#shegotgame - Nike NYC x OFF-WHITE Football Mon Amour Workout
It’s officially World Cup time! Sport has a way of bringing people together - across cultures, languages and even continents. I’m grateful that I’m living in New York while the World Cup is on, as the city - like the tournament - is a big melting pot of people and all kinds of football fans. While it’s disappointing that both the American team, and my home country of Canada didn’t qualify, at least football fever is still spreading through the city.
One of the most anticipated components of the World Cup is the product - the jerseys, shoes, the official (and not so official) gear, and all kinds of collaborations. Suddenly, soccer shirts are replacing t-shirts, and all sorts of brands jump on the trend. Nike’s Nigeria kits are some of the most hyped of the year, but that’s not all they’re doing. Outside of the official on-field gear, Nike collaborated with superstar designer Virgil Abloh on a limited soocer-inspired Nike Lab collection called “Football Mon Amour”. Abloh grew up playing the beautiful game, and mixing in sport into his streetwear, heavily graphic branded offerings - the collection makes sense. It’s interesting to note that the collection is positioned under the Nike Lab brand - not Nike Training or Nike Football (soccer) - meaning that it’s not being pushed as a technical, performance line but more for lifestyle wear.
The apparel, specifically the jerseys, are the strongest offerings along with the hoodies and tees - signatures of any Abloh collaboration. The collection is mostly black and white with splashes of orange and blue, making it high impact for high contrast instagram photos. The checkerboard touches are reminiscent not only of actual soccer balls, but also remain a signature of Abloh's designs. The accompanying sneakers, the Flyknit Zoom Fly, is a take on the Mercurial cleat, “I wanted to communicate where a player strikes the ball. So, I put dots on the boot; if you’re going to strike the ball, your foot/eye coordination is basically the only variance of chance. That's what the collection started with, these running shoes that mimic the same as your actual boot on the pitch so that you started subconsciously training all the time. Then I just applied that aesthetic from the bottom up.” The shoe feels a little off-balance compared to the regular Zoom Fly that does not have the same Flyknit upper - but it's also not being pitched as a performance shoe - it's inspired by sport by routed in aesthetics, not running.
This past Monday, I had a chance to try out the new kit while going through a football conditioning inspired workout, by a pier on the Hudson River in New York City. It was an intimate setting led by two Nike trainers - Joe Holder and Ariel Fox - both from S10 Training here in New York.There were two tented locker rooms set up for men and women, and our personalized lockers were filled with goodies.
We were laced up with the Nike Mercurial Superfly 360 Elite cleat. It’s an incredibly snug fitting cleat, given that it has a 360 Flyknit upper. I would size up if you’re picking up a pair - I wore a men’s 5/women’s 6.5 (I’m usually a men’s 4 or 4.5) and they were tight but not uncomfortable. Any smaller and I would have lost circulation in my toes! Next up were a pair of knee high soccer socks, shorts (some wore the Off-White dual layer shorts - I had a pair of Nike training shorts) and a jersey.
The actual workout was based on the conditioning that football athletes have to go through to be successful on the pitch. There was a dynamic warm up with plenty of running and exercises to open hips and emphasize quick feet. We also did partner drills that athletes and simple equipment like bands and ladders were brought in to focus on specific muscle groups and to build intensity.
Press and influencer workouts can sometimes leave me wanting a bit more in terms of intensity and variety, but I found the workout to be well balanced, decently timed (50 minutes total). While I probably should be more mindful of how sweaty I get when cameras are around (oops) - I didn't feel guilty for missing my earlier workout that day. The beautiful weather and location certainly helped too. As someone that practices yoga regularly, I was really intrigued by how Joe and Ariel brought in breathing exercises and techniques in a training environment and how certain alignment was different than what I usually practice. While there was no actual soccer played, I did get a sense that we trained as though we could sub into a rec league someday.
After the workout, we were treated to delicious juices and plant-based patties from Ghetto Gastro and gifted a pair of the Flyknit Zoom Fly from the collaboration. A great snack and reward for our efforts. I'm really curious to see what else Abloh and Nike will be doing with on-going football-based collaborations and how it will evolve. Check out more photos below and let me know what you think about the collection, which is available now.
Photo credit: Jason/NotAfraidtoFail/NikeNYC. Special thanks to Malitza Aguila for the invite.
#shegotgame - Is that (Red) Velvet? Styling the new Air Jordan XI Heiress Collection Sneakers
When you're a small shoe size and a moderate sneaker collector, it's not always to find rare or limited footwear. Often, the dopest pieces aren't even in available in "midget" sizes. I'm a size 4 or 4.5 grade school (GS) which is equivalent to a 5.5 or 6 women's shoe. It might not sound that small, but often the coolest colorways are limited to men's, which many of us in the baby feet community cannot fit into - we're relegated to "shrink and pink" models and often, poorer quality materials.
In late 2014, Jordan Brand announced that they would be doing extended sizing, making GS pairs available to a bigger market, extending the special grade school colorways up to size 11 (or men's 9.5). Then in spring 2016, the Heiress Collection was introduced which features select female specific Jordan models made up in premium materials and exclusive makeups, some that are even turning the heads of male customers who finally know what it feels like to want a shoe that just doesn't come in their size! This has meant that we're finally getting better quality sneakers in small sizes.
One of the shoes that's building that hype is the Air Jordan XI "Night Maroon" or "Red Velvet" colorway done up in, of course, velvet. I was lucky to have one of the first pairs seeded out. Unfortunately, it's been raining since I received the pair so my photographer Simone and I had to improvise with a little hotel room photoshoot to ensure that we kept the shoes safe and got some on-foot looks.
The sneaker is a much higher quality than I'm used to being offered in a grade school size. The velvet is soft to the touch and has sheen without being too shiny or cheap feeling. The rest of the upper is a soft suede-type material, the midsole is white and the outsole is an icy burgundy while the carbon fibre potion is a burgundy and black. The gold details really pop on the maroon color. The gold stitching is on the heel tab and tongue and there are shiny gold lace tips along with a metal Jumpman instead of a stitched one on the upper. All these luxe elements adds up to a higher price tag - $220 USD.
Personally, I really like the shoes. I tend to stick to the Jordan III, I and XII silhouettes as the Xis can be tough to style due to the cut of the shoe. Thankfully I already own a burgundy velvet jacket that just happens to match perfectly with the shoes...along with my maroon hair and lipstick. Can you tell what my favorite color is? Will you be picking up the shoes for yourself or someone else and are they worth the $220? Let me know.
- Shoe: Air Jordan 11 Retro GG “Heiress”
- Colorway: Night Maroon/Metallic Gold-Night Maroon
- Style #: 852625-650
- Release Date: December 17, 2016
- Sizes: 3.5-9.5 Grade School (GS) = Size 5-11 Women's
- Price: $220
- Photographer: Simone Hamilton.
- Jacket: Oak and Fort
- Dress: Alexander Wang
- Tights: Pretty Polly
- Rings: Maison Margiela and H&M
- Shoes courtesy of Jordan Brand PR.
- Shot on location at the Dazzler Hotel Brooklyn.
#shegotstyle - Sporting StaplePigeon for the US Cozy Girls series
Collaboration is a necessary part of the creative process. I'm always open to meeting all kinds of artists and content creators in hopes for being part of a great project. Recently, photographer Jeff Stashbox messaged me about doing a shoot for his US Cozy Girls series. The photography series features women in "cozy" (comfortable, athleisure, casual) wear out and about in New York City. Despite the espnW columns and my Instagram posts - I'm not 100% comfortable in front of the camera "modelling". I almost always prefer to be on video, discussing something I'm passionate or working behind the scenes than posing. I wish I had more "cozy" gear in my luggage that I didn't already shot for images, but the good people Staple Pigeon gave me this great tee to sport. I paired it with my trust Nike Pro 3' Combat shorts, my new adidas Pure Boost X running sneaker that Champs recently sent me (I'm obsessed with the two tone laces) and my trusty Céline sunglasses. Despite the insane heat, I quickly found my comfort zone crawling around the rocks and water by the Brooklyn Bridge. I got a little too cocky, as I slipped on some rocks and ended up with a giant bruise and sprained hand. Ooops. Check out the shots below and let me know what you think! Thanks to Jeff for involving me in the series, be sure to support his work on Instagram.
Wardrobe credits:
- Staple Pigeon satellite t-shirt (on sale!)
- Nike Pro 3' Combat short
- adidas pure boost x sneaker courtesy of Champs Sports (white/silver/metallic grey/clear grey)
- Céline sunglasses
- Nails by Jessica Tong at Hello Beautiful Salon
- Hair by Katie McGuigan
#shegotexclusive - Jordan Brand "Flu Game" Pop Up Images
Nineteen years ago, Michael Jordan further etched himself into basketball lore in game five of the 1997 NBA Finals. His airness put the Bulls on his back scoring thirty eight points, despite being overcome with the flu. The Bulls beat the Jazz in Salt Lake City, putting MJ's team up 3-2. The shoes he was wearing, the Jordan XII in black and varsity red, became known as the "flu games".
Fast forward to today, as Jordan Brand opens their pop-up store in celebration of the historic game. The shop is selling both a retro release of the original "flu games" and the new "gym red" XIIs. Much like similar Jordan Brand pop-ups during All-Star in Toronto and Brooklyn, the shop will feature plenty of customization options for Jordan apparel and a special pin available only in SLC. As a sneaker nerd, basketball fan and XII lover, I'm a fan of the concept and wish I could check it out myself. Instead I'll bring you the next best thing.
Jordan Brand exclusive "Flu Game" pin - available only at the pop up shop
As a member of the Jordan Brand Flight Crew, I was granted early exclusive access to the images from the shop in Utah. See below for the official images and press release. Are you checking out the pop shop this weekend? Let me know!
JORDAN BRAND TO OPEN POP-UP STORE IN SALT LAKE CITY TO CELEBRATE MICHAEL JORDAN’S MEMORABLE PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE
Store To Feature Unique Consumer Experiences to Commemorate Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals
WHAT: On June 11, 1997 in Salt Lake City, Michael Jordan battled through and delivered an incredible 38-point performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. This Saturday at 2:30PM, Jordan Brand will celebrate the anniversary of MJ’s ability to overcome obstacles in pursuit of the ultimate goal with a pop-up store in Salt Lake City.
This unique consumer experience will feature customization, Jordan Brand product storytelling, a re-broadcast of the 1997 game, local artists, food and performances. Utah basketball and sneaker fans can check out exclusive products like the Air Jordan XII Retro ‘Black/Varsity Red’, the reissue of the shoe MJ wore 19 years ago, as well as a pre-release of the new Air Jordan XII ‘Gym Red’.
On June 11, Jordan Brand encourages fans everywhere to wear their Air Jordan XII Retro ‘Black/Varsity Red’ and share the obstacles they’ve had to conquer with #GreatnessOvercomes.
WHERE: 160 E 200 S Salt Lake City, UT 84111
#shegotfit: Additional images of new Lululemon sports bras for espnW's We Tried It
In this week's edition of my espnW column "We Tried It", I test out two new bras from fellow Canadians Lululemon. I wore the Free Spirit Bra ($68) and the Run with the Sun Bra ($58) are available now. Since the article only has room for a few images, check out a few more below. Please feel free to ignore my incredibly frizzy gym hair - proof that I actually work out in every look! Check out my review and let me know what do you think about the new bras and if you'll be trying them out anytime soon!
Photography: Roger Messi
Shot on location in Brooklyn, NY
All apparel courtesy of Lululemon, shoes courtesy of adidas US and Finishline.
Full outfit details
Outfit 1:
Bra: Free Spirit Bra by Lululemon
Top: Swifly Racerback singlet by Lululemon
Leggings: Align Pants by Lululemon
Sneakers: Pure Boost X Running by adidas
Nails: Kim Nails Salon in Toronto
Outfit 2:
Bra: Run with the Sun Bra by Lululemon
Top: Real Quick Singlet by Lululemon
Leggings: All the right places pant II by Lululemon
Sneakers: Pure Boost X Training by adidas
Nails: Kim Nails Salon in Toronto
