REDEMPTION X ONLY KINGS HAVE RINGS

The Los Angeles Lakers just won their 16th NBA Championship against the Boston Celtics. It was Rivalry of Dynasties. It was hard fought and well deserved. For Kobe Bryant it a victory of redemption and lends proof to our claim that “Only Kings Have Rings”.

To commemorate the win we’ve cooked up the shirts below. Long live the King.

ONLY KINGS HAVE RINGS – 5 Ring Edition (back)
Available in black, white and gold in sizes S – 5XL

REDEMPTION (front)
Available in black and white in sizes S – 5XL

REDEMPTION (back)

GET A FREE “ONLY KINGS HAVE RINGS” TEE

We know you want a FREE shirt! Stay tuned through-out the day via our Facebook and Twitter pages. Follow the hints and clues and you may find yourself the owner of a brand spanking new “ONLY KINGS HAVE RINGS” tee compliments of TheForestLab#!

HINT: The whole TFL#! crew will be at Staples Center tomorrow night for the game. I’m just sayin’!

Only Kings Have Rings – Pt. 2

This time-lapse video shows how artist Matt Cory brought Kobe Bryant to life for The Forest Lab. The original concept for  ”Only Kings Have Rings” was a design collaboration between Matt Cory and TFL#! owner, Garrett Campbell. The idea called for a graphite pencil drawing of Kobe wearing a crown similar to the famous crowned Biggie Smalls picture. But, Matt felt that using Lakers colors in a cross sketch/hand drawn style would be more effective. As you can see, Matt was right. The final drawing makes a provocative and unmistakable statement about Kobe’s elite status as the rightful King of the NBA.

Drawn with color pencils, the final product took about 6 hours to complete. You can see a full detail of the back and the front of the shirt at mattcory.wordpress.com.

“Only Kings Have Rings” is available to buy NOW during an exclusive pre-order only through TheForestLab.com. All pre-orders will be shipped by April 15th – just in time for NBA play-offs that begin April 18th.

Get ‘em while they’re hot.

TYLER KILLINGSWORTH

I  first met Tyler Killingsworth through a mutual friend, who is also sponsored by slingshot wakeboards, in the summer of ‘09 during a nice winch session at a friends pond. Tyler also became my co-worker a few months back, and I knew I needed to get him on TheForestLab.com. Some discussion took place, we finalized everything over 20 some odd yards of vinyl, a cutter buzzing in the background, standing in his garage while making a fresh run of TFL#! stickers.

As you’re about to find out, Tyler Killingsworth is a down to earth, easy going, likeable kind of guy. Big things are in store this upcoming summer season in the wakeboard world from this 23 year old riverside native reppin’ TFL#! tees with a unique riding style a swag that only a Killingsworth can dish out.

The Forest Lab: How did you first start wake’n?
Tyler Killingsworth: When I was 15 my dad rented a wakeboard and a houseboat on Lake Mohave and it took me 12 tries to get up. Ha, but I was the most determined out of 5 brothers and haven’t stopped since.

TFL: What pros did you look up to as a kid?
TK: I have always looked up to and respected Ricky Gonzalez and Randall Harris… The two westside OG’s, you know.. haha.

TFL: How old were you at your first competition?
TK: I was 15 yrs old in Lake Arrowhead. Old schoool

TFL: How have you kept an edge on other riders in the industry?
TK: Haha, I just try and keep to myself and have my own style. I am heavily influenced by snowboarding and skateboarding. I love that $hit

TFL: Where is your favorite place to wake?
TK: I like to ride in canyon lake but the dopest lake I’ve ever ridden on was in Minnesota. Can’t tell you what lake though, haha… It’s a secret

TFL: Who are your sponsers?
TK: I ride for Slingshot Wakeboards, Fresh-Tip Designs out of Minnesota and now y’all.. The Forest Lab!

TFL: What’s the toughest trick you’ve thrown down?
TK: Next, haha

TFL: If you could call another pro rider your best friend, who would it be?
TK: Ricky G has brought me up since I was 17 yrs old so he has been a big help and has taught me a lot. On the water and with the ladies. Haha, but nobody gets more chicks than that homie right there. He’s engaged with a kid now but trust, back in the day… Haha, I’ll stop right there.

TFL: Where would you like to see wakeboarding go?
TK: I would like for it to be more accessible to people that can’t afford a boat. Like the cable parks, or the winch. Those two have helped the sport grow to places the boating industry can’t even touch. We need a cable park in Cali. It would be over, haha!

TFL: How has the sport changed since you’ve started?
TK: Well the economy hasn’t helped at all, but what’s new. Wakeboarding is just an expensive sport, so it’s tough for people to get into. It’s not like a skateboard where you can just go in the street and be satisfied, it takes a lot. Everyone used to have boats and you could just ride whenever you wanted. Now days you have to take what you can get, whether it’s a small wake or a windy a$$ lake. Beggars can’t be choosers.

Written By: Josh Mezin

Firehouse Subs

There are no doubt many activities to occupy your time while visiting Las Vegas. I’m not gonna get into the details but you know what Im talking about. For some, food isn’t one of those activities that makes it high on the priority/to-do list. But hypothetically speaking, if you were to block off some time during your next soiree in Sin City for food let me make a suggestion.

A few miles east of the strip off the 215 is a little sandwich shop called Firehouse Subs. This place takes your average gourmet sub sandwich and sets it on fire (lame pun, I know)! Seriously though, without hypin’ it up too much I’d say it’s well worth the 15-20 minute drive from Planet Hollywood’s Pleasure Pit. Hell, just bring the girls with you. And, when you get there be sure to try the Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket with plenty of firehouse sauce (it’s spicy).

Im just rollin’ into Vegas as I type this and you can be sure that come tomorrow afternoon a Firehouse Sub will be hittin’ the spot.

Oh yeah, and if you post a picture of yourself at Firehouse Subs mid-bite on our Facebook page there might be something in it for you. Im just sayin’ – we do own and operate a clothing company after all.

Also, follow Firehouse Subs on twitter or become a fan on Facebook. You’ll be glad you did.

TFL#! out.

STAR WARS + ADIDAS

In June the good people over at LucasFilm announced a partnership with adidas Originals to produce a line Star Wars inspired/branded shoes and street wear. This news, while epic, was just a bit unfair. As you found out a few weeks ago, we are HUGE quasi-nerdy Star Wars fans. And, coincidently, I am also a huge adidas fan (I wear them exclusively). So while the announcement was nice and all what I really wanted to see was pictures. Adidas has a somewhat sketchy history of taking good ideas and making them less than stellar so I was initially kinda worried that these two great things would somehow suck when combined and subsequently ruining my childhood memories.  But, all we could do was wait and see.

Then, finally, in the last few weeks pictures started to pop up around the internet of what these things look like. I must say, so far, I like what I see. Below are pictures I stole from other websites.

The Star Wars inspired adidas Originals line in due to hit shelves in January.
Photo credits belong to: Star Wars, adidas, hypebeast.com & highsnobiety.com

DETAILS: A WILD NIGHT OUT WITH TFL#!

Since we first announced plans for a Wild Night Out With The Forest Lab back on October 5th we’ve received over-whelming positive support and excitement about the event… so, we’ve made it even better. TFL#! will now be hosting two separate events and we’ll be dropping the remaining “Wild Things” inventory at the “Wild” Night Out events for the special price of $20. Quantities are limited and once these tee’s are gone they’re gone forever so be sure to come early and get yours.

THE PLAN – is to get our friends and fans out to see “Where The Wild Things Are” with us. Garrett, Troy and the rest of The Forest Lab is going to be out and on hand to watch “Where The Wild Things Are” with you on opening night wearing TFL#!’s own limited edition “Wild Things” tee. If you have one wear it! If you don’t have one get one at the event!

THE LOGISTICS – We are now hosting two separate events. The first will be this Thursday late night for the 12:01am premiere of WTWTA at the AMC 30 at The Block of Orange. The second will be this Friday night, October 16th for the 8:00pm screening of WTWTA at the Edwards 21 at Irvine Spectrum. We highly recommend buying tickets ahead of time to ensure you’ll make it to the specific showtimes with us. Both theaters anticipate the movie selling-out well in advance. Info below…

THURSDAY LATE NIGHT @ 12:01am
The Block of Orange – AMC 30 at the Block
20 City Blvd West Orange, CA 92868 - map
Get Tickets – MovieFone.com

FRIDAY NIGHT @ 8:00pm
The Irvine Spectrum – Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21
65 Fortune Drive Irvine, CA 92618 – map
Get Tickets – Fandango.com

We’re super pumped and ready to have a “wild” time. Hope to see you there.

A WILD MASHUP

TFL#!’s “Wild Things” is a celebration of youth. In our lifetime we’ve seen a dramatic cultural shift. And as a child of the 80’s I believe my peers were raised in a rather unique set of circumstances. At the very beginning of our lives media and it’s consumption were about to seriously change. Now, like all other late twenty-somethings the transition from analog to digital in the world around us has been about growth, maturity and new realizations. We are old enough to briefly remember the analog, a time before Nintendo, cell phones, the internet, CD’s or DVD’s, but young enough to embrace the digital frontier (unlike some older folks who just don’t “get” it.).

This gives us a certain perspective that is lost to older and younger generations. There is no way to manufacture our reality – old school sensibilities and simplicities mashed with new school technology and information. Would the “Wild Things” of the analog world tear down the computational forest’s the digital world created? Or would they embrace it?

“Wild Things”, at least in part, represents who we are as individuals who grew-up in the midst of the digital revolution and mash’s our youthful imagination and urges of defiant independence with the freedoms, realities and dependencies that come after almost thirty years of life.

TFL#!’s “Wild Things” is inspired by Maurice Sednak’s book, “Where The Wild Things Are” (obviously), and the 1986 arcade game, “Rampage“ and is a journey from childhood to adulthood as portrayed by Maryland artist Guy Haiden. It visualizes what happens when books and video games unite.

A “WILD” NIGHT OUT WITH TFL#!

Hey kids. No need to be scared. It’s just me. Here’s the deal – we’re planning something big. It’s gonna be tons of fun but for now here’s what you need to know… if you’re in the southern California area keep the night of October 16th open. TFL#! wants to hang out with you and watch “Where The Wild Things Are” together on opening night. We’re working on finalizing the time and location but we wanted to give you the heads up now. We do it because we care.

In the meantime check-out TFL#!’s “Wild Things” tee. Inspired by Maurice Sednak’s book, “Where The Wild Things Are” (obviously), and the 1986 arcade game, “Rampage“, “Wild Things” is an epic mashup by Maryland artist Guy Haiden that visualizes what would happen if books and video games united as one.

More to come…

STAR WARS: IN CONCERT

Okay, here’s the deal. Im a fan of Star Wars. No, I don’t dress-up or have lightsaber duels with other TFL#! staff members but I DO know a little more about the films and culture than your average moisture farmer. I especially appreciate the the films’ musical score by John Williams (and the London Symphony Orchestra). So, when “Star Wars: in Concert” came to town I of course procured tickets to the event. Seriously… live orchestral music, a giant hi-def screen showing Star Wars montages, movie props, costumes, concept art…. ok, calm down.

Anyway, last night was the big event so I ventured out to the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA on a man-date (not even my fiance would go with me) to geek-out and take-in all that George Lucas and Co. have to offer. I could go on about how remarkable the concert was, how funny and talented Anthony Daniels (aka C-3P0) is as host or how breathtaking Binary Sunset is in person but, if you’re a fan of the films I’d just be preaching to the choir and if you’re not a fan of the films then I’d just be making myself look like an idiot. So, if you’re a fan – go see it! If you’re not a fan – you’re missing out.

CORPORATE STREET CRED

Im not sure if it’s a contradiction for the largest media conglomerate in the universe to own and operate what is suppose to be a unique boutique featuring the stylings of real street artists with real credentials, however, Vault 28 at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, CA might just be an exception to the rule.

The store isn’t new nor ground breaking but it is the physical manifestation and embracement of pop cultures’ most recognizable icon – Mickey Mouse – in an underground artistic street scene kind of way. The prowess of the Disney brand is such that it transcends the normal boundaries of effective iconography. The Walt Disney Company, especially Mickey Mouse (and to a slightly lesser degree Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto), have captured not only the minds, imaginations and passions of children but of artists from all forms of media, including those less conventional. Walt Disney’s creations have influenced our culture to such a devastating degree that no matter who you are you’re likely to relate to or have have some emotional connection (no matter how faint) to his personified fantasy characters.

Featuring the works of such artists and designers as Red Monkey, King Baby, Chip & Pepper, Level 27, David Flores and more, Vault 28 is able to showcase the talents of a wide array of relevant contemporary artists that bring a new, exciting and welcomed perspective to a brand that isn’t suffering from a lack of relevance. I guess the point is – kudos to the man for allowing the interpretations of others to be heard and embraced. Disney’s mainstream is full of niche’s and we dig that.

Vault 28 also hosts special events, product launches and artists signings. Disney even produces several of their own avant-garde private collection lines: Kingdom Couture, DV Twenty Eight, Bloc28 and Vinylmation. If you haven’t had a chance to check-out Vault 28 I highly recommend it. Their inventory is always changing so visit often.

TFL#! @ Thresh Hold Today!

BREAKING NEWS – Today, September 26th from Noon-3pm The Forest Lab will be at Thresh Hold rock climbing gym in Riverside, CA (map). Thresh Hold is the Inland Empires premier indoor rock climbing gym featuring top roping, sport climbing and bouldering routes. In addition, Thresh Hold boasts a yoga studio, a wi-fi lounge, pro shop, training classes, youth programs and more. Thresh Hold is perfect for beginner, casual and serious climbers.

Today Thresh Hold is hosting an ABS Comp called “Thresh Hold Throwdown” and TFL#! will be on hand to promote the event by selling select TFL#! shirts for just $15 or 2 for $25. The “Throwdown” is the perfect chance to come check-out what Thresh Hold has to offer, watch some crazy climbing competition and score some sweet TFL#! merch. including some exclusive tee’s not available for purchase on our website. The competition is from 9am-7pm but the special TFL#! sale is only good from noon-3pm so don’t be late!

Hit us up on twitter or facebook if you have questions or need other info. Also, below are the shirts you might find on sale tomorrow. See ya then. Peace.