Surely the habitually trendsetting guy who shops enough to speak Italian would put out one of the dopest rapper-helmed fashion lines ever, right? Wrong…sort of. While ‘Ye supposedly plans to release a collection under his own name in the near future, reports surfaced yesterday saying that Pastelle is officially no more, leaving us with nothing but a series of unfulfilled announcements and public sightings of Mr. West rocking pieces from the line. To honor the brand that never came to fruition, we’re taking a look back at all of Pastelle’s Greatest Moments…

WHERE: “The New Workout Plan” Music Video & Boost Mobile Advertisements
WHEN: 2004
• During his first full year on the scene as a solo artist, Kanye was seen rocking polos embroidered with the College Dropout bear on multiple occasions. The shirts were never released due to Ye’s desire to “really get into design.” In our 2007 interview he told us, “There were phases where I could just do the bear on a Polo and it would’ve made $100 million, but I always say I was a designer before I was a rapper.”

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WHERE: “Stronger” Music Video
WHEN: June 2007
• The song responsible for hip-hop’s current obsession with electronic music is also the song that gave us early hope that Kanye’s clothing line was really on the way. Here are the particular lyrics that got us hyped: “So go ahead, go nuts, go ape shit / Especially in my Pastelle and my Bape shit / Act like you can’t tell who made this.”

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WHAT: Pastelle x Ksubi Sunglasses Collaboration Announced
WHEN: May 2008
• Before anyone even saw a single item of clothing, the brand was already poised for collaborations with top designers. Well, one top designer. Kanye and George Gorrow of Ksubi had previously worked together on eyewear for Ye’s performances and planned to release co-branded sunglasses in October 2008 for $2000. Clearly, the plans never materialized.

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WHERE: Dior Fashion Show In Paris
WHEN: July 2008
• ‘Ye had already been talking about Pastelle for years, but this “Warrior” hoodie was the first confirmed apparel that anyone saw in public. Like many Bape hoodies, this one was equipped with full-zip functionality. Don’t overlook the leather accents and shark fin hood either.

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WHERE: VMAN Magazine
WHEN: August 2008
• When pieces showed up on the pages of an official fashion magazine in this Kim Jones-styled photoshoot, it seemed like the line would inevitably hit stores soon. Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco, and Kanye himself modeled Pastelle clothing in the four page spread. Unfortunately, these glossy pages are as far as the gear made it.

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WHERE: Pastelle Past.Tell.Museum Website
WHEN: October 2008
• Once home to the colorful logo in the top half of this picture, the Pastelle website underwent significant changes last year with no explanation. Clothing was still nowhere to be seen, but the logo changed to the symbols in the bottom half of the picture and the site began forwarding to Past.Tell.Museum–we’re still confused like Young Buck.

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WHERE: American Music Awards
WHEN: November 2008
• Back when Yeezy was rocking the black mullet, he sent hypebeasts worldwide into a flurry of excitement and speculation when he wore this jacket at the American Music Awards. It sucks that it was never made available for us common folk, but you can bet if Pastelle was alive, we’d probably have this two-tone.

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WHERE: City Streets & New Zealand Press Conference
WHEN: November 2008
• Kanye was spotted wearing this jacket just three weeks after designing it. He quickly took to his blog to identify the garment as Pastelle and vowed to start “releasing some of the pieces online starting in January.” Of course, that never happened, but the jacket did show up again in a press conference while ‘Ye was promoting 808s & Heartbreak in the land down under.

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WHERE: Saturday Night Live Performance
WHEN: December 2008
• At the height of 808s-mania, ‘Ye premiered a couple more Pastelle pieces during his third appearance on SNL. The tiger hoodie was seen during his “Love Lockdown” and “Heartless” performances and he wore the yellow crewneck alongside cast and crew at the end of the episode.

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WHERE: YSL Fashion Show In Paris
WHEN: March 2009
• While overseas last spring, Kanye stepped out with Amber Rose on his arm and Pastelle on his back. The wool and leather jacket was the last item from the line seen in public. So that means the first and last documented Pastelle sightings were at fashion shows. Irony!

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WHAT: Pastelle Lookbook Images Leak
WHEN: October 2009
• We were psyched when these pics hit the Internet yesterday and thought that after all the delays, Pastelle was finally happening. For real. Two hours later High Snobiety reported that the line would never be coming out. Ever.

• CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE COMPLEX STYLE POSTS!

However, don’t forget about the good. Fall also means seeing those hot classmates from last spring, the new football season, and a reason to sport a fall fashion classic…the beanie. Today’s Buy It Now, a knit beanie from ASOLA is made of 100% virgin wool. It might not be quite cold enough for it now, but it’s the perfect accessory to show you’re ready for the fast-approaching seasonal change. For details pics and Buy It Now info, see below…

ASOLA KNIT BEANIE
CLICK here to BUY IT NOW at Yoox.com, $60

• CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE “BUY IT NOW” PRODUCTS!

UNIFORM: Donald Duck Dickies
WORN: 1995 Rose Bowl, Oregon vs. Penn State
• One of the least visually abrasive get-ups ever worn by Oregon, these pre-Nike uniforms sported Donald Duck on the shoulder and an interlocking “U & O” on the helmet. Perhaps some more eye-scraping fluorescent would’ve helped the Ducks beat the Nittany Lions.

UNIFORM: Just Do It
WORN: 1996 season
• Simplicity is nice. Here’s a glimpse of the Ducks’ “simply swoosh” jerseys that filled the team’s locker room in the seasons before Oregon’s uniforms really started to get hectic.

UNIFORM: Monochromatic Madness
WORN: 2000 Holiday Bowl
• This jersey put the Ducks in all black from head-to-toe, with a few signature dashes of green and yellow. The all-black joints are pretty sweet, especially when seen in action.

UNIFORM: Electric Jersey Acid Test
WORN: August 30, 2003, Oregon vs Miss. State
• These Hi-Liter yellow jerseys elicited gasps from the shocked crowd when the Ducks trotted onto the field in the 2003 season opener at Mississippi State. These jerseys, perhaps the brightest ever in the history of college football, were worn only once. It turns out that electric yellow bleeds in the washing machine and that was the end of these, ahem, uniforms. If the team came out rocking O.G. Air Max 95s, it would’ve been a wrap, son.

UNIFORM: We Goin’ DIAMOND
WORN: 2006-2008
• When these bad boys were rolled out in 2006, the possibilities were almost endless. Actually, according to the University of Oregon web site, there were literally 384 possible combos between helmets, jerseys, pants, socks, and shoes. One notable combo was the notorious mustard-and-relish version. The number of possibilities jumped to 512 when the Ducks introduced their fluorescent-yellow helmets during the 2006 Las Vegas Bowl. The white jerseys would also become a source of controversy because they were literally so bright players began to complain about being blinded by the diamond-plated reflectors.

UNIFORM: Wingin’ It
WORN: 2009
• Here’s the newest addition to the Ducks’ wardrobe, which look strikingly similar to the special edition “Lights Out” uniforms the Ducks sported at home against Arizona last season. These uniforms are more durable with a design that is 28% lighter than their diamond-plated predecessors. As for the wings, they’re just another way for the Ducks to look even more flamboyant—word to Big L!

THE BEST HATS:

Plaid is back, but you already knew that. Whether it’s on your shorts, shoes or shirt, you can’t go wrong with a checked-out piece of clothing. Keeping the trend moving along, these two form-fitting hats—one an updated newsboy, the other a five panel—nicely employ plaid and offer an alternative to the over-sized, Papoose style of fitteds.

THE BEST SUNGLASSES:

So far this year there has been one accessory that’s been co-signed by everyone from rockers and rappers to red-carpet walkers: plastic framed sunglasses b.k.a. nerd-style sunglasses. Hopefully you hopped on the wave early, but if you haven’t, take it from us: This is the look for the summer. It’s too late in the game to get a regular pair of black plastic frames, so stand out from the other bar-crawlers with either an Ombre or grey pair.

THE BEST JACKETS:

The M65 military jacket has come a long way since Bobby De Niro rocked one while talking to himself in Taxi Driver. Originally designed for the U.S. Army in 1965, the M65 can now be found in a number of different fabrics so you can look battle-ready no matter the season. Two of our favorites from Stüssy and KR3W show just how diverse the silhouette has become. De Niro probably can’t pull one off anymore, but we’re sure you can.

THE BEST CARDIGANS:

Cardigans are magical. As soon you throw one on, you automatically seem as if you got a couple more dollars in your pocket. This wardrobe must-have can be worn with absolutely anything—button-ups, T-shirts, khakis, jeans, it doesn’t matter. And when you’re at some roof deck party or BBQ that goes late into the night this summer, a cardigan is the perfect accessory to keep the chills at bay. Fun fact: Cop one in cashmere and the women will stroke you.

THE BEST SHIRTS:

We already put you up on the best chambray shirts on the market, but there’s much more in the workwear world than just those. Designers and brands have all turned their attention to the resurgence of the classic ruggedness of men’s workwear and the Nom De Guerre Officers Dessert Corp Shirt as well as the 10.DEEP Park Front Convertible Shirt exemplify the trend. Even if you’re as soft as Lil Fizz, a good workman shirt will give you a little edge. Well, maybe.

THE BEST DENIM:

Yeah, yeah, Jay-Z took aim at tight jeans, but don’t go getting any ideas. Your denim doesn’t have to be ball-huggingly tight, but they should be nice and straight-fitting. Avoid artificially frayed jeans scene and cop yourself a pair of raw denim. They might bleed on your sneakers during a downpour, but Acne’s Stay Starch Blue and Cheap Monday’s Tight Medium Darks will look fresh for way longer than pre-washed denim, and unless you’re Hov, you’re gonna need them to last a little while.

THE BEST BAGS:

Every man should own at least one good bag, something to throw a whole bunch of stuff in and still look cool with. Y-3’s Weekender bag may be a little pricey, but for the build quality, space and compartments, as well as the cachet that comes along with having a bag that looks better than 90% of all the luggage in the airport, it’s a bargain. On the other hand, Topman’s Canvas Holdall is only $60 and does just what its name implies—holds all. Maybe it’s time you give up that Jansport.

THE BEST WALLETS:

Slimming down the bulge in your back pocket isn’t always a bad thing. If you’re wallet looks like a drunk sorority girl after a rager, throwing up everything, it’s time to organize your wallet—or it might just be time for a new paper-holder altogether. These two zippered wallets keeps your cash and cards in check all in a slim package. Besides, shouldn’t you be putting some of those credit cards on ice right about now?

THE BEST WATCHES:

Feeling like another brick in the wall when rockin’ your G-Shock? Nah, didn’t think so. But contrary to Pharrell and Kanye they’re not the only one making plastic and rubber watches. Both Timex’s Grey Ash piece and Nixon’s The Ceramic Player are beautifully simple and can pretty much go with anything.

THE BEST SHOES:

Yes, we are still co-signing the boat shoe. Don’t act like you don’t want a pair. This year, designers have tweaked the hell out of the classic design, but the original still reigns supreme. The A.P.C. Boat Shoes are so comfortable you’ll want to wear them around the crib, and for $270, we would too. But if you want something a little less pricey but just as exclusive, look no further than the boat shoe OG’s Sperry Top-Sider.

Luckily, the rapper had the same sense of humor when it came time to shoot a fashion feature for Complex’s June/July 2009 issue. In the shoot, called “Gentleman of Leisure,” Asher dons some cool preppy summertime clothes while engaging in some behavior that would raise eyebrows at the country club.

CLICK HERE TO SEE COMPLEX’S ASHER ROTH FASHION FEATURE!

Watch A Video of Asher Discussing His Personal Style:

Related: Asher Roth’s Fashion Beatdowns: White Rapper Edition

The first line features cleaned-up silhouettes at hefty price tags, which we think will try to compete with the likes of Common Projects and other luxe sneaker lines. Check for this trainer model in R&B stores around the country.
$350, rag-bone.com

Signed to GOOD Music along with his production outfit Sa-Ra, Taz is mostly known as the eccentrically dressed dude that tags along with ‘Ye. He recently had the fashion world in a frenzy when he snagged the opportunity to develop the first clothing line released by iconic luggage maker MCM, which he always seems to be rockin’. He then had the internet going nuts this past week when a photo of him and Kanye and the rest of their crew popped up online with dude looking crazier than we’ve ever seen him. However, looking back at some of the outfits we’ve seen him wear, it wasn’t that bad. Below, we’ve compiled some of Taz’s wildest fashion looks over the years. Check 'em out and then vote for the most ridiculous one…

TAZ “HIGH OFF SHERM” ARNOLD

TAZ “BLACK POWER” ARNOLD

TAZ “INTERNATIONAL PLAYER” ARNOLD

TAZ “GET OFF ME, LADIES” ARNOLD

TAZ “BIRD GANG OF ONE” ARNOLD

Click Next To See More Of Taz’s Looks…

The London formed brand has been picking up steam in the sneaker-shoe market, and besides this sick patent high-top, there's also a solid Moccassin Boot we're co-signing for fall. Trap 'em down to stay ahead.
$185, youmustcreate.com

Today, a preview of the company’s latest campaign hit the net, and it shows Eva Mendes as the face (and body!) of their Seductive Underwear collection. Looks like CK will be keeping their winning ad streak alive. After the jump, check out five of our favorite Calvin Klein ladies throughout the years.

1. KATE MOSS 1990s-2004

2. FOXY BROWN 1999

3. MILLA JOVOVICH 1995

4. SHAKIRA 2000

5. LISA “LEFT-EYE” LOPES 2000

Under the banner of the LTD Collection, Nixon fuses unique materials from celebrity belongings into the watch’s band. The base for this year’s design is Nixon’s signature model, the Rotolog. It’s unique panel-style band will serve as the canvas for colorful designs by Jack Black, Danny Way, Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx, Joy Bryant, Ringo Starr and more. Get ready to drop $350-$3,500 this August at stores like Colette and Barney’s, with all profits going towards charity. See more of the LTD Collection below.

Angels and Airwaves

Jack Black

Ringo Starr

Ryu Nakamura

Lynyrd Skynyrd

With security cameras that show the action inside the Ecko MFG facilities, the website shows the girls at work and lets you vote on your favorite employee. Learn who handles machinery the best (wink, wink) who does everything with their twin (everything!), and who handles the HEAD (sigh…) duties at the factory. It’s all a pretty elaborate way to show the steps that go into making a pair of jeans, but it fits perfectly with the their tagline, “Made With Love.” Watch videos of the girls below.

Gabriella

Devon

Jessica

Crystal

Lexis

[Ecko Manufacturing]

NAME: Theo Martins

AGE: 22

LOCATION: Providence, RI

HAT: Supreme

T-SHIRT: Hanes V-neck

DENIM: GAP (Morrison)

FOOTWEAR: Alessandro Dell’Acqua

Vote on whether this week's subject is “Stylin” or “Wildin” after the jump.

[Want to be featured in our weekly Street Detail blog? Email a picture of yourself to streetdetail@complex.com]

But now the timeless, respected brand is making a name in the streetwear world. In 2007, their collaboration with Alife Rivington Club consisted of bold-colored jackets that harked back to ’90s style puffy coats. Penfield also crossed designer paths with Stussy and Maharishi with cool camo print graphics to match their rustic signature. See more products from Spring/Summer ‘08 and Autumn/Winter ‘08 below.

[Click on an image to view full-size gallery]

For the past year, T-Pain has seldom been seen without a top hat. At this week’s BET Awards, the rapper turned singer made another spectacle of himself, this time draped in paisley print from head to toe. Oversized hats have been seen in the urban music world before'let’s not forget Busta’s massive fluorescent Dr. Seuss caps'but never like this. Will the top hat trend take off? Vote “hump” or “dump” below.

As the former manager and buyer for Bruce and Richard Kidd, Lo was responsible for stocking labels like Ksubi, YMC, and even Supreme. After Richard Kidd closed their doors in 2007, Rob and his partner David Fernandez continued the legacy by taking that same fine brand selection to Roden Gray.

Inside the gray walled interor, RG has something for everyone. This fall, the fashion-forward boutique will carry a mix of American, Japanese, and European imported styles. Comme des Garcons Play, Wings + Horns, Swear footwear, and vintage watches by Rolex, Omega, and Panerai will be amongst the bevvy of quality products. See more photos of RG after the jump.

Roden Gray
231 Cambie Street
Vancouver, B.C. (Canada)
V6B 5A4
604-689-7302

In addition to the varying shades of denim, companies are always finding unique ways to flip this style staple with new cuts, designs and interior fabrics. Check out some solid denim jacket choices after the jump.

Flynn Denim Jacket by Earnest Sewn

The Yester Love Jacket by Obey

Fleece Denim Jacket by Yoko Devereaux

Pictured On The Left:

Name: DJ 6ZIX

Location: Nimes, France

Occupation: DJ

Shirt: DUMPE FRESH

Jeans: Evisu

Sneakers: Nike Air Force II

Bag: DUMPE FRESH

Pictured On the Right:

Name: DTWICE

Location: Nimes, France

Occupation: DJ Manager

Shirt: DUMPE FRESH T-Shirt

Jeans: Gap

Sneakers: Supra Skytop

Bag: DUMPE FRESH

[Want to be featured in our weekly Street Detail blog? Email a picture of yourself to streetdetail@complex.com]

In the basketball world, MJ’s Air Jordan could be the most iconic sneaker of all time. But in the skateboarding world, there aren’t too many kicks that can compete with the classic signature shoe from Sal Barbier, another athlete who’s associated with the number 23. Released in 1994, his Etnies Sal 23 sneaker quickly became the standard bearer for the sport’s understated cool. Barbier’s own reputation as a trendsetter grew, allowing him to found both 23 Skateboards and Elwood clothing in the mid-'90s.

These days, the SLB brand is experiencing a bit of a resurgance with SLBarbier, his apparel and lifestyle company that makes everything from denim to trilby hats. Last year, the SLB flagship store opened on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, where they sell all Barbier-related products and a slew of trusted brands. And coming full circle, Etnies and In4mation recently teamed up with the skate vet for a new version of the Sal 23 sneaker, which is available now in both black leather and red suede. After the jump, see a few kicks from the company.

Black Dusty by SLBarbier

In4mation x Etnies Sal 23

But Chris Martin and company are far from the first ones to try out this look. The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Adam Ant, Chris Brown and Kanye West have all pulled out variations on the style at various points in their career. Will the marching band jacket make it to the streets, or will it remain the momentary fashion statement of overpaid musicians? Vote whether to “hump” or “dump” this trend below.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Alongside the body builders, hobos with lizards, and the occasional tranny on rollerskates that populate Venice Beach, California, a fitted cap boutique known as Estate still manages to stand out. When the American-made, independent company entered the marketplace in October 2006, they had to find a way for their limited-edition caps to compete with fitted giants like New Era. Not an easy task, but their original designs and premium fabrics have made them a sought-after brand on the Left Coast.

As a testament to their burgeoning popularity, Estate opened it’s flagship store in Los Angeles last week. The minimal interior is lined wall-to-wall with their most popular styles like plaid, seersucker, and the store’s signature L.A. branded, all of which start at $40. Check out some more shots of the store below.

Photos: courtesy of snowboard-mag.com

Estate LA Flagship Store
1821 Lincoln Blvd
Venice Beach, CA