On that note, I introduce The Thuggie.

About 6 months ago, I came across The Thuggie on twitter. I’d tweeted about a tower of pink Snuggies in Wal Mart and The Thuggie replied back. Our beautiful and lively Twitversation lasted a month or so before I actually came face to face with The Thuggie – and its PR maven Kim Bowie – during the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival.

So, what is a Thuggie? It’s essentially an oversized hoody that reaches down passed your knees. It is inspired by a breed of steezy park rats who can be found jibbing features in ski resort terrain parks nationwide – but most prolifically in Whistler, BC. These kids wear tall tees and baggy pants. They are cool.

Clothing architect Bryan Pudney came up with idea as a joke last year, but it has since turned into a Thug revolution, after he and his business partners discovered there was actually a market for this type of apparel. The Thuggie has since graced the boob tube on MTV and is even receiving fan letters/sponsorship requests from as far away as Norway. Check out their latest submission from Oslo-based Paal Saatvedt:

“I choose Thuggie clohing because its the coolest design,” he says.

In addition to The Thuggie, Why Not Apparel now has The Chuggie (a beer coozy); The Thugglet (for children) and The Custom Thuggie (anything you want).

“Unlike other semi-ironic leisure apparel, the Thuggie equips the wearer with a sense of security, satisfaction, extreme comfort and a gentle sense of smugness. You are guaranteed to feel smug in this Thug,” says the website.

Kim and I rendezvoused hungover during Kokanee Crankworx and I ended up with a Thuggie of my very own (blue and teal) which I’m now wearing as I type. My Thuggie is the most comfortable thing I own. It is leading me to the no pants revolution. As their company mantra states: “Life is short. Live it long.”

More Information:
http://www.thuggies.ca
Find them on Facebook
Follow them on Twitter @TheThuggie
VanCityBuzz Blog “Thuggie Life”

Canadian rockers, 54-40 finished off the free outdoor concert series. It was very much a family atmosphere and the mellow tunes were a welcome respite from the crazy week behind us.

From groovin’ to the Latin-infused jump-up tunes of Ozomatli to rockin’ out to the electronic indie sounds of Metric, this year’s Zune Concert Series has brought us an impressive array of bands.

And then there was the Silent Disco, which brought a whole new dance party experience to Whistler. It started with a flash mob and ended with a group of 200-plus people singing with reckless abandon in a silent room; Skullcandy headphones and radio receivers bringing the party to life.

The arts culture scene was astounding. State of the Art showcased talented Canadian artists like Andrew Pommier and Lauren Javor. While Fashion Exposed featured sustainable fashion label We3 to Westbeach and their 30 years in the snowboard industry.

The showdown hosts took it to another level, from hosting in their underwear to coming out in drag. We enjoyed the winter stoke generated from Rocky Mountain Sherpas’ multimedia film, Paper Shredders. We laughed at the creativity and awesomeness of A Ski Bum Musical at the Filmmaker Showdown. We cheered as hometown photographer Jordan Manley’s photos captured the mountain lifestyle we all hold close to our hearts.

Meanwhile, the pro athlete sightings were out of control this week with TJ Schiller and Danny Kass taking centre stage at their respective competitions.

As we ring out the winter season and welcome the melting snow and sunshine, we’ll always look back to the festival with a smile. Stars were born; heroes were crowned and dethroned; records were spun; alcohol, energy drinks and sushi were consumed in mass quantities; and friends were made.

Now is the time to grab your cleanse of choice from the health food store, chillax, swear off alcohol and sleep. April 2010 will come sooner than you think! See you next year…

A quick review of the Grenade Games: Myrosha Daley won the Dual Slalom moguls, TJ Schneider took home the bacon at the superpipe competition. It’s also worth mentioning that Sarah Conrad from Halifax, Nova Scotia was the only girl who made it through to the pipe competition. Meanwhile, Danny Kass won the Mini Ramp Jam on Friday, which consisted of pro skaters judging the pro snowboarders. Danny Kass won the competition.

Which brings me to the Grenade Games Grand Finale –a three hit jib jam format that started off with a mega step up, transitioned into a tree jib, a staircase rail and then hit at the bottom.

Unfortunately my photography skills deteriorated due to heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages at the GLC’s Grenade Games Monster party. Photographer and snowboard legend, Dano Pendygrasse got some killer shots of the event, which you can check out on the Monster page here.

I laughed, I cried – thankfully, I didn’t hurl – as we watched the athletes throw down in front of a crowd of more than 10,000. DJ Z-trip got everyone all worked up with his mash-up of metal, dance and rock. In the end, Craig Beaulieu of Pemberton, BC won the grand prize of $10, 001.

The village was rammed with parties as thousands spilled into the bars, pubs and nightclubs of Whistler, not to mention the biggest party of all at the Telus Conference Centre. It was one heck of a night no matter where you spent it. This is slightly random, but has anyone seen Toaster around at the Kokanee after parties? This man has spent the entire week hitting up every event in his crazy flashing disco suit and is fueled only by adrenaline and Kokanee. Check out these platforms:

“Listen closely, you can hear the fat lady practicing her scales,” says Lisa Richardson of Watermark Inc, the folks who organize this epic event.

The 10th and final day of the festival is here. All athletic competitions are over and most athletes are probably still in bed, sleeping off last night. But, make sure you make it to the Zune Concert Series, featuring 54-40 and Jon and Roy from 2:30 to 5:30pm. Hello! It’s 54-40!

Tonight, check out the Best of the Fest fundraiser at the GLC, which raises money for the Playground Builders Association. Watch all the festival highlights, plus help them build playgrounds for underprivileged children around the world. If you’re feeling like a dose of culture, the Chairlift Revue theatre event is the perfect way to wind down after and intense week.

Another fun design label was the Canadian trio of design mavens, We3. Airy and feminine, their clothes are comfortable and simple and also made from sustainable fabrics. We3 won the Designer Search and Expose contest to become part of Fashion Exposed.

Other presenters included Mavi, Bench, Burton, and Sorel. I just wanted to say that Sorels have come a long way from the utilitarian styles we all know and love. Patterns, colours and different styles are all part of the modern Sorel boot, which means you can still endure a Great Canadian winter in fashion. My dad has a pair of Sorels that are 40 years old so I’m pretty sure they could last a lifetime.

Finally, Aaron Chang stole the show with his sexy swimwear line. “Wow” is all I can say about this particular Aaron Chang swimsuit:

Ruffian Royale and the Zune Concert Series Contest winner The British Columbians hit the mainstage from 2:30-5:30. Today is party day with some seriously big name DJs blowing through town. DJ Z-Trip, Vinyl Richie and Mat the Alien are spinning for the Big Air, which runs 8pm-10pm. The end-of-festival party culminates tonight with “The End” a massive shaker at the Telus Conference Centre.

Captivating and ethereal, you can’t take your eyes off Metric vocalist Emily Haines. She’s fashionable, sexy, confident and quirky. The Canadian electro-indie band rocked the Zune Concert Series today as their first stop on a major tour for their new album, Fantasies.

Upwards of 10,000 people packed into Skiers’ Plaza to watch the Juno-nominated band. This was, by far, the largest concert thus far at the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival.

The crowd was eclectic, with skaters, punks, scenesters, snowboarders, skiers, bubbly teenagers, and hippies. The ’80s sunglass sightings were out of control. The atmosphere was electric Metric hit the stage and the energy level went through the roof for the duration of the show. What a great way to kick off an international tour!
Directly after the concert, the Monster Mini Ramp jam kicked into full swing. What an exciting afternoon this has been.

Earlier in the day, I checked out the Grenade Games Superpipe finals on Blackcomb Mountain. The jam format of this comp inspired riders to hit as many features as possible. The pipe had three jibs along the way: a giant grenade, a tree jib and a rail. As always the Dingo and Danny were partying it up in the pit. I never did establish who won, but will keep you posted once the results come in. I suspect the Grenadians are slightly preoccupied with their after party at the Longhorn. Tomorrow is the Grand Finale Big Air competition from 8-10pm so be prepared to get blown away by Grenade mayhem.

I’m off to prepare for the Schick Fashion Exposed show. Tune in tomorrow for highlights – if I don’t have a heart attack from too many energy drinks.

Last night started off in the Happy Planet tent, where I sampled a few cocktails by Lumiere mixologist Cameron Brogue, who actually started his mixing career in Whistler. Each cocktail was specially designed to compliment the Detox, Immunity, and Glow shots, which contain all natural ingredients. The concept of an alcoholic drink that detoxes you while you get drunk is brilliant. Let’s just say I feel like a million bucks today!

The Olympus Pro Photographer showdown started on an “interesting note.” One-upping Filmmaker Showdown host Feet Banks – who came out in his underwear – MC, Mike D, sauntered on stage in a brown wig, white leather boots and his wife’s sexy little sequin dress. The freeskiing legend, Mike Douglas, leaves for a ski trip to Alaska, and somewhere along the way turns into a cross-dresser. Mike has amazing hips and great legs.”Sweet Lord,” I thought to myself, “this is going to be a good show.”

And it was. Much to everyone’s disappointment, Mike decided to put some clothes on, but not before putting on a little show as he bent over to pick something up from the floor.

The calibre of action sports photography shown last night was incredible. From Red Bull photographer Christian Pondella’s extreme locations and athleticsm to Daniel Blom’s creative and colourful snowboard shots, there was an amazing cross-section of talent on display.

During judge deliberation, we watched a tribute to Shane McConky, who recently died base jumping in Italy. This amazing professional freeskier/daredevil had a lot of close connections to Whistler, having pretty much grown up skiing the area. He also base jumped off Whistler Blackcomb’s PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola in December 2008 after convincing the higher ups that it was a great idea. The ski and snowboard world has truly lost one of their legends.

In the end, a humble Whistler-Vancouver local Jordan Manley won the $10,000 prize. This guy has entered five pro photographer competitions and has won them all. His photography skills include capturing a mountain biker in a drop of water, shooting a snowflake, and photographing countless incredible ski and mountian bike athletes in their aw-inspiring elements. This world-renowned competition is sure to shoot Jordan to an even greater level of notoriety in the action sports world.

After all the excitement of last night, Day 8 if the festival is now underway. This afternoon, it’s up to Whistler Blackcomb’s Superpipe to check out the Grenadians. Then, we’ll bomb it down the mountain to watch Bend Sinister and Metric. The Mini Ramp Jam in Village Square (6-8pm) revisits the skate world. A panel of Monster pro skaters , including legendary British skater, Geoff Rowley, will be judging the comp.

The Schick Fashion Exposed event is on tonight with a selection of great In celebration their 30th Anniversary, Westbeach is going to give us a little history lesson on 30 years of snowboard fashion, which is guaranteed to entertain the masses. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of crazy antiques they have pulled from the vault.

Hot tip of the day: The Happy Planet Detox shots totally work. Go to the tent and get as many as you can immediately!

Excitement is building in Whistler Village as the weekend fast approaches. The sunshine was out, the Crocs were off (for one guy in particular) and the shades were on today. Skiers’ Plaza was reminiscent of an Italian piazza with skiers and riders, families, a couple dogs and a few barefoot spectators as the Zune Concert Series kicked off Day 7 of the Telus festival.

Ghost Brothers from Vancouver were first up. Their eclectic reggae, world music sound reminds me of mix between Ben Harper and Ozomatli, who played last weekend. These guys are new to the music scene in Whistler and I think they made quite an inpression on the crowd. I hope to see more of them down the road.

Next up was the Juno award-winning band, The Stills. I managed to head up to the Kokanee VIP area, where we got a great view of the band from the top of the stage. As usual, these guys totally killed it and their energy brought the audience to life.

Next up was the Juno award-winning band, The Stills. I managed to head up to the Kokanee VIP area, where we got a great view of the band from the top of the stage. As usual, these guys totally killed it and their energy brought the audience to life.

The DJ was spinning great tunes and cans of Kokanee were prolific. Some of the biggest names in the ski industry were there in spades to watch the action – and the goggle tans were blinding.

David Wise from Reno Nevada took the top prize for the men, while Dania Assaly took the ladies’ title.

While the skiing portion of the festival has come to an end, the Grenade Games are just heating up. Today’s Poker Run kicked off the comp, while tomorrow’s dual slalom is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser – let’s pray for some more sunshine!

In the village, the Zune Concert Series was ramping up with USS and The Arkells hitting the stage this afternoon. Arkells busted out their characteristic feel-good rock for patio dwellers and skiers heading down the mountain for some après action.

Nearby, Toronto artist Niall McClelland was spray painting a board to add to the Zune collection.

Well, this report has been short and sweet tonight, as I’m off to get ready for the Filmmaker Showdown. This sell-out event is, by far, the most entertaining and exciting event of the whole festival. I can’t wait to see what the filmmakers have created in their caffeine-fueled 72 hours. I hear Whistler local and respected ski writer, Les Anthony and his crew have created some sort of music video.

Hot tip of the day: There’s a whole heck of a lot happening tonight. After the Filmmaker Showdown, check out Hot Hot Heat with special guests Fake Shark Real Zombie at the GLC. Also, Newschoolers.com, Voleurz, Rip Curl, and Coors Light are throwing the Pop Yo Collaz party at Buffalo Bills.

10 days, 45 free concerts, hundreds of ski and snowboard athletes, fashion shows, artists and cultural . The snow sports industry’s elite descend upon Whistler every April and the already bustling town kicks into overdrive. Celeb and pro athlete sightings are probable and hangovers are certain.

I’ve lived and played in Whistler for two years now and I’m here to give you the inside scoop. My schedule is chock-o-block full for 10 days straight and I’ll be bringing you the latest from this marathon of good times; fueled by a constant supply of caffeine and Red Bull.

As far as music goes, the free Zune Concert Series is going to bring us eclectic acts such as Metric, Ozomatli, Team Canada, 54-40 and The Stills.

As always, the marquee events, Filmmaker Showdown and Pro Photo Showdown, are going to wow a sellout crowd. This year, Whistler/Vancouver local Jordan Manley is competing in the Pro Photo Showdown. You’ll see his work on the covers of the most popular ski mags in the industry. Jordan’s incredible eye for detail has helped him capture a mountain biker in a drop of water and a skier in an icicle. Watch for him on Thursday, April 23.

New to the Showdown program this year is Three Point Oh; a multimedia event combining all mediums. According to organizers, there’s been a lot of interest in this event. It should be good times.

Other new events I’m looking forward to are Skate and Deploy (April 17) and the Whistler Chef Challenge (April 18-19). It’s going to be like watching the Food Network live.

Finally, brand spankin’ new to the TWSSF roster this year are the Grenade Games, running for the latter half of the festival. This is their first time in Whistler since their introduction five years ago and the announcement has created a huge buzz in the snowboard world. Some familiar names on the roster include Justin Lamoreux, David Fortin, Spencer O’brien, Domenique Vallee, Kevin Sansalone, and Caley Vanular. Grenade Games feature a variety of snowboard events, including a dual slalom, a poker run, a superpipe comp and mini ramp jam. The grand finale is an invitational big air jam in Skiers’ Plaza on April 25.

The countdown is on, the stage is going up and the big air jump is being built at the bottom of Whistler Mountain as I type. Let the party begin.

Here are some photos from last year’s Telus Festival:

John Butler Trio

Michael Franti and Spearhead

Bev Vuilleumier wins Ullr Girl

For those of you who’ve seen the movie “Zoolander”, you will appreciate that the term “Haute Trash” reminds me of Mugatu’s Derelict Campaign.

But seriously though, what if “Haute Trash” becomes THE Haute Couture of this millennium? While recycled and eco-friendly clothing hasn’t become all that mainstream yet; it’s bound to break through sooner or later.

While Haute Trash isn’t exactly a new concept, perhaps it’s all the more relevant now, with global environmental movements, such as World Water Day and Earth Hour, picking up mainstream momentum.

I was watching the news last night and they profiled a group of high school art students who designed their prom dresses out of various re-used materials. Their designs were stunning! Who says old Cheerios boxes can’t become a prom dress and a tetra pack can’t live a second life as an iPod case?

Art meets fashion in this garbage couture world and while we may not see young teens wearing the latest junk mail to their school dance, there certainly is a relevant place in our modern times for this movement.

The ReStore and Recycled Art and Fashion Show is entering its seventh year this April. Hosted in Bellingham and Seattle, WA on two different dates this April, the event features a variety of designers with a combined 25 years of design experience. While this community event isn’t likely to hit the runways of Milan anytime soon, it’s definitely an inspiring start.