The word “couture” in France has a more acclaimed meaning than it does here in the United States and when used it is not typically associated with simply a trend setting designer, but a brand that meets “well defined standards,” thus titling them “haute couture.”  Haute couture is French for “high sewing” and is protected by law, with a few designers able to meet the specific criteria to gain the world-renowned label.

I have no idea what entitles a brand to identify them self as an haute couture entrant, but I do have an understanding for the definition of dope!  Random, but follow me on this magical school bus ride.  When I say dope I do not mean the drug associated connotation that most people think of, but the adjective meaning extremely good.  I don’t know about anyone else, but you are only branded “dope” by me unless you are the Beez Neez.  The word couture however conjures up a more reputable definition as a clothing brand that delivers high end fashion, at a high end price.

Now that you have been schooled in The Ovun’s third period English class it would seem difficult for a clothing line to be identified as both dope and couture, however an Indiana based clothing line as figured it out.  Of the brand you ask the name yes? Dope Couture. Can you really ask for a more straightforward brand name?  Dope Couture keeps it 100, they offer dope clothing, that by my definition is the beez neez, but at affordable pricing, playing on the word couture.  Couture for this brand represents clothing designed with artistic creditability in mind and not profitability.  DC wishes to deliver clothing that evokes pride in what you’re wearing and not insufficient funds fees.

Recently Dope Couture linked up with Naledge, one half of the rap duo Kidz in the Hall, for a Picasso inspired tee-shirt.  They took Picasso’s famed portrait, Seated Woman with Wrist Watch, and added their own twist, a portrait of Naledge.  The back sports a quote from the late Picasso in French, which translates to, “Art is an offensive weapon in the defense against the enemy.”

Dope Couture is a young brand with a bright future ahead of them.  Hopefully they will stretch their line to some cut and sew items giving them a strong range of products.  Even if they were to introduce “high sewing” products, they will more than likely fall short of the haute couture title, but they will always remain Dope!

The Dope Couture x Naledge Tee can be purchased here.

Wale and the California based clothing brand, HUF, linked up to promote the concerts Wale will be throwing this weekend in the Golden State.  The clothing titan and emerging superstar designed two exclusive tees for each of HUF’s flagship stores, one in LA and the other in San Fran.  There will only be 50 t-shirts available at each location and purchases made on the day of the concert will get you a free ticket to the show that night.  Also, be on the look out for Wale giving you his Herbie Hancock at HUF LA and SF as well.

Wale x HUF LA Signing

Thursday January 29^th

6:30 pm

410 N Fairfax Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90036

Wale LA Concert Info

Thursday January 29^th at Key Club

9039 Sunset Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

Doors at 8pm

Ages 15+

Tickets at Ticketmaster.com

Wale x HUF SF Signing

Saturday January 31^st

7:00 pm

812 Sutter St

San Francisco, CA 94109

Wale SF Concert Info

Saturday January 31^st at Mezzanine

444 Jessie St

San Francisco, CA 94103

Ages 21+

Tickets at Going.com

Diamond Supply Co. has finally decided to keep us from waiting and drop the highly anticipated “Harassment” tee.  It is slated for online release at Diamond Supply on Thursday, January 15th starting at 12 pm PST.  I’m sure this one will go fast, with Diamond Supply being a California based brand and what happened in Oakland on New Year’s Day. Make sure you are online at 12 on the dot when this drops, I sho nuff will, and remember boys and girls, Fuck The Police!

Inauguration day will not be any different with two brands designing shirts for this special day.  The first coming from comical tee shirt brand, UNDRCRWN, with Obama sitting atop a chair similar to that from Lincoln’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. and in a similar pose to that of George “The Ice Man” Gervin from an original Nike Ad.  The back of the tee will feature the Gettysburg Address, which if you don’t know, was a speech given by President Abraham Lincoln, in which he spoke about all men being created equal.

The second tee that is being released for Inauguration day is one by The Clipse’s newly formed brand, Play Cloths.  This tee is a little more subtle featuring the Play Cloths logo with a stars and strips outfit with the phrase “The Good New Days” below it.

Both tees are available now@  UNDRCRWN and @  Play Cloths

The great Lupe Fiasco has now linked up with another fashion big wig, La Messie of False (dude in picture), to launch a three part collaboration entitled, “The Fallacy of Rome.”  The first part of this campaign has been launched and is inspired by Roman literature’s Keberos, Hound of Hades, which happens to be far from Mark Ecko’s wack ass inspirations.  The second release is scheduled for December and the third for early January.  Both versions of the Hounds of Hades tees are available at the False Online Store.

Speaking of ?uestlove, if you haven’t picked up Rising Down, you should bcause if you don’t, you’re whack—