CULTURE
NEW STUDIO FCTRY LAB LAUNCHING INTO THE SNEAKER SPACE

Fctry Lab aims to provide emerging sneaker brands with easier access to resources required to bring sneakers to market. The “FCTRY Lab,” is situated in Los Angeles to provide open-source innovation for both up-and-coming and well-established designers and companies.
In order to establish a unique, end-to-end facility for footwear design, development, and prototype, FCTRY LAb, a lab repurposes cutting-edge additive manufacturing & 3D printing technology and serves as a link between the development of new products and industrial manufacture. The BIPOC-led sneaker innovation and production studio describes itself as an independent innovation studio that is “U.S.-based to avoid the risks and delays of overseas supply chains, thus shrinking product development time from 8-12 months to a short 1-3 months.” A sneaker’s design, production of a prototype, order placement with an Asian manufacturing, and placement on store shelves normally take a year or more.
It was founded by Omar Bailey, the former head of the Yeezy-Adidas Innovation Lab, and Abhishek Som. Bailey was head of the Yeezy Footwear Innovation Lab, supervising a team of makers that brought some blockbuster hits to market, including the Foam Runner and Yeezy 450. “It’s bigger than just shoes,” Bailey said. “It’s about empowering others, empowering creators, athletes, entertainers, the next Virgil Abloh, or the next Jerry Lorenzo, and having a platform to give these individuals to bring them to life.”

According to FCTRY Lab, since its beginning, it has already created numerous footwear lines in collaboration with different design partners, including designing, prototyping, and manufacturing them. It’s exciting to see what else lies in store considering it’s recent $6 million investment.
Visit www.fctrylab.com to discover more.
CULTURE
THE BLUP CELEBRATES AIR MAX DAY 2022: OUR TOP 5 PICKS

Here are our top 5 picks:
5th Place: Air Max 180

Released in 1991, Nike’s lightweight Air Max 90 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and Brice Kilgore. It was Nike’s first silhouette to feature 180 degrees of air bubble, with the bold urethane outsole bonded to the air unit, signifying the first time Nike Air would literally contact the street floor with each step.

Nike’s Air 180 is probably one of the under appreciated shoes in the lineage of Air Max lineage, but it’s had a great 2018 after a range of tonal colourways were released.
4th Place: Air Max 95

To offer something never seen before, Sergio Lozano looked to the design of human anatomy for the AM95 by introducing a lacing system inspired by a set of ribs with mesh and synthetic suede uppers. As well as being the world’s first visible forefoot Air, a small Swoosh confirmed the style, creating an aesthetic which has made it a streetwear icon ever since, moulded for maximum support.
One of Nike’s most popular silhouettes, 1987 saw the arrival of the Air Max 1 where Nike Air technology was born. Tinker Hatfield decided to design a shoe with its air bubble on show which changed the game forever. As bright colour palettes and eye-catching designs became more desirable, the shoe’s patented air cushioning encapsulated everything as the first Air Max sneaker.
Many new colorways, sneaker collaborations, and modernised versions of the Air Max 1 are expected to release throughout this year, celebrating with a trio drop on Air Max Day.
In 1988, one year after the release of Air Max 1 – ‘Just Do It’, one of the world’s most recognisable slogans was etched into history. (Air Max 1 White)
2nd Place: Air Max 97

In runner up position, we see the AM97 which was designed originally by Christian Tresser. The sneaker’s OG “Metallic Silver” colorway took after one of the designer’s love for mountain biking. Thanks to a new blow-moulding technique, full-length, visible Air cushioning was envisioned in the Air Max 97 design.
Regarded as one of the most comfortable sneakers in market, the futuristic-looking synthetic upper and lacing system represents all that Nike stands for – speed, style and athletics.
1st Place: Air Max 90

Our winner was designed once again by Tinker Hatfield in 1990. Originally nicknamed the Air Max III, the Air Max 90 pioneered sneaker design. Its enlarged air bubble, shape and vibrant colourways reflect a retro aesthetic. Today, the sneaker continues to be one of Nike’s greatest contributions to modern footwear over 30 years later.
A true collector and sneakerhead should never be without at least one AM90.

Happy Air Max Day. What did you think of our Top 5?
CULTURE
OFF-WHITE CELEBRATES RAMADAN WITH NEW COMFORT COLLECTION

For the month of Ramadan, Off-White™ has dropped a unique collection inspired by warmth, comfort and elegance. The capsule, dedicated to Ramadan is not novel for the brand, as championing diversity and the global community remains vital to Virgil Abloh’s legacy.
This isn’t the first time that Off-White has honoured the Islamic celebration as earlier in 2021, they debuted a homeware collection. But now, the brand has exclusively dropped a series of high-end matching loungewear covered in emblematic green colour details, representing interpretations of modest dressing and relaxed silhouettes.


At the forefront of the capsule includes a glitter black shirt with gold collar details alongside matching pajama pants, as well as a rhinestone-embellished black t-shirt and hoodie, a track jacket with matching track pants, a satin green holiday shirt with matching joggers and knitwear.
To round up, the collection concludes with a range of accessories, featuring Swarovski Arrow statement fashion jewellery, currently available to shop online.


In fact, speaking of shopping, Off White has recently announced that they would be accepting cryptocurrency payments and can trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Coin, Ripple, and Tether and USD Coin for all Off-White products. While there will not be a payment limit, Off-White continues to explore moving into the metaverse.
Off White: “This is another important step in the growth of the brand, that looks towards the future including Web 3.0 technologies, understanding the needs and desires of its ever evolving customer base.”

The collection, which ranges from $705 USD to $1,840 USD, is available online at the Off-White™ online shop will be available in Kuwait, Dubai and Riyadh stores. View the collection today.
CULTURE
CALVIN KLEIN X PALACE DROP HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED SPECIAL ‘CK1 PALACE’ COLLECTION.

This is surely one of the most exciting collaborations of 2022 so far, considering Palace’s fun high-spirited aesthetic juxtaposed with Calvin Klein’s classic minimalism. This project creatively revamps CK’s iconic underwear garments, the CK ONE fragrance, as well shaking things up by introducing limited-edition Vans snekers.
What makes this capsule stand out is the fact the two successful brands have created a custom logo together which features Calvin Klein branding with Palace’s tri-Ferg. They are made in such a way where they are slapped across basketball jerseys, baggy shorts, faded-wash denims with modern details.
To complement the designs and look, Palace helped create a limited run of “CALVANS,” with Vans with another custom logo.
Alasdair McLellan drove the campaign for the occasion, grounded in honouring the brands’ respective home cities of NY and London, as well as celebrating self-expression and inclusivity. It stars Palace team skaters such as Lucien Clarke and Charlie Birch.
Some other key names featured in the campaign include The Pet Shop Boys, Adwoa Aboah, Lola Leon, Precious Lee and Unknown T. Squid Game actress Hoyeon Jung and Parasite and Itaewon Class actor Park Seo-joon also make appearances.
Besides the clothing, the collaboration introduces a new form of the CK ONE fragrance, marking the first time a collaborator has played a part. The aroma from the fragrance is noted as “Frosted Mandarin,” “Violet Leaf” and “Oakmoss.”
Away from the apparel, Lev Tanju (Palace founder) has spoken on his excitement of this fragrance launch: “CK ONE disrupted the Status Quo and to be able to make a new version of it in a Palace way has been a dream…from the first call with the Calvin team, I knew there was so much we could do. I’m proud of everything we’ve created together.”
The Palace x Calvin Klein collection will be fully revealed on April 8 on the official Calvin Klein and Palace’s stores including key London, NY and L.A stores. Japan will see its launch a day later (April 9th).
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