The first, most noticeable difference from last year’s joint: fewer, but more pronounced pockets. Last year’s piece featured two zip chest pockets rather than the singular pocket at the left on the updated version, and while the original Lamb of God  had similar button-closure waist pockets, the stitching and detail pops right off of the Revenge. Liking the slimmer, more sleek look to the jacket with just one chest pocket these days, and the blatant, raised seams, stitching and detail is killin’ it. Stoked to see the shoulder epaulettes made it through the final revisions giving the jacket a clean, militaristic aesthetic.

Last year’s Lamb of God Jacket in Red: notice the bulkier cuffs, hem and collar; waist pockets visible only by the button-flaps; dual zip chest pockets look (don’t hate us) too Thriller-era Michael Jackson.

For our no-frills, fuck-thrills pals, check out The Grass Roots Leather, also new for 2009 through the New Year. The Grass Roots model presents the same cut as The Revenge of Lamb of Gods joint with a full-zip closure and snap-button welt pockets at the waist, minus the epaulettes, stitching and button-up madness. Still a jacket so dope it should be sold in grams, and depending on the black, blue or tan colorway, $75 or $130 less, respectfully (fuckin’ recession).

Hung up for chest pockets and a slightly roomier cut? Go for the Gusto – literally. The Gusto 47 Leather Jacket features a denim jacket aesthetic with LRG’s butter-soft dead-animal skin build. Like the other leather pieces, the signature acetate satin lining gives each an added level of swank.

p.s. The Gusto 47 in red is a beast.

LRG did again just how they’ve been doing it for Karmaloop over the years – a massive drop of epic proportions. Click the banner below to check it out.

The Plattan (above):

Designed to be “the perfect classic headphone,” according to the folks at Urbanears, The Plattan combines innovative functions and performace with today’s technology. A full-size headphone that allows full, rich, secluded and ridiculously clear volume, sound and thumping bass (112dB, 20kHz). The Plattan furthermore folds down to the size of a fist for maximum mobility and convenience. Featuring Urbanears’ patented Zound Plug (see the specs below), invite a pal to plug in and thrash along to your Municipal Waste playlist.

The Tanto (below):

Also designed with mobility and convenience in mind, The Tanto’s size absolutely does not compromise when it comes down to performance. A tribute to the 1980′s aesthetic and revolution in mobile music, this tough lil’ fucker is ready for everyday use and wants to tag along everywhere you go – like herpes, but sexier.

Some dig the minimalist style to the Urbanears pieces, but the innovations are where it’s at with these cats: iPod/Blackberry compatible mics on each model, bold colorways and nothing over $60 – huge upgrade if you’re still using standard iPod headphones (don’t even get us started – we pity the ears that are subjected to those motherfuckers).

Specifications:

Zound Plug:

Like bottles of whiskey, blunts and girlfriends, music is best when shared. The Zound Plug is not a plug, but rather a socket that allows your friend to plug into your earcap and listen to the same thing as you are listening to… if they dare.

Plug Extensions:

Both models come with two two additional cable extensions – we all know that there is no standard out there anymore. The default plug is a two-way construction that works with a majority of all devices, while the four contact point extension is specifically designed for Nokia devices allowing for you to fully utilize the microphone and remote. The remote other extension is a neautral stereo plug that is preferable with sources such as stereos, computers, music players and other one-way communication devices. The standard plug is fully functional without the neutral extension in many cases, but older products may read information differently – this extension is for those situations. All said, Urbanears has you covered whether your up on your music technology or still rockin’ the Walkman.

“I never killed anyone who didn’t deserve it.”

One of the baddest lines spoken in one of the baddest films ever made. Christopher Walken‘s titular turn as crime boss Frank White, a.k.a. King of New York, has reached cult iconic status since 1990 with the help of The Notorious B.I.G. and soundtrack contributor Schooly D (the “Godfather of Gangsta Rap”) amongst hundreds of others sampling clips of the Abel Ferrara classic. 8103 takes it’s turn in a piece of graphic design wizardry, inspired by the infamous Park Plaza Hotel scene after Jimmy Jump and Test Tube  plug bitchass King Tito (“… for the bullet holes, puto!”). Featuring the wonderfully maniacal face of Walken with an implied window-reflection of Midtown below, like the movie, we sense instant classic with this joint.

“I’ve been sitting on this design for a while, just figuring out the right way to approach it,” explained Mark Braddock, owner and lead designer for 8103. “I’ve always wanted to do a Walken tee. His style and persona always leaves you guessing. That’s the vibe I’m creating for 8103, you never know what’s going to drop next and when it does, you gotta have it.”

“As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.”

8103 pays tribute to another cinematic masterpiece from 1990, Goodfellas, sequencing the pistol-whuppin’ scene after Henry Hill’s girl is assaulted by her jock nerd neighbor. In contrast to The King of New York Tee above, we’re loving the grainy, rugged look of the print that almost looks as though it was jacked from security camera screenshots. This D.T.M.G. Tee hits as hard as a revolver to the snout and saves you from blood on your hands (literally and figuratively).

“Another one I’ve always wanted to execute properly when [Ray] Liotta was in his prime,” Braddock said. “We’ve all seen Goodfellas shirts… but not anything like this. This shirt has a couple of subliminal messages being put out through the design. Aside from Liotta being a badass, this one goes out to all the dudes out there that’s ever wanted to beat the shit out someone for touching their girl.”

“You see, in this world there’s two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig.”

Featuring Clint Eastwood’s turn as Blondie in all-time classic Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo (a.k.a. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly), The Outlaw Tee pops like dude’s hand-cannons in this stark black-and-white sketched print. Whereas “every gun makes it’s own tune,” this 8103 piece has The Blogs singing songs of praise not only for paying tribute to another one of our all-time favorite flicks, but for finally giving the outlaw his moment in the limelight.

Click the banner below to check out the rest of 8103′s killer fall drop, including one tee Braddock “[doesn't] think people were ready for, ha ha.”

Speaking of that American prep, French chic and Italian tailoring orgy of fashion, case in point are the jackets. Whereas The Kenneth Coat (above right) definitely vibes towards European influences with the wrap-around belt high collar and shoulder epaulets, it is still just at home here in The States as the workwear-inspired Henry Jacket. While each jacket tributes worldly influences, both are furthermore culturally ambiguous with the premier craftsmanship, attention to detail (check out the linings) and supreme warmth and comfort. The Henry’s 55/45 cotton/poly blend means total breathability, crucial for the up-and-down temps of the fall season, while the 100% cotton twill Kenneth Coat is simply warmth-plus. Trust, these jackets will have you so bonkers that ATM machines will ask you to feed ‘em stray cats (or so you think… crazy. You’re crazy!).

We get stoked on buttondowns this time of year, and Dorsia might have gone and produced our latest, greatest loves. The Tyler (left) and Charlie Buttondowns are so basic that it’s almost an insult to call it so, but the toned-down look is simply killing shit. That mean, clean look totally stands out on it’s own or makes it a perfect complement beneath a compatible sweater or jacket, but…

… the bad, plaid joints are just out of control. The Toby (left) and Damien Buttondowns present the same quality stitching and bitchin’ slimmer fits, but especially with The Damien, feature a more utilitarian look with the convertible sleeves and super-intense plaid pattern that’s been a staple for rough n’ tumble motherfuckers in the plumbing, construction and chainsaw-chasing industries for decades. You know how much trim that workman look pulls? No matter what lies they tell you, ladies love a tough guy, so at least try and look the part, sis.

Our favorites for the line, however, are the sweaters, The George V Nk in particular. Crazy for the streets or the high-class set, cop our pal George and you’ll be humming “Sussudio” with unsuspecting call girls in no time. The kangaroo-style pocket is a nice touch, and with it’s thrill-with-no-frills aesthetic, this is one to wear on the next visit home after mom gives you the “you need to calm down and grow up” talk… or confessing murder to your lawyer. But hey, we’re not gonna tell you how to live your life. Now if you’ll excuse us… we have to return some videotapes.

1.) Where are you from? What do you do for a living?

I am from Los Angeles, California. I am a co-owner of royalprospects.com and studiotee.com. We are a company that specializes in custom screen-printing and embroidery in Signal Hill, Californa.

2.) What kind of product do you produce?

We produce graphic tees with a variety of street-centered messages. We feel our clothing line is about being who you are and being a king or queen of what you put on – that’s why we call our clothing line Royal Prospects. Our influences come from many aspects in everyday life such as music, politics, the streets and family. Also, we will be producing some kids’ shirts, which are in the works for the near future.

3.) Your shirts are very iconic and “in your face,” describe the thought process and development of your designs.

Our designs are very much in your face so you can not only see the creativity, but also the message that is behind every single design. Whether it is a subliminal message or not, the thought process reflects what is going on currently in everyone’s world that is influenced by street culture. So we put ourselves in their shoes and create something for them with a message.

4.) Take a look of some of Royal Prospects most popular graphic designs:

We designed this shirt called skater hater which had a pig in the front and the message “Skate Free – Stop the Hate.” There are tons of kids that don’t have a place to skate and if they’re not destroying property, let them skate.

Duck Hunt is one of our favorite designs that we have created. This came from our childhood on the NES. We would play for hours and incorporated a message behind it: shooting down the competition–meaning shooting down the politics, the haters, or anyone that’s trying to stand in your way.

This design we called Honesty Integrity. It just came from what we go by and live for Honesty Integrity Hardwork and Family and also is a famous line from Mr. Lucas in American Gangster.

5.) What are your ultimate goals for your line?

We have a couple of goals for our line. We want to continue exapnding so larger audiences can see the messages we are trying to send. We want to also create other brands underneath our company like a kids’ line.  We have a lot of potential and we ultimately hope to create job opportunities for others and our families.

6.) What are your opinions of the new KarmaSwap? How do you see this affecting streetwear culture?

It’s an excellent way to showcase up-and-coming brands, which is great because a lot of the boutiques will not support you unless you are a house-hold name. I think this will help smaller streetwear labels show big-name brands that there are artists out there that create as well anyone can.