Friends of NEXT, Blessed Label got another great product placement shot when Lebron James threw on one of their very popular 5 panels hats during the San Antonio Spurs game.

By the way, Next Coventry still has the Blessed Label pop-up store, and a few of these hats left.

My homie from Eighty81 Jameel got me hip to this new video by Curren$y and Stalley titled “Address”. I have always been a fan of Curren$y, but now listening to Stalley verse on this joint just made me a fan of the Massillon, OH native. I can’t wait to hear more from Stalley.

Below is a picture of Stalley’s recent visit to our Next Coventry location. Jameel of 8081 was showing Stalley around our city while being followed by MTV Jams cameras, because Dame Dash just started up a new rap group called Center Edge Territory. This lyrical rap group consist of Curren$y, Mos Def, Jay Electronica, and Stalley. I cant wait to hear what this team of dope MC’s create.

How fun it is to play dress up, lol. In this past week’s photoshoot we decided to do a spin off of the theme “The Housewives of Cuyahoga County” and outfit a few of our favorite customers ( Kelly B, Kelly R, and Tracy P) in the newest selection of Ark & Co. The conversation during the shoot was salacious enough to create our own reality show, or catfight I’m not sure which……nonetheless it was fun.

If you want a taste of these faux-housewives you can check us out during our Mimosa Friday events at Next Beachwood Mall from 10-1pm….and if you stop through you may just appear in one of our next “Housewives” photoshoots.

Mike & Patrick McCarney from Akomplice are two of the most creative designers that I know. Half of the time their designs are a bit inappropriate, but that never bothers me, because they are also hilarious. The other half of the time, their designs are thought provoking and political.

I can’t give away any of their upcoming shirts right now, because they don’t want a cease and desist letter, but the guys from Akomplice were open to an exclusive ruleofnext interview.

1. I feel like you guys have presented a large spectrum of American culture in your designs. Some of it very thought provoking, some of it just really funny, from Tyrone Biggums to Global Warming. Is there anything that is off limits for you?

There really isn’t much we are scared to touch on. The only thing I would say that is off limits for us is putting stuff out that we feel will make a negative impact on the world. Or just straight legal trouble. We try and steer clear of that unless its just to hot not to put out.

2. With celebrities dropping left and right. I feel like that you guys should have a lot of subject matter. Is there an Alexander McQueen tee in the making? Or, is that too soon?

This is probably embarrassing, but I don’t know who Alexander Mcqueen is. So I guess NEXT just gave me some homework.

After the jump is the full interview. Make sure to check it out these guys know what they are talking about.

Keep reading »

Here is a quick sample of a few styles coming from the new Women’s section at our Randall location. All styles were modeled by Erika Kayne. Remember that we have a 30% off discount code, and that code is Siera. Mention it at the counter and get 30% off your Women’s apparel purchase.

Have you ever been on Twitter and wonder who is this mystery person behind RuleOfNext? Last night a lot of people were asking but no one really knows. All we know about this person is that he/she goes by RoN, and keeps us informed on all of the latest women/men apparel at Next. Twitter users, would you like to know who is the person behind RoN? RoN are you willing to reveal yourself? Or maybe we should just ReTweet RoN and not worry about it?

Next Beachwood had a nice event with some local female bloggers and wanted to send out appreciation and link love to these wonderful ladies! Check out their sites:
Yo Mama Morris
Classy Chaos
Clevelands a Plum
Living with the Boyfriend
Managed Chaos
I Heart Cleveland
Chefs Widow
I’m not talking about it, I’m just saying

Pictured above is a small selection of 10 Deep’s Fall 2010 line. I keep thinking that 10 Deep is going to let me down, but they still haven’t. They continue to stay relevant, by producing creative, high quality product.

I want to know what you think. Some of these products I am still on the fence with. For example, what do you think of the denim vest?

This past week Rob, Steve, Ahryn and I traveled to Las Vegas for the Magic, S.L.A.T.E, Project, Capsule and Workroom trade shows. This is where we hunt down the clothes and shoes that keep you coming back for more.

Overall, the show was very productive for us. From the hard work we put in at the trade shows, to the relationships we continue to build with all of our brands. We want to keep on bringing Cleveland the best street/contemporary men’s and women’s clothing and shoes.

Honestly, we have some great products coming for all of you this fall. Throughout the rest of this week, I will have some sneak previews of certain lines. Including 10 Deep, Orisue, and Mik Cire. Both 10 Deep and Orisue have progressively grown as clothing brands. They both have some exciting concepts lined up for Fall 2010. Mike Cire, could be a new brand for us, and may appear to be to a bit forward, but part of Next’s philosophy is to push some of the fashion boundaries in Cleveland. I can’t wait to hear what you, our customers, think about our product previews. Nothing is more important to us than our customer’s honest opinions, so don’t be shy.

This is one high school division basketball game that I would not miss if I were you.  Friday February 19th, senior #22 Cameron Wright and his 14-3 Benedictine High School go against Akron’s 10-4 St. Vincent-St. Mary.

Cameron puts on a must see show with dunks, fancy ball handling skills, and  averaging 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assist per game. With help from #32 guard Derek Jackson and #10 forward Nick Harney I believe they will beat Akron’s former Irish Lebron James high school team St. Vincent-St. Mary. Any bets?

Blessed Label will be in Las Vegas during MAGIC this year showing at a private exhibition. The showing will be February 16th & 17th from 10am until 6pm by appointment at Planet Hollywood’s Luxurious Living Room. Showing along with Blessed Label are the highly respected Dee & Ricky Lego masters and the Meister watch brand.

100 Words and Running is a new mixtape hosted by DJ EV and Mr. Peter Parker featuring Cleveland’s own Machine Gun Kelly. It was officially released on February 11, 2010. You can download the mixtape from livemixtapes.com.

Machine Gun Kelly and I have been friends since our days at Shaker High School. My opinion is that the mixtape is crazy, but obviously I am a bit bias. I really want to know what you think. Whether it is positive or negative, honest feedback only makes artists better.