The Evolution of 3D Denim – Introducing the Staq by G-Star

This year, G-Star welcomes the next generation of 3D denim with the Staq pant. Under the guidance of creative consultant Aitor Throup, the Staq has been engineered into a new 3D form through an innovative skeleton taping system. “We wanted to breathe life into the jeans, so that even when they're on the hanger they look like they're being worn,” says Throup on the idea behind the Staq.

Inside the seams of both legs runs a continuous tape – one on the out seam and another at the inseam – which is tacked at specific intervals to the jean’s denim shell. It’s this innovative method that produces the Staq’s namesake “stacking” effect. The Staq pant represents the intersection of classic chino tailoring and traditional denim elements.

2016 is also the year G-Star celebrates 20 years of the original 3D denim, the Elwood. It’s fitting that as well-being a year of celebration, it’s also one of new beginnings. The Staq jean sees G-Star herald in the next generation of 3D denim, and is available in-store and online.

Introducing the Nike Air Jordan 12 Retro ‘Flu Game’

The Air Jordan 12 Retro ‘Flu Game’ is one of the most exciting sneakers for the year. The sneaker was originally released in 1997, then again in 2003 and in 2009. The 2009 pair however didn’t meet the ‘OG’ standards as they were built with a nubuck upper that included detailing on the heel as a nod to the year and points Michael Jordan scored that day.

This year, the the ‘Flu Game’ finally returns as a remastered version for 2016 and will release just like they did when they were OGs. The shoe features a tumbled leather Black upper with basketball textured Varsity Red mudguard and outsole.

The Nike Air Jordan 12 Retro ‘Flu Game’ is available at selected retailers.

PS: During the 1997 NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz were battling it out for the Championship. During Game 5, Michael Jordan experienced flu-like symptoms that worried many if he was able to play. Despite feeling ill, he performed at his best putting down 38 points that game wearing the AJ 12 in the red and black colourway.

This sneaker is a MUST HAVE!!!

Sneakers Dropping This Weekend: New NMD’s from adidas Originals

adidas Originals will be dropping new executions of the popular NMD this weekend.

NMD_R1 WHITE

The debut adidas Originals NMD_R1 silhouette makes its triumphant return, this time stepping out in a full Primeknit construction in all white. The sleek design features the same technical welded tape overlays atop a white BOOST midsole with its signature blue and red EVA plugs that echo moments of innovation from the adidas archive. It’s the ultimate premium sneaker with iconic references to the legacy of the three-stripes.

The NMD_R1 WHITE will be available from 10am on Saturday, 28 May 2016 at AREA3, Shelflife, adidas own retail and adidas.co.za for R2999.00.

NMD_CS1 BLACK

Continuing with an aesthetic equally informed by function and fashion, the NMD_CS1's encore sees the sock-fit Primeknit textile upper rendered in a clean black colourway, which sits defiantly atop the full-length BOOST midsole with blue/black EVA inserts. Classic and progressive at once, the NMD_CS1 continues to set the new design standard for the brand with the three-stripes.

The NMD_CS1 BLACK will be available from 10am on Saturday, 28 May 2016 at AREA3, adidas own retail and adidas.co.za for R2499.00.

New Rihanna x PUMA Creepers Dropping Today

Rihanna's best-selling PUMA creepers are hitting the stores again in new colours. The PUMA Creeper continues to harness the music and fashion feel of the revolutionary punk era remixed with Rihanna’s style and PUMA’s deep sporting heritage.

Always bringing her personal touch and creativity to PUMA’s sports-inspired silhouettes, Rihanna continues to collaborate and add edge to classic styles. . The new drop includes two new premium suede iterations: the luxe Green-Bordeaux Creeper and the stunning Black Satin Creeper featuring an all over black suede with a touch of satin on the formstripe.

The Creeper was the first shoe curated by Rihanna for PUMA. A remix the iconic PUMA Suede with a little bit punk and a little bit rebel, it continuously sold-out since the style first debuted last year, setting the trend for platform sneakers worldwide with no sign of slowing down.

Available for men and women, The Creeper drops at PUMA SELECT stores in Cape Town (Bree Street) and Johannesburg (Braamfontein).

NIKEiD Launches Today in South Africa

Nike.com and NikeiD is launching today in South Africa, providing a ’24-hour-a-day store’ where we can shop Nike apparel, footwear and Nike+ services.

• Nike.com will offer Nike+ services including Nike+, NTC (Nike+ Training Club), NRC (Nike+ Run Club), and local insights into an active lifestyle from Nike’s running trainers.
• NikeiD will enable you to customise clothing, shoes, and accessories purchased through Nike.com.

Get ready to shop Nike products and to customise your favourite sneakers on Nike.com.

G-Star RAW: Celebrating 20 Years of Iconic Style in Cape Town

Last week Thursday (19 May 2016), fashion insiders, media and celebrities, converged at Arcade Café to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the iconic G-Star Elwood 5620 jeans. The original 3D constructed denim by G-Star RAW was introduced in 1996, invented by Head Designer Pierre Morisset after finding inspiration from a passing motorcyclist in the South of France.

Fusing high-level craftsmanship with street level edge, the event was themed to suit G-Star’s positioning of raw, untreated denim as a wearable and desirable material. Presented through an installation with product hanging from the ceiling and displayed on light-up plinths, G-Star showcased the recently launched Footwear collection and apparel highlights. Including their next generation of 3D denim called the Staq (a hybrid of classic jeans and traditional chinos with an engineered stacking effect through unique internal tape system) and Pouch (utility inspired detail translated into a contemporary feminine hybrid - purse’n pants).

Entertainment was provided by the renowned GQOM music jock, DJ Lag, while Timo ODV ensured that guests had something to sing along to during his mind-blowing performance. Guest were treated to Arcade inspired canapes, which were nicely paired with Jack Daniels’ cocktails. Celebrities and influencers in attendance included; Katlego Maboe, Locnville, Chad Saaiman, Rosette Ncwana, Jade Hubner, Sechaba G, Khanya Siyego, Danillo Acquisto, Trevor Stuurman and Anelisa Mangcu.

The G-Star Elwood 5620 represents the core of the brand’s DNA, a symbol of innovation as the first design using the 3D Denim method of construction. Despite evolving with time to become one of the most recognized denim designs of today, the G-Star Elwood 5620 has retained the five key elements that make it instantly identifiable – its knee patches, 3D shaping knee darts, saddle patch, heel guards, and slanted thigh seams.

The G-Star Elwood, is available in G-Star stores and online at g-star.com. 

First Look: fragment design x NikeLab HyperRev 2016

Nike collaborated with Hiroshi Fujiwara (fragment design founder) on the innovative HyperRev 2016. Hiroshi is known for pushing boundaries in footwear. Following up recent projects like the fragment design x Nike Sock Dart and the HTM Air Max LD-Zero, Hiroshi is back with a fresh take on the HyperRev 2016.

The fragment design x NikeLab HyperRev 2016 pack comes in three colourways: black/sail, volt/white, and wolf grey/navy. With a selection of subdued and bold colourways, Fujiwara transformed the basketball silhouette into a sneaker that could easily be worn casually. "FRGMT" is printed across the forefoot strap as an added detail of the brand. A seamless sock-like opening aids in comfort and performance.

The fragment design x NikeLab HyperRev 2016 is now available at selected retailers.

Sneakers Dropping This Weekend: Nike Air Jordan 6 GS ‘Cool Grey’

This weekend the GS exclusive ‘Cool Grey’ Air Jordan 6 will arrive at selected retailers for kids.

The Air Jordan 6 GS ‘Cool Grey’ is dressed in a black, white and ‘cool grey’ colour scheme. The sneaker features a Black tumbled leather upper overlaying a grey nubuck underlay, with matching grey detailing on the on the back pull tab and midsole. The sneaker is finished off with white branding and an icy translucent outsole.

The Nike Air Jordan 6 GS ‘Cool Grey’ will be available from 21 May 2016 at selected retailers.

Sneakers Dropping Today: NikeLab ACG Lupinek Flyknit Low

Nike All Conditions Gear (ACG), released the Lupinek Flyknit, one of their exciting new sneakers for this season. The Nike ACG line consist of sneakers and clothing which is ideal for outdoor performance sportswear that has functional and casual appeal.

With the DNA of the popular Flyknit Chukka, the Lupinek features a rugged, stylish, and premium footwear option ready to battle the weather climate this season. Reinforced with zoned Vac-Tech leather mudguard wrapping the lightweight Flyknit upper, the textured paneling protects against abrasion and provides warmth. The sneaker also features a flexible yet rugged free-inspired sole unit cushioned with Phylon, to ensure a level of comfort.

The NikeLab ACG Lupinek Flyknit Low will be available from selected retailers.

First Look: Nike Roshe LD-1000 Premium Leather Pack

The Nike Roshe LD-1000 reinvents the popular Roshe silhouette with a retro look, which gets an upgrade through premium materials that create a versatile wardrobe staple.

The Nike Roshe LD-1000 comes in three different colourways: navy blue, black and grey. The sneaker features premium leather with suede overlays, all bearing the retro “Blue Ribbon Sports” branding in the foot bed. All three colourways are completed with a clean all-White Roshe sole.

The Nike Roshe LD 1000 Premium Leather Pack is available at selected retailers.

Call It Spring 2016 Collection Is Now Available On Zando

Zando joins forces with the ultimate shoe, handbag and accessories destination – the ever so coveted and internationally defined, Call It Spring. Strong in their Canadian roots, this fashion forward variety reflects up-to-the-minute trends with price-tags accessible to all.

Call It Spring whimsically slices through the market with its eternally youthful charisma and charming edge. This guy or gal is careful to remain playful yet distinctive and never predicable. The moto ‘Stand OUT while fitting IN.’

Envisaged through transnational runway flair with a contemporary twist, the Call It Spring 2016 Collection may be defined by two seasonal ‘must haves’ and three key themes which include:

• Polished Punk - black leather and metallic detail.
• Modern Vintage – an eclectic mix of exotic prints, folksy hues and worldly embellishment.
• Wild Kingdom – faux-fur lining and corset lacing, darker florals and shiny foils.

You can shop the Call It Spring 2016 Collection at Zando.co.za, with product prices ranging between R349.00 – R1149.00.

Sneakers Dropping Today: The Disc Blaze ‘Mystery’ by PUMA x Crossover

PUMA unveiled the Disc Blaze 'Mystery' – part two of a link up with Crossover, Malaysia’s premiere sneaker store.

The Disc Blaze 'Mystery' joins the Blaze of Glory ‘Roses’ (released earlier in 2016) in a luscious pack dubbed ”The Velvet Twin Pack”. Named 'Mystery' and 'Roses', the sneaker pack takes cues from the dark and satirical drama of films loved by Crossover founder Jem.

The 'Mystery' features a see-through Disc cap on a pitch black upper constructed of mesh, nubuck and suede. The white speckled black cage symbolizes the faint goodness oftentimes found in suspense dramas’ antagonistic character. A shot of pink on the heel tab symbolises the unpredictable behaviour of devious characters found in these types of films.

The Disc Blaze ‘Mystery’ drops exclusively at PUMA SELECT stores in Braamfontein, Johannesburg and Bree Street, Cape Town on 16 May for R2 499. 

Sneakers Dropping This Weekend: Air Jordan 10 ‘Chicago Flag’

Last week the Jordan brand dropped the Air Jordan 10 ‘Rio’, this week they will be dropping the cool Air Jordan 10 ‘Chicago Flag’. The Air Jordan 10 ‘Chicago Flag’ is part of this year’s revamped Air Jordan 10 ‘City Pack’ following Jordan Brand’s first debut of the ‘City Pack’ back in 1994-1995.

The sneaker pays homage to the city of Michael Jordan’s historic career.  This Air Jordan 10 is inspired by the city’s flag that comes dressed in a combination of White, Red, University Blue and Black colour scheme. The sneaker features a full white tumbled leather and smooth leather upper with red and light blue accents throughout, including on the rubber outsole. Finishing off the look is the name of the city “CHI” embroidered on the collar in the area of the traditional ’23/45′ number.

The Air Jordan 10 “Chicago Flag” will be dropping this weekend at selected retailers.

adidas Originals = Pharrell Williams Drop Bold ‘Pink Beach’ Collection Today

adidas Originals introduce ‘Pink Beach’, the range will offer a full wardrobe bearing Williams’ illustrated icons. Inspired by soulful, luminous vibes from sunny island spirit the collection brings to life Pharrell’s passion for music, art and fashion seamlessly combined with the Originals spirit.

The apparel garments for men and women feature a frequency close to the artist’s heart, 528HZ, 528 Hertz is a frequency that is central to the “musical mathematical matrix of creation.” More than any sound previously discovered, the “LOVE frequency” resonates at the heart of everything. It connects your heart, your spiritual essence, to the spiraling reality of heaven and earth.

The adidas Originals = PHARRELL WILLIAMS ‘Pink Beach’ collection is available from today, 12 May 2016, at adidas Originals stores, AREA3 and Superbalist.

PUMA and Dee & Ricky Are Dropping Their Second Dope Range Today!

PUMA’s second collaboration with Staten Island’s design duo Dee & Ricky Jackson goes in-store today (11 May 2016)!

Dee & Ricky's business began with Lego brooches and quickly won over the fashion world thanks to its bright and quirky style. The self-professed style curators’ brand new range takes a look inside their whimsical world where no colour is too bold and no detail is overlooked.  

Amongst others a few items featured in the second drop include the: 

AOP Tee (R799)

Dee & Ricky Tank (R899)

Dee & Ricky Backpack (R999)

Basket X Dee & Ricky CR yellow sneaker (R1499)

Basket Mid X Dee&Ricky CR red sneaker (R1599) 

PUMA x Dee & Ricky can be found at PUMA SELECT stores in Bree Street, Cape Town and Braamfontein, Johannesburg, as well as X–Trend, Madaiza and selected retailers nationwide.