Author: Kathleen Gasperini

Action Sports Round-up: Judging Shaun White -Olympic Challenge; Tony Hawk Paris Show; Billabong Buys Swell.com; Volcom Pipeline Debut; Reef Hawaiian Pro; Hot Topic Hopes for New Moon Bump; Zumiez Results

Exciting and challenging times for action sports, depending on whom and what you look at. Here’s a round-up of the latest highs, lows, and upcoming challenges of the industry.

China Denim Market -Surprises in Top Brands, Buying Power, Spending among Youth Market

In Label Networks’ 3rd annual China Youth Culture Study covering 15-30-year-olds across Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, despite the global economic downturn, there are new markets with great possibilities for fashion brands, particularly denim.

Surfing Round-up: $1,000,000 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Gets Underway; Big-Wave Event Eddie Aikau Invites Announced; ASP Europe President Argues for”Free” Surfing Competition Changes

It’s big wave season which means time for the most prestigious surf competitions among global pros, sponsorship opportunities, and announcements in competition formats for 2010 effecting the industry.

Palais de Tokyo -Home to Parisian Artist Andre’s BlackBlock Store, Urban Vinyl Toys, Graffiti Art Books, Design, and Street Lifestyle

There’s a reason Paris hosts some of the best concept stores in the world, but one of the best concept “spaces” is Palais de Tokyo, home to Andre, street culture, books, caf%uFFFD, fashion exhibitions.

Uniqlo Tunes, a Musical Blog Widget, Adds Heat to the On-Fire Collection Called HeatTech

Described as the “pronoun for winter,” the outdoor industry should take note of Uniqlo’s HeatTech campaign, which combined with their new musical blog, makes an addictive online shopping experience, whether you actually buy it or not.

Country Throwdown -In the Spirit of Vans Warped and Rockstar Mayhem, Kevin Lyman and 4 Fini Launch a Country Music Tour

A traveling country tour in the spirit of Warped featuring a diverse line-up, pre-show tailgating, singer-songwriter contests, and lifestyle attractions should make for an historic American tour.

The Dead Weather Takes the World by Storm (and the Rise of Uber Bands)

When Jack White’s The Dead Weather blew through LA, their novelties shop, theater, and Horehound performance set a new bar for pop-up merch and event experiences. Bet on new uber bands to be a part of the music future.

MAGIC and Project Fashion Trade Shows to be Held Together at Mandalay Bay with Addition of a Footwear Platform

With MAGIC and Project now together and at a different location, it’s an indicator of where things are right now for the fashion industry overall.

Snowboarding vs. Skateboarding: What’s It Take to Get the Next Gen Involved

Comparing Label Networks’ data on both sports, this story shows the potential crossover and where things are heading for capturing a new generation of riders/skaters.

The Decline of the Action Sports Lifestyle -A Wake-up Call to an Industry That Still Thinks Its Hot

Comparing youth consumer insights over 9 years, Label Networks reveal which demographics, brands, and retailers are in decline and why, plus which sports and lifestyles are poised to pop.