If you’re lookin’ for a sneaker to take you outta 2009 and into the future, look no further than the latest and greatest collabo between Hellz Bellz and Reebok. The New York-based womens streetwear brand’s collaboration with Reebok has been buzzin’ since about September. Now stylish mustn’t wait any longer, as the sneaker dropped last Friday, November 27.

Available in just one colorway (black and white), the sneaker features stud detailing down the sides, perforated leather upper and polka dot lining. Stamped on the back is “HELLZ.” What I love about these kicks is how fierce and sharp they look. Come on, studs on sneakers? Can’t get much better than that. A black sneaker is the perfect off-duty shoe during the dreary winter months and will rock your dark denims and leggings.

Hellz Bellz hit the streets in 2005 when Lanie and Bam began collaborating on pieces in New York. The line is all about providing strong, savvy women with unique and fashionable attire.

The shoe is only available at select retailers and Hellz’s soon-to-be online shop!

More pics below:

Hellz Bellz is bringin’ the holly jolly to the 2009 holiday season with their winter collection “Cult Classic.” The line, which was partly inspired by the fim “The Heathers,” is full of attitude-driven pieces in rich jewel tones.

Hellz Bellz took flight in 2005 when Lanie and Bam began collaborating on pieces in New York. The line is all about strong and sassy streetwear for ladies, creating season-less pieces that make a woman feel empowered and sexy.

“Cult Classic,” no less, takes the same approach. The line is meant to bring out a sense of mischievousness through dark city denim, fair isle and plaid prints, tuxedo jackets and satin minis, and a stand-out piece of outwear that feels like a cross between a leather jacket and peacoat.

My personal favorites are probably the mini tuxedo jacket and fair isle-print tights. The tuxedo jacket is a perfect way to dress up denim in the evening or smarten up a frilly holiday dress. The cropped length of the jacket won’t crowd any outfit and the 3/4 length sleeves are a great way to show off statement accessories. The fair isle-print tights are a unique way of adding winter flair to dresses and minis throughout the season – keepin’ things fun while keepin’ your legs nice and toasty!

Check out all the pieces in the collection below:

Which pieces will you be coppin’ for the holiday season?

From small town girl to international DJ stardom, DJ B Traits is back on the move. If you’re a dance music fan of any kind I’m certain you’ll hear about DJ B Traits in the coming years; if you haven’t already. In between her sets across the pond in Europe and Asia, the very first Digital Soundgirl took some time to chat with Killahbeez about her start, how she became part of the internationally known Digital Soundboy Recordings Group and her respect for music as a whole.

KB: You’re a small-town girl! When did you know you wanted to be a DJ and when did you make your move to the bright lights and big city?

B Traits: I was born and raised in Nelson, BC. When I was 14 my friend sparked my interest in DJing and electronic music. I started messing around with turntables and officially began to DJ at age 16. As soon as i graduated from high school i moved to Vancouver. I had originally decided to pursue a dance career but as fate would have it I fit right into my local music scene and soon found myself playing gigs all over the city. I started opening for big name international DJs and began to make a name for myself internationally.

KB: You’ve been doing a bit of a global circuit in the past few years (playing shows all over Europe, North America, and Asia) how’s that been for you, and where is your favorite place to perform?

BT: Amazing, really who could ask for more? I love my job, i couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I get to perform for people all over the world, dancing is an international language! There are also so many places I haven’t been to yet, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand are all in my 2009 wish list. The UK is one of my favorite countries to perform in because they are open to hear anything I play. I feel like people there are eager to hear new tunes they have never heard before, which makes me feel confident they will be into whatever I feel like playing. When I’m home in Vancouver I feel like there is too much repetitive TV-Radio stuff, everyone wants to hear familiar tunes they can sing along with.

KB: You played Drum & Bass music for most of your DJing career, why have you jumped into different genres?

BT: I still play Drum & Bass music and I always will! I have always had a love and admiration for all genres of music. I started out DJing playing Speed Garage and Hip Hop and slowly got into Drum & Bass, but all my life I’ve collected different types of dance music. Breaking through in the DnB scene seems to be a sort of an uphill battle for me, although I absolutely love the music, at times, I feel totally discouraged. It seems there are not as many fans of DnB music as there used to be. There is some amazing electronic music being produced these days and I can’t help but get into it! I’m playing a little bit of everything right now from breakbeats, to electro, fidget house, dubstep, funk, hip hop and of course drum & bass. I always play a little DnB at the end of my sets, to kind of educate people who may have never heard the genre before. I feel very fortunate to be on Digital Soundboy where boss Shy FX encourages us to produce/DJ all types of dance music.

KB: How did you become apart of Digital Soundboy Recordings?

BT: The first official time I met Shy FX was when we were both performing in Germany at the NYE 06/07 event “Kings of the Jungle”. I gave him a mix CD and although polite, I could tell he wasn’t at all interested in taking the time to have a listen.  While on tour with the World of Drum & Bass in 2007, Shy joined us for the North America side of the tour. I remember he would come out early to catch my set, I didn’t know it at the time, but he was paying close attention, doing his homework. He commented on my style and stage presence and claimed I was refreshing compared to the boys lookin’ like they didn’t really want to be there. He asked me if I was making any beats, I told him I had been working on a few things but no way did I have the confidence to show him anything. After the tour I went back home to Canada and actually ended up sending Shy a few vibes over Aim. I got a phone call a few days later and he offered me a spot on his label Digital Soundboy! To be the first official Digital Soundgirl!! I was honored, Shy, T Power, Marcus Visionary, Benny Page and Breakage are all people I look up to.

KB: Technology has drastically changed DJing in the past few years. Can you tell us what you are using now and what’s next for the evolving DJ?

BT: Currently, I am using Serato and messing with Ableton. With Serato, the possibilities are endless! I play whatever I want and loop, cut, and sample just about anything! The newest Serato software has a built in sampler which I’m using with the M-Audio Trigger Finger. Video DJing seems to be the next step; visual audio entertainment. Creating videos to correspond with your tunes

KB: What do you have planned for the next year? Where will you be?

I have actually decided to jump the pond to London, UK for 6 months! I plan to finish some things in the studio and really focus on making beats. I’m really excited to hear what my DJ sets will be like when I am ready to return to Canada. The UK is SOO inspiring for me! I’m looking forward to being able to go out every night and hear something brand new!

KB: If you could pick 5 artists who you could make an album with, who would they be?

BT:

1. The Cool Kids
2. Breakage
3. Jack Beats
4. DJ Premier
5. Feist

strange i know, but all of these artists have heavily influenced me in some way.

KB: You mentioned you have some news and wanted to wait for it to drop before doing this interview. So… Spill It!!

BT: The project I just completed with clothing line Hellz Bellz is out and ready for the world to hear! Its a mashed mixtape of all genres from everything including breaks, electro, dubstep, hip hop, funk..the works! Neck breakin’, booty shakin’ dance music.

Hellz Bellz is pleased to present DJ B.Traits’ exclusive eclectic mixtape “Belle of the Brawl”. Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, B.Traits made her mark in Drum & Bass on Shy FX’s Digital Soundboy label, as the first Digital Sound Girl. In an industry that is dominated by male DJ’s/Producers she reflects a woman deeper than the hyper-feminine stereotype, confronting conformity, tearing down boundaries and rewriting all the rules. With a love and admiration for all genres of music B.Traits switches it up in this mix to bring you everything from electro, to breakbeats, dubstep, hiphop, and funk.

B.Traits – Belle of the Brawl by B.Traits

KB: Thanks B Traits. Best of luck in the UK this year.

Going down this Saturday and Sunday in New York is the Hellz and Claw Money sample sale. Happening between 12pm – 7pm on both days and both cash and credit cards will be accepted at this sale.

This is taking place in the LES, at the Reed Annex, 151 Orchard Street between Rivington St & Stanton St. Ahhhhh New York how I miss you sooooo much. Check the flyer above for full details.

A few days ago we brought you the trailer of the Hellz short film, which teased you with a imagery of sexy female with Glass Candy playing in the background. Well here’s the actual short film, which also introduces their “Kicks After Six” capsule delivery.

Link: www.hellz-bellz.com

Last night the folks at Hellz Bellz tweeted this on their account.

“sneaky sneaky peeky peeky… stay tuned for the full short film coming soon!!!”

The trailer doesn’t give away too much, but you can pretty much expect it to be dope. Oh and if you’re wondering what song you’re hearing, that’s Glass Candy the track is called “Geto Boys”, I’ve also seen the track being called “Iko! Iko!” but with a different beat. Ida No’s voice is freakin’ magical.

Link: http://hellz-bellz.com/

Hellz Bellz just released their Summer 2009 collection titled SO LOLITA. Rock/punk girl is reborn wearing bright colours, bubble skirts, graphic tees, suspenders, sheer, geometric shapes, etc.

Has anyone here read Lolita? Every time someone names something Lolita, I think of Vladimir Nabokov’s book and shudder.

Creepy association aside, the line is funky and fun for summer.

From their blog:

“So Lolita exudes a modern day coquette… She’s unpredictable playing it up with the high fashion “Hellz Naw” jacket to the raw “Gun It” dress while maintaining an idealism of Black is NOW but Color is ALWAYS, bringing forth a vamped up innocence.”

Read more.

Photo Source: Stussy DC

In a city fueled by politics, its almost hard to believe that a subculture exist within the different neighborhoods of Washington, DC. Step outside Capitol Hill and one will find a melting pot that stems away into a world of the unknown for the non-locals and tourists visiting this city. Along the intersection of 18th Street and Florida Avenue, “the block” has an overflow of Washington’s thriving underground scene in the most talked about city in America (the home of President Obama). No matter where you live in the Washingtonian area or what type of lifestyle you exhibit, the block has gathered individuals from different demographics and lifestyles.

As a shopping destination, Commonwealth DC, Stussy DC and the newest member of the family, For the Greater Good, offers a wide range of clothes, accessories and footwear between the three retail boutiques for women and men.  A consumer will find Pharrell William’s BBC/Ice Cream apparel, graphic t-shirts by 10 Deep and Hellz Bellz to the cut and sew items from brands like Common Projects, Cassette and  Public School.  The shops have even hosted in-store events to feature live performances by musicians and artists, as well as live DJ sets.

Lucas Pierce from Stussy DC vibed out with me about the up and coming scene in DC.  Clearly, there is something to be said about this city and it’s not about politics.  Lets take a step into the other side of town with Lucas.

KB: What sets Stussy DC apart from other retail boutiques in Washington?

LP: There are a couple of things such as location and build out. We’re not in Georgetown, Tyson’s Corner or Friendship Heights. I think those are considered the three main shopping locations in Washington. We wanted to be away from that and in the middle of the independent uptown scene. As to the store itself: we have the projector for movies and films, the artwork by Eric Elms, and store exclusive products.  It has a distinctive look compared to many retail stores around here.

KB: Is there a niche culture in DC?

LP: We receive a fair mix of people in the city that are independently minded. There are many different cultures through DC and it’s reflected at the store. There are different groups of people from kids on skateboards, NBA athletes, cyclists, DJs, and artists – all kinds of people of different lifestyles.

KB: What are your thoughts about exclusivity?

LP: I think it will continue to thrive. There’s always a consumer interested in products other people can’t get and that’s what I think street wear grew out of, from collecting sneakers to limited edition items. We recently held a raffle drawing at Commonwealth for Yeezy’s. We didn’t want other factors to dictate the difference between a 12 year old buying a pair with his mom to the well established 25 year old to purchase it. It was all about the fairness of availability.

KB: How important is it to stay connected with your customers? Has social networking helped?

LP: Staying connected to our customers is very important. We have a store blog, www.theblockdc.com, that is updated weekly. Twitter is a nice tool – we started using twitter two months ago and now have over 1,000 followers. Twitter is cool because you can put a link on twitter and the phone will start ringing as well as hits increasing on the website – they are who we want to reach out to.

Play Cloths Event at Commonwealth

KB: Are there any local athletes that Stussy DC sponsors?

LP: We keep the young kids who hang around the shop in Stussy gear. We also hook up DC’s own Wale, skater James Anderson, or DJs like StereoFaith, Gavin Holland, and Jerome Baker III. Basically, anyone who is out in the streets representing this city receives love from our shop!

KB: What type of perception do you think they bring for DC?

LP: Hopefully, everyone is working together and placing us on the map. It can be things as going out into the scene, events and parties. It will eventually build up what this city needs for the independent and underground scene.

KB: You guys have thrown many successful events at FTGG (For the Greater Good), Stussy and Commonwealth. What was the biggest crowd you brought into the block?

LP: The Clipse’s Play Cloths launch party was pretty packed at Commonwealth, as well as DJ Diplo’s live set at Commonwealth during the Mad Decent Tour. Normally, the events do really well. We’re having an event with Stones Throw Records at beginning of May. The biggest event by far was the Inauguration event, Historic with Bun B, Wale and 9th Wonder. The “Historic” tee sold really well and was really well received nationally.

KB: Speaking of Historic, do you think anything has changed with Obama’s presence in DC?

LP: I think that a lot of new energy has been brought to the city. People are definitely more excited about Obama being here, which has transferred into excitement about DC in general.

KB: Is there anything unique in this city that many people don’t know see or read in the news?

LP: It’s a small city, especially geographically. There are different scenes depending on what neighborhood you’re in. You can do many different things in one night without needing a car or public transportation.

KB: What are your thoughts about style in the city?

LP: It depends where you are. I know it’s a generalization but fashion wise I feel like there are two distinctive sets of people in DC, the political types and everyone else. Obviously the political types have the vineyard vines/BB/Polo look down pat. Then there is also the older DC style, Nike Boots, Foamposites, brands like Madness, Shooters, Solbiato…some real Rayful Edmond type steez. I think the streetwear scene has been steadily growing, especially amongst the teen/college crowd. I am really proud of the new aesthetic For the Greater Good has brought to DC, and its cool to see the growth of consumers from simple graphic tees to cut and sew items.

KB: Where do you consider as the best shopping destination?

LP: There are different shopping locations, from Adams Morgan down to 9th and U Street (the U Street corridor to the locals) where you’ll find independent shops and restaurants. And we’re a part of that. There is a diverse clientele between Stussy DC, FTGG and Commonwealth that stems from diverse demographics of our neighborhoods. The multitude of people in the street whether they are black/white, gay/straight, punk/drunk, etc, gives the area a comparable feel to NYC to me.

KB: In regards to the different neighborhoods of DC, do you agree with Vice Magazine’s article about avoiding Georgetown and Northern VA?

LP: We don’t really go south of Massachusetts Avenue but I guess H Street is an exception. I’ve been in DC for a decent clip and never gone to VA for anything but the airport. Vice and their guides to cities they aren’t from are whatever to me.

Photo Source: Stussy DC 

KB: ‘The Block DC’ posted an article from the NYT stating that DC can become the next NYC or in other words, a fierce competition for NYC. Can you share your thoughts on this?

LP: Musically, not much comes from DC. And for fashion, not many brands are housed here. But that really has been changing in the past 5 years. People in other cities don’t recognize what goes on around in this city so I think with the press that DC has been receiving and Obama’s presence, people are starting to change their perception of us.

KB: Can you share any upcoming projects with us?

LP: We recently released the Stussy DC t-shirts. We are having the Stones Throw Party on May 7th. Commonwealth and FTGG have some really great collaborations coming out this summer. We keep it moving!

KB: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Lucas!

For more information, please visit Commonwealth DC, Stussy DC and For the Greater Good.

Back in February, I posted the “Culture Clash” spring collection from Hellz Bellz.  The second installment to this collection was recently launched this week.  The latest drop from Hellz Bellz  called  “Renegades of Funk” is a tribute to the 1980s electro-funk scene in NYC.  With brigher colors and vibrant patterns, this line embodies the inspirational Renegades of Funk by Afrika Bambaataa.  Edginess is a rush and Hellz Bellz does it again with their latest drop, check out the the entire collection below.

Image/Source: Hellz Bellz

Hellz Bellz has been offering sample sales and pop-up shops at specialty selected retail boutique stores from Los Angeles, New York to Washington, DC.  Customers who were not within these cities did not have the opportunity to attend these events.  As a response to the demand of their customers, Hellz Bellz teamed up with niro:licious and Zebra Club to offer exclusive sample sales of past and present collections at recession affordable prices online.  Going forward, sample sales will be available at the Zebra Club online pop-up shop.

Below are a few items available for purchase:

Nitro Sale Price $31.20

Nitro Sale Price $37.20

Nitro Sale Price $87.60

Image/Source: Zebra Club Closet via Hellz Bellz

Its official ladies!  The new Hellz Bellz Spring 2009 Collection, “Culture Clash“, lookbook was released earlier this week.  By far, this is one of my favorite lines released by the female streetwear brand. The first t-shirt that I bought from Hellz was back in 2006.  Its always great to see a brand grow and develop to offer their customers a variety of options in apparel and not just the typical “line of t-shirts”.

All the street savvy ladies are in for a real treat this month. Hellz Bellz has also teamed up with Stussy on the ”Ladies First!!” collection.

I haven’t received the official release date for “Culture Clash”. However, Stussy DC has confirmed that the “Ladies First!!” collection will be available at the DC Chapter store on March 7th (big ups to L for the word). Check out the entire collections belw.

Hellz Bellz: Culture Clash

This is my favorite outfit (I love the details of the hoodie)!

Stussy x Hellz Bellz: Ladie’s First

Source: Hellz Bellz, Stussy

Spring time is just around the corner… OK, maybe not. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t start stocking my closet full of hot spring looks. As much as I love my winter coats, there’s nothing like leaving the house wearing just a light but cozy hoodie, and this one from Hellz Bellz is nothing short of A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

I’ve been a big fan of Hellz Bellz since founder Lanie Alabanza first took it to the streets in 2005. The collection is full of cheeky Ts and fresh, razor-edge looks. Even the hoodies look sharp.

The Ride or Die Hoodie is available in this soft grey color and bubble gum pink. The hoodie features a cropped motorcycle look with an off-center zipper up the front and five zippered pockets. To add a feminine touch, the sleeves are topped off in princess style and the hood is lined in houndstooth print.

Originally priced at $125, this hoodie is now only $75 at Shop Cultist.

Buy it HERE.

Hellz Bellz released the new Fall Collection last week.  A couple years back, many streetwear brands focused more on men’s apparel and had a few items for women.  That all changed when brands catering to women entered the streetwear game.  There are a hand full of brands out today, including Hellz Bellz.  I have seen the brand transition from a small line of t-shirts into cut and sew.

Hellz now offers denim, hoodies, jackets, scarves and leggings.  I love the details in their hoodies and jackets!

Image Source: Hellz Bellz

M.I.S.S. put together a photo spread of INSA’s collaboration with Ruth Shaw featuring INSA high heels - the “Hackney”, “Lewisham” and “Chelsea”.  You might have seen the fetish graffiti artist’s collaboration with  the popular women’s streetwear brand Hellz Bellz a couple months ago for INSA denim jeans.

The photos are amazing and the heels are fabulous!  I want a pair of these heels!

Image Source: INSA

It must be that time of year again. Yesterday, we mentioned that Hellz Bellz had announced their New York sample sale happening on Aug. 1-3. And today, one of my fave daily fashion sites, Fashionista.com, has announced that Proenza Schouler are hosting a sample sale as well this Wednesday, July 30 – Thursday, July 31 between 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The thing is, this sale is somewhat unadvertised, but lucky ladies looking to score $325-$4,500 items for a pretty penny (check, $50-$1,125) should bring a wad of cash or a blank check (no plastic, no returns). The event is happening on the sixth floor of 120 Walker Street (between Center and Baxter), so head there realz early to avoid the line!

If you are lucky enough to be in New York between Aug. 1-3, head over to 435 Broome Street for the highly-anticipated Hellz Bellz sample sale!

No doubt that this sale is going to be dope, with all items 50-70 percent off and exclusive and sold out styles available! The event runs each day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., so be sure to head over there early to get in line!

Group Seven, a unique streetwear and skate shop established in 2006 and located in Calgary, has just launched their e-store. Offering up a variety of goods from their 3,100 sq ft store space you can find brands such as Clae, Hellz Bellz, Crooks & Castles, 10.Deep, Nooka and vinyl toys from Kid Robot. Check these dudes out at http://store.groupseven.ca/store/.

Hellz Bellz’s summer 2008 collection called “Heat Wave” is heading to stores now. And once again, HB impresses with a line filled with strong denim pieces and cool graphic tees. I’m definitely feelin’ the high-waisted acid wash jeans and the overalls shorts.

Check out the collection here.

And be sure to head to your store early to cop up your favorites ’cause these’ll be going mad quick.

My man, Moni, took me to this spot called Rime in Boerum Hill. The brunch experience at the Carroll Gardens’ Lobo wasn’t great. Heed this advice, if you like tex mex food and know about Lobo, go to the one off 5th Ave in Park Slope instead.

Anyway, back on topic. Rime is a fairly new streetwear boutique that opened early December 2007. The modular furnishing and white epoxy floors is a delight for those that appreciate minimalist design. Immediately when you walk in, you’ll see a selection of footwear by Creative Recreation, Alife, Reebok and even Doc Martens. Aside from sneakers, they also carry a small selection of Kidrobot toys, denim, shirts and hoodies. I think I may have even seen Skullcandy headphones and high end eye wear. The owner, Susan Boyle, also gave a heads up that Rime will be carrying Nike shortly. It looks like I won’t ever need to hit up Manhattan for my quickstrike sneaker shopping. Now if Susan takes special requests, I’d like to see Rime with a G-Star Raw account.

Image Source: Racked

RIME
157 Smith St
Brooklyn, NY
(917) 940-2669