The Weekly Recap 02

Posted by & filed under Entertainment, Featured.

Childish Gambino has blessed us with a new music video, Avengers: Infinity War hit a new milestone, sprinkled with a little bit of General Election drama, this week was definitely packed with events. Here’s what you may have missed out on, starting with…

UMNO Has Sacked Its Party Veterans

In a pretty dramatic turn of events, Tun Daim Zainuddin and Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz have both been sacked by UMNO for speaking out against the party and supporting the opposition. Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim however, is still under investigation. This was confirmed by the secretary-general of UMNO, Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor that he’s given the directive to terminate the three a few days ago, but side stepped their decision with Tan Sri Dr Rais, instead saying he’s now under investigation. Tun Daim and Tan Sri Rafidah have been extremely vocal about their stance when it comes to Najib and his regime, and their support for PKR chairperson, Dr. Mahathir Mohamed. If it’s any indication, there will be a massive paradigm shift amongst the party heads, and this election is definitely going to be a bumpy ride for the rest of us.

Childish Gambino Releases A New Music Video

America isn’t in a really good state right now, with frequent occurrence of mass shootings, police brutality, and the occasional odd spews by popstar icons (hint hint Kanye). In response to this, Donald Glover touches upon just about every single thing that’s been happening recently in the new music video, and it’s safe to say he has this one up in aces. The MV is a scintillating array of visuals each with their own representations, accompanied by pills that are hard to swallow in the form of hard hitting lyrics. Syukur Malaysia masih aman.

Avengers Broke The USD 1 Billion Barrier Faster Than Any Other Movie in History

The culmination of a decade worth of storytelling broke records, collecting a billion US Dollars faster than any movie in release, just edging out Star Wars: The Force Awakens by a day, at 11 days. Disney also extrapolates that the movie will hit another 100 million dollars through the weekend, after achieving the milestone title of best ever US opening last weekend.  What’s amazing is that the film hasn’t had any additional bolsters from China, the 2nd largest movie market in the world. If y’all seen Avengers yet, better be quick and grab a ticket before movie spoilers (and memes) take over your timeline.

There Has Been A Massive Executive Exodus At Nike

Mostly to do with an increasingly toxic culture that sexually harasses women, 6 top executives at Nike have resigned as a result of a survey conducted by female employees inside the company. One interview with an ex-Nike employee has strong claims on the action of their male counterparts, citing some examples such as “A supervisor who bragged about the condoms he carried in his backpack. A boss who tried to forcibly kiss a female subordinate, and another who referenced a staff member’s breasts in an email to her.” Mark Parker, CEO of Nike has issued an apology to those who were affected in the scandal, and proceeded to announce changes to Nike’s compensation and training programs in an effort to be a better employer towards its employees. Parker’s decision to fire top management and replace 2 of them with women shows how serious he is with the issue, despite tough financial times that Nike is currently facing.

Kanye Gets Invited To Africa To Visit Slave Ports

After striking a proverbial shitstorm amongst the black community when he claimed to TMZ in an interview that “slavery was a choice,” a Nigerian senator has taken matters into his own hands by extending an invitation to Kanye on Twitter to visit the slave routes and camps in Badagry, Lagos, Ouida, Benin Republic, Ghana and Goree Island in Senegal. “Kanye defecated on the graves of victims” is a pretty fair claim considering he basically nullified 400 years worth of black marks tainting African history with that interview. Kanye then proceeded to explain his statement on Twitter, saying that he knows slaves did not get shackled and put on a boat by free will, concluding, “My point is for us to have stayed in that position even though the numbers were on our side means that we were mentally enslaved.” Some have speculated that his unwavering support for Trump and the right wing as well as the blatant statement is nothing more than a massively orchestrated showpiece in promoting his new album. Whatever it is, it’s bold, and downright controversial. Click here to see a TMZ staff calling Kanye out for his statement.

Supreme Hints At A Collaboration With FOX Racing

It has been some time coming, but a semi official look at Supreme x FOX merch can be seen on Supreme’s instagram, featuring Dreamchaser’s rapper Chino pulling tricks on a dirt bike. While there are no official details of the collection, or the price range, it could potentially drop on Thursday, May 10 at Supreme outlets. Y’all feeling the bike hype, or nah?

Stay Hungry For Thursday, Because Nike Is Serving Some Curry

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

If you have been following news related to Air Max’s the past half year, you would have definitely noticed Nike releasing OG colorways of the Air Max 1’s. This time, Nike will be re-releasing an Atmos collaboration widely known as the Nike Air Max 1 ‘Curry’ to commemorate its 15th anniversary since it was released back in 2003. Using the same colorway of Dark Curry, Sport Blue, Black and True White, this pair of trainers is built with a blend of materials consisting of suede and nubuck covered in brown, tan and white hues throughout the upper. The Sport Blue is used on the Nike Air branding and upper eyelets of this colorway while a white midsole and black outsole are applied to ensure this release to look exactly like the OG pair.

Expect this OG colorway to release this coming 10th of May on Nike, tagged with a retail price of RM589.

Take A Vision Walk With Vans This 12th Of May

Posted by & filed under Lifestyle.

A new initiative by Vans, “Vision Walk” is Vans new idea to inspire people across all walks of life to discover the beauties and moments of the world while embarking on their own exploration journey through photography. Part of its This Is Off The Wall campaign, the program serves as an extension from what Vans is, hinging itself onto a lifestyle segment that ties in with Vans culture, in this case, the art of photography, and the exploration of each and everyone’s perspective in their moments.

“Vans enables creative expression and empowers individuals that live for their craft and passions. In each story, we wanted to celebrate the communities that sprout from creative collaboration, whether it be art, skateboarding, music, fashion or photography,” said Jamie Reilly, Vans Vice President of Global Creative. “Everyone has a unique view of the world and that’s what makes photography so powerful and accessible. At its core, great photography is the ability to capture a different way of looking at the world.”

The ideas are then seeded into various locations all across the world, to promote the power of collaboration, from novices to experts, from beginners to industry leaders to showcase their unique perspectives with each other. In Kuala Lumpur, conceptual photographer Shah Azman leads the way into China town, as he depicts his perspective into a one full of surrealism, through his lens.

Take a Vision Walk through China town, Kuala Lumpur with Shah Azman on Saturday May 12 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

To register, head on to this site. Be quick, as slots as limited!

 

Miley Cyrus Collaborates With Converse For A Capsule Collection

Posted by & filed under Fashion, Sneakers.

“No age, no gender, no sex — I wanted everyone to feel included.” Fan first is Miley Cyrus’s personal mission when it comes to designing her first debut collection with Converse, and it’s a massive one at that. Channeling her persona as a performer as well as her day-to-day style results in footwear and apparel that can be worn at any time.

Much of it has to do with Miley’s own view of all things possible, and with this collaboration with Converse, she aims to focus and narrow down on the feeling of self-empowerment. The collection then, is the answer to that feeling, allowing the wearer to be exactly who they want every single day.

“Converse has no boundaries,” she said. “It’s outspoken. I’ve always identified with Converse
because the brand appeals and represents so many different cultures and walks of life. And,
they’re accessible.”

This too translates into the models of her lookbook. After previous months of anticipation and sneak peeks, Miley invited her biggest fans across genders, orientations, and backgrounds to model for the collection. Shot by legendary fashion photographer Ellen Von Unwerth, the images capture the energetic, bold and inclusive nature of Miley.

“I definitely had my fans in mind and in my heart when I was creating,” she said. “I put what they love about me and what I love about them into the design.”

Whether sparkling with the Chuck Taylor All Star “Glitter” or looking to channel Miley’s performance and country roots in the “Bandana,” individuals can piece together looks from the 26-piece collection for any mood or style.

The Converse x Miley Cyrus is available from Converse Pavilion, Sunway Pyramid, Mid Valley, and KLCC on May 3rd with footwear and apparel ranging from RM149.90-RM369.90. Footwear can be found in Converse City Square, Tebrau City, AWLAB KLCC and Lazada Malaysia.

Adidas Originals Plus Porter Equals Goodness

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

New season, new hype. Iconic Japanese luggage makers PORTER have teamed up with Adidas Originals for a capsule collection consisting of bags and footwear. PORTER has been around since 1962 under Yoshida & Co., ever since the brand was founded by bag craftsman Kichizo Yoshido back in 1935, and the rest they say, is history. PORTER is now established worldwide as one of the world’s leading luggage manufacturers, recognisable by a glossy nylon finish and orange linings.

For this collection then, both brands have come together and utilised their trademark elements, recontextualizing their identities in new products. Predominantly a luggage collection, the partnership comprises of 2 standard PORTER bags: the 3Way Brief Case and 2Way Boston Bag. Both bags bring forward classic PORTER design and material elements, with light adjustments by Adidas Originals.

The 3Way Brief Case is constructed from nylon padding textile and features multiple pockets and a document and pen holder. The bag also features removable straps, and can be worn, either as a brief case, shoulder bag, or backpack. The 2Way Boston Bag also employs similar design constructions, complete with heavy duty handles and a removable/adjustable shoulder strap.

But if the briefcase doesn’t interest you and you’re just here for shoes, fret not, because the collection is round up with a collaborative effort in the form of the Campus. Classic and timeless as the brand itself, the Campus has been remixed with black pigskin nubuck, serrated orange three stripes, and PORTER’s signature “TANKER” textile donning the toebox all the way to the tongue. PORTER wording in orange replaces the traditional Campus lettering, finishing the look.

The whole of the collection is already available at Crossover stores, with the 3Way Brief Case retailing at RM 1490, 2Way Boston Bag retailing at RM 1690, and the Campus going for RM 690. What do y’all think about this partnership? Worth the cop?

Nike Enter’s The Dad Shoe Ring, With The M2K Tekno

Posted by & filed under Fashion, Sneakers.

Nike Adds The Dad Shoe In Women’s Sizes

The dad shoe isn’t just for dad’s anymore. Previously debuting at John Elliot’s first womenswear collection back in February, the M2K Tekno practically caused a miniature social media earthquake, pulling Kanye West even from a social media hiatus, speculating that the M2K’s design is very reminiscent of the Yeezy 700 Wave Runner, before deleting the tweet. Regardless of your stance on whether the M2K is a blatant copy or not, Nike’s stepping up to the arena of dad shoes, succeeding the Air Monarch in this new iteration.

Complex multi-panel leather with a pressed swoosh on the lateral portion make up the upper (peek the mini swoosh just offset from the main swoosh). A pull tab is also present on the heel, and a thick wavy midsole with rubber traction pads complete the look altogether. Nike it seems, have created a worthy successor to its previous iteration.

The roster then, is almost complete. PUMA have Thunder Spectra, Balenciaga is still standing with the Triple S, FILA have the Disruptor, and Nike with the M2K. All that’s left is Adidas for the release of the Yung-1, a modern remix of the Falcon Dorf of 80s style. We’re living in good times, just not too good on the wallets.

The Nike M2K Tekno releases on Nike for approximately RM 600, this Saturday, May 5th.

Attention HypeBaes, Satin Shattered Backboard 1’s Is In Your Lane

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

Back in 2015, Jordan Brand released one of the greatest Air Jordan 1 in the ‘Shattered Backboard’ colorway which was inspired by a jersey worn by Michael Jordan in a charity game in Italy. The high-quality leather used on the pair is claimed to be the reason why it is highly sought after since other Air Jordan 1’s were only built using lower quality leather. This year, Jordan Brand revives this new-age classic using the exact color-blocking and the colorway’s glorified high-quality tumbled leather, with an attractive satin finish around the toe-box, heel area and ankle collar of the silhouette. Other details that have been modified is the embroidered Swoosh logo on the side panels and a semi-translucent outsole which previously was not present on the Air Jordan 1 ‘Shattered Backboard’.

Nike will be releasing this pair 5th May, on Nike at 9am. Fortunate for the ladies as this is a women’s release, however, Jordan Brand did mention that sizes will go all the way up to size 12 women’s (equivalent to men’s 10.5). Will you be lacing up in these, HypeBaes?

 

PUMA Collaborates With M∙A∙C For A Suede 50 Pack

Posted by & filed under Fashion, Sneakers.

The PUMA Suede needs no introduction. 50 years in, and it still looks as good as when it first debuted, but what if you wanted to switch things up a bit? You don’t do a makeover. You do a takeover. PUMA has decided to team up with masters of make-up, M∙A∙C, to celebrate the beauty of individuality in a new capsule collection.

3 of M∙A∙C’s most legendary and sought after lipstick colours are transferred to the PUMA Suede, resulting in a lush looking silhouette that’s bold and easily identifiable.

“Crème d’Nude” features a posh peachy blush suede upper and Formstrip, coral laces, and rose gold metallic finish on the tongue for extra flair. “Lady Danger” features a thick coral red tonal upper that just radiates lux. “Sin” arrives in dark burgundy, for that rich, but understated look. The chosen materials are very reminiscent to the gloss on M∙A∙C’s own lipstick line, and the hues translate extremely well onto the shoes. The whole package is rounded off with premium shoe boxes in the same colour palette with co-branding on top.

The PUMA x M∙A∙C Suede drops on the 17th of May, at PUMA US, leading sneaker retailers, and also in extremely limited quantities at Crossover and Sole What. We advise strongly not to sleep on these beauties.

Avengers: Infinity War Movie Review

Posted by & filed under Movies.

I’ll only have this to say for Infinity War. It’s fucking insane. It’s a masterclass in balancing. It’s probably our generation’s version of “The Empire Strikes Back.” The Russo Brothers have done an amazingly fantastic job in culminating 10 years of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, and condensing it in about 2 and a half hours of screentime, beautifully juggling 60 over main characters spanning 8 franchises, and never one to tone down on the action throughout the whole duration. We’ll get to these bits later in the review.

SPOILERS AHEAD

I’m fairly sure most of us now have some sort of grasp of what Infinity War is about. Thanos (Josh Brolin) descends from the realms to gather the Infinity Stones, and proceeds to restore balance in the universe, by obliterating life forms altogether. The Avengers, aided by practically everyone else combine forces to stop Thanos from ultimately completing his destiny.

This then predictably, ensues in multi-planet chaos, each with their own unravelling subplots that eventually intertwine to escalate the plot into a gargantuan shitstorm.

What’s particularly amazing in Infinity War is the fact that every character in the movie has its own moment to shine, to showcase their fully fledged abilities, and in turn, apply them in combat alongside characters. This results in a melting pot of different fighting styles never seen together before on one battlefield, which makes for a unique spectacle in itself.

This is all nice and good, but the real star of the show is no other than the villain, or more accurately, the antagonist. You see, in the heroes’ eyes, Thanos is perceived as evil, selfish even, because of his intention to wipe half the universe to restore balance. However, it’s quite a different case altogether when viewed from Thanos’ POV, because in his mind, he is the good guy, and only he has the willpower to do what’s right for what he thinks is the greater good. Feige and the Russo Brothers have pulled off possibly Marvel’s most human villain yet, thanks no less to Brolin’s incredible translation of humanistic emotions, juxtaposed with the complexion of a higher being.

It’s scary when your decision making is scrambled, because the issue played out in the movie also eerily mirrors suggestions brought up to curb the population here in the real world. It doesn’t help that Brolin simmers sympathy towards his cause, further blurring the lines between the traditional good or bad.

The sheer amount of content that’s happening makes for an unstoppable movie that keeps you on edge, from the well-timed lighthearted jokes, to the scoring that syncs the mood and feel of what’s going on, effectively pulling you along an emotional rollercoaster, one that you’ve never experienced before in such lengths and scale in a Marvel movie. You can be as ready as you want to be, but you will never be fully ready for what’s coming.

9.7/10

The Weekly Recap 01

Posted by & filed under Art, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Sneakers.

Welcome to the first edition of Recap, a new segment where we compile a list of what’s been happening throughout the world in the past week. This week has seen its fair share of events, from someone passing out after the climax of Avengers, to a new exclusive Hu NMD drop for China. Read all about it down below to be in the know.

 

RMIT Melbourne had to be evacuated, all because of a durian

500 students and staff had to be evacuated by the local police force following a suspicious smell, initially thought to be a gas leak, but after calling in the fire brigade and a full search, it turns out someone had left a rotten durian in the library cupboard. Apparently the durian had managed to stink up the whole building as the smell circulated through the air-conditioning system. The building has reopened after the fire brigade had cleared what’s left of the smell.

 

 

Adidas Drops a China exclusive Hu NMD pack yesterday

4 colourways make up the collection, “Passion” Red, “Peace” Blue, “Youth” Green, and “Happy” Gold. Embroidered texts in English and Chinese adorn the upper, with the colours done in the motif of soft splatter. A standout from the other pairs is the “Happy” Gold colourway, of which it is only released to friends and family, limited to only 300 pairs, and featuring gold coloured EVA plugs and cage.

 

The Tom Sachs Nike Mars Yard 2.0 releases in toddler sizes

Toddlers are having it good these days. From kid sized Wotherspoon AM 97/1 and Jordan 3 Black Cement, comes the Mars Yard 2.0 for your wee child. Sach’s wife, Sarah Hoover, unveiled the toddler version of the shoe that features the same sculpted outsole, suede and mesh upper finished in maple and natural colours, completed with a red swoosh and heel tab. The toddler sized heats is rumoured to be priced at around USD 80 (approximately RM 320). It’s never too early to train your child to become a future hypebeast.

Someone passed out after the ending of Avengers: Infinity War

Infinity War has built quite a bit of credentials on its name, one being the highest grossing Marvel movie compared to all other previous entries, 2 weeks before it launched in theatres, and now, after sitting through 2 hours and 40 minutes of an emotional rollercoaster ride, someone actually passed out after witnessing the ending. Like, had to be carted out of the hall with a stretcher passed out. If you haven’t watched Avengers, make your way to the nearest mall now. You won’t regret this one.

 

Solebox teams up with Adidas Consortium to collaborate on the PureBoost DPR and Quesence

One of Solebox’s relatively mute releases, the PureBoost DPR and Quessence are the retailer’s silhouette of choice for this collaboration. Built to celebrate fine Italian craftsmanship, both shoes are donned up in premium materials and feature extensive amounts of details with it. The Quesence’s upper is made of premium leather and suede done up in tonal grey, offset by additions of vegetable-tanned suede. The PureBoost DPR gets treated to a full knit upper, with nubuck accents across the heel, tongue and eyestays. The collection is dropping in select retailers worldwide on the 12th of May. Y’all adding these to your rotation?

 

Virgil Abloh has an upcoming collaboration with…….Ikea?

This is actually old news. Ikea has actually stated its intention to collaborate with the Off-White designer since last year, but only now has the plan come to fruition, with the furniture brand livestreaming a conversation with Abloh to provide insights on his creative process and ideas for Ikea. The basis of the collab was because of Ikea’s curiosity and want to penetrate the millennial market. “Ikea wants to explore the first home and how to make it inexpensive and fashionable. We believe Virgil Abloh and Off-White is the perfect match to do that with.” Get ready for your Instagram feed to be flooded with Off-White labelled furniture everywhere.