Wacky Collages for adidas Originals Gazelle

Since the 1960s the Gazelle has existed in many forms and is undoubtedly one of the most classic three-stripe icons. This season Gazelle will reclaim its position amongst the classics with a celebrated launch of the archival ’90s style.

Gazelle’s history is made from the fabric of re-appropriation; a legacy carried through style tribes from mod scenesters to the reggae crowd, from the brit-pop crew to the 90s minimalists. At each space in time, it marked a change in creative ownership.

Gazelle retails for R1299.00 from selected retailers.

PUMA Elevates Its Court Classics With The Suede And Basket Platform Sneakers

PUMA is reintroducing the classic PUMA Suede and Basket by combining it with a fashion and street lifestyle twist.

These iconic PUMA silhouettes are redefined this season with brand new treatments completed by an edgy stacked sole. First on the line up is the tone-on-tone Suede Platform Gold (R1 999), decked in ultra-luxe suede in white and black colourways paired with chic gold accents elevating the classic to street-style sophistication.

Next on the rotation is the Suede Platform (R1 999) with a lush suede upper in striking prime colours of black, blue and red.

Giving a dose of disco is the Basket Platform Metallic (R1 999), available in shiny numbers of gold, copper and silver.

The PUMA Suede and Basket Platform range is sure to elevate your style for every occasion. Each silhouette can be perfectly teamed with your favourite track pants or worn on the streets with distressed jeans.

The Suede Patform is currently in-stores with the Basket Platform Metallic and Basket Metallic tip available from October at selected retailers nationwide.

G-STAR RAW Collaborates With Eva Shaw & Afrojack On A Dope Collection

Following their recent eyewear collaboration, G-Star RAW has once again joined forces with superstar DJs and producers, Eva Shaw and Afrojack. The result of their second partnership is a men’s and women’s capsule collection. Both these collections are heavily inspired by their personal style and aesthetic. Combing sexy, street style, functional and “raw”.

Eva’s collection is influenced by her signature silhouette, the collection revolves around her go-to outfit: skinny jeans, a cropped top and bomber jacket. The capsule’s color palette combines black, white and bottle green; all coming together to deliver fresh fall essentials – perfect for festival season and beyond. Eva Shaw and G-Star RAW share an affinity for pushing the boundaries. “The collection reflects what I believe women should feel; both empowered and sexy at the same time" says Eva on the second partnership with the denim brand.

Afrojack’s collection is an urban-inspired take on American sportswear classics, the capsule also features crew neck T-shirts (with short, three-quarter and long sleeves), a sweatshirt, hoodie and of course – a trucker cap: Afrojack’s accessory of choice. Strong, clean graphics centering around the letter ‘A’ appear in the form of high density rubber artworks on shirt fronts and sleeves. Says Afrojack on the collaboration: “Together with G-Star we created pieces that are an extension of who I am. The collection consists of styles I can easily wear performing and traveling.”

As the collections fall during the 20th anniversary of the Elwood 5620 jeans, a super-skinny version of the iconic denim (in both distressed bleach and coated black) was the perfect starting point for these capsule.

The G-Star RAW x Eva Shaw and Afro Jack collection is available at select G-Star stores and online.

The adidas Originals = PHARRELL WILLIAMS Hu drops on Thursday

Pharrell Williams and adidas team up again on the debut of ‘Hu’, a collection of shoes that explores humanity and celebrates cultural diversity around the world. Hu represents Pharrell’s vision of connecting people through love, passion, energy, and color.

 
‘Hu is short for human – human being, human race, humankind,’ said Pharrell. ‘But Hu, itself is also a reference to color. As human beings, we all have a color. We all look different, we all speak different languages, but we’re all connected.’
 
Building on the limited-edition NMD that launched in July, Pharrell and adidas return with a diverse range of full-color footwear. Celebrating a spirit of equality, acceptance, co-existence and understanding, the collection features flags, stripes, and translations of the phrase ‘Human Race’ in English, French, and Japanese. Pharrell sums up the collection’s message simply: ‘I play for the human race.’

With the launch of Hu, Pharrell looks to shine a spotlight on communities around the world, sharing stories and traditions of humanity. In this first collection Native Americans from North Dakota invited Pharrell into their community to share their stories of compassion and culture, carrying on traditions of language, prayer, celebration and knowledge from one generation to the next.

Footwear follows the precedent set by the yellow NMD trainer debuted in July 2016, but now offers 5 new colorways: scarlet, black, sharp blue, green, and tangerine. The shoes feature adidas Primeknit™ uppers, energy-returning white adidas Boost™ midsoles, and a breakthrough lacing system in which laces are woven through the stabilizer of the shoe’s cage, offering both support and freedom. The shoe also boasts an internal toe cap for a unique shape and a new modernized curved collar. Each color is printed with its own split slogan, such as “Hu Race,” “Human Species,” or “Hue Man.” Instantly eye-catching with their bold visual language, these pieces form the foundation of the adidas Originals = PHARRELL WILLIAMS wardrobe for the coming season.

adidas Originals = PHARRELL WILLIAMS Hu drops Thursday, 29 September 2016. The release will take place through an online raffle system on Area 3.

FENTY x PUMA by Rihanna Spring/Summer 2017 Collection to be Presented at Paris Fashion Week

PUMA and Rihanna announced that the Spring/Summer 2017 FENTY PUMA by RIHANNA collection will be presented in Paris during Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday, 28 September. Fresh off the heels of her anticipated Autumn/Winter 2016 in-store launch earlier this month, this Spring/Summer 2017 season will be presented to buyers, press, influencers and the world in a unique, intimate and very different way befitting of the collection’s direction, style and its namesake Creative Director. TIDAL X: RIHANNA will offer fans worldwide front row access to view the collection via an exclusive livestream presented by global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL.

Two presentations are scheduled at 7:30 and 8:30 pm CEST, both of which will be streamed live by Tidal – members and non-members alike will be able to view the events on FENTY.TIDAL.COM and via Tidal’s App. Viewers of the livestream will have access to exclusive interviews and behind the scenes content presented throughout the evening.

Rihanna’s first full collection launched on 6 September and new fashion introductions will arrive in stores throughout the rest of the month, into October, November and December. The Spring/Summer 2017 collection will arrive in stores in late February and includes footwear, apparel and accessories for both men and women.

Cara Delevingne Is The New Face Of PUMA’s ‘DO YOU’ Women’s Campaign

PUMA launched their women’s campaign ‘DO YOU’ which aims to inspire confidence in women everywhere. As part of this campaign, PUMA announced they will be working with international model, actress, and activist Cara Delevingne. She joins PUMA’s growing list of influential female ambassadors including Rihanna, who served as the campaign’s Creative Director.

'To ‘DO YOU’ is to take ownership of yourself and finding the power within that ownership —it's a very powerful statement,” says Cara. “It's about accepting who you are, no matter your faults.  ’DO YOU’ is about finding your truth and sticking to it. I think it's so special because it means something different for everyone.  It specifically encourages people to be themselves.'

Cara embodies the PUMA Woman. She is fearless, always finding new ways to express herself and use her body as a catalyst for conversation. Her unapologetic attitude and inspiring defiance of the status quo will set the tone for this campaign. She leads the pack of strong women appearing in this campaign, including Mimi Staker and Olivia Boisson of the New York City Ballet, German track and field athletes Alexandra Wester and Tatjana Pinto, and Cuban volleyball players Leila Consuelo Ortega Martinez and Lianma Flores Stable.

The campaign was inspired by Rihanna who once said 'I dare myself to make things work. I don’t do things for the response or controversy. I just live my life.' The campaign inspires women to stay true to themselves, make their own rules, and never take ‘no’ for an answer. It creates a conversation that encourages women to be confident, motivated, and never willing to compromise on anything from their personal style to their workouts to their life. Given Rihanna’s own belief on this message, it made perfect sense to bring her on board with PUMA to creative direct the campaign featuring Cara.

The ‘DO YOU’ campaign launches this month with a cross-category product assortment dropping through October from PUMA’s Running & Training and Sportstyle collections. 

The YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 by adidas Originals and Kanye West Drop This Weekend

In 2015, the YEEZY BOOST 350 changed the game. This September, Kanye West and adidas Originals introduce a bold evolution of this style. The world’s most influential and sought-after shoe debuts with a flash of color, as first seen at the epic YEEZY SEASON 3 presentation at Madison Square Garden during New York fashion week in February 2016.

Redesigned yet true to its roots, the YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 is crafted with beautiful, premium materials that infuse adidas’ technology with Kanye West’s unmistakable aesthetic. The 350 V2 makes an audacious play for color with an upper composed of Primeknit in three impactful hues of yarn. A streak of solar red bears the mark ‘SPLY-350’. A semi-translucent rubber outsole and TPU sidewalls create a striking effect while providing superior traction.

The YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 midsole utilizes adidas’ innovative BOOST™ technology to create a durable, shock-resistant, responsive sole. At the same time, the breakthrough Primeknit material leverages adidas’ most advanced digital knitting techniques to fit like a second skin. Featuring the distinct center stitching on its upper as well as the signature ribbed outsoles, the YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 pays homage to its predecessor.

The YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 will drop in South Africa on Saturday, 24 September 2016 and will retail for a recommended price of R3999.00 from AREA3, adidas Originals in Mall of Africa and Shelflife in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Black Coffee Signs His First South African Residency For Summer 2016 at Shimmy Beach Club

Cape Town’s hottest lifestyle destination, Shimmy Beach Club, has signed a new resident DJ for Friday nights throughout the 2016 summer season. Multi-award winning DJ and Producer, Black Coffee, will be hitting the decks live at Shimmy Beach Club, starting on Friday, 9 December 2016.

Voted as Cape Town’s hottest Club by Zomato, Shimmy Beach Club is headed by Group CEO Nicky van der Walt. This premier party venue balances the style of international party life and the laid-back atmosphere of Cape Town, making it a stylish venue to rival Ibiza’s beach club scenes.

Arguably the most prominent house music producer in Africa, Durban born Nkosinathi Maphumulo

known as Black Coffee, has released five albums under his record label, Soulistic Music. He was awarded a BET award for Best International Act: In Africa this year. In 2007, he became a household name in the SA DJ scene, firing up floors with his tribally infectious, vocal-laced beats. Additionally, he recently won 4 awards at the South African Music Awards (SAMA) including Album of the Year, Best Dance Album, Best Engineered Album and the International Achievement Award. In 2015 he was also awarded “Breakthrough DJ of the Year” in Ibiza and has been nominated again this year in the “Deep House” category for the 2016 DJ Awards.

Black Coffee’s penchant for true Afropolitan house: home-brewed but fresh and future-focused. The global superstar believes that the use of live instruments in a song is very important, as it brings the track to life. His fifth album, “Pieces Of Me” and the debut single “We Dance Again” (featuring vocalist Nakhane Toure) triumphantly hit the number 1 spot on iTunes and the album went on to reach double platinum status within 3 months of release.

Tickets will be available via shimmy.nutickets.co.za soon.

General Access: R175 p/p

VIP: R275 p/p (includes access to a private bar with limited seating)

To book VIP table bookings email tickets@shimmybeachclub.co.za or call 021 200 7778. The closest parking lot to Shimmy Beach Club is The Clock Tower parking, V&A Waterfront, with Shimmy shuttles running frequently between the venue and the parking. It is however recommended that partygoers make use of a reliable taxi service.

Sunstar GUM Soft-Picks Advanced – Comfortable and Easy To Use

Today, 21 September 2016, is National Oral Health Day in South Africa!

According to the South African Government: ‘two of the world's most common health problems affect the mouth – cavities (dental caries) and gum disease. Gum disease ranks second only to the common cold in terms of prevalence, with an estimated 90% of South Africans experiencing the problem at some point.’ It is therefore vital to pay extra attention to one’s dental routine and to practice good oral hygiene!

Dentist’s recommend we brush our teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day to help prevent gum disease and cavities. Since the beginning of the month, I have started to incorporate the use of Sunstar GUM Soft-Picks Advanced (especially after a meal), as part of my daily oral care routine.

The product helps to remove food particles and plaque between the teeth, whilst giving one’s gums a gentle micro-massage. Sunstar GUM Soft-Picks Advanced is comfortable and easy to use. The tapered synthetic rubber bristles are soft and feel gentle on my gums. Also, the bristles seem to slip effortlessly between my teeth.

Sunstar GUM Soft-Picks Advanced is easier and less annoying then toothpicks, It is available at Dis-Chem and leading pharmacies.

Sneakers Dropping Today: mastermind JAPAN x adidas Originals 2016

adidas Originals collaborated with mastermind Japan on two exclusive footwear silhouettes. Each shoe incorporates mastermind’s distinctive monotone colour palette and Skull & Crossbone motif into its design, creating a true symbiosis of two iconic brands.

The first silhouette, the MMJ_NMD_XR1 features a black Primeknit upper and a white Boost midsole. Mastermind Japan branding has been added on the tongue, side panel cages, and on the heel.

The second silhouette, the mastermind Japan x adidas Tubular Instinct features a black premium leather spread, with an enlarged skull and crossbones motif featured on the heel and an additional one on the tongue. The release also welcomes zip detail at the heel and comes equipped with black and white laces.

The mastermind JAPAN x adidas Originals 2016 collaboration drops today!

PUMA x STAMPD Return With Another Strong Collection

PUMA has once again partnered with STAMPD for the launch of its third collaboration. This latest collection from the two brands expand STAMPD’s 'Made to Make It' brand mantra, exploring the boundaries of fabric with inspiration cues from deep ocean blues to architectural structures merged with PUMA’s classic sport-inspired silhouettes.

Being unveiled in a two-part series, the collaboration will launch with the PUMA States shoe (R2 299), a new comer for the collaboration featuring the classic court style. The PUMA x STAMPD States sneaker is finished in high-quality Italian made tonal suede, with PUMA leather branding on the heel. The sneaker will be available in Black in keeping with STAMPD’s monochromatic and minimalistic style. Included in the first series is the much loved Blaze of Glory (R1 699) in Black and STAMPD Trinomic Sock (R1 699) in Star White.

To complete the look, the STAMPD and PUMA apparel line features both women’s and men’s styles.  The women’s apparel range includes 2-in-1 Tights (R999), a Cropped Bomber (R2 199), STAMPD Crop Top (R699) and STAMPD Drapy Top (R499).  Men’s style include the California culture inspired wave graphic Tee (R999) jand STAMPD Longsleeve Top (R1 199).

The first series from PUMA x STAMPD will be available from 20 September at PUMA SELECT stores in Bree Street, Cape Town and Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Madaiza and selected retailers.

Sang Woo Kim Fronts Rihanna's Latest Campaign for FENTY x PUMA

With the launch of Rihanna’s new FENTY x PUMA collection, South Korean model Sang Woo Kim front’s the campaign with a dynamic set of action poses. Shot by photographer Willy Vanderperre, the campaign focuses on the oversized outerwear and pants featuring premium fur constructions. Click here for more information on when the collection drops in South Africa.

Not To Be Missed! The Nerf Blaster Masters Bootcamp

South Africa’s coolest obstacle course challenge is on! The Nerf Blaster Masters Bootcamp is taking place on the 24th and 25^th of September at Jozi X in Bryanston, Johannesburg and it promises to be an epic experience for all Nerf fans.

For anyone not in the know, it’s Nerf of Nothin! With an impressive range of toy blasters, which fire soft foam darts, Nerf encourages active play providing a safe and fun, action-packed adventure both indoors and outdoors.

Nerf Blaster Masters is the ultimate test of your Nerf Blaster skills. Participants will be required to make their way around the course, overcoming challenges, testing their balance, aim and agility while nailing targets on the go with only their Nerf Blaster of choice to support them.

Spaces are limited but everyone who pre-registers on www.nerfblastermasters.co.za will be given the chance to conquer the obstacle course, which is designed to be completed by teams of three. The team with the fastest time will be crowned the Nerf Blaster Masters of the tournament on both Saturday and Sunday. Participants can enter as a team or as an individual but will then be placed in a team on the day. The Nerf Blaster Masters Bootcamp is a free event however pre-registration via the website is essential to participate. The Blaster Masters Bootcamp is open to anyone aged 8 + (however parental consent is required to enter).

You can expect a weekend of fun for the whole family at the Nerf Blaster Masters Bootcamp. With food trucks, refreshments and grand stand seating for all spectators. There will also be activities to keep kids of all ages entertained and most importantly a Nerf pop up shop with the latest Nerf blasters and gear.

For more information visit: www.nerfblastermasters.co.za. 

PUMA x Staple – Iconic Pigeon-inspired Design Rendered on PUMA Classics

PUMA and Staple have partnered up once again snagging iconic sneaker silhouettes and turning them into exciting all-new iterations. The collaboration brings you fresh takes on not one, but two styles. The result is a pure street worthy capsule range and a true fusion of what the two brands stand for.

The PUMA Suede x Staple pack bears a signature colour scheme of the Pigeon in grey, black, and white. On all three pairs, the entire heel has been "dipped" into the Pigeon Pink colour. A collaborative PUMA and Staple label sits on the tongue.

The PUMA Blaze of Glory x Staple features a combination of all Pigeon colour schemes with a texture play of suede and mesh inspired by the concrete jungle. Lending a touch of street to PUMA’s iconic Trinomic cushioning midsole, a speckled print as a contrast to the upper and gray laces printed with the same spattered pattern.

The Blaze of Glory x Staple and the grey Suede x Staple will be available from Saturday, 17 September at PUMA SELECT Bree Street, Cape Town and Braamfontein, Johannesburg and Shelflife stores for R2 699.

Introducing the Next Wave of #genNMD

In March, adidas Originals used the power of urban photographers and imagery to capture the spirit of urban exploration as #genNMD. This time around, they have collaborated with musicians and producers whom embody the creative spirit of urban exploration, as they use their cities as inspiration for raw creation.

adidas Originals collaborated with three progressive artists, Nomuzi, DJ Lag and Sebastian Zanassi, on a film series telling their stories and exploring how the sonics of their city inspire their sound.

Nomuzi Mabene

‘NMD resonates with me because I am literally a young women living in an urban world. The way my life is designed I am never really stagnant you know I live in Johannesburg but I could be performing in Cape Town or Harare or wherever my life and my work takes me.’

DJ Lag

‘I come from a city of style and culture and these two elements motivate me greatly to implement GQOM wave.’

i

Sebastiano Zanasi

‘To traverse different spaces means to learn about context, people and sound. These

are all insights to how people and the city co-exist and it’s these relationships that make

Cape Town a creative force in the world.’

You can also be part of the sneaker conversation by using the hashtag #genNMD

First Look: fragment design x NikeLab Tennis Classic AC RGB Pack

fragment design and NikeLab have turned to a silhouette that has been explored in great detail in recent months: the Tennis Classic. This release sees a three pair pack featuring one of Nike’s simplest silhouettes, decked out in a ‘RGB’ theme with red, green and blue color motifs.

The sneakers have its corresponding color printed on the heel with its letter on top in white, while the rest of the shoe is kept simple with a textured sole. Along the heel counter is an embossed fragment design logo.

The fragment design x NikeLab Tennis Classic AC RGB Pack will drop on Thursday, 29 September 2016.

First Look: Nike Air Jordan 12 ‘Retro Black Nylon’

Originally released in 1996, the Air Jordan 12 is well known for Jordan's ‘Flu Game’ performance and the Chicago Bulls' subsequent victory in the 1997 NBA Finals. Twenty years later, the silhouette that regularly uses a mixture of leather and reptile-like material on the upper gets updated with nylon.

The Air Jordan 12 ‘Retro Black Nylon’ takes inspiration from Michael Jordan’s classic sweat suits. The upper comes with a durable nylon construction, coupled with premium leather overlays, overall set in the tradition Air Jordan colour scheme. The sneaker also have waterproof features.

The Nike Air Jordan 12 ‘Retro Black Nylon’ is available at selected retailers. 

The PUMA x Careaux Suede and Blaze of Glory Drops Today

PUMA collaborates with Netherlands-born graphic designer and self-confessed sneaker-head Caroll Lynn aka Careaux, on a collection that reflects on the five most significant people throughout her life’s journey.

The collection sees a colourful and optimistic hallmark infused throughout, evident from the palette of the footwear to the aesthetic of the apparel designs. The hallmark floral design ‘Dedication Flower’ using the triangle gradient style became Caroll Lynn’s life signature and she continually uses it to find beauty and strength in dark, difficult times.

A PUMA classic that Caroll Lynn lends her personal touch with is the PUMA Suede. The Suede x Careaux is available in a delicate pallet of white, black or rose suede and features her feminine illustrations with the upper finished in overall classic suede material.

The Blaze Of Glory x Careaux x Graphic is a real stand out piece within the collection, featuring PUMA Trinomic tooling, Caroll Lynn creatively combines the functionality of the classic silhouette with art. It features the symbolic rose print she designed with iconic BOG elements finished with perforated leather giving it a soft romantic touch.

The PUMA x Careaux collection drops today (Friday, 9 September 2016) at selected retailers.

Rihanna and PUMA Remix Japanese Street Culture With A Haunting Twist

Finally, the wait is over as Rihanna’s inaugural FENTY PUMA by Rihanna apparel, footwear and accessories collection is unveiled. No one can forget Rihanna’s debut of this collection last February in New York. Each look was daring, provocative and oozing with attitude and now, it’s available for the world.

Rihanna drew inspiration from contemporary Japanese street culture and tradition for her debut collection with PUMA. Mixing cultural influences with gothic overtones and exaggerated volumes and proportions, the fashion icon challenged the traditional male and female silhouettes and blurred the lines between genders that are often times too rigid for her fashion tastes.

Key styles include the ground sweeping Mock Neck Maxi Dress and popular Rising Sun Lacing Sweatshirt and Sweatpant. The Tear Away Track Jacket and Pant, Bra and Lace-up skirt will also be making its mark in stores serving the fashion hungry and function needy. Every inch of her personality is depicted in every element of the range, and definitely not to be worn by the faint hearted. New introductions will follow in November, including the original and new FENTY PUMA Creepers, her show-stomping Sneaker Heels and key accessories like the Mesh and Bandana Cap and signature Lace Up Backpack.

“This collection is not only a representation of who I am and how I dress, but also pushes the boundaries of what I wanted to create with PUMA” says Rihanna, “I wanted to take PUMA to a new place with something unpredictable and unexpected. It's Japanese street culture with a haunting twist. I played with texture and silhouettes and all of the fabrics are luxurious. I reinterpreted the traditional in my way.”

The first drop from the collection will be available in local stores from 6 October at PUMA Select Bree Street, Cape Town and Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

Introducing the UNDFTD x adidas Busenitz Collaboration

adidas Skateboarding have partnered with Undefeated (UNDFTD) on a revamp of a skating classic, which is known as the Undefeated x adidas Busenitz collaboration.

For the collaboration, UNDFTD used Dennis Busenitz’s signature shoe in a military-inspired aesthetic. The release pays homage to its local heritage with a colour reminiscent of Californian desert.

The adidas Busenitz features an all-Tan upper with subtle Desert Camo details that’s constructed with a mixture of leather, suede and ripstop nylon that sports custom branding cues throughout.

The UNDFTD x adidas Busenitz collaboration will drop on Saturday, 17 September 2016.