I’m an NB head first but as much as I want to put an NB pair ahead of this, I just can’t deny this pair. There have been triple or more collabs before, but in this age of lazy collabs, these really stands out. It just screams high level of quality and execution.
Like many of us, I started with Nike and Jordan brand, but old age has forced me to collect the sneakers from the “other guys”, not that I dislike Nike/Jordan brand, I just like what the other brands are doing right now. —@oldmansneaks
2023 saw the Perth -based boutique HAL studios and Asics Sports Style AU Collab again on another Gel 1130. Drawing inspiration from nature. This time, bringing the glaziers to life. From the placement of the smooth, dark brown leather to the wide open mesh and the long hairy suede, all these elements are tied together perfectly with the addition of the red laces that mimic that of hikers rope. The sneaker almost gives off a slightly dirty look, which is only enhanced more once on foot. The MK3 Glacier is one of those sneakers that will go down as an “if you know you know pair.” It’s not flashy. It’s not outlandish. It’s just simply clean with it’s premium materials. It definitely has to be represented in a top 10 list for 2023.
Hey guys – @Sck1cks here- I’m bringing you my choices in the TKS/Solekitchen top 10 for 2023 – if you know me, you know I love me a good pair of ASICS – so my choices will come as no surprise – The HAL MK3 1130 and the Above The Clouds Store GT-2160 . Both pairs made an impression on me this year for all the right reasons !!!!
ASICS X UPTHERE It’s not your iconic Aussie green and gold colourway, but this is definitely “up there” with all the iconic Australian inspired sneaker collaborations. The earthy tones and textures of materials that reflect the kookaburra’s plumage, and the striking turquoise, is a perfect representation of the kingfisher. You can definitely see the inspiration for the design, this is why the ASICS X UpThere Kookaburra is in my top 10 pickups of 2023. I mean if your best mate, who has no interest in sneakers whatsoever, asks you about this pair and purchases it, that’s gotta count for something right!?
Hey fam, my name’s Emmanuel and I go by @kickinitwithgee on Instagram. I’ve been actively collecting sneakers since 2013, however, my sneaker journey started decades before that. One thing I love about the sneaker community are the connections you make with like minded people.Those connections led me to be part of a collective known asSoleKitchenAU.
Born x Raised x Nike SB Dunk Low 'One Block at a Time'
In mid-2023, following the tragic passing of the Born x Raised founder Spanto, Nike SB halted the release of their highly anticipated collaboration with rumours of a cancellation of the release. Now, after its release in September, the “Born x Raised” Nike SB is seen by many as not only a tribute but a grail pair. The Born X Raised represents an on-the-ground perspective and personality of LA street culture. The Born X Raised features a lenticular Swoosh and heel tabs, perforated toe box and upper eyelets, and embroidered artwork. Lastly, the Born x Raised SB comes with extra laces that say “In Loving Memory” which is a fitting tribute to Spanto.
SolekitchenAu is a collective of seven sneaker enthusiasts that was established in 2022. SolekitchenAu is not only a podcast that discusses all things sneakers but our aim is to grow and give back to the community. As well as the podcast, Hendo(@sck1cks) and JP(@kicks_and_craze) host the SolekitchenAu on IG Tuesday night live sessions that discuss the most important sneaker topics nearly every week.
I’m a big feet sneaker enthusiast who has been collecting sneakers since the early 2000s. However, it was hard to find size 13 sneakers. My collection started with Nike AF1s and after meeting the SolekitchenAu crew my collection has naturally evolved to include many brands such as ASICS, Diadora, Jordan, New Balance and Saucony. As one of the regular hosts of the SK instagram Tuesday night, I love to talk about all things sneakers.
The Jarritos is 2023’s version of the Chunky Dunky. It’s not as wacky as the Ben and Jerry’s pair but the nods to the Mexican soda brand are there, from the hemp representing the sacks that are used to carry the fruit, to the Jarritos font being used on the back heel and tongue. It’s such a cool pair that represents the best of the Nike SB collabs in 2023, from skate shops like TightBooth to rap groups like Run The Jewels and even cartoons like The Powerpuff Girls.
As an author of children’s books, I appreciate sneakers that can tell a story through their design and features. I love sneakers that are wacky, colourful and make me stand out. Find out more at my Instagram and Youtube Channel, Virtual Oliver P.
Unmistakably Carhartt. You can remove the co-branding on this and you’ll still name them the “990v6 Carhartts”.
Like many of us, I started with Nike and Jordan brand, but old age has forced me to collect the sneakers from the “other guys”, not that I dislike Nike/Jordan brand, I just like what the other brands are doing right now. —@oldmansneaks
Every story has a beginning. For Oakley®, it began in 1975. Since then, the brand has created a vision of the future while delivering it in the present, shaping a rich history of culturally-defining products. Now, Oakley is reclaiming its disruptive spirit, drawing from the principles of yesterday to write the next chapter with a better tomorrow in mind. Welcome to Future Genesis.
The brand will chart a new path that’s rooted in its DNA. This foundational change will trigger an updated brand aesthetic and creative point of view that will inform both its storytelling and iconic product innovations. This evolution is personified by Maxine Fearlight, the newest protagonist for Oakley.
“At Oakley, we don’t believe in predicting the future – we create our own”, shared Caio Amato, Oakley’s Chief Marketing. “Oakley has always been famous for creating its own vision of the future, from product to the architectural design of our stores. Future Genesis evolves this story, to ensure we all dream the same dream. We revisited our 90’s hero Max Fearlight narrative, and created a whole new chapter where Max will be forced to see the world through the eyes of his daughter Maxine, a young brave explorer. The result is a fascinating new brand context, true to the rebellious Oakley DNA, but with a protopian lens. Future Genesis is our ultimate platform to create new products, new technologies and brand executions that challenges what is out there. After all, sameness is more harmful than UV rays”.
The first glimpse of Future Genesis comes to life in the form of two short films that bring viewers back into the world first created in the original 1992 Oakley “Max Fearlight” film. To showcase the interconnectedness between past and future and put into action the brand’s protopian proposition, the films spotlight a father and a daughter. Fans of the original film will immediately recognize Max Fearlight and the bunker where he first began to explore the unknown. Max represents the past, a dystopian vision that used to envelop everything that Oakley put out into the world. Future Genesis takes Max on a journey of transformation by introducing the newest protagonist for the brand: Maxine Fearlight who’s set on creating her own legacy. Maxine represents the dream of a protopian future for the brand, one that seeps into the work of Oakley and its partners, resulting in products that can best be described as extraterrestrial physics elevated to an artform, and brand campaigns that seem to come from another galaxy.
“Future Genesis gives us the permission to stay rooted in our brand’s legacy, while pushing the boundaries of our ambition”, expresses Brian Takumi, VP of Creative & Soul at Oakley. “Maxine is the embodiment of that duality, honouring both yesterday and tomorrow. The spirit and optimism she leads with is the same that guides our approach to product design. The core DNA of Oakley isn’t about following trends that already exist, but instead, building a vision for what could be. Future Genesis will act as a platform for us to continue innovating with technology and design, moving the brand and industry forward. It will come to life through collaborations and brand campaigns – continuing to permeate all that we put out into the world right from our dreams to the shelf.”
Products featured within the short films also serve a greater purpose. Max is seen wearing Medusa, a legacy product reimagined as a digital concept to fit his pursuits in a virtual world.
The digital world also informs the real, with the 13:11 sunglasses inspired by those Maxine wears in the trailers, becoming a reality and launching in 2024.
These teasers are only the beginning, with more dropping in the coming years to mark the brand’s 50th Anniversary. Explore Future Genesis Immersive Platform on project2075.oakley.com from December 12th at 6PM CET.
ASICS joins forces once again with Los Angeles based clothing brand GALLERY DEPT. with the collaborative GT-2160™ sneaker. GALLERY DEPT. first revealed the sneaker in September and exclusively launched at ComplexCon event in Long Beach, California on the 18th-19th of November 2023.
The inspiration for this new collaborative shoe stems from moments of reflection and mindfulness. GALLERY DEPT. founder, Josué Thomas was motivated by the visual changes of ASICS sneakers over time and was inspired to replicate that concept of individualism.
Channelling that notion of individualisation, the GALLERY DEPT. x ASICS GT-2160™ shoes will be produced so that each pair is not exactly alike and unique in its own way.
The GT-2160™ model pays homage to the technical designs of the GT-2000™ line of the early 2010s. With the designs intact, the GT-2160™ features a sleek aesthetic and wavy forefoot sculpting, not to mention the popular segmented midsole structure and GEL™ technology inserts.
In the past, ASICS and GALLERY DEPT. have worked together on the GEL-LYTE™ V and GEL-1130™ silhouettes and this marks the first time the two brands are utilising the GT-2160™ model.
Global launch for the GALLERY DEPT. x ASICS GT-2160™ is on the 15th of December. Raffle draw for Australian residents is now open, click HERE to enter. Limited quantities available.
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G-SHOCK, which is a brand known for its unrivalled toughness, has continued to evolve in durability and functionality since its launch in 1983. With such a legacy, G-SHOCK connected with Rich Brian from 88rising, to reinterpret a timepiece of his choice.
The watch Brian gravitated towards is the rugged GA-2100. It pulls design and aesthetic cues from other watches within the G-SHOCK lineage and is known for its octagonal bezel and minimalistic design.
Essence of Brian’s Nostalgia Nostalgia is built on the back of time. Brian’s reinterpretation is inspired by a guitar he fell in love with as a young boy in Indonesia. The bold seafoam green base colour is paired with the salmon pink accents, reminiscent of the guitar Brian spent his childhood obsessing over. To complete the design, Brian’s signature adorns the case back, almost as a dedication to his younger-self. In a way, his reinterpretation serves as a reminder of his origins and unrelenting pursuit of artisanship.
About Rich Brian Growing up home-schooled in Indonesia, Rich Brian found the internet to be his English teacher and window to the world beyond. After moving to America alone at the age of 17, Brian has been both awed and humbled by his experiences, as they simultaneously smack him down to Earth and lift him up. Brian’s debut project Amen, released in February 2018, garnered widespread critical acclaim and topped the iTunes Hip-Hop charts, a first in history for an Asian musician. 2021 proved to be a triumphant year for Brian as he reached new heights in his career.
The Rich Brian x G-SHOCK GA-2100RB-3A watch is priced at $199 SGD and will be available online at G-SHOCK Singapore, as well at all G-SHOCK stores from the 15th of December 2023. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter for all the latest features. For more CASIO and G-SHOCK features, click HERE.
Singapore’s powerhouse brands join forces once again: premier sneaker boutique Limited Edt. and acclaimed sneaker customiser Mark Ong, aka Mr Sabotage. They proudly present the highly anticipated follow up to their successful Urban Islander collection that was first launched in 2020.
The Urban Islander is defined as an inhabitant of the sunny island (where both collaborators originate from), who holds a deep interest in style, music, art and subcultures, an open mind to creativity, and who traverses the streets and paths less travelled.
The concept also epitomises the contrast between Singapore being a metropolitan urban city and, at the same time, the perfect tropical getaway. This is perfectly captured in the new collection fusing urban sophistication and tropical flair that transcends boundaries and elevates streetwear to new heights – by featuring a range of products that include a New Balance 580 sneaker, Helinox Chair One, OMBAK shirt and shorts, tote bag, hat and socks.
Urban Islander x New Balance 580 (SGD $229): At the heart of the Urban Islander Collection lies the New Balance 580, a masterpiece that seamlessly blends a reserved colour palette with bold statements. The shoe features the signature pineapple print, vividly adorning the insole and lining, embodying the essence of the Urban Islander lifestyle. Crafted with meticulous detail, the material execution is a treasure trove of premium finishes, including Hairy Suede, Woven Fabric, and 3M Reflective materials. The New Balance 580 stands as the epitome of streetwear sophistication, encapsulating the identity of the Urban Islander.
Urban Islander x Helinox Chair One (SGD $249): The Urban Islander x Helinox Chair 1 reimagines the classic Chair 1 with Urban Islanders’ signature “pineapple” aloha print. Constructed with DAC’s proprietary aluminium alloy and high-strength nylon, this limited-edition chair marries comfort and portability with a touch of tropical flair, making it a statement piece for outdoor enthusiasts and design aficionados alike.
Urban Islander x OMBAK (Shirt SGD $199, Shorts SGD $129): In collaboration with Singapore-based fashion label, Ong Shunmugam’s diffusion menswear line, OMBAK, the Urban Islander Collection presents a shirt + shorts set adorned with the signature “pineapple” aloha print. Crafted from lightweight linen, this ensemble effortlessly combines style and comfort, reflecting the laid-back vibes of the Urban Islander.
Urban Islander Tote Bag (SGD $149): Drawing inspiration from the textures of rattan picnic baskets and the ambiance of tiki bars at the beach, the Urban Islander Tote is the epitome of luxury beach chic. Crafted with Woven Raffia fibre and full-grain leather, this tote is a versatile accessory that seamlessly transitions from a day at the beach to city streets, exuding elegance, and style.
Urban Islander New Era 5 Panel Camper (SGD $69): A perfect foil for any sunny weather, the Urban Islander New Era 5 Panel Camper features a linen and mesh construction, that’s finished with an embroidered pineapple logo at the front and Urban Islander script at the back.
Urban Islander Sock (SGD $19): The collection would not be complete without the Urban Islander Sock, a casual cream ribbed sock featuring the collection’s colourway – Cream, Sand, and Black. Embellished with an embroidered Urban Islander pineapple logo, this sock adds a touch of streetwear flair to any ensemble, ensuring comfort without compromising style.
