Coi Leray Shines in "Step Into Your Gift" 2024 Holiday Campaign

Choosing the perfect gift, whether for yourself or someone special, is more than a holiday tradition – it's an opportunity to create lasting memories.

- Kim Waldmann/Chief Customer Officer of Foot Locker, Inc.

At the top of holiday season, Foot Locker has launched their 2024 "Step into Your Gift" Campaign.  Grammy-nominated Artist Coi Leray shines as a lead style influencer for Adidas; alongside NBA athletes LaMelo Ball (PUMA) and Anthony Edwards (Adidas).    

Mary J. Blige x Giuseppe Zanotti Release "The Mary Boot"

Catch me with the B's on the wheels

Giuseppe's on the heels...

- Mary/Enough Cryin' (2005)

A personal jam and the first thought after hearing their collaboration announcement.  Mary has always been known to rock a fierce boot whether it's during a performance, acting gig, or at an event.  Nearly 20 years later, the iconic brand and iconic singer have brought their statement look to life.  'The Mary Boot' dons a heel 4 inches high (105mm to be exact), reflective rose-gold synthetic fabric, and a leather sole with logo; ranging from women's US 4 to US 12 sizes.

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "New Balance Presents: Sounds of an Icon" Event

What 3 stacks say?  

DC got somethin to say.

-Dominick Adams/SOMEWHERE®  

- 

New Balance partnered with Hypebeast and Chela Mitchell Gallery to deliver a celebration for the craftsmanship of New Balance, within D.C, through an interactive event- 

"New Balance Presents: Sounds of an Icon"

It featured a gallery exhibition focused on Dominick "Dom" Adams of SOMEWHERE®  along with a panel discussion of D.C's style evolution between he, Ian Callender/entrepreneur- arts enthusiast, and sneaker collector- podcaster Abdul Fouzi.  It focused on what we all know, but some fail to admit, the dominancy of New Balance in its mecca Washington D.C, the rise of the 990 shoe, and importance of local entrepreneurship in preserving D.C’s identity.

  As an old classmate of mine mentioned there, "even homeless people wear new balances here".   New Balance has been a sneaker staple in Washington D.C since the 1970s... literally.  Let's dig into how the event in the capital city turned out through my lens.

The NIKE x Megan Thee Stallion Collection is Here

It took a little while for me to understand what I wanted the collection to give.

...But it's giving and I'm excited to give it to the Hotties.

Their collaboration has been publicly brewing since 2021.  It's finally here.  Megan Thee Stallion's first Nike collection.  Sizes range from XS to 3X on the featured pieces of body suits, cropped t-shirts, biker shorts, non-padded sports bras, and bomber jacket.  What's a fit without shoes?  Supporters can customize their own Air Max 97 in three different Nike By You packs, curated by Thee Stallion herself.  

New Balance Launches "Reconsidered" Resale Program

With price gouging from resellers in all corners of the market including sneakers, New Balance has officially launched their own buy, sell, and trade program.  "Reconsidered" offers quality New Balance products that have been gently worn or unsellable as 'new'.

Before posting, each product is inspected by Tersus Solutions and cleaned, if needed.  Condition grades are assigned so the consumer will know the state of the product they're buying.  New Balance suggests "Reconsidered" is a small step with keeping products and materials in circulation longer.  

Rihanna's FENTY x PUMA Creeper Shoe Has Returned With a "Phat" Update

Welcome to the madhouse.

Fenty x Puma have returned with the revive of a fan favorite from their first collaboration in 2015.  The OG Creeper featured a platform sole that gave the suede shoe a distinct look.  The upcoming release features a "bigger, bolder, and phatter than ever" update, hence its name... 

the Fenty x Puma Creeper Phatty.  

When designing the Creeper Phatty, we wanted to reinvent the OG Creeper that was loved by so many. It’s a classic silhouette that has been missed, so its return had to be bigger.

NIKE Foamposites' 'Dream A World' are Releasing Exclusively in the DMV Area

Just a few weeks ago, I published a blogpost briefly delving into how Washington D.C was and is the mecca of the New Balance shoe. On a broader spectrum of D.C and Baltimore/MD, the Nike Foamposite was yet the land where another shoe trend began.  And for those in that area, it’s a special gift for you.

 A Ma Maniére (D.C) and Social Status (Baltimore) are dropping the third colorway of the ‘Dream A World’ Foamposite one series exclusively to the DMV area. In lieu of the series name, these limited edition shoes are sepia stone/metallic silver, feature ‘luck/success happens when preparation meets opportunity’ on the insoles, and come in special packaging.

KITH Launches X-Men ASICS GEL-LYTE III Collection for 60th Anniversary

In lieu of X-Men's 60th Anniversary, KITH has collaborated with Marvel to create a one of a kind ASICS GEL-LYTE III collection.  The sneakers are inspired by mutants from the franchise in related colorways.  Fire.  

Check them out below:

Wolverine

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: atmos x New Balance 2002R 'Cybernetics Blue' Fashion Show

atmos x New balance collabed for an event presenting a fuse of local streetwear fashion and the rich culture of Washington, D.C.  No debate, D.C. is the mecca of where the New Balance trend began.  A panel of D.C. fashion enthusiasts and marketers spoke on when the New Balance trend started in D.C. (1979) and how it became a prominent shoe within the culture to present day.

The runway featured trend-setting styles from Paradyce, The Museum, Alldaz, Made in the DMV, atmos, atmos Pink, Love More, Keyonna Jones, Zella Fermani, Chris Pyrate, Mingo by Domingo, Entrapreneur, and Ricardo DSean.  A few of my favorites are featured below along with some flicks of the sneak crew and I.  Check it out:

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: "Air PinderStory" Jordan Pop-Up Experience by. Demont Pinder

Artist Demont Pinder curated and held a Jordan Pop-Up experience titled "Air PinderStory"; inspired by and celebrating the release of the premiere of "Air" the movie.  The 2023 "Air" Movie follows the story of Sonny Vaccaro and NIKE as they pursue then rookie, Michael Jordan, creating a partnership that revolutionizes the sneaker culture forever.  

I had a chance to, personally, talk with Demont and get the back story behind some of his pieces.   He was very kind, warm, and approachable.  A pleasure.  Let's take a walk through his event...

CENT.LDN releases Limited Edition Elton John Candle

Legendary performer Elton John has fans walking down the yellow brick road once again.  This Thursday kicks off the 2023 leg of his farewell 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' tour in the U.K.  

Paying homage, London candlemaker- Cent.ldn - released a limited edition platform boot sculpted candle that resembles those worn by John himself in 1974.   

img via Cent.ldn

The hand-poured candle is 100% coconut wax, one wick, and 100 hours burn time.  A height of 25 cm, width 18 cm, and depth 6.5 cm.  What does it smell like?  Presented in a box catered to the content, 

here are the scents:    

- Top notes: Vetivert, bergamot, lemon 

- Heart notes: Lily of the valley, herbs, cardamom, black pepper 

- Base notes: Cedar and musk 

Img via Tim Charles

{Personal Post} PHOTOS: A Ma Maniére NIKE Air Max Day

A Ma Maniére (meaning My Way in French) is a luxury apparel brand inspired by Parisian culture and fashion.  With store front locations in Washington DC, Atlanta, GA, and Houston, TX, their retail experience offers a trendy designed boutique housing new styles and threads from some of the hottest luxury streetwear and footwear brands.  The DC location held an event on 3.26 to celebrate Air Max Day and the return of the 86' Air Max 1.  It featured a handpicked Air Max exhibition curated by sneaker collectors Abdul (@dontchargeabdul) and Kevin (@kevykev), along with spins from DJ Jerome Baker (@jeromebaker3rd), DC's 'Sandlot' mocktails, and more.   A good time!  Check the vibes...

{Photos/Trailer} Teyana Taylor Previews her Upcoming Air Jordan 1 Collab + new film, "A Thousand and One"

Singer, Actress, and Dancer Teyana Taylor is kicking off the new year with two major projects.  She has teamed up again with Jordan Brand to release a limited edition shoe collaboration, "A Rose From Harlem".  With her own spin, the Teyana Taylor x Air Jordan 1 design reflect just that.  Check the details...

(shoe imgs via @prvt.selection x @sneakertigger) 

Why the MSCHF Big Red Boots are Becoming a Trend

Over the last two weeks, these big red boots appeared on the internet and never disappeared.  With Twitter, every other tweet was either an ad for the boots, a photo, or an opinion.  Hate em or love em, everyone was talking about them in one way or another.

MSCHF is a New York based collective found in 2016.  There is no limit to what they 'create' and many of their 'creations' have immediately gone viral.  For example, in 2019, without NIKE's blessing... MSCHF released a pair of Nike Air Max 97s (where the soles were said to contain holy water from the Jordan River) called "Jesus Shoes."  They were sold for over $1400 and have since doubled plus on the resale price. 

Back to the Big Red Boots though...

{Personal Post} PHOTOS:: Art Basel 2022 Pt. 1 - Sneaker Sip n Paint

Art Basel Miami.  We here!  For many years, I've always wanted to attend Art Basel but for some reason, the plan would always fall through.  This year, I forgot about it until several days prior to... I saw Curren$y advertise his show w/ a live band there.  "Art Basel!?  Oh Shit.  I HAVE to go!".  The rest is history.  

I played and missed out on those tickets though (long short story), but was able to grab tickets to super dope events the entire weekend.  First event took place that Friday... @ Yankee Kicks.  

{Photos} World of Flight: Jordan Brand opens First Flagship Store in Milan

 

Jordan Brand opened its first flagship store in Milan this past Saturday, Dec 16, 2022.  "World of Flight" is a retail store centralized for the Jordan brand's culture and legacy celebration.  The 363 sq. meter location, Via Torino 21 to be exact, is the new home for World of Flight; containing Jordan Brand footwear and apparel.  Consumers will have access to customizable product offerings, digital pickup experiences, NIKE Member- only events, and the latest products.  

Designs and murals were created by local artists in addition to, local materials used as a part of the store buildout; all inspired by the community's personal connection to the basketball culture.  Stefano Summo, Italian Illustrator and London/Paris based photographer, Tom D. Morgan's work are on display throughout.  

Saweetie x CROCS "Icy" Collection

Icy gang like Aspen, all the pretty girls know they gotta tap in. 

Becoming a face of CROCS last fall, Saweetie's limited edition "Icy" collection was a no brainer. While fans wait for her debut album, Saweetie makes sure she doesn't fade into the background.  Appearing in venture after venture, you WILL see her.  Get that coin hunty.  This collection includes 5 different "Icy" Jibbitz charms along with two types of CROCS selections: Classic Cozzzy Sandal in "Taffy Pink" and Classic Clog in "Pure Water".