Sneakers Dropping Tomorrow: Nike Air Jordan 5 OG ‘Black Metallic’

The Air Jordan 5 OG ‘Black Metallic’ has been one of the most notable and popular releases to date, since 1999.

Featuring the classic black, fire red, metallic silver and white colourway like the last two released models. Black nubuck graces the uppers while the paneling have transparent mesh. 3M reflective material is used on the tongue tab while fire red fills in the Jumpman logo.

Metallic silver with a black speckled overlay fills in the fighter jet graphic on the midsole and a translucent tint is placed on the outsole.

The Nike Air Jordan 5 OG ‘Black Metallic’ will drop on Saturday, 30 July 2016 at selected retailers.

DFF Mentors Young Designer Hopefuls

The Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Mentorship Programme is gathering momentum as 21 young designers (from around the eThekwini Municipality) strive to learn all they can about the world of fashion. 

The DFF is a proudly eThekwini Municipality initiative developed to grow the fashion industry in the city and to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Scores of young designers put their names forward in November last year and 21 were chosen to take part in the programme. This includes working closely with some of the city’s top fashion gurus as well as their fellow designers.

The interns, who range in age from 23 to 35, are all currently working in the fashion industry. Selection was based on three pillars – creativity (which was judged on story boards), garment construction as well as business acumen (a traceable client base, business plan and business skills).

All the interns from this year will also see their work on the ramp at the Durban Fashion Fair later this year as well as some of them will be showcasing for the first time to the city’s fashionistas as well as buyers, suppliers and industry leaders and media all under one roof. According to Sindi Shangase, the Programme Manager for the Business Support Tourism and Markets Unit who has driven the DFF since inception in 2012, the mentorship programme is intended to train enterprising young designers in all aspects of the fashion business and prepare them and their collections for the DFF.

Programme mentors are G & D Apparel’s, Greg Wallis and respected Durban based designer, Terrence Bray. Bray will assist with orientation, choice of textiles, collection design and styling amongst other clothing related matters. Wallis will not only guide interns on orientation and textile selection but provide valuable information on manufacturing, brand management, costing and entering the world of retail. Guest lecturers from the industry will be invited to take turns in assisting in the development of these mentees.

The current interns are provided with different design briefs and assignments each week. They work in teams, selecting a team leader and critting each other’s work. They are also taught to build collections from start to finish. Additional modules will show these aspiring designers how to run their own successful businesses. When the programme concludes, one of these intern designers will receive a recognition award during the Durban Fashion Fair Awards on Saturday, September 3rd at the Inkosi Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

Over and above the mentorship programme, Woolworths South Africa have also come on board as a sponsor and will be providing the mentees with an additional challenge to form part of their curriculum. Winners of this particular challenge will be announced on Saturday, September 3rd at the Durban Fashion Fair Recognition Awards event.

The DFF will include 16 shows that will take place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from Wednesday, August 31st to Friday, September 2nd.

Tickets will be on sale at Computicket from Monday, August 1st. Prices range from R100 per person per show with students at R50 per student per show. Prices for the Awards show will cost R200 per person and students R100 per person.

Sneakers Dropping Today: Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Olympic’

Nike Sportswear has released a special edition Nike Air Foamposite One “USA” to celebrate the 2016 Summer Olympics Games and Team USA.

The model is considered a tribute to Team USA and is essentially treated in patriotic tones. White covers the distinctive molded upper, while pops of red embellish the inner lining, followed by hits of obsidian meeting across the tongue, laces and pull tabs to capture the respective theme.

Further details include its signature carbon fiber shank on the midsole, metallic gold accents are utilized for the lace tips and 1 cent logos on the rear as a nod to the first-place medals; all resting atop an icy blue translucent outsole.

The Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Olympic’ will drop today, 26 July 2016 at selected retailers.

First Look: adidas Originals Tubular Doom Primeknit

adidas Originals presents two new iterations of the untouchable Tubular Doom silhouette this season, blending the shoe’s fiercely progressive design with pure 3-stripes tech in the Tubular Doom Primeknit.

True to the uncompromising philosophy of the Tubular series, the Tubular Doom Primeknit features a wealth of technical considerations from an over-vamp footstrap and structural heel cage to an integrated 3-stripes lace system, finished with a full Primeknit upper for unparalleled fit and comfort. Available in the grey colourway with contrast white tooling, it’s a classic release of a trailblazing silhouette, blending groundbreaking 3-stripes design with essential technical details.

The adidas Originals Tubular Doom Primeknit will be available from Friday, 29 July 2016 for R2699 (prices subject to change) from various retailers.

Introducing the PUMA x Trapstar London 2016 Autumn/Winter Collection

For Autumn-Winter ’16, PUMA launches a collaborative collection with London-based lifestyle label, Trapstar. Teased in June with an exclusive PUMA Disc Blaze drop bearing the signature Trapstar “White Noise” graphic speckled sole, this season’s range includes footwear and apparel that combine street fashion, PUMA’s sports-inspired styles and the Trapstar crew’s passion for football.

As far as Trapstar is concerned, there is a star trapped inside everyone.  Forged from underground subculture, this London-based lifestyle brand – and its founders, Mike, Lee and Will – takes its influence from iconic cinema, photography, music, and contemporary art. Transcending the ethos of the brand through designs that follow true inspiration, not trends. Teaming up with PUMA, they remix their vision of streetwear inspired pieces with PUMA’s iconic sports silhouettes. Bold red hues, subtly contrasting details, and athletic elements update familiar designs while giving an edge to fresh apparel.

In the mix we have the return of court favorites, the Suedes (R1 799) though in a more simplistic approach, bearing the co-branded logo.

The collection’s apparel, which is a mix of jackets, tops and bottoms, sees a continuation of Trapstar’s underground routes crossing over with PUMA’s sportswear innovation.  PUMA x Trapstar Savannah (R3 399) is a breathable athletic style of jacket that stands out as a must have piece.  The original jacket has been reinvented with a premium football twist complete with transfer accents that are applied and laser cut for a bold effect.  This makes the style not only breathable; it also ties it in to its functional origins.  The hero jacket is available in a high contrast camo print, giving this essential city-exploring piece the Trapstar edge that when combined with the PUMA x Trapstar footwear, creates a strong streetwear inspired look.

Teaming a classic football kit with fearless street style, The PUMA x Trapstar Bib (R2 199) is a lightly padded vest that echoes the Trapstar identity with its tonal camo treatment.

The PUMA x Trapstar collection will be is available from August at PUMA SELECT Bree Street, Cape Town and Braamfontein, Johannesburg, X-Trend stores, Cop Capital, Shelflife and Madaiza.

First Look: NikeLab Air Zoom Spiridon ‘White’ Reflective Pack

NikeLab introduces the Nike Zoom Spiridon ‘White’ Reflective Pack which is now available in stores to buy.   

The all-white pair features reflective accents, hits of grey, and speckled detailing on the midsole. Finishing off the pair is what appears to be a hologram across the Swoosh.

The NikeLab Air Zoom Spiridon ‘White’ Reflective Pack is available at selected retailers.

Introducing the Hu NMD by Pharrell Williams and adidas

Designed for urban exploration without boundaries, the NMD fuses iconic adidas Originals DNA with breakthrough technology from today. For Pharrell Williams’ Hu NMD, an energy-returning white boost™ midsole meets a breathable and flexible Primeknit upper in yellow featuring a split ‘Human Race’ graphic resulting in a bold visual language.

This unisex model features a newly designed lace system, which goes through the cage of the stabilizer to create a moccasin type of feel, giving support as well as freedom right where it is needed. The result is a fearless updated shape for Pharrell Williams’ Hu NMD.

Hu is the beginning of a new creative concept for Pharrell Williams and adidas. Hu represents the idea of boundless strokes of humanity. The introduction of the yellow Hu NMD is an extension of Pharrell Williams’ vision to connect all people through adidas Originals with the common line of love, passion, excitement, energy and colour.

Only available in limited quantities this latest model from Pharrell Williams and adidas is completed by two sets of laces and an insole with a graphic designed by Pharrell Williams as well as the trefoil logo on the right heel tab and the partnership’s equal sign on the left heel tab.

The adidas Originals = PHARRELL WILLIAMS Hu NMD will be releasing on July 22nd at Shelflife Store in Cape Town.

First Look: Air Jordan 14 Oxidized Green

Made famous during the 1998 finals, the Air Jordan 14 came suited with breathable mesh vents on the outsole, dual Zoom Air units, an asymmetrical ankle cut and 14 Jumpman Logos. The shoe’s physique was inspired by a world class automobile – fitting to meet the needs of a world class athlete. Decades later, the Air Jordan 14 returns, staying true to an OG colourway.

The white, black, oxidized green, and legend blue embody the original in every aspect. This Air Jordan 14 sports a white leather upper with legend blue accents. The shielded Jumpman logo and ’23’ on the back feature an Oxidized Green colourway to finish off the classic look.

The Air Jordan 14 Oxidized Green is now available at selected retailers.

Introducing the adidas Originals ZX FLUX ADV X

adidas Originals presents a brand new addition to its groundbreaking ZX FLUX series — the ZX FLUX ADV X.

Building on the stripped design of the ADV model, the ZX FLUX ADV X pushes the envelope even further, introducing a number of contemporary touches to the futuristic silhouette.

An all-over suede construction is counter-balanced by a molded neoprene heel unit that evolves the signature ZX FLUX heel counter, while an integrated eyestay lace system and wraparound tongue offers the closest, most comfortable fit in the ZX FLUX series yet. Stepping out in three colourways, it’s a clean evolution of minimalist running design that has encapsulated the essence of ZX FLUX.

The adidas Originals ZX FLUX ADV X retails for R1899 at selected retailers.

Must Have: Letibalm Nose and Lip Repair Balm

We have been using Letibalm the past few weeks, and recommend it to everyone especially this winter season to combat dry and chapped lips.

Letibalm has been specially designed to care for lips, nose and the skin in between. Constant nose blowing and cold weather can result in the delicate skin between the nose and lips becoming dry, chapped and painful.

Letibalm is a gentle, restorative balm that moisturises dry skin, helps to repair chaps and cracks and calms irritation. It also creates a protective layer to prevent further damage. It is made with natural decongestants menthol and camphor, and will help with ease breathing as well.

Letibalm Paediatric (suitable for children 0 to 8 years old) and regular Letibalm (10ml liquid tube or a 10ml jar) are available at a recommended retail price of R70 at Dis-Chem, selected Pick n Pay stores and leading pharmacies.

Sneakers Dropping Today: Nike Hyperdunk 2016 Flyknit - USA Away

To celebrate the Summer Olympics which is taking place in a few weeks in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Nike brings us the The Nike Hyperdunk 2016 Flyknit USA Away edition in a patriotic-like colour scheme.

Dressed in a mixture of dark obsidian, bright crimson and photo blue. The sneaker also features large Swooshes across the heel unit, an extended sock-like collar for additional support and more blue accents gracing the flywire system.

The Nike Hyperdunk 2016 Flyknit - USA Away drops today and is available at selected retailers.

First Look: adidas UltraBOOST Uncaged with Colour

adidas gives BOOST™ a bold new look by introducing it in colour for the first time. Available in red and black, the highly anticipated colour update to BOOST offers runners a completely new aesthetic. The new colourways will make their debut alongside the iconic white BOOST midsole on Triple Red, Black and White versions of the latest drop from adidas, UltraBOOST Uncaged.

This evolution of adidas’s original UltraBOOST Uncaged is focused on offering runners a completely new aesthetic, as each component of the shoe is presented in the same colour as the BOOST midsole – giving runners a fresh new look on the streets.

adidas UltraBOOST Uncaged with Colour will be available, through the live raffle release mechanism starting at 09:30am at Shelflife Store in Cape Town and AREA3 in Johannesburg on Saturday, 16 July 2016 for a recommended retail price of R2599. Limited stock available and T&C’s apply.

Sneakers Dropping This Weekend: Nike Zoom Spiridon

The Nike Zoom Spiridon is a retro running shoe that was originally released in 1997. It remains as one of the most sought after Nike running shoes to date.

Consisting of breathable mesh and textile across its upper, the component bears a tricolour finish with grey prominent on the top, followed by black along its mudguard. Accents of white piping throughout further pronounce the profile, while more hits of black and grey are utilised for its exposed lacing system.

The Nike Zoom Spiridon releases for the second time on 16 July 2016, at selected retailers.

First Look: NikeLab WMNS Air Max 90 Pinnacle Venice/Violet

NikeLab’s ‘Pinnacle’ collection of premium constructions and stylish colorways for women’s retro sneakers continues to drop dope releases with the introduction of the Air Max 90 Pinnacle Venice/Violet.

The pair is luxuriously crafted from a mixture of premium materials and textures. The sneaker features Otholite sock liners, which makes it both soft and comfortable. It also has Phylon midsoles which offers a world renowned cushioning underfoot. The sneaker is now available to cop in the country.

Nike’s Comfortable ‘Sock Dart’ – Now Customisable via NIKEiD

The Nike Sock Dart originally released in 2004 and was one of the first Nike shoes to feature knit uppers. The Sock Dart returned in late 2014 in fragment design collaboration releases and in 2015 began releasing in general colorways. Now in 2016, you have the option to customise a pair through NIKEiD to your own liking, with various options. Click here if you fancy a pair!

First Look: adidas NMD Blackout/Whiteout Pack Which Drops On Friday

adidas Originals celebrate the runaway success of their NMD series this month with the release of the Blackout/Whitout Pack. The release includes both the NMD Runner and the NMD Sock silhouette. The sneakers in the release features a crisp black or white colour palette with multi-lingual printed details throughout.



Signature details — such as the NMD Runner’s TPU heel unit, the NMD City Sock’s panel tape and the NMD’s signature EVA plug inserts — are rendered in tonal colours, finished with the shoe’s essential BOOST sole unit. Crisp, concise and true to form, it’s a softly-spoken celebration of 2016’s most groundbreaking footwear silhouette.



The NMD Blackout/Whiteout pack will release on Friday the 8th of July through a live raffle where you can stand a chance to purchase a pair of NMDs by joining the queue at various selected retailers by 09h30 am as the draw takes place at 10am.

Introducing the G-STAR RAW Research Collection by Aitor Throup

G-Star RAW collaborated with Aitor Throup on the RAW Research collection. Focused on experimenting with product design by clashing tradition and innovation, Throup led the G-Star RAW team through a process based largely in experimentation and exploration to find new ways of crafting denim. Thus resulting in the first RAW Research collection which explores the two polar opposite states in the life of a denim garment, using the same Italian selvedge denim fabric for every single piece. On one extreme: rigid, untreated raw denim, on the other: bleached-white denim where only a hint of indigo remains.

The collection consist out of 20-pieces and notable details include: a bleached version of the Rackam 3D tapered jeans and the Rackam bomber (a jacket that can be taken off yet remain attached to the body through an innovative strapping system).

The entire collection was produced at G-Star RAW’s internal innovation laboratory at their Amsterdam headquarters.

Introducing the Air Jordan 12 GS ‘Hyper Jade’

The Air Jordan 12 GS ‘Hyper Jade’ is a Kids size exclusive!

The sneaker features a full black nubuck upper that includes Hyper Jade contrasting accents on the inner liner, back heel tab, textured overlay and rubber outsole. Finishing the sneaker off is hints of metallic silver detailing.

The Air Jordan 12 GS ‘Hyper Jade’ is now available at selected retailers.

Sneakers Dropping Today: Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Classic Leather

Kendrick Lamar and Reebok collaborated on the Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Classic Leather, which drops today! The sneaker theme is a gesture to the Los Angeles rivalry of the Bloods and Crisps gangs.

The Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Classic Leather features plush grey suede throughout the upper with one sneaker featuring red accents and the other sneaker, blue accents. The sneaker’s stitching runs down the middle, which can be interpreted as the rivalry between the two gangs and uniting them as one.

The Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Classic Leather is available at selected retailers.