Not Feeling The React Element 87? The New Updated Zoom Fly SPs Drops This Week

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

Mini Swoosh Things

The Nike React Element 88 is all the buzz right now in the sneaker sphere, its transparent upper bringing a bit of a variety int erms of allowing people to see what socks you’re wearing. Obviously when you’re in your RM 270 A Cold-Wall* socks or Off-White camo socks, you just need to let the masses know. But what if you blew all your budget on said socks, and subsequently can’t afford the RM 1200 resale price tag of the React Elements?

Not to worry though, cos Nike’s coming through with a solution. The Zoom Fly SPs have been gaining a bit of traction as of late, when people took notice that you can actually peep what you’re wearing underneath the upper. The React Element then takes this a step further, exposing all that is not key to the eye, and that’s exactly what the Swoosh has done with the Zoom Fly 2.0.

Apart from the heel counter, cushion, and FlyWire frame, the rest has been exposed to provide maximum visibility to your foot for the same exact reason why you would buy the React Elements. The Swoosh too has been miniaturised to facilitate as much see through has possible, all the while retaining the basic details that make the Zoom Flys.

Finished in Black and White, it’s bound to be a rotation favourite in your collection, and we think the updated version looks much better than the first iteration. We’d definitely part ways with RM 631 and rock a pair of these on the daily. The Nike Zoom Fly SP drops on Nike.com on Wednesday, August 22nd, at 9AM.

Album Review: Solace by Dae Kim

Posted by & filed under Music.

Written by Zaaim Hariz

In this ever-changing world with it’s ever-cascading of relevancy, all we ever want is to be ‘somebody’ in ourselves. It might not be much of a nuisance to someone but everyone thinks the meaning of finding ourselves around to be around can be so compelling. Even though the wonderment is rewarding, we forgot to remind ourselves that this will be everything for the rest of our lives.

Different people have their own journey and as for Dae Kim, he has his own stories to tell. He gets to seek his comfort through his first instrumental LP titled ‘Solace,’ released in 20th April 2018. In this 52 minute project, we get to hear more of his journey ‘among all of these catastrophic self-searching events’ and throughout the whole LP, the Korean born, Malaysian based multi-instrumentalist was able to portray his biggest hope of striving normality through impressive and soothing tracks.

To begin with, all eleven tracks were experimented in different ways and yet, we are reminded of the same notion that started from the first track. With songs such as ‘Obscure Dusk’, ’Sinosoidal Purr’, and ‘Andromedids’, each and every one of them feels very essential and somehow, succeed on delivering each of their significance to the LP.

Out of all, the main highlight goes to ‘Andromedids’. From the beginning till the end, different sounds of instruments gradually moves into the same flow, displaying a shift of energy that can be described as a realisation of making your hopes and dreams into reality. Dae Kim made the whole project to inspire people that they do have what it takes to find any sort of comfort or solace in their daily lives and for the most part, the message was well resonated into the track.

A mixture of acoustics and electronics, Dae Kim managed to bring out his journey into numbers of beautifully-crafted instrumentals. ’Solace’ was meant to be short and yet, meaningful.

Rating: 8/10

The Adidas NMD SolarHu Drops Tomorrow

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

Welcome To Your Easiest Hu NMD Cop Yet

Like it or not, there was a point in our life where anyone who was into Boost lusted over the Hu NMD, but the original run was just too damn expensive to even think of copping; the F&F version of the first edition Hu NMD sold for about RM 40,000, and the original run goes for about RM 5,000 odd per pair.

Of course, this has gradually dropped price with every subsequent release of the Hu NMD series, with the latest Hu Holi pack being the most affordable thus far; a pair can be easily gotten for around RM 1200. Now though, a new collection is on the horizon, and it’s probably the most accessible one yet.

Taking inspiration from the peaceful, meditative nature of running, Pharrell Williams fuses fearless colours, bold patterns, and stylistic flairs of East Africa. Not much from the silhouette has gone through massive changes, apart from the fact that the outsole has now grown slightly to feature a more chunkier tread pattern.

3 colours form the pack, with each shoe sporting a black-on-white patches mimicking running bibs, are embroidered with words like “Mother” and “Land, “Empower” and “Inspire”, and “Miele” and “Mbele” which means forever and forward in Swahili.

At the same time, two colours of the newly updated Tennis HU also makes its debut. Pattern variations follow the same East African inspirations, but also features suede overlays at the heel and toebox, new lacing mechanism, and leatherised eye-stay lace holders.

In the words of Pharell: “Africa is a beautiful continent and the origin of civilization. Running is a state of meditation. Why not go back to the motherland and take inspiration from such a vivid and rich culture? Why not create a tribute to this incredible sport?”

Of course, you probably be doing your daily runs in this shoe, but it’s still striking nevertheless. The Adidas Originals by Pharrell Williams SolarHu collection drops tomorrow, August 18 at Adidas Originals KLCC, select retailers, and online for RM 1,128 for the NMD and RM 658 for the Tennis Hu. For more info and the relevant terms and conditions, click here. Ya’ll gonna cop?

 

7 Of The Best Uniqlo Collaborations To Date

Posted by & filed under Fashion.

Uniqlo knows a thing or two about elevating basic apparel into a highly sought after collectible item. The evergreen retailer has built a foundation on partnering with external designers to diffuse their influences into everyday garments, and the results for the most part have been received with critical appraise. It also allows brands that are often out of reach for most consumers become more accessible, and that’s always a good thing. Uniqlo definitely know their shit, and here are the best hits from the brand’s numerous collabs.

Uniqlo UU

Renowned Japanese label UNDERCOVER partners with the brand to release a for all collection comprising of outerwears at ridiculously cheap prices. Takahashi himself said that now more people can buy UNDERCOVER pieces, and honestly, we’re okay with that.

Uniqlo X Takashi Murakami

The brand tapped into one of the more iconic pop culture figures in Japanese history, Doraemon. Along with it, enlisted pop artist, Takashi Murakami to fill up Doraemon’s body with his floral printwork. Suffice to say, popularity shot through the roof when these dropped, and the Doraemon plushy flew off the shelves and into the resell market, with resellers hoping to make a quick buck on a collectible that quickly became an instant classic.

Uniqlo X Jill Sander

Jill Sanders “+J” collection was definitely one for the books in Uniqlo’s list of collaborations. Debuting in 2009, the collection went on for another 5 seasons before getting taken off. However, reception and demand was so strong that Uniqlo brought back the line for a best of +J in 2014 and 2014, kind of like a greatest hits album.

Uniqlo X J.W. Anderson

The Irish designer brings forth British heritage designs, forwarded to be worn into present day. Shirts like the mismatched striped t-shirt sold particularly fast, mimicking colours that reflect the very rare British sunset by the beach.

Uniqlo X Tomas Maier

Tomas Maier came in and introduced swimwear to Uniqlo’s growing roster. The Creative Director for Bottega Veneta presented a very casual look, sporting plenty of earthy colours and relaxed cuts to his collection.

Uniqlo X Christophe Lemair

One that needs no introduction, boasting a CV that not many people can compete. Helming the reigns as the Creative Director of Hermes, and running his own label, the eccentric designer announce his collaboration with the brand, combining clean French aesthetics with Japanese flair, maintaining the heigh-end look while also being kind to the wallet.

Uniqlo X KAWS

It’s not really uncommon knowledge that KAWS has made a name for himself, from multiple collaborations including Jordans, and very recently, with Dior Homme as part of their SS18 Collection. Now, the brand has carricaturised Sesame Street, imbued with the signature double X across the eyes. We can all get a piece of KAWS now.

Talitha ‘Slips Through Your Veins’ With Her Newly Released Single

Posted by & filed under Music.

Written by Zaaim Hariz

The heartbreak train just won’t stop because Talitha Tan is releasing her new and first single of the year, ‘Slip Through Your Veins’. After the success of ‘Please Stay’ and ‘Okay’, the 22 year-old songstress has continued in the veins (no pun intended) of love songs with yet another melodic tune.

The new single dives into an unrequited love that ends up in despair and sadness, or a relationship that fills with broken promises but the ultimatum is her side of the heartbreak. Wrote by Talitha herself, the song tells us about a girl who’s had enough when it comes to the people that constantly walk in and out of her life . Despite losing the people that she loves, she finally understands that when push comes to shove, she can definitely count on herself.

“It’s a realisation that everybody that comes into your life could potential leave and walk away.”

“It’s like you give your whole heart for that someone and they still chose not to stay” 

“I’m sure many can relate to these situations where you come to a place where you’re just so done and fed up with the cycle and you decide that it’s not worth trying anymore.” – Talitha Tan

She is also planning to release two new singles over the coming months, so we’ll get to glance at what Talitha will be bringing for the rest of 2018. ’Slip Through Your Veins’ will be releasing this 17th August 2018 on all major digital streaming platforms.

Tarik Jeans Includes Womenswear In New Collection, Aptly Titled Tarik Resort

Posted by & filed under Fashion.

Tarik knows how to debut a new collection with bravado. This year’s iteration of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week witnessed the introduction of Tarik Resort 2019 – Monsoon collection in full force. 32 looks ranging from true rock and roll spirit all the way to street style inspired by resort-wear and a combination of both in between.

The show also happens to be a debut showcase for Tarik’s womenswear division, Ayu that features plenty unstructured silhouettes, as well as conforming the brand’s signature jeans to a more curvier look. Excellent workmanship has always been a staple of Tarik, and translates well into its garments.

The menswear segment plays it relatively safe, featuring looks we’ve seen before only now in Tarik Resort guise. Straight cut jeans are paired with graphic t-shirts for an easy look, but adds another layer of versatility in the form of coach jackets, hoodies, and bombers.

A camouflage interlude then presents itself, combining more traditional workwear cuts and includes a modified dungaree and a camo farm hat.

While the whole collection won’t instantly be out, select styles will be made available at Tarik’s website.

How To Take Care Of Your Sneakers

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

Throw a rock anywhere and you’re bound to hit three to five sneakerheads (even self-proclaimed ones). If there’s one thing sneakerheads suffer the most, is the yellowing, the filth from usage, and crumbling of their beloved pairs, but fret no longer because we are here to introduce you a few steps on how to take care of your sneakers to make sure they look clean all the time. Let’s begin!

1. ZipLock Bags

Malaysia is humid, and this humidity affects your sneakers by causing your rubber midsoles to oxidize, turning it yellow. By storing your sneakers in ziplock bags, you can reduce the exposure to humidity of your sneakers. However, you will need to air them out once in a while though or else, risk crumbling after keeping it out of its elements.

 

2. Air Dehumidifier

When it comes to storing sneakers in Malaysia, it will almost always relate back to humidity (near the Equator problems). If you have an electronic air dehumidifier, its time to put it to good use to preserve all your expensive heat. Another one which is more affordable that you could use is none other than our favourite animal, the Thirsty Hippo (not a paid advertisement). It is sufficient and definitely wallet-friendly, so start raiding your supermarkets to get yours before your sneakers change colorways or even turns into powder.

3. Storage Place

Finding space to store your sneakers is difficult enough but many people tend to neglect certain factors which will eventually damage your sneakers if stored in the wrong area. Sneakerheads should avoid storing their sneakers where sunlight enters the space as it will heat up the gum indirectly and cause sole separation, discoloration, yellowing and even crumbling to sneakers. The space sneakers are stored should also be at room temperature or cooler as high temperature will cause the glue which holds your shoes together to melt and cause the uppers to separate from the midsole. Another tip which may be useful is to keep your pairs in a dark, cool room. Time to relocate the sneakers in the house.

4. Paper

One fact that most would be surprised to hear is that the paper that comes along with your original packaging is one of the main reason why your sneaker’s midsole yellows. The paper that comes along with the sneakers is slightly acidic and when stored for a long period of time, the midsole starts to oxidize causing it to turn yellow. An alternative method to store your sneakers would be to store them in plastic containers with lids without the risk of oxidisation to your treasured sneakers.

5. Water-Repellent Sprays

The weather in Malaysia is unpredictable, we may wake up to a bright, sunny day only to end the day with torrential rain pouring down on us. To keep your sneakers clean and dry, we highly suggest sneakerheads to use water-repellent sprays such as Crep Protect (other brands are fine as well) on their sneakers unless your sneakers are made of leather (Air Jordan 1). Imagine getting caught in the rain in your favorite shoes, storing them in their boxes, and the next time you lift the lid of your shoe box, you are greeted with mold on your sneakers. In this case, prevention is better than cure, because it’s incredibly difficult to get mold off of your sneakers than to not have them altogether.

6. Wearing Your Sneakers

We know keeping your treasured sneakers crispy and clean is a priority but this method applies to any sneakerheads who collect Nike, Air Jordans, New Balance, Saucony and more. Sneakers are meant to be worn afterall, and wearing them every now and then will actually lengthen their lifespan considerably. A deadstock pair of Air Max is more likely to crumble compared to a used pair. Try it out yourself if you’re patient enough.

7. Cleaning

Lastly, before storing your used sneakers in their boxes, make sure to clean them. The dirt from the roads, walkways and more may contribute to speeding up the deterioration of your sneakers (yellowing, molding, bad smell, etc). There are plenty of sneaker cleaner brands out there which you may want to consider (Jason Markk, Crep Protect, etc) or you could even use normal dish soap to clean your midsoles and outsoles. Remember to always air dry your sneakers after cleaning to prevent any molding.

And there you have it! I hope these tips will help you in taking care of your beloved heat, and always remember to take them out for a spin!

Say Goodbye To Exclusivity As Off-White Drops Another Collab

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

 

Remember the good old days when ‘The Ten’ was just, ‘The Ten?’ Not ‘The Twenty,’ not ‘The Thirty,’ as it has now turned out, after Off-White founder decided to pull the plug and plaster the whole collection in many different colours and schemes, much like another designer who’s selling the same pair in every colour under the rainbow.

Granted, Kanye West did say that his ultimate endgoal was that Yeezy’s will be for everyone, and anyone is able to get them at an affordable price. Credit to him, that has happened; Blue Tints and Butter Yeezy 350s have been the most affordable Yeezys to date, smack only just a few hundred above retail price.

Virgil’s initial concept sounded tantalising to say the least when the idea was announced along with Nike’s activation in 23 Wall Street aptly named “OFF-CAMPUS”. The pop-up highlights past and new models that were heralded as instant classics, hallmarks in the history of Nike that has transcended to another level. Part of the appeal too, is that it carries a vintage look without the worn attributes, giving you somewhat a peace of mind that it’s still a brand new pair. A lot of people share the same view, and when the drop first launched, crashed the SNKRS app to a point where Nike had to issue an official apology.

The story behind it sells; there’s real thought and genuineness in wanting to share a simple vision that resonates loudly in everyone else’s minds, but when that concept is abused, squeezed as a cash cow, and is drip-fed to us consumers like the sheep we all are, then that dilutes what was attractive to most people in the first place. The hype is practically the only thing carrying it forward, after the story, design process, and concept has been distilled to near nothingness as people now constantly hunt it just because it’s “the in-thing now.” Just look at your Facebook marketplace and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

It’s ridiculous to be honest, and with the release of Off-White’s new collaboration with tennis superstar, Serena Williams, just drives another nail into its figurative coffin.

That’s not all though. Twitter account py_rates has leaked a full list of upcoming colourways for “The Ten” series, adding an extra all-black palette to models which currently do not have them, as well as more graded vintage colours and highlighter blocking to the Zoom Fly SP and Air Force 1. It’s like the initial Yeezy hype all over again, with exclusivity gone waaaay behind in the rearview mirror.

The Weeknd Remixes The PUMA Suede 50

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

Abel Tesfaye isn’t stopping anytime soon. After announcing an Asia tour (which conveniently leaves out Malaysia), the R&B singer debuts a remix to an evergreen silhouette, by imbuing his take and vision unto the PUMA Suede 50.

The Suede 50 x XO follows up to the XO Parallel with a mid-cut take with a military feel to it. Laces are omitted in this edition, instead going for three buckles on the midfoot, and two surrounding the ankle. “19” sits at the center of one tongue, and “68” on the other, paying homage to the year the Suede was conceived. Additional details include speckled midsole, mimicking concrete.

Three colours make up the pack; first of which is an all black affair finished with a speckled gum sole. Glacier Grey keeps it monochromatic all the way with grey midsole and upper. Lastly, a contrasting colourway rounds off the collection; black upper and white midsole with straps and black buckles. Remixed to its core.

The PUMA Suede X The Weeknd is now available in PUMA stores in KLCC and Sunway Pyramid for RM499.

In other news, we review the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo.

 

 

 

How The Masses Is Customizing Their Off-White Presto

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

Get out of the rock you’re under. The Off-White Presto “Polar Opposites” have dropped, and people have been going in droves to get their hands on a pair of these. While we still think that the OG colourway is still the best one out of all, the blank canvases on these solidly coloured pairs allow another layer of customisation that we’ve yet to see on other hype shoes as of late. Hence, we’ve scoured Instagram to show how other owners have done up their pairs, and we gotta say, it looks even better than the standard ones.

Would you dare do these to your shoes? Let us know