shegotgame: Sneakers for good - RISE for PUMA "New York is for Lovers" Collection
Sneakers may seem like a frivolous purchase to some, but they can also be used as a conduit for philanthropic endeavours. Nike is own for their Dorebecher program while adidas is assisting universities and colleges with changing their mascots from culturally insensitive to acceptable. It's not always easy for smaller boutiques to do ambitious collaborations that are also for a good cause but the team from RISE in Long Island, New York is leading by example.
Entitled "New York is for Lovers", the boutique's latest collaboration with PUMA is being released on Worlds AIDS Day. The collection includes an almost fully red "Blaze of Glory" sneaker (red is the official color of amFAR and World AIDS Day). The sneaker has a red leather upper with suede overlays and mesh collar. The apparel features four key pieces - the Marlo stretch woven terry pants, a tee, the Bodie oversized velour hoodie and the RISE for Golden Bear varsity jacket.
The other key piece is the RISE for HEX "New York is for Lovers" sneaker duffle bag - that's also carry-on safe (yay!). There's an area for clothing, faux fur tech devices area for laptops, tablets and phones, and two footwear compartments. The bag and the hoodie are by far my favorite pieces from the collection as they're versatile with an unique touch.
But it's not merely the colorway that may remind sneakerheads and streetwear fans to remember World AIDS Day - it's the storytelling behind the pieces. I'll let Chase, one of the co-founders of RISE, explain the story behind the heartfelt collaboration and how both the store and PUMA are being agents for change.
People we love are dying.
Since HIV/AIDS appeared in the 1980s thousands of New Yorkers and tens of millions around the world have been devastated by these infections. They are spread by sharing needles, unprotected sex, and childbirth, but the biggest contributor to infection is ignorance.
Only through candid conversations about the reality of these diseases can we hope to stop their spread. Only by constantly re-engaging these difficult discussions can we stop this from dismantling more lives. In 2015 it’s possible to live with these infections and build a life with little or no interruption thanks to the tireless work of organizations like amfAR whose research has done so much to change the way we treat these diseases.
Science has changed a lot since 1994, when my Father was taken by this illness. I was only 10 years old. And, I lost him. My family lost him, and it was entirely avoidable. This path doesn't have to be walked by anyone else... not anymore. "New York Is For Lovers" is our collective effort to put these illnesses behind us, and to inspire those who are living with it every day.
PUMA has proven the ideal partner for this project of awareness. Where many other brands were confused or turned off by the aggressive and honest nature of what we wanted to say, PUMA rightfully saw the unique potential for an important conversation centered around the idea that we can help.
Together, we are making a $15,000 donation to amfAR that is not tied to sales, proceeds, or percentages. For us it's not a way to flash PR on our shoes or our brand. Instead we’re using the social force of footwear collaborations as a tool to lift others up away from the fate that millions have already found, and change the path of those already there.
"I love New York" is more than just a slogan for shopping bags, it’s a way of life. To love New York is to love New Yorkers, all New Yorkers. Every banker, busker, and bus boy. By educating each other and looking at these issues honestly and seriously we are fighting to erase stigma, empower our friends, and remember the ones we’ve lost. To really know someone is to love them. We invite you to know those engaged with us in this fight.
– Chase Ceparano
Co-Founder – RISE
Check out the full collection below. The sneakers are available in men's sizes 5-12 and 13 for $145. It launches tonight, December 1st - World's AIDS Day, at the Rise45 pop-up at 345 Broome Street in Lower East Side neighbourhood of New York. The remainder of the stock will be available online tomorrow, December 2nd, at 12:01AM at Rise45.com. Here's to more brands and stores giving back and helping to raise awareness of issues and that effect us all. If it's one thing we need more of in the world - it's love.
All images courtesy of RISE.
shegotshoes: Balenciaga Arenas Hightops in Green Felt + Grey Leather
It's without question that the Balenciaga Arena has been one of the most popular silhouettes in sneakers in the last few years. The hype was at its peak when Kanye West and Pusha T started wearing the sneakers in 2011, and hasn't died down much since 'Ye sported them. Since the original model debuted we've seen it in both low and high top silhouettes in suede, calfskin and lambskin. Over the last few seasons, Balenciaga began experimenting more with texture on the popular kicks, like using embossing techniques to mimic stingray hide.
This season, Balenciaga moves onto felt with the first pair being a darker shade of tennis ball green with grey leather accents like the stripe down the heel along with a grey sole and laces. It reminds me of a grown up version of the incredibly popular and hard to find Alife x Reebok Court Victory Pump "Ball Out" in neon green. Both shoes use a similar shade of green (albeit one more neon than another) with neutral base colors (grey vs. white), one color midsoles, while the Reebok's use an icy outsole and the Balenciaga sticks to the same grey as the midsole.
What do you think of the newest textile to join the Arenas family? 'Ye has not been sported in them yet but he has worn a similar pair in yellow leather, back in 2012.
The Balenciaga Arena hightops in felt and leather in green and grey retail for $585 USD. They're currently sold out everywhere but let us know if you'll be copping a pair or if you'd like our help securing your pair, submit a form here. Check out more images of the sneaker below in the gallery.
2011 NBA Draft Style Analysis: The Suits Finally Fit and Kemba is King
The 2011 installment of the NBA Draft was not given the opportunity to be great. Madison Square Garden, the usual host for festivities, is under renovation so the hopeful rookies had to travel across the Hudson River to Newark and walk the stage at Prudential Center. Bloggers and basketball pundits dismissed the next class of NBA talent as bottom tier. Also, with a lockout looming - will these young men ever see playing time? In 2003, LeBron James' oversized white ensemble was better suited for a pimp and not the first overall draft pick. His personal style has evolved thanks in part to the dress code, maturity and careful image management. The NBA instituted the dress code in 2005 and it came at the perfect time as menswear was moving towards to the skinny suit and tailored styles thanks to Hedi Slimane at Dior Homme. Fitted or "European" styles began dominating locker rooms along with luxury sneakers and Louis Vuitton everything. Braids began disappearing as Carmelo Anthony shaved his off and Kobe Bryant switched from jerseys pre-game to suits. Players no longer wanted to look like Allen Iverson but now Kanye West's fashion forward style evolution was to be mimicked. This year's draft class may not have hit the perfect style notes but it's clear that with the help of stylists, the new kids are learning how important fit is in a suit. Gone are the days of the LeBron white suit or Jalen Rose's infamous red atrocity. Without further ado, here's the best, worst and downright average style grades for the 2011 NBA draft class. It should come as no surprise that a New York kid wins my award for best dressed. Kemba Walker won my respect and fashion gold star last night because he wore a suit that was not only perfectly cut for his body type but because he was able to still let his personal style shine through. Last year, Wesley Johnson's plaid pants and double-breasted ensemble may have been sartorially inclined but it looked like the outfit wore him, not the other way around. Walker looked both comfortable and cool in the single breasted blue-grey suit. The peaked lapels were in proportion with his shoulders and the jacket was modern without being fussy. Walker was already on my radar for his understated, well-fitting suit at Connecticut's visit with President Obama after winning the NCAA National Championship. His big heart and great speaking skills makes him a complete player off the court as well - he's a marketing dream. In fact, he already has endorsement deals in place with Axe and Best Buy without the elusive title of being the number one draft pick. Walker's accessory choices elevated his look from above average to exquisite. The pocket square in beige with a pink hue picked up the rose gold outsole of his two-tone shoes. The tie bar kept his look clean but added some visual interest on his thin, patterned tie. Even his belt was a leather with a pink undertone to tie it all together. Fellas, when I say the items of your outfit don't have to match but they have to go, I'm talking about putting an ensemble together like Walker's. The hues (underlying color) are all in the same family - blue in the primary items and pink in the accessories. Since the colors are all related, they work in harmony. I'm excited to see what Walker brings to Charlotte off the court. According to my favorite Bobcats' source, Ben Swanson (a.k.a. CardboardGerald), the rookie came to the press conference dressed to impress in Louis Vuitton sneakers. Kemba Walker, you're on my fashion radar. He's my early pick for style rookie for the season....if we get a season.
Walker's swag dominated the night but credit has to be given both to my Canadian countryman Tristan Thompson, as well as Marshon Brooks for sporting full ensembles not just a suit. Thompson (and his personal shopper) found a suit that managed to fit him perfectly without looking snug in the shoulders or short in the sleeves - an issue for a player with a seven feet, two-inch wingspan.The polka dot tie contrasts with the pink tone in the shirt and the paisley pocket square ties it all together.His rose gold watch face is the right shade for his skin tone and the leather watch strap and shoes are the perfect complimentary shade of warm saddle brown - this is how to wear black and brown together. It certainly looked like Thompson dressed to best match his new Cavaliers cap - think he knew something the media didn't?
In every draft class, there seems to be one player that calls dibs on the bow tie and tries to make it work for him. This year, Marshon Brooks took the honor. The last time a bow tie was worn properly was when James Harden sported his cream ensemble and has since had the neck accessory a signature. Brooks seems to be following Harden's sartorial example. Brooks was originally drafted by the Celtics before being moved to the Nets, sported another bow tie at his introductory press conference in Newark. For draft night, his two piece grey suit fit in the shoulders and the sleeve length was fine although it could be taken in more in the torso and in arm width to remove some of the bulk - the ill fit was made obvious when he stood up to meet Commissioner Stern. Besides the technical suiting issues, the patterned shirt mixed with the neutral grey suit really make the bow tie the star to the outfit. A good tactic to draw attention up to Brooks' face and away from the terrible adidas draft caps.
The number one pick in the 2011 NBA Draft was Kyrie Irving out of Duke University and the only thing that streamed first overall about his outfit was his timepiece.Besides the impressive watch, the rest of ensemble was average - decent fitting jacket and shirt, pants could be tailored and the tie was too skinny and poorly knotted. Hopefully fellow rookie Tristan Thompson and veteran NBA fashion plate Baron Davis can help their new teammate take some risks this season.
Speaking of sartorial risks, Kawhi Leonard went for preppy throwback look with white piping on black two button suit. When I originally saw this suit, I immediately thought he belonged on a yacht or perhaps parking cars at the yacht club. The buttons are a bit distracting and the pocket square seems like an afterthought but the piping has grown on me. Keeping the shirt and tie relatively neutral was a smart move so it didn't distract from the jacket. The fit is decent, but as with many of these young men, the sleeve could be slimmed down. A pop of color or sheen in the pocket square could have upgraded the look and he might want to re-think the braids - no one should take manscaping cues from Udonis Haslem.
Pocket squares have become the new accessory of choice for NBA draftees in recent years and this year, some players either didn't put enough thought into them (Leonard) or tried too damn hard. It's important to remember that for these young men, most of their interviews will head and shoulder shots so the pocket square will be shown and having one that looks like a used tissue stuffed in your pocket looks sloppy. The Morris brothers were a great story of the draft, twins going one right after another to different cities for the first time in their young lives. But they had me crying foul all over Twitter as with the pocket square, bigger is not necessarily better as you have a limited space to display your accessory.
Markieff Morris, the slightly older twin and the first to be drafted, thirteenth overall to the Suns, wore a pinstripe suite that looked be right off the rack and ill-fitting on his massive frame. The jacket is too long, the shoulder are bunching and sleeves and pants must be taken in. Also, on a large man a three-piece suit adds bulk, he should have gone for a sleeker silhouette. As for the pocket square, it looks like he found some iridescent Kleenex and stuffed it in his pocket. The fact that you actually see a bulge from the access fabric in the jacket is a terrible look. Remember, it's a square, not a scarf. While we're on accessories, white watches, like white sunglasses, often just look cheap and it does not work with his outfit at all.
Marcus Morris, the younger brother by seven minutes, was drafted next to another Western Conference team, the Houston Rockets. Marcus, followed suit almost literally with a pinstripe three-piece suit in black that was looked to fit in the shoulders but not so well elsewhere. Not to be outdone by his brother, upped the pocket square ante as his almost reached his tie knot - far too large. I'm all for flair but the pocket square took over his entire outfit and you became distracted by his accessory and not listen to what the newly minted rookie had to say. Also, if you look the Morris' brothers wore similar shirt and ties. The best moment from the twin's draft came from their interview with their mother, who was also in a pinstripe suit, who said she wouldn't wear either of the adidas draft caps - smart woman.
As for the rest of the draft class, it was nice to see the players put some effort into their attire, the recent explosion of athlete stylists are certainly helping keep the players current. Derrick Williams tried to work with a skinny suit silhouette but didn't make it. The tailoring was fine but the tie knot didn't work with the shirt or the tie width. The bright red tie was a nice burst of color, but some more texture would have really made Williams stand out.
Jimmer Fredette came into the draft with plenty of hype thanks to his ridiculous NCAA campaign. While Fredette's stock dropped a touch on concerns over lack of defensive fundamentals and size, his fashion game could probably use a return to basics. His jacket hit in the wrong spot and Fredette looked like he was sporting a pot belly. The stance on his jacket was a touch high and the cut made him look boxier. Dressing in BYU blue (navy suit, blue tie, blue shirt, blue watch) was a nice nod to his alumna matter but it came off a little dull. Fredette is more modest than most NBA rookies but his giant timepiece and rapping brother give the impression that the young man from upstate New York wants to take a few more risks.
Finally, I have to give points to Jonas Valanciunas, my hometown Toronto Raptors fifth overall draft pick. Most Raptors picks were hoping that local hero Tristan Thompson would have his homecoming on the Air Canada Centre court, but as usual the Raptors went European. Valanciunas went for subtle but well-tailored. The olive-green tie and pattern mixing with a different pocket square elevated the look from basic to interesting. The sleeve length was also on point so kudos to the unknown centre. I'm sure he'll be a frequent visitor to Yorkville this season, Toronto's high-end shopping neighbourhood soon.
Overall, this year's draft class was an improvement over last year's. The new crop of NBA rookies need to continue to practice and perfect the art of fit and how to dress their frames. Hopefully they'll start taking more risks and find their own personal style among the NBA trends and Louis Vuitton littered locker rooms. Good luck gentlemen and welcome to the big leagues.
Photos courtesy of ESPN.com,Yahoo Sports and NBA.com.
Steal His Style: The Varsity Jacket
The retro renaissance is in full swing in the NBA. There are vintage inspired uniforms worn by the Golden State Warriors and Kobe's overbite is back with a vengeance and poor shot selection to match. Players are also taking vintage cues when it comes to their off-court wardrobe. For the past few seasons, menswear has become enamored with preppy styles and a cleaner version of 90's hip hop references. Gone are the baggy jeans, Rock and Republics and all iced-out everything. Now, wardrobes are full of snapbacks, Starter jackets and a bevy of Ralph Lauren.
The varsity jacket is a classic that can work in every man's wardrobe when worn appropriately. American streetwear brands are all offering their own branded take on the Letterman style. While luxury fashion houses like Rick Owens and Balmain mixed unexpected fabrics and fitted silhouettes for a modern interpretation on the classic, NBA stars have recently started designing their own personalized varsity jackets. Let's take a look at some of the style highlights when it comes to the varsity jacket and how you can put your own look together without the high price tag and endorsement deal.
When it comes to the most popular brand, Nike comes out on top. Nike Sportswear launched an aggressive marketing and design campaign this year focusing on their classic Destroyer jacket, their version of a varsity jacket. At events across the world, and at the Nike Sportswear flagship store in New York City, the blank canvas is customized with the help of Nike designers. They brought on cities, trend setters and their own roster of athletes to showcase the styling options. Nike's reigning king, LeBron James, was the first NBA athlete to début his custom Nike Destroyer jacket. He's been followed by burgeoning fashion designer Amar'e Stoudemire as well as his teammate, Chris Bosh.
When you're out hunting for the perfect varsity jacket, the key thing to keep in mind is shape and fit. Lay the jacket out and make sure the waistband, usually made of a stretchy material, isn't a lot smaller than the shoulder width. If the jacket makes a definite v-shape, it will likely look like that on you -- too big in the shoulders, too tight in the hips and could give you a gut that otherwise isn't there. Make sure the shoulders fit properly as many cheaper varsity jackets will have a tiny collar and huge shoulder, and not a more even distribution. Also, many jacket sleeves tend to widen or be very large in comparison to the body of the jacket. Remember that anything can be taken in, but likely not let out. It's better to size up, then tailor down to the get best fit.
In terms of materials, the Letterman style standard is a wool body with leather sleeves and optional iron-on or sewn-on letters. If you want the jacket to last, leather is a better option than vinyl sleeves as it is more breathable, meaning you won't have to dry clean it as often. The best places to look for a quality jacket are eBay or a local vintage store. It takes some digging, but you can find some really interesting or limited pieces. If you feel like getting creative, you can find letters, numbers or have a logo made to style a basic piece into something personal.
Here are a few of my picks for varsity jackets on budget, as a bespoke or limited edition Nike Destroyer jacket will cost you upwards for $2000. Layering thin materials in classic patterns and fabrics -- such as chambray and gingham -- with denim and boots is an easy way to look polished but casual from now until early spring.
Amar’e Stoudemire Gets More Credit From Anna Wintour than Mike D'Antoni
Amar'e Stoudemire seems like a new man since he became a Knick this off-season. New York is a like a Mikveh for Amar'e - not only because he's discovering his Jewish roots but socially, he's been reborn as one of fashion's chosen people. Stoudemire's stylish flare caught the eye of the single powerful person in the fashion industry, American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
Amar'e emerged on the style scene this past Mercedez Benz Fashion Week, before the NBA season began. Ms. Wintour personally invited Amar'e to the Fashion's Night Out runway event and launch party hosted by Vogue, which is the official kick-off to fashion week. He also attended the Tommy Hilfiger twenty-fifth anniversary runway show, where he sat front row between Anna and Hamish Bowles, the European editor-at-large for Vogue. Since September, the rumours are swirling that Amar'e could be the second black man (and basketball player) to appear on the cover of American Vogue, after LeBron James. Amar'e is no stranger to modeling and thanks to his own adventurous sartorial sense and high profile stylist - he's become one of the most fashionable men in the league.
- Vogue's new big three? Front row at Tommy Hilfiger's 25th anniversary runway show. Photo credit: Getty Images.
After the Knicks win versus the Raptors this past Sunday, Amar'e was dressed deliberately understated in Louis Vuitton sneakers, wool trousers, green tie and a black zip-up sweater. I had to ask if he's criticized more for his game or his wardrobe? Anna Wintour and coach Mike D'Antoni are known as two of the most demanding individuals in their respective professions, but the answer may surprise you. Amar'e Stoudemire - super model? Maybe.
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