July 29, 2011

Nike Sportswear All-Star Battle Night - Shanghai

(* Source: Gucci Clothing Outlet *)

Nike Sportswear All Star Battle Night | Shanghai

No longer isolated to just the United States, the NBA All-Star Game is now a global phenomenon and an appropriate excuse to host a large pep rally. While fans enjoy the festivities at Nike Sportswear Los Fearless Club House in Los Angeles, hundreds more were doing the same halfway across the globe in Shanghai’s 800 Show Creative Center, where Nike Sportswear gathered top Chinese talents for All-Star Battle Night. Liken to American Idol with a twine from Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler, B-Boys, DJs, and rhythm meisters battled one another for the prize – the admiration of the gathered audience. As for the grand finale? A special performance by Jason Tang and the affable, comical lyrics from the one and only MC Hot Dog.

Nike Sportswear All Star Battle Night | Shanghai

Nike Sportswear All Star Battle Night | Shanghai

July 28, 2011

PUMA Social Hong Kong

(* Source: Puma.com *)

PUMA Social Hong Kong | Event Recap

Celebrating the athletes of the after hours, PUMA Social launched the Hong Kong event in the evening of Saturday, February 26th. Intimate billiard club, Racks, in the bustling Central District of HK transformed to accommodate the festivities and enthusiastic guests. Competition of the night focused on the pool table and beer pong table, where eager participants showed off their skills. Amongst the party goers, Hong Kong celebrities and street personalities, 24 Herbs, Sam Lee (Subcrew), Charmaine Fong, Lawrence Chou and Jocelyn Luko were present at the event kick starting the competition. As the premium vodka from Belvedere IX flowed and the guests took turns at the games and mingled until the early morning.

PUMA Social Hong Kong | Event Recap

PUMA Social Hong Kong | Event Recap

PUMA Social Hong Kong | Event Recap


Nike Free Your Body Day - Hong Kong

(* Source: Celebrity Hunted *)

Nike Hong Kong   Nike Free Your Body | Event Recap

What started at the Media Summit in Beijing last week, the Nike Free Project arrived in Hong Kong on Saturday for a the 903 Nike Free Your Body Day. To promote the concept of running, even among the hectic lifestyle of Hong Kong, Nike Hong Kong enlisted radio station Ultimate 903 for a day of free concerts, food, and drinks. With encouragements from local celebrities and certified trainers, attendees tried out a few of the “challenges” set up by Nike to test their strength, stamina, and will power. The day-long festivities also marked the start of Nike Free initiative that will soon reach other parts of Asia in the coming months.

Nike Hong Kong   Nike Free Your Body | Event Recap

Nike Hong Kong   Nike Free Your Body | Event Recap

Nike Hong Kong   Nike Free Your Body | Event Recap


Nike Free – Greater China Media Summit

(* Source: Dan for Freshness *)

Nike Free   Greater China Media Summit | Event Recap

What are limits? A question asked by Nike as the sportswear giant begin its media summit for the Greater China Market in the ancient city Beijing. Whatever those limits might be and for whatever purposes they have across myriad of genres and interest, designers at Nike were quick to realize that much of their origins are the same – limits are set by precedences. So to overcome those preconceived boundaries, one must shattered their precedences and exactly what Nike has done in its Nike Free line-up.

A juxtaposition between the old and the new, troves of journalists, television crew, and more gathered in Beijing for the unveiling of the new Nike Free Collection. Co-founder of Freshness, Dan Hwang, was at location, bringing everyone fresh updates. With designer Tobie Hatfield at the helm, the de-sequencing of the Nike Free genealogy started with the originals – 2004 Nike Free 5.0. Hatfield, who also created the Air Presto, jumped into the progression and improvements along the way till this year, where Nike will introduce a series of new Nike Free designs. Similarly, the new collection will highlight running as one of the key activities in densely populated environment like Beijing. Remember, just a pair of running sneakers and you can virtually go anywhere.

Nike Free   Greater China Media Summit | Event Recap

Classetball: Nike Stadium NYC by Olivia Kim & Todd Jordan

(* Source: Poe *)

Nike Stadium NYC   Classetball By Olivia Kim & Todd Jordan | Event Recap

Ever heard of Classetball? This past weekend, Nike Stadium NYC at Bowery introduced the event to the world. Founded by Olivia Kim of Opening Ceremony and skateboarding photographer Todd Jordan, Classetball was an event of seamless transition, from the adrenaline charging basketball game between New York Knicks and Miami Heat (New York won) to the calmer but equally nail-biting Academy Awards after the game. To make it more interesting, guests entered ballots before the evening started and took home the trophies. Who knew Champagne and beer would go so well together?

Nike Stadium NYC   Classetball By Olivia Kim & Todd Jordan | Event Recap

PUMA X Kehinde Wiley – “Legends Of Unity” Exhibition Opening

(* Source: Poe Freshness *)

PUMA x Kehinde Wiley   Legends Of Unity Exhibition | Opening Event Recap

During an epic event such as the World Cup, important aspects often get pushed aside for ones that would generate hype.  To reignite interests on the crucial issues once again, sporting giantPUMA created several initiatives leading up to this year’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa.  Each will focus on elements within the games themselves as well as unique perspectives that one usually associate with it.  An an inaugural to what is to come, PUMA commissioned the talented portraitist,Kehinde Wiley, in creating a series of large-than-life portraits of professional African soccer players to participate in this year’s World Cup.  Dubbed Legends of Unity, the paintings highlight Africa Unity Kit initiative by PUMA currently underway.  In a region of known for its conflicts and strife, the message of a common passion in soccer will unite all, thus finding strength through a common goal.


Dominated the host gallery, Deitch Project in SoHo, is the Unity Paining, an oil on canvas monolith measured at 108-inch x 144-inch.  Featured Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) John Mensah (Ghana) and Emmanuel Eboue (ivory Coast) exchanging greetings, done in Kehinde Wiley’s unique fashion of superimposing masculine identities against feminine backdrop.  With live beat provided by Zozo Afrobeat, several hundred attendees packed the space on Wooster Street, including Nicola Vassell, director at Deitch Projects, Anthony Evrard, director from PUMA, hip-hop/graffiti pioneer Fab Five Freddie, legendary portraitist Chuck Close, and the gallerist Jeffrey Deitch.


PUMA x Kehinde Wiley   Legends Of Unity Exhibition | Opening Event Recap

PUMA x Kehinde Wiley   Legends Of Unity Exhibition | Opening Event Recap

PUMA x Kehinde Wiley   Legends Of Unity Exhibition | Opening Event Recap


PUMA + Grand Opening Present: L.E.S. Cup 2010

(* Source: Emily for Freshness *)


PUMA + Grand Opening Present: L.E.S. Cup 2010
After three months of ferocious competition at Lower East Side’s PONG (a single table ping pong parlor revived three months ago for its third iteration to provide the neighborhood with a healthy dose of competition and entertainment), the culmination of the pop-up ping pong venture ends in the grand L.E.S. Cup 2010. The L.E.S. Cup 2010 is a joint effort between creative agency Grand Opening and PUMA. The L.E.S. Cup is not just a neighborhood table tennis championship, but also a project aimed at helping to bring the community together regardless of whether one can execute a deadly backhand.

As the top ping pong players from the Lower East Side vie for the trophy and fulfilling sense of sweet victory, all interested in supporting the players or simply enjoying a fun night of furious serves. smashes and chops can purchase tickets to attend the event. The event doesn’t simply provide entertainment and an opportunity to yell at the top of one’s lungs, but also comes with stadium seating, fresh beats from DJs, even fresher remarks from commentators, and the highlight– a staffed bar.

July 27, 2011

PUMA Archive Gallery Reception

(* Source: Shoe Master *)

PUMA Archive Gallery Reception

This is not just sneaker 101. This is the Puma that you don’t know about. And Japan’s Shoe Master is about to give you a graduate crash course on one of the heavyweights in the sportswear world, Puma. After featuring Nike and Hiroshi Fujiwara on Sneaker Tokyo Vol.2, as we had previewed and predicted, Shoe Master is onto Puma for the third volume of Sneaker Tokyo. In conjunction with the launch of the publication, Shoe Master has put together a Puma Archive Gallery, showcasing key models throughout the ages, also featuring the art work of artist, Dragon76. Check out the pictures from the event and the gallery, which opened over the weekend for the public

PUMA Archive Gallery Reception


PUMA Archive Gallery Reception

UNDFTD X PUMA Clyde – New York City | Event Recap

(* Source: Masa for Freshness *)


UNDFTD x PUMA Clyde   New York City | Event Recap
First arrived in the West Coast, understandably the UNDFTD x PUMA Clyde celebration finally arrived in the Big Apple last night as part of the Good Units venue. Packed with eager fans, party goers, and personalities from the entertainment industry, a clash of style took place on the stage with performances by DJ Scratch, Kid Capri, Kenny Dope, Prince Language, DJ Spinna and DJ Getlive! Spotted in the midst, legendary rapper Biz Markie with Michael Packer, of Packer Shoes, along with Eddie Cruz (UNDEFEATED), Adam Leaventon, the Director of Merchandising for PUMA,  along with a range of notable PUMA Clyde editions were all on hand to take part in the festivities.  Guests were even invited to pose with the giant Clyde, the largest size made, for a memorable party snap shot.

UNDFTD x PUMA Clyde   New York City | Event Recap

UNDFTD x PUMA Clyde   New York City | Event Recap

Jordan Fly Wade: Media Event With Dwayne Wade & Mark Smith

(* Source: LiquidRice *)

Jordan Fly Wade: Media Event with Dwayne Wade & Mark Smith

The official unveiling of the Jordan Fly Wade took place today in Miami. Dwayne Wade along with Jordan Creative Director, Mark Smith held several mini media sessions with journalist to go through the first Jordan signature sneaker for Mr Wade. The sessions included some time for Q&A which we will present very soon in video form. As a surprise, Jordan Brand and NikeiD premiered the customization builder for the Jordan Fly Wade iD which will be available to the public on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Take a look below for photos from the event including illustrations, shoe parts, pre-designed Fly Wade iD photos and more shots of the shoes.

Jordan Fly Wade: Media Event with Dwayne Wade & Mark Smith

Thinking Outside the Sports: Winning Strategy for Puma and adidas

(* Source: PopSop *)



For a brand like Puma, surviving and getting its second wind in a crowded market among such strong competitors as Nike and Adidas might mean actually thinking outside the market, i.e. turning from a sports sector with its tough competition to a more tolerant lifestyle clothing and apparel market. This idea was first discussed in Bloomberg Businessweekarticle dedicated to the dynamics of Puma sales over the last ten years.

Since 1998, after Puma had unveiled sneakers as the fruit of its collaboration with Pele and the revenue had soared eight times, things were no longer looking bright for the most elegant of all the sports brands.

In 2007, Puma was acquired by a French luxury house PPR, but during the economic recession it saw only 3.1% increase in sales. François-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR, intends to help Puma blossom by expanding its product portfolio so it will become a brand offering sports and lifestyle products. This strategy was previously applied by PPR with regard to its other brands, and has proved to be a success.

 

“The sports and lifestyle segment shares common characteristics with the luxury segment, growing fast in the same regions of the world,” Mr. Pinault told Bloomberg Businessweek. He assured such brand-portfolio model “has been proven in the last 10 years—it was a winning choice.”

Switching from sports to a lifestyle category for a brand might mean appealing to a wider audience without limiting itself to catering for the more specific needs of spotsmen. That’s why Puma pursues an ambitious goal of increasing its sales by 50% so it will near $6 billion by 2015.  PPR is supplying the German sports brand with everything that will foster sales growth. So, this year, according to Pinault, Puma that owns Cobra Golf and Tretorn brands will be focusing on product development and marketing revolving around the lifestyle theme.

 

In 2010, the Puma kicked off its “After Hours Athletes” campaign during which it hosts parties offering its participants sports games one can play with a drink in their hand. More than that, Puma has signed on three-time Olympic gold medalist and sprint world-record holder Usain Bolt and Formula 1 motor-racing world champion Sebastian Vettel to endorse its products in a series of events for general public, not just sportsmen.

 

Manny Pacquiao X Nike Sportswear – Customize Your Own T-Shirt Event

(* Source: Freshnessmag *)

Manny Pacquiao x Nike Sportswear   Customize Your Own T Shirt Event

Ahead of the world’s most potent Southpaw’s fight against “Sugar Shane” Mosley this Saturday night, the gathered fans along the Las Vegas Strip will have the chance to declare their allegiance. Beginning today, Nike Sportswear is offering Manny Pacquiao the chance to customize and create their very own MP tees for free. Simply purchase a t-shirt from the Nike Manny Pacquiao Collectionat the Champ Sports location within Fashion Show Mall and select the array of designs. The offer will last till Fight Night, May 7th. There will also be a temporary photo booth event this Sunday, May 8th, where you can bring your best championship poses to the ring for a memorable knockout portrait.

Puma Social: Sports marketing and everyday athletes

(* Source: Giles Fitzgerald *)



Sport is usually approached by brands in two ways.  Firstly, as part of the basic – yet fundamental – sponsorship bragging rights battle at key high profile events, be it football or motor racing. The other flip side of this has been the sponsorship, or development of, on the ground grassroots initiatives that favour the working sportsman; the Sunday football league or part time marathon runner.

Both have their merits, but there is now a new movement brewing, one that is redefining what sport is and how it fits into the more mundane tasks of everyday life.

Puma kick started this rethinking with its ‘Puma Social’ campaign, a global re-envisioning of sport as a part of a much wider competitive set of events outside the remit of traditional sporting activates. The footwear and apparel brand’s low key celebration of the After Hours Athlete, sees everything from darts and bowling to attempting to score a girl’s phone number in the pub as part of the ‘sport’ we engage in everyday. This positions sport as available to all, and not just the reserve of the more able bodied among us.

 

Nike Sportswear – “Sports Is Art” Event – Shanghai

(* Source: Cotadog.com *)

Nike Sportswear   Sports Is Art Event   Shanghai | Event Recap

Before the start of Labor Day long weekend, Nike Sportswear China kicked off its new Summer 2011 campaign highlighting its extensive t-shirt collaboration from past to present. Billed as “Sport Is Art”, the campaign is the culmination of artists from the 5 continents, each exemplify his or her interpretations between art and sports. Honored guests had the opportunity to acquire the collection early over the weekend as well as a preview of tees representing China by the nation’s top creative talents - Ceezy, DJ Jay Soul, 01 Media, Gary Wang and illustrator Xiao Long Hua.


Nike Sportswear   Sports Is Art Event   Shanghai | Event Recap


Nike Sportswear   Sports Is Art Event   Shanghai | Event Recap

Puma Love Run: ‘Find Someone Fit’

(* Source: PopSop.com *)



Ahead of this St. Valentine’s Day, Puma helped single Melbournians find their love in the ‘sportive settings,’ gave couples an opportunity to spend an unconventional Valentine’s weekend and promoted urban running at the same time. On February 12, the lifestyle and sportswear brand launched Puma Love Run, inviting people of Melbourne to have a nice time together covering a distance between 4.5km or 6.5km in the inner-city park Birrarung Marr—all for love.


Nearly 1500 Melbournians, both singles and couples, participated in the first-ever Puma Love run, developed by Ogilvy Group Melbourne and supported by a range of other companies. To spread the word about the initiative revolving around the ‘meet someone fit’ message, Puma launched a campaign including bold viral elements, a micro-website and on-street promotion, all encouraging people of Melburn to get their hearts racing.

 

Puma gave out T-shirts of different colours (red and white ones) to participants who are already in love and those without a date to prevent unwanted misunderstanding. Those, who managed to find a match during the run or just wanted to spend another couple of hours with their sweethearts, could enjoy good music and relax under the stars at the Puma Love Run Music Concert, featuring disco pop Miami Horror band. The cost of registration for the “rigorous stretching of love muscles” cost $45.

The Puma Love Run was created as a fun event for people who love staying fit and the challenge of exercise but are not necessarily elite runners; the perfect fit for Puma’s positioning of ‘joy.’ We thought it would be a great experience if Puma could bring these runners together in a social sense, and help connect people together in a fun, fitness-inspired way. But we needed to make it different from the other fun-runs and Valentines Weekend provided the perfect inspiration,” commented Michael Knox, Ogilvy Group Melbourne Executive Creative Director.

 

July 26, 2011

Kobe Bryant X Eric Koston – Nike SB Zoom Eric Koston One- Release Party

(* Source: Sneaker News *)

Nike SB Zoom Kobe x Koston 1 Event Recap

A fortunate few joined pro skater
 Eric Koston at Los Angeles’ Nike Vault over the weekend for a special launch event, his very first signature edition. A life-long fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, Koston thought of creating an unique edition when the opportunity arises. Needless to say, the outcome was a fusion between his new signature, the Zoom Koston 1, with Kobe Bryant’s own Zoom Kobe VI, or what is known now as the Nike SB Kobe x Koston 1. While the overall form is virtually the same as a regular variant, Koston asked that the upper of Zoom Kobe VI, including the reptilian-like layering be incorporated into the design, along with the familiar Lakers’ colorways of purple and yellow. Lined with a Lunarlon insert and new tread pattern, the Nike SB Kobe x Koston 1, like the rest of the Nike SB Zoom Koston 1, is a fully optimal kicks for skating. Though with only 24 pairs available worldwide, there is little doubt they’re in someone’s treasure trove now, safe and sound.

Nike SB Zoom Kobe x Koston 1 Event Recap

Nike Hyperfuse Product Preview @ The Tramshade London

(* Source: World Sport News *)

Nike Sportswear   Hyperfuse Products Preview | The Tramshade London

After a mid-day pause following the presentation by
 Nike Innovation Leads Shane Kohatsu and Ben Shaffer at Greenwich’s Royal Observatory , the assembled media trekked over to Shoreditch neighborhood of London for an up-close look of the new Hyperfuse product line. Though its no longer the lightest performance footwear out on the market, Nike Sportswear emphasized the 3 tenets that truly made Hyperfuse unique in its category, a perfectly symmetrical application in achieving stability, breathability and durability, with 3 separate curtain walls projecting the new Joey Duck: Unstoppable film by director Remi Paringaux. The “trifecta theme” continued on throughout the exhibition at The Tramshade event space, from the triangular layout of display forms to the evening’s “insightful dinner”, where the chef on site created an one-of-the-kind menu highlighting Hyperfuse’s 3 elements. Well aware of post-dinner doldrums, Nike asked 2 of London’s known street ballers for a few quick pick-up game with members of the media. No wagers were on the line with the exception of a few bruised egos, but in all, the event was one of concise execution.

90008 nike sportswear hyperfuse product preview london 05 Nike Sportswear – Hyperfuse Products Preview | Tramshade London

Nike Sportswear   Hyperfuse Products Preview | The Tramshade London

Nike Stadium NYC – Celebrating Surf & Skate Cultures

(* Source: Poe For Freshness *)

Nike Stadium NYC – Celebrating Surf & Skate Cultures | Event Recap

Perhaps an erosion of the rivalry between East Coasters and West Coast Hipsters,
 Nike Stadium NYC transformed the once insular clubhouse of NYC Destoryers into a all-are-welcome surf/skate gathering. In a span of just 2 weeks saw the removal of banquettes many of our derrieres been familiar with. In place instead, a mammoth functional installation which embodied the notions of swells and ramparts called “The Wave”. The newly revamped space will also be the home of the new Nike Stadium MFG. The customization program will no longer focus on Destroyer Jackets but an entire line of pullovers, hoodies, and tees, all with the underlining theme of So-Cal surf culture. In launching the new initiative, Nike Stadium NYC invited guests to an early screening of Chris Lamb film, along with a fun Friday evening of free Tecate beers, quesadillas, and good company. When the opportunity arises, swing by Nike Stadium NYC to see all the new customization options.

Nike Stadium NYC – Celebrating Surf & Skate Cultures | Event Recap

Nike Stadium NYC – Celebrating Surf & Skate Cultures | Event Recap

July 25, 2011

Nike- 21 Mercer Fashion's Night Out Event

(* Source: Show Ideez *)



September 10th, New York City was one big party. Stores all over the city stayed open late to celebrate Fashion Night. Nike's 21 Mercer street store in Soho held an event for Fashion Night as well. Outside was an ice cream truck serving all the guests free ice cream while inside was 2 open bars and food being served. Guests networked, ate & took photos while looking around at items to buy. On site was complimentary customization of any AW77 hoody purchased. You were able to add different patches (up to 2) that ranged from various letter to patches with 1 of the 5 boroughs on it.

The party goers at 21 Mercer for Fashion Night


Nike: Darrelle Ravis and The Destroyer

(* Source: Freshness Mag *)

Nike Sportswear Presents   Darrelle Revis & The Destroyer | Event Recap

After a brief rest from Sunday’s miraculous comeback, cornerback
 Darrelle Revis from New York Jets football team stopped by NikeTown New York last night for a brief Q & A session with fans and members of gathered audience, all over a good amount of Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. Hosted by Chad Gittens, along with Veronica Velasquez and Jack Greer, all members of the newNSW Destroyer Jacket campaign, Revis explained the importance of training, preparation, as well as supporting elements from family and friends, crucial to a career in professional sport. Revis went on in discussion about the iconography on his customized Nike Destroyer Jacket, each symbolic of his experiences in life thus far while Velasquez and Greer added their own take about the STADIUM MFG program. As with all Nike events in relation to the Destroyer Jacket campaign, the Destroyer Paperboys, including footwear designer Hue, were on hand to gave out the free printed matter.

Nike Sportswear Presents   Darrelle Revis & The Destroyer | Event Recap

Nike Sportswear   Destroyer Journal Issue 1 | Preview

NikeSportswear Presents Futebol Arte: Brasil – Recap at The Montalban

(* Source: The Original Winger *)



Home to the legendary Pele and holder of five World Cup championship titles, and also the only team to have played in every single World Cup, Brasil is pretty much a uncontested soccer superpower, and almost a Lakers equivalent for the game. As the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be officially kicking off with fanfare, celebration, team loyalty, cheering, yelling and more, labels and stores all over the world have been turning their soccer fervor up a few notches with exhibitions, displays, parties and goodies. The City of Angels and Nike Sportswear are not ones to fall off the bandwagon, and had held a Brazilian themed night to celebrate the history, art, culture and soccer fever of Brazil at The Montalban.

The night featured a rooftop reception with drummers, capoeiristas and a live Bossanova band, before the guests moved into the theater for the screening of Cadencia directed by Daren Bartlette, which explores the cadence and rhythm of Rio through arts, soccer, dance, and everything else Brazilian. The night also marks the launch fo the Brasil Black Pack, and closed with a cocktail reception where guests mingled and sipped Brazilian concoctions. Since Brazil is one of the most watched and up-and-coming countries (it will be hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympics) in terms of culture, arts, design and economy, it would be a good country to get acquainted with.

Futebol Arte: Brasil at The Montalban | Event Recap

 Futebol Arte: Brasil at The Montalban | Event Recap

Nike "Girls Rule": Los Angeles Event Recap

(* Source: Freshness Mag *)

Nike Sportswear   Girls Rule Event Los Angeles | Event Recap

“Girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice…” or as the old saying goes.  Just don’t tell these “girls”.  Sure, they too are made of sugar, spice, and everything nice.  But they are also “empowered”, able to create their own destinies by navigating through the various obstacles in life.  Led by Samantha Jo Alonso of FRUITION, they are more than just fashion bloggers, writers, stylists, or boutique owners. They are sisters, nieces, girlfriends, and daughters. But most importantly, they are archetypes of modern day “girls”.

In honor of these role models, Nike devised a “Girl’s Night Out” event in Los Angeles. It all started a week before, when mysterious men in black tux hand delivered invitations to 11 ladies. Next, a private car service picked up each invited guest on the stated date and chauffeured them to an undisclosed location in Downtown Los Angeles. After several courses of wine and dine, the honored 11 were ushered to the just opened Nike Vault at Staples Center for the unveiling of Aquadunk Hi Skinny, each personalized with their names. As a finale to a tremendously fun evening, Nike supplied each with a ticket to Lady Gaga‘s sold out concert at Staples Center.
Nike Sportswear   Girls Rule Event Los Angeles | Event Recap

Nike Sportswear   Girls Rule Event Los Angeles | Event Recap

Nike Sportswear   Girls Rule Event Los Angeles | Event Recap

 

Nike Los Fearless: The Tournament

(* Source: Jack Jensen *)



While most of the basketball world was focused on the glitz and the glamour of the NBA All-Star game and all of the hoopla surrounding, a new movement in basketball had its day just a few blocks from Staples Center.

On Saturday, under a gritty overpass at the Lower Grand Street Tunnel in downtown L.A., the inaugural Nike Basketball Los Fearless 2-on-2 tournament went off. 64 teams showed up to do battle for a $2,000 cash prize and the bragging rights that come with surviving what is undoubtedly one of the most brutal tournaments in the known basketball world. In it’s most simple form, the Los Fearless game is full court 2-on-2 with a scoring system that rewards players for scoring in the paint – it’s a setup that creates a style of play not for the faint of heart.

We charted the journey that the players made up to and through the tournament. Secrecy, surprises and the opportunity to test their mettle before the lights came on Saturday morning awaited every player deemed to have the skills and toughness to be invited to play in the tourney

When it came time to get after it on Saturday morning, Los Fearless did not disappoint. The players were ready, and it was clear from the jump that every athlete in the field represented the best that L.A. and its surrounding areas had to offer. Games were run on five different courts laid down in the tunnel and the fans who made their way down to the event could check out new Nike products, customize t-shirts, hit a NIKEiD station and more.






Nike Los Fearless: Brought to an Abandoned Warehouse, Left to Ball

(* Source: Jack Jensen *)

Los Fearless

" It all started with a text message from a random number about two weeks ago. The message I received went something along the lines of, “Jack, this is Nike. There’s a 2-on-2 tournament during All-Star weekend. Winner gets $2,000. Do you want in?”

Since I received my first anonymous text a few weeks back, I’ve been contacted more than a few times by the Nike team (hovering around 20 or so estimated by my count). And they’ve all operated under a veil of near-complete anonymity. Every time I get a call or a text explaining a new step I have to complete, I am given the information and that’s it.

But that’s all I knew, until Monday that is, when I got a series of calls making sure I was going to be at my work to receive a “special package.” Cool, I like getting mail at work, makes me feel important. The package, or envelope, that arrived, contained a Nike-branded letter inside assigning me my first task.

On the front of the letter, it read, “Los Fearless Are The Chosen Elite.” And on the back, it gave an address and two simple directions:

Los Fearless

We pull up to the street about 8:45pm Wednesday night and it is pitch black outside. The street we pull into is under a street overpass and leads us into a pit of cement nothingness. As we pass a few stray cats and discarded sleeping bags down the street ramp, a huge fellow in all black tells us to park under the pass.

I get out of my car and they sort of file all of us up against this steel-grated warehouse and tell me to pull out my ID card. There are 127 “Chosen Elite” standing around me, not counting myself.  Then, the line starts to flow into said abandoned warehouse through a four-foot metal hobbit door into a room straight out of Saw. They hand me a metal dog tag, cross my name off a highlighted list and send me through. There are boxes and sheets of used plywood and plastic shipping crates strewn all over the building, with one semi-circle opening cleared out for us all to congregate. On the wall in front of us is a forty-foot projection screen displaying the “Los Fearless” tournament logo twitching back and forth.

We still have no clue what’s going on. No one does, not even the security detail, or so they claim.

Then the screen flickers on and there is a giant hooded figure in front of us.

Los Fearless

He’s raspy, deep and telling us why we’re all here. That we players are the Chosen Elite to compete in the Los Fearless Tournament and that our dog tags are our lifeblood. When we lose on the court, we lose our dog tags. And the last duo standing will walk away with the cake for two-grand. The magic voice tells us our next instructions await us at the door.

Inside the envelope were instructions, which I quickly read over. I was told to pick out a couple of shirts and logos for the 'Los Fearless' tournament, and then some shoes for the team as well. Just in case the weather turns sour they also let me pick out some Nike sweatshirts with the logo as well. It shouldn't be a surprise that Nike is doing their best to weed out the fearless.

Los Fearless

 Los Fearless "

 


Black History Month @ the Bowery Stadium

(* Source: Rocky Brown *)

IMG_1711.jpg

The history of Black athletes is full of epic stories and iconic examples of men and women who have reached unprecedented levels of greatness by committing themselves to an awesome struggle. Through their lives and their accomplishments, these players have exemplified what it means to be dedicated to a level of triumph that should always be honored and never be forgotten. This month BOWERY STADIUM transformed into an homage of three athletes that have exemplified greatness in their personal careers; Michael Jordan, Dr. Jay and Kobe Bryant. In support of their inspiring stories, Nike, Jordan and Converse teamed up to release an exclusive line of products which are now on sale at BOWERY STADIUM
IMG 1720 Nike Bowery Stadium x Black History Month


IMG 1649 Nike Bowery Stadium x Black History Month

IMG 1699 Nike Bowery Stadium x Black History Month IMG 1707 Nike Bowery Stadium x Black History Month

 

Nike Vault x Manny Pacquiao “For The People” Event Recap

(* Source: Kicks on Fire *)

Nike Vault x Manny Pacquiao For The People



Nike held a “Pacquiao for the People” special event at the Nike Vault @ Staple Center honoring the World Champion Boxer. The Vault, usually known as the House that Kobe Built, was turned into a Manny pop-up shop and featured some exclusive merchandise as well as lots of memorabilia featuring Manny Pacquiao. One of the more notable pieces at the event was the Limited Edition Manny Pacquiao Heavy Bag Collector Edition. Designed specifically for this event, included in the bag was a Manny Pacquiao signature Nike Sportswear Zoom Huarache Trainers Low, a custom AW77 hoodie, and a Pacquiao Three-Stars Tee. In addition, the Heavy Box Bag features a Philippines’ Royal Blue colorway and was embroidered with Pacquiao’s emblem. Only 17 or the bags were made.

Before Manny showed up, select fans that won a raffle were able to purchase his the Nike Trainer 1.3 Max (which are very limited) and various other exclusive t-shirts designed by Pinnoy tattoo artist Chris Garcia. There was also a Fight Night tournament, with the winner receiving a custom PS2 seen. Once Manny stepped in the building, everyone sat back an listened as he gave a quick 10 minutes Q & A on his upcoming fight, his love for Snoop Dogg, and the one time he went to the club with Kobe.

 Manny Pacquiao Limited Edition Heavy Bag


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Nike Sportswear and Bodega’s “Night Cats”

(* Source: World Sport Daily News *)

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Thursday May 26th marked the launch of the Bodega x Nike Sportswear “Night Cats” event at Bodega in Boston. Over 350 people showed up for the launch event DJ’d by J.Rocc with an art installation weaving in the Footscape Collab Bodega shoe by SF Collective (Boston based group of artists).
 

Nike Sportswear x Bodega's 'Black Cat, Good Luck — Bad Luck' trilogy of Footscapes brings a fresh look, a sense of superstition and continued evolution to a sneaker that remains a cult classic. Boston's Bodega remains one of the world's premier sneaker boutiques with a premium retail experience housed in a secret entrance within a fully functioning bodega. That sense of playfulness and innovation is the perfect match for the Footscape.

The trademark asymmetric lacing to minimize pressure and a foot friendly last was debuted on the original Nike Air Footscape in 1995 as an eccentric experiment in athleticis that swiftly amassed an audience in Asia, drawn to the fit and unique style of the shoe, making it a favorite with runners, collectors, connoisseurs and casual fans alike. Beyond running, the Footscapeʼs groundbreaking shape even entered the realms of ACG and Cross Training.

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