will probably effect the IOC’s decision about events in the 1st YOG.
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| Burton Sacks The Syndicate + Lays-off Marketing People, Providing Yet Another Sign that Action Sports Is Getting Trumped by Other Genres April 10, 2008
Burton’s lay-offs don’t come as much of a shock when you consider Label Networks’ consumer preference data not only of snowboarders, but the broader landscape of the youth culture marketplace. What shocks us more is that action sports haven’t seen the changes coming. More...
| Music and What Drives Trends April 9, 2008
By measuring the subcultures of music and their shifts in preferences among global youth culture, in our first music report to kick-off summer music tour and festival season, Label Networks provides two perceptual maps indicating distinct correlations between music preferences + preferences in sports, beverages, + food. More...
| Nike+ Pushes Technology with Introduction of the USB-enabled Sportsband to Track Your Running, Journal it Later + Join a Global Running Community April 8, 2008
The concept brings together the ability to journal your runs + talk with others, but how cool would the Nike+ Sportsband seriously be if it could go one step further—say, drop a sensor into your snowboard boot to track your pipe sessions, then post it on your blog and share it with others. More...
| New Sports Trends Impacting Youth Culture Lifestyles Indicate Changing Marketplace Especially for Skateboarding, Rise of Fixed Gear Cycling, Aggressive Inline, + Other Sporting Cultures March 31, 2008
What was once considered action sports turf is now being replaced by other sporting cultures, new styles in streetwear, and underground heroes from the streets. More...
| Leroy Jenkin’s Continues to Push Trends in New Directions for Progressive Street Fashion with a Mix-up of Woven Shirts, Collegiate-Inspired Jackets, Fitted Caps in Florals Resulting in a Unique Sports + Art-Inspired Collection March 20, 2008
Inspiration for Ron Upperman from Leroy Jenkins comes from art and sports which makes their collections stand apart, starting with their signature polka dot splatters on wovens and reversible cotton hoodies, not to mention their twist on the fitted cap with florals, and quiet but cool tonal branding. More...
| ISPO Summer Trade Show in Munich Canceled After 35 Years March 10, 2008
While ISPO Winter trade show in Munich remains relatively strong, the summer shows continued to dwindle. Now, Messe Munchen is working with owners of ASR to create something new for Summer 2009, shaking up the industry in Europe, but also creating opportunities for smaller, cooler shows in tune with sports streetwear lifestyles. More...
| WeSC, the Street-Contemporary Fashion Brand from Sweden, Featured Top Activists’ Artists in an Well-Curated Art Show at Robert Bergman Gallery Attracting a Who’s-Who List of Street Artists, Action Sports Industry, + Press March 7, 2008
WeSC continues to push trends when it comes to the cross-over of international street + contemporary fashion, art, + grassroots marketing with the opening of their We Activists’ art show at Bergamot Station opening night of the new Class fashion trade show in Los Angeles. More...
| Sports News: Singapore Gets Bid to Host 1st Youth Olympic Games; President of Quiksilver Bernard Mariette Resigns as Bob McKnight, CEO, Takes on Additional Role February 28, 2008
The Youth Olympic Games announces it’s 1st host city, yet plans for the actual sports are still unclear; meanwhile Quiksilver hopes to lessen exposure, the President resigns, + Label Networks provides data on youth preferences for Quik, Roxy, + DC which indicate brand’s strengths + challenges ahead. More...
| ASR Runway Fashion Show Part 2: Glimpses of Fashion from Skate, Snow, + Surf Lifestyle Apparel Indicate Refreshing Sporty Styles in Skinny Denim, PeaCoats, ‘90’s Belts + Dresses February 19, 2008
ASR Fashion Show Part 2 indicates fresh Fall 2008 trends mixing up the ‘90’s with LA rocker influences, heavy skateboarding crossover, plus the re-return of boots with key brands including Nikita, DC, Alpinestars, Hurley, Split, Vans, O’Neill, Fox, Element, Etnies, Reef, Billabong, Matix, and Roxy. More...
| As Banzai Pipeline Goes Off Determining World Surfing Titles Including Vans Triple Crown, Label Networks’ Measures Importance of Surfing in Youth Culture Markets February 19, 2008
The evolution of surfing, events, pros, + media coverage has played a role in changing the dynamics and relative importance of surfing in youth culture over the past 5 years. Results indicate new opportunities for surf brands targeting specific demographics as new pros move in and surf styles including events change-up the sport. More...
| Olympic + X Games Gold Medalist Shaun White Moves on to Target Deal as Volcom Contract Expires; Trend Continues as Mass Retailers Gobble-up Action Sports' Label Networks Reveals Data on Where Volcom Ranks in Youth Culture Fashion Preferences February 19, 2008
His Volcom contract expired and instead of renewing it, Shaun White is launching a collection for Target. Label Networks has the data that tracks Volcom's attraction among youth culture: the coveted "target" market Target is trying to target. More...
| T-shirt Brand Innovator Exclusive Interview Delivers Insight on Sales Cycles, Reps, Distribution, Manufacturing, Music, Inline, and Skateboarding Influences on the Marketplace, + How Lady Footlocker Could Have Made a Fortune February 7, 2008
Label Networks’ exclusive interview series with top professionals in street fashion including T-shirts, denim, retail, + design deliver insight on the state of the fashion marketplace. More...
| Olympic + X Games Gold Medalist Shaun White Moves on to Target Deal as Volcom Contract Expires; Trend Continues as Mass Retailers Gobble-up Action Sports' Label Networks Reveals Data on Where Volcom Ranks in Youth Culture Fashion Preferences February 4, 2008
His Volcom contract expired and instead of renewing it, Shaun White is launching a collection for Target. Label Networks has the data that tracks Volcom's attraction among youth culture: the coveted "target" market Target is trying to target. More...
| Youth Olympic Games Narrow Prospect Cities to Moscow + Singapore; Olympics Try to Get Relevant, Connect with Urban Culture; + Launch of the YOG Winter Games (without Snowboarding) January 31, 2008
The International Olympic Committee continues to bumble their way through trying to be relevant to global youth culture with their plans for launching the YOG, but their latest report errs on the side of ridiculous. News from the frontlines. More...
| Winter X Games Wraps Up with Show-stopping Performances by Shaun White, Gretchen Bleiler; Label Networks Compares Sports in X Games to Favorite Sports to Watch Among Youth Culture January 29, 2008
As the Olympics continue their struggle to get hip with the launch of their Youth Games, the X Games continues to gain momentum among youth culture as the top athletes + sports capture the energy of a new generation during this Winter’s X Games in Aspen. More...
| ASR Runway Fashion Show Part 2: Glimpses of Fashion from Skate, Snow, + Surf Lifestyle Apparel Indicate Refreshing Sporty Styles in Skinny Denim, PeaCoats, ‘90’s Belts + Dresses January 28, 2008
ASR Fashion Show Part 2 indicates fresh Fall 2008 trends mixing up the ‘90’s with LA rocker influences, heavy skateboarding crossover, plus the re-return of boots with key brands including Nikita, DC, Alpinestars, Hurley, Split, Vans, O’Neill, Fox, Element, Etnies, Reef, Billabong, Matix, and Roxy. More...
| Action Sports Retailer Trade Show Kicks Off with Runway Fashion Featuring Top Styles from Skate, Surf, Snow, MotoX Industries - Part One January 24, 2008
ASR kicks off with their fashion runway show featuring the lifestyle apparel around action sports. Key themes included sporty versions of denim, hats, re-structured T-shirts, hoodies, and cardigans. More...
| Maverick’s Big-Wave Surf Championship Goes Off in Half Moon Bay with Pummeling 30-Foot Swell; What This Means for Sports TV Viewership Among Youth Culture + Surfing January 16, 2008
New media formats for showcasing surfing events increases opportunities among youth culture. Mavericks Big Wave event is on the forefront of bringing massive surf footy to a larger audience. More...
| Converse-like Sneaker Transforms into Slip-On’s Winning the European ISPO Brand New Award for Innovation December 26, 2007
ISPO, the largest sporting trade show in Europe, features The Brand New Awards each January. One of the winners this year is an innovative sneaker brand. More...
| As Banzai Pipeline Goes Off Determining World Surfing Titles Including Vans Triple Crown, Label Networks’ Measures Importance of Surfing in Youth Culture Markets December 17, 2007
The evolution of surfing, events, pros, + media coverage has played a role in changing the dynamics and relative importance of surfing in youth culture over the past 5 years. Results indicate new opportunities for surf brands targeting specific demographics as new pros move in and surf styles including events change-up the sport. More...
| “Do You Consider Snowboarding As An Off-season Alternative to Skateboarding?”—Label Networks’ Snowboarding Profile Report Compares Rider to Skaters and Vice Versa Determining Top New Markets + Trends December 14, 2007
Snowboarding + Skateboarding are two sports that are used often by brands hoping to gain cred when reaching youth culture markets. In this story, Label Networks quantifies which demographics consider riding or skating more core to their lifestyle and thus, where opportunities lie within both. More...
| Hurley Launches Music Program to Connect Apparel + Music in Retail Experiences—Label Networks Data Quantifies Level of Association Between Music + Brands December 11, 2007
Music, Action Sports Fashion, + Retail come together in new move by Hurley to unite new fans to their favorite bands + in the process encounter a new retail experience that also expands the brand. Label Networks data on music and brand association lays open what this may mean. More...
| Quiksilver Comes Up with Interesting New Snowboarding Event with Pro Rider Travis Rice Called “The Natural Selection”—An All-Mountain Freestyle Invitational November 30, 2007
Going back to the roots of snowboarding and away from Superpipes, Travis Rice + Quiksilver create a natural event with 17 top riders all confirmed sparking a new revolution in winter’s most popular sport. More...
| Snowboarding Big Air’s Back in the Winter X Games, Along with New Additions Skiing Big Air + Snowmobile Speed + Style; Plus X Games Franchise Heads Back to Dubai November 27, 2007
Coming full-circle, now with the X Games some sports that were ditched are back in, such as snowboarding big-air. We anticipate aggressive inline to make its “debut” next. More...
| Surf Update: Megan Abubu Wins Reef Hawaiian Pro in 1st of Triple Crown Series on North Shore; Legend Sunny Garcia Fresh Out of Jail Stomps Competition; Big-Wave Competitions Mavericks + Eddie Aikau Now Open November 16, 2007
Big-wave season is upon us + with it, the most exciting action in surfing with the Vans Triple Crown, Mavericks, + Eddie Aikau. Top new surfers are expected to change the face of the sport as sponsors vie for coveted association + text campaigns abound. More...
| Youth Olympic Games Boil-Down to 9 Potential Host Cities—Skateboarding Possible Sport; Coca-Cola Pony’s-Up for Restoration of Ancient Olympia Site November 5, 2007
While the fight begins for who’s going to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2010, it also brings up the fact that potential sports, such as skateboarding, might just get scooped by the Youth Games 2 years before the London Games get their chance for a major, money-making, cred-building sport debut. More...
| Snow Industries of America (SIA) Trade Show to Move from Vegas to Denver by 2010 November 5, 2007
SIA’s move from Vegas to Denver by 2010 indicates potential expansion opportunities for the ski and snowboarding industries More...
| New Leaders Among Top Women Surfers Raises Anticipation Levels for Upcoming World Championship Finals + Vans Triple Crown Titles October 30, 2007
New leaders among top women surfers brings with it industry changes from sponsors to fashion and lifestyle associations as the final competitions in women’s pro surfing get under way starting this month. More...
| 25th Anniversary for the Vans Triple Crown of Surf on the North Shore Creates Unique Gathering of the Tribes, Commemorative Vans Shoe, Sponsorship Changes, + New Heroes of Surf October 9, 2007
The North Shore of Oahu prepares for a massive gathering of surfers, including new title sponsors, champions, + trends that are sure to evolve from the gathering of the tribes in this special anniversary year.
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| Swerve Festival Brings Out West Coast Creative Culture Through Action Sports-Inspired Films, Music, + Art Exhibitions in 1st Annual Event October 1, 2007
While it’s well known that the bohemian lifestyle and creation of action sports, underground films, art, and music often duplicated around the world came from the West Coast, it was refreshing to see the celebration of the culture through the 1st annual Swerve Festival initiated by Fuel TV. More...
| Top Favorite Sports, Participation, + Sports to “Learn” in Pan-European Report Indicate New Trends in Lifestyle Associations among 15-25-year-olds October 1, 2007
Label Networks’ 5th Annual European Youth Culture Study ’07-’08 reveals far-reaching changes in sports and influences among youth culture across the UK, France, Italy, Spain, + Germany indicating new lifestyle influences on the horizon. More...
| “Bra Boys” Surf Documentary Narrated by Russell Crowe Shows Cultural Evolution of Australia’s Gnarliest Surf Community + Gaining Groundswell of Underground Support Based on Social Issues Raised September 24, 2007
Maligned surf communities and inner-city social struggles are not your typical fare when it comes to surf documentaries, but “Bra Boy’s” captures the reality of a gang-riddled lifestyle and Australia’s historical stigma against surfing.
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| Alpinestars Runway Show Illustrates How a Moto Brand Has Successfully Crossed-over to Women’s Apparel—Highlights: High-waisted Denim + Plaids September 24, 2007
Alpinestars no longer simply provides motocross gear, pads, boots, and apparel, but in the past 2 years, they’ve turned to delivering some of the new leading-edge streetwear trends in apparel for young women.
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| “What sport would most like to learn?” Fresh Results from North America Youth Culture Study Fall Report by Label Networks Reveals Unique Findings—for subscribers only September 17, 2007
The North American Youth Culture Study—Fall Report ’07 released September 15th reveals strong passion + aspirational characteristics influencing participation numbers + associated lifestyle such as fashion, footwear, + heroes within youth culture. More...
| ASR Trade Show Blasts Expectations with Largest Show in 5 Years Indicating Surf, Skate, Snow, BMX, Wake, + Freestyle Moto Markets are Key in Youth Culture September 14, 2007
As streetwear eats into action sports, last weekend’s trade show proved that there’s still a strong marketplace for new and old brands in the industry.
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| Agenda Trade Show’s Massive Success Indicates How Important the Crossover of Streetwear + Action Sports Industries Has Been Towards Redefining “Fashion” Today September 11, 2007
The forum created by Agenda for the collision of cultures hit max-capacity in San Diego last weekend as top brands in streetwear + action sports brought out what’s new in fashion + where things are headed. More...
| Sponsorship Programs at X Games 13: Who’s Doing What + How Indicates Different Levels of Attraction for On-site Activation August 20, 2007
Much can learned from effective on-site activation as seen from the X Games 13 sponsors ranging from Subaru and Taco Bell to Element and New Balance. More...
| X Games 13 Pumps MotoX + Rally with Live Coverage and Less Attention to Action Sports; Top Shots from MotoX Best Trick Prove Good-for-TV August 14, 2007
MotoX Best Trick provided thrills for 17,174 fans at X Games, but like Freestyle, represents the more “X Games-like” moto-sports out of the plethora of Moto events this year at the Games.
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| Women’s Skateboarding Taken to New Levels at X Games with Kickflips + Disasters in Vert and a Backside Flip in Street—Shots from the Coping Tell the Story August 12, 2007
With limited women’s events in the X Games, the skateboarding vert + street competitions tend to attract the greatest crowds for those looking for what’s next in women’s sports. The heroines of skate did not disappoint with tricks that took the sport to the next level. More...
| Shaun White Wins Elusive Gold in Men’s Skateboarding Vert with Historical Run—Images from the Coping Prove His Rockstar Status in the Sport August 8, 2007
Shots from the top of the coping tell the story of how the world’s best male skateboarders pushed the limits of the sport in their attempts at X Games gold, but Shaun White stomped a last minute run for the win. More...
| Monster Big Air with 720 Over 70-foot Gap in X Games by Skateboarder Jake Brown Results in Sneaker Blow-out on Crash Landing August 5, 2007
The most memorable jump of men’s Big Air in skateboarding happened August 2nd at the 13th ESPN X Games, but only silver medal result for all the pain. More...
| ISPO Sport & Style Trade Show Review: While Potential Exists, 1st Delivery Missed the Mark for Streetwear, Sports, Style Brands and Retailers July 17, 2007
As noted in last week’s first-day report about the ISPO Sport & Style Trade Show not quite capturing the marketplace, after another 2 days of the show our final assessment is that it missed the mark for truly reflecting what’s going on in the burgeoning scenes of streetwear, sports, and style. More...
| IOC Launches Youth Olympic Games—What this Means for the Real Olympics + Youth-Oriented Sports July 17, 2007
Yet again the IOC is trying to maintain relevancy but with a confusing new format, rules, and ancient guidelines in their attempt to “spread values.” More...
| Wakeboarding + Wakeskating Demos on ISPO Lake Sponsored By Reef Draws European Fans of the Growing Sport July 17, 2007
One of the highlights of ISPO was the Reef-sponsored wakeboarding and wakeskating show featuring new moves, rail slides, and tricks by top European pros in the sport. More...
| ISPO Sport & Style Trade Fair Attempts to Capture Fashion & Sports Crossover for Europe July 9, 2007
Coming off the success of Bread & Butter days before, ISPO’s new version of sports and style crossover highlights new trends in wearable technologies, but still struggles with streetwear and lifestyle genres. More...
| How Important is Sponsoring Athletes in Reaching Youth Culture + Creating Brand Cred??for subscribers only June 18, 2007
Label Networks? latest Sponsorship + Advertising in Youth Culture Report takes an in-depth look at who and what has the greatest effect on specific demographics, including the sponsorship of professional athletes. For subscribers only.
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| IOC in Talks with Cycling Governing Body to Introduce Skateboarding in 2012 Games June 11, 2007
It rings of déjà vu when the IOC tried to umbrella snowboarding under skiing, something the committee “recognized” in order to bring the sport into the Games. Here we go again with skateboarding umbrella-ed under the International Cycling Union to bring the “new” wheeled sport into the 2010 London Games. More...
| Transworld Skateboarding’s 9th Annual Awards Provide a Preview of the Future of Skate Bringing Out Top Skaters + Legends: Tony Hawk, Christian Hosoi, Bob Burnquist, Lance Mountain, Pharrell Williams, + Host Jason Lee—with video June 11, 2007
Transworld Skateboarding’s 9th Annual Awards Provide a Preview of the Future of Skate Bringing Out Top Skaters + Legends: Tony Hawk, Christian Hosoi, Skateboarding’s 9th Annual Awards by TWS brought out top skaters such as Lance Mountain, Christian Hosoi, and Tony Hawk, but also proved where the industry is headed with crossover collaborations and teams such as Pharrell Willams and the Ice Cream Skate Team, Zenetti Wheels, and Rookies.
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| Bike Culture Goes Off Starting with New York Bike Film Festival Kick-off June 4, 2007
There’s a new passion for the bike culture movement that’s taking cycling to a new level by mixing up political defiance, art, music, and fashion as people take to the streets to ride rather than drive in urban environments. The Bike Film Festival, which launched last weekend in New York, taps into this growing subculture, particularly around messenger lifestyles and track bikes, and through a film series, art show, concert, and tour. More...
| Zenetti Wheel Designer Launches First-Ever Pro Skate Team by the Wheel Industry Indicating Another First in Crossover Trends June 4, 2007
New crossover trends continue to change-up market opportunities among brands and pros, as indicated by the recent announcement of Zenetti, the wheel designer also known for creating Paul Wall’s Grills and Wheels, and Brooklyn Project’s new Pro Skateboard Team including top guys such as Stevie Williams and Paul Rodriquez. More...
| EXPN.com Finally Recognizes the Future and Offers Live Event Webcasts, Video, + Audio Podcasts Online May 29, 2007
EXPN.com re-launches their site with new features such as live event webcasts indicating that they are finally recognizing that online coverage particularly of events makes more sense for some demographics than waiting for late-to-cable TV shows. More...
| New Trends in Entertainment Preferences, Sports, Technology, Communication, + Fashion Revealed in North American Youth Culture Study—Spring Report ’07 May 21, 2007
The launch of Label Network’s North American Youth Culture Study—Spring Report ’07 illustrates where trends are changing most and why when it comes to American youth culture. Here are some highlights of what to expect in T-shirts, denim, fashion, footwear, spending patterns, new media, communication patterns, music, sports, entertainment, technology, video gaming, and lifestyle traits. More...
| Sports Participation Preference - Historical Trends May 17, 2007
Sports Participation Preference - Historical Trends More...
| Lowrider Customized Bicycles Feature Evolution of Car Culture in DIY 2-Wheeled Rides + Provide Stepping Stone for Youth Culture May 14, 2007
Lowrider bicycles are the latest evolution is the fast-growing, multi-cultural scene of DIY cars, particularly lowriders. Tweaking bicycles into show stoppers like the high-handle-barred Hollywood Cruiser or stretched-out Limo bike with new chrome jobs, spokes, and candy paint and marbleized graphics, is also taking root among many inner city after school programs as a way to teach young people important skills and to provide camaraderie through various clubs that support lowrider bike shows and their artists. More...
| IOC “Welcomes” Idea of Youth Olympic Games to Start in 2010 with “Relevant” Sports May 8, 2007
The International Olympic Committee has announced that it will consider a Youth Olympic Games in 2010 to help address the lack of interest in the Olympics among young people. Does this mean skateboarding will finally be an Olympic sport in 2010?
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| DipSet Launches DipSkate Pro Team Marking the New Revolution of Urban Inline a.k.a. FreeStyle Rolling (“Don’t Call this Rollerblading” Movement) April 22, 2007
FreeStyle Rolling is the new movement in urban inline skating and has just been taken to a new level by Diplomat Records with the launch of their new pro team, the DipSkates. This marks the first time that a record label has launched a pro sports team, marking the fusion of sports, music, and fashion—from another direction--in a new lifestyle movement from the streets. More...
| Hispanic Youth Culture: The Strongest Demographic Wanting to Learn Action Sports, Indicating Vast Market Opportunities within the Nation’s 2nd Largest Cultural Demographic—for subscribers only April 10, 2007
Based on fresh results from our Hispanic Youth Culture Study, action sports are clearly preferred as the top sports that 15-24-year-olds most want to learn. For subscribers, the information in this story details not only key demographics by gender and age groups, but also the major sources of influence through lifestyle associations as well including fashion, footwear, video gaming title preferences, TV entertainment, and pro athlete icons. More...
| Parkour + Urban Freeflow, the Graffiti Art of Movement, Indicates a New Rise of Sneaker + Entertainment Collabs + Streetsport Culture April 9, 2007
Parkour and the sport of Urban Freeflow has captured the attention of new urban dwellers looking for a sport that they can tap into. Urban Freeflow has also captured the attention of some of the most innovative corporate brands in the world, including Adidas, Nokia, and K-Swiss among others, who use the Urban Freeflow team for consulting gigs on movies and commercials (i.e., “Casino Royale”), and has created new apparel and sneaker product for the practitioners of the sport of freerunning. More...
| Obey Clothing Illustrates Cross-over Brand Potential + Viral Marketing Success—with video April 2, 2007
Label Networks TV interviews Obey Clothing, the brand inspired by Shepard Fairey, street propaganda artist most known for his Obey Giant street campaign. What’s unique about Obey, the clothing and accessories line however is that it’s part of a new subculture of brands, including WeSC, Paul Frank, and Cardboard Robot that cross borders between action sports and music, street artists, and even car culture fans, and mostly is promoted through word-of-mouth campaigning with very little advertising. More...
| Torah Bright Becomes Coveted Ticket To Ride Snowboarding Champ; Tara Dakides Makes a Comeback with Roxy Chicken Jam Slopestyle Win April 1, 2007
Women’s snowboarding season comes to a close with the Roxy Chicken Jam event in Park City, Utah, and the final tally of the Ticket To Ride Series. Torah Bright was named the TTR Champ while Tara Dakides made a comeback and won the slopestyle event at the Roxy Chicken Jam. More...
| Hispanic Sports Report 2007 March 22, 2007
Hispanic Sports Report 2007 More...
| U.S. Open of Snowboarding Showcases Top Global Riders, Sponsorship Ingenuity, + Names Ticket to Ride World Snowboarding + Burton Global Open Series Champs March 19, 2007
The U.S. Open of Snowboarding is often considered the Olympics of the sport. Last week, not only was the sport moved to the next level with top global riders competing, including Olympians Shaun White, Kelly Clark, and Gretchen Bleiler, but also came the announcements based on the season’s points of new Champions of the new Burton Global Open Series and Global Ticket to Ride Series. This was a week of top riding and sponsorship ingenuity from corporate brands including Motorola, Snickers, Nintendo Wii, and NBC. More...
| China X Games in Shanghai Sponsored by KIA Motors Matches New Sports Moves to Attract Youth Culture + Cool-Factor, However 1-Child Rule Backlash Disses Skate, Moto, BMX as Too “Extreme” March 19, 2007
X Games is launching a China X Games in Shanghai to bring skateboarding, BMX, aggressive inline, and a motocross demonstration to one of the most happening cities in China. However, as Label Networks has noted in research results in our China Youth Culture Studies, there is a backlash to this new generation of the 1-child rule to “extreme” sports among parents. Label Networks breaks it down on the future of action, extreme, and sports in general in China youth culture. More...
| X Games to Include Women’s Surfing; Fuel TV To Cover ASP Women’s World Tour; Label Networks’ Surf Data Tells the Female Story March 5, 2007
ESPN X Games has included women’s surfing into its competition line-up for this summer, while Fuel TV steps up it’s commitment with dedicated coverage of the ASP Women’s World Tour. This is all in line with the market opportunity that Label Networks indicated 3 years ago as our primary data continues to show a higher percentage of 13-24-year-old females who want to learn to surf, and who like to watch the sport of surfing than males in the same age category. More...
| Reaching Youth Culture In America: Online vs. TV?for subscribers only Some of the best ways to anticipate changes in reaching youth culture via entertainment patterns is to watch what?s going on in the music industry. March 5, 2007
TV vs. Internet continues to be debated in terms of the most effect ways of reaching youth culture today in North America. However as we?ve seen in our primary data and shifts towards entertainment via online among young people, including watching YouTube, spending time on MySpace, etc. you can see that the future of reaching this new consumer group is not via traditional means of TV as it is today. Intuitive brands in music and action sports have turned to creating webisodes, ads, and interactive entertainment online for years now, which is just starting to catch on among the big players and agencies. This story quantifies trends and future forecasting and where things are headed and why. More...
| Business Resource: Volcom Up in Q4, to Open Stores + Expand in Europe; Quiksilver Taking the Heat by Warm Winter Weather; Hot Topic Earnings Conference Call Coming Soon February 27, 2007
usiness Resource: Label Networks delivers top news from recent Q4 reports including Volcom and it’s increase in revenue up 7% to
$7.6 million for Q4, as well as it’s expansion plans for opening more stores in the U.S. and moving into Europe as well as the integration of more video clips on it’s site that’s driving ever-increasing traffic; Quiksilver and it’s lower than expected results due to a warm winter season, and raising the flag that indeed snow sports are effecting this so-called surf brand, whereas others such as Volcom are not as affected, as well as privately held brands such as Sessions. More...
| Let It Ride—Documentary on the Legendary Pro Snowboarder Craig Kelly to Premiere in X-Dance Screening Series February 20, 2007
The feature-length documentary, “Let It Ride” by Jacques Russo about the life of legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly won the Lat34 X-Dance Film Festival for Best Film during the Sundance Film Festival last month. The X-Dance film festival series will be premiering the top films, starting with Let It Ride in Hollywood this week. More...
| OP Staff Booted; New Owners Iconix Move Operations to New York; So What About the SIMA President? February 20, 2007
OP staff in Irvine offices booted as Iconix restructures their recently bought acquisition in attempts to move things to New York and bring the old school surf brand to the mainstream. Ironically however, the President Dick Baker is also the president of the core organization, Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, which may not take too well to their president consulting with a Hollister-esque franchise of mass market surf apparel. More...
| Crossover of Winter Outerwear + Lifestyle, Wearable Electronics, + Skier/Snowboarder Styles Indicate Expansion Beyond Core to Lifestyle-Inspired “Participants” February 1, 2007
The SIA trade show in Las Vegas from January 22-25 indicated that some ski and snowboarding brands are realizing the impact of lifestyle apparel in terms of reaching beyond the core participant marketplace, which is a must-have in today’s age of global warming and limited access to winter sports in general. Hype surrounds snowboarding still, with brands that are still hungry such as Rome Snowboards, Lib tech, Grenade, Sessions, Volcom, Capita, and Nikita. More...
| Adidas Skateboarding Live Interview: Label Networks TV Gets the Scoop with Jess Weinstein on Latest Pro Team Rider Inspirations, Art Collabs, + Styles January 31, 2007
Label Networks TV captures a live interview with Adidas Skateboarding and how they plan to continue making inroads in action sports with its hot team of 3 guys, Mark Gonzales, Dennis, Busenitz, Tim O’Connor, plus the lowdown on where the brand’s headed in the future. More...
| Snowmobile “Freestyle” Debut + SnoCross Events at Winter X Take ‘Biling to an All-Time High Supported by Massive Crowds January 30, 2007
Snowmobiling in the Winter X Games in events such as SnoCross and the debut of Freestyle indicate that motorized sports are clearly a part of action sports these days—just as motocross and wakeboarding in Summer X. The massive crowds stoked the riders as they pulled backflips on 500-pound beasts flying down the mountain at break-neck speeds and the pics are here to prove it. More...
| Winter X Games Showcases Steve Fisher’s Lofty 900’s to Win Gold in Men’s SuperPipe; Torah Bright Stomps It for a Gold + Women’s Title January 30, 2007
Winter X Games SuperPipe Results for Men’s and Women’s brings out new winners such as Steve Fisher and Torah Bright and legendary Olympians including Shaun White, Gretchen Bleiler, and Hannah Teter as well as top new 1080’s, 900’s, and other moves to the largest crowd ever in attendance at Winter X Games. More...
| Business Resource: Transworld Media, Publisher of Skateboarding, Snowboarding, Surfing, Bought by Swedish Bonnier Magazine Group January 30, 2007
Transworld Media and Time4 were bought by Swedish-based Bonnier Magazine Group for an estimated $200 million. Speculation about what will happen to youth culture magazine titles such as Skateboarding, Snowboarding, and Surfing remain uncertain however VP Jonas Bonnier says they are willing to invest in niche magazine markets in the U.S, More...
| ASR Runway Show Brings Grunge + Camping/Wilderness Themes Back to the Future with Punk Hair, Duckie Boots, + Thigh-High Selvedged Leggings January 29, 2007
ASR Fashion Show indicates that grunge is back but recontextualized with an apocalyptic Americana feel including selvedged leggings, thigh-high tube socks, rubber duckie boots in colorful styles, thigh-length shorts, lumberjack plaids and camping meets punk rock themes More...
| Alpinestars Runway Show Presents a New Spin on Moto-inspired Streetwear January 29, 2007
Alpinestars have come a long way from simply providing motocross gear, pads, boots, and apparel, to delivering some of the new leading-edge streetwear trends in apparel for young women and men. Top of the line are the military-like black, ankle-high grunge boots paired with purple dresses, raw skinny denim jeans, mini skirts, and an assortment of thermals, leather jackets, and hoodies. Aplinestars stepped-out with their own runway show at ASR January 26th. More...
| The Yard at SIA—The Space for Up-and-Coming Brands—Provides Cool Vibe, Lounge, DJs, Art, + Street-cred to Winter Sports, January 23, 2007
The Yard at SIA provides space for up-and-coming brands, plus provides a cool urban and street-cred vibe based on its creators, Stix, Frank 151, and The Block.
More...
| SIA Winter Outerwear Fashion Show Illustrates New Crossovers of Skier Chic, Upper Urbanwear Snowboarder Styles, + Sexy Ski Racer Speedsuits January 23, 2007
SIA winter fashion show in Las Vegas kicked off the trade show with indications of new crossovers with skier chic, upper urbanwear in snowboarding styles, sexy ski racer speedsuit concepts, and over new vibe for winter outerwear. More...
| Beckham’s Move to America May Pump-up the Volume for Soccer in the USA, Sponsor Adidas, + UK Fashion Trends Known as WAG + Chav January 16, 2007
David Beckham’s move from Real Madrid to the Galaxy team in Los Angeles this summer brings new attention to the sport of soccer in the U.S., as well as his sponsors Adidas, Pepsi, Motorola, and Gillette. With his wife, Posh (Victoria) Spice also comes a new flavor of fashion known as WAG and chav culture—think white-trash imports from England. Lovely. More...
| Snow Sports Industry Trade Show Gets Urban + Provides Lounge called “The Yard” for Up+Coming Brands; Action Sports Retailer Trade Show Goes Green January 15, 2007
ASR goes green and SIA adds the urban vibe for up-and-coming brands called The Yard, which provides 2 new aspects of trade shows worth noting this season as others try to keep up with innovative plans and progression. More...
| Another Ticket 2 Ride Snowboard Event Postponed in Europe Due to No Snow; Volcom Drops $35K in the Acid Drop Mini Ramp Fest at Surf Expo January 9, 2007
Volcom Stone drops $35,000 in prize money for their new pro-am contest called the Acid Drop Mini Ramp contest taking place during Surf Expo next week, and another Ticket to Ride contest, the ONeill King of the Park is canceled due to lack of snow in Europe. More...
| Big-Wave Contests Eddie Aikau + Mavericks Set to Go Off in Winter Swells Attracting New Fans + Sponsors January 2, 2007
It’s the season for Big-wave surf contests such as the Quiksilver Eddie Aikau in Waimea Bay and Mavericks Surf Contest in Northern California with both ramping up for surfing 50-foot swells, bringing with it top big-wave surfers, new fans, sponsors, and unique ways for people to view the competition thanks to sponsors’ websites, cell phones, and podcasts. More...
| Beamvertising: Projection Graffiti Art of a Skateboarder by Sportlife Chewing Gum Offers Cool Idea for Brand Recognition January 2, 2007
Beamvertising, also known as projection art, has moved on from graffiti and street artists to brands that are using the motif for brand recognition in major cities. The latest creative injunction of projection art took place with Sportlife chewing gum in Holland of a skateboarder skating across the building facades of various cities throughout the Netherlands to promote the brand’s campaign “Can you find the pack?”
More...
| Beijing Olympics Sparks Sponsorship Frenzy in World’s Hottest Market November 13, 2006
Beijing Olympics Sparks Sponsorship Frenzy in World’s Hottest Market: many brands such as Adidas, Nike, Visa, Coke it marks a crucial commercial platform above and beyond any other Games, while for home-court brands such as China’s Li Ning (the Nike of China), Lenovo, Yili (dairy), and China Mobile, sponsorship means national pride and an introduction into the international arena. More... |
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| | | | Label Networks' Presentation at MAGIC August 26 + 27
Global Youth + Street Culture Fashion: Examining Directional Trends for ‘09/10 Inspired from Music, Sports, Street, Technology, + Emerging Global Subcultures August 26 @ 1 p.m.; August 27 @ 11 a.m. South Hall.
Seats go fast! Registration Today Label Networks is a global youth + street culture intelligence media company authentically measuring the most trendsetting subcultures in the world. Subscriptions keep us ad-free to deliver cutting-edge, original content backed by our data. Our Subscribers = thought-leaders, protagonists, business strategists seeking insight from a new angle—from the people, from the bottom-up, from the creators of their own barcodes.™ Subscriptions include daily global facts, figures, analysis, stories, images, video covering youth + street cultures. There are 5 ways to participate: Sign-up for a FREE tour and Weekly Newsletter Weekly Analysis Subscription:Entry level for readers needing additional data analysis from topical stories + images Premium Global Subscription 2008: For serious business players, includes data, analysis, stories, images across global markets to compare by culture
Children of the Revolution: Bohemian-Rave Chic among Youth Markets Redefine Expectations for Back-to-School and Street Styles for Spring/Summer ‘09 July 22, 2008
| Wearable Technologies and Connecting with the Future—Latest Trends in Technology as Fashion Tap Into Fresh Opportunities to Reach Youth Culture Markets July 17, 2008
| Nu Rave Fashion’s Evolution: Street Snaps from Label Networks’ Reporters Capture Subculture of Styles, Colors, Inspirational Brands, and Their Muses July 14, 2008
| Anime Expo Fashionistas Showcase Latest Trends in Styles Impacting Mainstream Fashion Including Gothemo, Maid Café, Goth-Lolita, Cosplay, Visual Kei, J-Rock, Accessories, Collectibles, and Backpacks July 9, 2008
| | Graphic T-shirts: Top Designs and Styles from DIY to Name Brands to Band Merch—Label Networks Takes a Look at What’s Fresh this Summer June 25, 2008 |
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