Where British Specialbike creates unique bicycles by refurbishing old ones with custom components and a colourful flair, Florida-based Republic Bike achieves a similar end with new bikes by allowing customers to design their own in a rainbow of hues. Now, through a partnership with Republic Bike, global retailer Urban Outfitters is bringing design-your-own capabilities to its customers as well at the online Urban Outfitters Bike Shop.

Working with the Aristotle v.1.5, a single-speed bike with a flip-flop hub, Republic Bike begins by asking users to select from among three frame sizes for the bike they’d like built for them. They are then asked to choose the colours they’d like for nine separate components on the bike: frame, saddle, grips, chain, crank, and front and rear tires and rims. Five popular styles are available for those having difficulty choosing among the 500 or so possible colour combinations, as is a random option for alternative ideas. Once the selections are made, Republic Bike builds the bike in its South Florida facility within days of receiving the order. It’s then packed for shipment, arriving at the consumer’s door 90 percent assembled.

Given the recent renaissance in pedal power, the arrival of personalization capabilities comes not a moment too soon. Republic Bike ships only within North America, however, while Urban Outfitters limits its orders to the continental US. One to bring to two-wheeled enthusiasts on the bike lanes near you…? It’s not just the customized rides that interest us here, though—it’s the partnership between a large retailer and a smaller firm that focuses on letting customers design the products they want. Here are a few more examples get you started, customizable lingerie, chocolate bars and of course, now bikes.

The take away for us is innovate. Be creative in your approach to developing your collaborative strategies and create value in the process. This collaboration speaks directly to innovation, sustainability (we should all ride more) and community.

Website: bikes.urbanoutfitters.com

INNOVATION: 90
SOCIAL/ COMMUNITY: 90
SUSTAINABILITY: 90

COOL LIST SCORE: 90%
COOL LIST RATING: 2nd

[source :: springwise]

Want to know how to launch something? Read on… NYC & Company and Warner Bros. Pictures have partnered to transform New York City into an urban forest in celebration of the highly anticipated motion-picture adaptation of one of the most beloved children’s books of all time, Where the Wild Things Are. From Monday, October 12-Friday, October 16, New York City’s five boroughs will host a number of cultural events, special exhibits, celebrity appearances, promotional giveaways, outdoor adventures, and “wild” festivities leading up to the film’s national release.  Directed by Spike Jonze, “Where the Wild Things Are” was adapted for the big screen with the help of Dave Eggers, and based on the original book by Maurice Sendak.  During “Wild Things Week in NYC,” fans young and old are invited to explore their creative side and let their imaginations run wild.

For a complete list of readings, exhibitions, and children’s programs visit www.nycgo.com/wildthingsweek.

To get a perspective on the gloabl release, popping up around the globe, the many fashion, art and retail projects linked to the upcoming release of “Where the Wild Things Are,” has us wondering where the wild things are not. Only two weeks remain until the debut of Spike Jonze’s insanely-anticipated film and the unconventional spin-off music, apparel, exhibits and home furnishings only rival the reportedly unconventional film itself. We’ve gathered as close to a complete overview of the blitz as we could.

Most astounding, the collection of costumes designed by Christian Joy, who drew on her experience designing for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, lend an incredible rock ‘n’ roll reinterpretation of Max and the other wild creatures (pictured above). The originals are currently on display at L.A.’s Space 15 Twenty Gallery as part of their pop-up store devoted to the film both in merchandise and in architecture. (Pictured below, all images of the space via Kitsune Noir)

Also at Urban Outfitters’ conceptual boutique, you can buy an exclusive Filmmaker Print Series or just ogle the exhibit, but keep in mind that proceeds benefit the creative nonprofit 826LA. Signed and numbered by Spike Jonze and cinematographer Lance Acord, the limited edition prints are as sure to be valuable as they are stunning (pictured below).

Co-founded by Jonze, Girl Skateboard Company released a series of limited edition boards for the film, putting your favorite monster right at your feet. To get in the mood for the epic film, curl up with a calmed down Karen O as she and fellow indie musicians dubbed The Kids take you through a melodious adventure on the “Where The Wild Things Are” soundtrack (pictured below). A sneak peek at what the movie has in store, the soundtrack is available now for free live streaming from Imeem and can be purchased from Amazon.

Another hint at Jonez’ skater roots, Lakai released not one but two footwear editions referencing the film.

Enjoy.