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G-SHOCK MRG-B2000SG-1A ‘Shougeki-Maru: Gai’

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CASIO announced the release of a new addition to the MR-G series, the flagship line of the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the G-SHOCK brand.

Honouring the Shougeki-Maru: Gai kabuto helmet, the MRG-B2000SG-1A features the helmet’s maedate crest with a tiger pattern and evokes white ito odoshi, which signifies the strong determination of a samurai warrior who stays true to their own convictions. This very special timepiece is offered in a limited edition of only 700 pieces worldwide.

Based on the concept of delivering “the ultimate in toughness-driven watches,” the MR-G line is the pinnacle of the G-SHOCK brand, meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail and incorporating state-of-the-art technology and master metalworking techniques. This symbolism of strength and functional beauty is equally true of the samurai warrior’s kabuto helmet, and Casio superimposed the two to create an original kabuto helmet, the Shougeki-Maru: Gai, specifically to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the G-SHOCK brand.

In its shock-resistant construction, the MRG-B2000SG-1A embodies the Shougeki-Maru: Gai helmet’s bold determination and features a white band complemented with a bezel engraved by a master metalsmith.

The bezel captures the helmet’s maedate crest with a ferocious tiger design, a symbol of strength, engraved by metalsmith KOBAYASHI Masao. The tiger stripes are expressed in a unique rock-grain relief pattern that varies in size and shape.

The pure white band evokes the look of the white ito odoshi of the helmet, representing a pure, unadulterated hue and incorporating a sense of bold determination, the will to be true to oneself. The band is made with fluor rubber, providing flexible fit on the wrist, excellent durability and stain resistance.

The case, made with titanium material, is ion-plated in a dark silver colour and finished with a deep-layer hardening process to increase the hardness and bring out the crystalline pattern. These finishes give the watch a rugged look, while reproducing the colour of the helmet. The metal plate commemorating the G-SHOCK 40th anniversary on the side of the case, and the screw heads set with rubies, the gem of passion and success, add special touches befitting a special commemorative timepiece.

Metalsmith KOBAYASHI Masao
Third-generation metal craftsman working in Shiga Prefecture’s city of Otsu. Active as a metal engraver as well, with experience studying engraving in Kyoto. Works with a wide range of decorative metal crafts, including crafting shrine and temple fixtures, restoring historic cultural assets, crafting tea ceremony implements and engaging in artistic craftwork. One of Japan’s premier artisanal metalworkers.

Helmet/armour maker SUZUKINE Yuzan
Fourth-generation craftsman of an armour and helmet making workshop that has been active for more than a century. Awarded the Prime Minister’s Special Prize at the All-Japan Newly Crafted Seasonal Festival Doll Contest. Dedicated to traveling throughout Japan whenever he has the chance, examining collections of armour and helmets in person to hone his knowledge of the craft.

The G-SHOCK MRG-B2000SG-1A will be available online at G-SHOCK Singapore, as well as all G-SHOCK stores. Limited to 700 pieces worldwide. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter for all the latest features. For more CASIO and G-SHOCK features, click HERE.

COSTS x ASICS GT-2160 ‘Shao Ji’

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ASICS and Shenzhen-based fashion label COSTS come together for the release of their collaborative GT-2160™ shoe, which pairs traditional craft with an advanced approach. Backed by the design concept of THIS IS COSTS WAY”, the duo aspires to bring exclusive fashion trends to consumers with comfortable offerings. The accented Cantonese cultural elements open up the possibility of integrating fashion with homeware, bringing the beauty of traditional craft to life.

Established in 2012, COSTS sees the fashion world through the eyes of youth living in the southern coastal periphery of China. It aims to promote modish cultures with a global vision, inspiring people to look deeper into fashion trends. The alliance between ASICS’ iconic aesthetic gene with the unique Cantonese culture gave rise to a new style. The shoe takes its name from the bamboo-knitted basket-like tool that birthed it: SHAO JI, which plays an important role in local people’s physical and mental life, and is a symbol for better life.

Breathable mesh is widely adopted on the upper, paired with the textile and hue inspired by knitted SHAO JI, even including the suede on the side. The eyelet stay on the left and right are embroidered with “SHAO JI” and Chinese characters “筲箕” respectively, imbued with traditional sensibilities. Meanwhile, the two brands have fused their common signature colour blue into the visual design – dotted on the iconic ASICS stripes, GEL™ technology, heel loop and the outsole – in harmony with the overall beige, adding a retro touch. The sockliner features different SHAO JI prints that are typical in Southern China, suggesting the harmonious unity between humans and nature treasured by the traditional Chinese craftsmen.

The COSTS x ASICS GT-2160 will be available globally on the 28th of November from asics.com and selected ASICS stockists for $220 AUD.

Check-out our last sneaker feature HERE!!!

“It’s More Than Just Sneakers” Sydney 2023 Recap

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It’s good to be back in our home town on tour. This time around, it was Sydney’s turn to show up for the “It’s More Than Just Sneakers” Lifestyle tour on October 7th.

The community gathered once again at PCYC Auburn which has become our Sydney base for the past few years. For the Sydney attendees, we had some amazing giveaways and freebies on offer thanks to our amazing sponsors.

eBay were back in attendance running their basketball arcade shooting machine and giving away some sneakers. Along with eBay, one of our headline supporters this year were the guys from The Cheatcoders Podcast who ran a live podcast during our event.

Some other special guests included Sophie Aye, a visual artist from Sydney who was doing an amazing Kobe Bryant piece during the event. DJ Klasik, one of Cada’s hosts and long time friend of The Kickz Stand, was our host. DJ Who, the current DMC NSW Champion and 3rd place DMC Australian Finalist performed along with DJ K-Time who is the Parramatta Eels DJ and supported Masked Wolf on his Australian Tour and one of Australia’s & South East Asia’s best DJs, DJ Edo.

Once again, Sydney showed why it’s still one of the best events we host on the tour. We couldn’t do this without the support of our sponsors:

AFEW Goods (Germany) – @afewgoods_
ASICS Sportstyle Australia – @asics_sportstyle_au
CARNIVAL (Thailand) – @carnivalbkk
Cosmonauts Spacewear (Indonesia) – @cosmonautsspacewear
Crep Protect Australia – @crepprotect_au
eBay Australia – @ebayau
Foot Locker Australia – @footlocker_au
G-Shock Australia – @gshockoz
Indomie Australia – @indomieau
Jarritos Australia@jarritosau
JBL Australia@jblaustralia
Kicks Kase – @kickskase
LaceSpace – @lace.space
Limited Edt (Singapore) – @limitededt_sg
Monster Energy – @monsterenergy
Rhypla Builds – @rhypla
Saucony Originals Australia / New Zealand – @sauconyoriginalsaunz
Secret Fresh (Philippines) – @secretfreshph
Stance (USA) – @stanceofficial
Sunlight Station Australia – @sunlightstationaus
The Sneaker Laundry@thesneakerlaundryau
Under Armour Australia@underarmourau
2K Australia / New Zealand – @2k_anz
361 Degrees@361australia

Lastly, we cannot thank enough our Sydney team for their great work at the event.

Next Stop: It’s More Than Just Sneakers Auckland, New Zealand event coming on the 25th November, see our Facebook event for more information.

For more details about vendor bookings or entry tickets, head over to our website https://www.thekickzstand.com.au/imjts. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter, so you can stay up to date! For other It’s More Than Just Sneakers or other Event features, click HERE.

Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS GT-2160 2nd Collaboration

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ASICS is pleased to announce the second release of a two-part collaboration with Cecilie Bahnsen. Re­-interpreting the GT-2160 trainer, the collaboration continues to celebrate the intersection of everyday couture, movement, and ease, and combines Bahnsen’s intricate feminine DNA with the technical expertise of ASICS.

Cecilie Bahnsen connects with Japanese photographer Takashi Homma, to create a captivating visual showcase of this collaboration. The campaign highlights the collection’s essence with images of a girl gracefully moving through Tokyo at twilight, wearing the ASICS trainers and Cecilie Bahnsen’s Fall/Winter 2023 Collection. Inspired by a noir-ish, sci-fi feel, the campaign exudes a sense of freedom as she navigates the city, creating a mesmerising visual narrative.

Offered in two unique styles, these trainers mirror the 3D textures and embellishment techniques that are synonymous with Cecilie Bahnsen’s DNA. They’re also designed with bold pink and blue colours that highlight the complexity of the materials and intricate layering. Incorporating floral details throughout, the straps reference the trainers from the first release but are interpreted with a more functional and sporty look. These designs combine feminine codes with sportswear detailing to create statement shoes that expand the brand’s universe. The second drop of ASICS and Cecilie Bahnsen will launch on asics.com and selected retailers globally on November 22nd for $300 AUD

For more information, visit https://www.asics.com/ 

Check out our last sneaker feature here!!!

Under Armour Curry 11

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Fifteen years into his career, NBA superstar, Stephen Curry is at the top of his game. Highly regarded as one of basketball’s best, a player as dynamic as Stephen needs a sneaker that evolves with him and keeps getting better, just as he does – enter the Curry 11, which is Stephen’s newest signature sneaker and his fourth release under Curry Brand.

Stephen, Curry Brand, and Under Armour will release the 11th iteration in his signature sneaker portfolio, marking a monumental milestone that puts Stephen and Under Armour in an elite class of signature shoe lines alongside other basketball greats. Leveraging a futuristic design that celebrates the Future of Curry and his everlasting impact on basketball culture, the Curry 11 boasts a bold and disruptive flair, with the technology needed to fuel hoopers’ performance on the court.

Under Armour Curry 11 ‘Future Curry’ Review by @shoezen.one

Pulling inspiration from the wonders of what a modernized future could look like, this release speaks to the lasting impact Stephen will have on future generations of hoopers across the globe for decades to come and the limitless possibilities in store for Curry Brand.

For the first time, the Curry 11 includes dual-density UA Flow technology, allowing the sneaker to have a softer top loaded piece, providing athletes with the ultimate comfort underneath. The Curry 11 design also implements a segmented plate that helps athletes maintain stability throughout the midfoot and underfoot with more flexibility at the forefoot. Curry 11’s upper insole was upgraded from the Curry Flow 10 to include Under Armour’s proprietary Warp technology. It’s unlike any other shoe on the market, just like there is no other 3-point shooter out there like Chef Curry.

The Curry 11 ‘Future Curry’ are now available globally on UA.com and in select Brand Houses in a collection alongside a Curry 2 FloTro and a limited line of apparel.

The Curry 11 is just the start of an exciting rollout of footwear from Curry Brand and Under Armour this season. Hoopers can expect no shortage of Curry 11, Retro, and FloTro releases that bring back beloved colourways, tell new stories, and honour the moments that mean the most to Stephen.

See below for a look into the future of what’s to come for the Curry 11, and stay locked on Instagram @CurryBrand for more details:

Make sure you sign up to our newsletter for updates. For previous Under Armour features, click here and Curry Brand features, click here.

Up There x ASICS GEL-LYTE™ III ‘Kookaburra’

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Following the success of last year’s GT II™ collaboration sneaker, Australian premium sneaker and fashion boutique Up There reunites with Japanese sneaker giant ASICS to launch their second collaborative project for the GEL-LYTE™ III. This time around, the ASICS and Up There collaboration is inspired by the iconic Australian bird, the native kookaburra.

Creatively influenced by the kookaburra, the GEL-LYTE™ III reflects the earthy tones of the kookaburra plumage, and is complimented with contrasting accents of vibrant blue. The versatile shoe is evocative of the kookaburra, and the laid back nature of Australians is brought to life in a sneaker that can be styled in a multitude of fashions.

Up There x ASICS GEL-LYTE III ‘Kookuburra’ review by @shoezen.one

The sneaker acknowledges its historic roots through ingeniously adapted archival references, acting as hidden gems to be decoded by long-standing fans of the GEL-LYTE™ silhouette that originally debuted in the early 1990s.

The Up There x ASICS GEL-LYTE™ III ‘Kookaburra’ will launch exclusively online at Up There on Friday 27th October and will be available globally on Saturday the 4th of November from asics.com and selected ASICS stockists for $230 AUD.

To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For other ASICS features, click HERE and for sneaker features, click HERE.

CFCL x ASICS GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95

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Today, ASICS SportStyle is proud to announce the collaboration model of GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 with the Japanese apparel brand, CFCL – a B Corp who is leading the discussion of sustainable fashion industry.

The collaboration began as two parties’ visions for CO2e reductions crossed, resulting in a new aesthetics that advances the concept of CO2e reductions in a high-quality sneaker.

This collab model applies all the key moves to reduce CO2e that were successful, including material selections and the shoe structure*. As with the regular GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 model, it only emits 1.95kg of CO2e across its life cycle, significantly lighter than the lowest CO2e sneakers currently available on the market.

Go Suzuki, Senior General Manager of SportsStyle Division at ASICS said, “The collaboration effort with CFCL has been very inspirational for ASICS to push forward our commitment to accomplish net-zero while broadening product design expressions. Through the collab model, we are hoping to generate a bigger impact by demonstrating the potentials of our ideas to a bigger audience.”

The CFCL x GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 sneaker will be available to buy in-store and online at asics.com on Friday, 20 October 2023 for $240 AUD. 

To find out more about the GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 and ASICS’ sustainability commitments, please visit https://asics.tv/cm195. 

*Some key efforts include the use of newly developed comfortable carbon-negative foam, application of ‘solution dye’ technology, reduction of shoe parts through ‘tape’ stability structure, and the adaption of recycled polyester for the upper and the sockliner. With these incremental gains, CO2e emissions were reduced by approximately 80% from the procurement to manufacturing processes, and by approximately 75% in the transportation process.

You can check-out our last feature HERE.

‘It’s More Than Just Sneakers’ Perth 2023 Recap

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We continue It’s More than Just Sneakers – Lifestyle Tour 2023 all the way out west in Perth, Western Australia this past 17th of September.

The community came out and gathered at the Leisurelife Centre out at East Victoria Park to bring together all things sneakers and streetwear. However, we had some cool things lined up for attendees. Our friends from Aether Care hooked up the first 5 attendees with their Sneaker Care Pack valued at $65.

The boys from Dotted Line ran a 2 vs 2 basketball competition. Some of the best local ballers came out to put on a show for everyone to see. With some cool prizes for the winners on the line, all the competitors were balling out to see who would be on top. Attendees were amazed with the high level of competition!

Our attendees also had the chance to test their basketball skills with the crew from Buckets Basketball setting up their shooting machine and dribbling bay.

It was also great to catch up with all of the vendors. It was interesting to hear their stories about where they originally got their starts in the resell game at our previous It’s More Than Just Sneaker events in Perth, which in turn spring-boarded them to run actual stores online and physical stores in their city.

Overall, everyone had a great time. It was great to re-connect with everyone in the Perth sneaker community. Massive shout-out to our Perth event partners – Aether Care, Dotted Line, and Kicks Kase for their continued support of the The Kickz Stand and It’s More than Just Sneakers.

Also we cannot thank enough our Perth team for their great work on the event. Lastly, we want to thank our amazing sponsors for their continued support with our events.

AFEW Goods (Germany) – @afewgoods_
ASICS Sportstyle Australia – @asics_sportstyle_au
CARNIVAL (Thailand) – @carnivalbkk
Cosmonauts Spacewear (Indonesia) – @cosmonautsspacewear
Crep Protect Australia – @crepprotect_au
eBay Australia – @ebayau
Foot Locker Australia – @footlocker_au
G-Shock Australia – @gshockoz
Indomie Australia – @indomieau
Jarritos Australia@jarritosau
JBL Australia@jblaustralia
Kicks Kase – @kickskase
LaceSpace – @lace.space
Limited Edt (Singapore) – @limitededt_sg
Monster Energy – @monsterenergy
Rhypla Builds – @rhypla
Saucony Originals Australia / New Zealand – @sauconyoriginalsaunz
Secret Fresh (Philippines) – @secretfreshph
Stance (USA) – @stanceofficial
Sunlight Station Australia – @sunlightstationaus
The Sneaker Laundry@thesneakerlaundryau
Under Armour Australia@underarmourau
2K Australia / New Zealand – @2k_anz
361 Degrees@361australia

Next Stop: It’s More Than Just Sneakers Sydney event coming on the 7th October, see our Facebook event for more information.

For more details about vendor bookings or entry tickets, head over to our website https://www.thekickzstand.com.au/imjts. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter, so you can stay up to date! For other It’s More Than Just Sneakers or other Event features, click HERE.

  

ASICS Unveils Sustainable SHIGEN 2.0 Pack

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ASICS Sportstyle is thrilled to unveil the SHIGEN 2.0 Pack, a remarkable follow-up to our debut SHIGEN Pack launched a year ago. This eco-conscious collection showcases the GEL-NYC™ and EX89™ sneakers, ingeniously crafted from recycled materials, drawing inspiration from the essence of recycling in Japan.

Each shoe boasts a design adorned with refreshing neutral color palettes, accentuated by blue elements reminiscent of Japan’s public trash cans, garbage trucks, and the transformative process of recycling. These sneakers symbolize the art of turning waste into new, captivating creations.

Crafted from recycled PET, recycled paper, textile, polyester, and exposed net fabrics, these shoes offer a tactile, felt-like appearance. Notably, 17.7% of the GEL-NYC™ shoe’s weight comprises recycled materials, while the EX89™ shoe incorporates 16.5% recycled materials. Additionally, both sneakers feature unique asymmetric tongue tags, showcasing the recycled materials used in the shoe’s interior.

Mark your calendars for the exclusive launch of the GEL-NYC™ and EX89™ sneakers on Friday, October 20th, in the stunning White/Dolphin Blue colorway. Find them online at ASICS Sportstyle and select stores, priced at $230 (GEL-NYC™) and $200 (EX89™).

The SHIGEN 2.0 Pack by ASICS Sportstyle represents a bold leap towards sustainability in fashion. These sneakers redefine style by transforming recycled materials into iconic footwear. Join us in embracing the beauty of recycling and the future of fashion.

For more information, visit https://www.asics.com/.

You can check-out our last feature HERE.

NEIGHBORHOOD x COMPASS VELOCITY

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Indonesia’s most hyped and loved sneaker brand COMPASS joins forces with influential Japanese brand NEIGHBORHOOD for the exclusive release of their limited-edition sneaker collaboration, the NEIGHBORHOOD X COMPASS VELOCITY.

This exciting link-up between COMPASS and NEIGHBORHOOD marks a significant milestone for the Indonesian brand as it extends its reach into the Ura-Harajuku circle. Synonymous with the youth and streetwear movement in Tokyo that’s known for fusing Japanese subcultures and Western influences in the ‘90s, they played a huge role in shaping the identity of Japanese streetwear and putting its stamp on a global map.

A coalescence of the two brands’ taglines, COMPASS’ “It’s not a shoe, it’s a movement” and NEIGHBORHOOD’s “Craft with Pride” is reflected through the minimalist yet bold design which spotlights both brands’ characteristically urban sensibilities and penchant for quality craftsmanship.

Jumping off the Velocity silhouette, the NEIGHBORHOOD x COMPASS VELOCITY held on to the classic shape while injecting modern features, including the premium nylon and suede leather base, goat skin leather lining for optimised comfort, and the hairy-suede upper accentuated with a 3M reflective logo patch on the side. Additional details also include a debossed logo on the toe cap and action leather heel for an added edge.

Drawing inspiration from the gradient of shadows, the release arrives in a “Shadow Pack” of three colourways. The Black and Grey are available online at sepatucompass.com for purchases made in Indonesia and at NEIGHBORHOOD’s flagship store in Harajuku, Tokyo as well as neighborhood.jp for worldwide. Additionally, the surprise Dark Grey shade will be available in store at the Modular by COMPASS in Cipete (Jakarta) from the 14th of October.

To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For other sneaker features, click here.