PUMA Hoops and LaMelo Ball present the LaFrancé Collection, a collaborative endeavor with Ball’s official lifestyle brand specializing in designer streetwear and sportswear. The PUMA x LaFrancé collection elevates on-court and off-court fashion with a luxurious twist, infusing a dramatic and romantic aesthetic.
Inspired by traditional French floral motifs, the inaugural PUMA x LaFrancé collection showcases fleur-de-lis graphics merged with fluorescent slime and alien claw marks. This assortment comprises apparel and two footwear styles featuring the limited MB.03 LaFrancé, LaMelo Ball’s third signature sneaker with PUMA.
The limited-edition collection embodies Ball’s unique abilities both on and off the court, reflecting designs influenced by his otherworldly attributes. The MB.03 LaFrancé boasts a journeyed appearance, adorned with claw marks and acid bath effects. Additionally, the collection introduces the RS-XL LaFrancé for a lifestyle touch, along with graphic tees, hoodies, shorts, and jogger pants.
“I am excited to bring my two worlds together, PUMA and LaFrancé,” said Ball. “This will be a Rare exclusive collection to my fans. With the idea that you’re 1 of 1 forever. These pieces are perfect for on and off the court style.”
Scheduled to launch on September 14th, 2023, the PUMA x LaFrancé collection will retail between $40 and $125. It will be accessible through PUMA.com, the PUMA mobile app, the PUMA NYC Flagship store, LaFrancé.com, and Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker. This collaboration signifies a fusion of elite athleticism and cutting-edge style, echoing LaMelo Ball’s distinctive persona.
Hip Hop Fashion has always influenced fans, sports, music and most aspects of entertainment. In a dazzling fusion of high fashion and hip-hop culture, designer Kimberly Dumas has unveiled a groundbreaking creation to mark the 50th anniversary of hip hop – the Custom Black Biggie Smalls Crocs. Paying homage to the genre’s iconic figures and its undeniable impact on fashion, these custom Crocs are a stunning testament to the creativity and innovation that hip hop has inspired across various art forms.
The Biggie Smalls Crocs are not just another pair of shoes; they are a carefully crafted masterpiece that marries the laid-back comfort of Crocs with the opulence and style that have become synonymous with high fashion. Drawing inspiration from the legendary rapper Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, Dumas has ingeniously woven together the elements that defined his style and legacy.
The most striking aspect of these custom Crocs is the meticulous detailing that sets them apart. One shoe is a nod to the iconic Coogi sweater, a signature of Biggie’s fashion repertoire. Dumas took this concept a step further by incorporating actual pieces of a Coogi sweater into the design. The result is a captivating blend of texture and color that captures the essence of Biggie’s bold and flamboyant style.
On the other shoe, Dumas channels the luxurious aesthetics of Versace, a brand that Biggie Smalls frequently referenced in his lyrics. Gold embellishments adorn the Croc, evoking the opulence that Versace is renowned for. But the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the real crystals that spell out “Biggie Smalls” on the heel of the Croc. This detail not only adds an element of extravagance but also serves as a sparkling homage to the rapper himself.
Kimberly Dumas has been dubbed the NYC Croc Queen. Designing custom hip hop Crocs for the who’s who in the industry. “I needed to create a shoe to show Biggie’s fans that I mean business when it comes to celebrating one of the best lyricists to date. Having real Versace and Coogie pieces dominate the shoes were a necessity”, Dumas revealed. “Creating became something that fell into my lap. I was on vacation. I was staying with my sister who has everything in the world. I wanted to make her something money can’t buy. I decided to make her a custom pair of Crocs and the rest is history. It was my first time experimenting with any type of arts & crafts project and I have been customizing Crocs and other items for the past two years”, states Kim who made her sister a wedge Croc with bling on it. “It gave me so much joy to see my sister’s reaction”.
The Custom Black Biggie Smalls Crocs stand as a symbol of how hip hop has transcended musical boundaries to shape various aspects of culture, including fashion. Hip hop has always been a platform for self-expression and individuality, and these Crocs capture that essence flawlessly. They tell a story of an artist who defied norms, embraced his unique style, and left an indelible mark on both music and fashion. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, the Custom Black Biggie Smalls Crocs stand as a testament to the enduring influence of the genre. They remind us that hip hop is more than just music; it’s a cultural movement that continues to inspire and shape the world around us. So, if you’re looking to step up your style game while paying homage to an icon, these custom Crocs are the perfect choice. Slip into them and walk in the footsteps of a legend, making a fashion statement that resonates with the beats of hip hop’s past, present, and future.
Check out the clip of other crocs and bling by Kim and CLICK HERE to follow her on social media.
Supreme has announced a new colorway for its Air Force 1 Low collection. In the Fall/Winter 2023 lookbook, the brand confirmed the rumored “Baroque Brown” sneaker edition. The release is brown dominant and stamped with the red supreme logo on the outer heel.
NBA Youngboy is taking his talents to fashion, appearing as the new face of Supreme. In a new set of photos, NBA Youngboy is seen in various Supreme fits and even bringing in one of his kids for the photoshoot.
In the pair of photos, Youngboy wears a white Supreme tee and gives a menacing stare. The second, he dons a Black hoodie while holding his child’s hands. Additionally, he spells out Supreme in another picture. You can see the campaign images below.
In addition, NBA Youngboy will be the next Hip-Hop star to have an item with Rap Snacks. Details on what Youngboy’s snack will be are currently short, as the Rap Snacks official Instagram page offered a teaser announcement.
In May, NBA YoungBoy still delivered his Richest Opp project. The new release comes on the heels of Youngboy recently dropping his 33-track Don’t Try This at Home album. In addition, YoungBoy released the video for “Bitch Let’s Do It.”
Richest Opp is a 17-track album largely delivered by the rapper solo. Included in the album is “Fuck the Industry Pt. 2,” where Youngboy throws shots at Drake, Durk, J. Cole, Lil Yachty, and more. You can hear all of the album below.
Baby Keem’s Melodic Blue album has gone platinum, and he is gearing up to drop again. Baby Keem was on stage at the Osheaga Music and Arts Music Festival in Montreal when he announced new music was coming.
“New album coming soon,” Keem said as he left the stage. “I love you all, and until next time.”
Continuing their collaborative journey, Converse and talented 22-year-old artist and producer Baby Keem team up once again for an exciting campaign. Following the recent surprise release of his new single, “The Hillbillies,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, the partnership is gaining momentum.
Baby Keem showcases his creativity in this upcoming campaign by styling his beloved Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers, marking another milestone since he joined Converse’s esteemed roster of creatives last year. Joining forces with Converse places Baby Keem alongside an illustrious group of visionaries, including Tyler, The Creator, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Big Freedia, Alexis Sablone, Rick Owens, and more, who collectively contribute to Converse’s mission to Create Next.
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The duo of Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar are back, dropping off a new single and video for “The Hillbillies.” The new single is produced by EVILGIANE, and the two appear in a Neal Farmer-directed video. The video also features Tyler, the Creator.
Kendrick, the Compton Cowboy, opens the single with declarations from Dodger Stadium before teaming with Keem for a back-and-forth bounce of verses and infectious flows. You’ll also pick up the aura of Drake’s “Sticky” in the delivery. You can see the video and hear the single below.
Adidas reports a revenue of $437 million in the first release of leftover Yeezy sneakers from their nixed deal with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. The first run of shoes hit online in June, selling out. The second run began to sell on Wednesday.
The sale of the sneakers was the efforts to empty their inventory responsibly. After the first launch, CEO Bjørn Gulden said, “We will continue to carefully sell off more of the existing Yeezy inventory,”
Adidas has also announced the donation of over 10 million euros to groups like the Anti-Defamation League, the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.
According to Billboard, 20% to 25% of the stock was unloaded in the first sale.
Ye’s wife Bianca Censori is back in the public eye, spotted around Italy in a revealing bikini and no shoes. According to Page Six, Censori was meeting with Ye in Florence, Italy.
Paired with her bikini top and lack of shoes was a pair of black leggings and a thing silver scary. Her hair is currently in a short pixie cut.
As for Ye, he was spotted at the Balenciaga store in Italy before hitting a gelato shop.
In May, Ye was getting back in his design bag, revealing a new look, which is quite revealing.
Yeezy’s wife, Bianca Censori, highlights new designs, which aren’t too much in the material. Censori wears a black square over her breasts, and it appears Ye’s faith is in the design as a cross covers Censori’s butt crack. Finishing off the look is thigh-high kitten heels.
TMZ notes the designer of the modeled fit is Mowalola Ogunlesi.
Ye recently filing legal documents for the trademark of YEEZY SOCK SHOES. According to Hypebeast, Ye submitted the new design to the United States Patent and Trademark Office on May 4.
The application was filed by Ye’s Mascottee Holdings, Inc., stating the YZY SOCK SHOES will sell “Socks; socks with leather soles.”
Fans saw the YEEZY SOCK SHOES following his YEEZY SEASON 10 show in L.A.
Lil Baby and Foot Locker joined forces for the second annual Back to School Festival, bringing joy to local Atlanta youth ahead of the new school year. Held at the Foot Locker store in Westland Mall, Lil Baby, and Foot Locker donated over $300k worth of sneakers and other products to more than 1,500 students in the community.
The event was not just about material gifts; attendees were also treated to free haircuts from The Barber Shop II and enjoyed carnival-like games and activations, creating a fun-filled atmosphere. Additionally, the festival partnered with Goodr, an Atlanta-based B Corp dedicated to fighting food waste and ending hunger, to provide all attendees with nourishing meals from American Deli.
Lil Baby’s commitment to giving back to his hometown and supporting education continues to positively impact the lives of local students, ensuring they start the school year with smiles on their faces.
Jordan Brand is returning a mid-2000s classic, the Air Jordan 5 “Burgundy.” The sneaker will hit shelves later this summer, just in time to become an addition to your Fall sneaker rotation.
The “Burgundy” Retro 5 features a nubuck upper and “light graphite” accents across the upper snitching. The sneaker’s silhouette is accented the the “metallic silver” tongue and Jordan heel logo. According to Sneaker News, the “Burgundy” Jordan 5 will drop on Aug. 12 in full family sizing. You can see the sneaker below.
In honor of the vibrant Caribana festival, Nike is set to make history by re-releasing its highly coveted Nike Air Force 1 “West Indies 2” edition. This exclusive and limited-edition sneaker will be available only at Foot Locker Canada stores and select local boutiques.
Originally introduced alongside New York City’s West Indian Day Parade Carnival in 2002, the iconic Air Force 1 “West Indies” is making a triumphant return two decades later, coinciding with the joyous Caribana celebrations in Canada during July and August. The new version features an updated sock liner, boasting an expanded list of West Indian countries and a special 20th-anniversary emblem on the tongue. The design pays homage to its original, with a classic white AF1 base adorned with striking red, green, and gold accents.
Beyond the limited-edition release, Foot Locker Canada is taking Caribana festivities to the next level with exciting pop-up events and activations. Among the highlights are a Crocs x Caribana in-store event and a lively Nike community dance class.
The Air Force 1 “West Indies 2” will be available in unisex sizing from 3.5 to 13, retailing for 140 CAD. Sneaker enthusiasts can get their hands on this special release at select Foot Locker Canada stores, and it will be available online on Footlocker.ca next week.
LeBron James will one day have his jersey retired for his contribution to the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers’ owner Jeanie Buss revealed in an interview with Sportskeeda that King James’ jersey would one day hang with Shaq, Kobe, Wilt, Kareem, and Magic.
“The standard for having your jersey retired as a Laker is when a player is inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Buss said. “I have absolutely no doubt that LeBron will make it into the Basketball Hall of Fame. When he does so, then we will retire his jersey. Knowing that he will make it into the Basketball Hall of Fame, he will have his Lakers jersey retired, no doubt about it.”
Recently, LeBron James and his son Bryce hit the gym to work out, wearing USC gear saluting Bronny James. The photos from the hoop session also highlighted King James’ new sneaker, the Nike LeBron 21.
In a photo, Bron gives a side view of the sneaker and holds up the number “21” with his hands. Using Drake and 21 Savage’s “Rich Flex,” James showcased the sneaker, which you can see below.