Author: Tom
Having already had 2 models with an addition of a 2.5 silhouette, OKC Forward Paul George is on course already with a 3rd to add to his signature line with Nike.
The creation of the Nike PG3 had to be better than the last but how? Nike Basketball Footwear Designer Tony Hardman had three veteran principals to deliver the right performance sneaker for Paul George: Traction, Fit and Weight.
Make It Faster: Shedding down unnecessary material (such as extra TPU), integrating the tongue into the collar, employing a softer, lighter foam in the midsole and utilizing mesh in the upper resulted in shedding nearly an ounce off the PG 2.5.
Make Evert Step Matter: To enable that movement, the PG3 features a circular traction pattern that helps George cut sharply, close out at a sprint and stop on a dime. George is further locked in with the free-floating, synthetic “wings” across the forefoot, a feature carried over from the PG2.
Remember Where You Came From: The debut colour way for the new Nike PG3 is dubbed ‘NASA’ as it was inspired by their research centre in his hometown of Palmdale, California
The Nike PG3 features colours from the NASA Flight Suit which is a combination of orange and blue, a lightweight ripstop collar taken from the lightweight foil from the space suit gloves. In addition, a host of personal touches from Paul George are present from the Palmdale zip code on the midsole to Apollo 14 patch on the heel and hits of morse code on the outsole. A quote he lives by “Don’t tell me sky’s the limit, when there’s footprints on the moon” is also featured on the outsole.
Nike PG3 ‘NASA’ | Launching online on Saturday 26th January (available online at 8:00AM GMT). Sizes range from UK6 – UK13 (including half sizes), priced at £115.
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adidas Originals and Pharrell Williams have an unrivalled catalogue when it comes to curating collections and their most recent collaboration is a testament to that.
The two have come together to offer a Chinese New Year inspired iteration on the adidas Originals Crazy BYW and SolarHu Glide. Both feature special odes of Chinese culture through the mixture of red and gold hits – a colour combination known to bring happiness and good fortune. Remaining with the theme, the SolarHu Glide CNY features an embroidered ‘Fú’ symbol on its upper, which is traditionally placed upside-down on the doors of Chinese homes in order to bring prosperity to the household. Likewise, the BYW CNY features the word ‘Ambition’ embroidered across both the left and right uppers, inspiring its wearer to remain determined throughout the coming year.
The SolarHu features a black and red knit with a full length UltraBOOST midsole to blend striking visuals and unparalleled performance technology. In addition, the Crazy BYW is also dressed in a knit upper for breathability and a split midsole with BOOST tooling which represents the pinnacle of comfort and aesthetic design.
adidas Originals by Pharrell Williams CNY Pack | Launching in-store and online on Saturday 26th January (available online at 8:00AM GMT). Sizes range from UK6 – UK12 (including half sizes), prices range from £130 – £220.
Sometimes looking to the past can best inform future, and this is exactly the case with the adidas LXCON. The perfect blend of retro and futuristic aesthetics the LXCON boasts some unique design features, that allude to the direction adidas will be taking this year.
First seen on the feet of nerdy teen turned Fit God Jonah Hill last year, the adidas LXCON has been gaining traction online since. The unique blend past and future as well as the deconstructed aesthetic of the shoe’s upper make it ideal for today’s market place.
The LXCON features an oversized adiPRENE sole unit, which aside from providing comfort and support for the wearer drives the 90’s aesthetic of the trainer. This is then complimented by the contemporary upper of the shoe, which features a breathable mesh blend and plastic piping across the lateral and medial side. As well as serving as embellishment the piping plays a part in the shoes lacing system, which makes for an interesting look.
The adidas LXCON will be available in-store and online Saturday 26th January, with sizes ranging from UK6 – UK12 (including half sizes), priced at £90.
In celebration of Super Bowl LIII (53) adidas have teamed up with Japanese streetwear OGs BAPE, to present a love letter to American football. This isn’t the first time the two brands have met, however it is the first time they have used American football as inspiration for a collection.
The limited edition capsule collection features instantly recognisable American silhouettes such as a football jersey, cleats, helmet and ‘football’ all of which are adorned with classic BAPE camo. The collection also features a BAPE Shark hoodie and glove set, which features the same motif.
However the standout piece is the BAPE x adidas UltraBOOST, which feature a blacked out BOOST sole and a classic BAPE Camo Primeknit upper.
The adidas x BAPE Super Bowl collection will be available online 2.2.19 with the adidas x BAPE UltraBOOST available for an in-store purchase via AN ONLINE RAFFLE ONLY.
STRICTLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON CLICK HERE TO ENTER.
Blends is a Los Angeles-based boutique that exists at the intersection between sneaker culture, streetwear and high fashion. Originally opening its first location in 2002 in Costa Mesa, Blends came as a response to the U.S. market’s lack of unique retail spaces in which both athletic footwear and high fashion could meet on equal terms.
During the 90s visible running technology boom, sports brand PUMA innovated to create PUMA CELL Technology, one of the most durable and resilient cushioning technologies of the day. The hexagonal cells provided the optimal shape for stable cushioning to move faster, stronger and better.
An offspring of the ‘Futuristic’ and ‘Unusual’ design idea, the CELL Endura BLENDS is decked with mesh and PU coated leather upper with iridescent metallic silver leather overlays.
The fading effect of the tone change aims to represents ‘Understanding of Nothing’ – while there exists an infinite space of the unknown, living with uncertainty towards the future without forgetting the past is key.
The sneakers stay true to the original silhouette with the Cell technology fitted on the midsole. Featuring an added loop puller on the tongue, the CELL X BLENDS co-branded sock-liner completes the look.
The Puma x BLENDS CELL Endura is available online on Saturday 26thJanuary (available online at 8:00AM GMT). Sizes rangw from UK6 – UK12 (including half sizes), priced at £130.
Nike Sportswear’s ISPA established itself onto the market in late 2018 with the debut of the React Runner Mid. The ISPA range blended highly technical and functional design aesthetics, to create a shoe that protected the wearer whatever the weather. Nike are set to continue this design philosophy with the Nike ISPA Air Max 270.
The latest ISPA rendition provides protection in two main ways, the first being the plastic cage on the shoes uppers and the rugged all terrain sole unit that sits below the instantly recognisable Air Max 270 air unit. The shoe’s upper is comprised of breathable ripstop, which helps to battle harsh weather conditions, while simultaneously providing comfort and movability.
The Nike ISPA Air Max 270 will be available online and in-store Thursday 24th January. The shoe comes in three colours – ‘White/Amber Rise/Ghost Aqua’, ‘Blue Void/Terra Orange’ and ‘Black/Anthracite’ – with sizes ranging from UK6 – UK12 (including half sizes), priced at £160.
Continuing from the host of colourways released in 2018 for the Air Jordan 1, Jordan Brand have carried over the momentum in 2019.
This time around, a new iteration of the popular silhouette has surfaced and includes a few details never before seen on a general release.
This variation features a mixture of neutral grey suede and black leather underlays on the upper and around the ankle collar and lining, a hit of hyper crimson which takes a nod from the recent LA Union x Air Jordan 1. Other details included are the Wings logo in white and a stand-out feature is the label of ‘SP19 AIR JORDAN 1 HIGH OG’ on the medial side of both feet – an inspiration from the OFF-WHITE ‘THE TEN’ annotations. This is all sat on top of a white midsole and grey outsole to complete the look.
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘Neutral Grey/Hyper Crimson’ | Launching in-store and online on Thursday 24th January (available online at 8:00AM BST). Sizes range from UK6 – UK14 (including half sizes), priced at £130.
Trainers and jewellery have a lot in common, both have a strong appreciation for the finer details, both celebrate timeless design and both have die-hard collectors. But by far the biggest similarity if the dedication that trainer designers and jewellers put into their craft. Given the similarities, teaming up a jeweller for an exclusive Footpatrol jewellery collection made perfect sense and we could think of no-one better to collaborate with than East London based jeweller, Duffy.
Duffy is a bespoke jeweller who specialises in intricate and timeless design with a contemporary twist. Duffy’s work is beautifully crafted and detailed and elevates classic jewellery motifs to a more modern level. Having previously worked with Palace and OFF WHITE – creating the AW17 P signet ring for the former and golden leaf broches for the latter’s AW17 runway – we were extremely excited to work with Duffy and see what he would produce. The result is an expertly crafted and timeless sterling silver ring that puts the iconic Footpatrol GasMask front and centre, the Footpatrol x Duffy Jewellery GasMask ring is limited to 50 worldwide (each ring comes with an engraved serial number), and will be available online from 8:00AM GMT Saturday 19th January, priced at £220. Please note, the ring comes in one size only, however it can be re-sized.
Ahead of the release this Saturday, we sat down with Duffy to get in some insight into his design process, his history with sneakers and what’s in store for the future…
Footpatrol: Hi Duffy, how are you? Please can you introduce yourself for the readers?
Duffy: I’m good thank you, pretty tired as its the busiest time of year for me work wise so plenty of sleepless nights in the workshop but that’s something you get used to. I’m a jeweller, working mainly on bespoke handmade commissions as well as working with or consulting for brands on their jewellery.
FP: How long have you been working in Jewellery? And have you always been independent?
D: I graduated almost 15 years ago, which seems crazy to think it’s been that long already. I’ve always worked for myself as I always wanted to design and make the work from start to finish myself, something that doesn’t happen when working within one of the big jewellery houses, there you are either a designer or a maker, never both.
FP: When and how did you find you had a passion for Jewellery? Was it from a young age?
D: My dad suggested it as a career option when I was about 13 years old as I was always drawing and making stuff. It’s an on-going joke with my brothers that when I was about 9 I hacksawed my BMX in half to make a go cart and then realised I was 9 and didn’t know how to weld so had to hide the sawn in half bike behind the shed in our garden so my dad didn’t find out.
At that time I wanted to be an illustrator as I was always copying my favourite comics like Spiderman, The Punisher and Judge Dredd. My dad had planted a seed and I began thinking about jewellery as an option and then at 16 I did work experience with a jeweller called Jeremy Hoye in Brighton, where I made my first ring and I guess that was it I was hooked.
FP: Can you let us know a bit about the process of creating a piece like the gas mask from turning a digital flat logo into a 3D ring?
D: I work with a specific jeweller’s wax for carving models. I start with a block of this wax and basically begin removing the negative space that isn’t needed, slowly creating the desired piece.
FP: Did you have any hiccups along the way?
D: I wouldn’t say hiccups, the Footpatrol gas mask itself isn’t a realistic image like a photograph. The image is suggestive so translating a suggestive 2D image into a real 3-dimensional form is very tricky. You have to make up what doesn’t already exist whilst still maintaining the original visual likeness.
FP: Some of the work you produce is super intricate and complex, how do you get yourself into the zone to produce such work and how long can one piece take?
D: Being in the right mood helps, some days I’d rather be at the wax bench carving than say at a microscope setting stones or engraving but I don’t always have a choice if a deadline is looming. For the most part I manage my own time and every morning starts by walking my dog which always starts the day off nicely. I can make pieces in a day or they can sometimes take months, it all depends on how intricate and difficult the design is.
FP: What is the general vibe here in your studio? And how do you find it being based in the heart of East London?
D: It’s pretty relaxed most the time, it’s just me and my dog, Summer. I always have either music or movies I’ve seen a million times playing in the back ground. I have no hard-fast routine but end up working most weekends as when commissions are done there’s always personal work to play around with.
East London has changed so much over the years. Clients wouldn’t visit me 10 years ago as it was too far out or too sketchy for them, I would have to constantly meet my clients in central somewhere, now it feels like the world has moved east.
FP: This year you have worked with some amazing brands and created some incredible pieces are you able to shed some light on how these collaborations have come about?
D: It’s been a great couple of years in regard to collaborations and the people I’ve had the pleasure to make pieces for. I get approached a lot to help brands with their jewellery but most the time say no as I really have to either like the brand and what they are doing or be giving an exciting proposal that offers me a chance to challenge myself.
The Stella MacCartney project was real fun as they gave me a small amount of guidance as to what they were after and then they just let me run with it. Off-White was slightly different as Virgil had an idea but didn’t know how to realise it and that’s where I came in. I think these collaborations come about as in the world of fashion there aren’t many people that can offer both craft and design whereas I am able to handle a project in its entirety.
FP: Do you have a favourite piece of commissioned and personal work?
D: I sometimes carve wax models for other jewellery houses for them to realise their designs into a 3-dimensional object from which to take a mould. I have carved some pieces for Faberge which was a real honour. Then in regard to personal work I made a necklace of a swan for the global launch/exhibition of ethical gemstone company Gemfields that was held at Phillips a few years back. That meant a lot to me as I was exhibiting alongside some of the greatest jewellers in the world and it affirmed my position as a skilled professional within my industry.
FP: Are there any materials and stones that you like to work with more than others?
D: I love 18ct gold it just seems to work so much more effortlessly than most other precious metals. I’ve been experimenting with lots of unusual materials the last year. I made an ebony and gold collection for Hostem and would like to do more work like that. As for gemstones I love Tourmaline, specifically Indicolite Tourmalines and recently loving Grey/platinum coloured spinels.
FP: How would you define your style of work?
D: That’s always a hard one as I make very diverse styles of jewellery but for the most part I would say it’s usually large, bold, ornate and I try to make my pieces feel timeless.
FP: As Footpatrol is a sneaker store, do you have a history with sneakers? Are there any pairs that stand out for you?
D: I’ve always had an interest in sneakers that goes back to being a young kid. When it came to buying new shoes for me and my brothers my mum would always give us a budget. The budget would only ever allow for me to get some budget sneakers, so I would always do jobs to earn a little extra to get something I really wanted.
I remember always wanting something that my friends wouldn’t have, and the Nike Air Shake, and Nike Air Trainer 1 Mid spring to mind. As for favourites I’ve always loved the Nike Light Bursts. I’ve had a fair few of them but lost most of them to the mid sole failing. I’m down to two wearable colour ways that haven’t yet started to crumble.
FP: Outside of creating Jewellery how do you like to unwind and spend your time?
D: Walking my dog, cycling and a few pints in a real pub would be about the perfect day.
FP: We are coming to the end of what looks like an amazing year for yourself. What can we expect to see from you in 2019?
D: A lot of stuff planned, there’s a collaboration I’ve been working on for sometime which launches in January with Jo Malone. I’ve never sold my work through retailers other than Hostem In London as they’ve always allowed me to create bespoke collections specifically for them but as of February I will be stocking with some select international stores.
I’ve just started work on a series of one of a kind pieces I hope to exhibit around the end of March as well. For now, I think that’s plenty enough to keep me busy.
Continuing from their previous F/W18 collection, Tokyo streetwear brand – have a good time team up with adidas Originals once again to present their latest SS19 capsule.
Inspired by Argentina’s national football team colour palette, the collection features blue hues as opposed to their signature red branding. Featuring within the collection are velour tracksuits, windbreakers, T-shirts.
Footwear consists of timeless classics with the adidas Gazelle dressed in Clear Blue with hits of Black and White. The other pair being the adidas Superstar which is predominantly White with hits of Blue and Black.
The adidas Originals x have a good time SS19 Collection will be Launching online on Saturday 19th January (available online at 8:00AM GMT). Apparel sizes ranges from S – XL, prices range from £55 – £180. Footwear sizes range from UK6 – UK12 (including half sizes), prices range from £120 – £130.
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Like its predecessor, the Air Max2 Light offered a technical four-chambered Air Max unit which featured two different pressure systems (25 PSI and 5 PSI). The combination between the two pressure systems optimised firm cushioning on the heel as well as giving a softer bounce. In addition, the Air Max2 Light presented a toned down element as opposed to the Air Max2 with the cut of the model being shorter as well as the midsole however, it still kept the vigorous aesthetic through the overlays on the upper.
Coming off the release of the its first ever reissue, the Nike Air Max2 Light is back with another colourway. The 90’s runner is dressed in a Blue Lagoon colour combined with breathable mesh and suede. White synthetic leather overlays for aggressiveness and a black swoosh on the medial and lateral side of the foot. Nike hits on the heel and tongue complete the upper. The air units feature their respective colours with black and white detailing.
The Nike Air Max2 Light ‘Blue Lagoon/Black’ will be Launching in-store and online. Sizes range from UK5.5 – UK12 (including half sizes), priced at £110.
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