The Future

I'm really into the new-wave of independent footwear companies, brands, and retailers that are going full force this year. Here’s a list of a few up and coming companies and brands that I’ll be keeping an eye on.

EYTYS - These 90’s inspired sneakers take me back to when I was a teenager. Eytys mission is pretty straightforward: A sneaker brand that aims to be the perfect product manifestation of Generation Y. I feel like I could find these high-midsole sneakers in the dressing room of Missy Elliot’s The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) video shoot. I would wear these with some navy cargo shorts in the Summer, and a yellow bubble jacket, baggy black sweatpants and some goggles in the Fall. The only stockist in the U.S. that carries Eytys is Opening Ceremony, so I’m just hoping the Stockholm based brand is more accessible to folks in the US soon.

Eytys

Eytys

MUTTA SHOES - Handmade. Latin America. Vibrant. I’m loving everything about coming from the Mutta camp. I’m seeing a lot of Moccasins, leather laces, all-over nature prints and crepe soles. These dudes aren’t following any trends; just creating well-crafted products heavily inspired by their Brazilian heritage and culture. All of Mutta Shoe’s materials and textiles are locally-sourced in Brazil as well. I’m usually a boring sneaker-wearer and my color panel is usually just black, white or grey, but Mutta is having my feet ready for a pair of of Comma Tribal Burgundys or the Drucker Noir Wing Tip. Another one of those brands that I would like to see in the U.S., a.s.a.p.

Mutta

Mutta

ATHLETIC PROPULSION LABS (APL) - Designing sneakers is no easy task, but to take it to the next level and create a brand and business behind while going against the big boys like Nike and Adidas shows no fear. The Los Angeles based basketball collective APL. offers several models of performance footwear, even having a few of them being sold out. It also appears that they’ve spent some time on their branding and technology. I'm enjoying the details, like the subtle rain camo pictured to the right. I would love to see more marketing of the brand. Will we see APL on the NBA or NCAA? What type of basketball player can we see wearing a pair of APL’s? How will APL use Social Media to fully maximize their brand identity?

Athletic Propulsion labs

Athletic Propulsion labs

GYM STANDARD - Former colleague of mines, Renaissance man and overall-good-dude Edwin Negado is in the works of opening up Gym Standard, his own Footwear and Design Goods shop in Sunny San Diego. Edwin is an alumni of Wieden + Kennedy 12.7 and worked on the Off The Wall line at Vans shortly after. Now he is applying his knowledge and wisdom into creating and running his very own business. I’ve always considered Edwin a curator of all well designed things - from fashion, to furniture, music, and art. There is no doubt that G.S. will make some noise in California, so make sure to stay current with Edwin Himself and the Gym Standard posse.

Gym Standard by Edwin Negado

Gym Standard by Edwin Negado

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Functionality

Even with some luxuries of modern life, some people live modestly, preferring simple and meaningful things. I met a Construction Worker inside Rockefeller Center holding a Red Wing Box. I assumed he had just bought a new pair of boots. But if he had just bought them, wouldn't the store pack his purchasing in a bag?  It was also weird that he was holding it with a handle like it was a toolbox.

I had to find out the deal, so I approached him and asked him what was inside. He mentioned that he used it as a lunch box. I had to question him again as to why he used a shoe box, and he replied back, "Why not?". I asked myself the same question. It was pleasing to see an application of  function over form.  Some people use coffee filters to diffuse flash on a camera. Some use an empty jar of olive to store paint. This man decided to use a shoe box to pack his lunch.

Jordan IX Motorboats

Johnny Kilroy was a fake character created as an alternate ego for Michael Jordan. Advertising powerhouse Wieden and Kennedy along with Nike created a marketing campaign that involved the character of Johnny Kilroy, who was conspicuously very similar to Michael Jordan. He played like Jordan, his official Upper Deck playing card resembled Jordan, wore #4 and the Air Jordan IX sneakers. 

Johnny Kilroy played ball for fictional semi-professional teams, the first being the Billings Bandits whose team colors were Red and Black. It was as a Bandit where Michael transformed himself into a player named Motorboat Jones. 

The campaign was a success and became one of the most powerful Jordan Brand marketing efforts  This campaign's message was pretty straightforward -- Although Jordan retired to play baseball, his impact in basketball would never leave disappear.

Last week, I ran into @therealspina14 wearing a pair of the Motorboat Jones IX's, released as the last colorway of the Johnny Kilroy pack. I'm a sucker for anything all red and suede, so these are considered to be a favorite. Anyone selling a size 9?

(Challenge Red/White-Black)

(Challenge Red/White-Black)

The Michael Jordan Statue in Chicago, Illinois

I made it to The United Center.

This statue is a tribute to the greatest player in NBA history. A realistic depiction of Air Apparent, Michael Jordan, the statue illustrates the spectacular nature of his unique skill, and creates the illusion of flight. It was a surreal experience, knowing that this was where #23 himself built a dynasty.

Sculptors Omri and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany were commissioned to create this piece of art in 1994 . Recently, their original blueprints were up for auction on eBay, ending at a selling price of $30,000.00.

2012 Nike Free Kukini

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Nike Kukuni. Originally released back in 2000, it was such a wild shoe to me, and I loved how crazy they looked. Last year, Nike reissued the futuristic Kukini, combining style and functionality with features such as Nike’s Free technology and a unique plastic exoskeleton frame that is both flexible and breathable. It's the perfect shoe to slip on and go. Here's a bike rider on 41st and Broadway putting a pair to good use. I also would love to have it come to Nike ID. Hopefully one day it will happen.

(Sport Red/Varsity Royal-White)

(Sport Red/Varsity Royal-White)

2013 Jordan Brand Classic Recap

I was able to attend the Jordan Brand Classic in Brooklyn a few weeks ago to watch some of the best high school basketball talent America has to offer, like Tyler Ennis, Andrew Wiggins, Julius Randle, and Jabari Parker. As expected, the games marketing appeal took on a life of its own. I was visually stimulated as soon as I walked into the newly built Barclays Center as this year's JBC theme consisted of Black, Gold, and Red (which happen to be my 3 favorite colors).

Celebrities in attendance included Michael Jordan, Fabolous, Spike Lee, Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, Lala Vasquez, Joe Budden, Carmelo Anthony, and Drake capped off the night with a performance.

I was focused on game itself, but I was able to snap just a few pictures of some of the Air Jordan XX8 player exclusives worn by the players throughout the day. Enjoy.

*A special Thank You to Josh Benedek of Jordan Brand, who attempted his best to try and get me a media pass all the way on the other side of the country. Unfortunately the sidelines were extremely packed. Thank you for the consideration, Josh.