The second Converse and Ibn Jasper collaboration incorporate Jasper’s conversational approach to style, which is steeped in his barbershop heritage – a communal hub where jokes, tales, and ideas are shared and exchanged – providing a distinct blend of skate style and traditional motorsports.
With a reinvention of the One Star that merges his love for motorsports and skateboarding, Jasper achieves his objective to stay honest and create art that inspires the heated dialogues found within the confines of barbershops around the world.
The Converse x Ibn Jasper collaboration Converse.com will release One Star in a limited global release starting May 20. You can see the images below.
PUMA and Dunkin’ have teamed up to create a special collaboration inspired by America’s favorite iced coffee, which includes two limited-edition footwear versions.
The legendary GV Special and the Triple basketball sneaker are included in the all-new PUMA x Dunkin’ collaboration. Bold co-branding, unmistakable bursts of pink and orange, and elements reminiscent of Dunkin’s signature iced coffee cup characterize the silhouettes.
The designs will be available on PUMA.com, as well as at the PUMA NYC flagship store and Dick’s Sporting Goods, beginning on Dunkin’s “Iced Coffee Day,” Wednesday, May 25.
Dunkin’ Donuts Ice Coffee Day was developed to offer delight to children in local hospitals around the United States. To commemorate the occasion, the companies have donated PUMA x Dunkin’ sneaker models to hospitals across the country.
New Balance and Joe Freshgoods unveil “Inside Clothes,” a campaign announcing the arrival of the New Balance x Joe Freshgoods 90/60, as a follow-up to “Outside Clothes,” which debuted in August 2021. The Joe Freshgoods 90/60 will be available exclusively on May 13th and globally, commencing May 30th, for a suggested retail price of $180 as the brand’s latest performance and running-inspired lifestyle silhouette.
The 90/60 model incorporates technology from the 990 series and early Millenium running shapes. The 90/60 takes traditional components like the diamond shape and N detail and applies a modern approach to the new look, staying loyal to the 990 legacy. Robinson, who is known for his exquisite use of color, used soft nude and sky blue colors to evoke the warmth of Black homes.
“Inside Voices is the follow up of Outside Clothes, I want my community to feel represented in the emotions and intimate moments captured in my campaigns,” said Joe “Freshgoods” Robinson. “There’s nothing like warmth and laughter shared around a table once you’re inside with your loved ones. Shutting out the world and focusing on what really matters is what this campaign is about.”
Reebok and Billionaire Boys Club (BBC) have announced the continuation of their long-standing partnership with the new Reebok x BBC Zig Kinetica II ($150, GX1313). The BBC’s take on the developing lifestyle runner is inspired by historical military attire and pays homage to the brand’s distinctive digital camouflage (‘Digi-Camo’) design.
“The BBC Zig Kinetica II was inspired by the quality and functionality of tactical gear,” said BBC. “We wanted to bring some of those functional elements to this shoe through details such as speed lace hooks , as well as nylon pull tabs at the heel and tongue for ease of accessibility. The Digi-Camo comes from our archives, and we thought it would be the perfect pattern for this utilitarian silhouette.”
The new release features an upper featuring nylon mesh inner lining and a durable mesh outer layer for breathability and abrasion resistance. Also, there are hidden BBC details like a mantra “Wealth is of the heart and mind, not the pocket” on the heel tab. Zig Kinetica comfort system including Floatride Fuel, Zig Energy Bands, and Zig Energy Shell channeling energy to and from the wearer’s foot.
“We are excited to grow this partnership on the Zig Kinetica II,” continued BBC. “It’s the third Zig we’ve worked on with Reebok. Being able to utilize the technology of a technical lifestyle shoe to express our narrative, to push boundaries, and to play with details to create something new – it’s special.”
Reebok’s Zig Kinetica, which was released in spring 2020, marked the beginning of a new era for the brand’s famous ZigTech performance technology, which challenged modern sneaker innovation and style when it was first released in 2010. In 2021, Zig Kinetica II, a stripped-down makeup via an advanced skeletal structure, pushed the boundaries even further, bringing ‘vis-tech’ and future design to the forefront.
Beginning May 6, 10:00 a.m. EST, the Reebok x BBC Zig Kinetica II will be available exclusively via BBC, followed by a wider global release on Reebok.com (and select retailers) on May 13, 10:00 a.m. EST.
Converse is partnering up with pgLang, the firm founded by Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free. “pgLang for Converse” is a partnership that takes two of Converse’s most iconic styles – the Chuck 70 and the Pro Leather – and turns them into canvases for storytelling and exploration. By adding small embellishments into silhouettes that have stood the test of time, the partnership sees its design language as based in simplicity.
pgLang is an agency founded in 2020 by Kendrick Lamar and his longtime collaborator Dave Free with the goal of telling stories that transcend language and connecting people through shared experiences. Curiosity, accessibility, and inventiveness are at the heart of pgLang’s identity, and they’re all on exhibit in this collection.
Finally, pgLang for Converse embraces the unknown, celebrates the established, and anticipates what’s yet to be discovered in order to Create Next.
A closer look at the pgLang for Converse Chuck 70 reveals small elements that distinguish it from its original shape. The upper features hiking-style eyelets, while the insole and outsole feature an asymmetrical rubber lacquer and cryptic text patterns that allude to pgLang’s secretive spirit. “for pgLang” is also imprinted on the upper, over the Converse logo.
The Pro Leather is a classic silhouette that has been updated with a suede upper. It has the same hiking-style eyelets as the Chuck 70, and the Star Chevron is imprinted alongside “pgLang.”
A music video starring Tanna Leone and Selah Marley, which portrays the narrative of two strangers who find an unexpected connection while exploring Los Angeles, will be released to coincide with the release of this collaboration. The laces on the pgLang for Converse collection are employed as the mechanism via which the two protagonists discover connection in Los Angeles – a city where loneliness can be impossible to avoid. This is in keeping with pgLang’s objective to communicate stories that transcend language.
Converse.com and pg-Lang.com will have a limited global release of pgLang for Converse starting May 2. You can see the pieces below.
PUMA has announced the launch of its “FOR ALL TIME” marketing campaign, which celebrates the brand’s long history as a classic shoe. Through goods, content, and effect generated by “The Collective,” a group of Iconic Culture Influencers who have molded the sneaker game over the previous 50 years, PUMA will examine the definition of the word “Classic.”
JAY-Z, PUMA’s Basketball and Classics Creative Director, and Emory Jones, of Roc Nation, are executive producers of “The Collective,” a group of creatives, influencers, and storytellers who have had a timeless influence in their respective areas. With interviews, creative content, and product designs, each member of The Collective will spotlight distinct Classic PUMA shoe shapes, helping to define both what it means to be a Classic and what it means to have timeless influence.
Each member of The Collective will handpick a rising member of the next generation of soon-to-be classic influencers in their disciplines and support their work and development with a financial grant, mentorship, and promotional help as a vital component of the initiative. PUMA will spotlight these new Collective members, highlighting those who could very well become tomorrow’s “classics.”
Emory Jones of Roc Nation, award-winning designer and PUMA Creative Director June Ambrose, Harlem fashion innovator Dapper Dan, decorated Director and videographer Hype Williams, NBA Hall of Famer and PUMA Ambassador Walt Clyde Frazier, RHUDE Designer Rhuigi Villaseor, Creative Consultant and Founder of Upscale Vandal, Mike Camargo, and Legendary Photographer Lenny Santiago serve as the Collective’s Visual Director of Still Photography.
PUMA For-All-Time: Emory Jones (Credit: Lenny Santiago)
“This year we will be highlighting PUMA’s legacy as a classic sneaker brand by asking a select group of iconic cultural leaders the essential question: What is a Classic?” said Adam Petrick, Chief Brand Officer at PUMA. “Our ‘FOR ALL TIME’ campaign will communicate PUMA’s classic sneakers such as The Suede, and other products by recounting inspiring stories from renowned people who have become unparalleled classics themselves, having influenced Fashion, Music and Sports over the last five decades.”
Over the following seven months, The Collective will share their own growth and development stories, as well as the narrative of a Collective member they hand-picked. Each month, fresh content will be released through advertising, web content, and social media.
There isn’t much respect for the “long game” in today’s world of snackable content, instant access, and trending stardom. However, it is the long game that lasts, the long game that produces long-term influence. The “FOR ALL TIME” project recognizes this impact by handing the torch to those who want to leave a legacy in conjunction with those who have already done so.
Emory Jones begins FOR ALL TIME by discussing the first time he saw the PUMA Suede, as well as how it has stayed a classic and PUMA’s incorporation into culture. You can keep up with the full campaign here.
Allen Iverson’s 54-point game is set to be immortalized in the classic silhouette of the Reebok Answer IV. Dubbed the Answer IV “54” points, the new sneaker will be released at Reebok.com and select retailers.
Allen Iverson would put on an amazing game-high 54-point scoring outburst – one of the best of his legendary career – to lead his Philadelphia team to an unexpected 107-104 playoff win on January 6, 2001, while wearing this particular white/grey Answer IV.
The white/grey Answer IV “54 Points” returns for the first time since that season, complete with an OG quality leather upper, reflective highlights, zipper shroud, and original tattoo graphic sockliner.
You can see the sneaker below.
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Reebok’s Answer IV “54 Points” (GX6234, $150) is available beginning May 6 from Reebok.com and select retailers.
Today in 2002, 50 Cent released Guess Who’s Back?, his first official mixtape following the Power of the Dollar LP on the Full Clip Records indie imprint.
It was this offering that would catapult Curtis Jackson into the public eye. Eventually, the project would gain the attention of Eminem via his attorney/manager Paul Rosenberg and Shady would ultimately sign 50 Cent to Shady Records/Interscope and a new Hip Hop icon would be born.
Guess Who’s Back features production from Trackmasters, Clark Kent, Sha Money Xl, and featured street anthems like, “Your Life’s On The Line”. It also had the controversial song, “Ghetto Qu’ran” which allegedly led to his almost deadly shooting in 2000.
The album charted on Billboard setting up the G-Unit era and a lengthy career that continues today. 50 Cent would go on to release his mega Interscope debut, “Get Rich Or Die Tryin’” and become a top charting and live show sellout artist.
Salute to Fif for this timeless and necessary piece of Hip Hop history!
The Diadora N9002 Philly is the second “Community Linx” product from hip-hop legend Raekwon, Diadora, and Foot Locker, Inc.
Community Linx is a franchise series that allows Raekwon to create product capsules in collaboration with and for local communities. Each capsule provides direct assistance to the community by providing local, up-and-coming musicians with tools, resources, and a plethora of information.
The Diadora N9002 Philly is a tribute to the City of Brotherly Love, and it comes in a specially designed box with landmarks from the city. The latest release comes in maroon, black, and grey, with a leather covering and a rubber outsole for further durability and grip. The heel features Raekwon’s trademark with a 3M twist. Beginning this Thursday, April 21st, the Philly-inspired Diadora N9002 will be available in men’s sizes exclusively at Foot Locker and Champs Sports for $120. To purchase, go to the Foot Locker Philly Park West Community Store at 1575 N 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19131.
Twenty up-and-coming musicians from Philadelphia were invited to a Zoom session hosted by Mina Say What in support of the Diadora N9002 Philly. Raekwon spoke about his creative approach in turning a 16-bar verse into a storytelling track during a moderated chat at the conference.
The musicians will be back this week for an in-person performance in front of special guest judges, including Raekwon. Participants will compete in four rounds, with the winner receiving one-on-one time with Raekwon after the competition.
“This is an empowering program and allows young artists to be embraced by some of the legends,” said Raekwon. “Shoutout Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Diadora for helping bring my vision to life. We’re now in Philly with it on the heels of a successful NYC launch, and I’m excited to see what the city offers. There’s so much talent here, and we want to give people the opportunity to build and grow for the culture.”
Nike is preparing to release the first posthumous sneaker collaboration with Virgil Abloh. The Off-White x Nike Blazer Low is set for an April release.
According to Sneaker News, Abloh aimed at “mixing languages for a new signature.” The new sneaker will release in a white and black colorway, featuring holes throughout the upper area of the sneaker, additional laces, and a heel sharpened to a point like the Terra Humara. The sneaker comes equipped with the signature zip tie.
The new sneaker will be available on April 8 on Nike SNKRS for $140.
