When you first start getting into the sneaker world, the most valuable advice you could possibly receive is “get whatever the hell you want."
Nowadays, sneakers have evolved from being only a practical pair of shoes to a precious collectible and a statement piece, as we observe an increasing number of sneakerheads/streetwear aficionados. Since there is a certain amount of elitism among the in-the-know crowd, getting into the shoe-biz might feel daunting at first.
For individuals looking to show a strong sense of style and imagination, sneakers have taken centre stage.
Figuring out your purpose
There are several kinds of collectors, just as there are various kinds of sneakers. Consider your goals and what you value most when it comes to gathering sneakers before you begin your adventure. Are you buying them to resell to make some money, or are you a fan of the culture and history behind each pair you wish to own? There is nothing right or wrong with either, but it is a good idea to know why you are purchasing them, in order to help you organise your collection more effectively.
Starting off and planning your budget
Just like any other collector, becoming a sneakerhead demands time and devotion in addition to spending money. You don't have to buy every pair, and your favourites may not cost lakhs. “Buy sneakers you’re genuinely interested in but also make sure the quality is right and that you’re going to get a lot of uses out of them, for the value you’re paying”, says Khalid Walb, content creator and sneakerhead.
You should have fun getting new sneakers. They shouldn't strain your financial situation. When buying sneakers, consider your options carefully. Ridhii Paul, founder of Dame and Max, says, “Prioritise thorough research. The sneaker game and collecting can be quite expensive, so it’s crucial to make informed decisions.” Select the nicest sneakers you can afford, but repress the impulse to buy an absurdly cheap pair. You'll need to replace these shoes more frequently because they typically wear out much more quickly than their expensive rivals. This can eventually result in you buying shoes for even more money than you intended to. Instead, stick to time-tested pairs that you are confident will perform. “My biggest tip for new collectors would be starting with basic silhouettes like AF1s, Converse etc. Don’t rush into the process, rather take your time to decide the kind of wardrobe you want to have and choose accordingly.”, says Simran Chanta – sneakerhead and part-time influencer.
If there aren't any particular sneakers you must have more than anything, choose something practical rather than spending all your money on one outrageous pair. You're better off having a few pairs that suit diverse needs (at least initially) rather than one pair of really costly, extremely hard to maintain shoes that you'll worry about every time you wear them out. Content creator Janvi Choudhary (justjanvi) says “Go step by step. Don’t spend your whole savings on 1 expensive pair when you can have 2-3 good ones”. Avoid starting with shoes that aren't comfy. The comfortable footwear remains in weekly rotation, whether there’s hype or not, while the showy, flashy pairs are stored in boxes. Second, don't stress about trying to keep up with every trend; just buy what you enjoy. “You should invest smartly and don’t go overboard in buying sneakers especially when you are new into this!”, says Suhana Sethi, content creator and experiential marketer.
You don't have to collect sneakers at a certain rate to be considered a sneakerhead. It has to do with your devotion to the community and the shoes. One pair every year doesn't diminish your enthusiasm for them. Content creator Viraj Desai says, “Always keep in mind your wallet because it’s gonna empty your wallet sooner than you realise.” Having said that, you may get good bargains if you have patience and networking skills. Keep in mind that it's not only about who has the trendiest shoes; it's also about the connections and relationships you build.
Forming your individual style
Many people start off by acquiring hyped-up sneakers. After all, "everyone" seems to be sporting these kinds of pairs. The promotion of these sneakers, the buzz among sneakerheads, and celebrity endorsements force them onto everyone's social media feeds. Whether or not you begin this way, you should ultimately develop your own preferences. “Figure out your style and always invest in things that resonate with who you are. Don’t fall for hype or the herd mentality”, says Nandith Jaisimha (Filmmaker, photographer and big-time sneakerhead). “The pair that got me hooked onto the sneaker game would be the Air More Uptempo’96. I was 10 or 11 years old when I first saw them on the basketball court”, he goes on to say.
The more you are interested in a certain shoe, the more you should research its past. Storylines offer character to a collection and give sneakerheads something to discuss! If you solely focus on popular kicks, your collections will resemble those of other collectors. While there is nothing wrong with this, variation is required. “Let there be a connection between the sneaker and who you are as a collector, and you will love your collection even more.”, says Mihir Joshi (Host of the MJ Show podcast, WWE Hindi commentator, singer and sneakerhead)
Earlier when individuals used to collect, sneakerheads would pass up a pair if it was a style that everyone else was wearing. Don't purchase anything simply because others are doing it. Be distinctive. Find a shoe that you truly like, and collect that. In a conformity-driven age, individuality is crucial. Consider why you are purchasing them. Do they hold any significance for you? Will they go well with your wardrobe? Never purchase shoes just because they are popular. Ridhii Paul says, “One mistake I made when I started, was impulsively buying whatever I could without researching the specific pairs first. As a result, there are sneakers in my collection that I have never even worn. This not only affects the sustainability aspect of my collection but also the overall value I derive from it.” If you can afford them, believe they're stylish, and they feel comfortable on your feet, get them. “The pair of sneakers that got me obsessed was my Yeezy 700 Static Reflective. I still remember the first time I wore those, I felt like I was walking on a soft pillow. One of the best shoes I’ve bought till date and still a gem in my vivid collection.”, says Manas Mulchandani, sneakerhead and aspiring engineer. Khalid Walb went on to say, “Please do not let the crowd make decisions for you. Keep up with the culture and let your sneaker collection be about you more than anything. You’re going to wear the sneakers, not the people!”
Studying brands and stocking up on staples
There are a ton of brands available to you because of the size of the market. Today's sneakers are so intricate and inventive that you can locate anything to suit your preferences. To support sports and sneaker culture, many individuals like purchasing genuine Jordans. “The pair of sneakers that got me obsessed with the culture were the AJ1 High ‘Blue Chill’. I love the silhouette. The colour blocking and the patent leather was the cherry on top. It was love at first sight.”, says Simran Chanta. Since Michael Jordan caught the globe by storm after the 1985 introduction of the Air Jordan 1, he is regarded as the boss of sneakerhead culture. Nandith Jaisimha says, “Its always easy to start a collection with the cult classics, they don’t burn a hole in the pocket and they never go out of style!”
“My biggest tip would always be starting simple. Stick to nice, clean, subtle looking, neutral shades in your sneakers”, says Jeet Tailor, fashion and lifestyle content creator. Even if you don't enjoy spending a lot of money on shoes, Vans and Converse Chuck Taylors are fantastic alternatives. “If they’re your first few pairs, focus on the versatility aspect more than anything because you want to be able to wear your sneakers and not just have it as a show piece. The New Balance 550s got me more invested in the culture”, says Jeet.
Developing connections with other sneakerheads
The best thing about becoming a sneakerhead is the opportunity it gives you to interact with many other sneakerheads. You ought to make an effort to build connections with them offline and online. The more sneakerheads you interact with and meet, the more you'll begin to identify with them. You'll be on the right track to elevating your position in the footwear sector.
Participating in community activities will enhance the experience. Getting to know other collectors, may be a great experience. With like-minded people, collectors are typically ready to impart their knowledge and can even create chances for exchanges, bargains, or collaborations.
Maintenance and storage
When keeping any collection, organisation and available space are key considerations. However, because sneakers are made of a variety of materials, it's crucial to pay attention to a few more factors. “It’s essential to research the fabrics and materials used in the sneakers before making a purchase. Some materials may require professional maintenance, making it important to be aware of the necessary care methods in advance. By doing homework on the pairs you’re interested in, you can make wiser and more sustainable choices for your sneaker collection.”, says Ridhii Paul.
Take caution when storing your kicks. Do not pack products into small areas or stack boxes on top of one another; they need space to breathe. Similar to this, temperature-controlled environments with sufficient ventilation are always preferred. Also, what should be avoided at all costs are moisture and direct sunshine. If you plan to exhibit them, be aware of the dangers and pay particular attention to the items' more delicate components. Whatever method you use to store your pairs, you need to routinely check them and take charge of their upkeep. After investing a significant amount of money in them, you would want to keep them for as long as you can, ideally in excellent condition, for wearing now or selling afterwards.
In the event that you decide to sell them, always maintain the original box since it increases their value. It is not just about keeping the shoes; it is also about maintaining the boxes, especially those that arrive in distinctive boxes.
Paying attention to what others are saying
Look at what others are saying when you're shopping for new kicks to add to your collection! Make a brief list of the styles you like, and then research them by reading ratings, reviews, and personal stories. Keep in mind that businesses spend a lot on branding and marketing to appeal to your aesthetic preferences. You do, however, require footwear that feels as good as it looks. Read the reviews to get a sense of how functional and comfy the shoes are.
Being up to date
A popular shoe release frequently sells out in a couple of minutes. So that you may be among the first in queue, you must be aware of the precise dates and times of those releases. You should also bookmark websites that cover sneakers because these professionals frequently have up-to-date information.
It also helps to follow the stores you frequently shop at because they frequently announce new drops or forthcoming sales. As you continue to collect, you will establish additional online "go to" locations for learning about new releases. Talking to other collectors also aids in gathering information.
Fakes and scams
Every collectible market has its share of counterfeiters, copycats, and ripoff artists, sneakers are no exception. To make sure you receive the sneakers you are seeking to purchase, be mindful of the websites and/or merchants you are purchasing from. Avoid independent merchants on social media platforms like Instagram and websites with unbelievable bargains. The likelihood that the kicks are fake or that the vendor is a crook out to steal your money is really high.
It is imperative to request photos and videos of the shoes and box, or even better, to examine them personally. You must be knowledgeable with every aspect of the shoes, including the labels, manufacturing code, shoe SKU, etc. Keep an eye out for any damaged boxes. Watch out for pairs that are available in all sizes, as some well-known collabs only have a limited supply and range of sizes. Be cautious of any inconsistent SKU (stock keeping unit) numbers because every pair of genuine sneakers will have a unique one. Keep an eye out for any design or construction flaws.
Learning the language
Eventually, you'll hear sneakerheads using a lot of jargon. The greatest advice in this situation is to look up and communicate with other sneaker collectors online. The more conversations you have with people about the kicks and the more you understand about their history, the simpler it will be to decipher the meaning of certain phrases. Experience allows for the growth of this understanding.
Entering sneaker raffles
Some businesses ask you to participate in raffles so that everyone has an equal opportunity to purchase a pair of shoes. In essence, you participate in a "lucky draw" where the website selects which participants can purchase shoes first. Use many accounts when entering rather than just one. Your chances of winning the chance to purchase your ideal pair increase as you submit more entries. This is a great chance for beginners to cop the best pairs.
Reselling
Even if you are not a reseller, reselling shoes at some time will undoubtedly be a part of sneaker collecting whether your goal is to make money or simply to have extra money and room for that new sneaker you want to acquire. Even if you don't want to sell your sneakers, it's still a good idea to periodically check their worth since the secondary market is such a significant and integral component of the sneaker community.
Conclusion
The important thing is to avoid falling for the "sneakers are an investment" misconception. Decide what you like, then spend money on it. Assume that eventually everything you purchase will be useless. It's okay if you don't get a release. There will be another one. “Go after something that you love, don’t care about the hype, don’t care about the resale value, don’t care about what it would be valued at 5, 10, 20 years down the line. Always look out for something that will make you happy.”, says Mihir Joshi.
Sneakerheads buy them because they adore them, at the end of the day. Sneaker culture doesn't have to be overpowering or scary, and the hype isn't necessarily a fair picture of the people that make up the scene. Anyone who has the willingness to venture, openness, and passion can participate.
]]>By Rebecca Noronha
Hollywood was taken over by the Barbie premiere on Sunday night, with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling marching with a pack of barbie-esque, pink and bright outfits down the red carpet. The movie premiere, which took place in Los Angeles on Sunday, was the event for which the celebrities saved their finest barbie-core outfits.
The highly anticipated Barbie movie, which has been directed by Greta Gerwig, will be relasing on the 21st of July.
Check out how our fave stars dolled up for the event!
MARGOT ROBBIE
With this identical duplicate of Barbie's Solo in the Spotlight Schiaparelli gown from the 1960s, Robbie carried on her practise of emulating historical Barbie outfits. She also wore more than 350 carats of Lorraine Schwartz diamonds and Manolo Blahnik shoes. For the occasion, she chose to forgo the pink. She carried a pink chiffon pocket scarf and wore a bespoke skin-tight, strapless, glittering black gown by Schiaparelli along with a red rose, long black opera gloves, black peep-toe shoes, and a stunning diamond necklace. Hairstylist, Bryce Scarlett, gave Robbie a classic ponytail that looked precisely like Barbie's.
RYAN GOSLING
Gosling once more became his persona Ken, and this time he accessorised with a necklace that resembled a Barbie "E" for his wife, Eva Mendes. With his luxurious Gucci two-piece suit and a baby pink unbuttoned shirt, Ryan Gosling delivered his extremely Ken-nified look. Mark Avery styled him.
BILLIE EILISH
With a Gucci shirt, tie and Raf Simmons shorts, along with ERL sneakers, a Raf Simmons jumper vest and a Vivienne Westwood purse, the singer added her own unique twist to the colour pink.
DUA LIPA
A distinctive peek-a-boo Bottega Veneta outfit was worn by the singer. Her white thong was visible below the nipple-baring, dazzling and silver chainmail outfit. She accessorised with Tiffany & Co.'s diamond and platinum Graduated Line Necklace while wearing her hair down.
NICKI MINAJ
Minaj nailed the Barbie blonde look, complete with a tight two-piece dress and very pointed nails. For the rapper who is also referred to on the movie's soundtrack as the "original Barbie," it was a full circle experience. The Diva Gone Platinum Barbie served as the model for her attire. (A grey wrap-detail maxi skirt and ribbed crop top)
GRETA GERWIG
The director of the movie wore layers of pink clothing from head to toe and added Cartier jewellery. Greta Gerwig, the director, looked stunning in a Barbie pink gown, an oversized jacket, and a matching Valentino purse.
SHAY MITCHELL
In her Shushu Tong black-and-white little dress with strappy heels and a glittering black micro purse, Mitchell even nailed the Barbie doll stance. She looked wonderfully doll-like without being too delicate, from her elegant headband to her delicate stud earrings and tennis bracelet.
SIMU LIU
Liu chose a blue suit with a matching harness and pink David Yurman jewellery as a rare deviation from the pink motif. The suit was Versace with Santoni footwear.
KATE MCKINNON
McKinnon, another of the movie's actors, chose a custom pink vest and coordinating pants by Kallmeyer. Gymnast Barbie boarded the pink suit train as well. She decided to complete the ensemble with silver stilettos and diamond earrings. A bespoke ribbon stitched with the words "Gay Barbie" may be found as a concealed element on the lining of the vest. Designer Daniella Kallmeyer of Kallmeyer and McKinnon are both openly queer women.
MICHAEL CERA
Cera donned a cute pink Richard James suit. His black sunglasses gave the entire ensemble an edge.
KAROL G
She arrived wearing bespoke Pucci, Charles & Keith shoes, a pink bandana top with crystal embellishments, and a maxi skirt with psychedelic design. The singer's style was developed in collaboration with stylist Brett Alan Nelson.
ISSA RAE
President Barbie Rae, looked stunning in her flawlessly pink velvet dress and handbag. She wore a Marc Bouwer custom dress and Chopard jewellery. The dress included a big bow and a turtleneck. She accessorised it with diamond drop earrings and a high ponytail.
HARI NEF
Hari Nef wore a black, strapless, slit, ruffled Celine by Hedi Slimane dress, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, and Giuseppe Zanotti heels.
By Rebecca Noronha
After more than 30 million users downloaded the app within about 18 hours, Mark Zuckerberg's Twitter competitor was met with mixed reviews. Memes are emerging on social media, reacting to Mark Zuckerberg's new app Threads, which lets users publish up to 500 characters of text, five minutes of video, and images. Elon Musk, who purchased Twitter in October, had this to say:
Nobody is exactly sure how to feel about the social media app war between text-focused platforms.
Some Twitter users have expressed dissatisfaction with the new site thus far and appear to be sticking with Twitter as they continue to post memes depicting individuals leaving Threads and returning to Twitter. In response to the app's release, people on Twitter started a meme frenzy.
Bluesky users are also letting their opinions be known :
Twitter is contemplating taking legal action against Instagram's parent company, Meta. According to the letter from Elon Musk's attorney, Alex Spiro, Meta employed former Twitter workers who had access to sensitive information, raising the possibility that they exploited that information to create Threads. Andy Stone, a spokesman for Meta, refuted the claims that any former Twitter workers were a part of the Threads team by saying, "No one on the Threads engineering team is a former Twitter employee, that's just not a thing."
Due to regulatory uncertainties around the app's usage of personal data, Threads' release in the European Union was delayed. This is due to rules in the Digital Markets Act of the European Union that allow for the sharing of user data across various platforms. Before Meta can introduce Threads in E.U. nations, it must first receive clearance from the European Commission, the E.U.'s executive body.
It's interesting to note that Mark Zuckerberg, who had been away from Twitter for more than 11 years, made a startling return. To break the stillness, he shared a meme showing two people wearing Spiderman costumes, pointing at the other with no explanation or background information. The image was uploaded with 0 context, but the context was pretty much obvious to users.
People are truly getting on the Zuck vs Musk bandwagon with the memes :
Though it's difficult to predict if Threads will truly replace Twitter, there's no denying that the internet is already having fun. The atmosphere on Threads in its first 12 hours was a mix of the ludicrous, the amusing, and a touch cringeworthy, popularity aside. Many people exploited the app's newness as an excuse to post impulsively in ways they may have avoided on apps with a longer track record.
Some users are already considering how they would look back on their early posts and doubt everything, as they become used to the pace of Threads.
By Rebecca Noronha
The athletic titan, Nike, is going to revive Kobe Bryant's line before August 24th this year. Kobe Bryant Day was established in the Los Angeles region in 2021 to pay tribute to the late basketball icon. The day was picked because, during his Hall of Fame career, he wore the jersey numbers 8 and 24. During the Nike Q4 - FY23 call, John Donahoe said, "Nike defines basketball." The brand's plans for the remainder of the year include a major emphasis on the legacy of Bryant, the Black Mamba.
In April 2021, Vanessa Bryant announced on social media that her late husband's contract with Nike had ended and would not be renewed. Since Kobe's retirement in 2016, there has already been tension in the relationship. Nike's marketing staff decided to concentrate on the trademark brands of NBA players who were still playing because sales had stalled. Before coming to an agreement on a new contract in March 2022, Nike and the Bryant estate had a roughly one-year-long split. Conversely, Nike has very infrequently and in extremely limited numbers, launched sneakers from the Kobe brand, all of which have quickly sold out.
'Kobe and Nike have made some of the most beautiful basketball shoes of all time, worn and adored by fans and athletes in all sports across the globe,' Vanessa’s post said. Products honouring their daughter Gigi, who passed away along with her father in a helicopter tragedy in January 2020, will also be part of the relaunched line. With Vanessa's help, Nike launched the Kobe 4 Protro 'Mambacita' sneakers this spring in recognition of Gigi's 17th birthday.
From 2003 until 2020, Bryant worked with Nike to create one of the most popular trademark basketball lines in history. Donahoe noted that Bryant's brand encompassed far more than just sneakers. The Nike Kobe brand featured clothing and accessories during his prime. Fans are most desperate to get their hands on Bryant's iconic footwear, though.
These are Kobe Bryant's Nike sneakers releasing over the next year, as of now :
Kobe 8 Protro 'Triple White'
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro 'Triple White' is releasing on August 24th.
Kobe 6 Protro 'Reverse Grinch'
The Nike Kobe 6 Protro 'Reverse Grinch' is releasing on December 16.
Kobe 4 Protro 'Black & Gold'
The Nike Kobe 4 Protro 'Black & Gold' is releasing on December 26th.
Kobe 8 Protro 'Emerald' and ‘Purple’
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro 'Radiant Emerald' is scheduled to launch on February 8th, 2024.
Kobe 6 "Prelude" is rumoured to be releasing as well.
Donahoe did not provide any more information on whether Nike will be renewing more of the Hall of Famer's beloved shoe designs in their original iterations or new models. Not many details have been released regarding the designs, colours, or products that Nike will offer on Kobe Day, but you already know that it will sell out quickly because Kobe-related gear is in high demand.
Kobe Day is only 50 days away, so it's only a matter of time and we can't wait to see what's in store! Stay tuned for more updates.
]]>Curious about what Paris Menswear Fashion Week was like? Here come the highlights from the PFW, a highly anticipated event that showcases the best of avant-garde fashion from across the world. Whether you are a fashion aficionado, or just simply curious about the highly anticipated event, we’ve got you covered.
]]>Here come the highlights from the PFW, a highly anticipated event that showcases the best of avant-garde fashion from across the world. Whether you are a fashion aficionado, or just simply curious about the highly anticipated event, we’ve got you covered.
The new cut for Spring/Summer 2024 is now available to the world's fashion community thanks to Paris Fashion Week Menswear. Brands are more diverse, moral and AI designs are poised to replace the work of human hands. The technological advancements shaping the future of fashion are extremely inspirational. Let's see what's in store.
THE SS24 PFW RUNWAY TRENDS
It was totally screaming summer at men’s fashion week. There was re-imagination with attention to detail while coming out with a relaxed, effortless feel.
Simplicity
Our streetstyle wearers also demonstrate that the most basic, classic ensembles may occasionally be the best. The ensembles also included ties, tank tops, bandanas, matching sets, and several headpieces. Casual, comfy attire with deep necks and shorts dominated the presentation.
Jackets
Bombers jackets have been popular for a long time, and given the variations created by Louis Vuitton, Givenchy etc. they will likely continue to be popular in the spring and summer.
Knitwear
Lightweight, fun cardigans and jumpers are everywhere. Brands like Dior and Louis Vuitton released coats, cardigans, and other items in tweed. Loewe, Hermes, and Paul Smith all carried a large selection of knitwear as well.
Trench Coats
The popularity of trench coats has increased during Paris Fashion Week. The outerwear appeared in a variety of looks, including recognisable patterns, fur-accented alternatives, and leather variations.
Stripes
The runway included a variety of stripes, from classy pinstripes to vivid and wild designs, showcasing the pattern's adaptability and classic appeal.
Hanging Sleeves
This season, extra-long sleeves established a new benchmark for experimental fashion. Exaggerated sleeves on clothing were included in dramatic images by designers, adding emotion to the collection.
Dramatic Shoulder
With its extravagant boxy form, this look highlighted shoulders on the runway. Designers adopted outlandish and exaggerated shoulder designs, making a strong visual effect while adopting a more avant-garde appearance.
Light Materials
Occasionally transparent materials that suggest a certain looseness like satin, silk, and lace, frequently found in women's clothing, seem to be the most well-liked selections. On the catwalks, linen, a thin, flowing material that has gained popularity for its ability to regulate temperature and protect the environment, could be seen.
WHAT SOME OF THE BIGGEST BRANDS SHOWCASED
The extravagant and dramatic flare of the shows distinguished them from others and brought a wealth of fresh styles and creative features to the world of fashion.
Louis Vuitton
The week-long showcase of fashion for men was introduced by a major show by Louis Vuitton. The highly anticipated Louis Vuitton debut by Pharrell at men's fashion week combined music and fashion. The athletic collection will be remembered as a classic for the brand with a live choir and rapper Jay Z singing after the showcase.
The collection on display featured both block suits with Parisian sites printed into the fabric and Louis Vuitton's renowned colourful bottoms. Even a theatrical fashion show was presented, which was a highly unusual format. KidSuper, Louis Vuitton's temporary designer for the final men's off-season collection, produced a theatrical production to go with the brand's magical and quirky creations. Colm Dillane spoke about the thrill of igniting a new concept and bringing it to reality through rotating theatrical stages while wearing meta dialogues and fashionable outfits. The brand's recognisable Damier pattern, which was woven into several of the pieces, served as the collection's inspiration. The collection included large coats, baggy trousers and vivid designs that mixed streetwear and high fashion.
Dior
Kim Jones, the artistic director of Dior Men, debuted his summer collection in a stark, futuristic setting. An army of models came up from a metallic catwalk. The runway show was launched by an explosion of electronic noises, and the runway lit up. Rows of models steadily filled the space. The colour scheme was largely consisting of greys, whites and pastels, while accessories arrived in vibrant, fun colours. One by one, the models appeared in textured suits studded with pearls and sequins.
The brand's history served as inspiration for this collection during Paris Fashion Week, which combined streetwear and traditional tailoring to modernise tradition. The palette of the collection included pastels, neutral colours, and vivid hues. Various items from the collection were on display, such as graphic t-shirts, tailored suits, and oversized jackets. The collection is a masterful example of Jones's ability to connect with the brand's heritage while influencing its future, forging an enduring narrative that combines tradition, innovation, and Dio’s irresistible appeal.
Givenchy
Matthew M. Williams, the brand's creative director, specialised in sophisticated and dressy tailoring for men when creating the collection. The collection featured a variety of suit-coats during Paris Fashion Week, along with low-crotched pants, short, narrow-at-the-waist trousers and boxy trousers. The more elegant outfits included satin lapels, and the olive green jacket gave a faintly military vibe. The collection's main focus on accessories included stylish purses for the back or waist.
Loewe
Jonathan Anderson, the creative director at Loewe, made glitter the star. Blazers, high waisted denim jeans, coats etc. were the mainstays of the collection. These stood out in especially because of the crystals that adorned each piece. High-waisted clothing had a hint of a retro vibe. The collection's muted colour scheme of delicate pastels, blues, blacks, and khakis was starkly contrasted with accessories like sunglasses with crystal embellishments.
There was a variety of shoes and large bags. His most recent menswear collection was created to make you feel as though you were gazing up at the model via a fish-eye lens and was motivated by this idea of perspective, or looking from the ground up. The top half consisted of tucked-in shirts and cropped tops, or glittering sculptures. As a result, long, wide-leg pants and jeans perched high on the waist. The collection featured large coats, baggy trousers and eye-catching designs that mixed streetwear and high fashion.
Jacquemus
Modelling a white lingerie ensemble, Gigi Hadid took to the runway for the Jacquemus spring 2024 fashion show at the Palace of Versailles. Hadid donned a sheer, sleeveless dress with many tie knots down the centre and delicate floral embroidery. A bikini was worn underneath the garment. Possibly the most opulent show of the season was presented in Paris by Jacquemus.
On a red pedestal, French fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus unveiled his latest line, which was influenced by Marie Antoinette and Lady Diana. With miniskirts, and translucent materials, there was a lot of skin on display, much like in his past performances. Jacquemus held his all-gender show exactly one day after the menswear shows for Paris Fashion Week ended, staying true to his penchant for freedom.
SOME SNEAKERS THAT MADE AN APPEARANCE
Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS GT-2160
The continuous collaboration between Cecilie Bahnsen and ASICS, the GT-2160, expertly combines elements of haute couture with the design of athletic shoes. It continually sells out and never lets fans down with each new edition. Bahnsen now commands attention at Paris Fashion Week SS24 with her interpretation of the gorgeous ASICS GEL GT-2160.
Nike Terminator
Since its reintroduction from the archives in late 2022, the Nike Terminator has discovered that reptilian textures are highly appealing, and the scaly texture is now covering the awaited low-top variant.
AURALEE x New Balance Warped Runner
The shoes are designed in a cream and black colour scheme to match their Spring/Summer '24 products. This sneaker is highlighted by the collaboration because of its cutting-edge design and advanced technology. The Warped Runner, updated by AURALEE, has a classy appearance consistent with the minimalist design of the Japanese label. It comes in two colours, beige and navy blue. The sleek design of the shoe appears to have been influenced by snakeskin aesthetics.
Wales Bonner x Adidas Neftanga
The ‘Marathon’ Spring/Summer 2024 collection by Wales Bonner and Adidas was displayed during Paris Fashion Week Men's SS24. The collection emphasises the ethos of long-distance runners by fusing athleticism with stylish sophistication.
Thisisneverthat x New Balance 550
In addition to the already leaked brown hue, thisisneverthat also unveiled fresh green and pink colorways of the fresh Balance 550 during the show.
Hope this was what you needed to catch you up on what you missed out on at Paris Fashion Week 2023.
]]>By Rebecca Noronha
Are Mids REALLY that bad?
Mid-tops have gone through the wringer when it comes to the love-hate relationship sneakerheads have with them. Are they truly inferior? Or is it just the masses joining the bandwagon of celebrity/sneakerhead opinions and avoiding the judgement they may face if they admit their positive perspectives on the sneakers?
In the end, liking or disliking mids is subjective and depends on personal preferences, fashion trends, and taste. But there may be certain legit reasons as to why some people have unfavourable opinions about them.
Limited Versatility
Compared to low and high-tops, mids are frequently thought to be less adaptable. Highs are frequently regarded as a fashion statement, whilst lows are more frequently connected to athletic/casual attire. Sometimes, mids can be found in the middle of these two categories, making it difficult to match them with certain outfits. “Especially for the case of Jordan 1’s, the OG kicks are the highs, and the lows are the less costly variant of the highs, which makes sneaker culture more accessible to more people. Mids are like this weird middle ground where it neither looks like the highs nor is priced like the lows”, says Christoph Mhowdawalla, Oman based sneakerhead. Some believe that they lack a unique identity or fashion appeal on par with either lows or highs.
Fit & Proportion
For some people, mid-tops may result in an unflattering visual proportion on their feet or legs. Lows or highs may seem to provide a person's body type, a more balanced or attractive appearance, depending on personal preferences.
Individual Style
Personal tastes for fashion have a big impact on how people view sneakers. Depending on their aesthetic inclinations, some people could just prefer the look or feel of low-top or high-top sneakers and find mids less appealing. “I wouldn’t say the hate is warranted because ultimately it comes down to personal choice and whether it fits your style. For me, it doesn’t, because I don’t like what the build and silhouette of a Jordan 1 Mid looks like. I’m not a big fan of high-top shoes either but mids, the way they cut off at the ankle just don’t look that good, personally” says Aaryan Mathew, Pune based sneakerhead.
Lack of Prominence
Mid-tops could not get as much attention as low or high-top sneakers since some of their brands or designs might not have had much of an impact on sneaker culture, giving them the impression of being less appealing. The most hyped models, which are frequently lows or highs linked to collaborations or limited releases, may be prioritised by some sneakerheads.
Authentic History
Sneakerheads frequently place a high importance on genuineness and the background of iconic sneakers. Some mid-top sneakers may be viewed as deviations from the original models that stray from the desirable and authentic low-top or high-top versions.
Sneakerheads have a wide range of tastes and preferences. In fact, mid-top versions of many classic sneaker types are accessible and highly prized by sneakerheads. Within the sneaker community, there is a strong following for these mid-tops. When evaluating sneakers, sneakerheads place more importance on aspects like the design, rarity, quality, brand history, and cultural significance rather than just the height of the shoe. “Nike Dunk mids are probably one of my favourite silhouettes because of the way they’re built. But when you talk about a Jordan 1 mid, it makes the shoe feel a little incomplete and lacking character. It’s not the same with the Jordan 1 lows because they have a similar look to the SB Dunk or a regular skateshoe. Mids don’t really have the same palpable range like highs which are the best, silhouette wise, personally” says Aaryan Mathew.
Mid-top sneakers have several positive aspects that make them appealing to many individuals. It’s important to focus on the flip side of it as well.
Comfort
Compared to lows, mid-tops offer additional ankle support. They are a comfortable option for activities involving moderate movement or impact because of the extra height around the ankle, which can provide some support/protection without putting any restrictions on movement. For some people, they strike the ideal balance between fashion and practicality, making them a fantastic addition to their footwear collection. “I generally prefer mid-tops to any other cut, to be honest. Although most people think highs are superior, I disagree. Mids are far less clunky and they have the added benefit of showing an inch or two more of your ankles and accentuating your height. To me, they’re the best of both worlds and the perfect choice” says Rhys Coutinho, Mumbai based sneakerhead.
Iconic and Historical Models
A number of iconic sneaker models come in mid-top variations, which increases their popularity. These mid-tops frequently have a distinctive past, a place in culture, and a following among sneakerheads.
Unique Style
Compared to lows and highs, mid-tops have a unique appearance. They are a distinctive fashion choice for people looking for something different from the more conventional styles. They are a versatile choice for both informal and somewhat more formal settings because they can be dressed up or down.
“I feel like if you love the legacy of Michael Jordan and appreciate Air Jordans, then why hate on the mids? Personally, they come with better colourways and are affordable for the masses”, says Aniket Sequeria, Mumbai based sneakerhead. When choosing sneakers, one's personal preferences and style choices should take precedence above just following the herd. When it comes to sneaker preferences, it's critical to value diversity and appreciate others who make different decisions. In the end, everyone ought to be able to enjoy wearing the sneakers they find appealing without having to deal with unwarranted criticism or negativity.
]]>The urge to fit in. It’s frustrating. It’s intense. Because what do you do if you’ve finally managed to fit in but it’s basically…. a lie? That’s just a part of owning replicas of popular, well-known products. Sneaker culture has evolved a lot, and what was once a niche interest, has now become a global phenomenon with a dedicated community.
So, the age-old question yet again. Does it really, truly matter?
Of course, it does. Sometimes knockoffs are just downright disrespectful with how they look. No effort whatsoever. Super easy to spot, low-grade ripoffs sold for a couple hundred bucks on the street, made half-heartedly. But what about the almost indistinguishable replicas at super inflated prices that have weaved their way through roughly every website and store that exists?
Currently, reps have the insane skills of fooling even the most refined sneakerheads on the block. Disappointing but true. “With the knowledge that a person gains with buying a number of pairs over a long period of time, and with helpful people in the community, it surely becomes easier in identifying fake pairs”, says Shivang Chopra (Doctor and sneakerhead). But what are some of the differences between basic knockoffs, high-grade replicas and the originals?
Well, cheap knockoffs are something people are well versed about, so here we go into the world of reps and OGs, which are a little more complicated than that.
Where do the replicas even come from?
The odds are, labourers are constantly at work in sweatshops making cheap products with low priced, imported materials. It’s difficult to imagine how fakes could be so inadequate given that they are frequently produced under the same conditions / in the same factories and both are mass produced.
It’s assumed that the original factory enters into agreements with counterfeit creators to produce unauthorised batches using cheaper materials. Sneaker collector, chef and restaurateur, Akshay Arora has been scammed into buying fake SB Dunk Low Mummy. “I wore it a month after buying them. It was super uncomfortable. It got my feet hurting within like an hour of walking around.” Breaking down an original pair and reproducing it, or just paying the manufacturers to pass over the samples of the originals are two common ways in which these businesses thrive. Copycats may easily access similar sources that brands do for materials and fibres; as a result, most changes are minimal. Always take note of improved packaging as well. Some high-grade replicas may also come with packaging that mimics that of genuine sneakers. This includes shoeboxes, tags, and other accessories. However, the packaging alone is not a reliable indicator of authenticity.
Since fakes are being sold months before a retail pair and have quality that is comparable to the real thing, many people are paying more than retail to get the best of the best or to make a quick buck before they hit stores. Fakes were sold at a considerably lower rate than the originals. But quality is an obvious factor too. Will the pair hold up and remain durable? Customers constantly pay high prices for high-quality goods, so quality clearly has a significant influence on value. It's also extremely profitable. Counterfeit goods sales have been linked to sex trafficking, drug trades etc.
Purchasing authentic sneakers supports the brand's innovation, research, and development efforts. It also helps ensure that workers involved in the production process receive fair wages and working conditions. Conversely, buying fake sneakers supports illicit activities, counterfeit markets, and unethical practices.
Fear of missing out
Purchasing reps and fakes have a lot to do with FOMO. We’ve all wanted to just fit in and not feel out of place, hence, buying fakes have been the easy way out for some. A common phenomenon among sneaker enthusiasts and collectors. “I really don’t care what people have to say and nobody should, about your purchases or whatever you’re doing because no matter what you do, there’s still people that are gonna criticise and try to put you down.”, says Akshay Arora. “But I think if you’re buying fakes to flex and get clout, that’s just stupid. You will get called out. The only reason I feel okay with people buying fakes, is because they can be super expensive. Not everyone can afford it and some don’t feel right paying a lakh for shoes that retail for 12k.”, Arora goes on to say.
The limited availability and high demand for certain kicks have fueled this fear of missing out. The shaming and calling out does get a bit excessive though, at times. As content creator Aahana Sharma says, “My mom once bought Yeezy slides from Bangkok and boasted about how cheap she got them for, while I spent thousands on footwear. As a sneakerhead, that’s offensive but coming from your mom, it’s funny. We obviously won’t go around embarrassing our parents, so why do it to others?”
Yatin Srivastava, lawyer/musician/stylist stated that, “Especially in India, the classist undertones of such a ‘call-out’ culture is similar to the white-washed narrative of cancel culture, where real issues are never dealt with. It’s more interesting when you realise that shoes get ‘faked’ very quickly or even before a release because ‘official’ and ‘non-official’ shoes are made in the same factory in most cases and the only thing differentiating a genuine product is a QC stamp at the end of a production chain.”
Limited Edition Releases: Sneaker brands often release limited edition or exclusive sneakers in collaboration with artists, athletes, or popular culture icons. These generate a sense of scarcity, making them highly desirable among collectors and even people new to sneaker culture.
Social Media Influence: Sneaker release hype is often amplified through social media platforms. Showcasing one’s latest acquisitions, and influencers/celebs endorsing releases, creates a fear of being left out if one doesn't acquire the latest pair.
Resale and Price Inflation: The secondary sneaker market is a lucrative business. The existence and prevalence of reps, actually help the resale market in terms of price inflation of the originals. Take a look at the fake market of Yeezy’s, for example. It’s so expansive, that the value for the originals soars. People worry that if they don't purchase the sneakers immediately, they’ll have to pay inflated prices later.
Artistic value of Originals –
Brands could get rid of the replica market by simply creating enough sneakers in bulk, but this would shrink the value. Artistic value is the main focus, but is not paid enough attention to. Art is impactful. It demands a high price from those who care enough. According to founder of Dame and Max, Ridhii Paul, purchasing counterfeit sneakers is completely unacceptable. “As someone who works in the design industry, I comprehend the immense amount of work involved in crafting something unique and it is undeniably disheartening to witness one’s creative efforts being shamelessly imitated”, says Paul.
Since the artist creates the piece, it is only because of them that it has any worth at all. You can't remove certain elements from the art since they are so inextricably linked to the artist. It's a combination of who they are and what they can do. There are specific aims the artist sets out to accomplish with their work. Reps, despite having the same aesthetic, will never be as valuable as originals because they are less closely associated with the artist. “Fake sneakers, at the end of the day, are a big slap in the face to the original artist who has put years of work into creating these amazing pieces. Buying originals means you’re respecting and celebrating the artist & brand. Personally, I don’t want to compromise on the quality, even if the box needs to be in top notch condition”, says Aahana Sharma.
Sneaker design involves a fusion of creativity and craftsmanship. From the choice of materials, colour palettes and patterns, designers create visually striking sneakers with intricate details or creative storytelling elements. Collaborations between sneaker brands and artists, designers, athletes result in sneakers that blend fashion, art, and popular culture incorporating elements and reflecting the creative vision of both the sneaker brand and the collaborator. Sneakers, associated with specific eras or historical moments, hold significance, making them more than just footwear, but symbols of cultural identity and expression.
“Even our favourite designers bought fakes – not as a means to unlawfully gain money but because that was the only way to involve yourself in the culture. Virgil Abloh had fake Birkins and fake Rolexes until he got real ones. The fashion world in itself relies on and gives a nod to replicas every other year to showcase how an inherent part of an industry was completely exclusive, but is now an open non-gatekept community-based environment”, says Yatin Srivastava.
Ultimately, the artistic value of original sneakers lies in the eye of the beholder. Some may view them purely as functional items, while others may see them as cultural artefacts or creative expressions. The beauty of art is its ability to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and inspire individual interpretation, and sneakers have undoubtedly achieved this in the realm of contemporary culture.
]]>Over the past two years, Lil Baby has dropped a solo album, "My Turn," a collaborative project with Lil Durk, and show-stealing verses on DJ Khaled, Nav, and Gucci Mane tracks, as well as sharing his journey and ascent to popularity in the Amazon Prime documentary, "Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby."
While his listeners are nonstop tuning in to his latest record, this brings us to the question, is the new album worth it? What’s the downside? The best and the worst tracks? Get the full rundown of Lil Baby’s third studio album, "It’s Only Me," in this week's FREEMAG album review.
Is the album worth it?
If you're debating whether or not to listen to the record, simply put on your headphones and begin. The cadence of Lil Baby is unbeatable in every track. He has successfully tamed the listeners with stories of fast cars, childhood mischief, and rising from the trenches to become the biggest rapper of 2022. The bars are simple yet catchy, and most of the tracks have strangely funny hooks. The record also features a heavy dose of artists such as Future, Young Thug, Nardo Wick, Pooh Shiesty, EST Gee, Jeremih, and Rylo Rodriguez. Talking about the production, a series of beat makers were involved in the project. We hear unique sounds from hitmakers like Wheezy, Murda Beatz, Tay Keith, and SEVN Thomas. To sum it up, it is absolutely worth a listen.
What’s the downside?
The record, as shocking as it may sound, lacks variation. While there are some exceptional tunes, many of the songs are repetitious and lack passion and emotion. The comprehensive 23-record project is a little too long, and first-time listeners may abandon it halfway through. If the extraneous elements were eliminated from 'It's Only Me', it could compete with his past albums; unfortunately, it falls short of perfection.
The best and worst tracks?
Of the 23 tracks available, a few make up our best selection. On bangers like "California Breeze", "Stop Playin", and "Not Finished", he talks about his struggles, romantic life, and how he’s relentless towards his work compared to his competitors. In "Perfect Timing," he personifies wealth generation and how he puts his guard up due to the unsafe and perilous environment around him. The beat changeover in the song "Pop Out ft. Nardo Wick" generates a wild effect with the syrupy melodies, indicating that his voice is one of the greatest of this generation.
Our final verdict?
The album is undeniably a success for Lil Baby. It does, however, have the drawback of being a bit too lengthy. Overall, it is clear that the Atlanta star is making the most of his ascension, and he has been successful. If you are a Lil Baby, do listen to the album and let us know your thoughts. Follow our Instagram for further updates.
Stream Lil Baby’s "It’s Only Me" on Spotify and Apple Music NOW!
]]>To analyze the Yeezy trend in India, let’s take a closer look at how the sneaker was performing when it first arrived in India.
Back in 2015, Adidas dropped the iconic Yeezy Boost 350 “Pirate black”. The sportswear label had only imported 30 pairs to India (25 of which were pre-booked in Bangalore), making these highly hyped-up sneakers even more unique. As surprising as it sounds, back then the pair was priced at ₹15,999.
At the moment, if you want to buy a pair of Yeezy Boost 350 for retail, prepare to burn a hole in your pocket. They are now priced at ₹21,999, and if you want to purchase resell, prepare yourself because it will cost you a fortune.
However, what caused the price hike? The buzz began to build as the drops got more regular. People became aware of the new trend, and the community gradually grew—iconic colorways like "Zebra" and "Blue Tints" acquired widespread recognition.
“The blue tints drop was so hyped that people lined up from 6 am and waited till 6 pm to get their pairs”
- Shashvat Singhania Sneakerhead
Call it a style statement, a status symbol, or maybe just plain stupidity, every sneaker enthusiast will vouch for the fact that there’s nothing more comfortable than Yeezys.
Sparking the trend in 2015, the next three years in India were promising for Yeezy. Prices rose due to high demand, and you could spot individuals wearing the ultimate comfort sneaker. It didn't last long, though.
Despite the fact that Yeezys are excellent comfort sneakers, the prices were quite high. People began seeking alternatives as consumers, which is when Nike entered the scene. Soon after, the enthusiasm began to fade, and people began to gravitate toward Jordans, which were half the price of Yeezys. Aside from the famous colorways, the Yeezy 350, Yeezy 380, and Yeezy 500 are generally available in stores. Higher retail costs and lower demand are to blame. As a result, there is little room for Yeezy in the resale market.
What’s the final verdict?
It would be unfair to jump to a conclusion considering the culture is still developing in India. While the trend of Yeezys remains stagnant (apart from OG colorways), it certainly can shoot up in the future. On top of that, Kanye’s endless buzz on Instagram helps fuel the hype for his brand. Lastly, it all comes down to personal choice. If you are passionate about sneakers, Yeezys are a must-have.
This was our take on Yeezy and its hype in India. Follow our Instagram and shop a collection of Yeezys at Free Society now!
]]>To find out if the conjecture is correct, we go deep into Nav's fourth studio album, "Demons Protected By Angels," in this week's FREEMAG review.
Is the album worth it?
If you still haven't heard the album, you’re missing out. His albums are more like compilations of songs that when combined, provide a certain mood or vibe. In this record, Nav talks about his real-life challenges and experiences. The vocals and bars draped in melody reveal some of his lingering doubts and fears. His musical talent is displayed in the record, which he independently produced and engineered. In an interview with Full Send Podcast, Nav says, "The first self-produced album is hard to top, but I think this one is very close to being as good as or better."
Our best advice? Listen to the album right away!
The best and worst tracks?
Our best selection includes a handful of tracks from the 19 available. The album is filled with bangers like “Dead Shot ft Lil Uzi Vert”, “Never Sleep ft Travis Scott & Lil Baby”, “Playa ft Gunna”, “One time ft Future”, and “Mismatch”. It is the same voice, but somehow his flow on each track works out. We hear addictive 808s and crisp snares on each track. His music proves that less is more.
On tracks like Wrong Decisions, Lost Me, Reset, and Loaded he addresses love, making errors, and his personal life. Production can be heard from the likes of Mike Dean, Wheezy, Tay Keith, and more. For the most part, the album hardly has any misses.
“I wanted to be real, you know. I wanted to stop holding back. I took notes on what was missing from the other albums. They wanted the OG Nav vibes, better lyrics, and stronger topics, so I made sure this album had it all. If you ask me what a song is about, I can tell you right away what it’s about.”
- NAV
What else is there to know, and what is the final verdict?
In the record, Nav pays tribute to Lil Keed and talks about how he misses his YSL friends who are currently serving time in jail. The rapper also revealed that he worked with Drake on a song, but that it was not good enough to be released.
Overall, it is evident that he has put a lot of work and thought into his projects, which is likely the reason he delayed the release in July. However, if you are a Nav or XO fan, do listen to the album and let us know your thoughts. Follow our Instagram for further updates.
Stream NAV’s Demon’s Protected By Angels on Spotify and Apple Music NOW!
]]>Wristwatches are no longer considered simple items to be glanced at to track the passage of time. The advent of high-end watches has given birth to a community of people who use the vessels to display their status. Luxury timepieces are more than fashion accessories. They are works of art.
Of course, Hip Hop’s obsession with traditional swiss watchmaking did not appear out of the blue. Previously when gangsta and bling rap was on the rise it emphasized conspicuous consumption. This, in turn, set the stage for the cultural moment that we are currently experiencing. Watchmakers have stimulated the very hype economy that they had wished to tap into. As result, It has solidified the bridge between Swiss watchmakers and the rap community.
When it comes to luxury watches, not all that glitters is gold. These watches can be classified into two types: factory-set and aftermarket. When the diamonds are applied directly by the technicians of the watch manufacturer, without any third-party involvement we get a factory set product. The client base for such pieces is minimal, normally reserved for an elite tier of people. On the other hand, we have aftermarkets, known as iced-out, Bust Down, and more. These are watches that involve modification by a third party. However, watch experts believe aftermarket diamond timepieces do not sit right. Why? because they are attempting to be someone they are not
RM 52 05 Manual Winding Tourbillon
In today’s time, rappers love to flaunt their expensive watches. One can easily identify their undying love for Swiss timepieces through their song lyrics and outfits. Some of the most famous brands include Rolex, Richard Millie, Patek Philippe, and Audemar Piguet to name a few. With all that in mind, Hip-hop’s last decade has been fruitful for Rolex and it is the most coveted name in Hip-Hop. Duo dancers & Musicians Ayo & Teo's track ‘Rolex’ has over 935 million views on Youtube. Rappers like Future, Gunna, NAV, Drake, Lil Uzi, and many more actively mention brands like Rolex, AP, and RM in their songs.
Watchmakers have taken this opportunity to collaborate with various artists. Developed in collaboration with Pharrell Williams, the RM 52 05 Manual winding tourbillon is one of Richard Mille's highest profile partnerships. Not to forget, Drake has made his way with Richard Millie with a collaboration piece called “RM 69 Erotic Tourbilion” worth a whooping 6 Crore INR.
RM 69 Erotic Tourbillon
While Luxury watchmakers are making their way to sabotage the world of hip-hop, do you think the market will grow more?
Follow us on Instagram for further updates on FreeMag.
]]>The most surprising part about the album is Kanye West and the rap god Eminem are on the same track. This brings us to the question, is ‘GOD DID’ worth it? What’s the downside? The best and the worst tracks? Get the full scoop of this week’s album review below.
Is the album worth it?
Drifting away from his previous album theme, which involved a hint of pop, the latest release focuses on hip-hop. DJ Khaled’s influence in the rap game is unreal and his 18-track record ‘GOD DID’ proves that his pull in the game is stronger than ever. We hear seductive vocals, catchy verses, and high-end production along with the classic DJ Khaled catchphrase ‘Another one.’ While there is so much going on in one album, it piques listeners' interest in what the record contains. As a consequence, the album is well worth hearing.
The Best Tracks and Worst Track?
Our best selection includes a handful of tracks from the 18 available. We hear fast-hitting hi-hats, crisp snares, and a euphoric melody on tracks like Big Time ft Future & Lil Baby, Keep Going ft Lil Durk, 21 Savage & Roddy Rich, Let’s Pray ft Don Toliver & Travis Scott, and Use This Gospel ft Kanye West & Eminem. The Album transcends to a more chill vibe with songs like Staying Alive ft Drake & Lil Baby, Beautiful ft Future & SZA, and Way Past Luck ft 21 Savage.
Talking about the worst tracks, the album has a few misses. Songs like Fam Good, We good ft Gunna & Roddy Rich, Party ft Quavo & Takeoff, Bills Paid ft Latto & City Girls, and It Ain’t Safe ft Nardo Wick & Kodak Black come off as direct with no moment of revelation, just unfiltered Khaled with average verse.
What else is there to know, and what is the final verdict?
The album's most startling element is the collaboration of Eminem and Kanye West on the same track, which hasn't happened since 2009's 'Forever,' which also included Drake and Lil Wayne. Khaled has remixed the song 'Use This Gospel,' which was first released on Ye's album 'Jesus is King' in 2019. On the remix, Eminem delivers a typical rapid-fire verse in which he reflects on his struggle to preserve his faith.
“Please let this hate make me stronger, for they turned on me like a zombie / It’s like I’m being strangled unconscious, when temptation is almost like Satan is baiting you.”
Juice Wrld's posthumous appearance isn't all that impressive. Originally recorded in 2019 when the late rapper was around, Khaled is seen drowning Juice WRLD's delivery in his "DJ KHALED" cypher, which isn't the most subtle of maneuvers.
Overall, the album is a mix of hits and misses. It is close to a rollercoaster ride where we witness some catchy hooks and beats with average tracks keeping up the general flow of the album.
Do you believe DJ Khaled has made good use of all the artists on board for the project? Make sure you listen to the full album and follow us on Instagram for further updates.
]]>Supreme X Andre 3000
Supreme is all set to reveal its Fall/Winter 2022 collection and they have already kickstarted revealing details through their social media. Last week, Supreme disclosed their upcoming leather jacket collaborations with professional driver Lewis Hamilton. The piece is expected to be worth around $15,000. Now, they have released a new campaign featuring Andre 3000 wearing a classic box logo tee with an olive military jacket and overalls that hang halfway off his body. Fans are expecting the said figure to be featured on its seasonal photo tees.
Vetements FW 2022
Inspired by the new age of wealth and aristocracy, Vetements Fall/Winter 2022 collection is centered around wealth in the New Cryptocurrency Era. The collection speaks for individuals who have dived deep into the crypto world and embraced themselves in the digital sphere. Taking into account the versatility of the products, the brand has created pieces in which pants can be transformed and be of different lengths based on the occasion. Coats can be turned into jackets and truly standout accessories.
Vetements hopes that this collection would prompt people to consider what they consider to be wealth.
COMME des GARCONS CDG X Pokémon
COMME des GARCONS CDG has announced a brand new Pokémon collaboration. The brand took their Instagram to unveil their partnership but did not reveal any additional information such as the release date, or the preview of pieces. However, the Instagram post showcased the logo which sees CDG initials overlapping with the classic Pokémon logo.
Check out the official post below and stay in the loop for more information on the collaboration.
Pleasures X Big L
Despite Big L’s brief journey in rap, he gained a reputation for himself through his flawless wordplay and unbeatable freestyling ability. To honor the late rapper’s legacy, Capsule has launched pieces that encapsulate his sense of style and tenacious attitude. The range includes a variety of jackets, hoodies, and T-shirt and text motifs that celebrates the legacy of the iconic rapper.
The collection aims to educate the youth about the Harlem-born rapper and his impact on the underground hip-hop scene back in 1992. Pleasures are set to drop the collaboration on August 26th at 10:00 AM PDT on their official website.
Here’s our take on the top collaboration taking place this year. Which one are you most excited about? Follow our Instagram to stay updated further.
]]>Nike’s infamous strategy of keeping things exclusive has made Jordans more valuable than ever. Nike CEO John Donahoe describes the strategy for modern-day releases as ‘Exclusivity at scale.’ This means they want to keep the hype high while meeting some of the demand. With the advent of the Nike SNKRS platform, sneakerheads are now able to buy sneakers online. However, this mode of buying sneakers has its flaw.
Before we jump onto the reasons for not being able to buy, let's talk about how Nike SNKRS works. The platform gives users exclusive access to the latest launches, with plenty of storytelling and product descriptions to boot. To get in the game, you have to do take the following steps:
Honestly, if you’re a sneaker enthusiast and you haven’t taken an L on Nike SNKRS already - JUST DO IT.
The sneaker craze epidemic is at an all-time high. To put it simply- If you’re a new user trying to buy any release, it’s next to impossible to win. There are far more people wanting the shoe than the number of shoes being released/produced. In the modern world of consumerism, you are not only competing with the person to your left and right, but also with technology. This is where sneaker bots come into the picture. Sneaker bots are programs operated by those who use them to place bogus orders and claim all of the available inventory. For instances, if you are trying to buy a pair of sneakers from SNKRS, another person is doing the same with thousands of entries through bots. Whether you like it or not, the use of sneaker bots has highly increased and the majority of the releases are taken by them.
Although Nike has made quite some progress to restrict bots, it’s still not there yet. However, there are still ways that you can increase your chances of buying a hype release. Firstly, you need to start with the basics. Turn on the reminder and set up your account prior to the release. Make sure to put in all your payment information before you try to purchase a sneaker as it’ll save a big chunk of your time during checkout.
One of the most common mistakes which Indian buyers make while using their card to make a payment is not enabling the international transaction. You need to have a Debit/Credit card that allows you to make international transactions. One bonus tip would be to install a timer as an extension on your device to not miss the chance to buy even for a second. Since you are competing with technology i.e. bots, you need to have a really fast internet connection.
In the end, it all comes down to your luck. Do not aim for only hyped releases, be more active on the website. You as the consumer will ultimately decide if Nike is doing their best and what pairs will sit on your Sneaker Throne.
]]>If you are familiar with the sneaker culture, you know how massive the resale market is. The community is expanding rapidly in India and it’s only set to grow in upcoming years. However, many opine that the secondary market is a pain. In this week’s FREEMAG article we dive deep into understanding the resale market and what’s the effect of it on the culture. Get the full rundown below:
What is the resale market and how does it work?
The resale market is a marketplace where a sneaker reseller sells limited-edition pairs of deadstock sneakers to another consumer for a profit. The idea is based on short supply and higher demand. The prices of sneakers in the secondary market are comparatively high due to limited product releases and excess demand. It is tough to cop these pairs online or in-store since everyone got eyes on them. It is due to this reason that resellers charge a higher amount for a pair. They eliminate the hassle of standing in lines or waking up in the morning to buy a sneaker.
“What was once a subculture of addicts, connoisseurs, and regular hood kids looking to stunt has turned into a race to wear the same sneakers”
- Angel Diaz from Complex
What are the flaws?
The idea of making quick money has flooded the community with an exorbitant amount of resellers. With the advent of online shopping and the usage of bots, many swipe out entire stocks of limited edition sneakers. This can be quite a nuisance for end consumers who want to enjoy and buy the pair for personal use. After all, not everyone is willing to pay an astronomical price for a general release.
Where does the Indian resale market stand?
The Indian sneaker market is still in its early phase but it’s growing steadily. With the emergence of various sneaker platforms, people are aware of the culture and slowly getting into it. In my opinion, the secondary market is saturated and there’s a lot of room for the community to grow. It might sound harsh, but collector culture has been replaced with capitalism and it will take time for the community to reach its peak.
“I believe this community will remain very small and tight-knit for the next five to six years. I believe the sneaker culture in India today is based purely on hype, rather than knowledge,” says Jerry Sebastian, a former Marketing Manager of Adidas Originals India.
Our honest opinion?
It might be challenging for sneaker enthusiasts to cop on retail and get frustrated with the constant L. However, Let's face it, that's the point of the game. In the end, it all comes down to exclusivity. The resale market is the by-product of keeping these sneakers exclusive and limited. Would you purchase a pair of Jordan if the exclusivity is eliminated and the supply for general releases is unlimited?
Let us know your thoughts.
]]>
Starting as a molecular biologist with a keen interest in architecture and design, the Toronto native started the brand in 2017. The concept and idea were straightforward but distinct from others. DOG focuses on being creative and showing innovative results keeping in mind sustainability. Tadrissi’s influential work has left a positive remark on the fashion industry.
In a world where we consume and discard things so rapidly, it's unusual to come across a fashion label that prioritizes sustainability and reuse over the next new, easily replaced item. Dust of Gods is all about living life loudly and embellishing your style with individual art which is unique on its own. Each Dust of Gods piece is one of one. The reconstruction on each piece and hand embellishments make DOG apparel one of a kind.
“At the heart of my studio is a profound commitment to finding innovative design solutions, with a dedication to artistic thinking and uncovering the potential of materials and craftsmanship.” says Tadrissi in an interview
Dust of Gods has become a worldwide recognized and incredibly rare brand that has entered the closet of many A-list celebrities, like Shah Rukh Khan, Gunna, Young Thug, and Migos members Takeoff and Offset. With their innovative designs, it's easy to see why Dust of Gods has become a staple in many celebrities wardrobes throughout the world.
Check out the new Dust Of Gods X Santanu Hazarika collection on our website now!
]]>Abloh grew up with a passion for skateboarding, which he attributes to sparking his early interest in fashion. He also became interested in DJing, which became an important aspect of his career. Abloh met the American rapper, Kanye West while studying Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin. Ye was so impressed by his skill that he appointed him as his 'Creative Director' in 2002.
"I started off as a kid who didn't care what my education was."
- Virgil Abloh
Over years, Virgil's numerous initiatives in the next few years included the development of a retail space gallery, collaboration with Heron Preston and Matthew Williams in the Been Trill collective, and the establishment of his venture Pyrex Vision which he later shut in 2013 and started a revamped version of it called ‘Off-white’. Fun fact: Even now, people are selling counterfeit versions of Pyrex vision.
In 2018, Virgil became the first African-American artistic director for Louis Vuitton. His collection for the French company made a debut the same year. Celebrities like Rhianna, Kim Kardashian, and Kanye West made an appearance at the show. Not to forget over 3000 students lined the runaway to embrace the next chapter of Louis Vuitton. After the show ended, Abloh and West were seen exchanging an emotional hug.
“I operate by my own rules, in my own logic, and I’m not fearful.”
- Virgil Abloh
Lastly, it's vital to mention Virgil Abloh's partnership with Nike, which has proven to be one of the most iconic. He reconstructed 10 classic Nike silhouettes which blew the whole sneaker community. Abloh reconstructed classics like Jordan 1, AirMax 90, AirMax 97, Blazer, Hyperdunk, Air Force 1, and more technical models like AirVapormax, Air Presto, and Vaporfly. We all know what happened after the collection was out. It only took a few seconds before everything was sold out and was being sold at the resale market for astronomical prices. The same happened with the Nike x Off-white ‘The 50’ collaboration. Get the full scoop of his ‘The 50’ project here.
Virgil Abloh was born September 30, 1980, and we lost him on November 28, 2021, due to a rare form of cancer. The legacy of the barrier-breaking black designer will live on forever.
]]>We all know why Jordan 1 Highs tops the list of Nike’s best sneaker silhouette. It’s the history and value that particular shoe holds. However, the hype and trend tend to hit the rock bottom at some point. Before you all start pointing guns, hear me out. The Indian sneaker market is still in its early phase but the market seems to be stagnant for some Jordan 1 highs that were released this year.
To elaborate more, we saw resale prices of some Jordan 1 high such as Patent breds, Bordeaux, electro orange, and many more not reaching their full potential. Now the question is why is this happening? Are people done with Jordan 1 highs? Are fewer buyers the reason for the prices going down? or the resale prices just differ between OG colorways, collaboration, and new colorways? Nike rules over the resale market. In fact, the market exists because of them. The assumption that Jordan 1 hype may be dying is not based on the performance of a few releases but a pattern that Nike has been following while dropping sneakers. Let me explain.
In 2020, Forbes had Jordan's net worth listed at $2.1 billion. In 2021, it dropped to $1.6 billion. A drop of $500 million is shocking as it was a significant fall in Jordan’s income. Many After a while, many began to link the loss to GameStop, an electronics retailer. Despite popular belief, no official report has linked Jordan's $500 million loss to GameStop. However, Profit margins are shrinking on GR Jordans. At the same time, the number of premium or high-end Jordan releases has increased. What's left are either high-volume general releases with absolutely no profit margins or Quickstrikes that sell for two or three times the retail price. Jordan's resale market supremacy may be eroding as the brand makes it more difficult for collectors and resellers to make a profit.
As I mentioned earlier, Indian sneaker culture is still in its early stage and the market will rise to a great extent. There is no doubt the community is only going to expand in India in the upcoming years. Nevertheless, this was my take on this controversial yet important topic. What are your thoughts? Let us know!
]]>The show was held at Carreau du Temple in Paris and the concept behind the show was not merely showcasing luxury goods. As per Louis Vuitton, ‘The show served to consolidate the themes and messages of the eight-season arc Virgil abloh created at LV’.
The color scheme of the whole set was monochrome blue with a King-size bed, a structure consisting of a staircase and a door for models to enter the main area, a half-submerged house with a chimney, trampoline, and small staircase construction surrounding the whole set for audience to sit and enjoy the experience. The set also had a huge banquet table where the members of Britain's Chineke orchestra were playing under the direction of Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
As the show started models were seen dancing and jumping off the staircase to the trampoline and randomly hanging onto the set. Throughout the show, we saw a variety of outfits designed by Virgil. From washed-out denim jeans, varsity jackets, a buckled trench coat to displaying his love for art by recreating the paintings by Gustave Courbet and Giorgio de Chirico on an outfit. We also get to see a slew of updated Louis Vuitton bags, ranging from the iconic Trunk to small Duffles and backpacks.
The whole event was not an average fashion show displaying outfits. The concept is based on Virgil Abloh’s central Boyhood Ideology®, seeing the world with the eyes of a child. The idea is to abstract the familiar and broadening our perspectives. The magnificent architecture of the Louis DreamhouseTM turned the event into a mind-expanding interior of ideas, opportunities, and encouragement to drive the culture forward.
Celebrities including J Balvin, Victor Cruz, Naomi Campbell, Venus Williams, and Tyler, the Creator attended the show. At the end of the show, the entire LV creative team stepped out hugging the models and celebrating the remark that Virgil left on the Fashion Industry. It is no doubt his legacy will live on forever.
]]>10. New Balance 550
Release Date: June 24th
Retail Price: ₹11,000
We are sure you didn’t expect the list to start with New Balance. The brand is still a little underrated in India but it has gained a huge amount of customers due to their iconic releases. The New Balance 550 silhouette was originally debuted in 1989 as a part of their performance footwear program. Undoubtedly, they successfully revamped the concept and design which resulted in huge popularity of NB as a whole.
9. Adidas Yeezy 450
Release Date: March 4th
Retail Price: ₹19,999
We know many of you out there absolutely hate on this pair. However, the fact that it’s blowing up is a reality. The Yeezy 450 are designed by Kanye West and were seen on his feet in multiple occasions. The one-piece white EVA foam sole extends up to the neck of the shoe featuring a soft knit fabric. The 450s are available in white and black and more colorways are expected to release in 2022.
8. Air Jordan 1 High “University Blue”
Release Date: June 3rd
Retail Price: ₹13,995
Since decades, Jordan has been launching their OG silhouette with fresh colours and premium material. It’s safe to say these Jordan 1 highs are very popular in the market. The pair features university blue leather with a black swoosh and black wings logo with University blue branding on the tongue. In our opinion, they definitely tops the list of this year’s best releases.
7. Air Jordan 1 High OG “Patent Bred”
Release Date: December 30th
Retail Price: ₹13,995
If you are a Jordan 1 fan, you already know everything about this sneaker. Based on the iconic “Bred” colorway, the patent breds feature a modified patent leather. The Breds are famous for its controversial past. It was Micheal jordan’s first signature shoe with Nike which returned in 2021 with a different material to shine like never before.
6. Supreme X Nike SB Dunk Low
Release Date: March 4th
Retail Price: ₹8,200
Combining Nike's rich heritage and Supreme New York's coveted skate style, the SB Dunk Low is no doubt difficult to secure. As a part of their SS21 collaboration, the dunks are optioned in “Hyper Blue,” “Mean Green,” “Black,” and “Backroot Brown” colorways. All the pairs feature gold stars printed on the white leather mid-panel.
5. Off-White x Jordan 2 lows
Release Date: November 12th
Retail Price: ₹19,695
The Off-White X Air Jordan 2 Low is a remastered version of the classic Air Jordan 2 silhouette which first debuted in 1986. Inspired by the history and influence of this iconic sneaker, the late off-white designer Virgil Abloh has added his creative insights with his style to the classic Jordan 2 silhouette.
4. Trophy Room x Air Jordan 1 High
Release Date: February 10th
Retail Price: ₹13,995
Limited to just 12,000 pairs in total, this sneaker is a collaboration between Jordan Brand and the Orlando-based store Trophy Room. The design of the sneaker features the colorway of Michael Jordan’s iconic first signature sneaker with a glittery frozen treatment that represents him being ‘Frozen out’ of the 1985 NBA All-star game. Undoubtedly, it was one of the most hyped pairs of 2021 with a few pairs hitting the resale market before its official release.
3. The ‘50’
Release Date: August 9th
Retail Price: ₹13,995
You know the collaboration is going to be fire when Virgil works with Nike. Inspired by the ‘10’ collection, the ‘50’ features alternate colorways of the Nike Dunk. The whole pack of sneakers comes with a white and grey foundation, each sneaker being somewhat identical to the other. The only change between each dunk is the material, color of the Off-white tab, and bungee strap. One of the details which are sure to catch the attention of buyers is the numbering on each sneaker which can be located on the outside midsole. The number 1 and 50 are unlike the others. Both the sneakers feature a shiny silver swoosh, 1/50 being all white with an intentionally aged midsole and 50/50 being all black.
2. Nike Air Jordan 1 low x Travis Scott x Fragment
Release Date: August 13th
Retail Price: ₹13,495
Although a large number of people will disagree with this pair being on the 2nd spot, it is undeniably one of the most iconic releases of 2021. Nike explained it the best, ‘It’s the rare sneaker that satisfies the rule of three – sometimes, having three minds is greater than one.’ As we all know, It’s not the first time Travis and Hiroshi have teamed up with the Jordan brand on a project. In this collaboration, the 3 masterminds have come together to create a timeless piece using the Air Jordan 1 silhouette. The pair features an aged midsole with sail laces and fresh military blue on the heel, insole, and outsole.
1. Jordan 3 A-Ma Maniére
Release Date: April 28th
Retail Price: ₹17,595
We finally have a winner for 2021, Jordan 3 A-Ma Maniere. The Air Jordan 3 was Ma Maniere owner James Whitner first shoe. Not only is it his first retro Air Jordan bearing his shop’s name, but it's also the first Jordan his mother purchased him when he was a kid. This pair of Air Jordan 3s stands out not just for the narrative behind it, but also for Whitner and his team's ability to create a memorable sneaker. They have experimented with the Air Jordan 3 silhouette and added luxurious touches in the style of A Ma Maniere. They have successfully created a sneaker for women which men would be tempted to wear too.
What are your favorite releases from 2021? Let us know!
]]>Written by: Shenjit Basu
My 10 AM alarm promptly wakes me up half an hour before what is going to be probably the first big album of 2022. Till then, all I and others had as a material was the lead single (Take My Breath) which was released last year, a montage of “The Dawn is coming” clips from different interviews, some very riveting visual snippets, and an accurate representation of what the Weeknd would look like on a working weekday, which turned out to be the album cover.
The stream starts on time, as promised (being a 2021 Kanye fan has led to some severe trust issues) and off we go on a journey, helmed by the dulcet tones of our favorite 90s comedian, Jim Carrey. We were finally here, listening to 103.5 Dawn FM.
Abel Tesfaye’s gargantuan musical personality The Weeknd has been one of the biggest mainstays of the past decade. His self-destructive lyrics combined with beautiful hooks and haunting production first brought him under the spotlight, but what critics thought was an avant-garde niche without any hope of expansion turned out to be an inspirational adventure through experimental soundscapes, fully-formed sonic environments, and some really, really great tracks that have now taken the radio by storm.
It is therefore poetic that his 4th album constructs a radio station, a ‘pit stop’ you make before the final journey into the afterlife. It just so happens that The Weeknd’s vision of looking back at one’s life includes a jog through the world of vintage synths, hypnotic beats and a Synthwave Renaissance brought upon by the Prince of Dark Pop himself. This is why the title track feels like a personification of the crossing of worlds; “ ‘Cause after the light, is it dark?” questions Abel, while we hear Jim Carrey quickly answer his doubts in his best Quiet Storm RJ imitation: ‘You’ve been in the dark for way too long, it’s time to walk into the light.”
The Canadian duo along with an Avengers-like lineup of producers which include Max Martin, Swedish House Mafia, Calvin Harris, and up-and-coming talent OPN (‘Uncut Gems’) bring this vision to life (pun intended) with the right balance of inspiration and clever production. The radio station metaphor never feels corny or cheesy, with the measured use more of a wake-up call to make the dawn of this new era palatable and consistent. While complaints of the opening tracks sounding too alike may be debated for years to come, it is undeniable that the dancefloor is ready for these bangers, when (or if) the world walks back towards normalcy. The new tracks ‘Gasoline’ and ‘How Do I Make You Love Me’ double down on the synthpop influences first heard in development during ‘After Hours’ with absolute aplomb. While the themes of longing and self-destruction in these songs may get long in the tooth for someone who has followed Abel’s discography for a while, the glistening synthpop packaging goes a long way into making this a refreshing experience.
The transitions end up playing a huge role in making this album feel more of an experience than any of The Weeknd’s previous outings. The thumping change into ‘Take My Breath’ from ‘How Do I Make You Love Me’ gives the former renewed energy, even though the edited version has been out for quite some time. Even narratives like Quincy Jones’ heartbreaking tale of devalued relationships because of the lack of a mother figure in ‘A Tale By Quincy’ serve as the perfect prologue to Abel’s struggles of realizing time flies when you have fun in ‘Out of Time’. You can also see the braggadocious, hard-to-get character the singer plays in ‘Best Friends’ get insecure immediately in the aptly named ‘Is There Someone Else’, a masterful example of how well The Weeknd knows the need to let emotions materialize without any compromises, all the while maintaining that sweet synth-bass groove.
The album, though, fails to hide some of its shortcomings. The awkward, borderline-creepy Lil Wayne verse in ‘I Heard You’re Married’ marks a very average start for the legendary rapper, especially on the back of a very strong 2021. The John Hughes movie-like “Less Than Zero” also feels like a clichéd formula, which will get a lot of airplay and international coverage as a prom staple, but probably fit better on the atmospheric tracklist of ‘After Hours’. It also doesn’t bode well that the song reiterates the self-deprecating Abel ranting about how he is never enough, but you’d think that being one of the biggest music artists in the world would give him some glimmer of hope. Not the case, apparently.
However, every criticism or fault pales in comparison, ironically, to the album’s quieter moments. The vocal prowess of The Weeknd with Tyler’s deep (in both meanings of the word) delivery on “Here We Go….Again” makes it a melancholic ballad talking about confusion and disillusionment with so much clarity. The lack of any prominent percussions accentuates the lovely performance and I cannot wait to listen to this life, with Abel probably playing the piano and Tyler just sitting on top of it. Furthermore, the deception and introspection provided by ‘Starry Eyes’ is just beautifully created, and if you do listen to the album chronologically, it is something truly magical. Save some applause, though, for the artistic genius of Jim Carrey on the final track, delivering couplets like a seasoned rapper and tying the entire Dawn FM experience with a huge bow on “Phantom Regret by Jim”. This also sets people up for disappointment, who would probably just be waiting for the comforting lines by the actor instead of the Grim Reaper when the time arrives.
‘Dawn FM’ is probably the most coherent album released by The Weekend when it comes to structure and thematic balance. The entire experience feels unpausable, making you anticipate what is next and conceptually builds strong parallels to the fears and consequent alleviations of the afterlife. Sure, the brooding, depressing environment may not be to everyone’s liking coupled with the heavy 80s inspiration, but most would agree that very few artists can think of competing with The Weeknd at this stage of his career. And if this is just the break of dawn, I shiver in anticipation to see what the rest of the day looks like.
103.5, DAWN FM!
]]>Following a year of social media tease, leaks, and excerpts, Gunna finally drops the last installment of ‘Drip Season’ AKA DS4EVER. As expected, it does not disappoint. The nineteen-track album features a heavy dose of artists such as Young Thug, Future, Lil Baby, 21 Savage, and more.
Gunna puts spotlight on producers which were on-board for the project. The album is filled with fast-hitting hi-hats, crisp snares, and a euphoric melody from producers like Wheezy, Metroboomin, 808Mafia, Playmaker and Mike will made it. The Atlanta rapper mentions his recent beef with Freddie Gibbs, hangs with Chloe Bailey and boasts about his wealthy lifestyle. This brings us to the question, is DS4 worth it? What’s the downside? The best and the worst tracks?
Is the album worth it?
It’s safe to say the album is filled with hardly any tracks to skip. Gunna comes off with seductive vocals, catchy verses and on occasion, he mentions personal problems on the track ‘Livin Wild’. Fans talk about what "P" stands for in the song and across the album. As per Gunna’s Instagram story when he says "Pushin P," he is referring to "playa" or "player."
Essentially, "pushin p" is about delivering strategy, elegance, and swagger to your day-to-day life while being authentic to yourself.
The best and the worst tracks.
It’s tough to pick any favorite tracks. In my opinion, every track is fire in its own way. We hear different and unique sound in each song. To pick few, ‘Poochie gown comes as a beef track where he mentions his latest feud with Freddie Gibbs. The hook to “25k jacket” alone makes it one of the top songs on this album. 'Too Easy' featuring Future and Roddy Rich is one of the most popular song of the album. Wheezy production on the song made it a hit. In total Wheezy appeared on 7 tracks in the album. Not to forget, all the Young Thug featured track in the album are undoubtly fire. It is tough to say any song on the album is ‘Bad’ or a big skip. Personally, this is my favorite Gunna album since DS3.
What’s more to know?
Although we hear Gunna bragging about the lavish life and expensive jewelry, DS4 opens with simple acoustic guitar and soft vocals. Lyrically, Gunna has talked about his personal growth and success that has got him to this point where he is at. The track ‘you & me’, features Chloe Bailey who was rumored to be dating Gunna few months ago.
Gunna successfully dropped a project which will create a mesmerizing effect on the listeners. Make sure you listen to the full album if you haven't already. DS4 is the perfect ending to the Drip Season series.
]]>We have all heard about Facebook’s new project ‘Metaverse’. If you are not familiar with it, the Metaverse is the next evolution of social technology. It is a virtual reality space that people can enter and access through high-end technology. It will enable you to socialize, learn, collaborate and play in ways that go beyond your imagination. However, the question is, why Nike is keen to enter the virtual world? What does it plan to do with it? Get the full rundown below.
As per the data revealed by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Nike filed seven different trademark applications on October 27 to release virtual sneakers and apparel. The company listed out several of its trademark logos, including the brand’s famous slogan ‘Just do it.’ Other logos include the Air Jordan ‘Jumpman’, SNKRS app logo, and the all-time classic Swoosh.
“Nike is protecting their trademarks for this new era,” said Josh Gerben, a trademark attorney
Nike is heading to the metaverse.
— Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) November 1, 2021
On October 27th the company filed new trademark applications for NIKE, JUST DO IT and the swoosh logo.
The filings indicate an intent to make and sell NIKE-branded VIRTUAL shoes and clothing.#Nike #Metaverse pic.twitter.com/nisKVm2CTq
Although Nike has not revealed any official plans for Metaverse, they may unveil exclusive Nike NFTs and downloadable goods such as computer programs featuring footwear, clothing, headwear, eyewear, bags, sports bags, backpacks, sports equipment, etc shortly.
A few weeks ago, Nike revealed two new job applications for virtual footwear and virtual material designer. As per the job description, the company is looking for a highly creative problem solver who has an expert understanding of a variety of 3D software and virtual material creation tools. This role sits in the Digital Product Creation group, a team focusing on igniting the digital and virtual revolution at Nike.
“You will play a key role in redefining our digital world, ushering us into the metaverse, and growing our team’s capabilities”, Nike enunciates.
It is fascinating how giant company like Nike is gearing up for Metaverse. The billion-dollar corporation has been around for years. Nike being the first one to expand its operations in the virtual realm proves that it does not wish to leave the top spot.
What are your thoughts on Nike entering the Metaverse? Let us know.
If you are a die-heart Travis Scott fan, chances are you know what’s happening. La flame has dropped two new songs, “Escape Plan” and “Mafia”. The songs are likely from his forthcoming album “Utopia”. The rapper is expected to reveal an exclusive collaboration with Nike in his upcoming AstroWorld Festival as well. Scott wants to end 2021 in his style and take over 2022. In this week’s FS Reads, we talk about everything Travis Scott.
Travis teased the release of new music on Thursday by revealing the cover art. The cover art is inspired by ‘Weekly World News”- Fictional news which covers stories dealing with the supernatural. Out of the two songs, ‘Escape Plan’ was first debuted live by Travis at the Rolling Loud 2021 concert in Miami where he publicly performed the verse. The song is originally produced by Nik D and Oz. Meanwhile, The track ‘Mafia’ features vocals from J cole and production from jahaan sweet and Boi-1da with Mike Dean credited as the mastering engineer of the whole project.
Although it’s been 3 years since Travis put out an album, he’s hardly out of the public eye. He made an appearance in every major record like Donda, CLB, Punk with killer verses. It’s safe to say that he doesn’t MISS. However, the question is whether he is dropping the album “Utopia” this year or not. While the Houston rapper has confirmed several times that his album will be dropping in 2021, he has failed to give his fans a date. It’s pretty hard to speculate the drop but we all can manifest its release.
Talking about the AstroWorld festival, Scott announced a week-long Astroweek schedule of events that include activations and frequent collaborators Nike and Jordan brands. Sneaker fans will get a chance to get a look at Unreleased/Unnamed Travis Scott X Nike shoes through the brand’s SNKRS Pass feature.
Additionally, the 2021 iteration of the Astroworld Festival will feature a heavy dose of artists. The two-day Houston event will debut performances from Young Thug, Lil Baby, Roddy Rich, Baby Keem, SZA, Bad Bunny, Don Toliver, and many more. The theme of the festival will align with his forthcoming album ‘Utopia’.
Do you think Travis Scott’s “Utopia” will have a huge impact on his career in 2022? What are your thoughts on his new song release and upcoming projects/event? Let us know.
FaZe Clan is at the forefront of the global creator economy. Over the years, we have seen Esports giant ‘FaZe Clan’ collaborating with some of the biggest companies like Xbox, AntiSocialSocialClub, NFL, Beats by Dre, and many more. They have come a long way with approximately 80% of its audience between the ages of 13-24. They have unlocked key relationships with a coveted demographic that has long proven difficult to reach for any media platform.
“This transaction will provide us capital and access to the public markets, which will help us accelerate the expansion of our multi-platform and monetization strategy,” says Lee Trink (CEO of FaZe Clan)
Good morning from Times Square in NYC 📍
— FaZe Clan (@FaZeClan) October 26, 2021
Thank you @Nasdaq for the warm welcome! pic.twitter.com/siVdaGOx5R
As of their plans to go public, FaZe Clan will have an implied equity valuation of $1 billion USD (INR 74,96,00,00,000), inclusive of $275 million USD (INR 20,60,24,50,000) in cash. According to their official website, USD 291 million (INR 21,81,74,34,000) will be used to fund FaZe Clan’s global multi-platform growth strategy spanning content, gaming, entertainment, and consumer products including potential acquisitions.
Once the deal is settled, BRPM will change its name to “FaZe Holdings Inc” and is expected to begin trading on NASDAQ under the new ticker symbol “FAZE”. It is now set to become one of the only digitally native, youth-focused lifestyle and media platforms publicly traded on a U.S. national exchange.
What are your thoughts? Let us know!
After teasing the release of ‘Punk’ while dropping his 2019 album, So Much Fun, we finally have it. The YSL rapper comes off with a unique sound, it’s different from the rest of the music he has been putting out. Most of the tracks sound like they were recorded around a campfire with a bunch of guitars, a few carry flawless beats by Kanye West, Metro Boomin, Wheezy, Pierre Bourne, and many more.
The 20 track record features a heavy dose of artists such as Gunna, J Cole, Drake, Travis Scott, Future, Doja Cat, A$AP Rocky, Post Malone, and an appearance by Nate Ruess. Surprisingly, It brings posthumous features with Juice Wrld and Mac Miller. It brings us to the question, is the album worth it? What’s the downside? The best and the worst tracks? Get the full scoop below.
Is the album worth it?
The calm ambient quality of the album lightly guides listeners from track to track. There's plenty of acoustic guitars rather than strong catchy verses with lively hard beats. Thug shines as a vocalist on songs like “Stupid,” “Hate the Game,” and “Love You More.” And he’s able to get real and share personal stories on songs like “Die Slow.” Overall, it’s a strong effort that shows Thug trying some new things professionally and showing off his skills as a rapper.
“Punk is just real-life stories. The whole album is purified. It’s just real.” says Thug in an interview with Complex
What’s the downside?
The album might come off as too long to some people. Too many tracks have guitar-driven ballads. It is short on upbeat production which may be an issue for few listeners. In my opinion, thug could have cut the tracklist down to 15 songs.
Speaking with The Fader, Thug also explained that Punk is based on "real life" situations and was inspired by Tupac.
The best and the worst tracks?
“Livin it up ft Post Malone & ASAP Rocky”. Posty comes in with a catchy hook and we hear a different sound from Thug and flacko. The calm vibe and introspective tune of the song stand out for me. Tracks like Bubbly ft Travis Scott &Drake, Stressed ft J. Cole & T-Shyne, Day Before ft Mac Miller, Insure My Wrist ft Gunna tops my list as well. Nonetheless, I would lose songs like Faces, Die slow, Yea Yea Yea for sake of tightening the tracklist.
“It will surprise some people that I am speaking on what the youth is speaking on,” Thug in an Interview with COMPLEX.
This album really showcases Thug’s ability as a rapper. What are your thoughts on Young Thug’s new album? Let us know! Check out our latest post on Thug destroying Rolls Royce with Gunna and Metro promoting 'Punk' here.
What is Squid Game?
Lured by the prize money, hundreds of contestants with debt participate in a series of deadly games. The winner gets 45.6 billion won ( 2,264,524,440 INR). The competition is based on Korean children’s games however the stakes are fatal. The Korean survival drama series aired on Netflix on September 17, 2021, and blew up in 4 days. It has successfully become Netflix’s biggest hit with 111 million views worldwide.
What’s so special about the series?
“It took me almost a decade to pitch and create the K-drama series due to its ‘bizarre’ concept,” says Director Hwang Dong-hyuk.
As surprising as it sounds, the creator of the series came up with the idea back in 2008 and wrote a script year later. However, it took a decade to release it due to its explicit and violent plot. People were surprised to see the social and economic disparities in South Korea. The deadly elimination twist held the audience till the end. The plot and concept of the series are relatively new for the viewers. It's understandable how it grew so fast.
“After about 12 years, the world has changed into a place where such peculiar, violent survival stories are welcomed,” he added.
How did it make tracksuits and Vans hot?
According to NYTimes, The demand for tracksuits, Vans White Slip-on has spiked. Interest in tracksuits has nearly doubled since the series debuted in mid-September. Searches for white sneakers are up by 145 percent with vans getting a special boost in the last week. All these apparel and outfits top the costume list for Halloween.
What's happening now?
Squid game is now Netflix’s biggest hit with whooping 111 million viewers worldwide. As per a recent HYPEBEAST article, ‘According to Spotify, Squid Game has recently inspired thousands of playlists. The show has also made fashion headlines as Jun Ho-Yeon becomes Louis Vuitton’s newest global ambassador. The streaming platform also recently announced new customizable apparel surrounding the TV show.
As for the future, Hwang (The Director of Squid game) said that while he has a few ideas floating, he has no immediate plans to develop a second season of the show.
Have you watched Squid Game yet? Let us know your thoughts.
]]>
Michael Jordan wearing Jordan 1 mid 'Heat Reactive'.
WHY SO MUCH HATE?
Let’s break down the answer to this common yet debatable question in simple words. The 2 main reasons why people dislike them are: It costs less and, most importantly, it’s easier to buy. Sounds odd right? Let me explain. The Jordan 1 highs have insane hype around them. If you want to cop a Jordan 1 high on retail either you got to be lucky, use bots on SNKRS, or pay the resale price. Due to limited pairs and exclusivity, Jordan 1 Highs are considered more precious. On the other hand, Mid tend to sit on shelves. The accessibility is much easier with low prices. In layman’s language, they are considered as a shameful compromise. Occasionally, Mids colorways resemble sold-out Jordan 1 High releases which have created a ‘Settling’ impression for them.
In an interview with GQ Hawley Dunbar mentions “I consider them a consolation prize for people who take the L on the real thing”.
Is it a shame to look down on MIDS?
It all comes down to an individual’s choice. If we talk about the Indian sneaker community, some people enjoy them, and the rest simply hate them. I must say, one of the most common reasons which influence a person’s judgment on them is the ‘trend’. People try to project the foreign trend of unusually hating mids in the Indian sneaker community which is still in its early phase. In conclusion, rock what YOU feel like. It’s not an obligation to hate on mids and follow trends. The cycle of blindly following a statement without giving it a shot is unarguably irrelevant. We all know if Travis Scott releases a Mid in collaboration with Nike, people will go crazy over them and instantly start adoring them. It’s sad how this whole thing works.
“The established market price of the Jordan 1 has gone way up, and the Jordan 1 Mid has been an indirect benefactor of that,” says Matt Halfhill, founder, and CEO of NiceKicks.
What’s the future and our honest opinion.
The Indian Resale Market is witnessing a rising demand for mids. The reason being, everybody wants to rock Jordan and they’re the most affordable pair. You can get a pair of mids close to the retail price. The explosive growth of mids in the market is due to the desire of people to be a part of the Sneaker Culture. It’s safe to say that Indian customers hold a lot of potentials. Look around you, this rise of Mids isn’t something the industry could have predicted.
Our opinion? Wear what you think is cool and comfortable. The Air Jordan 1 Mids comes with a plethora of color options and it’s fairly easy to get any size. If you are new to the culture, do not hesitate to start with Mids. if you wish to buy a pair, hit us up on Instagram or check out our website. We’ll sort it out for you.
Let us know your thoughts!
How did your journey start?
My family business deals in the manufacturing and selling of synthetic diamonds in India and overseas. When the pandemic hit, I was fascinated by the idea of creating some jewelry for people of our age. In recent times, you don’t see a lot of millennials rocking jewelry. Thus, keeping in mind my target audience, I decided to act on my ideas and came up with icy Jordan 1 pieces. As soon as I posted it on social media, it blew up. Rest is history.
Apart from jewelry, do you project your art on any other products/items?
Yessir. Apart from jewelry pieces, I’ve made a couple of custom Air Force 1s with a crystal-studded swoosh. In fact, in one of my recent projects, I sculpted a silver swoosh and replaced it with the one on the shoe. I finished it off by covering the swoosh with gradient green crystals. Aside from sneakers, I am developing few concepts in my mind and trying new products to work on (Might release crystal-studded hats or framed jewelry). Check out my Instagram to stay updated.
Would you give a shot to custom Icy watches in the future?
Yes, for sure. However, I find it pretty vague to put the synthetic crystal on expensive watches. If a customer is ready to drop a big bag and work with real diamonds, IM ALL IN.
What are your top 3 favorite pieces?
That’s a tough one but here it is- Murakami Flower Spinner, Iced out Jordan 1, and Guy Fawkes.
Which jewelry piece is the closest to you? Do you have a story to share?
The piece which is close to my heart is the logo of The Noble Sculpture. It has no crystals on it but what makes it special is its size and the detailing. The piece is just 2.5 cm. It’s simply one of its kind and it’s never going for sale.
How much time do you spend on making one piece?
That depends on what I’m working on. If it’s a custom piece, I take a week or so to develop a concept then I present it to the customer. In all, It takes at least 20-25 days to finish custom pieces. On the other hand, the Jordan pieces only take me few days to finish. I have a whole team now so I work more efficiently.
Do you have any mentors in the industry?
YES. Some of my favorite artists are @Alecmonopoly, @jacobarabo, and @benballer. They’re all my idols.
Who would you most like to see wearing your jewelry?
It would be amazing if I saw Ranveer Singh wearing my Ice blue Cuban chain. I love his style. Apart from him, I would love to see Harshvardhan Kapoor rocking my hand-made piece. Lastly, having Drake or Kanye West wearing my art. I know it sounds unreal but manifesting it actively!
How can people buy your products?
You can directly buy through me via Instagram. If it’s a custom piece, we can discuss it all in DMs. My products are listed on CrepDogCrew as well so you can check them out. My official website is launching soon. STAY TUNED!
Do you think this industry is going to grow a lot more in India?
Without a doubt. This industry is in the early stages right now and it’s going to expand more for sure. I’ve already seen a lot of people taking this up as a full-time career. Needless to say, it is a huge space and I see a very bright future ahead, especially how well it functions with the streetwear culture.
Do you think streetwear and sneaker culture had a strong influencer on promoting your work?
Definitely! As I saw these two cultures growing in India, It made me question how I can contribute to it. That’s why I started executing my ideas and flooded the scene with my inputs. The best part is how well the field of my work goes hand in hand with the culture. Each of them compliments the other.
What are your thoughts on the streetwear and sneaker culture in India? Do you have any favorite pairs?
Honestly, I’m enjoying the rise of both the culture and it’s amazing to see how people are coming in with different concepts/ideas to drive the culture forward. It’s all fairly new in our country but it’s crazy to see people from different parts of India contributing their inputs and creating something unique. We have a long way to go but it’s worth it. Talking about my favorite pair, right now I’m in love with the AJ1 UNC.
Are we going to see any new pieces in the upcoming Mumbai pop-up at Freesociety?
YOU BET! I’m coming in with new Cuban chains and new colorways of my exciting jewelry pieces. Pull up at the event to get a closer look.
Check out Shubham's Instagram here.
If you are a Lil baby fan, chances are you have heard how often he mentions his fit, jewelry, and watches in his songs. Some of those iconic songs are Drip too hard ft Gunna, Off white VLONE ft Lil Durk & NAV, Woah, No sucker ft Moneybagg Yo, and many more. These lyrical references make it evident that the rapper is a sucker for designer clothes. If you scroll through ATL’s burgeoning star Lil baby’s Instagram, you’ll see endless fit pictures (which are absolutely fire).
Lil baby - Woah (Album: My turn )
Although Baby hasn’t had a major collaboration with any luxury/streetwear brand, he’s the epitome of luxury streetwear. He has made a debut on covers of magazines, including rolling stone, NME, XXL, and GQ. You can see him wearing pieces from Moncler, Amiri, Prada, and Dior. Needless to say, he has an expensive taste with immense love for Birkin bags. In a 2018 interview with COMPLEX, Baby mentioned how he wasn’t into shopping when he was young but always made sure to have a pair of sneakers with him. It’s crazy how times have changed and now he’s buying designer now and then.
Did you know? Reebok is one of Lil baby’s favorite brands and he was seen promoting their Sole Fury model back in 2018. Here’s a preview:
Talking about some of his staples in his outfits, he’s a huge fan of denim jeans with a plain white tee. To top it all off, baby usually wears a vest or puffer jacket. There’s an endless list of accessories as well. Baby’s outfits are incomplete unless he put on a lot of ice. In addition, he complements his whole with designer bags.
A few months ago, the rapper was spotted with James harden at the Paris fashion week in a full-fledged Balenciaga outfit. Even though he was just trying to attend the event, he ended up becoming a trending topic when people started to call him ‘ Le baby ‘. Of course, it went viral very quickly, reaching about 30,000 tweets at its peak.
It is noticeable that baby has successfully paved his way into the fashion industry, however, do you think we’ll see a major brand campaign featuring him shortly? Let us know your thoughts.
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