The fashion industry employs about 180,000 people in New York City, and the semi-annual fashion weeks in New York are responsible for an $887 million economic impact. In an effort to continue to support and stimulate this industry, Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced plans to increase the city's investment from $5 million to $15 million and to expand the reach of Made in NY. Currently a six year old organization, Made in NY provides space, production, and other resources to 35 NY-based designers, allowing them to showcase their collections during the industry's biggest time of year--New York Fashion Week--at no cost. With some of the programs already underway, the initiative will focus on the education of fashion and design, as well as the support of emerging designers and manufacturers. Check out the video for Made in NY below.
Nike SB Dunk High Premium "De La Soul 2" Official Images /
For fans of the Nike SB Dunk and for fans of hip hop this is for you. In 2005 Long Island trio and hip hop legend De La Soul put their mark on a white Nike Dunk Low Pro SB, as well as a baroque brown High model. Ten years later the De La Soul x Nike SB collab is reintroduced with the Nike SB Dunk High Premium "De La Soul 2". Like a canvas the sneaker takes on an all white colorway while colorful and vibrant imagery from De La Soul's famed 3 Feet and Rising album graces the upper. Nike SB took to its Instagram to highlight the shoe, appropriately playing "Me, Myself, and I" in the background, also declaring a full video press release will be coming our way tomorrow. The Nike SB Dunk High Premium "De La Soul 2" releases Friday, February 13 for $130 USD.
Pigalle Basketball Collection /
Stephane Ashpool breathes his love of basketball into his Parisian lifestyle brand, Pigalle. You may remember last Spring Pigalle teamed up with Nike to deliver a sport range that featured Air Force 1s, shorts, tanks and headwear; the brand then moved on to open up a basketball specific store in front of it's own court, Pigalle Duperré playground. To give back to his community Ashpool created the Pigalle Basketball Club, which allows youths to participate in official regional tournaments. Coinciding with the basketball concept is the Pigalle Basketball collection that consists of fashion-oriented pieces produced with performance and technical synthetic fabrics like mesh and nylon. A luxurious aspect is added to the delivery as lambskin leather and hand-dyed cotton with natural indigo fabrics are utilized. The Pigalle Basketball collection housing fleece, tank tops, hats, and an elegant bomber jacket with two variations is available here. Sales benefit Pigalle Basketball Club's upcoming trip to Philippines as an effort to keep kids active.
VibeRotation 11 /
Music has and will be subjective. It’s an art form that can’t be quantified and packaged perfectly as “good” or “bad”. Instead, this is something that we as fans can decide for our own consumption, and because of the diversity in music, we have such an opportunity to develop our musical tastes and styles. I’m not sure how I feel about the Grammy awards last night, and there are so many factors that go into my opinions about the swirling controversy around the winners and losers, that I become disillusioned with music and the industry as a whole. I enjoy music because I like the way it makes me feel. It is a simple and timeless formula that I am proud to follow, as I think it is a part of my identity as a person. With that, I am proud to list off some of my favorite, profound, and what I believe to be the most influential tracks of 2014, that deserve praise of any standard. Check out the playlist below and on our Soundcloud.
The Blacker The Berry- Kendrick Lamar /
Congratulations to Kendrick Lamar on the two Grammy awards he racked up last night with his powerful song, "i". Such a victory is not followed by relaxation though, as King Kendrick has unexpectedly dropped a new track, "The Blacker The Berry." Seemingly occupying the opposite end of the spectrum as "i", K. Dot provides yet another racially-charged track that only further demonstrates his level of artistry and way with words. Let the song speak for itself and have a listen below.