Posts tagged with "shoes"

NIKE vs MSCHF

Leave a reply

Nike has filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against MSCHF shoes that released a controversial customized version of its sneakers “Satan Shoes” with rapper Lil Nas X. In the lawsuit filed today, Nike accused MSCHF Product Studio, Inc. of trademark infringement over the designer’s 666 pairs of modified Nike sneakers made in collaboration with the “Old Town Road” singer. All 666 pairs sold out Monday.

Fara Sunderji is a partner at the international law firm Dorsey & Whitney in its New York office. Sunderji has extensive expertise in all stages of trademark, copyright, clearance, prosecution, maintenance, enforcement, and litigation. Of the lawsuit she says,

“Nike’s swoosh is probably one of the most recognizable non-word trademarks in the world. You see it and you automatically think of Nike as the source of the good on which it appears. This is how trademarks are supposed to operate, as a source identified. Nike’s case here is pretty simple to understand: MSCHF is selling Nike Air Max 97’s that have been modified in a way in which Nike does not approve. People see these “Satan Shoes” and think they come from Nike and some people don’t like that. Nike, therefore, claims that the release of these “Santa Shoes” is harming its valuable brand,” Sunderji says.

“MSCHF will likely argue that they are protected under a theory called the First Sale Doctrine, which allows third parties to resell trademarked goods that have already entered the marketplace. But the doctrine is limited to the sale of genuine goods. The doctrine is based on the premise that consumers are not being deceived because they are receiving what they have bargained for, the trademarked good. Under Second Circuit case law, goods are not genuine if they do not conform to the brand owner’s quality control standards, and it is easy to guess Nike’s take on this issue – Just don’t do it,” Sunderji says.

According to NBC News, the lawsuit states “We don’t have any further details to share on pending legal matters,” Nike said. “However, we can tell you we do not have a relationship with Lil Nas X or MSCHF.”

Trademark attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben Perrott PLLC stated to CNN Business that “It’s a legal rationale that grants artists who purchase and repurpose individual copyrighted products the ability to express and profit off their own creativity.”. He also pointed out Nike shoe redesigners like MSCHF commonly sell their work on online marketplaces. “You’ve got all kinds of artists that go out there and they take a shoe, and they’ll do a whole bunch of custom art on the shoe and maybe resell it for $1,000-3,000,” Gerben said. “This is something Nike is well aware of and has done absolutely nothing to mess with because there’s a sneaker culture here.”

Lil Nas X isn’t named as a party in the lawsuit. Representatives for the musician did not respond to calls or emails requesting comment.

The backlash from social media is incredible with thousands of people expressing their opinions with the shoes and the representation they bring:

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem tweeted “Our kids are being told that this kind of product, is not only okay, it’s “exclusive.” But do you know what’s more exclusive? Their God-given eternal soul. We are in a fight for the soul of our nation. We need to fight hard. And we need to fight smart. We have to win.”.

Angela Stanton King, founder of American King Foundation, tweeted “I’m sitting here trying to figure out where Nike got the blood from for Lil Nas X 666 shoes (shoe emoji) …Who’s blood is it?”

NBA star Nick Young tweeted “My kids will never play Old Town Road again… I’m still debating about wearing Nike after this come Nike a drop of blood for real”.

On Instagram, celebrity musician Miley Cyrus shares a photo proudly wearing the controversial sneakers, captioning the post “Can you see Satan?”.

The controversial ‘Satan Shoes’ were strategically dropped after the release of Lil Nas X’s music video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”, which has already been viewed more than 54 million times.

Lil Nas X took to Twitter in his true fashion posting “I spent my entire teenage years hating myself because of the shit y’all preached would happen to me because I was gay. So I hope u are mad, stay mad, feel the same anger you teach us to have towards ourselves.”

Rising Star Gigi Vega

Leave a reply

360 Magazine had the opportunity to ask rising star, Gigi Vega, questions that her fans would want to know. Gigi Vega debuted her hit song “Mistletoe Kiss” taking the holiday music charts by storm. She went viral on TikTok with 10 million views and 15k videos. In addition to writing and producing, GiGi is a dancer and choreographer. Read on to learn more about Gigi!

GIGI VEGA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. How has your family inspired you and your music?

GV: I would always do little shows and auditions. My father is a jazz musician. He would play the piano, so I was always surrounded by music, and theater as well.

2. What or who inspired your song “Watchu Tryna Do?”

GV: It just happened. Actually, had it for a while, but was finally able to come back to it. Originally, the lyrics were supposed to be “in the club”, instead of “in the crib”. But I had to make adjustments due to COVID 19

3. Talk about your producer on this song?

GV: Jack London. He has worked with the Chainsmokers.

4. Where do you get your ideas for songwriting?

GV: Melodies just come to me. Melodies come first for me. Lyrics come from everyday life experiences. I’ve always been into dancing and singing. It’s something that just clicked for me, but I got more into it once I started composing my own songs.

5. What charities are you aligned with and why?

GV: Anti-bullying programs.

6. What acting projects will you be involved with in the future?

GV: I will be in The Drone That Saved Christmas. Production begins in March. After that, I hope the COVID situation improves, so I can be touring.

7. Who are your biggest influences?

GV: Janet Jackson. Definitely into anyone who is super full out, and she is one of them.

8. What advice would you give to a singer starting out?

GV: Don’t let anyone steer you in the direction of what they want you to be – it is not worth it, ever.

9. Talk about your training as a triple threat, what do you do to stay on top?

GV: Just take a look at my Music video, it is all there. Acting, dancing, singing. I have trained in all three disciplines since I was very young. My dance training was focused on modern dance, but I am schooled in all disciplines. I have always been on stage or behind the camera, so it is second nature.

10. How do you take care of your voice?

GV: Regular training, like an athlete. Lots of lemon and pineapple juice, as well.

11. If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

GV: Chris Brown or Jason Derulo. Dancer/singer like I am. Janet – anyone who is full out, as mentioned before.

12. What is on your playlist right now?

GV: Omarion, Michael Jackson, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Pop Smoke, Jason Derulo.

13. Who are you currently watching on TikTok?

GV: Everything that comes across my feed.:)

14. When did you know you wanted to be an entertainer?

GV: Never thought about anything else. I was on stage from an early age. I made the move from stage to commercial work in my teens. Once I learned how to write solid music, I knew I wanted to record music. It was a process. I spent hundreds of hours in the studio as a kid.

15. What artist did you admire as a child?

GV: I loved watching Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson is my absolute favorite.

16. Do you play any instruments?

GV: I pluck out notes on the piano and guitar to help my melodies. Had many lessons and music theory, but I won’t be accompanying myself just yet.

17. What’s your fashion style?

GV: I like more tropical vibes, or casual, put-together vibes, but I always like to switch it up. I can be glam or a Tomboy. Get a girl who can do both.

18. What do you do to relax?

GV: I love fashion, always putting fashion pieces together. I learned to sew as a child, went to classes and camps for years. I was one of those kids who got a new shirt, and then I would go to my room and change the shape and design. I love listening to music and writing. Honestly, writing is my happy space.

19. What other businesses do you plan on starting to promote your brand?

GV: I am very into sneakers and shoes. I have so many different designs in my head that need to come out.

20. What’s the one thing you think everyone could do to make the world a more positive place?

GV: Less judgment of others, especially strangers.

REEBOK’S “I3 MOTORSPORTS” CAMPAIGN

Leave a reply

Today, Reebok officially unveils its highly anticipated “Street Sleigh” footwear and apparel collection, championed by moto-inspired takes on the brand’s iconic retro footwear models: the Question Mid and new Classic Leather Legacy. Introducing the brand’s “I3 Motorsports” narrative, which highlights Reebok’s relationship to bike life through the lens of its original rough rider Allen Iverson, the “Street Sleigh” pack is available December 15, 2020 from Reebok.com, Foot Locker, Champs and Finish Line, among other local retailers.

With a history in motorsports sponsorship dating back to the mid-80s and the introduction of its racing-inspired Answer IV and I3 Apparel range in the early 00’s, Reebok – alongside cross-cultural icon Allen Iverson – helped introduce motorsports to the streets at the turn of the century. In fact, Reebok’s vibrant and overbranded I3 Apparel line is often recognized as one of the earliest and most important crossovers between streetwear and sportswear. Today, like most team sports, inner city motorsport or “bike life” is an important subculture in many cities, affording freedom of expression and a sense of community.

To celebrate this important subculture, Reebok released a photo series that documents riders from Atlanta, a prominent, thriving bike life city. The series [HERE] captures the pure freedom of expression, movement, style and prowess of these individuals and their wider community.

Tailored with a contemporary red and black holiday aesthetic nodding Iverson’s heart and style, the Question Mid “Street Sleigh” [imagery HERE] presents a material execution inspired by ATV’s and dirt bikes known for their high-contrast matte and gloss detailing. The Deep Black full-grain leather upper is accented with a patent synthetic toe and a Rich Red randing (mock welt) overlay that flows onto a glossed midsole for a truly eye-catching design. The silhouette effectively underlines the intersection of bike life and basketball in the inner city – two important and often overlapping subcultures in which Reebok remains rooted. Available in adult ($140, G57551), junior (GV7187), preschool (GV7184) and toddler (GV7182) sizing.

Riding alongside Question Mid is the new Classic Leather Legacy [imagery HERE] that puts its own twist on the “Street Sleigh” narrative. With a Rich Red leather upper seated atop a Deep Black rubber outsole and mixing glossy and matte overlays throughout, the Classic Leather Legacy “Street Sleigh” presents a clean and thoughtful symbol of bike life and Reebok heritage. Available in adult ($80, GZ2752) sizing.

“Street Sleigh” will also usher in the introductory release of Reebok’s new “Iverson Apparel” range, showcasing historic images captured by longtime A.I. photographer Gary Land, among other graphic designs. Apparel imagery can be found HERE.

Imagery of the Atlanta photo series, Question Mid and Classic Leather Legacy “Street Sleigh” and new “Iverson Apparel” range can be found HERE.

Finally, to tie a bow around the holiday release, professional basketball player Montrezl Harrell delivers “Street Sleigh” gifts to kids in this animation-style short film, which can be viewed HERE.

Reebok’s “Street Sleigh” footwear and apparel pack is available December 15, 2020 from Reebok.com, Foot Locker, Champs and Finish Line, among other local retailers. Fans can stay tuned for more from “I3 Motorsports” in Spring 2021.

About Reebok

Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Boston, MA, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of fitness and lifestyle footwear, apparel and equipment. An American-inspired global brand, Reebok is a pioneer in the sporting goods industry with a rich and storied fitness heritage. Reebok develops products, technologies and programming that enable movement so people can fulfill their potential. Reebok connects with the fitness consumer wherever they are and however they choose to stay fit – whether it’s functional training, running, combat training, walking, dance, yoga or aerobics. Reebok Classics leverages the brand’s fitness heritage and represents the roots of the brand in the sports lifestyle market.

For more information, visit Reebok at www.reebok.com, or, for the latest news at http://news.reebok.com/. Discover Reebok at the following locations:https://www.instagram.com/reebok/;http://twitter.com/reebok; and http://youtube.com/reebok.

ATL Street Sleigh Riders via Jorge Sigala for Reebok

Classic Leather Legacy "Street Sleigh" for Reebok

Iverson Apparel Street Sleigh for Reebok

Question Mid "Street Sleigh" for Reebok — Created by MDKGraphicsEngine – Licensed to Adidas Production

The Iconic Men’s Shoes You Will Want to Own Today

Leave a reply

When it comes to shoes, there are some brands that have stood the test of time. Timberland, Nike, Converse and adidas all have iconic kicks that have been gracing our feet for decades.

Here, we give you a run down of the most iconic men’s shoes of all time, which are all still available today.

The Timberland Boots

The first Timberland boots were released in 1973, and they are still a bestseller today. As a boot fit for both work and play, it is the versatility of the Timberland that has kept them in the spotlight.

They are soft and made of quality materials. With a waterproof leather upper and lug rubber outsole, Timberland boots are not only stylish, but they’re also comfortable — and something every man should have in his collection. These boots do come in a few different colors, but the tan hue is at the top of our list. While Timberlands have always been iconic, hip hop artists such as Kanye West have taken them to the next level of cool.

The Nike Air Max Sneakers

When you own a pair of Nike Air Max kicks, they will be so much more than a typical pair of sneakers. First released in 1987, these retro shoes come in just about any color scheme you can imagine. Known for the cushioned base and that “window to the sole,” the brand wanted to show fans the air that was hidden inside. The idea to pump up the sole with air originally came from Frank Rudy, an aeronautical engineer who had experience with NASA.

Each season we see small changes to the Nike Air Max range, but they still have that ’80s bounce we all know and love.

The Converse Chuck Taylors

Another shoe that is rich in history is the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars. These basketball babes were first invented in 1917, but Chuck Taylor wasn’t completely satisfied with the design.

He asked for more support in 1922, and they have been an icon ever since. Converse shoes come in different cuts, but we really can’t go past the high tops. They can be worn with any outfit, and really do scream retro fashion. Whether it is black, white or red, it’s that star that will keep these legends popular well into the future.

The Adidas Originals Superstar

Another shoe that we have been coveting for 50 years is the Adidas Originals Superstar. Its rubber shell toe cap and flexibility made it a direct competitor against Converse in the basketball market.

Adidas is a pop culture favorite, and while the Superstar may have started as a basketball shoe, it now has its place on the street. The 80s’ hip hop scene helped propel this shoe into the spotlight, as Run DMC proudly wore the three stripes.

An Iconic Shoe Is a Must-Have

Shoes aren’t just for working and running, they can be the finishing touch to your look. Some shoes are made to be worn for life, and a pair of Timberlands, Nike Airs, Adidas Originals or Converse Chuck Taylor’s have long-term appeal.

No matter what the season or the occasion, these iconic shoes will be there to make a statement. Plus, they are all made with comfort and support in mind.

Donovan Mitchell, BODYARMOR x adidas

Leave a reply

Donovan Mitchell is fresh off a five-year, $195 million extension with the Utah Jazz, and now he’s dropping some fresh, new kicks.

The star guard teamed up with BODYARMOR for a collaboration with adidas to create a limited edition version of his D.O.N. Issue #2 sneaker called the adidas D.O.N. Issue #2 x BODYARMOR.

The shoe features a brand new colorway inspired by Mitchell’s favorite BODYARMOR flavor, Tropical Punch.

D.O.N., which stands for “Determination Over Negativity,” is representative of Mitchell’s mindset both on and off the court.

The new shoe features the BOUNCE midsole, which enhances comfort and stability. It is also a higher heel counter, which provides even more containment and support. A webbed lacing system and the soft, breathable mesh upper provide even more lateral support.

The D.O.N. Issue #2 x BODYARMOR will not be available for purchase. Rather, it is available to fans and consumers nationwide through giveaways on BODYARMOR social platforms beginning Tuesday.

There will be just 100 pairs, so those who can get their hands on the shoes will be the envy of sneaker collectors everywhere.

Mitchell was first announced a partner and investor with BODYARMOR Sports Drink in Jan. 2018. He was another premier name added to a list of athlete partners that includes James Harden, Trae Young, Megan Rapinoe, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Kemba Walker, Dustin Johnson, Naomi Osaka, Mike Trout and more.

Mitchell took the league by storm in the 2017-2018 season. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the 13th overall pick in the 2017 draft and was traded to the Utah Jazz the same night.

He won the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest and was named an All-Star during the 2019-2020 season. Through the first three seasons of his career, he is averaging 22.7 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game and 4 assists per game.

BODYARMOR is now the No. 2 sports drink sold nationwide.

For more information about BODYARMOR, you can click right here. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

You can also follow Donovan Mitchell on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Tips For Supporting Ethical Fashion

Leave a reply

There is no time like right now to make the switch to ethical fashion, with the report Future of Consumer Demand showing that the vast majority of Americans place a high importance on buying goods that are ethically produced. When it comes to fashion, the exact definition of ‘ethics’ is difficult to provide, since it extends to a wide array of issues – including fair working conditions, sustainability, support for upcoming creators, animal welfare, and fair trade. A recent Futerra survey showed that around 90% of consumers in the U.S. and the U.K. want to make a positive difference with each purchase they make. They feel that their actions can be part of a big wave that reduces pressing problems such as global warming. If you are ready to start supporting companies that are ‘giving back’, what qualities should you look for in your chosen brands?

Ethical Working Conditions

If you are drafting a list of fashion and accessory companies you would like to start supporting, spend time getting to know their policy on working conditions. For instance, if you are buying luxury gems such as diamonds, ensuring they are conflict-free and ethically sourced is key. More than 99% of accessible diamonds meet Kimberley certificate standards. However, this certificate is a logistic document that states a rough diamond was exported from a specific country under the stipulations of the Kimberley process. It does not tell you if the mine a specific diamond was obtained from provides local jobs or funds opportunities for diverse groups such as women. Therefore, inquiring about these matters can help you make a decision when considering various brands or jewelry houses.

A Passion For Sustainability
It is very easy to see which brands are 100% committed to lowering their carbon footprint. Truly green brands such as Stella McCartney have been raising the bar in terms of the use of organic, recycled and upcycled materials practically since their launch. Brands should do more than release the odd sustainable collection. They should have published policies regarding energy use, water saving, ethical sourcing of materials (i.e. materials should not hail from endangered forests), and the establishment of strict quality and sustainability standards. They should also commit to reducing oil-based synthetics during the manufacturing process.

Supporting Innovation

Check out the efforts made by each brand to support the Planet. Some have come up with innovative ways to put an end to problems such as plastics. Pangaia, famed for its über-chic tracksuits, use material obtained from recycled bottles. The fabric obtained is then colored with natural botanical dyes, and ‘freshened up’ with natural peppermint, which battles bacteria. Reformation (which manufactures swimwear) also creates items made with recycled plastic, while Isbjörn of Sweden uses fish trap to create resilient items that are also 100% PFC-free and bluesign certified.

Design For Life

Ethical fashion should also aim to be used by several owners so as to prolong the life cycle of every item and reduce the amount of waste that is overburdening landfills. Essén is one such label; it produces all collections in small batches, moving away from the idea of short-term trends and seasonality. The aim is for every single item to be used throughout the year, with minimalist looks holding sway in the summer and layering being embraced to stay warm and cosy during the winter. Another interesting minimalist brand is Working Title. In order to reduce its carbon footprint, this company only sells made-to-order items, meaning that every single outfit they make is fully desired and cherished. When purchasing items for a new season, go with items you think will stand the test of time. Ensure you have wardrobe essentials such as a ‘little black dress’, a white tailored top, black trousers, and a good coat you can dress up or down. You can still stay in trend, buying a couple of ‘in’ clothing items and accessories but mainly sticking to items you know will look good just as good next year as they do this year.

Choosing Durable Items

Genuinely sustainable items should be able to withstand plenty of wear and tear if it is to stand the test of time and be worn a lifetime or passed down to various users before being thrown away. Isbjörn, mentioned above owing to its innovative spirit, also has a big focus on durability. All items are made with materials built to last, and have sewn-in labels with space for three kids’ names (the aim being that every piece should be used by at least three people). The company goes a step further, offering to replace any items that are broken. Why buy a new coat when your favorite comfy coat can be repaired and look as good as new? Companies should ideally offer customers tips to increase the lifespan of clothing. These can include information on how to repair and wash items. They can also include suggestions on where to donate clothes once customers are done with them. The brand Vaude, for instance, has a free online platform called iFixit, which provides instructions on how to fix various products.

Embracing Diversity

Sustainable companies that truly desire to make a difference should take other ethical considerations into account, one of which involves embracing diversity. The 21st century is arguably the first to embrace different races, body types, and ages in advertising and fashion. Brands should do more than simply market themselves as ethical; they should also put their money where their mouth is, releasing collections in sizes that reflect the diversity of their customer base. Just a few brands that have already done so include Adidas, Apiece Apart, and Diane von Furstenberg. The latter’s iconic wrap dresses are now available in sizes 14 to 24, thanks to its recent partnership with Honoré.

If you are ready to make more eco-conscious fashion choices, a good place to start is by checking out the sustainability policies of your favorite brands. Those that do value ethical working conditions, the environment, and other issues such as animal welfare, will usually share their values with you via their website and social media channels. Be vigilant about shopping for jewelry as well, since truly ethically sourced diamonds have more to them than simply complying with the Kimberley certificate standards. When choosing a brand to support, also think about the extent to which they are truly making an effort to effect change. Efforts can range from choosing innovative materials right through to improving durability and educating customers on how to increase a product’s lifespan. Finally, this millennium is one that is firmly focused on diversity. Ethical companies should support the idea that all human beings have a right to look and feel like their best selves through the clothes they wear. Companies can show their commitment to diversity by employing models with varying ages, races, and body types. They can also make collections in various sizes so that their garments can be worn by a truly representative group of people. One of the best ways to find out more about fashion brands is to check out their websites. If they are truly serious about sustainability and ethics, they will most likely have a sustainability section in which they list the many steps they are taking to change the superficial reputation that fashion can sometimes have.

The Legend Edit

Leave a reply

By Althea Champion × Armon Hayes

“Giving the perfect gift is about finding something amazing and the element of surprise” — John Legend

Tonight, John Legend will perform at Sperry’s exclusive holiday concert for the press, influencers, and Sperry partners worldwide on Zoom.

“John Legend, multi-platinum artist and Sperry’s 2020 Global Brand Ambassador, shares his holiday footwear favorites for him, her, and the littles,” reads the collection’s website. From a refined, rainy day must-have to a cool classic weekend boot, winter weather doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style.

Take a look at The Legend Edit to see what he’s sporting – and gifting – this season. The concert will announce the launch of the new Sperry Legend Holiday Edit—a curation of Legend’s favorite Sperry shoes for the entire family.

Legend curated his favorite Sperry boat shoes, boots, and sneakers, and they will feature in the collection that is launching Nov. 4. It will be exclusively available on Sperry.com. The Sperry Legend Holiday Edit shoes are iconic and reflect Legend’s personal style—impeccably classic, with a hint of an edge.

“Simple, stylish, and suede… a great weekend boot,” says Legend about the new Men’s Bahama Storm Boot.

The collection is full of modern classics that promise warmth and style, a safe bank, and great gift opportunities for men, women, and children, assured to satisfy everyone on your list.

John Legend
American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, film producer, theatre director, and philanthropist, Legend has had much success. He has made six albums, the most recent of which, Bigger Love, was released this year and features Jhene Aiko, Koffee, Rapsody, and Gary Clark Jr.

Twitter | Instagram | Website

Sperry
“Sperry is the story of an iconic American brand. Fashion and sustainability has been rooted within the brand since 1934, when Paul Sperry fell off the deck of his sailboat,” our Armon Hayes wrote of the brand. “He set out to design a non-slip boat shoe, which led to the birth of an array of styles that would accommodate lifestyles and seasons to come. For men, women, and children, he inspired everyone to find common ground.”

Twitter | Instagram | Website

PUMA Clyde All-Pro

Leave a reply

PUMA announced the newest addition to the Clyde Franchise Monday with its brand new Clyde All-Pro, a basketball silhouette taking style and performance to the next level.

The Clyde Franchise is inspired by shoes worn by Walt “Clyde” Frazier on the basketball court in the 1970s but with a twist: they have all of the technology and performance of today.

The shoe is perfect for on-court training and has ProFoam+ for stability and cushioning. It also uses Matryx material, which is lightweight and durable, for support.

Three styles will be available throughout November.

First is the Clyde All-Pro, which comes in two colorways, PUMA White-Blue Atoll and PUMA White-PUMA Black. It has a Pebax drop in the heel with a ProFoam+ midsole and a Matryx engineered knit providing enhanced stability, breathability and support. It will retail for $130 and will be available on PUMA’s website, PUMA’s NYC Store and select retailers Nov. 11.

Next, the Clyde All-Pro Elf, a colorway that lets you wear a classic Christmas movie on your feet. Between the iconic colors of the film and the maple syrup, spaghetti and elf hat on the heels, the movie is brought to the life and the pavement. The collaboration will cross over to other PUMA products, including footwear and apparel. The Clyde All-Pro Elf will start at $130 and will be available at Dick’s Sporting Goods, PUMA’s website and at the PUMA NYC store beginning Nov. 19.

Finally, the Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Mid is designed by Kyle Kuzma and Rhuigi Villaseñor, the founder of Rhude. It combines vintage-inspired colors and performance tooling. The shoe can be used on the streets or the courts and have Kuzma’s logo in the sock liner. It will retail for $150 and will be available Nov. 27 on PUMA’s website, the PUMA NYC Store, at select retailers and during Foot Locker’s “12 Days of Greatness.”

For more information, you can click right here.

LaMelo Ball Joins PUMA

Leave a reply

By Justin Lyons

LaMelo Ball, top 2020 NBA Draft prospect and younger brother of New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball, signed with the sports company PUMA for a long-term sponsorship deal.

Ball said he’s excited to join the PUMA family as he kicks off his basketball career.

“I believe the brand is the perfect partner for me because PUMA will allow me to just be myself. I want to be 100-percent authentic whether that’s playing basketball or showing off my personal style, and that’s what I want to do with PUMA,” Ball said.

The 6-foot-7-inch guard with elite passing skills opted out of college basketball in favor of professional contracts in Lithuania and Australia.

Adam Petrick, the global director of brand and marketing at PUMA, said Ball is a natural fit for PUMA because of his personal style and his “physical gifts and dynamic play on the court.”

“We are thrilled to add him to our roster of talented athletes, and at just 19 years old, we can’t wait to see his impact on the broader culture surrounding basketball,” Petrick said.

The first collaboration between the young phenom and PUMA will come in the form of a PUMA x LaMelo Ball T-shirt and hoodie set. The set will release Nov. 18, the same day as the 2020 NBA Draft where Ball is expected to go in the top five.

PUMA also intends to blur lines between sports, culture, music and fashion with its approach to the collaboration with Ball, which will likely be seen in the form of shirts, shoes and other apparel.

The partnership will follow PUMA’s “Not From Here” concept, something Ball cooked up himself to represent his unique attitude.

“I don’t know what normal is. I personally chose a different path to achieve my success because that defines who I am,” Ball said. “I know some people think I am mysterious or ‘not from here,’ and I might have to agree. I am someone who likes to be different and consider myself to be one of one. That’s the message I want to share in my upcoming projects with PUMA.”

Ball and PUMA will also join forces to host basketball camps, clothing donations, court refurbishments and more to support programs that encourage young athletes stay active.

With names like RJ Barrett, Kyle Kuzma and Deandre Ayton highlighting the list, Ball is the latest in a line of young talent to join PUMA.

In Ball’s 2019-2020 season as a member of the Illawarra Hawks, he played just 12 games before injuring himself during practice and deciding to leave for the NBA Draft. He averaged 17 points, 6.8 assists and 7.6 rebounds per game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft after winning the NBA Draft Lottery. The Timberwolves had a 14% chance at landing the first pick, tied for the best odds with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors, the team holding the worst record in the league.

With the Timberwolves trading for star guard D’Angelo Russell last season, mock drafts appear to have Minnesota targeting Anthony Edwards, the wing player out of Georgia.

Without a consensus first pick, there is also speculation that Minnesota could trade out of the first pick, opening an opportunity for a team looking for a point guard with passing abilities like Ball’s.

It all remains to be seen the night of the Draft Nov. 18, where one thing is for sure: LaMelo Ball’s name will be called.

Toyota Corolla Apex

Leave a reply

By Althea Champion × Vaughn Lowery

TMNA is releasing a new and updated version of the faithful Toyota Corolla in 2021: the limited edition Corolla Apex Edition. The company will manufacture only 6,000 editions of the SE and XSE editions.

As a bonus, Puma and Toyota collaborated on a limited edition Corolla Apex sneaker that corresponds with the car’s launch. Only 50 units were fabricated – we got number 25! They perfectly match the vehicle and they came just in time as we celebrated the Los Angeles Lakers Championship win, honking and flickering our lights in Downtown LA near the Staples Center. Just like LeBron during the NBA playoffs, this compact car was the star attraction. After all, it is one of the top selling cars in the world.

Model

This new model has the same horsepower as its predecessor, same TNGA-C platform, but is nearly unrecognizable in its new form.

Most of the editions will be equipped with the Dynamic Shift CVT, otherwise known as a continuously variable transmission, and colloquially known as an automatic. For those who love driving stick, Toyota is also offering just 120 models based on the SE edition that are equipped with a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission.

Style

This car leans into sportiness that has never been characteristic of a Corolla, yet does so gracefully. The new model rides lower to the ground, flaunts bronze accents, a front spoiler, fog light covers, side moldings, a rear diffuser aid in high-speed vehicle stability, and an optional rear trunk aero spoiler for those who wish it theirs.

Chrome exhaust tips accent the vehicle and black mirror caps give it an edge. Low profile, black, 18-inch wheels that are lighter than Corolla’s standard and unique to the Apex, according to Anthony Alaniz of Motor1, add to its humble discretion. LED headlights, turn signals, and taillights make sure you are safe, while the smoked-out light lenses of the taillights add to its undeniable dominance, and a large sunroof is an added bonus, especially on lazy summer nights.

The SE model is attired in premium fabric upholstery, while the XSE edition sports black SofTex®-trimmed fabric upholstery, heated front seats, and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support.

Power

This Corolla is powered by its 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine, which obtains its power from high-compression Toyota D4-S fuel injection system (13:1), according to Toyota’s press release. The VVT-i on the exhausts uses an electric motor instead of oil, making for a more eco-friendly and efficient exhaust.

The limited edition model has a 169 peak horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,800 rpm, which is standard in previous Toyota models.

With the automatic transmission in the SE model, the EPA-estimated fuel economy is 31 city / 41 highway / 34 combined MPG, and the XSE’s is 31/38/34, respectively. With the manual transmission, the fuel economy is 29/36/32 MPG.

Safety

Toyota also took the model one step further in safety. The Apex Edition, along with all 2021 Corolla models, will have Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver-assist technologies, standard. This includes a pre-collision system with daytime/low-light vehicle and pedestrian detection, plus daytime bicycle detection, full-speed range dynamic cruise control (CVT only), lane departure alert with steering assist and road edge detection, automatic high beams, lane tracing and road sign assist.

In addition, rear side airbags were added to the design, bringing the total number of airbags in the vehicle up to 10. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with a Blind Spot Monitor is now standard on XSE models, and optional for SE models with CVT. In addition, all 2020 Corollas gain an Automatic Engine Shut-Off. This add-on will automatically turn off the engine after a designated period in the event it is left running.

As a special value, Toyota’s press release notes that, “the 2021 Corolla LE grade (gas model) will offer a new Convenience Package that combines Blind Spot Monitor, Smart Key system and 16-inch alloy wheels.”

Technology

The new Corolla Apex Edition sports new Android Auto compatibility, which complements the Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa potential connections already standard in this model’s predecessor, the 2020 Corolla. In addition, SiriusXM and its 3-month trial period is now available across every Corolla model.

Furthermore, the vehicle is endowed with a more efficient cooling system; the two-discharge-port oil pump and variable cooling system with an electric water pump maximizes engine engine performance and efficiency. This ensures quicker cabin heating on cold days and quicker cool-down when the A/C is on. When combined with ultra-low internal friction, the 2.0-liter engine operates at a maximum thermal efficiency of 40 percent, which is among the highest for a current passenger vehicle, according to Toyota.

Pricing

The least expensive edition of the Corolla Apex, the Corolla Apex SE with a CVT, is $2,695 more than its predecessor, which brings it to $25,070. The Corolla Apex SE with a six-speed manual transmission clocks in at $25,460, and the Corolla Apex XSE at $28,210.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the new model’s suspension and fresh look are most noteworthy. New coil springs with internal rebound shocks allowed designers to lower the suspension 0.6 inches. This, combined with rigid, stabilizer bars, creates a stiffer suspension. Roll stiffness is now 47% more stiff in the front and 33% more in the rear—a marked improvement. And, its look undeniably transforms any preconceived notions about the Toyota Corolla, as it seems to have evolved into a chic sports car.

If you are looking to surprise your significant other with a luxurious present, look no further. If you are a young professional looking to impress your colleagues in the parking lot, you have come to the right vehicle. If you are a new parent concerned with style, safety, and reliability, this is your car. Whoever you are, the Toyota Corolla Apex can be the ideal vehicle for you.