As 2018 comes to a close, your favorite Dropcasters (by default) Jian DeLeon and Noah Thomas, take a trip down memory lane and wonder how they still have a show.

We break down some of our favorite products, collabs, and knowledge bombs dropped by guests this year. We also have a sneaker roundtable officially deciding the best kicks to come out this year.

And what better way to look at the year in the Dropcast than by revising one of the best voicemail-leavers to ever do it? Find out who left the best VM of the year—and don’t forget to call the Dropcast Hotline at 833-HIGHSNOB (444-4766) for a chance to end up on the next episode.

See you in 2019!

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From the first time four wheels hugged the walls of an emptied out pool, to becoming a central part of pop culture and fashion, skateboarding has had a lifelong friend in Vans. The small deck shoe company out of Anaheim, Calif. was the earliest of adopters for the burgeoning sport as it established a legacy by placing its kicks on the feet of the Z-Boys, a group of California teens that would become the true godfathers of skating. Like the sport itself, Vans’ popularity has waxed and waned over the past 50 years. But today it’s both the quintessential skate shoe and a staple fit for anyone’s wardrobe. Both qualities are only possible because of Vans’ embracement of its past, and as long as that lasts, it’s hard to imagine Vans ever approaching the difficult times it has in the past.

On this episode of Why It’s Cool, we examine how Vans has made shoes so excellent, versatile, and affordable that you can find them on the feet of Frank Ocean in the White House or any kid looking for there next skate spot across the world. Vans’ core models are popular among many disparate crowds—what other shoe could be embraced by both cheerleaders and goths?—and yet that ubiquity somehow hasn’t hampered the brands’ identity. No matter what, Vans is a skate shoe. And by staying true to that culture, even when it wasn’t as popular, the company has set itself up for true authenticity, not the sort that’s thrown around as a buzzword.

Of course, this wasn’t just a faceless corporation making these moves. It was people, inside the company and out, that made this all possible. We talked to some of the most important players throughout the shoes’ journey, including Stacy Peralta, the seminal superstar of skating; Rian Pozzebon, the designer who helped guide the company back to its roots; and Brendon Babenzien, NOAH founder and former creative director of Supreme.

In case you missed it, you can check out all the episodes from the season on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or any of your favorite podcast apps.

Director of Editorial Video and Production, North America

J. Andrew Keegan

Director of Editorial

Jian Deleon

Producer and Editor

Sonia Manalili

Host

Ian Servantes

Special Thanks

Stacy Peralta

Rian Pozzebon

Brendon Babenzien

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Hosts Noah Thomas and Jian DeLeon are joined by Sander Lak, designer of acclaimed and certified POPPING fashion label Sies Marjan, and world-renowned stylist and sweatpant enthusiast Matthew Henson. We talk about Sander's first menswear collection for his label, and how it's a bit of a return-to-roots approach for him.

We also get heavy on trousers, and then discuss football's (or soccer, if you're an uncultured swine) effect on men's fashion. From iconic colorways to the most memorable kits, a few Dropcast listeners also weigh in with their thoughts on which kits are the GOAT.

This episode of The Dropcast is brought to you by FIFA '19. As always, feel free to call The Dropcast Hotline with any thoughts and commentary about today's episode. Or just spit what's on your mind. We can be reached at 833-HIGHSNOB (833-444-4766).

Happy holidays!

Relevant Links:

How Streetwear Infiltrated, Then Defined, the New Luxury Market

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/the-new-luxury-whitepaper-highsnobiety/

HIGHSNOBIETY CROWNS

https://www.highsnobiety.com/badge/highsnobiety-crowns-2018/

The 10 Trends That Defined Fashion in 2018

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/biggest-fashion-trends-2018/

OFF-WHITE’s Signature Zip-Tie Appears on New Jelly Sandals

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/off-white-zip-tie-sandals-release-date-price/

adidas & EA Sports Unveil Exclusive Jerseys for Real Madrid, Juventus & More

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/adidas-ea-sports-jerseys/

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On this week’s episodeof Why It's Cool, we dive deep into the divine territory of crystals—and it's as magical as you would imagine. Host Sydney Gore is joined by Vanessa Cuccia, Lisa Levine, Sadie Kadlec, Remington Guest, and Heather Haber. Together, we examine the effectiveness of crystals as an alternative healing method, the origins of their personal relationships with them, and how they all pivoted into making their careers revolve around these mystical materials.

During this episode, we also discuss the sudden emergence of crystals in the retail space and determine whether or not this is another passing trend. Is the hype all in our heads like the placebo effect? Guest and Haber weigh in on the fashion world's recent embrace of crystals and elaborate on how Advisory Board Crystals aims to modernize forms of the practice as a lifestyle essential.

While the commercialization of crystals has rubbed many people the wrong way, all of these experts believe that the healing properties at the root of it all will overpower all the negative perceptions. In fact, Cuccia argues that crystals are a real form of magic that we can see, feel, and touch.

Crystals have been integral to some cultures for hundreds of years and the benefits speak for themselves. As Kadlec explains while breaking down how she conducts her healing sessions, crystals are powerful tools for internal work that open a portal into self-discovery. Furthermore, crystals serve as aids in our personal healing processes.

Listen to the full episode above and stay tuned for a new episode of Why It’s Cool next week.

In case you missed it, the fifth episode of ‘Why It’s Cool’ explores the style evolution of IKEA Frakta Bag.

Director of Editorial Video and Production, North America J. Andrew Keegan

Director of Editorial Jian Deleon

Producer and Editor Sonia Manalili

Host Sydney Gore

Special Thanks

Vanessa Cuccia

Lisa Levine

Sadie Kadlec

Remington Guest

Heather Haber

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The Dropcast Roundtable speaks to Ralph Lauren collector, curator, and archivist Ezra Wine about the designer’s impact on high fashion, streetwear, and everywhere in between.  

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In 1992, Marc Jacobs presented his Spring 1993 collection for Perry Ellis. Inspired by the grunge movement in the Pacific Northwest, it marked one of the first times a fashion designer decided to take inspiration from subcultures and clothing as they wore worn on the street.

The polarizing collection was truly ahead of its time, and despite the backlash it got when it first came out, Marc Jacobs has tapped his archives for Redux Grunge, reissuing 26 pieces from that groundbreaking collection.

This episode of The Dropcast goes into the historic show that provides the backdrop for this special collection, and the overall impact of grunge in fashion and street culture. Hosts Noah Thomas and Jian DeLeon are joined by consultant, art director, and certified “sock influencer” Gia Seo who sheds some light on why Marc Jacobs remains one of today’s most relevant and provocative designers.

As always, weigh in with your own thoughts by calling The Dropcast Hotline at 833-HIGHSNOB (833-444-4766). Your voicemail might make it into a future episode.

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It’s hard to believe that a $1.49 bag made entirely of polypropylene could be so influential. So much so that in 2017 Demna Gvasalia, the creative director of Balenciaga, introduced a $2,145 version in leather that set the internet ablaze.

Writer and host Sachin Bhola investigates IKEA's Frakta bag. He speaks to a handful of sources to examine the bag’s origins, its appropriation by the fashion world, the resurgence of everyday totes, and its continued popularity to get to the heart of how the IKEA bag mysteriously became one of the most relevant products of our time.

First is a conversation with Iina Vuorivirta, an in-house designer at IKEA, who recounts the bag's beginnings. Next, Jackie Skye Kim, the former associate fashion director of Barneys New York, speaks to the moment function gave way to form through the lens of Balenciaga's Gvasalia. Then, Michael Cherman of Chinatown Market talks about the Frakta-inspired cap he produced in collaboration with Pleasures and discusses the bag's modern-day reimagining, including Virgil Abloh's take on it.

Listen to the full episode above and stay tuned for new episodes of Why It's Cool each week.

For more, check out last week's episode on how Dickies made trend-proof trousers.

Director of Editorial Video and Production, North AmericaJ. Andrew KeeganDirector of EditorialJian DeleonProducer and Editor Sonia ManaliliHostSachin BholaSpecial ThanksIina Vuorivirta

Jackie Skye Kim

Michael Cherman

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Founded in 1922, the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company is the brainchild of E.E. “Colonel” Dickie and C.N. Williamson. They’re one of the biggest manufacturers of workwear products today. And for all the connotations the term “blue collar” has, what’s evident is that the trousers worn underneath the shirt are just as important.

In many ways, Dickies are the anti-khaki. Not just because they’re more durable, but because they’re also super comfortable. That poly-cotton fabric blend gives the pants an unmistakable look and feel. By the 1980s, Dickies had become a style staple for Southern California youth, blending into nascent subcultures like skateboarding and hip-hop.

On this episode of Why It's Cool, host Jian DeLeon delves into how the hard-wearing trousers gained a second life in many subcultures. He speaks with Ann Sheedy, resident historian of Dickies, about the origins of everything from the Dickies logo to the first work trousers. He also gets some time with Brian Sheedy, Dickies' Vice President of Design, on why the brand will never describe itself as a “fashion” label.

Then, to get some insight on how Dickies became a subcultural style statement, he checks in with Chris Gibbs, current owner of Los Angeles and Tokyo boutique UNION. Gibbs has been wearing Dickies for most of his life, and currently serves as the creative director of Dickies Construct, one of the label's more street-oriented, youth-focuses offerings.

Listen to the full episode above and stay tuned for a new episode of Why It’s Cool next week.

In case you missed it, the second episode of ‘Why It’s Cool’ on the fashion world's obsession with Crocs.

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On the most intellectual episode of The Dropcast ever, hosts Jian DeLeon and Noah Thomas are joined by Highsnobiety founder David Fischer and fashion director Atip Wananaruks during Highsnobiety's annual summit in Berlin. We talk about the latest releases from Ralph Lauren, Supreme x The North Face, and Riccardo Tisci's latest collection for Burberry.

David also shares a Grailed horror story, and we weigh in on some of the collections from Dior and Valentino shown in Tokyo this week. We asked our listeners "who is the most relevant fine artist today?" and you guys certainly didn't disappoint with your responses. Listen up to hear us dissect everything from Daniel Arsham's Hollow Figure to the parallels between Virgil Abloh and Andy Warhol.

As always, we welcome your voicemails on The Dropcast Hotline. So feel free to ring us with some spicy takes of your own. Call us at 833-HIGHSNOB (444-4766).

Heron Preston’s Nike Tailwind Sunglasses Get a Release Datehttps://www.highsnobiety.com/p/heron-preston-nike-tailwind-release-date/

BAPE Debuts 25th Anniversary HEADS SHOW T-Shirts

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/bape-heads-show-2018-t-shirts/

032c Puts Berlin on the Fashion Map With Debut Womenswear Show

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/032c-runway-show-interview/

Ralph Lauren Debuts ’92 Polo Stadium-Inspired Winter Collection

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/polo-ralph-lauren-winter-stadium-fw18/

Supreme’s ‘BLESSED’ Brings Skate Videos Back to Their Raw Roots

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/supreme-blessed-skate-video-review/

The New Supreme x The North Face Drop Just Made Winter Worth It

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/supreme-the-north-face-fw18-collection/

Riccardo Tisci’s Newly Revealed Burberry Pre-collection Is Redefining Streetwear

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/riccardo-tisci-burberry-fw19-precollection/

Daniel Arsham Is Releasing His Trippy Hollow Figure

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/daniel-arsham-hollow-figure/

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On this episode of Highsnobiety’s latest podcast Why It’s Cool, we chart the transformation of Crocs from the practical footwear choice of chefs and nurses everywhere to the ironically cool slip-on beloved by Demna Gvasalia and plenty of others in the fashion industry.

Host Lia McGarrigle is joined by Crocs’ own Michelle Poole, Rob Cristofaro and Treis Hill of Crocs collaborator Alife, and Brian Trunzo of trend forecaster WGSN to discuss all things related to the world’s coolest uncool thing.

Together they trace the Crocs brand’s nautical beginnings, mapping exactly how the shoe’s comfort and practicality won over legions of fans despite an almost universal agreement that the slip-on was the ugliest shoe ever made, and show how fashion’s embrace of Crocs was almost inevitable.

Despite his personal revulsion toward Crocs, Trunzo explains how the brand’s rise fits into the ugly sneaker trend and how it reflects wider changes in how we see ourselves in society. The Alife guys reveal how their Crocs collab was a “fuck you” to the streetwear market. And Poole tells us that, while Crocs knows full well you don’t like its shoes, it simply doesn’t care.

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