Rihanna Honors André Leon Talley During Super Bowl Halftime Performance

Rihanna Honors André Leon Talley During Super Bowl Halftime Performance

Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance featured the announcement of her pregnancy, but it also featured a tribute to late Vogue legend André Leon Talley.

Near the end of her performance, while performing “Umbrella,” Rihanna put on a red leather, floor-length, Alaïa puffer jacket. Page Six notes the jacket resembles Talley’s signature scarlet Norma Kamali sleeping bag coat. Talley’s official Instagram page also celebrated the moment by using Umbrella lyrics: “When the sun shines, we’ll shine together. Told you I’ll be here forever… said I’ll always be your friend.”

Talley died in January 2022. According to GQ, his cause of death was a heart attack but a longtime friend said he passed away of COVID complications and had underlying health issues related to his weight. Talley was often considered a trailblazer and prominent voice for advocating for diversity in the global fashion industry. Frequently seen in giant, flowing robes, the beloved ‘Godfather of Fashion’ was a true force to be reckoned with.

Talley first joined Vogue in 1983 as its fashion news director, and subsequently became the magazine’s first African-American male creative director from 1988 until 1995, working closely with editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

In 2020, he published The Chiffon Trenches, a memoir about his life. The book chronicles his life from his childhood in North Carolina to his coverage of the biggest fashion trends in New York and around the world.

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Reebok Creates ‘Pump Universe’ Out of Most Historic Lines of Sneakers

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Reebok has released “Pump Universe,” a revisionist footwear collection that reimagines its most iconic historical sneakers, on the 32nd anniversary of Dee Brown’s historic ‘no-look’ dunk contest performance that launched the brand’s “Pump” technology into prominence. “Pump Universe” volume one, starring Question Pump and Shaq Victory Pump, will be available on Reebok.com and the Foot Locker family of brands on Feb. 17. Reebok.com now sells the “Pump Universe” Legacy Lifter III Pump.

What if Reebok’s game-changing “Pump” technology was included into all of its shoes? What if the Blacktop series was about tennis? What if Club C 85 was truly released in 1995? “Pump Universe” will investigate these other realities in two chapters.

“Pump Universe” chapter 1 rewrites the history of Allen Iverson’s trademark Question and the training staple Legacy Lifter III, while Shaq’s signature Shaq Attaq crosses over to the tennis court, led by the introduction of Pump technology to three essential Reebok sport and training models.

Throughout the collection, “Pump Universe” design identifiers include a new “RBK” logo, a unique peeled-back Pump ball, hybrid athlete brand logos, and more.

Descriptions of each release and the supporting imagery are below.

Question Pump (H06496, $180): What if Allen Iverson was a dunk contest champ? This is the shoe he would’ve worn. Question “Pump” brings high-flyer energy to AI’s signature rookie model from ’96 with an imaginative Pump Omni Zone II-inspired upper and a hybrid “Q” x Dee Brown no-look dunk logo.

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Shaq Victory Pump (H06494, $180): What if Shaq battled Michael Chang at Wimbledon?​In this alternate reality, Shaq’s first signature basketball shoe from ’92 is rewritten for the pitch with a blended Shaq Attaq and Court Victory upper, Court Victory midsole and outsole, new “RBK” branding, and a revised Shaq tennis logo.

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Legacy Lifter III Pump (HR0428, $220): No two feet are alike. Whether three pumps or ten, PUMP technology applied to Legacy Lifter III offers a customizable and locked-in fit ensuring confidence when it’s needed most, before stepping up to that big lift. Classic color blocking remembers Pump’s past, while an innovative mid-foot strap, injected TPU underfoot, and a rigid midsole together provide best-in-class support.

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Nike and The Shoe Surgeon Team to Create Special ‘LeBron 20’ Sneaker to Honor Becoming NBA’s Scoring King

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LeBron James’ historic night was capped off by a special gift from his Nike family, commissioned by THE SURGEON, waiting in the locker room. A one-of-a-kind sneaker made just for the King. The iconic LeBron 20 silhouette was created specifically to recognize LeBron’s recent achievement of surpassing Kareem Abdul-scoring Jabar’s record in NBA history.

The Shoe Surgeon was contacted by LeBron’s team and Nike Basketball to develop this particular bespoke shoe, which is sure to become a desirable collector’s item for sneaker connoisseurs and LeBron fans alike. This cooperation exemplifies LeBron’s effect on basketball and his dedication to creating memorable moments for his fans.

This limited edition shoe is created with the highest quality materials and boasts an authentic white croc top and a golden iridescent swoosh. The marble leather provides a luxurious touch, while the ice soles honor the date LeBron broke the record, and the XX Roman numerals on the tongue indicate 20, representing his 20th year in the NBA.

This isn’t the first time The Surgeon has made something unique for LeBron; their last shoe together cost more than $100,000 to commemorate the player’s achievement of 30,000 career points.

You can get a full glimpse of the sneaker below.

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In the third quarter of the Lakers’ Tuesday night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Bron elevated over the Thunder defense to drop in a fadeaway jumper and capture the record.

After getting the bucket, the game was paused, allowing King James to celebrate with his fans and close friends. Bron would also deliver a speech at the moment to the Lakers fans.

“I write ‘The Man In The Arena’ on my shoe every single night from Theodore Roosevelt,” James said to ESPN in postgame. “Tonight, I actually felt like I was sitting on top of the arena when that shot went in, and the roar from the crowd. I’m not sure if I would be able to feel that feeling again, unless it’s a game-winning Finals shot.

“Everything just stopped. It gave me an opportunity to embrace it and look around and seeing my family, the fans, my friends. It was pretty cool. I probably can count on my hands how many times I have cried in 20 years, either in happiness or in defeat. So that moment was one of them when I kind of teared up a little bit. It was ‘I can’t believe what’s going on’ tears.”

The moment was christened with a passing of the torch moment from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to James. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was also present for the moment.

Inside a sold-out Staples Center was Denzel Washington, JAY-Z, Bad Bunny, LL Cool J, Dwyane Wade, Magic Johnson, and more.

Unfortunately, the Lakers lost the game, but they will look to rectify that on Thursday when they host Giannis Antentokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

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Beyoncé’s Ivy Park Sales Considered ‘Weak,’ Have Sales Drop of Over 50% in 2022

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Beyoncé’s Ivy Park clothing line is not having nearly the demand that her concert tickets are.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Queen Bey’s partnership with Adidas has “weak sales,” resulting in a $200 million deficit in the annual projects for the sportswear giant.

In 2022, Adidas projected Ivy Park to hit a mark of $250 million in sales. Instead, the brand only made $40 million, a drop by over 50%. The Ivy Park brand is a loss for Adidas, which also has to pay $20 million annually to the Renaissance hitmaker.

The deal tying Beyoncé to Adidas is set to end in 2023. The brand is publicly referring to the partnership as “strong and successful.”

“We continue to be inspired by our collective vision and are proud of the work we have created together,” the company said.

Ivy Park made its debut in 2016, featuring running shorts and other athletic wear, bags, and accessories. Beyoncé took sole control of the brand in 2018, entering the partnership with Adidas in 2019.

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Adidas Quietly Shuts Down Yeezy Supply Website Months After Ending Partnership With Kanye

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Adidas has finally shut down the YeezySupply website, finalizing the end of their partnership with Kanye West. The move comes months after the footwear company ended their partnership with Ye after his anti-semitic tirade last year.

While the link to the website is still searchable, the URL no longer directs users to a functioning domain. Instead, users are given an “error” message.

While the website may be gone, Adidas is reportedly sitting on half a billion dollars worth of Yeezy inventory. After they announced the end of their partnership with Ye, Adidas Chief FInancial Officer Harm Ohlmeyer said that Adidas would be releasing the Yeezy stock as early as 2023 but without any Yeezy branding, despite the branding on the shoes being minimal, and in some cases, unnoticeable.

“Let me be clear, we own all the IP, we own all the designs, we own all the versions and new colorways,” Ohlmeyer said. He added that Adidas would be saving $302 million in marketing and royalties since they no longer have to pay the Yeezy business.

Despite being stripped of his billionaire status, Ye seems relatively unfazed by being dropped by every company he was partnered with. He has been relatively quiet since only dropping a couple of songs not on DSPs and being caught in videos arguing with paparazzi.

Despite the ending of his partnership with Adidas, Ye still owns the Yeezy name and still has s dedicated fanbase that is eagerly waiting for him to drop new apparel.

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Rap Supergroup Mount Westmore Drops New Apparel Collection

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Mount Westmore, an American hip-hop ensemble, will collaborate with Forever 21 to launch a new apparel collection. Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, E-40, and Too Short are California-based rappers who embody the Golden State’s rich cultural history and variety. Five gender-neutral pieces are included in the collection, including a jacket, sweatshirt, and a range of shirt designs. The collection includes the classic Mount Westmore emblem as well as special design elements that pay homage to the band’s California heritage.

Forever 21, which was founded in California as well, is thrilled to cooperate with Mount Westmore to deliver this one-of-a-kind collection to music and fashion fans all around the world. The line is available in sizes ranging from small to XXL, with prices ranging from $27.99 to $59.99. Beginning February 2, the limited-edition collection is available for purchase at select Forever 21 retail locations, on Forever21.com, and on the mobile app.

You can see the collection below.

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Converse Announces Celebration of Black Joy for Black History Month

Converse announced Black Joy, a collective commitment to promote Black voices while also celebrating joy, freedom, and diversity of experience, in honor of Black History Month. Black Joy, like the Mi Gente project, demonstrates the brand’s year-round commitment to serving its loyal communities and helping the next generation of creatives.

Converse is now focusing on expanding access and opportunity within the company and community to celebrate Black heritage and express Black Joy in all forms, via ongoing collaborations with creatives and community organizations that foster youth leadership and innovation. Converse has given approximately $3.7 million in grants to the Black community since 2015.

In addition to the Black Joy pledge, Converse is releasing a new line in honor of Black History Month. This year’s collection focuses on the healing, freedom, and joy that can be discovered by immersing oneself in nature. The 2023 Black Joy line, designed by Converse’s Black colleagues, reimagines well-known sneaker styles and classic-fitting gear. The new collection includes the Run Star Motion CX, Chuck Taylor All Star, and Chuck Taylor All Star Construct—the Chuck Taylor family’s newest cupsole shape inspired by 80s court shoes. Apparel options include an Oat Milk Classic Tee with a colorful, outdoor-inspired center graphic, a Floral Camo Classic Hoodie, and a Women’s Crew Pullover in Dark Obsidian with a botanical camo pattern.

You can see the collection below and learn more about how Converse is amplifying Black joy, creativity, and heritage here.

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West Coast Supergroup Mount Westmore Debut Collaboration With Forever 21

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West coast hip hop veterans and California-based rappers Snoop Dogg, E-40, Too Short, and Ice Cube surprised fans in 2020 when they formed the group Mount Westmore. Their debut album, titled Snoop, Cube, 40, $hort, officially released in 2022.

Now the supergroup is back with a surprise collection with Forever 21.
Each member is implanted in the Golden State’s rich cultural history and diversity. The new collection features five gender-neutral pieces, including a jacket, sweatshirt and a variety of shirt styles. All items in the collection feature the iconic Mount Westmore logo, as well as custom design elements that pay tribute to the group’s California roots.

Check out the collection below.

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The limited-edition collection will be available to purchase starting on February 2 at select Forever 21 retail locations, on Forever21.com and on the mobile app.

CLICK HERE for more info.

Forever 21, also founded in California, is proud to collaborate with Mount Westmore and bring this unique collection to music and fashion fans around the world.

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Drake’s October’s Very Own Teams with NFL for New Apparel Collection

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Drake’s October’s Very Own has teamed up with the NFL to deliver the OVO® x NFL co-branded hoodies, tees, and jackets. The capsule collection is made for the superfans to rep their teams in style.

Lil Wayne models the new collection for the Green Bay Packers and Benny the Butcher for his hometown Buffalo Bills.

Jevon Holland, a safety for the Miami Dolphins, and Neville Gallimore, a defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys, both from Canada, will also highlight the collection on their social media accounts to highlight the partnership’s Canadian roots.

The limited-edition line will include t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets co-branded with the emblems and colors of a few NFL teams in addition to the recognizable OVO® owl emblem.

The collection will be available for purchase starting on February 3 at NFLShop.com, NFLShop.ca, and via OVO® in-person and online at octobersveryown.com.

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June Ambrose Teams with PUMA to Launch Co-Branded ‘Keeping Score’ Collection

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Keeping Score, the first co-branded collaboration between PUMA and Creative Director June Ambrose will be released. This new collection honors Ambrose’s career and legacy in hip-hop and fashion, examines the concept of reflection and encourages women to keep track of their victories.

The 20-piece clothing, footwear, and accessories collection will be released in two parts. The initial drop, which will consist of ten pieces in a rich burgundy and blue colorway, is available now.

The initial product release includes reversible shorts and beanies, a removable mesh jersey sports bra, a balaclava, color block leggings, and an oversized sweatshirt, all while staying loyal to her priority of fusing fashion with function. The Hood Hall of Famer tee and the runaway maxi to midi skirt are standouts. This drop will also include new versions of the iconic Ralph Sampson sneaker and the design-forward Prevail sneaker.

June continues to be a blueprint for all generations of women, stressing the value of honoring oneself, from the dominance of streetwear and sneaker culture to the inflow of hip-hop into high design. June’s objective has been to showcase and inspire women since joining the sportswear brand in 2020 as the Creative Director for the Women’s Basketball category, recognizing that life is a team sport and that we all play to win.

Ambrose says the designs are to “only compete against the best versions of themselves; our gives are our gets. Let’s make this year count, let the cook begin Keeping Score.”

Keeping Score, which retails for $30 to $200, is now available globally on PUMA.com, in PUMA stores, and at select retailers. You can see the pieces below.

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