G-Shock Launches Exclusive “CONCRE” Line in Collaboration with Influential NYC Artists, Retailers

Casio G-SHOCK revealed today the launch of “CONCRE,” an exclusive watch line designed in collaboration with internationally renown artists, creators and brands from the world of street culture. The first G-SHOCK CONCRE series, featuring models created in partnership with New York artists ERIC ELMS, MADSAKI, ROSTARR and East Village retailer DAVE’S QUALITY MEAT, will be viewable to the public at an exclusive model launch exhibition hosted by DAVE’S QUALITY MEAT during New York Fashion Week (September 5th - September 12, 2007). As a complement to the exhibition, on the evening of September 9th, a private CONCRE launch reception event for media, artists, retailers, friends and family will be hosted by FRANK 151 at THE PLUMM in the West Village (please see exhibition and reception invitation below).

Developed and produced under the guidance of G-SHOCK Japan, the CONCRE line is a significant development for the global G-SHOCK brand. In Japan and worldwide, G-SHOCK is known for its iconic watch collaborations with Japanese domestic streetwear brands such as A BATHING APE and KIKS TYO and for it’s creative partnerships with the Japanese branches of global brands and retailers including STUSSY, LEVI’S and UNDEFEATED. However, distribution and sales of such G-SHOCK collaborations are often restricted to Japan, rendering the high caliber creations unavailable to G-SHOCK fans abroad. In a move that expands the distribution of special G-SHOCK make-ups for the first time in the brands history, the new CONCRE watch line will launch worldwide at select streetwear and sneaker boutiques, skate shops, and finer retail accounts in the USA, UK, Europe and Asia.

G-SHOCK CONCRE will be available at retail in October 2007. The ERIC ELMS, MADSAKI, ROSTARR and DAVE’S QUALITY MEAT models will be produced in limited quantities of 250 pieces each. 1000 pieces of an additional signature G-SHOCK CONCRE model will accompany the collaboration offerings.

ERIC ELMS – www.ericadorn.com
Known for his hand drawn illustrations and NY-Centric design work for brand’s like SUPREME, SSUR and aNYthing, Eric Elms’ work has given a visual identity to a generation. A tireless creative force, Eric has also partnered with global brands like NIKE and PANASONIC and his imagery can be seen on nearly all forms of media including magazines (HUgE, JUXTAPOZ, ARKITIP), books, flyers and his own website. Soon, Eric’s breadth of work will be exhibited at COLETTE in Paris.

MADSAKI – www.madsaki.com
MADSAKI is known world wide as part of the influential artist collective, BARNSTORMERS , and for his powerful artistic collaborations with UNDERCOVER’S JUN TAKAHASHI, MEDICOM and CLOT’S ALINEGRA clothing line. He lives and works by the credo, “Anything goes! Life is about creating.” Born in Osaka, Japan in 1974, MADSAKI moved to New York City at the age of 6 and spent the next 25 years in the USA. After spending three years as a bicycle messenger in New York, where he attended Parsons School of Design, he now lives and works in Tokyo.

ROSTARR – www.rostarr.com
Rostarr works with paint, sculpture, digital art, animation and textiles to both inspire and communicate. Named by i-D MAGAZINE as one of the most influential artists of his generation in 2000, ROSTARR’s fluid visual language is influenced by the elements, Quantum Physics and Middle Eastern calligraphy. His work has been associated with diverse companies such as NIKE, ALIFE, GRAVIS, AGNES B., STUSSY and YAMAHA - helping to brand both his name and imagery on a global scale.

DAVE’S QUALITY MEAT (D.Q.M.) – www.davesqualitymeat.com
Dave Ortiz - formerly of ZOO YORK - and pro skater Chris Keefe opened DAVES QUALITY MEAT in the East Village of NYC in 2003. The top-shelf sneaker, streetwear and skate shop earned instant respect for injecting NYC retail with much needed doses of creativity, originality and humor. Since then DQM has worked with NIKE, ADIDAS and VANS. Dave, Chris and their shop staff are also widely recognized for their BMX inspired collaborations with TRACKSTAR and for helping to set off the current fixed bike movement occurring in cities around the world.