Closing out their highly anticipated trilogy, ASICSand HAL STUDIOS® join forces once again to present their third instalment, the GEL-1130 MK III “GLACIER”. Building upon their ongoing conversation and collaborative partnership, the project again embraces the theme of drawing inspiration from the natural world.
The MK III takes its cues from the rugged and captivating landscapes found in glaciers worldwide. From the unforgiving terrains and majestic mountain ranges to the contrasting elements of black sand beaches, snow, ice, and serene water valleys, these environments serve as the inspiration for the MK III design.
The GEL-1130 MK III GLACIER celebrates ASICS’ advanced technology fused with the HAL STUDIOS® “Design Thinking” ideology. Following the approach of the previous releases, the MK III iteration continues the maximal minimalism ethos by reducing the usual characteristics and aesthetics of a traditional sports shoe. Instead, the design accentuates the retro-futuristic form and shape of the archival running silhouette through the pairing of contrasting textures and tones.
Paris will have the privilege of being the first city to experience the MK III GLACIER, with a pre-launch event taking place at the PFW pop-up store in the renowned DSM 35/37 venue. HAL STUDIOS® has conceived a unique installation, inspired by the principles of readymade art, where the collaborative sneakers will be encased within blocks of ice and housed within an industrial freezer. This immersive display elevates the footwear to the realm of art, allowing viewers to observe and appreciate them from a distance.
Following the pop-up event, HAL STUDIOS®‘ online store will unveil the collaborative footwear project at a later date, offering a wider audience the opportunity to secure a pair.
The second event of It’s More Than Just Sneakers – Lifestyle Tour 2023 took us to South East Queensland on the 10th of June. It was a great day filled with an awesome mix of vendors selling a bunch of cool sneakers, vintage streetwear, accessories, homewares and everything in-between. The Community was out in full force as well; all rocking some heat on their feet and soaking up all of the items on display and on sale.
Our friends from Monster Energy were also in attendance interacting with everyone with some games of beer-pong and cornhole. Successful players walked away with Monster Energy merch like hoodies, key chains and stubby holders. But of course, you didn’t have to win to get some free drinks, too.
The highlights of our event were the giveaways and raffle prizes from all our sponsors throughout the day. A lot of people walked away with some cool stuff – sneakers, streetwear, G-Shock watches, and Footlocker vouchers to name a few. Each event, we give away prizes worth up to $10,000. A special thank you to some of our vendors who donated items like streetwear packs and sneakers to add to the raffle prize pool!
Everyone really enjoyed the day! We got some great compliments from vendors and attendees alike. We are definitely looking forward to holding another event/s in the Brisbane or Gold Coast area (or both) next year.
We would also like to thank and recognise the support of our event sponsors for 2023. Here is the list below, be sure to give them a follow:
CASIO and Netflix join forces for a collaboration model A120WEST inspired by the highly acclaimed series, Stranger Things. Stranger Things is a Netflix mystery adventure series set in 1980’s small-town America.
In 1983, a young boy vanishes into thin air from a sleepy American mid-west town. As friends, family, and local police search for answers, they are drawn into an extraordinary mystery involving top secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces, and one very strange little girl. A love letter to the 80’s classics that captivated a generation.
The new watch design was inspired by Stranger Things, a show with plenty of references to 1980’s culture. Based on the A120, a watch inspired by digital watches CASIO released in the 1980’s, the design pays homage to the ‘Upside Down’, an alternate dimension that exists in parallel to the human world.
The watch face depicts the world of the Stranger Things characters, with pop, colourful front buttons reminiscent of the 1980’s with a Demogorgon appearing at the centre, as he appears in the human world. When the LED light button is pressed, the show name is revealed printed upside down, implying the presence of another world on the other side. The back of the case and translucent band are designed with eerie tentacles stretching out from the underworld, evoking the connection between the two worlds.
The special packaging is illustrated with images of the show’s cast of young characters. Seasons 1-4 of Stranger Things are now streaming globally on Netflix.
The Stranger Things x CASIO A120WEST are set to release this month June 2022. You can register your interest through casiowatches.com.au. To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For other CASIO features, please click here.
Cult Melbourne fashion boutique UP THERE is expanding its footprint with a 345 sqm flagship store at 69 Flinders Lane Melbourne, now officially open. Born in 2010 by James Barrett, Brendan Mitchell and Jason Paparoulas, the store marks an important milestone and growth for the quiet achievers who are carving their names in Melbourne’s fashion retail scene.
The current McKillop Street boutique will close on June 4, diverting customers to the new flagship which will accompany its sister brand Up There Athletics at 179 Flinders Lane. “The new store was born out of numerous factors but simply put, we’ve outgrown our original home. We needed something bigger and more functional, but it also fulfils our burning desire to create a new retail environment that’s a truly unique experience not only in Melbourne, but on a global level,” says Barrett.
“The space has product at the forefront, it is all about providing an environment that matches the quality and design of the products we sell. Providing them a home that can elevate and tell the story of each piece,” adds Mitchell. Designed in partnership with acclaimed Melbourne architects, Kennedy Nolan, the space was created with a desire to push the boundaries in materiality and colour that is traditionally used in a retail store. It is inspired by the distinctive space: partially subterranean, situated at the base of the iconic Herald and Weekly Times building and is characterised by a deep plan opening at its farthest point to the atmospheric urban shadows of Sargood Lane.
Together, Kennedy Nolan and UP THERE created a brief for a store interior which was to be theatrical, cinematic and abstract.
“Each element of the store has been considered, from the shimmering surfaces of flat and perforated galvanised steel, to the elevated experience of fitting rooms with their secret salon, complemented with the roughcast texture of the ‘concession’ shells right through to the overall colour palette of unexpected, saturated colour. Guarding the entry and perhaps marking the strongest visual imprint are the two temple dogs at the front of the store – they are vitrines for merchandise, but more importantly they are mascots for the store. They define the space as a place where something special happens and are there to welcome you back on every visit,” says Adriana Hanna of Kennedy Nolan.
Another focal point is intense green flooring that spans the entire ground level, resonant of a grassy field. Green is a key colour for the brand and can also be found on the ceilings which are blanketed in an inky dark green.
Merchandise is organised into discrete zones, a concession approach which reflects some key characteristics of the brand – curating and displaying stock in themes, providing scope for collaborations, events and exclusive releases.
“Essentially, we just want to be good hosts to our customers, so there is a real emphasis on places to hang out in the store. All the spaces are social, but at the very end of the store is a large table and generous banquettes creating a spot to try on some sneakers and have a coffee from the in-house café,” says Paparoulas.
Committed Melbournians with a global outlook, Barrett and Mitchell travel twice a year to Tokyo, Paris and New York to source their masterfully curated unisex collection that is home to the most exclusive sneaker releases from Nike, Jordans, Adidas, New Balance, Asics and Salamon.
Since its inception, UP THERE have introduced 27 new brands to the Australian market. It currently has the largest selection of Kapital in the country as well as stocking Bleue Burnham, Margaret Howell, Nicholas Daley, Engineered Garments, Norse Projects, Junya Wantanabe, 4SDesigns and Beams Plus. It is the only store in Australia to be currently collaborating with New Balance, and also one of the few working with Asics.
“The way we have gone about things so far has meant that we are one of the more genuine retail stores around. This is a result of how we interact with our community, how we do our buying, how we present ourselves in store. We definitely have an ‘UP THERE’ way of doing things which people appreciate,” adds Barrett.
While the new flagship is bigger, brighter and bolder than its previous iteration, the sense of community remains strong and at the forefront of the entire experience that now plays on a global scale. So, whether you’re a tourist visiting for the first time or a committed customer, there’s space for you at UP THERE.
DC Shoes and Thrasher Magazine are teaming up to honour the 25th anniversary of legendary skateboarder Josh Kalis. Known for his technical street skating and iconic style, Josh has earned a reputation as a skateboarding icon.
This limited-edition skate capsule collection that pulls inspiration from Josh’s 2018 Thrasher cover and features two of Josh’s favourite things – Philly and Camo. The collection also debuts co-branded takes on the brand-new Kalynx Zero S and the recently rereleased Truth.
The new Kalynx is a fusion of two of Josh’s favourite DC silhouettes – the Kalis Lite and the Lynx Zero S. Sporty and skateable, this shoe offers all-day comfort and lightweight construction. Additionally, the re-release of the Truth is highly anticipated by 2000s skate shoe fans. This version is uniquely co-branded and wrapped in camo.
“Josh is an all-time great and his cover at Muni is one of my favourite Thrasher fronts. Night shot, glowing buildings in downtown Philly, his iconic nose blunt… It has everything,” says Tony Vitello, President of Thrasher Magazine. “I’m honoured to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of his pro shoe. I remember getting a pair of his first signature kicks with DC when I was a teenager. I wore them to the SOTY party in SF with my dad and felt like the coolest dude on earth. 25 years later and I’m still hyped to lace up a shoe with his name on it. Big Love.”
Under Armour has announced that UA COMBINE will be back for a second year. UA Combine is a one-day, first of its kind competition that combines multiple training disciplines into one athleticism test. The first UA COMBINE last year saw 1,200 participants across four countries in the Asia-Pacific discover their true potential like never before and this year, the event promises to be bigger and better.
Under Armour Australia is inviting athletes from diverse sports and training disciplines to come together to test their limits and benchmark their performance against others at UA COMBINE on Saturday, November 4, 2023, held at the new location of Sydney multi-arts institution, Carriageworks.
Open to 350 male and female competitors, Under Armour is also expanding the entry age to compete in this year’s event. Younger athletes aged between 16-18 are now eligible to participate in UA COMBINE 2023 and win a one-year Under Armour product sponsorship worth AUD$1,500 for the top male and female youths.
UA COMBINE will see competitors testing their limits in a total of eight physical and mental tests devised by Under Armour‘s Human Performance Team; the same tests that Under Armour put their world-class athletes through. Each test will challenge the athlete’s agility, stamina, vertical, power, endurance, strength, speed, and cognition.
Points will be earned for each completed test and athletes will be ranked according to their final result, with medals and cash prizes of AUD$5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed athletes in both the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. UA COMBINE 2023 participants are also encouraged to form a group of four and compete as a team. The scores of each individual on the team will be totalled to a team score. The highest team score will bring home AUD$2,000 worth of Under Armour gear.
As part of the brand’s continuous efforts to better define athletic performance, competitors of UA COMBINE will see enhancements made to several of the competitor tests, of which include:
● Standing Vertical Leap Test – Competitors will be assessed utilising force plates which accurately measure an individual’s upwards propulsion force, as opposed to the more traditional sergeant jump.
● Cognition Station – UA COMBINE 2023 will see the introduction of the innovative Reactive Intelligence Wall used by professional athletes in Formula 1 and the NBA. With six light pods positioned on a vertical wall, participants will be tasked with tapping out as many blue pods as possible in 30 seconds, measuring reaction time, decision-making and attention skills when doing so.
For further information on UA COMBINE 2023, including competition rules and how to register, please visit the official website www.uacombineau.com or follow @UnderArmourAU using #UACOMBINEAU. Shop the latest men’s and women’s train collections by visiting Under Armour Australia. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter, so you can stay up to date! For more Under Armour features, click HERE.
CASIO announced the latest addition to the sports-driven G-SQUAD line in the G-SHOCK family of shock-resistant watches. The five new DW-H5600 watches inherit the iconic shape of the very first G-SHOCK and are equipped with an optical sensor to measure heart rate.
Developed in the quest to construct a watch that wouldn’t break, even if dropped, the first G-SHOCK debuted in 1983. CASIO has continued ever since to advance G-SHOCK functions, construction, and design, with a constant focus on the shock-resistance of these watches. The iconic form of the very first model, the DW-5000C, has been passed down to subsequent generations of G-SHOCK timepieces, and the 5600 line, which inherits that form, has continually evolved, incorporating the most advanced functions available in each new era.
The new DW-H5600 timepieces retain the form of the first-ever G-SHOCK while delivering more advanced functions, all in a shock-resistant watch equipped with a heart rate monitor useful for sports activities. The new watches support four different activities or exercises — running, walking, gym workouts, and interval training — and they are equipped with an optical sensor and an accelerometer to measure heart rate, distance, and calories burned. They utilize algorithms from Polar Electro Oy, a pioneer in the industry that has spent nearly 50 years perfecting the art of personalized guidance in fitness, sport, and health, to provide analysis on training and sleep based on tracked data.
Model
Colours
Bezel Materials
RRP
DWH5600-1D
Black
Resin
$449.00
DWH5600-2D
Pale Blue
Resin
$449.00
DWH5600MB-1D
Black
Metal
$499.00
DWH5600MB-2D
Blue
Metal
$499.00
DWH5600EX-1D*
Black
Metal
$649.00
*Comes with interchangeable case and band
■ Sensors for Activity Tracking The case back is equipped with an optical sensor that measures heart rate by emitting LED light to track changes in blood flow. The watch also includes an accelerometer to count steps. For even greater accuracy of distance measurement, the watch can be paired with smartphone GPS to fine-tune the data captured by the accelerometer.
■ Four Activity Modes The watch supports running, walking, gym workouts, and interval training. An activity can be selected with the touch of a button to track and display a variety of measurements in real time, including distance, speed, and calories burned.
■ Training Analysis and Sleep Tracking Using Polar Electro Oy Algorithms The watch measures the burden on the heart and lungs according to training time and intensity, analyses ratios of energy used separately for carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and performs sleep tracking. This data analysis utilizes algorithms from Polar Electro Oy, a company with a well-established reputation for heart rate-focused training analysis.
The Australian launch of the G-SHOCK G-SQUAD DW-H5600 series will be this month and will be available at selected G-SHOCK local retailers and gshock.com.au. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter for all the latest features. For more CASIO and G-SHOCK features, click HERE.
(SYDNEY, Australia) May 31, 2023: Join us in celebrating Australia’s first NBA legend, three-time NBA Champion and OlympianLuc Longley. The Luc Longley range is the first in a localised merchandise collection spotlighting the Australians who have paved the way for future generation of Australian NBA players. Longley joined the Chicago Bulls in 1994 and was their starting centre from 1995 to 1998. He was a critical component in their famous three-peat, winning back-to-back-to-back NBA Championships from 1996-1998. During his illustrious career, Longley represented Australia in three Olympic Games (1988, 1992 and 2000) before retiring in 2001.
Now available at NBA stores and selected retailers, the Luc Longley range is a collection of versatile essentials for any basketball or street-style fan. Developed in collaboration with Philadelphia-based clothing company Mitchell and Ness Nostalgia Co. the range consists of: ● The Luc Longley Olympic Swingman Jersey – AUD$169.99 ● The Luc Longley 1997-98 Chicago Bulls Road Swingman Jersey – AUD$179.95 ● Luc Longley Chicago Bulls Vintage 3 x Champion Tee – AUD$69.99 ● Luc Longley Chicago Bulls Vintage Photo Player Tee – AUD$69.99 ● Luc Longley Chicago Bulls Name & Number Tee – AUD$69.99
In homage to Luc’s greatest NBA achievements along with his endless dedication to the national Olympic team, the Luc Longley Olympic Swingman Jersey + Tee is available exclusively at the NBA Store in Melbourne and Sydney and for a limited time only.
To celebrate the Luc Longley collection launch, Luc will make a guest appearance at the NBAstores for a series of meet and greets with fans:
3rd June 10:00am | NBA Store Melbourne | Shop L-39, Emporium 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
4th June 10:00am | NBA Store Sydney | Shop 4/5 Martin Place, Sydney
In conjunction with the merchandise release, “Foundations”, a feature-length documentary chronicling Longley’s personal and professional journey will be released on the reimagined NBA App and on NBA Australia’s social accounts.
Step into the vibrant world of sneaker culture as Melbourne’s iconic Chin Chin Restaurant played host to the highly anticipated New Balance Grey Day launch, an electrifying event organized in collaboration with the renowned Sneaker Freaker Magazine.
Transporting us back in time, the moment we stepped into the exquisite Chin Chin Restaurant in Melbourne, we were welcomed by an awe-inspiring gallery that showcased a captivating collection of vintage grey New Balance sneakers.
Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the New Balance Grey Day launch at Chin Chin Restaurant in Melbourne, it was impossible not to notice the fashion-forward crowd, each individual effortlessly donning the freshest and most coveted releases from New Balance.
Immersed in an evening of New Balance Grey Day celebrations at Chin Chin Restaurant in Melbourne, one of the standout moments came in the form of a captivating live panel discussion. As passionate lifelong New Balance aficionados took the stage, the crowd eagerly listened, and among them was none other than Benjamin Cooper, the esteemed head chef of Chin Chin Restaurant, sharing his personal journey and love for the iconic sneaker brand.
As the night drew to a close, a sense of excitement filled the air as each guest bid farewell, clutching their coveted New Balance care package, which held the much-coveted New NB 550 ‘Moon Daze’ sneakers. The event had been nothing short of extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark on everyone’s memory. A heartfelt applause was well-deserved for New Balance and Sneaker Freaker, who masterfully orchestrated an unforgettable celebration. With anticipation already building, we eagerly await the next Grey Day extravaganza, set to take place next year. Until then, may the spirit of this remarkable event continue to inspire our sneaker journeys.
While reminiscing about the incredible New Balance Grey Day launch at Chin Chin Restaurant, it’s worth mentioning that this was just one of the remarkable events we had the privilege of attending this year. Among the standout moments was the sensational Jarritos SB Dunk Launch Party held at Fastimes, where sneaker enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the fusion of street culture and tantalizing flavors. Check it out here.
Multiple flavours of the our favourite fruity soda greeted us along with a sumptuous servings of soft tacos.
The Nike SB Dunk Low x Jarritos is a limited-edition sneaker collaboration between Nike and the Mexican soft drink company Jarritos. The sneaker features a colorful design inspired by the vibrant colors of Jarritos’ fruit-flavored sodas.
The upper of the shoe is made from a mix of materials, including smooth leather, suede, and canvas. The toe box, quarter panels, and heel are covered in a bright orange suede, which represents the color of Jarritos’ famous Mandarin flavor. The swoosh on the side of the shoe is made of a light green canvas, which pays homage to the brand’s Lime flavor.
Other design elements include a white midsole with a contrasting orange outsole, a red tongue tag with the Jarritos logo, and a multi-colored graphic insole featuring various fruit illustrations.
Cutting the canvas quarter panels will reveal layers inside that are inspired by Jarritos’ colorway!
Complete your sneaker game with our Jarritos-inspired hoodies and apparel, now on full display at Fast Times! From bright oranges to zesty greens, our collection is the perfect match for your Nike SB Dunk Low x Jarritos kicks.
Huge shoutout to all the raffle winners and everyone who came through and showed off their kicks!!!
Nike SB Dunk Mid x @lewismarnell
@_jordanadamNike SB Dunk Low x @frame
‘Habibi’
Nike SB Dunk High
‘Ferris Bueller’
Nike SB Dunk Low x @supremenewyork
‘Red Cement’
Nike SB Dunk Low x @jarritosau
@l.bballtwista
Nike Air Jordan 4 x @nikesb
‘Pine Green’
