Most people know Bill Evans as a piano player on the Miles Davis's masterpiece "Kind of Blue." What many fail to realize is the fact that he layed down the concept and the foundation for that seminal recording session. To say that he was a major force in jazz music would be an understatement for a man who has dedicated his whole life to the study and advancement of music. With that said, we want to share a video that was made 45 plus years ago called "The Universal Mind of Bill Evans." This documentary gives a glimpse into Mr. Evans's deep understanding of improvisation, his thoughtful creative process, and  his lifelong passion for music. this film also shows a man who had a simple confidence to his personal style, which many men today try desperately to emulate the look but fail to resonate with any substance. Lastly we can't help but notice an uncanny resemblance, in mannerisms and persona, between Mr. Evans and hollywood enigma Crispin Glover,.... If Clint Eastwood decides to make another Jazz Film, this is already written.

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We're celebrating the release of our Mighty Crown (20 years strong) X CLAE 10th Anniversary McQueen shoes in NYC on this Wednesday, November 23rd at Happy Ending. The celebration will feature sounds of Sami T of Mighty Crown with Deadly Dragon Sound and special guests DJ Muro, Rankin Joe and Screechy Dan. We'll also be giving away copies of the Mighty Crown CLAE Anniversary CD and you can check-out the MCXCLAE McQueen shoe, which is available at the Reed Space.

So, if you happen to be in NYC for the Holidays be sure to make it down to the festivities, please RSVP at deadlydragonsound@gmail.com [More]

Originating out of Yokohama, Japan in 1991, Mighty Crown has since become one of the premier reggae sound systems in the world, breaking boundaries and setting new standards for the genre.
It is only fitting that, to mark the celebration of their 20th anniversary, the world-renowned group approached CLAE to design a special edition shoe.

In addition to this special edition McQueen collaboration, We are honored to have Mighty Crown create a custom mix exclusively for CLAE’s Five By Five Series mixtape project. This custom soundscape serves as the inspiration for a visual art piece by our talented friend, the legendary graffiti artist turned abstract painter, West One.

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Vampires are having their day -- from teen literature to leading tv shows -- but no modern interpretation has or will ever strike a chord with us like Tony Scott's 1983 cult-classic, The Hunger. David Bowie and Catherine Deneuve star as a vampire couple living in NYC with a sexy young Susan Sarandon as the object of their affections. The soundtrack, featuring Schubert and Bauhaus and lots in between, plus a generous helping of stylish eighties elements make for an addictive movie that we turn to again and again. We hear Hollywood is attempting a remake....we all know how that will turn out. [More]

Our good friend (and collaborator for the Stussy pop-up shop a few years back) West One is having a solo show of new work here in LA, this Friday October 30, at Environment on Beverly. Recognized and respected as one of the most prolific graffiti writers in New York throughout 80's and 90's with his crew Fame City, West has set a standard for large scale thematic murals and his transformation to abstract expression has been great to witness.

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As the approaching Labor Day weekend signals the end of summer, CLAE is proud to present number two in its Five by Five series, pairing artists and DJs to inspire one another with soundscape and accompanying visuals. For the second installment, DJ Clark Kent, who needs no introduction to the world of music - or sneakers for that matter - has created the 10^th installment of his “Grown and Sexy” mixtape series, timed perfectly to coincide with our ten year anniversary. Boundary-pushing photographer Jamil GS, who has been documenting all things sexy since landing in New York City from Denmark more than twenty years ago, offers up a singular, visual treat.

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Music and visual art are two of the most compelling forms of communication. On the occasion of our 10th anniversary, CLAE is honored to bring these two powerful forces together to capture a moment of inspired originality.

Our Five by Five series is rooted in the classic radio term describing the strength of a signal as “loud and clear.”
Five by Five kicks off with an original audio and visual collaboration. Five DJs created soundtracks for the season. Then five visual artists each selected one of those soundtracks and created an original art piece inspired by it. The results of this platform for expression and ingenuity is a juxtaposition of two of Clae’s greatest influences.

To kick things off, CLAE is pleased to introduce an all-new mixtape by Los Angeles-based Dam-Funk, oft referred to as the “Ambassador of Boogie Funk” who created a soundscape for summer that he describes as “original wax pressings, mixed live over a couple cocktails, in a dimly lit room, with a window view.” [More]

While we're in New York for the Capsule show next week, we will be sponsoring a charity event for the victims of the Japan earthquake/tsunami diaster. Featuring a stellar line up of DJs, this should be a great night of music and great vibes. Come by and have a good time while supporting a good cause.

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Today marks the first day of summer, so as we look forward to fun filled days in the sun, here is one of our all time summer favorites. Enjoy.....

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One of three videos highlighting Clae's new models for spring 2011, This video takes a closer look at the Gregory, a refined evolution of the classic court shoe. [More]