An intimate look at the rise and fall of Iron Mike Tyson, the youngest heavyweight champion ever speaks plainly about his life and boxing in the recently released “Tyson” directed by James Toback.
After watching the movie there is no doubt that Malik Abdul Aziz (Tyson’s Muslim name) is/was the most intimidating fighter in boxing. Before a fight he would walk slowly to the ring, surrounded by his entourage, having already broken a full sweat, with no robe or sweatsuit, pounding his gloves together over and over hoping to push his knuckles closer to the surface of the Everlast leather. On top of that, the speed and power of his combinations was plain frightening. You can see the fear on the face of his opponents.
The film is comprised of a few long interviews cut and mixed together with footage from fights, training, the early years with Cus D’Amato and some of Kid Dynamites more, ehem, candid moments. The story is told solely through Tyson’s point of view and oftentimes he speaks directly into the camera creating an eery dynamic for the viewer. The fact that the director, Toback, and Tyson are friends helps Mike to open up a bit more than usual to speak truthfully about his success and misfortune. For someone that, at times, might have seemed a bit delusional to some, Tyson is surprisingly so matter of fact when describing his troubled youth and career. Especially interesting is his commentary during fights later in his career when he starts to lose.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more entertaining and insightful documentary this year. Now playing in NY and LA, be sure to catch it if it comes your way. More info at Tyson.
For the past several months a lot of my time has been devoted to curating, planning and organizing the 99% conference and it’s finally all happening this Thursday and Friday, 16 and 17 April.
A different approach to the conference scene, we joined forces with Behance, the organizational gurus of the creative class, to look at how the inspiring art, design and culture that Cool Hunting features comes to be. We’ve assembled a diverse cast of speakers to present on the successful execution of creative ideas. Each will attest to their own unique take on productivity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their process and how their ideas come to life.
As equally inspiring perhaps as the speakers and their ideas themselves, the two-day event will be held in Renzo Piano’s new stunning NY Times Center and we’ve got a few other surprises up our sleeve.
Although this is circa early 80’s, if you’ve been to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you’ve most likely done the same. I love these little camera tricks that play with perception.
The third Alessi to take over the Alessi Design Factory, Alberto Alessi has been credited with extending product offerings and making design more affordable for the masses. We met the man in charge a couple weeks back at the newly renovated Plaza Hotel in NYC for a short interview. An official Cool Hunting Capsule Video on the man and the family business is on its way, stay tuned.
Alessi is smart, on point, funny and deep. Above he is talking about idea generation and how Richard Sapper’s Melodic Tea Kettle (1983, below left) was developed. One of Alessi’s most successful products to date, it was followed up by a Michael Graves rendition that has also become one of their best selling items (1985, below right).
He comments, “the most perfectly designed object in the world is an egg, but then again it is made by the ass,” (in a thick italian accent).
With a stable of designers including the likes of the late Etorre Sotsass (condiment set, 1978 and cutlery set, 1987 above), Jasper Morrison, Stefano Giovanni and Alberto Mendini, it’s hard to go wrong with something from the Alessi Design Factory.
There is no doubt that the Inter Milan manager, José Mourinho, often referred to as The Special One, is one of the more stylish professional coaches in the world (especially when compared to some of our NFL coaches like Bill Belichick in his cut off sweatshirts). Always dressed a well-fit suit, tie, scarf or some variation of that, I was surprised to learn that he works with Armani, or as he puts, “I have a commercial relationship with Armani. The scarf is their scarf.”
Although he rubs a lot of people the wrong way, his talent as a coach is undeniable. After taking his native FC Porto to the top of the Champions League in 2004 and winning consecutive Premier League titles with Chelsea in 2005 and 2006, Morinho and Inter Milan have a chance to advance to the Quarter-Finals of this years Champions League by winning or scoring at least one goal in a draw Wednesday against rivals Manchester United.
An interesting campaign by Ogilvy & Mather, Bangkok, for the WWF, “Forests For Life” subtlety touches upon the issues of deforestation, endangered species and poaching in one image.
Is it bad that I want one of these in my apartment?
A few weeks back I met my childhood hero, his airness, Michael Jordan, for the launch of his Air Jordan 2009. Moving away from the roman numeral naming system, which fittingly stopped with the XX3, the Jordan Brand’s new naming convention will differentiate yearly releases—so next years will be the Air Jordan 2010.
A new innovation, Articulated Propulsion Technology (APT) is incorporated in the sole of the sneaker and is said to ensure a responsive feel on the court, while satin pleats and holograms add a very Jordan-like fashion statement. The world-wide release is marked for mid-February during the NBA All-Star Weekend. Purchase it for $190.
Last week I caught up with the Chicago-native and lead designer on the Air Jordan 2009, Jason Mayden (pictured above left). Starting as a design intern with the Jordan Brand, Mayden worked his way up the ranks and now proves to be a pivotal figure with the company going forward. A charismatic individual who works hard, keep an eye out for things to come from Mr. Mayden.
What was the inspiration for this shoe and how is it different than the past 23 varieties? The way MJ played defense along with martial arts and fencing were the main inspirations for the shoe. I was also inspired by the luxury and sophistication of high fashion along with individuality and complexity of Chihuly blown-glass. I believe that the AIR JORDAN 2009 is the next chapter of the brand and a total embodiment of what we can do as a brand.
Why fencing?
Fencing is human chess–the ultimate defensive sport. It’s about positioning and moving your opponent so that you can overcome and defeat him. This is the way that MJ played defense. A lot has been made about his high-flying dunks and the 55 that he put on the Knicks in the Garden, but few people remember that he was an INCREDIBLE defensive player. He was on the all NBA Defensive First-Team nine times in his career.
How was it, as a Chicago native, to work with his Airness?
Being from Chicago, designing the AIR JORDAN 2009 is a dream come true.
What was the most difficult part of the process?
Creating a new Jordan is like rewriting the US Constitution with each shoe being a living museum. The challenge is that you have to give consumers what they cannot envision. People notice Jordans because they are looking for them.
What are your thoughts on the new Kobe low-top shoe?
Nike is always innovative and on the next level so it doesn’t come as a surprise. I don’t know about low-tops for the NBA, but his viral campaign for the shoe is off the chain. I laughed so hard that I cried when I saw him on top of that horse!
What’s next for you, the Jordan Brand and Jordan 2010?
You are going to have to wait and see. But the AIR JORDAN 2009 is the best thing that you will buy this year.
A new use for the increasingly useless phonebooth.
Transformed by artists Benoit Deseille and Benedetto Bufalino as part of the Lyon Light Festival in France, the phonebooth is filled with tropical fish. One of the more interesting pieces of public art I’ve seen in a while.
