Big announcement from Nintendo from their recent Nintendo Direct 23.09.21 event. Filling a 40-minute presentation to keep us enticed and wanting more. What to expect for the rest of the year and through Summer 2022 from Nintendo.
One of the biggest announcements wasn’t even a game, as Shigeru Miyamoto himself revealed the cast for the upcoming Mario movie. Cast announcements include Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser and Seth Rogan as Donkey Kong. What can we expect? Looking forward in seeing more information as production begins and possible leaks of the story. So stay tuned!
KIRBY AND THE FORGOTTEN LAND
A trailer of the new Kirby game hitting the Nintendo Switch what can we expect? Kirby marching off to new adventures, new levels to explore and bosses to defeat.
SPLATOON 3
A solid Splatoon 3 game-play trailer to give us a glimpse into the new world to explore. Showing off new multiplayer powers plus a quick sneak into the campaign.
MONSTER HUNTER RISE: SUNBREAK
New massive expansion to Monster Hunter Rise which will include new monsters, locations, hunting actions, and quest ranks. It’s going to be a paid DLC, similar to the previous Iceborne expansion.
CHOCOBO GP
Chocobo GP will be a Nintendo Switch exclusive, and it launches in 2022. A fun loving take on a racer with your favourite characters of the Final Fantasy world. Full of power ups, various tracks and racers.
Keeping you in the loop with whats coming out to what we can expect to be a very full run home into the Christmas season.
Check back and see what other details emerge. To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For other Nintendo or any Pop Culture features, click HERE.
Glenfiddich, the World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, has collaborated with custom sneaker artist, Chase Shiel, to create a limited edition luxury sneaker inspired by Glenfiddich‘s newest expression, Grand Cru XXIII – an exclusive whisky matured for 23 years and elegantly finished in rare French cuvée oak casks.
This unexpected creative partnership will see Shiel channel over a decade of experience and expertise in custom sneaker artistry to create a luxurious sneaker that redefines style and reimagines celebration, as does every bottle of Glenfiddich Grand Cru.
Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador Ross Blainey said, “The pairing of sneakers with whisky is very contrary to traditional whisky imagery, and that’s exactly why we did it. Our partnership with Chase reflects Glenfiddich‘s desire to push boundaries in how people perceive and enjoy whisky. We’re launching more than just a boundary pushing whisky in Grand Cru, we’re connecting with a lifestyle.”
But the pairing of sneakers and whisky runs deeper than shared values for the award winning single malt. Demand for high end streetwear amongst the new luxury consumer is growing, driven by millennials who now make up more than half of the world’s luxury sales.
“There’s a lot of similarities between sneaker and whisky collecting, as they’re both functional pieces of artwork,” Blainey explains. “Unlike a painting or sculpture that is created for display, you have to decide on how you want to enjoy your sneaker or whisky. Do you showcase it to everyone and keep it forever, or do you use it every day to experience its core purpose but know that it will eventually run its course. That emotional decision forges a real connection to that piece, whatever you decide.”
With these notions in mind, as part of the collaboration, Glenfiddich and Chase Shiel will launch ‘Glenfiddich Grand Cru XXIII’, a one-of-a-kind whisky inspired sneaker. Only 23 pairs are on order, each pair representing a year that Grand Cru has spent in barrels aging. A limited number of the custom art pieces will be available to the public for purchase via Glenfiddich.com. The drop date will be announced @glenfiddichwhiskyau with 100% of proceeds from the sale donated to a charity close to Chase Shiel‘s heart.
Chase Shiel explained, “When I designed the custom sneaker I drew from the grandeur of the Glenfiddich Grand Cru XXIII. I focused on the senses of touch, sight and smell to reflect its luxurious nature. Through touch, the smooth and supple black nubuck against the aged diesel black leather. Through sight, we can see the perforated black leather with hints of gold shining through the toe box, collar and tongue, bronzed insoles and a gold embroidered explosion noting Grand Cru’s occasion of celebration. And finally, smell. By using only the best materials I can deliver that distinct aroma that only comes from high-quality leathers.”
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Australian sustainable unisex streetwear label Kodama Apparel introduces its ‘Urban Nature’ Capsule Collection, a stunning range of Melbourne-made pieces, and crafted from locally milled organic cotton.
Kodama Apparel‘s collection of on-trend essentials is not only uniquely fashionable, but also committed to slow fashion. They use only high quality, natural, and sustainable materials.
Kodama Apparel is a Melbourne-based streetwear brand by Japanese-Australian fashion designer, Natsuko Kondo. In Japanese folklore, kodama (木霊, 木魂 or 木魅) are spirits that live in trees. It’s not hard to see why she chose this as the namesake for her brand. She aims to produce unique streetwear with an emphasis on the creation process. All her garments are sustainable, organic, or follow a zero-waste philosophy.
“My hope is to change the way we think about fashion through promoting ethical and efficient resources. Kodama Apparel strives to create long-lasting garments that don’t cost the earth.”
Kodama Apparel designed and crafted each Urban Nature piece in Melbourne with certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic cotton. Of course, milled in Australia.
The sustainable streetwear collection includes a selection of unisex overcoats, hoodies, t-shirts, and long-sleeve tees.
Since their start in 2016, Kodama Apparel continues to gather broad industry support. A partnership with Emerge Fashion earlier this year saw the brand picked up by Myer. Check out the ‘Urban Nature’ Capsule Collection on Kodama Apparel | MYER. Or, shop their entire collection here.
You can also follow Kodama Apparel on Instagram here.
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KangaROOS are at it again with another banger release from their ROOS UNITED project. KangaROOS worked with Selecta Bisso (@bisso97120) and Max Loewe (@max.loewe) and used the Runaway ROOS 001 silhouette as the base of the collaboration which was entitled the ‘Rainbow Trout’.
Story being the KangaROOS Runaway ROOS 001 ‘Rainbow Trout’
The rainbow trout is native to North America but was introduced to Europe in 1879. Since then, it can be found everywhere, and is one of the most fished species of trout.
Selecta Bisso and Max Loewe chose this fish to symbolise the notion of UNITY. Imagine the fish swimming upstream, in the same direction with the same goal. We too, should be like this, working together without borders, with a single aim to share our passion.
A distinctive feature of the rainbow trout is the shiny, horizontal band of pink that stretches the length of its body. This collaboration takes that particular characteristic and colourway to create these unique sneakers.
The worldwide release of the ‘Rainbow Trout’ will be on the 25th of September 2021 and sizes available will be from EU36-47.
Make sure you be quick and grab yourself a pair as these ‘Rainbow Trout’ will definitely will sell out. Images are taken and edited by Max Loewe (@max.loewe) and Wann (@only_wann).
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Disney has announced this morning at November 12th will be Disney+ Day to celebrate the launch of Disney+ 2 years ago. With this announcement, came some very exciting news from the studio giant as to what we can expect to see on the streaming service from November 12th.
So, what can we expect to see on the service on November 12th? The biggest one would be Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings that will start streaming on this date at no extra costs like the Premier Access. The question is will it come to Disney+ before then on Premier Access as discussed previously where the movie has a 45 day cinema exclusive time before heading to Disney+? I personally would love this as here in Sydney, Australia, we havent had the chance to see the movie yet due to the lockdowns around COVID-19
Jungle Cruise will also join the likes of Shang-Chi on the service at no additional cost however, you can stream Jungle Cruise now on the service on the Premier Access fee of $35.
A new Disney+ Original Movie will also debut Home Sweet Home Alone which is a reboot to the Christmas class Home Alone. While there hasnt been much around this movie, im sure Home Alone fans will be eager to see what’s in store for this reboot directed by Dan Mazer (Ali G Indahouse)
Disney+ are also releasing a handful of new shorts like Olaf Presents, a new The Simpsons short along with a special look into the future for both Star Wars & Marvel.
We will also get the 2nd season of The World According to Jeff Goldblum from National Geographic. The very first episode was something very close to what we enjoy here at The Kickz Stand, Sneakers!. So we are very much keen to see what Jeff Goldblum has in store for the 2nd season. The first 5 episodes will launch on Disney+ Day which the remaining episodes to come at a later date.
So mark November 12th in the calendar Disney fans, there is a ton of new content to come that will make Disney+ a bigger player in the streamingverse. Let us know what your keen on seeing?
Remember when you weren’t able to watch any movie you wanted at any time? Many may not remember commercial breaks = toilet breaks during movies, or video rental shops, but it was a wonderful era. It was always a highlight for us when a certain movie aired on TV, or our parents rented it from the video store to surprise us. Things like that were always a source of great excitement.
‘The Sandlot‘ (1993) was a popular movie that really touched a lot of people when they were young. It was about friendship, joyful summers, as well as growing up and learning together. Many of us would look back at this movie with nostalgia and fondness.
Afew Goods tried to capture this feeling and the kids’ styles in a small capsule collection entitled the ‘Ballpark’.
The Afew Goods ‘Ballpark’ collection includes a Striped Tee (€55 EUR), Ballpark Tee (€45 EUR), the Sandlot Cap (€48 EUR), and the highlight of the collection, the Baseball Shirt (€85 EUR). The colours and graphics are inspired by the movie. The baseball gear and the tops are all made of 100% Heavyweight 240grams/m² Organic Cotton and feature a comfy Loose-Fit. All items are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, fairly and sustainably produced in Portugal, and refined in Germany.
The Afew Goods ‘Ballpark’ collection will be released at the Afew Goods web store on Wednesday the 22nd of September at 12:00PM CEST. To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For previous Afew Goods features, click here.
We briefly had a chat with Yujun Chen, the young energetic entrepreneur and founder of the immensely popular sneaker bag brand KICKS KASE.
Do you still remember the time when you first got into sneakers and the culture?
I had some interest in shoes and sneakers from about the age of 18. Initially started collecting Supra shoes (not sure if anyone knows this brand now) and by the age of 21, I somewhat accidentally stumbled into the world of Jordans.
I saw the Jordan 1s that JAY-Zwas wearing in the OTIS music video and wanted a pair like that. No idea what they were because i knew nothing about Jordan’s.
On a trip to the USA I found myself at Flight clubNew York and saw a pair of Bred Jordan 1’s so I bought it for (at the time) $500. This was an insane amount of money to spend on shoes for me being a uni student. To be honest I didn’t know exactly what they were, I was just looking for a pair of Bred Jordan 1s. I wouldn’t have even known the difference between a Jordan 1 mid or a Jordan 1 high. Turns out I bought the 2011 Jordan 1 Banned (Editors Note: StockX last SOLD US size 9: A$6,882!!!) and that would be the beginning for my love of Jordans.
Navy/Black
University Blue Suede
Black Camo/Orange
Any particular favourite sneaker silhouette?
My favourite sneakers would have to be the Bred 1’sand Bred 4’s.
Red/Black Split Camo
What made you decide to venture into the world of sneaker bags?
I was always entrepreneurial even from a very young age. I was always trying to improve existing systems and bridging cracks to common problems.
2 years ago I found out about sneaker bags when I saw them online. Being entrepreneurial at heart it didn’t take me long to see a gap in the market.
Black/Navy
I wanted to create a brand that was more reasonably priced (particularly for us buying from Australia) but wasn’t cheaply made like some of the lower priced bags at the time.
I also wanted to see more range in colours and patterns.
I never thought the brand would take off like it has and 2 years in it has grown massively. We have a strong presence in the Australian and US sneaker scene. Most of our popular colorways like the breds, are always in demand.
Black Camo/Orange
Black Camo/Green
What are your plans for the future for KICKS KASE?
I would like to see this brand grow stronger and establish a good name in the market. I think there’s a place for kicks kase to sit along the global competition.
Any advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs?
Make sure you execute and move. As long as the loss isn’t going to hurt you hugely financially then just execute, learn, make adjustments and repeat.
Peep their dope collection of sneaker bags at kickskase.com.au and use our exclusive 15% off promo code during check out: “TKS”.
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Under Armour Run’s newest model, the Flow Velociti SE, follows in the footsteps of the Flow Velociti Wind with its all-in-one cushioning system that allows you to keep running for miles. The new Flow Velociti SE running shoe enhances the feeling of light and effortless speed with the absence of sensation in the upper—producing an incredibly balanced experience with several added comfort benefits.
THE UA FLOW EVOLUTION STORY & WHAT’S NEW WITH THE FLOW SE
When creating the Flow Velociti Wind—the first shoe within the Flow series that launched earlier this year— the Under Armour footwear innovation team focused on a simple idea: how to create a shoe that’s built for speed and breaking barriers. The solution was to remove the heaviest part of the shoe – the outsole, without sacrificing durability or traction. The Flow Velociti SE features the same cushioning system that is responsive, grippy, and supportive all in one. The singular-foam compound eliminates the rubber outsole, enabling Under Armour to create an innovative, high-traction running shoe. Despite sharing this midsole, the Flow Velociti SE is entirely its own shoe within the Flow family, complete with new technology in the upper that offers a different experience for the runner.
The new Flow Velociti SE provides unparalleled responsiveness, energy return and grippy traction that allows you to run with confidence. New for the Flow Velociti SE, the upper of the shoe is a flat knit with mechanical stretch, great breathability where you need it, and structure over the metatarsal for added support and security. The upper of the Flow Velociti SE features a clean simplistic look that’s one with your foot, with infused woven TPU yarn around the midfoot and heel. The strength of the TPU yarns adds security with minimal weight. This gives the runner a more secure and consistent fit over the life of the shoe — a unique design to Under Armour knit uppers.
The new balanced Flow Velociti SE gives the runner an absence of sensation while commanding speed. A full knit tongue and added cushioning around the collar and heel ensure premium comfort during any run. It is also digitally-connected to MapMyRun, offering real-time, personalized coaching tips to improve form, helping athletes run farther and faster.
MORE ON UNDER ARMOUR FLOW – THE ALL-IN-ONE CUSHIONING SYSTEM
Under Armour Flow disrupts the design of a traditional running shoe by completely eliminating the rubber outsole, reducing the 2-3 ounces of weight that it adds, on average, from a traditional running shoe. Under Armour Flow is the lightest midsole technology in Under Armour’s current running line-up, bringing unparalleled lightweight cushion and long-lasting technology to the run category. The foam has naturally sticky traction, so traditional bulky overlays of the past aren’t needed.
Under Armour Flow came from the minds of Under Armour’s Footwear Innovation Team in Portland, Oregon, who partnered with some of the world’s best material science companies to bring a completely new footwear experience. They focused on the simple idea: how can we make it feel like the wind is at your back with every stride? The solution: think outside the box by eliminating the traditional rubber outsole completely, all while providing comfort, flexibility and traction with every step.
The development of Under Armour Flow was executed in partnership between Dow and the Under Armour team including Innovation, Product Design, Biomechanics, Athlete and Consumer Insights groups, and many others – with over fifty people involved in collectively bringing this new technology to fruition. Over 130 elite athletes ran over 11,000 miles during the wear testing process during the Under Armour Flow development process.
There is precedent for athletes outside of running who are experiencing the uniqueness of Under Armour Flow technology. The Under Armour Flow midsole technology made its debut in the basketball category with the launch of Stephen Curry’s signature shoe, the Curry Flow 8, under his new namesake brand. Working with the basketball legend meant the performance team could leverage their learnings across categories, and design footwear solutions for athletes across different sport verticals.
It’s here! The third collab between atmos and Adidas Originals in the Shibuya Pack series is coming in the form of an homage to Japan’s most-loved dog and icon of Shibuya, Hachiko.
In case you don’t know the story: Hachiko was an Akita dog in the 1920’s, who became famous for his loyalty to his owner Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor at Tokyo University. He would walk his master to Shibuya Station, then wait for him to return. Sadly, the professor passed away from a cerebral haemorrhage at work one day, but Hachiko continued to faithfully wait at the station gates. He waited every day for nine years until he too finally passed. The story became the basis of several novels and movies, and he became the definition of ‘loyalty.’ A monument of him reunited with his master is in Tokyo University. Another monument is outside Shibuya Station, which even named an exit after him. You may know this bittersweet, true story of Hachiko from the 2009 Hollywood remake Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, starring Richard Gere.
This collab uses the Superstar silhouette, a timeless masterpiece of Adidas Originals. To give it the unique appearance of Hachiko, Adidas has used Harako, a very soft calf leather with fur. The colour is a soft sandy hue to resemble the fur of the beloved loyal pup. The tongue features a silver plate with an engraved trefoil logo – not unlike a decorative dog tag.
The lateral side of the midsole also acknowledges Hachiko with the printed address of his iconic statue outside Shibuya Station. In addition, you’ll find a stylised image of Hachiko on the insole.
You’ll also find a logo with the words “You Make Shibuya” printed on the insoles. This logo is for official goods affiliated with the “Shibuya Ward Official Souvenir Project.” This project ensures that part of the profits will be donated to Shibuya to help uplift the community.
This furry rendition of the sneakers, aptly nicknamed ‘Superstar Dog’ is really an essential part of the Shibuya Pack series. Because in my opinion, without Hachiko, Shibuya is not quite Shibuya.
To see the first drop in the Shibuya Pack series ‘Yoyogi Park’, click here. Check out the second drop ‘Denim Pack’ here. For all atmos articles click here. Previous Adidas features can be found here.
Get ready all you Animal Crossing fans out there. It’s time to go on an island getaway with this latest collaboration between PUMA and Animal Crossing™: New Horizons. Tom Nook and your other favourite characters from the popular Nintendo franchise are featured in a variety of styles, including apparel and footwear for adults and kids.
The PUMA x Animal Crossing™: New Horizons crossover takes cues from the beloved game; the collection’s streetwear silhouettes are reimagined with natural colours and authentic graphics from the fun franchise. The resulting collaboration is ready for anything, with styles for both adults and kids, including some of PUMA’s most distinctive shoe silhouettes Wild Rider, and Future Rider.
PUMA’s Wild Rider silhouette is inspired by the movement and motion of city life. The collab version has a beige nylon upper adorned with an Animal Crossing resident print with green, blue, and sand suede overlays, a translucent formstrip on the side, an embroidered leaf on the heel and a debossed lace tag with PUMA’s logo.
The pack is not complete without the Future Rider. Constructed with nylon, canvas and suede overlays, this silhouette features a debossed leaf graphic on the heel, taken directly from the iconic Animal Crossing logo. The side TPU piece includes a graphic which alludes to the game’s design elements, as well as the canvas lace bag with additional laces to customize your look.
Your island escape wouldn’t be complete without some sharp adventure-ready outfits; short and long sleeve tees, hoodies, shorts, and sweatpants all in the signature colour palette of the game, in addition to spotlighting some of its most well-known residents and elements. Just don’t forget your boarding pass.
