First Look: Nike Vapormax Flyknit Ice Flash

Nike drops a women’s exclusive colourway of the Nike Air VaporMax.

Coming with an official colour scheme noted as Ice Flash, this VaporMax comes with a Light Grey-hued upper offset by the Glacier Blue hits noted on the Swoosh, insole and translucent VaporMax sole. Tonal Grey laces and 3M reflective hits are also utilized on the shoe

The Nike Vapormax Flyknit Ice Flash will on Thursday, 2 November 2017, at selected retailers.

First Look: adidas Originals Scarlet Red Winter Adventure Pack

adidas Originals released their latest Winter 2017 Collection that includes the adidas EQT Support ADV, Forum PK, Tubular Doom, and the Seeulater Primeknit.

As the name of the collection suggests, all pairs come with a Scarlet Red colour scheme, a hue ideal for the upcoming holiday season. A combination of mesh, Primeknit, neoprene, suede, leather and nylon construction can be spotted on the new silhouettes. The tonal Scarlet Red upper is offset by hits of Light Blue, Purple, Black and White strategically placed throughout the shoe.

The adidas Originals Scarlet Red Adventure Pack is available at selected retailers.

First Look: Second Drop of the PUMA x XO Collection

Following a standout performance in Las Vegas to mark the launch of the PUMA x XO debut collection, Abel Tesfaye a.k.a. The Weeknd and PUMA officially releases the second drop.  The follow up to the sell-out PUMA x XO Parallel that dropped in August, the next release features an Olive-Green colourway of the sneaker boot complimenting a range of apparel dubbed “Deluxe Denim”.

Won’t be long until fans get their hands on the covetable denim pieces that The Weeknd has been stunting at his Legend of the Fall World Concert Tour. The collection remains a true reflection of his personal style merged with PUMA’s sport-inspired silhouettes. Raw and destroyed denim and contemporary street inspired oversized silhouettes are this drop’s recurring theme. Notable pieces are the PUMA x XO Denim Jacket with frayed details on the front and back with subtle PUMA x XO branding, statement Denim Kimono with tapered sleeves and frayed hem and the PUMA x XO Denim Pants with distressed pockets and back lower leg length. The denim look extends to accessories with the PUMA x XO Denim Duffle and Denim Cap. Signature XO silhouettes compliment the rough and rugged pieces, from the PUMA x XO Hoodie with an all-new camo pattern to Tees and Tanks that bear the PUMA x XO logo.

Rounding up the capsule range is the PUMA x XO Parallel in the latest Olive Green colourway.  Inspired by military and utilitarian gear, the PUMA x XO Parallel is a mid-cut sneaker boot that’s fully decked out in luxurious Italian nubuck leather upper. The smooth rubber midsole features IGNITE cushioning technology. The boot boasts of a contemporary blocked heel design with an extended Formstripe and co-branded labels.

The second drop of the PUMA x XO Parallel is available at PUMA SELECT and selected retailers. 

First Look: Nike Air Max 1 ‘Los Primeros’ Latino Heritage Month

Dressed in a similar colour scheme as the OG “Sport Red” colourway. This celebrated iteration of the runner features a geometric print in Neutral Grey with a pinstriped University Red mudguard. Also added to the classic-looking model is a translucent rubber outsole. Its entire collection will come housed in a Black shoebox with “LOS PRIMEROS” text.

The Nike Air Max 1 ‘Los Primeros’ Latino Heritage Month will drop on Saturday, 28 October 2017 at selected retailers.

First Look: Nike Vandal High Supreme QS “Doc Brown”

As a homage to the old school, the Nike Vandal High is a serious blast from the past, returning in its OG colourway in another classic variation that is reflective of the 1985 cult film, Back to the Future.

The basketball high-top gets even more eye-catching thanks to the bold shade of orange across the upper. This features to lightweight and water proof nylon which extends high at the ankle. White piping circles the Swoosh with this colour also balances the aesthetic to a chunky strap across the ankle. The OG look is completed with the addition of an over stretched Swoosh along the sidewall. Sitting underfoot is a white coloured midsole that retains the low profile look which is synonymous with the range.

The Nike Vandal High Supreme QS “Doc Brown” will drop on Saturday, 28 October 2017, at selected retailers

First Look: Drop 2 of PUMA x NATUREL

PUMA continues to go beyond the limits of sports style design by partnering with fresh creative talent. They have partnered with renowned US-based graphic artist NATUREL for a collaborative collection.

The PUMA x NATUREL collection consists of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by space travel and a vision of an urban landscape on the moon, accented by military details. NATUREL spins timeless icons like the Suede and Clyde making them street wearable art. No limits, no boundaries, pure NATUREL.

Following on from the success of the first drop in July, the second drop of the PUMA x NATUREL collection releases is available at PUMA SELECT and selected retailers.

First Look: PUMA x HAN KJØBENHAVN - Scandinavian Simplicity and Functionality Merged with Sport-Inspired Designs

PUMA enlists Danish high-end streetwear brand, Han Kjøbenhavn, as a new collaborative partner for this season. Simplicity and functionality are cornerstones of Scandinavian design, and Han Kjøbenhavn takes them to an extraordinary place. Founder and creative director Jannik Davidsen innovates with contemporary expression and a fondness for his stomping ground of Copenhagen, Denmark. For this collection, he channeled his upbringing, local sports, and suburban architecture for inspiration. The goal was to surprise. Apparel uses unexpected material mixes such as rayon, jersey, and twill. Footwear serves up bright muted colours that are simultaneously fresh and nostalgic. Finally, light, checkered wool pays homage to the iconic trench coats worn at the local football stadium.

PUMA and Han Kjøbenhavn tapped into both PUMA’s archive and new progressive styles this season, seamlessly fusing sport and fashion. The creative director gives his take on a renowned classic with the PUMA x HAN KJØBENHAVN Clyde Stitched, refreshing the silhouette with whole new look and feel, dressed in premium leather upper that’s stitched to the tooling, adding a touch of sophisticated Scandinavian style. This rendition of the Clyde is all about subtlety wherein the co-branding is visible only on the lateral side, keeping it clean and refined. The collection also boasts of featuring PUMA’s new progressive style, the Tsugi Kori, in a new collaborative iteration. The bold, futuristic style is merged with luxurious materials and muted tones. The upper consists of a mixed of plush suedes and leathers combined with an elongated knitted, sock-like ankle collar all atop the Tsugi tooling.

Extending to apparel the collection includes standout pieces made of the premium and luxurious fabrics and materials. The Trench Coat is inspired by the iconic trench coats that once filled Copenhagen’s football terraces, this statement piece features rich wool and clean PUMA x HAN KJØBENHAVN embroidery – a design approach that lets the silhouette do the talking with its stand up collar and regular coat length. With Danish weather and architecture in the bones, HAN KJØBENHAVN spin that inspiration into a sweater with a premium, 3-layer bonded fabric construction with a stand up collar. Contrasted PUMA x Han Kjøbenhavn embroidery and a gold zipper finish this style to a premium piece. Throughout the collection there are a couple of themes, muted colours, and upscale materials.

Completing the range is the Backpack that possesses a clean and nostalgic character. Multiple straps allow this versatile silhouette to be worn as a backpack or a shopper. Thoughtful details such as the fleece-lined front pocket and the metal fixture on the strap promise to keep your glasses safe on any occasion.

The PUMA x HAN KJØBENHAVN collection is available at PUMA SELECT and selected retailers.

First Look: adidas NMD R2 Japan Pack Core Black

adidas Originals expands their “Japan” Collection with their latest adidas NMD R2 release dressed in Core Black.

This adidas NMD R2 comes constructed out of a Primeknit upper that has been coloured in black with a subtle texture placed throughout. Additional features include a black leather heel tab, an elastic ankle, “The Brand With The Three Stripes” text in Japanese on the Three Stripes branding on the side panels, a full-length white Boost midsole, and a gum rubber outsole.

The adidas NMD R2 Japan Pack Core Black is available at selected retailers.

First Look: PUMA Kiku Pack

PUMA is launching the all-new Kiku Pack, drawing inspiration from Japan and its tradition of enjoying the fleeting beauty of flowers throughout each season. The Kiku Pack is named after the “Kiku no Sekku”, also known as Chrysanthemum Day – one of Japan’s five ancient festivals that is celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th month.

Inspired by the chrysanthemum, known in Japanese as ‘Kiku’, the flower itself holds huge cultural significance in Japan as not only a national symbol but also the seasonal flower of September. Following on from PUMA’s beautifully intricate Hanami Pack in March to usher in the spring season, the Kiku Pack celebrates the start of Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Kiku Pack sees the introduction of new versions of the Clyde Fashion, Blaze Cage, and Platform Mid, executed in soft white leather with embroidered floral detailing. More information on each product can be found below.

The Kiku Pack is available from today, 13 October 2017, at PUMA SELECT selected retailers.

First Look: Nike Air Zoom Generation QS “First Game”

Nike Basketball will retro the Nike Air Zoom Generation First Game shoe that LeBron James wore during his first NBA game on October 29, 2003 on the road against the Sacramento Kings. This is a follow up to the Nike Air Zoom Generation that debuted back in January 2017 as a nod to LeBron’s Cleveland debut.

The Nike Air Zoom Generation QS “First Game” will drop on Saturday, 14^th of October 2017, at selected retailers.

First Look: The Suede FENTY Slide

The latest hot drops for Rihanna and PUMA’s FENTY University collection is the Suede FENTY Slide.

These season must-haves are a chic twist on the slides usually worn by soccer players off the field. Cruise the halls in comfort with it's soft design or rock them with rad socks to complete the sporty fashion look.

The Suede FENTY Slide is available in three different colourways; Clematic Blue-Scarlet Ibis, Golden Brown-Scarab and Scarlet Ibis–Bright Green.

The Suede FENTY Slide is available at PUMA SELECT and selected retailers.

First Look: Nike Vandal High OG Metallic Silver

Originally released during the 1980s, the Nike Vandal High is a classic basketball shoe that has made its return as a lifestyle silhouette this year.

Featured in a collaboration with John Elliot earlier this year, this Vandal High goes back to its roots as the shoe comes dressed in a Metallic Silver upper with red accents on the Swoosh, heel tab, and the Nike branding on the tongue. Finishing things off is a grey/blue/red ankle strap along with a white rubber midsole and black rubber outsole.

The Nike Vandal High OG Metallic Silver is available at selected retailers.

First Look: FENTY x PUMA by Rihanna Autumn/Winter 2017 Collection

PUMA, and FENTY Creative Director, Rihanna, officially ushers in the third season of FENTY x PUMA by Rihanna by opening up the doors of FENTY University, where varsity sport gets a high fashion makeover and everyone can mix and match the variety of looks.

Rihanna designed the collection to represent different youth cultural cliques and their unique styles that set them apart in hallways and locker rooms – Nerds, Jocks, Skaters, Preppies, Goth kids and of course, Bad Gals. Lending her signature FENTY style, the collection features chunky hand-knit sweaters, chenille PUMA Cats and varsity F’s adorned rib knit sweaters and dresses, over-sized coats in faux sherling and furs.

Classic uniforms and track suits were reinterpreted with technical sport fabric and fashion touches serving up elevated Ivy League-style. Signature branding details appear throughout the range most notably Rihanna’s lucky number 13, badges representing her birth year 1988, the FENTYxPUMA piercing zipper and FENTY PUMA branded buttons and trims. Unique patches, hardware and sporty taping enhanced the collection’s sport theme even further.

Last but not least, the collection’s footwear range instantly puts you on the honour roll of style. Get ready for new-to-cop styles and future icons - Chelsea Sneaker Boot and FENTY Trainer Hi and Knitted High MaryJane Heel. The iconic PUMA Creeper makes a solid comeback in two new stacked sole iterations -  the Cleated Creeper Suede and the Ankle Strap Sneaker available in women’s sizing in the latest seasonal colours.

Items from the PUMA FENTY University collection are now available at PUMA Select stores. 

First Look: Nike Air Jordan 1 High OG Flyknit Royal

Rocking a lightweight Flyknit upper, the shoe comes in a Royal and Black colour scheme. Giving the shoe a bit of a classic look and feel are the leather hits noted on the Swoosh, tongue tag, insoles and lining. A Nike Air cushioned White midsole and Royal Blue outsole complete the modern style altogether.

 The Nike Air Jordan 1 High OG Flyknit Royal will drop on Saturday, 7 October 2017, at selected retailers.

First Look: Nike Flyknit Trainer Bright Citron

The Nike Flyknit Trainer Bright Citron comes dressed in a bright Yellow Flyknit upper contrasted by the Black accents on the Swoosh, parts of the Flyknit upper, outsole and a line going across the White and Yellow midsole.

The Nike Flyknit Trainer Bright Citron drops on Thursday, 5 October 2017, at selected retailers.

Reyka Vodka - Iceland’s Award-Winning Vodka Is Now Available in South Africa.

Living in a place like Iceland, gives one an interesting view of the world. It’s a beautiful place, but it’s also rugged and provocative. It requires its people to live creatively and take an inventive approach. And so when it comes to making vodka, Reyka followed this path. You can see it in their unique distillation method and innovative process. And you can surely taste it in the distinctive flavour of Reyka’s award-winning vodka.

A product of Borganes, a small village steeped in Viking history, Reyka Vodka is hand crafted in preciously small batches in Iceland’s first vodka distillery.  Hailing from a land of fire and ice, Reyka makes the most of Iceland’s resources – using nearby glacier spring water and lava rocks as a natural filtration system.   On top of that, the distillery is also powered by geo-thermal energy from nearby hot springs. This gives every drop of Reyka its smooth taste and silky finish.

Reyka’s hand crafted process takes about 6 hours to produce a small batch of only 1,000 litres of vodka, using one of the only Carter-Head Stills in the world - and the only one that is used to make vodka. This precious spirit is then analysed by the Master Distiller to ensure each and every bottle retains the highest of high quality. 

Reyka made its debut in Iceland in 2005, when William Grant and Sons set out to make the cleanest and smoothest vodka in the world.  It has developed an exceptional taste reputation internationally; in 2011 Reyka was awarded the Vodka Trophy at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) and in 2013, the Gold Medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and ‘Very good—Strong recommendation’ at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

With a taste described as exceptionally smooth and rounded with a soft natural sweetness and a slight hint of wild fruits, Reyka Vodka is now available at leading liquor stores. Bottled at 43% ABV, RRSP R299.95.