Introducing the PUMA x ICNY Debut Collection

PUMA has partnered with alternative sportswear pioneers ICNY, capitalising on the expertise of ICNY’s reflective technology and PUMA’s rich sporting history. The debut PUMA x ICNY collection of sneakers and apparel has all over reflective textures, bold colours and futuristic designs allowing the wearer to shine even in the darkest hours.

ICNY was developed after designer Mike Cherman was hit by a car while cycling - the New York brand was created to provide increased visibility and safety through the use of reflective materials on key areas of sporting apparel and accessories.

Utilising ICNY’s reflective technology, PUMA’s classic Trinomic R698 has been given a futuristic makeover. ICNY’s Trinomic R698 X3M (R2 499) and R698s (R2 499) explore the use of plush and durable fabrics, bold colours and reflective elements to create a pair of functional streetwear sneakers.

The Trinomic R698 X3M makes a statement in its own right, in allover reflective silver. While the R698s are showcased in strong colour ways, including black-white and rhododendron - true to ICNYs signature safety style. Each silhouette includes reflective piping that runs through the stitching, making them stand out on the streets.

Apparel in the collection features the ICNY Windbreaker (R3 699), ICNY Logo Sweat Shirt (R1 999) and the ICNY Logo Tee (R799).

The ICNY Windbreaker encapsulates the collaboration’s careful balance of sporting classics and technology. The ICNY Windbreaker is based on a metro cycling aesthetic and is fully bonded using storm Cell Force 2 technology. Impressive detailing sets the jacket apart, with an underarm zip and other technical elements to increase ventilation while being fully seam sealed. It is a high-end product that pushes the boundaries of modern tech and sport fashion.

The ICNY Logo Sweat Shirt and the ICNY Logo Tee has bio-wicking tech properties to enhance cooling, with a fully reflective logo print on the rear to improve road safety for cyclists.

PUMA x ICNY can be found at PUMA SELECT stores in Cape Town, Bree Street and Johannesburg, Braamfontein and X–Trend on 5 November 2015.

First Look: Carvela Limited Edition Moccasin

This year’s limited edition Carvela is a supreme example of the art of Italian shoemaking. The limited edition shoe is made from premium diamond embossed leather and is available in two colours: a deep bronze and a rich navy.

You can shop the shoe at Spitz stores throughout the country. Also note the shoe is market with its limited edition serial number and includes a certificate of authenticity.

Happy shopping!

Image Credit: Spitz

It’s All About Authenticity – Introducing the PUMA #REPRESENT689 Crew and Story

PUMA started a project that captures moments in the lives of Jack Parow, Riky Rick, Das Kapital, PH Fat, Nonku Phiri, Nicci St Bruce and Rolo Rozay, while wearing PUMA’s Trinomic R698, a sneaker rich in heritage.

Represent698, a dynamic mix of interviews, video, imagery and social media activity, is an opportunity for creative minds to explore what it is to Represent, and for artist, rapper and producer Riky Rick it’s all about authenticity: “Anyone can make the greatest hits in the country, but not everybody can know themselves and put themselves into their music. That’s the most difficult part. I’m here to Represent millions of kids, I’m somebody who has gone through what they are going through.”

Authenticity’s twin brother honesty is also the key for madcap musical artist Jack Parow: “It’s important to be yourself and never pay too much attention to what people say. You’ve got to stay true to your own thoughts and beliefs.”

Singer Nonku Phiri agrees: “I tend to stick to my gut and do what makes me happy. I can only work from an honest place.”

Mike from rap crew PH Fat explains why teaming up with PUMA works for him: “They’ve got street and sport culture covered; they’re the most artistically enabling brand.”

The PUMA collab is also exciting for rapper Nicci St Bruce: “I like it when a brand can see you for yourself, rather than trying to make you into who they would like you to be.”

While DJ and producer Das Kapital welcomed the opportunity Represent698 provides to work with forward-thinking, legitimate people: “It’s fun that something as simple as a sneaker style can bring together so many unique people.”

But why all the fuss about a sneaker? Take it from a guy who knows his stuff, Rolo Rozay of PUMA SELECT: “The R698 is a sought after go-to shoe because the silhouette isn’t too out there and it’s versatile - you can play around with the look.”

Originally designed as a performance runner in the ‘90s, the R698 sped off the track to become synonymous with urban street style and cement its place in sneaker history. Styles to be found at PUMA stores nationwide, as well as selected sneaker retailers this season are the R698 Basic Tech Sport Women’s available in glacier-white for R1 299 and the R698 Mesh–Neoprene available in black for R1 399. There’s also the luxe R698 Allover Suede available in Italian plum, high-risk red, peacoat and black for R1 399 and the R698 Fast Graphic Women’s available in black-and-white, with coral details for R1 299.

As part of the collaboration PUMA will be releasing limited Boss Zonke Football Club shirts by Riky Rick as well as limited Parow Pythons Rugby Club jerseys by Jack Parow.

To find out more follow the Represent698 crew on Twitter and Instagram, as well as the PUMA to join the conversation.

Urban Bliss – Bespoke Wellness Treatments for the Modern Gent

A few weeks ago, the Swag Craze team visited Urban BLISS in Johannesburg. Urban BLISS goes beyond the traditional spa approach and offers a truly bespoke and integrated wellness service to their clients. The philosophy at Urban BLISS is to fuse the latest modern technologies with the ancient art of relaxation through treatments that aim to create wellness by dedicated trained professionals. 

Ayesha Rajah (MD of A&I Importers) shared great insights on the latest wellness trends shaping the wellness landscape in 2015. The trends she mentioned included Hyper-personalised beauty, Cardio is the new cocktail (morning power raves) and Meditation is the new rock star to name a few.

(P.S. We are going to add a wellness section to Swag Craze and will provide you with more details on the trends which Ayesha shared with us).

Ayesha has over 20 years of experience in the skin care and beauty industry. She has gone to great lengths to create a unique environment at Urban BLISS featuring treatment rooms that echo some of the world’s finest cities, like London, Paris, New York and Tokyo.

Urban BLISS is indeed a rare sanctuary in the city. We received a complimentary 30 min treatment, which we loved, as well as Phytomer products which we will be reviewing soon!

Urban BLISS offers a variety of treatments and products for the modern gentleman. We recommend you try the following treatments and products (as we will) this spring/summer season: 

·        Oslo Men’s Facial with Spinal Detox- tailored specifically for a males skin needs and concerns using Phytomer Men’s range. The treatment targets excess oil, open pores, rough skin, ingrown hairs, problematic skin, anti-aging and hydration. Also includes a back exfoliation and detox using the self-heating mud.

·        Acne and Scar management treatments- from Deep Cleanses to chemical peels that have No Down time!

·        Massages- depending demands of sport activities, it can be customised to suit your individual needs.

·        Retail Products

·        Phytomer’s Soothing Leg Gel - Soothes sore and tight muscles and eases muscles spasm, assists with bruising as well

·        Phytomer’s Oligomer Pure Bath Sachets - assists with the recovery of Jet lag, stress, fatigue

·        Skin Doctors Capillary Clear – assist with the treatment of broken capillaries on the face

·        Skin Doctors Eye Tuck - treats bags and puffiness under the eye area

·        Skin Doctors In Grow Go - treats ingrown hairs

·        PRIORI Invigorating Face and Body Scrub - double exfoliator both mechanical and chemical can be used on both face and body

7de Laan actor Heino Schmitt with the Urban BLISS ladies

A visit to Urban BLISS will bring your body back to balance and leave you feeling tranquil, revitalised and restored. You can visit them at 85 Barry Hertzog Avenue, Emmarentia (011 486 0512/3).

The Tubular by adidas Originals

The Tubular signals the latest evolution for adidas Originals, resulting in a silhouette that marries the innovative spirit inherent to adidas with a dynamic, new design aesthetic.

Taking design inspiration from the iconic adidas Forum, it adds sidewalls to the distinctive tire inner tube-inspired outsole and signature X detail on the sides.

The sneaker, which is born in sports and raised in fashion, is an unparalleled blend of form and function, and is setting the pace in progressive fashion footwear in 2015. Its clean visual references and intuitive tech is a testament to performance footwear with uncompromised style.

For more information, visit www.adidas.com/tubular and follow adidas South Africa on Twitter (@adidasZA) and Instagram (adidasZA). Join the conversation by using #adidasOriginals and #Tubular.