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Articles by Lauryn Balark
adidas ZX8000 "Kirschblütenallee" Cherry Blossom Pack
After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Japanese television network TV Asahi raised over 140 million yen (~€1 million) in donations for a campaign that resulted in the planting of over 9000 sakura trees in Berlin. Today, the TV-Asahi-Kirschblütenallee, or Cherry Blossom Alley, stands as a poignant memento between the countries of Germany and Japan. This cultural exchange marked the beginning of the annual Hanami/Yozakura festival in Berlin.
adidas and Pharrell Present New Basketball Collection
Following the release of the Cream White Pack, Pharrell Williams and adidas reconnect on a less subtle multi-colored pack of basketball-inspired kicks. This collection features a new colorway of the Crazy BYW 2.0 Hu and the debut of a completely new model. Named 0 to 60 STMT, this new model incorporates a stretch woven upper that pulses with color, a reflection of Pharrell’s playful design style. Other features include Boost-cushioning, a zipper-fastened shroud, and Hu branded ankle straps.
Nike Air Max 1 City Pack Celebrates London and Amsterdam
We’ve seen quite a few city packs via Nike within the past few months, highlighting various major cities and job industries around the world. This time around, Nike is releasing a new city pack drawing inspiration from the European likes of London and Amsterdam. The shoes are constructed with a mix of materials and textures, including corduroy, tumbled leather, and suede. The “London” sneaker features a tasteful Smoke Grey/Valerian Blue/Dark Smoke Grey palette.
Converse Reinvents Their Core DNA with New CX Series
Converse has introduced its new CX Series, a reimagination of brand’s core DNA with upgrades to the fit, form, sizing, and function of Converse’s footwear. CX transforms how Converse shoes are made with its three core elements. CX stretch canvas adapts to a wearer’s foot and enables easy on-off wearability. CX foam includes technology that plays a part in impact absorption and boasts long-lasting comfort.
BAPE Drops New 20th Anniversary BAPESTA Colorways
BAPE is continuing their 20th anniversary drops with new colorway options in mid and low OG BAPESTA styles. These silhouettes nod to the classic creations associated with the early days of the popular streetwear brand. Three different versions of the BAPESTA are included with three mid top styles that reflect the original colorways. The familiar dark brown/pink/tan, grey/green/orange, and red/yellow/blue designs are finished in patent leather with BAPE branding symbols on a white sole.
Air Jordan 1 Mid "Chicago Black Toe"
Jordan Brand is set to release an Air Jordan 1 Mid in what is being dubbed the “Chicago Black Toe” colorway, a rework of the classic Chicago Air Jordan 1. This Air Jordan 1 Mid comes dressed in the popular red/black/white “Chicago” color blocking, with the twist being the addition of black leather on the toe box and a matching black rubber outsole. The Chicago’s white side panels, red overlays, black Wings logo and black Swoosh remain intact.
New "Digimon Adventure" Series Debuts Next Month
After being announced earlier this year, the new Digimon Adventure anime is set to debut next month in Japan. The new series is a reboot of the Digimon franchise and features an all-new storyline that chronicles Tai and his partner Agumon’s digital adventure. As the original Digimon series debuted over two decades ago, the reboot’s goal is to modernize the series, now that Digital World and the real world are more connected now than ever before.
Draymond Green Debuts the Converse Basketball G4
Converse has signed a sneaker deal with Draymond Green, making the Golden State Warriors star the brand’s highest profile athlete signing since Dwyane Wade in 2003. Before signing with Converse, Green was a Nike-signed athlete. While Green didn’t play during last night’s Warriors’ home game against the Toronto Raptors, he did appear on-court in Converse’s new G4 basketball silhouette.
RAYSCORRUPTEDMIND Releases Apparel and Poster Collection
Hip-hop photographer RAYSCORRUPTEDMIND has unveiled a new collection consisting of posters of his most iconic photographs as well as a range of apparel items. Images of Travis Scott, Sheck Wes, and Playboi Carti are seen throughout the collection. Ray’s zany style shines through this collection with abstract drawings and characters featured on the tees. A grey crewneck with slime green “corrupted” lettering and a collage of a face is also included in the collection.
First Look at Jordan Brand's Next React Silhouette
Jordan Brand may be releasing a new footwear model equipped with React technology soon. Thanks to photos by CLOT’s Edison Chen and some IG stories from Jordan ambassador DJ Khaled, we have a first look at that upcoming model. The shoe comes in a white, cream, and light blue color scheme and features a ripstop material upper and Nike React cushioning in the midsole. The numbers “000 23” appear throughout the shoe, including on the tongue next to a hand-drawn Jumpman logo.
YCMC x New Balance 990v5 "Big Checks and No Stress"
If you’re also hoping to score big this tax season, the new YCMC x New Balance 990v5 “Big Checks and No Stress” is here to help you secure the bag and hold you over till the tax refund hits. The shoe comes dressed to the nines in blue hues, a tan upper, and mesh base is accompanied by a fake refund check, income tax return, security printed tissue paper, and an envelope-themed shopping bag elevating its tax season theme.
Nike SB Announces Leo Baker Orange Label Collection
Nike SB’s Orange Label will release a collection curated by pro skater and LGBTQ+ activist Leo Baker. The collection includes footwear and apparel consisting of the SB Bruin High and Janoski Slip, unisex jackets, fleeces, shirts, pants, and a beanie. Footwear is central to the collection with the Bruin High and Janoski Slip RM silhouettes. Featuring a complete maroon leather upper with a black sole and maroon laces, the Bruin High complete with a Zoom Air embedded in the insole for skating.
Stüssy x Nike Spiridon Caged 2 "Black" Drops This Week
Original Story (03/04/20): Stüssy and Nike will be collaborating this Spring on the release of two different versions of the Nike Spiridon as well as four colorways of Benassi Slides. The Air Zoom Spiridon Caged 2 will be available in three colorways: “Pure Platinum/Black/White,” “Black/Cool Grey/Black,” and “Fossil/Black/Fossil” colorway.
END. Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary with Stone Island Collab
END. has partnered with Stone Island for a military-inspired capsule collection in celebration of the UK retailer’s 15th anniversary. The two-piece set features an anorak and cargo pant complete with a specially-created “Dust Finish.” The pullover smock features a quarter-zip and adjustable hood with reversible bellow pockets. To match the jacket, the cargo trousers feature a drawstring waist with included bellow pockets for more storage space.
adidas Honors FC Bayern with Special-Edition Jersey
German Soccer Club FC Bayern Munich has revealed its special edition adidas jersey created in celebration of 120 years since the club was founded. The jersey takes inspiration from the first domestic title win in 1932. Elements in the hersey nod to the iconic 1932 title with a burgundy collar and sleeve with a white base. The off-white badge and minimalist detailing references the design of the jerseys worn at the title winning game.
Uniqlo x JW Anderson Spring/Summer 2020 Collection
Uniqlo continues its collaborative streak with British designer JW Anderson for the Spring/Summer 2020 season with a new collection inspired by British country style. The collection includes heavy gingham, checks, and patchwork patterns reworked by Anderson for UNIQLO’s LifeWear brand. The collection includes menswear, womenswear, and kids wear. Gingham checker print shirts, scarfs, Mac style coats, and a range of bags and accessories highlight the collection.
Reebok "It's a Man's World" Collection Celebrates International Women's Day
Reebok has decided to release a new women’s collection to celebrate International Women’s Day. “It’s A Man’s World” gives a twist on the 2001 “It’s a Woman’s World” advertisement and introduces old silhouettes in a new way. The SS20 collection sets forth to challenge the male-dominated sportswear industry and features reworks of classics including the DMX series 2200 Zip, AZTREK Double, Court Double Mix, Club C, and Classic Leather.
Size? x Vans Sk8-Hi "Dawn Of Punk" Inspired by 70s Punk Scene
U.K based retailer size? is set to release a Vans Sk8-hi inspired by the 70s NYC punk scene dubbed “The Dawn of Punk.” The silhouette references The Ramones’ first ever gig at CBGB’s in August 1974 with particular references to the style of the time. Materials in the sneaker are inspired by the punk bands’ unofficial uniform.
PSG and Jordan Brand Release Women's Capsule Collection
It seems that Jordan Brand is continuing to extend its roots in France. Paris Saint-Germain and Jordan Brand have launched their first ever collaborative women’s collection hot on the heels of the first men’s collection of 2020. The latest PSG and Jordan collab features female-focused products inspired by the French flag and the iconic Jumpman logo. The collection includes six new pieces dressed in a predominantly white color palette.
Hot Wheels is Releasing Remote-Controlled Tesla Cybertrucks
Hot Wheels has unveiled its latest creation, a remote-controlled toy replica of Elon Musk’s Tesla Cybertruck, which will release in 1:10 and 1:64 scale models. The 1:10 remote-controlled car is equipped with functioning headlights and taillights, an all wheel drive system with “Sport” and “Chill” modes, and manually operated telescopic tailgate turned loading ramp and vault cover. Cracked window stickers can also be used to replicate the original Cybertruck announcement mishap.
Official Look at the Nike Air Max 90 "Infrared Duck Camo"
Original Story (02/21/20): A new alternate colorway of the 2013 atmos x Nike Air Max 90 “Duck Camo” is expected to release for this year’s Air Max Day. This upcoming colorway features an infrared upper, replacing the original black color blocking. Duck camouflage is present on the mudguard and quarter panels. The infrared detailing of the 2013 release has also been switched with black. Pictured above is the 2013 release. No word on if this upcoming release is also in collaboration with atmos.
40s & Shorties Spring 2020 Collection
In a nostalgic new collection, Los Angeles based label 40s & Shorties presents their new Spring 2020 collection inspired by ’90s and ’00s fashion. The collection comes complete with sweatshirts, hoodies, outerwear, pants, and t-shirts. You can find a color-blocked green, red, and black hoodie with FNS written in huge letters across the front and 40s & Shorties branding written in small white letters underneath.
Nike Releasing Air Force 1 with Tear-Away Upper
Nike will be putting a new twist on the classic Air Force 1 silhouette. Similar to the CLOT x Nike Air Force 1s, these AF1s feature an upper that can be removed to reveal a hidden layer underneath. The white upper is detailed with black stitching and tiny instructions. On the Swoosh, there are tiny scissors indicating the tear-away design. A “Tear Here” instruction on the front of the toe box also nods to the creative design underneath.
J Cole and Puma Announce Partnership with "The DREAMER" Short Film
J Cole and Puma have partnered together to release a short film title “The DREAMER”. The film co-directed and conceptualized by Cole follows a young kid’s journey through basketball, modeled after J. Cole’s own love for the sport and the rapper’s rise to stardom. The film includes clips of young Cole playing basketball and a clip of his infamous missed dunk at the 2019 NBA All Star Game. The film ends with Cole dunking a ball alone on a dimly lit court.
7 Moncler Fragment x Converse Chuck 70 Release Info
Original Story (02/12/20): Luxury outerwear brand Moncler has announced that they will be releasing a new collection with Fragment Design’s Hiroshi Fujiwara under their collaborative 7 MONCLER FRAGMENT HIROSHI FUJIWARA line. The collection will include apparel and a special edition Converse Chuck 70. This Converse Chuck 70 features a black canvas upper contrasted by white stitching throughout. The Moncler emblem and Fragment’s lightning bolts logo appear on the upper’s heel.
Sukamii Set to Launch First Drop of 2020
Rising streetwear brand Sukamii is set to release a new collection of apparel, the first release of the new year. The brand quickly rose to popularity with help from merch collaborations with hip-hop artist such as Ski Mask the Slump God and the late JuiceWRLD. This limited drop includes a range of tees with Sukamii’s signature characters such as StarBoy and HeartBoy.
Everything That Went Down at Nike's Future Sport Forum
Nike family in attendance at the New York Future Sport Forum As part of the New York Fashion Week festivities, Nike held a huge showcase called the Nike Future Sport Forum. Official competition apparel for basketball, track and field, and skateboarding was unveiled, giving a look at what athletes would be wearing at this summer’s Olympics Games in Tokyo.
Nike Announces Release Info for the Air Zoom BB NXT
Original Story (02/11/20): Nike has introduced new members to the Air Zoom family of high performance footwear ahead of this summer’s Olympics Games in Tokyo. The seven models each have their unique specifications that aid performance and agility in sports from ranging from basketball, football, and distance running.
Full Look at the BAPE x Coach Collection
Japanese streetwear brand BAPE is set to collaborate with American luxury brand Coach on a new collection. Teaser images on Coach’s Instagram page feature BAPE’s Baby Milo out in the streets of New York, Tokyo, and London. Co-branded accessories, hoodies, and tees are speculated to be included in this collection as seen in other BAPE high-end collabs, most recently the BAPE X MCM collection. Check out the teasers below and stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for more release info.
Nike Summer 2020 Sport-Inspired Collaborations
Nike is partnering with five international style icons to create new sport-inspired collections ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan. These collections were introduced at the Nike Sport Forum that took place during New York Fashion Week.
Hiroshi Fujiwara Previews Fragment x Nike Air Force 1 High
Along with a Fragment x Air Jordan 34, Hiroshi Fujiwara has teased what appears to be an upcoming Fragment x Nike rework of the Air Force 1 High. The frequent Nike collaborator and founder of Fragment Design has shared photos of an all-white leather Air Force 1 High. A FRGMT label is stitched down down the heel, overlapping the standard Nike Air branding.
Nike Gives the Air Max 95 an "Alien" Colorway
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Air Max 95, Nike will be releasing an “Alien” remix to the iconic silhouette. This Nike Air Max 95 features a teal, pink, and black color scheme with iridescent detailing and alien decals on the tongue and insoles. Nike Air branding is present on the heel, while a mini Swoosh appears on the lateral side panel. A white midsole with a pink Air bubble and a Mint Green rubber outsole completes the design.
Nike Announces Space Hippie Collection Release Date
(Original Story 02/06/20): Keeping up with the sustainability trends we’ve seen popping up in footwear this year, Nike is set to release a new series of sports performance shoes inspired by life on Mars — where materials are scarce and there is no resupply mission. Created from scraps, or “space junk,” the new Space Hippie Collection aligns with Nike’s latest efforts to lower the company’s carbon footprint.
adidas Superstar vs Basketball "Starting Five" Pack
Expanding on the silhouette mash-up experimentation seen on the Superstan, adidas introduces new “Vs.” colorways of the Superstar in a “Starting Five” pack that pays tribute to some old-school adidas basketball silhouettes. This pack puts the Superstar up against the classic Rivalry, Americana, Forum, Top Ten, and Streetball silhouettes worn by basketball players throughout the 70s and 80s.
Nike and Converse 2020 Black History Month Collection
After a first look, Nike has revealed its full Black History Month sneaker lineup for 2020. The collection includes new designs for the Air Force 1 and Air Max 95, as well as the timeless classics — Converse’s Chuck 70 and Pro Leather. The color palette of this collection is inspired by the diversity in the African diaspora, with influences from African textiles and 90’s street style.
Chicago-Inspired Air Force 1 Colorways Releasing for NBA All-Star Weekend
Nike will be releasing a few different special edition Air Force 1s for the upcoming NBA All Star-Weekend festivities, each drawing inspiration from the event’s host city of Chicago. One of the styles features an upper covered in a multitude of patterns. The different prints are meant to represent the different neighborhoods of Chicago and how all they unite to create a diverse city. “Nike Chi” branding replaces the traditional “Nike Air” on the heels.
size? x Nike Air Max 95 "20 For 20"
Original Story (02/03/20): European retailer size? will be celebrating its 20th anniversary as well as Air Max Day 2020 with their own Nike Air Max 95. The “20 Years of size?” design incorporates details from 20 different Air Max colorways released throughout the store’s 20 years of business. The AM95 features a leather and mesh-based upper, with earth-toned overlays of the lateral side panels and bright-colored overlays on the medial. A unifying pink dresses the tongue, sock liner, and Air bubble.
NBA Honors Kobe Bryant With All-Star Game Rule Changes
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images The NBA will be honoring the late Kobe Bryant with some new rules for the 2020 All Star Game taking place on February 16th in Chicago. The two teams led by captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo will play the first three quarters of the game as normal, but this year the winner of each three quarters will get $100,000 to donate to the Chicago-based community organization of their choice.
adidas Announces Plans to End Plastic Waste
In the midst of humanity’s newest era of carbon footprint damage control, adidas has announced an initiative that will help the company become more sustainable. The main focus is to end plastic waste and consumption by introducing new products and processes with sustainably-focused partners. adidas introduced two new sustainable technologies with ocean conservatism organization Parley for the Oceans.
BAPE Introduces BAPE FLAME Pattern for SS 2020
Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape has developed a new BAPE FLAME pattern that will be introduced on apparel and accessories in their Spring/Summer 2020 collection. The flame deco incorporates BAPE’s Ape Head motif, engulfing it orange and blue flames. The initial drop of products includes zip-up hoodies, crewnecks, jeans, socks, and skate deck options. More apparel and accessories with this pattern will release throughout the season.
adidas Originals x Craig Green CG Kontuur I and II
adidas Originals has announced the first drop from a new collaborative project with Craig Green centered on experimentation in design. Sneakers from the upcoming collection first debuted at Craig Green’s Men’s Spring/Summer 2020 show during London Fashion Week in June 2019. Craig Green is a prominent London based menswear designer who is known for combining functionality with design ingenuity and a freedom to experiment.
Disney and adidas Releasing Mickey Mouse Ultra Boost
adidas Originals will be releasing a follow-up to their Mickey Mouse CNY collection with a special edition Mickey Mouse-themed Ultra Boost. The sneaker features a red and black Primeknit upper atop a white Boost midsole. Red and yellow accents appear on the “ultra boost” branding on the side heel, with additional yellow on the peace sign glove embellishment on the tongue. A logo of Mickey’s face is also imprinted in grey on the side of the textured heel tab.
Air Jordan 4 Arrives in Air Max 95 "Neon" Colorway
Original Story (01/24/20): Jordan Brand will be releasing an Air Jordan 4 in a colorway inspired by the Air Max 95 in celebration of Air Max Month. This Air Jordan 4 features a color blocking similar to that of the OG Air Max 95 “Neon” colorway. Overlapping hues of grey suede cover the upper, while the side panels and tongue feature a white netting. Volt accents appear on the multiport lace locks as well as the Jordan Flight tongue tag.
SoleFly Celebrates 10 Years with Air Jordan 10 Collab
Original Story (01/24/20): SoleFly is set to release a special edition of the Air Jordan 10 in honor of the Miami sneaker boutique’s 10th anniversary. The release will also celebrate the Super Bowl returning to Miami for the first time since Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. This Air Jordan 10 comes dressed in Miami team colors: white, orange, and black. The heels feature both Jordan and SoleFly branding, with the left shoe replacing the traditional Jumpman logo with the SoleFly logo.
MTV Show 'Punk'd' is Back with New Host Chance the Rapper
The hit MTV prank show Punk’d is returning this time with a new host: Chance the Rapper! Chance announced the news on his social media channels earlier today, sending nostalgic fans into a frenzy. The show will be returning on Quibi, a new short-form mobile video platform. The upcoming site promises “quick bites” and “premium content” to its viewers and boasts lots of celebrity appearances. Quibi is scheduled to launch April 6, 2020 with the new Punk’d series releasing shortly after.
BAPE Black x Reebok Classics ELECTROLYTE and AZTREK 96
A Bathing Ape’s BAPE BLACK imprint is collaborating with Reebok, revamping two classic silhouettes, the ELECTROLYTE and the AZTREK 96. The Reebok ELECTROLYTE pairs BAPE BLACK’s camo jacquard with leather panels and silver detailing throughout the sides of the sneaker. A BAPESTAR logo in silver is imprinted on the lateral side completing the design of the sneaker. The AZTREK 96 features nylon mesh material throughout with premium leather on the upper.
A Bathing Ape x Dr. Martens 1460 Remastered
It’s the 60th anniversary of the Original Dr. Martens boot. To celebrate, DM is partnering with twelve innovative, world-renowned designers, artists and creatives to reimagine the iconic silhouette in a new “1460 Remastered” project. The first of these collaborations is with Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape. For the two brands’ fourth collaboration together, BAPE uses the BAPE STA as a starting point, a silhouette that is also celebrating an anniversary this year.
Kickstradomis Creates Custom AF1s for Call of Duty League
The Call of Duty League launches this weekend in Minneapolis. The newest esports league has enlisted notable custom sneaker designer Kickstradomis to create custom Nike Air Force 1s in honor of the league’s inaugural season. The kicks are dressed in black, grey and white, the three main colors associated with the Call of Duty League.
adidas D Rose 1 "Simeon" Returns NBA All-Star Weekend
With NBA All-Star Weekend festivities taking place in Chicago this year, adidas Basketball will be celebrating the city’s hometown hero Derrick Rose with the release of multiple colorways of the D Rose 1. One of the releases will come in the “Simeon” colorway, first seen at the 2011 All-Star Game. The Team Yellow and Collegiate Blue colorway pays homage to Rose’s Simeon High School years.
Nike Introduces the Air Max 270 React Engineered
The Air Max 270 React Engineered is the latest addition to the Air Max 270 family. We’ve already seen this silhouette in the form of Travis Scott’s upcoming Nike collab, but now we have official info on this silhouette. This version of the Air Max 270 incorporates Nike React technology like the standard Air Max 270 React, but the upper is re-engineered upper offers lightweight and breathable comfort with a modern twist.
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