In effort to combat the (admittedly weaning) fat skate shoe epidemic, Lakai has released a high-quality selection of Lean Coda Hi and Manchester Select styles. “Premium leather in bold colors garner much attention for the Coda Hi while premium logo, tongue, heel and eye stay hits on the Manchester Select differentiate it from the all suede offerings of seasons past.” Two colorways of each model will be available come Holiday 2009. Oh, and just want to put this out there: the Manchester is one of our favorite skate silhouettes of all time. Well done Lakai.

More looks at the Lakai Holiday 2009 Leisure Lean Collection after the jump.

Earlier we showed you a preview of Carhartt’s new Manchester retail space. As mentioned, the art instillation at the shop features Liverpool born, locally based illustrator Guy McKinley. Six prints were produced of McKinley’s work to show at Carhartt.
Check out the other five pieces after the jump.

In the early 1900s Manchester’s Oldham Street was the heart of a vibrant cotton industry. Connecting that history with Carhartt’s own is the driving force behind the design for the new shop in the Lancashire city. The location is not just a retail spot, but an art space as well. The inaugural exhibition features art work by locally based artist Guy McKinley. Store photos are provided by Mancunian lecturer Dr. Jamie Kraft.

This is the first time Carhartt has opened a retail location outside of London in the eleven years since the original Neal Street shop. Doors in Manchester open today, May 2, 2008.
See more previews of the shop after the jump.