You don’t have to be a shoe snob or certified sneakerhead to know that the latest Taka Hayashi for Vault by Vans collection is 100-per-cent street-style cool.

Riffing off old-school Vans shoe designs, the fall/winter collection features two capsules of low, mid and high-top styles, including the TH Sk8 Mid Skool LX and the TH Era Huarache LX.

Crafted from fabrics such as leather, nubuck, premier pig suede and Italian woven textiles, the latest releases feature eye-catching extras such as diamond-embossed accents, perforations, laser-etched accents and rawhide laces. They’re pretty much works of art for your feet. Hayashi chatted with us about his favourite shoe, and what he likes about Vancouver.

How and when did you first partner up with Vans?

A I was approached by a friend who was consulting at Vans for a new line called “Syndicate” in 2004. He was familiar with my art and graphic design work from Stussy and thought I would be the right fit for this project.

Since your first collaboration with the brand, how have your designs evolved?

A It definitely has evolved throughout the years — going on the 15th season. It evolved from 2D graphic application on footwear in the beginning to designing footwear from the ground up. As an artist, I love to experiment with materials, treatments, and creating unique silhouettes.

After so many successful releases, what is it about the Vault by Vans concept that attracts fans of your art?

A I think it’s the artistic approach, quality of materials, attention to details and the uniqueness while still being grounded to Vans heritage.

How does your artwork influence your shoes designs? Do you think of the shoe style first and then the art, or vice versa?

A It goes both ways. Sometimes I have an idea about a certain silhouette and at other times I start with a graphic pattern and it flows from there.

Do you have a favourite design from the Fall 2014 collection?

A I think they’re all pretty great, but the TH Sk8 Huarache LX is a standout for me this fall.

What’s the average price point of your Vault by Vans creations?

A I would say from $150 (R1858,73) to $300 (R3717,46).

What inspires you — where do you get your ideas?

A I find inspiration in many places. During travels, through art and music. Just anywhere and everywhere, really.

You’re hosting a public event at Sneakerbox in (Burnaby) today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. What can shoppers expect to find there?

A My Fall 2014 TH collection and some special limited screen-print posters.

Is this your first trip to Vancouver?

A This will be my second visit to Vancouver. I love it here. The art and design scene, great food and cool atmosphere.

Finally, what’s next for you? Any chance you can share a hint about your next Vans release?

A There are some great styles in the works, and possibly a new silhouette.

To learn more about the Taka Hayashi for Vault by Vans collaboration, visit www.vans.com/vault.

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By Aleesha Harris | The Vancouver Sun

adidas Originals offers South African fans a fair chance to grab their pair of the much anticipated sneaker

adidas Originals is evening the playing field by giving its customers the chance to win tickets to buy the exclusive new YEEZY BOOST 350 – the world renowned shoe designed in collaboration with Kanye West, launching globally this weekend on 27 June.

Fans can head down to AREA3 in Johannesburg (155 Smit Street, Braamfontein) for the release of this much anticipated shoe, and join the queue before 14h00 on Saturday, to grab their raffle ticket. The 28 selected winners will be invited in, two people at a time, with the first option of buying their one pair of YEEZY BOOST 350 at R2999. Only one ticket will be issued to each member of the queue and ticket numbers will randomly be drawn by a staff member of AREA3.

Capetonians needn’t worry as they too stand a chance to buy a pair. Shelflife in Cape Town will host the same raffle draw and is encouraging customers to make their way to the store before 2pm on Saturday, 27 June, so as not to miss out on a chance of owning their very own YEEZY BOOST 350’s.


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adidas Originals

adidas Originals and Kanye West have released the second sneaker developed in their close collaboration: the YEEZY BOOST 350. Launching globally on 27 June, South Africans have a chance to grab their pair at Shelflife in Cape Town and AREA3 in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, at a recommended retail price of R2999.

The YEEZY BOOST 350 is composed of beautiful yet simple materials, speaking to West’s ambition of creating a clean, modern, effortless template for footwear and apparel. By fusing adidas’ unparalleled engineering with a timeless aesthetic, the YEEZY BOOST 350 presents a fearless step into the future of style.

The trainer features an upper composed entirely of adidas’ Primeknit: a breakthrough material developed using the latest digital engineering methods to fit like a second skin. Leveraging adidas BOOST™’s highly responsive properties, the shoe boasts the ultimate in comfort and performance, ensuring that the wearer’s every step is hyper-charged with an endless supply of light, fast energy.

Launched this past February with an epic New York Fashion Week presentation, YEEZY Season 1 by Kanye West and adidas Originals ignited a global sensation with an unprecedented public live-stream and the subsequent release of the YEEZY BOOST, which immediately sold out in a worldwide frenzy of anticipation.

South Africans are encouraged to head down to Shelflife and AREA3 on Saturday, 27June, so as not to miss out on owning a pair of their very own.

To learn more about this collaboration and the YEEZY BOOST, visit www.adidas.co.za/yeezy. Follow adidas South Africa on Twitter (@adidasZA) and Instagram (@adidasZA) or join the conversation by using #adidasOriginals and #YEEZYBOOST.

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adidas Originals

Kicks are usually given a unique caption worldwide, some say that kicks are men’s greatest invention. Johan de Jager simply states that kicks are a lifestyle and no longer just a shoe. Johan’s sneaker blog: www.the-hip-kicks.tumblr.com, explores the “sneaker culture” in South Africa. His love of kick has enabled him to explore and tell diverse stories through capturing photography of different kinds of kicks. Explore his views and learn about his affection towards kicks and photography. 

How did the love of kicks come about?

I’ve been working in a sport apparel shop for almost 6 years and I’ve always been excited and curious waiting for a new model to arrive. When I just started working in the shop, I was a serious runner, so I guess you could say my hobby sparked my passion. My love for sneakers developed more when I started working in Braamfontein, Joburg where the “Sneaker Game”, as we call it, is on a whole new level.

 Any adventurous memory you went through with your kicks, if yes briefly explain?

In 2012 one of my friends gave me a pair of black high-top Converse. At the time I was also working for a traveling program. When we went on tour, I only took that pair and gained some proper mileages on them. I still have them and call them my ‘traveling shoes’.

 How long have you been taking photos of kicks?

I only stared about a year ago. I’ve always had a passion for photography and shoes so I decided to combine them.

 Take us through your kind of photography?

The first photos I took was with my iPhone 5 and it was basically just a shot of the side profile of the shoe. As I got the hang of it, I switched over to DSLR and experimented a bit more with different angles as well as locations.

 Any thoughts of opening a sneaker store?

Yes, I can’t tell you when but it’s definitely something on my bucket list…

 What's your personal opinion about the culture in SA?

It’s getting bigger for sure when you compare it to about a year ago. The diversity of people in SA can be seen in all the different types of sneakers they wear.

What are your thoughts on all the different types of sneakers created nowadays? 

There’s everything from luxury to performance.

There’s literally something for everyone out there in all colours, shapes and styles. Nowadays you also see more collaborations. There’s no rules when you want to buy a pair. The shoes I wear are mostly running shoes purely because they’re just so damn comfy!

 What are you currently working on?

I’m doing a project with Drop your Drink (link) were we are going to do Instagram street walks and capture some of the styles on the street.

 What are 3 essentials you can’t spend a day without?

Coffee, my MacBook, and my Camera off course.

 What’s your favourite kick at the moment?

Oh, that’s easy. The Adidas Ultra Boost. By far the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn and I love the design.

 What can we expect from Hip kicks?

Better shots, better locations and more collabs with people.

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Imagery: Alessio La Ruffa
Solomon Molefe | Sneakers | Culture

Nike and Liberty take a trip back to the 1970s with their new collection for summer. The collection features the rarely seen Merlin print, originally designed by Liberty for a silk scarf back in 1972.

The collection commemorates the return of the Nike Air Rift. Originally introduced in 1996, the Nike Air Rift's signature aesthetic is a result of Nike's never-ending pursuit to improve athletic performance. 

Designers working on the project blended technical fabrics, customizable fit systems, and an early form of natural motion design to create a performance shoe worthy of the runners that inspired its creation. For summer '15 the Air Rift's unusual aesthetics are complemented by Liberty's Merlin print for a uniqe expression of sport driven style.

Alongside the Air Rift, the collection’s footwear offering features the Nike Air Max 90 Ultra, on which the Merlin print covers the upper; the Nike Tennis Classic Ultra, which boasts a full Merlin upper and plain white tongue to set off the design.

The classic Nike Cortez featuring a full Merlin upper; the Nike Juvenate with an understated Merlin pattern behind the Nike Swoosh; and the Nike Air Max Thea, which includes a Merlin upper and a distinctive white Nike Swoosh heel.

The Merlin print’s geometric shawl design, which includes a playful layout of circles and concentric squares, is applied to a range of contemporary and heritage Nike footwear and apparel silhouettes.

Chosen for its bright coloring, striking pattern and unusual design, the Merlin print gives the Nike x Liberty Summer 2015 collection a disruptive, standout aesthetic. The collection intersects past and present to create something completely original.

The Nike x Liberty summer ‘15 apparel collection includes a Nike QS Liberty Windrunner Jacket in all-over Merlin print; a Nike Liberty Tee with a full scarf print hem and print detail sleeves; and a Nike Women’s Liberty Cap featuring a Merlin print peak.

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Nike | Lifestyle | Culture

Jordan Brand wants to perfect and purify the art of conventional shoe-making in this modern age and day when the footwear industry has adopted more cost effective construction methods and materials. Jordan brand is well aware that Jordan heads are ardent and knowledgeable about Air Jordan sneakers, so they want to cater them with their favorite Retros, but with a higher grade of materials.

How Did Jordan Brand Come Up With The Remastering Concept?

The process of remastering retro Air Jordan sneakers involved going through the Nike DNA, i.e. Jordan Brand’s archives, and combing through to all the OG retro Air Jordans. Once the OGs were compared with the modern AJ sneakers, the change that has taken place over the years became apparent. For instance, tanneries that were used of closed down and 10- to 30-year old molds have been thrown away and rebuilt. In 2015, everything in terms of specifications will be replicated for each of the retro models that will be remastered.Jordan 7 “Hare” release 2015

Why The Spring 2015 Remastered Jordan Release Date?

There are several reasons behind the remastered Jordan release date 2015. The same precise materials that had been used years ago are not available anymore since those tanneries and vendors have shut down. So, all of those materials had to be tested for colorfastness, performance, and wear and tear. Jordan Brand had to go through a lot to gear up for an Air Jordan Remastered Release.air-jordan-4-spring-2015-releases-1

Which Remastered Air Jordan Retro Releases Can Be Expected?

The Air Jordan Remastered Retro lineup will revolve around three main models, namely the Air Jordan 4, Air Jordan 7 and Air Jordan 10. Although Jordan Brand has other plans, but these are the key models for the Spring 2015 season that will kick start the announcement of remastered Jordan release dates for 2015.


Researcher: Darren Thomas
Source: 23 Is Back
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