HBO has released the teaser trailer for Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon, the upcoming prequel series set in the world of the massive fantasy hit created by George R. R. Martin. Starring Doctor Who star Matt Smith, the series occurs 200 years before Game of Thrones. It focuses on House Targaryen, the royal family, in the days leading up to the civil war called “The Dance of Dragons.”
The cast lineup for this series is insane. Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Sonoya Mizuno, and Rhys Ifans star in House of the Dragon. The cast also includes Milly Alcock, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Emily Carey, Harry Collett, Ryan Corr, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jefferson Hall, David Horovitch, Wil Johnson, John Macmillan, Graham McTavish, Ewan Mitchell, Theo Nate, Matthew Needham, Bill Paterson, Phia Saban, Gavin Spokes, and Savannah Steyn.
According to HBO’s official House of the Dragon synopsis, “The prequel series finds the Targaryen dynasty at the absolute apex of its power, with more than 15 dragons under their yoke. Most empires-real and imagined-crumble from such heights. In the case of the Targaryens, their slow fall begins almost 193 years before the events of Game of Thrones, when King Viserys Targaryen breaks with a century of tradition by naming his daughter Rhaenyra heir to the Iron Throne. But when Viserys later fathers a son, the court is shocked when Rhaenyra retains her status as his heir, and seeds of division sow friction across the realm.”
So Game of Thrones fans, are we excited for this one? I know alot of fans were let down by the series finale a couple of years ago, will this be a redemption? Let us know what you think
Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon releases on HBO in the US on August 21st. We should have a similar release date here in Australia on Binge & Foxtel
Yes “Star Wars Day” (May the 4th) was a couple of days ago. We kinda knew a new trailer would drop for something, and we got another look at the upcoming Obi-Wan series heading to Disney+ later this month. It was only 2 months ago, we got the first look at the series. So here comes the marketing thick and fast for the next few weeks.
At long last, Obi-Wan Kenobi has returned to the Star Wars universe. After Alec Guiness originated the role of the beloved Jedi in Star Wars: A New Hope, Ewan McGregor stole the hearts of fans as a younger version of the character throughout the prequel trilogy. Now, more than 16 years after last appearing as Obi-Wan in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, McGregor is reprising the role in a brand new TV series for Disney+.
Obi-Wan Kenobi takes place in the years between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. After the rise of the Empire, Obi-Wan went into hiding on Tatooine, keeping watch over Anakin’s son, Luke Skywalker, from afar. After the death of Padme, and Anakin’s turn to the Dark Side, newborn twins Luke and Leia were split up. Luke was sent to live with his aunt and uncle, under the watchful eye of Obi-Wan, while Leia was adopted by Senator Bail Organa. With Hayden Christensen also returning as Anakin/Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi has become perhaps the most anticipated Star Wars project in the pipeline. This week, Lucasfilm releases a brand new trailer for the series. Take a look!
Are we excited for this one Star Wars fans? Obi-Wan Kenobi hits Disney+ on May 27th and will consist of 6 episodes
After a decade-long partnership, Australian retailer Up There takes another step with ASICS to strengthen their relationship with their first sneaker collaboration. This transpacific partnership is expressed through floral emblems, inspiring a unique version of the ASICS GT-II™ sneaker.
As the official flower of Hyogo Prefecture (where ASICS HQ is based), the Japanese Chrysanthemum represents ASICS. The Pink Heath is emblematic of Up There’s home in Victoria, Australia. This botanical union is symbolic of a partnership bridging oceans and language barriers, galvanized through a decade of working together.
As representations of home and environment, both flowers are expressed pictorially and through a distinct colourway. A crochet mesh is stained with the tones of the Pink Heath, colours bleeding and blending into one another. Each tongue depicts both the Japanese Chrysanthemum and the Pink Heath with intricate embroidery on alternate shoes.
Panels feature a mix of suede in dusty greys melding with sage tones that echo silvery Chrysanthemum leaves. A zigzag stitch secures the iconic ASICS Stripes, a stylistic flair unique to the shoe.
The Up There x ASICS GT-II™ collaboration will come with multiple lace options and beautifully packaged in a custom ASICS box.
CASIO announced the latest addition to the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The five new GA-B2100 watches are the first in the iconic octagonal 2100 line to be equipped with Smartphone Link connectivity via Bluetooth® and solar charging capabilities.
Released in 2019, the base-model GA-2100 was a contemporary interpretation of the very first G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C. Its simple, stylish design proved popular around the world, especially among younger consumers.
With Bluetooth® connectivity and a solar charging system, the new GA-B2100 shock-resistant watches add a whole new level of convenience. Smartphone pairing* via Bluetooth® delivers accurate timekeeping. The Tough Solar charging system effectively converts light from fluorescent lamps and other sources to power the watch, eliminating the need to regularly replace the battery.
In addition, these watches feature a slim module with optimized component layout to retain the compact watch face for which the 2100 line is known, yet still deliver enhanced functionality. Combining this with the Carbon Core Guard structure, which protects the module with a carbon fibre-reinforced resin case, provides both shock resistance and a compact case that is still the same length and width as the GA-2100.
In terms of design, the dual-layer dial construction highlights the dimensionality of the LCD and inset dial. Meticulous attention to detail is evident in the metallic finish on the inset dial ring, which gives the dial a look of enhanced texture.
For these additions, CASIO returns to the classic colours first used in the G-SHOCK 5600 line with reproductions of the yellow, green and blue of the DW-5600C-9BV (released in 1987, EOL), DW-5600B-3V (released in 1987, EOL), and DW-5600B-2V (released in 1987, EOL). There are also two black options — a black and grey model in the same colour scheme as the DW-5600C-1V (released in 1987, EOL) from the original 5600 series, as well as an all-black model.
Model
Colour
GA-B2100-1A
Black × Gray
GA-B2100-1A1
Black × Black
GA-B2100-2A
Blue
GA-B2100-3A
Green
GA-B2100C-9A
Yellow
The Australian release of the G-SHOCK GA-B2100 series will be on May 2022 and will retail for $319 AUD. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter for all the latest features. For more CASIO and G-SHOCK features, click HERE.
The Hollywood duo of Matt Damon & Ben Affleck are teaming up once again to do a movie about Nike’s efforts to sign Michael Jordan to his sneaker deal back in the 1980s according to the Hollywood Reporter
The movie will centre around former Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro who will be portrayed by Damon and Nike co-founder Phil Knight who Affleck will play. Damon & Affleck have already won the highest award when they took home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting in 1998.
The movie will focus on Nike’s efforts to sign Michael Jordan in 1984 when Jordan was entering the NBA. Coming out of North Carolina, Jordan was the 3rd overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft. Vaccaro managed to do the impossible for what was at the time, a minor shoe company and keep Jordan away from Adidas, Reebok and Converse. By doing this, Vaccaro helped Nike transform into the powerhouse it is today by bridging the relationship an athlete and a brand, and the sneaker industry as a whole.
Vaccaro, who is now 82 years old, helped to make the sneaker industry what it is today by signing players like Jordan and Kobe Bryant to multi-million dollar shoe deals with Nike.
“I don’t think people understood how my career evolved. I wanted the public to know how sneaker marketing started. For better or worse, this is who I am,” Vaccaro told ESPN about “Sole Man” in 2015. “I don’t think people understood how my relationships with coaches evolved and how I got involved with Nike. This is how Jordan happened, this is how Kobe happened.
“Sole Man” was co-directed by Jon Weinbach, who is president of Skydance Sports. Weinbach was also a producer of the Emmy-winning ESPN series “The Last Dance,” which he did with Mandalay Pictures chairman Peter Guber, who will produce the upcoming movie. Now they’ll team up again for another part of the Jordan story.
Will this be worth seeing? Let us know sneakeheads!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS (in the words of Thor from Ragnarok). We finally have the first (of probably many) trailer for the upcoming Thor: Love & Thunder movie. This is the next installment in the Phase 4 of the MCU following Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Fans have been waiting and begging for this trailer for sometime. Given the release date is only in a couple of months, we thought we would get it sooner.
The cast list for this one is MASSIVE. Not only is Chris Hemsworth returning as Thor, but we have Natalie Portman returning as Jane Foster, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie, Jaimie Alexander as Lady Sif, and it appears we have some of the Guardians of the Galaxy stars in this one as well. In addition to the returning favourites we have Christian Bale starring as Gorr the God Butcher & Russell Crowe as Zeus.
In a recent chat with Empire, director and star (voice of Korg) Taika Waititi teased that this Thor installment is the craziest film he has ever done.
“Well, just between [me and] you and the readers, I’ve done some crazy sh*t in my life. I’ve lived, like, ten lifetimes. But it’s the craziest film I’ve ever done,” Waititi shared. “If you wrote down all the elements of this film, it shouldn’t make sense,” he added, “It’s almost like it shouldn’t be made. If you walked into a room and said, ‘I want this and this and this.’ Who’s in it? These people. What are you going to call it? Love And Thunder. I mean, you’d never work again. Maybe I won’t after this.”
Marvel has also released the first official poster for the movie, its a crazy one!
Thor: Love & Thunder is set to hit cinemas on July 7th here in Australia and July 8th internationally. Let us know what you think of this first look.
We really liked the creamy and neutral colour blocking scheme which was offset by the hirsute suede and faux leather on the uppers of a wide open mesh underlay uppers! Thanks again to Up There Store for hosting such an amazing party, it was the perfect time for the Melbourne sneaker community to connect again for the longest of time.
They retail for $190 AUD, Australian release on the 16th of April and worldwide release on the 23rd of April. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter, so you can stay up to date! For other ASICS features, click HERE and for sneaker features, click HERE.
Australian boutique Highs And Lows have reunited with ASICS to collaborate on the GEL-1130™. After 16 years in the game, 2021 marked a new chapter for Highs And Lows; founder Matthew Thomas and designer/creative director John Bouquet partnered up to launch a new project entitled “HAL STUDIOS®” — a multi-faceted creative house dedicated to the examination of design concepts. The project embodies a ‘Design Thinking’ approach to questioning and problem-solving. It is an ongoing conversation, a series of case studies and collaborative projects.
On the ASICS GEL-1130™, HAL STUDIOS® has taken a ‘maximal minimalism’ approach to the design by stripping back the usual characteristics and aesthetics of a traditional sports shoe. Instead, they have chosen to highlight the retro-futuristic form and shape of the archival running silhouette through the use of beautiful textures and tones.
The chosen palette reflects natural earthy hues found on trails of our home planet. Breathable mesh underlays contrasted by hairy suede and faux leather overlays deliver a highly wearable performance walking shoe for day-to-day use.
Branding is kept to a minimum with subtle transparent tags on the back heels — the left shoe bearing the words “HAL” and the right “STUDIOS”. The ASICS spiral logo has been embroidered on the lateral sides of the hairy suede ASICS stripes. Lace options are abundant with two different coloured rope laces, and one flat lace option available for a more casual style.
The GEL-1130™, first released in 2008, has preserved its TRUSTIC™ support system to provide underfoot stability, while the iconic GEL™ technology cushioning in the heel unit absorbs shock to offer easy-wearing comfort -core to the sneakers’ original identity. Thoughtful design fused with advanced technology and a minimal aesthetic, allows this sneaker to blur the lines between performance and leisure.
The HAL STUDIOS® x ASICS GEL-1130™ ‘Earth’ will be available on the 16th of April at Highs And Lows, ASICS.com, Up There, Laced and USG. Global release will be on the 23rd of April via all good ASICS stockists. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter, so you can stay up to date! For other ASICS features, click HERE and for sneaker features, click HERE.
Ox Street is the fastest growing sneaker and streetwear online marketplace in Asia and has now set its sights on an official Australian debut!
Allow us to share with you our insightful conversation with Gijs, the energetic and inspiring founder behind Ox Street!
Before you founded the fastest growing streetwear marketplace in Asia back in 2019, you were known as a global travelling adventurer. Would you mind letting us know what some of these amazing activities are?
I had completed a few years working in finance, and figured out that my bosses weren’t that much smarter than I was, so I decided I wanted to become an entrepreneur. A friend of mine also challenged me because I had a lot of opinions, that I should put my money where my mouth was and start building companies myself. So I joined a German company called Rocket Internet, which is the backer of companies like Lazada and Zalora in Southeast Asia, The Iconic in Australia, and many others around the world.
They sent me to launch a jobs marketplace in Bangladesh, where I spent 5 months. Once it was set up, I moved to Myanmar, and ultimately managed a company across 5 countries in the region, growing it to over 100 employees.
This period of my life stands out as one of the most exciting in my life. I got the chance to travel a lot and learn from people who grew up in very different cultures. It was exactly the broadening of my horizon that I was looking for. One adventure that comes to mind is that while I was living in Yangon, Myanmar, I was part of a mixed group of locals and expats who were frustrated with the music in the local clubbing scene and started to organize parties. Music has always been a passion of mine, so one of my friends taught me how to DJ and over the course of the next 2 years I ended up helping create the first underground techno club in Yangon.
What inspired you to build Ox Street?
During my time at Rocket Internet, I came to believe that there were massive opportunities to build more internet businesses in the SEA region, in particular focusing on Gen Z. Ox Street was born when I was struggling to buy a particular pair of sneakers in Singapore. I saw a lot of problems with the experience, and having learned a few things about building online marketplaces during my time at Rocket Internet, I decided to build a new marketplace for sneakers and streetwear.
You are also well known for your genuine love of kicks and streetwear. Can you still remember the kicks/streetwear that set you off on this path?
One of my classmates showed up to school wearing a new pair of Nike Air Max. They were very on-trend in the mid-nineties in the Netherlands. It was the first time I saw shoes with the visible air bubble, and as a 10 year old boy, the concept of walking on air was just the best thing ever. So that’s how it all started.
A couple of years later, Puma had a brief period of extreme popularity in Europe. And through some friends I ended up being one of the early adopters of that trend. It was a good feeling to be early on a trend. So since my mid/early teenage years I have been interested in sneakers and have taken an interest in fashion in general.
What differentiates Ox Street from other selling online apps and platforms?
Our focus on customers. I feel that there is a lot of bad customer service in the sneakers and streetwear space. If you are a brand like Supreme, you can get away with that and even make it part of your identity, but as a marketplace you provide a service so you need to really raise the bar on service. We take authenticity to mean not only that all products transacted are authenticated, but also that our own approach to customers and the market in general is authentic. If you contact our support team, they will be a lot more open about what is actually going on behind the scenes compared to other platforms. Apart from that, we are usually faster and slightly cheaper on an all-in basis for buyers in the entire APAC region.
Any advice for future entrepreneurs that may want to follow your footsteps?
First of all, it’s too difficult to build a company if you don’t care about the product. Pick something you care about, and already know a lot about. That will keep you going through the inevitable low points in the journey. Secondly, I think it’s a very common mistake to kind of convince yourself a bit too easily that something is a good idea. Once you start, it’s hard to quit, so it’s really important to put in the work to validate your idea before launching.
Where do you see yourself and Ox Street in the next 10 years?
My dream is for Ox Street to become a true lifestyle app that people use almost on a daily basis. The foundation will still be a transactional platform. A marketplace combining supply in Used, BNDS, from individual sellers and from brands. But on top of that, it will be about self-expression and community. Right now you would come to Ox Street if you want to buy or sell sneakers, but I want Ox Street to be also fun when you’re broke, and more fun together with friends. As for myself, I dream of the privilege to lead Ox Street to become a global platform, and to impact people all over the world. Hopefully we will also be leading in making second-hand fashion more popular!
Get $20 SGD/$20 AUD OFF your first purchase when you sign-up. Ox Street also rewards us 20 OX CREDITS ($20AUD) for every successful referral we make. You can save up these OX CREDITS to purchase any item in their platform.
“I’m not gonna lie….the last two years or so of the pandemicreally screwed up my drive to go out and shoot.…I can only shoot so many shots at the local car parks. I will admit since heading back into work for a few days a week got me the urge to go out and shoot again!
What keeps me going is—out of nowhere, I might get an idea for a shot and run with it…most of it involves making shit look like it floats or if I spot a location or if the light hits a certain spot in the room just right.
The Nike Air Max 1 is a classic silhouette that looks good with pretty much anything. From OGs colourways to the legendary Collabs and super rare Hyperstrike pairs it’s a timeless design with great history.”
