of human rights

Our friend Seth Brau did this amazing animation for the humanrightsactioncenter.org.

I think a shack in this location would be amazing, so this modern marvel on an island, in Paraty, Brazil pretty much defines paradise.  You can only access it by boat/dying and going to heaven.

The Paraty House by Marcio Kogan Architects

via jacobheftmann.com

the 2010 mercedes sls amg…

“the 300SL-inspired “Gullwing” is packing a front/mid-mounted version of the venerable 6.3-liter V8 fitted to the majority of AMG’s offerings, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox channeling 563 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Weight is pegged at around 3,500 pounds, allowing the SLS to run from a rest to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Top speed is 197 mph and optional carbon ceramic discs should bring the party to a halt with supreme authority” via autoblog

Its pretty impressive on paper and is definitely a much cleaner design than their last supercar, but to me it really doesn’t even compare to the original that inspired it.

Mercedes Benz 300SL “Gullwing”

Julius Shulman, reknowned architectural photographer died yesterday.  He is probably most kown for his picture below.  Its a shot of Koenig’s Case Study House No. 22 and probably most famous architectural photograph taken in the US.  With just one highschool photography class to his name, Shulman got his start when a photo he had taken of a Richard Neutra house caught the architects eye.  After WWII he was hired to document Arts & Architecture magazine’s famed Case Study housing program.  Working with pretty much a who’s who of modern architecture – Rudolf M. Schindler, Gregory Ain, Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles Eames, Raphael S. Soriano, John Lautner, Eero Saarinen, Albert Frey, Pierre Koenig, Harwell Harris and many others, Shulman’s work really captured the feeling of the era.  Southern California in the 50′s was a design hot bed that really helped define California Kool from the aforementioned archicture and design such as the famed Eames chairs, to the whole kustom car culture, to jazz and the arts, and it still feels relevant today.  Thanks to Shulman’s photography generations to come can enjoy that moment.

R.I.P. Julius Shulman 1910-2009

We had been working/holding on this hat for about a year and a half.  The design was originally inspired by 60′s motorcycle culture and classic work wear.  We found the red and blue striped hickory denim in the basement of a fabric store near the Mexican border and bought up their stock.  We added a second colorway and it became almost a home/away version of the hat.  As election season started heating up we began to see the hat as a red, white, and blue hat.  If McCain had won, would we still have wanted the association?  Fortunately B.O. became our 44th, and as I wore the prototype during his victory speech one quote really spoke to me.

“…The true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.”

The words of wisdom became a water based print (so you won’t feel it) on the inside alongside some satin seam taping for your comfort.  We present to you the ”the 44th,” the first release of our Ampal Snap Back.

For our Ampal Snap Back, we created a profile and style completely our own.  It was inspired by the strong front silhouette of the 80s and early 90s snap backs but with a modernized deeper fit.  We stubbed out the brim and added four double rows of stitching to complete the look.

These will be hitting stores soon, but if you’re in Los Angeles we dropped off a few at Barracuda on Melrose  and Archrival in Little Tokyo for the weekend.  Maybe if you call they’ll ship you one.

Cheers to Uncle Sam and an epic 4th of fun in the sun…

Edwin (japan) worked on some co-branded footwear with Folk (UK)

The “armstrong” in black caught my eye.  Their take on the timeless desert boot offers some subtle detailin such as a suede heel cup and contrast laces over a premium leather upper for a complete package that’ll ensure at least your feet are classy.  Or throw a darkside fedora on top and take over the world…

VICE X 722 FIGUEROA X FORD&CHING X THE AMPAL CREATIVE

This Sat. Vice is invading our showroom, 722 figueroa, for an epic event.

Vice Records is providin some live tunes courtesy of its expansive list of artists…

Free food, drink and good times for all.

This will prob be our best LA party to date, so make sure you RSVP, as the list will be strictly enforced on a first come first serve basis.

See you all there!!!

new summer 09 CRAP eyewear

some new looks

the only new shades you need to know about…

moscot and common projects are two of our favorite brands.  they share a dedication to quality and classic understated design.  moscot has a rich heritage, crafting eyewear since 1915 and common projects has been making premium footwear in the search for the perfect sneaker.  they came together to create these epic sunglasses.   the matte finish is fresh, and something I’ve been looking for since persol stopped offering it a few years ago.  even the packaging looks like the premium leathers common projects is known for.  enjoy

Tony Alva – “ZIA” (detail)

Last night Tony Alva hosted an amazing art show at the La Brea Alva Skates store.  Die Posers Die showed original pieces from skate legends such as, Alva, Hosoi, Steve Caballero, Jason Adams, Lance Mountain, Pat Ngoho and more.  We showed up around 6:30 for the 7:00 opening and there was already a large diverse crowd lined up.

The posters were each signed by each artist, and one of the reasons for the hold up outside.

Tony surveying the mural outside.

The LEGEND Jeff Ho.

Chris Pastras and his “Crown Landscape” one of my favorites.

Clint Peterson – “Flight of Passion” (detail) this was one of 2 amazing wood burned pieces Clint did.

One of three kustoms by Steve Caballero.

Lance Mountain – “Die Poser Die”

Pat Ngoho – “Surfer with a Gun”

Classic Alva Skates Team Shot circa 80?

8:30 – The line had grown and doors still not open…