International streetwear, sport and sneaker brand Nike has pinpointed South African store Shelflife for its first African collaboration.

Nike chose only three stores worldwide to do a special co-lab with the Jordan 2 shoe aptly named the “International Flight Club” pack.  The idea was to shine a spotlight on areas of the world that are passionate about Jordan sneakers but traditionally aren’t represented in mainstream media. Nike selected the Titan Store in the Philippines, Shop Two 18 in Detroit, USA and us in South Africa,” says Nick Herbert Founder and Creative Director, Shelflife. 

“When they first called me, I was driving to a meeting. I actually couldn’t believe my ears, and thought I was being pranked. Shelflife had been shortlisted to do a colab and we had to present to 30 members including top execs of Nike Jordan Global. It was a mad experience! I never thought that this would happen. Every sneaker store owner or sneakerhead dreams of the opportunity to work with Jordan to design a shoe.”

READ MORE: Nike Playground: Shapa Soweto

The Jordan x Shelflife took two years to develop. “We pretty much had free range on the colours and materials we wanted to work with. We came up with the concept of focusing on the Shelflife team that makes it happen; to capture the essence of the team who show up each day to make sure the product gets to market,” says Herbert. “Often it is only the CEO or owner of a business that is in the limelight. But each member of our team contributes equally. The Shelflife team are the most passionate, knowledgeable sneakerheads around – they understand it and live it and speak about it all day long. When the shoe was being designed, we worked together, asking for input on design, and each employee’s signature is featured on the shoe’s inner sole. The TEAM ONLY shoe acknowledges the role of each member of our team but also the broader community that makes us who we are – from sales staff to social media management, to the employee, to the designer to the client. We represent a collective who understand the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Says Nike, “Our collab with South Africa’s leading sneaker and streetwear store Shelflife, this fresh take on the AJ2 grounds you to the spirit of TEAM ONLY. And as Jordan Brand’s first collaboration with an Africa-based partner, it’s a celebration of bridging oceans and finding community.”

Kezia Linderoth, grew up in Retreat, Cape Town, and has been working at Shelflife since 2016. To Kezia, the collaboration between Jordan and Shelflife is mind-blowing, and well-deserved.  “For the store to be recognised as such on the global scene will have a positive impact and will show the path for many other stores all over Africa. The time is right, and I am grateful to be part of the story,” says Linderoth.

Continues Herbert, “there are now 35 people working for Shelflife and I am incredibly proud that this business is now supporting 35 families. It has taken 16 years to build the business to this point. The team take their jobs seriously and they work super hard – and I wanted to celebrate that.”

The Jordan x Shelflife range will be available at Shelflife in-store on 20 October in Cape Town and Johannesburg and online from the 21 October. In addition to the sneakers, retailing at R3,899, the Jordan x Shelflife range includes a TEAM ONLY range of clothing. The range will be distributed globally through Jordan’s top-tier neighbourhood boutique partners and the Nike SNKRS app globally in October 2022. 

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In celebration of the spirit of playfulness and creativity, the new collab between vans and Crayola is inspired by imagination, self-expression and colour.

Over a decade after their initial 2010 collab, the iconic sport and fashion brand and well-known art supply staple have joined forces in a new fresh range of apparel, accessories and sneakers. “Crayola encourages everyone to “step up” and colour outside the lines,” said Warren Schorr, Vice President of Business Development & Global Licensing, Crayola. “We are excited to reunite with Vans to offer a collection with a fresh take on creativity.”

The collection includes the Authentic Van Doren Inspired and Authentic DIY/Sketch Your Way styles, updated with playful colouring-book style repeat prints that give the shoes an artistic edge The white upper of the ComfyCush SK8-Hi®, for kids, is a blank canvas ready to be personalised to make them uniquely “yours”.

READ MORE: Vans X Van Gogh Museum

Apparel and accessories include durable cotton tees and hoodies adorned with hand-drawn illustrations, a brushed poly backpack with printed details and Vans x Crayola crew socks.

The Vans x Crayola Collection is now available at select retailers and at Vans.co.za.

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In an effort to reduce their impact on the environment and meet the growing needs of conscious consumers, global brands are working on ways to make more sustainable sneakers.

The fashion industry is notorious for its heavy footprint on the ecosystems within which it operates. Globally, according to the Pretty Planeteer, textile waste amounts to about 13-million tonnes of missed opportunities each year. It’s almost more than one can comprehend, and it happens with far too much ease – discarded clothing and offcuts end up in landfills at a rapid rate.

Fortunately, manufacturers have begun dancing to the beat laid down by consumers, and making attempts to give the planet a break by adopting more ethical production practices. Inevitably, they are still going to make products – but the growing trend urges them to consider how they’ll go about it. This more environmentally friendly twist on consumerism is a step in the right direction, and it ticks boxes for stylish and sustainable shoppers.

VEJA

These beauties are the golden child of the sustainable sneaker world. Since 2005, Veja has been paving the way forward for considerate kicks by combining social projects, economic justice and the use of environmentally friendly materials. Veja sneakers are made from Brazilian and Peruvian organic cotton, Amazon rubber and recycled plastic. Whether it’s pushing the boundaries by creating vegan sneakers – using cotton canvas coated in corn – or using fabric made from 100%-recycled plastic, it’s clear that the brand is not resting on its laurels. Rather, it is perpetually improving, and determined to keep doing so, one step at a time.

PUMA

PUMA’s RE.GEN collection makes a move towards re-valuing recycled material. Leather offcuts, cotton offcuts and polyester made from recycled plastic combine in a three-pronged approach to give materials that would ordinarily be discarded a second chance. Beyond this collection, PUMA says it is moving “Forever Faster” to make products that are “Forever Better”. As part of its sustainability strategy, the company’s aim is to ensure that, by 2025, nine out of 10 items it creates are made from more sustainable materials. Last year, more than 97% of PUMA’s leather, polyester and cardboard were sustainably sourced, which means five out of 10 PUMA products were created through more sustainable practices. This translates to less water and chemicals used in production processes – and a win for the environment. And of course, it doesn’t hurt that there is no compromise when it comes to the freshness of the kicks…

CONVERSE

The Renew recycled knit is the new lightweight, sustainable offering in the Converse stable. Its toe cap is made from regrind rubber; recycled polyester shape-shi s to create the laces, and the OrthoLite footbed makes this streetwear icon sustainable from the inside out. You’ve also got the option to elevate your fi t with the Chuck Taylor All Star Crater, which boasts an ethically sourced outsole, regrind rubber and an upper made from recycled plastic.

REEBOK X SEALAND GEAR

In a partnership designed to kick-start Reebok’s mission to become 100% sustainable by 2030, the [REE]cycled Classic Leather Legacy and Legacy 83 were born. Thirty percent of the uppers of both these silhouettes is made from recycled materials. Sealand Gear produced a limited-edition bag as part of the collaboration, and the first 300 South African shoppers to buy a pair of the sustainable sneakers were gifted one of the upcycled bags. Ninety percent of Sealand Gear’s products are already made from upcycled materials, so Reebok has undoubtedly found good common ground by working with a brand that’s an industry leader on the sustainability front.

adidas

The sneaker giant released an ecofriendly iteration of the well-loved Stan Smith silhouette earlier this year. The court sneakers can be found pounding pavements everywhere, happy in the knowledge that they’ve been produced with materials that help end plastic waste.

Adding further fuel to the joy-filled fire, these Stan Smith Forever sneakers come kitted with characters from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel characters. But if you’re into the more classic silhouette, that option is available too – just be sure to reach for the PRIMEGREEN uppers.

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International sport and lifestyle brand PUMA has joined forces with acclaimed artist Romero Britto in a new bright and bold collection of apparel and footwear.

The founder of the Happy Art Movement Romero Britto creates his works based on promoting love, joy, hope and happiness, using his creativity to bring positivity and optimism to the people who interact with it. The latest designs for the PUMA range bring 90’s nostalgia to the forefront, with a vivid colour palette of contrasting shades and graphic prints.

“PUMA and BRITTO^® share in the goal of bringing fun, happiness and love to the world,” says Dr. Lucas Vidal, global CEO of the BRITTO^® and Romero Britto Fine-Art brands. “The two brands have blended Romero’s iconic Happy Art with PUMA’s innovative and cool designs to create incredible consumer products. As Romero Britto always says: art is too important not to share.” 

The RS-Connect (R2 299), Basket (R1 999)and Wild Rider (R2 299) have fun look and feel, playing with all-over prints, graphic placements and lively colours. Apparel, featuring graphics, all-over print (AOP) and a mix of rubber prints and embroideries, includes the unisex AOP Hoodie (R1 999), AOP Tee (R799), Sweat Pants (R1 399) and Tee (R749) plus another Crew (R1 299) and Sweat Pants (R1 499). 

“This is the component I believe my collection brings out the most, the FUN in getting dressed every day!” says Romero Britto. “I have always been inspired by my journey – from Brazil to Europe to Miami; all of the elements in nature, my surroundings and fashion have influenced how I compose my artworks. It has been a colourful journey with lots of hope, love, happiness and passion that has translated over to the collection for PUMA. The collection is a reflection of the past, present and future all in one.”

The PUMA x BRITTO collection is available at PUMA.com.

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From New York to the world – iconic Keith Haring designs are now available in an exclusive capsule collection by Converse.

The notion of breaking barriers is synonymous with Keith Haring’s work – whose signature style serves as a physical representation of his belief that creativity holds the power to change the world. From the get-go, where his work covered New York subway billboards, Keith’s career was fueled by the desire to stand up for the underdogs and uplift the oppressed – all the while ensuring that art remained accessible to everybody.

This attitude is something that Converse embodies too – All Stars have been laced to the feet of many change makers whose actions have rippled across society in a variety of forms. From artists and activists, and everyone else in between – the iconic silhouette holds stories on its soles.

For the first time, Keith’s drawings appear on classic Converse sneakers and apparel – these include the likes of the Chuck 70, Chuck Taylor All Star and Pro Leather, as well as the Run Star Hike. Prized pieces for street art aficionados and Converse lovers alike.

Converse x Keith Haring is available on the Converse website, as well as Superbalist, Shelflife, Lemkus, Archive, Inline, Crosstrainer and Baseline.

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From a colourful new blanket by Plett-based textile company Mungo to the second Vans and MoMA instalment, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 355.

1. Mungo Cypress Vrou Vrou Blanket

Mungo designer Lenore Schroeder did vast amounts of research into old weaving techniques for the conceptualisation of the Vrou Vrou blanket, adapting the traditional plaid check and waffle weave into something bold and contemporary, while still paying homage to the classic style. The latest iteration, Cypress, draws inspiration from the Garden Route coastline.

Images courtesy of Mungo

2. Lee Broom’s Maestro Chair

British designer Lee Broom has created a chair inspired by orchestral musical instruments. The Maestro chair, launched virtually during the London Design Festival, saw a 30-person orchestra perform while seated on the chairs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Maestro launches today. A film of three parts each 90 seconds long featuring our new Maestro Chair and 30 special guests. Click link in bio to watch the film . . . . . #leebroom #maestro #leebroommaestro #virtualexhibition #ldf20 #ldf2020 #londondesignfestival

A post shared by LEE BROOM (@leebroom) on Sep 14, 2020 at 12:42pm PDT

Video credit: @leebroom on Instagram Image credit: leebroom.com

3. Polly Pocket-Style Fictional Homes

The original 1980s Polly Pocket toy concept has been reimagined by The ToyZone, in collaboration with NeoMam Studios and CGI artist Jan Koudela, to feature spaces from popular movies and series, from Stranger Things to Friends, The Shining and The Simpsons.

Images courtesy of NeoMam Studios

4. Vans and MoMA Debut Second Footwear and Apparel Instalment

As a continuation to its collaborative collection launched in September, featured here, Vans has once again teamed up with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on a second instalment of artist-inspired footwear and apparel. The latest collection includes the work of Edvard Munch, Jackson Pollock and Lyubov Popova, and will be in stores globally from 11 November 2020.

Images courtesy of Vans

5. Zara Home Online Launches in SA

Zara Home has launched its online shop locally, featuring stylish designs to decorate your space, from furniture and rugs to kitchen accessories, tableware and towels. You can shop online here.

Images courtesy of Zara Home

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From a 3D mural and an art-inspired collaboration between VANS and MoMA to a chrysalis-inspired chandelier, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 350.

1. Leon Keer’s Teacup Mural

Dutch street artist Leon Keer has created a 3D mural in Sweden, entitled Shattering, that collapses when scanned with your phone. This work is a comment on the fragility of life and the delicate balance between nature and ourselves. Augmented reality designer Joost Spek assisted Leon with the technological aspects of the design, making it an interactive experience for both the creators and spectators.

Image credit: Leon Keer via mymodernmet.com / Video via leonkeer on YouTube

2. willowlamp Cocoon Light

Award-winning local lighting design studio willowlamp’s latest chandelier, the Cocoon, is an evolution of the brand’s existing Pod pendant lamps, featuring a wider chrysalis-inspired basket in a horizontal chandelier form. “There is something quite powerful and evocative about these forms which symbolise transformation and rebirth,” says willowlamp Founder and Creative Director Adam Hoets. “The simplicity of the form gives it a minimal feeling – sleek and elegant – and therein lies its beauty. A purity that is found in and inspired by nature.”

Images courtesy of willowlamp.com

3. Vans Collaborates With MoMA

Vans has collaborated with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on a limited run of special-edition footwear and apparel, launching on 30 September. The collaborative collection highlights some of the museum’s most renowned artists. The initial range will include artwork by Salvador Dalí, Vasily Kandinsky and Claude Monet, followed by a second artist release later in the year, which will include Edvard Munch, Jackson Pollock and Lybov Popova.

Images courtesy of Vans

4. Mo’s Crib Collaborates With Woolworths

Woolworths has teamed up with local home decor brand Mo’s Crib, headed up by Pretoria-based sister duo Morongwe ‘Mo’ and Michelle Mokone, on a range of sustainable woven baskets and planters. Suitable for use inside and outdoors, the collection is hand-made using natural fibres from ilala palm leaves. The grass woven range is available in a variety of sizes and includes options with or without handles and lids.

Images courtesy of Woolworths

5. Petoi’s Robotic Dog

Petoi Bittle is a small, palm-sized robotic dog (we previously featured Nybble, a robotic cat) that is assembled from a series of pieces and programmed with downloadable GitHub demo codes. Teach your robodog tricks to win prizes and rank up during community challenges, using Arduino boards, Raspberry Pi or AI chips to inspire its animal-like movements and actions. Find out more about the Petoi Bittle on Kickstarter here.

Images via Petoi / Video via Rongzhong Li on YouTube

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From a kaleidoscopic lighthouse mural by artist Okuda San Miguel and cleverly designed milk packaging to a stylish chair from local brand Lemon, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 349.

adidas Clean Classics Collection

adidas has given its classic sneakers an eco-friendly redesign, making use of Primegreen materials, made with a minimum of 50% recycled content, in combination with renewable and reclaimed rubber for the soles and 70% recycled materials for the uppers. The Clean Classics collection, available online and at selected adidas stores, aims to address the issue of plastic waste.

Images courtesy of adidas

Lemon’s Kent Chair

Designed for Lemon by interior designer Yaniv Chen of Master Studio, the Kent Chair was inspired by 1950s design, and Italian 1950s design in particular. “I feel that a piece’s detailing, even its ergonomics can take someone back in time,” says Yaniv. “I like that someone will sit in this chair and feel a subtle sense of nostalgia.”

Images courtesy of Lemon

Depot Milk Carton Packaging

Russian design agency Depot has created a range of clever packaging designs for Milgrad Bryansk Dairy Plant. The blue cat is featured in different positions on various cartons that create a story once placed together.

Image credit: depotwpf.com

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From Skinny laMinx and Jason Bakery’s quirky bread bags and locally produced belt bags to a new carpet range from Belgotex, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 323.

1. Jason Bakery X Skinny laMinx Bread Bags

Local textiles and homeware brand Skinny laMinx, in collaboration with Jason Bakery, has released a series of punny bread bags. Keep your bread fresh in these zero-waste bags made from a cotton/linen combo. The bags are available with a sourdough loaf at Jason Bakery’s Green Point and Bree Street stores.

Images courtesy of Skinny laMinx

2. Veja Sustainable Sneakers

Eco-conscious and sustainable shoe brand Veja sources ethically, uses raw materials and chooses not to advertise or market its products, opting instead for this money to be put towards making a positive impact. The brand has just opened its new pared-back store in New York, which also focuses on upchucking other sneaker brands to prevent shoes from ending up in landfills.

Image credit: Veja via vogue.com

3. XYLO Belt Bags

Local brand XYLO creates fashionable and minimal belt bags from ethically sourced Karoo leather. The belt bags are available in three colourways: black, tan and metallic, each of which come with a screen-printed lining designed by a South African artist.

Images courtesy of XYLO

4. Belgotex Westminster

Belgotex has reinvented its broadloom carpet range in a sophisticated palette of neutral hues. The new range, entitled Westminster, is stain-proof, fade-proof and anti-allergenic.

Images courtesy of belgotex.co.za

5. hansgrohe Faucet Named Most Popular Kitchen Product of 2020

The hansgrohe Aquno Select M81 kitchen has been named Most Popular Kitchen Product of the Year 2020 at Kitchen Innovation of the Year 2020. With its spray technology for washing fruits and vegetables when preparing meals, the tap took home gold.

Images courtesy of hansgrohe.co.za

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1. Eight Colour Spectrum Skateboards by Vik Muniz for The Skateroom

The Skateroom has joined forces with Brazilian photographer and artist Vik Muniz, releasing an eight colour spectrum skateboard series that makes use of bright, bold collages to decorate the decks. Five percent of the sales of the decks will be donated to Colectivo Skate Maré, a community upliftment programme, while an additional 15% will go towards helping a school for low-income children in Rio de Janeiro.

Images via theskateroom.com

2. adidas Alphaedge 4D

Innovation meets sustainability in these futuristic unisex running shoes by adidas. The Alphaedge 4D has a technical mesh upper that comes together with an intricate upcycled printed sole made using carbon 4D technology. The shoes are also made using plastic waste intercepted before it reaches the oceans, in collaboration with environmental changemakers Parley.

Images courtesy of adidas

3. Donna Wilson Chairs

The Abstract Edition, created in collaboration with SCP, is one of Scottish textile designer Donna Wilson’s latest collections. It consists, in part, of a series of chairs made from wood offcuts that feature backrests based on her abstract watercolour paintings.

Images via donnawilson.com

4. Spier Light Art Festival Sculpture by David Brits

Local multidisciplinary artist David Brits has revealed an enormous light sculpture to be showcased during this year’s Spier Light Art Festival. The LED sculpture, which imitates a snake, will weave itself around a 300-year-old oak tree. It will be on show from 10 December 2019 until 31 January 2020.

Images courtesy of David Brits

5. New Recycle Collection From Sealand

Local sustainable brand Sealand’s new Recycle collection features a series of urban bag designs made from plastic bottles and upcycled cotton waste. These stylish, durable bags are designed to have a positive impact on the environment.

Images courtesy of Sealand

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