The One from The ONE

Principal of Chicago's award-winning GRIP Design, Kevin McConkey interviews RDQLUS CREATIVE/Stevie G for "The Culture Vulture."

I've looked up to Kevin McConkey since the beginning of my career as a professional creative. He's always been a candid, heart-felt straight-shooter with the right idea on how to go about doing what we design-types try to accomplish each day, for the rest of our careers. He's a mentor, a friend and an ardent supporter of RDQLUS CREATIVE's work & efforts; all things that are mind-blowing to me as I'm just thrilled to be at the very least be a colleague of the GRIP family. To have him reach out and do an interview with me was a real honor, and fun as all hell to be honest.

The Culture Vulture: "Studio of One from The ONE" (RockPaperInk.com)

Click to read more ...

RDQLUS x NIKEiD Jordan 2012 "Classy Concrete" Pack

This has been an exciting week in the RDQLUS CREATIVE camp. Two of my passions collided head-on when I was approached to design a shoe using the platform of the NIKEiD experience. What resulted was unfathomable just a week earlier. Firstly, I took this opportunity with the utmost of seriousness and produced what I think is a great pack of sneakers that have both an established court pedigree and a unique style & fashion perspective. Secondly, the awareness and participation of the "RDQLites"; all of the clients, fans and supporters of what I do was amazing. Thank you.

So with that, I give you the one-of-a-kind RDQLUS x NIKEiD Air Jordan 2012 "Classy Concrete" pack. The "Jewelry Box" & "BLAQ Tie" Jordan 2012s. Names such for the story behind the colorways; the "Jewelry Box" pays homage to a brand that became more significant than the very jewels they carried because of the perceived level of superior quality and service. The "BLAQ Tie" sets out to prove that street fashion—when in the hands of someone who ares to pay attention to details—can achieve higher plane of fashion along side the brands we've come to revere. These designs will now go off to be produced by the "iD" program and in a few weeks, I'll follow up and show you the actual finished product on-foot.

Many thanks to NIKEiD for tapping RDQLUS CREATIVE to run with such a project. I can only hope that there are many more official collaborations in our future paths.

RDQLUS x NIKEiD Jordan 2012 - Final Looks

Wrapping up the designs for my RDQLUS x NIKEiD custom, these are the final three designs that I will choose from. Vastly different in look, each has a much different backstory and very particular ideas on how I'd wear them.

Matching the color it's namesake's garb but contrating their demeanor, the "Shao Lin Monk" is brash and flashy. This look is a kick to the door of any room I'd walk into, speaking loudly and letting people know, "Yes yes, I'm here for that attention… lavish it upon me!" (Most who know me, are giggling right now)

Equally as eye-catching—but far more soothing to that eye, once caught—the "Jewelry Box" is pure silk. Draped in a sea-foam "aqua" color reminicent of "Tiffany & Co.", this version would palette-appropriate thru the spring & summer, and a cheekily brazen stand-out as a stopped for photo opps at "Fashion Week." Turning stylish heads in a sneaker? Yeah, that's just the way I like it.

Now, while I'm no "shrinking violet" when it comes to the spotlights of attention beaming my way, I'd like to think that I can play it equally as classy—even in a pair of "kicks." The "BLAQ TIE Affair" version of the Jordan 2012 is a lock for those red-carpet moments and times when you have to get your "grown" on, and step that style game up more than a couple of notches. Trust, I have a feeling you'll see me in these eventually—no matter what.

I'm leaning heavily toward the "Jewelry Box" & the "BLAQ TIE," but right when I think I have it nailed I imagine the "Shao Lin" stomping hot summer concrete! I have to decide by the end of this week… any input?

Click to read more ...