Make a MIXA Blog

Is it really 21 years since Boston’s and indeed the Worlds freshest all boy troupe delivered Hangin’ Tough to the masses….

The song was the  fourth single from the group’s second album of the same name, peaking at number one in the USA on September 9, 1989. It also stood atop of the UK singles chart and the song also became the first number one single of the 1990s.

But I have one question and indeed and answer that comes with it, and that is, does that make it better than this mind bogglingly awesome NKOTB knitted sweater?

The answer of course is NO.

In the future everyone dresses like this and it rules so bad.

Cassette Wallets by Marcella Focsci.

Now I love a lot of things in life, but I’d happily stand up and declare that two of the things I feel most passionate about, inexplicably drawn to as if some sort of huge magnet is pulling me towards them are Madonna and Money;  so a wallet that brings both of these lifebloods together is a sure fire winner as far as I’m concerned.

These hand-made wallets were designed back in 2006 for the DesignBoom mart held in Tokyo, but they’re the sort of kitsch little collectable that will consistently sell due to it’s usability and practicality. The idea is a simple one really, dismantle the tape and remove the insides then join the plastic back together with a zip. Each design was usually a one off, which of course would also make it pretty easy to identify the culprit should your Italo Mega-Mix wallet go missing on a Saturday night.

You can still purchase these at the DesignBoom website’s Cassette Wallet shop I, however, prefer the straight up ghetto way of looking after one’s cash.

One of the best design concepts I’ve seen in a long time is the Kirk Henry luxury skateboard deck series from 2009.

Not only does this merge two very important things, in skateboarding and high fashion, but it does it with such grace and clinical precision; creating the ultimate level of desire.

Decks were produced for Burberry,Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Ralph Lauren.

Recycled cassette tape ties by Julio Cesar and Super Market

Just thinking about all of the cassette tapes I’ve thrown into the trash, lost or set fire to over the years really hammers home the thought that, I could have probably done something more with them.

I’m not sure though, that I could have conjured up such an ingenious concept as Julio Cesar and Super Market’s  Sonic Fabric concept which see’s old mix tapes and ‘best of’ compilations being used for a better purpose….fashion.

The Sonic Fabric Neckties will set you back $120 and are available in three colours: solid black, dark brown (woven with brown tape and black thread), and light grey.

Go here to buy: Sonic Fabric

What says I love you more than a Valentines Day MIXA? Nothing! Absolutely nothing. So, this means it is the only acceptable gift for Valentines Day this year. You can fill it full of ‘your’ favourite songs or photos of you doing ‘that’ thing together (get your mind out of the gutter, we mean rollerblading) We have even made some pretty love inspired bits on our MIXA maker. Go make your Valentines MIXA now.

Obviously, we think cassettes are awesome and we love that other people think they are awesome too. We were thrilled to hear so hip it hurts DJ’s Holy Ghost have released a limited run of their latest mix on cassette tape.

Better dig out ye olde walkman…

Wired magazine say that they ‘explore the next big ideas in science, culture and business’ and guess who recently got an honorable mention?   MIXA, that’s who. In between being one of the next big ideas, we also got hit up in the design blog Creative Boom and UK hip-hop blog Bonafide.
We feel like celebs.

What’s the best Christmas song? Jingle Bells? Maybe it’s Deck the Halls? Last Christmas is easily a contender; we love the dodgy jumpers and afros in the video.

But here at MIXA Towers, we have a clear favourite – It’s Christmas in Hollis by Run DMC. Have a look at the video.

Thanks for all your orders, have a super Christmas and New Year. Love MIXA x

If you’re reading this on Christmas Eve, then consider us your last minute shopping fairy godmother (with less glitter and unable to do the flying bit). We will however grant you the wish of impressive gift buying skills. Simply buy a MIXA voucher and we will email you (or the person you are buying for) with a shiny pretty voucher so they can make their own MIXA. No one needs to know you didn’t hand pick this glorious festive gift months ago.

Do you call it a boom box or a ghetto blaster? Either way, Lyle Owerko has taken some beautiful photographs of them and created a visual timeline. Cool, but don’t try putting your MIXA in one though.