FASHION
BLUP:GEN REVIEW THE UNION X AIR JORDAN 1 KO LOW – A SAFE OPTION?

After tapping into our BLUP:GEN community, it looks like novelty is highly respected in the sneaker game. UNION has taken on some of the Jumpman’s most powerful silhouettes, and they’ve just unveiled their newest project: the Air Jordan 1 KO Low. BLUP:GEN shares their thoughts.
The Air Jordan 1 Low hybrid shoe features a full canvas upper, and an airy “White/Sail/University Gold/Neutral Grey” colour scheme. UNION tags that hang from the Swooshes also feature with exposed foam tongues, and hefty heel badges. Additionally, each pair is shipped in a distinctive box with a depiction of a substantial gold medallion on the lid. All set for a retail price of $150.
What is BLUP:GEN thinking?
We asked a few members of our BLUP:GEN to give their thoughts on the new release – here’s what they are saying:
Cyntheiah likes the shoe, giving it a 7/10 since it’s a “classic look”, but feels they could have switched it up slightly since previous models have looked similar. Others say especially since it’s a UNION shoe, it’s a “low effort but not bad”, mirroring Cyntheiah’s thoughts too.
“Definitely could become a favourite but I just feel there’s not much innovation in design it’s the same as lot of ones they put out.”
CYNTHEIAH, 24 – BLUP:GEN
For UNION, it seems like a safe option.
This highlights the weight of reputation – simply the name behind the shoe can increase its popularity and buzz. As a well-trusted Jordan partner, UNION are known for being innovative and pushing boundaries – so playing it safe would not be aligned with the brand. So have they played it safe with this release?
However, the removable adjustable swooshes, offered in either grey or sky blue, would be the most intriguing detail. Anna-Marie (editor of BLUP and part of BLUP:GEN) gives it an 8.5/10 due to this key feature. “The neutral nude colour is one of my favourite colourways right now because they’re so easy to style with – and I love the idea of removing the swooshes but this [feature] may not be as obvious in the first few images unless you delve more into the shoe.”
“The neutral nude colour is one of my favourite colourways right now because they’re so easy to style with – and I love the idea of removing the swooshes”
ANNA-MARIE, 22 – BLUP:GEN
She continues, “I think this feature needs to be clearer if UNION are going to show its uniqueness – like perhaps sharing more video to highlight this feature – I think they would gauge more interest if they did this – in which they deserve because it’s a really nice shoe!”


Overall, BLUP:GEN love something different. Whilst risks are scary, they are worth taking (and showing clearly) if brands are to stay relevant and stand out amongst frequent sneaker drops every month.
BLUP:GEN IS STUDIO BLUP’S EXCLUSIVE NETWORK OF INFLUENTIAL CREATORS AND CREATIVE CURATORS, BUILT AS OUR WAY FOR BRANDS TO SPEAK TO A YOUNG CULTURAL AUDIENCE, GAIN REAL AUTHENTIC INSIGHTS AND CONNECT WITH THE LATEST TRENDS AND SOCIAL LANDSCAPE.
FASHION
HOUSE OF SUNNY DROPPING ITS FIRST MENSWEAR COLLECTION LATER THIS YEAR

Its been an impressive 2020 for the London-based label.
Designed in-house out of its East London studio, House of Sunny prides itself on producing small sustainable runs of collections in a bid to act against fast fashion. Now, as the label celebrates its tenth anniversary, its founder Sunny Williams has unveiled his plans to drop a first menswear collection later this year.
“We are at a stage where the audience organically asks us for men’s options,” explained Williams in a recent interview with Forbes. “We got to the point where I’d see guys wearing our cardigans cropped even though they bought a size 14 or 16 — and I am amongst those who want to wear pieces from the women’s line”.
Having garnered a reputation in women’s fashion for its use of vibrant colorways and unique designs, Williams alludes to its menswear offering continuing in much the same vein: “I love vintage sportswear at the moment and the style menswear will have is going to be very much my style.” Except the capsule menswear collection to drop September 2021.

FASHION
SELFRIDGES LAUNCH RENTAL SERVICE

Selfridges have just launched a fashion rental service which will allow their customers to rent items for 8, 10 or 20 days for as little as £20. Thanks to a new collaboration with HURR, you can borrow designer items from big brands like Prada, Saint Laurent and Off White in bag, shoes, tops, jeans, jacket or jumper form.
Found of HURR, Victoria Prew, said, “In a daring move, Selfridges is the first UK department store to take the plunge into the fashion rental market. The collection is built for the next generation of customers whose aspirations exceed their income, yet it is also appealing to customers who can afford to pay full-price but want the convenience of swapping out last season’s fashion for current season”.
This new way to wear designer is an “earth-conscious way to shop”, as Prew continues, “Extending the lifespan of clothes that already exist is one of the best things you can do to reduce the environmental impact of your wardrobe.”.
Find out more information and start renting on the Selfridges website here.
FASHION
VIRGIL ABLOH CONFIRMS ANOTHER NIKE DROP

What began as ten trainers in 2017, has spun into an iconic partnership between Virgil Abloh and Nike. Today Off-White designer confirmed that he’ll be releasing 50 pairs of Off-White x Nike Dunk Lows this summer. The drop will be part of his upcoming collaborative “Dear Summer…” collection.

Announced on Instagram, Abloh revealed the packaging for the Dunks which includes a set of 50 numbers (we assume to represent the 50 pairs available) and tape to give the box a vintage and pre-used feel. Holes also cover the box and these have featured on his Air Jordan 5’s before, so perhaps this is a nod to the new trainer design. Release dates and designs haven’t been confirmed yet, however no doubt all will be revealed soon.

Abloh captioned the Instagram post with: “@off____white™ c/o @nike, summer 2021 collection name is “Dear Summer”… it’s a whole thing…it was 2017 i started drawing on those 10 Nike shoes. in my mind they are not literal shoes, but are more like sculptures a full-on art object made in multiple editions, somewhat scarce. they exist in a space all their own. where the plot thickens on the design side is the portal to tell stories as vivid as a HOV triple entendre or a Jeezy ad-lib…”
[Image Source: Instagram]
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