Unlock the Swag: PUMA x ALIFE – The Coolest Collection right NOW! Part 1

New York City’s downtown youth street culture re-created in Johannesburg!

ALIFE has always been associated with New York’s COOL. This season they have collaborated with PUMA and produced a really dope collection. The collection seamlessly pulls together ALIFE’s diverse creativity while staying true to PUMA’s heritage. Through apparel, footwear and accessories the collection tells the story of Downtown New York; an integral part of PUMA’s rich street wear history.

This week, I have ‘unlocked my swag’ with this cool collection. 

There is nothing better then wearing the dope pieces from the PUMA x ALIFE collection.

The three-diamond logo of ALIFE Rivington Club is combined with large polka dots. The PUMA x ALIFE collection is definitely eye-catching, with the clever use of graphics and logos.

The PUMA x ALIFE collection is a MUST HAVE!!! The PUMA x ALIFE collection will be available in PUMA SELECT stores in Cape Town, Bree Street, and Johannesburg, Braamfontein, as well as X Trend, Dip St Store, Shelflife, Prime, Lyme and Lost Property stores in South Africa.

adidas Launches Its First Consortium Store In South Africa

adidas Originals Global has announced a partnership with Shelflife to be the first store in Africa to carry its Consortium range. Shelflife is a South African sneaker and streetwear store.

adidas Consortium is a premium adidas Originals line whereby an existing adidas Originals silhouette is launched with a unique design. In working alongside a collection of the most influential brands, retailers and individuals in sneaker culture, Consortium has given birth to some of the greatest collaborations in sneaker history; including the CLOT Stan Smith, the Sneaker Freaker Torsion Integral and the UNFTD X NBHD Micropacer. adidas Consortium is also personified by new technologies, precision engineering and premium materials.

“Product releases within the Consortium range capture the current and future street style aesthetics, while pushing the boundaries of footwear innovation and technology,” says Stuart Davies, adidas Originals Category Merchandise Manager. “Shelflife’s understanding of this sector of the retail market offers boundless growth and a multitude of collaborative opportunities,” Davies concludes.

Kanye West’s Yeezy Boost will be the first in the Consortium range to drop in Shelflife. We will let you know as soon as it is available!

PUMA Collaborates With ATMOS To Launch ‘The Sun & The Moon’ Disc Blaze

During the sneaker boom in the late 80s to 90s, PUMA was at the forefront of technical innovation introducing the advanced cushioning technology Trinomic. The revolutionary Disc System was launched in the performance market in 1989 and is since fast becoming an icon through Sportstyle.

This season PUMA collaborates with influential Japanese retailer Atmos, to create a unique take on this classic from the archive. Styles from the Trinomic Family are often first choice of silhouette for PUMA collaborators with the archive running trend continuing to take the lead. The PUMA Disc is unique; the distinctive no-lace system makes it one of the most head turning styles in the PUMA archive.

Atmos opened their first shop in Harajuku in 2000. "Sneaker as Fashion" as its theme, a huge sneaker wall is filled with carefully selected sneakers from around the world. Atmos showcases the trend of Tokyo's sneaker culture via collaboration and exclusive lines with various brands and test launches of new products and marketing. 

The PUMA x ATMOS “The Sun And The Moon” colourway highlights a plush black upper matched with purple accents at the cage topped by an orange Disc at its center, symbolizing the sun. A speckled mid rests below, while a glow-in-the-dark multi-colored outer seals the deal underneath.

The PUMA x Atmos Disc Blaze will retail for R2 299. The sneakers can be found at PUMA SELECT stores in Cape Town, Bree Street and Braamfontein, Johannesburg, as well as X-Trend and Shelflife from 28 February.

adidas Originals Introduces O-Ray by Rita Ora

Putting the awesome power of the body on the front lines, adidas Originals and the unstoppable Rita Ora collaborate once more on a range that is slick, tough and innovative. The O-Ray collection comprises a dynamic signature graphic featuring futuristic X-ray and body temperature scan prints in bold sci-fi primaries against dark black.

Expect a range that offers the unexpected this season as sheer mesh mingles with performance fabrics, while sleek patents juxtapose mystery, science and urban attitude. The range features classic silhouettes taking on new gravity via dramatic photo prints and striking reconstruction.

The O-Ray collection is available from 1 March 2015 at adidas Originals stores in Canal Walk and V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, and at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria. Selected items from this range can also be found at other retail outlets, including Dipstreet and Xtrend stores.

O-Ray footwear retails starting at R1, 099 and apparel at R649.

Looking Back – Top Stories from Last Week (W/E 21-02-15)

PUMA x Usain Bolt

PUMA x Usain Bolt - Usain Bolt was at the heart of a spectacular stunt in New York. He launched PUMA IGNITE.

adidas Originals x Kanye West For Autumn/Winter 2015, Kanye West and adidas Originals unveil a bold new proposition: YEEZY SEASON 1, a collection of apparel and footwear that cherishes universality and timelessness.

PUMA Launches 90s Running Inspired Primary Pack – This February PUMA’s Fast Track programme launches the first installment of the Primary Pack; a nostalgic pack of classic vintage-running silhouettes, re-imagined in the basic building blocks of the colour spectrum.

CRAIG PORT: ‘Black Moon Rising’, A/W15 Collection - Craig Port looked to Eastern culture when conceptualising the ‘Black Moon Rising’ collection. The collection celebrates primordial philosophies with a bold and modern edge.

adidas Originals x Rita Ora - Rita Ora collaborates with adidas Originals in a bold, brave and technicolour range that packs a punch this season!

PUMA and Usain Bolt ‘Ignite’ New York City

On 10 February 2015, Usain Bolt was at the heart of a spectacular stunt in New York. He launched PUMA IGNITE, a running shoe that provides maximum energy return. In the energy hub of the city that never sleeps, runners powered away on treadmills in Times Square throughout the day with the energy from their IGNITE shoes being collected and stored.  When the threshold reached 100%, the World’s Fastest Man rose up in a theatre of light, smoke and fire. 

This wasn’t the first time Usain Bolt has made a grand entrance in New York.  In 2008 he broke the 100m World Record for the first time and set upon a stunning track and field career that has seen five World Records, and 14 Major Championship Gold Medals.  The World’s Fastest Man warms up and trains in PUMA IGNITE, to maximise his energy output and maximize his training impact.

Usain Bolt said, “I’ve always enjoyed a good entrance, and this one was epic.  People were running for hours on end in really cold weather, we were watching the energy meter rise and when it hit the top, it’s fair to say there were fireworks.  IGNITE is a great a running shoe, along with PUMA spikes, I spend a lot of time training in this shoe as well and it really helps to sustain my energy levels.  I love IGNITE for that.”

“I’m excited to be back here in New York with PUMA,” continued Usain.  “I have special memories of this city - I always have a great time whenever I’m here, whether I’m competing or otherwise.  It’s always good to back.”

Following this launch, PUMA and Usain Bolt have challenged runners in ten cities around the World to follow suit through regional epic running events.  The campaign IGNITE YOUR CITY will travel to Tokyo, Japan next week - with other renowned cities to follow. In South Africa, PUMA is calling runners to #IGNITE their city by using the hashtags #IGNITECapeTown or #IGNITEJozi.  The more you use the hashtag, the more you will illuminate your city on a virtual PUMA map of the world – check it out here http://global.puma.com/en_ZA/ignite-your-city?locale=en_ZA  

PUMA IGNITE has been in development for nine years, and features an innovative foam technology that makes it PUMA’s most responsive running shoe. IGNITE Foam is a proprietary foam that provides high-energy return, comfort and optimal durability.  Strategically placed in the heel of the shoe is ForEverFoam, which is entirely new to the industry.  This ForEverFoam compound is what gives the shoe maximum durability.

PUMA IGNITE will retail for R1699 and will be available in men’s and women’s styles. To #IGNITE your run, visit PUMA stores and selected retailers nationwide from 5 March 2015.

Everyone Is Talking About: Kanye West x adidas Originals YEEZY SEASON 1

For Autumn/Winter 2015, Kanye West and adidas Originals unveil a bold new proposition: YEEZY SEASON 1, a collection of apparel and footwear that cherishes universality and timelessness. Described by West as the world's first "solutions-based" clothing line, the individual pieces define a style that matches the relentless pace of contemporary lives. "I don't want the clothes to be the life," he says. "I want the clothes to help the life."

Presented during New York Fashion Week just before All-Star Weekend, the show was conceptualized by West in close collaboration with renowned contemporary artist Vanessa Beecroft.

Upon entering the venue, guests were lead into a dimly lit room, where 9 rows of models stood stoic. As lights turned on with blinding intensity, each row of models progressed forward, lending the audience a full view of the clothes. Guests including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian West, Rihanna, Drake, Justin Bieber, P. Diddy, Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, George Condo, Anna Wintour, Spike Jonze, Russell Simmons, Big Sean, Pete Wentz, Pusha T, A$AP Ferg, Steven Klein, 2Chainz, Cassie, Alexander Wang, Kehinde Wiley, Tom Sachs, Gia Coppola, Travis Scott, A-Trak, Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, Hailey Baldwin, and adidas athletes John Wall and Von Miller. "Wolves" an unreleased track from West's forthcoming studio album embodied the pinnacle of this epic performance."

With this collection, West's goal is to absolve consumers of dressing's daily stress by creating a line of high-quality essentials that can be freely combined in infinite ways—"like Legos," he says. For the designer this means stripped-down, comfortable, and unpretentious clothes for a "modern jet-set couple," pieces to be worn from the gym to the office to a meeting to the airport and everywhere in between. "I wanted something that felt like New York or Paris or Tokyo or Santa Barbara or Chicago—a worldliness and an ease."

West defines a silhouette of considered volume—billowing and oversize on top, tight and trim around the bottom—based largely on his personal sense of style. A study in contrasts like street-luxury and vintage-new, the clothing shapes a new modern wardrobe. For men, this includes MA-2 bombers with oversize flap pockets; washed cotton collarless blouson jackets; oversize sweats with distressed edges and worn, puckered hems; and perfect T-shirts in tones of camel, olive, blue-gray, and camouflage. Each piece is intended to be worn by any sex.

The women's collection, however, clearly and intentionally shapes a feminine silhouette with high-waist, knee-length, body-conscious knit skirts; floor-grazing cotton tube dresses; tightly woven running tees; and stunning crop tops ingeniously crafted from adidas socks. "This is a challenge to where fashion is currently—a new feminine ideal," West says, explaining the curve-hugging pieces.

For footwear, West and adidas presented further breakthroughs following the highly anticipated launch of the YEEZY Boost. Newly revealed shoes included woven lo-top sneakers for men and suede stilettos and platform snow boots for women—developed in close tandem with adidas' products team. The designer expresses his gratitude to adidas for its unparalleled technical prowess. He says, "They are a super innovative company that gives artists a platform to create and dream."

PUMA Launches 90s Running Inspired Primary Pack

This February PUMA’s Fast Track programme launches the first installment of the Primary Pack; a nostalgic pack of classic vintage-running silhouettes, re-imagined in the basic building blocks of the colour spectrum.

Venturing back into one of the most iconic eras for running sneakers; both the XS850 and Blaze of Glory shot to fame in the 90s for their distinctive use of revolutionary PUMA trinomic technology, that changed the scene with its honeycomb cells cushioning and supporting athletes, but quickly moved from the track to the streets.

The classic XS850 silhouette sports a distinctive speckled heel with a textured nylon upper and leather overlays, whilst the Blaze of Glory boasts an air mesh upper with soft nubuck overlays.

The latest version of these popular running designs sees two new bright block colour-ways adding a fresh perspective. Deep violet and black accents adorn the inner lining and toe areas of the Blaze of Glory with a clean white upper comprised of nylon and leather, while the XS850 sports a black inner sole completing this aesthetically striking pack.

The Blaze of Glory will retail for R1299 and the XS850 for R1499. Both sneakers can be found at PUMA SELECT stores in Cape Town, Bree Street and Braamfontein, Johannesburg, as well as Shelflife and X-Trend stores.

CRAIG PORT: ‘Black Moon Rising’, Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection

Inspired by the juxtaposition of modern and ancient Japanese design, Craig Port looked to Eastern culture when conceptualising the ‘Black Moon Rising’ collection. The collection celebrates primordial philosophies with a bold and modern edge.

Shadow cobalt and plum tones compliment an inky monochromatic colour palette where abstract patterns rendered in black and white sit graphically on luxurious materials. Digital embroidery and dream-like shadow designs echo an Eastern aesthetic with a uniquely western feel.

Pieces within Black Moon Rising seamlessly merge functionality with clean Japanese silhouettes. Black-clad with component detailing, shielding coats and pocketed bombers are best paired with narrow cropped trousers and the season’s iconic voluminous pant.

The longer length suit jacket and blanket cape layer effortlessly over signature PORT collared shirts and weightless knits, and thoughtful fusion touches are evident in organic faux fur trims, sharp-shouldered belted overcoats and sueded Geisha inspired shoes. The new look moonbag worn high on the waist adds a touch of urban pop culture and the traditional karate belt makes a fashion forward comeback.

Leather, velvet chenille and wax-coated cotton is balanced by warmer cable knits, velveteen and space dyed fleece making for a compelling yet completely wearable and cohesive collection.

Craig Port clothing is available exclusively at YDE

Image Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo 

adidas Originals Introduces Wonderwoman by Rita Ora

The unstoppable rising star, Rita Ora collaborates with adidas Originals in a bold, brave and technicolour range that packs a punch this season! Pop art graphics explode across a pack that screams optimism, confidence and positivity, much like the muse, actress, style icon and musician herself. adidas Originals brings 'Kapow' to a series of comic book inspired graphics that draw on Rita's unmistakable features: signature red lips, feline eyes and platinum-blonde hair, all which explode across shiny tricots, slinky mesh and super soft jerseys. With a dynamic colour palette of playful primaries and a burst of exuberant personality, the items in the range promises to brighten up any outfit or dull day. The Wonder Woman collection features key items such as:

Super All-in-One

This Rita Ora for adidas Originals Super All-in-One clings tight for powerful impact, backed up by an explosive all over retro comic book graphic. Stars cascade around micro-dots across a tailored bustier and down skin tight leggings. Flashes of red lips and platinum hair collide under contour-defining 3-stripe tape bearing the adidas Rita Ora flag label on the side seam. Recommended retail price: R1, 199.

Superstar 80s W

The canvas upper on the iconic adidas Originals Superstar 80s is reimagined in collaboration with Rita Ora. Printed in an all over riot of technicolour comic-book-inspired explosions, the beloved Superstar becomes Superhero. Synthetic patent details and three stripes keep it flashy, while the classic rubber cup sole speaks of heritage. The tongue features the adidas Rita Ora flag. Recommended retail price: R1, 099.

Super Hoodie

Using a fresh, fantastic all-over print inspired by classic comic book art, the Rita Ora for adidas Originals Super Hoodie slams down a slug of street style girl power. An oval mesh overlay against vibrant red adds a tough edge to a playful look, while exuberant pop art motifs spill micro-dots, star bursts and graphic fonts across arms and hood. Cropped with attitude, it features a Trefoil on the back and an adidas Rita Ora flag label on the side seam. Recommended retail price: R899.

Super Logo Tee

This Rita Ora for adidas Originals Super Logo Tee features the iconic Trefoil, giving a dynamic makeover with a graphic fill of classic comic book inspired imagery. Super stars and abstract red lips wreak playful chaos across the brand with the three stripes' heritage logo, set against fresh white. The Super Logo Tee has a relaxed fit and includes an adidas Rita Ora flag label on the side seam. Recommended retail price: R499.

The Wonder Woman collection is available from 1 March 2015 at adidas Originals stores in Canal Walk and V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, and at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria, as well as from other selected retail outlets.

Looking Back – Top Stories From Last Week (W/E 14/02/15)

PUMA x ICNY  

PUMA x ICNY collaboration - Inspired by Valentines Day, PUMA partnered with alternative sportswear pioneers ICNY to infuse on the new Faas 100 “Heartbreaker” running sneaker. See it here!

Home Automation Set To Rise in SA - One emerging trend in South Africa is the move towards home automation. Read more about it here.

AngelBerry Competition - Swag Craze and AngelBerry are giving away a special treat to 3 lucky readers. All you have to do is to enter our competition.

SA's First SAMW  - Highlights From The First SA Menswear Week, Autumn/Winter 2015. See our favorites.

PUMA x ALIFE collaboration - PUMA rekindles its partnership with New York lifestyle concept ALIFE through the release of their highly anticipated collaborative collection for SS’15. See it here.

PUMA Collaborates With ICNY To Launch The Valentine’s Day ‘Heartbreaker’ FAAS 100 Runner and The ‘Heartbreaker’ FASS 100 Video

Inspired by Valentines Day, PUMA partnered with alternative sportswear pioneers ICNY to infuse on the new Faas 100 “Heartbreaker” running sneaker. Capitalizing on the expertise of ICNY, the runner features an all over reflective texture, designed specifically so the wearer is able to shine, even in the darkest hour!

ICNY was developed after designer Mike Cherman was struck by a car whilst cycling. Inspired by this event, ICNY was created with a goal of providing added safety and increased visibility by using reflective materials on key areas of sport apparel and accessories.

Utilizing PUMA’s performance expertise and ICNY’s reflective technology, the Faas 100 “Heartbreaker” was born. The lightweight and breathable characteristics of the Faas 100 is the perfect weapon for pounding the pavement, sprinting the streets and tackling all terrain.

Its crimson red armor, inspired by Valentine’s Day, summons the inner hero that lives within all our hearts. Built for all runners who continue to push themselves, limits and boundaries through the passion and love for sport.

In celebration and anticipation of the PUMA x ICNY FAAS 100 shoe, ICNY released a video showcasing the shoe in action. The one-minute short film captures the athlete as readies himself and sets out for an early morning run. Driven by passion, the protagonist disappears into the dark, desolate, and wintry Brooklyn streets. Directed by Kellen Dengler, the video highlights the hi-visibility reflectivity features of the collaborative runner in its intended environment. Watch the ‘Heartbreaker’ FASS 100 video below:

Puma x ICNY "Heartbreaker" FAAS 100 from ICNY on Vimeo.

The PUMA x ICNY FAAS 100 will retail for R1699. The sneakers can be found at PUMA SELECT stores in Bree Street, Cape Town and Braamfontein, Johannesburg from 20 February 2015.

Home Automation Set To Rise Significantly In The South African Consumer Market

By Belinda Cooper

Issued by Lion’s Wing Brand Communications on behalf of Sphere Custom Design

One of the most exciting aspects of living in the modern age of technology is that the gadgets and developments that are only available to the very high-end consumers today soon trickle down to the financial reach of the general populace. It is therefore insightful to notice trends in the higher end of the tech market to gain a glimpse on what will dominate the market in the future. One such emerging trend is the move towards home automation.

Christiaan Beukes, managing director of Sphere Custom Design, a Cape Town-based home and office technology automation specialist, states that three crucial trends in the consumer technology industry has meant that affluent consumers are adopting smart technology to bring their homes and lives online to a greater degree than ever before.

Says Beukes, “Over the past three years South Africa has seen significant development in bringing more people online, either through Wi-Fi, ADSL or mobile connectivity. This access has meant that more people are exploring exactly what this access to information and connectivity can mean to their lives. In addition to this, the cost of this connectivity has been driven lower and lower, meaning more people are able to adopt data-intensive services, such as data streaming and downloads. The most significant trend supporting this was the introduction of ISPs charging for speed rather than data usage. The third trend we have seen is the lowering of the price of technology gadgets, primarily in the mobile market, but also in the mobile accessory market, including those products associated with the security, home utility and entertainment industries.”

This combination of increased access, lower cost of connectivity and lower cost of devices means that home automation is becoming increasingly possible. For lower-end consumers, there is the advantage that they do not need to automate their home in one fell swoop, they can add components of the technology as these products fall to within their price range.

Companies such as Phillips, Belkin, and Parrot have all developed products that link the home to the smart phone through applications that sync with home gadgets. These range from the Belkin NetCam series which provides direct access to live streaming of cameras installed in your home and linked to your home Wi-Fi, to a series of drones also controlled by mobile applications and which record and store data in the cloud. In addition, both Phillips and Parrot have developed home utility gadgets that allow for the remote control of lights, audio systems and other home appliances.

“At the top end of the market, we are also seeing a significant adoption of more integrated home automation systems,” says Beukes, “While these three trends may be influencing the gradual adoption of basic home automation services, the higher end of the market has already adopted this full integration of home installations during the design and build phase of properties. The spend at the higher end of the market is significantly more, often running into the millions of rands. These consumers demand the best in the market, viewing the integrated automation of the property as more of an investment than a luxury. Higher-end consumers have seen that globally, properties on the top end of the scale are increasingly being marketed as fully-automated and that this feature is becoming a standard for property buyers in the highest brackets.”

High-end realtors are also starting to find that their customers are waking up to the possibilities of home automation.

“A new trend is emerging where people are starting to ask about home automation, either in terms of it already existing in the property or the possibility to retrofit it where the previous owners have not installed it already,” says Andrew King, owner of Kings Estates, which operates in the affluent Parks areas of Johannesburg. “Most queries around tech centre around whether there is ADSL, fibre to the home and decent mobile phone reception.

“General consumers are not that interested in home automation as yet, because they are still on a learning curve with regards to its functionality and costs. However, those who are tech savvy, or have experienced home automation on their travels to the northern hemisphere, are asking for it. I foresee a lot more homebuyers enquiring about this technology in the near future as it starts to trickle down. Currently, it is restricted to the very top end of the market, where homeowners spend between R500 000 and R1 million on a kitchen renovation. As the houses in these affluent areas are already established, home automation is currently focused on retrofitting rather than building a new home with automation front of mind.”

Cape Town based Mariel Burger, Emerald Circle Realtor at Pam Golding Properties also states that home automation in the property sector is starting to be of interest, but within a small tech-savvy group of home buyers. He states that, “the property will sell for a certain price regardless if it had the tech in it or not. This feature would just be a nice-to-have. However, security, privacy and entertainment space are the three main concerns for home buyers, and home automation technology certainly has a role to play in this area, which could enhance the sales appeal of the house.”

Beukes concludes, “As the cost of internet access decreases and more products that automate our lives reach the consumer, South Africans will appreciate the ease and comfort technology brings to their lives, increasing their overall sense of security and catering for the ever increasing want of personal entertainment experiences. It will not be long before we see more South African consumers adopt higher degrees of automated lifestyles”.