Dave East, BIA, and Jessie and D’Lila Combs Join Foot Locker for 24-Hour Global Holiday Celebration

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As part of the retailer’s “Holiday House Party” marketing, Foot Locker staged 24-hour long holiday celebrations worldwide over the weekend at select Foot Locker shops, including Asia, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles. The 24-hour party featured live DJ music, talent appearances, gift-wrapping stations, gift card giveaways, and more for customers to enjoy while conducting their holiday shopping.

Foot Locker’s 125th Street shop in Harlem had an exclusive meet and greet with Harlem native and rapper Dave East.

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Rapper BIA, who participated in Foot Locker’s Christmas ad and was once a Foot Locker Striper shop assistant, hosted a private meet and greet with fans at Foot Locker’s Hollywood store in Los Angeles to celebrate the holidays.

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The renowned Combs twins, Jessie and D’Lila, attended Foot Locker’s LA store celebration ahead of their 16th birthday gala.

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Foot Locker celebrated its ongoing global holiday celebrations with a 24-hour-long holiday celebration in various cities across the globe this weekend. In NYC, rapper Dave East hosted a meet and greet at Foot Locker’s 125th Street store in Harlem, NY, while in LA, rapper BIA – who starred in Foot Locker’s holiday campaign – hosted a meet and greet at the Hollywood Foot Locker store. The stores featured holiday festivities like gift wrapping stations, shoe customization bar, hot chocolate, cookies, live DJ, and more. 

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Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Releases New BLACKOUT Collection

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Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack released a BLACKOUT product line to coincide with the release of the new AJ1 Low Black Phantom Sneaker.

The collection includes a wide range of illustrative t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and accessories.

The collection combines iconic designs from the brand with spray paint-inspired graphics and exquisite detailing. Prices for the collection range from $24 to $200, with sizes ranging from S to XXL available.

You can see the collaboration below.

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Available to shop on shop.travisscott.com

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Sneaker Studio FCTRY LAb Acquires $6 Million Fundraise; One of the Largest Investments in a Black Founder in 2022

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FCTRY LAb is a BIPOC-led, LA-based footwear prototyping lab and venture studio that aims to democratize sneaker production and open-source innovation for emerging and established designers and brands of all sizes. FCTRY LAb’s fundraiser for their launch on December 15th is one of 2022’s largest investments in a Black Founder.

The independent innovation studio was founded by the former head of Yeezy-Adidas Innovation Lab, Omar Bailey and the former Wall Street and private equity executive, Abhishek Som. The studio is based out of the U.S. to avoid supply chain disruptions and delays. This reduces product development time down to 1-3 months, which would otherwise fall at 8-12 months. 

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FCTRY LAb Co Founders Portrait

Much like the eyewear industry that borders monopolization, large sneaker corporations often hold on to an overwhelming majority of profits that are fueled by the creative vigor harnessed by minority designers, influencers and athletes. FCTRY LAb is working to change this reality by pushing for equity and transformative techniques that overthrow the mechanisms that made this truth possible in the first place. 

The original $6 million subdivision included a diverse array of venture capital firms, top professional athletes and a myriad of pedigreed angel investors. The Investors include the Co-Founder of Tinder (via Time Zero Capital), Co-Founder of WeWork, the West Coast Head of Warburg Pincus, and a consortium of NBA & NFL stars via Chicago-based Aurelien Capital.

Venture capital investment was led by the LA-based, Pay-Pal-backed Slauson & Co, with additional investment from Relay Ventures, Elysian Park Ventures (the private investment arm of the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group), Level One Fund & Fog City Capital amidst others.

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FCTRY LAb in Los Angelos

Omar Bailey helped transition the gap from trailblazing conceptual design into functionally wearable footwear during the $1 Billion revenue growth of Yeezy-Adidas. Bailey has developed footwear for entertainers and athletes such as Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, and Karim Benzema. With over twenty years of experience under his belt, he has also worked alongside culturally impressive brands like Supreme, New Balance, K-Swiss & Timberland. 

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Gucci to Open Milan Men’s Fashion Week in January

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Gucci is set to present the first stand-alone men’s collection in three years and the first lineup since the departure of creative director, Alessandro Michele. The show is set to take place just after the holidays at Pitti Uomo in Florence and then in Milan. Men’s fashion week runs from January 13th to January 17th.

The five-day event includes 72 events comprised of 21 runway shows and 31 presentations. Gucci is perhaps the most highly anticipated live show, which will open the season at 2 p.m. CET. The show will represent Gucci’s first exclusively men’s collection following  three years of coed runways. Though the brand has not yet named a new creative director, the bar remains high. 

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Italian fashion week is forecasted to reach a turnover of 96.6 billion euros this year, up 16 percent compared to 2021. This is a 4 percent increase against  previous estimates of a 12 percent increase year-on-year. Inflation has certainly played a role in fueling revenue growth as prices of end products have increased only 3 percent, entailing that the 16 percent gain in 2022 sales is to be attributed to growing volumes of fashion goods. However, 2023 predictions may read impractical due to volatility in the market and outside variables. 

U.S. exports have skyrocketed 54.1 percent in the first nine months of the year, comparable to China’s lower-than-expected growth in, which grew 18.8 percent. This deep dive into menswear, largely set in motion by Gucci’s stand-alone line is a new endeavor that holds great potential for fashion markets. Evolving, modifying, and experimenting with the fashion consumer is how many of fashion’s traditions are solidified. 

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Vans and Timberland Reveal First Collaboration

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Vans and Timberland are launching their first capsule collection together in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the former label’s iconic “Half Cab.” ‘Half Cab,’ first released in 1992 and Timberland’s sturdy ‘Euro Hiker’ boots were created in 1988. The original silhouette is most known for its firm construction that guarantees performance in cold-weather (great for metropolitan terrain trotters) and its clean earthy appeal. The duo is teaming up on an entirely new hybrid silhouette that’s half skate shoe and half hiking boot, dubbed the Vans Skateboarding x Timberland Half Cab Hiker.

The pair have described the collaboration to be “entirely unique” while still upholding familiarity. The ⅝ cut upper placed on top of a Euro Hiker boot outsole alongside two-tone round boot laces reflects that statement. The ‘Half Cab Hiker’ is made up of canvas, Timberland’s premium leather, and a ReBOTL™ lining made from at least 50 percent recycled plastic. The shoes also contain padded leather collars, rubber lug outsoles and dual iconography. The colorways available include Wheat and Chocolate/Olive. 

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In addition, the ‘Half Cab Hikers’ is a reimagined take on Timberland’s premium 6-inch Waterproof Boots born out of 1973. The Vans team modernized the shoe by taking inspiration from streetwear, workwear and skate aesthetics. The new model stays connected to the Vans aesthetic with an appearance of the signature checkerboard print. More developments can be seen in the all-black updates that mark the release of the Vans Skateboarding x Timberland 6-Inch Boot.

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Infusing the DNA and legacy of these footwear brands unveils a classic yet contemporary take on two treasured silhouettes. The Vans Skateboarding x Timberland collaboration launches on December 20 via select Vans & Timberland retail stores. The collaboration is also available on Van’s website and Timberland’s website. The Half Cab Hikers are priced at $160 USD while the 6-Inch Boot retails for $230 USD.

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Melody Ehsani Delivers New “Abstract Visions” Collection

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Melody Ehsani, designer and Foot Locker Women’s Creative Director, and global retailer Foot Locker are returning with the new “Abstract Visions” collection, available now.

Through their continued collaboration, Foot Locker and Melody Ehsani have created new style standards that aim to empower all wearers. Melody Ehsani’s “Abstract Visions” collection includes new pieces in a variety of vibrant hues and abstract designs. Sports-inspired silhouettes and gear are included in the new collection, which includes the Track Jacket, Chambray Corset Top, Chambray Baseball Top, Quilted Puffer Jacket, Quilted Puffer Skirt, Mock Neck Long Sleeve, Mini Puffer Bag, bucket hats, and more.

“The inspiration for this collection was brought on by abstract shapes and movements that are born in our thoughts and translated into patterns,” Melody Ehsani said of the collection. “I hope that all who wear this collection feel that they are a part of something bigger as we, together, illuminate a path forward and champion the strides made by women past and present.” 

Retailing for $18-$80, the Abstract Visions collection is available here. You can preview the collection below.

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Adidas Basketball’s 2023 Collection: Remember the Why

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Adidas Basketball is broadening their reach into luxury sportswear apparel with the unveiling of its ‘The 2023 Collection: Chapter 01’. 

This collection marks the beginning of the brand’s series of premium offerings and features luxury sportswear designed to deliver “style versatility – on and beyond the court.” This includes premium sweats, track pants, sleeveless shirts, and shorts in a muted palette.

Adidas Basketball’s latest film ‘Remember The Why’ highlights how Adidas prides itself on upholding “the Three Stripes’ revolutionary spirit and strips away the excess with a refreshing new palette for the game.”

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Distractions are a part of everyday life. From scrolling on handheld devices to the stress of cynics trying to knock us off our game, daily intrusions are embedded all throughout routines. Adidas writes, “We look for a way to reset; to find a little silence and focus on what matters most. In reality, it’s a journey spent rediscovering the moment we first found our Why—the reason we were inspired to begin with. It’s this spirit that drives the next chapter of adidas Basketball. Crafted to serve the modern athlete while building on pillars of the past, the new collection establishes its versatility by focusing on the essentials: form, function and color.” Eric Wise, Adidas Basketball’s global general manager, advocates the importance of connecting back with the source of passion that inspired us to do what we love in the first place. 

This collection transcends the scope of basketball as it reaches into the heart of all that basketball touches. Fashion, music and culture are all watered by the devotion found out on the hardwood. Adidas’ press release says, “In many ways, basketball has been a cultural catalyst on a global scale for over half a century; the lines between on-court performance and off-court style are blurred now more than ever.” This collection rests at the intersection of possibility. Modern design selections from colorways to oversized fit, all embrace the communities we each individually influence. 

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The ‘2023 Collection: Chapter 01’ offers time tested silhouettes  launching in ‘halo green,’ ‘metal grey’ and ‘cloud white’. It is available for purchase on the Confirmed App and at adidas.com/us/chapters-basketball, with prices ranging from $35 to $90 US dollars.

Chapter 01: Remember The Why by Adidas

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Supreme x Timberland Reunite With Shoe Partnership

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The highly sought after streetwear brand, Supreme, and New York’s adored footwear brand, Timberland, have reunited for three takes on Timberland’s iconic 3-Eye Lug Shoe. This collaboration follows the brand’s previous take on the latter’s epochal Field Boot in partnership with Major League Baseball, in particular the New York Yankees. 

From the pair’s heavily patterned FW21 collaboration, to a nineties inspired attire collaboration in the same year, Supreme x Timberland know how to spark buzz in many forms. This newest release is made exclusively for Supreme and serves to further the relationship with the outdoor footwear label. Today’s launch is not the brand’s first boat shoe. Initially, animal print interactions were created back in 2019. 

The capsule shoe collection is available in three bold colorways including black, pink, and green.

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The shoes are comprised of intricately woven uppers outfitted with a 360-degree lacing system. Additional detailing comes in the form of a leather lining and insole, debossed Timberland logo on the medial side, metal logo plate, and printing on the insoles. Elevating the shoe are thick black rubber lug outsoles that offer added height and a rugged ride. Naturally, Supreme’s signature red hue peeks through from the inner lining and sole of the shoe. 

The merging of Supreme and Timberland sheds light on a streetwear brand and a shoe brand that transcended beyond the confines of clothing and boots. Both of the brands offer integrated products and have mastered the art of storytelling, making them lifestyle labels. 

The model of shoe is highly versatile and functions well in a great deal of environments. Arguably the most adaptable item from the two brands collaborations, this shoe charms the masses in terms of popularity. The Supreme x Timberland collaboration will see a global release today, via the Supreme website on December 8, 11 a.m. EDT in the United States. The shoes are retailing at $198. 

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Snoop Dogg and Philipp Plein Celebrate New Sneaker Collaboration

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Snoop Dogg and designer Philipp Plein have joined forces with a sneaker collaboration. A combination of Plein’s gothic aesthetic and Snoop Dogg’s musical legacy are the focal points of this partnership. The two creatives are offering a sneaker in two styles: a black and gold colorway designed with a platform heel, patent black leather body and gold logo, as well as a purple, black and yellow colorway embellished with crystals, inspired by the Lakers. 

An intimate celebration transpired on Monday night inside “Chateau Falconview,” Plein’s Bel Air guest home. The main residence sat atop the winding road, sitting on 3.6 acres at a property reportedly worth $200 million. The gathering hosted numerous celebrities such as musician Tommy Lee. It wrapped around 10 p.m. with a giant sized cake replica of the purple sneaker. 

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Snoop expressed his brotherhood with Plein, which happened organically over time and started off with mutual fanhood. Growing up in Long Beach California, Snoop said, “Me and Philipp have been friends for a few years. We’ve done a few events together, some runway shows in different countries. We decided to come up with a collaboration, so I wanted to put my influence on a shoe, but I wanted him to perfect the show so I didn’t really have too much to do with creative as much as him and his team did, because I trust what they do. You can walk to it, dance to it. You can work out to it. You can wear it with pants, shorts, sweats. You can wear it with anything. It’s made for everybody.” 

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As Plein has stated before, he values the importance of “authentic” partnerships. Snoop has performed at previous Plein shows and both the rapper’s father and son have walked the designer’s runway. “It’s a family business,” expressed Plein. 

Snoop Dogg’s Plein Dogg collection is available at Plein’s stores and website.

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Playboy Launches First Solo Denim Venture

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Playboy has announced the official launch of their newest solo owned-and-operated denim endeavor. The line will feature 18 pieces in styles such as skinny, low-rise skater, high-rise, wide leg, flare jeans, straight jeans and others. Spanning both men’s and women’s wear, the styles come in washes including black waxed, camouflage print, pink stone wash and classic blue denim and are designed with Playboy’s well-known bunny logo. 

Though this is Playboy’s first solo denim launch, this collection follows the launch of their solo lingerie brand earlier this year. Previously, they have joined forces with retailers such as Amiri, Pleasures, Supreme, Pacsun and various others. The classic fabric staple known as a must-have in many closets coupled with the legacy of Playboy, presents a solid pairing. 

Ashley Kechter, group president of global consumer products at PLBY Group Inc., Playboy’s parent company said, “We’ve seen strong demand for Playboy-branded denim through our licensing collaborations and we’re excited to launch Playboy’s first owned-and-operated denim line in time for the holiday season. We look forward to continued expansion of our owned-and-operated business and will leverage these new product lines across the Playboy ecosystem, including through our robust creator network.” 

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Fashion’s evolution is all encompassing of the ecosystem that surrounds it. In order to stay suitable for new generations modern takes are necessary.  PLBY Group Inc. vice president of design Jason Mahler said, “We have utilized the recognizable brand codes of the Rabbit Head and Masthead logos — interpreting them, for a modern customer, through custom rivets and leather jacrons, embellished graphics, patches and prints.” 

As denim taps into the nostalgia of past style eras, it leaves room for innovation as the fashion gift that just keeps on giving. With an emphasis on adding value through quality and fit, the garment assortment is intended to merge heritage and coolness. 

Playboy’s denim offerings are available on the Playboy website and range in price from $80 to $110.

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