Yesterday, I reported that a few projects on the BrickLink Designer Program had been withdrawn by the designer and archived and it looks like there’s a reason why. After I posted the article, I’ve gotten a lot of messages directing me to a German company called BlueBrixx that sells sets using clone bricks.

If you look at the products they have, the three projects that were on BrickLink are being sold there with reviews of them being up as late as last November. In addition, they are listed as authorized by RA-MT Brick Design which is Robert Bontenbal’s (RobenAnne) site. I’ve been told that he has a deal with BlueBrixx but I can’t confirm if that’s the reason why he has withdrawn the projects from BrickLink. LEGO technically owns BrickLink so working with a competitor isn’t really a good look.

Obviously, it’s disappointing to see that BrickLink won’t be able to produce the sets as many fans were wanting to add on to the LEGO Ideas Old Fishing Store (21310) but I guess Robert has to do what’s best for him.

The BrickLink Designer Program is well underway in the pre-production phase and recently there has been projects that have been removed from the program. Robert Bontenbal, aka RobenAnne, had three project running which were the Boat House Diner, Boat Repair Shop, and The Dive Shop but “due to other obligations,” he has withdrawn them. Bontenbal was also the fan designer for the LEGO Ideas Old Fishing Store (21310) and fans were excited in potentially adding some more buildings with the same aesthetic, but alas, we won’t be able to. There’s no other reasoning behind the withdrawl it but it’s disappointing.

Due to other obligations the designer has had to withdraw this design from the program. We hope that we will be able to work with the designer again in the future!

The LEGO x adidas collaboration continues on this week as adidas has revealed the new UltraBOOST DNA x LEGO Plates shoes. These shoes will be more customizable than the previous ZX 8000 ones and will have a release date of April 8. Retailing for $200, these new ones will be more comfortable because of the UltraBOOST technology but you’ll also be able to change the look on the sides using your own LEGO plates. The ZX 8000’s didn’t allow for LEGO parts to be used but you’ll be able to do so with these UltraBOOSTs. If you are interested in them, search for FY7690 this Thursday over on the adidas website.

adidas Ultraboost DNA x LEGO® Plates Shoes
High-performance running shoes from the adidas and LEGO® Brand partnership.

If you can dream it, you can build it. Just look at adidas Ultraboost shoes. They changed the game in 2015 with their responsive Boost midsole, foot-hugging adidas Primeknit upper and striking style and continue to drive running technology today. This pair features LEGO® brick 3-Stripes to celebrate of all the builders, dreamers and risk-takers who are changing the game in their own way. Step in and dream big on the pavement. Your best run ever starts with that first step.