Posts tagged with "shoes"

Reebok × Awake NY

Reebok and NYC-based clothing brand Awake NY announce the release of their first collaborative collection – an understated footwear and apparel capsule championed by Awake NY-inspired takes on Reebok’s Instapump Fury and NYC-staple the Workout Low. The capsule drops March 13 exclusively at awakenyclothing.com and in-store at Dover Street Market, before becoming available worldwide on March 20 on Reebok.com and select local retailers.

“The partnership between Awake NY and Reebok is all about mutual support,” said Angelo Baque, founder of Awake NY. “Reebok offers a rich platform for Awake’s ideas, while Awake offers a fresh, authentic NYC take on Reebok’s heritage and classic sneakers.”

The SS20 Reebok x Awake NY collection turns the clock back nearly three decades to NYC’s emerging streetwear landscape of the late ‘80’s and ‘90s – a time when the world capital began to embrace sportswear from all over the world. Because New Yorkers became especially fond of Reebok’s Workout Low ($120) in the ‘90s, Awake NY’s SS20 rendition emphasizes the sneaker’s historical impact on the city’s street culture and style at the time.

Simultaneously, Awake’s subtle NYC-inspired take on Reebok’s Instapump Fury ($180) localizes this globally iconic ‘80s silhouette, which once broke the rules of sneaker design on a massive scale with its unprecedented Pump technology. “We wanted to keep the designs simple and true to both brands,” continued Baque. “Reebok’s signature silhouettes and colorways with Awake NY’s brand blue make a great match stylistically and narratively.”

Complementing the footwear, the collection also features a Reebok x Awake NY hockey jersey and tracksuit, each of which mirror the sneakers’ heritage-inspired aesthetic.

Franky Baca Footwear

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Franky Baca [FB] is a breakthrough designer for 2020. With 70’s inspired unisex athleisure, he has fabricated key components for all. A stand alone piece of his recent collection consolidates a sophisticated pallet for sneaker heads and shoe aficionados alike. Possessing snap-on lace guards as well as a removable sock extension, his designer tennis shoes are ideal for any major music festival attendee. As most fashionable avid travelers, not having to carry additional pieces for a comfortable casual outfit is always ideal. The functionality of this affordable accessory with suede accents and robust patent leather tongue makes them unparalleled.

For a cool golf look, bump off the guard and rock a polo shirt. Or, sport a guard and sock on alternating foot for an avant garde exhibition. Whatever the case, FB has struck gold by making a dynamic tier for fashion/istas and mavens during a period of personal style. With durability, customization on a whim coupled with a generous price point, this layer is soon to be SOLD OUT by Gen X, Y and Z.

Established in 2013, self-taught designer Franky Baca set out to construct his first garments. The brand drew inspiration from nature, architecture, classic paintings, motion pictures and his Bay Area neighborhood, ultimately creating a sense of individuality for both men and women.

In 2014, their products were available to the public using futuristic yet historic silhouettes, its singularity is what differentiated the collection from what’s already been offered in the marketplace.

Franky says “My goal in creation is for the customer to question why something so different from there style is still beautiful to them. I want to challenge them to what they thought they knew about beauty. I always wanted to design clothing and loved fashion but I was hesitant because I didn’t want to design for others. I thought it took away from my individuality. I realized I could never be them and they could never be me, and I knew I must move forward. We need to inspire people and it’s the inspired people that create heroes of tomorrow.”

Buy HERE.

Steve Madden x Financial Results

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Steve Madden Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Results

Steve Madden (Nasdaq: SHOO), a leading designer and marketer of fashion-forward footwear, accessories and apparel for women, men and children, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2019, and provided initial fiscal year 2020 revenue and EPS guidance.

Amounts referred to as “Adjusted” exclude the items that are described under the heading “Non-GAAP Adjustments.” The Company reclassed commission and licensing fee income to Total Revenue and reclassed its respective expenses into Operating Expenses from previously labeled Commission and Licensing Fee Income – Net on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for each period provided. For the Fourth Quarter 2019: Revenue increased 0.7% to $419.6 million compared to $416.8 million in the same period of 2018.

Gross margin was 37.7% compared to 38.1% in the same period last year. Adjusted gross margin was 37.8% in 2019.

Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue were 33.1% compared to 32.1% in the same period of 2018. Adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of revenue were 30.0% compared to 29.0% in the same period of 2018.

Income from operations totaled $19.5 million, or 4.6% of revenue, compared to $25.0 million, or 6.0% of revenue, in the same period of 2018. Adjusted income from operations was $33.0 million, or 7.9% of revenue, compared to Adjusted income from operations of $37.9 million, or 9.1% of revenue, in the same period of 2018.

Net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. was $17.8 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, compared to $12.5 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, in the prior year’s fourth quarter. Adjusted net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. was $32.2 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, compared to $35.7 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, in the prior year’s fourth quarter.

Edward Rosenfeld, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased to have achieved Adjusted diluted EPS at the high end of our guidance range for the fourth quarter and full year 2019. Fiscal year 2019 was a strong year for the Company, with revenue and Adjusted diluted EPS increasing mid-single digits on a percentage basis compared to the prior year despite significant headwinds from the bankruptcy of Payless ShoeSource and the tariffs implemented on accessories, footwear and apparel from China.

“Looking ahead, while we are cautious on the near-term outlook due to additional headwinds from the coronavirus outbreak, China tariffs and the termination of the Kate Spade footwear license, we are confident that the strength of our brands and our business model will enable us to drive earnings growth and shareholder value creation over the long term.”

Fourth Quarter 2019 Segment Results
Revenue for the wholesale business decreased 1.1% to $313.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 due primarily to a decrease in wholesale accessories/apparel revenue. Wholesale footwear revenue declined 0.2% with a decline in the branded business offset by a gain in private label. Wholesale accessories/apparel revenue decreased 3.6% driven by declines in private label handbags and cold weather accessories, partially offset by the addition of the BB Dakota apparel business. Gross margin in the wholesale business decreased to 29.2% compared to 30.1% in last year’s fourth quarter driven by tariffs on goods imported from China.

Retail revenue in the fourth quarter rose 8.7% to $101.1 million compared to $93.0 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year. Same store sales increased 6.7% in the quarter driven by strong performance in the Company’s e-commerce business. Retail gross margin was 61.2% in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to 61.0% in last year’s fourth quarter. Adjusted gross margin in the retail segment increased to 61.6% in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to 61.0% in the fourth quarter of the prior year due to a reduction in promotional activity.

The Company ended the quarter with 227 company-operated retail locations, including eight Internet stores, as well as 31 company-operated concessions in international markets.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2019 was 15.9% compared to 52.7% in the fourth quarter of 2018. On an Adjusted basis, the effective tax rate was 6.3% compared to 9.2% in the fourth quarter of the prior year due to the impact of the year-over-year benefit resulting from the exercising and vesting of share-based awards.

Full Year Ended December 31, 2019

For the full year ended December 31, 2019, revenue increased 6.5% to $1.8 billion from $1.7 billion in the prior year.

Net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. was $141.3 million, or $1.69 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to net income of $129.1 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2018. On an Adjusted basis, net income attributable to Steven Madden, Ltd. was $162.8 million, or $1.95 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to net income of $157.7 million, or $1.83 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company repurchased 589,809 shares of the Company’s common stock for approximately $25.3 million, which includes shares acquired through the net settlement of employee stock awards. For the full year ended December 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 3.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock for approximately $101.8 million, which includes shares acquired through the net settlement of employee stock awards.

As of December 31, 2019, cash, cash equivalents and current marketable securities totaled $304.6 million.

Quarterly Dividend
The Company’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share. The dividend will be paid on March 27, 2020, to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 17, 2020.

Fiscal Year 2020 Outlook

For fiscal year 2020, the Company expects revenue will increase 0% to 1% over revenue in 2019. The Company expects diluted EPS for fiscal year 2020 will be in the range of $1.70 to $1.80. Compared to the prior year, the diluted EPS range reflects an adverse impact of approximately $0.35 from the combined impact of the coronavirus, tariffs on goods from China, the termination of the Kate Spade footwear license and a higher anticipated tax rate.

Non-GAAP Adjustments

Amounts referred to as “Adjusted” exclude the items below.

For the fourth quarter 2019:

$8.9 million pre-tax ($8.9 million after-tax) vendor support associated with the Payless ShoeSource bankruptcy, included in operating expenses.

$4.0 million pre-tax ($3.0 million after-tax) expense in connection with a provision for a legal settlement and related fees, included in operating expenses.

$0.4 million pre-tax ($0.3 million after-tax) expense in connection with the termination of a joint venture, included in cost of goods sold; $0.2 million pre-tax ($0.1 million after-tax) expense in connection with the termination of a joint venture, included in operating expenses; and $0.2 million after-tax income in connection with the termination of a joint venture, included in net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest.

$0.04 million pre-tax ($0.03 million after-tax) expense in connection with the acquisitions of GREATS and BB Dakota, included in operating expenses.

$2.2 million tax expense in connection with deferred tax and other tax adjustments.

For the fourth quarter 2018:

$12.1 million pre-tax ($11.5 million after-tax) in bad debt expense and write-off of an unamortized buying agency agreement support payment associated with the Payless ShoeSource bankruptcy, included in operating expenses.

$0.5 million pre-tax ($0.3 million after-tax) expense in connection with a provision for early lease termination charges, included in operating expenses.

$0.3 million pre-tax ($0.2 million after-tax) expense in connection with the integration of the Schwartz & Benjamin acquisition and the related restructuring, included in operating expenses.

$11.1 million tax expense resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act transition tax and prepaid tax adjustments related to prior years.

For the fiscal year 2019:

$8.7 million pre-tax ($8.6 million after-tax) vendor support, net of recovery of bad debt expense associated with the Payless ShoeSource bankruptcy, included in operating expenses.

$5.4 million pre-tax ($4.1 million after-tax) expense in connection with early lease termination charges and the impairment of lease right-of-use assets.

$4.1 million pre-tax ($3.0 million after-tax) non-cash expense associated with the impairment of the Brian Atwood trademark.

$4.0 million pre-tax ($3.0 million after-tax) expense in connection with provision for a legal settlement and related fees, included in operating expenses.

$1.9 million pre-tax ($1.4 million after-tax) net benefit associated with the change in a contingent liability and the acceleration of amortization related to the termination of the Kate Spade license agreement as of December 31, 2019.

$1.1 million pre-tax ($0.8 million after-tax) expense in connection with the acquisitions of GREATS and BB Dakota, included in operating expenses.

$0.7 million pre-tax ($0.5 million after-tax) expense in connection with a divisional headquarters relocation.

$2.6 million tax expense in connection with deferred tax and other tax adjustments.

For the fiscal year 2018:

$2.8 million pre-tax ($2.1 million after-tax) expense in connection with a provision for a settlement, included in operating expenses.

$2.1 million pre-tax ($1.5 million after-tax) expense in connection with the integration of the Schwartz & Benjamin acquisition and the related restructuring, included in operating expenses.

$1.2 million pre-tax ($0.9 million after-tax) expense in connection with a warehouse consolidation, included in operating expenses.

$1.0 million tax expense in connection with the impairment of the preferred interest investment in Brian Atwood Italia Holding, LLC recorded in fourth quarter 2017.

$0.5 million pre-tax ($0.3 million after-tax) expense in connection with a provision for early lease termination charges, included in operating expenses.

$11.1 million tax expense resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act transition tax and prepaid tax adjustments related to prior years.

Reconciliations of amounts on a GAAP basis to Adjusted amounts are presented in the Non-GAAP Reconciliation tables at the end of this release and identify and quantify all excluded items.

Conference Call Information

Interested stockholders are invited to listen to the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2019 earnings conference call scheduled for today, February 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by logging onto http://stevemadden.gcs-web.com. An online archive of the broadcast will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and will be accessible for a period of 30 days following the call.

About Steve Madden

Steve Madden designs, sources and markets fashion-forward footwear, accessories and apparel for women, men and children. In addition to marketing products under its own brands including Steve Madden®, Dolce Vita®, Betsey Johnson®, Blondo®, Report®, Brian Atwood®, Cejon®, GREATS®, BB Dakota®, Mad Love® and Big Buddha®, Steve Madden is a licensee of various brands, including Anne Klein®, Superga® and DKNY®. Steve Madden also designs and sources products under private label brand names for various retailers. Steve Madden’s wholesale distribution includes department stores, specialty stores, luxury retailers, national chains and mass merchants. Steve Madden also operates 227 retail stores (including eight Internet stores). Steve Madden licenses certain of its brands to third parties for the marketing and sale of certain products, including ready-to-wear, outerwear, eyewear, hosiery, jewelry, fragrance, luggage and bedding and bath products. For local store information and the latest Steve Madden booties, pumps, men’s and women’s boots, fashion sneakers, dress shoes, sandals and more, visit http://www.stevemadden.com.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding revenue and earnings guidance, plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “should”, “anticipate”, “project”, “predict”, “plan”, “intend”, or “estimate”, and similar expressions or the negative of these expressions. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they represent the Company’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated events and trends affecting its business and industry based on information available as of the time such statements are made. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which may be outside of the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. As such, investors should not rely upon them. Important risk factors include:

the Company’s ability to accurately anticipate fashion trends and promptly respond to consumer demand
the Company’s ability to compete effectively in a highly competitive market
the Company’s ability to adapt it business model to rapid changes in the retail industry
the Company’s dependence on the retention and hiring of key personnel
the Company’s ability to successfully implement growth strategies and integrate acquired businesses
the Company’s reliance on independent manufacturers to produce and deliver products in a timely manner, especially when faced with adversities such as work stoppages, transportation delays, public health emergencies, social unrest, changes in local economic conditions, and political upheavals as well as meet the Company’s quality standards
changes in trade policies and tariffs imposed by the United States government and the governments of other nations in which the Company manufactures and sells products
disruptions to product delivery systems and the Company’s ability toproperly manage inventory
the Company’s ability to adequately protect its trademarks and other intellectual property rights; legal, regulatory, political and economic risks that may affect the Company’s sales in international markets
changes in U.S. and foreign tax laws that could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial results; additional tax liabilities resulting from audits by various taxing authorities
the Company’s ability to achieve operating results that are consistent with prior financial guidance
other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, including, without limitation, any guidance regarding revenue or earnings, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Operations Data, Balance Sheet Data, Cash Flow Data, and Non-GAAP Reconciliation can be viewed HERE.

Lisa x Lena Sneaker Launch

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Internationally followed German social media stars and GenZ opinion leaders, Lisa and Lena, who have amassed over 15 million followers on Instagram, hosted a one-day-only unique pop-up in Downtown Los Angeles to celebrate the launch of BUFFALO’s much-anticipated J1mo71 sneaker collaboration.

The well-received event featured the new Buffalo J1mo71, guests anxiously waiting to meet with the celebrated Instagram stars, a colorful candy bar and pancakes by Get Caked LA, DJ tunes by Ben 10k and Ben Senseless, and a mural wall by Cori Alsbrooks. Guests of the launch event included Katie Ritzi (@xkflyaway), skater Hilary Shanks (@hilaryshankss), and Haivyn Sanches (@haivyndaisy). Throughout the day, guests enjoyed writing inspiring messages on the mural wall, taking photos and talking with Lisa and Lena, eating eye-catching pancake art, and dancing to great music.

Inspired by the 90s, the three BUFFALO sneaker styles the twins Lisa and Lena have created are showing up with a chunky sole as well as in an all over denim look, in neon colors and with reflective elements. The collaboration with the twins marks the highlight of BUFFALOs #NOTLIKED campaign which started in 2019 and celebrates self love and authenticity.

PUMA × PIRELLI

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Sports company PUMA unleashes the Replicat-X 1.8 Pirelli, a new sneaker with a quick lacing system which is inspired by one of the most iconic turbo engines in motorsport shistory to take the track to the street.

The Replicat-X 1.8 Pirelli takes on the ferocity and form of a modern supercar, inspired by motorsports heritage, to transform it into the fastest footwear in the entire collection.

The build up upper offers more layering with a booty construction, which makes the Replicat-X 1.8 Pirelli comfortable for a stroll around the track. The body kit of the shoe features an “oversized” wraparound full rubber outsole with Pirelli’s unique CINTURATO Blue tread pattern used to generate maximum traction during wet races. This gives it a distinctive, racing-inspired look, sits low to the ground and has an even more comfortable molded sock liner.

A quick lacing system provides faster acceleration to kick off the day without worrying about tying your shoes. Fast as a super car, the upper features a perforated mash vamp, with lateral mesh panels for breathability, providing the perfect fit to own the road.

The PUMA Replicat-X 1.8 Pirelli will be available in stores right now in PUMA Black-Luminous Purple-Sunny Lime, PUMA White-Peacoat-Limepunch and Gray Violet-Sunny Lime-Palace Blue.

PUMA

PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For more than 70 years, PUMA has relentlessly pushed sport and culture forward by creating fast products for the world’s fastest athletes. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running and Training, Basketball, Golf, and Motorsports. It collaborates with renowned designers and brands to bring sport influences into street culture and fashion. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 13,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany.

PIRELLI

Pirelli was founded in 1872 and is now one of the world’s leading tire-makers, specializing exclusively in tires for cars, motorbikes and road bikes, as well as associated services. Pirelli enjoys a unique space in the High Value tire sector, thanks to products with advanced technological content, which have obtained more than 2700 homologations in partnership with the world’s most prestigious car manufacturers. Pirelli is constantly engaged in cutting-edge research and development, re-investing 6.1% of its High Value revenue, in order to maintain the highest levels of performance, safety, and environmental respect. Pirelli has been active in motorsports since 1907 and from 2011 has been exclusive supplier to the Formula 1 World Championship, recently renewing until 2023. Pirelli will also be exclusive supplier to the World Rally Championship from 2021 to 2024.

Buy HERE.

STOCKING STUFFERS

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Dolls Kill is an online boutique featuring a rebellious spirit and attitude, mixed with a bit of punk rock, goth, glam and festival fashion.

The Buschhhhh Cooler Stocking is a five-foot-long, fully-insulated stocking that can keep its dozen beers as cold as the North Pole for up to four hours. Launched just in time for the holiday season, the stocking is the perfect gift for all the beer lovers on your list this year, and is available now for $20 while supplies last.

The MTGB1000XBD-1 will retail for $1,100 and will be available for purchase beginning in November at standard G-SHOCK retailers including Macy’s, the G-SHOCK Soho Store, and gshock.com.

Revo introduces new 1985 all-glass lense collection that features six styles ranging from 80’s retro-inspired frames with unique metal detailing to a classic sport wrap. Each frame will come in special Revo 1985 packaging. The retail price for the collection ranges from $249 to $279. Durable, lightweight and sporty.

Scarflings is known for having a reputation for providing luxurious high quality scarves, wraps and shawls. The company offers free shipping on orders over $200. Their collection is made to mix and max with your existing wardrobe, offering people a great designer look. The company aims to be environmentally responsible, using natural, compostable and recyclable materials whenever possible. To learn more about Scarflings, or to see their full catalog of products, go HERE.

Double-Insulated Touchscreen Gloves by Mujjo. Developed for those in colder climates. This year they’ve been completely re-engineered so they are able to withstand much colder temperatures thanks to a unique triple-layered construction.

Take advantage of Lexus Performance Driving School [LPDS] in Monterey, California at the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. This is the 4th year of this program helmed by legendary Nascar driver Scott Pruett alongside of world-class driving instructors. Under his direction, consumers as well as car enthusiasts can learn to become more confident and cognizant drivers with personalized coaching.

The 6th Clothing Co 2019-2020 FW is now exclusively available on their site HERE. Their creed is about reinforcing positivity through action. They donate a small percentage of proceeds to select non-profits on a monthly basis. Free shipping for orders over $50.

Actor, producer and musician; two-time Academy Award® nominee; four-time Grammy nominee and winner; Will Smith is releasing the second collection under his new apparel brand, Bel-Air Athletics.

Solely on sale at belairathletics.com from Tuesday, November 26, and running through mid-December, the limited collection features more than 40 new items of unisex apparel and accessories. Every item in the collection is limited edition and only available as part of this limited sale.

Just in time for the snowy season, Dr. Martens has released a collection of boots designed to combat the icy sidewalks. Introducing the new Wintergrip collection – a new line of boots and shoes specifically designed with a grooved cleat sole, offering superior traction, grip and durability for solid footing on slippery surfaces. They’re even lined with fleece and faux fur to keep your feet warm and made from a water-resistant Snowplow leather, helping them to outlast even the most brutal winters.

The latest UNIQLO UT collaboration celebrates the art of Fortnite, which has become a global sensation since its release in 2017. Featuring popular in-game outfits and items, most notably the iconic Loot Llama, Cuddle Team Leader, and Slurp Juice, the 13-piece line comprises T-shirts in eight unique designs that are sure to be a hit with the fans.

The collection will come in a full range of sizes, priced from $14.90 to $29.90, and will launch in stores and Uniqlo.com on Friday, December 20^th

Just in time for Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker, check out this Adidas drop HERE.

The official “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” original motion picture soundtrack, with music by John Williams, is out now. Stream it HERE.

The Mandalorian “Chapter 7” is out now. Stream music from the official soundtrack HERE.

Reebok × WondaGurl

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Reebok announces its partnership with famed music producer, WondaGurl, as part of its ‘It’s A Man’s World’ campaign. WondaGurl is the second female icon the brand has joined forces with for this campaign (after Jazarei-Allen Lord’s custom club c drop).

After breaking into the music scene at 16, Ebony Naomi Oshunrinde, AKA WondaGurl, continues to make a name for herself, working with the likes of Big Sean, Travis Scott, Jay Z, Drake, SZA and Rihanna.

A woman who is defying convention every day, WondaGurl embodies the ‘It’s A Man’s World’ message through her relentless drive to break barriers in the music world. Bringing her personal story with ‘It’s A Man’s World’ to life, WondaGurl worked with Reebok to update the classic Aztrek 96 sneaker.

WondaGurl’s Shoe Design, Inspiration & Quotes:

On the surface, WondaGurl’s shoe has a simple all-black aesthetic composed of 3M.
“I just knew I wanted the shoe black. I’m just simple. I don’t really like to show myself off.”
When exposed to a camera flash, the 3M material unveils unique graphics such as audio waves and a USB symbol representing WondaGurl’s wrist tattoo.
“The USB is literally the most important thing to me. Literally everything I need goes through the USB.”
The shoe features a smiley face patch on the heel as a nod to WondaGurl’s “Enjoy Life” motto.
“It’s my motto really. It’s funny how it started. My bro walked out of the studio and I said “alright, enjoy life!” That was literally the first time I ever said it, and I was like “wow, this is kind of cool.””
WondaGurl used the inside of the shoe to share the most meaningful aspects of her life.
“It’s the things that make me happy: My family. My good friends. Love. Food. The studio. The process. Achieving my goals. Being healthy. Being free.”

Arriving in inclusive men’s and women’s size ranges, the Reebok Classic x WondaGurl ‘~~It’s A Man’s World’~~ Aztrek 96 will be available on November 5^th at www.Reebok.com/IAMW.

Introducing Zignature

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Reebok unveiled the highly anticipated release of Zig Kinetica Concept_Type 1, an all-new silhouette dropping in November.

To preview the new sneaker, Reebok is releasing a short film today, entitled ‘ZIGNATURE.’ Built on the concepts that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred, and that with every stride, every step forward, your energy grows, ‘ZIGNATURE’ takes viewers on a journey to redefine the idea of energy and what it means to have “your energy amplified.” On a wave of its own, Zig Kinetica Concept_Type 1, is energy return in shoe form.

Zig Kinetica Concept_Type 1 will be available on https://www.reebok.com/us/zig_home and select retailers on November 8 for $180.

About Zig Kinetica Concept_Type 1
As seen on the runways of Paris and New York Fashion Week with partners from Cottweiler to Chromat, the unique Zig sole embodies physical and creative energy. Now, with that same striking zig zag sole designed for energy return, and an upper expertly designed by Ian Paley, founder of Garbstore, Zig Kinetica Concept_Type 1 subverts the traditional spectrum of style that pits fashion and human performance at opposite ends. This silhouette shows what bold creative energy and inspiration can achieve, delivering an all-day performance experience with superior energy return and enhanced cushioning.

Product highlights include:

The three-part Zig energy system in the sole features:

Floatride Fuel: Exclusively-formulated Floatride Fuel offers high rebound properties that cushion your heel as you strike the ground

Energy Shell: As your stride continues, downward force compresses the Energy Shellthat provides added stability and durability

Energy Web: A uniquely designed rubber web component, the Energy Web expands and contracts like a rubber band to provide spring like response, propelling you into your next movement

Microvent mesh on the shoe’s upper for breathability

Adjustable guidance band for added fit and style

NORDSTROM NYC FLAGSHIP

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By Armon Hayes × Vaughn Lowery

Co-President, Pete Nordstrom, along side of corporate partners hosted a tour for retailer’s newly largest single project investment in their history. On Oct 24th, Nordstrom will launch its first flagship in Manhattan since the 1920s. An exclusive onestop shop adjacent to the Nordstrom Men’s store located on West 57th street & Broadway. The seven-level flagship store, designed in collaboration with James Carpenter Design Associates, forms in the base of the ‘tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere.’ With 320,000 square feet, it will embody an experience which is responsive and reflective of its customers. After all, a great design encourages people to stay longer and shop more. And, with 19-foot ceilings, it’s an open canvas for an interchangeable yet flexible floor plan.

The new floor plan allows for discovery, with range to explore and transition through brands freely that they haven’t experienced before. The infrastructure is designed to funnel natural light through transparency with floor to ceiling glass, intertwining the shopping experience to the city’s skyline. The atrium possesses a waveform glass façade which allows for interaction from customers inside and out. Chain-mail veils and lighting installations lend character to the location, reflecting the city’s cultural events as well as major holidays.

“A rapidly growing younger consumer who’s engaged has emerged,” asserts Pete Nordstrom. Instinctively creating a new culture and how we shop that’s relevant to life experiences. Today one-third of sales are e-commerce, which represents 30% of Nordstrom’s business.

For over 100 years, the retailer has stood the test of time. The climate of brick and mortar for many retailers have shrunk and/or has become nonexistent. Nordstrom understands as their customer evolves, their level of service and retail atmosphere should be elevated as well. Using technology and innovation, the new store’s communication system will allow employees to order beverages and/or garments throughout the location.

In addition, customers will have access to 24/7 buy online & pickup, in-store personal stylists and tailoring while you wait. The Vice President of Creative Projects, Olivia Kim, has fabricated initiatives like Pop-In@ Nordstrom – an exclusive space for emerging designers. Merchandising will include a curated depth of products (clothing, accessories, shoes, beauty, children’s, home etc) across price points.

Lastly, there will be 7 food and beverage options with 4 full-service restaurants, 2 bars and an innovative, gluten-free doughnut stand:

¤ Shoe Bar will feature handcrafted cocktails, speciality coffee drinks and a selection of small plates.

¤ 2 restaurants are in collaboration with Chef Tom Douglas.

¤ 1 restaurant is in collaboration with Chef Ethan Stowell.

For a mega metropolis that’s often explored while on foot, this fashion marquee’s newest residence seems to be long overdue.

Two MIT Sloan MBAs launch new startup

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Two MIT Sloan MBAs will launch a new startup called Season Three this fall. The only direct-to-consumer company focused on the fashion lifestyle space in the accelerator, Adam Klein, MBA ’19, and Jared Johnson, MBA ’20, will offer a product line featuring all-weather Merino wool lined boots engineered at MIT.

“Our product fits an open space within the shoe industry that existing shoes have failed to fulfill. The boots are designed for all humans – they are unisex – making style and comfort accessible to everyone. They encourage the exploration of your surroundings, without sacrificing professionalism,” says Klein.

Johnson says, “The resources, support, and mentorship provided at MIT Sloan were invaluable. They helped us go from nothing to something.”

Meeting in MIT Sloan’s MBA Program, the team combined Johnson’s passion for fashion as well as design experience with Klein’s entrepreneurial, finance and legal experience to create an outdoors brand that they describe as a “marriage of fashion, comfort, and functionality.”

The idea began with a personal need, explains Johnson. “We were walking in Boston on a snowy, cold winter day in big chunky boots. We talked about how boots could be designed better not only in terms of style, but also thermal stability. We wanted to create a comfortable boot that anyone could wear to the office and then move throughout the city during the day and to events after work. Out of that came Season Three.”

Klein adds, “Jared brings a tremendous knowledge of footwear to this venture. Before MIT, he pursued design with the goal of working in the fashion and footwear sector.”

At MIT, they began working on the idea through the MITdesignX program in MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning and received support from the MIT Sandbox Innovation Fund. They also received support and mentorship from the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship as well as feedback from faculty, alumni, and classmates. Through classes, they refined their business plan and marketing strategy.

The cofounders designed the boot at MIT with their “Threedom footbed,” which provides shock absorbing qualities for comfort as well as greater absorption of moisture. The boot is temperature controlled by a combination of merino wool and weather-proof leathers.

“No other product caters to the new lifestyle of the ‘WeWork Generation,’ where someone working 60 hours a week needs fashion to seamlessly flow between professional environments, drinks with friends, and side hustles in between. As a unisex brand, we recognize an eagerness within all humans,” says Johnson. “We believe our boots are a product that advocates for collective unity.”

The founders will participate in the delta v program Demo Day presentations at MIT, New York City, and San Francisco in September. They plan to officially launch their online store in November. The boots will be their initial product and retail at $345.

“We’ve received a lot of interest because the boots were designed at MIT and we occupy a unique position in the fashion lifestyle space. We are taking everything we learned in school to build this company, and we look forward to our launch this fall,” says Jared.

The MIT Sloan School of Management is where smart, independent leaders come together to solve problems, create new organizations, and improve the world. Learn more at mitsloan.mit.edu.

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