Following up on the success of his first-ever co-designed lifestyle sneaker, PUMA Hoops and LaMelo Ball are back with two new colorways of the Y2K-inspired LaFrancé. Just in time for summer, the LaFrancé Moment arrives with a neutral, earth-toned colorway and the LaFrancé Untouchable brings an attention-grabbing black and fuschia colorway to the streetwear-inspired collection.
The LaFrancé Moment adds cream and brown notes to the LaFrancé’s exaggerated proportions. Featuring a chunky, street-inspired silhouette and iconic graphics that lean into Y2K’s extreme aesthetics, the LaFrancé Moment is a perfect expression of Melo’s 1 of 1 style.
The head-turning LaFrancé Untouchable boasts a contrasting fuschia-on-black colorway, bringing a unique and unexpected style combination to the LaFrance collection.
After the inaugural LaFrancé Amour colorway was met with huge demand at launch earlier this year, the new LaFrancé Moment and Untouchable will drop on July 5.
When WNBA All StarBreanna Stewart heads to France this summer, she’ll be playing the gameshe loves in the Stewie 3 City of Love.Global sports brand PUMA unveils the second colorway of Breanna Stewart’s third signature shoe. This cool blue iteration features Parisian-inspired floral details, reflectingStewart’s love for the game, her family, and her prestigious career.
The Stewie 3 City of Love was built for on-the-court, high-performance moments. Its sleek, cool blue and white design features Parisian-inspired florals woven and debossed onto the shoe’s mixed material upper, with an outer sole design to match. Marking the second colorway of Stewart’s third signature shoe with the global sports brand, the Stewie 3 City of Love reflects the athlete’s love for the game, her family, and prestigious career as she prepares, once again, for the global stage.
The Stewie 3 City of Love is built for performance, featuring a high-abrasion outsole for added grip and a dual-density Profoam+ midsole forcushioning. It also boasts a drop-in mid sole for enhanced support and comfort, nitrogen foam technology for responsiveness, and a breathable, supportive upper.
The Stewie 3 City of Love launches June 28th, 2024, alongside a collection of apparel spanning cardigans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, and more. The collection will be availablefor $45-$130atPUMA.com, the PUMA mobile app, the PUMA NYC Flagship store, and at Foot Locker and Kids FootLocker.
In a vibrant celebration of literature, fashion, and culture, El Gara Gayn, the dynamic author and creative director of the urban luxury brand bearing his name, hosted an electrifying book signing and pop-up shop event in New York City. The occasion marked the release of his highly anticipated second book, St. John’s New Building Kids: Age of the Kracking, and served as a platform to showcase his latest collection of fashion-forward threads.
The evening was a harmonious blend of music, fashion, and camaraderie as friends and supporters gathered to celebrate El Gara Gayn’s latest achievement. This event followed the success of his debut book, St. John’s Polo Posse: Gave Rise to a Nation, further cementing his status as a multifaceted creative force.
Hosted by myself and the internationally renowned Int’l P of MTV Fight Klub fame, the event was a true success. The stage was set for a series of stellar performances by an impressive lineup of artists, including D Marco Da Great, Bill Minerr, Prince Julius, Iz Hoffa, Dutch Stackz, Rack Lo, Lazarus Da Don, Time Is Money PaperBoy, CBoy Hood Rich, Nymrod Federal, and Pressure. Each performance added to the vibe and energy of the night, making it a great experience for all in attendance.
Special guests gracing the event included the legendary Lo-Life Prince Polo, also known as Bill Minerr, the iconic Rack Lo, Loon Lo, and AV Rock. Their presence added a touch of legacy and authenticity to the celebration, highlighting the cultural significance of El Gara Gayn’s work and theirs. Also in the building, STA Nation – producer Cover and his artists delivering electrifying performances straight from The Bronx and Boujee Blazer shined with her crazy sexy eyewear on display .
This event not only celebrated the release of St. John’s New Building Kids: Age of the Kracking but also showcased the innovative designs of El Gara Gayn’s fashion line, reflecting his unique blend of urban luxury and creative storytelling. As an author and fashion visionary, El Gara Gayn continues to inspire and influence the urban luxury landscape, making waves with his compelling narratives and cutting-edge designs by John Spain of Dynamic Imagination.
Check out the mini documentary below to see how the day went.
Later this month, Rick Ross will give back to the entrepreneurial spirit and auction off over 300 pairs of rare kicks and other personal items during the inaugural “Push It To The Limit: Luxury And Lifestyle” auction.
In partnership with the Creative Collective NYC and the Boss Up Grant, Rozay will auction off upwards of 800 items in total and donate all proceeds will be donated to aid “entrepreneurs with grants to accelerate their continued impact, business initiatives and scale their operations.”
“I looked around one day and marveled at how blessed I am,” said the Maybach Music CEO. “I wanted to figure out how to be a blessing to others and share some of the dopest, rarest luxuries with the world that I’ve collected over the course of my career.” He continued, “Inspired by my brother Pharrell, I thought of an auction with the proceeds to help the next generation of bosses. It was the most player and sustainable way to not only touch my fans but also pour into a community that has poured into me.”
Aside from the some of the most exclusive smeakers on the market including a pair of Air Jordan Retro 5 “University of Michigan Fab 5” PEs and his DJ Khaled “Father of Asahd” Air Jordans, Ross will be auctioning off designer clothing items, art pieces, RIAA plaques and a custom-made piano that features the cover art of Michael Jackson‘s Thriller.
PUMA Hoops and basketball superstarLaMelo Ball are dropping their first-ever co-designed lifestyle shoe –LaFrancé.
Launching in the “Amour” colorway (the first of many LaFrancé colorways to come), LaFrancé has been dropped alongside a few apparel pieces, including graphic tees, a mesh tank, short, and track pants, ranging from $40-$110. LaFrancé and accompanying pieces are now available at PUMA.com, the PUMA mobile app, the PUMA NYC Flagship store and at Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs and select retailers worldwide.
Created through intimate collaboration between LaMelo Ball and the PUMA design team, the LaFrancé gets its inspiration and name from LaMelo’s namesake lifestyle brand, which fuses different inspirations from streetwear fashion, sport and lifestyle. The supersized sneaker features exaggerated proportions, a chunky zig-zag lace closure, ultra-wide laces, and a well-padded tongue for ultimate comfort. “LF” and “La France” can be found on the mega tongue as well as imprinted into the latest silhouettes ultra-thick sole. The classic cup sole has been spiced up with floating ovals throughout, which are decorated with iconic graphics. Upper ovals on the midsole encapsulate design aspects of a butterfly, symbolizing Melo’s 1 of 1 lifestyle.
On his new sneaker, NBA superstar LaMelo Ball said, “I wanted to create a lifestyle shoe that represents my style and 1-of-1 personality. The LaFrancé Amour is something crazy loud to wear off court. The butterfly midsole, inspired by my tattoos, represents good energy.”
The black-owned footwear creatives FCTRY LAb just released their groundbreaking collaboration with multi-platinum rap sensation NLE Choppa as they unveil the exclusive “Duck Boot.” This innovative partnership between FCTRY LAb Co-Founder Omar Bailey and NLE Choppa promises to redefine footwear fashion with its bold design and forward-looking vision.
The Duck Boot made its grand debut on the main stage at Rolling Loud and courtside at a Lakers game alongside Co-Founder Omar Bailey, solidifying its status as a must-have item for trendsetters and sneakerheads alike. With this collaboration, NLE Choppa joins the ranks of music icons disrupting the footwear landscape with their distinctive style and entrepreneurial spirit.
“FCTRY LAb looks for creators who want to build product lines and brands together,” stated Bailey. “By giving these artists, athletes, and creators the opportunity for profit sharing and equity ownership, we go beyond the typical collaboration fees and endorsement deals offered by most footwear brands. I’m a big fan of what Choppa is doing musically, collaborating on the Duck Boot with him has been inspiring, his entrepreneurial mindset really puts him ahead of the game.”
NLE Choppa echoed Bailey’s sentiments, expressing his admiration for Bailey’s bold designs and entrepreneurial journey. “When it came to making my own shoe, I knew I had to do it with him and his team at FCTRY LAb to make a real creative statement and impact,” Choppa shared. “He has bet on himself every step of the way, which is in my DNA as an artist and entrepreneur. I can’t wait for y’all to go crazy over these!”
FCTRY LAb has a proven track record of success, having sold out their first shoe, the “Knight RNR,” created by Bailey himself. With over 20 years of global product design and development experience, Bailey has crafted footwear for entertainment icons such as Jay-Z and Lady Gaga, as well as athletes and culturally impactful brands.
The Duck Boot introduces a fresh twist to a classic shoe concept, featuring a playful theme of yellow ducks combined with innovative materials and exaggerated elements. Its distinctive exterior shape makes a bold fashion statement, while its interior is crafted for ultimate comfort using high-quality materials. From initial sketches to final product, the Duck Boot embodies innovation and collaboration, fulfilling Bailey’s vision of redefining footwear fashion.
To showcase this exciting collaboration, the Yellow Duck Boot will be prominently featured in NLE Choppa’s forthcoming music video, filmed at Rolling Loud and FCTRY LAb’s unique LA design studio and development lab. This collaboration marks a new chapter in footwear fashion, blending NLE Choppa’s bold style with FCTRY LAb’s innovative designs to create a shoe that pushes boundaries and captivates audiences worldwide.
Yesterday marked a significant milestone in the journey towards global education as Hip Hop icon Ja Rule, in partnership with Pencils of Promise (PoP), spearheaded the Jeff and Aisha Atkins Groundbreaking Ceremony at the Nuaso Anglican Basic School in Ghana. This collaborative effort between Ja Rule (Jeffrey Atkins), his wife Aisha, and PoP showcases their shared commitment to supporting quality education for children worldwide.
The event, held in the Nuaso community in the Eastern region of Ghana, celebrated the groundbreaking of new school facilities aimed at providing safe and conducive learning environments for primary school students in grades K-6. The Nuaso region has long grappled with inadequate and unsafe learning conditions due to makeshift classrooms. In response, PoP and Ja Rule joined forces with the local government and community to initiate the construction of new school facilities, with the Nuaso community contributing through labor and materials.
The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer by religious leader Venerable Kofi Obeng Ofosu, followed by a warm welcome statement from Municipal Education Director Mr. Samuel K. Tettey. PoP CEO Kailee Scales delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting the organization’s global impact on education and its focus on collaborative community development and empowerment. Ja Rule expressed his personal commitment to the cause, emphasizing the importance of creating educational opportunities for children worldwide.
“Many children in rural parts of the world experience significant barriers to their basic human right to primary school education. PoP is so proud to partner with Ja Rule and Aisha Atkins in our shared commitment to help ensure every child has access to the safe, healthy and engaging school experience they deserve,” said CEO Kailee Scales.
Freeman Gobah, PoP Ghana Country Director, shed light on PoP’s initiatives and achievements in Ghana, acknowledging the support of stakeholders in the 202 communities reached by PoP Ghana.
The event garnered attendance from education officials, government representatives, and local elders, including Lower Manya Krobo MP The Honorable Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, MCE Lower Manya Honorable Simon Kweku Tetteh, and Mark Okraku-Mantey, Deputy Minister of Tourism, among others. The program featured captivating cultural displays by students and community members, culminating in a traditional groundbreaking ceremony symbolized by pickaxes and shovels. Traditional drumming, speeches, and spoken word pieces in the local dialect added to the cultural richness of the event.
Ja Rule’s commitment to education is evident through his co-founding of L.I.F.E., a non-profit organization aimed at providing youth with extracurricular outlets and educational incentives. His personal pursuit of knowledge, exemplified by his completion of Harvard Business School’s online certification program for Entrepreneurship Essentials, underscores his dedication to prioritizing education over incarceration. In 2023, Ja Rule was honored at PoP’s 15th anniversary Gala with the Audacious Award for his role as a disruptor and advocate of social change.
The groundbreaking ceremony at the Nuaso Anglican Basic School serves as a testament to Ja Rule and PoP’s shared dedication to advancing education and empowering communities. It strengthens the collaborative relationship between Ja Rule and Pencils of Promise, furthering their mission to ensure that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Drake and Nike’s NOCTA have set the sneaker world ablaze with the release of their highly anticipated Hot Step 2 Sneaker in Total Orange. Priced at $200.00, this stylish and innovative footwear option made its debut on Nocta.com yesterday, April 2nd, sending sneakerheads into a frenzy.
The Hot Step 2 is not just another sneaker – it’s a statement piece. Crafted with a synthetic leather upper featuring a reflective finish, this shoe catches the eye with its sleek design and attention to detail. The unique eyestay and textile webbing for lace lockdown add both style and functionality, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for wearers.
But the Hot Step 2 isn’t just about looks – it’s about performance too. Boasting a NOCTA signature sockliner and a visible Air unit heel, this sneaker provides unmatched comfort and support with every step. The solid rubber outsole with custom NOCTA North Stars offers durability and traction, while the G-TEK outsole technology delivers superior performance on any surface.
For those who missed out on the initial release, fear not – the Hot Step 2 will also be available via Nike’s SNKRS App on Thursday, April 4th, at 7 AM EST. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of sneaker history. Get your hands on the Hot Step 2 and elevate your sneaker game to the next level.
Mallet London, renowned for its British luxury footwear, and The Smiley Company, an iconic symbol of positivity, have joined forces to launch their first collaborative capsule collection. The dream team just released their collection which introduces the Neptune style, infused with the vibrant spirit of Smiley.
This collaboration marks a fusion of fashion and positivity, as Mallet London and Smiley aim to spread joy and encourage people to embrace a lighthearted approach to life. The Neptune silhouette, available in black and white variations for both men and women, embodies this philosophy with unique baubles integrated into the design, creating a playful interaction with each step.
At the heart of the collaboration lies a shared ethos between the two brands. Mallet London’s Founder, Evren Ozka, expresses his excitement about partnering with Smiley, emphasizing the alignment of values centered around positivity and creating meaningful connections with consumers.
The design team at Mallet London drew inspiration from childhood nostalgia, incorporating Smiley icons reminiscent of ball pits and pinball machines. The result is a whimsical yet stylish sneaker that incorporates Smiley’s signature motifs while staying true to Mallet’s sleek aesthetic.
The attention to detail is evident throughout the collection, with Smiley slogans discreetly integrated into the design, inviting wearers to discover hidden messages that evoke smiles. Each pair of shoes is accompanied by a commemorative box, a Smiley branded keychain, and an exclusive Mallet jewel adorning the laces, further enhancing the unique charm of the collaboration.
Callum Ruane, Head of Marketing at Mallet London, reflects on the collaborative process, describing it as a joyous campaign that seamlessly merges Smiley’s brand narrative with Mallet’s identity. The result is a collection that exudes positivity and resonates with consumers seeking not only stylish footwear but also a meaningful connection with the brands they support.
Ross Wilson, Chief Product Officer – Fashion at The Smiley Company, praises the collaborative effort, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail that infuses fun and playfulness into every aspect of the Neptune collection. From the placement of Smiley icons dancing on the shoe’s bubble to the inclusion of hidden slogans, each element contributes to uplifting spirits and spreading smiles with every step.
This exclusive capsule collection embodies the essence of Mallet London and The Smiley Company’s shared vision of positivity and creativity. With its unique blend of style and optimism, the Mallet & Smiley Neptune collection promises to captivate fashion enthusiasts and spread joy one step at a time.
Nearly three decades have passed since the tragic and untimely death of Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, whose life was cut short by the hands of her former fan club president, Yolanda Saldívar. Now, as Saldívar approaches eligibility for parole next year, Oxygen network is set to delve deep into the gripping saga of Selena’s murder and the complex relationship between the iconic singer and her fan club president in a new docu-series titled ‘Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them…’
The docu-series promises to unravel the intricacies of the relationship between Selena and Saldívar, shedding light on the events leading up to the tragic incident that shocked the world. Saldívar’s chilling act of violence, fueled by allegations of embezzlement and betrayal, forever altered the course of music history and left a lasting impact on Selena’s devoted fan base.
As the Oxygen network prepares to air ‘Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them…’, viewers can expect an intimate and revealing exploration of the dynamics between Selena and Saldívar, offering unprecedented insight into the personal and professional lives of both women. Through interviews, archival footage, and firsthand accounts, the docu-series aims to paint a comprehensive portrait of the events that transpired behind the scenes of Selena’s meteoric rise to fame.
The decision to produce ‘Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them…’ comes at a pivotal moment, as Saldívar’s potential parole reignites public interest in the infamous case while also honoring Selena’s enduring legacy as a groundbreaking artist and cultural icon.
