First Look: PUMA Clyde Sock NYC Pack

PUMA makes a progressive move with the PUMA Clyde Sock by giving new life to an OG silhouette. Always pushing the boundaries of innovation and design, it was only natural for PUMA to combine one their most iconic silhouettes with their latest technology – evoKNIT. It’s a perfect synthesis of the past and the future.

The PUMA Clyde Sock NYC takes cues from the signature kicks and tube socks that Walt Frazier wore during his basketball games. The reimagined classic features four different colour ways, two of which pay homage to his New York City home team with blue and orange making up the upper and the other two keeping it simple with black and white hues throughout. Balancing vintage appeal with modern tech, the new silhouette is amplified with an attached fully knitted sock featuring PUMA’s evoKNIT technology that ensures a cozy, snug fit with the right amount of comfort and support. In keeping with its sports roots, the upper is decked in premium leather paneling that resemble the texture of a basketball.

The new PUMA Clyde Sock NYC drops Thursday, 13 April 2017, for R2499 at PUMA SELECT Bree Street, Cape Town and Braamfontein, Johannesburg and selected retailers.

First Look: Air Jordan 4 Retro Motorsport

The Air Jordan 4 Retro Motorsport was first offered exclusively in New Orleans during the NBA All-Star festivities back in February and is now available at selected retailers.

Punctuated by its defining royal blue theme throughout, which essentially commemorates Michael Jordan’s Motorsports team, the sneaker is comprised of premium white leather with black accents. A notably absent detail is the Mars Blackmon branding across its heel, while a full-length sole unit in its respective theme caps off the profile.

The Air Jordan 4 Retro Motorsport is available at selected retailers.

First Look: New Balance 247 Classic Collection

The New Balance 247 Classic comes with colours that very simple, classic and very easy to wear. The sleek look of the model comes in the following colours: Grey, Navy, Black and White.

When it comes to the construction, the shoe opts for a mesh toe and synthetic nubuck on the midfoot and heel paneling. Adding additional comfort to the shoe is the neoprene collar and tongue.

The New Balance 247 Classic Collection is available at selected retailers.

First Look: Nike Air Jordan 12 Retro Low Grey

Sporting a predominantly grey hue across what seems to be a nubuck-based upper and leather overlays along the forefoot, the monochromatic makeup is complemented with hints of navy blue and yellow gracing the rear, insoles and outsole unit.

The Nike Air Jordan 12 Retro Low Grey is available at selected retailers.

First Look: G-Star RAW Rovulc

 For Summer ’17 G-Star reinvents authentic footwear design with the launch of the Rovulc.

Constructed through the process of direct vulcanization – a technique established in the late 1930’s in former Czechoslovakia whereby liquid rubber is injected into a mold under high pressure to form the shoe – Rovulc combines classic techniques with G-Star’s denim philosophy, applied to the classic sneaker silhouette. Inspired by men’s sport shoes from the ‘30s, the Rovulc is available in a range of fabrics and finishes, including the brand’s signature raw denim.

The Rovulc is available online and in-store.

Introducing the next generation of MONOPOLY tokens that are set to ‘pass GO’!

Hasbro has announced the winning tokens from the MONOPOLY Token Madness Vote. Fans across the globe have spoken, and the eight tokens set to ‘pass GO’ in the next generation of the MONOPOLY game are the Scottie dog, top hat, car, battleship, cat, T-rex, rubber ducky, and penguin tokens. 

The vote, which kicked off on the 10th of January and ran until the 31st of January, offered the public an opportunity to select their favourite eight tokens from 64 possible options. This monumental MONOPOLY campaign drew more than 4.3 million votes, empowering fans to make their mark on the iconic game.

The new, fan-picked lineup of MONOPOLY Tokens includes:

·         Scottie Dog Token: The best friend of Mr. MONOPOLY since the 1950s, the Scottie Dog token proved its popularity by receiving the most votes – making it the overall first place winner.

·         T-Rex Token: The mighty T-Rex token stomped its way into the new game, garnering the second most overall votes and making history as the first dinosaur token of Mr. MONOPOLY.

·         Top Hat Token: Coming in third place in overall votes, the Top Hat token – a staple in the game since 1935 – will keep Mr. MONOPOLY looking dapper well into the future.

·         Car Token: This 1930s roadster will continue fueling adrenaline rushes for Mr. MONOPOLY in the next generation of the game; coming in fourth place in overall votes.

·         Rubber Ducky Token: Coming in fifth in overall votes, the new Rubber Ducky token is truly all its “quacked” up to be.

·         Cat Token: Fans voted the Cat token into the game in 2013, and she clawed her way back in as one of the eight winning tokens, coming in sixth place in overall votes.

·         Penguin Token: Waddling into the game in seventh place in overall votes, the Penguin token is the new style muse for Mr. MONOPOLY.

·         Battleship Token: The beloved Battleship token represents the first round-the-world trip for Mr. MONOPOLY; securing the eighth spot in overall votes, this token’s legacy will cruise into the next generation of the game.

The next generation of the MONOPOLY game will be available for purchase this August, but you don’t need to wait until then to get in on the MONOPOLY game play. You can pick up the MONOPOLY Token Madness edition or localised MONOPOLY Mzansi edition at your nearest retailer.

Check Out The PUMA NTRVL Spring/Summer ’17 Collection By PUMAxSTAPLE

PUMA and world renowned New York City streetwear stalwart Staple Design put their creative heads together for Spring-Summer ’17 by introducing the PUMA NTRVL collection. Collaborating on apparel for the first time, the two brands come together seamlessly, in typical style of when the Pigeon first met the Cat. Playing with iconic silhouettes, classic tailoring and performance materials, the result is slick and street-worthy.

The PUMA NTRVL collection adapts to each activity in your day with multifunctional pieces made of premium durable materials. Staple takes iconic sneaker silhouettes and adds his unique design flavour, using pops of pink and his signature colour scheme of pigeon grey. The footwear range includes PUMA’s latest running shoes with a streetwear edge, IGNITE evoKNIT (R2 999), IGNITE 3 (R2 499), Limitless (R2 799) as well as sports-inspired classics, the PUMA Clyde (R2 499) and BOG Sock (R2 299). All sneakers have a split coloured upper- with opposite colourblocking applied to the medial and lateral sides.

To complete the contemporary and stylish capsule is apparel and accessories, equipped with technical features. Classic silhouettes are remixed with contemporary swagger and performance functionality.

Executed with a vibrant polka-dot print and reflective details, PUMA NTRVL gives the traditional a twist combining fashion with fitness. Consider it functional fashion, the PUMA NTRVL Tech shirt (R1 999), tee’s (R999) and hoody (R2 599) has an adaptive design with premium knit fabric, perforated panels and a classic polka dot print remixed with reflective details. A pink lining connects this piece to the OG Staple design language.

Designed with the city life in mind, the PUMA NTRVL collection is fit for work, working out or casual evening chills. The first drop of PUMA x STAPLE will be available from Saturday, 25 March 2017 at PUMA SELECT Bree Street, Cape Town and Braamfontein, Johannesburg and selected retailers.

Interesting Experiment Reveals That Cucumbers Are Highly Sensitive To Sound, Scent And Touch

Hendrick’s Gin has conducted a somewhat unorthodox, but genuinely scientific experiment with cucumber scientist Graham Brown of the University of Sydney to quantify the true sensitivity of cucumbers. The results from the study are astonishing. Exhibiting traits usually associated with sentient beings, cucumbers show undeniably impressive abilities for reacting to outside stimuli, and grow larger and juicier as a result of unconventional caring methods, indicating they are acutely aware of their surroundings.

Hendrick’s Gin is now inviting budding botanists to join in a global experiment to cultivate the most flavoursome cucumber, taking inspiration from the avant-garde caring techniques used by Graham, in time for World Cucumber Day on June 14.

Music appreciation

As they grew from blind seedling to majestic maturity, three groups of cucumbers were exposed to a particular genre of music: classical, jazz or rock, using a CD boombox at maximum volume. A fourth group sat in uncomfortable silence.

The cucumbers that listened to rock produced measurably larger, better-tasting fruits, cylindrical in shape, with no curving and smooth dark green skin. In stark contrast the jazz plants showed disdain for their music by producing malformed fruits with curved and pointed edges. The plants exposed to classical melodies displayed a tangible fondness for it, growing healthy and shiny skinned after listening to Beethoven and Bach.

Favoured perfumes

Not only do cucumbers love music, but they also show preferences for certain scents, despite having no conventional sensory receptors associated with smell (AKA a nose). Growing specimens were divided into three groups, one spritzed with dill, another with sage and the final group was left scent free.

After snacking upon the subjects, it was observed that those spritzed with dill were the tastiest, while sage made them bitter, perhaps indicating that cucumbers derive some type of satisfaction from pickling.

Cucumber swaddling

The final test saw subjects bundled into tiny sleeping bags for added protection and comfort, resulting in their skin growing softer and lighter, and their flesh sweeter compared to those left naked and exposed.

Graham explains: “It would appear that by protecting the growing skin from the drying atmosphere and light, the fruits are tender and sweeter.”

Furthermore, the humble green fruits use a developed sense of touch to help them grow, using their tendrils to feel and reach for surfaces to hold onto for support, particularly at night. It seems they are aware of their surroundings and can sense objects nearby.

You can now put Graham’s findings to the test, and probe their own imaginative hypotheses by singing to the fruits as they grow or reading the young seedlings classical literature at night time. By cultivating and pampering your own cucumbers, you will participate in celebrating World Cucumber Day (an annual celebration inviting people to embrace the unusual in honour of the remarkable and virtuous green fruit)!

Duncan McRae, Hendrick’s Gin Global Ambassador, says: “We have always held the cucumber in the highest regard – our gin is infused with cucumber and rose, after all. So we are delighted to invite individuals, who share our dark passion for the green fruit, to join our voyage of discovery. We bid people everywhere to uncover the true extent of its sensitivity, by growing or adopting one themselves and devising their own experimentations to satisfy their own natural curiosity.

“We hope all our gardeners form extraordinary bonds with their cucumber as they tend to it in the most imaginative of fashions, and that they are sure to take notes on the cucumber’s responses. To assure scientific objectivity, we’ll be inviting everyone to taste their results by way of a special Hendrick’s & tonic on World Cucumber Day.”

For those with limited time, help is quite literally at hand via the Hendrick’s Cucumber Adoption Service. This novel technology evokes memories of the 90s Japanese digital pets, but with a refreshing horticulturalist twist. Over three months, green-fingered adopters will be able to plant, nurture and harvest a cucumber via Facebook. Throughout the nurturing period, the Hendrick’s Cucumber Adoption Service will send photos and videos of the plants to their proud owners and impart stimulating cucumber wisdom and trivia to enthrall and entertain.

To be part of the World Cucumber Day experiment and grow or adopt a cucumber visit www.WorldCucumberDayExperiment.com  

adidas Originals EQT | Born in the 90’s | Street Casting Call

Fusing archival references with innovative materials and technology, EQT is a symbol of only that which is essential and represents the best of adidas Originals. This month we see further evolution of EQT, a 90's footwear franchise that relaunched in January 2017.

This month adidas Originals will break the rhetoric of exclusivity dominating the cultural scene of today and move the focus from the individual to the people.

If you were born in the 90’s and are really dope! Come and join adidas Originals at an inclusive casting utilising a mobile street studio with the goal of creating a photo essay of portraits that document the 90’s generation. The portraits will be incorporated into a series of short format brand films, released to key media as campaign imagery, featured in the AREA3 window and screened in selected adidas Originals stores. You can also win an adidas voucher to the value of R3000.

The locations for the casting are:

Friday, 24 March 2017:  Shelflife, Keys Art Mile, Rosebank

1pm - 6pm ft. DJ, food and bar & in store product display

Saturday, 25 March 2017: AREA3, Braamfontein

10am - 3pm ft. premium window display and in store EQT takeover

Saturday, 25 March 2017: adidas Originals store, Sandton

10am - 3pm ft. in-store photo experience 

Sunday, 26 March 2017: Thesis, Soweto

12am - 5pm ft. DJ, food and non-alcoholic refreshments 

PUMAxTrapstar drop a dope Spring/Summer ‘17 collection which is inspired by West London street style and football

PUMA and Trapstar put their heads together yet again to launch their latest S/S ‘17 collection. For their latest collection, Trapstar presents a range with PUMA that transcends their previous collections, taking cues from military references and utilitarian details all inspired by the eclectic street style found around their Portbello neighborhood.

PUMA x TRAPSTAR remix iconic silhouettes and street wear inspired pieces to give the collection an authentic Trapstar feel. Forged amid an underground subculture, the PUMA x TRAPSTAR collaboration looks to every decade and artistic discipline in pursuit of inspiration that defies trends. Classic styles have been reimagined with premium touches such as the PUMA x TRAPSTAR Clyde (R2 499) and Clyde Bold (R2 599). Its classic court look is curated to give an authentic yet street steez. Material play is A1 on both styles, with uppers of premium nubuck and the other with buttery leather, both displaying Trapstar’s signature branding details. Digging into PUMA’s archive running collection, Trapstar also put its own twist on the Prevail OG (R2 399). The silhouette ties in street fashion influences with rich materials and authentic Trapstar details. PUMA and Trapstar have focused on neutral tones like Burnt Olive, White and Black for this range.  

The collection’s apparel includes all of the essentials infused with Trapstar’s underground subcultural influences, creating stand out pieces through reinventing classics. The archive parka (R5 999) has been reworked with premium utilitarian details, from the cut lines and stitching, to patch sleeve pockets. The woven hood has a reversible panel to compliment or contrast the shell however you feel like wearing it. A classic crew (R1 999) ups its game with an authentic Trapstar edge. Reworked with premium military inspired details, such as the outstanding sleeve pockets. The highlight design detail is the branded, removable woven protection piece on the back inspired by the utilitarian parka hood protection. Other pieces to note are the archive sweat pants (R2 299) with pocket details to be complimented with a classic cotton tee (R799) featuring a Trapstar motif written through a reflective PUMA cat.

The collection is available at PUMA SELECT Bree Street, Cape Town and Braamfontein, Johannesburg and selected retailers nationwide.

First Look: Nike Air Max 1 x atmos Elephant

The Nike Air Max 1 x atmos Elephant makes its triumphant return this weekend.

With its distinctive style helmed by atmos head designer, Koji, the classic runner was originally seen back in 2006 as part of a ‘Zoo Pack’. A palette mixed with black, clear jade and white dominate its composition, while the focal point is directed at the collar section and mudguard with elephant print overlays, in addition to jade branding on the tongue and side panels.

The Nike Air Max 1 x atmos Elephant will drop on Saturday, 18 March 2017, at selected retailers.

PUMA Drops The IGNITE evoKNIT Fade

PUMA’s IGNITE evoKNIT effortlessly combines PUMA’s innovative running technology with disruptive streetwear design.

The IGNITE evoKNIT Fade’s hustle never stops, and it’s designed to help tackle whatever your city throws at you.

The IGNITE evoKNIT Fade is retailing for R2 599 is available from PUMA stores and selected retailers nationwide.

First Look: Nike Air Max 1 Ultra 2.0 SE

Taking on an OG-inspired look of White, Grey, and University Red, the Air Max 1 Ultra 2.0 comes constructed out of an old-school mesh and a bold mudguard that hark back to that first launch of 1987—a date commemorated by the “3.26” on the tongue.

A lightweight sole and no-sew overlays add modern touches while classic Max Air cushioning at the heel reminds us where it all began.

The Nike Air Max 1 Ultra 2.0 SE drops on Thursday, 16 March 2017, at selected retailers.

PUMA x Daily Paper Tap Into African Heritage For Their Latest Collaboration

PUMA partnered with Amsterdam-based fashion and streetwear brand Daily Paper on a collaborative collection that’s rich in heritage and playful in nature.

Since 2010, Daily Paper has been making waves in the streetwear game with no signs of slowing down. Inspired by the brand’s African heritage and a passion for contemporary fashion, Daily Paper molded themselves into a well-respected creator of authentic ready-to-wear garments. With an emphasis on tailoring and an eclectic use of materials, each garment compliments the consumer’s passion for individuality and personal style. Quality product, fine detailing, culture and great designs give Daily Paper their unique rugged brand aesthetic.

Fusing cultural backgrounds with emphasis on tailoring, the PUMA X Daily Paper collaboration sees contemporary styles refreshed with bold graphic execution and subtle design details. The collection’s inspiration stems back to East African origins with Maasai cricketers at the forefront. Styles from PUMA archives are reinvented with clean cut lines, colourblocking, and patterned trims that genuinely reflect the Maasai people and their history on the pitch. Each piece in the collection is decked with rubberized branding, making an already unique piece, even more official.

The PUMA Match (R2 799), a renowned classic, is a key style that makes this collection even tougher. Daily Paper reinvents the classic in three renditions – one decked in Velcro straps, another in classic form with an all-over paint splatter effect and the last with a colourful translucent sole, each equipped with premium leathers and bold branding. Another silhouette that Daily Paper takes to new levels is the Court Platform (R2 499). With a platform sole, premium knit and leather uppers, this style is both diverse and edgy, appealing to both men and women.

Head turning seasonal speckled print and premium materials are consistent across the range. Executed on archive pieces that are ready for the streets, including sweats (R2 499), polo’s (R1 199), shorts (R1 799) and a jacket (R3 699). Each statement style is contemporary and stylish, combining street-ready designs with diverse bold graphics, signature to the Daily Paper’s penchant for eye-catching collections.

The PUMA x Daily Paper collection is available from PUMA SELECT Bree Street, Cape town and Braamfontein, Johannesburg and selected retailers nationwide.

First Look: adidas Originals Superstar Boost ‘Noble Metal’

adidas Originals take inspiration from the world of luxury noble metals for a brand new iteration of the Superstar BOOST silhouette, creating a platinum-hued take on the contemporary-classic model.

Blending modern innovation with timeless design, the Superstar BOOST features a concealed BOOST unit throughout the midsole, concealed by the shoe’s original rubber tooling, revealed only by a window on the medial side. Finished with metallic laces and a genuine platinum tongue label, the result is a clean, tonal take on a shoe that encapsulates the blend of heritage, progression and creativity that embodies adidas Originals.

The adidas Originals Superstar Boost ‘Noble Metal’ drop on Friday, 10 March 2017, at selected retailers.

First Look: Nike Air Penny 4 ‘Orlando’

The Nike Air Penny 4 OG colourway made its debut in 1998 by Penny Hardaway.

Dressed in a White, Black, and Atlantic Blue colour scheme. This Nike Air Penny 4 features a White leather upper with Black detailing and Blue contrasting accents. Metallic Silver hardware hits the strap and tongue, while sitting atop rubber outsole.

The Nike Air Penny 4 ‘Orlando’ will drop on Friday, 10 March 2017, at selected retailers.

First Look: Nike Air Max 1 Master

Nike’s Air Max 1 Master brings together a patchwork of references from its time as a collaborative base-model. It’s fitting tribute to the silhouette, which celebrates its 30th birthday this year. The Master takes a sophisticated approach by setting multi-coloured mudguard across a black background.

Perforated black leather against the upper has been lifted which gives the sneaker a luxurious finish and a distinctive aesthetic which is only found across exclusives. Different colours and textures of material circle the lower half, each part representing a different release and showcasing the rich Air Max 1 heritage.

The sneaker features Safari detailing and vibrant colours. To complete the look, a full black coloured midsole sits underfoot with an electric blue coloured Air Unit in the heel.

The Nike Air Max 1 Master will drop on Saturday, 11 March 2017 at selected retailers.

FENTY x PUMA Spring-Summer 2017 Favorites Are Starting To Hit Stores This Week

Previewed last September at Paris Fashion Week, the coveted FENTY x PUMA Spring-Summer 2017 collection hits stores starting 9 March 2017. The Spring-Summer 2017 collection fitting for the season stuns in a mélange of extravagant fabrics, intricate ruffles and pleating, Chinoiserie, corsets galore, playful bows and gender bending silhouettes in a delicate colour palette of blush, mint green, lavender, pink and white.

PUMA’s sport heritage echoes through as Rihanna brilliantly reimagined and transformed traditional track suits, boxing robes, tennis dresses, polos and iconic footwear silhouettes.  Maximalist at best, she played up with exaggerated and oversized shapes and contrasted soft hues with hard edged street-inspired looks for both men and women.

First to release are head-turning footwear styles that caused a ruckus in the fashion world when they first graced the Paris runway. The FENTY x PUMA Bow Slides in olive branch and silver pink elevates lounge and poolside wear to a whole new level with the softest leather material and statement oversized bow.

The theme continues with the FENTY x PUMA Bow Sneaker, a femme fatal hybrid of PUMA’s iconic Trinomic runner also in olive branch and silver pink.

The FENTY x PUMA Bow Sneaker and Bow Slide will be available from 9 March at PUMA SELECT Bree Street, Cape Town and selected retailers.